Sensor unit

Abstract

Provided is a sensor unit that simultaneously displays a threshold value and a physical quantity as well as other information. The sensor unit causes the dot matrix display unit to display a threshold value and a physical quantity in a first display form, and causes the dot matrix display unit to display the physical quantity, the threshold value, and additional information different from the physical quantity and different from the threshold value in a second display form (e.g., a power mode). The area of the third display region (303) for the threshold value in the second display form is smaller than the area of the second display region (302) for the threshold value in the first display form. The area of a fourth display area (304) for information in the second display form is obtained by reducing the area of the second display area (302).

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of application number 201811126138.0 filed on September 26, 2018, entitled "Sensor Unit". Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to sensor units such as photoelectric switches. Background Technology

[0003] Products (workpieces) manufactured in the factory are transported via conveyor equipment such as conveyors. The arrival of the workpiece at a predetermined position is detected by a photoelectric switch. The photoelectric switch includes a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element. The light-receiving element receives light emitted from the light-emitting element. The photoelectric switch determines the presence or absence of the workpiece based on whether the amount of light received exceeds a threshold. Therefore, the photoelectric switch includes a seven-segment LED display configured to display the amount of light received and the threshold (Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-210720 (Patent Document 1)).

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-81869 (Patent Document 2) and Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-81870 (Patent Document 3) propose a display that uses a dot matrix display as a photoelectric switch.

[0005] As described in Patent Document 1, seven-segment LEDs are the mainstream in slim-type sensor units. As described in Patent Documents 2 and 3, dot-matrix displays can be used in large sensor units. If dot-matrix displays can also be used in slim sensor units, the flexibility of the display increases. The sensor unit simultaneously displays threshold values ​​and physical quantities such as the amount of light received. However, sometimes it is desirable for the sensor unit to simultaneously display additional information beyond threshold values ​​and physical quantities (e.g., information indicating the operating mode). Summary of the Invention

[0006] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a sensor unit that simultaneously displays threshold values, physical quantities, and other information.

[0007] The present invention provides, for example, a sensor unit comprising: a detection unit configured to detect a physical quantity; a dot matrix display unit configured to display the physical quantity detected by the detection unit; an output unit configured to output a comparison result of a threshold and the physical quantity detected by the detection unit; an operation unit configured to receive an adjustment operation for the threshold; and a control unit configured to control the dot matrix display unit. The control unit is configured to cause the dot matrix display unit to display the threshold and the physical quantity in a first display format, and to cause the dot matrix display unit to display the physical quantity and the threshold, as well as information different from the physical quantity and different from the threshold, together in a second display format. The area of ​​the display region for one of the threshold and the physical quantity in the second display format is smaller than the area of ​​the display region for the other of the threshold and the physical quantity in the first display format. The area of ​​the display region for the information in the second display format is obtained by reducing the area of ​​the display region for the other of the threshold and the physical quantity.

[0008] The present invention also provides, for example, a sensor unit comprising: a detection unit configured to detect a physical quantity; a dot matrix display unit configured to display the physical quantity detected by the detection unit; an output unit configured to output a comparison result of a threshold and the physical quantity detected by the detection unit; an operation unit configured to receive an adjustment operation for the threshold; and a control unit configured to control the dot matrix display unit, wherein the control unit is configured to cause the dot matrix display unit to display the threshold in a first display area of ​​the dot matrix display unit, to cause the dot matrix display unit to display the physical quantity in a second display area of ​​the dot matrix display unit, to reduce the area of ​​the first display area when the physical quantity and the threshold and information different from the physical quantity and the threshold are displayed together, and to cause the dot matrix display unit to display the information in a third display area obtained by reducing the area of ​​the first display area.

[0009] The present invention also provides, for example, a sensor unit comprising: a detection unit configured to detect a physical quantity; a dot matrix display unit configured to display the physical quantity detected by the detection unit; an output unit configured to output a comparison result of a threshold and the physical quantity detected by the detection unit; an operation unit configured to receive an adjustment operation for the threshold, and the operation unit including a button for causing the dot matrix display unit to display a setting menu for setting the sensor unit; and a control unit configured to control the dot matrix display unit, and the control unit causing the dot matrix display unit to display the setting menu when the button is pressed, wherein when the button is pressed in a first manner, the control unit causes the dot matrix display unit to display a first menu including a large number of setting items, and when the button is pressed in a second manner different from the first manner, the control unit causes the dot matrix display unit to display a second menu including a small number of setting items, and the second menu including a setting item for changing the display language to another display language.

[0010] According to the present invention, a sensor unit configured to simultaneously display threshold values, physical quantities, and other information is provided. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 This is a 3D view showing a photoelectric switch;

[0012] Figure 2A and Figure 2B It is a three-dimensional view showing multiple photoelectric switches connected to each other;

[0013] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the photoelectric switch;

[0014] Figure 4A and Figure 4B This is a 3D view showing a photoelectric switch;

[0015] Figure 5 It is a perspective view showing the positional relationship between the cover component, the display, and the shielding component;

[0016] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the fiber optic heads of the photoelectric switch arranged adjacent to each other;

[0017] Figure 7 This is a diagram used to illustrate the controller;

[0018] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the switching of display formats;

[0019] Figure 9A and Figure 9B This is a diagram showing an example of a user interface;

[0020] Figures 10A to 10C This is a diagram showing an example of a user interface;

[0021] Figure 11A and Figure 11B This is a diagram showing an example of a user interface;

[0022] Figure 12A and Figure 12B This is a diagram showing an example of a user interface;

[0023] Figure 13A and Figure 13B This is a diagram showing an example of a user interface;

[0024] Figure 14A and Figure 14B This is a diagram showing an example of a user interface;

[0025] Figure 15A and Figure 15B This is a diagram showing an example of a user interface;

[0026] Figure 16 This is a flowchart showing the menu switching process;

[0027] Figure 17 This is a diagram used to illustrate the menu transitions;

[0028] Figure 18 This is a diagram used to illustrate the menu transitions;

[0029] Figure 19 This is a diagram used to illustrate the menu transitions;

[0030] Figures 20A to 20C This is an example diagram used to illustrate a graphic; and

[0031] Figure 21A and Figure 21B This is a diagram showing an example of a user interface. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The following describes embodiments of the present invention. The various embodiments described below are useful for understanding the various concepts of the present invention, such as superordinate concepts, intermediate concepts, and subordinate concepts. The technical scope of the present invention is determined by the technical solutions and is not limited to the various embodiments described below.

