SENSOR SYSTEM

Abstract

Provision of a sensor system that can increase the usefulness of display devices. A sensor system 1 includes a sensor head 10, which detects physical quantities, and a sensor amplifier 20, which is connected to the sensor head and receives physical quantities detected by the sensor head and outputs them to an external device, and comprises a fault detection section, which detects several faults originating in the sensor head and sensor amplifier respectively, a memory section, which stores corrective actions for each of the several faults, a dot matrix display device 23a, which displays images, and an image generation section, which generates images for display by means of the dot matrix display device, wherein the image generation section generates a fault message image based on a fault detected by the fault detection section, reads a corrective action corresponding to the fault detected by the fault detection section from the memory section, and generates an image with corrective actions.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present invention relates to a sensor system. GENERAL STATE OF THE ART

[0002] The following patent document 1 discloses a sensor unit comprising a dot-matrix display device, such as an organic light-emitting diode. This display device indicates a threshold value used when the sensor unit detects a workpiece, or a received light quantity received by the light-receiving element of the sensor unit. DOCUMENTS OF THE STATE OF TECHNOLOGY Patent documents

[0003] Patent Document 1: JP 2015-82775 A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Problem of the present invention

[0004] In the sensor unit from patent document 1, the contents displayed by the display device are limited to setting values ​​that are set in the sensor unit and detection values ​​that are detected by the sensor unit, and it cannot be said that the display device is used effectively.

[0005] In view of such circumstances, the present invention aims to provide a sensor system that can increase the usefulness of display devices. Means of solving the task

[0006] A sensor system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a sensor head that detects physical quantities, and a sensor amplifier that is connected to the sensor head, receives physical quantities detected by the sensor head and outputs them to an external device, and comprises a fault detection section that detects several faults originating in the sensor head and sensor amplifier respectively, a memory section that stores corrective measures for each of the several faults, a dot matrix display device that displays images, and an image generation section that generates images for display by means of the dot matrix display device, wherein the image generation section generates a fault message image based on a fault detected by the fault detection section, reads a corrective measure corresponding to the fault detected by the fault detection section from the memory section, and generates an image with corrective measures.

[0007] According to this aspect, multiple errors arising in the sensor head, which detects physical quantities, and in the sensor amplifier, which receives physical quantities detected by the sensor head and outputs them to an external device, can be detected, and based on a detected error, an error message image can be generated, and a corrective action corresponding to the detected error can be read from the memory section, an image with corrective actions can be generated, and the generated error message image as well as the image with corrective actions can be displayed by the dot matrix display device.

[0008] This allows a user to verify, by viewing the error message image displayed by the dot matrix display device as well as the image showing corrective measures, whether a fault has occurred in the sensor head and in the sensor amplifier and what the corrective measure is for this fault. Effect of the invention

[0009] The invention provides a sensor system that can increase the usefulness of display devices. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Fig. Figure 1 illustrates by way of example the external appearance of a sensor system according to one embodiment. Fig. Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating the functional structure of the path transmitter. Fig. Figure 3 illustrates an example of an image displayed on the screen of a position sensor. Fig. Figure 4 illustrates an example of an image displayed on the screen of a position sensor. Fig. Figure 5 illustrates an example of the display state of each indicator light under normal circumstances. Fig. Figure 6 illustrates, by way of example, an explanation of the display status of each indicator light in the event of an anomaly. Fig. Figure 7 illustrates an example of a top view of the sensor amplifier. Fig. Figure 8 illustrates an example of a front view of the sensor amplifier. Fig. Figure 9 is an expanded oblique view to illustrate the mounting status of the three indicator lights. Fig. Figure 10 is a perspective view of the state in which the light guide section was removed from the three indicator lights. FORMS OF EXECUTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] A suitable embodiment of the invention is explained below with reference to the accompanying figures. In the individual views, elements designated with the same reference numeral are identical or similarly constructed.

[0011] Fig. Figure 1 illustrates the external appearance of a sensor system according to one embodiment. The following describes a case in which the sensor system consists of an optical displacement sensor. However, there is no need to limit the detection principle of the sensor comprising the sensor system to an optical displacement sensor. For example, it could also be a linear proximity sensor, an ultrasonic displacement sensor, a contact displacement sensor, or a sensor that detects physical quantities.

