Measuring apparatus, method for starting measuring apparatus, and program for starting measuring apparatus

Abstract

To provide a measuring apparatus for improving the convenience of a user of the measuring apparatus, a method for starting the measuring apparatus, and a program for starting the measuring apparatus.SOLUTION: A measuring apparatus 10 is provided with a management unit 11, a timer 12, a start processing unit 13, and modules 14 and 15. The management unit 11 sets a timer start time in the timer 12. The timer 12 outputs a start signal to the start processing unit 13 when the timer start time arrives. The start processing unit 13 starts the modules 14 and 15 when the start signal is input.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a measurement device, a startup method for a measurement device, and a startup program for a measurement device. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as described in Patent Document 1, there is known a measuring instrument that displays the remaining warm-up time required to obtain a certain level of measurement accuracy. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2007-147292 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] A user of the measuring device must wait until the warm-up process is complete after starting the measuring device, which is inconvenient for the user.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned points, and aims to provide a measuring device, a method for starting up a measuring device, and a startup program for a measuring device that improve convenience for users of the measuring device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to some embodiments, (1) a measuring device includes a management unit, a timer, a startup processing unit, and a module. The management unit sets a timer startup time for the timer. The timer outputs a startup signal to the startup processing unit when the timer startup time is reached. The startup processing unit starts startup of the module when the startup signal is input. By the measuring device automatically starting startup, the user does not need to come to the installation location of the measuring device for at least a part of the period from when the measuring device starts startup until it becomes available for use. As a result, the user can make effective use of their time. Furthermore, user convenience is improved.

[0007] In one embodiment (2) of the measuring device described in (1) above, the management unit may acquire a usage start time when a user starts using the measuring device and a warm-up time of an attachment module that is a module removably attached to the measuring device, and set the timer to a time obtained by subtracting at least the warm-up time from the usage start time. By setting the timer start time based on the warm-up time, the measurement device can be started at a time when the user wants to start using the measurement device. As a result, the user's waiting time is reduced. In addition, the time from when the measurement device becomes available to when the user starts using the measurement device is reduced. In other words, the time during which the measurement device is available but not used by the user is reduced. As a result, the power consumption of the measurement device is reduced.

[0008] In one embodiment (3) of the measuring device described in (2) above, when a plurality of modules are attached as the attachment module, the management unit may set the timer to a time obtained by subtracting at least the longest warm-up time among the warm-up times of the attachment modules from the use start time. By setting the timer start time based on the longest warm-up time among the warm-up times of the attachment modules, the user does not need to know the warm-up time of each of the attachment modules. As a result, user convenience is improved.

[0009] In one embodiment (4) of the measuring device described in (3) above, the startup processing unit may start startup of only some of the mounting modules. By being able to automatically start only some of the mounting modules, unnecessary modules are not started. By not starting unnecessary modules, power consumption of the measuring device is reduced.

[0010] In one embodiment (5) of the measuring device described in any one of (2) to (4) above, the management unit may calculate the warm-up time of the attachment module based on the installation environment of the measuring device. By calculating the warm-up time based on the installation environment, the user does not need to grasp the trend of fluctuations in the warm-up time of the attachment module or predict the warm-up time. As a result, user convenience is improved.

[0011] In one embodiment (6) of the measurement device described in any one of (2) to (5) above, the management unit may calculate the warm-up time of the attachment module based on the past warm-up time of the attachment module. By calculating the warm-up time based on the past warm-up time, the user does not need to grasp the trend of fluctuations in the warm-up time of the attachment module or predict the warm-up time. As a result, user convenience is improved.

[0012] In one embodiment (7) of the measurement device described in any one of (1) to (6) above, the management unit may set a time determined by a predetermined schedule as the timer start time in the timer. By setting the timer to a time determined by a predetermined schedule, the number of times that the timer start time or the use start time is not set is reduced. In addition, the user is not required to set the timer start time or the use start time. As a result, user convenience is improved.

