Apparatus, method, generation apparatus, and program

Abstract

To provide an apparatus including a data acquisition part which acquires measurement data, a plurality of processing parts, each of the plurality of processing parts performing unique data processing, and a setting part which acquires a signal in accordance with a kind of the measurement data, and sets a data processing flow which should be performed on the measurement data by selectively combining processing parts in accordance with the signal among the plurality of processing parts. The plurality of processing parts is connected in a predetermined order, and the setting part selectively enables the processing parts in accordance with the signal among the plurality of processing parts.

Description

APPARATUS, METHOD, GENERATION APPARATUS, AND PROGRAM

[0001] The contents of the following patent application(s) are incorporated herein by reference: NO. 2023-047753 filed in JP on March 24, 2023. 　　The present invention relates to an apparatus, a method, a generation apparatus, and a program.

[0002] Patent document 1 has descriptions such as, "the diagnostic part can select whether to enable or disable a diagnostic result of at least one diagnosis step among the plurality of diagnosis steps, in diagnosis of a diagnosis step after the one diagnosis step" (claim 1). (Citation List) (Patent Literature) (PTL 1) Patent No. 6863341General Disclosure

[0003] A first aspect of the present invention provides an apparatus including a data acquisition part which acquires measurement data, a plurality of processing parts, each of the plurality of processing parts performing unique data processing, and a setting part which acquires a signal in accordance with a kind of the measurement data, and sets a data processing flow which should be performed on the measurement data by selectively combining processing parts in accordance with the signal among the plurality of processing parts.

[0004] In the above-described apparatus, the plurality of processing parts may be connected in a predetermined order, and the setting part may selectively enable the processing parts in accordance with the signal among the plurality of processing parts.

[0005] In any of the above-described apparatuses, the setting part may be able to incorporate two or more processing parts among the plurality of processing parts into the data processing flow in a predetermined order.

[0006] In the apparatus of the first aspect, the setting part may set the data processing flow where the processing parts in accordance with the signal among the plurality of processing parts are arranged in an order in accordance with the signal.

[0007] In the above-described apparatus, the setting part may incorporate at least one processing part among the plurality of processing parts into a plurality of positions within the data processing flow.

[0008] The apparatus of the first aspect may further include a selection part which selects any of the plurality of processing parts, and supplies the signal indicating a selected processing part to the setting part.

[0009] In the above-described apparatus, the plurality of processing parts may be grouped into a plurality of groups, and the selection part may select any of the plurality of groups and then individually select processing parts included in a selected group.

[0010] In any of the above-described apparatuses having the selection part, the selection part may select any of the plurality of processing parts in accordance with a user manipulation.

[0011] Any of the above-described apparatuses having the selection part may further include a detection part which detects a kind of a sensor apparatus connected to the data acquisition part, and supplies the signal indicating the kind to the selection part. The selection part may select processing parts stored in preassociation with the kind of the sensor apparatus connected to the data acquisition part among the plurality of processing parts.

[0012] In the above-described apparatus including the detection part, the data acquisition part may have a connection part which is connectable to the sensor apparatus in a mode of connection in accordance with the kind of the sensor apparatus, and the detection part may detect the kind of the sensor apparatus connected to the connection part based on the mode of connection between the sensor apparatus and the connection part.

[0013] In the above-described apparatus including the detection part, the data acquisition part may acquire the measurement data from the sensor apparatus, and the detection part may detect the kind of the sensor apparatus connected to the data acquisition part based on content of communication with the sensor apparatus.

[0014] In any of the above-described apparatuses, the data acquisition part may be able to acquire each of a plurality of pieces of measurement data, and the setting part may be able to set the data processing flow of multiple-input one-output where the plurality of pieces of measurement data is used as input and single data is output.

[0015] In any of the above-described apparatuses, each of the plurality of processing parts is a software module, and the apparatus may further include a storage part which stores therein the plurality of processing parts.

[0016] A second aspect of the present invention provides a method executed in an apparatus including a data acquisition part which acquires measurement data, and a plurality of processing parts, each of the plurality of processing parts performing unique data processing. The method includes acquiring a signal in accordance with a kind of the measurement data, and setting a data processing flow which should be performed on the measurement data by selectively combining processing parts in accordance with the signal among the plurality of processing parts.

[0017] A third aspect of the present invention provides a program causing a computer to function as a data acquisition part which acquires measurement data, a plurality of processing parts, each of the plurality of processing parts performing unique data processing, and a setting part which acquires a signal in accordance with a kind of the measurement data, and sets a data processing flow which should be performed on the measurement data by selectively combining processing parts in accordance with the signal among the plurality of processing parts.

[0018] A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a generation apparatus which generates software to be incorporated into an apparatus processing measurement data, the generation apparatus including a storage part which stores a plurality of software modules, each of the plurality of software modules performing unique data processing, and a generating part which acquires a signal in accordance with a kind of the measurement data processed in the apparatus, and generates the software by selectively combining the plurality of software modules in accordance with the signal.

[0019] A fifth aspect of the present invention provides a program causing a computer which generates software to be incorporated into an apparatus processing measurement data to function as: a storage part which stores therein a plurality of software modules, each of the plurality of software modules performing unique data processing; and a generating part which acquires a signal in accordance with a kind of the measurement data processed in the apparatus, and generates the software by selectively combining the plurality of software modules in accordance with the signal.

[0020] The summary clause does not necessarily describe all necessary features of the embodiments of the present invention. The present invention may also be a sub-combination of the features described above.

[0021] Fig. 1 illustrates field equipment 1 according to a first embodiment.Fig. 2 illustrates operations of a transmission part 3.Fig. 3 illustrates a processing part 35 included in each processing group.Fig. 4 illustrates a tentative data processing flow 350k.Fig. 5 illustrates a data processing flow 350 when the field equipment 1 is used as a measurement system of pressure.Fig. 6 illustrates the data processing flow 350 when the field equipment 1 is used as a measurement system of temperature.Fig. 7 illustrates the data processing flow 350 when the field equipment 1 is used as a differential pressure type flow rate measurement system.Fig. 8 illustrates the data processing flow 350 when the field equipment 1 is used as a digital remote type differential pressure measurement system.Fig. 9 illustrates field equipment 1A according to a modified example.Fig. 10 illustrates field equipment 1B and a generation apparatus 5 according to a second embodiment.Fig. 11 illustrates operations of the generation apparatus 5.Fig. 12 illustrates an example of a computer 2200 in which a plurality of aspects of the present invention may be entirely or partially embodied.

[0022] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described through embodiments of the invention, but the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to claims. In addition, not all of the combinations of features described in the embodiments are essential to the solution of the invention.

[0023] (1. First Embodiment) 　　(1. 1. Field Equipment 1) 　　Fig. 1 illustrates field equipment 1 according to the present embodiment. The field equipment 1 may be equipment placed in a job site where a process is to be performed, and in the present embodiment, as an example, the field equipment 1 transmits a process value representing a measurement result to a controller (not illustrated) as an analog signal, while also superimposing various digital signals on the process value for communication with the controller. The field equipment 1 may include one or more sensor apparatuses 2 and a transmission part 3.

[0024] (1. 1-1. Sensor Apparatus 2) 　　Each sensor apparatus 2 measures a value representing any of physical quantities such as pressure, temperature, humidity, liquid level height (level), pH, speed, or flow rate, in a process of a plant. The pressure may be static pressure or may be dynamic pressure. The pressure may be a differential pressure using any pressure as a standard, and as an example, it may be a pressure difference in different measurement positions such as anteroposterior positions of an orifice (also referred to as a throttle valve). The temperature may be a temperature inside the field equipment 1, or may be a temperature outside the field equipment 1. Note that the plant may include, for example, a factory facility, a machine facility, a production facility, a power generation facility, a storing facility, and a facility in a well site for drilling oil, natural gas, and the like.

