Level meter

Abstract

The invention provides a level meter. The level meter allows a user to easily visually grasp the relative position of a threshold value with respect to a container when the threshold value of the horizontal height is set. A display part of the level meter displays a bar-shaped display, and the length of the bar-shaped display is increased and decreased according to the value of the horizontal height of the object stored in the container. In addition, the display unit displays the relative positions of a plurality of horizontal height setting values related to the horizontal height with respect to the container together with the bar-shaped display.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a level meter for measuring the horizontal height of an object. Background Art

[0002] In containers storing flowable materials such as liquids, powders, and granules, level gauges are used to measure the height of the material interface, i.e., the level (liquid level, powder top surface height, etc.). This type of level gauge has the function of defining measurement conditions, i.e., setting the conditions under which the measurement level is to be determined.

[0003] For example, the level meter described in Patent Document 1 includes a setting mode for determining values ​​of parameters for defining measurement conditions.

[0004] In conventional level meters, the values ​​of parameters used to define measurement conditions are displayed as characters and numerical values. For example, the level meter disclosed in JP 2014-002091 A is provided with a display unit, and in each setting mode, the parameters that can be set are displayed on the display unit as character strings and numerical values.

[0005] However, simply displaying parameters as character strings and numerical values ​​makes it difficult for users to visually grasp the relationship between the parameters and the container. For example, when setting a threshold value for outputting a determination result in setup mode, the user needs to calculate and determine the relative position of the threshold value relative to the entire container (or its ratio to the full capacity value) based on the displayed numerical value and the container's capacity. In other words, simply by viewing the numerical value of the threshold value displayed in setup mode, the user cannot visually grasp the relative position of the threshold value relative to the container. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a level meter with which a user can easily visually grasp the relative position of a level setting value related to a container.

[0007] In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, a level meter as an example of an embodiment according to the present invention is a level meter installed in an upper portion of a container toward the bottom of the container to measure the level of an object stored in the container, the level meter including: a transmitting / receiving unit including a transmitting circuit that transmits a measurement signal for measuring the level, and a receiving circuit that receives a reflection signal generated due to reflection of the measurement signal by the object; a level determining unit that determines the level based on the reflection signal received by the receiving circuit and container information about the container; a setting unit that sequentially sets the container information and a plurality of level setting values ​​related to the level determined by the level determining unit; and a display section that displays a relative position of the level setting value with respect to the container based on the level determined by the level determining unit, the container information, and the level setting value, together with a bar display, wherein the length of the bar display expands and contracts according to the value of the level determined by the level determining unit.

[0008] According to the present invention, the user can easily visually grasp the relative position of the level setting value related to the container by confirming the display portion. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a level meter;

[0010] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a level meter;

[0011] Figure 3 is a diagram showing a state in which the level meter is attached to a container accommodating an object;

[0012] Figure 4 is a block diagram schematically showing an example of the relationship between components of a level meter;

[0013] Figure 5 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a radar control unit and a transmission / reception unit;

[0014] Figure 6 is a diagram showing the relationship between a measurement signal and a reflection signal;

[0015] Figure 7 is a diagram showing state transitions of the level meter;

[0016] Figure 8 is a diagram showing screen transitions of the display unit during initial settings;

[0017] Figure 9It is a diagram showing screen transitions of the display unit during operation setting;

[0018] Figure 10 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing screen transitions of the display unit during zoom setting;

[0019] Figure 11 This is a diagram showing the language setting screen;

[0020] Figure 12 This figure shows the setting start confirmation screen;

[0021] Figure 13 This figure shows a distance measurement value confirmation screen;

[0022] Figure 14 This is a diagram showing the input / output setting screen;

[0023] Figure 15 This figure shows the distance unit setting screen;

[0024] Figure 16 is a diagram showing a zoom confirmation screen;

[0025] Figure 17 This figure shows the bottom distance setting screen;

[0026] Figure 18 This is a diagram showing the upper surface distance setting screen;

[0027] Figure 19 is a diagram showing a first threshold setting screen;

[0028] Figure 20 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an output logic setting screen for a first threshold value;

[0029] Figure 21 is a diagram showing a second threshold setting screen;

[0030] Figure 22 is a diagram showing the indicator light pattern setting screen;

[0031] Figure 23 This figure shows a change in the indicator pattern setting screen using animation;

[0032] Figure 24 is a diagram showing a second indicator light pattern;

[0033] Figure 25 This is a diagram showing the setup completion confirmation screen.

[0034] Figure 26 This is a diagram showing the display value setting screen;

[0035] Figure 27 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a decimal point position setting screen;

[0036] Figure 28 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a tank shape setting screen;

[0037] Figure 29 This is a diagram showing a capacity setting screen;

[0038] Figure 30 is a diagram showing options for a spherical tank;

[0039] Figure 31 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a bottom distance setting screen for a spherical tank;

[0040] Figure 32 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a setting screen for the upper surface distance of a spherical tank;

[0041] Figure 33 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a capacity setting screen for a spherical tank;

[0042] Figure 34 is a diagram showing options for a horizontal cylindrical tank;

[0043] Figure 35 is a diagram showing options for a conical bottom tank;

[0044] Figure 36 1. It is a diagram showing a bottom height setting screen for a conical bottom tank;

[0045] Figure 37 is a diagram showing options for a quadrilateral pyramid base tank;

[0046] Figure 38 is a diagram showing the option of tilting the bottom tank;

[0047] Figure 39 is a diagram showing options for multi-point correction;

[0048] Figure 40 1 is a diagram showing a multi-point calibration screen of multi-point calibration;

[0049] Figure 41 is a diagram showing an example of a tank shape corresponding to multi-point correction;

[0050] Figure 42 is a diagram showing a display unit in a measurement mode;

[0051] Figure 43 FIG is a diagram showing a menu screen;

[0052] Figure 44 is a diagram showing a miscellaneous setting screen;

[0053] Figure 45 is a diagram showing an input / output setting screen transitioned from a miscellaneous setting screen;

[0054] Figure 46 is a perspective view showing another example of a level meter;

[0055] Figure 47 is a cross-sectional view of another example of a level meter;

[0056] Figure 48 is a diagram showing another example of the bottom distance setting screen;

[0057] Figure 49 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing another example of the second threshold value setting screen;

[0058] Figure 50 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing another example of the output logic setting screen for the second threshold value;

[0059] Figure 51 is a diagram showing another example of the indicator light pattern setting screen;

[0060] Figure 52 is a diagram showing another example of a setting completion confirmation screen; and

[0061] Figure 53 It is a perspective view showing still another example of the level meter. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0062] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that in the drawings, identical or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their description will not be repeated. Furthermore, in the following description, terms indicating positions or directions such as front, back, left, right, top, and bottom may be used. However, these terms are used to facilitate understanding of the embodiments. Unless otherwise specified, these terms are not limited to front, back, left, right, top, and bottom in their strict geometrical sense.

[0063] Next, a level meter 10 as an example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 、 Figure 2 and Figure 3 The following describes an example of the structure and usage of the level meter 10. Figure 1 , a perspective view of the level meter 10 according to this embodiment is shown. Figure 2 Shown Figure 1 sectional view of the level meter 10. Figure 3 A state in which the level gauge 10 is attached to a container 70 (eg, a tank) storing an object 72 is shown.

[0064] The level meter 10 is a device for measuring the level Y of an object 72 to be measured (e.g., liquid, powder, granular material, etc.). The measured level Y is the height of an interface 74 of the object 72 in the container 70. Specific examples of the level Y include the distance from the bottom of the container 70 to the liquid level of the liquid contained in the container 70. A measuring axis is provided in the level meter 10, and the level meter 10 measures the level Y along the measuring axis.

[0065] As an example of the usage state of the level meter 10, Figure 3 The container 70 stores, for example, liquid (water, oil, chemical solution, etc.) as an object 72 in the liquid processing facility. For example, when the object 72 in the container 70 is supplied to the liquid processing process, etc., the level Y of the object 72 in the container 70 decreases. In addition, when the container 70 is replenished with the object 72, the level Y of the object 72 in the container 70 increases. For example, a water inlet 75 is provided on the outer wall ( Figure 3 The water injection pipe 76 is fluidically connected to the container 70 via the water injection port 75. The water injection pipe 76 is then connected to a water injection device 78 (including devices such as pumps, valves, etc.) provided outside the container 70. The water injection device 78 is a device for supplying (injecting) the object 72 from the outside of the container 70 into the container 70. The water injection device 78 adjusts the amount of water injected into the container 70 according to the level Y of the object 72 in the container 70. In addition, the water injection device 78 stops injecting water according to the level Y of the object 72 in the container 70. The water injection device 78 controls the supply of the object 72 to the container 70 according to the level Y of the object 72 in the container 70, so that the level Y of the object 72 in the container 70, which is reduced as the object 72 is consumed, for example, through a liquid processing process, falls within a predetermined range.

[0066] Figure 1 The level meter 10 in the embodiment has a housing 15, which includes a base 15a and an end 21. The base 15a is provided on one end side (lower side) of the housing 15 in the longitudinal direction A (measurement axis direction). The end 21 is provided on the other end side in the longitudinal direction A. Figure 1 In the embodiment, the display portion 20 is provided in the end portion 21. In addition, the end portion 21 can be separated from the base portion 15a. The base portion 15a has a cylindrical shape, and the end portion 21 has a prismatic shape.

[0067] The end portion 21 can be fixed to the base 15a by a fastening screw on the back side relative to the display portion 20. Furthermore, a connection connector for transmitting electrical signals between the base 15a and the end portion 21 is preferably provided. For example, one of a pair of connection connectors may be provided on the base 15a, and the other of the pair of connection connectors may be provided on the end portion 21. Connecting the pair of connection connectors enables transmission and reception of electrical signals between the base 15a and the end portion 21.

[0068] The sensor unit 16 is provided on one end side ( Figure 1 Hereinafter, one end (lower end) of the sensor unit 16 in the longitudinal direction A is referred to as the measuring end 40. Figure 2 As shown, a dielectric lens 48 is provided at the measuring end 40. Hereinafter, one end side of the level meter 10 in the longitudinal direction A may be referred to as a lower side, and the other end side in the longitudinal direction A may be referred to as an upper side.

[0069] like Figure 3 As shown, Figure 1 The sensor unit 16 measures the horizontal height Y of the object 72 in a state where one end in the longitudinal direction A is directed toward the object 72. For example, when the level meter 10 measures the height of the liquid (interface 74), the longitudinal direction A of the level meter 10 faces the same direction as the direction of change in the liquid level, that is, the vertical direction (height direction, gravity direction).

[0070] Figure 3 The level meter 10 in the embodiment transmits a radio wave as a measurement signal Tx from the measuring end 40 to the object 72. Then, the reflected signal Rx obtained by reflecting the measurement signal Tx at the interface 74 of the object 72 is received by the measuring end 40. The level meter 10 calculates the horizontal height Y of the object 72 based on the measurement signal Tx and the reflected signal Rx. For example, in the case of measurement using the time of flight (ToF) method, the level meter 10 calculates the distance YA from the measuring end 40 to the interface 74 based on the difference between the measurement signal Tx and the reflected signal Rx, and calculates the horizontal height Y based on the distance YA. In addition, for example, in the case of measurement using a radar method using a frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW), the level meter 10 calculates the distance YA from the measuring end 40 to the interface 74 based on the frequency of the waveform obtained by mixing the transmitted signal Tx and the reflected signal Rx, and calculates the horizontal height Y based on the distance YA.

[0071] like Figure 1 As shown, an attachment screw 18 having a thread cut into the surface of a cylinder is provided above the measuring end 40 in the sensor unit 16. An attachment portion 17 having a larger diameter than the attachment screw 18 is provided above the attachment screw 18. Figure 1The attachment portion 17 in the figure has a nut shape. It should be noted that the attachment portion 17 is not limited to a nut shape as long as it is a structure capable of attaching the level meter 10 to the attachment target (such as a container 70 for storing liquid). For example, the attachment portion 17 may have a cylindrical shape in which an anti-slip protrusion is formed. When the level meter 10 is attached or detached (rotationally attached or detached) while rotating around the longitudinal direction A relative to the attachment target, the anti-slip protrusion of the attachment portion 17 serves as an anti-slip portion. In addition, an attachment flange for attaching the level meter 10 to the attachment target may be formed instead of the attachment portion 17 and the attachment screw 18. In addition, even in the case of forming the attachment flange, the attachment portion 17 and the attachment screw 18 may be provided in addition to the attachment flange.

[0072] Figure 3 The level meter 10 is attached to the upper side of the container 70. An attachment hole 71 is provided above the container 70. The attachment hole 71 is a screw hole into which the attachment screw 18 of the level meter 10 is screwed, thereby attaching the level meter 10 to the container 70. For example, a user of the level meter 10 can screw the attachment screw 18 into the attachment hole 71 by rotating the nut-shaped attachment portion 17 while aligning the front end of the attachment screw 18 with the attachment hole 71. Note that the structure for attaching the level meter 10 to the container 70 is not limited to this. For example, the attachment hole 71 may not have threads, and a nut may be screwed onto the attachment screw 18 that is exposed from the interior of the container 70, thereby attaching the level meter 10 to the container 70. Furthermore, the level meter 10 can be attached to a mounting bracket provided above the tank 70 using the nut and attachment screw 18 while the upper surface of the container 70 is open. In addition, the method of attaching the level meter 10 to the container 70 is not limited to the threaded connection using the attachment screws 18, and threads may not be formed on the outer peripheral surface of the sensor unit 16. For example, a flange may be provided on one or both of the level meter 10 and the container 70, and the level meter 10 may be attached to the container 70 by fastening the flange to the level meter 10 or the container 70 with bolts.

[0073] The display unit 20 is provided on the surface of the end portion 21 located on the upper side of the housing 15. The display unit 20 preferably includes an active matrix display device (active matrix display) capable of displaying various types of information. For example, the display unit 20 includes a liquid crystal display (LCD). In particular, the display unit 20 preferably includes an LCD capable of color display (display with multiple colors).

[0074] The display unit 20 may be a dual-line reflective color liquid crystal display that transmits and receives power and communicates data via two power lines. A dual-line display performs data communication by varying the magnitude of the current transmitted via the power lines. For example, the current consumption of the power lines varies within a range of 4 to 20 mA. The amount of current consumption indicates the content of the data being transmitted and received. Furthermore, a reflective display allows the user to visually identify the displayed content through external light reflected on its surface. Although dual-line displays typically use low power consumption, dual-line reflective color liquid crystal displays can perform various displays with minimal power consumption.

[0075] The display section 20 displays the horizontal height Y of the object 72 measured by the sensor unit 16. Figure 1 and Figure 3 In the embodiment, a bar display 22 is displayed on the display unit 20, the length of which is extended and contracted according to the value of the horizontal height Y. In addition, the display unit 20 also displays a color scale 24 (an example of a ruler) color-coded with multiple colors. The length direction of the color scale 24 is arranged along the extension / contraction direction of the bar display 22. The color scale 24 includes a plurality of ( Figure 1 The color scale 24 is divided into three zones. The zones correspond to a plurality of level ranges set relative to the level Y of the object 72, and the level ranges are defined by a plurality of level setting values ​​(eg, thresholds) set relative to the level Y.

[0076] The display unit 20 displays the relative position of the horizontal height Y relative to the container 70 storing the object 72, and the bar display 22. Specifically, in the container icon 25 imitating the container 70, the bar display 22 expands and contracts in length according to the value of the horizontal height Y of the object 72. The length of the bar display 22 relative to the size of the container icon 25 corresponds to the relative position of the horizontal height Y of the object 72 relative to the entire container 70.

[0077] Then, a bar arrow 22a is displayed at the front end (upper end) in the expansion / contraction direction of the bar display 22. The bar arrow 22a indicates a position in the color scale 24 corresponding to the length of the bar display 22. The color scale 24 indicates to which level range the measured level Y belongs among the plurality of level ranges defined by the level setting value.

[0078] The color scale 24 includes a plurality of sections. The sections of the color scale 24 are divided into a plurality of level ranges. Then, on the display unit 20, the sections of the color scale 24 are arranged along the increasing / decreasing direction of the level Y. The container icon 25 and the bar display 22 are displayed next to the color scale 24 (displayed side by side with the color scale 24). Since the color scale 24, the container icon 25, and the bar display 22 are displayed side by side on the display unit 20, the relative position of the level setting value with respect to the container 70 is displayed together with the bar display 22.