[0013] In one embodiment (8) of the measuring device according to any one of (1) to (7) above, the startup processing unit may include a terminal connectable to an external device, and may output a signal for starting the external device from the terminal when the startup signal is input. By allowing the measuring device to start the external device, even if the external device does not include a timer, the user can use the external device in the same way as if the external device included a timer. As a result, user convenience is improved.

[0014] (9) A measurement device startup method according to some embodiments is executed by a measurement device including a management unit, a timer, a startup processing unit, and a module. The startup method includes the management unit setting a timer startup time in the timer. The startup method includes the timer outputting a startup signal when the timer startup time is reached. The startup method includes the startup processing unit starting startup of the module when the startup signal is input.

[0015] A startup program for a measuring device according to some embodiments is executed by a measuring device including a module, a management unit, a timer that outputs a startup signal when a timer startup time is reached, and a startup processing unit that starts startup of the module when the startup signal is input. The startup program causes the management unit to set the timer startup time. Effect of the Invention

[0016] The measuring device, the measuring device startup method, and the measuring device startup program according to the present disclosure improve convenience for the user of the measuring device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a measurement device according to a comparative example. [Diagram 2] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a measurement device according to an embodiment; [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a state transition of the measurement device. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for setting a timer of the measurement device. [Diagram 5] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for starting up the measurement device. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a measurement device according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] An apparatus may be used to measure an object to be measured. If the apparatus is not in continuous operation, it is stopped while not performing measurements. Therefore, the apparatus is started for the measurement. The apparatus needs to be warmed up to improve the accuracy of the measurement. After the apparatus is started and the warm-up is complete, the measurement can be started. If the apparatus is configured to allow a module used for the measurement to be inserted and removed, the time it takes to warm up the apparatus may differ depending on the module installed. This makes it difficult to know when the apparatus can be started and the measurement can be started.

[0019] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in comparison with a comparative example.

[0020] (Comparative Example) As shown in FIG. 1, a measurement device 90 according to the comparative example includes a startup processing unit 91 and a plurality of measurement modules 92. When the startup processing unit 91 receives a startup operation from a user of the measurement device 90, it starts the startup of each measurement module 92. Each measurement module 92 starts startup and performs warm-up. The time required for warm-up is also called warm-up time. Warm-up is completed when the warm-up time has elapsed from the start of startup. Each measurement module 92 becomes capable of performing measurement with a predetermined accuracy by completing warm-up. After warm-up of the measurement module 92 is completed, the user of the measurement device 90 performs measurement of the measurement target using the measurement module 92.

[0021] The state in which the measuring device 90 is not started is also referred to as a sleep state or a stopped state. The state in which the measuring device 90 performs warm-up when started is also referred to as a warm-up state. The state in which the measuring device 90 completes warm-up and becomes available is also referred to as an available state. When the measuring device 90 receives a stop operation from the user, it shuts down each measuring module 92 to stop each measuring module 92, and returns to the sleep state.

[0022] A user of the measurement device 90 according to the comparative example needs to wait until the warm-up of the measurement device 90 is completed before performing a measurement using the measurement device 90. When starting a measurement at a predetermined time, the user performs the following procedure. (1) The user checks the warm-up time of the measurement module 92 to be used for measurement. When multiple measurement modules 92 are used for measurement, the user checks the warm-up time of each measurement module 92 and checks the maximum warm-up time. (2) The user inputs a startup operation to the startup processing unit 91 at a time that is the warm-up time of one measurement module 92 or the longest warm-up time among the warm-up times of the multiple measurement modules 92 before the time to start measurement. (3) The user waits until the measurement device 90 has warmed up and is ready for use, and then starts measurement using the measurement device 90.

[0023] As described above, the user of the measuring device 90 according to the comparative example needs to check the warm-up time of each measuring module 92 and input a startup operation to the measuring device 90 at a time at least the warm-up time before. If the measuring module 92 is removable from the measuring device 90, the user also needs to check which measuring module 92 is attached to the measuring device 90. In other words, it takes time for the user to perform the work before starting measurement. The time required for the work before starting measurement reduces user convenience.

