Inspection system and related method for inspecting a production process and / or a workpiece characteristic - Patents.com

Abstract

An inspection system (1) for inspecting a production process and / or a property of a workpiece, comprising a plurality of sensor parts (2) and a network part (3) connected to each other by a communication channel and forming a network, the network part being capable of communicating with a data processing and / or transmitting entity (4).The invention also relates to an inspection method which allows all sensor parts connected to the network to download the latest software version every time the inspection system (1) is started up.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an inspection system including a plurality of electronic devices, more particularly sensor parts, for inspecting characteristics such as the shape and / or size of a workpiece or for inspecting an industrial production process, and an associated inspection method.

[0002] The present invention can be advantageously used in a distributed inspection system in an industrial environment. A distributed system is a system that includes a number of electronic devices, more specifically sensor units (called nodes) and a central control unit (called bridge) that are connected to each other to form a communication network linked to a data processing and / or transmission entity (such as a computer, an industrial computer or PLC, a computer numerical control of a machine, or a cloud network).

[0003] For example, the inspection system and associated methods according to the present invention can be used to inspect the machining of a mechanical workpiece in a machine tool, in a grinding wheel balancing system, to inspect the size and / or shape of a workpiece using contact or non-contact sensors or probes, such as optical (interferometric, confocal, laser triangulation, etc.), acoustic or pneumatic sensors or probes, or to inspect the temperature or vibration during machining of a workpiece.

[0004] Thus, the inspection system and associated methods according to the present invention can be used to carry out inspections before, after and / or during machining of a workpiece and / or during the production process, and various types of techniques can be used. [Background technology]

[0005] In industrial environments, it is known to use inspection or measurement systems that include a number of electronic devices, e.g. sensors, that are positioned in close proximity to a machined or inspected workpiece and enable inspection of characteristics such as the size and / or shape of such workpiece.

[0006] Sensors can be linked together in various layouts to form a network. Such a network typically includes a central management or interface unit that is connected to the various sensors and communicates with an external processor.

[0007] These are typically distributed systems in which each electronic device or sensor connected to the network contains a processor capable of processing and transmitting information. To operate, the processor requires executable code (or firmware) held in a storage device connected to the processor. This storage device may also be incorporated in the processor.

[0008] The executable code is stored in a non-volatile manner on the storage device (i.e., the code is not erased even when the device is powered off).

[0009] During the life of a system, the firmware of one or more devices may need to be updated to newer versions to fix bugs or to include new features.

[0010] A device may also need to be replaced, for example after a failure, with a new device running a more recent firmware. The incorporation of such a new device may cause compatibility issues between firmware versions running on different devices in the network, which at least affects the reliability of the entire system.

[0011] Indeed, all devices belonging to the same network must have the same firmware version, or at least firmware versions that are compatible with each other, in order to operate properly.

[0012] To overcome such problems, known solutions include forcing a firmware update on all devices in the network by overwriting the non-volatile memory of these devices. However, this is a complex and often dangerous procedure that can irreparably damage the devices, necessitating the replacement of such "bricked" devices. More specifically, if the operation of updating the firmware stored in the non-volatile memory (the same memory from which the firmware is read and executed at boot) is interrupted for any reason (power outage, external disturbance, etc.), the non-volatile memory can be left in an inconsistent state, i.e., its contents are aborted and it can no longer execute correctly or at all the next time the system reboots. In some cases, this condition can be detected using checksum techniques, making it possible to return the device to the update phase. However, in other cases, the checksum techniques cannot detect the anomaly and the aborted contents of the non-volatile memory cause the processor to execute an erroneous operation. In such critical cases, the device cannot return to the update phase and the only recovery option is to erase the non-volatile memory using special hardware tools. This is called "bricking" because the device loses all functionality and can only be used as a material block, paperweight or "brick". Summary of the Invention

[0013] The object of the present invention is to provide an inspection system and method that overcomes the above mentioned drawbacks by efficiently and quickly providing the latest software versions, in particular firmware versions, to all electronic devices or sensor units connected to the same network without causing a slowdown or interruption of the inspection cycle.