[0033] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing a photoelectric switch. The photoelectric switch 1 includes a generally rectangular housing. Figure 1 In this diagram, the z-axis corresponds to the length direction, the x-axis to the lateral direction, and the y-axis to the height direction. The housing typically has six external surfaces. These six external surfaces include the top surface, bottom surface, front surface, rear surface, left side surface, and right side surface. Figure 1 The top surface, front surface, and right side are observed. The housing includes a lower shell 2 and an upper shell 3. The lower shell 2 and the upper shell 3 are fitted together to form an internal space for housing the control board and the like. A portion of the upper shell 3 forms the upper surface. On the upper surface are provided a display 5, a mode button 8, an active receiver button 7, an adjustment button 9, a slide switch 10, a setting button 11, an indicator light 24, a clamping module 14, etc. The display 5 is a dot matrix display such as an OLED and displays the threshold and light reception amount. The display 5 is held and fixed by the outer surface of the upper shell 3 and the cover member 4. The display 5 is set to be offset further from the center of the upper surface towards the front surface. The adjustment button 9 is a button for increasing and decreasing the threshold and operating the menu. The menu is a menu displayed on the display 5 and includes various setting items for setting the operation of the photoelectric switch 1. The mode button 8 is a button for switching the operating mode related to the amount of light emitted, etc. The active receiver button 7 is a special button for projecting light from the photoelectric switch 1 to the outside through the light-receiving optical fiber. When the active receiver button 7 is pressed, the photoelectric switch 1 uses the receiving optical fiber as the projecting optical fiber and projects light outwards while simultaneously receiving light incident from the outside. The projected light is not used to detect the workpiece but to assist the user in adjusting the optical axis. Note that the light-emitting element configured to output auxiliary light can be arranged in the center of the receiving element. In this case, the light-receiving surface of the receiving element is larger than the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting element. The slide switch 10 is a switch for selecting a group of multiple setting parameters. The setting button 11 is a button for initiating automatic setting of the threshold. When the setting button 11 is pressed, the photoelectric switch 1 determines the threshold based on the amount of light received. For example, when a workpiece is detected, the indicator light 24 is turned on or off. The clamping module 14 is a module configured to clamp and hold the projecting optical fiber and the receiving optical fiber. A cylindrical hole 12 for inserting the projecting optical fiber and a cylindrical hole 13 for inserting the receiving optical fiber are provided on the front surface of the housing. The output cable is mounted on the rear surface of the housing. The cable bushing 15 is a bushing for holding the output cable.

[0034] Connector 16a and connecting parts 17a and 17b are disposed on the right side of the housing. Figure 2A and Figure 2B Multiple photoelectric switches 1 are shown connected to each other via connector 16a and connecting parts 17a and 17b, and fixed to a DIN rail 18. DIN is an abbreviation for the German Association for Standardization (Deutsches Institut für Normung). Figure 2A In the middle, four photoelectric switches 1 are connected. Figure 2B Eight photoelectric switches 1a to 1g are connected in the middle. The incident end of the light-emitting optical fiber 22 of photoelectric switch 1 is inserted into hole 12. The transmitting end of the light-receiving optical fiber 23 is inserted into hole 13. Figure 2A Also shown is an operable top cover 19 configured to cover the upper surface of the housing. Note that, as Figure 2BAs shown, when the top cover 19 is light-transmitting, the upper surface of the top cover 19 does not need to have holes. This is because if the top cover 19 is light-transmitting, the user can still see the displayed content of the monitor 5 even when the top cover 19 is closed. Figure 2A When the ground cover 19 shown is not translucent, holes or windows can be provided on the upper surface of the top cover 19. The top cover 19 functions as a dust cover. Figure 2A and Figure 2B As shown, multiple photoelectric switches 1 can be connected laterally. Therefore, multiple photoelectric switches 1 are also referred to as interconnected sensors.

[0035] Figure 3This is an exploded view of the photoelectric switch 1. A decorative member 20 can be provided on the rear end side of the top cover 19. A rotating pin 19a is provided on the rear end side of the top cover 19. The rotating pin 19a is inserted into a retaining hole 19b provided on the rear end side of the upper shell 3. As a result, the top cover 19 is rotatably connected to the upper shell 3. In order to enable the user to view the information displayed on the display 5 even when the top cover 19 is closed, the top cover 19 can be formed by a transparent member. A back member 36 for supporting the display 5 is provided near the center of the upper shell 3. Four side strips 47 are provided on the left and right sides of the back member 36. The four side strips 47 are protrusions that project upward from the upper shell 3. The four side strips 47 position the display 5 in the lateral (x direction). Note that the four side strips 47 fit into the recesses of the cover member 4. Two claws 48 are provided on the left and right sides of the back member 36. The claws 48 fit into the recesses provided on the inner side of the central leg of the cover member and fix the cover member 4 to the upper shell 3. The recess can be a groove or a through hole. An opening 25 is provided on the rear end side of the display mounting portion centered on the back member 36. The opening 25 is a through hole or notch for allowing signal cables to pass through from the outer surface of the upper shell 3 to the inner surface. The signal cables include power lines for supplying power to the display 5 and control lines for providing control signals to the display 5. The signal cables are connected to the control board 30. The control board 30 can be a single board. If two boards are provided in the x-axis direction, the length of the photoelectric switch 1 in the x-axis direction increases. Therefore, in this embodiment, only one control board 30 is provided in the x-axis direction. A controller 6, such as a CPU (central processing unit), is mounted on the control board 30. The controller 6 causes the display 5 to display a threshold and the amount of light received. Switches corresponding to the adjustment knob 9, mode knob 8, active receiver knob 7, slide switch 10, and setting knob 11 are mounted on the control board 30. These knobs can be formed from a resin such as POM (polyacetal). Note that the upper cover 19, cover member 4, and housing can be formed substantially of polycarbonate. LEDs (light-emitting diodes) for providing light to the light-diffusing components of the indicator lamp 24 are also mounted on the control substrate 30. A connector 16a for communicating with and receiving power from an adjacent photoelectric switch 1 is provided on the control substrate 30. An element holder 26 is provided on the front surface of the control substrate 30. A light-emitting element module 32 and a light-receiving element module 33 are mounted on the element holder 26. The element holder 26 includes holes for inserting the light-emitting optical fiber 22 through hole 12 and for inserting the light-receiving optical fiber 23 through hole 13. A clamping module 14 is arranged on the front surface of the element holder 26. The clamping module 14 holds the light-emitting optical fiber 22 and the light-receiving optical fiber 23. A metal cover 29 and a fastener 28 for fixing to the DIN rail 18 are mounted on the bottom surface of the lower housing 2. The metal cover 29 provides heat radiation and electromagnetic shielding.

[0036] Figure 4AThis is a perspective view of the photoelectric switch 1 with the cover component 4 fixed to the upper shell 3. Figure 4B This is a perspective view of the photoelectric switch 1 with the cover member 4 not fixed to the upper shell 3. The display 5 and various buttons are fixed to the upper shell 3. In addition, the control board 30 is fixed to the upper shell 3. The signal cable 51, which is electrically connected to the display 5 and the control board 30, passes through the opening 25 and enters the interior of the housing. The signal cable 51 is connected to the connector of the control board 30. A connector 16b is provided on the left side of the control board 30. The connector 16b of the photoelectric switch 1 is a female connector. The connector 16b engages with and is electrically connected to the male connector 16a of another photoelectric switch 1 located to the left of the photoelectric switch 1.

[0037] Note that, as from Figure 4A As observed, the height of the active receiver button 7 is less than the height of the mode button 8 and the adjustment button 9. This is to prevent erroneous operation of the active receiver button 7.