[0079] In addition, the display unit 20 also displays an auxiliary display unit 26 indicating information in addition to the bar display 22 and the color scale 24. Figure 1 In the figure, the measured horizontal height Y is displayed as a ratio (a percentage of the full capacity value, displayed in %) in the auxiliary display portion 26.

[0080] In addition, the display unit 20 also displays an output state display unit 27. The output state display unit 27 displays the state of the signal line, and the output of the signal line changes according to the relationship between the measured level Y and the level setting value. For example, when a signal is transmitted from a specific signal line when the level Y exceeds the threshold value determined as the level setting value, a number corresponding to the signal line is displayed in the output state display unit 27. For example, Figure 1 , the bar arrow 22a indicates the uppermost division among the three divisions of the color patch 24. This state of the display section 20 indicates that two threshold values ​​are set as level setting values, and the measured level Y exceeds both of the two threshold values.

[0081] Then, when the signal line is ready to output a signal when the measured horizontal height Y exceeds the threshold value, Figure 1 The two signal lines output signals corresponding to the two thresholds in the state. Figure 1 In order to indicate that signals are output from two signal lines, numbers corresponding to the two signal lines to which the signals are output (here, “1” and “2”) are displayed on the output state display portion 27 .

[0082] In addition, the operation unit 30 is also provided on the same surface of the end portion 21 as the outer surface on which the display portion 20 is provided. Figure 1 The operation unit 30 is provided below the display unit 20. The operation unit 30 includes a menu key 32 and a direction key 33. The direction key 33 includes an up key 36 (up key) and a down key 35 (down key) arranged along the longitudinal direction A. The direction key 33 also includes a left key 38 (left key) and a right key 37 (right key) arranged in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction A. A center key 39 (center key) is provided at a position surrounded by the up key 36, the down key 35, the left key 38, and the right key 37 in the direction key 33.

[0083] The user of the level meter 10 can change the operating parameters of the level meter 10 by operating the operating unit 30. Specifically, the user can change the level setting value related to the display content and level range of the display unit 20 by operating the operating unit 30. In addition, the user can change the display format of the level Y displayed on the auxiliary display unit 26 by changing the display content of the display unit 20. For example, the user can change the display format of the level Y displayed on the auxiliary display unit 26. Figure 1 The horizontal height Y of the ratio in the display is changed to be displayed as a length value (for example, mm: millimeter value). For example, each time the user operates the left key 38 or the right key 37, the display format of the horizontal height Y can be switched.

[0084] The connection portion 12 is provided on the back side of the end portion 21 (the portion opposite to the display portion 20). Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the connecting portion 12 has a cylindrical shape protruding from the rear surface of the end portion 21. The outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical connecting portion 12 is a connecting screw portion 14 with a thread cut thereon. Figure 2 As shown, the connection portion 12 includes an external input terminal 12C and an external output terminal 12D. The external input terminal 12C is a terminal for inputting signals, power, or both from the outside into the level meter 10. The external output terminal 12D is a terminal for outputting signals from the level meter 10 to the outside. Each of the external input terminal 12C and the external output terminal 12D may include multiple signal lines or multiple terminals. For example, signals may be output to the outside through different signal lines or different output terminals depending on the level range to which the measured level Y belongs.

[0085] Figure 3 A connecting cable 92 is shown connected to the connection portion 12. The connecting cable 92 connects a management device 90 (e.g., a programmable controller) located outside the container 70 to the level meter 10. A signal indicating the level Y of the object 72 measured by the level meter 10 is transmitted (output) to the management device 90 via an external output terminal 12D (part of the output portion 66 described later) of the connection portion 12 and the connecting cable 92. The management device 90 manages the operation of the entire facility including the container 70 based on the signal received from the level meter 10.

[0086] like Figure 1 As shown, the indicator light 52 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the base 15a connected to the lower side of the end portion 21. The lighting state of the indicator light 52 changes according to the measured horizontal height Y of the object 72. The user can roughly understand the state of the object 72 by visually observing the lighting state of the indicator light 52. Figure 1In the embodiment, the indicator light 52 is provided between the end portion 21 and the sensor unit 16. The indicator light 52 can emit light of various luminous colors (e.g., green, yellow, red, etc.). The indicator light 52 preferably emits light in a luminous color corresponding to the level range to which the level Y measured by the level meter 10 belongs. For example, the indicator light 52 can emit light of the same color as the color of the partition indicated by the bar arrow 22a in the color scale 24, which is color-coded with a plurality of colors for each section.

[0087] like Figure 2 As shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG, a sensor IC 41 (IC: integrated circuit) and a sensor board 42 supporting the sensor IC 41 are provided in the sensor unit 16 on the lower side of the base 15a. The sensor IC 41 performs transmission and reception of radio waves and signal processing for measuring the horizontal height Y of the object 72. The signal processed by the sensor IC 41 is transmitted to the display panel 60 provided in the end portion 21.

[0088] As the sensor IC 41, for example, an MMIC (Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuit) is used. An MMIC is an IC in which a plurality of semiconductor components that perform transmission of radio waves, reception of radio waves, signal processing based on transmitted and received radio waves, and the like are integrated into a single semiconductor device (one chip). Figure 2 In the sensor IC 41, the antenna is integrated with the MMIC using the antenna in package (AiP) technology or the antenna on package (AoP) technology. Figure 2 , the sensor IC 41 is an antenna-integrated package (antenna-on-package) in which a transmitting circuit 43T for transmitting radio waves and a receiving circuit 43R for receiving radio waves are integrated into a single semiconductor device. Since an antenna-integrated MMIC is used as the sensor IC 41, the volume occupied by the configuration for transmitting and receiving radio waves is reduced, and the overall size of the level meter 10 becomes compact. Note that the sensor IC 41 is not limited to a single antenna-integrated MMIC and may include a plurality of ICs. The sensor IC 41 may include, for example, an MMIC and a microcomputer. Then, the antenna-integrated MMIC may include a radio wave transmitting antenna, a radio wave receiving antenna, and a circuit for performing radio wave transmission / reception control, and the microcomputer may include a circuit for performing signal processing or arithmetic processing based on a received signal received from the antenna-integrated MMIC.

[0089] The sensor IC 41 is mounted on the lower surface of the sensor board 42. The sensor board 42 is an electronic circuit board in which various electronic circuit elements are arranged on a board made of an insulator such as glass or resin. Figure 2 In the embodiment, the sensor plate 42 is arranged in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction A ( Figure 2 horizontal direction in the .

[0090] The measuring end 40 is located below the sensor plate 42 . Figure 2 The measuring end 40 includes a waveguide 45, a horn antenna 46, and a dielectric lens 48 as its internal structure. If the sensor IC 41 is an antenna-integrated MMIC, radio waves serving as the measurement signal Tx are transmitted from the transmitting circuit 43T of the sensor IC 41. The measurement signal Tx transmitted from the sensor IC 41 is guided toward the object 72 via the waveguide 45, the horn antenna 46, and the dielectric lens 48 in sequence. Furthermore, the reflected signal Rx, which is reflected by the object 72 and incident on the measuring end 40, is guided toward the receiving circuit 43R of the sensor IC 41 via the dielectric lens 48, the horn antenna 46, and the waveguide 45 in sequence.

[0091] The waveguide 45, horn antenna 46, and dielectric lens 48 arranged within the sensor unit 16 guide the direction of travel of radio waves in the longitudinal direction A, and therefore, as a whole, they exhibit strong directivity with respect to radio waves. Therefore, even if the longitudinal dimension (length along the longitudinal direction A) is small, the sensor unit 16 can appropriately guide the measurement signal Tx and the reflected signal Rx. In addition, by appropriately guiding the measurement signal Tx and the reflected signal Rx, even if the positions of the transmitting circuit 43T and the receiving circuit 43R are different in the sensor IC 41, the transmission of the measurement signal Tx and the reception of the reflected signal Rx can be performed by the common measurement terminal 40. Therefore, by using the waveguide 45, horn antenna 46, and dielectric lens 48, the designer of the level meter 10 can reduce the longitudinal dimension of the level meter 10 including the sensor unit 16, and can make the level meter 10 as a whole compact.

[0092] On the other hand, the rotating mechanism 19 is provided inside the base 15 a provided above the sensor unit 16 . Figure 2The rotating mechanism 19 is provided at the lower end of the housing 15 (one end in the longitudinal direction A), that is, between the housing 15 and the sensor unit 16. The rotating mechanism 19 can rotate the base 15a and the end portion 21 connected to the base 15a relative to the sensor unit 16. The rotating mechanism 19 is arranged so that the axis of rotation is parallel to the longitudinal direction A. Since the rotating mechanism 19 is provided, the user can turn the display portion 20 in an easily visible direction by rotating the housing 15. In particular, when the level meter 10 is attached to a container 70 (such as a tank) including an object 72 by the attachment screws 18, the user can guide the display portion 20 in a direction in which the user can easily see the display portion 20 without moving the entire level meter 10.

[0093] The display panel 60 is disposed within the end portion 21. The display panel 60 is an electronic circuit board in which various electronic circuit elements are arranged on a board made of an insulator such as glass or resin. A signal processing circuit for controlling the display portion 20 is mounted on the display panel 60. The display panel 60 receives a signal from the sensor IC 41 and converts the level Y of the object 72 measured by the sensor unit 16 into a signal for displaying the level on the display portion 20. Figure 2 The display panel 60 is provided on the back side of the display unit 20 ( Figure 2 (inside the housing 15).

[0094] Figure 2 The display unit 20 includes a display device 28 and a transparent display window 29. The display device 28 is, for example, an LCD, particularly an LCD capable of color display. The display window 29 is, for example, a plate made of an optically transparent material such as glass, acrylic, polyarylate, or polycarbonate, and optically transmits the display content of the display device 28 to the outside of the housing 15.

[0095] The indicator light 52, disposed between the end portion 21 and the sensor unit 16, includes a plurality of status LEDs 50 (light-emitting diodes (LEDs)) and a transmissive window 53. The plurality of status LEDs 50 are arranged on the upper side of the sensor board 42, that is, on the surface opposite the sensor IC 41. The transmissive window 53 of the indicator light 52 is disposed on the outer peripheral surface above the status LEDs 50. The transmissive window 53, disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the base 15a, has a surface (a surface in the vertical direction) facing the exterior of the housing 15 along the longitudinal direction A. Light emitted from the status LEDs 50 is guided to the exterior of the housing 15 through the transmissive window 53, which includes a light-diffusing member. The light-diffusing member included in the transmissive window 53 may have a donut-shaped disk shape. Furthermore, a tapered surface 53a is preferably formed on the inner peripheral side of the donut-shaped light-diffusing member. When the tapered surface 53 a is formed on the inner peripheral side of the transmission window 53 , light emitted from the status LED 50 is reflected by the tapered surface 53 a and is reliably guided to the outside of the housing 15 .

[0096] The lighting state of the status LED 50 changes according to the horizontal height Y of the object 72 measured by the sensor unit 16. Light emitted from the status LED 50 is guided to the outside of the housing 15 through the transmissive window 53. Therefore, since the lighting state of the status LED 50 changes according to the horizontal height Y of the object 72, the lighting state of the indicator light 52 also changes. In addition, because the transmissive window 53 includes a light-diffusing member, the light emitted from the status LED 50 is diffused in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction A. Therefore, the user can easily visually grasp the lighting state of the indicator light 52 from a long distance.

[0097] The status LED 50 can emit a single color (e.g., red, yellow, green, etc.) or can emit light by switching between multiple colors (e.g., red, yellow, green, etc.). When the status LED 50 emits light by switching between multiple colors, multiple light-emitting elements emitting light of different colors can be included in one LED, or a combination of multiple LEDs emitting light of different colors can be arranged as the status LED 50. The status LED 50 can then emit light by mixing multiple colors. Furthermore, when the status LED 50 emits light by switching between multiple colors, the status LED 50 can emit light in a color corresponding to the color of a subsection of the color scale 24 corresponding to the level range to which the measured level Y belongs.

[0098] Next, we will refer to Figure 4 The relationship between the components of the level meter 10 will be described. Figure 4 1 is a block diagram schematically showing an example of the relationship between the components of the level meter 10. Figure 4As shown, the sensor IC 41 of the sensor unit 16 includes a transmitting / receiving unit 43, a radar control unit 44, and a processing unit 62. The transmitting / receiving unit 43 includes a transmitting circuit 43T for transmitting a measurement signal Tx and a receiving circuit 43R for receiving a reflected signal Rx. The sensor IC 41 may include multiple ICs. For example, the sensor IC 41 may include an antenna-integrated MMIC and a microcomputer.

[0099] The radar control unit 44 includes a transmission control unit 80 that determines the waveform of the measurement signal Tx, a radar transmission / reception circuit 81 that performs mutual conversion between digital signals and radio waves, and a signal processing unit 89 that performs signal processing based on the measurement signal Tx and the reflected signal Rx. In addition, in the case where the sensor IC 41 includes an antenna-integrated MMIC and a microcomputer, the antenna-integrated MMIC may include a portion of the radar control unit 44 other than the signal processing unit 89 (the transmission control unit 80 and the radar transmission / reception circuit 81) and the transmission / reception unit 43, and the microcomputer may include the signal processing unit 89 and the processing unit 62.

[0100] The processing unit 62 includes a storage unit 63 and a calculation unit 64. The storage unit 63 stores various setting values ​​(data) related to the operation of the level meter 10. The calculation unit 64 performs various calculations related to the operation of the level meter 10 based on the setting values ​​stored in the storage unit 63, the signal processing results of the signal processing unit 89, etc. The storage unit 63 includes storage devices such as random access memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM). The calculation unit 64 includes a processor such as a central processing unit (CPU). It should be noted that the storage unit 63 and the calculation unit 64 can be provided on the display panel 60 of the housing 15. Alternatively, the storage unit 63 and the calculation unit 64 can be separately provided in the sensor unit 16 and the housing 15, respectively, and the stored data and the responsible arithmetic processing can be shared by the sensor unit 16 and the housing 15. As Figure 4 As shown, the calculation unit 64, the radar transmission / reception circuit 81 of the radar control unit 44, and the signal processing unit 89 together function as a level determination unit 88. The level determination unit 88 performs processing for determining the level Y based on the reflection signal Rx received by the reception circuit 43R and the container information about the container 70 (e.g., the height of the container 70).

[0101] On the other hand, the display panel 60 of the end portion 21 includes a setting unit 61, an input unit 65, and an output unit 66. The setting unit 61 performs a process of sequentially setting container information related to the container 70 and a plurality of level setting values ​​related to the level Y. The input unit 65 is an interface circuit that inputs input provided from outside the level meter 10 as signals to the level meter 10. The input provided from outside the level meter 10 includes, for example, user operation of the operation unit 30, control signals provided from an external device (such as the management device 90) via the external input terminal 12C, and the like. The input unit 65 causes the storage unit 63 to store, for example, flag information indicating that the operation unit 30 has been operated, and data such as setting values ​​provided via the external input terminal 12C.

[0102] The output unit 66 is an interface circuit that outputs signals generated within the level meter 10 to the outside. The output unit 66 changes, for example, the display content of the display 20 and the lighting state of the indicator light 52 based on the calculation results of the calculation unit 64 (such as the value of the horizontal height Y). Furthermore, the output unit 66 transmits the calculation results of the calculation unit 64 to an external device via the external output terminal 12D.

[0103] Will refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The measurement of the level Y by the level gauge 10 is described in more detail. Figure 5 4 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the radar transmission / reception circuit 81 and the transmission / reception unit 43 included in the sensor IC 41 . Figure 6 is a diagram showing the relationship between the measurement signal Tx and the reflection signal Rx.

[0104] like Figure 5 As shown, the radar transmit / receive circuit 81 includes a ramp wave generator 82 , a power amplifier 83 , a low noise amplifier 84 , a mixer 85 , a low pass filter 86 and an analog-to-digital converter 87 .

[0105] The level meter 10 of this embodiment measures the level Y using the FMCW radar method. A ramp wave generator 82 is connected to the transmission control unit 80. Upon receiving data indicating the waveform of the measurement signal Tx determined by the transmission control unit 80, the ramp wave generator 82 generates a signal having the waveform in accordance with the data. Here, the waveform of the measurement signal Tx uses a waveform with increasing and decreasing repetition frequency.