[0025] Each sensor apparatus 2 may be selectively connected to the transmission part 3, and may supply measurement data representing a measurement result to the transmission part 3. In the present embodiment, as an example, the sensor apparatus 2 may sequentially supply measurement data to the transmission part 3. Note that the sensor apparatus 2 may be equipped inside the field equipment 1, or may be connected to the outside thereof.

[0026] (1. 1-2. Transmission Part 3) 　　The transmission part 3 is an example of the apparatus, and it has a data acquisition part 30, a storage part 31, a communication part 32, a selection part 33, and a setting part 34. Note that the transmission part 3 may be distributed in a state where the transmission part 3 is built into the field equipment 1, or may be distributed alone.

[0027] (1. 1-2. 1. Data Acquisition Part 30) 　　The data acquisition part 30 acquires measurement data. The measurement data according to the present embodiment may be digital data. The data acquisition part 30 may have a connection part 300 and a data supply part 301.

[0028] (1. 1-2. 1(1). Connection Part 300) 　　The connection part 300 is connected to the sensor apparatus 2, and it acquires measurement data from the sensor apparatus 2. The connection part 300 may be connectable to any kind of sensor apparatus 2. The connection part 300 may be simultaneously connectable to one or more sensor apparatuses 2. The connection part 300 may be detachably connected to each sensor apparatus 2. The connection part 300 may be able to acquire measurement data from each of the connected sensor apparatuses 2, and the connection part 300 may be able to acquire a plurality of pieces of measurement data when being connected to a plurality of kinds of sensor apparatuses 2. The connection part 300 may supply the acquired measurement data to the data supply part 301.

[0029] (1. 1-2. 1(2). Data Supply Part 301) 　　The data supply part 301 supplies each measurement data supplied from the connection part 300 to a data processing flow 350 which will be described below.

[0030] (1. 1-2. 2. Storage Part 31) 　　The storage part 31 stores therein a plurality of processing parts 35, each being a software module. Each of the plurality of processing parts 35 may perform unique data processing. For content of data processing by each processing part 35, details will be described below.

[0031] The plurality of processing parts 35 may form a tentative data processing flow 350k by being connected in a predetermined order, and it may be incorporatable into the data processing flow 350 in a predetermined order. In the present embodiment, as an example, the tentative data processing flow 350k may be formed as multiple-input one-output.

[0032] Each processing part 35 may be able to switch between an enabled state and a disabled state of data processing independently of one another. The enabled processing part 35 may perform unique data processing on input data, and it may output data after the data processing. The disabled processing part 35 may output input data as it is, or in other words, it may be skipped. In the present embodiment, as an example, all of the processing parts 35 within the tentative data processing flow 350k may be in a disabled state by default. Note that, in Fig. 1 and Fig. 4 to Fig. 8 which will be described below, the processing part 35 and the like illustrated with shading indicate that these are disabled, and the processing part 35 and the like that are not shaded indicate that these are enabled.

[0033] Among the plurality of processing parts 35, each enabled processing part 35 may form the data processing flow 350 which should be performed on measurement data acquired by the data acquisition part 30. The data processing flow 350 may perform, in response to supply of one or more pieces of measurement data, data processing by each processing part 35 (in the present embodiment, as an example, each enabled processing part 35) included in the data processing flow 350 on the measurement data, and output the measurement data on which the data processing is performed. If a plurality of pieces of measurement data is supplied from the data acquisition part 30, the data processing flow 350 may be a data processing flow of multiple-input one-output where a plurality of pieces of measurement data is used as input and single data is output. The measurement data on which unique data processing by the data processing flow 350 is performed (hereinafter, referred to as the "measurement data after the processing"), which is output from the data processing flow 350, may represent any of physical quantities such as pressure, temperature, humidity, liquid level height (level), pH, speed, or flow rate.

[0034] The data processing flow 350 may supply, to the communication part 32, the measurement data on which the data processing is performed. In the present embodiment, as an example, the data processing flow 350 may supply, to the communication part 32, both digital data on which the data processing is performed, and analog data.

[0035] (1. 1-2. 3. Communication Part 32) 　　The communication part 32 outputs measurement data supplied from the data processing flow 350. As an example, the communication part 32 may be connected to a transmission line (for example, a transmission line used for transmission of a "4 to 20 mA" signal) laid in a job site of a plant for example, and the communication part 32 may output the measurement data to a controller (not illustrated) for controlling a process. The communication part 32 may perform communication by using, for example, a communication protocol for process industries such as HART (registered trademark), BRAIN, or the like. The communication part 32 may have an analog output part 321 and a field communication part 322.

[0036] (1. 1-2. 3(1). Analog Output Part 321) 　　The analog output part 321 outputs an analog signal of the measurement data. The analog signal may be a signal within a range of 4 to 20 mA.

[0037] (1. 1-2. 3(2). Field Communication Part 322) 　　The field communication part 322 outputs a digital signal of the measurement data by superimposing it on the analog signal output from the analog output part 321. The field communication part 322 may communicate various digital signals other than the measurement data with the controller.

[0038] (1. 1-2. 4. Selection Part 33) 　　The selection part 33 selects any of the plurality of processing parts 35 (in the present embodiment, as an example, each processing part 35 included in the tentative data processing flow 350k). The selection part 33 may select the processing part 35 to be caused to perform data processing, in other words, the processing part 35 to be set to be enabled, and the selection part 33 may select different processing parts 35 in accordance with the measurement data acquired by the data acquisition part 30. The selection part 33 may select the processing part 35 in accordance with a user manipulation, and may acquire the user manipulation via an input apparatus not illustrated. The input apparatus may be provided in the field equipment 1, or may be externally connected to the field equipment 1, or may be provided in a controller capable of communicating with the field communication part 322. The selection part 33 may supply, to the setting part 34, a signal indicating the selected processing part 35 (also referred to as a setting signal).

[0039] (1. 1-2. 5. Setting Part 34) 　　The setting part 34 acquires a signal in accordance with the kind of the measurement data, and sets the data processing flow 350 by selectively combining the processing parts 35 in accordance with the signal among the plurality of processing parts 35. The setting part 34 may be able to incorporate two or more processing parts 35 among the plurality of processing parts 35 into the data processing flow 350 in a predetermined order. The setting part 34 may selectively enable the processing part 35 in accordance with the acquired signal, among the plurality of processing parts 35 connected in the predetermined order. The setting part 34 may acquire the setting signal from the selection part 33 as the signal in accordance with the kind of the measurement data, and may enable the processing part 35 indicated by the setting signal. If a plurality of pieces of measurement data is acquired by the data acquisition part 30, the setting part 34 may be able to set the data processing flow 350 of multiple-input one-output.

[0040] According to the transmission part 3 as above, a signal in accordance with the kind of the measurement data is acquired, and the data processing flow 350 is set by selectively combining the processing parts 35 in accordance with the signal among the plurality of processing parts 35. Accordingly, since the data processing flow 350 in accordance with the kind of the measurement data can be appropriately set to cause data processing to be performed, manufacturing and management costs of the transmission part 3 and the field equipment 1 can be reduced as there is no need to prepare a separate transmission part 3 for each kind of measurement data.

[0041] In addition, any of the plurality of processing parts 35 is selected, and the setting signal indicating the selected processing part 35 is supplied to the setting part 34. Accordingly, any data processing flow 350 can be set.

