JPH06231386A - Method and equipment for signal communication, signal communication equipment for measurement, measuring equipment and monitor for the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To make the constitution of an equipment small and light and to attain satisfactory measurement where the influence of an external noise is saved by communicating information between respective signal processing units through each optical coupler and an optical fiber. CONSTITUTION:Measuring equipments 7a to 7c are respectively connected to the respective signal processing units 6a to 6c. A measuring unit is composed by setting a unit composed of the first signal processing unit 6a, first and second optical couplers 5a, 5b and a first measuring equipment 7a to be a first measuring part 1 and similarly composing second and third measuring parts 2, 3 of respective signal processing units 6b, 6c, optical couplers 5c to 5f and measuring equipments 7b to 7c. Then, information on various quantities measured by the respective measuring equipments 7a to 7c are signal-processed by the respective signal processing units 6a to 6c and communicated between the signal processing units through the optical fiber 4.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a signal communication method effective when transmitting digital signals between signal processing units,
The present invention also relates to a signal communication device and a measurement signal communication device to which this signal communication method is applied.

The present invention also relates to a monitor for a measuring device and a measuring device used for measuring and monitoring industrial products in a manufacturing process.

[0003]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, it is sometimes necessary to transmit information between a plurality of signal processing units (CPUs) in the manufacturing process of various industrial products. That is, as shown in FIG. 6, when carrying out various assembly work and measurement work one after another while transporting the device mechanism section 16 as a product and the measurement object 17 in this product by the belt conveyor 14, A measurement system including a plurality of measurement units 104 arranged near the conveyor 14 for performing these measurement operations is used. These measurement units 1
Reference numeral 04 denotes a signal processing unit section 101, various module sections 102 and 103 controlled by a signal processing unit incorporated in the signal processing unit section 101, and a display section 105.
And a measuring unit and the like. Then, each of the measurement units 104 outputs information about the measurement result, etc.
It is configured to be sent to the signal processing unit of the measurement unit 104 that controls the work of the next process. Further, the signal processing unit of these measurement units 104 transmits information to the signal processing unit that manages and controls the entire process.

As a signal communication method for transmitting information between a plurality of signal processing units executed in such a case, so-called RS232C, RS422, G
Some are via a power transmission wire using a communication format such as PIB. In this case, each of the signal processing units is connected to the interface via the data bus. This interface is connected to the communication driver via the serial communication controller. Then, the communication drivers corresponding to the signal processing units are connected to each other via the power transmission wire, so that information can be transmitted between the signal processing units.

Further, conventionally, for example, in the manufacturing process of various industrial products, a measuring device having a camera unit having an image pickup means such as a solid-state image pickup device (CCD) is used to measure and monitor the industrial products. And so on.

For example, as shown in FIG. 18, a measurement object 115 placed on a belt conveyor 116 and conveyed.
Is captured by the camera unit 110. The image pickup signal output from the camera unit 110 is the video cable 1
After that, the image data is sent to the image processing device 113 having a video signal processing unit. This image processing device 113 is
Predetermined signal processing is performed on the sent image pickup signal to form a video signal, and measurement is performed based on the video signal. Further, the image processing device 113 sends the video signal to the monitor 114 for the measuring device. The monitor 114 is configured to have a display means such as a cathode ray tube (CRT) and displays an image based on the image signal sent by the display means.

A block diagram of this measuring device is as follows:
As shown in FIG. 30, this measuring device has a camera section 107 for outputting an image pickup signal such as a video signal or three primary color signals (R, G, B), and a video signal processing section having a video cable 108 to obtain the image. Image processing apparatus 10 supplied with a signal
9 and a monitor 12 for displaying an image based on the information signal output from the image processing apparatus 109.
The image processing device 109 performs predetermined signal processing on the sent image pickup signal to form a video signal, and performs measurement based on the video signal.

In this measuring device, the monitor 11 is used.
It is possible to confirm the measurement result by the image processing devices 113 and 109, confirm the size and color of the measurement object, the internal structure, etc., and to detect various other abnormalities by the images displayed on the screens 4 and 12. it can.

Further, in order to speed up the signal processing of the image pickup signal output from the camera section 110, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 9, the image processing apparatus 113 having the A / D converter 111 and the plurality of video signal processing units 117 may be used. In the image processing device 113, the image pickup signals output from the camera units 110 are the A / D signals.
After being converted into a digital signal by the converter 111, each of the video signal processing units 117 processes the signal in parallel and outputs the signal.

Further, in such a manufacturing process, a plurality of camera parts are used, and one measurement object is
There are cases where measurement and monitoring are performed from multiple directions without moving the camera unit. In such a case, as shown in FIG. 20, an image processing apparatus 113 having a plurality of A / D converters 111 and a plurality of memories 118 corresponding to each camera unit 110 is used. This image processing device 113
In the above, the image pickup signal output from each of the camera units 110 is the A / D converter 1 corresponding to each of the camera units 110.
After being converted into a digital signal by 11, the signal is sent to and stored in the memory 118 corresponding to each camera unit 110.
Then, the digitalized image pickup signals stored in each of the memories 118 are sequentially sent to the video signal processing unit 119 of the image processing apparatus 113, subjected to predetermined signal processing, and output.

[0011]

By the way, in the signal communication method as described above, it is difficult to further increase the information transfer rate, and when the number of the signal processing units is large, Smoothly manage the above manufacturing process,
Cannot be controlled.