[0038] Figure 5This is a perspective view for detailing the cover member 4. The cover member 4 includes two front legs 42, two central legs 43, and two rear legs 44. A window 40 is provided on the upper surface of the cover member 4. The user can observe the display surface of the display 5 through the window 40. The window 40 is surrounded by four frames. Compared with the front frame 41d and the rear frame 41c, the left frame 41a and the right frame 41b are thinner. This is to ensure the display area in the lateral direction of the photoelectric switch 1. The rear frame 41c has a larger area compared with the other frames. This is to utilize the rear frame 41c to protect, for example, the IC configured to control the display 5. Character information, etc., can be printed on the rear frame 41c. Even if the user presses the adjustment button 9 with their finger, the display information on the display 5 is not easily blocked by the finger because the rear frame 41c has a certain area. That is, the rear frame 41c can fully separate the display 5 from the button. Note that because the area of ​​the front frame 41d is small, the display lamp 24 and the display 5 can be set to be close to each other. As a result, the information transmission mechanism that the user is concerned about can be integrated into one location. A total of four notches 46 are provided on the right and left sides of the cover member 4. The four notches 46 engage with the four side strips 47 provided on the upper shell 3, positioning the cover member 4 relative to the upper shell 3 and fixing the cover member 4 to the upper shell 3. Recesses 45 are provided on the inner surfaces of the two central legs 43. The recesses 45 engage with claws 48 provided on the right and left sides of the upper shell 3, respectively. A shielding member 50 can be used to protect the front surface, bottom surface, left side, and right side of the display 5. The shielding member 50 includes a front wall 50d configured to protect the front surface of the display 5, a bottom 50a configured to protect the bottom surface of the display 5, a right wall 50b configured to protect the right side of the display 5, and a left wall 50c configured to protect the left side of the display 5. With the shielding member 50 covering the display 5, the display 5 is held in place by the backbone member 36 and the cover member 4. The shielding component 50 is formed by FPC (flexible printed circuit board).

[0039] Figure 6 The transmission-type photoelectric switch 1 shows a light-emitting fiber 22 and a light-receiving fiber 23. One end of the light-emitting fiber 22 emits detection light into the passage area of ​​the workpiece w. The other end of the light-emitting fiber 22 is inserted into a hole 12. Light from the light-emitting element is incident on the other end of the light-emitting fiber 22. The detection light from the passage area is incident on one end of the light-receiving fiber 23. The other end of the light-receiving fiber 23 is inserted into a hole 13. Light is emitted from the other end to the light-receiving element. When the workpiece w is not present in the passage area, the light emitted from the emitting end of the light-emitting fiber 22 is incident on the incident end of the light-receiving fiber 23. When the workpiece w is present in the passage area, the light emitted from the emitting end of the light-emitting fiber 22 is blocked by the workpiece w. Therefore, light does not incident on the incident end of the light-receiving fiber 23. The controller 6 detects the presence or absence of the workpiece w based on whether light is incident on the light-receiving fiber 23.

[0040] Note that in the reflective photoelectric switch 1, the light output from the projection fiber 22 is reflected by the workpiece w. The reflected light is then incident on the receiving fiber 23. When the workpiece w is not present in the transmission area, the light emitted from the transmitting end of the projection fiber 22 does not incident on the receiving fiber 23. When the workpiece w is present in the transmission area, the light emitted from the transmitting end of the projection fiber 22 is reflected by the workpiece w. The reflected light is then incident on the receiving fiber 23. The controller 6 detects the presence or absence of the workpiece w based on whether light is incident on the receiving fiber 23. Note that this invention can be applied to the reflective photoelectric switch 1 using a reflector.

[0041] controller

[0042] Figure 7 This is a block diagram illustrating controller 6. CPU 100 implements various functions according to a control program stored in ROM, where ROM is part of memory 110. Memory 110 is a storage device that includes RAM and ROM. For example, memory 110 stores setting information 111, including threshold Th, which is set via adjustment knob 9.

[0043] The light-emitting element module 32 includes a light-emitting element 91a and a driving circuit 93a. The light-emitting element 91a is configured to emit detection light and direct the detection light onto the light-emitting fiber 22. The driving circuit 93a is configured to provide a driving current to the light-emitting element 91a for driving the light-emitting element 91a. The light-receiving element module 33 includes a light-receiving element 92 and an amplification circuit 94. The light-receiving element 92 is configured to receive light incident from the light-receiving fiber 23 and output a light-receiving signal according to the amount of light received. The amplification circuit 94 is configured to amplify the light-receiving signal. The driver IC 54 is a circuit configured to drive the display 5 according to instructions from the CPU 100. The driving circuit 93b is a circuit configured to drive the light-emitting element 91b that provides light to the display lamp 24.

[0044] I / O loop 95 is configured to output a signal DET representing the detection result of workpiece w to an external device (e.g., an external display device or PLC) and receive information input from the external device. Furthermore, I / O loop 95 receives signals corresponding to user operations via operation unit 90. Operation unit 90 includes adjustment knob 9, mode knob 8, and active receiver knob 7.

[0045] The detection unit 101 of the CPU 100 acquires the amount of light received by the light-receiving element 92 via an A / D converter or the like. The detection unit 101 compares the threshold Th with the amount of light received and outputs the comparison result to the I / O circuit 95. The illumination control unit 102 controls the illumination time of the light-emitting element 91a, generates a pulse signal to indicate the illumination of the light-emitting element 91a, and provides the pulse signal to the drive circuit 93a. For example, the UI control unit 103 displays the amount of light received and the threshold Th on the display 5 via the driver IC 54. The UI control unit 103 can make the display 5 simultaneously display the amount of light received and the threshold Th, as well as other information (additional information) such as information representing the operating mode. Furthermore, the UI control unit 103 can make the display 5 display a setting menu to receive user settings for various settings. UI is an abbreviation for User Interface.

[0046] Switching between display formats

[0047] As in this invention, the dimension in the photoelectric switch 1 in the x-direction is approximately 10 mm (e.g., more than 5 mm and less than 14 mm), and the display surface of the display 5 is extremely narrow. Therefore, it is desirable to display the light intensity and threshold to the largest possible character size. However, when adjusting the threshold, auxiliary information beyond the light intensity and threshold is sometimes necessary for the user. For example, the light intensity of the light-emitting element 91a can be switched in several levels. That is, unless the user understands the operating mode (power mode) of the light-emitting element 91a, the user will not be able to properly set the threshold. Therefore, in this invention, the UI control unit 103 provides the necessary information to the user by switching the display format.

[0048] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating user interface control executed by CPU 100 (UI control unit 103).

[0049] In S1, the UI control unit 103 displays the top screen in a first display format. The top screen is the default screen that is displayed when the user is not operating the operation unit 90. Figure 9AAn example of UI 300a conforming to the first display form is shown. UI 300a includes a first display area 301 and a second display area 302. Note that the frame lines formed by the dashed lines are used to indicate the areas. The frame lines are not displayed on the display 5. The first display area 301 is the area used to display the physical quantity measured by the sensor unit, namely the amount of light received by the photoelectric switch 1. The second display area 302 is the area used to display the threshold. In this way, in the first display form, the visibility of the values ​​to the user is improved by displaying the amount of light received and the threshold at almost the largest size in the x-direction of the display 5. Note that the UI control unit 103 can highlight the threshold. Highlighting is... Figure 9A The examples shown include inverted color display, surround display for displaying a threshold by using a frame around the threshold, and threshold display using a display color different from the display color of the physical quantity. Inverted color display is a display format in which the color of the value of the light received in the first display format is used as the background color of the second display format, and the background color of the first display format is used as the numerical color of the second display format.

