JP7448427B2 - data collection device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a data collection device that collects data regarding physical quantities.

Conventionally, data collection devices collect multiple physical quantities related to operating parts in order to control operating parts (actuators, temperature regulators, etc.) installed in automobiles, residences, factories, etc., or to monitor the status of operating parts. is used.

Patent Document 1 describes, as an example of a data collection device, a communication monitoring system including a plurality of measurement units, a plurality of CAN (Controller Area Network) units, and a display device. Each of the plurality of measurement units stores data of the physical quantity detected by the sensor in a data output buffer included in the measurement unit. Further, each of the plurality of CAN units stores data transmitted between the plurality of ECUs (Electric Control Units) via the CAN bus in a data output buffer provided in the CAN unit. Here, each of the plurality of measurement units and the plurality of CAN units is collectively referred to as a functional unit.

The display device is used as a master unit, reads a plurality of data stored in data output buffers of a plurality of functional units, and displays the read data on a display screen. At this time, the plurality of read data are displayed on the same screen for each functional unit.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-254045

The plurality of functional units described above are connected so as to be lined up sequentially from one side of the master unit in the direction in which the one side faces. A configuration in which a plurality of functional units are connected in order so as to be lined up on one side of the master unit in this way is called a building block type. In the building block type data collection device, the types and number of functional units connected to the master unit can be changed as appropriate. Therefore, it is also possible to recombine the plurality of functional units connected to the master unit.

By the way, when collecting data of a plurality of physical quantities using the above data collection device at a plurality of measurement positions spaced apart from each other, it is desirable to install a master unit and a functional unit near each measurement position. Thereby, for example, the work of installing wiring connecting the sensor and the functional unit becomes easier, and the cost required for the wiring can also be reduced.

In order to identify the plurality of physical quantities collected by the plurality of master units and the plurality of functional units, it is necessary to accurately grasp the electrical connection positions of the plurality of master units and the plurality of functional units. Therefore, the user must previously set an identifier for each of the plurality of master units and the plurality of functional units to distinguish them from other units.

However, such an identifier setting task becomes complicated as the number of master units and functional units increases. In addition, if the relationship of electrical connection positions between multiple units changes due to some units among multiple master units and multiple functional units being rearranged with other units, multiple In order to identify the physical quantity, the user needs to set the identifier again.

An object of the present invention is to provide a data collection device that makes it possible to accurately identify a plurality of physical quantities collected from functional units without requiring complicated installation and setting work.

(1) The data collection device according to the present invention includes a first functional unit to which a first sensor that measures a physical quantity is connected and that acquires the physical quantity measured by the first sensor, and a first functional unit that acquires the physical quantity measured by the first sensor. A master unit that collects the physical quantities acquired by the first functional unit connected to the master unit via a cable and a first functional unit connected in series, and a master unit that collects the physical quantities acquired by the first functional unit connected in series. The master unit includes a power supply unit that supplies power to the multiple remote units through cables, and a power supply unit that supplies power to the multiple remote units that are in an inactive state through the cables. A connection recognition unit that activates the plurality of remote units by supplying the power and recognizes the connection configuration of the multiple remote units based on the activation order of the multiple remote units; and an identifier assigning section that assigns an identifier that allows identification of the connection position.

In the data collection device, a plurality of remote units are connected to a master unit via cables. A first functional unit is connected in series to each of the plurality of remote units. Each remote unit transfers the physical quantity acquired by the first functional unit connected to the remote unit to the master unit. In the master unit, the physical quantities acquired by the first functional unit are collected. In this case, when it is desired to measure physical quantities at multiple locations, the distance between the first functional unit and the first sensor can be shortened by arranging multiple remote units at multiple locations. Can be done. Therefore, the work of installing wiring connecting the first sensor and the first functional unit becomes easier. Furthermore, there is no need to provide multiple master units at multiple locations.

In order to identify the plurality of physical quantities collected in the master unit, it is necessary to understand the connection configuration between the master unit and the remote unit. In the data collection device described above, power is supplied from the master unit to the plurality of remote units that are in an inactive state. The plurality of remote units are connected, for example, in a daisy chain to the master unit. In this case, power output from the master unit is supplied to the plurality of remote units in the order of connection. As a result, the plurality of remote units are activated in the order of connection from the master unit. The connection configuration of the plurality of remote units is recognized based on the activation order of the plurality of remote units. Each of the plurality of remote units is given an identifier that allows identification of the electrical connection position in the recognized connection configuration. This makes it possible to automatically and accurately set the connection configuration between the master unit and a plurality of remote units.

As a result, it becomes possible to accurately identify the plurality of physical quantities collected from the first functional unit without requiring complicated installation and setting work.

(2) Each of the plurality of remote units includes a power supply unit configured to receive power supply from an external power supply in addition to the power supply from the master unit, and the power supply unit When the connection configuration of the remote unit is recognized, the power supplied from the master unit may be used for starting the remote unit with priority over the power supplied from the external power supply.

In this case, when the connection configuration of the plurality of remote units is recognized, the power supplied from the external power source is not used to start the remote units. Therefore, multiple remote units are prevented from starting up in a different order from the order of connection from the master unit. As a result, the connection configuration of multiple remote units is accurately recognized.

(3) The master unit may be configured to allow a plurality of remote units to be connected in series via a cable. In this case, the plurality of remote units connected in series are activated in the order of connection to the master unit when the connection recognition section recognizes the connection configuration of the plurality of remote units.

(4) The master unit has first and second remote ports, and each of the first and second remote ports is configured to allow connection of a plurality of remote units via a cable. Good too.

In this case, the degree of freedom in layout of the plurality of remote units and the first functional unit in the data collection device is improved.

(5) The master unit may further include an output section that outputs data indicating the connection configuration of the plurality of remote units recognized by the connection recognition section.

In this case, the user can easily understand the connection configuration of the plurality of remote units based on the data output from the master unit.

(6) The connection recognition unit recognizes the connection configuration of the first functional unit connected to the plurality of remote units, and acquires information regarding the type of the first functional unit as model information, and the output unit Data indicating the connection configuration of the first functional unit and model information of the first functional unit may also be output.

In this case, the user can easily grasp more information about the first functional unit based on the data output from the master unit.

(7) The master unit is connected to a second sensor that measures a physical quantity and is configured such that a second functional unit that acquires the physical quantity measured by the second sensor can be connected in series; The physical quantities obtained by the two functional units may be collected.

In this case, it becomes possible to collect more physical quantities. Furthermore, since the second functional unit that collects physical quantities can be connected to the master unit, the degree of freedom in layout of units for acquiring physical quantities is improved.

According to the present invention, a data collection device is realized that can accurately identify a plurality of physical quantities collected from functional units without requiring complicated installation work and setting work.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a data collection device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing details of the configuration of the master unit in FIG. 1. FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing details of the configuration of the remote unit in FIG. 1. FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing details of the configuration of a functional unit in FIG. 1. FIG. FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of a master unit, a functional unit, and a battery unit in FIG. 1. FIG. FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the remote unit and functional unit in FIG. 1. FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a specific connection between the master unit, remote unit, and functional unit in FIGS. 5 and 6. FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display of a connection configuration of data collection devices recognized by a master unit. This is a display example showing details of a unit group. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating another display example of the connection configuration of data collection devices recognized in the master unit. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating still another display example of the connection configuration of data collection devices recognized by the master unit. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a modification of the display form of function icons. It is a flowchart of the 1st recognition process. It is a flowchart of a 2nd recognition process. It is a flowchart of a 2nd recognition process. It is a flowchart of the 3rd recognition process.

[1] Basic configuration of data collection device FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a data collection device according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the data collection device 1 according to the present embodiment mainly includes one master unit 2, a plurality of remote units 3, and a plurality of functional units 4a and 4b.

A plurality of remote units 3 are daisy-chain connected to the master unit 2 via a cable CA. In FIG. 1, a master unit 2 and two remote units 3 are connected in a daisy chain by two cables CA, and a master unit 2 and two other remote units 3 are connected in a daisy chain by two cables CA. There is. Here, the cable CA that connects the master unit 2 and the remote unit 3 is a general-purpose network cable that complies with the Power over Ethernet (registered trademark) standard. Furthermore, the network cable used as the cable CA in this embodiment allows data communication between the master unit 2 and the remote unit 3 based on general-purpose protocols such as TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) protocols. configured as possible. Alternatively, the network cable used as the cable CA in this embodiment may be a network cable such as Ethernet (registered trademark)/IP (Ethernet/Internet Protocol) or EtherCAT (registered trademark) between the master unit 2 and remote unit 3. The device is configured to enable data communication in accordance with a protocol having click communication.

The master unit 2 and each of the plurality of remote units 3 are configured to be directly connectable to the functional units 4a and 4b. Specifically, the master unit 2 is configured such that one or more functional units 4a can be connected in series in a so-called building block type. The connection between the master unit 2 and the functional unit 4a is configured to enable bus communication of various data between the master unit 2 and the functional unit 4a connected to the master unit 2. Moreover, each of the plurality of remote units 3 is configured such that one or a plurality of functional units 4b can be connected in series in a so-called building block type. The connection between the remote unit 3 and the functional unit 4b is configured to enable bus communication of various data between the remote unit 3 and the functional unit 4b connected to the remote unit 3. Details of these connections will be described later.

