Static elimination system and static eliminator management program

Abstract

To provide a static elimination system and a static eliminator management program capable of reducing a time required for setting work of a plurality of static eliminators and also improving reliability of the setting work of the plurality of static eliminators.SOLUTION: A static elimination system 1 includes a plurality of static eliminators 200 and a processing device 300. The plurality of static eliminators 200 and the processing device 300 are connected to a network 309. Each of the plurality of static eliminators 200 includes an operation unit 260 operated by a user, and is configured to allow setting of operating conditions based on operation of the operation unit 260 by the user. The processing device 300 detects the plurality of static eliminators 200 connected to the network 309 and determines that two or more static eliminators 200 of the detected plurality of static eliminators 200 are a target static eliminator group. The processing device 300 is configured to allow the two or more static eliminators 200 determined to be the target static eliminator group to set common operating conditions.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a static elimination system for managing a plurality of static eliminators and a static eliminator management program.

Background Art

[0002] In a manufacturing factory such as a semiconductor device and a liquid crystal display device, if each component used in manufacturing is charged, foreign matter may adhere to the component, which may reduce the product yield. In order to suppress the reduction in yield caused by the charging of each component, a static eliminator is used.

[0003] The static elimination device (static eliminator) described in Patent Document 1 has a configuration in which a fan and an ion generation unit are provided inside the static elimination device main body. The ion generation unit generates ions from a discharge electrode. The generated ions are sent out of the static elimination device main body by a fan and supplied to the object to be static-eliminated.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The above static elimination device further includes a static elimination device operation unit. The static elimination device operation unit is provided on the static elimination device main body and includes a power ON / OFF switch, an ion air volume adjustment knob, a discharge electrode cleaning notification lamp, a voltage adjustment knob applied to the discharge electrode, and the like. The user can perform setting operations on the operating conditions of the static elimination device by operating the static elimination device operation unit.

[0006] Incidentally, the number of static elimination devices installed in a manufacturing plant is not limited to one. Depending on the size of the manufacturing plant, numerous static elimination devices may be installed in multiple locations within the plant. In this case, the multiple setting operations, which involve operating multiple control units for each of these devices, take a considerable amount of time. Furthermore, even if the settings are the same across multiple static elimination devices, these multiple setting operations can lead to human error.

[0007] The objective of the present invention is to provide a static elimination system and a static elimination management program that can reduce the time required for setting up multiple static eliminators and improve the reliability of setting up multiple static eliminators. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A static elimination system according to one aspect of the present invention is a static elimination system including a plurality of static eliminators and a processing device, wherein each of the plurality of static eliminators includes a first operating unit operated by a user and a first setting unit that sets first operating conditions based on the user's operation of the first operating unit, and is connected to a network, and the processing device includes a static eliminator detection unit that detects the plurality of static eliminators connected to the network, a target determination unit that determines two or more static eliminators from the plurality of static eliminators detected by the static eliminator detection unit as a target static eliminator group, and a second setting unit that causes the two or more static eliminators determined as the target static eliminator group to set a common second operating condition. Furthermore, the second operating condition includes a disabling condition that disables at least one operation of the first operating unit by the user. nothing. A static elimination system according to another aspect of the present invention is a static elimination system comprising a plurality of static eliminators and a processing device, wherein each of the plurality of static eliminators includes a first operating unit operated by a user and a first setting unit that sets first operating conditions based on the user's operation of the first operating unit, and is connected to a network, and the processing device includes a static eliminator detection unit that detects the plurality of static eliminators connected to the network, a target determination unit that determines two or more static eliminators from the plurality of static eliminators detected by the static eliminator detection unit as a target static eliminator group, and the two or more determined as the target static eliminator group The static eliminator includes a second setting unit that causes the static eliminator to set a common second operating condition, each of the plurality of static eliminators further includes a condition storage unit that stores the first operating condition or the second operating condition, the processing device further includes a condition acquisition unit that acquires the first operating condition or the second operating condition stored in the condition storage unit of one of the plurality of static eliminators connected to the network as a third operating condition, and the second setting unit causes the third operating condition acquired by the condition acquisition unit to be set as the second operating condition in two or more of the plurality of static eliminators.

[0009] This invention moreover The static eliminator management program that follows other aspects is a static eliminator management program that causes a processing unit to execute a static eliminator management process for managing multiple static eliminators, wherein the multiple static eliminators are It has an operating section that is operated by the user,The static eliminator management program is connected to a network, and the processing unit is instructed to perform the following processes: detecting the plurality of static eliminators connected to the network; determining two or more of the detected plurality of static eliminators as a target static eliminator group; and setting common operating conditions for the two or more static eliminators determined as the target static eliminator group. The common operating conditions include a disabling condition that disables at least one operation of the operating unit by the user. . [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the time required for setting up multiple static eliminators and to improve the reliability of setting up multiple static eliminators. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a diagram illustrating the general configuration of a static elimination system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the ion balance sensor. [Figure 3] This is a circuit diagram showing an example of a specific configuration for an ion detection circuit. [Figure 4] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the static eliminator. [Figure 5] This is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the processing unit shown in Figure 1. [Figure 6] Figure 1 is a sequence diagram illustrating one example of the use of the static elimination system. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of screen transitions on the main unit's display unit corresponding to the sequence diagram in Figure 6. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of screen transitions on the main unit's display unit corresponding to the sequence diagram in Figure 6. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of screen transitions on the main unit's display unit corresponding to the sequence diagram in Figure 6. [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of screen transitions on the main unit's display unit corresponding to the sequence diagram in Figure 6. [Figure 11]It is a diagram showing an example of screen transition of the main body display section corresponding to the sequence diagram of FIG. 6. [Figure 12] It is a flowchart showing an example of a static eliminator detection process performed in a processing device. [Figure 13] It is a flowchart showing an example of a static eliminator response process performed in a static eliminator. [Figure 14] It is a flowchart showing an example of a monitoring process performed in a processing device. [Figure 15] It is a flowchart showing an example of an operating condition setting process performed in a processing device. [Figure 16] It is a flowchart showing an example of an operating condition reflection process performed in a static eliminator. [Figure 17] It is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of a processing device according to another embodiment. [Figure 18] It is a diagram showing an example of a group generation screen displayed on the main body display section in a processing device according to another embodiment. [Figure 19] It is a diagram showing an example of a batch setting screen according to another embodiment.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, a static elimination system and a static eliminator management program according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0013] 1. Outline of the Configuration and Usage Example of the Static Elimination System Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the schematic configuration of a static elimination system according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 1, the static elimination system 1 according to this embodiment mainly comprises a plurality of static eliminators 200 and processing devices 300. The plurality of static eliminators 200 and processing devices 300 are connected to a network 309 by wire or wireless and are able to communicate with each other. The network 309 is a communication network such as a LAN (Local Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network), or the Internet. In this embodiment, the number of plurality of static eliminators 200 connected to the network 309 is 50, 100, or 1000, etc.

[0014] The static eliminator 200 includes a static eliminator housing 11, which houses various high-voltage circuits for generating positive and negative ions. An air outlet 12 is formed in the static eliminator housing 11. The static eliminator 200 sends the positive and negative ions generated inside the static eliminator housing 11 to the outside of the static eliminator 200 through the air outlet 12.

[0015] In the following explanation, the gas (in this example, air containing positive and negative ions) flowing out of the air outlet 12 of the static eliminator housing 11 to the outside of the static eliminator 200 is referred to as the static eliminating material. The space to which the static eliminating material discharged from the static eliminator 200 is supplied, that is, the space to which static elimination of an object is to be performed, is referred to as the target space.

[0016] If there is an imbalance in the ion balance of the target space, the target object cannot be properly statically removed. Therefore, in order to detect the ion balance of the target space, an ion balance sensor 100 is connected to each of the multiple static eliminators 200. An ion balance sensor 100 connected to the static eliminator 200 is provided in the target space corresponding to each static eliminator 200. In this embodiment, the ion balance of the target space refers to the degree of bias in electrical polarity within the target space.

[0017] The ion balance of the target space approaches 0 when, for example, the amount of positive ions and the amount of negative ions contained in the static eliminator flowing from the static eliminator 200 into the target space are equal or nearly equal. On the other hand, the ion balance of the target space deviates from 0 (becomes unbalanced) when, for example, the amount of positive ions and the amount of negative ions contained in the static eliminator flowing from the static eliminator 200 into the target space are different. The ion balance sensor 100 has a conductive detection plate 110A. The ion balance of the target space is detected based on the potential of the detection plate 110A. Details of the ion balance sensor 100 will be described later.

[0018] The ion balance sensor 100 according to this embodiment, when installed in a target space, can detect information about the environment of the target space in addition to the ion balance of the target space. Specifically, the ion balance sensor 100 can detect the amount of ions flowing through the target space per unit time (hereinafter referred to as the ion current of the target space) as information about the environment of the target space. Furthermore, the ion balance sensor 100 can detect the temperature and humidity of the target space as information about the environment of the target space.

[0019] The ion balance sensor 100 is connected to the static eliminator 200 via a cable. The various information detected by the ion balance sensor 100 is transmitted to the static eliminator 200 via the cable. In this case, the static eliminator 200 can adjust the generation state of positive ions and negative ions based on the detection result of the ion balance of the target space. As a result, a static eliminator appropriate for eliminating static electricity from the target object is supplied to the target space.

