JPH08110315A - Odor monitor - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To provide a simple odor monitor wherein, even if monitoring person is not at side, function which enables data to be stared at the outside extending over a long period of time is provided, and especially a long-term data acquisition efficiency is improved. CONSTITUTION: This consists of an odor sensor 2 detecting atmosphere in environment, an EEPROM 7 storing information for characteristic of the odor sensor 2, operation part 41 operating information which shows at least existence of atmosphere in the environment, odor index, based on the information of the EEPROM 7 and detected output of the odor sensor 2, a series-parallel and parallel-series converter 48 outputting at least one of the detected output of the odor sensor 2 and the information showing existence of the atmosphere in environment to the outside and an output terminal 14.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an odor monitor for detecting and displaying an atmosphere (odor) in the environment, and more particularly to a portable odor having a function of transmitting information on the detected odor to the outside and storing it. It's about monitors.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, a conventional odor monitor for detecting an odor or the like in the environment does not have a function of transmitting information on the detected odor or the like to the outside and storing it.

[0003]

Therefore, in the case of the conventional odor monitor, when collecting data for a long period of about one week at a specific place where it is desired to measure the amount of odor, etc., the odor monitor is left as it is. However, the past data does not remain, and it is not possible for the person who monitors it to record it sequentially.Therefore, when collecting data over a long period of time, there is a problem that it is extremely inconvenient and data collection efficiency is poor. It was

The present invention has been made in order to solve such a problem, and it is simple and easy to have a function of storing data externally for a long period of time even if a person to monitor is not nearby. The purpose is to obtain an odor monitor that can improve the efficiency of long-term data collection.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An odor monitor according to the present invention is a odor sensor for detecting an atmosphere in the environment, a storage means for storing information relating to characteristics of the odor sensor, information of the storage means and the odor sensor. A calculation means for calculating at least information indicating the presence of the atmosphere in the environment based on the detection output of the output means, and an output means for outputting at least one of the detection output of the odor sensor and the information indicating the presence of the atmosphere in the environment to the outside. Be prepared.

The output means has an output terminal to which a personal computer is connected via an RS232C cable.

Information indicating the presence of the atmosphere in the environment is the odor index.

[0008]

In the present invention, the odor monitor is set to RS2.
By connecting to a personal computer via a 32C cable, data can be stored in an external personal computer for a long period of time even if the person who monitors is not near the device.

[0009]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention.
In the figure, 1 is a portable odor monitor, and 2 is an odor sensor made of, for example, a SnO ₂ semiconductor thin film for detecting an atmosphere in the environment, for example, a reducing atmosphere (gas) or an oxidizing atmosphere (gas). The odor sensor 2 has a resistance value that changes in a reducing atmosphere and a resistance value that changes in the opposite direction to the reducing atmosphere with respect to an oxidizing atmosphere. For example, odors such as TMA and nicotine, riboglucosan, and the like. Burnt odor, that is, the resistance value is reduced with high sensitivity to reducing gas and the like, while on the other hand, about 0.03 ppm is also detected with high sensitivity to oxidizing gas such as ozone and NO _2. The resistance value increases. Further, the odor sensor 2 standardizes the output, determines a reference gas or the like, and calibrates it.
Output of odor sensor 2 in nicotine 10ppm +1.0
Output of odor sensor 2 in V and ozone 1ppm is -1.0V
It has been. 3 is a sensor interface connected to the odor sensor 2, 4 is this sensor interface 3
It is a microprocessor unit (hereinafter referred to as MPU) that is supplied with the detection output of the odor sensor 2 via the, and performs various arithmetic processes described later.

The MPU 4 has an arithmetic unit 41 as an arithmetic means for performing arithmetic processing, an A / D conversion unit 42 for A / D converting the detection output supplied from the odor sensor 2 via the sensor interface 3, and an arithmetic operation. ROM 43 which is connected to the unit 41 and in which the programs of the flow charts shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 to be described later are stored in advance, the timer 44 which is connected to the arithmetic unit 41, and the arithmetic unit 41 which are interconnected.
It has a RAM 45 used in arithmetic processing.

The RAM 45 stores, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, a work area 45a, a display area 45b for storing contents such as displays and alarms, and contents regarding the setting state of the odor monitor by key operation or the like. A setting area 45c,
And a data area 45d for storing fixed data and the like used for conversion of the odor index. As an example, the display area 4
Reference numeral 5b denotes an odor index N which will be described later, a correction resistance value Z _nc in the environment, a peak hold lower limit value PHN _L , a peak hold upper limit value PHN _H , a use state display on a monitor, a bar graph content, and a buzzer. ON / OFF / intermittent control, error content, display of odor index calculation method such as AB CAL, etc. are stored. Also, setting area 45c stores OFF / ON status of absolute switching function, auto calibration setting function. 0N / 0FF status, peak hold value display function
Various setting states such as 0FF / ON state and OFF / ON state of range switching function are stored, and further, in the data area 45d,
The same data as that of the EEPROM 7 described later is stored.

Further, the MPU 4 A / D-converts the information for monitoring the state of the power supply circuit, which will be described later, and supplies it to the arithmetic unit 41, and outputs the output from the arithmetic unit 41 to D / D.
A / A conversion unit 47 for A / A conversion and output to the outside, and data from the operation unit 41 after serial / parallel conversion are sent to an external device such as a personal computer (not shown), or vice versa. Data is converted from parallel to serial and input to the arithmetic unit 41, so-called universal asynchronous receiver / translator (UART: universal asynchronous receiver / trans).
mitter) serial-parallel and parallel-serial converter 48
And further. The serial-parallel and parallel-serial converter 48 and the output terminal 14 constitute an output means.

Reference numeral 5 is a liquid crystal display device (hereinafter referred to as LCD) driver connected to the arithmetic unit 41, and 6 is an LCD which is driven by the LCD driver 5 to display various information. Reference numeral 7 denotes an EEPROM as a storage means interconnected with the arithmetic unit 41.
The OM 7 has, for example, a saturation resistance value Z _m of the odor sensor 2 as fixed data necessary for calculation of the odor index, and a resistance value Z _ns 0 of the odor sensor 2 in a so-called clean air (standard state) where there is no odor. The resistance value Z _ns of the odor sensor 2 in the reference odor, the load resistance value R, the measured power supply voltage V, and the like are stored, and other numerical data, such as the alarm level value ARM, is stored.