[0042] In addition, since selection of the processing part 35 is performed by a user, any data processing flow 350 by the user can be set.

[0043] Furthermore, the plurality of processing parts 35 is connected in the predetermined order, and the processing part 35 in accordance with the setting signal is selectively enabled. Accordingly, by setting each processing part 35 to either enabled or disabled, the data processing flow 350 can be easily set.

[0044] In addition, since two or more processing parts 35 among the plurality of processing parts 35 are incorporatable into the data processing flow 350 in a predetermined order, it is possible to reduce time and effort to set a processing order of the processing parts 35 where the order is previously determined.

[0045] Furthermore, since it is possible to set the data processing flow 350 of multiple-input one-output where a plurality of pieces of measurement data is used as input and single data is output, regardless of the number of kinds of the acquired measurement data, the data processing flow 350 which outputs single data from a plurality of kinds of measurement data can be set.

[0046] In addition, since each of the plurality of processing parts 35 is a software module, the data processing flow 350 in which the software modules are selectively combined can be set.

[0047] (1. 2. Operation) 　　Fig. 2 illustrates operations of the transmission part 3. The field equipment 1 sets the data processing flow 350 and performs data processing on measurement data by performing processing from step S11 to S19.

[0048] In step S11, the selection part 33 selects any of the plurality of processing parts 35 in accordance with a user manipulation. The selection part 33 may select the processing part 35 to be caused to perform data processing, among the plurality of processing parts 35 forming the tentative data processing flow 350k.

[0049] In the present embodiment, as an example, the plurality of processing parts 35 may be grouped into a plurality of groups (also referred to as processing groups), and this grouping may be performed in accordance with a position where its data processing is performed within the data processing flow 350. The selection part 33 may select any of the plurality of processing groups, and then individually select the processing parts 35 included in a selected processing group. Each processing group may include one or more processing parts 35 connected in a predetermined order. The processing parts 35 included in each processing group may be different from one another, or at least one processing part 35 may be commonly included in two or more processing groups. The selection part 33 may output the setting signal indicating the selected processing part 35.

[0050] In step S13, the setting part 34 acquires a signal in accordance with a kind of measurement data, and sets the data processing flow 350 by selectively combining the processing parts in accordance with the signal. The setting part 34 may selectively enable the processing part 35 indicated by the setting signal from the selection part 33, among the plurality of processing parts 35 connected in the predetermined order.

[0051] In step S15, the data acquisition part 30 acquires measurement data. The data acquisition part 30 may acquire the measurement data from each sensor apparatus 2 connected to the connection part 300. Note that the sensor apparatus 2 may be connected to the field equipment 1 at any time point before step S15.

[0052] In step S17, the data processing flow 350 performs data processing on the measurement data. In the present embodiment, as an example, the data processing flow 350 may sequentially perform, with each enabled processing part 35, data processing unique to the processing parts 35.

[0053] In step S19, the communication part 32 sends the measurement data on which data processing is performed by the data processing flow 350. The communication part 32 may send the measurement data from the analog output part 321 as an analog signal, and in addition to this, may send the measurement data from the field communication part 322 as a digital signal. The field communication part 322 may send the digital signal by superimposing it on the analog signal from the analog output part 321. Once the processing of step S19 ends, the processing may proceed to the above-mentioned step S15. Note that, if a user performs a manipulation to select the processing part 35 once again, or if there is a change in the processing parts 35 included in the processing group, the processing may proceed to step S11.

[0054] According to the operations as above, the plurality of processing parts 35 is grouped into a plurality of processing groups, and after any of the plurality of processing groups is selected in accordance with a user manipulation, the processing parts 35 included in a selected processing group are individually selected. Accordingly, since the processing part 35 can be selected in stages, it is possible to reduce time and effort in selection of each processing part 35. For example, when not selecting any of each processing part 35 included in one processing group, each processing part 35 in the processing group can be set to not selected at once by setting the processing group to not selected, and thus time and effort in selection can be made efficient as compared to when setting each processing part 35 to not selected.

[0055] (1. 3. Relationship between Processing Group and Processing Part 35) 　　Fig. 3 illustrates the processing part 35 included in each processing group. Note that the right side of the figure shows whether each processing part 35 is set to either enabled or disabled when the transmission part 3 is used as a pressure transmitter (i.e., when the field equipment 1 is used as a measurement system of pressure), when the transmission part 3 is used as a temperature transmitter (i.e., when the field equipment 1 is used as a measurement system of temperature), when the transmission part 3 is used as a differential pressure type flow rate transmitter (i.e., when the field equipment 1 is used as a measurement system of flow rate of a differential pressure type), and when the transmission part 3 is used as a differential pressure transmitter (i.e., when the field equipment 1 is used as a differential pressure measurement system of a digital remote type).

[0056] In the present embodiment, as an example, each processing part 35 of the transmission part 3 is grouped into four groups including an input computation processing group, a classification processing group, an output computation processing group, and an analog output processing group.

[0057] (1. 3. 1. Input Computation Processing Group) 　　Each processing part 35 included in the input computation processing group may perform data processing for adjusting measurement data supplied from the data acquisition part 30, and may perform data processing for adjusting measurement data in accordance with a classification of input measurement data. The input computation processing group may include the processing part 35 which performs "user input adjustment", the processing part 35 which performs "pressure value correction", and the processing part 35 which performs "input damping".

[0058] "User input adjustment" may be data processing in which measurement data is converted by a preset primary expression. At least one of a gradient or an intercept defining the primary expression may be arbitrarily set by a user or a manufacturer of the transmission part 3 who received an instruction from the user.

[0059] "Pressure value correction" may be data processing in which correction specific to calculation of a pressure value is performed when input measurement data represents pressure. The correction specific to calculation of a pressure value may be, for example, correction to eliminate variation in measurement data due to expansion or contraction of sealing liquid for pressure transmission in a lead pipe caused by a temperature change, or may be correction to convert, when abnormality occurs in a value of measurement data due to improper attachment of high-pressure side / low-pressure side of a lead pipe, the value into a normal value.

[0060] "Input damping" may be data processing in which, when a value of measurement data is in a transient state, steep variation of the value is attenuated, and may be data processing in which a speed of variation is adjusted to a preset speed.

[0061] (1. 3. 2. Classification Processing Group) 　　Each processing part 35 included in the classification processing group may perform data processing in accordance with a classification of output data (for example, computation processing in accordance with a physical quantity that should be represented by the output data), or in other words, may perform data processing in accordance with which physical quantity the field equipment 1 is used as a measurement system for. In the present embodiment, as an example, each processing part 35 included in the classification processing group may perform data processing in accordance with a classification and a quantity of input measurement data in addition to the classification of the output data. At least one processing part 35 included in the classification processing group may perform data processing of multiple-input one-output where a plurality of pieces of data is input and single data is output. The classification processing group may include the processing part 35 which performs "two-input temperature computation", the processing part 35 which performs "differential pressure type flow rate computation", and the processing part 35 which performs "digital remote type differential pressure computation".

[0062] "Two-input temperature computation" may be data processing performed when the field equipment 1 is used as a two-input temperature measurement system, and it may calculate single measurement data concerning temperature from two pieces of measurement data concerning temperature. The calculated measurement data may be an average of values of the input two pieces of measurement data, or may be a difference between those values.

[0063] "Differential pressure type flow rate computation" may be data processing performed when the field equipment 1 is used as a differential pressure type flow rate measurement system, and it may calculate measurement data concerning flow rate from measurement data concerning differential pressure and measurement data concerning temperature.