[0106] Figure 6 is a graph showing the change in the frequency of the measurement signal Tx (and the reflected signal Rx) with respect to time. Figure 6, the frequency of the measurement signal Tx increases linearly over time starting from a minimum value (Min) and returns to the minimum value again when reaching a maximum value (Max). In this way, the frequency of the measurement signal Tx repeatedly increases and decreases. Note that the frequency increase / decrease pattern is not limited to this, and it is sufficient for the horizontal height determination unit 88 to calculate the horizontal height Y based on the comparison between the measurement signal Tx and the reflection signal Rx. For example, a pattern can be used that linearly decreases from a maximum value over time and returns to the maximum value again when reaching a minimum value. In addition, a pattern that repeats linear increase / decrease between a maximum value and a minimum value can be used. The measurement signal Tx used in this embodiment is a radio wave in the 60GHz frequency band, with a minimum frequency of, for example, 58GHz and a maximum frequency of, for example, 69GHz. The frequency band to be used is not limited to this, and, for example, a frequency of 77GHz to 81GHz can be used.

[0107] Depend on Figure 5 The signal generated by ramp wave generator 82 in FIG4 is amplified by power amplifier 83 and transmitted to transmission circuit 43T. Transmission circuit 43T generates a radio wave having a waveform corresponding to the received signal and transmits the radio wave as measurement signal Tx to object 72. Measurement signal Tx is reflected by interface 74 of object 72 to become reflected signal Rx, and is received by receiving circuit 43R as a received signal. Reflected signal Rx is a wave having a phase shifted from that of measurement signal Tx.

[0108] like Figure 6 As shown by the dotted line in FIG, the reflected signal Rx is a wave that is offset from the measurement signal Tx by a time difference Δt. The time difference Δt is the distance YA ( Figure 3 Since the reflected signal Rx travels back and forth between the measuring end 40 and the object 72, the relationship Δt=2×YA / c exists, where c is the speed of light.

[0109] Next, a frequency difference ΔF corresponding to the magnitude of the time difference Δt is generated between the measurement signal Tx and the reflected signal Rx. Based on the waveform of the measurement signal Tx, a certain relationship exists between the frequency difference ΔF and the time difference Δt. The waveform of the measurement signal Tx is a waveform in which the frequency changes linearly over time. That is, based on the frequency change per unit time in the waveform of the measurement signal Tx, a certain relationship exists between the frequency difference ΔF and the time difference Δt. For example, the frequency of the measurement signal Tx increases linearly from a minimum value (Min) to a maximum value (Max) over time. In this case, the relationship between the frequency difference ΔF and the time difference Δt is uniquely determined by the difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the frequency of the measurement signal Tx, which is the bandwidth of the frequency modulation, and the frequency relationship changes over time. Therefore, the level meter 10 can calculate the time difference Δt based on the frequency difference ΔF between the measurement signal Tx and the reflected signal Rx. The level meter 10 can then calculate the distance YA (Δt×c / 2) based on the time difference Δt. Furthermore, the level meter 10 can calculate the value of the horizontal height Y based on the distance YA. Specifically, the difference between the height of the container 70 (the distance from the bottom of the container 70 to the upper surface of the interior of the container 70) and the distance YA is the value of the level Y. Therefore, the level determination unit 88 can determine the level Y of the object 72 based on the reflection signal Rx received by the receiving circuit 43R and the container information on the container 70 (such as the height of the container 70). Note that, as will be described in detail later, the container information about the container 70, such as the height of the container 70, the bottom distance Y0 from the level meter 10 to the bottom of the container 70, and the upper surface distance Y1 from the level meter to the upper surface of the interior of the container 70 ( Figure 3 The thickness of the top plate of the container 70 in the container 70 can be set in advance by the setting unit 61 before starting the measurement of the horizontal height Y. Note that the distance from the level meter 10 is accurate, and is the distance from the measurement reference surface XS (a plane where the value of the distance is regarded as 0) used as the measurement reference in the level meter 10. The position of the measurement reference surface XS is determined in advance before using the level meter 10 (for example, when designing the level meter 10). For example, the position of attaching the level meter 10 to the container 70 ( Figure 3 The position of the outer upper surface of the container 70 in the level meter 10 is determined as the measurement reference surface XS. In terms of the position in the level meter 10, the lower surface of the attachment portion 17 (the upper end of the attachment screw 18) is the measurement reference surface XS. In addition, since there is a certain relationship between the frequency difference ΔF and the time difference Δt based on the waveform of the measurement signal Tx, the corresponding relationship between the frequency difference ΔF and the distance YA can be obtained in advance. The corresponding relationship between the frequency difference ΔF and the distance YA can be pre-stored in the storage unit 63.

[0110] like Figure 5As shown, a received signal corresponding to the reflected signal Rx received by the receiving circuit 43R is input to the mixer 85 via the low-noise amplifier 84. A signal corresponding to the waveform of the measurement signal Tx output from the ramp wave generator 82 is also input to the mixer 85, and the mixer 85 generates a mixed signal Mx obtained by mixing the waveforms of the measurement signal Tx and the reflected signal Rx. Specifically, the mixer 85 included in the radar transmission / reception circuit 81 serving as part of the horizontal height determination unit 88 mixes the measurement signal Tx and the reflected signal Rx to generate an IF signal (IF: intermediate frequency) as the mixed signal Mx.

[0111] The IF signal (intermediate frequency signal) has a waveform consisting of a high-frequency component derived from the 60 GHz frequency band of the measurement signal Tx and the reflected signal Rx, and a low-frequency component corresponding to the frequency difference ΔF between the measurement signal Tx and the reflected signal Rx. The IF signal is input to a low-pass filter 86, and a low-frequency waveform corresponding to the frequency difference ΔF is extracted. The extracted low-frequency waveform is input to an analog-to-digital converter 87. The analog-to-digital converter 87 converts the low-frequency waveform into a digital value and outputs the digital value to a signal processing unit 89.

[0112] The signal processing unit 89 serving as part of the level determination unit 88 converts the low-frequency waveform output from the analog-to-digital converter 87 into a frequency signal Px by fast Fourier transform processing or the like. The frequency signal Px is a signal indicating the intensity of the wave of each frequency, and the frequency corresponding to the maximum peak PS of the frequency signal Px is the frequency difference ΔF between the measurement signal Tx and the reflection signal Rx. The signal processing unit 89 sends the frequency signal Px to the Figure 4 The calculation unit 64.

[0113] The calculation unit 64, which serves as a part of the level determination unit 88, calculates the values ​​of the distance YA and the level Y based on the frequency signal Px. When calculating the values ​​of the distance YA and the level Y, the calculation unit 64 refers to the information stored in the storage unit 63. For example, the storage unit 63 stores the correspondence between the frequency difference ΔF and the distance YA, a value for calculating the level Y from the distance YA (container information, such as the height of the container 70), and the like.

[0114] Furthermore, depending on the measurement environment, peaks other than the maximum peak PS may appear in the frequency signal Px due to factors other than the interface 74 of the object 72 (e.g., a device such as a stirrer provided in the container 70). Even if multiple peaks exist in the frequency signal Px, the calculation unit 64 can specify only the maximum peak PS originating from the object 72 by performing appropriate calculations. For example, data on the frequency signal Px previously obtained in a state where the object 72 is not present (the container 70 is empty) can be stored in the storage unit 63. The calculation unit 64 can specify the maximum peak PS derived from the object 72 by examining the difference between the frequency signal Px obtained in the state where the object 72 is not present and the frequency signal Px obtained in the state where the object 72 is present.

[0115] After calculating the frequency difference ΔF corresponding to the maximum peak PS of the frequency signal Px, the calculation unit 64 calculates the values ​​of the distance YA and the level Y based on the frequency difference ΔF and the information stored in the storage unit 63. In this way, the calculation unit 64, which serves as a part of the level determination unit 88, determines the level Y of the object 72 based on the intermediate frequency signal. The calculation unit 64 sends the calculated level Y value to the output unit 66. The output unit 66 changes the display content of the display unit 20 and the lighting state Y of the indicator light 52 according to the level Y value. In addition, the level Y value is sent to the management device 90 ( Figure 3 The output unit 66 can output a binary or multi-valued control signal based on the comparison result between the calculated value of the water level Y and the threshold value to the management device 90 via the external output terminal 12D. In addition, instead of the value of the water level Y itself, a signal indicating a specific control to be performed according to the state of the water level Y can be sent to the management device 90. For example, when the water level Y is higher than a specific threshold value or lower than a specific threshold value, a signal indicating that the operation of a pump, valve, etc. should be changed can be sent to the management device 90.

[0116] Next, we will refer to Figure 7The state transitions of the level meter 10 are described below. First, when the level meter 10 is activated, the initial setup 100 begins. As will be described in detail later, in the initial setup 100, miscellaneous setup screens for sequentially setting container information, level setting values, and the like are sequentially displayed on the display unit 20. Note that in the initial setup 100, operating conditions for the level meter 10 can be set, such as whether the level meter 10 outputs an analog signal for a measured value or performs serial communication with an external device. On the other hand, there may be operating conditions that are not displayed in the initial setup 100 and not set by the user. For example, an operating condition in which one of the terminals included in the external output terminal 12D outputs an analog value regardless of the user's operation can be predetermined. Furthermore, an operating condition in which communication with an external device is automatically performed based on the external device connected to the level meter 10 can be predetermined. For example, when the level meter 10 is connected to a device (host device) that manages the level meter 10 , communication between the level meter 10 and the host device can be automatically performed by IO link communication defined in IEC61131-9 (IEC: International Electrotechnical Commission).

[0117] When the initial setting 100 is completed, the level meter 10 enters the measurement mode 500. In the measurement mode 500, the level meter 10 measures the level Y of the object 72. In the measurement mode 500, Figure 1 As shown, the relative position of the level setting value with respect to the container 70 is displayed on the display portion 20 together with the bar display 22 .

[0118] In measurement mode 500, display unit 20 can display menu screen 600. The display screen of measurement mode 500, which displays bar display 22 and the like, and menu screen 600 can be switched to each other. For example, each time the user operates menu key 32 in measurement mode 500, the display content of display unit 20 preferably switches between the display screen of measurement mode 500 and menu screen 600.

[0119] A plurality of options corresponding to individual setting contents are displayed on menu screen 600. In response to user selections, the display content of display unit 20 changes from menu screen 600 to individual setting screens, such as container setting screen 610, setting value change screen 620, and miscellaneous setting screen 630. Menu screen 600 and individual setting screens can transition to each other. For example, when left key 38 is operated on the individual setting screen, display unit 20 preferably returns to menu screen 600.

[0120] Next, we will refer to Figure 8The following describes the screen transitions of the display unit 20 in the initial settings 100. In the initial settings 100, a plurality of setting screens for sequentially setting container information about the container 70, a plurality of level setting values ​​about the level Y, and the like are displayed while transitioning one by one. In each setting screen, the container information, the level setting value of the level Y, and the like are sequentially set by the setting unit 61. Specifically, the setting unit 61 sequentially displays the setting screens for setting the container information, the level setting value of the level Y, and the like on the display unit 20, and sequentially sets the container information, the level setting value, and the like by storing the setting contents selected by the user on the individual setting screens in the storage unit 63. Note that, preferably, after all settings in the initial settings 100 are completed (after the setting completion confirmation screen 390 described later) the process of actually storing the setting contents selected by the user in the initial settings 100 in the storage unit 63 is performed. That is, the contents set by the user on the individual setting screens included in the initial setting 100 may be temporarily saved by the setting unit 61, and the saved contents may be collectively stored in the storage unit 63 after completing the initial setting 100. Details of the display contents of each setting screen will be described later.

[0121] When the initial setting 100 is started, first, a language setting screen 110 is displayed on the display section 20. On the language setting screen 110, the user selects a language (English, Japanese, etc.) for display on the display section 20.

[0122] When the language setting is completed, a setting start confirmation screen 120 is displayed on the display unit 20 to confirm with the user whether to start the setting of the level meter 10 (initial setting of various setting values). On the setting start confirmation screen 120, the display unit 20 can return to the language setting screen 110 according to the user's operation (for example, operation of the left key 38). Thereafter, similarly, the display unit 20 can return from an individual setting screen to the previous screen in other setting screens until the initial setting 100 is completed.

[0123] If the user selects not to start the setup yet on the setup start confirmation screen 120, the display unit 20 displays a distance measurement confirmation screen 130. The distance calculated by the level meter 10 from the measurement signal Tx and the reflection signal Rx is displayed on the display unit 20. The distance displayed on the distance measurement confirmation screen 130 is the distance from the measurement reference surface XS of the level meter 10 to the object that reflected the measurement signal Tx. This distance is measurable by the level meter 10 even if it is not attached to the vessel 70 or the vessel information is not set. By checking the distance displayed on the distance measurement confirmation screen 130, the user can determine whether the level meter 10 is properly attached to the vessel 70 containing the object 72 to be measured. For example, if the displayed distance is outside the range assumed to be the distance from the level meter 10 to the object 72, or if the displayed distance is unstable, the level meter 10 may not be properly attached to the vessel 70. In a case where the user confirms on the distance measurement value confirmation screen 130 that the level meter 10 is correctly attached to the container 70 , the user may return to the setting start confirmation screen 120 to start setting.

[0124] When the user selects "Start Setup" on the setup start confirmation screen 120, the display unit 20 displays the input / output setup screen 140. Multiple options are displayed on the input / output setup screen 140. Based on the user's selection, the display unit 20 transitions from the input / output setup screen 140 to individual setup screens, such as the PNP / NPN setup screen 141, the control output quantity setup screen 142, and the external input setup screen 143. Note that the user can also skip the setup on the PNP / NPN setup screen 141, the control output quantity setup screen 142, and the external input setup screen 143. Initial setting values ​​are pre-determined for the settings on the PNP / NPN setup screen 141, the control output quantity setup screen 142, and the external input setup screen 143, and if the user skips the setup, the initial setting values ​​are used. Note that initial setting values ​​can also be pre-determined for the setting items set on another setup screen.

[0125] On the PNP / NPN setting screen 141, the characteristics of the transistors used for the external output and external input of the level meter 10 (PNP transistor or NPN transistor) are set. The characteristics of the connection portion 12 are determined based on the selections made on the PNP / NPN setting screen 141. For example, it is determined which of the multiple terminals included in the connection portion 12 is used as the external input terminal 12C and the external output terminal 12D. Alternatively, when the conditions set by the user are met, it is determined whether the signal output from the external output terminal 12D is a high voltage (high level, such as 5V) or a low voltage (low level, such as 0V). On the PNP / NPN setting screen 141, the display unit 20 may display, for example, the options "PNP" and "NPN" to allow the user to select one of the options. For example, if the terminals included in the connection portion 12 include one analog output terminal that outputs an analog value, four digital output terminals that output a digital signal, and one input / output terminal that can switch between input and output, it is preferable to set the output voltage of the digital output terminal and switch the input / output of the input / output terminal on the PNP / NPN setting screen 141.

[0126] On the control output quantity setting screen 142, the number of control signals output from the level meter 10 is set. For example, if there are multiple terminals (signal lines) as external output terminals 12D, the number of external output terminals 12D to be used in the current measurement is set. The number of control signals set on the control output quantity setting screen 142 corresponds to the number of thresholds for the water level Y to be set later. Each external output terminal 12D corresponds to a threshold set by the user, and when the measured water level Y exceeds the threshold (is higher or lower), a signal is output from the external output terminal 12D corresponding to the threshold. On the control output quantity setting screen 142, the display unit 20 may display, for example, multiple options (e.g., options 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5) indicating the number of control signals, allowing the user to select one of the options.

[0127] On the external input setting screen 143, whether to enable external input is set. When external input is enabled on the external input setting screen 143, any terminal included in the connection section 12 functions as the external input terminal 12C. On the external input setting screen 143, the display section 20 may display, for example, the options "OFF" (disable) and "ON" (enable) to allow the user to select one of the options.

[0128] When the setting on the input / output setting screen 140 is completed, the display section 20 shifts to the distance unit setting screen 150. On the distance unit setting screen 150, a distance unit for expressing the measurement value of the level meter 10 is set.

[0129] When the settings on the distance unit setting screen 150 are completed, the display unit 20 transitions to the zoom confirmation screen 160. On the zoom confirmation screen 160, a selection is made as to whether or not to execute the zoom setting 200. In the zoom setting 200, zooming of the display value is executed. In zooming of the display value, for example, container information, a level setting value, and the like are set for converting the measured value (measured in distance units) measured by the level meter 10 into a numerical value for display (e.g., a display value in capacity units) or into a numerical value to be output externally. The zoom setting 200 includes a plurality of setting screens.

