Meter interface display system

Abstract

When the state of a measuring instrument is displayed to a remote location via a network, internal information such as the input connection state is not displayed, and the state of the measuring instrument can only be confirmed by going to the location where the measuring instrument is installed.SOLUTION: A remote monitoring device acquires measuring instrument information indicating a lighting lamp and a setting state of a measuring instrument, and acquires an operation operation surface image on the basis of all or a part of a held operation surface image of the measuring instrument and the acquired measuring instrument information. To display internal information which is measuring instrument information which cannot be expressed on an operation screen image in association with the operation screen image. To provide a measuring instrument interface display system for accepting the operation of a setting button reproduced in an operation screen image and browsing the held operation screen image through a network.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a measuring instrument interface display system comprising a measuring instrument and a remote monitoring device, and to a technique for allowing the remote monitoring device to view an image of the operating operation screen of the measuring instrument via a network. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, in hot press molding of carbon fiber-reinforced plastics used in aircraft fuselage exteriors, the components being processed are heated with a heater, and the temperature distribution and its transition are continuously measured during the processing operation using thermometers consisting of numerous thermocouples and resistance thermometers to control the temperature. Measurement data is acquired using multiple voltage measuring instruments with a predetermined number of terminals to measure the voltage between the terminals of the numerous thermocouples. Wires from the numerous thermocouples are connected to the measuring instruments, and their operation surfaces are equipped with setting buttons for setting measurement conditions and status indicator lamps. The measuring instruments are often installed near the component processing site within the processing workshop. To prevent workers in the processing workshop from accidentally touching or unplugging the connected wiring when passing by or working near the measuring instruments, the measuring instruments are often hidden from view by terminal covers that cover the wiring connections.

[0003] Patent document 1 discloses an invention in which, regarding a waveform recording device connected to an external PC device in a remote location, the waveform recording device outputs functional data to the PC that assigns functions equivalent to those of various electronic components for operation arranged in the operation section of the actual device, and operation control of each part of the waveform recording device is performed in accordance with operation control data output in response to operations on pseudo electronic components on the pseudo operation section of the waveform recording device displayed on the external PC monitor. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2001-124597 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In Patent Document 1, only settings that can be electronically configured by operating electronic components arranged on the waveform recorder's operation panel are displayed on the external PC. This is presumably because the electronic data is processed internally in the waveform recorder and can then be output externally via a network. Therefore, information that is not electronically processed, such as the wiring connections of wiring terminals, cannot be output to the external PC. Therefore, for such information, the user must visit the installation site and see the actual device. Thus, for example, visual information about mechanical structure that can be observed externally cannot be displayed on the external PC. Also, an example of remotely operating multiple waveform recorders by switching between a pseudo operation panel and a pseudo display panel displayed on a PC monitor is disclosed. However, this disclosed technology has the problem that when multiple measuring instruments are connected and used, the connected status of multiple measuring instruments cannot be viewed on a single screen on a remote PC monitor at the same time.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a measuring instrument interface display system comprising a remote monitoring device and a measuring instrument. The system accepts operations on setting buttons displayed on an operation screen reproduced as an image of the operating operation screen of a measuring instrument in its operating state via the setting buttons on the reproduced operation screen, performs the same operations as those performed using the actual setting buttons on the measuring instrument, displays internal information, i.e., measuring instrument information that cannot be expressed in the operating operation screen image, in association with the operation screen image, and allows the operating operation screen image to be viewed over a network. Using the measuring instrument interface display system of the present invention, a measuring instrument can be operated while viewing the operating operation screen image of the measuring instrument, even from a remote location far from the measuring instrument. Furthermore, internal information, such as visual information about the mechanical structure that can be observed from outside, such as information showing the wiring status of measurement sensors to the measuring instrument or information showing the connection status of multiple measuring instruments, can be displayed and confirmed remotely. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides, as a first invention, A light (AA) indicates the status of the measuring instrument (A), The setting button (AB) for setting the measuring instrument (A), An operation surface (AC) having a setting status storage unit (AD) for storing the setting status of the measuring instrument (A); a measuring instrument (A) having a measuring instrument information transmitting unit (AE) for transmitting measuring instrument information, which is information on the state of the lighting lamp (AA) and the setting state of the measuring instrument (A), to a remote monitoring device (B) described later; a measuring instrument information acquisition unit (BA) that acquires measuring instrument information; an operation surface image storage unit (BB) for storing an image of the operation surface of the measuring instrument (A); an operating operation surface image acquisition unit (BC) that acquires an operating operation surface image, which is an operation surface image of the operating state of the measuring instrument (A), based on the stored operation surface image and all or part of the acquired measuring instrument information; a setting button operation receiving unit (BD) for receiving an operation of a setting button displayed on an operation surface reproduced in the image of the operating operation surface by using the setting button on the reproduced operation surface, and performing the same operation as that performed by the actual setting button (AB) of the measuring instrument (A); an internal information display unit (BE) that displays internal information, which is measuring instrument information that cannot be expressed on the operation screen image, in association with the operation screen image; an operating operation surface image viewing reception unit (BF) for allowing the stored operating operation surface image to be viewed via a network; A remote monitoring device (B) having The present invention provides an instrument interface display system comprising:

[0008] Furthermore, as a second invention, based on the first invention, There is one or more measuring instruments (A), and the operating operation surface image viewing reception unit (BF) provides a measuring instrument interface system that allows the operating operation surface images of the one or more measuring instruments (A) to be viewed simultaneously on a single web page.

[0009] Furthermore, as a third invention, based on the first or second invention of the present invention, The measuring instrument (A) provides a measuring instrument interface system that includes a master measuring instrument and a slave measuring instrument, and the master measuring instrument is capable of collecting information from at least one or more slave measuring instruments.

[0010] Furthermore, as a fourth invention, The present invention provides a remote monitoring device (B) according to the first or second invention.

[0011] Furthermore, there are also provided a method for operating the measuring instrument interface system that is the computer of the first and second inventions, and a program for causing the measuring instrument interface system that is the computer of the first and second inventions to execute the method. The program may be recorded on a recording medium. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] The present invention provides a measuring instrument interface display system comprising a remote monitoring device and a measuring instrument, which accepts operations on setting buttons displayed on an operation screen reproduced as an operating operation screen image, which is an image of the operating state of a measuring instrument, via the setting buttons on the reproduced operation screen, performs the same operations as those performed using the actual setting buttons on the measuring instrument, displays internal information, i.e., measuring instrument information that cannot be expressed in the operating operation screen image, in association with the operation screen image, and allows the operating operation screen image to be viewed over a network. Using the measuring instrument interface display system of the present invention, it is possible to operate the measuring instrument while viewing the operating operation screen image of the measuring instrument, even from a remote location far from the instrument. Furthermore, it is possible to display and check internal information, such as visual information about the mechanical structure that can be observed from outside, such as information showing the wiring status of sensors to the measuring instrument or information showing the connection status of multiple measuring instruments, even from a remote location. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a measurement instrument interface system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is an operational flowchart showing the processing flow of the measuring instrument interface system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] Hardware configuration diagram of the measuring instrument (A) of the measuring instrument interface system of embodiment 1 [Figure 4] Hardware configuration diagram of the remote monitoring device (B) of the measuring instrument interface system of embodiment 1 [Figure 5] Schematic diagram showing an example of use of the measuring instrument interface system of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a measuring instrument interface system according to the present invention. [Figure 7a] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen of a measuring instrument according to the present invention. [Figure 7b] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the measuring instrument of the present invention with the terminal cover removed from the operation panel. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a measuring instrument according to the present invention; [Figure 9a] FIG. 1 shows an example of a display screen of the measuring instrument interface system of the present invention. [Figure 9b] FIG. 2 shows an example of a display screen of the measuring instrument interface system of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 3 shows an example of a display screen of the measuring instrument interface system of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 shows an example of a display screen of the measuring instrument interface system of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 5 shows an example of a display screen of the measuring instrument interface system of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention should not be limited to these embodiments and can be embodied in various forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0015] <Examples of use of the measuring instrument interface system of the present invention>