Reference numeral 8 denotes an operation unit having keys corresponding to a plurality of functions connected to the calculation unit 41.
For at least ON / OFF key to turn on / off the power, and to turn on / off the auto calibration setting function.
AUTO CAL key, ON / OFF of peak hold value display function P / V HOLD key, data setting function, data selection (rotation so that the value increases) △ key, data setting function, data selection ( Rotate so that the value becomes smaller) ▽ key, ON / OFF of data setting function, ALARM SET key, ON / OFF of absolute switching function
AB CAL key for OFF and ON / OF for range switching function
The RANGE key etc. which perform F are provided. In addition, AUTO CAL
The key activates the fixed data input function in combination with the P / V HOLD key during the data setting function.

Reference numeral 9 is connected to the arithmetic unit 41, and a buzzer for issuing an alarm when the odor index exceeds a predetermined value or the power supply voltage is lower than the predetermined value is connected to the D / A conversion unit 47. An output buffer for outputting information about the odor index to the outside, 11 a power supply circuit, 12 a variable voltage regulator connected to the power supply circuit 11 and supplying a stabilized power supply voltage to each internal circuit, 13 a power supply Connected to circuit 11,
It is a voltage regulator that supplies a stabilized voltage to a heater (not shown) of the odor sensor 2. Output buffer 1
0 and the D / A converter 47 constitute an output means.

Reference numeral 14 denotes an output terminal connected to the series-parallel and parallel-series converter 48.
For example, as shown in FIG. 13, a personal computer 20 is connected via an RS232C cable 19. The personal computer 20 sends a data request signal to the odor monitor 1 via the RS232C cable 19. This data request signal sets a data request flag in the serial-parallel and parallel-serial converter 48 in the odor monitor 1. Then, the odor monitor 1 confirms the presence or absence of the flag in the discrimination processing described later, and if the flag is set, the data is sent to the personal computer 20 via the serial-parallel and parallel-serial converter 48 and the RS232C cable 19. Send out.

Reference numerals 15 and 16 denote output terminals connected to the output buffer 10. The output terminals 15 and 16 have a + side (reducing atmosphere) and a − side (oxidizing atmosphere), respectively.
The odor index of is output. Reference numeral 17 is an output terminal connected to the output side of the sensor interface 3, and raw data is directly supplied to the output terminal 17 from the odor sensor 2 via the sensor interface 3. A data logger, a decoder and the like (not shown) are connected to these output terminals 15 to 17, for example.
Reference numeral 18 is a power supply terminal connected to an external commercial power supply (not shown) when the power supply circuit 11 operates as an AC adapter.

Next, the operation will be described. First, the overall operation will be schematically described with reference to FIG. In the following description, the determination operation is entirely controlled by the calculation unit 41. When the power is turned on, first, in step S1, initial settings such as reading data from the EEPROM 7 and storing it in the RAM 45 are performed as will be described later. Next, in step S2, as warm-up, a predetermined time, for example, 3 minutes, stands by until the odor sensor 2 stabilizes. Data can be set in the RAM 45 by operating the keys of the operation unit 8 even during the standby for 3 minutes. That is, in this 3-minute standby (STANDBY) mode, in step S3,
It is determined whether or not there is a setting input, and if not, step S2
And wait for 3 minutes, if any, in step S4,
A setting process for the RAM 45, which will be described later, is performed.
During this standby mode, the characters "STANDBY" are displayed on the LCD 6 in a predetermined area of the display screen, for example, in the upper left area.

On the other hand, when 3 minutes have passed in step S2, the ready (READY) mode is entered and the odor measurement is started. That is, first, in step S5, data regarding the ON / OFF setting states of the peak hold value display function, the calibration setting function, the absolute switching function, etc. is read from the RAM 45 as described later. And
In step S6, the output of the odor sensor 2 is read and sampled through the A / D converter 42 and the sensor interface 3, and necessary fixed data is EEPR.
Read from the OM7, and as described later, step S
At 7, the odor index is calculated. During the ready mode, the LCD 6 displays a character "READY" in a predetermined area of the display screen, for example, in the upper left area, and a bar related to the odor index displayed in the predetermined area of the display screen, for example, the central portion. The graph display and digital display are set to 0.

This odor index uses the reference resistance at the intensity of the reference odor to standardize the resistance that changes depending on the state of the object to be detected, for example, the odor pressure.
It is calculated as follows using the above-mentioned fixed data stored in the ROM 7 and the output value (measurement voltage) detected by the odor sensor 2. First, the reference resistance r _ref is calculated by the following equation using fixed data.

R _ref = (Z _ns −Z _m ) (Z _ns 0 −Z _m ) / (Z _ns 0 −Z _ns ) (1)

Then, the measured voltage E detected by the odor sensor 2 is converted into a resistance value by the following equation, and this is set as a measured resistance value Z _n .

Z _n = R (V−E) / E (2)

Then, the measured resistance value Z _n is converted into the odor index N by the following equation.

[0025] _{N = r ref / r n =} r ref (Z0-Z n) / (Z n -Z m) (Z0-Z m) (3)

[0026] In the above (3), r _n is the resistance that varies with odor pressure, Z0 is the initial resistance of the odor sensor 2, as the Z0, as will be described later, as a state no smell When calculating the odor index based on the resistance value in the clean air, the resistance value Z _ns 0 in the clean air is used. When calculating the odor index based on the resistance value in the atmosphere of the measurement environment, The medium correction resistance value Z _nc is used.