[0130] If the user selects to execute the zoom setting 200 on the zoom confirmation screen 160, the display unit 20 changes to the setting screen for the zoom setting 200. If the user selects not to execute the zoom setting 200, the display unit 20 changes to the setting screen for the operation setting 300. In the operation setting 300, the container information, the level setting value, etc. used by the level meter 10 to measure the level Y are set. The operation setting 300 includes a plurality of setting screens.

[0131] Will refer to Figure 9 The screen transition of the display section 20 in the operation setting 300 will be described. When the operation setting 300 is started, the setting unit 61 first performs the container setting 210. In the container setting 210, container information on the container 70 is set.

[0132] In the container setting 210, the setting unit 61 first displays a bottom distance setting screen 211 on the display unit 20. On the bottom distance setting screen 211, the setting unit 61 allows the user to set the distance from the measurement reference surface XS of the level meter 10 to the bottom of the container 70 (bottom distance Y0).

[0133] Next, the setting unit 61 displays the upper surface distance setting screen 212 on the display unit 20 . On the upper surface distance setting screen 212 , the setting unit 61 allows the user to set the upper surface distance Y1 from the measurement reference plane XS of the level meter 10 to the upper surface of the interior of the container 70 .

[0134] When the container setting 210 is completed, the setting unit 61 sequentially displays a setting screen for setting the next level setting value. Figure 9 In the embodiment, after the container setting 210 , the setting unit 61 causes the display section 20 to display the first threshold setting screen 310 .

[0135] Furthermore, the zoom setting 200 includes setting items corresponding to the container setting 210. When the zoom setting 200 is executed, after the zoom setting 200 is completed, the screen transition of the display unit 20 is merged with the operation setting 300. Specifically, after the zoom setting 200 is completed, the first threshold setting screen 310 is displayed on the display unit 20.

[0136] On the first threshold setting screen 310, the setting unit 61 allows the user to set the first threshold to one of the level setting values ​​related to the level Y. The first threshold is one of the thresholds related to the level Y measured by the level meter 10. When the level Y exceeds the first threshold (is higher or lower than), the operation of the level meter 10 (for example, the light color of the indicator light 52, the signal output state of the external output terminal 12D, etc.) changes.

[0137] In addition, the first threshold setting screen 310 can be switched to the output logic setting screen 315 related to the first threshold. On the output logic setting screen 315, it is set how the operation of the level meter 10 changes when the level Y measured by the level meter 10 changes relative to the threshold (either above the threshold or below the threshold). Specifically, the characteristic of the external output terminal 12D corresponding to the first threshold is set to be normally open or normally closed. If normally open is selected and the level Y exceeds the first threshold, the operation of the level meter 10 changes (for example, the signal of the corresponding external output terminal 12D enters an enabled state). If normally closed is selected, the operation of the level meter 10 changes when the level Y falls below the first threshold.

[0138] When the setting on the first threshold setting screen 310 is completed, the setting unit 61 then causes the display of the display section 20 to transition to the second threshold setting screen 320. On the second threshold setting screen 320, the setting unit 61 causes the user to set the second threshold in a manner similar to the setting of the first threshold on the first threshold setting screen 310. The second threshold setting screen 320 can transition to the output logic setting screen 325 related to the second threshold.

[0139] This threshold setting is repeated for each control signal set on output quantity setting screen 142. Here, the combined setting of numerical values ​​and output logic is performed sequentially for each threshold. However, after only sequentially setting the numerical values ​​for all thresholds, the output logic for all thresholds can be sequentially set. For example, after first threshold setting screen 310 and second threshold setting screen 320 are displayed in this order, output logic setting screen 315 related to the first threshold and output logic setting screen 325 related to the second threshold can be displayed in this order. Furthermore, if the number of control signals is one, only the first threshold is set. Furthermore, if the number of control signals is zero, threshold-related settings are skipped.

[0140] When all threshold settings and output logic settings are complete, the display on the display unit 20 transitions to the indicator light pattern setting screen 380. On the indicator light pattern setting screen 380, the mode of activating the indicator light 52 is set based on the relative relationship between the measured water level Y and the threshold value (water level setting value). The settings on the indicator light pattern setting screen 380 include setting the color of the indicator light 52 corresponding to the water level range to which the measured water level Y belongs. Furthermore, the color coding of each section of the color scale 24 is also determined based on the color of the indicator light 52 set on the indicator light pattern setting screen 380.

[0141] When the setting on the indicator light pattern setting screen 380 is completed, the display on the display unit 20 changes to the setting completion confirmation screen 390 to confirm to the user whether the setting (initial setting) is completed. When the user confirms that the setting is completed on the setting completion confirmation screen 390, the initial setting 100 including the operation setting 300 is completed, and the level meter 10 changes to the setting completion confirmation screen 390. Figure 7 If the settings have not been completed, the user can sequentially return the display of the display unit 20 to the screens before the setting completion confirmation screen 390 (the indicator light pattern setting screen 380, the second threshold setting screen 320, etc.), and perform various settings in the initial setting 100 again.

[0142] Next, we will refer to Figure 10 The screen transition of the display unit 20 in the zoom setting 200 is described. Figure 8 When the user selects to execute the zoom setting 200 on the zoom confirmation screen 160 during the initial setting 100 in the process, the setting unit 61 first causes the display unit 20 to display the following information: Figure 10 The display value setting screen 201 is shown.

[0143] The display value setting screen 201 includes options for unit setting and decimal point position setting. In response to the user's selection on the display value setting screen 201, the display on the display unit 20 transitions to the unit setting screen 202 or the decimal point position setting screen 203.

[0144] On the unit setting screen 202, the unit of the measurement value displayed on the auxiliary display section 26 of the display section 20 in the measurement mode 500 is set. For example, in addition to distance units such as m and mm, options for volume units such as L (liter) and cubic meters, weight units such as g (gram), and ratio units such as percentage (%) relative to the full capacity value are displayed on the display section 20. Here, when a unit other than the distance unit is selected, the measurement value displayed on the auxiliary display section 26 is a value obtained by converting the level Y measured by the level meter 10 into the amount of the object 72 in the container 70. In addition, when the weight unit is set, the specific gravity of the object 72 is preferably set. For example, when the weight unit is set, the display section 20 may transition to a screen for setting the specific gravity of the object 72.

[0145] On the decimal point position setting screen 203, the number of digits in the integer part and the number of digits in the decimal part are set for the measured value displayed on the auxiliary display section 26 of the display section 20 in the measurement mode 500. For example, a plurality of display examples with different decimal point display positions can be displayed on the display section 20, and a display example corresponding to a decimal point display position desired by the user can be selected.

[0146] When the setting on the display value setting screen 201 is completed, the setting unit 61 then performs the container setting 210 in the zoom setting 200. Figure 9 In addition to the bottom distance setting screen 211 and the upper surface distance setting screen 212 of the container setting 210 in the operation setting 300 in the embodiment, the container setting 210 in the zoom setting 200 also includes a tank shape setting screen 220, a capacity setting screen 230, and the like.

[0147] In the container setting 210 in the zoom setting 200, the setting unit 61 first displays a tank shape setting screen 220 on the display unit 20. On the tank shape setting screen 220, the shape of the container 70 to which the level gauge 10 is attached is set as one of the container information. As a specific example, the shape corresponding to the container 70 can be selected from options such as a straight tank (vertical cylindrical tank, prismatic tank, etc.), a horizontal cylindrical tank, a spherical tank, a pyramidal tank, and a conical bottom tank. In addition, in order to cope with a container 70 having a complex shape, it is preferable to be able to set a multi-point correction, in which the correspondence between the horizontal height Y and the volume of the object 72 is determined by multiple correction points.

[0148] When the setting on the tank shape setting screen 220 is completed, the setting unit 61 sequentially displays the bottom distance setting screen 211 and the upper surface distance setting screen 212 on the display unit 20 and sequentially sets the bottom distance Y0 and the upper surface distance Y1 of the container 70 .

[0149] When the setting on the upper surface distance setting screen 212 is completed, the setting unit 61 displays the capacity setting screen 230 on the display section 20. On the capacity setting screen 230, as one of the container information, the full capacity value of the container 70 is set as the volume value. Specifically, when the horizontal height Y of the object 72 reaches the position of the upper surface in the container 70, the volume of the object 72 is preferably set to the full capacity value. In addition, when the object 72 reaches the full capacity value, the value of the horizontal height Y corresponds to the height value of the container 70. The height value of the container 70 corresponds to the difference between the bottom distance Y0 of the container 70 set on the bottom distance setting screen 211 and the upper surface distance Y1 set on the upper surface distance setting screen 212, and the value is Y0-Y1.

[0150] When the setting on the capacity setting screen 230 is completed, the zoom setting 200 is completed, and the screen of the display section 20 transitions to the same Figure 9 In addition, according to the contents set on the tank shape setting screen 220, setting items in the container setting 210 can be added or changed.

[0151] For example, in the case where the container 70 has a shape including an inclined shape, such as a conical bottom tank or a pyramid tank, and the value of the horizontal height Y and the volume of the object 72 are not in a simple proportional relationship, the bottom height setting screen 240 is displayed on the display unit 20 after the upper surface distance setting screen 212 and before the capacity setting screen 230. On the bottom height setting screen 240, the height from the bottom of the container 70 to the upper end of the inclined shape (the position of the vertical shape) is set.

[0152] Furthermore, when multi-point correction is selected on the tank shape setting screen 220, a multi-point correction screen 250 is displayed on the display unit 20 instead of the capacity setting screen 230. In the multi-point correction screen 250, a plurality of correction points are set using a combination of the value of the horizontal height Y of the object 72 and the volume value of the object 72 corresponding to the value of the horizontal height Y as one correction point.

[0153] As described above, the initial setup 100 of the level meter 10 is performed. During the initial setup 100, the setup unit 61 sequentially displays screens on the display unit 20 for setting container information regarding the container 70, multiple level setting values ​​regarding the level Y, and the like, thereby sequentially setting the container information, level setting values, and the like. The display screens of the display unit 20 change one by one according to the user's operations. Then, in each display screen, the user sets the multiple setting items including container information and level setting values ​​corresponding to the display screen currently being displayed. Therefore, the level meter 10 can independently set multiple setting items. Therefore, for example, when performing setup for level measurement, the user does not need to connect wires for wired communication or perform setup for wireless communication to enable the level meter 10 to communicate with external devices, simplifying the user's work.

[0154] Hereinafter, each screen displayed on the display section 20 in the initial setup 100 will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. Figure 11 The language setting screen 110 displayed on the display section 20 when the initial setting 100 is started is shown.

[0155] On the language setting screen 110, multiple languages ​​are displayed (in Figure 11 In the case where there are multiple options, a cursor 112 is displayed, and the user can move the cursor 112 by operating the direction key 33. For example, when the up key 36 is operated, the cursor 112 moves to the upper option, and when the down key 35 is operated, the cursor 112 moves to the lower option.

[0156] A confirmation key guide display 113 is displayed at the bottom of the language setting screen 110. The confirmation key guide display 113 includes an icon that mimics a key for determining an option (in this case, the center key 39) and a character string indicating that the option can be determined by operating the key indicated by the icon. Note that the character string displayed here changes depending on the language of the option where the cursor 112 is placed. The user can determine the display language by operating the center key 39 with the cursor 112 placed on the desired display language.

[0157] When the display language is determined, the display unit 20 displays Figure 12 The setting start confirmation screen 120 is shown. Figure 12 , the setting start confirmation screen 120 is displayed so as to be superimposed on (overlapped with) the language setting screen 110 .

[0158] The setting start confirmation screen 120 includes a character string display area 121. The character string display area 121 displays a character string ("Settings?") for confirming whether to start setting (initial setting), an option to start setting immediately ("Yes"), and an option not to start setting yet ("No"). In addition, a cursor 122 is displayed so as to be placed on one of the options.

[0159] The OK key guide display 123 and the return key guide display 124 are displayed at the bottom of the setting start confirmation screen 120. Similar to the OK key guide display 113 of the language setting screen 110, the OK key guide display 123 includes an icon of the center key 39 and the character string "OK". The return key guide display 124 includes an icon that imitates the key (here, the left key 38) for returning the display content to the previous screen (here, the language setting screen 110) and a character string indicating that the display content can be returned to the previous screen by operating the key indicated by the icon. The display of the cursor 122, the OK key guide display 123, and the return key guide display 124 are also performed on other screens, but their description will be omitted below.

[0160] When “No” is selected on the setting start confirmation screen 120 , the display unit 20 displays Figure 13 The distance measurement value confirmation screen 130 is shown. The distance measurement value confirmation screen 130 includes a level meter icon 131 , a measurement reference surface line 132 , a container bottom line 133 , a distance measurement value display 134 , and a container icon 135 .

[0161] The level meter icon 131 is an icon representing the level meter 10 and simulates the level meter 10. The level meter icon 131 is displayed above the container icon 135. The measurement reference surface line 132 is a line indicating the measurement reference surface XS of the level meter 10 and extends horizontally from a position corresponding to the measurement reference surface XS in the level meter icon 131. The container icon 135 is an icon representing the container 70 and is displayed here in a shape that simulates a straight tank. The container bottom line 133 is a line indicating the bottom of the container 70 and extends horizontally from a position corresponding to the bottom of the container icon 135. The distance measurement value display 134 indicates the distance value measured by the level meter 10. In the distance measurement value display 134, the distance from the measurement reference surface XS of the level meter 10 to the object that reflected the measurement signal Tx (500 mm in this case) is displayed as a numerical value.

[0162] Then, on the distance measurement value confirmation screen 130, an arrow extends from the measurement reference surface line 132 toward the bottom of the container icon 135. This indicates that when the level meter 10 is attached to the empty container 70 (excluding the object 72), the distance from the measurement reference surface XS to the bottom of the container 70 is measured by the level meter 10 and displayed on the distance measurement value display 134. In the case where the user confirms on the distance measurement value confirmation screen 130 that the level meter 10 is correctly attached to the container 70, the user can return to the setting start confirmation screen 120 to start setting.

[0163] When Figure 12 When “Yes” is selected on the setting start confirmation screen 120, the display unit 20 displays Figure 14 Input / output setting screen 140 is shown. Input / output setting screen 140 includes options for a PNP / NPN setting screen 141, an output quantity setting screen 142, an external input setting screen 143, and an option 144 for proceeding to the next setting. Furthermore, a character string ("PNP," "4," "OFF," etc.) indicating the settings set on PNP / NPN setting screen 141, output quantity setting screen 142, and external input setting screen 143 is displayed in each option. Furthermore, input / output setting screen 140 includes a scroll bar 145, an up key display 146, and a down key display 147.

[0164] The scroll bar 145 indicates the relative position of the option currently associated with the cursor among all the options on the screen displaying a plurality of options side by side. The up key display 146 is an icon imitating the up key 36, and in the case where the icon has a dark color, it indicates that the cursor can be moved upward by operating the up key 36. On the other hand, as Figure 14 As shown, when the up key display 146 is light ( Figure 14 In the case of (white in the middle), it indicates that the cursor is aligned with the option at the upper end and the cursor cannot be moved up any further. The down key display 147 is an icon that imitates the down key 35, and the icon has Figure 14 The dark color shown ( Figure 14 In the case of a dot pattern in the middle, it indicates that the cursor can be moved downward by operating the down key 35. On the other hand, if the down key display 147 is light-colored, it indicates that the cursor is aligned with the option at the lower end and the cursor cannot be moved downward any further. Hereinafter, descriptions of the scroll bar 145, the up key display 146, and the down key display 147 on other screens will be omitted.

[0165] When the center key 39 is operated in a state where the cursor is placed on any of the options on the PNP / NPN setting screen 141, the options on the control output quantity setting screen 142, and the options on the external input setting screen 143, the display of the display section 20 changes to the PNP / NPN setting screen 141, the control output quantity setting screen 142, and the external input setting screen 143 according to the options. Although the details of the PNP / NPN setting screen 141, the control output quantity setting screen 142, and the external input setting screen 143 are not shown, as described above, the options "PNP" and "NPN", the options 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, the options "OFF" and "ON", and the like are displayed on each setting screen.

[0166] When the center key 39 is operated in a state where the cursor is placed on the option 144 (character string “OK and Continue”) for proceeding to the next setting on the input / output setting screen 140, the display in the display section 20 changes to Figure 15 The distance unit setting screen 150 is shown. On the distance unit setting screen 150, the distance unit for expressing the measurement value of the level meter 10 is set. For example, Figure 15 As shown, options of “mm” (millimeter) or “m” (meter) are displayed on the distance unit setting screen 150 .