[0050] In S2, the UI control unit 103 determines whether the adjustment button 9 of the operation unit 90 has been pressed. The adjustment button 9 may include two switches for raising and lowering the threshold. For example, the front half of the adjustment button 9 may correspond to a first switch for raising the threshold. The rear half of the adjustment button 9 may correspond to a second switch for lowering the threshold. When the user presses the first switch or the second switch, the UI control unit 103 determines that the adjustment button 9 has been pressed and proceeds to S3.

[0051] In S3, the UI control unit 103 causes the top-level screen to be displayed in the first display form. Figure 9BAn example of UI 300b conforming to the second display format is shown. The area of ​​the first display area 301 of UI 300b conforming to the second display format is the same as the area of ​​the first display area 301 of UI 300a conforming to the first display format. This is because the amount of light received is the most important information. On the other hand, in UI 300b, the second display area 302 is divided into a third display area 303 and a fourth display area 304. The third display area 303 is the area for displaying the threshold in the second display format. The fourth display area 304 is the area for displaying the operation mode. The area of ​​the third display area 303 is smaller than that of the second display area 302. That is, the area of ​​the display area used for the threshold in the second display area 302 is reduced to ensure the display area for additional information (operation mode). Because the third display area 303 is smaller than the second display area 302, the character size used for displaying the threshold is changed. The threshold is displayed using thin characters in the second display area 302. The threshold is displayed using thick characters in the third display area 303. As a result, the threshold can be easily read even when the character size is set small. When the user presses the adjustment button 9 while UI 300b is displayed on the display 5, the UI control unit 103 adjusts the threshold according to the user's operation and displays the adjusted threshold in the third display area 303.

[0052] In step S4, the UI control unit 103 determines whether the inactivity time has exceeded a predetermined time. The UI control unit 103 uses a timer or similar method to record the elapsed time (inactivity time) since the user last operated the operation unit 90. The timer can be integrated into the CPU 100 or implemented by a counter loop. When the inactivity time exceeds the predetermined time, the UI control unit 103 proceeds to step S5. When user operation on the operation unit 90 is detected, the UI control unit 103 resets the timer.

[0053] In S5, the UI control unit 103 switches the display format of the top screen from the second display format to the first display format. As a result, UI 300a in the first display format is displayed again on the display 5. That is, when the inactive state continues for a predetermined time, the UI control unit 103 determines that the threshold adjustment has ended and switches UI 300b back to UI 300a. As described above, the upper surface of the photoelectric switch 1 of the present invention has a very small area. Therefore, it is assumed that there is no space for setting a dedicated button to notify the CPU 100 that the adjustment has ended. Therefore, the UI control unit 103 determines the continuation of the inactive state as the end of the adjustment. Note that even if UI 300b is switched back to UI 300a, the user can immediately switch UI 300a back to UI 300b by operating the adjustment button 9 again.

[0054] UI Variants

[0055] Figure 10A The UI 300a in its first display form is shown when the number of digits of the numerical value increases. The light-emitting element 91a has multiple operating modes (power modes). When selecting an operating mode with a high light intensity among these modes, the amount of light received cannot be represented by a four-digit numerical value. Therefore, the UI control unit 103 can increase or decrease the number of digits displayed for the amount of light received based on the operating mode of the light-emitting element 91a. However, even if the number of digits displayed for the amount of light received is changed, the UI control unit 103 can maintain the area of ​​the first display area 301 used to display the amount of light received. Figure 10A As shown, the UI control unit 103 can also increase or decrease the number of display bits of the threshold according to the operating mode of the light-emitting element 91a. However, the area of ​​the second display area 302 is maintained.

[0056] Figure 10B The UI 300a, in its first display format, illustrates how the number of digits of a numerical value increases. Even if the amount of light received decreases to the point where it can be displayed with four digits, the UI control unit 103 maintains a display digit count of five. Similarly, even if the threshold decreases to the point where it can be displayed with four digits, the UI control unit 103 maintains a display digit count of five. In this way, the number of display digits can increase or decrease according to the operating mode and is not dependent on the numerical value.

[0057] Figure 10C The UI 300b in the second display form is shown as the number of digits of the numerical value increases. The UI control unit 103 increases or decreases the number of digits displayed in the third display area 303 according to the operating mode of the light-emitting element 91a. Note that in the UI 300b in the second display form, the UI control unit 103 can also increase or decrease the number of digits displayed for the amount of light received according to the operating mode of the light-emitting element 91a. The UI control unit 103 can also maintain the area of ​​the first display area 301 and the area of ​​the second display area 302 in the second display form.

[0058] Figure 11A UI 300a, showing a first display format, is used to display the amount of light received in a graphical format. UI control unit 103 can display the amount of light received as a bar chart, pie chart, etc. Bar chart 401a is a graphical object that scales according to the amount of light received. Bar chart 401a extends proportionally in the forward direction (z-direction) of photoelectric switch 1 as the amount of light received increases. Threshold mark 402a is an object indicating the position of the threshold relative to bar chart 401a. Peak mark 403a is an object indicating the peak value (maximum value) of the amount of light received. Bottom mark 404a is an object indicating the minimum value (base value) of the amount of light received. In this example, bar chart 401a is displayed in the first display area 301a.

[0059] Figure 11B A second display form, UI 300b, is shown for displaying the amount of light received in a graphical format. The user uses UI 300b to adjust the threshold. Therefore, the user expects to understand the actual threshold in numerical form. UI control unit 103 can reduce the area of ​​the first display area 301a to create the first display area 301b. Furthermore, UI control unit 103 can reduce the area of ​​the first display area 301a to display the amount of light received numerically in a third display area 303. The third display area 303 includes a numerical display area 405 for the amount of light received. Note that, based on the reduction of the area of ​​the first display area 301a, UI control unit 103 performs reduction or simplification of the graph 401a, threshold marker 402a, peak marker 403a, and bottom marker 404a and displays the graph 401b, threshold marker 402b, peak marker 403b, and bottom marker 404b. Peak marker 403a includes the character "P," which is the first letter of "peak." Peak marker 403b may not include the character "P." Bottom value marker 404a includes the character "B", which is the first letter of "bottom". Bottom value marker 404b may not include the character "B". By omitting these characters, it is possible to ensure that the third display area 303 is wider.

[0060] Figure 12A UI 300a, in its first display format, is used to display the differential value of the light received and the threshold value of the differential value. To indicate that the value in the first display area 301 is a differential value, UI control unit 103 adds a prefix to the value. To indicate that the threshold displayed in the second display area 302 is a derivative of the amount of light received, the UI control unit 103 adds a marker before the value. mark.

[0061] Figure 12B The UI 300b, in a second display format, displays the differential value of the light received and a threshold value for that differential. To indicate that the threshold value displayed in the third display area 303 is the differential value of the light received, the UI control unit 103 adds a prefix to the numerical value. mark.

[0062] Figure 13A UI 300a, in a first display format, is used to display the margin [%] of the light received amount relative to a threshold. UI control unit 103 displays the threshold in a second display area 302, calculates the margin of the light received amount relative to the threshold, and displays the margin in a first display area 301. UI control unit 103 includes a calculation unit for the margin. UI control unit 103 can display the margin and a % (as a unit) to indicate the margin to the user.

