Measuring instrument, measuring system, control method, and program

Abstract

To provide a measuring instrument that can improve convenience.SOLUTION: A measuring instrument 10 remotely operates the other measuring instrument 20, and the measuring instrument 10 comprises a control unit 16 that executes at least one of first processing of displaying a first image shown on a screen of the other measuring instrument 20 and second processing of operating the other measuring instrument 20 according to an input operation on the measuring instrument 10 made by a user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a measuring instrument, a measuring system, a control method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there are known technologies related to the remote control of measuring instruments. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a remote measurement system that enables remote control of existing measuring instruments via a network without modifying or repurchasing the measuring instruments themselves to be remotely controlled. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2006-295903 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the prior art, there is room for improvement in terms of the convenience of a measuring device that remotely controls other measuring devices.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a measuring device, a measurement system, a control method, and a program that can improve convenience. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A measuring instrument in some embodiments is a measuring instrument that remotely controls another measuring instrument, and is equipped with a control unit that executes at least one of a first process of displaying a first image on a screen of the other measuring instrument and a second process of operating the other measuring instrument in accordance with an input operation by a user on the measuring instrument.

[0007] This improves the convenience of the measuring instrument. The measuring instrument executes at least one of a first process of displaying a first image displayed on a screen of the other measuring instrument and a second process of operating the other measuring instrument in accordance with an input operation by a user on the measuring instrument. This improves the convenience of the measuring instrument for a user who uses multiple measuring instruments, including the measuring instrument and the other measuring instrument.

[0008] In one embodiment, the first process may include the control unit transmitting a first command for capturing the first image to the other measuring device, thereby enabling the measuring device to accurately cause the other measuring device to capture the first image based on the first command in the first process.

[0009] In one embodiment, the first process may include the control unit transmitting a second command to the other measuring device for causing the other measuring device to transfer the first image captured in accordance with the first command, thereby enabling the measuring device to accurately cause the other measuring device to transfer the first image to the other measuring device based on the second command in the first process.

[0010] In one embodiment of the measuring device, the first process may include the control unit periodically transmitting the first command and the second command as a pair to the other measuring device. This allows the measuring device to periodically obtain a first image from the other measuring device and provide the first image updated in real time to a user via an output unit. The user can easily check a signal waveform that changes smoothly in real time based on the first image displayed on the output unit of the measuring device.

[0011] In one embodiment of the measuring device, the first process may include causing the control unit to display the first image together with a second image that the measuring device would normally display. This allows the user to view the first images of the other measuring devices together with the second images on the screen of the measuring device, and also allows the user to operate these images. When the user changes the settings after checking the measurement data and performs another measurement, the user can remotely operate the other measuring devices based on the second process while checking the measurement data measured by the other measuring devices.

[0012] In one embodiment, the measuring instrument remotely controls a plurality of the other measuring instruments, and the first process may include the control unit collectively displaying a plurality of the first images displayed on the screens of the other measuring instruments. This allows the user to view the first images of the other measuring instruments on the screen of the measuring instrument, and also allows the user to operate these images. When the user changes the settings after checking the measurement data and performs measurement again, the user can remotely control the other measuring instruments based on the second process while checking the measurement data measured by the other measuring instruments.

[0013] In one embodiment, the measuring device further includes an output unit, and the first process may include the control unit causing the output unit to display the first image, allowing a user to easily check the first image of another measuring device using an existing display of the measuring device.

[0014] In one embodiment, the second process may include the control unit transmitting to the other meter device a third command for causing the other meter device to execute an operation event according to the input operation, thereby enabling the meter device to accurately remotely control the other meter device based on the third command in the second process.

[0015] A measurement system according to some embodiments includes a measurement device as described above, and at least one other measurement device remotely controlled by the measurement device.

[0016] This allows the measurement system to improve the convenience of the measuring device. The measuring device executes at least one of a first process of displaying a first image displayed on a screen of the other measuring device and a second process of operating the other measuring device according to an input operation by a user on the measuring device. This improves the convenience of the measuring device for a user who uses multiple measuring devices, including the measuring device and the other measuring device.

[0017] A control method according to some embodiments is a control method for remotely operating another measuring instrument, and includes executing at least one of a first process for displaying a first image displayed on a screen of the other measuring instrument and a second process for operating the other measuring instrument in accordance with an input operation by a user on the measuring instrument.

[0018] This improves the convenience of a measuring device that executes the control method. The measuring device executes at least one of a first process of displaying a first image displayed on a screen of the other measuring device and a second process of operating the other measuring device in accordance with an input operation by a user on the measuring device. This improves the convenience of the measuring device for a user who uses multiple measuring devices, including the measuring device and the other measuring device.

[0019] A program in some embodiments causes a measuring instrument that remotely controls another measuring instrument to perform operations including performing at least one of a first process of displaying a first image displayed on a screen of the other measuring instrument and a second process of operating the other measuring instrument in accordance with an input operation by a user on the measuring instrument.

[0020] This improves the convenience of the measuring instrument. The measuring instrument executes at least one of a first process of displaying a first image displayed on a screen of the other measuring instrument and a second process of operating the other measuring instrument in accordance with an input operation by a user on the measuring instrument. This improves the convenience of the measuring instrument for a user who uses multiple measuring instruments, including the measuring instrument and the other measuring instrument. Effect of the Invention

[0021] According to a measuring device, a measuring system, a control method, and a program according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to improve convenience. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a measurement system including a measuring device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] 4 is a flowchart illustrating a first example of a control method executed by the measuring device of FIG. [Diagram 3] 4 is a flowchart for explaining a first example of a control method executed by the other measuring device of FIG. [Figure 4] 13 is a flowchart illustrating a second example of a control method executed by the measuring device of FIG. [Diagram 5] 13 is a flowchart for explaining a second example of a control method executed by the other measuring device of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining a first example of processing by the measuring device of FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining a second example of processing by the measuring device of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] The background and problems of the prior art will now be described in more detail.