[0020] Here, if the air outlet 12 of the static eliminator 200 is directed away from the target space, the static eliminator will not flow from the static eliminator 200 into the target space. In this case, the ion current will be detected as 0 or close to 0. On the other hand, if the air outlet 12 of the static eliminator 200 is directed towards the target space, the static eliminator will flow appropriately from the static eliminator 200 into the target space. In this case, the ion current will be detected as a value corresponding to the amount of ions contained in the static eliminator.

[0021] Therefore, the static eliminator 200 can determine whether its position and orientation (installation state) are appropriate based on the detection result of the ion current. Specifically, if the value of the ion current is below a predetermined ion current threshold, it can be determined that the installation state of the static eliminator 200 is abnormal. Conversely, if the value of the ion current is greater than the ion current threshold, it can be determined that the installation state of the static eliminator 200 is normal. By presenting such determination results to the user, the user can easily understand whether or not adjustments to the installation state of the static eliminator 200 are necessary.

[0022] Furthermore, the static eliminator 200 can manage changes in the environmental conditions of the target space by storing the temperature and humidity detection results in memory.

[0023] The processing unit 300 is, for example, a personal computer and includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read-Only Memory), and RAM (Random Access Memory). The processing unit 300 is connected to a main display unit 600 and a main operation unit 700. The main display unit 600 is composed of an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) panel or an organic EL (Electroluminescent) panel. The main operation unit 700 includes a keyboard and a pointing device and is configured to be operable by the user.

[0024] The processing unit 300 is used for setting various operating conditions for multiple static eliminators 200, and for monitoring the operating status of the multiple static eliminators 200. The various operating conditions for the static eliminators 200 include the flow rate (airflow) of the gas sent to the target space by the fan 201 (Figure 4) of the static eliminator 200 (described later), various threshold values ​​for determining whether the static eliminator 200 is in a normal or abnormal state, and whether or not to disable the operation of the operation unit 260 (Figure 4) of the static eliminator 200 (described later).

[0025] 2. Basic configuration of the ion balance sensor 100 Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the ion balance sensor 100 shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 2, the ion balance sensor 100 includes a detection plate 110A, an ion detection circuit 110B, a temperature detection element 120, a humidity detection element 130, a sensor indicator light 140, a sensor communication unit 150, a sensor power supply unit 160, and a sensor control unit 190.

[0026] The detection plate 110A is made of a conductive material (e.g., a metallic material) and is positioned to be exposed in the space surrounding the ion balance sensor 100. The ion detection circuit 110B is connected to the detection plate 110A and outputs signals corresponding to the ion balance and ion current of the target space based on the change in potential of the detection plate 110A over time. The specific configuration of the ion detection circuit 110B will be described later.

[0027] The temperature detection element 120 is, for example, a thermocouple or a resistance thermometer, and outputs a signal corresponding to the temperature of the space surrounding the ion balance sensor 100 (the target space). The humidity detection element 130 is, for example, a polymer humidity detection element, and outputs a signal corresponding to the humidity of the space surrounding the ion balance sensor 100 (the target space).

[0028] The sensor indicator light 140 includes, for example, multiple light-emitting diodes that emit light in different colors. The sensor communication unit 150 transmits various signals output from the sensor control unit 190 to the static eliminator 200 via a cable. The sensor communication unit 150 also receives various information transmitted from the static eliminator 200 via a cable and provides it to the sensor control unit 190.

[0029] The sensor power supply unit 160 receives and stores power supplied from the static eliminator 200 via a cable. Furthermore, the sensor power supply unit 160 supplies the power received from the static eliminator 200 or the stored power to each component of the ion balance sensor 100.

[0030] The sensor control unit 190 includes a microcomputer and performs the generation of various information and the control of each component. The sensor control unit 190 may also include a CPU and memory instead of a microcomputer. The microcomputer or memory of the sensor control unit 190 stores programs primarily for detecting the ion balance, ion current, temperature, and humidity of the target space, as well as for exchanging various information with the static eliminator 200.

[0031] In the sensor control unit 190, a microcomputer or CPU executes a program stored in the sensor control unit 190. As a result, the sensor control unit 190 detects the ion balance of the target space based on the signal output from the ion detection circuit 110B, and generates an ion balance signal indicating the detection result. The generated ion balance signal is output from the sensor control unit 190.

[0032] Furthermore, the sensor control unit 190 detects the ion current in the target space based on the signal output from the ion detection circuit 110B and generates an ion current signal indicating the detection result. The generated ion current signal is output from the sensor control unit 190.

[0033] Furthermore, the sensor control unit 190 detects the temperature of the target space based on the signal output from the temperature detection element 120 and generates a temperature signal indicating the detection result. The generated temperature signal is output from the sensor control unit 190.

[0034] Furthermore, the sensor control unit 190 detects the humidity of the target space based on the signal output from the humidity detection element 130 and generates a humidity signal indicating the detection result. The generated humidity signal is output from the sensor control unit 190.

[0035] Furthermore, the sensor control unit 190 controls the sensor indicator light 140 to emit light in a specific color (e.g., green) when, for example, the ion balance and ion current detected by the ion balance sensor 100 meet predetermined tolerance conditions. On the other hand, the sensor control unit 190 controls the sensor indicator light 140 to emit light in a specific other color (e.g., red) when, for example, the ion balance and ion current detected by the ion balance sensor 100 do not meet the above tolerance conditions.

[0036] 3. Specific configuration of ion detection circuit 110B Figure 3 is a circuit diagram showing an example of the specific configuration of the ion detection circuit 110B. As shown in Figure 3, the ion detection circuit 110B includes an operational amplifier 111, a fixed resistor 112, and a modulation voltage source 113. The operational amplifier 111 is used as a buffer circuit, and its non-inverting input terminal is electrically connected to the detection plate 110A. The output terminal of the operational amplifier 111 is connected to its inverting input terminal and also to the sensor control unit 190.

[0037] The modulation voltage source 113 generates an AC voltage as a periodic modulation voltage. The modulation voltage source 113 is electrically connected to node N between the detection plate 110A and the non-inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier 111 via a fixed resistor 112.

[0038] As described above, the detection plate 110A is positioned to be exposed in the space surrounding the ion balance sensor 100 (the target space in this example). In addition, a static eliminator containing positive and negative ions flows from the static eliminator 200 into the target space in this example.

[0039] In the ion balance sensor 100 described above, when the modulated voltage source 113 generates an AC voltage, the amplitude of the voltage waveform of the signal (voltage signal) output from the operational amplifier 111, or a corresponding value thereof, is detected as the ion current in the target space. In addition, the value of the center of fluctuation of the voltage waveform of the signal (voltage signal) output from the operational amplifier 111, or a corresponding value thereof, is detected as the ion balance in the target space.

[0040] 4. Basic configuration of the static eliminator 200 Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the static eliminator 200 shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 4, the static eliminator 200 includes a fan 201, a fan drive unit 202, a positive ion generation unit 211, a positive electrode side high-voltage circuit 212, a negative ion generation unit 221, a negative electrode side high-voltage circuit 222, a static eliminator control unit 230, and an ion information generation unit 240. These components are housed within the static eliminator housing 11 shown in Figure 1.

[0041] In Figure 4, schematic front views of the positive ion generating unit 211 and the negative ion generating unit 221 are shown within outlets b1 and b2, respectively. The positive ion generating unit 211 includes an annular member 211a and a plurality (four in this example) of electrode needles en1. The plurality of electrode needles en1 are provided at equal intervals on the inner circumference of the annular member 211a so as to extend toward the center of the annular member 211a. The negative ion generating unit 221 includes an annular member 221a and a plurality of electrode needles en2, similar to the positive ion generating unit 211. The plurality of electrode needles en2 are provided at equal intervals on the inner circumference of the annular member 221a so as to extend toward the center of the annular member 221a.

[0042] A positive electrode high-voltage circuit 212 is connected to the positive ion generation unit 211. The positive electrode high-voltage circuit 212 includes a resistor and a boost circuit and applies a high voltage to multiple electrode needles en1 of the positive ion generation unit 211 based on the control of the static eliminator control unit 230. This causes corona discharge and generates positive ions. A negative electrode high-voltage circuit 222 is connected to the negative ion generation unit 221. The negative electrode high-voltage circuit 222 includes a resistor and a boost circuit and applies a high voltage to multiple electrode needles en2 of the negative ion generation unit 221 based on the control of the static eliminator control unit 230. This causes corona discharge and generates negative ions.

[0043] The fan 201 is installed inside the static eliminator housing 11 in Figure 1, facing the air outlet 12 and rotatable around a predetermined rotation axis 201a. The fan drive unit 202 includes, for example, a motor and rotates the fan 201 around the rotation axis 201a based on the control of the static eliminator control unit 230.

[0044] The fan 201, the negative ion generating unit 221, and the positive ion generating unit 211 are arranged in this order from the air outlet 12 in Figure 1 in the direction of the rotation axis 201a of the fan 201. The centers of the annular members 211a and 221a of the positive ion generating unit 211 and the negative ion generating unit 221 are located on the rotation axis 201a of the fan 201.