[0064] "Digital remote type differential pressure computation" may be data processing performed when the field equipment 1 is used as a digital remote type differential pressure measurement system, and it may calculate measurement data concerning differential pressure from two pieces of measurement data concerning pressure.

[0065] (1. 3. 3. Output Computation Processing Group) 　　Each processing part 35 included in the output computation processing group may perform data processing for keeping a value of measurement data within a predetermined range. The output computation processing group may include the processing part 35 which performs "scaling normalization", the processing part 35 which performs "square root computation", the processing part 35 which performs "polygonal line approximation", the processing part 35 which performs "low-cut", and the processing part 35 which performs "normal and reverse flow rate computation".

[0066] "Scaling normalization" may be data processing in which a value of measurement data is normalized within a predetermined range (in the present embodiment, as an example, the range of 0.0 to 1.0).

[0067] "Square root computation" may be data processing in which a square root is calculated, and it may be used to convert measurement data such as a differential pressure value having a square characteristic into measurement data having a linear characteristic.

[0068] "Polygonal line approximation" may be data processing in which a value of measurement data is approximated to points on a plurality of straight lines connected in a polygonal line state so as to correct non-linearity of input measurement data. As an example, in "polygonal line approximation", when a value of measurement data such as a liquid level of a variant tank is 0.1 (=10 (%)), the value may be corrected to 0.15 (=15 (%)), and when a value of measurement data is 0.8 (=80 (%)), the value may be corrected to 0.7 (=70 (%)).

[0069] "Low-cut" may be data processing in which a value of measurement data is set to a value of a lower limit or more, and as an example, when a value of measurement data is less than 0, the value may be set to 0.

[0070] "Normal and reverse flow rate computation" may be processing in which measurement data within the range of -100 to 100 is converted into measurement data within the range of 0.0 to 1.0 (0 to 100 (%)).

[0071] (1. 3. 4. Analog Output Processing Group) 　　Each processing part 35 included in the analog output processing group may perform data processing for calculating an analog output value (in the present embodiment, as an example, a value within the range of 4 to 20) of measurement data. The analog output processing group may include the processing part 35 which performs "output damping", the processing part 35 which performs "analog value calculation", the processing part 35 which performs "ambient temperature correction", the processing part 35 which performs "user output adjustment", and the processing part 35 which performs "analog output".

[0072] "Output damping" may be data processing in which, when a value of measurement data is in a transient state, steep variation of the value is attenuated, and may be data processing in which a speed of variation is adjusted to a preset speed.

[0073] "Analog value calculation" may be data processing in which input measurement data within the range of 0.0 to 1.0 is converted into a value of 4 to 20 (mA).

[0074] "Ambient temperature correction" may be data processing in which output variation due to a temperature of an analog circuit forming the analog output part 321 is corrected. The temperature of the transmission part 3 may be measured by a temperature measuring part not illustrated.

[0075] "User output adjustment" may be data processing in which measurement data is converted by a preset primary expression. At least one of a gradient or an intercept defining the primary expression may be arbitrarily set by a user or a manufacturer of the transmission part 3 who received an instruction from the user.

[0076] "Analog output" may be data processing in which an analog value of measurement data is supplied to the analog output part 321 for output.

[0077] (1. 4. Tentative Data Processing Flow 350k) 　　Fig. 4 illustrates the tentative data processing flow 350k.

[0078] The tentative data processing flow 350k may have, as processing groups G, one or more parallel input computation processing groups G1 which are provided per measurement data acquirable by the data acquisition part 30, a classification processing group G2 which is connected to the output side of each input computation processing group G1, an input computation processing group G3 which is connected to the output side of the classification processing group G2, an output computation processing group G4 which is connected to the output side of the input computation processing group G3, and an analog output processing group G5 which is connected to the output side of the output computation processing group G4.

[0079] Each of the input computation processing groups G1 may include the processing part 35 which performs "user input adjustment", the processing part 35 which performs "pressure value correction", and the processing part 35 which performs "input damping", in a state where these processing parts 35 are connected in order from the input side to the output side.

[0080] Although illustrations are omitted, the classification processing group G2 may include the processing part 35 which performs "two-input temperature computation", the processing part 35 which performs "differential pressure type flow rate computation", and the processing part 35 which performs "digital remote type differential pressure computation", in a state where these processing parts 35 are connected in order from the input side to the output side. In the present embodiment, as an example, these processing parts 35 may perform data processing of multiple-input one-output in an enabled state, and may acquire measurement data from the plurality of input computation processing groups G1 and output single data. These processing parts 35 may output one or more pieces of input measurement data as it is, in a disabled state.

[0081] As in the case of the input computation processing group G1, the input computation processing group G3 may include the processing part 35 which performs "user input adjustment", the processing part 35 which performs "pressure value correction", and the processing part 35 which performs "input damping", in the state where these processing parts 35 are connected in order from the input side to the output side. The processing part 35 of "input damping" which is at a position closest to the output side in the input computation processing group G3 may supply, apart from supplying measurement data to the output computation processing group G4, the measurement data to the field communication part 322 and output this as a digital signal.

[0082] The output computation processing group G4 may include the processing part 35 which performs "scaling normalization", the processing part 35 which performs "square root computation", the processing part 35 which performs "polygonal line approximation", the processing part 35 which performs "low-cut", and the processing part 35 which performs "normal and reverse flow rate computation", in a state where these processing parts 35 are connected in order from the input side to the output side.

[0083] The analog output processing group G5 may include the processing part 35 which performs "output damping", the processing part 35 which performs "analog value calculation", the processing part 35 which performs "ambient temperature correction", the processing part 35 which performs "user output adjustment", and the processing part 35 which performs "analog output", in a state where these processing parts 35 are connected in order from the input side to the output side. The processing part 35 of "analog output" which is at a position closest to the output side in the analog output processing group G5 may supply measurement data to the analog output part 321, and output this as an analog signal.

[0084] (1. 5. Specific Example of Data Processing Flow 350) 　　Fig. 5 illustrates the data processing flow 350 when the field equipment 1 is used as a measurement system of pressure. In this case, the sensor apparatus 2 for pressure may be connected to the connection part 300 of the transmission part 3, and among the plurality of input computation processing groups G1, G3, a single one of the input computation processing groups G1 to which measurement data of pressure is input may be enabled, and its each processing part 35 may be enabled. In addition, the output computation processing group G4 may be enabled, and its each processing part 35 may be enabled. Furthermore, the analog output processing group G5 may be enabled, and among its each processing part 35, the processing part 35 which performs "analog value calculation", the processing part 35 which performs "ambient temperature correction", the processing part 35 which performs "user output adjustment", and the processing part 35 which performs "analog output" may be enabled.

[0085] Fig. 6 illustrates the data processing flow 350 when the field equipment 1 is used as a measurement system of temperature. In this case, two sensor apparatuses 2 for temperature may be connected to the connection part 300 of the transmission part 3, and among the plurality of input computation processing groups G1, G3, two input computation processing groups G1 to which measurement data of temperature is input may be enabled. Further, among their each processing part 35, the processing part 35 which performs "user input adjustment" and the processing part 35 which performs "input damping" may be enabled. In addition, the classification processing group G2 may be enabled, and among its each processing part 35, the processing part 35 which performs "two-input temperature computation" may be enabled. Furthermore, the output computation processing group G4 may be enabled, and among its each processing part 35, the processing part 35 which performs "scaling normalization" may be enabled. Furthermore, the analog output processing group G5 may be enabled, and its each processing part 35 may be enabled.