[0024] Conventionally, a system has been known in which one measuring device is a main unit and other measuring devices are subunits, and the subunits are controlled based on the main unit. For example, in this system, a plurality of subunits are connected to the main unit. The connection of the plurality of subunits includes, for example, a star topology connection with the main unit at the center. The main unit and each subunit are physically connected via wires.

[0025] By making such connections, it is possible to measure signal waveforms by synchronizing the measurement timing of multiple subunits. In specific operations, when the main unit starts acquiring measurement data, all subunits synchronize and start acquiring measurement data of signal waveforms. When the main unit finishes acquiring measurement data, all subunits synchronize and finish acquiring measurement data of signal waveforms.

[0026] For example, when the main unit receives an input operation to start acquiring measurement data and starts acquiring the measurement data, the sub-units connected to the main unit also synchronously start acquiring the measurement data. After that, when the main unit receives an input operation to end acquiring the measurement data and ends acquiring the measurement data, the sub-units connected to the main unit also synchronously end acquiring the measurement data.

[0027] With the above functions, it is possible to acquire measurement data of a measurement target with a high degree of synchronization accuracy even with a number of channels that would be difficult to measure with a single measuring instrument. When synchronous measurement is performed, some conditions and events are shared between the main unit and the subunit. Conditions include the total number of data points to be saved and the data acquisition time. Events include the start of waveform acquisition, the end of waveform acquisition, and saving of waveform data.

[0028] The main unit and the sub-unit are connected through a physical connection and a protocol, so that measurements can be performed with high synchronization accuracy even if the main unit and the sub-unit are far away from each other.

[0029] As described above, in the connection between the main unit and the sub-unit, in order to synchronize the acquisition of signal waveform measurement data, only conditions such as the total number of data points to be saved and the data acquisition time, as well as events such as the start of waveform acquisition, the end of waveform acquisition, and the saving of waveform data, were shared. Other setting information, etc. was not synchronized between the main unit and the sub-unit. The setting information includes the type of measurement module used for measurement and the type of measurement parameters.

[0030] The main unit and the sub-unit are connected by wire, and in principle it is possible for them to exchange setting information and measurement data of signal waveforms with each other. However, there are two main problems as described below. This makes it difficult to transfer setting information and measurement data of signal waveforms with each other, and this function has not been realized.

[0031] The first problem is caused by memory limitations in measuring instruments. Measuring instruments have memory for storing setting information and measurement data of signal waveforms. When a measuring instrument receives data in a data transfer, the measuring instrument needs to continue storing in memory the current setting information and measurement data of the signal waveform of the measuring instrument that is sending the data, while also storing in memory the setting information and measurement data of the signal waveform of the measuring instrument that is sending the data. This is difficult in view of the memory capacity of the measuring instrument.

[0032] The second problem is caused by the performance of data transfer. A measuring instrument is a device designed to acquire and record measurement data. Therefore, depending on the measurement conditions, the amount of measurement data recorded can be huge. Measurement conditions include the number of measurement points, etc.

[0033] With this in mind, when considering data transfer between the main unit and the sub-unit regarding setting information and measurement data of signal waveforms, even if the measuring instrument receiving the data has sufficient memory remaining, the data transfer itself takes a long time, and there is a high possibility that the performance will become so poor that it will be difficult to use it as a measuring instrument.

[0034] Due to the problems mentioned above, there are some specifications that are inconvenient for users who use multiple measuring instruments. Some examples of such specifications are shown below.

[0035] Even if multiple measuring instruments are connected to each other and measurement data is acquired synchronously, the acquired measurement data and setting information are stored in each measuring instrument. A user must deal with each measuring instrument individually to check the measurement data or change the setting information. Therefore, the user must configure each measuring instrument individually according to the measurement target.

[0036] When the measuring instruments are placed close to each other, the user can operate these measuring instruments collectively. However, when the measuring instruments are placed far away from each other depending on the length of the wire connecting the measuring instruments, it is difficult for the user to operate these measuring instruments collectively. For example, the measuring instruments may be connected to each other with a cable of several meters, or may be connected to each other with a cable of several tens of meters. When the measuring instruments are connected to each other with a cable of several tens of meters, for example, it is very difficult for the user to operate these measuring instruments collectively.

[0037] For example, when changing setting information and measurement conditions, the user must move from one measuring device to another and perform the operation for each measuring device. In such a situation, the user must spend a lot of time preparing for measurement. As a result, the convenience of the measuring device is reduced.

[0038] During measurement, each measuring instrument displays the measurement data it has acquired by itself. At this time, even if one of the multiple measuring instruments connected to each other is acquiring measurement data without any problems, this does not necessarily mean that the other connected measuring instruments are acquiring measurement data without any problems in the same way. However, the current method of checking whether the other measuring instruments are acquiring measurement data without any problems is limited to the user actually checking the screen of each measuring instrument or checking using a PC (Personal Computer) or the like.

[0039] In addition, it was difficult for users to check the measurement results of other measuring instruments collectively through one measuring instrument. This is because measurement data is acquired for each measuring instrument, and even if multiple connections are made and the number of measurement channels increases, each measurement channel is stored in the corresponding measuring instrument. Therefore, even if users tried to check the correlation between measurement data, it was difficult to check on the spot using one measuring instrument. When checking and analyzing measurement data, users could not correctly judge the measurement results unless they once collected the measurement data from each measuring instrument onto a PC or the like.

[0040] The above problems are caused by the specifications of the measuring instrument.