[0167] When the distance unit is set on the distance unit setting screen 150, the display in the display section 20 changes to Figure 16 On the zoom confirmation screen 160, it is selected whether to execute the zoom setting 200. For example, Figure 16 As shown, an option of "OFF" or "ON" is displayed on the zoom confirmation screen 160. Here, when "ON" is selected, the zoom setting 200 is performed, and when "OFF" is selected, the operation setting 300 is performed.

[0168] When “OFF” is selected on the zoom confirmation screen 160 and the operation setting 300 is executed, the display unit 20 first displays the Figure 17 The bottom distance setting screen 211 shown in FIG. The bottom distance setting screen 211 includes a level meter icon 131, a measurement reference surface line 132, a container icon 135, and a bottom distance setting bar 215. Figure 17 The container bottom line 133 is also shown in FIG. 2 , but the container bottom line 133 may not be displayed on the bottom distance setting screen 211 .

[0169] On the bottom distance setting screen 211, the setting unit 61 sets the distance (bottom distance Y0) from the measurement reference surface XS of the level meter 10 to the bottom of the container 70. An arrow extending from the measurement reference surface line 132 to the bottom of the container icon 135 (the position of the container bottom line 133) is displayed on the bottom distance setting screen 211. This arrow indicates that the value set on the bottom distance setting screen 211 is the distance from the measurement reference surface XS to the bottom of the container 70. In addition, Figure 17 In the example, when the storage amount of the object 72 in the container 70 is 0% (empty state) relative to the full amount (100%), the letter "0%" is displayed next to the container bottom line 133 to indicate that the measured value of the distance to the bottom of the level meter 10 has become the bottom distance Y0. In the bottom distance setting field 215, candidates for the distance to the bottom are displayed as numerical values. As described above, when the container information is set by the setting unit 61, the level meter icon 131 indicating the level meter 10 and the container icon 135 indicating the container 70 are displayed on the display unit 20, allowing the user to easily visually grasp the relationship between the set values ​​and the level meter 10 and the container 70. Here, the distance unit set on the distance unit setting screen 150 is used as the distance measurement unit (in this case, mm) displayed in the bottom distance setting field 215. Similarly, when the distance unit is displayed, the distance unit set on the distance unit setting screen 150 is used.

[0170] When the user operates the down key 35 and the up key 36 on the bottom distance setting screen 211, the numerical value displayed in the bottom distance setting column 215 decreases and increases. Then, when the user operates the confirm key (center key 39), the numerical value displayed in the bottom distance setting column 215 (5000 mm in this case) is input to the level meter 10. The setting unit 61 sets the input numerical value as the bottom distance Y0 of one of the container information. When the initial setting 100 is completed, the set numerical value is stored in the storage unit 63. The user can input the design value of a tank used as the container 70, for example, as the bottom distance Y0 of the container 70. In addition, a numerical value different from the design value can be input according to various measurement conditions such as the measurement object and the installation state of the level meter 10.

[0171] When the bottom distance Y0 of the container 70 is set on the bottom distance setting screen 211, the display of the display unit 20 transitions to Figure 18 The upper surface distance setting screen 212 shown in FIG. The upper surface distance setting screen 212 includes a level meter icon 131, a measurement reference surface line 132, a container icon 135, and an upper surface distance setting field 216. Figure 18, the container upper surface line 217 indicating the upper surface inside the container 70 is shown as a line extending horizontally from a position corresponding to the inner upper surface of the container icon 135 , but the container upper surface line 217 may not be displayed on the upper surface distance setting screen 212 .

[0172] On the upper surface distance setting screen 212, the distance (upper surface distance Y1) from the measurement reference surface XS of the level meter 10 to the upper surface inside the container 70 is set. An arrow extending from the measurement reference surface line 132 to the position of the upper surface of the container icon 135 is displayed on the upper surface distance setting screen 212. This arrow indicates that the value set on the upper surface distance setting screen 212 is the distance from the measurement reference surface XS to the upper surface inside the container 70. In addition, Figure 18 In the example, when the storage volume of the objects 72 in the container 70 is the full volume (100%), the letters "100%" are displayed next to the container upper surface line 217 to indicate that the distance measured by the level meter 10 is the upper surface distance Y1. Furthermore, depending on the shape of the container 70, the position of the upper surface within the container 70 may differ from the position of the solid line indicating that the objects 72 are full. In this case, the distance from the measurement reference surface XS to the full line may be set as the upper surface distance Y1. In the upper surface distance setting field 216, candidates for the upper surface distance Y1 are displayed as numerical values.

[0173] When the user operates the down key 35 and the up key 36 on the upper surface distance setting screen 212, the numerical value displayed in the upper surface distance setting column 216 decreases and increases. Then, when the user operates the confirm key (center key 39), the numerical value displayed in the upper surface distance setting column 216 (in this case, 200 mm) is input to the level meter 10. The setting unit 61 sets the input numerical value as the upper surface distance Y1 of one of the container information. When the initial setting 100 is completed, the set numerical value is stored in the storage unit 63. The user can input the thickness of the top plate of a tank, such as the container 70, as the upper surface distance Y1. In addition, a numerical value different from the design value can be input according to various measurement conditions such as the measurement object and the installation state of the level meter 10. For example, if the level meter 10 is installed further upward away from the top plate of the tank, a numerical value greater than the thickness of the top plate of the tank is input as the upper surface distance Y1.

[0174] When the upper surface distance Y1 is set on the upper surface distance setting screen 212, the display of the display section 20 changes to Figure 19 The first threshold setting screen 310 is shown. The first threshold setting screen 310 includes the level meter icon 131, the container bottom line 133, the container icon 135, the container upper surface line 217, a first threshold setting bar 311, a height display 312, a first threshold line 313, a first threshold identifier 314, a normally open icon 314a, and a normally closed icon 314b.

[0175] Height display 312 numerically indicates the height of container 70 (the distance from the bottom of container 70 to the upper surface of the interior of container 70). Height display 312 displays the difference between bottom distance Y0 set on bottom distance setting screen 211 and upper surface distance Y1 set on upper surface distance setting screen 212, the value Y0-Y1 (here, 4800), along with the unit of measurement (mm). Above container bottom line 133, the number "0" is displayed to indicate that the reference for horizontal height Y is the bottom of container 70. In other words, horizontal height Y at the bottom of container 70 is considered to be 0.

[0176] On the first threshold setting screen 310, the first threshold is set to one of a plurality of level setting values ​​associated with the level Y. Since the first threshold is one of the level setting values, Figure 19 "Set Value 1" is displayed as the screen name in the upper portion of first threshold setting screen 310 in the display. The first threshold is set as the distance from the bottom of container 70. Candidates for the first threshold are displayed as numerical values ​​in first threshold setting field 311. A first threshold line 313 is displayed as a line extending horizontally relative to container icon 135. First threshold line 313 is displayed at a height corresponding to the first threshold displayed in first threshold setting field 311.

[0177] The height of the first threshold line 313 indicates the relative position of the first threshold with respect to the container 70. The relative position of the first threshold is determined based on the container information on the container 70. Specifically, when the ratio of the first threshold to the height of the container 70 (one of the container information) is high, the first threshold line 313 is arranged at a higher position relative to the container icon 135. When setting the first threshold (the level setting value), the relative position of the first threshold with respect to the container 70 is displayed together with the level gauge icon 131 and the container icon 135, so that the user can perform the setting while visually grasping the relative position of the level setting value related to the level Y with respect to the container 70.

[0178] The first threshold identifier 314 is displayed alongside the first threshold line 313. The first threshold identifier 314 indicates a level setting value identifier assigned to the first threshold. The level setting value identifier is an identifier individually assigned to a plurality of level setting values. Figure 19 , the number "1" is displayed as the level setting value identifier assigned to the first threshold. The level setting value identifier is not limited to a number, and it is sufficient to identify the level setting value alone. For example, letters, symbols, etc. can be used as the level setting value identifier. In addition, Figure 19 , the same identifier as the first threshold identifier 314 is also displayed next to the first threshold setting field 311.

[0179] Normally open icon 314a and normally closed icon 314b are displayed side by side with first threshold identifier 314. Normally open icon 314a is arranged above normally closed icon 314b. Normally open icon 314a and normally closed icon 314b indicate the characteristics of the first threshold (output logic of external output terminal 12D corresponding to the first threshold).

[0180] The characteristic of the first threshold value is a setting condition for changing the operation of the level meter 10 (for example, changing the signal of the external output terminal 12D) under certain circumstances between when the level Y exceeds the first threshold value and when the level Y drops below the first threshold value. If the characteristic of the first threshold value is normally open, when the level Y exceeds the first threshold value, the operation of the level meter 10 changes (for example, any output of the external output terminal 12D is turned on). The normally open icon 314a is arranged above the first threshold value line 313 to indicate that a change occurs when the level Y exceeds the first threshold value. If the characteristic of the first threshold value is normally closed, when the level Y drops below the first threshold value, the operation of the level meter 10 changes. The normally closed icon 314b is arranged below the first threshold value line 313 to indicate that a change occurs when the level Y drops below the first threshold value.

[0181] In the normally open icon 314a and the normally closed icon 314b, the enabled icon is displayed in a darker color ( Figure 19 ), disabled icons are displayed in a lighter color ( Figure 19 In an initial state, the normally open icon 314a or the normally closed icon 314b (here, the normally open icon 314a) is enabled.

[0182] When the user operates the down key 35 and the up key 36 on the first threshold setting screen 310, the numerical value of the first threshold value displayed in the first threshold setting field 311 decreases and increases. As the numerical value of the first threshold value changes, the height of the first threshold line 313 also changes. As the height of the first threshold line 313 changes, the heights of the first threshold identifier 314, the normally open icon 314a, and the normally closed icon 314b also change. When the user operates the confirm key (center key 39), the numerical value displayed in the first threshold setting field 311 (in this case, 4000 mm) is input to the level meter 10. The setting unit 61 sets the input numerical value as the first threshold value, which is one of the level setting values. When the initial setting 100 is completed, the set numerical value is stored in the storage unit 63. In addition, multiple threshold values ​​(level setting values) including the first threshold value are set to indicate, for example, "the amount of the object 72 in the container 70 that needs to be adjusted if the level Y exceeds or falls below this value."

[0183] When the first threshold is set, the display of the display section 20 changes to Figure 20 The output logic setting screen 315 shown in FIG. The display content of the output logic setting screen 315 takes over the display content of the first threshold value setting screen 310. On the output logic setting screen 315, the output logic setting column 316 is displayed instead of the first threshold value setting column 311. In addition, on the output logic setting screen 315, the numerical value of the first threshold value set on the first threshold value setting screen 310 (here, "4000") is displayed side by side with the first threshold value identifier 314 (in FIG. Figure 20 314a and next to the normally open icon 314b in the image).

[0184] On the output logic setting screen 315, an ON icon 316a and an OFF icon 316b are displayed side by side with the output logic setting bar 316. The ON icon 316a and the OFF icon 316b visually indicate the characteristics (output logic) of the first threshold value in an easy-to-understand manner. In the case where the characteristic of the first threshold value is normally open, the ON icon 316a is arranged above the OFF icon 316b to indicate that the operation of the level meter 10 changes (enters the ON state) when the level Y exceeds the first threshold value. On the other hand, although Figure 20 Although not shown in FIG, in the case where the characteristic of the first threshold value is normally closed, the ON icon 316a is arranged below the OFF icon 316b to indicate that the operation of the level meter 10 changes (enters the ON state) when the level Y drops below the first threshold value. The ON icon 316a is dark in color ( Figure 20 ), and the OFF icon 316b is displayed in a light color ( Figure 20 white in the middle) is displayed.

[0185] On the output logic setting screen 315, the output logic related to the first threshold is set. Specifically, the characteristic of the external output terminal 12D corresponding to the first threshold is set to be normally open (normally open) or normally closed (normally closed). In the output logic setting bar 316, a character string "NO" indicating that the characteristic is normally open or a character string "NC" indicating that the characteristic is normally closed is displayed. When the user operates the down key 35 and the up key 36, the character string displayed in the output logic setting bar 316 switches between "NO" and "NC". When the character string in the output logic setting bar 316 switches, the positions of the ON icon 316a and the OFF icon 316b switch. In addition, as the character string in the output logic setting bar 316 switches, the normally open icon 314a and the normally closed icon 314b switch between the enabled state and the disabled state.

[0186] like Figure 20As shown in FIG. 3 , when the display of the output logic setting column 316 is “NO”, the icons in the enabled state (the normally open icon 314a and the ON icon 316a in the enabled state) are arranged above the icons in the disabled state (the normally closed icon 314b and the OFF icon 316b in the disabled state). On the other hand, when the display of the output logic setting column 316 is “NC”, the icons in the enabled state (the normally closed icon 314b and the ON icon 316a in the enabled state) are arranged below the icons in the disabled state (the normally open icon 314a and the OFF icon 316b in the disabled state).

[0187] When the user operates the OK key (center key 39) on the output logic setting screen 315, the characteristic (normally open or normally closed) corresponding to the character string displayed in the output logic setting field 316 is set as the output logic associated with the first threshold value. The setting unit 61 also sets the selection result of the option associated with such a threshold value as one of the horizontal height setting values ​​associated with the horizontal height Y.

[0188] When the output logic associated with the first threshold is set, the display of the display section 20 changes to Figure 21 The second threshold setting screen 320 is shown. Similar to the various display components displayed for setting the first threshold on the first threshold setting screen 310, the second threshold setting screen 320 displays a second threshold line 323, a second threshold identifier 324, a normally open icon 324a related to the second threshold, a normally closed icon 324b related to the second threshold, and a second threshold setting field 326.

[0189] In addition, the second threshold setting screen 320 also displays a first threshold line 313 and a first threshold identifier 314 related to the already set first threshold, the numerical value of the first threshold (in this case, 4000), etc. However, in order to distinguish it from the currently set second threshold, the display components related to the first threshold are displayed inconspicuously (for example, grayed out). When setting a new level setting value (second threshold), the relative position of the already set level setting value (first threshold) relative to the container 70 is displayed, allowing the user to set the new level setting value while being aware of its relative relationship to the already set level setting value.

[0190] When the second threshold value is set on the second threshold value setting screen 320, the display of the display unit 20 changes to the output logic setting screen related to the second threshold value. Although the output logic setting screen related to the second threshold value is not shown, the display content of the output logic setting screen related to the second threshold value takes over the display content on the second threshold value setting screen 320. The output logic setting screen 315 ( Figure 20 ) The setting of the output logic related to the second threshold is performed similarly.

[0191] The threshold value setting and the threshold output logic setting are repeated with the Figure 14 The number of control outputs (the number of control signals) set on the control output quantity setting screen 142 that is converted from the input / output setting screen 140 is the same as the number. When a new threshold is set, not only the relative position of the new threshold relative to the container 70 is displayed, but also the relative positions of all previously set thresholds relative to the container 70 are displayed. It should be noted here that the setting of the numerical value of the threshold and the setting of the output logic are combined for each threshold in sequence. However, after only the numerical values ​​of all thresholds are set in sequence, the setting of the output logic of all thresholds can be performed in sequence. For example, after the first threshold setting screen 310 and the second threshold setting screen 320 are displayed in this order, the output logic setting screen 315 related to the first threshold and the output logic setting screen 315 related to the second threshold can be displayed in this order.

[0192] When the setting of the values ​​of all threshold values ​​and output logic is completed, the display of the display unit 20 changes to Figure 22 The indicator pattern setting screen 380 is shown. Here, it is assumed that four threshold values ​​are set. The indicator pattern setting screen 380 includes the level meter icon 131, the container icon 135, a virtual color scale 385, and the indicator pattern setting bar 381. The level meter icon 131 displayed on the indicator pattern setting screen 380 includes an indicator icon 382, ​​which virtually indicates the change in the lighting state of the indicator light 52 as the horizontal height Y increases or decreases. In addition, the container icon 135 displayed on the indicator pattern setting screen 380 displays a virtual bar display 383, which virtually indicates that the bar display 22 (of the measurement mode 500) expands and contracts as the horizontal height Y increases and decreases.

[0193] Preferably, the virtual bar display 383 visually indicates a state in which a larger amount of the object 72 (e.g., liquid) is stored in the container 70 as the virtual bar display 383 is extended longer. For example, a gradient display is preferably performed in which the virtual bar display 383 is colored blue, and the concentration of the blue changes in each stage in the container icon 135. For example, the virtual bar display 383 is preferably dark blue on the lower end side (a position close to the bottom of the container icon 135) and light blue on the upper end side (a position close to the upper surface of the container icon 135), and the concentration changes stepwise (or continuously) from the dark blue to the light blue.