A sensor ss that measures a physical quantity such as temperature, voltage, speed, acceleration, or strain is connected to each of the one or more functional units 4a and 4b. Each functional unit 4a, 4b acquires a physical quantity measured by sensor ss.

The physical quantities acquired by the functional unit 4a connected to the master unit 2 are collected by the master unit 2. On the other hand, the physical quantity acquired by the functional unit 4b connected to the remote unit 3 is transferred to the master unit 2 by the remote unit 3, and then collected by the master unit 2. In this way, the master unit 2 collects a plurality of physical quantities acquired by all the functional units 4a and 4b.

The master unit 2 is configured to be connectable to a battery unit 11, an external power source 12, a PLC (programmable logic controller) 13, a PC (personal computer) 15, and a recording medium 17 in addition to the remote unit 3 and the functional unit 4a.

The external power supply 12 is an AC power supply. In this case, an AC adapter (not shown) is provided between the external power supply 12 and the master unit 2. The battery unit 11 includes a battery and functions, for example, as a backup power source. Thereby, the master unit 2 operates with power supplied from the external power supply 12 or the battery unit 11. Note that, in addition to the battery unit 11 and the external power source 12, the master unit 2 of this example is configured to be further connectable with another external power source (not shown). When the external power source 12 is an AC power source, the other external power sources are DC power sources.

Furthermore, when receiving power from either the external power source 12, the battery unit 11, or another external power source (not shown), the master unit 2 transmits a portion of the supplied power to multiple remote sources via the cable CA. It is configured so that it can be supplied to the unit 3. The details of the configuration of the master unit 2 will be described later.

The PLC 13 is used to control the operation of the data collection device 1 or the operation of external equipment of the data collection device 1 based on a plurality of physical quantities collected by the master unit 2. Therefore, between the PLC 13 and the master unit 2, control signals for controlling the operation of the data collection device 1 and various signals related to the plurality of physical quantities collected from the plurality of functional units 4a and 4b are exchanged. .

In this embodiment, the PC 15 includes, for example, a CPU (central processing unit), a ROM (read only memory), and a RAM (random access memory). An operating device (not shown) is connected to the PC 15 along with the display device 14 . The display device 14 is composed of an LCD (liquid crystal display) panel or an organic EL (electroluminescence) panel. The operating device includes a keyboard and a pointing device, and is configured to be operable by a user.

The CPU of the PC 15 causes the display device 14 to display an image showing the connection configuration between the plurality of components in the data collection device 1, based on various information provided from the master unit 2, for example. Further, the CPU of the PC 15 provides a predetermined command signal to the master unit 2 in response to the user's operation of an operating device (not shown). In this embodiment, the connection configuration between the plurality of components in the data collection device 1 mainly refers to the physical arrangement configuration of the master unit 2, the plurality of remote units 3, and one or more functional units 4a, 4b. be. The physical arrangement here is a so-called topology.

The recording medium 17 is a recording medium such as an SD (Secure Digital) card or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, and is configured to be removable from the master unit 2 and portable. The recording medium 17 stores various data related to first and second recognition processing, which will be described later.

The master unit 2 is further configured to be able to communicate wirelessly with a wireless LAN (local area network) unit 16. Various signals regarding a plurality of physical quantities collected from a plurality of functional units 4a and 4b are exchanged between the wireless LAN unit 16 and the master unit 2.

The remote unit 3 is configured to be connectable to an external power supply 18 in addition to the master unit 2 and the functional unit 4b. External power supply 18 is an AC power supply. In this case, an AC adapter (not shown) is provided between the external power supply 18 and the remote unit 3. Thereby, the remote unit 3 operates with power supplied from the master unit 2 or the external power supply 18. Furthermore, when the remote unit 3 receives power from either the master unit 2 or the external power supply 18, it is possible to supply a part of the supplied power to the functional unit 4b connected to the remote unit 3. configured. Details of the configurations of the remote unit 3 and the functional unit 4b will be described later.

In the example of FIG. 1, a display setting unit 19 is further connected to the master unit 2 via a functional unit 4a. The display setting unit 19 includes a display section including an LCD panel or an organic EL panel, a display control section for controlling the display section, and an operation section including various buttons or a touch panel, and controls the master unit 2 and the functional unit 4a. It is configured to be connectable to each. In the display setting unit 19, the display control section causes the display section to display an image showing the connection configuration between the plurality of components in the data collection device 1, based on various information given from the master unit 2, for example.

[2] Details of the configuration of the master unit 2 FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the details of the configuration of the master unit 2 in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the master unit 2 includes a master control section 21, a master power supply circuit 22, a power supply control section 23, a remote interface 24, a functional unit interface 25, an external device interface 26, and It has a configuration in which a storage section 27 is accommodated.

The master power supply circuit 22 has three power supply connection parts pc1, pc2, and pc3 exposed to the outside of the housing 20. The power supply connection part pc1 is configured to be connectable to an external power supply 12, the power supply connection part pc2 is configured to be connectable to the battery unit 11, and the power supply connection part pc3 is configured to be connectable to a DC power supply (not shown). The master power supply circuit 22 supplies power supplied from the power supply connections pc1 to pc3 to the master control unit 21 and the power supply control unit 23, as shown by white arrows a1 and a2 in FIG. The master power supply circuit 22 is provided with a switching circuit that selectively switches the power supply source for the master control section 21 and the power supply control section 23 among the three power supply connection sections pc1 to pc3.

The power supply control unit 23 is capable of selectively supplying the power supplied from the master power supply circuit 22 to the remote interface 24 and the functional unit interface 25, as shown by the white arrow a3 in FIG. be. In FIG. 2, the power supply path inside the housing 20 is shown by a thick solid line.

The remote interface 24 has a plurality of (two in this example) remote ports dp1 and dp2 exposed to the outside of the housing 20. Each of the remote ports dp1 and dp2 is configured such that a plurality of remote units 3 can be connected in a daisy chain via a cable CA. Thereby, the remote interface 24 supplies power supplied from the power supply control section 23 to the remote units 3 connected to the remote ports dp1 and dp2, respectively, as shown by the white arrow a4 in FIG. Further, the remote interface 24 transmits various signals between the master control section 21 and the remote unit 3 connected to each remote port dp1, dp2. Note that the remote ports dp1 and dp2 may be configured with general-purpose connectors compatible with the cable CA, which is a general-purpose network cable, but in order to stably supply power, it is necessary to configure the remote ports dp1 and dp2 to match the shape of the master unit 2. It may also be configured with a dedicated connector.

The functional unit interface 25 has one functional connection part fc1 exposed to the outside of the housing 20. The functional connection part fc1 is configured to be able to directly connect the functional unit 4a. In a state where the functional unit 4a is connected, the functional unit interface 25 supplies the power supplied from the power supply control section 23 to the functional unit 4a, as shown by the white arrow a5 in FIG. Further, the functional unit interface 25 transmits various signals between the connected functional unit 4a and the master control section 21.

The external device interface 26 has a plurality of external device connection portions ec exposed to the outside of the housing 20. The plurality of external device connection sections ec of this example include three or more connection sections corresponding to the PLC 13, PC 15, and recording medium 17 in FIG. 1, respectively. Thereby, the external device interface 26 transmits various signals between the master control section 21 and the PLC 13, PC 15, and recording medium 17 in FIG. 1 connected to the plurality of external device connection sections ec. Further, the external device interface 26 is provided with a communication device capable of wirelessly communicating with the wireless LAN unit 16 of FIG. Thereby, the external device interface 26 further transmits various signals between the wireless LAN unit 16 and the master control section 21.

The storage unit 27 is made up of a recording medium such as a nonvolatile memory or a hard disk, and stores a master recognition program. The master recognition program is a program for the master control unit 21 to execute the first and second recognition processes described later. Further, the storage unit 27 stores various data related to the first and second recognition processes, physical quantities measured by the plurality of functional units 4a and 4b, and the like.

The master control section 21 is composed of, for example, a CPU and a memory, and controls the operation of each section of the master unit 2. Further, the master control section 21 sends and receives various signals to and from electronic devices connected to the master unit 2 (in this example, the remote unit 3, functional units 4a, 4b, PC 15, etc.).

The master control unit 21 according to the present embodiment includes a master recognition unit 21a, a master identifier assignment unit 21b, and an output unit 21c as functional units. The functional units of the master control unit 21 are realized, for example, by the CPU of the master control unit 21 executing a master recognition program stored in the storage unit 27. Note that part or all of the functional units of the master control unit 21 may be realized by hardware such as an electronic circuit.

Here, the electrical connection states of the master unit 2, the plurality of remote units 3, and the plurality of functional units 4a, 4b are determined, and all the remote units 3 and all the functional units 4a, 4b connected to the master unit 2 are Assume that the is in an inactive state. In this state, the master recognition unit 21a controls the master power supply circuit 22 and the power supply control unit 23 to supply power to the plurality of remote units 3 in the non-activated state through the cable CA. Thereby, the master recognition unit 21a activates the plurality of remote units 3.