[0041] In addition, from a software perspective, a problem arises regarding resource reuse. It is possible to create a new interface for a setting menu for exchanging setting information and signal waveform measurement data so that the setting information and signal waveform measurement data can be exchanged during a measurement period for multiple connections. By creating a new setting menu, it is possible for a user to use one of the multiple connected measuring instruments to obtain setting information and signal waveform measurement data from the other measuring instruments.

[0042] However, the process of exchanging setting information and measurement data of signal waveforms between multiple connected measuring instruments is considered to be an exception to the existing mechanism and requires software design. Creating a new setting menu requires additional resources and does not reuse existing resources. Therefore, there is a high risk that various problems may occur.

[0043] Although there is a prerequisite of communication between measuring instruments, what is actually desired is that the measuring instrument itself can achieve the desired result without any problems. Taking exceptional measures despite this means adding new resources from scratch without using existing resources that are working without any problems. Taking such measures requires developers to first implement the new resources and then verify whether they are working properly. Also, when performing maintenance, the maintenance work for the new resources is added to the maintenance work for the existing resources, which increases the workload.

[0044] Therefore, when developing software, adding functionality without reusing resources in order to realize the exchange of setting information and measurement data of signal waveforms should be avoided as much as possible.

[0045] As described above, currently there are problems caused by the measuring instruments themselves and problems caused by the software, which significantly reduces the operability and convenience when multiple connections are made.

[0046] In order to solve the above problems, the present disclosure aims to provide a measuring device, a measuring system, a control method, and a program that can improve convenience. For example, the present disclosure aims to provide a measuring device, a measuring system, a control method, and a program that improves the operability of a measuring device when multiple measuring devices are connected, and enables a user to input information associated with a measurement and for the user to check the information smoothly.

[0047] The following mainly describes a measuring device 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following description also applies to a measuring system 1 including the measuring device 10 to which the present disclosure is applied, and a control method and program executed by the measuring device 10.

[0048] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a measurement system 1 including a measurement device 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In FIG. 1, solid arrows indicate the flow of measurement data of a signal waveform. Dashed arrows indicate the flow of control information. With reference to FIG. 1, an overview of the measurement system 1 including the measurement device 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be mainly described. In addition to the measurement device 10, the measurement system 1 has another measurement device 20.

[0049] For ease of explanation, only one measuring device 10 is illustrated in Fig. 1, but the measurement system 1 may have two or more measuring devices 10. Although only one other measuring device 20 is illustrated in Fig. 1, the measurement system 1 may have two or more other measuring devices 20.

[0050] The measuring device 10 and the other measuring device 20 are connected to each other by wire or wirelessly so that they can communicate with each other. The measuring device 10 and the other measuring device 20 may be connected to each other directly so that they can communicate with each other without going through a network including a mobile communication network and the Internet, or they may be connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other via the network.

[0051] Measuring device 10 remotely controls other measuring devices 20. Measuring device 10 functions as a main unit in measurement system 1 in which multiple measuring devices, including measuring device 10 and other measuring devices 20, are connected to each other. The other measuring devices 20 function as sub-units controlled based on the main unit in measurement system 1 in which multiple measuring devices are connected to each other.

[0052] For example, in the measurement system 1 shown in Fig. 1, one subunit is connected to one main unit. This is not limiting, and multiple subunits may be connected to one main unit. At least one subunit may be connected to each of at least one main unit. The connection of multiple subunits to one main unit may include, for example, a star topology connection with the main unit at the center.

[0053] The measuring instrument 10 includes any device that performs a measurement process on a physical quantity to be measured and acquires a measurement value. The measuring instrument 10 includes, for example, a waveform measuring instrument and an optical measuring instrument. The measuring instrument 10 generates measurement data by performing a measurement process on the measurement object.

[0054] In this disclosure, the term "physical quantity" includes parameters related to electrical signals, temperature, acceleration, and parameters related to optical signals, which are measured by measuring device 10 in a network in which measuring device 10, including waveform measuring devices and optical measuring devices, is located.

[0055] The other measuring devices 20 are configured similarly to the measuring device 10. The same content as that described above with respect to the configuration of the measuring device 10 also applies to the other measuring devices 20. In the following, descriptions related to the configurations of the other measuring devices 20 will be omitted as appropriate.

[0056] Measuring device 10 has a communication unit 11, a memory unit 12, a conversion unit 13, an input unit 14, an output unit 15, and a control unit 16.

[0057] The communication unit 11 includes one or more communication interfaces based on wire or wireless that enable communication with other measuring devices 20. The communication interfaces may be connected to a network. The communication interfaces may be compatible with mobile communication standards such as 4G (4th Generation) and 5G (5th Generation), wired LAN (Local Area Network) standards, or wireless LAN standards, but are not limited to these and may be compatible with any communication standard. For example, the communication interfaces may be compatible with short-range wireless communication standards. In one embodiment, the measuring device 10 is connected to other measuring devices 20 via the communication unit 11 so as to be able to communicate with them. The communication unit 11 transmits and receives various information and data to and from other measuring devices 20.

[0058] Storage unit 12 includes storage modules such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a read-only memory (ROM), and a random access memory (RAM). Storage unit 12 stores information necessary to realize the operation of measuring device 10. Storage unit 12 stores information obtained by the operation of measuring device 10. For example, storage unit 12 stores system programs, application programs, and various data obtained by any means such as communication.

[0059] The memory unit 12 may function as a main memory module, an auxiliary memory module, or a cache memory. The memory unit 12 is not limited to being built into the measuring device 10, and may include an external memory module connected via a digital input / output port such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB).