[0063] Figure 14A A UI 300a, in a first display format, is shown for displaying the peak and minimum values ​​of the received light. The UI control unit 103 ensures that the fifth display area 305 and the sixth display area 306 in the first display area 301 display the peak value of the received light in the fifth display area 305 and the minimum value of the received light in the sixth display area 306. Note that the UI control unit 103 may display the character "P" representing the peak value in the fifth display area 305. Similarly, the UI control unit 103 may display the character "B" representing the minimum value in the sixth display area 306. If the number of displayed values ​​increases, it becomes difficult for the user to easily grasp what each value represents. Therefore, these characters help the user understand the meaning of the values. The UI control unit 103 compares the peak value of the received light obtained in the past with the current received light; if the current received light exceeds the peak value, the peak value is updated by replacing the peak value with the current received light. Similarly, the UI control unit 103 compares the minimum value of the received light obtained in the past with the current received light; if the current received light is less than the minimum value, the minimum value is updated by replacing the minimum value with the current received light. In this manner, the UI control unit 103 includes a peak value determination unit and a bottom value determination unit. The UI control unit 103 displays the threshold in the second display area 302. Note that the definitions of the peak value and the bottom value can be different. For example, the peak value can be the maximum value among the light received exceeding the threshold. If a setting is adopted to switch the detection signal to ON when the light received exceeds the threshold, the peak value can be the maximum value of the light received during the period when the detection signal is ON. The peak value is updated each time the level of the detection signal switches from ON to OFF. Like the peak value, the bottom value can be the minimum value of the light received that is less than the threshold. The bottom value is updated each time the level of the detection signal switches from OFF to ON.

[0064] Figure 14B A second display form, UI 300b, is shown for displaying the peak and low values ​​of the light received. UI control unit 103 ensures the presence of a third display area 303 and a seventh display area 307 within the second display area 302. UI control unit 103 displays the threshold value in the third display area 303 and the light received value in the seventh display area 307. The user adjusts the threshold value with reference to the current light received value. Therefore, the display of the light received value helps the user adjust the threshold value.

[0065] Figure 15AUI 300a, in a first display format, is used to display the peak and bottom values ​​of the margin [%] of the light received relative to a threshold. UI control unit 103 ensures that the fifth display area 305 and the sixth display area 306 in the first display area 301 are displayed, with the UI control unit 103 displaying the peak value of the margin in the fifth display area 305 and the bottom value of the margin in the sixth display area 306. UI control unit 103 displays the threshold in the second display area 302.

[0066] Figure 15B The UI 300b, in a second display format, displays the peak and bottom values ​​of the margin [%] of the light received relative to a threshold. The UI control unit 103 ensures that the third display area 303 and the seventh display area 307 within the second display area 302 display the threshold in the third display area 303 and the light received in the seventh display area 307. The display of the light received helps the user adjust the threshold.

[0067] Settings Menu

[0068] With the improvement of the function of photoelectric switch 1, it is convenient for the user to display the setting items for setting functions on the display 5 of photoelectric switch 1. In the past, in thin photoelectric switches, it was difficult to display the setting items in a way that the user could understand because seven-segment LEDs were used. In this invention, because a dot matrix display is used as display 5, the setting items can be displayed in a way that the user can understand. On the other hand, as the functions increase, the number of setting items also increases. The size of display 5 in the x-direction is at most close to 10mm. Therefore, the characters that can be displayed on display 5 will only be displayed in one line. For example, when there are twenty setting items, the user can only reach the target setting item by pressing the button at least nineteen times. Therefore, in this invention, multiple setting menus are provided and the setting menu to be displayed is selected according to the user's operation to improve usability. For example, the user is allowed to reach the setting item for setting the display language with as few user operations as possible. As a result, it is prevented that text displayed in a language that the user does not expect appears before the user reaches the setting item for setting the display language. Note that it is also conceivable that photoelectric switch 1 displays the setting item for display language whenever the user first turns on photoelectric switch 1 or whenever the user initializes the settings of photoelectric switch 1. However, photoelectric switch 1 displays the light intensity and threshold on the top screen. Therefore, if the user cannot use photoelectric switch 1 without setting a language, it loses its usability. That is, it would be convenient for the user if photoelectric switch 1 displayed the light intensity and threshold even when the user does not set a language. Therefore, it is important that the user believes they must be able to reach the language setting with fewer operations.

[0069] Figure 16This is a flowchart illustrating the processing of the settings menu.

[0070] In S11, the UI control unit 103 determines whether the mode button 8 is short-pressed. A short press means pressing the button for a relatively short time. When a short press of the mode button 8 is detected, the UI control unit 103 proceeds to S12. Unless the mode button 8 is short-pressed, the UI control unit 103 skips S12 and proceeds to S13.

[0071] In S12, the UI control unit 103 displays a simple settings menu on the display 5.

[0072] Figure 17 An example of a simple settings menu is shown. When the mode button 8 is pressed briefly, and the UI 300a in the first display form is displayed as the top screen, the UI control unit 103 displays a simple settings menu on the display 5. The simple settings menu includes: setting item 311a, which is used to select the output method for the detection results of workpiece w; setting item 311b, which is used to set the language; and setting item 311c, which is used to return to the top screen. When the adjustment button 9 is pressed while setting item 311a is displayed, the UI control unit 103 displays a submenu for selecting the output method. In particular, when the rear end of the adjustment button 9 is pressed, the UI control unit 103 displays a submenu for selecting the output method. Note that setting item 311a may include markings indicating the buttons for displaying the submenu. Figure 1As shown, the marking can also be displayed by printing, engraving, or other means at the rear end of the adjustment button 9. Setting item 311a may include a marking indicating a button for displaying the next setting item. In this example, "M" indicates that setting item 311a includes mode button 8. The submenu includes: selection item 381a, which switches the output of I / O loop 95 to ON when light traveling from the transmitting fiber 22 to the receiving fiber 23 is blocked; and selection item 381b, which switches the output to ON when light enters the receiving fiber 23. Each time the adjustment button 9 is pressed, the UI control unit 103 toggles selection item 381a and selection item 381b. When mode button 8 is pressed, the UI control unit 103 determines the selection result. Selection item 381a and selection item 381b may include markings indicating which button should be operated to toggle selection item 381a and selection item 381b. In this example, markings attached to the front half and the rear half of adjustment knob 9 are displayed in selection items 381a and 381b, respectively. An indicator should be operated to determine if the selected knob's markings can be displayed in selection items 381a and 381b. In this example, "M" indicates the mode knob 8 displayed in selection items 381a and 381b. The selection results regarding selection items 381a and 381b can be used for lighting control of display lamp 24.

[0073] The UI control unit 103 switches setting item 311a to setting item 311b, setting item 311b to setting item 311c, and setting item 311c to UI 300a based on a short press of mode button 8. Note that when adjustment button 9 is pressed while setting item 311b is displayed, UI control unit 103 displays a submenu for language selection. The submenu may include at least selection item 381c for English and selection item 381d for Japanese. Naturally, a larger number of languages ​​can be selected (e.g., German, French, Spanish, Chinese, and Korean). The UI control unit 103 switches the selection item whenever adjustment button 9 is pressed. When mode button 8 is detected being pressed, UI control unit 103 determines the user's language selection. For example, when mode button 8 is pressed while selection item 381a is displayed on display 5, UI control unit 103 sets the display language to English. Setting item 311a for selecting power modes includes multiple selection items corresponding to multiple power modes. Because the power mode can be switched frequently in photoelectric switch 1, a setting item 311a for selecting the power mode is included in the simple setting menu. In the sensor unit other than photoelectric switch 1, frequently set items are also included in the simple setting menu.

