Data acquisition system

Abstract

Data acquisition system (10), in particular for classifying objects, the data acquisition system (10) comprising at least one sensor device (12) comprising a, preferably optical, detection unit (40), at least one sensor communication interface (16, 18) and a sensor control unit (20), wherein the sensor device (12) is configured to detect first object data (32) via the detection unit (40), and at least one Universal Serial Bus-Human Interface Device (USB-HID) adapter device (14) configured to provide a communication link between the sensor device (12) and an external control device (28), wherein the USB-HID adapter device (14) comprises a first adapter communication interface (22), a second adapter communication interface (24) and an adapter control unit (26), wherein the sensor control unit (20) is configured to receive configuration information, generate a control command (34) based on the configuration information and transmit the initial object data (32) and the control command (34) to the USB-HID adapter device (14) via the at least one sensor communication interface (16, 18), and wherein the adapter control unit (26) is configured to receive the first object data (32) and the control command (34) via the first adapter communication interface (22), to convert the first object data (32) into second object data (38) that differs from the first object data based on the control command (34), and to transmit at least the second object data (38) to the external control device (28) via the second adapter communication interface (24).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a data acquisition system, a USB-HID adapter device for a data acquisition system, and a sensor device for a data acquisition system.

[0002] Conventional data acquisition systems are used, for example, in industrial environments such as manufacturing plants or logistics distribution centers and generally serve to collect information about objects or products and transmit this information to a higher-level control or processing device. The collected information or data is used, for example, to characterize and / or classify objects.

[0003] Such data acquisition systems typically include a sensor for capturing object data, which is connected to the customer's processing device for data exchange. However, advanced sensors, particularly their connection type or data transmission method, are often incompatible with the customer's application.

[0004] One of the aims of the invention is to provide a more versatile data acquisition system.

[0005] The aforementioned problem is solved by a data acquisition system according to claim 1.

[0006] The data acquisition system comprises at least one sensor device and at least one Universal Serial Bus-Human Interface Device (USB-HID) adapter device. Specifically, the data acquisition system comprises exactly one sensor device and / or exactly one USB-HID adapter device. However, depending on the application, the data acquisition system may also comprise two or more sensor devices and / or two or more USB-HID adapter devices.

[0007] The USB Human Interface Device Class (USB HID Class) is part of the USB specification for computer peripherals. It specifies a device class (i.e., a type of computer hardware) for human interface devices such as keyboards, mice, touchscreens, and alphanumeric displays. For example, a USB HID keyboard typically has an IN endpoint that transmits keystrokes to the computer and an OUT endpoint that transmits the status of the keyboard LEDs from the computer to the keyboard. USB HID mice can range from simple single-button devices to complex multi-button devices. Most modern operating systems ship with drivers for standard HID mouse designs.

[0008] The data acquisition system can be configured to classify objects. In particular, the data acquisition system, especially the sensor control unit, can be configured to determine an object property and / or object type. This property indicates, for example, whether the object is defect-free or has a (manufacturing) defect. The property can also specify a price and / or a sender and / or recipient address for the object. The object could be, for example, an industrially manufactured and / or manufactured product, freight such as a package or letter, and / or a consumer good.

[0009] The sensor device comprises a detection unit, at least one sensor communication interface and a sensor control unit.

[0010] The sensor control unit can include a CPU and / or a memory unit, preferably arranged on a circuit board. The circuit board can be located in a housing of the sensor device.

[0011] The detection unit can be an optical detection unit. For example, the detection unit comprises a transmitting and / or receiving optic, e.g., in the form of a lens, a light source for emitting measuring light, and / or a detector for detecting measuring light reflected or remitted by an object. The light source can be, for example, an area illumination or a line-projected laser beam.

[0012] The sensor system is designed to acquire initial object data via the detection unit. Specifically, the sensor system is designed to receive and evaluate optical object data from the detection unit in order to acquire this initial object data.

[0013] The USB-HID adapter is designed to provide a communication link between the sensor device and an external control device. This means that, in operation, the sensor device and the external control device can exchange data via the USB-HID adapter.

[0014] The external control device is, for example, a server, preferably for controlling an industrial process, a laptop, a PC, and / or a tablet. The external control device may include a human-machine interface, in particular a keyboard, a touchpad, a mouse, and / or automatic speech recognition for receiving user input.