[0194] A virtual bar arrow 384 is displayed at the upper end of the virtual bar display 383. The virtual bar arrow 384 extends in the horizontal direction toward the virtual color scale 385. The virtual color scale 385 is displayed side by side with the container icon 135. The virtual color scale 385 is a ruler having the same length as the entire length of the container icon 135 (the distance from the bottom position to the top position). The virtual color scale 385 is color-coded into a plurality of partitions. The boundaries between the partitions of the virtual color scale 385 are the relative positions of each threshold value with respect to the entire length of the container icon 135. Figure 22 , four thresholds are set, and the virtual color scale 385 is divided into five partitions.

[0195] The level setting identifiers assigned to the corresponding thresholds are displayed next to the boundaries between the partitions of the virtual color scale 385. Figure 22 , the first threshold identifier 314, the second threshold identifier 324, the third threshold identifier 334, and the fourth threshold identifier 344 are displayed in order from the top. In addition, the color of the indicator icon 382 is the same as the color of the partition indicated by the virtual bar arrow 384 of the virtual color scale 385. Figure 22 , a virtual bar arrow 384 indicates the third partition from the top, and the indicator light icon 382 has the same color as the third partition from the top.

[0196] When the user operates the down key 35 and the up key 36 on the lamp pattern setting screen 380, the pattern name ( Figure 22 (See "Pattern 1" in the figure). Multiple pattern names are prepared, and the color coding pattern of each partition of the virtual color scale 385 changes according to the pattern name. In "Pattern 1," the five partitions of the virtual color scale 385 are color-coded with three colors. Specifically, the top and bottom partitions are a first color (e.g., red), the second and fourth partitions from the top are a second color (e.g., yellow), and the third (center) partition from the top is a third color (e.g., green). The color coding pattern of the virtual color scale 385 corresponds to the pattern of changes in the lighting state of the indicator light 52 according to the increase or decrease in the horizontal height Y.

[0197] Then, on the indicator light pattern setting screen 380, an animated image is displayed that shows that the operation of the level meter 10 changes as the horizontal height Y increases or decreases. The animated image includes a virtual bar display 383 and an indicator light icon 382. Specifically, when the indicator light pattern setting screen 380 is displayed, the virtual bar display 383 repeatedly extends and contracts. For example, the virtual bar display 383 extends from the bottom of the container icon 135 to the upper surface and begins to contract when it reaches the upper surface. Then, when the virtual bar display 383 contracts to the bottom of the container icon 135, the virtual bar display 383 begins to extend again. Note that the extension / contraction of the virtual bar display 383 does not indicate a change in the actual horizontal height Y, but rather indicates a change in a virtual measurement value (virtual value).

[0198] As the virtual bar display 383 expands and contracts, the state (color) of the indicator light icon 382 also changes. Figure 23 The change of the indicator light pattern setting screen 380 using animation is shown. Figure 23 In the figure, the virtual bar shows 383 extending over Figure 22 , and virtual bar arrow 384 indicates the second subarea from the top of virtual color scale 385. Then, the color of indicator light icon 382 changes to the color of the second subarea from the top. As described above, on indicator light pattern setting screen 380, an animated image is displayed, including virtual bar display 383 that repeatedly expands and contracts, and indicator light icon 382 whose color changes as virtual bar display 383 expands and contracts. This repeated expansion and contraction of virtual bar display 383 virtually indicates that, in measurement mode 500, bar display 22 expands and contracts as horizontal height Y increases and decreases. Furthermore, the color of indicator light icon 382 changes as virtual bar display 383 expands and contracts, thereby virtually indicating that the lighting state of indicator light 52 changes as horizontal height Y increases and decreases.

[0199] Furthermore, when the indicator light pattern setting screen 380 is displayed on the display unit 20, the indicator light 52 may actually be turned on, and the actual lighting color of the indicator light 52 may be changed in conjunction with the color change of the indicator light icon 382. That is, the actual lighting color of the indicator light 52 is preferably changed in conjunction with the movement of the animated image displayed on the indicator light pattern setting screen 380. By associating the animated image of the indicator light pattern setting screen 380 with the indicator light 52, the user can easily visually grasp how the lighting state of the indicator light 52 changes as the horizontal height Y increases or decreases.

[0200] The color coding pattern of each partition of the virtual color scale 385 changes according to the pattern name displayed in the indicator light pattern setting field 381 . Figure 24The color coding pattern in "Pattern 2" (second indicator light pattern) is shown. Figure 24 , the top partition and the bottom partition have the same color (e.g., red). The second partition from the top has a different color (e.g., green) than the top partition, and the third partition from the top and the fourth partition from the top also have the same color (e.g., green) as the second partition from the top. Figure 24 , a virtual bar arrow 384 indicates the lower end of the uppermost partition, and the indicator light icon 382 has the same color as the uppermost partition (eg, red).

[0201] The movement of the animated image continues even when the pattern name displayed in the indicator light pattern setting bar 381 is changed. When the color coding of the partition changes with the change of the pattern name, the color of the partition indicated by the virtual bar arrow 384 changes, and thus, the lighting color of the indicator light icon 382 and the indicator light 52 can be changed.

[0202] When the user operates the OK key (center key 39) on the indicator light pattern setting screen 380, the setting unit 61 sets the color coding pattern of the virtual color scale 385 corresponding to the pattern name displayed in the indicator light pattern setting field 381 as a pattern of change in the lighting state of the indicator light 52 according to the increase or decrease in the horizontal height Y. Specifically, the setting unit 61 divides the horizontal height Y to be measured into a plurality of horizontal height ranges according to the numerical value of the set threshold value, and assigns the color of each division of the virtual color scale 385 to each horizontal height range.

[0203] Note that each partition of the virtual color scale 385 is not necessarily color-coded, and for example, all partitions may have the same color pattern. In addition, the change in the lighting state of the indicator light 52 indicated by the indicator light icon 382 includes not only a change in the lighting color, but also a change to an off state and a flashing state. According to the pattern, at least one partition of the virtual color scale 385 may be displayed corresponding to a state in which the indicator light 52 is off or a state in which the indicator light 52 is flashing. The indicator light icon 382 may then indicate the off state or the flashing state of the indicator light 52 according to the extension and contraction of the virtual bar display 383. In addition, the actual lighting state of the indicator light 52 is preferably changed in combination with the change in the lighting state of the indicator light icon 382 (including the lighting color, the off state, and the flashing state).

[0204] Furthermore, the options for the indicator light pattern may be not only predetermined patterns but also patterns that can be independently set by the user. For example, when the confirm key (center key 39) is operated while "Customize" is displayed in the indicator light pattern setting bar 381, the display of the display unit 20 may be switched to a custom pattern setting screen (not shown), on which the user can independently set the pattern for the lighting state of the indicator light 52.

[0205] When the changing pattern of the lighting state of the indicator lamp 52 is set on the indicator lamp pattern setting screen 380, the display of the display unit 20 changes to Figure 25 The setting completion confirmation screen 390 is shown. When the OK key (center key 39) is operated on the setting completion confirmation screen 390, the initial setting 100 is completed, and the contents set on the respective setting screens of the initial setting 100 are collectively stored in the storage unit 63. Thereafter, the level meter 10 transitions to Figure 7 The measurement mode is 500.

[0206] Figure 25 The setting completion confirmation screen 390 includes the level meter icon 131, the container bottom line 133, the container icon 135, the container upper surface line 217, the virtual bar display 383, the virtual bar arrow 384, and the virtual color code 385. The level meter icon 131 includes an indicator light icon 382. In addition, the first threshold identifier 314, the second threshold identifier 324, the third threshold identifier 334, and the fourth threshold identifier 344 are displayed next to the virtual bar display 383. Above the container bottom line 133, the value (0) of the horizontal height Y at the bottom of the container 70 is displayed. Above the container upper surface line 217, the height value (4800) of the container 70 is displayed. In addition, instead of the height of the container 70, the distance from the level meter 10 to the bottom of the container 70 can be displayed.

[0207] On the setting completion confirmation screen 390, the numerical values ​​of the plurality of threshold values ​​(horizontal height setting values) set by the setting unit 61 in the initial setting 100 are collectively displayed. Specifically, Figure 25 As shown, together with the first threshold identifier 314, the second threshold identifier 324, the third threshold identifier 334 and the fourth threshold identifier 344 respectively assigned to the thresholds, the numerical values ​​of the first threshold (here 4000), the second threshold (here 3000), the third threshold (here 2000) and the fourth threshold (here 1000) corresponding to these identifiers are displayed.

[0208] In addition, on the setting completion confirmation screen 390, the respective relative positions of the thresholds relative to the container 70 are displayed together with the respective numerical values ​​of the plurality of thresholds (horizontal height setting values). Specifically, when the ratio of the numerical values ​​of the first threshold, the second threshold, the third threshold, and the fourth threshold to the height value of the container 70 is high, the first threshold identifier 314, the second threshold identifier 324, the third threshold identifier 334, and the fourth threshold identifier 344 are displayed at higher positions relative to the container icon 135. That is, the relative positions of the first threshold identifier 314, the second threshold identifier 324, the third threshold identifier 334, and the fourth threshold identifier 344 relative to the container icon 135 indicate the relative positions of the first threshold, the second threshold, the third threshold, and the fourth threshold with respect to the container 70.

[0209] On the setting completion confirmation screen 390, the relative position of each threshold value (level setting value) with respect to the container 70 is displayed on the display unit 20, and the height value of the container 70 (here, 4800 mm) is also displayed. Note that the bottom distance Y0 may be displayed instead of the height of the container 70. In this manner, the container information and the level setting value set in the initial setting 100 are displayed together on the setting completion confirmation screen 390. By checking the setting completion confirmation screen 390, the user can confirm whether the setting items in the initial setting 100 have been correctly set.

[0210] In addition, on the setup completion confirmation screen 390, an animated image is displayed on the indicator pattern setting screen 380, indicating that the operation of the level meter 10 changes as the horizontal height Y increases or decreases. This animated image includes a virtual bar display 383 and an indicator icon 382. Specifically, on the setup completion confirmation screen 390, similar to the indicator pattern setting screen 380, the virtual bar display 383 repeatedly expands and contracts. Then, as the virtual bar display 383 expands and contracts, the lighting state of the indicator icon 382 changes.

[0211] In addition, on the setting completion confirmation screen 390, as an example of changes in the operation of the level meter 10 accompanying an increase or decrease in the level Y, a change in the output signal of the external output terminal 12D can also be confirmed. Specifically, when the output signal of the external output terminal 12D corresponding to each threshold value is enabled as the level Y increases or decreases, the identifier assigned to each threshold value can be highlighted. In addition, the signal output from the external output terminal 12D may actually change.

[0212] For example, assuming that the characteristics (output logic) of the first threshold, the second threshold, the third threshold, and the fourth threshold are Figure 25If the virtual bar arrow 384 indicates that the voltage is lower than the fourth threshold value identifier 344, all signals of the external output terminal 12D corresponding to the first threshold value, the second threshold value, the third threshold value and the fourth threshold value are invalid (open, OFF). Figure 25 As shown, when the virtual bar display 383 is extended and the virtual bar arrow 384 indicates a level higher than the fourth threshold identifier 344 (the horizontal height Y virtually exceeds the fourth threshold), only the signal of the external output terminal 12D corresponding to the fourth threshold is enabled (closed, ON). Figure 25 , to indicate that the signal at external output terminal 12D corresponding to the fourth threshold is enabled, the frame of fourth threshold identifier 344 is highlighted in a bold color. On the other hand, since the signals at external output terminal 12D corresponding to the first, second, and third thresholds remain disabled, the frames of first threshold identifier 314, second threshold identifier 324, and third threshold identifier 334 remain normal. Thereafter, as virtual bar display 383 lengthens, third threshold identifier 334, second threshold identifier 324, and first threshold identifier 314 are sequentially highlighted.

[0213] As described above, an animated image showing that the operation of the level meter 10 changes as the horizontal height Y increases or decreases is displayed on the setting completion confirmation screen 390, so that the user can visually grasp how the operation of the level meter 10 changes as the horizontal height Y increases or decreases. Therefore, the user can confirm whether the setting contents performed in the initial setting 100 are appropriate before actually applying the setting contents.

[0214] Next, we will describe Figure 16 When "ON" is selected on the zoom confirmation screen 160 shown in FIG. 1 and the zoom setting 200 is executed, the display unit 20 displays the zoom setting 200. Figure 26 The display value setting screen 201 is shown.

[0215] The display value setting screen 201 includes an option for a unit setting screen 202, an option for a decimal point position setting screen 203, and an option for proceeding to the next setting 204. In addition, a character string ("L", "99999", etc.) indicating the setting contents set on the unit setting screen 202 and the decimal point position setting screen 203 is also displayed in each option.

[0216] In response to the user's selection, the display in the display section 20 changes from the display value setting screen 201 to the unit setting screen 202 or the decimal point position setting screen 203. Although the details of the unit setting screen 202 are not shown, options for the unit of the display value such as m, mm, L, g, and % are displayed on the unit setting screen 202, and the unit of the option selected by the user is set as the unit of the display value.

[0217] Figure 27 The decimal point position setting screen 203 is shown. Multiple display examples ("99999," "9999.9," "999.99," "99.999," and "9.9999") with different decimal point display positions are displayed on the decimal point position setting screen 203. When the display example corresponding to the decimal point display position desired by the user is selected, the number of digits in the integer part and the number of digits in the decimal part are set for the measured value displayed on the auxiliary display unit 26 of the display unit 20 in the measurement mode 500.

[0218] When the option 204 for proceeding to the next setting is selected on the display value setting screen 201, the display of the display section 20 changes to Figure 28 The tank shape setting screen 220 is shown. The tank shape of the container 70 is set on the tank shape setting screen 220. The tank shape is considered as part of the container information about the container 70. The tank shape setting screen 220 includes a tank shape setting column 221 and a tank shape display column 222.

[0219] The name of the tank shape is displayed in the tank shape setting column 221. When the user operates the down key 35 and the up key 36 on the tank shape setting screen 220, the name displayed in the tank shape setting column 221 is switched. Figure 28 In the , "Straight Can" is displayed as the name of the can shape.

[0220] The tank shape display column 222 shows an illustration of the tank shape corresponding to the name indicated in the tank shape setting column 221. Figure 28 , illustrations of a vertical cylindrical tank and a quadrangular prismatic tank are shown as tank shapes of "straight tanks."

[0221] When the determination key (center key 39) is operated on the tank shape setting screen 220, the tank shape having the name indicated in the tank shape display column 222 is set as the tank shape of the container 70. Then, the display of the display section 20 changes to the bottom distance setting screen 211 and the upper surface distance setting screen 212 corresponding to the tank shape. Note that the bottom distance setting screen 211 and the upper surface distance setting screen 212 corresponding to the straight tank are similar to Figure 17 and Figure 18 The pictures shown.

[0222] When the bottom distance Y0 and the top distance Y1 are set on the bottom distance setting screen 211 and the upper surface distance setting screen 212, the display of the display section 20 changes to Figure 29 Capacity settings screen 230 is shown. Figure 29 The capacity setting screen 230 corresponds to a straight tank.

[0223] The capacity setting screen 230 includes a level meter icon 131, a container icon 135, and a capacity setting bar 231. The container icon 135 simulates a state in which liquid is filled to the position of the upper surface of the "straight tank" (full state). In the capacity setting bar 231, candidate values ​​of the full capacity value of the container 70 are displayed. The candidate values ​​of the full capacity value are displayed as volume values ​​(e.g., L: liter). When the down key 35 and the up key 36 are operated on the capacity setting screen 230, the numerical value displayed in the capacity setting bar 231 increases or decreases. When the OK key (center key 39) is operated on the capacity setting screen 230, the numerical value displayed in the capacity setting bar 231 is set to the full capacity value (tank capacity) of the container 70. The tank capacity is regarded as part of the container information of the container 70.

[0224] Next, a case where the shape of the container 70 is not a “straight can” will be described. Figure 30 The example in which the name (option) of the tank shape displayed in the tank shape setting column 221 on the tank shape setting screen 220 is "spherical tank" is shown. Figure 30 , an illustration of a spherical tank is shown in the tank shape display column 222.