[0045] In the positive ion generation unit 211 and the negative ion generation unit 221, positive ions and negative ions are generated, respectively, by the operation of the positive electrode side high-voltage circuit 212 and the negative electrode side high-voltage circuit 222. In this state, the fan 201 rotates. As a result, the static eliminator containing positive and negative ions flows out of the static eliminator 200 through the air outlet 12 of the static eliminator housing 11. In Figure 4, the flow of the static eliminator from the air outlet 12 of the static eliminator housing 11 to the outside of the static eliminator 200 is shown by multiple thick dashed arrows.

[0046] The ion information generation unit 240 detects the overall ion balance of positive and negative ions generated in the static eliminator 200 as ion information. Unlike the ion balance of the target space detected by the ion balance sensor 100, the ion information includes the ion balance of the static eliminator flowing through the air outlet 12 of the static eliminator 200. Furthermore, the ion information includes the ion balance of the target space and the space surrounding the static eliminator 200. Therefore, the ion information is generated based on the detection results, for example, by detecting the ion balance of the static eliminator flowing near the fan 201, and by detecting the ion balance of the target space and the space surrounding the static eliminator 200.

[0047] The static eliminator control unit 230 includes a CPU and memory or a microcomputer. When the static eliminator 200 is removing static electricity from an object, the static eliminator control unit 230 controls the fan drive unit 202 so that the static eliminator flows at a preset airflow rate. The static eliminator control unit 230 also controls the positive electrode side high-voltage circuit 212 and the negative electrode side high-voltage circuit 222 so that the ion balance of the static eliminator approaches zero, based on the ion information generated by the ion information generation unit 240.

[0048] In addition to the above-mentioned components (201, 202, 211, 212, 221, 222, 230, 240), the static eliminator 200 further includes a display unit 250, an operation unit 260, a static eliminator memory unit 270, a static eliminator communication unit 280, a static eliminator power supply unit 290, a cleaning device 291, an indicator light 292, and an alarm device 293. The display unit 250, the operation unit 260, and the indicator light 292 are mounted on a part of the static eliminator housing 11. The static eliminator memory unit 270, the static eliminator communication unit 280, the static eliminator power supply unit 290, the cleaning device 291, and the alarm device 293 are housed within the static eliminator housing 11.

[0049] The display unit 250 is composed of an LCD panel or an organic EL panel. The display unit 250 displays various setting information of the static eliminator 200 and various parameters acquired by the static eliminator control unit 230 based on the control of the static eliminator control unit 230. The operation unit 260 includes a plurality of operation buttons and is provided on the static eliminator housing 11 adjacent to the display unit 250. In Figure 4, a schematic front view of the operation unit 260 is shown in the callout b3. As shown in the schematic front view, the operation unit 260 in this example includes one select button 261, four adjustment buttons 262, and one power button 263 that can be pressed by the user. The four adjustment buttons 262 are located above, below, to the left and right of the select button 261, surrounding the select button 261.

[0050] The user can set the rotation speed of the fan 201, which rotates with the fan drive unit 202 during static elimination, by operating the select button 261 and several adjustment buttons 262 on the control unit 260. The user can also switch the static eliminator 200 between a powered-on state and a powered-off state by operating the power button 263 on the control unit 260. Here, the powered-on state of the static eliminator 200 means that power is supplied to each part (electrical component) of the static eliminator 200 from the static eliminator power supply unit 290 (described later), and each part is in operation. The powered-off state of the static eliminator 200 means that power is not supplied to each part (electrical component) of the static eliminator 200 from the static eliminator power supply unit 290 (described later), and each part is not in operation (stopped). Furthermore, by operating the confirmation button 261 and multiple adjustment buttons 262 on the control unit 260, the user can set the operating conditions of the static eliminator 200, and display the ion balance detection results from the ion balance sensor 100 on the display unit 250.

[0051] The static eliminator communication unit 280 receives signals of various information transmitted from the sensor communication unit 150 (Figure 2) of the ion balance sensor 100 via a cable and provides them to the static eliminator control unit 230. The static eliminator communication unit 280 also receives signals of various information transmitted from the processing unit 300 via the network 309 in Figure 1 and provides them to the static eliminator control unit 230. Furthermore, the static eliminator communication unit 280 transmits signals of various information output from the static eliminator control unit 230 to the processing unit 300.

[0052] The static eliminator storage unit 270 is composed of memory or a hard disk. The static eliminator storage unit 270 stores various programs corresponding to various processes executed in the processing unit 300, which will be described later. In addition, the static eliminator storage unit 270 also stores various information related to static elimination.

[0053] For example, the static eliminator control unit 230 stores the ion balance of the target space along with time information in the static eliminator storage unit 270 when the static eliminator communication unit 280 receives an ion balance signal from the ion balance sensor 100. In addition to the above storage operation, the static eliminator control unit 230 may also display a message on the display unit 250 indicating that the installation state of the static eliminator 200 is inappropriate if the received ion balance value is greater than a predetermined ion balance threshold. Furthermore, the static eliminator control unit 230 may control the positive electrode side high-voltage circuit 212 and the negative electrode side high-voltage circuit 222 based on the received ion balance signal so that the ion balance in the target space approaches 0.

[0054] Furthermore, the static eliminator control unit 230 stores the ion current in the target space along with time information in the static eliminator storage unit 270 when the static eliminator communication unit 280 receives an ion current signal from the ion balance sensor 100. At this time, in addition to the above storage operation, the static eliminator control unit 230 may also display a message on the display unit 250 indicating that the installation state of the static eliminator 200 is not appropriate if the value of the received ion current is below the above ion current threshold.

[0055] Furthermore, the static eliminator control unit 230 stores the temperature and humidity of the target space along with time information in the static eliminator storage unit 270 when the static eliminator communication unit 280 receives temperature and humidity signals from the ion balance sensor 100. This makes it possible to manage the static elimination state of the target object based on various information about the environment of the target space stored in the static eliminator storage unit 270.

[0056] In addition to the above example, the static eliminator memory unit 270 stores the assigned IP address when an IP (Internet Protocol) address is assigned to the static eliminator 200. The assignment of IP addresses to multiple static eliminators 200 will be described later.

[0057] The static eliminator power supply unit 290 receives power supplied from the commercial power supply through a power cable (not shown), and supplies a portion of the received power to other components of the static eliminator 200. The static eliminator power supply unit 290 also supplies the remaining power received to the sensor power supply unit 160 (Figure 2) of the ion balance sensor 100 through the cable.

[0058] The cleaning device 291 is configured to clean multiple electrode needles en1, en2 of the positive ion generating unit 211 and the negative ion generating unit 221, for example, with a brush, and operates based on the control of the static eliminator control unit 230. The indicator light 292 includes one or more light-emitting diodes and lights up, turns off, or flashes based on the control of the static eliminator control unit 230 and the state of the static eliminator 200. The alarm device 293 outputs an alarm based on the control of the static eliminator control unit 230.

[0059] 5. Basic configuration of the processing unit 300 Figure 5 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the processing unit 300 shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 5, the processing unit 300 includes a control device 310, a storage device 320, a processing unit communication unit 380, and a processing unit power supply unit 390.

[0060] The storage device 320 consists of memory or a hard disk. The storage device 320 stores various programs (a static eliminator detection program, a monitoring program, and an operating condition setting program) for managing multiple static eliminators 200 connected to the network 309.

[0061] The control device 310 according to this embodiment consists of a CPU, ROM, and RAM. In the control device 310, multiple functional units are realized by the CPU executing various programs stored in the storage device 320. The control device 310 includes, as multiple functional units, a static eliminator detection unit 311, an assignment status determination unit 312, an assignment unit 313, a target determination unit 314, a setting unit 315, a monitoring unit 316, and a display control unit 317. Some or all of these multiple functional units may be realized by hardware such as electronic circuits.

[0062] The static eliminator detection unit 311 detects multiple static eliminators 200 connected to the network 309 in Figure 1. The assignment status determination unit 312 determines whether or not an IP address has been assigned to each of the multiple static eliminators 200 detected by the static eliminator detection unit 311. The assignment unit 313 assigns an IP address corresponding to the static eliminator 200 that has been detected by the static eliminator detection unit 311 and determined by the assignment status determination unit 312 to not have an IP address assigned to it.

[0063] The target determination unit 314 determines one static eliminator 200 from among multiple static eliminators 200 connected to the network 309 to be the target for setting the operating conditions. Alternatively, if there are two or more static eliminators 200 among the multiple static eliminators 200 that are the target for setting the operating conditions, the target determination unit 314 determines those two or more static eliminators 200 as a target static eliminator group.

[0064] The setting unit 315 sets operating conditions for a static eliminator 200 determined by the target determination unit 314, for example, based on the user's operation of the main unit operation unit 700. Alternatively, the setting unit 315 can set common operating conditions for a group of target static eliminators determined by the target determination unit 314, for example, based on the user's operation of the main unit operation unit 700.

[0065] The display control unit 317 displays various images on the main display unit 600 for managing the multiple static eliminators 200. For example, the display control unit 317 displays an image on the main display unit 600 showing the multiple static eliminators 200 detected by the static eliminator detection unit 311. The display control unit 317 also displays images on the main display unit 600 showing the multiple static eliminators 200 and the IP addresses corresponding to each of the multiple static eliminators 200.