At this time, power is sequentially supplied to the plurality of remote units 3 connected in a daisy chain to each of the remote ports dp1 and dp2 in the order of connection, that is, in the order of distance from the master unit 2. Thereby, the plurality of remote units 3 are activated in the order of connection to the master unit 2. Therefore, the master recognition unit 21a recognizes the connection configuration of the remote units 3 for each remote port based on the activation order of the remote units 3 connected to the remote port. When the master recognition unit 21a recognizes each of the connection configurations of the plurality of remote units 3, the master identifier assignment unit 21b assigns each of the plurality of remote units 3 an identifier that can specify the electrical connection position in the recognized connection configuration. Grant. The identifier assigned to each remote unit 3 by the master identifier assignment section 21b is further stored in the storage section 27 as information indicating the connection configuration of the plurality of remote units 3.

Furthermore, the master recognition unit 21a supplies power to one or more functional units 4a directly connected to the master unit 2. As a result, one or more functional units 4a are activated.

When one or more functional units 4a start up, bus communication of various data is performed between the master unit 2 and each functional unit 4a. Thereby, the master recognition unit 21a recognizes the connection configuration of one or more functional units 4a. When the master recognition unit 21a recognizes the connection configuration of one or more functional units 4a, the master identifier assigning unit 21b assigns electrical connection positions in the recognized connection configuration to each of the one or more functional units 4a. Assign an identifiable identifier. The identifier assigned to each functional unit 4a by the master identifier assignment section 21b is further stored in the storage section 27 as information indicating the connection configuration of one or more functional units 4a.

In this embodiment, the master recognition unit 21a also determines the connection configuration of all the functional units 4b connected to each remote unit 3 in addition to the connection configuration of the plurality of remote units 3 and one or more functional units 4a. recognize. At this time, each of all the functional units 4b is given an identifier that can specify the electrical connection position of the functional unit 4b, similarly to the remote unit 3 and the functional unit 4a. Thereby, the identifier given to each functional unit 4b is further stored in the storage section 27 as information indicating the connection configuration of one or more functional units 4b.

The output unit 21c outputs information including the identifiers of the plurality of remote units 3 and the plurality of functional units 4a and 4b stored in the storage unit 27 from the functional unit interface 25 or the external device interface 26. Thereby, the connection configuration of the plurality of remote units 3 and the plurality of functional units 4a and 4b is displayed on the display device 14 or display setting unit 19 in FIG.

[3] Details of the configuration of the remote unit 3 FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the details of the configuration of the remote unit 3 in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 3, the remote unit 3 includes a remote control section 31, a remote power supply circuit 32, a power supply control section 33, a remote interface 34, a functional unit interface 35, an external device interface 36, and It has a configuration in which a storage section 37 is housed.

The remote power supply circuit 32 has one power supply connection part pc4 exposed outside the housing 30. The power supply connection unit pc4 is configured to be connectable to the external power supply 18. Further, the remote power supply circuit 32 is capable of receiving power supplied from the external power supply 18 to the power supply connection unit PC4, and is also capable of receiving power supplied from outside the remote unit 3 via the remote interface 34 as described later. It is configured to be able to receive electric power. With such a configuration, the remote power supply circuit 32 connects the power supplied from the power supply connection unit PC4 or the remote interface 34 to the remote control unit 31 and the power supply, as shown by the white arrows a6 and a7 in FIG. The signal is supplied to the control section 33.

Furthermore, the remote power supply circuit 32 selectively switches the power supply source for the remote control unit 31 and the power supply control unit 33 between the power supply connection unit pc4 and the remote interface 34. For example, when the remote unit 3 is in a non-activated state, the remote power supply circuit 32 gives priority to the power supplied from the outside of the remote unit 3 to the remote interface 34 over the power supplied from the external power supply 18. The signal is supplied to the control section 31. Thereby, the remote unit 3 shifts to the activated state.

More specifically, the remote power supply circuit 32 includes, for example, a power supply control section and a switching circuit. The power supply control unit includes, for example, a CPU and a memory. A switching program for switching the activation state of the master unit 2 is stored in the memory. When the CPU executes the switching program stored in the memory, the power supply control section functions as a startup switch.

In this case, the activation switch is turned on in response to the rise of the power (current supply or voltage supply) supplied from the master unit 2 to the remote interface 34. The switching circuit preferentially supplies the power supplied to the remote interface 34 from the outside of the remote unit 3 to the remote control section 31 when the startup switch is turned on. Further, the switching circuit supplies power to the remote control unit 31 and the power supply control unit 33 based on the control from the remote control unit 31 after the remote unit 3 shifts to the startup state by turning on the startup switch. Switch sources. With such a configuration, the remote unit 3 in the non-activated state does not transition to the activated state unless power supply from the master unit 2 is started.

Note that in the above example, the activation switch in the remote power supply circuit 32 is realized by software, but the activation switch may be partially or entirely realized by hardware such as an electronic circuit.

In the following description, the state of the remote power supply circuit 32 when the power supply source for the remote control unit 31 and the power supply control unit 33 is the power supply connection unit pc4 will be referred to as an external power supply state. On the other hand, the state of the remote power supply circuit 32 when the remote interface 34 is the source of power supply to the remote control unit 31 and the power supply control unit 33 is referred to as a remote power supply state. The state of the remote power supply circuit 32 is controlled by the remote control section 31 as described above.

The power supply control unit 33 is capable of selectively supplying power supplied from the remote power supply circuit 32 to the remote interface 34 and the functional unit interface 35, as shown by the white arrow a8 in FIG. be. In FIG. 3, the power supply path inside the housing 30 is shown by a thick solid line.

The remote interface 34 has an import port dp3 and an out port dp4 exposed to the outside of the housing 30. The import dp3 is configured to be connectable to the master unit 2 or another remote unit 3 via a cable CA. Out port dp4 is configured to be connectable to another remote unit 3 via cable CA. With such a configuration, for example, another remote unit 3 is connected to the import port dp3 of one remote unit 3, and another remote unit 3 is connected to the out port dp4 of one remote unit 3, for example. Thereby, a daisy chain connection of a plurality of remote units 3 is realized. Note that the import dp3 and the outport dp4 may be configured with general-purpose connectors compatible with the cable CA, which is a general-purpose network cable, but in order to stably supply power, the shape of the remote unit 3 is It may be constructed with a suitable dedicated connector.

With another unit connected to the import DP3, the remote interface 34 is configured to be able to receive power supplied to the import DP3 from the other unit, as shown by the hatched arrow a11 in FIG. ing. The other units are the master unit 2 or other remote units 3. The remote interface 34 supplies power received from another unit to the remote power supply circuit 32, as indicated by a hatched arrow a12 in FIG. Furthermore, the remote interface 34 transmits various signals between the remote control section 31 and other units connected to the import dp3.

On the other hand, with another remote unit 3 connected to the outport dp4, the remote interface 34 allows the power supplied from the power supply control section 33 to be connected to the other remote unit 3, as shown by the white arrow a9 in FIG. Supplied to remote unit 3. Furthermore, the remote interface 34 transmits various signals between the remote control section 31 and other units connected to the outport dp4.

The functional unit interface 35 has one functional connection part fc2 exposed to the outside of the housing 30. The functional connection part fc2 is configured to be able to directly connect the functional unit 4b. With the functional unit 4b connected, the functional unit interface 35 supplies power supplied from the power supply control section 33 to the functional unit 4b, as shown by the white arrow a10 in FIG. Further, the functional unit interface 35 transmits various signals between the connected functional unit 4b and the remote control section 31.

The external device interface 36 has an external device connection portion ec1 exposed to the outside of the housing 30. The external device connection unit ec1 is configured to be connectable to the display setting unit 19 of FIG. Thereby, it is also possible to connect the display setting unit 19 to the remote unit 3.

The storage unit 37 is made up of a recording medium such as a nonvolatile memory or a hard disk, and stores a remote recognition program. The remote recognition program is a program for the remote control unit 31 to execute a third recognition process described later. Further, the storage unit 37 stores various data related to, for example, the third recognition process.

The remote control section 31 is composed of, for example, a CPU and a memory, and controls the operation of each section of the remote unit 3. Further, the remote control section 31 sends and receives various signals to and from electronic devices (in this example, the master unit 2, the functional unit 4b, etc.) connected to the remote unit 3.

The remote control unit 31 according to the present embodiment includes a remote recognition unit 31a, a remote identifier assignment unit 31b, and an output unit 31c as functional units. The functional units of the remote control unit 31 are realized, for example, by the CPU of the remote control unit 31 executing a remote recognition program stored in the storage unit 37. Note that part or all of the functional units of the remote control unit 31 may be realized by hardware such as an electronic circuit.

Here, the electrical connection states of the master unit 2, the plurality of remote units 3, and the plurality of functional units 4a, 4b are determined, and all the remote units 3 and all the functional units 4a, 4b connected to the master unit 2 are Assume that the is in an inactive state. In this state, the remote recognition unit 31a is supplied with power from the master unit 2, thereby transitioning to an activated state. Thereafter, upon receiving the identifier for the remote unit 3 from the master unit 2, the remote recognition unit 31a stores the received identifier in the storage unit 37.