[0225] Even when a spherical tank is selected as the tank shape, setting of the bottom distance Y0 through the bottom distance setting screen 211, setting of the upper surface distance Y1 through the upper surface distance setting screen 212, and setting of the tank capacity through the capacity setting screen 230 are performed. Figure 31 2 is a diagram showing a bottom distance setting screen 211 for a spherical tank. Figure 32 2 is a diagram showing the upper surface distance setting screen 212 of the spherical tank. Figure 33 FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a capacity setting screen 230 for a spherical tank. Figure 31 、 Figure 32 and Figure 33 As shown, when the tank shape is a spherical tank, the shape of the container icon 135 is different from that of a straight tank. In addition, even in the case of other tank shapes, the shape of the container icon 135 displayed when setting the container information also corresponds to the selected tank shape.

[0226] Even in the case where the tank shape is a spherical tank, the bottom distance setting screen 211 ( Figure 31) to set the bottom distance Y0 corresponding to the distance from the measurement reference surface line 132 to the container bottom line 133. In addition, through the upper surface distance setting screen 212 ( Figure 32 ) is used to set the upper surface distance Y1 corresponding to the distance from the measurement reference surface line 132 to the container upper surface line 217. In a spherical tank, the container bottom line 133 is a line extending horizontally from the lower end of the spherical tank. In a spherical tank, the container upper surface line 217 is a line extending horizontally from the upper end of the spherical tank.

[0227] In the case where the tank shape is a spherical tank, the relationship between the measured level Y and the volume of the object 72 in the container 70 is not a simple proportional relationship. The level gauge 10 can calculate the relationship between the measured level Y and the volume of the object 72 in the container 70 based on the set bottom distance Y0, upper surface distance Y1 and tank capacity and the fact that the tank (container 70) is spherical.

[0228] Figure 34 The example in which the name (option) of the tank shape displayed in the tank shape setting column 221 on the tank shape setting screen 220 is "cylindrical tank (horizontally placed)". Figure 34 , a diagram of a horizontal cylindrical tank is shown in the tank shape display column 222.

[0229] Even when a horizontal cylindrical tank is selected as the tank shape, the bottom distance Y0 is set through the bottom distance setting screen 211, the upper surface distance Y1 is set through the upper surface distance setting screen 212, and the tank capacity is set through the capacity setting screen 230. Based on these setting contents and the fact that the tank shape is a horizontal cylindrical tank, the level meter 10 can calculate the relationship between the measured horizontal height Y and the volume of the object 72 in the container 70.

[0230] Figure 35 The example in which the name (option) of the tank shape displayed in the tank shape setting column 221 on the tank shape setting screen 220 is "conical bottom tank" is shown. Figure 35 , an illustration of a conical bottom tank is shown in the tank shape display column 222.

[0231] In the case where a conical bottom tank is selected as the tank shape, after setting the bottom distance Y0 through the bottom distance setting screen 211 and the upper surface distance Y1 through the upper surface distance setting screen 212, and before setting the tank capacity through the capacity setting screen 230, the display unit 20 displays Figure 36 Bottom height setting screen 240 is shown.

[0232] The bottom height setting screen 240 includes the level meter icon 131, the container bottom line 133, the container icon 135, a bottom height setting bar 241, and a bottom height arrow 243. On the bottom height setting screen 240, the height of the tapered portion of the lower portion of the tapered bottom tank is set. The distance from the bottom of the tapered bottom tank to the boundary between the tapered portion and the cylindrical portion is the height of the tapered portion. Hereinafter, the height of the tapered portion may also be referred to as the height of the bottom or the bottom height. The bottom height arrow 243 displayed on the bottom height setting screen 240 indicates that the height of the bottom portion is set. For the sake of explanation, Figure 36 A conical portion boundary line 242 is shown extending horizontally from the boundary between the conical portion and the cylindrical portion of the container icon 135. The conical portion boundary line 242 is not displayed on the bottom height setting screen 240. A bottom height arrow 243 indicates the distance between the container bottom line 133 and the conical portion boundary line 242.

[0233] Candidate values ​​for the bottom height are displayed in bottom height setting field 241. When the down key 35 and the up key 36 are operated on bottom height setting screen 240, the numerical value displayed in bottom height setting field 241 increases or decreases. When the OK key (center key 39) is operated on bottom height setting screen 240, the numerical value displayed in bottom height setting field 241 is set to the bottom height (the height of the tapered portion) of container 70. The bottom height is considered part of the container information of container 70.

[0234] When the bottom height of the conical bottom tank is set, the capacity setting screen 230 is then displayed on the display unit 20, and the tank capacity is set. The level meter 10 can calculate the relationship between the measured level height Y and the volume of the object 72 in the container 70 based on the set bottom distance Y0, top distance Y1, bottom height, and tank capacity, and the fact that the tank (container 70) is a conical bottom tank.

[0235] Figure 37 The example in which the name (option) of the tank shape displayed in the tank shape setting column 221 on the tank shape setting screen 220 is "quadrilateral pyramid bottom tank" is shown. Figure 37 , an illustration of a square pyramid bottom tank is shown in the tank shape display area 222. When a square pyramid bottom tank is selected as the tank shape, the bottom height (the height of the tapered portion) of the container 70 is set through the bottom height setting screen 240, as in the case of a tapered bottom tank.

[0236] Figure 38 The example in which the name (option) of the tank shape displayed in the tank shape setting column 221 on the tank shape setting screen 220 is "slanted bottom tank" is shown. Figure 38In the example, a sloping bottom tank is shown in the tank shape display field 222. When a sloping bottom tank is selected as the tank shape, the bottom height of the container 70 is set using the bottom height setting screen 240, similar to the case of a conical bottom tank. The bottom height of the sloping bottom tank is the height of the lower sloping portion of the sloping bottom tank.

[0237] Figure 39 The case where the name (option) of the tank shape displayed in the tank shape setting column 221 on the tank shape setting screen 220 is "multi-point correction" is shown. In the case where the multi-point correction option is displayed, the multi-point correction table 225 is displayed instead of the tank shape display column 222. The multi-point correction table 225 is a table showing the settings of correction points determined by a combination of the value of the volume of the object 72 corresponding to the value in the tank having a complex shape and the value of the horizontal height Y of the object 72. Figure 39 , respective columns of a first calibration point height 251 a , a first calibration point volume 251 b , a second calibration point height 252 a , and a second calibration point volume 252 b are displayed.

[0238] When multi-point correction is selected on the tank shape setting screen 220, the bottom distance setting screen 211 and the upper surface distance setting screen 212 are displayed on the display unit 20. Figure 40 The multi-point correction screen 250 is shown instead of the capacity setting screen 230. Although the shape of the container 70 is complicated in the case of using the multi-point correction, it is preferable to use an existing container icon 135 such as a straight tank as the container icon 135 on the bottom distance setting screen 211 and the upper surface distance setting screen 212.

[0239] The multi-point calibration screen 250 displays the number of multi-point calibration points 250N and the height and volume of each calibration point. Figure 40 , the first calibration point height 251a, the first calibration point volume 251b, and the second calibration point height 252a are displayed. When the down key 35 and the up key 36 are operated to scroll the multi-point calibration screen 250, such as Figure 40 Other values ​​of the second calibration point volume 252b, not shown in FIG, are also displayed.

[0240] When the multi-point correction point number 250N is selected on the multi-point correction screen 250, the display unit 20 changes to a correction point number setting screen (not shown). In the correction point number setting screen, the number of correction points is set. The number of correction points can be selected from a predetermined number of options (e.g., 2 to 32).

[0241] When the height or volume of each correction point, such as the first correction point height 251a and the first correction point volume 251b, is selected on the multi-point correction screen 250, the display unit 20 transitions to a screen (not shown) for setting the height or volume of each correction point. On the screen for setting the correction point height, the height value of the correction point is set within the range of the height of the container 70. On the screen for setting the volume of the correction point, the volume value of the object 72 when the level Y of the object 72 reaches the height of the correction point is set. Based on these correction point settings, the level meter 10 can calculate the relationship between the measured level Y and the volume of the object 72 in the container 70. Furthermore, after each correction point is set on the multi-point correction screen 250, when the display of the display unit 20 returns to the tank shape setting screen 220, the numerical value of each set correction point is preferably displayed in the multi-point correction table 225.

[0242] Figure 41 An example of the tank shape (the shape of the container 70 ) corresponding to the multi-point correction is shown. Figure 41 is a schematic cross-sectional view of container 70. Container 70 has a shape where the upper end reaches first calibration point height 251a and the lateral width increases until reaching second calibration point height 252a at the lower end. The lateral width then narrows between second calibration point height 252a and container bottom line 133. In this container 70, the horizontal height Y and the volume of object 72 are not in a simply proportional relationship.

[0243] Here, if the volume of the object 72 corresponding to the first correction point height 251a (first correction point volume 251b) and the volume of the object 72 corresponding to the second correction point height 252a (second correction point volume 252b) are set, the level meter 10 can calculate the volume of the object 72 at any horizontal height Y by assuming that the lateral width of the container 70 changes linearly between the correction points. Then, even in the case where the container 70 has a more complex shape, if a large number (for example, 32 points) of correction points are set, the level meter 10 can calculate a value corresponding to the actual volume of the object 72 for any horizontal height Y.

[0244] When the setting on the capacity setting screen 230 or the multi-point calibration screen 250 is completed, the zoom setting 200 is completed. Thereafter, the display content of the display section 20 goes through the setting screen of each threshold value (such as the first threshold value setting screen 310), the indicator light pattern setting screen 380, and the setting completion confirmation screen 390, and the initial setting 100 of the level meter 10 is completed. The level meter 10 that has completed the initial setting 100 shifts to the measurement mode 500 ( Figure 7 ).

[0245] Figure 42An example of the display section 20 in the measurement mode 500 is shown. The display section 20 in the measurement mode 500 displays a bar display 22 , a color scale 24 , an auxiliary display section 26 , and an output status display section 27 .

[0246] The length of the bar display 22 expands and contracts according to the value of the level Y measured by the level meter 10 (determined by the level determination unit 88). A bar arrow 22a is displayed at the upper end of the bar display 22. In addition, the bar display 22 expands and contracts in the container icon 25 that imitates the container 70. On the container icon 25, a scale ( Figure 42 By checking the position of the bar arrow 22a and the scale of the container icon 25, the user can easily visually grasp the ratio of the current horizontal height Y relative to the entire container 70 (the relative position relative to the container 70).

[0247] The color scale 24 is displayed side by side with the container icon 25 including the bar display 22. The length direction of the color scale 24 is along the extension / contraction direction of the bar display 22. In addition, the color scale 24 includes a plurality of partitions ( Figure 42 ), and these partitions are arranged along the extension / contraction direction of the bar display 22. The bar arrow 22a indicates the position in the color scale 24 corresponding to the length of the bar display 22.

[0248] The color scale 24 is color-coded for each partition. The indicator light 52 of the level meter 10 is illuminated in the same color as the partition indicated by the bar arrow 22a. The illuminated color of the indicator light 52 does not necessarily have to be exactly the same as the color of the partition indicated by the bar arrow 22a, and the illuminated state of the indicator light 52 can correspond to the color of the partition indicated by the bar arrow 22a. For example, if the partition indicated by the bar arrow 22a has a color corresponding to the light-off state (e.g., black), the indicator light 52 can be turned off.

[0249] When the indicator pattern setting screen 380 ( Figure 22 ), the color coding pattern of the color scale 24 matches the color coding pattern of the virtual color scale 385. Furthermore, depending on the indicator light pattern, the color scale 24 may not be color-coded because all partitions have the same color or include a partition that is in an off state. Note that even when the color scale is not color-coded, the division of each partition is performed by displaying the boundary lines of the partition, etc.

[0250] The color scale 24 indicates the relative position of the threshold value (horizontal height setting value) relative to the container 70. The position of the boundary of each partition of the color scale 24 is determined based on the container information and the threshold value set in the initial settings 100. Specifically, the size of the difference between the threshold values ​​corresponds to the size of each partition, and the ratio of each threshold value to the height of the container 70 (one of the container information) corresponds to the position of the boundary of each partition relative to the entire length of the container icon 25. By checking the boundary between the container icon 25 and each partition of the color scale 24, the user can easily visually grasp the relative position of the set threshold value (horizontal height setting value) relative to the container 70.

[0251] As described above, in the display section 20 of the measurement mode 500, based on the level Y determined by the level determination unit 88, the container information, and the level setting value, the relative position of the level setting value relative to the container 70 is displayed together with the bar display 22 whose length is extended and contracted according to the value of the level Y.

[0252] The auxiliary display section 26 displays a numerical value based on the level Y determined (measured) by the level determination unit 88. Figure 42 In the case where the zoom setting 200 is performed in the initial setting 100, the display format of the auxiliary display section 26 is based on the display value setting screen 201 ( Figure 26 ) on the settings.

[0253] For example, when L (liter) is selected as the unit of the display value, the volume of the object 72 in the container 70 is displayed on the auxiliary display portion 26 in units of L. In this case, the volume of the object 72 is calculated based on the measured horizontal height Y and the container information set in the initial setting 100.

[0254] Furthermore, in measurement mode 500, the display format of auxiliary display unit 26 may be changeable according to user operations. For example, when the user operates right key 37 or left key 38 in measurement mode 500, the display format of auxiliary display unit 26 may be switched to height (mm), volume (L), ratio (%) relative to full capacity value, etc.

[0255] The output state display section 27 displays the state of the signal line in the external output terminal 12D, wherein the output changes according to the relationship between the measured level Y and the threshold value (level setting value). Figure 20) on the output logic setting screen 315 to determine how the state of the signal line changes according to the relationship between the horizontal height Y and the threshold. For example, if "normally open" is selected on the output logic setting screen 315 for all four thresholds, when the horizontal height Y exceeds the threshold, the signal of the signal line corresponding to the threshold is enabled. Figure 42 In FIG, the bar arrow 22a indicates the fourth partition from the top of the color scale 24. That is, the value of the horizontal height Y exceeds the fourth threshold from the top. On the other hand, the value of the horizontal height Y is less than the first, second, and third thresholds from the top. Figure 42 In the output state display section 27, only the number "4" is highlighted (displayed in black), and the other numbers are not highlighted (displayed in white). This indicates that only the signal line (output signal) corresponding to the fourth threshold value is enabled.

[0256] Likewise Figure 7 As shown, the display of the display unit 20 can be switched between the display screen of the measurement mode 500 and the menu screen 600. For example, when the user operates the menu key 32 in the measurement mode 500, the display of the display unit 20 switches to Figure 43 The menu screen 600 is shown.

[0257] The menu screen 600 includes an option for transitioning to the display screen of the measurement mode 500 (a screen displaying the "current value" of the horizontal height Y). In addition, the menu screen 600 includes an option for transitioning to various setting screens such as a container setting screen 610, a setting value change screen 620, and a miscellaneous setting screen 630. Figure 43 In addition to these, the menu screen 600 also includes an option for transitioning to a screen for an adjustment function 640. On the screen for the adjustment function 640, a determination is made as to whether the installation state of the level meter 10 is appropriate based on the stability of the reflection signal Rx received by the receiving circuit 43R, and various settings are adjusted according to the determination result.

[0258] When the option for transitioning to the container setting screen 610 is selected on the menu screen 600 ( Figure 43 ), the display unit 20 changes to the container setting screen 610 (not shown). On the container setting screen 610, the setting unit 61 performs the change of the container setting 210 ( Figure 9 、 Figure 10 ) or the reset process of the container information that has been set in the operation setting 300 of the initial setting 100. In the reset process of the container information, a screen including a numerical setting column, a level meter icon 131, a container icon 135, etc., such as the bottom distance setting screen 211 ( Figure 17) and upper surface distance setting screen 212 ( Figure 18 ).

[0259] When resetting the container information, it is preferable to display the relative position of the current level Y determined (measured) by the level determination unit 88, or the value of the level Y relative to the container 70. For example, in addition to displaying the bottom distance setting screen 211 and the upper surface distance setting screen 212, a bar display 22 indicating the relative position of the level Y relative to the container 70 may be displayed on the container icon 135, similar to the display unit 20 in the measurement mode 500. Alternatively, the measured value of the current level Y may be displayed as a character string (e.g., a character string such as "Current value 1500 mm"). The bar display 22 indicating the relative position of the current level Y and the character string indicating the numerical value may be displayed together. Furthermore, when resetting the container information, the bar display 22 and the character string indicating the numerical value displayed on the display unit 20 may change in real time based on the measured value. Note that, in addition to the bottom distance Y0 and the upper surface distance Y1, the entire container information regarding the container 70, such as the tank shape, may also be set on the container setting screen 610.

[0260] Furthermore, during the reset process, the values ​​of the already set container information (bottom distance Y0, upper surface distance Y1, etc.) may also be displayed on the display unit 20. During the reset process of the container information, the relative position of the current level Y with respect to the container 70, the value of the level Y, and the value of the already set container information are displayed on the display unit 20, so that the user can set the container information to be reset while being aware of the magnitude relationship between the current level Y and the already set container information.