[0016] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a measuring instrument interface system of the present invention. In the example of FIG. 5, measuring instrument (A) (0510) is composed of one master (0561) and three slaves (slave 1 (0562), slave 2 (0563), and slave 3 (0564)). The master (0561), slave 1 (0562), slave 2 (0563), and slave 3 (0564) that make up measuring instrument (0510) are connected to a bus (AF) (0516) for mutual communication. Although not shown, a power supply line that runs parallel to the bus and supplies power to the master and each slave is also arranged. The example of FIG. 5 is configured so that each slave acquires measurement results from a measurement sensor. A measurement sensor is connected to the measuring instrument information acquisition unit (AG) (0517) of each slave, and measurement results are acquired from the measurement sensor, such as a thermocouple or resistance temperature detector. The measuring instrument information acquisition unit (AG) (0517) converts the physical quantity input from the measurement sensor (e.g., thermoelectric power for a thermocouple, or voltage value for a constant current for a resistance thermometer) into the desired physical quantity (e.g., temperature) and acquires it. The acquired measurement results are sent to the master (0561) via the bus (0516).

[0017] The setting status of each slave's operation panel (0513B-D), which consists of lighting lamps (0511B-D) that indicate the status of each slave and setting buttons (0512B-D) for setting each slave, is stored in the setting status information storage unit (AD) (0514B-D) of each slave. Similarly, the master (0561) stores its setting status in its setting status storage unit (0514A). Then, measuring instrument information, which is information including the setting status of the master and each slave, is transmitted from the master's measuring instrument information transmission unit (AE) (0515) to the remote monitoring device (B) (0520). Note that while FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a configuration in which only the master (0561) has a measuring instrument information transmission unit (AE), the master and all slaves may have a measuring instrument information transmission unit (AE), or a configuration in which a communication slave having a measuring instrument information transmission unit (AE) is added in addition to the master and measurement slaves may also be used.

[0018] The measuring instrument information transmitted from the measuring instrument information transmitting unit (AE) (0515) of the measuring instrument (A) (0510) via the LAN (0550) is acquired by the measuring instrument information acquiring unit (BA) (0521) of the remote monitoring device (B) (0520). Note that the measuring instrument information transmitted from the measuring instrument (A) (0510) can also be configured to be sent from the LAN (0550) to the remote monitoring device (B) (0520) via the firewall gateway (0553) and the Internet line (0540).

[0019] An operation screen image acquisition unit (BC) (0523) acquires an operation screen image of the operating state of the measuring instrument that transmitted the measuring instrument information based on all or part of the measuring instrument information acquired by the measuring instrument information acquisition unit (BA) (0521) of the remote monitoring device (B) and the operation screen image stored in the operation screen image storage unit (BB) (0522) of the remote monitoring device (B). Although not shown, a setting button operation reception unit (BD) (0524) accepts operations by an input device such as a mouse on a setting button in the operation screen image displayed on a display connected to the remote monitoring device (B). The display can also be configured as a touch panel display to accept operations by a finger or a touch pen. It is preferable that the setting button operation that has been received is configured so that setting button operation information, which is information indicating the received setting button operation, is output from the setting button operation information output unit, and the operating operation surface image acquisition unit (BC) updates the operating operation surface image, or the setting button operation information transmission unit transmits the information to the measuring instrument (A), and the measuring instrument (A) that receives the setting button operation information changes to the setting corresponding to the setting button operation information. The setting button operation information output unit and setting button operation information transmission unit can be further configured to be included within the remote monitoring device (B).

[0020] In the example of Figure 5, the slave is described as being configured only as an analog input module that accepts the current and voltage measurement results from the connected measurement sensor, but it can also be configured as a digital signal output module for controlling a heater or the like (e.g., on / off control, PWM control), a digital input module that accepts input of the number of contact operations in a flow meter or the like, or a combination of analog input modules, analog output modules, digital signal output modules, and digital input modules.

[0021] The bus in FIG. 5 can be, for example, a general-purpose serial communication path (e.g., RS-485, etc.) as a serial communication path. It is also possible to use not only one type of bus, but also a configuration in which buses of other specifications are used in parallel. For example, a high-speed bus can be used to send and receive measurement results between a slave module and a master module, and a bus other than the high-speed bus (which may be slower than the bus for sending and receiving measurement results) can be used to send and receive measuring instrument information, which is information on setting status, and the setting button operation information. Note that the bus is not limited to the above examples (serial communication path, general-purpose serial communication path). Other communication path technologies can also be used.

[0022] Each of the components described below can be realized by a combination of hardware and software. Specifically, for those using a computer, examples include hardware components such as a CPU, main memory, nonvolatile memory such as flash memory or SSD, storage media such as CDs or DVDs and their media read drives, a DMAC (Direct Memory Access Controller), an internal bus, an external bus, cache memory, buffer memory, a bus controller, a buffer memory controller, a cache memory controller, an input device used for information input, a PLC, a recorder, a PC, various sensors (for temperature, humidity, gas concentration, flow rate, pressure, magnetism, illuminance, etc.), a printer or display device, and other external peripheral devices, as well as interfaces for these external peripheral devices, various communication interfaces, LEDs, various switches (for example, DIP switches and toggle switches), a USB interface, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) interface, a tablet terminal, a mobile PC, a smartphone, an Ethernet cable, driver programs and other application programs for controlling these hardware, and user interface applications. The CPU processes data input from input devices and other interfaces and stored in memory or on a hard disk, and generates commands to control the hardware and software described above. Alternatively, the functional blocks of this device may be realized by dedicated hardware.

[0023] Furthermore, the embodiments described herein can be realized not only as methods of operation, but also as devices, some or all of which can be implemented as software. Furthermore, software products used to run such software on a computer, and recording media on which such products are fixed, are naturally included within the technical scope of the embodiments described herein (the same applies throughout this specification).

[0024] In the embodiments in this specification, as an example, the measuring instrument (A) is described as a configuration in which multiple devices (modules) are combined into one measuring instrument (A) (one master module and multiple slave modules), but the measuring instrument (A) may also be configured to include multiple master modules or to consist of only a master module.

[0025] <Embodiment 1> Mainly claims 1 to 6 <Outline of Embodiment 1>

[0026] The measuring instrument interface display system, which is composed of a measuring instrument (A) and a remote monitoring device (B), is configured such that the remote monitoring device (B) acquires measuring instrument information, which is information on the state of the measuring instrument's (A) lighting lamp (AA) and the setting state of the measuring instrument, from the measuring instrument information transmission unit (AE) of the measuring instrument (A), the remote monitoring device (B) acquires an operating operation surface image of the measuring instrument (A), associates internal information, which is measuring instrument information that cannot be expressed on the operating operation surface image, with the operating operation surface image and displays it, and allows the stored operating operation surface image to be viewed via a network. <Functional Configuration of Embodiment 1>

[0027] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a measuring instrument interface display system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the measuring instrument interface display system of the present invention comprises a measuring instrument (A) (0110) having an operation surface (AC) (0113) with a lighting lamp (AA) (0111) and setting buttons (AB) (0112), a setting status storage unit (AD) (0114), and a remote monitoring device (B) (0120) having a measuring instrument information acquisition unit (BA) (0121), an operation surface image storage unit (BB) (0122), an operating operation surface image acquisition unit (BC) (0123), a setting button operation reception unit (BD) (0124), an internal information display unit (BE) (0125), and an operating operation surface image viewing reception unit (BF) (0126). The measuring instrument (A) (0110) and the remote monitoring device (B) (0120) are configured to be able to send and receive information via a network.