When the calculation of the odor index is completed in this way, in step S8 the calculated odor index is discriminated, and necessary display, warning, output to the outside, etc. are performed.
Then, the above operation is repeated after a waiting time according to the value set in the timer 44. That is, in step S9, it is determined again whether or not there is a setting input.
In step S10, the same setting process as in step S4 described above is performed, and the process returns to step S9 to repeat the same operation as described above. If not, the process returns to step S9 to stand by, and if it is necessary to enter, the process returns to step S5 to repeat the above operation. This sampling operation is performed once per second, for example. This completes the entire operation. As described above, in the present embodiment, the odor intensity in the environment is calculated as the odor index by using the above formula, but the odor intensity based on the resistance change from the initial resistance of a general element is calculated. You may make it use the method of doing.

Next, each step (routine) of FIG. 3 will be described in detail. First, with reference to FIG. 4, the operation of the “initial setting” in step S1 will be described. After turning on the power, in step S21, after confirming each part necessary for the operation of the MPU 4, in step S22, EEPRO
The preset data is read from M7.
Then, in step S23, it is determined whether or not the data is normally read out, and if the data is normally read out, in step S24, those data are stored in the RAM.
45 in the data area 45d, and thereafter during operation,
The data will be read from the RAM 45. In the determination of the data in step S23, it is checked whether the numerical value of the data is within the predetermined range. If the numerical value is outside the predetermined range, it is determined that the data is incorrect.

On the other hand, if the data is not normally read in step S23, the process proceeds to step S25. As a case where the data is not normally read out, for example, originally EE
There is a case where abnormal data is erroneously stored in the PROM 7 or an error occurs when reading the data and the data cannot be read. Alternatively, EE
When reading data from the PROM 7, the data may not be set in the EEPROM 7 in the first place.
In particular, at the time of startup immediately after manufacturing, of course, no data is set. In such a case, since normal data cannot be read in step S23, the LCD driver 5 drives the LCD 6 to display an error in step S25. To confirm these data, for example, the total value of the data to be read is stored in the EEPROM 7, and the total value of the read data and the EEPROM 7 are stored.
Abnormality of data may be determined by comparing with the total value in the above.

Then, in step S26, the ROM
So-called default data is read from 43, the read default data is stored in the EEPROM 7 in step S27, and stored in the RAM 45 in step S28. Thereafter, an operation using this default data is performed as an operation of the odor monitor. . Note that the default data is read all at once in the flowchart of FIG. 4, but the presence or absence of the setting is checked for each individual data, and the default data is read only for those that do not exist. Good. In addition, as this default data, EEPR
Data corresponding to the data stored in the OM 7 is stored in the ROM 43 in advance as default data. This default data may also be generated by software.

By performing such an initial setting operation as the processing when the power is turned on, there are the following advantages. That is, when abnormal data is stored in the EEPROM 7 by mistake, the sensor characteristics are calibrated with such data, or an abnormal value is obtained when the displayed odor index is set to a correct value by calculation. When the data is read from the EEPROM 7 and an error occurs when the data is read from the EEPROM 7, the odor monitor does not function in the same manner. In such a case, however, the typical odor monitor is as described above. By setting various characteristic data in the ROM 43 in advance and using these data as default data when an abnormality occurs, the odor monitor can be operated normally and the reliability of the device can be improved.

Further, even when the above-mentioned characteristic data is not set in the EEPROM 7, the R having a certain degree of reliability is obtained.
The odor index can be displayed by the data from the OM43. Then, such default data is read from the ROM 43 to read the EEPROM 7 and the RAM 4
By also storing it in 5, in the next cycle, R
The procedure of reading this default data from the OM 43 can be omitted.

Next, referring to FIGS. 5 to 7, step S
The operation of the "setting process" of 4 (S10) will be described.
First, the all calibration setting function will be described. This all-calibration setting function is a function of correcting the initial resistance value Z0 of the odor index. In step S31, it is determined whether or not the AUTO CAL key for turning ON / OFF the auto-calibration setting function of the operation unit 8 is pressed, and if it is pressed, the setting area 45c of the RAM 45 is referred to in step S32. The automatic calibration setting function is in the ON state or the OFF state, and if it is in the OFF state, in step S33,
ON is set in the setting area 45c of the RAM 45.

Then, in step S34, the measured resistance value Z _n is corrected and set in the display area 45b of the RAM 45 as the corrected resistance value Z _nc in the environment, and in step S35.
In, the time t of the timer 44 is set to 0. This correction is performed every predetermined time, for example, every 30 minutes. Step S
If the auto-calibration setting function is in the ON state by referring to the setting area 45c of the RAM 45 in 32, the OF is set in the setting area 45c of the RAM 45 in step S36.
F is set and the measured resistance value Z _n is not corrected. The current state at this time is displayed in a predetermined area of the display screen of the LCD 6, for example, in the upper right of the uppermost portion, and the ON state is "AUTO CAL", O.
The FF status is displayed as "AUTO OFF".

On the other hand, if the AUTO CAL key is not pressed in step S31, the operation unit 8 is operated in step S37.
It is determined whether or not the AB CAL key for turning ON / OFF the absolute switching function of is pressed. If it is pressed, in step S38, the absolute switching function is turned ON by referring to the setting area 45c of the RAM 45.
It is determined whether it is the F state, and if it is the OFF state, step S3.
9, the setting area 45c of the RAM 45 is set to ON, and if it is in the ON state, RA is set in step S40.
OFF is set in the setting area 45c of M45.

As will be described later, the absolute switching function calculates the odor index with the initial resistance value Z 0 as Z _{n s} 0 and switches the display range of the bar graph and the peak hold display format on the display screen of the LCD 6. Then, it is turned off at startup. When the absolute switching function is changed from the OFF state to the ON state as described above, the auto-calibration setting function state is saved and the absolute switching function is set to the OFF state.

The absolute switching function is turned on.
When the N state is turned off, the auto calibration setting function state is returned to the saved state. That is, the auto-calibration setting function is linked to the absolute switching function, and has priority over the auto-calibration setting function when the absolute switching function is turned on. Therefore, in the setting processing routine, if there is any input operation, the setting processing operation is started.
If the input is the pressing of the AB CAL key, the ON / OFF state of the absolute switching function is switched, but if there is another input, other setting processing is performed. Here, as an example, the case where the setting process of the automatic calibration setting function is performed is shown.