[0015] The USB HID adapter device includes a first adapter communication interface, a second adapter communication interface, and an adapter control unit.

[0016] The adapter control unit can include a CPU and / or a memory unit, preferably arranged on a circuit board. The circuit board can be housed in an enclosure of the USB HID adapter device.

[0017] The first adapter communication interface and the second adapter communication interface can differ from each other, particularly in their connection type and / or their data transmission method. However, they can also be interfaces of the same type.

[0018] The sensor control unit is set up to receive configuration information, generate a control command based on the configuration information, and transmit the initial object data and the control command to the USB-HID adapter device via at least one sensor communication interface.

[0019] The adapter control unit is configured to receive the first object data and the control command via the first adapter communication interface, to convert the first object data into second object data that differs from the first object data based on the control command, and to transmit at least the second object data to the external control device via the second adapter communication interface.

[0020] In other words, the system's adapter is not configured directly, but indirectly by configuring the sensor, so that the object or sensor data can be transmitted to the external control device, particularly in the correct format. That is, the sensor ultimately determines how the adapter transmits the object data by providing the control command.

[0021] This approach offers several advantages. Firstly, the sensor device can be easily and user-friendly adapted to the specific application situation by receiving configuration information, i.e., through convenient software settings. In particular, no different hardware variants of the sensor device are required. Furthermore, because the adapter device is configurable by the sensor device, a different adapter is not needed for each sensor in a complex sensor portfolio, which significantly reduces the system's complexity. The data acquisition system according to the invention is therefore characterized, among other things, by increased user-friendliness, versatility, and cost-effectiveness.

[0022] Possible further developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims, the drawings and the following description.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the control command specifies a keyboard layout of the external control device. In particular, the keyboard layout is specific to a geographical region. Specifically, the control command includes one or more of the following control characters: DE (for German), US (for United States of America), UK (for United Kingdom), FR (for French).

[0024] According to one embodiment, the second object data is adapted by the USB-HID adapter device to the keyboard layout of the external control device. This means that the USB-HID adapter device automatically sends the sensor data in the correct layout format.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the sensor control unit is configured to receive configuration information from the external control device via the at least one sensor communication interface, particularly in response to a user's selection of the keyboard layout in a web user interface (web UI). This is especially user-friendly.

[0026] The web interface can be accessed, for example, by the user entering an IP address specified on the sensor device into a web browser. The user can access the web interface, for instance, via the external control unit. This means that the user does not need administrator rights to configure the adapter.

[0027] The sensor setup can be configured to provide the web user interface. In particular, the sensor setup can include a web server on which the web user interface is stored.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the sensor control unit is configured to obtain configuration information by scanning a (special) barcode with the detection unit. The barcode can be located on an object to be classified or on the identification card mentioned below, or the like. The (special) barcode can contain a configuration code, e.g., a special, not commonly used string of characters, which is recognized by the sensor control unit and processed as configuration information. This means that the keyboard layout is selected automatically based on the information contained in the barcode. Therefore, no (manual) user selection is required.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the sensor control unit is configured to obtain configuration information by capturing user-specific information with the acquisition unit. Capturing this user-specific information can include scanning a user identification card. This means that the keyboard layout is selected automatically based on the recognition of the current user, which is particularly simple and user-friendly.

[0030] The aforementioned procedures for obtaining configuration information can each be performed individually or combined as needed.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the sensor device comprises a first sensor communication interface and a second sensor communication interface that differ from each other, particularly with regard to their connection type and / or their method of data transmission. More than two sensor communication interfaces of different types may also be provided.

[0032] At least one sensor communication interface, in particular the first sensor communication interface, and / or the second adapter communication interface may include a USB port.

[0033] Additionally or alternatively, at least one sensor communication interface, in particular the second sensor communication interface, and / or the first adapter communication interface includes an Ethernet connection.

[0034] The sensor control unit can be configured to receive configuration information from the external control device via the first sensor communication interface and to transmit the initial object data and the control command to the USB-HID adapter device via the second sensor communication interface. In particular, the sensor device is preferably configurable via USB and preferably communicates with the USB-HID adapter device via Ethernet.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the sensor device includes a fieldbus for data exchange with the external control device and / or the USB-HID adapter device.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the sensor control unit is configured to transmit the initial object data and the control command in a first data string. This first data string may contain further data, preferably located at the beginning and / or end of the first data string. The adapter control unit is configured to filter the control command from the first data string.

