Photoelectric sensor with multiple optical axes

Abstract

Photoelectric sensor with multiple optical axes, comprising: a light projector; a light receiver; several light reception sections; a light receiver indicator section that is provided near a corresponding light receiving section among the multiple light receiving sections, wherein the light receiver indicator section indicates a light receiving state of the corresponding light receiving section; a light projector display section that shows the light reception status; and a display synchronization section that causes the light projector display section and the light receiver display section to simultaneously display the light reception status.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present invention relates to a photoelectric sensor with multiple optical axes, which has a display section. TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

[0002] A conventionally known photoelectric sensor with multiple optical axes detects when an object has entered a detection area. The photoelectric sensor with multiple optical axes comprises a light projector with multiple projection elements and a light receiver with multiple receiving elements. The multiple projection elements are arranged such that they face the corresponding multiple receiving elements, thereby forming optical axes. The photoelectric sensor with multiple optical axes repeats a light projection / reception process in which each projection element sequentially emits light toward its corresponding receiving element in predetermined projection cycles, and the receiving element receives the light.Furthermore, the photoelectric sensor with multiple optical axes detects a blockage of an optical axis based on a light reception signal from the light receiving element and thus detects the penetration of an object into the detection area.

[0003] A photoelectric sensor with multiple optical axes is also known, which indicates a light entry state with respect to a light receiver. For example, JP 2003-298 105 A discloses an arrangement in which a light receiver has a display section, a light entry state with respect to the light receiver is determined, and a result of the determination is displayed on the display section. PREVIOUSLY KNOWN TECHNICAL DOCUMENTS PATENT DOCUMENTS

[0004] DE 10 2011 005 771 A1 discloses a photoelectric sensor with multiple optical axes, a light transmitter with multiple light projection elements, and a light receiver arranged opposite the light transmitter, which has multiple light receiving elements that receive light projected by the multiple light projection elements, wherein a safety signal is output to an external device, which is generated on the basis of an interrupted state of at least one optical axis of optical axes formed between the light transmitter and the light receiver.The light receiver includes a first cable connection section, which is connected to a cable that includes a power line for receiving a power supply from the external device and an output line for sending a safety signal to the external device, and a second cable connection section, which includes a power line for supplying power to the light transmitter and a communication line for transmitting or receiving a timing signal that defines a timing for the light projection of the light projection elements.

[0005] US Patent 2016 / 0097878 A1 discloses a sensor device comprising multiple pairs, each containing a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element configured to receive the light emitted by the light-emitting element and, in response to optical axes that form in a region between the light-emitting and light-receiving elements and become blocked, detect a sensor target moving within that region. Initially, the measurement is performed using an optical measurement axis comprised of a subset of optical axes. When an optical axis of the optical measurement axis used in the initial state becomes blocked, the number of optical axes contained within the optical measurement axis is increased to extend its length.

[0006] JP 2013-223237 A discloses a sensor comprising a floodlight and an optical receiver, each having the same number of optical axes. For each optical axis, a light beam is projected from the floodlight toward the optical receiver, creating a light curtain. The optical receiver receives a light beam consisting of three pulses for each optical axis. For example, if two or more pulses are detected on each optical axis, it determines that "light is incident," and if all three pulses are detected, it determines that "light is stably incident." The optical receiver then determines, for all optical axes Oax from the first to the fourth, whether light is incident or blocked, and determines, for at least one optical axis where incident light was detected, whether "light is stably incident." OVERVIEW OF THE INVENTION TASKS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0007] However, the conventional approach described above has the problem that a user cannot easily determine which light-receiving element is in a good or poor light-receiving state, since the display section is only located at one end of a light-receiving surface.