On the other hand, if the AB CAL key is not pressed in step S37, other setting processing is started. here,
For example, a case of entering a peak hold value display function that is a function of displaying the upper and lower limit values of the odor index will be described.
In step S41, it is determined whether or not the P / V HOLD key for turning ON / OFF the peak hold value display function of the operation unit 8 has been pressed. If so, in step S42, the setting area 45c of the RAM 45 is set. Refer to it to determine whether the peak hall value display function is ON or OFF,
If it is in the F state, in step S43 the RAM 45
ON is set in the setting area 45c of.

Then, in step S44, the currently detected odor index N is set to the peak hold upper limit value PHN.
_It is stored in the display area 45b of the RAM 45 as _H , and in step S45, the currently detected odor index N is stored in the display area 45b of the RAM 45 as the peak hold lower limit value PHN _L. Also, in step S42, R
If the peak hold value display function is ON with reference to the setting area 45c of the AM 45, OFF is set in the setting area 45c of the RAM 45 in step S46.

As will be described later, this peak hold value has an odor index acquired at the next time when the state changes from the OFF state to the ON state as an initial value, and the odor index is calculated until the OFF state thereafter. It is compared and updated each time it is performed. The peak hold value display function is turned off at startup. If the peak hold value display function is ON, the peak hold value is
It is displayed in a predetermined area of the D6 display screen, for example, in the lower part.
Nothing is displayed in the F state. At that time, when the peak hold value is negative, a minus sign is added before the numerical value, and when the peak hold value is positive, nothing is displayed.

On the other hand, if the P / V HOLD key is not pressed in step S41, another setting process, for example, the range switching function is started. This range switching function is available on the LCD 6
This is a function to switch the full-scale value of the bar graph displayed on the display screen of. In step S47, it is determined whether or not the RANGE key for turning ON / OFF the range switching function of the operation unit 8 has been pressed. If so, in step S48, the range switching is performed by referring to the setting area 45c of the RAM 45. It is determined whether the function is in the ON state or the OFF state.
OFF is set in the setting area 45c of the AM 45, and if it is in the OFF state, ON is set in the setting area 45c of the RAM 45 in step S50. At that time, if the range switching function is in the ON state, the scale value of the bar graph on the display screen of the LCD 6 displays, for example, 0 to 0.6, and O
In the FF state, 0 to 3 are displayed.
Then, this range switching function is turned on at startup.

If the RANGE key is not pressed in step S47, the data set function is entered. This data set function is a function for setting various data necessary for the odor monitor. This data set function has two types: alarm setting mode and fixed data setting mode.
In the alarm setting mode, set the alarm level value of the alarm level alarm function, and in the fixed data setting mode,
Set the fixed data used in the calculation of odor index.

First, the case of changing and setting the alarm level value of the alarm level warning function will be described with reference to FIG. In step S51, it is determined whether or not the ALARM SET key for turning ON / OFF the data setting function of the operation unit 8 is pressed, and if it is pressed, in step S52,
The alarm level value ARM of the fixed data stored in the EEPROM 7 is digitally displayed as "ARM" indicating the input of the alarm level value in a predetermined area, for example, the lower part of the display screen of the LCD 6. Further, the input cursor (_) indicating the current input position is designed to point to the uppermost digit of the integer part of the digitally displayed current value.

Then, in step S53, it is determined whether or not both the AUTO CAL key and the P / V HOLD key of the operation unit 8 are pressed. If not pressed, step S5
Go to 4. That is, here, the alarm level value can only be changed immediately after the ALARM SET key is pressed. When changing the displayed value of the alarm level value ARM, the cursor (_) is first displayed in the maximum digit portion of the numerical values displayed on the LCD 6, and the numerical value can be changed only at the position of the cursor. . To change this numerical value, the △ key and ▽ key for selecting the data of the operation unit 8 are used.

That is, in step S54, P / V
If the HOLD key is not pressed, by pressing the △ key in step S55, the number of alarm level values displayed on the LCD 6 is incremented by 1 in step S55, and similarly, by pressing the ▽ key in step S57. , In step S58, the display number of the alarm level value displayed on the LCD 6 is decremented by 1. As a result, the number of the digit at the cursor is scrolled between 0 and 9, and only that digit can be changed.

The P / V HOLD key is used to move the digit of the numerical value. Therefore, when changing the number of each digit,
After changing the maximum digit using the △ and ▽ keys as described above, press the P / V HOLD key to move the cursor one digit. That is, in step S54, P / V HO
When the LD key is pressed and it is confirmed in step S59 that it is not the last digit, the input digit is moved in step S60. Then, similarly, the numerical value of the next digit is changed.

Repeat this to change the last digit to P /
When the V HOLD key is pressed, the cursor naturally returns to the maximum digit, but at that time, that is, when it is confirmed that it is the last digit in step S59, in step S61, the alarm level value which is the changed data. EEP to ARM
It is stored (written) in a predetermined area of the ROM 7. Note that this data is stored in the EEPROM 7 at the same time as the RAM 4
The data area 45d is stored in the RAM 45, but may be stored in the RAM 45 at the end of the entire setting process. Then, by pressing the ALARM SET key in step S62,
Although the setting processing routine is ended, no data is written in this operation regardless of the processing state. If the ALARM SET key is not pressed in step S51, other setting processing is performed in step S63.

When the fixed data in the EEPROM 7 is to be changed, after pressing the ALARM SET key, while the numerical value of the alarm level value ARM is being displayed, the AU
If you press the P / V HOLD key while pressing the TO CAL key, you can change the display of all fixed data. next,
A case of changing and setting the fixed data will be described with reference to FIG. In step S53 (FIG. 6), the AUTO CAL of the operation unit 8
When it is confirmed that both the key and the P / V HOLD key are pressed, the first fixed data among the fixed data stored in the EEPROM 7 is read out and displayed on the LCD 6 in step S64.