[0037] The adapter control unit can be configured to remove the control command from the first data string and replace the first object data with the second object data in the first data string to create a second data string, and then transmit the second data string to the external control device via the second adapter communication interface. This reduces the amount of data transmitted.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the first and / or second object data comprise barcode information and / or image information of an object to be classified. That is, the sensor device can be a barcode reader for detecting a barcode, preferably arranged on an object. In general, the sensor device can be configured to recognize machine-readable codes, such as QR codes, barcodes, postal codes, and the like. The detected machine-readable code can, in particular, be output or transmitted as part of the first object data via the sensor communication interface. The sensor device can also include a camera device for capturing image information of an object.

[0039] The invention further relates to a USB-HID adapter device for a data acquisition system, particularly according to at least one of the preceding embodiments. The USB-HID adapter device comprises a first adapter communication interface, a second adapter communication interface, and an adapter control unit. The USB-HID adapter device is configured to provide a communication link between a sensor device for acquiring first object data and an external control device. The adapter control unit is configured to receive the first object data and a control command from the sensor device via the first adapter communication interface, to convert the first object data into modified second object data based on the control command, and to transmit at least the second object data to the external control device via the second adapter communication interface.

[0040] The USB-HID adapter device according to the invention can be automatically adapted to the respective application by receiving the control command, thus enabling smooth and correct data exchange between the sensor device and the external control device.

[0041] The invention further relates to a sensor device for a data acquisition system, particularly according to at least one of the preceding embodiments. The sensor device comprises a preferably optical detection unit, at least one sensor communication interface, and a sensor control unit. The sensor device is configured to acquire initial object data via the detection unit. The sensor control unit is configured to receive configuration information, generate a control command based on the configuration information, and transmit the initial object data and the control command via the at least one sensor communication interface to a USB-HID adapter device, which is configured to provide a communication link between the sensor device and the external control device.

[0042] The sensor device according to the invention can be configured particularly easily and user-friendly by obtaining the configuration information. Furthermore, it is able to automatically adjust the USB-HID adapter device to the respective application by transmitting the control command.

[0043] The features and advantages described in relation to the embodiments of the data acquisition system are transferable to the USB-HID adapter device and the sensor device.

[0044] The invention is described below by way of example with reference to the drawing. The drawing shows: Fig. 1. A simplified block diagram of a data acquisition system, and Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 A simplified representation of a procedure for capturing object data.

[0045] The Fig. Figure 1 shows a block diagram of a data acquisition system 10, which includes a sensor device 12 and a USB-HID adapter device 14. The sensor device 12 and the USB-HID adapter device 14 are physically separated from each other, i.e., they each have a separate housing (see Figure 1). Fig. 3) Exactly one, two, or more sensor devices 12 can be provided. The same applies to the USB-HID adapter device 14. The data acquisition system 10 is set up for classifying objects.

[0046] The sensor device 12 has an optical detection unit 40 for capturing object data 32, a USB port or a first sensor communication interface 16 for exchanging data with an external control device 28 (see Fig. 2 and Fig. 3), an Ethernet port or a second sensor communication interface 18 for exchanging data with the USB-HID adapter device 14 and a sensor control unit 20 for controlling the operation of the sensor device 12. However, only a single port may be provided for communication with the external control unit 28 and the USB-HID adapter device 14. Depending on requirements, more than two communication interfaces are provided.

[0047] The USB-HID adapter device 14 comprises an Ethernet port or a first adapter communication interface 22 for exchanging data with the sensor device 12, a USB port or a second adapter communication interface 24 for exchanging data with the external control device 28, and an adapter control unit 26 for controlling the operation of the USB-HID adapter device 14. Depending on requirements, three or more communication interfaces may also be provided.

[0048] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, to configure the sensor device 12, the external control device 28, which is shown here as an example of a laptop with a screen 56 and a keyboard 46, is first connected to the sensor device 12 via a USB cable 48. However, a wireless communication connection or an Ethernet connection can also be established, for example. Instead of a laptop, it could also be a desktop PC, a server, or the like (not shown).