[0024] Therefore, in order to improve user convenience, it is desirable to eliminate the need for the user to check the warm-up time and wait until the warm-up time has elapsed.

[0025] A measurement device 10 (see FIG. 2) that can improve user convenience will be described below.

[0026] (Configuration example of measuring device 10) 2, the measuring device 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a management unit 11, a timer 12, an activation processing unit 13, a measuring module 14, and a generating module 15. The measuring module 14 and the generating module 15 are also collectively referred to simply as modules. Hereinafter, in the present disclosure, when there is no need to distinguish between the measuring module 14 and the generating module 15, the measuring module 14 and the generating module 15 will be simply referred to as modules. The measuring device 10 is configured to start activating the modules when the time set in the timer 12 arrives.

[0027] <module> The module is attached to the measurement device 10. The module may be configured to be detachable from the measurement device 10. The module may be attached to the measurement device 10 or detachable from the measurement device 10. The module attached to the measurement device 10 is also referred to as an attachment module. The attachment module may be detachably attached to the measurement device 10.

[0028] The measuring device 10 may include only the measuring module 14 without the generating module 15. The measuring device 10 may include only the generating module 15 without the measuring module 14. The measuring device 10 may include only one module or multiple modules.

[0029] A module requires a predetermined warm-up time from startup to completing warm-up. The warm-up times of modules may differ depending on the type or model number of the module. The warm-up time of a module may change depending on the environment, such as the temperature or humidity, when the module is started. The module may be configured to be able to output its own warm-up time in response to an external inquiry about the warm-up time. The module may be configured to be able to output information for identifying the type or model number of the module itself in response to an external inquiry.

[0030] The measurement module 14 may include sensors capable of measuring various physical quantities, such as the intensity or wavelength of light emitted from the object to be measured, the current flowing through the object to be measured, the voltage applied to the object to be measured, or the temperature of the object to be measured.

[0031] The generating module 15 may include, for example, a light source module that irradiates light onto the object to be measured, a voltage source module that applies a voltage to the object to be measured, or a current source module that passes a current through the object to be measured.

[0032] <Management Department 11> The management unit 11 sets the time in the timer 12 based on the warm-up time of the module and the time when the user starts the measurement. The management unit 11 may be configured to include a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The management unit 11 may realize a predetermined function by causing the processor to execute a predetermined program. The management unit 11 may be configured to include a dedicated circuit such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0033] The management unit 11 may include a storage unit. The storage unit may store various information used in the operation of the management unit 11, or programs for realizing the functions of the management unit 11, etc. The storage unit may function as a work memory for the management unit 11. The storage unit may be composed of, for example, a semiconductor memory, etc. The storage unit may be composed to include a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory. The storage unit may be included in the management unit 11, or may be configured as a separate entity from the management unit 11.

[0034] The management unit 11 may include a communication device for connecting to the timer 12 or the module in a wired or wireless manner so as to be able to communicate with the timer 12 or the module. The communication device may include, for example, a communication interface such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or RS-232C or RS-485. The communication device is not limited to these and may include various other communication interfaces.

[0035] The management unit 11 may include an input device that receives input from a user. The input device may include, for example, a keyboard or physical keys, or may include a touch panel or a touch sensor, or a pointing device such as a mouse.

[0036] The management unit 11 may include a display device that displays the setting contents, etc. The display device may include various displays such as a liquid crystal display.

[0037] <Timer 12> The timer 12 outputs a start signal to the start processing unit 13 when the set time comes. The timer 12 operates even when the measuring device 10 is in a shut-down state. The timer 12 may be configured as an electronic device. When the measuring device 10 is in a shut-down state, the timer 12 may operate using power supplied from a backup battery or power supplied from the power supply of the measuring device 10. The timer 12 may be configured to operate mechanically.