In the signal communication method, the signal processing units are not necessarily isolated from each other, so that the circuit forming the signal processing units is destroyed by the difference in the ground potential between the signal processing units. There is fear.

Further, in the above signal communication method, programming for performing signal communication with each of the signal processing units is complicated, and it is difficult to simplify and downsize the device configuration.

Since the information signal transmitted between the signal processing units is sent via the power transmission wire, it is easily affected by external noise. Therefore, in order to perform reliable transmission, it is necessary to take thorough measures against electrostatic shields, which complicates the configuration of the device.

Further, in the measuring device as shown in FIGS. 18 and 30, the image processing devices 113 and 10 are used.
Since it is difficult to miniaturize the configuration of 9, the installation space is large and the movement is difficult.

Further, in this measuring device, the video cables 112, 1 are connected from the camera sections 110, 107.
Since the image pickup signal sent to the image processing devices 113 and 109 via 08 is an analog signal, external noise is easily mixed in the image pickup signal in the video cables 112 and 108. Therefore, the above video cables 112, 10
In the case of No. 8, it is necessary to take what is called a shield measure for preventing invasion of external noise, which makes manufacture difficult. In particular, when the video cables 112 and 108 are extended and used, the influence of external noise becomes large, and there is a possibility that accurate measurement cannot be performed.

Then, as shown in FIG. 19 of this measuring device, the image pickup signal output from the camera section 110 is digitized and a plurality of video signal processing sections 117 perform signal processing in parallel. In the measuring device,
It is difficult to measure the measurement target from a plurality of angles, and it is not possible to simultaneously measure a plurality of measurement targets.

On the other hand, in the measuring device having a plurality of camera sections 110 as shown in FIG. 20, the time required for signal processing in the video signal processing section 119 becomes long. In addition, in the image processing device 113 that constitutes this measuring device, a plurality of memories 11
Since it is necessary to include 1, the device configuration becomes large.

Further, the image processing devices 113 and 109 described above.
Since the output signal is transmitted using the communication format such as so-called RS232C, RS422, GPIB as described above, it is difficult to further increase the transmission speed.

Therefore, the present invention has been proposed in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and is a signal communication that is capable of surely performing high-speed signal transmission while achieving downsizing and simplification of the device configuration. It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and a signal communication device and a measurement signal communication device configured to execute the signal communication method.

Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to perform excellent measurement in which the influence of external noise is suppressed while the apparatus structure is downsized and weighed, and the signal processing of the image pickup signal can be performed at high speed. An object is to provide a measuring device. Another object of the present invention is to provide a measuring device monitor suitable for constructing such a measuring device.

[0022]

In order to solve the above problems and achieve the above objects, a signal communication method according to the present invention includes a plurality of signal processing units each having an interface built therein, and these signal processing units. Information transmission between the signal processing units is performed by using a plurality of optical couplers connected to the units via the interface and an optical fiber connecting the optical couplers to each other. This is done through an optical fiber.

Further, the signal communication apparatus according to the present invention comprises a plurality of signal processing units each having an internal interface, and a plurality of optical couplers corresponding to these signal processing units and connected through the interfaces. And an optical fiber connecting between these optical couplers,
Each of the signal processing units transmits information via the optical coupler and the optical fiber.

Further, the measuring signal communication device according to the present invention is configured to have a plurality of interfaces built therein, respectively, and is connected to the measuring means to exchange information with the measuring means. A signal processing unit, a plurality of optical couplers interface-connected corresponding to these signal processing units, and an optical fiber connecting between the optical couplers, each signal processing unit, each optical coupler and the above Information is transmitted via an optical fiber.

The measuring instrument monitor according to the present invention comprises a signal processing unit having an interface built-in,
The display means drive section is supplied with a video signal from the outside, and the display means is connected to the display means drive section and performs a video display based on the video signal sent from the display means drive section.

Further, a measuring device according to the present invention comprises the above-mentioned measuring device monitor and a camera part, and the camera part is an image pickup means for picking up an image of an object and outputting a video signal.
A video signal processing unit supplied with an imaging signal from the imaging unit, and a signal processing unit that has an interface built in and is connected to the video signal processing unit. The information signal is transmitted to the interface that it has.

Further, the measuring device according to the present invention comprises a plurality of camera sections, and each of these camera sections is supplied with an image pickup means for picking up an image of an object and outputting a video signal, and an image pickup signal from the image pickup means. And a signal processing unit having a built-in interface and connected to the video signal processing section, and outputting an information signal via the interface.

The measuring apparatus according to the present invention has a built-in image pickup means for picking up an image of an object and outputting a video signal, a video signal processing section supplied with the image pickup signal from the image pickup means, and an interface, and the above-mentioned video signal processing. A camera unit having a signal processing unit connected to the unit is provided, and the camera unit outputs an information signal via the interface.

[0029]

In the signal communication method according to the present invention, information transmission between a plurality of signal processing units each having a built-in interface is performed by a plurality of information processing units connected to each other through the interfaces. This can be done through the optical coupler of and the optical fiber connecting these optical couplers.

Further, in the signal communication device according to the present invention, the plurality of signal processing units each having a built-in interface are connected to the plurality of optical processing units corresponding to the signal processing units via the interfaces. Information is transmitted to other signal processing units through the coupler and the optical fiber connecting these optical couplers.