[0028] The functional blocks constituting the measuring instrument interface display system described below can be implemented in hardware, software, or both. Specifically, if a computer is used, these include hardware components such as a CPU, main memory, GPU, image memory, graphics card, bus, or secondary storage device (such as a hard disk, nonvolatile memory, CD, or DVD, and a drive for reading these media), input devices such as operation buttons used for information input, a mouse, a touch panel, an electronic pen used solely for touching the touch panel, a joystick or a joystick-like pointer position input device, a printer, and other external peripheral devices, as well as interfaces for these external peripheral devices, temperature sensors, gyro sensors, acceleration sensors, rotation detection sensors, signal processing devices for these sensors, image file processing circuits, speakers, microphones, audio file processing circuits, communication interfaces, encryption devices, biometric authentication devices such as fingerprint authentication devices, palm print authentication devices, and retina authentication devices, and driver programs and other application programs for controlling these hardware. In particular, smartphones, tablet devices, personal computers, data center servers, wired and wireless networks, and interfaces are used.

[0029] The CPU performs arithmetic processing in accordance with the program deployed in main memory, processing and storing data input from input devices and other interfaces and held in memory or hardware, and generating instructions for controlling the hardware and software. The program may be realized as multiple modularized programs, or may be realized as a single program by combining two or more programs.

[0030] The present invention can also be partially configured as software, and storage media on which such software is recorded are naturally included within the technical scope of the present invention (this applies not only to this embodiment but also throughout the entire specification).

[0031] <Configuration of Embodiment 1> <Embodiment 1: Measuring instrument (A): Operation panel (AC): Lighting lamp (AA) (0111)> An "illumination lamp (AA)" (0111) is configured in the operation surface (AC) (0113) to indicate the status of the measuring instrument (A) (0110).

[0032] The state of the measuring instrument (A) indicated by the lit lamp (AA) is, for example, whether the measuring instrument (A) is powered on or off, whether the measurement results from the measurement sensor connected to the measuring instrument (A) have started to be acquired or have finished being acquired and are not being acquired, whether the connection and / or communication with the network is normal or abnormal, whether an abnormality has occurred that interferes with the operation of the measuring instrument (A), whether an abnormality that may cause the measuring instrument (A) to be called is likely to occur, whether a recording medium (hard disk, SSD, memory card such as SD card (registered trademark), USB memory, etc.) is being accessed by writing or reading, whether the recording medium is set (inserted into a slot or USB terminal, etc.) or not set (removed from a slot or USB terminal, etc.), etc.

[0033] The lighting lamp (AA) can also indicate the connection status of each connection terminal, such as which terminal of the measuring instrument (A) the measurement sensor is connected to. Each of the multiple lighting lamps can have its own meaning when lit or unlit, or if the lighting lamp can display multiple colors, each color or blinking pattern can have its own meaning (for example, unlit: power off, green: normal operation, green blinking: communicating, red: abnormal, etc.). Instead of a simple LED, it can also be configured to show the connection status, such as the slave module identification number, as a lamp that can display text, or to display error codes.

[0034] <Embodiment 1: Measuring instrument (A): Operation panel (AC): Setting button (AB) (0112)> The "setting button (AB)" (0112) is configured in the operation surface (AC) (0113) to set the measuring instrument (A) (0110).

[0035] By operating the setting buttons (AB), the setting state of the measuring instrument (A) corresponding to the setting button (AB) can be changed. Examples of setting buttons include a power switch button, an eject button for removing a storage medium such as a memory card, a button for starting acquisition of measurement results measured by a measurement sensor connected to the measuring instrument (A), a button for setting measurement acquisition conditions of the measurement sensor (e.g., current value, voltage value, data acquisition time interval), and a button for setting the transmission time interval for transmitting measurement results to the master module or remote monitoring device (B).

[0036] "Supported" means that in addition to being able to actually use the setting button to set the status of the module in which it is installed, for example, by operating the setting button on the master module, it is possible to set or change the frequency at which measurement results are obtained from the measurement sensor of the slave module under its control, prompt the slave module to send the measurement results it has obtained to the master module, and change the settings for communication with the remote monitoring device (B) (e.g., measuring instrument information, the frequency at which the measurement results are sent, etc.).

[0037] There are two types of setting buttons (AB): those that can obtain setting results electronically, and those that cannot obtain setting results electronically. The former are called electronic setting buttons, and the latter are called mechanical setting buttons. The former are setting buttons that can be operated on an operation surface reproduced by the remote monitoring device (B) described below as an image of the operating operation surface, and operations on the reproduced setting buttons can be reflected in the actual corresponding settings of the measuring instrument (A). The latter are setting buttons that are set by physically switching circuits, such as dip switches, alternate push button switches, toggle switches, and jumper switches. Setting buttons can also be located on surfaces other than the operation surface (e.g., the back side opposite the operation surface) or inside the measuring instrument housing. This type of mechanical setting button is usually used for settings that the user does not change, or that are changed infrequently, such as during initial setup (e.g., setting the date and time information or selecting the communication line type).

[0038] Mechanical setting buttons that physically switch and set circuits do not normally generate electronic data within the device. However, in this invention, mechanical structural information is also digitized via a remote monitoring device (B), and the status set by the setting button is displayed as internal information (described below) in association with the operating control panel image (described below). One possible method of digitization is to detect whether or not current is flowing through the electrical circuits selected or not selected by the switch. This allows for remote confirmation of the mechanical structural status, which would normally require a visit to the site where the measuring instrument (A) is located. This is an important feature of this invention.

[0039] <Embodiment 1: Measuring instrument (A): Operation surface (AC) (0113)> The "operation surface (AC)" (0113) is configured on the measuring instrument (A) (0110) so as to have the lighting lamp (AA) (0111) and the setting button (AB) (0112).

[0040] The operation panel (AC) is the part of the measuring instrument (A) that the user uses to set up the measuring instrument (A) using the setting buttons (AB) and to check the status of the measuring instrument (A) by looking at the lit lamps (AA).

[0041] <Embodiment 1: Measuring Instrument (A): Setting Status Storage Unit (AD) (0114)> The "setting status storage unit (AD)" (0114) is configured in the measuring instrument (A) (0110) to store the setting status of the measuring instrument (A) (0110). This setting status information includes both information that can be displayed on the actual operating panel (AC) of the measuring instrument (A) and information that cannot be displayed. The setting status information of the mechanical setting buttons, which is not displayed in the cited art, is also configured to be acquired as electronic information. Therefore, the setting status storage unit (AD) is configured to store electronically the switch position information of toggle switches, dip switches, and jumper switches. The setting status storage unit (AD) is configured to have a known non-volatile memory such as an EEPROM, flash memory, hard disk, or SSD in order to store the setting status. The non-volatile memory does not have to be a fixed memory built into the device, but may be a removable medium such as a memory card or USB memory.

[0042] The setting status storage unit (AD) stores the setting status, which is the status indicated by the lighting lamp (AA) as in the example described above and the status of the measuring instrument (A) set by the setting button (AB). While Fig. 1 shows an example in which the "master" module, "slave 1" module, and "slave n" module that make up the measuring instrument (A) are each provided with a setting status storage unit (AD), it is also possible to configure the system so that, for example, only the master module is provided with a setting status storage unit (AD), and the setting status of the master module and all slave modules is stored in the setting status storage unit (AD) of the master module.

[0043] Furthermore, the setting status storage unit also stores instrument configuration information, which is information on the module types and arrangement of the "slave 1" to "slave n" modules relative to the master module, and the arrangement is preferably reproduced on the display of the remote monitoring device. In this case, the instrument configuration information is preferably stored in the master module, and the master module is configured to transmit this information to the remote monitoring device (B). However, it is also possible to configure the slave module to store information on adjacent slave modules and transmit this information to the remote monitoring device (B). The number of slave modules is not particularly limited, and it is preferable to configure the instrument configuration information for all connected slave modules to be transmitted to the remote monitoring device (B). While the description here concerns two types of modules, the slave module and the master module, the types of modules are not limited to this, and similar information processing can be configured for an instrument consisting of three or more types of modules. The setting status information stored in the setting status storage unit (AD) is not necessarily limited to the current setting status; information on past setting statuses may also be stored as history.