Furthermore, upon receiving a command from the master unit 2 to start supplying power to the outside from the outport dp4, the remote recognition unit 31a starts supplying power to the outside from the outport dp4. As a result, power is supplied from one remote unit 3 to the next remote unit 3, and the connection configuration of the remote units 3 is recognized.

Further, upon receiving a signal from the master unit 2 indicating permission to supply power to the functional unit 4b, the remote recognition unit 31a supplies power to one or more functional units 4b directly connected to the remote unit 3. supply As a result, one or more functional units 4b are activated.

When one or more functional units 4b are activated, bus communication of various data is performed between the remote unit 3 and each functional unit 4b. Thereby, the remote recognition unit 31a recognizes the connection configuration of one or more functional units 4b.

Here, when receiving permission to supply power to the functional unit 4b, the remote recognition unit 31a also controls switching the state of the remote power supply circuit 32 depending on whether or not the external power supply 18 is connected to the remote unit 3. conduct. Specifically, when the remote recognition unit 31a receives permission to supply power to the functional unit 4b and the external power supply 18 is connected to the remote unit 3, the remote recognition unit 31a shifts the remote power supply circuit 32 to the external power state. let On the other hand, if the external power supply 18 is not connected to the remote unit 3, the remote recognition unit 31a shifts the remote power supply circuit 32 to the remote power state. Thereby, the amount of power that can be supplied from the remote unit 3 to the functional unit 4b can be increased. Therefore, restrictions on power consumption for the functional unit 4b connected to the remote unit 3 are relaxed.

When the remote recognition unit 31a recognizes the connection configuration of one or more functional units 4b, the remote identifier assignment unit 31b assigns to each functional unit 4b an identifier that can identify the electrical connection position in the recognized connection configuration. do. The identifier assigned to each functional unit 4b by the remote identifier assignment section 31b is stored in the storage section 37 as information indicating the connection configuration of one or more functional units 4b.

The processing of the remote recognition section 31a may be performed by the master recognition section 21a of the master unit 2, and the processing of the remote identifier provision section 31b may be performed by the master identifier provision section 21b of the master unit 2.

The output unit 31c outputs the connection configuration of one or more functional units 4b stored in the storage unit 37 and a command signal to display an image of the connection configuration from the functional unit interface 35 or the external device interface 36. .

[4] Details of configuration of functional units 4a, 4b The plurality of functional units 4a, 4b in FIG. 1 basically have the same configuration and operation. Therefore, the configuration of one functional unit 4b will be described in detail, representing the plurality of functional units 4a and 4b. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing details of the configuration of the functional unit 4b in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 4, the functional unit 4b includes a function control section 41, a functional power supply circuit 42, a function unit interface 43, a signal control section 44, a signal processing section 45, an external device interface 46, and a storage in a housing 40. It has a configuration in which a portion 47 is housed.

The functional unit interface 43 has functional connection parts fc3 and fc4 exposed to the outside of the housing 40. The functional connection section fc3 is configured to be connectable to another functional unit 4b or remote unit 3. The functional connection section fc4 is configured to be connectable with another functional unit 4b.

When another unit is connected to the functional connection part fc3, the functional unit interface 43 receives power supplied from the other unit to the functional connection part fc3, as shown by the hatched arrow a21 in FIG. is configured to be possible. At this time, the functional unit interface 43 supplies at least a portion of the power received from another unit to the functional power supply circuit 42, as shown by the hatched arrow a22 in FIG. Further, in a state where another unit is connected to the functional connection part fc3 and another functional unit 4b is further connected to the functional connection part fc4, the functional unit interface 43 is connected as shown by the white arrow a31 in FIG. Then, the remaining power received from other units is selectively supplied to the functional power supply circuit 42. Further, the functional unit interface 43 transmits various signals between the connected functional unit 4b and the function control section 41.

The functional power supply circuit 42 supplies power supplied from the functional unit interface 43 to the functional control section 41, the signal control section 44, and the signal processing section 45, as shown by white arrows a32, a33, and a34 in FIG. do. In FIG. 4, the power supply path inside the casing 40 is shown by a thick solid line.

The signal processing section 45 has a plurality of (four in this example) sensor connection sections sc exposed to the outside of the housing 40. Each sensor connection part sc is configured to be connectable with a sensor ss that measures a predetermined physical quantity in the functional unit 4b. Further, the signal processing section 45 further includes an analog-to-digital conversion circuit, a signal processing circuit, and the like. The analog-to-digital conversion circuit converts an analog signal input from the sensor ss into a digital signal. Further, the signal processing circuit performs predetermined processing on the signal output from the sensor ss. The output signal from the sensor ss, whose format has been converted and subjected to predetermined processing in the signal processing section 45, is given to the function control section 41.

Signal processing in the signal processing unit 45 is controlled by the signal control unit 44 based on processing conditions that are preset according to the physical quantity to be measured, the type of sensor ss, and the like.

The external device interface 46 has an external device connection portion ec2 exposed to the outside of the housing 40. The external device connection unit ec2 is configured to be connectable to the display setting unit 19 of FIG.

The storage unit 47 is made up of a recording medium such as a nonvolatile memory or a hard disk, and stores functional programs. The function program is a program for the function control section 41 to perform processing in response to signals received from the master unit 2 and remote unit 3 and processing for acquiring physical quantities measured by the sensor ss. Further, the storage unit 47 stores, for example, a physical quantity measured by the sensor ss and an identifier assigned to the functional unit 4b by a third recognition process described later.

Here, it is assumed that there are multiple types of functional units 4b that can be used in the data collection device 1, with different types of physical quantities that can be obtained, data collection methods, etc. In addition to the above-mentioned physical quantities and identifiers, the storage unit 47 stores in advance the model of the functional unit 4b at the time of shipment from the factory.

Models of the functional unit 4b include, for example, a temperature measurement unit that measures temperature, a high-speed analog measurement unit that can sample analog signals at high frequencies, a high voltage measurement unit that measures high voltage, and a distortion measurement unit that measures distortion. There is a unit. Furthermore, in addition to the above-mentioned examples, the functional unit 4b may be a frequency measurement unit that measures rotational speed and frequency, an acceleration measurement unit that measures acceleration, or a measurement unit that uses CAN (controller area network) data. There is a CAN data measurement unit.

The function control section 41 is composed of, for example, a CPU and a memory, and controls the operation of each section of the functional unit 4b. Further, the function control section 41 sends and receives various signals between the remote unit 3 and other function units 4b connected to the function unit 4b. Further, the function control unit 41 includes a function response unit 41a and an acquisition unit 41b as function units. The functional units of the functional control unit 41 are realized, for example, by the CPU of the functional control unit 41 executing a functional program stored in the storage unit 47. Note that part or all of the functional units of the functional control unit 41 may be realized by hardware such as an electronic circuit.

Here, the electrical connection state of the master unit 2, the plurality of remote units 3, and the plurality of functional units 4a, 4b is determined, and all the remote units 3 and all the functional units 4a, 4b connected to the master unit 2 are Assume that the is in a non-activated state.

In this state, the functional unit 4b enters the activated state by receiving power supply from the remote unit 3 as described above. Thereafter, when the function response unit 41a receives an identifier from the remote identifier assignment unit 31b of the remote unit 3, the function response unit 41a stores the identifier in the storage unit 47. Further, the function response unit 41a transmits the stored identifier to the master recognition unit 21a of the master unit 2 together with detailed information regarding the functional unit 4b. The detailed information regarding the functional unit 4b includes the model of the functional unit 4b, power consumption, number of channels, number of ports, and the like. In this case, in the master unit 2, the identifier transmitted from the functional unit 4b is stored in the storage section 27 as information indicating the connection configuration of the functional unit 4b. Further, detailed information regarding the functional unit 4b is stored in the storage unit 27 as model information in a state where it is associated with the identifier.

On the other hand, when the functional unit 4b is in the activated state and the master unit 2 commands to start measuring a physical quantity, the acquisition unit 41b processes the output from one or more sensors ss in the signal processing unit 45. The data of the physical quantities obtained are acquired at a predetermined sampling period. Further, the acquisition unit 41b stores the acquired physical quantity data in the storage unit 47 and transmits it to the master unit 2.

In addition, in the functional unit 4a of FIG. 1, another functional unit 4a or the master unit 2 is connected to the functional connection part fc3, and another functional unit 4a is further connected to the functional connection part fc4. Further, the functional unit 4a operates by being supplied with power from the master unit 2, and is given an identifier by the master identifier giving section 21b of the master unit 2. Further, when the function response section 41a of the function unit 4a is given the identifier, it stores the identifier in the storage section 47 and transmits detailed information regarding the function unit 4a to the master recognition section 21a of the master unit 2. In the master unit 2, similar to the example of the functional unit 4b, detailed information transmitted from the functional unit 4a is stored in the storage section 27 as model information in a state where it is associated with an identifier.