[0060] The memory unit 12 has, for example, a storage 121, a ROM 122, a RAM 123, a display memory 124, and a waveform memory 125. The ROM 122 stores an operating program. The RAM 123 stores temporary data. The waveform memory 125 stores signal data that is converted from an analog signal to a digital signal by the conversion unit 13 upon receiving a signal input. The display memory 124 stores, as display data, display contents for displaying measurement data of the signal waveform after the control unit 16 processes the data stored in the waveform memory 125.

[0061] The storage 121 stores the data stored in the waveform memory 125 as a file of measurement data of the signal waveform. When the input unit 14 accepts a user's operation of the save execution key, the control unit 16 converts the data stored in the waveform memory 125 into a predetermined file format as measurement data of the signal waveform, and stores the measurement data file in the storage 121.

[0062] Conversion unit 13 receives a signal input when measuring instrument 10 performs a measurement on a measurement target. Conversion unit 13 includes one or more circuit modules that convert the input signal from an analog signal to a digital signal. The circuit modules include an A / D (Analog to Digital) converter and the like.

[0063] The input unit 14 includes one or more input interfaces that detect user input and acquire input information based on the user's operation. The input interfaces include physical keys, capacitive keys, a touch screen that is integrated with the display of the output unit 15, an imaging module such as a camera, and a microphone that accepts voice input.

[0064] Output unit 15 includes one or more output interfaces that output information to notify a user. The output interfaces include a display that outputs information as an image, a speaker that outputs information as sound, and a vibrator that outputs information as vibration. Displays include LCDs (Liquid Crystal Displays) and organic EL (Electro Luminescence) displays. Output unit 15 references the display data stored in display memory 124 to display and visualize the measurement data of the signal waveform actually acquired by measuring instrument 10 on a screen.

[0065] Control unit 16 includes one or more processors. In this disclosure, a "processor" refers to, but is not limited to, a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor specialized for a particular process. Control unit 16 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). Control unit 16 is communicatively connected to each component that constitutes measuring device 10, and controls the operation of measuring device 10 as a whole.

[0066] Control unit 16 of measuring device 10 executes at least one of a first process of causing output unit 15 to display a first image displayed on the screen of another measuring device 20, and a second process of operating another measuring device 20 in accordance with an input operation by a user using input unit 14 of measuring device 10. In this disclosure, a "first image" includes a still image or a video. Each of the first process and the second process executed by control unit 16 of measuring device 10 will be described in detail below.

[0067] In the measurement system 1, a first image on the screen of the sub-unit to which the main unit is connected is transferred as image data to the main unit. The first image is also displayed on the screen of the main unit. In addition, input information from the physical keys and touch screen of the main unit is transferred to the sub-unit, and the sub-unit itself is made to execute processing related to an operation event, thereby enabling remote control of the sub-unit from the main unit.

[0068] The first process of transferring the first image of the subunit to the main unit as image data and displaying it on the screen of the main unit, and the second process of transferring input information of the main unit to the subunit and having the subunit itself execute processing, are independent of each other. In the first process related to the transfer of image data, the update process of the first image is executed at regular intervals, so that the user can check the first image of the subunit on the main unit in real time with reduced delay. The above state is defined as being under remote control.

[0069] Figure 2 is a flowchart for explaining a first example of a control method executed by measuring device 10 in Figure 1. The first example of the control method executed by measuring device 10 in Figure 1 will be mainly explained with reference to Figure 2. The flowchart shown in Figure 2 shows the flow of a first process executed by control unit 16 of measuring device 10.

[0070] In step S101, control unit 16 of meter 10 acquires a first request to start a first process. For example, control unit 16 acquires the first request based on input information entered by a user using input unit 14 of meter 10. When causing meter 10 to execute the first process, the user performs an input operation to start the first process using input unit 14 of meter 10.

[0071] In step S102, control unit 16 of measurement device 10 transmits the first request acquired in step S101 to other measurement device 20 via communication unit 11.

[0072] In step S103, control unit 16 of measuring instrument 10 transmits a first command for capturing a first image to other measuring instrument 20 via communication unit 11.

[0073] In step S104, the control unit 16 of the measuring instrument 10 transmits a second command to the other measuring instrument 20 via the communication unit 11, for causing the measuring instrument 10 to transfer the first image captured by the other measuring instrument 20 in accordance with the first command transmitted in step S103.

[0074] In step S105, control unit 16 of measuring instrument 10 acquires the first image from other measuring instrument 20 via communication unit 11 based on the second command transmitted in step S104.

[0075] In step S106, control unit 16 of measuring instrument 10 causes output unit 15, for example, to display the first image acquired in step S105.

[0076] In step S107, control unit 16 of meter 10 determines whether a second request to end the first process has been acquired. For example, control unit 16 determines whether a second request has been acquired based on input information input by the user using input unit 14 of meter 10. For example, when the user wants meter 10 to stop the first process, the user performs an input operation to end the first process using input unit 14 of meter 10. If control unit 16 determines that a second request to end the first process has been acquired, it executes the process of step S108. If control unit 16 determines that a second request to end the first process has not been acquired, it executes the process of step S103 again.

[0077] When control unit 16 of measuring device 10 determines in step S107 that it has not acquired a second request to end the first process, it repeatedly transmits the first command and the second command to the other measuring device 20 via communication unit 11. Control unit 16 periodically transmits a pair of the first command and the second command to the other measuring device 20 via communication unit 11. Control unit 16 displays the image acquired from the other measuring device 20 on the display of output unit 15 or the like while periodically updating the image.

[0078] In step S108, if control unit 16 of measurement device 10 determines in step S107 that a second request to end the first process has been acquired, control unit 16 transmits the acquired second request to other measurement device 20 via communication unit 11.