[0008] One aspect of the present invention is based on the problem described above, and the invention aims to provide a photoelectric sensor with multiple optical axes with which a user can easily detect which light receiving element (which light receiving section) is in which light receiving state. MEANS OF SOLVING THE TASK

[0009] The problem is solved by a photoelectric sensor with multiple optical axes according to one aspect of the present invention, comprising: a light projector; a light receiver; multiple light receiving sections; a light receiver display section provided near a corresponding light receiving section among the multiple light receiving sections, wherein the light receiver display section indicates a light receiving state of the corresponding light receiving section; a light projector display section indicating the light receiving state; and a display synchronization section causing the light projector display section and the light receiver display section to simultaneously indicate the light receiving state. EFFECT OF INVENTION

[0010] One aspect of the present invention enables the user to easily identify the light reception state of each light-receiving section. In other words, by checking the display section, the user can easily determine which light-receiving section is in a good or poor light reception state. Furthermore, the light reception state of the light-receiving section is also displayed on the light projector display section simultaneously with the light receiver display section. Therefore, the user can determine the light reception state of the light-receiving section by checking either the light projector or the light receiver. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of main parts of a photoelectric sensor with multiple optical axes according to embodiment 1. Fig. Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary appearance of the photoelectric sensor with multiple optical axes. Fig. Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the processing contents of a cycle in a multi-axis photoelectric sensor. Fig. 3(a) illustrates contents of a light processing cycle using a conventional method. Fig. Figure 3(b) is a diagram illustrating a problem that arises when processing to generate and transmit ABI information according to Exemplar 1 is included in the conventional procedure. Fig. Figure 3(c) illustrates processing contents of a cycle according to the present invention. Fig. Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating the processing flow of the multi-optical-axis photoelectric sensor. Fig. Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating a display example of display sections of a light projector and a light receiver encompassed by the multi-optical-axis photoelectric sensor. Fig. Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating a variation of embodiment 1. EXECUTIONS OF THE INVENTION Exemplary Design 1 § 1 Application Example Design of the appearance of a photoelectric sensor with multiple optical axes

[0011] It will initially be based on Fig. 2 an embodiment of the appearance of a photoelectric sensor 10 with several optical axes according to embodiment 1 is described. Fig. Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary appearance of the photoelectric sensor 10 with multiple optical axes.

[0012] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the photoelectric sensor 10 with multiple optical axes comprises a light projector 2 and a light receiver 1, which are arranged such that they face each other with a predetermined detection area between them. The light projector 2 is column-shaped as a whole and has, for example, twelve light projection sections (light projection elements) 210, which are arranged in a row on a surface facing the light receiver 1. The light receiver 1 is also column-shaped as a whole and has, for example, twelve light reception sections (light reception elements) 110, which are arranged in a row on a surface facing the light projector 2. The facing light projection sections 210 and light reception sections 110 each form an optical axis.

[0013] In embodiment 1, a display section 120 (light receiver display section) is provided laterally to the light receiving sections 110 on the surface facing the light receiver 1. For example, display sections 120 are provided such that each corresponds to one of three equally sized groups of light receiving sections 110 arranged in a row. In this case, therefore, three display sections 120 are provided. In the Fig. In the illustrated example 2, for instance the four uppermost light reception sections 110 correspond to an upper display section 120, the fifth to eighth light reception section 110 from the top correspond to a middle display section 120 and the ninth to twelfth light reception section 110 from the top correspond to a lower display section 120.

[0014] That is, in embodiment 1, the several light receiving sections 110 are arranged in a row and the display sections 120 are provided parallel to an extension direction of the row such that a single display section 120 corresponds to two or more light receiving sections 110.

[0015] It is noted that the display section 120, instead of being located to the side of the corresponding light-receiving sections 110 on the surface facing the light receiver 1, can also be located near the corresponding light-receiving sections 110. For example, the display section 120 can be located on a surface perpendicular to the surface facing the light receiver 1. According to this embodiment, a user located in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the photoelectric sensor 10 with multiple optical axes can easily detect the display section 120.

[0016] A display section 220 (light projector display section) is provided to the side of the light projection sections 210 on the surface facing the light projector 2, analogous to the display section 120. For example, display sections 220 are provided such that each corresponds to one of three equally sized groups of light projection sections 210 arranged in a row. In this case, therefore, three display sections 220 are provided. It is noted that, instead of being provided to the side of the corresponding light projection sections 210 on the surface facing the light projector 2, as with display section 120, the display section 220 can also be provided near the corresponding light projection sections 210.