Furthermore, in the measuring signal communication device according to the present invention, a plurality of interfaces are built in each and are connected to the measuring means to exchange information with the measuring means. Signal processing unit performs information transmission with each of the other signal processing units through a plurality of interface-coupled optical couplers corresponding to these signal processing units and an optical fiber connecting these optical couplers. .

In the measuring device monitor according to the present invention, the signal processing unit, to which the information signal is sent through the built-in interface, operates based on the information signal and the operation of the display unit driving unit and the display unit. The display content can be controlled.

In the measuring device according to the present invention,
The signal processing unit of the camera section transmits an information signal indicating a result of signal processing of the image pickup signal output from the image pickup means by the video signal processing section to the interface of the measuring device monitor through the built-in interface. Therefore, signal transmission can be performed without being affected by external noise.

Further, in the measuring device according to the present invention, each of the signal processing units of the plurality of camera sections is processed by the video signal processing section to process the image pickup signal output from the image pickup means via the built-in interface. The information signal indicating the result can be transmitted to the outside at the same time, and the signal can be transmitted without being affected by external noise.

In the measuring apparatus according to the present invention, the camera section outputs the information signal through the interface built in the signal processing unit connected to the video signal processing section, so that the influence of external noise is exerted. The signal can be transmitted without receiving the signal.

[0036]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Specific embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[1] Signal Communication Method A signal communication method according to the present invention is a method of transmitting an information signal between a plurality of signal processing units (CPUs). This signal communication method uses a plurality of signal processing units, each of which is configured by incorporating the signal processing unit and an interface, and connecting an optical coupler through the interface corresponding to these signal processing units,
Further, the optical couplers are connected by an optical fiber, and information is transmitted through the optical couplers and the optical fibers.

[2] Signal Communication Device The signal communication method described above is executed by the signal communication device according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, this signal communication device has a plurality of signal processing units 6a, 6b, 6c. These signal processing units 6a, 6b, 6c
2 is configured by including a signal processing unit (32-bit CPU) 21 as shown in FIG. Each of the signal processing units 6a, 6b and 6c has a plurality of serial communication links 24 which are interfaces connected to the signal processing unit 21 via a local bus 23. Further, the signal processing units 6a, 6b, 6c are
A memory 26 and a timer 27 which operate under the control of the signal processing unit 21, and an external memory interface 25 which connects the signal processing unit 21 and an external memory.
And so on.

Each of the above signal processing units 6a, 6b, 6c
In the above, the signal processing unit 21 can exchange information signals with the outside of the signal processing units 6a, 6b, 6c via the local bus 23 and the serial communication links 24. There is.
Transmission and reception of this information signal is performed by so-called DMA, and information transmission of about 20 Mbit / sec per line is performed by bidirectional communication.

Optical couplers 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e and 5f are connected to each of the serial communication links 24. These optical couplers 5a, 5b, 5c, 5
As shown in FIG. 3, each of d, 5e, and 5f is configured such that a light emitting unit 8 including a light emitting diode or a laser diode and a light receiving unit 9 including a photodiode or a phototransistor are housed in a housing. . The light emitting unit 8 emits light in a pulsed manner in response to a digital information signal sent from the signal processing unit 21 via the serial communication link 24. Further, the light receiving unit 9 receives an optical signal carrying an information signal sent from the outside and converts it into a digital information signal which is an electric signal.

The light emitting portion 8 and the light receiving portion 9 are arranged in a socket portion 10 provided on the front side of the housing. That is, the light emitting section 8 and the light receiving section 9 are adapted to emit and receive a light flux carrying an information signal to the optical communication plug section joined to the socket section 10. These optical couplers 5a, 5b, 5c, 5
d, 5e and 5f are 2 when NRZ (non-return to zero) code is used as the digital signal.
It is configured so that information transmission of about 0 Mbit / sec is possible.

Each of the optical couplers 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d,
An optical fiber 4 is connected to the front side of 5e, 5f via the plug portion. These optical fibers 4 send the optical signal emitted by the light emitting section 8 to another optical coupler 5
The light is transmitted to the light receiving portions 9 of a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e and 5f.

In this example, first and second optical couplers 5a and 5b are connected to the first signal processing unit 6a. The first signal processing unit 6a is capable of transmitting information to another signal processing unit (not shown) via the first optical coupler 5a, and also has the second optical coupler 5b and the second optical coupler 5b. Signal processing unit 6b
Information can be transmitted to and from the second signal processing unit 6b via the third optical coupler 5c connected to.

Third and fourth optical couplers 5c and 5d are connected to the second signal processing unit 6b. The second signal processing unit 6b is capable of transmitting information to and from the first signal processing unit 6a via the third and second optical couplers 5c and 5b, and at the same time as the fourth signal processing unit 6a. Optical coupler 5d and third signal processing unit 6c
Information can be transmitted to and from the third signal processing unit 6c via the fifth optical coupler 5e connected to.

Fifth and sixth optical couplers 5e and 5f are connected to the third signal processing unit 6c. The third signal processing unit 6c is capable of transmitting information to and from the second signal processing unit 6b via the fifth and fourth optical couplers 5e and 5d, and also the sixth signal processing unit 6c is provided. Information can be transmitted to another signal processing unit (not shown) via the optical coupler 5f.