The fixed data stored in EEPROM7 is, as described above, the saturation resistance Z _m, the resistance value Z _ns 0 of dry air (STP), the resistance value Z _ns in the reference odor,
The load resistance value R, the measured power supply voltage V, and the like, and the alarm level value ARM and the like are also stored as other numerical data. At first, for example, the saturation resistance value Z
_m is displayed, below, the resistance value Z _ns 0 of dry air (STP), the resistance value Z _ns in the reference odor, are displayed in order of the load resistance R and the measurement power supply voltage V. In that case, for example, the saturation resistance value Z _m is displayed as follows. Z _m □□□□□ 0 1 2 3 At that time, the cursor is displayed at the position of "Z" which is the first character in the display, and when the P / V HOLD key is pressed, the cursor changes to that position. It shifts by one character. And
When the numeral portion comes, as in the case of changing the alarm level value described above, the Δ key and the ∇ key are used to scroll between 0 and 9, and the digit portion can be changed.

That is, in step S65, P / V
If the HOLD key has not been pressed, after confirming the pressing of the Δ key in step S66, it is determined in step S67 whether the digit content is a character or a numeric value. If the digit content is a numeric value, it is displayed on the LCD 6 in step S68, for example. Saturation resistance value Z
Increment the display number of _m by 1, and if it is a character,
In step S69, the previous fixed data stored in the EEPROM 7 is read out and displayed on the LCD 6.
Similarly, after confirming the depression of the ▽ key in step S70, it is determined in step S71 whether the digit content is a character or a number. If the digit content is a number, the saturation resistance value Z _m displayed on the LCD 6 is displayed in step S72. Decrement the number by 1, and if it is a character, in step S73, EE
The next fixed data stored in the PROM 7 is read out and displayed on the LCD 6. As a result, the number of the digit at the cursor is scrolled between 0 and 9, and only that digit can be changed.

In this case as well, in order to move the digit of the numerical value,
Use the P / V HOLD key. Therefore, when changing the numeral of each digit, after changing the numeral of the maximum digit by using the △ and ▽ keys as described above, the cursor is moved by one digit by pressing the P / V HOLD key. That is, in step S65, press the P / V HOLD key, and in step S74,
If it is confirmed that it is not the last digit, the input digit is moved in step S75. Then, similarly, the numerical value of the next digit is changed.

Repeat this to change to the last digit and change to P /
When the V HOLD key is pressed, the cursor naturally returns to the maximum digit, but at that time, that is, when it is confirmed that it is the last digit in step S74, in step S76, the saturated resistance value that is the changed data Z _m to EEPROM 7
Is stored (written) in a predetermined area. In this case also, the data is stored in the EEPROM at the same time as the RAM4.
5 data area 45d. Then, by pressing the ALARM SET key in step S77, the setting processing routine is ended, but this operation does not write data regardless of the processing state.

As a function of each of the Δ key and the ▽ key, the display contents are changed by operating both keys in the above-mentioned display state. That is, as described above, when the ∇ key is pressed in the character portion of the display content, the displayed content changes from the saturation resistance value Z _m to the next resistance value Z _ns 0 in dry air (standard state). Then, similarly to the above, the numerical value can be changed by the P / V HOLD key, the Δ key and the ▽ key, and the numerical value can be stored in the EEPROM 7.

By having such a data setting function, there are the following advantages. That is, the current EEPR
The data stored in the OM7 can be displayed, and the numerical values of the data stored in the EEPROM7 can be updated by the up / down key, that is, the △ and ▽ keys, and the shift key, that is, the P / V HOLD key. Further, since it is possible to scroll the data to be displayed by operating the up and down keys in the character portion, the device can be normally operated in the field.

That is, substantially, if there is an odor sensor with data, the data can be directly input to this odor monitor, and the data of the odor sensor currently input can be read. Therefore, it is no longer necessary to bring it back to the factory or the like to calibrate it in order to replace the odor sensor as in the conventional method, or to calibrate the odor sensor in a circuit manner, a resistor, etc., on the circuit board at the same time as the odor sensor. You don't have to install it,
Work related to calibration and the like is simple and efficient monitoring is possible.

Next, the operation of "data reading" in step S5 will be described with reference to FIG. In the entire flow, before the sampling of the output of the odor sensor 2, the setting for calculating the odor index as the setting state of the odor monitor is discriminated from the RAM 45 in this data reading routine and set. That is, before sampling the output of the odor sensor 2 to calculate the odor index, whether the resistance value Z _ns 0 in the dry air is used as the initial resistance value Z 0 used in the equation (3), It is determined whether to use the corrected resistance value Z _nc .

Therefore, first, in step S81,
The setting area 45c of the RAM 45 is referred to. Then, in step S82, it is determined whether or not the AB CAL key for turning ON / OFF the absolute switching function of the operation unit 8 is pressed, and if it is pressed, in step S83,
The resistance value Z _ns 0 in the clean air is set to the initial resistance value Z 0 stored in the data area 45d of the RAM 45. When using the resistance value Z _ns 0 in this clean air, the value is
The odor index will be calculated based on the resistance value in dry air in a state where there is no odor. Therefore, it is effective in discriminating whether the atmosphere of the measurement environment is oxidizing or reducing, and in obtaining the absolute odor index of the measurement environment.

On the other hand, in step S82, the operation unit 8
If the AB CAL key for turning ON / OFF the absolute switching function of is not pressed, R is selected in step S84.
The corrected resistance value Z _{n c} in the environment is set to the initial resistance value Z 0 stored in the display area 45b of the AM 45. When the resistance value Z _nc of the corrected resistance value in this environment is used, the odor index is calculated with reference to the resistance value of the atmosphere of the measurement environment. Corrected resistance value Z in this environment
_{For nc} , the resistance value due to the atmosphere is set by the auto calibration setting function, and by setting the auto calibration setting function to the ON state,
For example, it is updated every 30 minutes.

In this data reading routine, the automatic calibration setting function is turned on and off.
The state is not referenced because the absolute switching function has priority over the auto-calibration setting function. For the auto-calibration setting function, the correction resistance value Z _nc in the environment is updated in the routine of the determination process described later. It is enough if done.