[0017] The light projection section 210 is set up using a known technique. A detailed description is therefore omitted; the light projection section 210 has a light projection element and projects light at a predetermined time according to an instruction from the light projection processing section 201, which will be described later. The light projection element can be, for example, a light-emitting diode (LED). Each of the multiple light projection sections 210 provided in the light projector 2 projects light sequentially in predetermined cycles.

[0018] The light receiving section 110 is configured using a known technique. A detailed description is therefore omitted; the light receiving section 110 comprises a light receiving element and, upon receiving light, notifies a (later described) light receiving processing section 101 that a light receiving signal is present. The light receiving element can, for example, be a photodiode.

[0019] The display section 120 indicates a light reception status of the corresponding light reception section 110.

[0020] According to embodiment 1, the light reception status of a light-receiving section 110 is displayed on the display section 120 and the display section 220 of the photoelectric sensor 10 with multiple optical axes. The display section 120 is located to the side of the corresponding light-receiving section 110, and the display section 220 is located to the side of the light-projection section 210. According to this embodiment, the user can clearly see which light-receiving section 110 is in a good or poor light reception state. § 2 Design Example: Design of the main part of a photoelectric sensor with multiple optical axes

[0021] Next, an embodiment of the main part of the photoelectric sensor 10 with multiple optical axes is described below, based on Fig. 1 described. Fig. Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example design of main parts of the photoelectric sensor 10 with multiple optical axes.

[0022] As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 2, the multi-axis photoelectric sensor 10 comprises the light receiver 1 and the light projector 2. The light receiver 1 includes a control section 100, a light receiving section 110, a display section 120, a communication section 130, and an ABI information buffer 140.

[0023] The control section 100 comprehensively performs various types of control in the light receiver 1. The control section 100 comprises a light reception processing section 101, an ABI information generation section 102, a display control section (display synchronization section) 103, a functional processing section 104, and an ABI information transmission section (display synchronization section) 105.

[0024] The light reception processing section 101 performs light reception processing of light received at the light reception section 110 in predetermined cycles, which correspond to cycles of the light projection processing of the light projection processing section 201 of the light projector 2, and communicates the result to the ABI information generation section 102.

[0025] The ABI information generation section 102 generates area beam indicator information (ABI information; ABI stands for "Area Beam Indicator") that specifies a light reception state resulting from the light reception processing performed in the light reception processing section 101. ABI information generated in this way is stored in an ABI information buffer 140.

[0026] Display control section 103 causes display section 120 to display the light reception state of light reception section 110 using the ABI information stored in ABI information buffer 140. More specifically, display control section 103 causes display section 120 to display the light reception state of light reception section 110 using ABI information from a previous light projection / reception processing cycle.

[0027] The display control section 103 informs the ABI information transmission section 105 of a display time at which the display control section 103 causes the display section 120 to display the light reception status of the light receiving section 110 using the ABI information from the previous cycle. This allows the display section 120 in the light receiver 1 and the display section 220 in the light projector 2 to simultaneously display the light reception status of the light receiving section 110.

[0028] That is, the light reception section 110 performs the light reception processing in predetermined cycles, and in a current cycle the display section 120 shows a light reception state of a previous cycle, and the display control section 103 causes the display section 220 to display the light reception state of the previous cycle.

[0029] The functional processing section 104 performs various functions in the light receiver 1 of the photoelectric sensor 10 with multiple optical axes.

[0030] The ABI information transmission section 105 transmits the ABI information stored in the ABI information buffer 140 to the light projector 2 via the communication section 130. More specifically, the ABI information transmission section 105 transmits ABI information from the previous cycle of light projection / reception processing to the light projector 2 at a time communicated by the display control section 103.

[0031] That is, the display control section 103 and the ABI information transmission section 105 transmit an instruction to cause the display section 220 to display the light reception state of the previous cycle during light reception processing in the current cycle to the light projector 2.

[0032] The ABI information buffer 140 temporarily stores ABI information generated by the ABI information generation section 102.

[0033] Communication section 130 communicates with light projector 2.

[0034] The light projector 2 has a control section 200, a 210, a display section 220 and a communication section 230.

[0035] Control section 200 comprehensively performs various types of control in the light projector 2. Control section 200 includes a light projection processing section 201, a display control section 202, and an ABI information reference section 203.