[0044] <Embodiment 1: Measuring Instrument (A): Measuring Instrument Information Transmitter (AE) (0115)> The "measuring instrument information transmitting unit (AE)" (0115) is configured in the measuring instrument (A) (0110) to transmit measuring instrument information, which is information on the state of the lighting lamp (AA) (0111) and the setting state of the measuring instrument (A) (0110), to the remote monitoring device (B) (0120) described below.

[0045] The setting state information included in the measuring instrument information includes both information that can be displayed on the operation panel (AC) of the actual measuring instrument (A) as described above and information that cannot be displayed.

[0046] The measuring instrument information transmitter (AE) may be provided in each slave module, not just in the master module as shown in Fig. 1. Alternatively, the measuring instrument (A) may be configured such that a communication module separate from the master module has the measuring instrument information transmitter (AE).

[0047] <Embodiment 1 Measuring Instrument (A) (0110)> The "measuring instrument (A)" (0110) is configured to have an operation surface (AC) (0113) having lighting lamps (AA) (0111) and setting buttons (AB) (0112), and a setting status storage unit (AD) (0114). The setting buttons are not limited to mechanical setting buttons, but may include buttons that allow various inputs such as input from a touch panel, input using icons, input using directional keys, and input using a mouse cursor.

[0048] The measuring instrument (A) of this embodiment shown in Figure 1 is configured with multiple devices, but it may also be configured as a single device. Also, in the configuration of Figure 1, the measuring instrument (A) is configured with one master module and n slave modules, but it may also be configured with only the master module. In addition to the mode of supplying power from the master module, for example, a power supply module dedicated to power supply may be added. Also, when measuring the temperature while heating the workpiece with a heater, a digital output module can be added for contact opening and closing operations to adjust the heater temperature. The measuring instrument (A) can be configured by appropriately combining analog input modules, digital output modules, digital input modules, communication modules, power supply modules, etc.

[0049] <Embodiment 1: Remote Monitoring Device (B): Measuring Instrument Information Acquisition Unit (BA) (0121)> The 'measuring instrument information acquisition unit (BA)' (0121) is configured to acquire measuring instrument information.

[0050] The measuring instrument information is information indicating the state of the light (AA) of the measuring instrument (A) and the setting state of the measuring instrument (A), which is transmitted from the measuring instrument (A) connected to the remote monitoring device (B) via a network. The network connecting the measuring instrument (A) and the remote monitoring device (B) can be appropriately selected from existing wired or wireless network technologies such as LAN, Internet line, RS-485, ModBUS (registered trademark), Ethernet (registered trademark), and WiFi (registered trademark).

[0051] <Embodiment 1: Remote monitoring device (B): Operation screen image storage unit (BB) (0122)> The 'operation surface image storage unit (BB)' (0122) is configured to store an image of the operation surface of the measuring instrument (A).

[0052] The operation surface image is an image of the operation surface of the measuring instrument (A) on which the lamps and setting buttons are arranged, as normally seen by a worker or engineer, and is, for example, a photograph of the operation surface of the measuring instrument (A), an illustration image of the operation surface simulating the actual device, etc. It is preferable that the illustration image reproduces the arrangement of the lamps and setting buttons to the extent that it can be recognized as having the same shape as the actual operation surface.

[0053] The operation surface image can be configured to be stored for each combination of the states of the lighting lamp (AA) and the setting button (AB). In such a configuration, when the operating operation surface image acquisition unit (BC) described later acquires an operating operation surface image, it is configured to search for and acquire the operation surface image for the combination of the states of the corresponding lighting lamp (AA) and setting button (AB).

[0054] Alternatively, the operation surface image to be retained may be configured to retain an operation surface image in which the lighting lamp (AA) is, for example, in an off state and the setting button (AB) is in some set state (or the initial state at the time of purchase, or the state shipped from the manufacturer's factory), an image of one lighting lamp (AA) in an on state, and an image of one corresponding setting button in a set state different from the state of the setting switch in the operation surface image. In such a configuration, the operating operation surface image acquisition unit (BC) described below overwrites the lighting lamp image and the setting button image in a different set state in accordance with the setting state of the measuring instrument currently in operation into the corresponding area in the operation surface image to acquire the operating operation surface image described below. Note that if the lighting lamp is a multi-color display lamp, the system is configured to retain lighting images for each color as well.

[0055] <Embodiment 1: Remote monitoring device (B) Operation operation screen image acquisition unit (BC) (0123)> The "operational operation surface image acquisition unit (BC)" (0123) is configured to acquire an operational operation surface image, which is an operation surface image of the operating state of the measuring instrument (A), based on the stored operation surface image and all or part of the acquired measuring instrument information. The acquired operational operation surface image may be photographic data, an illustrated image simulating the actual instrument, or a CG image generated at the time of display. CG images increase the burden on the computer for data processing, but can reduce the amount of data to be stored. Methods for acquiring the operational operation surface image include, but are not limited to, the two examples above. The system may be further configured to have an operational operation surface image storage unit that stores the operational operation surface image.

[0056] The information on the setting status of the measuring instrument (A) included in the measuring instrument information includes both information that can be displayed on the actual operating surface (AC) of the measuring instrument (A) and information that cannot be displayed. The image of the operating surface obtained based on the information that can actually be displayed on the operating surface is obtained based on only part of the measuring instrument information, not all of it.

[0057] When a single measuring instrument (A) is configured by combining multiple devices (e.g., master and slave modules), an operation surface image and an operating operation surface image corresponding to the combination are acquired. To do this, an operation surface image for each device is stored, and measuring instrument information including measuring instrument configuration information indicating the type and arrangement of the various modules of measuring instrument (A) is acquired from measuring instrument (A), and an operating operation surface image is acquired based on the measuring instrument configuration information. It is preferable to configure the measuring instrument (A) configuration information to be acquired periodically while measuring instrument (A) is in operation, or when an abnormality occurs in a module that configures measuring instrument (A) (when a failure occurs, when the possibility of a failure is detected, or when a module is simply removed, added, or replaced). When the configuration of measuring instrument (A) changes (when modules are added, removed, or replaced), the corresponding operating operation surface image can be updated.

[0058] <Embodiment 1: Remote monitoring device (B): Setting button operation reception unit (BD) (0124)> The "setting button operation receiving unit (BD)" (0124) is configured to receive the operation of the setting buttons displayed on the operation surface reproduced in the image of the operational operation surface by the setting buttons on the reproduced operation surface, and to perform the same operation as that performed by the actual setting buttons (AB) of the measuring instrument (A).

[0059] The setting button operations can be accepted by buttons that can obtain the setting results electronically when operated. Setting buttons that cannot obtain the setting results as electronic information, such as toggle switches, dip switches, and jumper switches, require physically moving a knob or jumper to change the setting, and are therefore examples in which the setting button operation acceptance unit (BF) cannot accept operations. For example, if the setting button operation acceptance unit (BD) were configured to accept operations using a dip switch reproduced in the image of the operating operation surface and allow settings to be changed, this would result in a discrepancy with the setting state shown by the dip switch on the actual device when visually inspected, which is not desirable.

[0060] The remote monitoring device (B) is configured to have a built-in display or to connect an external monitor and display the image of the operating operation surface. The remote monitoring device (B) may be a PC. The user can start the software of this system on the PC and use it as a remote monitoring device. Alternatively, the remote monitoring device (B) can be configured to display the image on the monitor or display device of a PC connected from a remote location via a network. A user of this system who wishes to operate the reproduced operation surface can use input devices such as a mouse, touch pen, or touch panel to operate the setting buttons on the operation surface displayed on the operation surface reproduced with the image of the operating operation surface.