[0066] The monitoring unit 316 accepts the designation of the monitoring target and the completion of monitoring when monitoring one or more static eliminators 200, as described later. The display control unit 317 displays images on the main unit display unit 600 that show the various operating states of the static eliminators 200 being monitored when monitoring one or more static eliminators 200, as described later. Furthermore, the display control unit 317 displays various images on the main unit display unit 600 when setting the operating conditions for one or more static eliminators 200.

[0067] The processing unit communication unit 380 receives signals of various information transmitted from the static eliminator communication units 280 (Figure 4) of multiple static eliminators 200 via the network 309 shown in Figure 1, and provides them to the control unit 310. The processing unit communication unit 380 also transmits signals of various information output from the control unit 310 to the multiple static eliminators 200.

[0068] The processing unit power supply unit 390 receives power supplied from the commercial power supply through a power cable (not shown) and supplies the received power to other components provided in the processing unit 300.

[0069] 6. Examples of using multiple static eliminators 200 The following describes an example of using the static elimination system 1 shown in Figure 1. Figure 6 is a sequence diagram illustrating one example of using the static elimination system 1 shown in Figure 1. Figures 7 to 11 show examples of screen transitions of the main unit display 600 corresponding to the sequence diagram in Figure 6. In this example, it is assumed that, in the initial state, multiple static eliminators 200 and processing unit 300 are connected to the network 309 shown in Figure 1.

[0070] When the static elimination system 1 is ordered to be started, the processing unit 300 performs a process to detect all of the multiple static eliminators 200 connected to the network 309. In this case, first, the processing unit 300 sends a response request signal to the network 309 (step S1). The response request signal is sent according to UDP (User Datagram Protocol). As a result, the processing unit 300 requests a response signal from each of the multiple electrical devices (including the multiple static eliminators 200) connected to the network 309, including the IP address and MAC (Media Access Control) address assigned to that electrical device. At this time, the request sent from the processing unit 300 is set to send a response signal only if the electrical device is a static eliminator 200.

[0071] Each of the multiple electrical devices connected to the network 309, upon receiving a response request signal, generates a response signal corresponding to that response request signal and transmits it to the processing unit 300 (step S2). Here, the response signal transmitted to the processing unit 300 from an electrical device that has not been assigned an IP address in advance does not contain IP address information.

[0072] Each of the multiple electrical devices is assigned a MAC address which contains information to identify the manufacturer of that electrical device. Based on this, the processing unit 300 detects multiple static eliminators 200 among the multiple electrical devices connected to the network 309, based on the reception of multiple response signals from the network 309. At this time, as shown in Figure 7, a detected static eliminator screen 610 showing a list of the detected multiple static eliminators 200 is displayed on the main unit display unit 600 in Figure 1.

[0073] The static eliminator detection screen 610 in Figure 7 displays multiple static eliminator information fields 611, each showing information for one of the multiple detected static eliminators 200. Each static eliminator information field 611 includes a device name field 612, an IP address field 613, and a MAC address field 614.

[0074] The device name field 612 displays names to individually identify each of the multiple static eliminators 200. The IP address field 613 displays the IP address assigned to each of the multiple static eliminators 200. The MAC address field 614 displays the MAC address assigned to each of the multiple static eliminators 200.

[0075] In this embodiment, the names of the multiple static eliminators 200 are automatically determined by the processing unit 300 according to a predetermined method when the multiple static eliminators 200 are detected. In the example shown in Figure 7, five static eliminators 200 are detected, and their names are determined as "Static Eliminator A," "Static Eliminator B," "Static Eliminator C," "Static Eliminator D," and "Static Eliminator E" based on the values ​​of some bits of their MAC addresses.

[0076] As described above, the response signal sent from electrical equipment that has not been assigned an IP address to the processing unit 300 does not contain IP address information. Therefore, on the detection static eliminator screen 610, a prompt message prompting the user to enter an IP address is displayed in the IP address field 613 of electrical equipment that has not been assigned an IP address. This IP address field 613 is configured to allow the user to input a string. The user can then select the IP address field 613 displaying the prompt message by operating the main unit operation unit 700 in Figure 1 and enter the desired IP address.

[0077] The static eliminator detection screen 610 further includes a confirmation button 615. The user confirms, for example, that the device name, IP address, and MAC address are properly defined for all static eliminators 200, and then operates the confirmation button 615. As a result, one or more new IP addresses entered by the user are sent from the processing unit 300 to the network 309 along with the MAC address corresponding to that IP address (step S3). The transmission of the new IP addresses is performed according to UDP.

[0078] When a static eliminator 200 that has not been assigned an IP address receives a new IP address along with its own MAC address, it stores that IP address as the IP address that should be assigned to it. In this way, IP addresses are assigned to all of the static eliminators 200 connected to the network 309.

[0079] With IP addresses assigned to all of the multiple static eliminators 200, the user can perform monitoring to check the operating status of at least some of the multiple static eliminators 200. When the user gives a command to the processing unit 300 to perform monitoring (monitoring start command), the monitoring specification screen 620 is displayed on the main unit display unit 600, as shown in Figure 8. The monitoring specification screen 620 is a screen for specifying the static eliminators 200 to be monitored from among the multiple static eliminators 200.

[0080] The monitoring selection screen 620 in Figure 8 displays multiple static eliminator information fields 611, each representing one of the multiple static eliminators 200 to which an IP address has been assigned. The monitoring selection screen 620 in this example includes a scroll bar to secure display area for the numerous static eliminator information fields 611. The monitoring selection screen 620 also includes a selection completion button 616. The user, for example, confirms the multiple static eliminators 200 displayed on the monitoring selection screen 620 and then operates the main unit operation unit 700 to select the static eliminator information field 611 corresponding to the static eliminator 200 to be monitored. At this time, the display mode of the static eliminator information field 611 selected by the user changes so that it can be identified from the unselected static eliminator information fields 611. In the example in Figure 8, the three static eliminator information fields 611 selected by the user are bordered with thick borders.

[0081] The user selects one or more static eliminator information fields 611 corresponding to each of the static eliminators 200 to be monitored, and then operates the selection completion button 616. As a result, one or more static eliminators 200 corresponding to each of the one or more static eliminator information fields 611 selected by the user are designated as monitoring targets. In addition, the processing unit 300 sends a status request signal to the one or more static eliminators 200 that have been commanded to be monitored (step S4). The transmission of the status request signal is performed according to TCP (Transmission Control Protocol).

[0082] Here, the status request signal includes a command to the processing unit 300 to transmit predetermined information required for monitoring (hereinafter referred to as monitoring information) to the static eliminator 200. In this embodiment, the monitoring information includes the ion balance detected by the ion balance sensor 100 as the operating state of the static eliminator 200. The monitoring information also includes the temperature and humidity of the target space detected by the ion balance sensor 100. Furthermore, in each static eliminator 200 according to this embodiment, it is determined whether the static eliminator 200 is in a normal state or an abnormal state based on various settings (operating conditions) described later. Therefore, the monitoring information includes information indicating whether the static eliminator 200 is in a normal state or an abnormal state.

[0083] Each of the one or more static eliminators 200 that receives a status request signal generates a status signal containing monitoring information and transmits it to the processing unit 300 (step S5). Upon receiving the status signals from the one or more static eliminators 200, the processing unit 300 displays a monitoring screen 630 on the main unit display unit 600 in Figure 1, as shown in Figure 9, which shows the operating status of the specified one or more static eliminators 200 in real time or near real time.

[0084] The monitoring screen 630 in Figure 9 displays multiple monitoring blocks 631, each corresponding to one of the multiple static eliminators 200 being monitored. The monitoring screen 630 in this example includes a scroll bar to ensure sufficient display area for the numerous monitoring blocks 631. Each of the multiple monitoring blocks 631 displays various information sent from the corresponding static eliminator 200 (ion balance, temperature of the target space, humidity of the target space).

[0085] Each of the multiple monitoring blocks 631 includes a status display unit 632 and a setting button 633. The status display unit 632 indicates whether the static eliminator 200 corresponding to the monitoring block 631 is operating normally. The setting button 633 is operated by the user when they want to set the operating conditions for the static eliminator 200 of the monitoring block 631.

[0086] In this embodiment of the static elimination system 1, the setting of the operating conditions of a static eliminator 200 by the processing unit 300 is generally performed as follows. First, the processing unit 300 creates a file of operating conditions to be set for the static eliminator 200 (hereinafter referred to as the operating condition file). Next, the created operating condition file is sent to the static eliminator 200. After that, the static eliminator 200 sets the operating conditions based on the received operating condition file. Details of these settings will be described later.

[0087] When the setting button 633 in one of the multiple monitoring blocks 631 is operated, the static eliminator setting screen 640 corresponding to that monitoring block 631 is displayed on the main unit display unit 600 in Figure 1, as shown in Figure 10. In this example, it is assumed that the setting button 633 in the monitoring block 631 labeled "Static Eliminator A" among the multiple monitoring blocks 631 in Figure 9 has been operated. The static eliminator setting screen 640 includes a new creation area 641, a file selection area 642, a save button 643, a load button 644, and a send button 645.