[0036] The light projection processing section 201 causes the light projection section 210 to project light in predetermined cycles.

[0037] The display control section 202 causes the display section 220 to display a light reception state of a light reception section 110 of the light receiver 1 using ABI information received by the ABI information reference section 203 from the light receiver 1.

[0038] The ABI information reference section 203 receives ABI information from the light receiver 1 via the communication section 230.

[0039] The functional processing section 204 performs various functions in the light projector 2 of the photoelectric sensor 10 with multiple optical axes.

[0040] The communication section 230 communicates with the light receiver 1.

[0041] As described above, the light receiver 1 of the photoelectric sensor 10 with multiple optical axes according to embodiment 1 is configured to have multiple light receiving sections 110, the display section 120, and the display control section 103. The display section 120 is located near corresponding light receiving sections 110 of the multiple light receiving sections 110 and indicates the light receiving status of the corresponding light receiving sections 110. The display control section 103 causes the light receiving status to be displayed on the display section 220 of the light projector 2 contained in the photoelectric sensor 10 with multiple optical axes simultaneously with the display in the light receiving section 110.

[0042] In the embodiment described above, the display on display section 120 and the display on display section 220 are synchronized by the display control section 103 and the ABI information transmission section 105. However, it should be noted that the configuration for synchronizing the display on display section 120 and the display on display section 220 is not limited to this. An embodiment can be used in which only a light reception state is transmitted from the light receiver 1 to the light projector 2, and the display control section 202 of the light projector 2 synchronizes the display on display section 120 with the display on display section 220. Reasons for displaying the light reception status one cycle later

[0043] Next, we will use the following as an example: Fig. 3 discusses why a light reception state of a previous cycle is displayed on display section 120 and display section 220 one cycle of light projection / reception processing later. Fig. Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the processing contents of a cycle in a multi-axis photoelectric sensor. Fig. 3(a) illustrates contents of a light processing cycle using a conventional method. Fig. Figure 3(b) is a diagram illustrating a problem that arises when processing to generate and transmit ABI information according to Exemplar 1 is included in the conventional procedure. Fig. Figure 3(c) illustrates processing contents of a cycle according to the present invention.

[0044] As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 3(a), a light projector, using the conventional approach, performs light projection processing, functional processing, communication processing (safety-relevant data), and communication processing (non-safety-relevant data) in one cycle. Similarly, a light receiver performs light reception processing, functional processing, communication processing (safety-relevant data), and communication processing (non-safety-relevant data) in one cycle. That is, the processing is carried out as follows: In one cycle, light projection / reception processing is performed first, then functional processing, communication processing for safety-relevant data, and communication processing for non-safety-relevant data are performed, and then light projection / reception processing is performed again in the next cycle.Security-relevant data is data that directly affects security and requires urgent communication processing. Non-security-relevant data is data that does not directly affect security, and any potential delay in communication processing will not cause serious problems.

[0045] When the communication processing of ABI information, which is non-security-relevant data, is added to the conventional approach, the processing time of a cycle becomes significantly longer than with the conventional approach, as shown in Fig. Figure 3(b) illustrates this. This is because ABI information specifies the reception states of the respective light reception sections 110 and comprises a large amount of data. Furthermore, the amount of ABI information increases with the increasing number of light reception sections 110.

[0046] In view of this, in embodiment 1 the communication processing of ABI information between the light projection / reception processing and the functional processing is carried out in one cycle (see Fig. 3(c)). It is noted that a light reception state cannot be detected during light projection / reception processing. Therefore, the light reception state of a previous cycle is communicated as ABI information. Thus, communication processing of ABI information can be performed without increasing the duration of a cycle compared to the conventional approach.

[0047] That is, according to embodiment 1, the display control section 103 and the ABI information transmission section 105 (i) perform the processing to transmit an instruction (ABI information) to cause the display section 220 to display the light reception state of a previous cycle to the light projector 2 in parallel with (ii) the processing which concerns the light reception in the current cycle. § 3 Operating Example: Processing flow in a photoelectric sensor 10 with multiple optical axes

[0048] Next, a processing flow in the multi-optical-axis photoelectric sensor 10 is described below, based on Fig. 4 described. Fig. Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow of the photoelectric sensor 10 with multiple optical axes.