[0049] Furthermore, the sensor device 12 is described here by way of example as an advanced sensor with an optical detection unit 40, which has a light source, a lens arrangement and a detector for acquiring object data. The sensor device 12 is, for example, configured to detect a barcode 42, i.e. it can be configured as a barcode reader. Additionally or alternatively, the sensor device 12 can be configured to detect defects or deviations in products, preferably automatically, for example, using AI.

[0050] After establishing the USB connection 48 between the laptop and the sensor device 12, a user accesses a web UL 44 via the laptop and selects the correct layout 36 of the laptop's keyboard 46 from several optional keyboard layouts 36-1 to 36-4.

[0051] Preferably, the Web-Ul 44 is displayed automatically when the USB connection 48 is established. This means that the Web-Ul 44 can be stored in the sensor device 12 and made available by it when needed.

[0052] In response to the user's selection, the laptop transmits corresponding configuration information to the sensor unit 12, which stores this information. In the example shown, the configuration information indicates that the keyboard 46 has a German keyboard layout 36 ("German"). This completes the configuration of the sensor unit 12.

[0053] In addition to or as an alternative to the procedure described, the sensor device 12 can be configured by scanning the barcode 42. The sensor device 12 then automatically extracts the configuration information from the (image) information contained in the barcode 42.

[0054] Another embodiment provides that the sensor device 12 can be conveniently configured by scanning a user's identification card (not shown). The sensor device 12 captures image data from the identification card, for example, a barcode on the card, and extracts the configuration information from the information contained in the image data.

[0055] The methods mentioned for obtaining configuration information are particularly simple and user-friendly and can be combined as needed or executed individually.

[0056] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3 as an example, to acquire object data, the sensor device 12 is first connected to the external control device 28 via the USB-HID adapter device 14. The Ethernet port 18 of the sensor device 12 is connected to the Ethernet port 22 of the USB-HID adapter device 14 via an Ethernet cable 52, and the USB port 24 of the USB-HID adapter device 14 is connected to a USB port 54 of the external control device 28 via a USB cable 48.

[0057] The sensor device 12 then acquires initial object data 32 using the optical detection unit 40. In the example shown, the sensor device 12 scans a barcode 42, which is located on an object to be classified (not shown). This means that the initial object data 32 consists of barcode information, which, for example, specifies properties of the object.

[0058] Furthermore, the sensor control unit 20 of the sensor device 12 generates a control command 34 for the USB HID adapter device 14 from the previously received configuration information. Consequently, in the example shown, the control command 34 specifies that the keyboard layout 36 of the external control device 28 is German.

[0059] The sensor control unit 20 then generates a first data string 30, which includes, among other things, the first object data 32 (“ <codecontent>") and the control command 34 (" <layout:de>") contains, and transmits the first data string 30 via the Ethernet connection 52 to the adapter control unit 26 of the USB-HID adapter device 14.

[0060] The adapter control unit 26 then extracts the control command 34 and, based on the control command 34, converts the first object data 32 into the second object data 38. The first object data 32 differs from the second object data 38 in that the second object data 38 is in the correct or previously selected keyboard layout 36.

[0061] The adapter control unit 26 then generates a second data string 58 by replacing the first object data 32 with the second object data 38 in the first data string 30 and deleting or removing the control command 34 from the first data string 30.

[0062] The second data string 58 is then transmitted to the external control unit 28 via the USB connection 48.

[0063] The barcode 42 scanned by the sensor device 12 is therefore automatically displayed correctly as a sequence of letters and / or numbers on the screen 56 of the external control device 28.

[0064] The in relation to the Fig. 2 and Fig. The procedure described in section 3 for capturing object data is particularly user-friendly and efficient. The data acquisition system used in this process (10) is characterized by reduced complexity and increased cost-effectiveness. Reference symbol list 10 Data acquisition system 12 Sensor device 14 USB-HID adapter setup 16 first sensor communication interface 18 second sensor communication interface 20 Sensor control unit 22 first adapter communication interface 24 second adapter communication interface 26 Adapter control unit 28 external control unit 30 first data string 32 first object data 34 Control command 36 keyboard layout 38 second object data 40 recording units 42 barcodes 44 Web-Ul 46 keyboard 48 USB cables 52 Ethernet cables 54 USB ports of the external control unit 56 Screen of the external control unit 58 second data string< / layout:de> < / codecontent>