[0261] When the option for transitioning to the setting value change screen 620 is selected on the menu screen 600 ( Figure 43 ), the display unit 20 changes to a setting value change screen 620 (not shown). On the setting value change screen 620, the setting unit 61 performs a change in the operation setting 300 ( Figure 9 ) is reset processing of the level setting value (threshold) that has been set in the initial setting 100. In the reset processing of the level setting value, the first threshold setting screen 310 ( Figure 19 ) and the second threshold setting screen 320 ( Figure 20 ), a screen including a numerical value setting column, a level meter icon 131, a container icon 135, an identifier for each threshold value, and the like is displayed on the display unit 20.

[0262] Even when performing the reset process of the horizontal height setting value, it is preferable to display the relative position of the horizontal height Y relative to the container 70 (for example, the bar display 22) or the value of the horizontal height Y (for example, a character string representing a numerical value) on the display unit 20. In addition, the value of the threshold value that has been set can also be displayed on the display unit 20. By displaying this information, the user can set the horizontal height setting value to be set again while being aware of the size relationship between the value of the current horizontal height Y and the horizontal height setting value that has been set. Note that in the case where there are multiple thresholds to be set again, it is preferable to highlight only the display related to the threshold to be set. For example, it is preferable that only the identifier and threshold line of the threshold to be set are brightly displayed, and the identifiers of the thresholds other than the threshold to be set and the threshold line are displayed in gray.

[0263] When the option for transitioning to the miscellaneous setting screen 630 is selected on the menu screen 600 ( Figure 43 When the character string of "settings" in Figure 44 The Miscellaneous Settings screen 630 is shown. The Miscellaneous Settings screen 630 includes options for transitioning to various settings screens, such as an Input / Output Settings screen 631, a Detection Settings screen 632, and a System Settings screen 633. Figure 44 In addition to these, the miscellaneous setting screen 630 also includes an option to execute initialization 634 and an option to execute simulation 635. When the option to execute initialization 634 is selected, various setting values ​​such as container information and threshold values ​​are reset to predetermined initial setting values. When the option to execute simulation 635 is selected, a simulation is executed to confirm whether the level meter 10 is operating according to the setting contents while virtually changing the value of the level height Y measured by the level meter 10.

[0264] When an option of the input / output setting screen 631 is selected on the miscellaneous setting screen 630, the display section 20 changes to Figure 45 The input / output setting screen 631 is shown. On the input / output setting screen 631 transitioned from the miscellaneous setting screen 630, the characteristics of the external input terminal 12C and the external output terminal 12D in the connection portion 12 of the level meter 10 are set.

[0265] Figure 45The input / output setting screen 631 in the display includes an option for setting a value for the number of control outputs and an option for setting the characteristics of each terminal (signal line) of the connection section 12. The value for the number of control outputs indicates the number of multiple signal lines included in the connection section 12 to be used as external output terminals 12D for outputting signals to the outside during the current measurement. The value for the number of control outputs is the number of threshold values ​​associated with the horizontal height Y. When the option for setting the value for the number of control outputs is selected, the display section 20 displays a plurality of options, and allows the user to select one of the options, wherein the plurality of options indicate the number of signal lines that can be used as external output terminals 12D.

[0266] When an option for setting the characteristics of each terminal (such as a character string of "IO1: control output") is selected, the display unit 20 changes to a terminal characteristic setting screen (not shown). On the terminal characteristic setting screen, the numerical value (level setting value) of the threshold value corresponding to each terminal (signal line), the output logic (normally open or normally closed), etc. are set.

[0267] Note that the input / output setting screen 631 may include options for whether to enable an analog output terminal that outputs an analog value (e.g., a current value of 4 to 20 mA), whether to use any terminal as a terminal for serial communication, whether to enable the external input terminal 12C, and whether to set the characteristics of transistors used for the external output and external input of the level meter 10 to a PNP type or an NPN type. For example, when the external input terminal 12C is enabled, the level meter 10 can receive setting information such as container information and a level setting value from outside the level meter 10 via the connection portion 12.

[0268] When Figure 44 When the option of the detection setting screen 632 is selected on the miscellaneous setting screen 630 in the display unit 20, the display unit 20 transitions to the detection setting screen 632 (not shown). On the detection setting screen 632, the measurement conditions (detection settings) for the level Y of the level meter 10 are set. The measurement conditions for the level Y include, for example, container information such as the bottom distance Y0 and the upper surface distance Y1. As measurement conditions other than container information, there is, for example, a mask setting for ignoring the reflected signal Rx from a specific position in the container 70 in a specific measurement environment. As an example of a measurement environment requiring a mask setting, in addition to the interface 74 of the object 72, there may also be an element in the container 70 that reflects the measurement signal Tx (for example, a device such as an agitator provided in the container 70). When a mask setting is required, the setting unit 61 sets the level setting value for the mask setting on the detection setting screen 632. Then, when it is determined that the reflected signal Rx received by the receiving circuit 43R is reflected at a position corresponding to the level setting value for the mask setting, the level determination unit 88 ignores the reflected signal Rx.

[0269] When the option of the system setting screen 633 is selected on the miscellaneous setting screen 630, the display unit 20 changes to the system setting screen 633 (not shown). On the system setting screen 633, it is preferable to perform a reset process of the setting items that have not been set again on the container setting screen 610, the input / output setting screen 631, and the detection setting screen 632. For example, it is preferable to perform a reset process on the system setting screen 633. Figure 23 ) on the language setting screen 110 ( Figure 11 ) reset processing of the display language etc. set on the system setting screen 633. In addition, on the system setting screen 633, setting items that are not set in the initial setting 100, such as screen brightness etc., can be set.

[0270] Next, we will refer to Figure 46 and Figure 47 Another example of the level meter 10 is described. Figure 46 It is a perspective view showing another example of the level meter 10 . Figure 47 FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of another example of the level meter 10. Figure 46 and Figure 47 In the function and Figure 1 and Figure 2 The components of the level meter 10 have the same functions as the components of Figure 1 and Figure 2 1 and 2. The same reference numerals as in the figure are used to denote the same reference numerals as in the figure, and their description will not be repeated unless necessary.

[0271] exist Figure 46 and Figure 47 In the level meter 10 of FIG. 1 , the housing 15 has a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the longitudinal direction A. Figure 46 and Figure 47 The housing 15 has a Figure 1 and Figure 2 The base 15a and the end portion 21 are integrated together. Figure 46 and Figure 47 The level meter 10 has a ratio Figure 1 and Figure 2 The level meter 10 in the embodiment of the present invention has a smaller size.

[0272] exist Figure 46 and Figure 47 In the level meter 10 in FIG. 1 , the connection portion 12 is provided on the upper side of the housing 15. The display portion 20 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the housing 15 extending along the longitudinal direction A. The indicator light 52 is provided between the connection portion 12 and the display portion 20 so as to surround the lower side (root) of the connection portion 12. Figure 47As shown, a status LED 50 and a transmission window 53 of an indicator light 52 are provided above the display portion 20. The operation unit 30 is provided adjacent to the display portion 20 and includes a menu key 32 and a direction key 33 arranged along the longitudinal direction A. In addition, the direction key 33 includes an up key 36 and a down key 35 arranged along the longitudinal direction A.

[0273] Similar to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The display unit 20 of the level meter 10, Figure 46 and Figure 47 The display unit 20 of the level meter 10 displays various types of information. Figure 46 and Figure 47 The display portion 20 is smaller than Figure 1 and Figure 2 The display unit 20 in the image processing unit 10 can thus simplify the display content.

[0274] In the following, Figure 46 and Figure 47 Some of the screens displayed on the display unit 20 of the level meter 10 will be described as follows. Figure 1 and Figure 2 Another example of each screen in the level meter 10. Figure 48 Another example of the bottom distance setting screen 211 is shown. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The bottom distance setting screen 211 ( Figure 17 ) is not much different, but the guidance display of "OK" or "Back" does not appear at the bottom of the screen to save screen space. Figure 46 and 47 In the level meter 10 in FIG. 1 , determination can be performed by operating the menu key 32. In addition, in some screens, it is preferable to prepare an option for returning to a screen where settings have been completed. In addition, a function similar to "return" can be realized by a combination of keys included in the operation unit 30. For example, in the case where the menu key 32 and the up key 36 are operated at the same time, it is preferable to perform the same operation as in FIG. Figure 1 and Figure 2 A similar operation is performed (the display content of the display unit 20 returns to the previous screen) when the key corresponding to “return” (left key 38 ) is operated in the level meter 10 .

[0275] Figure 49 Another example of the second threshold setting screen 320 is shown. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The second threshold setting screen 320 ( Figure 20), the normally open icon 324a, the normally closed icon 324b, the first threshold identifier 314, and the set value of the first threshold are not displayed, thereby simplifying the display. However, the first threshold line 313 is displayed as thin (e.g., grayed out). In addition, the numerical value of the height of the container 70 (here, 1500) is displayed.

[0276] Figure 50 Another example of an output logic setting screen 325 for a second threshold is shown. On the output logic setting screen 325 for the second threshold, the first threshold identifier 314 omitted on the second threshold setting screen 320 is displayed thin (e.g., grayed out). In addition, to save display space, the ON icon 316a and the OFF icon 316b are not displayed next to the output logic setting bar 316, but are displayed next to the container icon 135.

[0277] Figure 51 Another example of an indicator light pattern setting screen 380 is shown. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The indicator light pattern setting screen 380 ( Figure 22 ) is simplified because the identifier of each threshold is not shown. In addition, Figure 46 and Figure 47 In the level meter 10 in FIG. 1 , since the indicator light 52 is provided on the upper portion of the level meter 10, the indicator light icon 382 is displayed on the Figure 51 The upper part of the level gauge icon 131 in FIG.

[0278] Also in Figure 51 On the indicator pattern setting screen 380, an animated image is displayed that shows changes in the operation of the level meter 10 as the horizontal height Y increases and decreases. That is, when the indicator pattern setting screen 380 is displayed, the virtual bar display 383 repeatedly expands and contracts, and the state of the indicator icon 382 and the actual state of the indicator light 52 change as the virtual bar display 383 expands and contracts.

[0279] Figure 52 Another example of the setting completion confirmation screen 390 is shown. On the setting completion confirmation screen 390, the first threshold identifier 314 and the second threshold identifier 324 of reduced size are displayed at the position of the boundary of each partition of the virtual color scale 385. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The setting completion confirmation screen 390 ( Figure 25 ), the display is simplified because the corresponding threshold values ​​are not shown. Figure 52On the setting completion confirmation screen 390 in FIG. 3 , the virtual bar display 383 repeatedly extends and contracts, so that an animated image showing changes in the operation of the level meter 10 as the horizontal height Y increases and decreases is displayed.

[0280] Next, we will refer to Figure 53 A further example of the level meter 10 will be described. Figure 53 1 is a perspective view showing another example of the level meter 10. Figure 53 In, with Figure 1 and Figure 46 The components of the level meter 10 in the same function are composed of Figure 1 and Figure 46 The components in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their description will not be repeated unless necessary.

[0281] exist Figure 53 In FIG, the level meter 10 includes a sensor unit 16 and a remote controller 55. The remote controller 55 is capable of communicating with the sensor unit 16 at a location away from the sensor unit 16. Then, the sensor unit 16 and the remote controller 55 are connected by a communication cable 11. Figure 53 In the level gauge 10 , only the sensor unit 16 is attached to the container 70 containing the object 72 , and the remote controller 55 communicates with the sensor unit 16 at a location remote from the container 70 .

[0282] like Figure 53 As shown, the sensor unit 16 has a substantially cylindrical shape. The indicator light 52 is provided on the upper portion of the sensor unit 16. The remote controller 55 corresponds to Figure 1 and Figure 46 The housing 15 of the level meter 10 includes a display unit 20 that displays the measured level Y. The display unit 20 can display a bar graph 22 and a color scale 24. Furthermore, the remote controller 55 includes an operation unit 30 for a user to operate the level meter 10. Furthermore, the remote controller 55 has a connection unit 12 as a connection terminal for an external device. Furthermore, the remote controller 55 includes a remote indicator light 54. The remote status light 54 is illuminated in the same lighting state as the indicator light 52 of the sensor unit 16.

[0283] Figure 53 The display unit 20 of the level meter 10 is Figure 1 and 46 The display section 20 of the level meter 10 in FIG. 1 similarly displays various types of information. Figure 53 In the display unit 20, Figure 53 The information indicated to the user by the display unit 20 is equivalent to Figure 1 and Figure 46 The size of the display unit 20 can be simplified. Figure 53 The display content of the display unit 20 in .

Claims

1. A level meter, which is installed in the upper part of a container toward the bottom of the container to measure the level of an object stored in the container, the level meter comprising: a transmitting / receiving unit, the transmitting / receiving unit comprising a transmitting circuit for transmitting a measuring signal for measuring the horizontal height and a receiving circuit for receiving a reflection signal associated with reflection of the measuring signal by the object; a level determination unit that determines the level based on the reflection signal received by the receiving circuit and container information about the container; a setting unit that sequentially sets the container information and a plurality of level setting values ​​associated with the level determined by the level determining unit; as well as A display unit, wherein the display unit is configured to display a relative position of the level setting value with respect to the container together with a bar display based on the level determined by the level determination unit, the container information and the level setting value, wherein the length of the bar display is extended and contracted according to the value of the level determined by the level determination unit.

2. The level meter according to claim 1, wherein: The display unit includes a plurality of partitions arranged along an extension / contraction direction of the bar display, and displays a ruler in which positions of boundaries of the partitions are determined based on the container information and the horizontal height setting value, thereby displaying a relative position of the horizontal height setting value relative to the container.

3. The level meter according to claim 1, wherein The setting unit sets at least the height of the container or the distance from the level meter to the bottom of the container as the container information about the container, and The display portion displays a relative position of the level setting value with respect to the container, and displays a value of the height of the container or a value of the distance from the level meter to the bottom of the container.

4. The level meter according to claim 1, wherein: When the container information and the level setting value are set by the setting unit, the display section displays a container icon indicating the container and a level meter icon indicating the level meter. 5 . The level meter according to claim 1 , wherein after the setting unit sets a plurality of the level setting values, the display portion displays corresponding numerical values ​​of the set level setting values ​​together with corresponding relative positions of the level setting values ​​with respect to the container. 6 . The level meter according to claim 1 , wherein the display section displays level setting value identifiers individually assigned to a plurality of level setting values ​​set by the setting unit together with numerical values ​​of the level setting values ​​corresponding to the level setting value identifiers.

7. The level meter according to claim 1, wherein: The display section displays an animated image showing changes in the operation of the level meter as the level increases or decreases.

8. The level meter according to claim 1, further comprising an indicator light, the lighting state of the indicator light changing according to the relationship between the level determined by the level determination unit and the level setting value set by the setting unit, The display unit displays an animated image, which includes a virtual bar display and an indicator light icon, wherein the virtual bar display virtually indicates the extension and contraction of the bar display as the horizontal height increases or decreases, and the indicator light icon virtually indicates the change of the lighting state of the indicator light as the horizontal height increases or decreases. 9 . The level meter according to claim 8 , wherein an actual lighting state of the indicator light changes in conjunction with a change in a lighting state of the indicator light icon accompanying the extension and contraction of the virtual bar display.

10. The level meter according to claim 8, wherein: The setting unit sets a changing pattern of the lighting state of the indicator light as the horizontal height increases or decreases.

11. The level meter according to claim 1, wherein: The display section includes a two-line reflective color liquid crystal display that performs power transmission and reception and data communication through two power lines.

12. The level meter according to claim 1, wherein The setting unit is capable of performing a reset process of changing the already set container information and level setting value, and When the reset processing by the setting unit is performed, the display section displays a level value of the level currently determined by the level determination unit or a relative position of the level with respect to the container.

13. The level meter according to claim 1, wherein When the setting unit sets the level setting value, the display section displays a normally open icon and a normally closed icon, the normally open icon indicating that the operation of the level meter is changed when the level determined by the level determination unit exceeds the level setting value, and the normally closed icon indicating that the operation of the level meter is changed when the level determined by the level determination unit drops below the level setting value. The normally open icon is arranged above the normally closed icon in the display, and The setting unit determines whether the operation of the level meter is changed in a case where the level exceeds the level setting value or falls below the level setting value according to which one of the normally open icon and the normally closed icon is selected.

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