[0061] When a user of the remote monitoring device (B) of the present invention clicks on an image area corresponding to a setting button in the operating operation surface image, for example, by clicking on the corresponding image area with a mouse, by holding down the mouse button and moving (dragging) the image area corresponding to the setting button, or by touching, tapping, swiping, or flicking on a touchscreen instead of a mouse, the display of the setting button in the operating operation surface image changes, being pressed or switched, just like an actual setting button. The remote monitoring device (B) can also be configured to further include a setting button operation information storage unit that stores setting button operation information indicating setting button operations accepted by the setting button on the reproduced operation surface. Furthermore, the remote monitoring device (B) can also be configured to include a setting button operation information transmission unit that transmits setting button operation information, which indicates setting button operations accepted by the setting button operation acceptance unit (BD) on the reproduced operation surface, to the measuring instrument (A).

[0062] The measuring instrument (A) that has received the setting button operation information can be configured to change and update the state of its own lighting lamp (AA) and setting state so as to correspond to the setting button operation included in the setting button operation information, and store the changed and updated setting state in the setting state storage unit (AD). It is preferable to transmit the measuring instrument information, which is information on the updated setting state and the state of the lighting lamp (AA), again to the remote monitoring device (B).

[0063] In order to limit the users who can use the setting button operation reception unit (BD), it is preferable to provide a user identification information storage unit that associates and stores authorization information indicating authorization for operation reception and viewing of the operating operation screen image (described later) with user identification information identifying the user, and to accept operations according to the authorization information associated with the user identification information. The setting button operation reception unit (BD) is preferably further configured to include a user operation request reception unit that accepts a request from a user who wishes to operate the setting button reproduced in the operating operation screen image, and a user operation request acceptance determination unit that determines whether the user's operation is permitted. The user operation request is determined to be permitted or not based on authorization information associated with the user identification information identifying the user. It is preferable that only one user be permitted to operate the setting button reproduced in the operating operation screen image at a time. This is because if one user is attempting to change a setting while another user has been granted permission to change the setting at the same time, an operation (setting change) unintended by the one user may be performed. The device may also be configured to further include a user authorization information editing unit that edits the authorization information associated with the user (adding, modifying, or deleting authorization information).

[0064] <Embodiment 1: Remote monitoring device (B) internal information display unit (BE) (0125)> The 'internal information display unit (BE)' (0125) is configured to display internal information, which is measuring instrument information that cannot be expressed on the operating operation surface image, in association with the operating operation surface image.

[0065] Internal information is mechanical structural visual information that can be observed from the outside, such as the state set by mechanical setting buttons, information indicating the wiring status of measurement sensors to a measuring instrument, and information indicating the connection status of multiple measuring instruments. For example, internal information is mechanical structural visual information that can be observed from the outside, such as the state set by infrequently used setting buttons (e.g., DIP switches) installed on the surface of the operation surface or setting buttons hidden by a lid or cover on the surface of the operation surface, and information regarding the position of the connection terminals of measurement sensors connected to measuring instrument (A). This is measuring instrument information that requires changing settings mechanically by moving knobs or changing wiring, and cannot be changed by electronically changing information from a remote location.

[0066] For example, the status of DIP switches located on the operation surface of an actual machine, or the wiring of measurement sensors connected to terminals, can be visually reproduced in the corresponding locations on the image of the operating surface, or a display can be provided that shows the setting status. For DIP switches, jumper switches, or toggle switches located on the operation surface, a display that matches the setting status is provided on the image of the operating surface. The wiring status of the operation surface can be reproduced on the image of the operating surface as if it were connected to the terminals, or it can be displayed schematically as shown in Figure 9b, showing which terminals are connected to which wires, and which terminals are not connected, as shown in Figure 9b. In Figure 9b, the terminals hidden by the terminal cover are superimposed on the terminal cover, and unconnected terminals are shown with diagonal lines drawn across them.

[0067] <Embodiment 1: Remote monitoring device (B) Operation screen image viewing reception unit (BF) (0126)> The 'operating operation surface image viewing reception unit (BF)' (0126) is configured to allow the stored operating operation surface image to be viewed via the network.

[0068] The operating operation surface image may be viewed on a monitor connected to the remote monitoring device (B), or on a monitor such as a PC connected from a more remote location via a network. Viewing via a network may be done by browsing the web page of this system using browser software, or by using an application (software) dedicated to this system. The operating operation surface image viewing and receiving unit (BF) may be configured to allow viewing only by one user who intends to accept operation of the setting buttons on the reproduced operation surface in the setting button operation receiving unit (BD), or may be configured to allow other users to only view the image while the one user is operating it.

[0069] When a measuring instrument (A) is configured by combining multiple devices (modules) into a single measuring instrument (A), the operating operation screen image viewing reception unit (BF) can display and view the operating operation screen image of the measuring instrument (A) formed by combining the multiple devices (modules) on a single screen. Alternatively, the operating operation screen images of the devices (modules) constituting the single measuring instrument (A) can be displayed and viewed on separate display screens for each device (module). When the remote monitoring device (B) acquires measuring instrument information from each of multiple measuring instruments (A) via a network, the operating operation screen images of multiple measuring instruments (A) can also be displayed and viewed simultaneously on a single screen.

[0070] When a measuring instrument (A) is a combination of multiple devices (such as a master module and a slave module) and a faulty slave module is removed, the operating control surface image acquisition unit (BC) of the remote monitoring device (B) is preferably configured to display an operating control surface image showing that the corresponding slave module has been removed. An operating control surface image that matches the actual configuration of the measuring instrument (A) can be acquired and viewed. When a new slave module is installed in place of the removed slave module, the corresponding operating control surface image can be acquired. To achieve this, it is preferable to configure the system to appropriately detect the configuration of the measuring instrument (A) while the system is operating and during measurement. The function for detecting the configuration of the measuring instrument (A) can be provided in the measuring instrument (A) and / or the remote monitoring device (B). Note that in large factories, similar measuring instruments (A) may be installed in various locations. Therefore, a portal screen may be provided that allows a user to initially select which measuring instrument (A) to remotely monitor. In this case, for example, a factory layout diagram showing the locations of measuring instruments (A) can be presented first, and the measuring instruments (A) to be remotely monitored can be selected from the layout diagram and monitored. Furthermore, it is convenient if the operating purpose of the measuring instruments (A) placed in multiple locations in the layout diagram is indicated.

[0071] <Embodiment 1 Remote Monitoring Device (B) (0120)> The "remote monitoring device (B)" (0120) is configured to have a measuring instrument information acquisition unit (BA) (0121), an operation surface image storage unit (BB) (0122), an operating operation surface image acquisition unit (BC) (0123), a setting button operation reception unit (BD) (0124), an internal information display unit (BE) (0125), and an operating operation surface image viewing reception unit (BF) (0126).

[0072] The remote monitoring device (B) is connected to the measuring instrument (A) via a network. The remote monitoring device (B) can be configured as an embedded measuring device, but it is more convenient to configure it using a PC, as it allows the use of input / output devices such as a mouse and monitor.

[0073] <Embodiment 1: Measuring Instrument Interface Display System (0100)> The "measurement instrument interface display system" (0100) is configured to include a measurement instrument (A), a remote monitoring device (B), and a network connecting the measurement instrument (A) and the remote monitoring device (B).

[0074] <Embodiment 1: Measuring Instrument Interface Display System: Configuration> Figure 5 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration based on the functional block diagram of the measuring instrument interface display system in Figure 1, with a more detailed description of the network portion. As described above, measuring instruments (A) installed on production lines in processing workshops, testing facilities, etc. are connected via a LAN (0550) to remote monitoring devices (B) installed in a control room in a separate building within the same workplace. Production line workers and development engineers, etc., use PCs (0552) connected to the LAN (0550) to request access to the operation screen image viewing reception unit (BF) of the remote monitoring device (B), and the operation screen image is obtained and viewed via the LAN. Telecommuters and business travelers outside the workplace connect to the LAN via an internet line (0540) through a firewall gateway (0553), submit a request to the operation screen image viewing reception unit (BF), and obtain and view the operation screen image.