[0014] The claims describe embodiments of the present invention and are an integral part of this specification.

[0015] The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show non-limiting exemplary embodiments of the invention. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 is an overall schematic diagram of an inspection system according to the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a detailed diagram of components of the inspection system of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] 3A-3D illustrate steps of an inspection method according to the invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] In Fig. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes the overall inspection system, said system comprising a number of electronic devices connected to each other, more specifically a sensor unit 2 and a central control unit 3. The central control unit 3 can communicate with a data processing and / or transmitting entity 4.

[0018] Such a data processing and / or transmitting entity 4 may for example include a processor (computer, industrial computer or PLC for industrial process control, computer numerical controller of a machine, etc.) or a computing infrastructure, which may also use cloud computing technologies depending on the application type.

[0019] The inspection system 1 according to the invention is more specifically a distributed inspection system in which the sensor parts 2 represent individual network nodes and the central management part 3 represents a network part or bridge connecting the nodes and interfaces with a data processing and / or transmitting entity 4 via wired or wireless connections.

[0020] The sensor sections (also called nodes) 2 and the central management section (also called network section or bridge) 3 are interconnected to form a communication network which can have various configurations such as star, linear or other known configurations.

[0021] In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the network has a linear configuration, more specifically a daisy-chain configuration, i.e. individual nodes 2 are connected in sequence by cables via a single communication channel (schematically represented by arrows), with the nodes at the ends of the "chain" being connected to a central management unit 3.

[0022] Preferably, the communication channel is a serial Ethernet channel, alternatively, the communication channel can be a channel based on a different standard, such as USB, RS485, RS232, CAN bus or a generic field bus.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment (not shown), each node 2 is connected to the communication channel by a suitably sized T-connector with a very small footprint.

[0024] As an alternative to a wired connection, the communication channel may be wireless.

[0025] The network may include any number of sensor units 2 .

[0026] As mentioned above, the sensor units 2 connected to the network can be of the same or different types, can perform different inspections (before, during and after the machining or production process of the workpiece) and can use different types of technologies.

[0027] For example, the network may include contact or non-contact sensors or probes (e.g., implementing optical, acoustic or pneumatic technologies) for dimensional and / or shape inspection, sensors or probes for inspecting temperature or vibration during machining of a workpiece or during a production process, cameras, devices for inspecting the machining of mechanical workpieces in machine tools and in grinding wheel balancing systems.

[0028] According to the invention, each sensor unit or node 2 in the network is provided with a control and communication unit 5 which comprises a processing unit 8 such as a processor or in particular a microprocessor, and a memory device 6. The memory device 6 in turn comprises a non-volatile memory device 6' (e.g. a flash memory) and a volatile memory device 6'' (or random access memory, RAM), which are diagrammatically indicated in the drawings by means of a rectangle.

[0029] The control and communication section 5 of each node 2 also includes an interface element 7 that enables the node 2 to interface with a communication channel.

[0030] The memory device 6 may host the software of the control and communication unit 5 .

[0031] Each node 2, and more specifically the microprocessor 8 of the control and communication section 5 of each node 2, is provided with software, more specifically firmware, including a service application or boot loader and a management application, both of which are designed to interface with the network section 3 via a communication channel.

[0032] The service application is kept in the non-volatile memory device 6' and does not normally require updating. The function of the service application is to enable the node 2 to receive the current version of the management application every time the inspection system 1 is powered up.

[0033] The management application is transmitted from a data processing and / or transmitting entity 4 to all nodes 2 via a communication channel.

[0034] Preferably, the management application is distributed by the network part 3 to all the nodes.

[0035] According to a preferred embodiment, the data processing and / or management applications transmitted by the transmitting entity 4 are first stored in the network part 3 and then distributed to all nodes 2 .

[0036] The loading or downloading of management applications into each node 2 is made possible by special instructions executed both on the bridge side and on the node side, in particular by the service application of the latter.