[5] External appearance of various units and specific examples of connections between multiple units Appearances of the master unit 2, remote unit 3, functional units 4a, 4b, and battery unit 11 in FIG. 1 and specific examples of connections between these multiple units Let's discuss an example. FIG. 5 is an external perspective view of the master unit 2, functional unit 4a, and battery unit 11 in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 5, the housing 20 of the master unit 2 has a substantially box shape including an upper surface, a lower surface, one side 20a, the other side 20b, a front 20c, and a back. A power switch SW for switching on/off the power state of the master unit 2 is provided on the front surface 20c of the housing 20 so as to face the front of the master unit 2. Further, on the front surface 20c, power supply connection parts pc1 and pc3, a plurality of external device connection parts ec, and a plurality of remote ports dp1 and dp2 shown in FIG. 2 are provided so as to face the front of the master unit 2.

The power supply connection portion pc2 shown in FIG. 2 is provided on one side 20a of the housing 20 (not shown in FIG. 5). In the example of FIG. 5, the battery unit 11 is arranged on one side of the master unit 2. The battery unit 11 has a battery terminal 11a corresponding to the power supply connection part pc2 of the master unit 2. As shown by a dashed-dotted white arrow a41 in FIG. 5, the battery unit 11 is connected to one side surface 20a of the master unit 2 by connecting the battery terminal 11a to the power supply connection part pc2.

The other side surface 20b of the housing 20 is provided with the functional connection portion fc1 shown in FIG. In the example of FIG. 5, two functional units 4a are arranged on the other side of the master unit 2 with an interval between them. The functional unit 4a has a box-shaped housing 40. Functional connecting portions fc3 and fc4 shown in FIG. 3 are provided on one side and the other side of the housing 40, which are opposed to each other, respectively.

As shown by the dashed-dotted white arrow a42 in FIG. is connected to the other side 20b. Furthermore, as shown by the dashed-dotted white arrow a43 in FIG. is connected to the other side of one functional unit 4a. Further, another functional unit 4a can be connected to the other side of the other functional unit 4a. In this way, one or more functional units 4a can be connected in series to the master unit 2 in a building block type so as to be lined up in order from the other side of the master unit 2. Note that the master unit 2 may be configured such that a plurality of functional units 4a can be connected in a daisy chain via the cable CA. Furthermore, the functional unit 4a may not be connected to the master unit 2.

FIG. 6 is an external perspective view of the remote unit 3 and functional unit 4b in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 6, the casing 30 of the remote unit 3 has a substantially box shape including an upper surface, a lower surface, one side surface, another side surface 30a, a front surface 30b, and a rear surface. On the front surface 30b of the housing 30, the power supply connection part pc4, the import dp3, and the outport dp4 shown in FIG. 3 are provided so as to face the front of the remote unit 3.

The other side surface 30a of the housing 30 is provided with the functional connection portion fc2 shown in FIG. In the example of FIG. 6, two functional units 4b are arranged on the other side of the remote unit 3 with an interval between them. As mentioned above, functional units 4a and 4b basically have the same configuration. As shown by the dashed-dotted white arrow a51 in FIG. is connected to the other side 30a. Furthermore, as shown by the dashed line white arrow a52 in FIG. 6, the functional connection part fc3 of the other functional unit 4b is connected to the functional connection part fc4 of one functional unit 4b, so that is connected to the other side of one functional unit 4b. Further, another functional unit 4b can be connected to the other side of the other functional unit 4b. In this way, one or more functional units 4b can be connected in series to the remote unit 3 in a building block type, similar to the example of the master unit 2 in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a specific connection between the master unit 2, remote unit 3, and functional units 4a and 4b in FIGS. 5 and 6. In the example of FIG. 7, two remote units 3 are connected in a daisy chain to one remote port dp1 of the master unit 2 via a cable CA. Furthermore, three remote units 3 are connected in a daisy chain to the other remote port dp2 of the master unit 2 via a cable CA. Furthermore, a PC 15 is connected to the external device connection section ec of the master unit 2 via a cable CAL. Cable CAL is, for example, a general-purpose LAN cable. To each of the master unit 2 and five remote units 3, one to three functional units 4a, 4b are connected in series in a building block type.

With this configuration, by adjusting the length of the cable CA that connects the master unit 2 and the plurality of remote units 3, it is possible to easily move a desired number of functional units 4a and 4b of a desired model to a plurality of positions separated from each other. can be placed.

[6] Display example of connection configuration recognized by master unit 2 FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a display example of connection configuration of data collection device 1 recognized by master unit 2. As described above, the connection configuration recognized by the master unit 2 is displayed on the display device 14 of FIG. 1, for example.

In the example of FIG. 8, a remote display area 91, an operation area 92, and a connection configuration display area 93 are set on the display screen 90 of the display device 14. The remote display area 91 is set in a band shape so as to extend in the vertical direction (vertical direction) on one side of the display screen 90 . The operation area 92 is set in a band shape so as to extend from the upper end of the remote display area 91 in the right direction (lateral direction). The connection configuration display area 93 is set over a wide range below the operation area 92.

In the remote display area 91, a master icon 910 indicating the master unit 2 is displayed. Further, in the remote display area 91, a remote icon 911 indicating the remote unit 3 connected to one remote port dp1 of the master unit 2 is displayed. Further, in the remote display area 91, a remote icon 912 indicating the remote unit 3 connected to the other remote port dp1 of the master unit 2 is displayed.

The master icon 910 shown in FIG. 8 has a character string indicating the master unit 2 (in this example, "MASTER") written in a white rectangular frame. On the other hand, each of the plurality of remote icons 911 shown in FIG. 8 has a character string inside a hatched rectangular frame indicating the number of the corresponding remote unit 3 connected to the remote port dp1. (In this example, "A1 REMOTE" to "A5 REMOTE") are displayed. On the other hand, each of the plurality of remote icons 912 shown in FIG. 8 has a character in a rectangular frame with a dot pattern indicating the number of connections to which the corresponding remote unit 3 is connected to the remote port dp2. It has an aspect in which columns (in this example, "B1 REMOTE" to "B3 REMOTE") are displayed.

Thereby, the user can easily and intuitively grasp the connection configuration of the master unit 2 and the plurality of remote units 3 by visually recognizing the remote display area 91.

Note that in the example of FIG. 8, the rectangular frames of the master icon 910 and the remote icons 911, 912 may be displayed in different colors instead of having mutually different patterns attached to the internal areas. Alternatively, the rectangular frames of the master icon 910 and the remote icons 911 and 912 may be displayed in a common manner.

In the operation area 92, a setting button 921 and a group button 922 are displayed. The setting button 921 is used, for example, when the user uses an operating device connected to the PC 15 to make settings regarding the connection configuration and when making detailed settings for each functional unit 4a, 4b.

In this embodiment, the plurality of units recognized by the master unit 2 are grouped by master unit 2 or remote unit 3. Thereby, a unit group is composed of one of the master unit 2 and the remote unit 3, and one or more functional units 4a, 4b connected to the one unit in a building block type. The group button 922 is used to display details of any one of the one or more unit groups generated by grouping on the display screen 90 (see FIG. 9 described later).

In the connection configuration display area 93, a schematic configuration diagram IL showing the connection configuration recognized by the master unit 2 is displayed. The schematic configuration diagram IL includes a master icon im and a remote icon ir that simply represent the master unit 2 and the remote unit 3, respectively. Further, the schematic configuration diagram IL includes function icons if that simply represent the functional units 4a and 4b, and also includes a thick line that represents the cable CA.

According to the schematic configuration diagram IL of FIG. 8, the user has five remote units 3 connected in a daisy chain to one remote port dp1, and three remote units 3 connected in a daisy chain to the other remote port dp2. You can easily see what is connected. Further, the user can easily understand that three functional units 4a are connected to the master unit 2, and that one or two functional units 4b are connected to each remote unit 3.

Here, in addition to the schematic configuration diagram IL, the connection configuration display area 93 displays a group name input frame 931 for the user to input the name of the unit group generated by the above grouping. The user can input a desired group name into the group name input frame 931 using, for example, an operating device connected to the PC 15.

In the example of FIG. 8, the plurality of group name input boxes 931 are arranged vertically in the connection configuration display area 93. Furthermore, in the schematic configuration diagram IL, icons of units belonging to the unit group corresponding to each group name input frame 931 are arranged to the right of the group name input frame 931.

In the function icon if included in the schematic configuration diagram IL, a character string indicating the model of the functional units 4a and 4b represented by the function icon if is written in a white rectangular frame. For example, in the top row of the schematic configuration diagram IL in FIG. 8, three function icons if are lined up to the right of the master icon im. Within the rectangular frames of these three function icons if, character strings of "temperature," "analog," and "high voltage" are written, respectively. In this case, the function icon if including "temperature" represents a temperature measurement unit. Further, the function icon if including "analog" represents a high-speed analog measurement unit. Furthermore, the function icon if containing "high voltage" represents a high voltage measurement unit.

Thereby, by visually recognizing the schematic configuration diagram IL in the connection configuration display area 93, the user can easily and intuitively identify the model of each of the one or more functional units 4a and 4b included in the data collection device 1. can be grasped.