[0012] A displacement transmitter 1 is an optical displacement transmitter and comprises a sensor head 10 and a sensor amplifier 20. The sensor head 10 and the sensor amplifier 20 are connected via a cable.

[0013] The displacement sensor 1 illuminates a target object with laser light from the sensor head 10 and, by receiving the light reflected from the target object, measures the displacement of the target object's surface based on the triangulation principle. The displacement is measured as the distance from the sensor head 10 to the surface of the target object, and this distance can be output as the detected data.

[0014] The sensor amplifier 20 is provided with a display 23a, which is described below, and the sensor head 10 and the sensor amplifier 20 are provided with a plurality of indicator lights 23b to 23f, which are distributed on it and are described below.

[0015] Fig. Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating the functional structure of a position transmitter 1. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the position transmitter 1 has a lighting section 11, a light receiving section 12, a control section 21, a storage section 22, a display section 23, an operating section 24 and an input / output interface 25.

[0016] Illumination section 11 illuminates the target object with light. Illumination section 11 includes, for example, a lighting element and a lighting control circuit. The lighting element is, for example, a laser diode. Based on commands from control section 21, the lighting control circuit regulates the operation of the lighting element. Specifically, based on a control signal from control section 21, the lighting control circuit outputs, for example, an operating signal to the lighting element to regulate illuminance (power), illumination duration, illumination frequency or interval, timing, and the like. The lighting element is operated according to the operating signal and emits light.

[0017] The light receiving section 12 receives light reflected from the target object and outputs a light receiving waveform (an electrical signal). The light receiving section 12 comprises, for example, an image sensor, a signal processing circuit, and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) circuit. The image sensor is, for example, a CMOS image sensor and comprises multiple pixels. Each pixel outputs a light receiving waveform corresponding to the amount of light received. Based on commands from the control section 21, the signal processing circuit controls the timing of the image sensor's operation and outputs a light receiving waveform from the image sensor to the ADC circuit. The ADC performs an analog-to-digital conversion on the input light receiving waveform and outputs it to the control section 21.

[0018] Control section 21 is, for example, a CPU. Based on programs, settings, and the like stored in memory section 22, control section 21 causes laser light to be emitted by illumination section 11. Corresponding to the timing of this emission, the light receiving section 12 is activated and receives light reflected from the target object. Control section 21 then performs various processing operations based on the light waveforms output by light receiving section 12 and measures values ​​such as the displacement of the target object.

[0019] Based on the results of the various processing operations performed, the control section 21 controls the content displayed by the display unit 23 or the content of the data output to the outside via the input / output interface 25.

[0020] Control section 21 according to the present embodiment functions, for example, as a fault detection section, image generation section, evaluation section, and display control section. The individual functions are described below.

[0021] The fault detection section detects a large number of faults that occur in the sensor head 10 or in the sensor amplifier 20.

[0022] The image generation section creates an image based on the fault detected by the fault detection section, which is then displayed on display 23a. The image displayed on display 23a includes, for example, an error message image or an image illustrating corrective actions.

[0023] The error message image is used to report detected errors. The corrective action image is used to report corrective actions related to the detected error. The corrective actions for each error are stored in memory section 22. Therefore, the image generation section creates a corrective action image by reading the corrective actions for the detected error from memory section 22. Details of the error message image and the corrective action image are described below.

[0024] The evaluation section assesses a detection state based on the physical quantity detected by sensor head 10. Detection states that can be an evaluation result include, for example, the states (a) to (c) below. (a) State indicating that the physical quantity detected by the sensor head 10 exceeds a predetermined upper limit (hereinafter referred to as the ‘high state’). (b) State indicating that the physical quantity detected by the sensor head 10 falls below a predetermined lower limit (hereinafter referred to as the ‘low state’). (c) State indicating that the physical quantity detected by the sensor head 10 is less than a predetermined upper limit and greater than a predetermined lower limit (hereinafter referred to as the ‘pass state’).

[0025] The display control section controls the display state of indicator lights 23b to 23f based on the detected error and the result of the assessment. Details of the display state of indicator lights 23b to 23f are described below.

[0026] Memory section 22 is, for example, non-volatile memory, such as an EEPROM or similar. Specifically, memory section 22 stores programs executed by control section 21, information regarding setting points, such as setting points of position sensor 1 and setting contents, information regarding errors, information regarding corrective actions for the errors, and information about the display status of the indicator lights, etc.