[0037] According to a preferred embodiment, the management application of the network-connected sensor part 2 is stored in a non-volatile memory in the network part 3 and is not erased each time the inspection system 1 is switched off.

[0038] The management applications stored in the network part 3 can be updated, modified and replaced by the data processing and / or transmitting entity 4 using dedicated procedures outside the system's normal testing cycles when more recent software versions are available or when changes need to be made to the software.

[0039] The invention also relates to a method for inspecting an industrial production process and / or properties such as the size and / or shape of a workpiece using a plurality of sensor units 2 and a central control unit 3 connected together to form a network.

[0040] The steps of this method are explained below with reference to the block diagram shown in FIG.

[0041] When the inspection system 1 is started (block B1), i.e. when it is powered on after a shutdown or unpowered period, a service application (boot loader) in the microprocessor 8 of the control and communication unit 5 of each sensor unit 2 starts automatically (block B2) and causes the microprocessor 8 of the control and communication unit 5 of each sensor unit 2 to wait (block B3) to receive a management application via the communication channel. In other words, the service application causes the control and communication unit (5) of each sensor unit (2) to wait for a management application sent from the data processing and / or transmitting entity (4) to be received via the communication channel.

[0042] According to a preferred embodiment, this step of the method defines the standby state of the sensor part 2 .

[0043] The management application comprises executable code that includes a set of commands defined by an appropriate protocol for managing the operation of the sensor unit 2 as a whole.

[0044] Different commands may be used depending on the function of each sensor unit 2. In each case there is a specific command that enables the sensor unit 2 to interpret the data received from that moment onwards as code to be executed once reception is complete.

[0045] A management application is received and written (block B4) into the volatile memory device 6'' of the control and communication part 5 of each sensor part 2. According to a preferred embodiment, this step of the method defines the reception status of the sensor part 2.

[0046] Specifically, the executable code that each sensor unit 2 in the inspection system 1 awaits to receive is represented by files broken down into code packages that can be transmitted over the aforementioned communication channels.

[0047] The received code package is written in the form of executable code into a volatile memory device 6 ″ of the control and communication section 5 of each sensor section 2 .

[0048] According to a preferred embodiment, each sensor unit 2 remains in a standby state until a first code package is received from the management application.

[0049] Following reception of the first code package, each sensor unit 2, or more precisely the microprocessor 8 of each sensor unit 2, switches to a receive state and remains waiting to receive all code packages following the first code package until the reception is complete (which can be identified in a known manner by a specific value contained in a given code package). In other words, in the receive state, each sensor unit 2 waits for all code packages following the first code package until all code packages have been received.

[0050] In the receive state, the received code package is written into the volatile memory device 6 ″ of the control and communication section 5 of each sensor section 2 .

[0051] Preferably, when the management application is received, the microprocessor 8 of each sensor unit 2 performs (block B5) an integrity check of the received management application, more specifically the received code package, using known techniques (e.g. checksum techniques, cyclic redundancy check (CRC) techniques, etc.) If this verification fails, the verification is stopped and an error is reported to the network unit 3.

[0052] Once the management application has been received and approval of the integrity check has been provided, the microprocessor 8 of each sensor unit 2 switches to the management application execution phase (block B6) and each sensor unit 2 runs its normal operating cycle, implementing the functions provided by the management application until the testing system 1 is powered off (block B7).

[0053] According to a preferred embodiment, every time the inspection system 1 starts up there is a self-learning phase during which the network unit 3 queries all sensor units 2 connected to the network to detect the number and / or type of connected sensor units. This phase is useful for the subsequent distribution operation of the management application.

[0054] As mentioned above, a structural difference between the inspection system 1 according to the invention and known systems is that the software (or firmware) governing the operation of node 2 is loaded into node 2 each time inspection system 1 is powered on or started, whereas in known solutions such firmware is maintained in non-volatile memory within the node.

[0055] Thus, to update or change the firmware of a node in a known system, it is necessary to stop operation of the entire system and manually reprogram the firmware of the node needing the update, or if necessary, reprogram the entire network.