In addition, in the connection configuration display area 93, as shown by the dashed line in FIG. 8, a group frame for specifying any one of the plurality of unit groups is displayed. The user can specify a desired unit group by operating the group frame using, for example, an operating device connected to the PC 15. By operating the group button 922 with one unit group designated, details of the designated unit group are displayed on the display screen 90.

FIG. 9 is a display example showing details of a unit group. For example, the group button 922 is operated with the top unit group in FIG. 8 being specified. In this case, as shown in FIG. 9, a character string indicating the specified unit group is displayed in the operation area 92, and a setting button 921 is also displayed. In addition, in the connection configuration display area 93, enlarged images IM1 to IM4 representing the front surfaces of the master unit 2 and three functional units 4a belonging to the specified unit group are displayed according to the order of connections within the actual unit group. Is displayed.

Information indicating details of the functional unit 4a is displayed near the enlarged images IM2 to IM3 of each functional unit 4a. Specifically, near the enlarged images IM2 to IM3 of each functional unit 4a, the model name of the functional unit 4a, the power consumption of the functional unit 4a, the number of channels of the sensor ss that can be used in the functional unit 4a, etc. are displayed. is displayed. Thereby, by specifying a desired unit group on the display screen 90 of FIG. 8, the user can easily grasp the details of the specified unit group.

Information indicating the details of each functional unit 4a as described above is displayed based on the model information stored in the storage section 27 together with the identifier of the functional unit 4a. More specifically, as described above, when an identifier is assigned to one functional unit 4a, for example, model information is transmitted from one functional unit 4a to the master unit 2, so that the master unit 2 Model information of one functional unit 4a is stored in the storage unit 27 in a state where it is associated with the identifier of the functional unit 4a. When the details of the unit group are displayed, the output section 21c of the master unit 2 outputs the model information stored in the storage section 27 to the PC 15 together with the identifier of the corresponding functional unit 4a. Thereby, the PC 15 displays information showing details of each functional unit 4a as shown in FIG. 9 based on the model information given from the output section 21c of the master unit 2.

As described above, in the example of FIG. 9, details of the unit group including master unit 2 are displayed. On the other hand, when a unit group including the remote unit 3 is specified in the display example of FIG. are displayed on the display screen 90 in this order.

Even in this case, information indicating the details of each functional unit 4b is displayed near the enlarged image of each functional unit 4b. Specifically, the model name of the functional unit 4b, the power consumption of the functional unit 4b, the number of channels of the sensor ss that can be used in the functional unit 4b, etc. are displayed.

Information indicating details of each functional unit 4b is displayed based on the model information stored in the storage unit 27 together with the identifier of the functional unit 4b, similar to the display example of the functional unit 4a in FIG. More specifically, when the details of the unit group including the remote unit 3 are displayed, the output unit 21c of the master unit 2 converts the model information stored in the storage unit 27 into the identifier of the corresponding functional unit 4b. It is also output to the PC 15. Thereby, the PC 15 displays information indicating details of the functional unit 4b based on the model information given from the output section 21c of the master unit 2.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another display example of the connection configuration of the data collection device 1 recognized by the master unit 2, and FIG. 11 is a diagram showing still another display example of the connection configuration of the data collection device 1 recognized by the master unit 2. It is a figure which shows an example.

According to the display example in FIG. 10, the user can confirm that eight remote units 3 are connected in a daisy chain to one remote port dp1 of the master unit 2, and that no remote unit 3 is connected to the other remote port dp2. can be easily understood. Further, according to the display example in FIG. 10, the user can see that one or two functional units 4b are connected to each of the eight remote units 3, and that the functional unit 4a is connected to the master unit 2. It is easy to understand what has not been done. Furthermore, the user can easily understand the model of the functional unit 4b connected to each remote unit 3.

On the other hand, according to the display example of FIG. 11, the user can easily understand that the remote unit 3 is not connected to the master unit 2, and that the three functional units 4a are connected to the master unit 2. be able to. Furthermore, the user can easily understand the models of the three functional units 4a connected to the master unit 2.

The function icons if forming the schematic configuration diagram IL may have the following display modes. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a modification of the display form of the function icon if. In the function icon if of FIG. 12, in addition to a character string indicating the model of the functional unit 4a represented by the function icon if, the number of channels of the functional unit 4a and the number of channels of the functional unit 4a are included in the white rectangular frame. A character string indicating the power consumption is displayed. In this case, the user can grasp the model information of each functional unit 4a by visually recognizing the schematic configuration diagram IL.

[7] First recognition process In the data collection device 1, for example, when all the remote units 3 and functional units 4a and 4b connected to the master unit 2 are not activated, the power switch SW in FIG. When operated, the power state of the master unit 2 is switched from off to on. The CPU of the master control unit 21 in FIG. 2 executes the master recognition program stored in the storage unit 27 in response to the switching of the power state. Thereby, the first recognition process is started. The first recognition process is mainly a process for recognizing the connection configuration of the plurality of remote units 3 connected to the master unit 2.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of the first recognition process. As shown in FIG. 13, when the first recognition process is started, the master recognition unit 21a sets the variable m (m is a natural number) representing the number of the remote port to 1 (step S101), and By controlling the control unit 23, power supply to the outside is started from the m-th remote port (hereinafter referred to as remote port m) among the plurality of remote ports dp1 and dp2 (step S102). If the remote unit 3 is connected to the remote port m, the remote unit 3 is activated by the process in step S102.

Next, the master recognition unit 21a determines whether the remote unit 3 is connected to the remote port m (step S103). This determination is made based on whether or not the master recognition unit 21a receives a response signal to the output signal after the master recognition unit 21a outputs a predetermined signal from the remote port m. The predetermined signal is a link signal for determining the link state between the master unit 2 and other devices.

Specifically, when the remote unit 3 is connected to the remote port m, the remote unit 3 is in the activated state, so when it receives a link signal from the master unit 2, it outputs a response signal to the master unit 2. do. Thereby, when the master recognition unit 21a receives a response signal from the remote port m, it determines that the remote unit 3 is connected to the remote port m. On the other hand, if the remote unit 3 is not connected to the remote port m, no response signal is input to the master unit 2. Therefore, if a response signal is not received for a certain period of time after the link signal is output, the master recognition unit 21a determines that the remote unit 3 is not connected to the remote port m.

Note that the method for determining whether or not the remote unit 3 is connected in step S103 is not limited to the method using the link signal described above. As a method for determining whether or not the remote unit 3 is connected, for example, another general method for checking the mutual communication status between two electronic devices in an activated state may be used.

In step S103, if the remote unit 3 is connected to the remote port m, the master identifier assigning unit 21b of FIG. S104), and an identifier _mn is given to the remote unit 3 whose connection has been confirmed (step S105). In this case, in the remote unit 3, the assigned identifier _mn is stored in the storage section 37. According to the identifier m _n , it is possible to specify the nth connection position to the remote port m of the master unit 2.

Next, the master recognition unit 21a gives a command to start supplying power to the outside from the outport dp4 to the remote unit 3 to which the identifier _mn was assigned in the previous step S105 or step S109 (step S106). At this time, the remote unit 3 that has received the power supply command starts supplying power to the outside from the outport dp4 through a third recognition process that will be described later. Thereby, if another remote unit 3 is connected to the remote unit 3, the other remote unit 3 is activated by the process of step S106.

Next, the master recognition unit 21a determines whether another remote unit 3 is further connected to the remote unit 3 given the identifier _mn (step S107). This determination is based on whether or not the master recognition unit 21a receives a response signal from another remote unit 3 after the master recognition unit 21a outputs a link signal from the remote unit 3 with the identifier _mn through the remote port m. It will be done.

In step S107, if another remote unit 3 is connected, the master identifier assigning unit 21b of FIG. 2 increases the value of the variable n by 1 (step S108), and adds An identifier m _n is assigned (step S109). In this case, the newly assigned identifier m _n is stored in the storage unit 37 in the other remote unit 3 .

In the data collection device 1 according to the present embodiment, the number of remote units 3 that can be connected to the master unit 2 is limited to a predetermined number. Therefore, the master recognition unit 21a determines whether the total number of remote units 3 whose connections have been confirmed has reached a specified number (step S110). The prescribed number is, for example, eight. Note that the specified number may be a number other than 8, such as 2, 3, or 10.

In step S110, if the number of remote units 3 whose connections have been confirmed has reached the specified number, the master recognition unit 21a ends the first recognition process. On the other hand, if the number of remote units 3 has not reached the specified number, the master recognition unit 21a returns to the process of step S106.

If the remote unit 3 is not connected to the remote port m in step S103 above, the master recognition unit 21a proceeds to step S111, which will be described later.

If no other remote unit 3 is connected to the remote unit 3 assigned the identifier m _n in step S107, the master recognition unit 21a increases the value of the variable m by 1 (step S111). The master recognition unit 21a also determines whether the value of the variable m is the fixed value M (step S112). Here, the fixed value M is a value obtained by adding 1 to the number of remote ports dp1 and dp2 provided in the master unit 2, and is 3 in the example of FIG. 2.