By having such an absolute switching function, there are the following advantages. That is,
It is possible to capture environmental changes including environmental gases other than those to be measured, and the influence of all other environmental gases can be measured using the output of the odor sensor in the atmosphere of clean air (standard state) as a reference value. In addition, the sensor element used in the odor sensor generally produces + output in a reducing atmosphere such as odor and − output in an oxidizing atmosphere, but here, a single odor monitor is used as a reference for clean air. Can be displayed, and the absolute status of the environmental atmosphere can be displayed, and an inexpensive and versatile odor monitor can be obtained.

Next, referring to FIG. 9, the operation of the "odor index conversion" in step S7 will be described. The conversion of this odor index uses the above equations (1) to (3). Since (1) above is a calculated value based on fixed data, it is calculated in the initialization routine and stored in a predetermined position in the data area 45d of the RAM 45. Therefore, in step S91, according to the above equation (2),
The voltage E taken as the output of the odor sensor 2 is converted into the measured resistance value Z _n . Then, in step S92, the measured resistance value Z _n is converted into the odor index N according to the above equation (3). In the above data reading routine, it is determined whether the numerical value used for the initial resistance value Z0 of the equation (3) is the resistance value Z _ns 0 in clean air or the correction resistance value Z _nc in the environment is used. However, the numerical value setting may be performed during the odor index conversion in step S7.

Next, referring to FIG. 10, the operation of the "discrimination process" in step S8 will be described. The routine of this determination processing is a portion that, when the processing of sampling the output of the odor sensor 2 to calculate the odor index is completed, performs the processing using the odor index and performs display, warning, output, and the like. First, in step S101, the numerical value of the odor index N calculated in step S7 is stored in the display area 45b of the RAM 45, and in step S102, the bar content related to the numerical value of the odor index N is also stored in the RAM 45.
In the display area 45b of the RAM 45, and the setting area 45c of the RAM 45 is referred to in step S103. And
In step S104, it is determined whether or not the P / V HOLD key for turning ON / OFF the peak hold value display function of the operation unit 8 is pressed. If the P / V HOLD key is pressed, the display area 45b of the RAM 45 is displayed in step S105. Stored peak hold value PHN (peak hold lower limit value PHN
_L , peak hold upper limit value PHN _H ) are read.

Then, in step S106, the odor index N and the peak hold upper limit value PHN _H are compared, and when the odor index N is less than the peak hold upper limit value PHN _H , in step S107, the odor index N and the peak hold lower limit are further calculated. The value PHN _H is compared, and when the odor index N exceeds the peak hold lower limit value PHN _L , that is, the odor index N is the peak hold upper limit value PH.
When it is within the range between N _H and the peak hold lower limit value PHN _L , the peak hold value PHN at that time is stored in the display area 45 b of the RAM 45 without updating anything.

On the other hand, when the odor index N exceeds the peak hold upper limit value PHN _H in step S106, and when the odor index N falls below the peak hold lower limit value PHN _L in step S107, that is, the odor index N reaches the peak hold upper limit. If the value PHN _H is out of the range of the peak hold lower limit value PHN _L , the peak hold value is updated in steps S109 and S110, and the updated peak hold value PHN is set to R.
It is stored in the display area 45b of the AM 45.

With the peak hold upper limit value PHN _H and the peak hold lower limit value PHN _L , the odor index N is detected not only in the plus direction but also in the minus direction. It will be held in comparison. Therefore, the maximum value can be maintained not only in the reducing atmosphere in the environment but also in the oxidizing atmosphere. Then, after performing other processing according to the set state, the display by the LCD 6 and the alarm by the buzzer 9 are performed according to the contents of the display area 45b of the RAM 45.

Here, as another process, for example, in step S111, an alarm level warning function is performed as an alarm process. This is a function of issuing an alarm by the buzzer 9 when the odor index N exceeds the set alarm level. At this time, when the alarm is issued, the buzzer 9 continuously sounds. When the odor index N is restored below the alarm level, the buzzer 9 stops ringing. In addition, by pressing a specific key, for example, the ∇ key during the alarm, the buzzer 9 stops ringing, and if the state where the odor index N exceeds the alarm level continues thereafter, the buzzer 9 does not ring. Further, after the odor index N once recovers below the alarm level, if the odor index N exceeds the alarm level again, the buzzer 9 sounds.

In step S112, it is judged whether or not there is a data request from the personal computer 20 to the odor monitor 1, that is, the output terminal 14 of the odor monitor 1.
Series-parallel and parallel-serial converter 4 connected to
8, it is determined whether or not the flag is set by the data request signal sent from the external personal computer 20. If the serial-parallel and parallel-serial converter 48 is flagged, the arithmetic unit 41 of the MPU 4 sends, for example, odor index data to the serial-parallel and parallel-serial converter 48, which is a UART. The serial-parallel and parallel-serial converter 48 outputs the transmitted data to the personal computer 20 via the RS232C cable 19 together with the transmission protocol.

As the data to be output, here, for example, the odor index N and the output value of the odor sensor 2 (digital value of the voltage taken in through the A / D conversion section 42) are transmitted at the request of the personal computer 20. It is done like this. The data request flag may be distinguished for the odor index and the output value, and the flagged data may be output. In addition, these data are stored in PC 2
The data may be always output to the personal computer 20 regardless of the data request from 0. Such a so-called data logging function requires a function for performing various settings necessary for data logging. Examples of these various settings include a data file name setting for setting a file name to be logged on a personal computer side and an odor. Sampling cycle setting for setting the cycle for requesting data to the monitor, RS232C input for requesting data to the odor monitor for each cycle set by this sampling cycle setting, or this R
There is a data file for writing the odor index input by the S232C input in a predetermined format, for example, the CV format.

In step S114, the battery check process, that is, the battery alarm function is executed. This battery alarm function monitors the output of the power supply circuit 11, for example, the battery voltage via the A / D converter 46,
It is a function to issue an alarm when the value falls below the specified value. This function is designed to work in both the standby mode and the ready mode. At the time of notification, L
In the predetermined area of the CD6 display screen, for example in the upper left corner, "LAW BA
"T." is displayed, and the buzzer 9 sounds intermittently. A
When the battery voltage is restored to the specified value by the C adapter, the display of "LAW BAT." On the display screen of the LCD 6 is erased and the buzzer 9 stops ringing. Further, by pressing a specific key, for example, the ∇ key during the alarm, the ringing of the buzzer 9 is stopped, and the ringing of the buzzer 9 is not performed if the state where the battery voltage is lower than the specified value continues after that. Also,
After the battery voltage is once restored to the specified value, when the battery voltage is lowered again, the buzzer 9 sounds.