[0088] The new creation area 641 is an area for generating a new operating condition file to be applied to a static eliminator 200 (in this example, "static eliminator A"). The new creation area 641 includes various operation units, various input fields, and various checkboxes for defining the operating conditions. Specifically, the new creation area 641 in Figure 10 includes a pull-down operation unit for determining the airflow rate of the static eliminator, as well as input fields for an ion balance threshold and an ion current threshold for determining the static elimination state.

[0089] Furthermore, the new creation area 641 includes a checkbox for turning on or off a function to disable the operation of the control unit 260 (Figure 4) on one of the static eliminators 200. In addition, the new creation area 641 includes a checkbox for turning on or off a function (auto-clean function) that operates the cleaning device 291 so that multiple electrode needles en1, en2 are cleaned at regular intervals. This allows the user to operate each part displayed in the new creation area 641, enter desired values ​​in each input field, and then operate the save button 643 to generate a new operating condition file and save it to the storage device 320 in Figure 5. When generating a new operating condition file, the user can set the file name of the operating condition file to a desired name.

[0090] The file selection area 642 displays the filenames of one or more operating condition files stored in the storage device 320, allowing for selection. The filename of the operating condition file created by the operation in the new creation area 641 described above is also displayed in the file selection area 642.

[0091] The user selects a desired operating condition file from one or more operating condition files displayed in the file selection area 642, and then operates the read button 644. This reads the selected operating condition file from the storage device 320 as the operating condition file to be sent to "Static Eliminator A". The contents of the read operating condition file may be displayed on the main unit display 600. Next, the user operates the send button 645. This sends the read operating condition file from the processing device 300 to one of the static eliminators 200 (in this example, "Static Eliminator A") (step S6). The transmission of the operating condition file is performed according to TCP.

[0092] Upon receiving the operating condition file, the static eliminator 200 sets various operating conditions based on the received operating condition file. If the static eliminator 200 successfully sets the operating conditions based on the operating condition file, it sends a setting result indicating that the setting of the operating conditions was successful to the processing unit 300 (step S7). On the other hand, if the setting of the operating conditions based on the operating condition file fails due to communication instability or the like, the static eliminator 200 sends a setting result indicating that the setting of the operating conditions failed to the processing unit 300 (step S7).

[0093] Subsequently, the processing unit 300 displays the setting results transmitted in step S7 on the main unit display unit 600. This allows the user to understand whether the setting work for one static eliminator 200 was successful or not.

[0094] Here, the monitoring screen 630 in Figure 9 includes a batch setting button 634. The batch setting button 634 is operated by the user when they want to set common operating conditions for at least two or more of the multiple static eliminators 200 being monitored.

[0095] When the batch setting button 634 is operated, a batch setting screen 650 for setting common operating conditions for two or more static eliminators 200 is displayed on the main unit display unit 600 in Figure 1, as shown in Figure 11. The batch setting screen 650 includes a target selection area 651, a file selection area 652, a read button 653, and a send button 654.

[0096] The target selection area 651 displays the names of multiple static eliminators 200 to be monitored, along with checkboxes. The user can select multiple static eliminators 200 to be subject to common operating condition settings as a target group by checking the checkboxes displayed next to the names of the desired static eliminators 200 from among two or more static eliminators 200. The file selection area 652 displays the file names of one or more operating condition files stored in the storage device 320, as in the example in Figure 10, for selection.

[0097] The user selects two or more static eliminators 200 to be subject to common operating condition settings as a target static eliminator group on the target selection area 651, and specifies the desired operating condition file from one or more operating condition files displayed in the file selection area 652. Then, the user operates the read button 653. As a result, the specified operating condition file is read from the storage device 320 as a common operating condition file to be sent to the target static eliminator group. At this time, the contents of the read operating condition file may be displayed on the main unit display unit 600. Next, the user operates the send button 654. As a result, the read operating condition file is sent from the processing device 300 to the target static eliminator group (step S6). The transmission of the operating condition file is performed according to TCP.

[0098] Each static eliminator 200 that receives the operating condition file sets various operating conditions based on the received operating condition file. Each static eliminator 200 also transmits the results of the operating condition settings based on the received operating condition file to the processing unit 300 (step S7).

[0099] Note that the batch settings screen 650 in Figure 11 may also include the new creation area 641 and the save button 643 in Figure 10. In this case, the user can create a new operating condition file to be sent to the target group of static eliminators on the batch settings screen 650.

[0100] 7. Static Eliminator Detection Process In the processing unit 300, the CPU of the control unit 310 executes a static eliminator detection program stored in the storage device 320, thereby performing static eliminator detection. Through this static eliminator detection process, all of the multiple static eliminators 200 connected to the network 309 are detected, as explained in the example in Figure 6.

[0101] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the static eliminator detection process performed in the processing unit 300. The static eliminator detection process is started in response to a command to start the static eliminator detection process. This command is given to the control device 310, for example, by the user operating the main unit operation unit 700.

[0102] First, the static eliminator detection unit 311 in Figure 5 sends a response request signal to the network 309 (step S311). This process corresponds to the process in step S1 in Figure 6. Therefore, the response request signal referred to here is a signal that requests an electrical device connected to the network 309 to send a response signal including an IP address and a MAC address.

[0103] Next, after processing in step S311, the static eliminator detection unit 311 determines whether or not it has received a response signal from the network 309 within a predetermined period of time (step S312). This response signal is the signal transmitted from the static eliminator 200 in step S213 or step S216 of the static eliminator response processing shown in Figure 13, which will be described later. If no response signal is received within the period of time, the static eliminator detection unit 311 terminates the static eliminator detection process. On the other hand, if a response signal is received, the static eliminator detection unit 311 detects one or more static eliminators 200 connected to the network 309 based on the MAC address included in the received response signal (step S313).

[0104] Next, the display control unit 317 displays a list of the detected static eliminators 200 on the main unit display unit 600 (step S314). An example of the screen displayed on the main unit display unit 600 at this time is the detected static eliminator screen 610 in Figure 7.

[0105] Next, the assignment status determination unit 312 in Figure 5 determines, based on the received response signal, whether or not an IP address has been assigned to each of the detected static eliminators 200. More specifically, the assignment status determination unit 312 determines whether or not there is a static eliminator 200 among the detected static eliminators 200 that has not been assigned an IP address (step S315). If there is no static eliminator 200 that has not been assigned an IP address, the static eliminator detection unit 311 proceeds to step S318, which will be described later. On the other hand, if there is a static eliminator 200 that has not been assigned an IP address, the assignment unit 313 in Figure 5 accepts an IP address for that static eliminator 200 (step S316). Specifically, the assignment unit 313 waits until a new IP address is entered by the user in the blank IP address frame 613 where a reminder message is displayed on the detected static eliminator screen 610 in Figure 7.

[0106] Next, the assignment unit 313 receives IP addresses for all static eliminators 200 that have not yet been assigned an IP address, and then transmits the received IP addresses along with the corresponding MAC addresses to the network 309 (step S317). As a result, information including the new IP addresses and their corresponding MAC addresses is transmitted to all electrical devices connected to the network 309. This process corresponds to the process in step S3 of Figure 6.

[0107] Subsequently, the static eliminator detection unit 311 stores information about all static eliminators 200 detected in step S313, along with their assigned IP addresses, in the storage device 320 (step S318). Specifically, the static eliminator detection unit 311 stores information including the name, IP address, and MAC address for each of the one or more detected static eliminators 200 in the storage device 320. After that, the static eliminator detection unit 311 terminates the static eliminator detection process.

[0108] The assignment unit 313 may generate a new IP address for the static eliminator 200 that has not been assigned an IP address, using a predetermined method. In this case, the process in step S316 is omitted.

[0109] 8. Static Eliminator Response Processing In each of the multiple static eliminators 200, the static eliminator control unit 230 shown in Figure 4 executes a predetermined program stored in the static eliminator storage unit 270 to perform static eliminator response processing. Figure 13 is a flowchart showing an example of static eliminator response processing performed in the static eliminator 200. The static eliminator response processing is repeatedly executed at regular intervals while the power to the static eliminator 200 is turned on.

[0110] First, the static eliminator control unit 230 determines whether or not it has received a response request signal through the network 309 (step S211). This response request signal is the signal transmitted from the processing unit 300 in step S311 of the static eliminator detection process shown in Figure 12 above. If the response request signal is not received, the static eliminator control unit 230 terminates the static eliminator response process. On the other hand, if the response request signal is received, the static eliminator control unit 230 determines whether or not an IP address has been assigned to the static eliminator 200 (step S212).

[0111] If an IP address is assigned to the static eliminator 200, that IP address is stored in the static eliminator storage unit 270. On the other hand, if an IP address is not assigned to the static eliminator 200, the static eliminator storage unit 270 does not store an IP address or any information related thereto. Therefore, in step S212 above, the static eliminator control unit 230 specifically determines whether or not an IP address is assigned to the static eliminator 200 based on whether or not an IP address is stored in the static eliminator storage unit 270. Note that the static eliminator 200 is assigned a MAC address at the time of its manufacture. As a result, the MAC address is stored in the static eliminator storage unit 270 in advance before it leaves the factory.

[0112] In step S212, if no IP address is assigned to the static eliminator 200, the static eliminator control unit 230 generates a response signal that does not include an IP address but includes a MAC address, and sends it to the network 309 (step S213). This process corresponds to the process in step S2 of Figure 6.