[0038] <Startup processing unit 13> When the measurement device 10 is in a shut-down state, the startup processing unit 13 starts itself when a startup signal is input from the timer 12. The startup processing unit 13 may start itself not only when a startup signal is input from the timer 12, but also when a startup signal is input by a user operation including, for example, the user pressing a power button. The startup processing unit 13 also starts the system of the measurement device 10 including the management unit 11 and the like. After starting itself, the startup processing unit 13 starts the attachment module. When multiple modules are attached to the measurement device 10, the startup processing unit 13 starts each of the multiple attachment modules.

[0039] The activation signal may be an electrical signal such as a current signal or a voltage signal. The activation signal may be input in the form of pressing a mechanical activation switch such as a physical key or a physical button. The activation signal may be a signal that reproduces an electrical signal generated when a mechanical activation switch is pressed. The activation signal is not limited to these examples and may be input in various forms. In the measurement device 10 according to the present disclosure, the activation signal is input as an electrical signal.

[0040] The startup processing unit 13 may be configured as an electronic circuit. The startup processing unit 13 may be configured to include a processor such as a CPU, or may be configured to include a dedicated circuit such as an FPGA.

[0041] (Example of operation of the measuring device 10) The measuring device 10 transitions to a plurality of states as shown in FIG. 3. A state in which the measuring device 10 is not activated is also referred to as a sleep state or a stopped state. The measuring device 10 starts to activate and executes warm-up. A state in which the measuring device 10 executes warm-up is also referred to as a warm-up state. When a warm-up time has elapsed, the warm-up of the measuring device 10 is completed. When the warm-up of the measuring device 10 is completed, the measuring device 10 becomes usable. A state in which the measuring device 10 becomes usable is also referred to as a usable state. A state in which the measuring device 10 is in a warm-up state or a usable state is also collectively referred to as an activated state. When the measuring device 10 receives a stop operation from a user while the measuring device 10 is in an activated state, the measuring device 10 executes a module shutdown to stop the module, and returns to a sleep state.

[0042] The measuring device 10 according to the present disclosure uses the timer 12, and automatically starts up by timer activation without the user inputting an activation operation. The operation of the measuring device 10 to start up the timer will be described below.

[0043] <Timer start time setting> When the measuring device 10 is in an activated state, the management unit 11 of the measuring device 10 sets the time at which the timer 12 outputs a start signal. The time at which the timer 12 outputs a start signal is also referred to as the timer start time. The management unit 11 may set the timer start time taking into account the warm-up time of the module, or may set the timer start time without taking into account the warm-up time.

[0044] <<When considering warm-up time>> The user sets the time when the user starts using the measurement device 10. The time when the user starts using the measurement device 10 is also referred to as the usage start time. The management unit 11 acquires the setting of the usage start time. The management unit 11 may accept an input by the user to set the usage start time via an input device.

[0045] The management unit 11 acquires the warm-up time of the attachment module attached to the measurement device 10. The management unit 11 may acquire the warm-up time by communicating with the attachment module. The management unit 11 may acquire the warm-up time of the module when the module is attached to the measurement device 10, store the acquired warm-up time in the memory unit, and acquire the warm-up time of the attachment module from the memory unit.

[0046] The management unit 11 may identify the attachment module and obtain the warm-up time of the identified attachment module from a table, database, or the like that specifies the relationship between the module and the warm-up time. The table, database, or the like that specifies the relationship between the module and the warm-up time may be prepared in advance by the manufacturer or distributor of the module. The management unit 11 may store in advance in the storage unit the table, database, or the like that specifies the relationship between the module and the warm-up time.

[0047] The management unit 11 may identify the attachment module by acquiring an identifier such as the type or model number of the attachment module. The management unit 11 may acquire the identifier of the attachment module by communicating with the attachment module. The management unit 11 may acquire the identifier of the attachment module by a user input.

[0048] The management unit 11 may obtain only the warm-up time of the attachment module without identifying the attachment module.