[0056] Instead, in the measurement system according to the present invention, the use of a volatile memory 6'' in the control and communication unit 5 of each node 2 means that the software managing the operation of the node 2, temporarily stored in the control and communication unit 5 of each individual node 2, and more specifically in the management application, is erased every time the test system 1 is switched off and is automatically reloaded into the control and communication unit 5 of each node 2 every time the test system 1 is started up again.

[0057] The management application that is loaded into the control and communication part 5 of each node 2 each time the inspection system 1 is started is the version transmitted by the data processing and / or transmitting entity 4 at that time.

[0058] This version may be the version loaded when the inspection system 1 was previously started, if no changes have occurred in the meantime, or it may be a more recent or other different version, if a new version or a version containing changes has been transmitted by the data processing and / or transmitting entity 4 in the meantime.

[0059] As mentioned above, the management application, which is loaded and written to the volatile memory device 6'' each time the inspection system 1 is started, is the software portion of the microprocessor 8 that manages the overall operation of the node 2. The service application, which is kept in the non-volatile memory device 6'' and does not have to be loaded each time the system 1 is started, represents the minimum software portion used to receive the management application.

[0060] As mentioned above, various electronic devices or sensor units can be connected to the network. Each type of sensor unit 2 may correspond to a different management application. In this case, for each type of sensor unit connected to the network, a different management application, more specifically a different code package corresponding to the management application, is transmitted by the data processing and / or transmitting entity 4.

[0061] Each time the inspection system 1 starts up, a corresponding management application is distributed to each node 2 .

[0062] According to a preferred embodiment, for each type of node 2 a different code package (corresponding to a management application) is stored in the network part 3. When the inspection system 1 starts up, the network part 3 distributes the appropriate code package to each node 2, said code package being stored in a volatile memory device 6'' of the control and communication part 5 of each node 2.

[0063] Interoperability between all network components, i.e. the individual sensor parts 2 and the network part 3, is guaranteed, regardless of any characteristics of the loaded management application, which depends on the type of node 2 to which said management application is associated.

[0064] In other words, regardless of any characteristics that the management application may have depending on the type of sensor unit 2 that it has to manage, the ability to interact and exchange information between the sensor unit 2 connected to the network and the network unit 3, as well as the ability to use this information and interact with each other to operate the network and the inspection system 1 in general, is guaranteed.

[0065] Firmware can take several minutes to download, so each time the inspection system 1 is powered on, there can be a significant wait time.

[0066] According to a preferred embodiment, in order to overcome this drawback and complete the loading of the firmware and therefore the power-on of the inspection system 1 in a very small amount of time that is imperceptible to the operator, a very fast communication channel is used, with this operation being completed in just a few seconds.

[0067] Indeed, an Ethernet communication channel is implemented in the inspection system 1 according to the invention to allow high speed communication.

[0068] Specifically, the implementation according to the present invention involves omitting several layers of protocol software typically used in Ethernet channels, thereby optimizing performance in terms of transmission bandwidth.

[0069] More specifically, it used the lowest layer of the Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP / IP), which stops at protocol layer 2 of the International Organization for Standardization / Open Systems Interconnection (ISO / OSI) model, to which it added its own proprietary protocols.

[0070] In other words, the Ethernet communication channel used in the present invention implements up to layer 2 protocols of the ISO / OSI reference model, with proprietary protocols being used at the higher layers of said reference model.

[0071] Since there is no mechanism for encapsulation or retransmission of code packages, the Ethernet channel is essentially used in the same manner as a Universal Asynchronous Transmitter / Receiver (UART), but very efficiently in terms of actual transmission capacity or throughput.

[0072] In addition to the high connection speed between the network components, the communication channels used in the present invention also have advantages in terms of the measurement acquisition speed and the number of measurement points: for example, in a network with 100 nodes, up to 4500 measurements per second can be acquired.

[0073] A further advantage of the inspection system 1 according to the present invention is that the use of volatile memory devices avoids the risks associated with forced updates of system components, i.e. operations that may cause bricking, or more generally permanent damage, of electronic devices in the network.