[0086] Fig. 7 illustrates the data processing flow 350 when the field equipment 1 is used as a differential pressure type flow rate measurement system. In this case, the sensor apparatus 2 for differential pressure and the sensor apparatus 2 for temperature may be connected to the connection part 300 of the transmission part 3, and among the plurality of input computation processing groups G1, the input computation processing group G1 to which measurement data of differential pressure is input may be enabled, and its each processing part 35 may be enabled. Further, the input computation processing group G1 to which measurement data of temperature is input may be enabled, and among its each processing part 35, the processing part 35 which performs "user input adjustment" and the processing part 35 which performs "input damping" may be enabled. In addition, the classification processing group G2 may be enabled, and among its each processing part 35, the processing part 35 which performs "differential pressure type flow rate computation" may be enabled. Furthermore, the input computation processing group G3 may be enabled, and among its each processing part 35, the processing part 35 which performs "user input adjustment" and the processing part 35 which performs "input damping" may be enabled. Furthermore, the output computation processing group G4 may be enabled, and among its each processing part 35, the processing part 35 which performs "scaling normalization" and the processing part 35 which performs "normal and reverse flow rate computation" may be enabled. Furthermore, the analog output processing group G5 may be enabled, and among its each processing part 35, the processing part 35 which performs "analog value calculation", the processing part 35 which performs "ambient temperature correction", the processing part 35 which performs "user output adjustment", and the processing part 35 which performs "analog output" may be enabled.

[0087] Fig. 8 illustrates the data processing flow 350 when the field equipment 1 is used as a digital remote type differential pressure measurement system. In this case, two sensor apparatuses 2 for pressure may be connected to the connection part 300 of the transmission part 3, and among the plurality of input computation processing groups G1, two input computation processing groups G1 to which measurement data of pressure is input may be enabled. Further, among their each processing part 35, the processing part 35 which performs "user input adjustment", the processing part 35 which performs "pressure value correction", and the processing part 35 which performs "input damping" may be enabled. Furthermore, the classification processing group G2 may be enabled, and among its each processing part 35, the processing part 35 which performs "digital remote type differential pressure computation" may be enabled. Furthermore, the input computation processing group G3 may be enabled, and among its each processing part 35, the processing part 35 which performs "user input adjustment" and the processing part 35 which performs "input damping" may be enabled. Furthermore, the output computation processing group G4 may be enabled, and among its each processing part 35, the processing part 35 which performs "scaling normalization", the processing part 35 which performs "square root computation", the processing part 35 which performs "polygonal line approximation", the processing part 35 which performs "low-cut", and the processing part 35 which performs "normal and reverse flow rate computation" may be enabled. Furthermore, the analog output processing group G5 may be enabled, and among its each processing part 35, the processing part 35 which performs "analog value calculation", the processing part 35 which performs "ambient temperature correction", the processing part 35 which performs "user output adjustment", and the processing part 35 which performs "analog output" may be enabled.

[0088] (1. 6. Modified Example of First Embodiment) 　　Fig. 9 illustrates field equipment 1A according to the present modified example. A transmission part 3A of the field equipment 1A has a detection part 36, a selection part 33A, and a setting part 34A. Note that, in the field equipment 1A according to the present modified example, parts that are substantially the same as the configurations illustrated in Fig. 1 are denoted by the same signs, and descriptions will be omitted.

[0089] The detection part 36 detects a kind of the sensor apparatus 2 connected to the data acquisition part 30, and supplies a signal indicating the kind to the selection part 33A. The detection part 36 may detect the kind of each sensor apparatus 2 connected to the connection part 300, and if a plurality of the sensor apparatuses 2 is connected to the connection part 300, may supply a signal indicating each of the plurality of sensor apparatuses 2 to the selection part 33A. The detection part 36 may detect the kind of the sensor apparatus 2 in various modes.

[0090] For example, the detection part 36 may detect the kind of the sensor apparatus 2 connected to the data acquisition part 30 based on content of communication with the sensor apparatus 2. As an example, the detection part 36 may inquire, to the sensor apparatus 2, the kind and identification information of the sensor apparatus 2, and may detect the kind of the sensor apparatus 2 based on that replied content. Instead of this, the detection part 36 may detect the kind of the sensor apparatus 2 based on with which of voltage, electric current, or frequency, measurement data acquired by the data acquisition part 30 is shown. For example, if the measurement data is shown with voltage, that is, if the measurement data is acquired as a voltage signal, the detection part 36 may detect the sensor apparatus 2 as a temperature sensor (as an example, a thermocouple). If the measurement data is shown with frequency, that is, if the measurement data is acquired as a frequency signal, the detection part 36 may detect the sensor apparatus as a pressure sensor of a vibration type.

[0091] In addition, if the connection part 300 of the data acquisition part 30 is connectable to the sensor apparatus 2 in a mode of connection in accordance with a kind of the sensor apparatus 2, the detection part 36 may detect the kind of the sensor apparatus 2 connected to the connection part 300 based on the mode of connection between the sensor apparatus 2 and the connection part 300. As an example, the connection part 300 may have a connection port for each kind of sensor apparatus 2, and the detection part 36 may detect the kind of the sensor apparatus 2 based on the used connection port. The connection part 300 may have a hardware switch or a jumper pin in accordance with a connector shape for each kind of sensor apparatus 2, and the detection part 36 may detect the kind of the sensor apparatus 2 based on a signal from the hardware switch or the jumper pin.

[0092] The selection part 33A selects, among the plurality of processing parts 35, the processing part 35 stored in preassociation with the kind of the sensor apparatus 2 connected to the data acquisition part 30. The selection part 33A may prestore, for each combination of kinds of the sensor apparatuses 2 which may be indicated by a signal from the detection part 36, identification information of each processing part 35 that should be enabled, and may select the processing part 35 in accordance with a combination of the sensor apparatuses 2 detected by the detection part 36 among the plurality of processing parts 35 within the tentative data processing flow 350k. The selection part 33A in the present modified example may automatically select the processing part 35 regardless of a user manipulation. The selection part 33A may select any of the plurality of processing groups in accordance with a signal from the detection part 36 which indicates a kind of the sensor apparatus 2, and then individually select the processing parts 35 included in a selected processing group. The selection part 33A may supply, to the setting part 34, a setting signal which indicates the selected processing part 35.

[0093] The setting part 34A acquires the setting signal supplied from the selection part 33A as a signal in accordance with a kind of measurement data, and sets the data processing flow 350 by selectively combining the processing parts 35 in accordance with the signal.

[0094] According to the transmission part 3A as above, a kind of the sensor apparatus 2 connected to the data acquisition part 30 is detected, and among the plurality of processing parts 35, the processing part 35 which is stored in preassociation with the kind of the connected sensor apparatus 2 is selected to set the data processing flow 350. Accordingly, by connecting the sensor apparatus 2 to the data acquisition part 30, the data processing flow 350 can be automatically set.

[0095] In addition, since a kind of the sensor apparatus 2 is detected based on content of communication and a mode of connection with the sensor apparatus 2, the kind of the sensor apparatus 2 can be accurately detected.

[0096] Note that, although the transmission part 3A is described as having the selection part 33A in the above-described modified example, the transmission part 3A does not need to have the selection part 33A. If the transmission part 3A does not have the selection part 33A, the setting part 34A may set the data processing flow 350 by combining, among the plurality of processing parts 35, the processing parts 35 which are stored in preassociation with the kind of the sensor apparatus 2 connected to the data acquisition part 30.