[0079] Fig. 3 is a flowchart for explaining a first example of a control method executed by the other measuring device 20 of Fig. 1. The first example of the control method executed by the other measuring device 20 of Fig. 1 will be mainly explained with reference to Fig. 3. The flowchart shown in Fig. 3 shows the flow of processing executed by the other measuring device 20 in response to a first processing executed by the control unit 16 of the measuring device 10. The other measuring device 20 has a communication unit 21, a memory unit 22, a conversion unit 23, an input unit 24, an output unit 25, and a control unit 26 as components corresponding respectively to the communication unit 11, the memory unit 12, the conversion unit 13, the input unit 14, the output unit 15, and the control unit 16 of the measuring device 10.

[0080] In step S201, control unit 26 of the other measurement device 20 receives, via communication unit 21, the first request sent by measurement device 10 in step S102 of FIG.

[0081] In step S202, control unit 26 of the other measurement device 20 receives from measurement device 10 via communication unit 21 the first command transmitted by measurement device 10 in step S103 of FIG.

[0082] In step S203, control unit 26 of the other measuring device 20 captures the first image shown on the display of output unit 25 of the other measuring device 20 in accordance with the first command acquired in step S202.

[0083] In step S204, control unit 26 of the other measurement device 20 receives, via communication unit 21, the second command sent by measurement device 10 in step S104 of FIG.

[0084] In step S205, control unit 26 of the other measuring instrument 20 transfers the first image captured in step S203 to measuring instrument 10 via communication unit 21 in accordance with the second command acquired in step S204.

[0085] In step S206, control unit 26 of another measuring device 20 determines whether or not the second request transmitted by measuring device 10 in step S108 of Fig. 2 has been received from measuring device 10 via communication unit 21. If control unit 26 determines that the second request has been received, it ends the process. If control unit 26 determines that the second request has not been received, it executes the process of step S202 again.

[0086] If control unit 26 of another measuring device 20 determines in step S206 that the second request has not been received, it repeatedly receives the first command and the second command from measuring device 10 via communication unit 21. Control unit 26 periodically receives the first command and the second command as a pair from measuring device 10 via communication unit 21. Control unit 26 periodically executes capture and transfer of a first image based on the first command and the second command received from measuring device 10.

[0087] As described above, in the first process, the first image displayed on output unit 25 of the sub-unit is captured by the CPU of control unit 26 of the sub-unit and transferred as image data to the CPU of control unit 16 of the main unit. The CPU of control unit 16 of the main unit causes the acquired first image of the sub-unit to be displayed on output unit 15 of the main unit. In this way, the transfer of the first image from the sub-unit being remotely controlled to the main unit is realized.

[0088] Fig. 4 is a flowchart for explaining a second example of a control method executed by measuring device 10 in Fig. 1. The second example of the control method executed by measuring device 10 in Fig. 1 will be mainly explained with reference to Fig. 4. The flowchart shown in Fig. 4 shows the flow of a second process executed by control unit 16 of measuring device 10.

[0089] In step S301, the control unit 16 of the meter 10 accepts an input operation from the user via the input unit 14. The input operation includes an operation to designate another meter 20 to be remotely controlled by the second process of the meter 10, and an operation to cause the other meter 20 to execute an operation event similar to that when the other meter 20 is operated using the input unit 24 of the designated other meter 20.

[0090] In step S302, control unit 16 of meter 10 transitions the operation event based on the input operation received in step 301 to a waiting state for processing. In this disclosure, an "operation event" includes a key event corresponding to a key input and a touch event corresponding to a touch input performed by the user using input unit 14 of meter 10.

[0091] In step S303, control unit 16 of measuring instrument 10 generates an execution message for executing the operational event that was awaiting processing in step S302.

[0092] In step S304, control unit 16 of measuring instrument 10 changes the execution message that is generated in step S303 and causes the operation event to be executed to a state waiting to be decoded.

[0093] In step S305, control unit 16 of meter 10 decodes the execution message that was changed to waiting to be decoded in step S304. At this time, control unit 16 decodes the execution message to determine, among at least one other meter 20 connected to meter 10, for which meter 20 the operation event should be executed.

[0094] In step S306, control unit 16 of measurement device 10 generates a third command for causing another measurement device 20 determined in step S305 to execute the operation event based on the input operation in step S301.

[0095] In step S307, control unit 16 of measurement instrument 10 transitions the third command generated in step S306 to a waiting state for processing.

[0096] In step S308, control unit 16 of measurement device 10 transmits the third command, which was in a waiting state for processing in step S307, to other measurement device 20 via communication unit 11.

[0097] Fig. 5 is a flowchart for explaining a second example of a control method executed by the other measuring device 20 in Fig. 1. The second example of the control method executed by the other measuring device 20 in Fig. 1 will be mainly explained with reference to Fig. 5. The flowchart shown in Fig. 5 shows the flow of processing executed by the other measuring device 20 in response to a second processing executed by the control unit 16 of the measuring device 10.

[0098] In step S401, control unit 26 of the other measurement device 20 receives, via communication unit 21, from measurement device 10, the third command sent by measurement device 10 in step S308 of FIG.

[0099] In step S402, the control unit 26 of the other measuring device 20 executes an operation event in the other measuring device 20 itself, in accordance with the third command acquired in step S401.

[0100] As described above, in the second process, an operation event related to an input generated from the physical keys and touch screen of the input section 14 of the main unit is processed by the CPU in the control section 16 of the main unit. At this time, the control section 16 generates a third command to be sent to the subunit. The operation event does not actually pass through the input section 24 of the subunit. However, the control section 26 of the subunit processes the operation event as if it were an operation event generated from the physical keys and touch screen of the input section 24 of the subunit. The transfer of the operation event is realized by sending the third command from the main unit to the subunit during remote control.