[0074] In S13, the UI control unit 103 determines whether the active receiver button 7 is short-pressed. If the active receiver button 7 is short-pressed, the UI control unit 103 proceeds to S14. If the active receiver button 7 is not short-pressed, the UI control unit 103 skips S14 and proceeds to S15.

[0075] In S14, the UI control unit 103 displays AR-related menus on the display 5. AR is an abbreviation for active receiver.

[0076] Figure 18 An example of an AR-related menu is shown. When the active receiver button 7 is short-pressed while the UI 300a in the first display form is displayed as the top screen, the UI control unit 103 displays an AR-related menu on the display 5. The AR-related menu includes, for example: setting item 311d, which is used to set the flashing mode; setting item 311e, which is used to set the optical axis adjustment mode; setting item 311f, which is used to set the active receiver; and setting item 311c, which is used to return to the top screen.

[0077] The blinking mode is a mode used to temporarily blink a light-emitting element (not shown) disposed on the light-receiving surface of the light-receiving element 92. Light emitted by the light-emitting element is emitted to the outside from the light-receiving optical fiber 23. Normally, the light-receiving element 23 is used to receive light and does not emit light. However, it is possible to confirm the breakage of the light-receiving optical fiber 23 by emitting light from the end of the light-receiving optical fiber 23. When the adjustment knob 9 is pressed while the setting item 311d is displayed, the UI control unit 103 toggles the blinking mode on / off. In particular, when the blinking mode is active, the UI control unit 103 can indicate the blinking of the light-emitting element by alternately displaying animated images 382a and 382b.

[0078] The optical axis adjustment mode is used to adjust the optical axis of the light-receiving fiber 23 and the light-emitting fiber 22. For example, the user can easily confirm the position of the light-receiving fiber 23 by selecting to light up the light-emitting element of the light-receiving fiber 23. Note that when the optical axis adjustment mode is active, the UI control unit 103 can display an image 382c indicating optical axis adjustment on the display 5.

[0079] The active receiver settings include a submenu with multiple selection items for setting the on / off state of the light-emitting element of the light-receiving fiber 23. Selection item 381m is for selecting to illuminate the light-emitting element of the light-receiving fiber 23 in conjunction with the detection result of the workpiece w (linked output). In linked output, the light-emitting element of the light-receiving fiber 23 is illuminated / extinguished in conjunction with the on / off state of the indicator light 24. Selection item 381n is for selecting to illuminate the light-emitting element of the light-receiving fiber 23 in the opposite direction to the detection result of the workpiece w (reverse output). When reverse output is selected, the light-emitting element of the light-receiving fiber 23 is illuminated / extinguished in conjunction with the on / off state of the indicator light 24. Selection item 381o is for selecting to always illuminate the light-receiving fiber 23. Selection item 381p is for selecting to always extinguish the light-receiving fiber 23. Each time the adjustment knob 9 is pressed, the UI control unit 103 switches selection item 381m to 381p and displays selection items 381m to 381p on the display 5. At this time, when the active receiver knob 7 is briefly pressed, the UI control unit 103 determines that the selection item displayed between selection items 381m and 381p is the user's selection and returns to selection item 311f. Note that selection items 381m to 381p may include a mark indicating the active receiver knob 7, a mark indicating the first half of the adjustment knob 9, and a mark indicating the second half of the adjustment knob 9. As a result, the user can visually understand the knob used to switch between selection items and the knob used to confirm the selection item. Each time the active receiver knob 7 is briefly pressed, the UI control unit 103 sequentially switches these setting items. The setting items may include a mark indicating the active receiver 7 used to sequentially switch setting items. This mark is also related to... Figure 1 The markings on the surface of the active receiver button 7 shown in the image are consistent.

[0080] In S15, the UI control unit 103 determines whether the mode button 8 has been long-pressed. Long-press means pressing the button for a relatively long time. When a long-press is detected for mode button 8, the UI control unit 103 proceeds to S16. If mode button 8 has not been long-pressed, the UI control unit 103 returns to S11.

[0081] In S16, the UI control unit 103 displays a detailed settings menu on the display 5.

[0082] Figure 19A portion of the detailed settings menu is shown. When the mode button 8 is pressed for a long time while the UI 300a in the first display form is displayed as the top screen, the UI control unit 103 displays the detailed settings menu on the display 5. The detailed settings menu includes a first menu and a second menu. The first menu includes a setting 311h for selecting the power mode, a setting 311a for output switching, a setting 311i for selecting whether to perform a graphical display of the light intake, and a setting 311j for selecting whether to switch from the first menu to the second menu. Whenever the mode button 8 is pressed for a short time, the UI control unit 103 switches the settings. When a long press of the mode button is detected while setting 311i is displayed, the UI control unit 103 switches from the first menu to the second menu.

[0083] The submenu of setting item 311h includes multiple selection items 381q and 381r for selecting the amount of light emitted by the light-emitting element 91a. For example, the amount of light emitted can be divided into eight levels. User-understandable names describing the amount of light emitted, such as FINE, SUPER, MEGA, and TERA, can be displayed for the multiple selection items 381q and 381r. The UI control unit 103 can change the number of digits displayed for the amount of light received according to the selected amount of light emitted. Setting item 311i includes selection item 381s for enabling the graphic display and selection item 381t for disabling the graphic display.

[0084] The second menu may include, for example, twenty or more setting items. Setting item 311k is for selecting the display format of the light received. Selection item 381u is for selecting the option to display the light received as a numerical value. Selection item 381v is for selecting the option to display the light received as a margin of error. When setting item 311k is displayed and adjustment button 9 is pressed, the UI control unit 103 displays selection items 381u and 381v. On the other hand, when setting item 311k is displayed and mode button 8 is pressed, the UI control unit 103 displays the next selection item after selection item 381u. Note that the second menu includes setting item 311b for setting the language and setting item 311z for ending the setting.

[0085] The UI control unit 103 displays different menus on the display 5 based on two operation methods: long press and short press. A long press is a relatively difficult operation method, while a short press is a relatively easy one. In this way, different menus can be displayed according to the difficulty of the operation method. Such operation methods include, for example, pressing a small button (high difficulty) and pressing a large button (low difficulty). Operation methods can also include pressing multiple buttons simultaneously (high difficulty) and pressing a single button (low difficulty).

[0086] The UI control unit 103 can also display the menu described above and receive settings changes when the photoelectric switch 1 detects the workpiece w (the photoelectric switch 1 is running).

[0087] When switching from a specific setting item to the next, the UI control unit 103 can use animation to display the settings. Assume the setting item is, for example, an image comprising twenty lines. In this case, the UI control unit 103 displays the first to twentieth lines of the first setting item. Subsequently, the UI control unit 103 displays the second to twentieth lines of the first setting item and the first line of the second setting item. That is, the second line of the first setting item is displayed at the top and the first line of the second setting item is displayed at the bottom. Then, the UI control unit 103 displays the third to twentieth lines of the first setting item and the first and second lines of the second setting item. By employing such a scrolling display, the UI control unit 103 ultimately displays the first to twentieth lines of the second setting item on the display 5. As a result, the displayed image gradually changes from the first setting item to the second setting item, achieving an animated display of the settings.