[0049] The management unit 11 calculates the timer start time based on the use start time and the warm-up time. Specifically, the management unit 11 calculates the timer start time by subtracting at least the warm-up time of the attachment module from the use start time set by the user. When subtracting only the warm-up time from the use start time, the management unit 11 calculates the timer start time to be the time that is the warm-up time before the use start time.

[0050] When multiple modules are attached to the measurement device 10, the management unit 11 determines the longest warm-up time among the warm-up times of each attached module. The management unit 11 calculates the time obtained by subtracting at least the longest warm-up time from the usage start time as the timer start time. When subtracting only the longest warm-up time from the usage start time, the management unit 11 calculates the time that is the longest warm-up time before the usage start time as the timer start time.

[0051] As described above, when the measurement device 10 is in a shut-down state, the startup processing unit 13 starts itself when a startup signal is input from the timer 12. The time it takes for the startup processing unit 13 to start itself is also referred to as the startup time. The management unit 11 may set the timer startup time by further taking the startup time into consideration. For example, the management unit 11 may calculate the timer startup time as the time obtained by subtracting the warm-up time from the time when use was started, and then further subtracting the startup time from that time.

[0052] The management unit 11 sets the calculated timer start time in the timer 12.

[0053] <<When warm-up time is not taken into consideration>> The user sets a timer start time. The management unit 11 acquires the setting of the timer start time. The management unit 11 may accept an input by the user to set the timer start time via an input device. The management unit 11 sets the timer start time set by the user in the timer 12.

[0054] Even when the warm-up time is not taken into consideration, the management unit 11 may take the start-up time into consideration and set the timer start time in the timer 12. For example, the management unit 11 may calculate a time by subtracting the start-up time from the timer start time set by the user and set the calculated time in the timer 12.

[0055] <Activated by timer 12> The user may shut down the measuring device 10 after setting the timer start time in the timer 12. The measuring device 10 shuts down and transitions to a sleep state. Even when the measuring device 10 is in a sleep state, the timer 12 operates. When the set timer start time arrives, the timer 12 outputs a start-up signal to the start-up processing unit 13. When the start-up signal is input, the start-up processing unit 13 starts starting up the measuring device 10 and warms up the attachment module.

[0056] When the warm-up time of the attachment module has elapsed, the warm-up of the attachment module is completed. The management unit 11 may display the completion of the warm-up of the attachment module to notify the user. The user may start using the measurement device 10 when the start time of use arrives, assuming that the warm-up of the attachment module is completed.

[0057] <Example of procedure for starting up the measuring device 10> The measuring device 10 may execute a startup method for the measuring device 10, including the steps of a flowchart illustrated in Fig. 4. The steps illustrated in Fig. 4 are steps for setting a timer startup time in the timer 12 when the measuring device 10 is in an activated state. The startup method for the measuring device 10 may be realized as a startup program for the measuring device 10 executed by a processor constituting the management unit 11 of the measuring device 10. The startup program for the measuring device 10 may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium.

[0058] The management unit 11 of the measurement device 10 sets the usage start time (step S1). For example, the management unit 11 may receive an input of the usage start time from the user.

[0059] The management unit 11 identifies the attachment module (step S2). The management unit 11 acquires the warm-up time of the identified attachment module (step S3). Specifically, the management unit 11 may acquire the warm-up time associated with the identified attachment module. When multiple modules are attached to the measurement device 10, the management unit 11 identifies each attachment module and acquires the warm-up time of each attachment module.

[0060] The management unit 11 may obtain only the warm-up time of the attachment module without identifying the attachment module, that is, the management unit 11 may not execute the procedure of step S2.

[0061] The management unit 11 calculates the timer start time based on the use start time and the warm-up time of the attachment module (step S4). Specifically, the management unit 11 calculates the timer start time by subtracting at least the warm-up time of the attachment module from the use start time. When multiple modules are attached to the measurement device 10, the management unit 11 determines the longest warm-up time among the warm-up times of the attachment modules, and calculates the timer start time by subtracting at least the longest warm-up time from the use start time.