[0113] Next, the static eliminator control unit 230 determines whether or not it has received an IP address associated with its own MAC address (step S214). This IP address is the IP address transmitted from the processing unit 300 in step S317 of the static eliminator detection process shown in Figure 12 above. If the IP address is not received, the static eliminator control unit 230 repeats the process in step S214 until it receives an IP address. On the other hand, if an IP address is received, the static eliminator control unit 230 stores the received IP address, i.e., the IP address associated with its own MAC address, in the static eliminator storage unit 270 (step S215). As a result, an IP address is assigned to the static eliminator 200. After that, the static eliminator control unit 230 terminates the static eliminator response process.

[0114] In step S212, if an IP address is assigned to the static eliminator 200, the static eliminator control unit 230 generates a response signal including the IP address and MAC address assigned to it and sends it to the network 309 (step S216). This process corresponds to the process in step S2 of Figure 6. After that, the static eliminator control unit 230 terminates the static eliminator response process.

[0115] 9. Monitoring process In the processing unit 300, monitoring is performed by the CPU of the control unit 310 executing a monitoring program stored in the storage device 320. Through this monitoring process, the static eliminator 200 specified by the user is monitored, as explained in the example in Figure 6.

[0116] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing an example of monitoring processing performed in the processing unit 300. Monitoring processing is started in response to a monitoring start command. This start command is given to the control unit 310, for example, by the user operating the main unit operation unit 700.

[0117] First, the display control unit 317 in Figure 5 displays a list of one or more static eliminators 200 detected in the static eliminator detection process on the main unit display unit 600 (step S321). An example of the screen displayed on the main unit display unit 600 at this time is the monitoring specification screen 620 in Figure 8.

[0118] Next, the monitoring unit 316 receives a designation of one or more static eliminators 200 to be monitored from the main unit display unit 600 (step S322). Specifically, the monitoring unit 316 receives the user's designation of the static eliminator 200 and the operation of the designation completion button 616 on the monitoring designation screen 620 in Figure 8.

[0119] Next, the monitoring unit 316 sends a status request signal to one or more static eliminators 200 designated as monitoring targets (step S323). This process corresponds to the process in step S4 of Figure 6.

[0120] Next, after processing in step S323, the monitoring unit 316 determines whether or not it has received a status signal containing monitoring information from the static eliminator 200 to be monitored (step S324). If no status signal is received, the monitoring unit 316 repeats the processing in step S324. On the other hand, if a status signal is received, the display control unit 317 displays the operating status of one or more static eliminators 200 to be monitored on the main unit display unit 600 based on the received status signal (step S325). An example of the screen displayed on the main unit display unit 600 at this time is the monitoring screen 630 in Figure 9.

[0121] Next, the monitoring unit 316 determines whether or not a command to terminate monitoring (monitoring termination command) has been given by the user (step S326). This termination command is given to the control device 310, for example, by the user operating the main unit operation unit 700.

[0122] If no monitoring termination command is given in step S326, the monitoring unit 316 returns to step S323. On the other hand, if a monitoring termination command is given in step S326, the monitoring unit 316 terminates the monitoring process.

[0123] In each of the one or more static eliminators 200 designated as monitoring targets, the static eliminator control unit 230 generates a status signal containing monitoring information when it receives a status request signal through the process in step S323 described above. The static eliminator control unit 230 also transmits the generated status signal to the processing unit 300. This process corresponds to the process in step S5 of Figure 6.

[0124] 10. Setting operating conditions In the processing unit 300, the CPU of the control unit 310 executes an operating condition setting program stored in the storage device 320 to perform the operating condition setting process. Through the operating condition setting process, the operating conditions are set for one or more static eliminators 200 selected by the user, as explained in the example in Figure 6.

[0125] Figure 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the operating condition setting process performed in the processing unit 300. The operating condition setting process is repeatedly executed at regular intervals in parallel with the monitoring process while the monitoring process described above is being performed. Therefore, in the initial state, the main unit display unit 600 displays a screen corresponding to the monitoring screen 630 in Figure 9.

[0126] First, the target determination unit 314 in Figure 5 determines whether or not a command to set the operating conditions has been given for one of the one or more static eliminators 200 to be monitored (step S331). This setting command is given to the control device 310, for example, when the user operates one of the multiple setting buttons 633 on the monitoring screen 630 in Figure 9 using the main unit operation unit 700.

[0127] When a command to set operating conditions is given for one static eliminator 200, the target determination unit 314 determines that the static eliminator 200 is the target for setting operating conditions. The display control unit 317 then displays a static eliminator setting screen for setting operating conditions for the static eliminator 200 on the main unit display unit 600 (step S332). An example of the screen displayed on the main unit display unit 600 at this time is the static eliminator setting screen 640 in Figure 10.

[0128] Next, the setting unit 315 in Figure 5 receives the operating conditions to be set for one static eliminator 200 (step S333). Receiving these operating conditions means, for example, receiving user operations on each area (641, 642) and each button (643, 644, 645) on the static eliminator setting screen 640 in Figure 10.

[0129] Next, the setting unit 315 generates, saves, and loads an operating condition file based on the operating conditions (operations of the user's main unit operation unit 700) received in step S333 (step S334). The setting unit 315 also transmits the various information contained in the loaded operating condition file to one of the static eliminators 200 that is the target of the operating condition setting as the result of the operating condition setting (step S335). This process corresponds to the process in step S6 of Figure 6. After that, the setting unit 315 terminates the operating condition setting process.

[0130] If no command to set operating conditions is given for one static eliminator 200 in step S331 above, the target determination unit 314 determines whether or not a setting command (bulk setting command) has been given to set operating conditions for multiple static eliminators 200 at once (step S341). This setting command is given to the control device 310, for example, by the user operating the bulk setting button 634 on the monitoring screen 630 in Figure 9 using the main unit operation unit 700.

[0131] If no batch setting command is given, the target determination unit 314 returns to step S331. On the other hand, if a batch setting command is given, the display control unit 317 displays a batch setting screen on the main unit display unit 600 for setting common operating conditions for multiple static eliminators 200 (step S342). An example of the screen displayed on the main unit display unit 600 at this time is the batch setting screen 650 in Figure 11.

[0132] Next, the target determination unit 314 accepts the selection of multiple static eliminators 200 to be set as operating conditions (step S343). Acceptance of this selection of multiple static eliminators 200 means, for example, acceptance of the user's operation on the target selection area 651 on the batch setting screen 650 in Figure 11.

[0133] Next, the target determination unit 314 determines two or more static eliminators 200 selected by the user as the target static eliminator group based on the selection received in step S343 (the operation content of the user's main unit operation unit 700) (step S344). After that, the setting unit 315 proceeds to step S333.

[0134] In this case, in step S333, the setting unit 315 in Figure 5 receives the operating conditions to be set for two or more static eliminators 200 of the target static eliminator group. As a result, in the subsequent steps S334 and S335, an operating condition file containing the operating conditions to be set in common for two or more static eliminators 200 of the target static eliminator group is read and sent to the target static eliminator group.

[0135] 11. Processing to reflect operating conditions In each of the multiple static eliminators 200, the static eliminator control unit 230 executes a predetermined program stored in the static eliminator storage unit 270 to perform the operation condition reflection process. Figure 16 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation condition reflection process performed in the static eliminator 200. The operation condition reflection process is repeatedly executed at regular intervals in parallel with the static eliminator response process described above, while the power to the static eliminator 200 is turned on.

[0136] First, the static eliminator control unit 230 determines whether an operation to set the operating conditions has been performed by operating the operation unit 260 provided on the static eliminator 200 (step S221). If an operation to set the operating conditions has been performed, the static eliminator control unit 230 receives the operating conditions to be set for the static eliminator 200 (step S222) and generates an operating condition file (step S223).

[0137] Next, the static eliminator control unit 230 sets the operating conditions by storing the generated operating condition file in the static eliminator storage unit 270 shown in Figure 4 (step S224). The static eliminator control unit 230 also transmits the result of setting the operating conditions to the processing unit 300 (step S225). The result of setting the operating conditions transmitted to the processing unit 300 includes information indicating whether the setting of the operating conditions was successful or not, and the set operating conditions (operating condition file). After that, the static eliminator control unit 230 terminates the operating condition reflection process.

[0138] If no operation to set the operating conditions is performed in step S221 above, the static eliminator control unit 230 determines whether or not it has received the operating condition setting result from the processing unit 300 (step S226). If it has not received the operating condition setting result from the processing unit 300, the static eliminator control unit 230 terminates the operating condition reflection process. On the other hand, if it has received the operating condition setting result from the processing unit 300, the static eliminator control unit 230 proceeds to the process in step S224. As a result, the operating conditions based on the received operating condition setting result are set in the static eliminator 200. The static eliminator control unit 230 of the static eliminator 200 may be configured to process the operating condition file generated in the processing unit 300. In this case, the setting unit 315 of the processing unit 300 in Figure 5 may, in step S335 of the above operating condition setting process, send the read operating condition file itself to the static eliminator 200 instead of the various information (operating condition setting result) contained in the read operating condition file.

[0139] The operating condition file received in step S226 is the operating condition file sent from the processing unit 300 in step S335 of the above operating condition setting process. In the above static eliminator response process, the process in which the operating condition setting result is sent to the processing unit 300 in step S225 through the process in step S226 corresponds to the process in step S7 in Figure 6.