[0075] Figure 6 shows an overview of the hardware of the measuring instrument (A). The hardware configuration diagrams in this specification, such as Figure 6, assume the use of an embedded MPU, but a configuration that mimics a PC may also be used. Firmware acts as the OS and controls the operation of the device. The remote monitoring device (B) can be configured by reusing the hardware configuration of a PC, as shown in the hardware configuration diagram in Figure 4.

[0076] <Embodiment 1 Measuring Instrument (A): Specific Embodiment> Specific embodiments of the measuring instrument will be described using Figures 7a, 7b, and 8. Figures 7a, 7b, and 8 show a configuration in which three analog input modules are controlled as three slave modules (0762-0764) by one communication module as a master module (0761). A measuring instrument (A) with this configuration is installed in a processing workshop. Figures 7a and 7b also show the power supply module (0760) connected to the master module. In Figure 7a, wiring from the measurement sensor is connected to a group of terminals on the front (operation surface side) of the slave module. The group of terminals, including the terminals to which the wiring is connected, is protected by terminal covers (0767b-d) to reduce the possibility of unwanted contact or short circuits between terminals due to foreign matter. Although not shown, it is desirable to configure the terminal cover so that it cannot be easily removed, for example by fastening it with screws. Figure 7b is an external view showing the state with the terminal cover removed for explanation purposes. The wiring status of the terminals as shown in Figure 7b is an example of visual information of the mechanical structure that can be observed from the outside. Although it can be observed from the outside by removing the terminal cover, it is information that indicates the state of the settings that must be changed mechanically (by removing and reattaching the wiring).

[0077] In the examples of Figures 7a and 7b, measurement sensors can be connected to each of the 10 channels, numbered 1 to a. For example, slave module 1 (0762) has a two-terminal thermocouple connected to the top channel 1 and the channel two below, number 3, with a three-wire resistance thermometer connected to channel 2 in between. Similarly, slave module 2 (0763) and slave module 3 (0763) also have multiple measurement sensors connected, with the terminals covered by terminal covers.

[0078] In Figure 8, the power supply module (0860) and master module (0861) in the foreground are depicted with dotted lines, showing only their outlines. In the illustrative examples of Figures 7a, 7b, and 8, the master module and slave module that make up measuring instrument (A) are composed of a base equipped with a bus carrying communication and power supply lines, and each module body. In the example of Figure 8, the slave module body is composed of a terminal unit including a group of terminals connected to the measurement sensor wiring, and an analog input unit that receives analog input. This eliminates the need to disconnect and reconnect the measurement sensor wiring when replacing equipment in the event of a malfunction. The terminal unit and analog input unit may also be configured as an integrated unit. The base bus transmits power from the power supply module to the connected buses in succession, and supplies it from the sockets on each base to each module connected to each base. Regarding communication, communications from the master module are transmitted in succession via the bus, and are sent and received from the sockets on each base to the modules connected to each base.

[0079] <Embodiment 1 Remote monitoring device (B): Example of operation screen image viewing> Examples of display of the operation screen image to be viewed by a user who has accepted the viewing request at the operation screen image viewing acceptance unit (BF) of the remote monitoring device (B) are explained using Figs. 9a, 9b, 10 to 12. Figs. 9a, 9b, 10 to 12 show examples of displaying the operation screen image of the measuring instrument (A) configured as in Fig. 7, but the power supply module (0760) in Fig. 7a or 7b is not displayed. This is because the configuration is such that only the operable operation screen area of ​​the measuring instrument (A) is displayed. Note that it may also be configured so that the power supply module is not accepted for operation of the setting button (power button) of the power supply module, and the power supply module is also displayed.

[0080] <Embodiment 1 Remote monitoring device (B): Example of operating screen image: normal operation> Figure 9a shows an image of the operating interface of measuring instrument (A) under normal conditions. Three lights are lit in the upper left corner of the "master" module: "POWER," "REC," and "SD." These lights indicate that the power is on, that measurement results are being acquired, and that a memory card (SD Card (registered trademark)) is inserted in the slot. The "ALM" (warning light) and "ERR" (lights up to indicate an error when an abnormality occurs) below them are not lit in Figures 9a and 9b. The power-on light and "ERR" light in the upper right corner of each slave module (1-3) are lit normally. The terminals of each slave module are covered by terminal covers, so the connection status of the measurement sensors is not visible in Figure 9a. In this example of the operating interface, the round setting button "RECORD" in the center of the master module (start / end measurement result acquisition) and the setting button marked "SD" (for removing the SD Card (registered trademark)) can be operated with the mouse pointer or other devices. The memory card removal button may be configured to be inoperable when operating the setting buttons on the operating interface. This is because some card slots do not allow insertion by pressing a button, and memory cards cannot be replaced.

[0081] <Embodiment 1 Remote monitoring device (B): Example of operating screen image: Normal state: Example of internal information> Figure 9b shows the terminal covers of each slave module in a transparent state (the "Transparent Cover" button in the upper right corner of the display was pressed) compared to Figure 9a. The terminal covers obscure the connection status of the measurement sensors at the terminals when viewed from the front of the actual device. However, when acquiring measurement results, each slave module can determine which channel terminal is connected by checking the continuity between the terminals. The determined terminal wiring status is stored in the setting status storage unit (AD) as part of the information indicating the setting status, and is then included in the measuring instrument information and sent to the remote monitoring device (B). The connection status of the measurement sensors and terminals is an example of internal information set in the mechanical structure of the measuring instrument (A). Since this information cannot be expressed in an operating operating surface image (e.g., Figure 9a), which reproduces the appearance of the operating surface during operation, it is displayed by overlaying it on the operating operating surface image (e.g., Figure 9b).

[0082] In the example of Figure 9b, the terminal covers of each slave module are displayed transparently, providing a simulated display of how the measurement sensors are connected to each terminal. For example, in Figure 9b, channel 1 (labeled CH1 in the figure) of slave module 1, which is labeled "Slave 1," has three terminals, C1, B1, and A1, of which C1 is shaded. This indicates that no wiring is connected. In slave module 1, no measurement sensors are connected to channels 4 through 10. In Figure 9b, the internal information displayed shows the terminal connection status of all slave modules, but it may also be configured so that any module for which internal information is displayed can be selected.

[0083] <Embodiment 1 Remote monitoring device (B): Example of operation screen image display: Abnormal condition 1> Figure 10 shows Example 1 of an abnormality. In Figure 10, an equipment abnormality status is reported in which Slave 2 (Slave Module 2), the second module from the left among the displayed modules, has stopped responding to communication with the Master Module. The "ERR" lamp at the bottom of the illumination lamps on the Master Module, which is the module on the far right of the operation screen image, is lit, and the lamp in the upper right corner of the corresponding Slave Module 2 is off. In this example, it is possible that the power to Slave Module 2 is turned off. Therefore, a worker or engineer goes to the processing workshop where measuring instrument (A) is installed to check the actual measuring instrument (A).

[0084] <Embodiment 1 Remote monitoring device (B): Example of operation screen image viewing: Abnormal condition 2> Figure 11 shows Example 2 of an abnormality. In Figure 11, a communication error from the master module to slave module 2 and a settings overwrite error from slave module 2 are displayed as device abnormality status. The "ERR" lamp on the master module and the lamp in the upper right corner of the slave module are also lit to indicate an error. This is an abnormality caused by the master module overwriting inappropriate device setting information (including measurement settings) to slave module 2, which has resulted in slave module 2 and the master module being unable to communicate. The master module must once again write the correct device setting information to slave module 2. The system can also be configured so that the user can issue instructions from the remote monitoring device (B) to have the master module write the correct device setting information to the slave module.