[0101] In measurement system 1, when multiple other measuring devices 20 are connected to measuring device 10, a first image of one sub-unit is transferred to measuring device 10 itself, which is the main unit, and remote operation is possible while displaying the first image on the screen of the main unit. Measuring device 10 can also extend the function of transferring such image data to obtain first images of multiple sub-units and display them on output unit 15. Such a case will be described below.

[0102] Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining a first example of processing by meter 10 in Fig. 1. Fig. 6 shows a first example of a screen displayed by output section 15 of meter 10 in Fig. 1. In Fig. 6, as an example, meter 10 remotely controls multiple other meter devices 20. For example, meter 10 is connected to four or more other meter devices 20. The other meter devices 20 include meter 20a, meter 20b, meter 20c, and meter 20d.

[0103] In step S106 of Fig. 2, control unit 16 of measuring device 10 may cause output unit 15 to collectively display multiple first images displayed on the screens of multiple other measuring devices 20. For example, control unit 16 may cause output unit 15 to collectively display a first image displayed on the screen of measuring device 20a, a first image displayed on the screen of measuring device 20b, a first image displayed on the screen of measuring device 20c, and a first image displayed on the screen of measuring device 20d. In Fig. 6, multiple first images are displayed on output unit 15 in place of the second image that would normally be displayed by measuring device 10 itself. In this disclosure, a "second image" includes a still image or a video.

[0104] Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram for explaining a second example of processing by meter 10 in Fig. 1. Fig. 7 shows a second example of a screen displayed by output section 15 of meter 10 in Fig. 1. In Fig. 7, as an example, meter 10 remotely controls multiple other meter devices 20. For example, meter 10 is connected to four or more other meter devices 20. The other meter devices 20 include meter 20a, meter 20b, meter 20c, and meter 20d.

[0105] 2, control unit 16 of measuring device 10 may cause output unit 15 to display the first image together with the second image that measuring device 10 would normally display. For example, control unit 16 may cause output unit 15 to display the second image that is originally displayed on the screen of measuring device 10, the first image that is displayed on the screen of measuring device 20b, the first image that is displayed on the screen of measuring device 20c, and the first image that is displayed on the screen of measuring device 20d all at once. In FIG. 7, multiple first images are displayed on output unit 15 in addition to the second image that measuring device 10 would normally display.

[0106] The measuring device 10 according to one embodiment as described above can improve convenience. The measuring device 10 executes at least one of a first process of displaying a first image displayed on the screen of the other measuring device 20, and a second process of operating the other measuring device 20 in accordance with an input operation on the measuring device 10 by a user. This improves the convenience of the measuring device 10 for a user who uses multiple measuring devices, including the measuring device 10 and the other measuring devices 20.

[0107] For example, the user can operate other measuring devices 20 connected to measuring device 10 based on the second process using only measuring device 10. Therefore, the user does not need to use a separate PC or the like to centralize control of the measuring devices and perform operations.

[0108] Since the user can use not only the touch screen of meter 10 but also the physical keys of meter 10 to operate the subunit, the user can operate all other meters 20 while maintaining the same operating feel as with conventional meter 10.

[0109] Even when the other measuring devices 20 are physically far away from the measuring device 10, the user can configure settings for all of the other measuring devices 20 via one measuring device 10. Therefore, the user does not need to move from the location of the measuring device 10 to the locations of the other measuring devices 20 in order to configure settings for each of the other measuring devices 20. The user can reduce the time required to prepare for measurement. As a result, the convenience of the measuring device 10 is improved.

[0110] During synchronous measurement, the user can easily check the status of the other measuring instruments 20 using the measuring instrument 10. The user can easily grasp the status of the other measuring instruments 20 in real time using one measuring instrument 10.

[0111] When multiple other measuring instruments 20 are connected to the measuring instrument 10, the user can synchronize the measuring instrument 10 with the other measuring instruments 20 and perform measurements with an increased number of measurement channels. At this time, the user can transfer a first image of the other connected measuring instruments 20 to the measuring instrument 10 by causing the measuring instrument 10 to execute a first process. This allows the user to easily grasp the measurement data for each of the multiple measuring instruments. The user can easily check correlations between measurement data on the spot using one measuring instrument 10.

[0112] For example, assume that measurement is performed using measurement system 1 in which multiple other measurement instruments 20 are connected to measurement instrument 10. Assume that when a specific signal is input to the main unit, the input state of the specific signal being measured by the sub-unit is affected in relation to the input of that signal. Conventionally, a user has had to check the signal change in the sub-unit after checking the signal change in the main unit in order to confirm whether the specific signal being measured by the sub-unit shows an intended change in response to the change in the specific signal being measured by the main unit.

[0113] When the main unit and the sub-unit are located close to each other, the user does not need much time to check the change in a given signal. However, when the measurement target is far away and the measurement device 10 and the other measurement device 20 are located far away from each other, it takes a lot of time just to check the measurement data acquired using the main unit and the sub-unit. In addition, when the measurement is performed multiple times, the time required for checking increases accordingly.

[0114] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, meter 10 allows a user to easily check the sub-unit screen on the main unit by executing a first process during remote control. Therefore, the user does not need to check the screen of each meter to see if measurements are being taken correctly.

[0115] During remote control, it is in principle possible to transfer measurement data stored in another connected measuring instrument 20 to measuring instrument 10. However, with waveform measuring instruments, which tend to perform measurements using huge amounts of data, data transfer may become a bottleneck and result in poor performance.

[0116] However, according to the measuring instrument 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, only image data and operation events are transferred between other measuring instruments 20. Therefore, the amount of data transmitted between the waveform measuring instruments is reduced. As a result, the remote control function by the measuring instrument 10 is realized with high performance. Therefore, when multiple other measuring instruments 20 are connected to the measuring instrument 10, the user can easily grasp the signal waveform acquisition status of each measuring instrument in real time with high responsiveness.