In the signal communication apparatus configured as described above, the signal processing unit 21 of each of the signal processing units 6a, 6b and 6c transfers information between them and the optical couplers 5a, 5b and 5c. , 5d, 5e, 5
It can be performed at a speed of about 20 Mbit / sec via f and the optical fiber 4. This information transmission can be performed bidirectionally in one optical fiber 4 at the same time.

[3] Measuring Signal Communication Device The measuring signal communication device according to the present invention is, with respect to each of the signal processing units 6a, 6b, 6c, measuring devices 7a, 7b, 7c serving as measuring means. It is configured by connecting. These measuring devices 7a, 7b, 7c
Is configured to measure dimensions, weight, and various other quantities, and the corresponding signal processing unit 6
Information signals can be exchanged with a, 6b, and 6c. The operation of these measuring devices 7a, 7b, 7c is controlled by the corresponding signal processing units 6a, 6b, 6c, and at the same time, a signal indicating the measurement result is sent to the signal processing units 6a, 6b, 6c.

This measuring signal communication device comprises the first signal processing unit 6a, the first and second optical couplers 5a,
A unit composed of 5b and the first measuring device 7a serves as the first measuring unit 1, and the second signal processing unit 6b,
A unit including the third and fourth optical couplers 5c and 5d and the second measuring device 7b is used as the second measuring unit 2, and further, the third signal processing unit 6c, the fifth and sixth units. A unit including the optical couplers 5e and 5f and the third measuring device 7c serves as the third measuring unit 3 to form a measuring unit.

That is, in this measuring unit,
The information about the various quantities measured by the respective measuring devices 7a, 7b, 7c is described in the respective signal processing units 6a, 6
The signal is processed by b and 6c and is transmitted between the signal processing units 6a, 6b and 6c through the optical fiber 4.

As shown in FIG. 4, the measuring unit includes a controller 11 having the same structure as the signal processing units 6a, 6b, 6c, and the controller 11 shown in FIG.
And the measuring device 7a, 7 and the input / output device 12 having a display, a keyboard and the like controlled by
It is configured to have a contact portion (measuring element) 18 connected to b and 7c. The controller 11 sends the signal processing units 6a, 6b, 6c of the measuring units 1, 2, 3 to the signal processing units 6a, 6b, 6c via the optical coupler 5 and the optical fiber 4 in the same manner as the signal processing units 6a, 6b, 6c. It is connected so that information can be transmitted. As shown in FIG. 5, this measuring unit is configured to have a main body 28 configured by housing the measuring units 1, 2, 3 and the controller 11 in a housing. The input / output device 12 is attached to the main body 28 via a column 29. The input / output device 12 is configured to include a display unit 30 including an LCD (liquid crystal display) or the like, for example. Further, the contact portion 18 is connected to the main body portion 28 via a flexible cable.

A measurement system can be constructed by using a plurality of the measurement units. In this measurement system, the controllers 11 of the respective measurement units are connected to each other via the optical coupler 5 and the optical fiber cable 31, as shown in FIGS. In this measurement system, each of the measurement units exchanges information about the measurement result and the like obtained by each of the measurement units 1, 2, and 3 with the controller 11 of another measurement unit.

This measuring system, as shown in FIG.
The present invention can be applied to the case where various assembly work and measurement work are performed one after another while the device mechanism section 16 as a product and the measurement object 17 in the product are conveyed by the belt conveyor 14. In this case, the measuring units forming this measuring system are arranged along the belt conveyor 14 with the main body portion 28 supported by the bottom portion of the belt conveyor 14 or the like.

In this measurement system, each of the measurement units has the device mechanism section 16 and the measurement object 17 conveyed by the belt conveyor 14,
Various measurements are sequentially performed via the contact portion 18. Then, each of these measurement units sends an information signal indicating the measurement result to the controller 11 of the measurement unit that performs the measurement work in the next process via the optical fiber cable 31.

Further, in this measuring system, the conveyor controller 13 is connected to the controller 11 via the optical coupler 5 and the optical cable 4.
The conveyor control device 13 is configured similarly to the signal processing units 6a, 6b, 6c, etc., and controls the traveling speed, traveling direction, etc. of the belt conveyor 14 based on the information signal sent from the controller 11.

Further, in this measuring system, the controller 11 is connected to the controller 11 via the optical coupler 5 and the optical cable 4. The control unit 15 is configured similarly to each of the signal processing units 6a, 6b, 6c and the like, and drives and controls the device mechanism unit 16 based on the information signal sent from the controller 11. The control unit 15 also controls the adjustment driver controller 19 via the optical coupler 5 and the optical fiber 4. The adjustment driver controller 19 drives the adjustment driver 20 for adjusting various adjustment units on the device mechanism unit 16 and the measurement object 17.

That is, in this measuring system,
Various measurements can be performed on the device mechanism section 16 and the measurement object 17, and various measurements can be performed while the apparatus mechanism section 16 and the measurement object 17 are driven, and various measurements can be performed according to the measurement results. Can be adjusted, and the traveling of the belt conveyor 14 can be controlled based on the results of these measurements and adjustments. Then, each measurement unit that constitutes this measurement system transmits information at high speed between each measurement unit, and informs a signal processing unit (not shown) that manages and controls the entire process, indicating measurement results and the like. To communicate.

[4] Monitor for Measuring Device As shown in FIG. 7, the monitor for measuring device according to the present invention is supplied with a video signal from a signal processing unit (CPU) 51 having a built-in interface. A CRT driver 54, which serves as a display driving unit, and a display unit C which is connected to the CRT driver 54 and which displays a video based on a video signal sent from the CRT driver 54.
And an RT (cathode ray tube) 52. An LCD (liquid crystal display board) can also be used as the display means.