[0085] <Embodiment 1 Remote monitoring device (B): Example of operation screen image viewing: When removing> Figure 12 shows an example of what happens when a module is removed while measuring instrument (A) is in operation. In Figure 12, the example shows that slave 1 (slave module 1), the second module from the right among the displayed modules, has been removed. If slave module 1 or the base to which slave module 1 was connected has an insertion / removal detection function, it can send a message to the master module when slave module 1 is removed to indicate that it will be disconnected. If a message indicating removal is received, it is not an "abnormal" state, and a notification of the disconnection of slave module 1 is displayed superimposed on the image on the operation screen as the device status. The image on the operation screen can be configured to indicate that the module has been removed by overlaying the display of the base over the area where the module was removed, or by simply filling it in white or black as appropriate.

[0086] <Processing flow of embodiment 1> Figure 2 is a flowchart of the operation method of the measuring instrument interface display system which is a computer in embodiment 1. The left side is a flowchart showing the operation method of the measuring instrument (A) which is a computer, and the right side is a flowchart showing the operation method of the remote monitoring device (B) which is a computer. The measuring instrument (A) and the remote monitoring device (B) operate and process in cooperation with each other. Below, we will first explain the operation method of the measuring instrument (A) which is a computer, and then explain the operation method of the remote monitoring device (B) which is a computer.

[0087] <Embodiment 1 Processing Flow: Operation Method of Measuring Instrument (A)> The measuring instrument (A) shown in the left column of FIG. 2 has a setting state maintaining step (ad) (SA0201) and a measuring instrument information transmitting step (ae) (SA0202).

[0088] Here, the operating method of the measuring instrument (A) which is a calculator and has an operation panel (AC) having a lighting lamp (AA) which indicates the state of the measuring instrument (A) and a setting button (AB) which sets the measuring instrument (A) is as follows: The setting state retention step (ad) (SA0201) performs processing to retain the setting state of the measuring instrument (A), The measuring instrument information transmission step (ae) (SA0202) performs processing to transmit measuring instrument information, which is information on the state of the lighting lamp (AA) and the setting state of the measuring instrument (A), to the measuring instrument information acquisition step (ba) (SB0201) of the remote monitoring device (B) described below.

[0089] <Processing flow of embodiment 1: Operation method of remote monitoring device (B)> As shown in the right column of Figure 2, the remote monitoring device (B) has a measuring instrument information acquisition step (ba) (SB0201), an operation surface image retention step (bb) (SB0202), an operating operation surface image acquisition step (bc) (SB0203), a setting button operation acceptance step (bd) (SB0204), an internal information display step (be) (SB0205), and an operating operation surface image viewing acceptance step (bf) (SB0206).

[0090] Here, the operation method of the remote monitoring device (B) which is a computer is as follows: The measuring instrument information acquisition step (ba) (SB0201) performs processing to acquire the measuring instrument information transmitted by the measuring instrument (A) in the measuring instrument information transmission step (ae) (SA0202), The operation surface image retention step (bb) (SB0202) performs processing to retain an image of the operation surface of the measuring instrument (A), The operating operation surface image acquisition step (bc) (SB0203) performs processing to acquire an operating operation surface image, which is an operation surface image of the operating state of the measuring instrument (A), based on the stored operation surface image and all or part of the acquired measuring instrument information; A setting button operation receiving step (bd) (SB0204) receives a setting button operation, which is an operation of a setting button displayed on an operation surface reproduced in the image of the operating operation surface, by the setting button on the reproduced operation surface, and performs processing to perform the same operation as that performed by the actual setting button (AB) of the measuring instrument (A); The internal information display step (be) (SB0205) performs processing to associate internal information, which is measuring instrument information that cannot be expressed in the operating operation surface image, with the operating operation surface image and display it; The operating operation surface image viewing acceptance step (bf) (SB0206) performs processing to allow the stored operating operation surface image to be viewed via the network. This is an operating method for causing the measuring instrument interface display system to execute such a series of processes.

[0091] <Embodiment 1 Hardware>

[0092] <Embodiment 1 Hardware: Measuring Instrument (A)> 3 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a measuring instrument (A) in the measuring instrument interface display system of this embodiment. It is equipped with an MPU for embedded devices as a processor that executes processing, and firmware controls each part, with programs corresponding to each process performing the processing.

[0093] When the system is started, the various programs and data (information) stored in the non-volatile memory are expanded into the main memory, and by accepting execution commands, the CPU sequentially executes the programs and performs calculations using the data.

[0094] That is, as shown in Figure 3, in measuring instrument (A), in addition to the OS (firmware) and device drivers, the non-volatile memory also contains a setting status retention program (ad) and a measuring instrument information transmission program (ae), and the measuring instrument information is stored as data. When this system is started on the computer, these are loaded into the main memory, and upon receiving a start command, the MPU sequentially performs calculations using the programs and data. The non-volatile memory of measuring instrument (A) may also contain a control program that controls measurements using the measurement sensor, and if measuring instrument (A) is configured by combining multiple modules, a program for checking insertion and removal.

[0095] FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a measuring instrument (A) in the measuring instrument interface display system of this embodiment. As shown in the figure, it has an "MPU" that performs various calculations, "non-volatile memory" (e.g., ROM, SSD, etc.) that stores various data and programs, "main memory" (e.g., DRAM), a "LAN I / F" (interface abbreviated as "I / F" in FIG. 3) for connecting to a control PC or recorder, and "USB, I2C, SPI, etc." for connecting to various peripheral device connection terminals and measurement sensors. The "LAN I / F" is connected to a network and transmits measuring instrument information to a clitoral monitoring device (B). Measurement sensors are connected via "USB, I2C, SPI, etc."

[0096] When the system is started, the various programs and data (information) stored in the non-volatile memory are expanded into the main memory, and upon receiving an execution command, the MPU sequentially executes the programs and performs calculations using the data.

[0097] When this system starts up, the various programs and data (information) stored in the non-volatile memory are read, expanded, and stored in the main memory, which also provides a work area for those programs. By accepting execution commands, the MPU sequentially performs calculations using the data in the programs. Note that multiple addresses are assigned to the main memory and non-volatile memory, and programs executed by the MPU can exchange data between them and perform processing by identifying and accessing those addresses.

[0098] The "MPU" performs the following processes: The setting status retention program (ad) stored in the "main memory" is executed to retain the setting status of the measuring instrument (A). Then, the measuring instrument information transmission program (ae) stored in the "main memory" is executed to transmit the measuring instrument information, which is information on the state of the light (AA) on the operation panel (AC) of the measuring instrument (A) and the setting state of the measuring instrument (A), to the remote monitoring device (B) described below via the network through the "LAN I / F".

[0099] <Embodiment 1 Hardware: Remote Monitoring Device (B)> The hardware configuration of the remote monitoring device (B) will be explained using Figure 4. In the example of Figure 4, the remote monitoring device (B) has a configuration similar to that of a PC. Below, an example will be explained assuming a configuration similar to that of PC hardware. Note that, like the measuring instrument (A), the same effect can be obtained by using an embedded MPU.

[0100] When the system is started, the various programs and data (information) stored in the non-volatile memory are expanded into the main memory, and by accepting execution commands, the CPU sequentially executes the programs and performs calculations using the data.

[0101] When this system starts up, the various programs and data (information) stored in the non-volatile memory are read, expanded, and stored in the main memory, which also provides a work area for those programs. By accepting execution commands, the CPU sequentially performs calculations using the data in the programs. Note that multiple addresses are assigned to the main memory and non-volatile memory, and programs executed by the CPU can exchange data between them and perform processing by identifying and accessing those addresses.

[0102] In this embodiment, the programs stored in the "main memory" are a measuring instrument information acquisition program (ba), an operation surface image retention program (bb), an operating operation surface image acquisition program (bc), a setting button operation reception program (bd), an internal information display program (be), and an operating operation surface image viewing reception program (bf). Also, the "main memory" and "non-volatile memory" store measuring instrument information, operation surface images, operating operation surface images, setting button operations, and internal information.