[0027] The display section 23 comprises, for example, a display 23a, such as an organic electroluminescent display (OLED) or the like (dot-matrix display device), and a plurality of indicator lights 23b to 23f, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or the like. The display 23a shows information presented to a user and displays, for example, the measurement results of the displacement sensor 1, information regarding setting points, including the setting points of the displacement sensor 1 and setting contents, an error message image, an image of the corrective actions, and the like.

[0028] The arrangement of the multitude of indicator lights 23b to 23f and the tasks of the individual indicator lights 23b to 23f can be appropriately designed depending on the position transmitter 1.

[0029] The operating section 24 allows the user to input information or instructions into the encoder 1 and is formed by several keys 24a. The arrangement of the several keys and the functions assigned to the individual keys can be designed to suit the encoder 1.

[0030] The input / output interface 25 is an interface to devices outside the position sensor 1. Such external devices correspond, for example, to a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller). The input / output interface 25 is configured to exchange data and signals with external devices and regulates communication with them. The data output to external devices also includes physical quantities acquired by the sensor head 10.

[0031] Referring to Fig. 3 and Fig. Section 4 explains the error message image De and the image with corrective measures Dh displayed on display 23a. The error message image De and the image with corrective measures Dh are displayed alternately on display 23a at predetermined intervals when errors are detected in the sensor head 10 and in the sensor amplifier 20.

[0032] Since text is displayed in both the error message image (De) and the corrective action image (Dh), it is necessary for the user to be able to easily check the alternating text. Therefore, it is preferable to set this predetermined period to a longer duration compared to simply using LEDs that blink for specific periods to indicate the type of error and the like. Specifically, the display duration of the error message image (De) can be set to 1.5 seconds, the display duration of the corrective action image (Dh) to 1.5 seconds, and the display period of the two images (OLED) to 3 seconds, without being limited to these values; preferably, the display period should range between 2 and 4 seconds. On the other hand, the blinking period of the LED is preferably in the range of 0.3 to 1 second. In the corrective action image (Dh) in Fig. 4 is indicated as a measure to correct the error “Refer to the manual”.

[0033] Referring to the error message image De from Fig. 3. If a user recognizes that an error has occurred in the memory of the sensor amplifier 20, and can refer to the image with corrective measures, i.e., from Fig. 3. Understand that the error can be corrected by initializing the sensor amplifier by pressing the Mode button for 3 seconds.

[0034] Furthermore, a user recognizes, with reference to the error message image De of Fig. 4, that a fault has occurred in the sensor amplifier 20, and can be remedied with reference to the image with corrective measures Dh of Fig. 4. Understand that the manual must be consulted to resolve the error. This also indicates that the entry "Com01" for the sensor amplifier should be looked up in the manual. This "Com01" is an error code. Each error code is assigned a unique error code. Therefore, by recording detailed error codes that correlate with the error code, the detailed error code that correlated with the given error code can be verified by specifying the error code.

[0035] Referring to Fig. 5 and Fig. Section 6 describes details of the display status of indicator lights 23b to 23f. The following describes the normal display status (1) (see Fig. 5) and the display status in case of an anomaly (2) (see Fig. 6) explained separately.

[0036] (1) Normal display state: If no fault has been detected in the sensor head 10 and the sensor amplifier 20, the three indicator lights 23b, 23c and 23d of the sensor amplifier 20 and the two indicator lights 23e and 23f of the sensor head 10 are in the position shown in Fig. The 5 displayed display states are explained in detail below.

[0037] If the fault detection section does not detect a fault, the display control section illuminates one of the three indicator lights 23b, 23c, and 23d of the sensor amplifier 20 in a specific display color corresponding to the detection state assessed by the evaluation section. Depending on the detection state, one or more of the three indicator lights 23b, 23c, and 23d can also be illuminated in a specific color. For example, if the detection state corresponds to two states simultaneously, two indicator lights can be displayed corresponding to the two states.

[0038] For example, if the detection state is a high state, the indicator light 23b of the sensor amplifier 20 lights up orange, which is the specific indicator color of the indicator light 23b, and together with this the two indicator lights 23e and 23f of the sensor head 10 also light up orange.

[0039] If the detection state is a pass state, the indicator light 23c of the sensor amplifier 20 lights up green, which is the specific indicator color of the indicator light 23c, and together with this the two indicator lights 23e and 23f of the sensor head 10 also light up green.