Next, in step S115, the RAM
It is determined whether the auto-calibration setting function is ON or OFF by referring to the setting area 45c
If it is in the state, the coefficient t related to the automatic calibration is incremented by 1 in step S116. This coefficient t is incremented by 1 each time the odor index N is calculated from the position on the flow, and is basically 1
Since it is calculated every second, it will be updated every other second. Then, in step S117, the coefficient t is compared with the predetermined number T. The predetermined number T is a numerical value for measuring, for example, 30 minutes, and since the coefficient t is every 1 second,
If T = 1800, 30 minutes will be measured. Therefore, when the coefficient t is not equal to the predetermined number T in step S117, that is, when 30 minutes have not elapsed,
In step S118, the display area 45 of the RAM 45
The content of b, that is, the resistance value Z _n measured 30 minutes before is L
Display on CD6.

When the coefficient t becomes equal to the predetermined number T in step S117, that is, when it reaches 30 minutes, it is determined in step S119 whether or not the odor index N exceeds a predetermined value, for example, 0.3. , The odor index N is 0.3
If it exceeds, the coefficient t is set to 0 in step S121, the process proceeds to step S118, and the same operation as described above is performed. That is, when the odor is detected, the resistance value Z _n is not updated and the resistance value Z _n measured 30 minutes before is displayed on the LCD 6.

On the other hand, in step S119, if the odor index N does not exceed a predetermined value, for example, 0.3, that is, if odor is not detected, then in step S120, the measured resistance value Z _n at that time is measured in the environment. The corrected resistance value Z _nc is stored in the display area 45b of the RAM 45.
Then, in step S121, the coefficient t is set to 0,
In step S118, the display area 45 of the RAM 45 is displayed.
The content of b, that is, the stored resistance value Z _n is displayed on the LCD.
Display in 6. If the auto-calibration setting function is OFF in step S115 with reference to the setting area 45c of the RAM 45, immediately step S118 is performed.
Proceed to, and display the contents of the display area 45b of the RAM 45 on the LCD.
Display in 6.

In this auto-calibration setting function, in the conventional odor sensor or the like, the changing direction of the resistance value Z _n is fixed to the lower side. Therefore, when correcting the reference value, the resistance value Z _n is changed from the first reference value to the lower side. Although limited, in this embodiment, since both the oxidizing and reducing atmospheres are measured, the reference value is corrected regardless of the initial reference value and its changing direction. . In this auto-calibration setting function, the reference value is corrected with the value at the break point of the predetermined period.
If it is every minute, a value representative of 30-minute data, for example, an average value, a median value, or the lowest value thereof may be used, and further, a processed value or a representative value for the updated value may be used. You may use the plus alpha of a value or the value of 80%.

By having such a peak hold value display function, there are the following advantages. That is, the peak hold value can be displayed not only for the positive maximum value and the minimum value but also for the negative maximum value and the minimum value, and in particular, there may be an oxidizing atmosphere that changes to the negative side. The peak hold value can be easily and accurately displayed even under various environments.

Further, by having the automatic calibration setting function, there are the following advantages. In other words, it becomes possible to automatically correct the odor index, and it is necessary to adjust the zero point with the volume to correct the odor sensor as in the past, or to configure clean air and standard gas in the test box. Therefore, correction can be performed easily, efficiently, and quickly, and the device can always be normally operated. Further, the odor monitor 1 is connected to the personal computer 20, and the amount of odor monitored by the odor monitor 1 (odor index) is sent to the personal computer 20 side, and the data is sequentially stored in the personal computer 20 side for monitoring. Even if a person is not near the odor monitor, data can be easily stored for a long period of time.

FIGS. 11 and 12 are flowcharts showing other embodiments for updating the correction resistance value Z _nc in the environment. FIG. 11 shows the case where the average value for a predetermined period is taken.
Is the case of taking the most recent value. First, in FIG. 11, in step S115, it is determined whether the auto-calibration setting function is in the ON state or the OFF state by referring to the setting area 45c of the RAM 45.
At 116, the coefficient t associated with autocalibration is incremented by one. Then, in step S122, the total value ΣZ _n of the measured resistance values Z _n is calculated every time the odor index N is calculated, and the work area 45a of the RAM 45 is calculated.
To be stored. Next, in step S117, the coefficient t is compared with the predetermined number T, and when the coefficient t is not equal to the predetermined number T, that is, when 30 minutes have not elapsed, in step S118, the contents of the display area 45b of the RAM 45, That is, the resistance value Z _n measured 30 minutes before is displayed on the LCD 6
To be displayed.

On the other hand, if the coefficient t becomes equal to the predetermined number T in step S117, that is, if it reaches 30 minutes, it is determined in step S119 whether or not the odor index N exceeds a predetermined value, for example 0.3. , The odor index N is 0.3
If it exceeds, the coefficient t is set to 0 in step S121, the process proceeds to step S118, and the same operation as described above is performed. That is, when the odor is detected, the resistance value Z _n is not updated and the resistance value Z _n measured 30 minutes before is displayed on the LCD 6.

In step S119, if the odor index N does not exceed a predetermined value, for example, 0.3, that is, if odor is not detected, in step S123, the measured resistance value Z _n is updated at the update timing. The average value ΣZ _n / t is calculated, the value is replaced with the correction resistance value Z _nc in the environment, and the value is displayed in the display area 45b of the RAM 45.
To be stored. When calculating the average value, the measured resistance value Z
_{The n} may be stored in the work area 45a of the RAM 45 and summed at the time of update and divided by the number to calculate the average value. However, since the capacity of the RAM 45 is required for that purpose, storing only the total value causes Capacity is simplified.