[0049] The photoelectric sensor 10 with multiple optical axes performs the light projection / reception processing in predetermined cycles. Fig. Figure 4 shows a processing flow in one cycle. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, in a specific cycle, the light reception processing section 101 in the light receiver first performs light reception processing (S101). Using a result of the light reception processing, the ABI information generation section 102 generates ABI information (S102). Then, the functional processing section 104 performs functional processing (S103). In parallel with the processing of steps S101 to S103, the light receiver 1 determines whether the ABI information transmission section 105 is ready to transmit ABI information (S111). When the light receiver 1 has determined that the ABI information transmission section 105 is in a transmission-ready state (YES in S111), then the ABI information transmission section 105 transmits ABI information to the light projector 2, which was generated in a previous cycle by the ABI information generation section 102 (S112).Subsequently, the display control section 103 causes the display section 120 to display a light reception state based on the ABI information generated in the previous cycle (S121). Communication processing of safety-relevant data is carried out between the light receiver 1 and the light projector 2 (S122), and the processing continues in the next cycle.

[0050] In light projector 2, the light projection processing section 201 first performs the light projection processing (S201), and then the functional processing section 204 performs the functional processing (S202). Parallel to steps S201 and S202, the ABI information reference section 203 obtains ABI information from light receiver 1 (S211). The ABI information obtained in step S211 is ABI information from a previous cycle.

[0051] Subsequently, the display control section 202 of the light projector 2 displays the light reception status of the light receiving section 110 using the ABI information obtained in step S211 (S221). Communication processing of safety-relevant data is carried out between the light receiver 1 and the light projector 2 (S222), and the processing continues in the next cycle. Display example in display section

[0052] Next, an example display in display section 120 (220) is shown below, based on... Fig. 5 described. Fig. Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating a display example of display section 120 (220).

[0053] In embodiment 1, the display section 120 can indicate a light reception state by changing the colors to be displayed, or it can indicate a light reception state by alternating between being lit and flashing. For example, the following configuration can be used: In a case where light reception states are indicated in three stages, a good light reception state is indicated by green ( Fig. 3(a)); poor light reception is indicated by red ( Fig. 3(b)); and a light reception state that is neither good nor bad is indicated by yellow ( Fig. 3(c)).

[0054] Alternatively, in a case where light reception states are indicated in two stages, an embodiment can be used in which a good light reception state is indicated by the indicator section 120 (220) remaining illuminated, and a poor light reception state is indicated by the indicator section 120 (220) flashing. Alternatively, light reception states can be indicated in multiple stages by changing the flashing frequency.

[0055] As described above, the multi-optical photoelectric sensor 10 according to embodiment 1 allows the user to detect the light reception status of a light receiving section 110 at a position corresponding to where the light receiving section 110 is located. Thus, for example, before a malfunction occurs in the multi-optical photoelectric sensor 10 due to contamination or the like of the light receiving section 110, the identification and repair of the contaminated area (e.g., cleaning an optical surface, adjusting an optical axis, replacement, or the like) can be facilitated. Therefore, a malfunction can be avoided in advance.

[0056] In many cases, the multi-axis photoelectric sensor 10 is installed in a large production facility or similar environment. If the production facility stops due to the operation of the multi-axis photoelectric sensor 10, this has significant consequences. Since the multi-axis photoelectric sensor 10, according to embodiment 1 as described above, allows the user to detect the light reception status of the light-receiving section before the production facility or similar environment stops, such an adverse effect can be prevented in advance.

[0057] Therefore, the display section 120 can display the light reception state of the light reception section 110 by changing the colors to be displayed, by switching between lighting and flashing, or by a combination thereof. § 4 Example of a variation

[0058] In the embodiment described above, the configuration in which a single light receiver 1 and a single light projector 2 are included in the photoelectric sensor 10 with multiple optical axes was described. However, it should be noted that the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The photoelectric sensor 10 with multiple optical axes can be configured to have multiple light receivers 1 and multiple light projectors 2.