[0040] When the detection state is a low state, the indicator light 23d of the sensor amplifier 20 lights up orange, which is the specific indicator color of the indicator light 23d, and together with this the two indicator lights 23e and 23f of the sensor head 10 also light up orange.

[0041] Furthermore, when the setting points of the sensor amplifier 20 are set, the three indicator lights 23b to 23d of the sensor amplifier 20 are switched off and at the same time the two indicator lights 23e and 23f of the sensor head 10 flash blue.

[0042] (2) Display status in case of an anomaly: If a fault has been detected in the sensor head 10 and in the sensor amplifier 20, the three indicator lights 23b, 23c and 23d of the sensor amplifier 20 and the two indicator lights 23e and 23f of the sensor head 10 are in the Fig. The 6 displayed display states are explained in detail below.

[0043] When a fault is detected by the fault detection section, the display control section synchronizes the three indicator lights 23b, 23c and 23d of the sensor amplifier 20 and makes them flash with a predetermined display color that differs from the display colors specific to the indicator lights 23b, 23c and 23d.

[0044] For example, if the detected fault is a defect in the sensor head 10, the indicator lights 23b, 23c, and 23d of the sensor amplifier 20 flash red, which differs from the specific indicator colors for indicator lights 23b, 23c, and 23d. Simultaneously, the two indicator lights 23e and 23f of the sensor head 10 also flash red. If indicator lights 23b to 23f are flashing red, it is preferable to synchronize their flashing state.

[0045] If the detected error is not a defect in the sensor head 10, the three indicator lights 23b, 23c, and 23d of the sensor amplifier 20 flash red, which differs from the specific indicator colors for indicator lights 23b, 23c, and 23d, and the two indicator lights 23e and 23f of the sensor head 10 are switched off. If the indicator lights 23b, 23c, and 23d are flashing red, it is preferable to synchronize the flashing state of the indicator lights 23b, 23c, and 23d.

[0046] In Fig. Figure 6 shows examples of the content 6a of the error message screen, which corresponds to the error recorded by the error logging section, and the content 6b of the corrective action screen, which corresponds to this error. Fig. 6. The background color of the error message image is black, and the background color of the corrective action image is white. The background color of the respective images is not limited to this; the error message image can also be white, and the corrective action image can also be black. [Structure of indicator lights 23b, 23c and 23d]

[0047] Referring to Fig. 7 to Fig. 10 now describes an example of the construction of the three indicator lights 23b, 23c and 23d of the sensor amplifier 20.

[0048] Fig. Figure 7 is an example of a top view of the sensor amplifier 20 and Fig. Figure 8 is an example of a front view of the sensor amplifier 20. Fig. Figure 9 is an expanded oblique view to illustrate the mounting status of the three indicator lights 23b, 23c and 23d, and Fig. Figure 10 is a perspective view of the state in which the light guide section G was removed from the three indicator lights 23b, 23c and 23d.

[0049] As in Fig. 7 to Fig. As shown in Figure 10, the three indicator lights 23b, 23c, and 23d are arranged side by side. Furthermore, the three indicator lights 23b, 23c, and 23d are located in a corner section of the housing of the sensor amplifier 20 and protrude from the housing. This allows the area in which the display status of the indicator lights 23b, 23c, and 23d can be checked to be extended in several directions.

[0050] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 9, the indicator lights 23b, 23c and 23d are constructed such that they each comprise a light-emitting section L and a light guide section G.

[0051] The light-emitting section L consists of two light-emitting diodes. This allows the respective indicator lights 23b, 23c and 23d to illuminate with a specific color and with a display color that differs from the respective specific display color.

[0052] The number of LEDs is not limited to two per indicator light. It is also possible to use one LED that emits two or more colors for each indicator light.

[0053] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 10, shielding sections S, which block light, are provided between the respective indicator lights 23b, 23c and 23d. This allows the respective colors emitted by the indicator lights 23b, 23c and 23d to be clearly emitted without the colors mixing.

[0054] As described above, the position sensor 1 according to the embodiment can detect several errors arising in the sensor head 10 and in the sensor amplifier 20, and based on a detected error, an error message image De can be generated, and a corrective measure corresponding to the detected error can be read from the memory section 22, an image with corrective measures Dh can be generated, and the generated error message image De and the image with corrective measures Dh can be displayed alternately on the display 23a in a predetermined cycle.