[0074] Another advantage is that each time the inspection system 1 is started, there is an option to configure the behavior of each node 2 in the associated measurement cycle. If a node can perform several functions, it is possible to configure what type of test the node should perform in that particular inspection cycle. The management application delivered at each start-up of the inspection system 1 and loaded into a given node 2 contains the instructions necessary to start the functions of said node 2 required for the type of test to be performed. In other words, the management application received from the control and communication unit 5 of each sensor unit 2 selectively enables the functions of the sensor unit 2 required for a particular inspection cycle.

[0075] For example, a sensor unit that performs a dimensional test and includes an HBT transducer may use the same hardware to perform a temperature test in a known manner. When the test system 1 starts up, the data processing and / or transmitting entity 4 or the network unit 3 determines which type of test a particular sensor unit should perform in that particular test cycle and, depending on the requirement, sends a management application containing the necessary instructions to that sensor unit to perform one of the two tests.

[0076] According to alternative embodiments, data relating to the operation of the sensor unit 2 may also be stored in a non-volatile memory device 6' within the control and communication unit 5 of each sensor unit 2. If the sensor unit 2 performs dimensional inspection, for example, the stored data may include calibration and linearization data.

[0077] Data stored in such a non-volatile memory device 6' is not erased when the inspection system 1 is switched off and can be modified as required using appropriate commands.

[0078] In the inspection system 1 described so far, the central control unit 3 is a separate component from the other system components, or it can be directly integrated into the data processing and / or transmitting entity 4 while continuing to function as a network part.

[0079] In the test system 1 according to the invention, the firmware of all nodes 2 connected to the same network is loaded every time the test system 1 is started, thus ensuring a high degree of compatibility between the network components.

[0080] This overcomes the incompatibility problems that are typical of known systems, which are associated with replacing a node that is no longer functional or that needs to be replaced, for example due to the requirements of a test to be performed, with a node that is more up-to-date or has a firmware version that is different from the firmware versions of the other nodes of the system and that is not compatible with the rest of the devices already connected to the network.

[0081] The inspection system 1 according to the invention is also very flexible and scalable.

[0082] According to a preferred embodiment, the inspection system 1 according to the invention is able to reconfigure itself automatically every time it is started up. As described above with reference to the inspection method, when the inspection system 1 is started up, the network part 3 is able to carry out an inspection of the number and / or type of nodes 2 connected to the network, i.e. a self-learning operation of the network state. This allows the network part 3 to understand which nodes 2 are connected to the network, whether one or more nodes have been disconnected or, conversely, whether any node has been replaced or added. Based on the result of this verification, the network part distributes to the individual nodes 2 management applications necessary for the operation of the individual nodes and thus for the operation of the inspection system 1.

[0083] The network part 3 can select and distribute the software stored therein in a phase separate from the test cycle. As mentioned above, the software contained within the network part 3 is modified by the data processing and / or transmitting entity 4 before the start of the test cycle.

[0084] As shown in the figure, the memory device 6 within the control and communication section 5 of each individual node 2 may be connected to or incorporated into a microprocessor 8 .

[0085] As explained, each sensor unit 2 has, among other things, a control and communication unit 5 that enables the sensor unit 2 to interface with the network and thus to connect and interact with other sensor units 2 and with the network unit 3. Such a control and communication unit 5 can be integrated into the sensor unit 2 or can be external and connected to the sensor unit 2 by a connection means such as a cable. Preferably, the connection between the sensor unit 2 and the corresponding control and communication unit 5 is unbreakable. If external to the sensor unit 2, the control and communication unit 5 is preferably located in close proximity to the sensor unit 2.

[0086] A further advantage of the inspection system 1 according to the invention is that the same hardware can be used for all control and communication units 5, regardless of the type of sensor unit 2 for which the control and communication unit 5 is used.

[0087] When incorporated in the sensor unit 2 , the control and communication unit 5 is preferably incorporated in the electronics of the sensor unit 2 which controls the operation of the sensor unit 2 .

[0088] As mentioned above, the inspection system 1 according to the present invention may include electronic devices designed to inspect characteristics such as the size and / or shape of a workpiece, among other types of devices.