[0088] like Figure 1 As shown, the rear end of the cover member 4 is a flat surface with a certain area. Furthermore, the rear end is positioned immediately adjacent to the display 5. Therefore, the UI control unit 103 can display a marker on the display 5 indicating whether to select ON when blocking light (Dark ON / D-on) or ON when receiving light (Light ON / L-on), for example... Figure 10A The ">" in the text. Note that the characters for D-on and L-on can be appended (e.g., printed, engraved, or pasted) to the rear end of the cover member 4 adjacent to the markings displayed on the display 5.

[0089] exist Figure 1 In this configuration, the operation unit 90 is positioned differently from the display 5. However, a so-called touch panel type display with the operation unit 90 mounted on the display 5 can be used as the photoelectric switch 1. In this case, different menus can be displayed depending on the position of the user's operation on the display surface (touch sensing surface) of the display 5 or the movement of the user's finger. For example, a short press (low difficulty) or a long press (high difficulty) can be applied to the first sensing area on the touch sensing surface. The UI control unit 103 can display different menus depending on the movement of the finger on the touch sensing surface, such as a flick or a double-click.

[0090] Figure 20A Another example of the second display form of UI 300b is shown. In particular, a staged graphic 401a, such as a graph indicating the radio wave strength of the mobile phone, is displayed in the seventh display area 307. Figure 20BLinear pattern 401a is shown. Linear pattern 401a extends to the left according to the amount of light received. Figure 20C A semi-circular graphic 401a is shown. In this way, various types of graphics can be used as graphic 401a.

[0091] Figure 21A UI 300a is shown as a first display format for displaying the amount of light received as numerical values ​​and graphics. Figure 21B UI 300b is shown as a second display format for displaying light intensity as numerical values ​​and graphics. UI control unit 103 reduces a portion of the first display area 301 to ensure a third area 303 for displaying thresholds. In the first display area 301, the area of ​​the numerical display area is the same as in UI 300a and UI 300b. However, the display area of ​​the graphics 401a is reduced while ensuring the third display area 303.

[0092] Summary

[0093] As a reference Figure 1As explained, the photoelectric switch 1 includes a housing having a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape. That is, the housing is elongated. The display 5 is an example of a display unit mounted on the outer surface of the housing, i.e., the first surface. In the past, because the display was housed inside the housing of the photoelectric switch, the distance from the outer surface of the housing to the display was long, and it was not easy to observe the displayed information. In this embodiment, because the display 5 is mounted on the outer surface of the housing, the distance from the outer edge of the photoelectric switch 1 to the display 5 is short, and it is easy to observe the displayed information of the display 5. The light-emitting element module 32, the hole 12, etc. are examples of light-emitting units provided near a second surface adjacent to the first surface. The light-receiving element module 33 and the hole 13 are examples of light-receiving units provided near a second surface adjacent to the first surface. The adjustment knob 9, etc., are examples of receiving units provided on the first surface or the display unit and configured to receive user operation. The controller 6 is an example of a display control unit configured to cause the display unit to display a threshold adjusted by the receiving unit and a signal value representing the amount of light received by the light-receiving unit. The control board 30 is an example of a control board (first board) housed inside the housing, and the display control unit is mounted on or connected to the control board. The signal cable 51 is an example of a signal cable used to connect the control board 30 and the display 5. The display 5 includes a connection portion connected to the signal cable 51. The connection portion of the display 5 is arranged along the length of the housing between the display area and the signal cable 51. The display 5 has two short sides and two long sides. The signal cable 51 is connected to one of the two short sides. As a result, a connection structure for the signal cable 51 is provided such that the signal cable 51 ensures sufficient display area for the display 5 in the photoelectric switch 1. The shielding member 50 is an example of a shielding member disposed on at least a portion of the side of the display 5. The cover member 4 is an example of a cover member that sandwiches the shielding member 50 between the side of the display 5 and the cover member 4 and covers at least a portion of the side of the display 5. In this way, the shielding member 50 protects the display 5 from impact.

[0094] In the embodiments described above, photoelectric switch 1 is used as an example of a sensor unit. However, the sensor unit can be a sensor unit that detects other physical quantities, such as a pressure sensor. Detection unit 101 is an example of a detection unit configured to detect a physical quantity (e.g., light intensity or pressure). Display 5 is a dot matrix display unit configured to display the physical quantity detected by the detection unit. Indicator light 24, output cables to the outside, I / O circuit 95, etc., are examples of output units configured to output a comparison result of a threshold and the physical quantity detected by the detection unit. Operation unit 90 is an example of an operation unit configured to receive adjustment operations for the threshold. UI control unit 103 is an example of a control unit configured to control the dot matrix display unit. Figure 9A and Figure 9BAs shown, the UI control unit 103 can be configured to display a threshold and a physical quantity in a first display format, and to display the physical quantity and the threshold, as well as additional information (e.g., power mode) that is different from the physical quantity and the threshold, in a second display format. The area of ​​the display area for the threshold in the second display format (e.g., the third display area 303) is smaller than the area of ​​the display area for the threshold in the first display format (e.g., the second display area 302). The area of ​​the display area for information (fourth display area 304) in the second display format can be ensured by reducing the area of ​​the display area for the threshold (second display area 302). However, as... Figure 21A and Figure 21B As shown, the area of ​​the first display area 301 can be reduced while ensuring the area of ​​the third display area 303. In this way, when a display item is added, a portion of the display area is reduced while ensuring the display area for the added display item. Note that when a display item is deleted, for example, when UI 300b is switched back to UI 300a, the area of ​​the display area for the deleted display item can be added to the area of ​​other display areas. Note that the area of ​​the display area for physical quantities in the second display form can be smaller than the area of ​​the display area for physical quantities in the first display form. In this case, the area of ​​the display area for information (fourth display area 304) in the second display form can be ensured by reducing the area of ​​the display area for physical quantities. In this way, the display area for either the threshold or the physical quantity can be reduced while ensuring the display area for the added display item.

[0095] Additional information displayed may be information indicating the display mode of the sensor unit (e.g., power mode).

[0096] The UI control unit 103 can be configured to cause the dot matrix display unit to display the threshold updated according to the adjustment operation received through the operation unit 90 in a first display form and a second display form. That is, the UI control unit 103 also reflects the threshold updated by the UI 300b on the UI 300a.

[0097] The UI control unit 103 can be configured to highlight a threshold using the dot matrix display unit. For example, the method for highlighting the threshold can be any of the following: inverted color display, surround display, and threshold display using a display color different from the display color of the physical quantity. The UI control unit 103 can be configured to display the threshold using thin characters in a first display format and to display the threshold using bold characters in a second display format.

[0098] like Figure 9A and Figure 9BAs shown, the area of ​​the display region for physical quantities in the first display format can be larger than the area of ​​the display region for thresholds in the first display format. The area of ​​the display region for physical quantities in the second display format can be larger than the sum of the areas of the display regions for thresholds and the display regions for information in the second display format.

[0099] like Figure 9B As shown, the height of the display area used for thresholding in the second display format can be larger than the height of the display area used for information in the second display format. As a result, important information can be displayed more prominently.