Since the signal processing unit 51 has a built-in interface, it enables high-speed bidirectional information signal transfer with an external image processing apparatus or the like through a link cable 59 via an external interface. It can be carried out.

A video signal is externally sent to the CRT driver 54 via the video cable 60.

In the measuring device monitor 58, a character generator 56 and a mixing circuit 55 are interveningly connected between the signal processing unit 51 and the CRT 52. Further, the mixing circuit 55 is also in a state of being interveningly connected between the CRT driver 54 and the CRT 52. That is, in the measuring device monitor 58, the CRT 52 is
Is a signal generated by mixing (superimposing) the video signal output by the CRT driver 54 and the character signal generated by the character generator 56 under the control of the signal processing unit 51 by the mixing circuit 55. Display the video according to.

A switch section 53 is connected to the signal processing unit 51 via a switch I / O circuit 57. The switch unit 53 is configured to have a plurality of push button switches, adjustment photographing, etc., generates various operation signals, and outputs the operation signals to the signal processing unit 51.
Is configured to be able to enter.
The signal processing unit 51 controls the character generator 56, an external video signal processing unit, and the like based on an operation signal input via the switch I / O circuit 57.

[5] Measuring Device (1) The measuring device according to the present invention is configured by including the camera unit 31 as shown in FIGS. 21, 24 and 26. The measuring device according to the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 11, has the above-described measuring device monitor 58.
And a camera unit 64.

The camera sections 31 and 64 serve as image pickup means for picking up an image of an object and outputting a video signal.
1, image signal processing units 33 and 62 to which image pickup signals are supplied from the image pickup units 32 and 61, and signal processing units (CPU) 34 and 63 having built-in interfaces.

The image pickup units 32 and 61 are constructed by including a solid-state image pickup device (CCD), an image pickup tube and the like. The image signal processing units 33 and 62 receive the image pickup signals from the image pickup units 32 and 61, perform predetermined signal processing on the image pickup signals to form the image signals, and perform measurement based on the image signals. . The video signal processing units 33 and 62 send the video signals to the CRT driver 54 and the like of the measuring device monitor 58 via the video cables 36 and 60. In addition, the video signal processing units 33 and 62 send the measurement results based on the video signals to the signal processing units 34 and 6 respectively.
Send to 3. The signal processing units 34 and 63 transmit the information signal indicating the measurement result to the signal processing unit 51 and the like in the measuring device monitor 58 through the built-in interface and the link cables 35 and 59. The signal processing unit 5 in the measuring device monitor 58
1 receives the above information signal via an interface.

In the video signal processing units 33 and 62 in the camera units 31 and 64, as shown in FIG. 24 and FIG. 26, the images sent from the solid-state image pickup device (CCD) of the image pickup units 32 and 61 are picked up. The signal is converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter 41. The image pickup signal converted into a digital signal is stored in a RAM (Random Access Memory) 42. The image pickup signal stored in the RAM 42 is
Signal processing is performed by the signal processing units 34 and 63. The result of the signal processing by the signal processing units 34, 63 is sent out via the link cables 35, 59 or stored in the RAM 42. RAM42
The result of the signal processing stored in can be compared with the result of the subsequent signal processing. Further, the result of this signal processing is converted into a video signal which is an analog signal by the D / A converter 44, and is sent out via the video cables 36 and 60.

In the measuring device monitor 58 constituting this measuring device, the signal processing unit 51 measures the information indicated by the information signal by the CRT 52 based on the information signal sent from the camera units 31, 64. Display the result. Further, the CRT driver 54 is the C
An image based on the video signal sent from the video signal processing units 33 and 62 is displayed on the RT 52.

[6] Measuring Device (2) Further, the measuring device according to the present invention is similar to FIG. 9, FIG. 10 and FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of camera units 31 and 64 may be used. Each of these camera units 31, 64 is a camera unit 31, which constitutes the above-described measuring device according to the present invention.
Similar to 64, it is configured to have the image pickup units 32 and 61, the video signal processing units 33 and 62, and signal processing units 34 and 63 with built-in interfaces. And
These camera units 31, 64 are mutually connected via the link cables 35, 59 to the signal processing units 34, 6 described above.
The three interfaces are connected to each other. The interfaces of the camera units 31 and 64 are connected in series so that so-called daisy chain processing can be performed. Since the camera units 31 and 64 are connected in a daisy chain manner in this manner, it is easy to connect even if the number of units increases, and the camera units 31 and 64 are individually controlled. You can

Then, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the interfaces in the measuring device monitor 58 can be connected to the link cables 35 and 59 for connecting the interfaces of the camera units 31 and 64, respectively. .
As shown in FIG. 9, only one measuring device monitor 58 may be connected to a plurality of camera units 64.
As shown in 0, one unit may be connected to each of the plurality of camera units 64.