[0140] 12. Effects (a) In the static elimination system 1 described above, the user can set desired operating conditions for each of the multiple static eliminators 200 by operating the control unit 260.

[0141] Furthermore, the processing unit 300 can determine two or more static eliminators 200 from among the multiple static eliminators 200 connected to the network 309 as a target static eliminator group. In addition, common operating conditions can be set for two or more static eliminators 200 in the target static eliminator group. This reduces the time required for setting up multiple static eliminators 200 for the user. Moreover, the user does not need to perform setting up all of the multiple static eliminators 200 individually. Therefore, the repetition of numerous setting tasks is suppressed, and the occurrence of human error is reduced. Consequently, the reliability of setting up multiple static eliminators 200 is improved.

[0142] (b) In the processing unit 300, the operating conditions that can be set for the multiple static eliminators 200 connected to the network 309 include a condition (disable condition) for disabling the operation of the operation unit 260 of the static eliminator 200. This allows the user to set the operation of the operation unit 260 to be disabled for a desired static eliminator 200 from among the multiple static eliminators 200. In this case, it is prevented that the set operating conditions for each of the multiple static eliminators 200 are unintentionally changed.

[0143] (c) In the processing unit 300 described above, multiple static eliminators 200 connected to the network 309 are detected. At this time, it is determined whether or not an IP address has been assigned to each of the detected multiple static eliminators 200, and a new IP address is assigned to the static eliminators 200 that have not been assigned an IP address. This makes it possible for the processing unit 300 to identify the multiple static eliminators 200. Therefore, when setting operating conditions for the multiple static eliminators 200 from the processing unit 300, the possibility of setting incorrect operating conditions among the multiple static eliminators 200 is reduced.

[0144] 13. Other Embodiments (a) Figure 17 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a processing apparatus 300 according to another embodiment. The differences between the processing apparatus 300 in Figure 17 and the processing apparatus 300 according to the above embodiment will be explained.

[0145] As shown in Figure 17, in the processing apparatus 300 according to another embodiment, the control device 310 further includes a group generation unit 318 and a group selection unit 319 as new functional units, in addition to the multiple functional units (311 to 317) shown in Figure 5. It should be noted that some or all of the group generation unit 318 and the group selection unit 319 may also be implemented by hardware such as electronic circuits.

[0146] The group generation unit 318 generates static eliminator groups containing two or more static eliminators 200 for the multiple static eliminators 200 connected to the network 309 in Figure 1. The group selection unit 319 selects one or more static eliminator groups generated by the group generation unit 318.

[0147] As a result, in this example, when a group selection unit 319 selects a group of static eliminators, the target determination unit 314 determines that two or more static eliminators 200 belonging to the selected static eliminator group will be designated as the target static eliminator group. Furthermore, the setting unit 315 in this example sets common operating conditions for the static eliminators 200 to be set, determined by the target determination unit 314, i.e., two or more static eliminators 200 belonging to the group of static eliminators selected by the group selection unit 319.

[0148] The processing device 300 having the above configuration is configured to receive a command to generate a static eliminator group based on the user's operation of the main unit operation unit 700. When the control device 310 is given a command to generate a static eliminator group, the display control unit 317 causes, for example, the main unit display unit 600 to display a group generation screen for generating a static eliminator group. Figure 18 shows an example of a group generation screen displayed on the main unit display unit 600 in the processing device 300 according to another embodiment.

[0149] The group creation screen 660 includes a target selection area 651, a group name area 661, and a group creation button 663. The target selection area 651 displays the names of multiple static eliminators 200 to be monitored, along with checkboxes, similar to the example included in the batch setting screen 650 in Figure 11.

[0150] The group name area 661 displays the names of one or more static eliminator groups that have been created so far, as well as a group name input box 662 for entering the name of a new static eliminator group to be created.

[0151] This allows the user to select multiple static eliminators 200 to be grouped by checking the checkboxes displayed next to the names of the desired static eliminators 200 in the target selection area 651. The user also enters a desired name in the group name input field 662. After that, the user operates the group generation button 663. As a result, a static eliminator group is generated for the selected static eliminators 200, with the name entered in the group name input field 662. At this time, the information of the generated static eliminator group is stored in the storage device 320.

[0152] In this case, in order to facilitate setting common operating conditions for each static eliminator group, the screen for setting common operating conditions for multiple static eliminators 200 (the batch setting screen 650 in Figure 11 of the above embodiment) may be displayed as follows.

[0153] Figure 19 shows an example of a batch setting screen 650 according to another embodiment. The differences between the batch setting screen 650 in Figure 19 and the batch setting screen 650 in Figure 11 will be explained. As shown in Figure 19, in the batch setting screen 650 of this example, checkboxes for multiple static eliminators 200 are displayed in the target selection area 651, and the names of one or more generated static eliminator groups are displayed along with checkboxes. As a result, the user can select two or more static eliminators 200 belonging to the checked static eliminator group as the target static eliminator group by checking the checkbox displayed in conjunction with the name of the desired static eliminator group.

[0154] As shown in Figure 17, in the processing apparatus 300 according to another embodiment, the control device 310 further includes a condition acquisition unit 350 as a new functional unit, in addition to the multiple functional units (311 to 317) shown in Figure 5. It should be noted that part or all of the condition acquisition unit 350 may also be implemented by hardware such as electronic circuits.

[0155] The condition acquisition unit 350 acquires one or more operating condition files stored in the static eliminator storage unit 270 of one or more static eliminators 200 connected to the network 309. In other words, the condition acquisition unit 350 acquires one or more operating conditions set for at least some of the static eliminators 200. As a result, the setting unit 315 can use one or more operating condition files acquired by the condition acquisition unit 350 to set the operating conditions for at least some of the static eliminators 200.

[0156] In this case, when setting the operating conditions for the static eliminator 200 in the processing unit 300, one or more operating condition files for the static eliminator 200 acquired by the condition acquisition unit 350 may be displayed in the file selection area 642 of the static eliminator setting screen 640 in Figure 10. This allows the user to easily set the desired operating conditions set for one of the multiple static eliminators 200 to the other static eliminators 200 connected to the network 309.

[0157] (b) In the processing device 300 according to the above embodiment, the batch setting screen 650 in Figures 11 and 19 may further include the new creation area 641 and the save button 643 in Figure 10. In this case, if the user wants to set common operating conditions for multiple static eliminators 200, they can generate a new operation setting file by operating the new creation area 641 and the save button 643.

[0158] (c) In the processing device 300 according to the above embodiment, when a plurality of static eliminators 200 connected to the network 309 are detected, the name of each static eliminator 200 is automatically determined, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0159] The names of the multiple static eliminators 200 may be determined, for example, by the user operating the main unit's control panel 700. In this case, the device name frame 612 on the detection static eliminator screen 610 in Figure 7 may allow the user to input a name. Furthermore, when the user inputs a name into the device name frame 612 corresponding to one static eliminator 200, the processing unit 300 may send a signal to the static eliminator 200 to cause the indicator light 292 to illuminate. This allows the user to determine the name of the static eliminator 200 while understanding its location by visually identifying the static eliminator 200 with its indicator light 292 illuminated.

[0160] (d) In the processing apparatus 300 according to the above embodiment, the one or more static eliminators 200 to be set as operating conditions are selected from the one or more static eliminators 200 to be monitored, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The static eliminators 200 to be set as operating conditions may be selected from all static eliminators 200 detected by the static eliminator detection unit 311, regardless of whether or not they are to be monitored.

[0161] (e) The control device 310 of the processing apparatus 300 according to the above embodiment can set invalidation conditions to disable the operation of the operation unit 260 for a plurality of static eliminators 200 connected to the network 309, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0162] As described above, the operation unit 260 has multiple operation buttons (261, 262, 263). Therefore, the control device 310 may be able to set operating conditions that disable the operation of some of the operation buttons of the operation unit 260 and enable the operation of the remaining operation buttons.

[0163] For example, the deactivation condition may be to disable the user's operation of the one select button 261 and the four adjustment buttons 262 in Figure 4, and enable the operation of the other buttons (the one power button 263 in Figure 4). When this deactivation condition is set, even if the select button 261 and adjustment buttons 262 of the static eliminator 200 are operated, the rotation speed of the fan 201, etc., will not be adjusted. On the other hand, when the power button 263 is operated, the power state of the static eliminator 200 is switched.

[0164] Alternatively, the deactivation condition may be to disable the user's operation of one power button 263 in Figure 4, and enable the operation of the other buttons (one select button 261 and four adjustment buttons 262 in Figure 4). When this deactivation condition is set, even if the power button 263 of the static eliminator 200 is operated, the power state of the static eliminator 200 cannot be switched. On the other hand, when the select button 261 and adjustment buttons 262 are operated, adjustments such as the rotation speed of the fan 201 are made.

[0165] (f) In the processing apparatus 300 according to the above embodiment, the setting unit 315 sets common operating conditions for two or more static eliminators 200 of the target static eliminator group determined by the target determination unit 314, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The setting unit 315 may set multiple different operating conditions for two or more static eliminators 200 of the target static eliminator group.