[0059] Fig. Figure 6 illustrates an example where three light receivers 1 and three light projectors 2 are provided. Fig. 6 are provided as examples of light receiver 1, light receiver 1a, light receiver 1b and light receiver 1c, and light projector 2, light projector 2a, light projector 2b and light projector 2c.

[0060] At the in Fig. In the 6 illustrated example, the light receiver 1a, the light receiver 1b and the light receiver 1c are connected in series, the light projector 2a, the light projector 2b and the light projector 2c are connected in series and the light receiver 1c and the light projector 2c are connected in a way that enables communication.

[0061] In the Fig.In the illustrated example 6, light receiver 1a and light projector 2a correspond to each other (i.e., light projected by light projector 2a is received by light receiver 1a), light receiver 1b and light projector 2b correspond to each other, and light receiver 1c and light projector 2c correspond to each other. A light reception state in light receiver 1a is displayed on display section 120 of light receiver 1a and on display section 220 of light projector 2a. A light reception state in light receiver 1b is displayed on display section 120 of light receiver 1b and on display section 220 of light projector 2b. A light reception state in light receiver 1c is displayed on display section 120 of light receiver 1c and on display section 220 of light projector 2c.

[0062] In a case where multiple light receivers 1 and multiple light projectors 2 are provided, a light reception state of each light receiver 1 is displayed in that light receiver 1 and in a light projector 2 that corresponds to that light receiver 1.

[0063] According to this design, the user can easily identify which light reception section 110 of which light receiver 1 is in a poor light reception state.

[0064] The present invention can be described as follows: The photoelectric sensor with multiple optical axes according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: a light projector; a light receiver; multiple light receiving sections; a light receiver display section provided near a corresponding light receiving section among the multiple light receiving sections, wherein the light receiver display section indicates a light receiving state of the corresponding light receiving section; a light projector display section indicating the light receiving state; and a display synchronization section causing the light projector display section and the light receiver display section to simultaneously indicate the light receiving state.

[0065] According to the design, the light reception status of the light receiving section (light receiving element) is displayed on the light receiver indicator section located near the light receiving section. Therefore, the user can easily see which light receiving section is in which light reception status. In other words, by checking the indicator section, the user can easily see which light receiving section is in a good or poor light reception state.

[0066] Furthermore, the light reception status of the light receiving section is also displayed on the light projector display section at the same time as on the light receiver display section. Therefore, the user can determine the light reception status of the light receiving section by checking either the light projector or the light receiver.

[0067] According to the photoelectric sensor with multiple optical axes as described in one aspect of the present invention, the display synchronization section can be provided in the light receiver. Therefore, synchronization with the display in the light projector can be performed by the light receiver, which can determine a light reception state.

[0068] According to the photoelectric sensor with multiple optical axes according to one aspect of the present invention, the multiple light receiving sections can be arranged in a series; and the light receiver display section can be provided parallel to an extension direction of the series such that a single light receiver display section corresponds to two or more light receiving sections, wherein the single light receiver display section is the light receiver display section and the two or more light receiving sections are included in the multiple light receiving sections.

[0069] According to the design, the user can appropriately detect the light reception states of the multiple light reception sections by checking a single display section.

[0070] According to the photoelectric sensor with multiple optical axes according to one aspect of the present invention, all of the multiple light reception sections can perform light reception processing in predetermined cycles; and the light receiver display section can display a light reception state of a previous cycle in a current cycle.

[0071] According to this design, the light reception state of a previous cycle is displayed in the current cycle. Therefore, it is not necessary to communicate with the light receiver to transmit the current cycle's light reception state to the light projector during the current cycle. This avoids extending the duration of the current cycle. Thus, the light projector and light receiver can display the light reception state of the light reception section without increasing the duration of the light projection / reception cycle.

[0072] According to the photoelectric sensor with multiple optical axes according to one aspect of the present invention, the light receiver (i) can perform a transmission of an instruction to cause the light projector display section to indicate the light reception state of the previous cycle, in parallel with (ii) a processing relating to the reception of light in the current cycle.

[0073] According to the design, the processing related to the reception of light is carried out in parallel with the processing for transferring a light reception state from a previous cycle. This prevents the light projection / reception cycle from becoming longer.