[0103] The "CPU" performs the following processes: The measuring instrument information acquisition program (ba) stored in the "main memory" is executed to acquire measuring instrument information from the measuring instrument (A) via "USB, SATA, LAN terminal, etc." The operation screen image holding program (bb) stored in the "main memory" is executed to hold the image of the operation screen of the measuring instrument (A). The operating operation surface image acquisition program (bc) stored in the "main memory" is executed to acquire an operating operation surface image, which is an image of the operating surface of the measuring instrument (A) in its operating state, based on the retained operation surface image and all or part of the acquired measuring instrument information. The setting button operation reception program (bd) stored in the "main memory" is executed, and the operation of the setting button displayed on the operation surface reproduced in the image of the operational operation surface is received by the setting button on the reproduced operation surface, and the same operation as that performed by the actual setting button (AB) of the measuring instrument (A) is performed. Execute the internal information display program (be) stored in the "main memory" and display the internal information, which is the measuring instrument information that cannot be expressed on the operation screen image, in association with the operation screen image. The operating operation surface image viewing reception program (bf) stored in the "main memory" is executed, and the stored operating operation surface image is viewed via the network via "USB, SATA, LAN terminal, etc." <Effects of Embodiment 1>

[0104] According to the measuring instrument interface display system of this embodiment, operations on setting buttons displayed on an operation screen reproduced as an image of the operating state of a measuring instrument are accepted by the setting buttons on the reproduced operation screen, allowing the same operations as those performed by the actual setting buttons on the measuring instrument to be performed, and internal information, i.e., measuring instrument information that cannot be expressed in the operating operation screen image, is displayed in association with the operation screen image, and the operating operation screen image can be viewed over a network. Using the measuring instrument interface display system of the present invention, a measuring instrument can be operated while viewing the operating operation screen image of the measuring instrument, even from a remote location far from the measuring instrument. Furthermore, internal information, such as visual information about the mechanical structure that can be observed from outside, such as information showing the wiring status of sensors to the measuring instrument or information showing the connection status of multiple measuring instruments, can be displayed and confirmed remotely. [Explanation of symbols]

[0105] 0100···Measuring Instrument Interface Display System 0110···Measuring Instrument (A) 0111···Lighting lamp (AA) 0112···Setting button (AB) 0113...Operation surface (AC) 0114...Setting information holding unit (AD) 0115···Measuring instrument information transmitter (AE) 0120 Remote monitoring device (B) 0121 Measuring instrument information acquisition unit (BA) 0122: Operation screen image storage unit (BB) 0123: Operational control panel image acquisition unit (BC) 0124 Setting button operation reception section (BD) 0125...Internal information display section (BE) 0126: Operation screen image viewing reception area (BF)

Claims

1. a light (AA) indicating the status of the measuring instrument (A); A setting button (AB) for setting the measuring instrument (A), An operation surface (AC) having a setting state storage unit (AD) for storing the setting state of the measuring instrument (A); a measuring instrument (A) having a measuring instrument information transmitting unit (AE) that transmits measuring instrument information, which is information on the state of the lighting lamp (AA) and the setting state of the measuring instrument (A), to a remote monitoring device (B) described later; a measuring instrument information acquisition unit (BA) for acquiring measuring instrument information; an operation screen image storage unit (BB) for storing an image of the operation screen of the measuring instrument (A); an operating operation surface image acquisition unit (BC) that acquires an operating operation surface image, which is an operation surface image of the operating state of the measuring instrument (A), based on the stored operation surface image and all or part of the acquired measuring instrument information; a setting button operation receiving unit (BD) for receiving an operation of a setting button displayed on an operation surface reproduced in the image of the operating operation surface by using the setting button on the reproduced operation surface, and performing the same operation as that performed by the actual setting button (AB) of the measuring instrument (A); an internal information display unit (BE) that displays internal information, which is measuring instrument information that cannot be expressed by the operation screen image, in association with the operation screen image; an operating operation screen image viewing reception unit (BF) for allowing the stored operating operation screen image to be viewed via a network; A remote monitoring device (B) having An instrument interface display system consisting of:

2. The measuring instrument interface system according to claim 1, wherein there is one or more measuring instruments (A), and the operation operation surface image viewing and receiving unit (BF) allows the operation operation surface images of the one or more measuring instruments (A) to be simultaneously viewed on a single web page.

3. 3. The measuring instrument interface system according to claim 1, wherein the measuring instrument (A) comprises a master measuring instrument and a slave measuring instrument, and the master measuring instrument is capable of collecting information from at least one or more slave measuring instruments.

4. A remote monitoring device (B) according to claim 1 or claim 2.

5. A light (AA) indicating the status of the measuring instrument; Setting button (AB) for setting the measuring instrument, An operation surface (AC) having A method for operating a measuring instrument (A) that is a computer having A method of operation of a remote monitoring device (B) which is a computer; A method of operating an instrument interface display system that is a computer, comprising: The operation method of the measuring instrument (A), which is a computer, is as follows: a setting state maintaining step (ad) of maintaining a setting state of the measuring instrument; a measuring instrument information transmitting step (ae) of transmitting measuring instrument information, which is information on the state of the lighting lamp (AA) and the setting state of the measuring instrument (A), to a remote monitoring device (B) described later; The operation method of the remote monitoring device (B) which is a computer is as follows: a measuring instrument information acquisition step (ba) of acquiring measuring instrument information; an operation surface image holding step (bb) for holding an image of the operation surface of the measuring instrument (A); an operating operation surface image acquisition step (bc) of acquiring an operating operation surface image, which is an operation surface image of the operating state of the measuring instrument (A), based on the stored operation surface image and all or part of the acquired measuring instrument information; a setting button operation receiving step (bd) for receiving an operation of a setting button displayed on the operation surface reproduced in the image of the operating operation surface by the setting button on the reproduced operation surface, and performing the same operation as that by the actual setting button (AB) of the measuring instrument (A); an internal information display step (be) of displaying internal information, which is measuring instrument information that cannot be expressed by the operating operation surface image, in association with the operating surface image; an operating operation screen image viewing receiving step (bf) for allowing the stored operating operation screen image to be viewed via a network; having A method of operation of an instrument interface display system that is a calculator.

6. A light (AA) indicating the status of the measuring instrument; Setting button (AB) for setting the measuring instrument, An operation surface (AC) having a program to be executed by a measuring instrument (A) which is a computer having the a program to be executed by a remote monitoring device (B) which is a computer; A program to be executed by a measuring instrument interface display system that is a computer, comprising: The program to be executed by the measuring instrument (A), which is a computer, is a setting state maintaining step (ad) for maintaining a setting state of the measuring instrument (A); a measuring instrument information transmitting step (ae) of transmitting measuring instrument information, which is information on the state of the lighting lamp (AA) and the setting state of the measuring instrument (A), to a remote monitoring device (B) described later; The program executed by the remote monitoring device (B), which is a computer, is a measuring instrument information acquisition step (ba) of acquiring measuring instrument information; an operation surface image holding step (bb) for holding an image of an operation surface of the measuring instrument; an operating operation surface image acquisition step (bc) of acquiring an operating operation surface image, which is an operation surface image of the operating state of the measuring instrument, based on the stored operation surface image and all or part of the acquired measuring instrument information; a setting button operation receiving step (bd) for receiving an operation of a setting button displayed on the operation surface reproduced in the image of the operating operation surface by the setting button on the reproduced operation surface, and performing the same operation as that by the actual setting button (AB) of the measuring instrument (A); an internal information display step (be) of displaying internal information, which is measuring instrument information that cannot be expressed by the operating operation surface image, in association with the operating surface image; an operating operation screen image viewing receiving step (bf) for allowing the stored operating operation screen image to be viewed via a network; having A program executed by the instrument interface display system, which is a computer.

Images