If the value of the variable m is equal to the fixed value M in step S112, the master recognition unit 21a ends the first recognition process. On the other hand, if the value of the variable m does not match the fixed value M in step S112, the master recognition unit 21a returns to the process of step S102.

In the first recognition process, when a plurality of remote units 3 are connected in a daisy chain to one remote port, power is sequentially supplied to the plurality of remote units 3 through the processes of steps S102 and S106, and the plurality of remote Unit 3 starts up in the order of connection. At this time, the master recognition unit 21a determines whether or not the plurality of remote units 3 are connected according to the order of activation through the processes of steps S103 and S107. This means that the master recognition unit 21a recognizes the connection configuration of the plurality of remote units 3 connected to each remote port dp1, dp2 based on the activation order of those remote units 3.

In addition, the master identifier assigning unit 21b assigns an identifier m _n indicating the electrical connection position of each remote unit 3 to the remote unit 3 based on the determination result of whether or not the remote unit 3 is connected, through the processing in steps S106 and S109. granted to. This means that the master identifier assigning unit 21b assigns to each of the plurality of remote units 3 an identifier that can specify the electrical connection position in the connection configuration of the data collection device 1.

In the first recognition process, the master recognition unit 21a uses the plurality of identifiers _mn given to the plurality of remote units 3 by the master identifier provisioning part 21b as the connection configuration of the plurality of remote units 3, and uses the storage unit in FIG. 27 to be memorized.

Note that in the first recognition process described above, the master identifier assigning unit 21b assigns an identifier m _n to the confirmed remote unit 3 each time the connection of the remote unit 3 is determined. The timing of assigning the identifier m _n to the remote unit 3 is not limited to the above example. For example, after the connections of all the remote units 3 are confirmed, the master identifier assigning unit 21b may assign a plurality of corresponding identifiers m _n to all the remote units 3 at the same time.

[8] Second Recognition Process When the CPU of the master control unit 21 executes the master recognition program, the second recognition process is started after the first recognition process ends. The second recognition process is mainly a process for recognizing the connection configuration of one or more functional units 4a and 4b connected to the master unit 2 and the plurality of remote units 3, respectively.

14 and 15 are flowcharts of the second recognition process. As shown in FIG. 14, when the second recognition process is started, the master recognition section 21a controls the power supply control section 23 of FIG. power supply is started (step S200).

Next, the master identifier assigning unit 21b assigns an identifier to one or more functional units 4a connected to the functional connection unit fc1 (FIG. 2) of the master unit 2 (step S201). In this case, the functional unit 4a to which the identifier has been assigned provides model information of the functional unit 4a to the master recognition section 21a of the master unit 2 in response to the assignment of the identifier. Thereby, the master recognition unit 21a receives model information from one or more functional units 4a connected to the functional connection unit fc1 (step S202). Here, the identifier given to one or more functional units 4a is generated so that the number of connections (electrical connection position) to the master unit 2 can be specified.

Specifically, in the process of step S201 above, the master recognition unit 21a recognizes the connection configuration of the functional units 4a through bus communication between the master unit 2 and each functional unit 4a, and indicates the recognized connection configuration. This is performed by the master identifier assigning section 21b assigning an identifier to the functional unit 4a. Note that the method for assigning an identifier to the functional units 4a in step S201 may be a method in which the master identifier assigning unit 21b assigns an identifier to each functional unit 4a based on information input by the user from the PC 15, for example. .

Alternatively, when the functional unit 4a is daisy-chain connected to the master unit 2 using the cable CA, the method of assigning the identifier to the functional unit 4a in step S202 is as follows: Step S102 of the first recognition process It may be basically the same as the processing in steps S109 to S109. That is, the master recognition section 21a and the master identifier assignment section 21b may assign an identifier to each functional unit 4a while sequentially supplying power to one or more functional units 4a connected to the master unit 2. If the functional unit 4a is not connected to the master unit 2, the process of step S202 is omitted.

In the data collection device 1 according to the present embodiment, it is specified that the connection state of the functional unit 4a to the master unit 2 should satisfy a predetermined condition (hereinafter referred to as the first connection condition). There is. The first connection condition is, for example, that the number of functional units 4a connected to the master unit 2 in a building block type is equal to or less than a predetermined number, and the total power consumption of these functional units 4a is equal to or less than a predetermined value. be. Therefore, the master recognition unit 21a determines whether the connection state of the functional unit 4a to the master unit 2 satisfies the first connection condition (step S203). This determination is made based on the identifier given to the functional unit 4a in step S202 and the model information given to the master unit 2 from the functional unit 4a given the identifier.

In step S203, if the connection state of the functional unit 4a to the master unit 2 does not satisfy the first connection condition, the master recognition unit 21a proceeds to step S220, which will be described later. On the other hand, if the connection state of the functional unit 4a to the master unit 2 satisfies the first connection condition, the master recognition unit 21a determines whether or not there is a remote unit 3 connected to the master unit 2 (step S204). ). This determination is made, for example, based on whether or not the identifier _mn of at least one remote unit 3 is stored in the storage section 27.

If there is no remote unit 3 connected to the master unit 2, the master recognition unit 21a proceeds to step S211, which will be described later. On the other hand, if there is a remote unit 3 connected to the master unit 2, the master recognition unit 21a allows one of the one or more remote units 3 to supply power to the functional unit 4b ( Step S205).

When one remote unit 3 receives permission to supply power to the functional unit 4b, an identifier is assigned to the connected functional unit 4b through a third recognition process described later. The functional unit 4b to which the identifier has been assigned transmits the assigned identifier to the master unit 2 together with the model information of the functional unit 4b. Thereby, after the process of step S205 described above, the master recognition unit 21a receives the identifier and the model information of the functional unit 4b from the functional unit 4b connected to one remote unit 3 (step S206).

In the data collection device 1 according to the present embodiment, it is specified that the connection state of the functional unit 4b to one remote unit 3 should satisfy a predetermined condition (hereinafter referred to as the second connection condition). has been done. The second connection condition is, for example, that the number of functional units 4b connected in a building block type to one remote unit 3 is less than or equal to a predetermined number, and the total power consumption of these functional units 4b is less than or equal to a predetermined value. That's true. Therefore, the master recognition unit 21a determines whether the connection state of the functional unit 4b to one remote unit 3 satisfies the second connection condition based on the various information received in step S206 (step S207).

In step S207, if the connection state of the functional unit 4b does not satisfy the second connection condition, the master recognition unit 21a proceeds to step S220, which will be described later. On the other hand, when the connection state of the functional unit 4b satisfies the second connection condition, the master recognition unit 21a determines whether all remote units 3 connected to the master unit 2 are permitted to supply power to the functional unit 4b. is determined (step S208).

If all remote units 3 are not permitted to supply power to the functional unit 4b, the master recognition unit 21a newly selects one remote unit 3 from the remaining remote units 3 (step S209), and performs step S205. Return to processing. Thereby, the processes of steps S205 to S207 are performed for the newly selected remote unit 3.

In the data collection device 1 according to the present embodiment, it is specified that all units constituting the data collection device 1 should satisfy a predetermined condition (hereinafter referred to as the third connection condition). There is. All the units mentioned here are the master unit 2, all the remote units 3, and all the functional units 4a and 4b that constitute the data collection device 1. The third connection condition is, for example, that the number of all units is less than or equal to a predetermined number and that the total power consumption of those units is less than or equal to a predetermined value. Therefore, if all remote units 3 are permitted to supply power to the functional unit 4b in step S208, the master recognition unit 21a determines whether the connection state of all units satisfies the third connection condition. (Step S210).

In step S210, if the connection states of all units do not satisfy the third connection condition, the master recognition unit 21a outputs a signal to the outside of the master unit 2 indicating that there is a problem with the current connection configuration (step S220 ), the second recognition process ends. In this case, the display device 14 or display setting unit 19 in FIG. 1 displays an image indicating that there is a problem with the current connection configuration.

In step S210, if the connection states of all units satisfy the third connection condition, the master recognition unit 21a instructs all functional units 4a and 4b to start measuring physical quantities (step S211). Further, the output unit 21c outputs the identifiers of all the remote units 3 and the identifiers of all the functional units 4a and 4b as a connection configuration to the outside of the master unit 2 (step S212), and ends the second recognition process. As a result, the connection configuration of the data collection device 1 is displayed on the display device 14 or the display setting unit 19 in FIG. 1 so that the electrical connection position of each unit of the data collection device 1 can be identified ( (See Figure 8, etc.)

[9] Third recognition process Each remote unit 3 is activated by receiving power supply in the process of step S102 or step S106 of FIG. 13 by the master recognition unit 21a by the function of the remote power supply circuit 32 of FIG. The CPU of the remote control unit 31 in FIG. 3 executes the remote recognition program stored in the storage unit 37 while switching from the non-activated state to the activated state. Thereby, the third recognition process is started. The third recognition process is mainly a process for recognizing the connection configuration of one or more functional units 4b connected to the remote unit 3.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart of the third recognition process. As shown in FIG. 16, when the third recognition process is started, the remote recognition unit 31a determines whether an identifier m _n has been assigned from the master unit 2 (step S401). The identifier m _n given to the remote recognition unit 31a here is the identifier m _n given by the master identifier giving unit 21b in the process of step S105 or step S109 in FIG. 13 by the master recognition unit 21a.