When the process of step S123 is completed, the coefficient t is set to 0 in step S121, the process proceeds to step S118, and the display area 45b of the RAM 45 is displayed.
, The stored resistance value Z _n is stored in the LCD 6
To be displayed. If the auto-calibration setting function is in the OFF state by referring to the setting area 45c of the RAM 45 in step S115, the process immediately proceeds to step S118 and the contents of the display area 45b of the RAM 45 is displayed on the LCD 6.
To be displayed.

Next, in FIG. 12, in step S115, it is determined whether the auto-calibration setting function is in the ON state or the OFF state by referring to the setting area 45c of the RAM 45. Increment the coefficient t associated with the calibration by one. Then, in step S124, the difference value ΔZ (absolute value) between the measured resistance value Z _n and the corrected resistance value Z _nc in the environment is calculated each time the odor index N is calculated,
In step S125, the difference value ΔZ and the predetermined value Δ
Compare with Z _P. This predetermined value ΔZ _P is the original measured resistance value Z
It is a value obtained by subtracting the correction resistance value Z _nc in the environment from the value Z _np closest to _n .

If ΔZ exceeds ΔZ _P in step S125, the process proceeds to step S117 as it is, and if it falls below it, Z _n is set as Z _np and ΔZ is set as ΔZ _P in the display area of the RAM 45 in step S126. After storing, the process proceeds to step S117. Then, in step S117, the coefficient t is compared with the predetermined number T, and the coefficient t
Is not equal to the predetermined number T, that is, when 30 minutes have not elapsed, the RAM 45 is determined in step S118.
The content of the display area 45b, that is, the resistance value Z _np measured 30 minutes before is displayed on the LCD 6.

On the other hand, when the coefficient t becomes equal to the predetermined number T in step S117, that is, when it reaches 30 minutes, it is determined in step S119 whether the odor index N exceeds a predetermined value, for example, 0.3. , The odor index N is 0.3
If it exceeds, the coefficient t is set to 0 in step S121, the process proceeds to step S118, and the same operation as described above is performed. That is, when the odor is detected, the resistance value Z _n is not updated and the resistance value Z _np measured 30 minutes before is displayed on the LCD 6.

In step S119, if the odor index N does not exceed a predetermined value, for example, 0.3, that is, if odor is not detected, in step S127, Z _{np is set} to Z _{nc at the} update timing. In addition, ΔZ _P is replaced with the largest value (maximum value) in calculation, for example, 9.9, and that value is displayed in the display area 45 of the RAM 45.
Store in b. In this case as well, as in the case of taking the average value, each measured resistance value Z _n may be stored in the work area 45a of the RAM 45 and the respective values may be compared at the time of updating to obtain the latest value. Since the capacity of the RAM 45 is required, the capacity is simplified by comparing the difference values for each detection and storing only the closest value.

When the process of step S127 is completed, the coefficient t is set to 0 in step S121, the process proceeds to step S118, and the display area 45b of the RAM 45 is displayed.
, The stored resistance value Z _nc, etc. on the LCD
Display in 6. If the auto-calibration setting function is OFF in step S115 with reference to the setting area 45c of the RAM 45, immediately step S118 is performed.
Proceed to, and display the contents of the display area 45b of the RAM 45 on the LCD.
Display in 6. In the above embodiment, the case where the odor monitor is a portable type has been described. However, the odor monitor is not limited to this, and the odor monitor is provided in each room of the building to perform the same operation as in FIG. The odor index is calculated individually, the odor index of each room is individually collected, and the system can be similarly applied to the case of a stationary type having a receiving unit that performs the operation of the discrimination process (step S8) of FIG. , Produces the same effect.

[0085]

As described above, according to the present invention, the odor sensor for detecting the atmosphere in the environment, the storage means for storing the information about the characteristics of the odor sensor, the information of the storage means and the detection of the odor sensor. Comprising at least output means for calculating at least information indicating the presence of the atmosphere in the environment based on the output, and output means for outputting at least one of the detection output of the odor sensor and the information indicating the presence of the atmosphere in the environment to the outside. Therefore, even if there is no person to monitor, data can be stored externally for a long time,
There is an effect that it is simple and can improve the efficiency of data collection especially in the long term.

Since the output means has an output terminal to which a personal computer is connected via the RS232C cable,
Various data processing using a personal computer is possible, and there is an effect that a wide range of effective use of the odor information from the odor monitor can be achieved. Further, since the information indicating the presence of the atmosphere in the environment is the odor index, there is an effect that it is possible to easily and accurately recognize how much the odor is.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an embodiment of an odor monitor according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a main part of an embodiment of an odor monitor according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the overall operation of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart for providing a detailed description of an initial setting operation in FIG.

5 is a flowchart for providing a detailed description of an operation of a setting process in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for providing a detailed description of an operation of a setting process in FIG.

7 is a flowchart for providing a detailed description of an operation of a setting process in FIG.

8 is a flowchart for providing a detailed description of a data reading operation in FIG.

9 is a flowchart for providing a detailed description of the operation of odor index conversion in FIG.

10 is a flowchart for providing a detailed description of the operation of the determination process in FIG.

11 is a flowchart for providing a detailed description of an operation of another example of the automatic calibration in FIG.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart for providing a detailed description of the operation of still another example of the automatic calibration in FIG.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of external connection in an embodiment of the odor monitor according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 odor monitor 2 odor sensor 4 microprocessor unit (MPU) 41 arithmetic unit 42 A / D converter 48 serial-parallel and parallel-serial converter 7 EEPROM 14 output terminal 19 RS232C cable 20 personal computer

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. An odor sensor for detecting an atmosphere in the environment, a storage means for storing information relating to the characteristics of the odor sensor, and at least the environment based on the information of the storage means and the detection output of the odor sensor. An odor monitor, comprising: an arithmetic means for arithmetically operating information indicating the presence of an atmosphere; and an output means for externally outputting at least one of the detection output of the odor sensor and the information indicating the presence of the atmosphere in the environment. . 2. The odor monitor according to claim 1, wherein the output means has an output terminal to which a personal computer is connected via an RS232C cable. 3. The odor monitor according to claim 1, wherein the information indicating the presence of the atmosphere in the environment is an odor index.