[0089] Such an electronic device may, for example, include an axial linear gauge head, also called a pencil probe, which typically comprises a cylindrical spindle which slides axially in the longitudinal direction in a casing by means of a guiding device and which has at one end a feeler adapted to contact the workpiece to be inspected, the casing also comprising a transducer at least partially connected to the same spindle, for example at the end opposite the end having the feeler, so that the displacement of the feeler and thus the spindle after contact with the workpiece to be inspected can be measured in a known manner.

[0090] The transducer may be an inductive transducer, such as a Linear Variable Differential Transducer (LVDT) or preferably a Half-Bridge Transformer (HBT), providing an analog signal as a function of the feeler displacement in a known manner. Transducers implementing different technologies, such as optical, magnetic, capacitive or other transducers, may also be used.

[0091] According to a preferred embodiment, the gauge head is equipped with electronics designed to receive the output signals from the transducers and convert said signals into digital signals in a known manner. These electronics also include a control and communication unit 5 that allows the gauge head to interface with a network. The control and communication unit is then integrated into the gauge head and placed inside the casing of said gauge head.

[0092] Alternatively, the control and communication section 5 may be located in an element external to the gauge head, typically located near the gauge head and connected to the gauge head by a cable or other connection means.

[0093] As mentioned above, the output signals from each node 2 are preferably digital, regardless of device type, which ensures greater immunity to noise and good quality of the transmitted signal, regardless of signal path length.

[0094] By locating the control and communication unit 5, which enables connection and interaction with the network, external to the individual sensor units 2, it becomes possible for electronic devices to be connected to the network as nodes even if they are inherently or technically unable to interface with the network and other devices connected to the network.

[0095] According to a preferred embodiment, the network-connected sensor unit 2 is provided with a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature changes occurring in the sensor unit 2 during a test cycle, irrespective of the test that said sensor unit is going to perform. By means of an appropriate firmware configuration, thermal compensation may also be implemented.

Claims

1. An inspection system (1) for inspecting the characteristics of an industrial production process and / or a workpiece, A network unit (3) adapted to communicate with a data processing and / or transmission entity (4), A plurality of sensor units (2) connected to each other and to the network unit (3), each sensor unit (2) is provided with a control and communication unit (5) comprising a processing unit (8) having software, a memory device (6) adapted to host the software of the processing unit (8), and an interface element (7), A communication channel connecting the plurality of sensor units (2) and the network unit (3), Equipped with, The inspection system (1) is, The memory device (6) housed in the control and communication unit (5) of each sensor unit (2) comprises a non-volatile memory device (6') and a volatile memory device (6''), The software of the control unit (2) and the processing unit (8) of the control and communication unit (5) of each sensor unit (2) includes a management application for managing the operation of the sensor unit (2) and a service application that enables the processing unit (8) to receive the management application. The service application is stored in the non-volatile memory device (6') of the control and communication unit (5) and is adapted to start automatically when the inspection system (1) is started. The management application transmitted from the data processing and / or transmission entity (4) to each sensor unit (2) is received by the control and communication unit (5) and written to the volatile memory device (6'') of the control and communication unit (5) each time the control system (1) is started. An inspection system (1) characterized by the following.

2. The inspection system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the management application is distributed to each of the sensor units (2) by the network unit (3) each time the inspection system (1) is started.

3. The inspection system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the communication channel is a high-speed Ethernet communication channel.

4. The inspection system (1) according to claim 3, wherein the Ethernet communication channel implements up to the second layer protocol of the ISO / OSI (International Organization for Standardization / Open Systems Interconnection) reference model.

5. The inspection system (1) according to claim 4, wherein a proprietary protocol is used in the upper layers of the ISO / OSI reference model.

6. The inspection system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control and communication unit (5) is incorporated into the sensor unit (2).

7. The inspection system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control and communication unit (5) is connected to the sensor unit (2) by a connecting element.