[0062] The management unit 11 sets the calculated timer start time in the timer 12 (step S5). After executing the procedure of step S5, the management unit 11 ends the execution of the procedure of the flowchart in FIG.

[0063] Assume that the measurement device 10 is shut down and goes into a sleep state after the timer start time is set in the timer 12. The measurement device 10 may further execute a start-up method for the measurement device 10, including the steps of a flowchart illustrated in Fig. 5. The steps illustrated in Fig. 5 are steps for starting the timer when the timer start time is set in the timer 12.

[0064] The timer 12 of the measuring device 10 continues to operate even while the measuring device 10 is in a sleep state, and starts when the timer start time comes (step S11). Specifically, the timer 12 outputs a start signal to the start processing unit 13 when the timer start time comes.

[0065] When the start-up signal is input, the start-up processing unit 13 of the measurement device 10 starts up the start-up processing unit 13 itself, and starts up the attachment module after the measurement device 10 returns from the sleep state to the active state (step S12). The attachment module executes a warm-up (step S13). In this case, the measurement device 10 transitions to the warm-up state.

[0066] After the warm-up time has elapsed, the attachment module completes the warm-up and begins to be used (step S14). In this case, the measurement device 10 transitions to a usable state. The user starts measurement using the measurement device 10 that is now in a usable state. After executing the procedure of step S14, the measurement device 10 ends execution of the procedure of the flowchart in FIG. 5.

[0067] <Summary> As described above, the measuring device 10 according to the present disclosure automatically starts to start using the timer 12. That is, the measuring device 10 starts to start even if the user does not touch the measuring device 10 to input a start-up operation. On the other hand, as a comparative example, a case is considered in which the user comes to the installation location of the measuring device 10, inputs a start-up operation to the measuring device 10, and waits until the warm-up is completed. In the case of the comparative example, the waiting time of the user at the installation location of the measuring device 10 becomes long. However, according to the measuring device 10 according to the present disclosure, since the measuring device 10 automatically starts to start up, the user does not need to come to the installation location of the measuring device 10 for at least a part of the period from when the measuring device 10 starts to start up until when it becomes available for use. The user may come to the installation location of the measuring device 10 only after it is estimated that the measuring device 10 is definitely available for use. As a result, the user can make effective use of time. In addition, the user's convenience is improved.

[0068] The measuring device 10 according to the present disclosure can calculate a timer start time based on the start time of use set by the user and the warm-up time of the attachment module, and set the timer start time in the timer 12. By setting the timer start time based on the warm-up time, the measuring device 10 can start starting up at the time when the user wants to start using the measuring device 10. As a result, the user's waiting time is reduced. In addition, the time from when the measuring device 10 becomes available to when the user starts using it is reduced. In other words, the time during which the measuring device 10 is not used by the user despite being available is reduced. As a result, the power consumption of the measuring device 10 is reduced.

[0069] The measurement device 10 can identify the attachment module and obtain the warm-up time of the identified attachment module. In other words, the user does not need to know the warm-up time of the attachment module. As a result, the user's convenience is improved.

[0070] The measuring device 10 according to the present disclosure can set a timer start time based on the longest warm-up time among the warm-up times of the multiple attachment modules and start the startup of the multiple attachment modules, even when multiple modules are attached to the measuring device 10. Therefore, the user does not need to know the warm-up time of each of the multiple attachment modules. As a result, the user's convenience is improved. In addition, the time from when the measuring device 10 becomes available to when the user starts using it is shortened. In other words, the time during which the measuring device 10 is not used by the user despite being available is shortened. As a result, the power consumption of the measuring device 10 is reduced.

[0071] (Other embodiments) Another embodiment of the measurement device 10 is described.