[0100] When the operation unit 90 receives an adjustment operation for the threshold, the UI control unit 103 switches the first display mode to the second display mode. After a predetermined time has elapsed since switching from the first display mode to the second display mode, the UI control unit 103 can switch the second display mode back to the first display mode. As a result, the user can omit the operation of switching the second display mode back to the first display mode.

[0101] like Figure 11A As shown, the first display format can be as follows: displaying the physical quantity graphically and displaying a threshold marker indicating the location of the threshold graphically. For example... Figure 11B As shown, the second display format can be as follows: displaying physical quantities graphically, displaying threshold markers graphically, and displaying the numerical values ​​indicating the thresholds as additional information. For example... Figure 11A and Figure 11B As shown, the area of ​​the display region used for threshold marking in the second display format can be smaller than the area of ​​the display region used for threshold marking in the first display format. The area of ​​the display region used to indicate the threshold value in the second display format can be ensured by reducing the area of ​​the display region used for threshold marking and reducing the display area of ​​the graphic. Figure 11A As shown, the first display format may include a peak marker indicating the peak value of a physical quantity and a bottom marker indicating the bottom value of a physical quantity.

[0102] The light-emitting element module 32 is an example of a light-projection unit configured to project light onto the detection area (through area) of the workpiece w in order to detect a physical quantity. Figure 11A As shown, the graph can be a bar chart. The UI control unit 103 can be configured such that the bar chart extends toward the projection unit side as the physical quantity increases.

[0103] like Figure 11A and Figure 11BAs shown, the ratio of the bar chart to the physical quantity in the first display format and the ratio of the bar chart to the physical quantity in the second display format can be the same. The width of the bar chart in the first display format can be smaller than the width of the bar chart in the second display format. Because the ratio is maintained, even if UI 300a is changed to UI 300b, the user can easily and intuitively grasp the amount of light received.

[0104] The operation unit 90 may include buttons (e.g., mode button 8 or active receiver button 7) for displaying a setting menu for setting the sensor unit. When a button is pressed, the UI control unit 103 can switch from a first display mode or a second display mode to a third display mode, and cause the dot matrix display unit to display the setting menu. Figure 17 , Figure 18 and Figure 19 An example of the third display format is shown.

[0105] like Figure 19 As shown, when the button is pressed for a long time, the UI control unit 103 can cause the dot matrix display unit to display a first menu containing a large number of setting items. Figure 17 As shown, when the button is pressed briefly, the UI control unit 103 can cause the dot matrix display unit to display a second menu containing a small number of setting items. Figure 17 As shown, setting item 311b for setting the display language can be included in the second menu.

[0106] The language switching settings described above, including hierarchy, short compression, and long compression, can be modified as follows.

[0107] (1) The housing of the sensor unit may include a button for receiving input of setting changes. When a short pressure is detected on the button, a first setting change group is displayed. When a long pressure is detected on the button, a second setting change group is displayed. Language switching is included in the first setting change group.

[0108] (2) In (1), the second setting change group may include a third setting change group for receiving more detailed setting changes. Both the first setting change group and the third setting change group may include language switching.

[0109] (3) The housing may include a button for receiving input for setting changes. When a first operation input to the button is received, a first setting change group is displayed. When a second operation input that is more complex than the first operation input is received, a second setting change group is displayed. Language switching is included in the first setting change group. “Complex” means operations that are difficult for the user, such as pressing a small button, pressing a button for a long time, or pressing multiple buttons simultaneously.

[0110] (4) In (3), the second setting change group may include a third setting change group for receiving more detailed setting changes. Both the first setting change group and the third setting change group may include language switching.

[0111] (5) In (1) to (4), language switching is possible even during the operation of the sensor unit.

[0112] (6) Mode selection means that a simple mode for basic settings and an application mode for detailed settings can also be provided. There are button operations assigned to the simple mode and button operations assigned to the application mode. Language switching is included in the simple mode.

[0113] The shift from a seven-segment LED display to a dot-matrix display enables the display of text other than numbers and some letters (e.g., Japanese, Chinese, Korean, French, Italian, and Spanish). That is, the dot-matrix display can display setting items and settings content. In this case, the user presses buttons, etc., to display setting items and sequentially switch between them. Sensor units shipped from the factory are sometimes initialized with a language different from the user's desired language. In this case, words in the unwanted language are displayed multiple times before the user reaches the language setting. This is because the language setting is usually located deep within the hierarchical menu, and therefore is not executed multiple times. According to the present invention, because language switching can be performed using a simple method, words in the unwanted language will not be displayed frequently. Note that the sensor unit includes multiple language sets. In the present invention, language settings can be provided not only at the shallow end of the hierarchical menu but also at the deeper end.

Claims

1. A sensor unit, comprising: Detection unit, the detection unit being configured to detect physical quantities; A dot matrix display unit, the dot matrix display unit being configured to display the physical quantity detected by the detection unit; An output unit, configured to output a comparison result between a threshold and the physical quantity detected by the detection unit; An operation unit configured to receive an adjustment operation for the threshold; as well as Control unit, the control unit being configured to control the dot matrix display unit, wherein, The control unit is configured to cause the dot matrix display unit to display the threshold and the physical quantity as a display screen. The dot matrix display unit can display a first setting menu that is switched by a predetermined operation input from the display screen, and a second setting menu that is switched by an operation input that is more complex than the predetermined operation input. The first settings menu has simple settings items that are displayed sequentially according to user operations, one of which is the language setting. The second settings menu has multiple settings items that are displayed sequentially according to user operations. These multiple settings items are detailed settings items displayed in the language set through the language settings in the first settings menu.

2. The sensor unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second settings menu has a hierarchical menu structure. The second setting menu has a first-level setting menu that is at the upper level in the hierarchical menu structure and a second-level setting menu that is at the lower level in the hierarchical menu structure. For the first-level setting menu, as the detailed setting items, there are multiple setting items that are displayed sequentially according to the language set by the language setting, and one of these multiple setting items is a setting item for selecting whether to switch from the first-level setting menu to the second-level setting menu. As for the second-level setting menu, after switching from the first-level setting menu to the second-level setting menu, as the detailed setting item, there are multiple setting items that are displayed sequentially according to the language set by the language setting and according to the user operation.

3. The sensor unit according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first-level settings menu includes settings for switching power modes.

4. The sensor unit according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The first-level settings menu includes settings for selecting the output method of the detection results.

5. The sensor unit according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first settings menu includes settings for selecting the output method of the detection results.

6. The sensor unit according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The language setting is both a setting item in the first setting menu and a setting item in the second level setting menu of the second setting menu.

7. The sensor unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The language settings for the selected object include alphabetic languages ​​and languages ​​written in Chinese characters.

8. The sensor unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The control unit displays a tag indicating the language setting in multiple languages, which is a setting item used to set the language.

9. The sensor unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The first settings menu includes settings items for indicating a return from the state of displaying the first settings menu to the display screen, as one of the simple settings items.

10. The sensor unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The operation unit also includes a button that is operated when switching from the display screen to the menu display state. For the control unit, when the button is short-pressed while the display screen is displayed, the first setting menu is displayed; when the button is long-pressed while the display screen is displayed, the second setting menu is displayed.

11. The sensor unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, For the control unit, in the display state of displaying the display screen, the physical quantity and the threshold are displayed numerically, and the threshold is displayed in the threshold display area.

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