When only one measuring device monitor 58 is connected to the plurality of camera units 31 and 64, or
When the measuring device monitor 58 is not connected, main processors 37 and 65 may be connected to the link cables 35 and 59 as shown in FIGS. 9 and 22.
The main processors 37 and 65 can control the video signal processing units of the camera units 31 and 64 via the link cables 35 and 59, and are also sent via the link cables 35 and 59. Based on the information signal,
The result of signal processing in the video signal processing unit can be received. In addition, the main processors 37, 65
The monitor devices 12 and 66 may be connected to this. The monitor devices 12 and 66 are configured to include a display device 30 such as a CRT, and the images based on the information signals sent from the main processors 37 and 65 and the camera devices 31 and 31.
A video image based on the video signal sent from 64 is displayed.

The measuring device configured as described above is shown in FIG.
And, as shown in FIG. 25, it can be used in the manufacturing process using the belt conveyor 14 as shown in FIG. That is, by arranging and arranging the camera units 31 and 64 along the belt conveyor 14, it is possible to measure the products conveyed by the belt conveyor 14 in order of the manufacturing process. The measurement results obtained by the camera units 31 and 64 can be confirmed by the measurement device monitor 58 and the monitor devices 12 and 66. Further, operations such as mode change and constant change of the signal processing by the video signal unit in each of the camera devices 31 and 64 are performed by the measurement device monitor 58.
Switch section, or the main processor 37, 6
It can be done via 5.

In the example shown in FIG. 12, the measuring device monitor 58, which can be miniaturized, is installed beside the belt conveyor 14, and the main processor 65 and the monitor device 66 are separated from the belt conveyor 14. It is installed in a different position. Further, in the example shown in FIG. 25, the main processor 37 and the monitor device 12 are installed at positions separated from the belt conveyor 14.

Thus, in the measuring device used in the manufacturing process, as shown in FIGS. 26 and 27, the product 46 conveyed by the belt conveyor 14 is measured in the manufacturing process order, and the product 46 is measured at the same time. The measurement device monitor 58 and the monitors 12 and 66 can display the results of each measurement in a timely manner. Further, operations such as changing the mode of signal processing and changing constants by the video signal processing unit in each of the camera devices 31 and 64 are performed via the switch unit of the measuring device monitor 58 or the main processors 37 and 65. be able to.

Further, as shown in FIG. 13, when a plurality of measuring device monitors 58 corresponding to the camera devices 64 are connected to the link cable 59, the camera units 64 and the measuring device monitors are connected. 58 can be arranged and arranged along the belt conveyor 14. In this case, it is possible to measure the products conveyed by the belt conveyor 14 in order of the manufacturing process, and to display the results of each measurement at the place where those measurements are performed. it can. In addition, each of the camera devices 64
The operation of changing the signal processing mode or the constants by the video signal unit can be performed through the switch unit of each measuring device monitor 58.

As shown in FIG. 14, such a measuring device includes a plurality of camera units 64 and these camera units 6
4 may be used to configure the image processing device 68. The image processing device 68 includes a plurality of A / D converters 69 corresponding to the camera units 64 and a plurality of video signal processing units 7 connected corresponding to the A / D converters 69.
It is configured to have 0 and. In this measuring device,
Each of the camera units 64 captures an image of the measurement object 67 and sends the captured image signal to the corresponding A / D converter 69. These A
The image pickup signal converted into a digital signal by the / D converter 69 is subjected to signal processing in the video signal processing section 70 corresponding to each A / D converter 69. That is, these video signal processing units 70 perform various measurements based on the digitalized image pickup signal. These video signal processing units 70
The signal processing in is performed in parallel and simultaneously. Then, the information signal indicating the measurement result in each video signal processing unit 70 is sent as an output of the image processing device 68 via the data bus 71.

In the manufacturing process, this measuring device
As shown in FIG. 15, the plurality of camera devices 64 are arranged along the belt conveyor 14 and arranged substantially parallel to each other, and the image processing device 68 is connected to the belt conveyor 1.
It can be used by disposing it on the lower side of 4, etc. In this example, each of the camera devices 64 is arranged so as to correspond to one of the plurality of measurement objects 67. That is, in this measuring device, it is possible to simultaneously measure a plurality of measurement objects on the same process. The measurement result can be displayed by the measuring device monitor 58 installed beside the belt conveyor 14.

Further, in the manufacturing process, this measuring device is arranged such that the plurality of camera devices 64 are arranged along the belt conveyor 14 so as to concentrate in the optical axis direction, as shown in FIG. The image processing device 68 can be used by disposing it on the lower side of the belt conveyor 14 or the like. In this example, the camera devices 64 are arranged so as to simultaneously image one measurement object 67. That is, in this measuring apparatus, it is possible to simultaneously measure one measurement target object in a certain manufacturing process from different directions. The measurement result can be displayed by the measuring device monitor 58 installed beside the belt conveyor 14.

In this measuring device, as shown in FIG. 23, a link cable 35 connecting the interfaces of the signal processing units of the plurality of camera sections 31 is connected.
By connecting the I / O circuit 38 to the I / O circuit 38, the I / O circuit 38 can be used to control the belt conveyor 14 and the other device 40. This I / O
The circuit 38 has a signal processing unit (CPU) having a built-in interface. That is, the result of the signal processing by the video signal processing unit of each camera unit 31 is sent to the link cable 35 via the interface of the signal processing unit of each camera unit 31.
The result of this signal processing is transmitted via the I / O circuit 38.
It is sent to the belt conveyor 14 and the other device 40. The belt conveyer 14 and the other device 40 are controlled to start and stop the operation and change the operation mode according to the result of the signal processing.