[0117] The user can continue to use the existing mechanism of measuring device 10 as an input interface for operating measuring device 10. Therefore, unlike the conventional technology, the developer does not need to bear the burden of developing a new interface. In addition, the user can continue to use the existing input interface that is working properly. Therefore, the probability of malfunctions occurring in measuring device 10 is also reduced. The convenience of measuring device 10 is improved for both users and developers.

[0118] The first process includes controller 16 transmitting a first command for capturing a first image to other measuring device 20. This enables measuring device 10 to accurately cause other measuring device 20 to execute the process of capturing the first image based on the first command in the first process.

[0119] The first process includes control unit 16 sending a second command to another measuring device 20 to transfer the first image captured in accordance with the first command to measuring device 10. This enables measuring device 10 to accurately cause the other measuring device 20 to transfer the first image to measuring device 10 based on the second command in the first process.

[0120] The first process includes control unit 16 periodically transmitting a pair of a first command and a second command to other measuring device 20. This enables measuring device 10 to periodically obtain a first image from other measuring device 20 and provide the first image updated in real time to the user via output unit 15. The user can also easily check the signal waveform, which changes smoothly in real time, based on the first image displayed on output unit 15 of measuring device 10.

[0121] The first process includes displaying the first image together with the second image that would normally be displayed by measuring device 10. This allows the user to view the first images of the other measuring devices 20 together with the second images on the screen of measuring device 10, and also allows the user to operate these images. When the user changes the settings after checking the measurement data and performs another measurement, the user can remotely operate the other measuring devices 20 based on the second process while checking the measurement data measured by the other measuring devices 20.

[0122] The first process includes collectively displaying a plurality of first images that are respectively displayed on the screens of a plurality of other measuring devices 20. This allows the user to view the first images of the other measuring devices 20 on the screen of measuring device 10, and also allows the user to operate these images. When the user changes the settings after checking the measurement data and performs another measurement, the user can remotely operate the other measuring devices 20 based on the second process while checking the measurement data measured by the other measuring devices 20.

[0123] When measuring instrument 10 receives an input operation from the user via input unit 14 to save an image while first images of multiple other measuring instruments 20 are displayed on output unit 15, it can also store the image of the multiple measurement data displayed on output unit 15 as measurement results in memory unit 12. This makes it easy for the user to check and organize the multiple measurement data.

[0124] The first process includes control unit 16 causing output unit 15 to display the first image. This allows the user to easily check the first image of another measuring device 20 using an existing display provided in measuring device 10.

[0125] The second process includes control unit 16 transmitting to another measuring device 20 a third command for causing the other measuring device 20 to execute an operation event according to the input operation. This enables measuring device 10 to accurately execute remote control of the other measuring device 20 based on the third command in the second process.

[0126] Although the present disclosure has been described based on the drawings and examples, it should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and alterations based on the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be noted that these modifications and alterations are included in the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the functions included in each configuration or each step can be rearranged so as not to be logically inconsistent, and multiple configurations or steps can be combined or divided into one.

[0127] For example, a general-purpose electronic device such as a smartphone or computer can be configured to function as the measuring device 10 according to the embodiment described above. Specifically, a program describing the processing contents for implementing each function of the measuring device 10 according to the embodiment is stored in the memory of the electronic device, and the program is read and executed by a processor of the electronic device. Thus, the present disclosure can also be realized as a program executable by a processor.

[0128] Alternatively, the present disclosure may be realized as a non-transitory computer-readable medium having stored thereon a program executable by one or more processors to cause meter 10 to perform the functions of one embodiment of the present disclosure, and it should be understood that these are also encompassed within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0129] For example, at least a part of the processing operations performed in the measuring device 10 in the embodiment described above may be performed in another measuring device 20. At least a part of the processing operations performed in the other measuring device 20 may be performed in the measuring device 10.

[0130] In the above embodiment, the measuring instrument 10 has been described as transmitting a first command to capture a first image to the other measuring instrument 20 in the first process, but this is not limiting. The measuring instrument 10 does not have to perform such a process.

[0131] In the above embodiment, the measuring instrument 10 has been described as transmitting, in the first process, a second command to the other measuring instrument 20 to cause the measuring instrument 10 to transfer the first image captured in accordance with the first command, but this is not limited to the above. The measuring instrument 10 does not have to perform such a process.

[0132] In the above embodiment, the measuring device 10 has been described as periodically transmitting the first command and the second command as a pair to the other measuring device 20 in the first process, but this is not limited to the above. The measuring device 10 may non-periodically transmit the first command and the second command as a pair to the other measuring device 20. The measuring device 10 does not have to transmit the first command and the second command as a pair to the other measuring device 20.

[0133] In the above embodiment, the measurement instrument 10 is described as displaying the first image together with the second image that the measurement instrument 10 would normally display in the first process, but this is not limited to the above. The measurement instrument 10 does not have to perform such a process.

[0134] In the above embodiment, the measurement device 10 has been described as collectively displaying a plurality of first images that are respectively shown on the screens of a plurality of other measurement devices 20 in the first process, but this is not limited to the above. The measurement device 10 does not have to execute such a process.

[0135] In the above embodiment, measuring instrument 10 has been described as having output unit 15, but this is not limited to the above. Measuring instrument 10 only needs to have a function for displaying the first image, the second image, the measurement data, etc., and does not need to directly have output unit 15. For example, instead of or in addition to output unit 15, measuring instrument 10 may display the first image, the second image, the measurement data, etc. on any display device configured as a device separate from measuring instrument 10.

[0136] In the above embodiment, it has been described that in the second process, meter 10 transmits to another measuring device 20 a third command for causing the other measuring device 20 to execute an operation event according to the input operation, but this is not limiting. Meter 10 does not have to execute such a process.