8. The management application includes multiple code packages, and the control and communication unit (5) of each sensor unit (2) After the service application is automatically started, the control and communication unit (5) of each sensor unit (2) enters a standby state to wait for the management application to be received via the communication channel, and the control and communication unit (5) remains in the standby state until it receives the first code package of the management application. After the management application receives the first code package, the management application switches to a receive state in which it is received and written to the volatile memory device (6'') of the control and communication unit (5), and the control and communication unit (5) remains in the receive state until all code packages following the first code package are received. Run the aforementioned management application, The inspection cycle is executed until the power to the inspection system (1) is turned off, and the functions provided by the management application are implemented. An inspection system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, configured as follows.

9. An inspection method for inspecting the characteristics of an industrial production process and / or workpiece by an inspection system comprising: a network unit (3) adapted to communicate with a data processing and / or transmitting entity (4); a plurality of sensor units (2) connected to each other and to the network unit (3) by communication channels, each sensor unit (2) having a processing unit (8) having software including a service application and a management application; a memory device (6) comprising a non-volatile memory device (6') and a volatile memory device (6''), a memory device (6) adapted to host the software of the processing unit (8); and an interface element (7); Steps to start the inspection system (1), The steps include: automatically starting the service application held in the non-volatile memory device (6') of the control and communication unit (5) of each sensor unit (2); The service application provides the service application a step of causing the control and communication unit (5) of each sensor unit (2) to wait for the management application transmitted from the data processing and / or transmitting entity (4) to be received via the communication channel, The steps include receiving the management application and writing it to the volatile memory device (6'') of the control and communication unit (5) of each sensor unit (2), The steps include: executing the management application by the control unit (2) of each sensor unit (2) and the processing unit (8) of the communication unit (5); A step of executing the inspection cycle until the power to the inspection system (1) is turned off, wherein each sensor unit (2) implements the function provided by the management application, An inspection method comprising the following features.

10. The aforementioned management application includes multiple code packages, The service application defines the standby state of the sensor unit (2) by instructing the control and communication unit (5) of each sensor unit (2) to wait for the management application to be received via the communication channel. The step of receiving the management application and writing it to the volatile memory device (6'') of the control and communication unit (5) of each sensor unit (2) defines the reception state of the sensor unit (2). The inspection method according to claim 9, Each sensor unit (2) remains in the standby state until it receives the first code package of the management application. After the management application receives the first code package, each sensor unit (2) switches to the receiving state and waits for all subsequent code packages until all code packages have been received. An inspection method characterized by the following features.

11. The inspection method according to claim 9 or 10, further comprising the step of checking the integrity of the management application by the control unit (2) of each sensor unit (2) and the processing unit (8) of the communication unit (5) after receiving the management application.

12. The inspection method according to claim 9 or 10, further comprising the step of implementing a self-learning phase in which, after the inspection system (1) is started, the network unit (3) queries all of the sensor units (2) to detect the number and / or types of the sensor units (2).

13. The inspection method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the management application received by the control and communication unit (5) of each sensor unit (2) is distributed by the network unit (3).

14. The inspection method according to claim 13, wherein the management application distributed by the network unit (3) is stored in a non-volatile memory device housed in the network unit (3).

15. The inspection method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the management application received by the control and communication unit (5) of each sensor unit (2) selectively enables the function of the sensor unit (2) required for the particular inspection cycle.

16. An inspection system (1) for inspecting the characteristics of an industrial production process and / or a workpiece, A network unit (3) adapted to communicate with a data processing and / or transmission entity (4), A plurality of sensor units (2) connected to each other and to the network unit (3), each sensor unit (2) is provided with a control and communication unit (5) comprising a processing unit (8) having software, a memory device (6) adapted to host the software of the processing unit (8), and an interface element (7), It comprises a communication channel connecting the plurality of sensor units (2) and the network unit (3), The inspection system (1) is, The memory device (6) housed in the control and communication unit (5) of each sensor unit (2) comprises a non-volatile memory device (6') and a volatile memory device (6''), The inspection system (1) implements the inspection method described in claim 9 or claim 10. An inspection system (1) characterized by the following.

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