[0055] This allows a user to verify, by viewing the error message image De and image with corrective measures Dh alternately displayed by the display 23a, whether an error has occurred in the sensor head 10 and in the sensor amplifier 20 and what the corresponding corrective measure is.

[0056] Therefore, the usefulness of the display 23a can be increased by means of a displacement transmitter 1 according to the embodiment.

[0057] The embodiment described above serves to facilitate understanding of the invention and should not be interpreted as limiting the invention. The configuration elements of the embodiment and their arrangement, material, conditions, shape, size, and the like are not limited to the examples used but can be modified appropriately.

[0058] In the embodiment described above, three indicator lights 23b, 23c, and 23d of the sensor amplifier 20 are provided, corresponding to the three detection states that constitute the assessment result by the assessment section. However, the number of assessment results and indicator lights provided on the sensor amplifier 20 is not limited to this. For example, if there are four or more assessment results, four or more indicator lights of the sensor amplifier 20 can be provided, corresponding to this number of assessment results.

[0059] As concrete examples, the following five detection states (A) to (E) are described as assessment results by the assessment section. In this case, five indicator lights would be provided. (A) A condition indicating that the detected physical quantity exceeds a predetermined upper limit. (B) State indicating that the measured physical quantity falls below a predetermined lower limit. (C) State indicating that the detected physical quantity is less than a predetermined upper limit and above an intermediate value on the upper limit side. (D) State indicating that the detected physical quantity is greater than a predetermined lower limit and below an intermediate value on the lower limit side. (E) State indicating that the detected physical quantity is less than an intermediate value of the upper limit and greater than an intermediate value of the lower limit.

[0060] Depending on the detection state (A) to (E) described above, the display control section switches on one or more of the corresponding indicator lights from the five indicator lights with a specific display color. Furthermore, in the event of a detected fault, the display control section causes the five indicator lights to flash with a predetermined display color that differs from the specific display colors. Attachment

[0061] The aspect of the present embodiment comprises the following disclosure. Annex 1

[0062] Sensor system (1) comprising a sensor head that detects physical quantities and a sensor amplifier that is connected to the sensor head and receives physical quantities detected by the sensor head and outputs them to an external device, and including a fault detection section that detects several faults arising in the sensor head and sensor amplifier, a memory section that stores corrective actions for each of the multiple errors, a dot matrix display device that displays images, and an image generation section that generates images for display by means of the dot matrix display device, wherein the image generation section generates an error message image based on an error detected by the error detection section, reads a corrective action corresponding to the error detected by the error detection section from the memory section, and generates an image with corrective actions. Appendix 2

[0063] Sensor system (1) according to Annex 1, wherein the dot matrix display device alternately displays the error message image and the image with corrective measures in a predetermined cycle. Appendix 3

[0064] Sensor system (1) according to Annex 1 or 2, wherein the background color of the error message image and the image with corrective actions is either white or black. Appendix 4

[0065] Sensor system (1) according to one of Annexes 1 to 3, the detection principle of the sensor head is an optical displacement transmitter. Explanation of reference symbols

[0066] 1: Position sensor; 10: Sensor head; 11: Illumination section; 12: Light receiving section; 20: Sensor amplifier; 21: Control section; 22: Memory section; 23: Display section; 23a: Display; 23b to 23f: Indicator lights; 24: Operating section; 24a: Buttons; 25: Input / output interface; De: Error message image; Dh: Image with corrective measures; G: Light guide section; L: Light-emitting section; S: Shielding section. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 2015-82775 A

[0003]

Claims

[1] Sensor system comprising a sensor head that detects physical quantities and a sensor amplifier that is connected to the sensor head and receives physical quantities detected by the sensor head and outputs them to an external device, and including a fault detection section that detects several faults arising in the sensor head and sensor amplifier, a memory section that stores corrective actions for each of the multiple errors, a dot matrix display device that displays images, and an image generation section that generates images for display by means of the dot matrix display device, wherein the image generation section generates an error message image based on an error detected by the error detection section, reads a corrective action corresponding to the error detected by the error detection section from the memory section, and generates an image with corrective actions. [2] Sensor system according to claim 1, wherein the dot matrix display device alternately displays the error message image and the image with corrective measures in a predetermined cycle. [3] Sensor system according to claim 1, wherein the background color of the error message image and the image with corrective measures is either white or black. [4] Sensor system according to claim 1, wherein the detection principle of the sensor head is an optical displacement transmitter.

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