Claims

Data acquisition system (10), in particular for classifying objects, the data acquisition system (10) comprising at least a sensor device (12) comprising a, preferably optical, detection unit (40), at least one sensor communication interface (16, 18) and a sensor control unit (20), wherein the sensor device (12) is configured to acquire first object data (32) via the detection unit (40), and at least one Universal Serial Bus-Human Interface Device (USB-HID) adapter device (14) configured to provide a communication link between the sensor device (12) and an external control device (28), wherein the USB-HID adapter device (14) comprises a first adapter communication interface (22), a second adapter communication interface (24) and an adapter control unit (26), wherein the sensor control unit (20) is configured to receive configuration information.to generate a control command (34) based on the configuration information and to transmit the first object data (32) and the control command (34) to the USB-HID adapter device (14) via the at least one sensor communication interface (16, 18), wherein the adapter control unit (26) is configured to receive the first object data (32) and the control command (34) via the first adapter communication interface (22), to convert the first object data (32) into second object data (38) that differs from the first object data based on the control command (34), and to transmit at least the second object data (38) to the external control device (28) via the second adapter communication interface (24). Data acquisition system (10) according to claim 1, wherein the control command (34) specifies a keyboard layout (36) of the external control device (28), in particular wherein the keyboard layout (36) is specific for a geographical region. Data acquisition system (10) according to claim 2, wherein the second object data (38) are adapted by the USB-HID adapter device (14) to the keyboard layout (36) of the external control device (28). Data acquisition system (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor control unit (20) is configured to receive the configuration information from the external control device (28) via the at least one sensor communication interface (16, 18), in particular in response to a selection of the keyboard layout (36) by a user in a web user interface (44). Data acquisition system (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor control unit (20) is configured to obtain the configuration information by scanning a barcode (42) with the acquisition unit (40), in particular wherein the barcode (42) is arranged on an object to be classified. Data acquisition system (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor control unit (20) is configured to obtain the configuration information by capturing user-specific information with the acquisition unit (40), in particular wherein capturing the user-specific information includes scanning an identification card of the user. Data acquisition system (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor device (12) comprises a first sensor communication interface (16) and a second sensor communication interface (18) which differ from each other, in particular with respect to their connection type and / or their type of data transmission. Data acquisition system (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one sensor communication interface (16, 18), in particular the first sensor communication interface (16), and / or the second adapter communication interface (24) comprises a USB port. Data acquisition system (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one sensor communication interface (16, 18), in particular the second sensor communication interface (18), and / or the first adapter communication interface (22) comprises an Ethernet connection. Data acquisition system (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor control unit (20) is configured to transmit the first object data (32) and the control command (34) in a first data string (30), wherein the adapter control unit (26) is configured to filter out the control command (34) from the first data string (30). Data acquisition system (10) according to claim 10, wherein the adapter control unit (26) is configured to remove the control command (34) from the first data string (30) and to replace the first object data (32) with the second object data (38) in the first data string (30) to generate a second data string (58), and to transmit the second data string (58) to the external control device (28) via the second adapter communication interface (24). Data acquisition system (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and / or second object data (32, 38) comprise barcode information and / or image information of an object to be classified. USB-HID adapter device (14) for a data acquisition system (10), in particular according to at least one of the preceding claims, the USB-HID adapter device (14) comprising a first adapter communication interface (22), a second adapter communication interface (24) and an adapter control unit (26), wherein the USB-HID adapter device (14) is configured to provide a communication link between a sensor device (12) for acquiring first object data (32) and an external control device (28), wherein the adapter control unit (26) is configured to receive the first object data (32) and a control command (34) from the sensor device (12) via the first adapter communication interface (22), and to convert the first object data (32) into modified second object data (38) based on the control command (34).and at least the second object data (38) to be transmitted to the external control unit (28) via the second adapter communication interface (24). Sensor device (12) for a data acquisition system (10), in particular according to at least one of claims 1 to 13, the sensor device (12) comprising a preferably optical detection unit (40), at least one sensor communication interface (16, 18) and a sensor control unit (20), wherein the sensor device (12) is configured to acquire first object data (32) via the detection unit (40), wherein the sensor control unit (20) is configured to obtain configuration information, generate a control command (34) based on the configuration information and transmit the first object data (32) and the control command (34) via the at least one sensor communication interface (16, 18) to a USB-HID adapter device (14) which is configured to provide a communication link between the sensor device (12) and the external control device (28).

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