[0072] <Starting external devices> The measuring device 10 may start an external device from the start-up processing unit 13 when starting the timer. As shown in Fig. 6, the measuring device 10 according to another embodiment may be configured such that the start-up processing unit 13 can output a signal for starting the external measuring device 20, in addition to the configuration shown in Fig. 2. That is, the start-up processing unit 13 may have a terminal connectable to an external device, and output a signal for starting the external device from the terminal when a start-up signal is input from the timer 12. The external measuring device 20 may be configured similarly to the measuring device 10, and start up the measuring device 20 when a signal is input to a configuration similar to the start-up processing unit 13 of the measuring device 10.

[0073] The signal for the startup processing unit 13 to start up the external measurement device 20 may be output using Wake-on-LAN. The startup processing unit 13 may output the startup signal output by the timer 12 to the external measurement device 20. In this case, the external measurement device 20 is configured to be able to start startup when the startup signal is input from the startup processing unit 13. The startup processing unit 13 is not limited to these examples and may output some kind of signal for starting up the external measurement device 20. The external measurement device 20 is configured to be able to start startup when some kind of signal is input from the startup processing unit 13.

[0074] Since the startup processing unit 13 of the measuring device 10 can start up the external measuring device 20, even if the external measuring device 20 does not have a timer 12, the user can use the external measuring device 20 in the same way as if the external measuring device 20 had a timer 12. As a result, user convenience is improved.

[0075] <Warm-up time calculation> The warm-up time of a module is not always constant and may vary depending on, for example, the environment in which the module is installed.

[0076] The environment in which the module is installed is also referred to as the installation environment. The management unit 11 may calculate the warm-up time of the module based on the installation environment. The installation environment may include information such as the outside temperature or humidity of the location where the measurement device 10 is installed. The module installation environment is not limited to these examples and may include information that affects the length of the warm-up time of the module. The measurement device 10 may further include a sensor for acquiring various information included in the installation environment, such as the outside temperature or humidity.

[0077] For example, for a module in which warm-up is performed so that the module temperature reaches a temperature suitable for measurement, the management unit 11 may calculate the warm-up time based on the outside air temperature of the location where the module is installed. In this case, instead of acquiring the warm-up time of the module as a predetermined value, the management unit 11 may acquire it as a mathematical formula that can calculate the warm-up time as a function of the outside air temperature. Furthermore, the management unit 11 may acquire the warm-up time of the module as a table that indicates the relationship between the outside air temperature and the warm-up time.

[0078] The management unit 11 may calculate the warm-up time of a module based on the past warm-up time of the module. For example, the management unit 11 may calculate the average value of the past warm-up times as the warm-up time of the module. The management unit 11 may calculate the average value of the warm-up times of a predetermined number of warm-ups performed most recently as the warm-up time of the module.

[0079] Management unit 11 may calculate the warm-up time according to the start time of use of measurement device 10, based on the tendency of the warm-up time to vary according to the time of day. Management unit 11 may calculate the warm-up time according to the day of use of measurement device 10, based on the tendency of the warm-up time to vary according to seasonal variations throughout the year.

[0080] As described above, even if the warm-up time of the module is not constant, the management unit 11 can calculate the warm-up time based on the installation environment or past performance. By calculating the variable warm-up time, the user does not need to understand the tendency of the warm-up time fluctuation of the installed module or predict the warm-up time. As a result, the user's convenience is improved.

[0081] <Timer 12 schedule function> The timer 12 may be configured so that one timer start time can be set. In this case, the measuring device 10 automatically starts to start only once when the set timer start time is reached. The user may set the timer start time or the usage start time each time the user finishes using the measuring device 10. The timer 12 may be configured so that multiple timer start times can be set. By being able to set multiple timer start times in the timer 12, the occurrence of forgetting to set the timer start time or the usage start time is reduced. As a result, user convenience is improved.