[0166] In this case, the setting unit 315 generates multiple operating condition files, each associated with two or more static eliminators 200 in the target static eliminator group. The setting unit 315 also transmits various information contained in each operating condition file to the static eliminator 200 corresponding to that operating condition file as the result of setting the operating conditions. Alternatively, the setting unit 315 generates a single operating condition file containing multiple operating conditions associated with two or more static eliminators 200 in the target static eliminator group, and transmits various information contained in that operating condition file to all static eliminators 200 as the result of setting the operating conditions.

[0167] (g) In the processing apparatus 300 according to the above embodiment, the control device 310 may be configured to detect the topology configuration of a plurality of static eliminators 200 connected to the network 309. In this case, by presenting the detected topology configuration to the user, the user can easily and appropriately identify the static eliminators 200 to be monitored and the static eliminators 200 for which operation settings should be configured.

[0168] 14. Correspondence between each component of the claim and each part of the embodiment The following describes examples of the correspondence between each component of the claims and each part of the embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the following examples. Various other elements having the configuration or function described in the claims can be used as each component of the claims.

[0169] In the above embodiment, the multiple static eliminators 200 are examples of multiple static eliminators, the processing unit 300 is an example of a processing unit, the static elimination system 1 is an example of a static elimination system, the operating unit 260 of the static eliminator 200 is an example of a first operating unit, the static eliminator control unit 230 of the static eliminator 200 is an example of a first setting unit, and the network 309 is an example of a network.

[0170] Furthermore, the static eliminator detection unit 311 of the processing unit 300 is an example of a static eliminator detection unit, the target determination unit 314 of the processing unit 300 is an example of a target determination unit, the setting unit 315 of the processing unit 300 is an example of a second setting unit, the assignment status determination unit 312 of the processing unit 300 is an example of an assignment status determination unit, and the assignment unit 313 of the processing unit 300 is an example of an assignment unit.

[0171] Furthermore, the main unit display unit 600 is an example of a display unit, the main unit operation unit 700 is an example of a second operation unit, the group generation unit 318 of the processing unit 300 is an example of a group generation unit, the group selection unit 319 of the processing unit 300 is an example of a group selection unit, and the condition acquisition unit 350 of the processing unit 300 is an example of a condition acquisition unit.

[0172] Furthermore, fan 201 is an example of a fan, fan drive unit 202 is an example of a fan drive unit, static eliminator power supply unit 290 is an example of a power supply unit, each component of the static eliminator 200 that operates using the power of the static eliminator power supply unit 290 (202, 211, 212, 221, 222, 230, 240, 250, 291, 292, 293) is an example of an operating unit, the first operation of the first operating unit is when the user operates one confirmation button 261 and four adjustment buttons 262 in Figure 4, and the second operation of the first operating unit is when the user operates one power button 263 in Figure 4.

[0173] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented in various forms without departing from its essence, and can also be implemented by combining some of the configurations of the embodiments described above. [Explanation of symbols]

[0174] 1…Static elimination system, 11…Static eliminator housing, 12…Air outlet, 100…Ion balance sensor, 110A…Detection plate, 110B…Ion detection circuit, 111…Operational amplifier, 112…Fixed resistor, 113…Modulation voltage source, 120…Temperature detection element, 130…Humidity detection element, 140…Sensor indicator light, 150…Sensor communication unit, 160…Sensor power supply unit, 190…Sensor control unit, 200…Static eliminator, 201…Fan, 201a…Rotating shaft, 202…Fan drive unit, 211…Positive ion generation unit, 211a, 221a…Annular member, 21 2...Positive electrode side high voltage circuit, 221...Negative ion generation unit, 222...Negative electrode side high voltage circuit, 230...Static eliminator control unit, 240...Ion information generation unit, 250...Display unit, 260...Operation unit, 261...Confirm button, 262...Adjustment button, 263...Power button, 270...Static eliminator memory unit, 280...Static eliminator communication unit, 290...Static eliminator power supply unit, 291...Clean device, 292...Indicator light, 293...Alarm device, 300...Processing device, 309...Network, 310...Control device, 311...Static eliminator detection unit, 312...Assignment status determination unit, 313...Assignment unit, 31 4...Target Determination Unit, 315...Setting Unit, 316...Monitoring Unit, 317...Display Control Unit, 318...Group Generation Unit, 319...Group Selection Unit, 320...Storage Device, 350...Condition Acquisition Unit, 380...Processing Device Communication Unit, 390...Processing Device Power Supply Unit, 600...Main Unit Display Unit, 610...Static Eliminator Detection Screen, 611...Static Eliminator Information Section, 612...Device Name Frame, 613...IP Address Frame, 614...MAC Address Frame, 615...Confirmation Button, 616...Specification Complete Button, 620...Monitoring Specification Screen, 630...Monitoring Screen, 631 …Monitoring block, 632…Status display unit, 633…Setting button, 634…Batch setting button, 640…Static eliminator setting screen, 641…New creation area, 642…File selection area, 643…Save button, 644, 653…Load button, 645, 654…Send button, 650…Batch setting screen, 651…Target selection area, 652…File selection area, 660…Group creation screen, 661…Group name area, 662…Group name input box, 663…Group creation button, 700…Main unit operation unit, en1, en2…Electrode needle

Claims

1. A static elimination system including multiple static eliminators and processing devices, Each of the aforementioned plurality of static eliminators is A first operating unit operated by the user, It includes a first setting unit that sets first operating conditions based on the user's operation of the first operating unit, Connected to the network, The aforementioned processing apparatus is A static eliminator detection unit for detecting the plurality of static eliminators connected to the network, A target determination unit that determines two or more of the multiple static eliminators detected by the static eliminator detection unit as a target static eliminator group, The group includes a second setting unit that causes the two or more static eliminators determined to be the target static eliminators to set a common second operating condition, The static elimination system wherein the second operating condition includes a deactivation condition that disables at least one operation of the first operating unit by the user.

2. Each of the aforementioned plurality of static eliminators is It further includes a fan drive unit that rotates the fan to blow static-dissipating ions onto the target object, The first setting unit is configured to set the rotation speed of the fan that is rotated by the fan drive unit based on a first operation of the first operating unit by the user. The static elimination system according to claim 1, wherein the invalidation condition includes disabling the first operation of the first operating unit by the user.

3. Each of the aforementioned plurality of static eliminators is Power supply unit, The system further includes an operating unit that operates using the power of the aforementioned power supply unit, The power supply unit is configured to be switchable between an ON state, which supplies power to the operating unit, and an OFF state, which does not supply power to the operating unit, based on a second operation of the first operating unit by the user. The static elimination system according to claim 1, wherein the invalidation condition includes disabling the second operation of the first operating unit by the user.

4. Each of the aforementioned multiple static eliminators is configured to be assigned an IP address. The aforementioned processing apparatus is An assignment status determination unit determines whether or not an IP address is assigned to each of the plurality of static eliminators detected by the static eliminator detection unit, The static elimination system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: an assignment unit that assigns an IP address to a static eliminator that has been determined by the assignment status determination unit to not have an IP address assigned to it.

5. A display unit connected to the processing device, which displays images showing multiple static eliminators detected by the static eliminator detection unit, The apparatus further comprises a second operating unit connected to the aforementioned processing unit and operated by the user, The static elimination system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the target determination unit determines the target static eliminator group according to the operation of the second operation unit by the user.

6. The aforementioned processing apparatus is A group generation unit generates a group of static eliminators that includes two or more static eliminators for the plurality of static eliminators connected to the network, The system further includes a group selection unit that selects one of the one or more static eliminator groups generated by the group generation unit, The static elimination system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the target determination unit is configured to determine two or more static eliminators belonging to the static eliminator group selected by the group selection unit as the target static eliminator group.

7. A static elimination system comprising a plurality of static eliminators and a processing device, Each of the aforementioned plurality of static eliminators is A first operating unit operated by the user, It includes a first setting unit that sets first operating conditions based on the user's operation of the first operating unit, Connected to the network, The aforementioned processing apparatus is A static eliminator detection unit for detecting the plurality of static eliminators connected to the network, A target determination unit that determines two or more of the multiple static eliminators detected by the static eliminator detection unit as a target static eliminator group, The group includes a second setting unit that causes the two or more static eliminators determined to be the target static eliminators to set a common second operating condition, Each of the plurality of static eliminators further includes a condition storage unit that stores the first operating condition or the second operating condition, The processing device further includes a condition acquisition unit that acquires a first operating condition or a second operating condition stored in the condition storage unit of one of the plurality of static eliminators connected to the network as a third operating condition. The second setting unit sets the third operating condition acquired by the condition acquisition unit as the second operating condition for two or more of the multiple static eliminators, thereby creating a static elimination system.

8. A static eliminator management program that causes a processing unit to execute a static eliminator management process for managing multiple static eliminators, The aforementioned multiple static eliminators have an operating unit operated by a user and are connected to a network. The aforementioned static eliminator management program is, A process for detecting the plurality of static eliminators connected to the network, A process to determine two or more of the detected static eliminators as the target static eliminator group, The processing device is instructed to perform a process to set common operating conditions for the two or more static eliminators determined to be the target static eliminators group. The aforementioned common operating conditions include a deactivation condition that disables at least one operation of the operating unit by the user, in a static eliminator management program.

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