[0097] (1. 7. Other Modified Example) 　　Note that, although the data processing flow 350 is described as being set in accordance with a kind of measurement data acquired by the data acquisition part 30 in the first embodiment and the modified example described above, in addition to this, the data processing flow may be set in accordance with a communication protocol of the communication part 32. For example, the communication part 32 of the transmission part 3 may be exchangeable with another communication part which performs digital communication by a communication protocol such as Foundation Fieldbus or PROFIBUS, and if the another communication part is used in the field equipment 1, the setting part 34 may set the data processing flow 350 where at least the output computation processing group G4 and the analog output processing group G5 are disabled. Instead of this, the communication part 32 may be able to select a communication protocol for use from between HART (registered trademark) or BRAIN and Foundation Fieldbus or PROFIBUS, and if Foundation Fieldbus or PROFIBUS is selected as the target of use, the setting part 34 may set the data processing flow 350 where at least the output computation processing group G4 and the analog output processing group G5 are disabled.

[0098] In addition, although each processing part 35 is described as a software module, this may be a physical computation apparatus which performs unique data processing. In this case, each processing part 35 does not have to be stored in the storage part 31.

[0099] In addition, although the tentative data processing flow 350k is described as multiple-input one-output, if only single sensor apparatus 2 is connectable to the connection part 300, it may be one-input one-output. In this case, each processing part 35 within the tentative data processing flow 350k may be connected in series.

[0100] In addition, although the transmission part 3 is described as including the communication part 32, the communication part 32 does not have to be included. In this case, measurement data after data processing by the data processing flow 350 may be saved in the storage part 31, or may be sent to a controller via a communication apparatus externally connected to the transmission part 3.

[0101] In addition, although the transmission part 3 is described as an example of the apparatus, the field equipment 1 may be the apparatus. In this case, the sensor apparatus 2 may be built into the field equipment 1, or may be provided externally to the field equipment 1.

[0102] (2. Second Embodiment) 　　Fig. 10 illustrates field equipment 1B and a generation apparatus 5 according to the present embodiment. Note that, in the field equipment 1B according to the present embodiment, parts that are substantially the same as the configurations illustrated in Fig. 1 are denoted by the same signs, and descriptions will be omitted.

[0103] (2. 1. Field Equipment 1B) 　　The field equipment 1B according to the present embodiment has a transmission part 3B which is connected to preset any kind of sensor apparatus 2. The transmission part 3B has a storage part 31B, and software 351 generated by the generation apparatus 5 may be installed in the storage part 31B. The field equipment 1B may be detached from the generation apparatus 5 after the software 351 has been installed, and may perform data processing by the software 351 on measurement data from the sensor apparatus 2.

[0104] (2. 2. Generation Apparatus 5) 　　The generation apparatus 5 is an apparatus which generates the software 351 to be incorporated into an apparatus processing measurement data (in the present embodiment, as an example, the transmission part 3B of the field equipment 1B), and the generation apparatus 5 includes a storage part 51, a selection part 52, a generating part 53, and an installation part 54.

[0105] (2. 1. 1. Storage Part 51) 　　The storage part 51 stores therein the plurality of processing parts 35. Each of the plurality of processing parts 35 may be a software module which performs unique data processing, and it may perform the same data processing as the processing part 35 stored in the storage part 31 in the first embodiment.

[0106] The plurality of processing parts 35 may form the tentative data processing flow 350k by being connected in a predetermined order, as in the case of each processing part 35 in the first embodiment. The plurality of processing parts 35 within the tentative data processing flow 350k may be able to form a data processing flow which should be performed on measurement data, by being selected or unselected. In the manner, each of the plurality of processing parts 35 according to the present embodiment may be incorporatable into the data processing flow in a predetermined order.

[0107] The storage part 51 may further store therein the software 351 generated by combining the processing parts 35. The software 351 may be installed in the storage part 31B of the field equipment 1B, and may form the data processing flow which should be performed on measurement data.

[0108] (2. 1. 2. Selection Part 52) 　　The selection part 52 selects, among the plurality of processing parts 35 (in the present embodiment, as an example, the plurality of processing parts 35 included in the tentative data processing flow 350k), any of the processing parts 35 to be incorporated into the software 351 in accordance with a user manipulation. The selection part 52 may supply, to the generating part 53, a signal indicating the selected processing part 35 (also referred to as a setting signal).

[0109] (2. 1. 3. Generating Part 53) 　　The generating part 53 acquires a signal in accordance with a kind of measurement data processed in the transmission part 3B, and generates the software 351 by selectively combining the plurality of processing parts 35 in accordance with the signal. The generating part 53 may have a setting part 531 and a compiler 532.

[0110] (2. 1. 4(1). Setting Part 531) 　　The setting part 531 acquires the signal in accordance with the kind of the measurement data processed in the transmission part 3B, and sets the data processing flow which should be performed on the measurement data in the transmission part 3B by selectively combining the processing parts 35 in accordance with the signal among the plurality of processing parts 35 within the storage part 51. The setting part 531 may acquire the setting signal from the selection part 52 as the signal in accordance with the kind of the measurement data. The setting part 531 may set the data processing flow by leaving only the processing part 35 indicated by the setting signal among each processing part 35 included in the tentative data processing flow 350k. The setting part 531 may supply content of the set data processing flow to the compiler 532.

[0111] (2. 1. 4(2). Compiler 532) 　　The compiler 532 generates the software 351 of the data processing flow set by the setting part 531. The compiler 532 may generate, from the software module of each processing part 35 written in an advanced language (also referred to as a high-level language), the software 351 in a format executable by the transmission part 3. The compiler 532 may store the generated software 351 in the storage part 51.

[0112] (2. 1. 5. Installation Part 54) 　　The installation part 54 installs the software 351 generated by the generating part 53 in the storage part 51 of the transmission part 3B. In this manner, in the field equipment 1B, data processing by the software 351 may become executable on measurement data generated by the sensor apparatus 2.

[0113] According to the generation apparatus 5 as above, a signal in accordance with a kind of measurement data processed in the transmission part 3B is acquired, and the software 351 is generated by selectively combining the plurality of processing parts 35 in accordance with the signal. Accordingly, since each software 351 in accordance with kinds of measurement data can be generated by single generation apparatus 5, a manufacturing cost of the generation apparatus 5 can be reduced as there is no need to prepare separate generation apparatus 5 in accordance with the kinds of the measurement data.

[0114] (2. 2. Operation) 　　Fig. 11 illustrates operations of the generation apparatus 5. The generation apparatus 5 generates the software 351 by performing processing from step S51 to S53.

[0115] In step S51, the selection part 52 selects any of the plurality of processing parts 35 in accordance with a user manipulation. The selection part 52 may select, among the plurality of processing parts 35 forming the tentative data processing flow 350k, the processing part 35 that should be caused to perform data processing within the data processing flow of the software 351. Note that, as in the case of the first embodiment, the plurality of processing parts 35 within the storage part 51 may be grouped into a plurality of processing groups G, and the selection part 52 may select any of the plurality of processing groups G in accordance with a user manipulation and then individually select the processing parts 35 included in a selected processing group G.

[0116] In step S53, the generating part 53 acquires a signal in accordance with a kind of measurement data processed in the transmission part 3B, and generates the software 351 by selectively combining the plurality of processing parts 35 in accordance with the signal. The generating part 53 may acquire the setting signal from the selection part 52 as the signal in accordance with the kind of the measurement data, and may generate the software 351 achieving a data processing flow which should be performed on the measurement data by leaving only the processing part 35 indicated by the setting signal among each processing part 35 included in the tentative data processing flow 350k. Once the processing of step S53 ends, the operations of the generation apparatus 5 may end, or the generated software 351 may be installed from the installation part 54 to the transmission part 3B of the field equipment 1B.