[0082] The timer 12 may be configured so that a time determined by a predetermined schedule can be set as the timer start time. The predetermined schedule may be a schedule based on a predetermined cycle. For example, the management unit 11 may set in the timer 12 a timer start time for the measurement device 10 to be in a usage start state at a fixed time every day. For example, the management unit 11 may set in the timer 12 a timer start time for the measurement device 10 to be in a usage start state at a fixed time on a fixed day of the week in a week. By being able to set in the timer 12 a time determined by a predetermined schedule as the timer start time, the number of times that the timer start time or usage start time is not set is reduced. In addition, the user is not required to set the timer start time or usage start time. As a result, the convenience for the user is improved.

[0083] <Individual module startup> When multiple modules are attached to the measuring device 10, the measuring device 10 may be configured to start each attachment module at a different timing. For example, the start processing unit 13 may be configured to start only one attachment module or only some of the attachment modules. In this case, the timer 12 outputs a start signal corresponding to the attachment module to be started. The timer 12 may be configured to set a timer start time corresponding to each of the multiple start targets.

[0084] The measuring device 10 may include one activation processing unit 13 for each attachment module. The measuring device 10 may divide the attachment modules into groups that are activated simultaneously. The measuring device 10 may include one activation processing unit 13 for each group that is activated simultaneously. In other words, the measuring device 10 may include multiple activation processing units 13. The timer 12 may output an activation signal to each of the multiple activation processing units 13 at different timings. The timer 12 may be configured to be able to set a timer activation time corresponding to each of the multiple activation processing units 13.

[0085] By allowing only some of the attached modules to be automatically started, unnecessary modules are not started. By not starting unnecessary modules, the power consumption of the measurement device 10 is reduced.

[0086] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described based on the drawings and examples, it should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications or alterations based on the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be noted that these modifications or alterations are included in the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the functions included in each component can be rearranged so as not to cause logical inconsistencies, and multiple components can be combined into one or divided. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 10 Measuring device (11: management unit, 12: timer, 13: startup processing unit, 14: measurement module, 15: generation module) 20 Measuring Equipment

Claims

1. The device includes a management unit, a timer, a startup processing unit, and a module, The management unit sets a timer start time in the timer, The timer outputs a start signal to the start processing unit when the timer start time arrives, The startup processing unit initiates startup of the module when the startup signal is input.

2. 2. The measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the management unit acquires a start time of use when a user starts using the measuring device and a warm-up time of an attachment module that is a module that is removably attached to the measuring device, and sets a time obtained by subtracting at least the warm-up time from the start time of use as the timer start time in the timer.

3. The measuring device of claim 2, wherein when multiple modules are attached as the attachment module, the management unit sets the timer to a time obtained by subtracting at least the longest warm-up time among the warm-up times of each of the multiple attachment modules from the start time of use as the timer start time.

4. The measurement device according to claim 3 , wherein the startup processing unit initiates startup of only some of the attachment modules among the plurality of attachment modules.

5. The measurement device according to claim 2 , wherein the management unit calculates a warm-up time for the attachment module based on an installation environment of the measurement device.

6. The measurement device according to claim 2 , wherein the management unit calculates the warm-up time of the attachment module based on a past warm-up time of the attachment module.

7. The measurement device according to claim 1 , wherein the management unit sets a time determined by a predetermined schedule as the timer start time on the timer.

8. The measurement device according to claim 1 , wherein the startup processing section includes a terminal connectable to an external device, and outputs a signal for starting up the external device from the terminal when the startup signal is input.

9. A method for starting up a measurement device including a management unit, a timer, a start-up processing unit, and a module, comprising the steps of: The management unit sets a timer start time in the timer; The timer outputs a start signal when the timer start time is reached; the startup processing unit starts startup of the module when the startup signal is input; A method for starting a measuring device, comprising:

10. A startup program for a measuring device including a module, a management unit, a timer that outputs a startup signal when a timer startup time is reached, and a startup processing unit that starts startup of the module when the startup signal is input, A start-up program for a measuring device that causes the management unit to set the timer start time in the timer.

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