[0137] In the above embodiment, the measuring instrument 10 has been described as including, for example, a waveform measuring instrument and an optical measuring instrument, but is not limited thereto. The measuring instrument 10 may also include a field device. In this case, the network in which the measuring instrument 10 is located may include plant equipment.

[0138] In the present disclosure, the term "plant facility" includes, for example, chemical and other industrial plants, as well as wellheads including gas fields and oil fields, and plants that manage and control their surroundings. In addition, the plant facility may include plants that manage and control power generation such as hydroelectric, thermal, and nuclear power, plants that manage and control environmental power generation such as solar and wind power, and plants that manage and control water supply and sewage systems, dams, and the like.

[0139] In this case, the physical quantity may include temperature, pressure, flow rate, and pH of fluids including gas and liquid generated in the plant equipment in which the measuring device 10 as a field device is installed, as well as the corrosion degree and vibration amount of the plant equipment. Without being limited thereto, the physical quantity may include state parameters including temperature and pressure related to actuators including valves, motors, relays, etc.

[0140] Some of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below as examples. However, it should be noted that the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to these examples. [Appendix 1] A measuring device that remotely controls other measuring devices, a control unit that executes at least one of a first process for displaying a first image on a screen of the other measuring device and a second process for operating the other measuring device in accordance with an input operation by a user on the measuring device; Equipped with Measuring instrument. [Appendix 2] 2. A measuring device according to claim 1, comprising: the first process includes the control unit transmitting a first command to the other measurement device to capture the first image; Measuring instrument. [Appendix 3] 1. A measuring device according to claim 2, comprising: the first process includes the control unit transmitting, to the other measuring device, a second command for causing the other measuring device to transfer the first image captured in accordance with the first command. Measuring instrument. [Appendix 4] 5. A measuring device according to claim 3, comprising: the first process includes the control unit periodically transmitting a pair of the first command and the second command to the other measurement device. Measuring instrument. [Appendix 5] 5. A measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The first process includes causing the control unit to display the first image together with a second image that is originally displayed by the measuring device. Measuring instrument. [Appendix 6] 6. A measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, Remotely operating the plurality of other measuring instruments; The first process includes causing the control unit to collectively display the first images displayed on the screens of the other measuring devices. Measuring instrument. [Appendix 7] 7. A measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, An output unit is further provided, The first process includes causing the control unit to display the first image on the output unit. Measuring instrument. [Appendix 8] 8. A measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the second process includes the control unit transmitting to the other measuring device a third command for causing the other measuring device to execute an operation event in accordance with the input operation. Measuring instrument. [Appendix 9] A measuring device according to any one of appendix 1 to 8; At least one of the other measuring devices remotely controlled by the measuring device; Equipped with Measurement system. [Appendix 10] A control method for remotely controlling another measuring device, comprising: executing at least one of a first process of displaying a first image on a screen of the other measuring device and a second process of operating the other measuring device in accordance with an input operation by a user on the measuring device; Including, Control methods. [Appendix 11] For measuring instruments that remotely control other measuring instruments, executing at least one of a first process of displaying a first image on a screen of the other measuring device and a second process of operating the other measuring device in accordance with an input operation by a user on the measuring device; performing an operation including program. [Explanation of symbols]

[0141] 1. Measurement system 10 Measuring instruments 11 Communications Department 12 Storage section 121 Storage 122 ROM 123 RAM 124 display memory 125 waveform memories 13 Conversion section 14 Input section 15 Output section 16 Control section 20 Measuring instruments 20a Measuring Instrument 20b Measuring instrument 20c measuring instrument 20d measuring instrument 21 Communications Department 22 Memory section 23 Conversion section 24 Input section 25 Output section 26 Control Unit

Claims

1. A measuring device that remotely controls other measuring devices, a control unit that executes at least one of a first process for displaying a first image on a screen of the other measuring device and a second process for operating the other measuring device in accordance with an input operation by a user on the measuring device; Equipped with Measuring instrument.

2. 2. The measuring device of claim 1, the first process includes the control unit transmitting a first command to the other measurement device to capture the first image; Measuring instrument.

3. 3. The measuring device according to claim 2, the first process includes the control unit transmitting, to the other measuring device, a second command for causing the other measuring device to transfer the first image captured in accordance with the first command. Measuring instrument.

4. 4. The measuring device according to claim 3, the first process includes the control unit periodically transmitting a pair of the first command and the second command to the other measuring device. Measuring instrument.

5. 5. The measuring device according to claim 1 , The first process includes causing the control unit to display the first image together with a second image that is originally displayed by the measuring device. Measuring instrument.

6. 5. The measuring device according to claim 1 , Remotely operating the plurality of other measuring instruments; the first process includes causing the control unit to collectively display the first images displayed on screens of the other measuring devices, respectively. Measuring instrument.

7. 5. The measuring device according to claim 1 , An output unit is further provided, The first process includes causing the control unit to display the first image on the output unit. Measuring instrument.

8. 5. The measuring device according to claim 1 , the second process includes transmitting, from the control unit to the other measuring device, a third command for causing the other measuring device to execute an operation event in accordance with the input operation. Measuring instrument.

9. A measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, At least one other measuring device remotely controlled by the measuring device; Equipped with Measurement system.

10. A control method for remotely controlling another measuring device, comprising: executing at least one of a first process of displaying a first image on a screen of the other measuring device and a second process of operating the other measuring device in accordance with an input operation by a user on the measuring device; Including, Control methods.

11. For measuring instruments that remotely control other measuring instruments, executing at least one of a first process of displaying a first image on a screen of the other measuring device and a second process of operating the other measuring device in accordance with an input operation by a user on the measuring device; performing an action including program.

Images