[0117] (2. 3. Modified Example of Second Embodiment) 　　Note that, although the generation apparatus 5 is described as including the installation part 54 in the above-described second embodiment, the installation part 54 does not have to be included. In this case, the generation apparatus 5 may send the generated software 351 to external equipment.

[0118] (3. Modified Example of First Embodiment and Second Embodiment) 　　Note that, although the data acquisition part 30 is described as acquiring measurement data from the sensor apparatus 2 in the first embodiment and the second embodiment described above, measurement data may be acquired from the storage parts 31, 51.

[0119] In addition, although it is described that the plurality of processing parts 35 is incorporated into the data processing flow 350 in the predetermined order, the plurality of processing parts 35 may be incorporated into the data processing flow 350 in another mode. In this case, the plurality of processing parts 35 within the storage parts 31, 51 does not have to form the tentative data processing flow 350 in advance. The setting parts 34, 531 may acquire a signal in accordance with a kind of measurement data processed in the transmission parts 3, 3B, and may set the data processing flow 350 where the processing parts 35 in accordance with the signal among the plurality of processing parts 35 are arranged in an order in accordance with the signal. As an example, the setting parts 34, 531 may prestore, for each kind of measurement data, content of the data processing flow 350 where the processing parts 35 that should perform data processing on the measurement data are arranged in a processing order, and may set the data processing flow 350 in accordance with the kind of the measurement data indicated by the acquired signal. Instead of this, the setting parts 34, 531 may acquire, from the selection parts 33, 52 or the like, a signal indicating the processing parts 35 that should be included in the data processing flow 350 and an order of those processing parts 35 within the data processing flow 350 as the signal in accordance with the kind of the measurement data, and may set the data processing flow 350 corresponding to the signal. In these cases, as it is possible to set the order of the processing parts 35 within the data processing flow 350, the data processing flow 350 that is appropriate and is in accordance with the kind of the measurement data can be set.

[0120] In this regard, when the setting parts 34, 531 acquire the signal indicating the processing parts 35 that should be included in the data processing flow 350 and the order of those processing parts 35 within the data processing flow 350 as the signal in accordance with the kind of the measurement data, and set the data processing flow 350 , at least one processing part 35 may be incorporated into a plurality of positions within the data processing flow 350. In this manner, the data processing flow 350 that is more appropriate and is in accordance with the kind of the measurement data can be set.

[0121] In addition, when the setting parts 34, 531 acquire, from the selection parts 33, 52, the signal indicating the processing parts 35 that should be included in the data processing flow 350 and the order of those processing parts 35 within the data processing flow 350 as the signal in accordance with the kind of the measurement data, and set the data processing flow 350, in the selection parts 33, 52 which output the signal, an order of each processing group G including the plurality of processing parts 35 having a predetermined order may be selected, and then the processing part 35 to be used may be selected within each processing group G. In this case, among the plurality of processing parts 35 within the storage parts 31, 51, two or more processing parts 35 within each processing group G may be incorporatable into the data processing flow 350 in a predetermined order.

[0122] In addition, various embodiments of the present invention may be described with reference to flowcharts and block diagrams, wherein the block may serve as (1) a stage in a process in which a manipulation is performed, or (2) a section of an apparatus having a role of performing a manipulation. Certain stages and sections may be implemented by dedicated circuit, programmable circuit supplied with computer-readable instructions stored on computer readable media, and / or processors supplied with computer-readable instructions stored on computer readable media. Dedicated circuit may include digital and / or analog hardware circuits, and may include integrated circuits (IC) and / or discrete circuits. The programmable circuit may include a reconfigurable hardware circuit including logical AND, logical OR, logical XOR, logical NAND, logical NOR, and other logical manipulations, a memory element such as a flip-flop, a register, a field programmable gate array (FPGA) and a programmable logic array (PLA), and the like.

[0123] A computer readable medium may include any tangible device that can store instructions to be executed by a suitable device, and as a result, the computer readable medium having instructions stored thereon includes an article of manufacture including instructions which can be executed in order to create means for performing manipulations designated in the flowcharts or block diagrams. Examples of the computer readable medium may include an electronic storage medium, a magnetic storage medium, an optical storage medium, an electromagnetic storage medium, a semiconductor storage medium, and the like. More specific examples of the computer readable medium may include a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD), a Blu-ray (registered trademark) disk, a memory stick, an integrated circuit card, and the like.

[0124] The computer-readable instruction may include: an assembler instruction, an instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instruction; a machine instruction; a machine dependent instruction; a microcode; a firmware instruction; state-setting data; or either a source code or an object code written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including an object oriented programming language such as Smalltalk (registered trademark), JAVA (registered trademark), C++, or the like; and a conventional procedural programming language such as a "C" programming language or a similar programming language.

[0125] Computer-readable instructions may be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatuses, or to a programmable circuit, locally or via a local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet, or the like, to execute the computer-readable instructions to create means for performing manipulations specified in the flowcharts or block diagrams. Examples of the processor include a computer processor, a processing unit, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor, a controller, a microcontroller, and the like.

[0126] Fig. 12 illustrates an example of a computer 2200 in which a plurality of aspects of the present invention may be entirely or partially embodied. A program installed in the computer 2200 may cause the computer 2200 to function as a manipulation associated with the apparatuses according to the embodiments of the present invention or as one or more sections of the apparatuses, or may cause the manipulation or the one or more sections to be executed, and / or may cause the computer 2200 to execute a process according to the embodiments of the present invention or a stage of the process. Such programs may be executed by a CPU 2212 in order to cause the computer 2200 to perform certain manipulations associated with some or all of the blocks in the flowcharts and block diagrams described in the present specification.

[0127] The computer 2200 according to the present embodiment includes the CPU 2212, a RAM 2214, a graphics controller 2216, and a display device 2218, which are mutually connected by a host controller 2210. The computer 2200 further includes input / output units such as a communication interface 2222, a hard disk drive 2224, a DVD-ROM drive 2226, and an IC card drive, which are connected to the host controller 2210 via an input / output controller 2220. The computer also includes legacy input / output units such as a ROM 2230 and a keyboard 2242, which are connected to the input / output controller 2220 via an input / output chip 2240.

[0128] The CPU 2212 operates according to programs stored in the ROM 2230 and the RAM 2214, thereby controlling each unit. The graphics controller 2216 obtains image data generated by the CPU 2212 on a frame buffer or the like provided in the RAM 2214 or in itself, and causes the image data to be displayed on the display device 2218.

[0129] The communication interface 2222 communicates with other electronic devices via a network. The hard disk drive 2224 stores programs and data used by the CPU 2212 in the computer 2200. The DVD-ROM drive 2226 reads the programs or the data from the DVD-ROM 2201, and provides the hard disk drive 2224 with the programs or the data via the RAM 2214. The IC card drive reads the programs and the data from the IC card, and / or writes the programs and the data to the IC card.

[0130] The ROM 2230 stores therein boot programs and the like executed by the computer 2200 at the time of activation, and / or programs that depend on the hardware of the computer 2200. The input / output chip 2240 may also connect various input / output units to the input / output controller 2220 via a parallel port, a serial port, a keyboard port, a mouse port, and the like.

[0131] The program is provided by a computer readable medium such as the DVD-ROM 2201 or the IC card. The program is read from a computer readable medium, installed in the hard disk drive 2224, the RAM 2214, or the ROM 2230 which are also examples of the computer readable medium, and executed by the CPU 2212. The information processing described in these programs is read by the computer 2200 and provides cooperation between the programs and the above-described various types of hardware resources. The apparatus or method may be configured by realizing manipulation or processing of information according to use of the computer 2200.