[0074] According to the photoelectric sensor with multiple optical axes according to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible for the light receiver display section and / or the light projector display section to perform a display by changing the colors to be displayed according to the light reception state, or by switching between illuminating and flashing, or by combining both.

[0075] According to the design, the user can appropriately determine the light reception status of the light reception section. Furthermore, in a case where a displayed color is changed according to a stage of the light reception status, the user can immediately recognize that the light reception status has deteriorated. §5 Further Example: Example of a design achieved through software

[0076] The control blocks (in particular the control section 100 (light reception processing section 101, ABI information generation section 102, display control section 103, functional processing section 104, ABI information transmission section 105) and the control section 200 (light projection processing section 201, display control section 202, ABI information reference section 203, functional processing section 204)) of the light receiver 1 and the light projector 2 can be implemented by a logic circuit (hardware) provided in an integrated circuit (IC chip) or the like, or alternatively by software.

[0077] In the latter case, both the light receiver 1 and the light projector 2 have a computer that executes instructions from a program, which is software that implements the aforementioned functions. The computer comprises, for example, at least one processor and a computer-readable storage medium on which the program is stored. The object of the present invention is achieved in a case where the processor in the computer reads the program from the storage medium and executes the program. The processor can, for example, be a central processing unit (CPU). The storage medium can be a non-volatile physical medium such as a tape, a disk, a card, a semiconductor memory, a programmable logic circuit, or the like, or a read-only memory (ROM) or the like. The computer can also have random access memory (RAM) into which the program is loaded.The program can be provided to the computer via any transmission medium (such as a communication network or a broadcast wave) capable of transmitting the program. It is noted that an aspect of the present invention can also be achieved in the form of a computer data signal in which the program is embodied by electronic transmission and which is embedded in a carrier wave.

[0078] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown, but can be modified by a person skilled in the art within the scope of the claims. Furthermore, the present invention includes, within its technical scope, all embodiments obtained by combining technical means disclosed in various embodiments. REFERENCE MARK LIST 1 (1a, 1b, 1c) Light receiver 10 photoelectric sensor with multiple optical axes 100 Tax Section 101 Light reception processing section 102 ABI Information Production Section 103 Display control section (display synchronization section) 104 functional processing section 105 ABI Information Transfer Section (Display Synchronization Section) 110 Light receiving section 120 Display section (light receiver display section) 130 Communication section 140 ABI information buffer 2 (2a, 2b, 2c) Light projector 200 Tax Section 201 Light Projection Processing Section 203 ABI Information Reference Section 204 functional processing section 210 Light projection section 202 Display control section 220 Display section (light projector display section) 230 Communication section

Claims

[1] Photoelectric sensor with multiple optical axes, comprising: a light projector; a light receiver; several light reception sections; a light receiver indicator section that is provided near a corresponding light receiving section among the multiple light receiving sections, wherein the light receiver indicator section indicates a light receiving state of the corresponding light receiving section; a light projector display section that shows the light reception status; and a display synchronization section that causes the light projector display section and the light receiver display section to simultaneously display the light reception status. [2] Photoelectric sensor with multiple optical axes according to claim 1, wherein the display synchronization section is provided in the light receiver. [3] Photoelectric sensor with multiple optical axes according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: the multiple light-receiving sections are arranged in a row; and the light receiver display section is provided parallel to an extension direction of the series such that a single light receiver display section corresponds to two or more light receiving sections, wherein the single light receiver display section is the light receiver display section and the two or more light receiving sections are included in the multiple light receiving sections. [4] Photoelectric sensor with multiple optical axes according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: Each of the multiple light reception sections performs light reception processing in predetermined cycles; and The light receiver display section in a current cycle displays a light reception state from a previous cycle. [5] Photoelectric sensor with multiple optical axes according to claim 4, wherein the light receiver (i) performs a transmission of an instruction to cause the light projector display section to display the light reception state of the previous cycle in parallel with (ii) a processing relating to the reception of light in the current cycle. [6] Photoelectric sensor with multiple optical axes according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the light receiver display section and / or the light projector display section perform a display by changing colors to be displayed according to the light reception state or by switching between illuminating and flashing or by combining both.

Images