As described above, in the case of controlling the belt conveyor 14 and the like via the I / O circuit 38,
Once the signal processing conditions in the video signal processing section of each camera section 31 have been set, thereafter, without using the main processor 37, the monitor 12, etc.,
The signal processing unit of the I / O circuit 38 controls the belt conveyor 14 and the like according to the result of the signal processing.

As the link cable 35,
As shown in FIG. 28, so-called wireless transmission / reception signal transmission can be used. Further, the I / O circuits 38 can be arranged and arranged along the belt conveyor 14.

Furthermore, this measuring device can be used in combination with the production robot 72, as shown in FIG. The production robot 72 conveys the first component 74 placed on the pallet 73 and conveyed on the belt conveyor 14 to the position of the second component 75 installed outside the belt conveyor 14, It is configured to perform an operation of attaching to the second component 75. Then, in this example, the measuring device includes two camera devices 64,
64 and an image processing device 68 disposed below the belt conveyor 14. The camera devices 64, 64 are arranged such that one of them takes an image of the belt conveyor 14 and the other takes an image of the second component 75.

The measuring device thus combined with the production robot 72 sends an information signal indicating the measurement result to the control device of the production robot 72. That is,
The production robot 72 operates based on the information signal sent from the measuring device to start the operation when the normal first component 74 is conveyed onto the belt conveyor 14 to start the operation. Component 74 can be attached to the second component 75, and when a component other than the first component 74 is conveyed onto the belt conveyor 14, or when the component 74 is incomplete on the belt conveyor 14. When the first component 74 having a shape is conveyed, the operation is not performed.

Even when used in combination with the production robot as described above, in this measuring device, the image pickup signals from the camera units 64 are processed in parallel by the video signal processing units. , Quick measurement is possible.

Then, this measuring device can be used for positioning the measuring object 46 with respect to the processing machine 48, as shown in FIG. The measurement object 46
Are mounted on the XY stage 49. The XY stage 49 has a built-in step motor controlled by a signal processing unit, and is movable in two horizontal directions. The camera unit 31 is attached to the processing machine 48 and images the measurement target object 46 placed on the XY stage 49. Then, the camera unit 31 performs signal processing by the video signal processing unit, and sends the result of this signal processing to the signal processing unit that controls the movement of the XY stage 49 via the interface of the signal processing unit.

The XY stage 49 is moved by a signal processing unit for controlling the step motor so that the measuring object 46 is located at a predetermined position with respect to the processing machine 48. Even in this case, once the condition of the signal processing in the video signal processing unit of the camera unit 31 is set, thereafter, the step motor can be controlled according to the result of the signal processing. it can.

[0085]

As described above, in the signal communication method according to the present invention, information transmission between a plurality of signal processing units each having a built-in interface is performed by the interface corresponding to these signal processing units. Can be performed through a plurality of optical couplers connected via the optical fiber and an optical fiber connecting these optical couplers.

Further, in the signal communication apparatus according to the present invention, the plurality of signal processing units each having the built-in interface are connected to the plurality of optical signals corresponding to the signal processing units via the interfaces. Information is transmitted to other signal processing units through the coupler and the optical fiber connecting these optical couplers.

In the measuring signal communication device according to the present invention, a plurality of interfaces are built in each and connected to the measuring means so as to exchange information with the measuring means. Signal processing unit performs information transmission with each of the other signal processing units through a plurality of interface-coupled optical couplers corresponding to these signal processing units and an optical fiber connecting these optical couplers. .

In these signal communication method, signal communication device, and measurement signal communication device, since the signal processing unit is configured with the built-in interface, it is possible to increase the transfer rate of information, Even if the number of processing units is large, it is possible to smoothly manage and control, for example, the manufacturing process.

Further, in the above signal communication method and the like, since the above signal processing unit is constructed by incorporating an interface, programming for making signal communication with each of these signal processing units is unnecessary. In addition, the device configuration can be simplified and downsized.

Furthermore, in this signal communication method and the like,
Since the signal is transmitted through the optical fiber, even if the signal processing units are not isolated, the circuits forming the signal processing units having different ground potentials between the signal processing units may be destroyed. Absent.

Since the information signal transmitted between the signal processing units is sent through the optical fiber, it is not affected by electromagnetic noise. Therefore, in this signal communication method, etc., without complicating the device configuration due to facilities or the like for electrostatic shield measures,
Reliable signal transmission can be performed.

In the measuring instrument monitor according to the present invention, the signal processing unit, to which the information signal is sent via the built-in interface, operates on the display means drive section and the display means in the display means based on the information signal. The display content can be controlled.

In the measuring device according to the present invention,
The signal processing unit of the camera section transmits an information signal indicating a result of signal processing of the image pickup signal output from the image pickup means by the video signal processing section to the interface of the measuring device monitor through the built-in interface. Therefore, signal transmission can be performed without being affected by external noise.

Further, in the measuring apparatus according to the present invention, in each of the signal processing units of the plurality of camera units, the image signal output from the image pickup means is parallel to the image signal processing unit via the built-in interface. It is possible to simultaneously transmit a plurality of information signals indicating the result of the signal processing to the outside, and to perform signal transmission without being affected by external noise.

In the measuring device according to the present invention, since the camera section outputs the information signal through the interface built in the signal processing unit connected to the video signal processing section, the influence of external noise is exerted. The signal can be transmitted without receiving the signal.