[0132] For example, in a case where communication is performed between the computer 2200 and an external device, the CPU 2212 may execute a communication program loaded in the RAM 2214 and instruct the communication interface 2222 to perform communication processing on the basis of processing described in the communication program. Under the control of the CPU 2212, the communication interface 2222 reads send data stored in a send buffer processing area provided in a recording medium such as the RAM 2214, the hard disk drive 2224, the DVD-ROM 2201, or the IC card, sends the read send data to the network, or writes reception data received from the network in a reception buffer processing area or the like provided on the recording medium.

[0133] In addition, the CPU 2212 may cause the RAM 2214 to read all or a necessary part of a file or database stored in an external recording medium such as the hard disk drive 2224, the DVD-ROM drive 2226 (DVD-ROM 2201), the IC card, or the like, and may execute various types of processing on data on the RAM 2214. Next, the CPU 2212 writes back the processed data to the external recording medium.

[0134] Various types of information such as various types of programs, data, tables, and databases may be stored in a recording medium and subjected to information processing. The CPU 2212 may execute various types of processing on the data read from the RAM 2214 to write back a result to the RAM 2214, the processing being described throughout the present disclosure, designated by instruction sequences of the programs, and including various types of manipulations, information processing, condition determinations, conditional branching, unconditional branching, information searches / replacements, or the like. In addition, the CPU 2212 may search for information in a file, a database, etc., in the recording medium. For example, when a plurality of entries, each having an attribute value of a first attribute associated with an attribute value of a second attribute, are stored in the recording medium, the CPU 2212 may search for an entry matching the condition whose attribute value of the first attribute is designated, from among the plurality of entries, and read the attribute value of the second attribute stored in the entry, thereby obtaining the attribute value of the second attribute associated with the first attribute satisfying the predetermined condition.

[0135] The programs or software modules described above may be stored in a computer readable medium on or near the computer 2200. In addition, a recording medium such as a hard disk or a RAM provided in a server system connected to a dedicated communication network or the Internet can be used as a computer readable medium, thereby providing a program to the computer 2200 via the network.

[0136] While the present invention has been described by way of the embodiments, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the descriptions of the above-described embodiments. It is apparent to persons skilled in the art that various alterations or improvements can be made to the above-described embodiments. It is also apparent from the description of the claims that embodiments added with such alterations or improvements can be included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0137] Note that the operations, procedures, steps, and stages of each processing performed by an apparatus, system, program, and method shown in the claims, embodiments, or diagrams can be performed in any order as long as the order is not indicated by "prior to," "before," or the like and as long as the output from previous processing is not used in later processing. Even if the operation flow is described by using phrases such as "first" or "next" in the scope of the claims, specification, or diagrams, it does not necessarily mean that the process must be performed in this order. EXPLANATION OF REFERENCES

[0138] 1 field equipment; 　　2 sensor apparatus; 　　3 transmission part; 　　5 generation apparatus; 　　30 data acquisition part; 　　31 storage part; 　　32 communication part; 　　33 selection part; 　　34 setting part; 　　35 processing part; 　　36 detection part; 　　51 storage part; 　　52 selection part; 　　53 generating part; 　　54 installation part; 　　300 connection part; 　　301 data supply part; 　　321 analog output part; 　　322 field communication part; 　　350 data processing flow; 　　351 software; 　　531 setting part; 　　532 compiler; 　　2200 computer; 　　2201 DVD-ROM; 　　2210 host controller; 　　2212 CPU; 　　2214 RAM; 　　2216 graphics controller; 　　2218 display device; 　　2220 input / output controller; 　　2222 communication interface; 　　2224 hard disk drive; 　　2226 DVD-ROM drive; 　　2230 ROM; 　　2240 input / output chip; 　　2242 keyboard.

Claims

1. An apparatus, comprising: 　　a data acquisition part which acquires measurement data; 　　a plurality of processing parts, each of the plurality of processing parts performing unique data processing; and 　　a setting part which acquires a signal in accordance with a kind of the measurement data, and sets a data processing flow which should be performed on the measurement data by selectively combining processing parts in accordance with the signal among the plurality of processing parts.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein 　　the plurality of processing parts is connected in a predetermined order, and 　　the setting part selectively enables the processing parts in accordance with the signal among the plurality of processing parts.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting part is able to incorporate two or more processing parts among the plurality of processing parts into the data processing flow in a predetermined order.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting part sets the data processing flow where the processing parts in accordance with the signal among the plurality of processing parts are arranged in an order in accordance with the signal.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the setting part incorporates at least one processing part among the plurality of processing parts into a plurality of positions within the data processing flow.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a selection part which selects any of the plurality of processing parts, and supplies the signal indicating a selected processing part to the setting part.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein 　　the plurality of processing parts is grouped into a plurality of groups, and 　　the selection part selects any of the plurality of groups, and then individually selects processing parts included in a selected group.

8. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the selection part selects any of the plurality of processing parts in accordance with a user manipulation.

9. The apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising a detection part which detects a kind of a sensor apparatus connected to the data acquisition part, and supplies the signal indicating the kind to the selection part, wherein 　　the selection part selects, among the plurality of processing parts, processing parts which are stored in preassociation with the kind of the sensor apparatus connected to the data acquisition part.

10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein 　　the data acquisition part has a connection part which is connectable to a sensor apparatus in a mode of connection in accordance with a kind of the sensor apparatus, and 　　the detection part detects the kind of the sensor apparatus connected to the connection part based on a mode of connection between the sensor apparatus and the connection part.

11. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein 　　the data acquisition part acquires the measurement data from the sensor apparatus, and 　　the detection part detects the kind of the sensor apparatus connected to the data acquisition part based on content of communication with the sensor apparatus.

12. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein 　　the data acquisition part is able to acquire each of a plurality of pieces of measurement data; and 　　the setting part is able to set the data processing flow of multiple-input one-output where the plurality of pieces of measurement data is used as input and single data is output.

13. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein 　　each of the plurality of processing parts is a software module; and 　　the apparatus further comprises a storage part which stores therein the plurality of processing parts.

14. A method executed by an apparatus comprising a data acquisition part which acquires measurement data, and a plurality of processing parts, each of the plurality of processing parts performing unique data processing, the method comprising 　　acquiring a signal in accordance with a kind of the measurement data, and setting a data processing flow which should be performed on the measurement data by selectively combining processing parts in accordance with the signal among the plurality of processing parts.

15. A program causing a computer to function as: 　　a data acquisition part which acquires measurement data; 　　a plurality of processing parts, each of the plurality of processing parts performing unique data processing; and 　　a setting part which acquires a signal in accordance with a kind of the measurement data, and sets a data processing flow which should be performed on the measurement data by selectively combining processing parts in accordance with the signal among the plurality of processing parts.

16. A generation apparatus which generates a software to be incorporated into an apparatus processing measurement data, comprising: 　　a storage part which stores therein a plurality of software modules, each of the plurality of software modules performing unique data processing; and 　　a generating part which acquires a signal in accordance with a kind of the measurement data processed in the apparatus, and generates the software by selectively combining the plurality of software modules in accordance with the signal.

17. A program causing a computer which generates software to be incorporated into an apparatus processing measurement data to function as: 　　a storage part which stores therein a plurality of software modules, each of the plurality of software modules performing unique data processing; and 　　a generating part which acquires a signal in accordance with a kind of the measurement data processed in the apparatus, and generates the software by selectively combining the plurality of software modules in accordance with the signal.

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