That is, according to the present invention, the size of the device is reduced,
(EN) Provided is a signal communication method capable of surely performing high-speed signal transmission while achieving simplification, and a signal communication device and a measurement signal communication device configured to execute this signal communication method. Is what you can do.

Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to perform excellent measurement in which the influence of external noise is suppressed while the apparatus structure is miniaturized and weighed, and the signal processing of the image pickup signal can be performed at high speed. It is possible to provide a measuring device.

Further, the present invention can provide a measuring device monitor suitable for constructing such a measuring device.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a signal communication device and a measurement signal communication device according to the present invention, which are configured to perform a signal communication method according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a signal processing unit used for implementing and configuring the signal communication method, the signal communication device, and the measurement signal communication device.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a configuration of an optical coupler used for implementing and configuring the signal communication method, the signal communication device, and the measurement signal communication device.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a measurement system configured using the measurement signal communication device.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a configuration of the measurement system.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a measurement system configured using a conventional signal communication device.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a monitor for a measuring device according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a measuring device according to the present invention, which is configured to include the measuring device monitor and a camera unit.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a measuring device according to the present invention configured to have the measuring device monitor and a plurality of camera units.

10 is a block diagram showing a measurement system configured to include a plurality of the measurement devices shown in FIG.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a configuration of the measuring device shown in FIG.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a manufacturing system configured by using the measuring device shown in FIG.

13 is a perspective view showing another example of a manufacturing system configured by using the measuring device shown in FIG.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a measuring device including a plurality of camera units and a plurality of video signal processing units corresponding to the camera units.

15 is a perspective view showing a manufacturing system configured by using the measuring apparatus shown in FIG.

16 is a perspective view showing another example of a manufacturing system configured by using the measuring device shown in FIG.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a manufacturing system including the measuring device and the production robot shown in FIG.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a conventional measuring device.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing another example of the configuration of a conventional measuring device.

FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing still another example of the configuration of a conventional measuring device.

FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a camera unit of the measuring device according to the present invention.

22 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a measuring device having a plurality of camera units shown in FIG. 21.

23 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a measuring device configured to control another device via the I / O circuit by the camera unit shown in FIG. 21.

24 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a video signal processing section of the camera section shown in FIG. 21.

25 is a perspective view showing a state in which the measuring device having the camera unit shown in FIG. 21 is used in the manufacturing process.

FIG. 26 is a block diagram showing a state in which the camera section shown in FIG. 21 is capturing an image of a measurement object.

27 is a perspective view showing a state where the measurement target is being conveyed in the manufacturing process shown in FIG. 25. FIG.

28 is a perspective view showing another example of a state in which the measuring device having the camera unit shown in FIG. 21 is used in the manufacturing process.

29 is a perspective view showing a state where component positioning control is performed using the measuring device having the camera unit shown in FIG. 21. FIG.

FIG. 30 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a conventional measuring device.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ First measuring unit 2 ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ 2nd measurement unit 3 ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ The third measuring unit 4 ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Optical fiber 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f ・ ・ ・ ・ Optical coupler 6a, 6b, 6c ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・..... Signal processing units 7a, 7b, 7c ..... Measuring device 24 ..・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Serial communication link 51 ・ ・ ・ ・... CPU 52 ... CRT 54 ... CRT driver 58 ..... Monitor for measuring device 61 ..・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Imaging unit 33, 62・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Video signal processor 34, 63 ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・CPU 31, 64 ..................... Camera unit

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁵ Identification code Office reference number FI technical display location H04L 12/28

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A plurality of signal processing units each having a built-in interface, a plurality of optical couplers corresponding to the signal processing units and connected via the interfaces, and a connection between the optical couplers. A signal communication method in which information is transmitted between the signal processing units via the optical couplers and the optical fibers. 2. A plurality of signal processing units each having a built-in interface, a plurality of optical couplers corresponding to the signal processing units and connected via the interfaces, and a connection between the optical couplers. And a signal communication device in which each of the signal processing units transmits information via the optical coupler and the optical fiber. 3. A plurality of signal processing units, each of which is configured to have an interface built therein, and which is connected to a measuring means to exchange information with the measuring means, and the signal processing unit. Correspondingly, a plurality of interface-coupled optical couplers and an optical fiber connecting between the optical couplers are provided, and the signal processing units perform information transmission via the optical couplers and the optical fibers. Measurement signal communication device. 4. A signal processing unit having a built-in interface, a display means driving section supplied with a video signal from the outside, and an image based on a video signal sent from the display means driving section, which is connected to the display means driving section. A monitor for a measuring device, comprising a display means for displaying. 5. A monitor for a measuring device according to claim 4, and a camera section, wherein the camera section supplies an image pickup means for picking up an image of an object and outputting a video signal, and an image pickup signal supplied from the image pickup means. And a signal processing unit that has an interface built-in and is connected to the video signal processing unit, and transmits an information signal to the interface of the monitor for measuring device through the interface. A measuring device that is used. 6. An interface, comprising: a plurality of camera sections, wherein each of the camera sections captures an object and outputs a video signal; an image signal processing section supplied with an image signal from the imager; And a signal processing unit that is connected to the video signal processing unit and that outputs an information signal via the interface. 7. An image pickup means for picking up an image of an object and outputting a video signal, a video signal processing section supplied with the image pickup signal from the image pickup means, and a signal which has an interface and is connected to the video signal processing section. A measuring device comprising: a camera unit having a processing unit, wherein the camera unit outputs an information signal via the interface.