If the identifier m _n is not assigned, the remote recognition unit 31a repeats the process of step S401. When the identifier m _n is assigned, the remote recognition unit 31a stores the assigned identifier m _n in the storage unit 37 as an identifier assigned to itself (step S402).

Next, the remote recognition unit 31a determines whether or not it has received a command to start supplying power to the outside from the outport dp4 (step S403). This command is a command given from the master recognition unit 21a through the process of step S106 in FIG. If there is no command, the remote recognition unit 31a repeats the process of step S403. If there is a command, the remote recognition unit 31a controls the power supply control unit 33 to shift the outport dp4 to a state in which power can be supplied to the outside (step S404).

Next, the remote recognition unit 31a determines whether permission has been given to supply power from the master unit 2 to the functional unit 4b (step S405). The permission to be determined here is the permission given by the master recognition unit 21a through the process of step S205 in FIG. 14 by the master recognition unit 21a. If there is no permission, the remote recognition unit 31a repeats the process of step S405. If permission is granted, the remote recognition unit 31a determines whether the external power supply 18 is connected to the remote power supply circuit 32 of FIG. 3 of the remote unit 3 (step S406).

As described above, the remote power supply circuit 32 of this example is configured to use the power from the master unit 2 with priority over the power from the external power supply 18 at the time of startup. Therefore, in the third recognition process, the remote power supply circuit 32 is maintained in the remote power state after the process is started until the process in step S406 is performed.

Here, if the external power supply 18 is connected to the remote unit 3 in step S406 above, the remote recognition unit 31a shifts the remote power supply circuit 32 to the external power state (step S407), and performs the processing in the subsequent step S408. Proceed to. On the other hand, when the external power supply 18 is not connected to the remote unit 3, the remote recognition unit 31a maintains the remote power supply circuit 32 in the remote power state.

Next, the remote recognition unit 31a starts supplying power to the functional unit 4b connected to the remote unit 3 by controlling the power supply control unit 33 (step S408).

Next, the remote identifier assigning unit 31b assigns an identifier to one or more functional units 4b connected to the functional connection unit fc2 (FIG. 3) of the remote unit 3 (step S409). In this case, the functional unit 4b to which the identifier has been assigned provides model information of the functional unit 4b to the master unit 2 in response to the assignment of the identifier. Here, the identifier given to one or more functional units 4b is generated so that it is possible to specify in what order (electrical connection position) it is connected to the remote unit 3 given the identifier _m . be done. After the process in step S409, the remote recognition unit 31a ends the third recognition process.

Specifically, in the process of step S409 above, the remote recognition unit 31a recognizes the connection configuration of the functional unit 4b through bus communication between the remote unit 3 and each functional unit 4b, and indicates the recognized connection configuration. This is performed by the remote identifier assigning section 31b assigning an identifier to the functional unit 4b. Note that the method for assigning an identifier to the functional units 4b in step S409 may be, for example, a method in which the remote identifier assigning unit 31b assigns an identifier to each functional unit 4b based on information input by the user from the PC 15. .

Alternatively, when the functional unit 4b is daisy-chain connected to the remote unit 3 using the cable CA, the method of assigning an identifier to the functional unit 4b in step S409 is as follows: Step S102 of the first recognition process It may be basically the same as the processing in steps S109 to S109. That is, the remote recognition unit 31a and the remote identifier assignment unit 31b may assign an identifier to each functional unit 4b while sequentially supplying power to one or more functional units 4b connected to the remote unit 3. If the functional unit 4b is not connected to the remote unit 3, the process of step S409 is omitted.

A part of the third recognition processing (for example, the processing in steps S408 and S409) may be performed by the master recognition unit 21a and the master identifier assignment unit 21b instead of the remote recognition unit 31a and the remote identifier assignment unit 31b. good.

In the third recognition process, steps S403 and S404 may be performed after steps S405 to S409, or may be performed in parallel during any of steps S405 to S409. Alternatively, it may be performed between any two of steps S405 to S409.

[10] Effects (1) In the data collection device 1 according to the present embodiment, a plurality of remote units 3 are connected in a daisy chain to the master unit 2 via the cable CA. At least one functional unit 4b is connected to each of the plurality of remote units 3. Each remote unit 3 transfers the physical quantity acquired by the connected functional unit 4b to the master unit 2. In the master unit 2, a plurality of physical quantities acquired by a plurality of functional units 4b are collected. In this case, when it is desired to measure physical quantities at multiple positions, by arranging multiple remote units 3 at multiple positions, the distance between the functional unit 4b and the sensor ss connected to the functional unit 4b can be increased. The distance can be shortened. Therefore, the work of installing wiring connecting the sensor ss and the functional unit 4b becomes easier. Further, there is no need to provide a plurality of master units 2 at a plurality of positions.

In order to identify each of the plurality of physical quantities collected by the master unit 2, it is necessary to understand the connection configuration between the master unit 2 and the plurality of remote units 3. In the data collection device 1 described above, power is supplied from the master unit 2 to the plurality of remote units 3 that are in an inactive state. Here, a plurality of remote units 3 are connected in a daisy chain to each remote port dp1, dp2 of the master unit 2 via a cable CA, which is a general-purpose network cable. Therefore, the power output from each remote port dp1, dp2 of the master unit 2 is supplied to the plurality of remote units 3 in the order of connection. Thereby, the plurality of remote units 3 are activated in the order of connection from the master unit 2. The connection configuration of the plurality of remote units 3 is recognized based on the activation order of the plurality of remote units 3. Each of the plurality of remote units 3 is given an identifier m _n that can specify the electrical connection position in the recognized connection configuration. This makes it possible to automatically and accurately set the connection configuration between the master unit 2 and the plurality of remote units 3.

As a result, it becomes possible to accurately identify a plurality of physical quantities collected from the functional unit 4b without requiring complicated installation work and setting work.

(2) In each of the plurality of remote units 3, the remote power supply circuit 32 is configured to be able to receive power supply from the external power supply 18 in addition to power supply from the master unit 2. Furthermore, when recognizing the connection configuration of the plurality of remote units 3 and the plurality of functional units 4b, the remote power supply circuit 32 gives priority to the power supplied from the master unit 2 to the remote power supply circuit 32 over the power supplied from the external power supply 18. It is configured to be used to start up the unit 3. This prevents the plurality of remote units 3 from starting up in a different order from the order of connection from the master unit 2. Therefore, the connection configuration of the plurality of remote units 3 is accurately recognized.

(3) The master unit 2 has a plurality of remote ports dp1 and dp2. Each of the remote ports dp1 and dp2 is configured such that a plurality of remote units 3 can be connected in a daisy chain via the cable CA. In this case, the degree of freedom in layout of the plurality of remote units 3 and the plurality of functional units 4b in the data collection device 1 is improved.

(4) In the data collection device 1, the output section 21c of the master unit 2 outputs data indicating the connection configuration of each component. Thereby, the PC 15 that has received the data causes the display device 14 to display the connection configuration of each component. Alternatively, the display setting unit 19 displays the connection configuration of each component based on the data output from the output unit 21c. Thereby, the user can easily and intuitively understand the connection configuration of the various components of the data collection device 1 by visually recognizing the connection configuration displayed on the display device 14 or the display setting unit 19.

(5) The display screen 90 of the display device 14 displays the connection configuration of the plurality of functional units 4a, 4b recognized by the first to third recognition processes, as well as the model information of the functional units 4a, 4b, such as model and consumption. Power, number of channels, number of ports, etc. are displayed. As a result, the user can easily and intuitively obtain more information about the plurality of functional units 4a, 4b by visually checking the connection configuration and model information of the plurality of functional units 4a, 4b displayed on the display screen 90. can be understood in terms of

(6) In the data collection device 1 described above, the master unit 2 is configured to be able to connect one or more functional units 4a in addition to the plurality of remote units 3. The master unit 2 collects one or more physical quantities acquired by one or more functional units 4a connected to the master unit 2.

Such a configuration allows the data collection device 1 to collect more physical quantities. Further, the degree of freedom in layout of each functional unit 4a, 4b for acquiring physical quantities is improved.

[11] Other Embodiments (1) In the following description, each of the master unit 2, the plurality of remote units 3, and the plurality of functional units 4a and 4b that constitute the data collection device 1 will be collectively referred to as a unit as appropriate. In the above embodiment, the user uses the operating device connected to the PC 15 to make detailed settings for the desired unit while the model information of various units is displayed on the display device 14 as shown in FIG. 9, for example. It is possible to do this. Here, the detailed settings for the various units include, for example, sampling period settings, used channels settings, measurement range settings, measurement sensitivity settings, and the like.

Depending on the arrangement of units at a plurality of positions separated from each other and their surrounding environments, it is possible to accurately determine the relationship between the images of the plurality of units displayed on the display device 14 and the plurality of units actually arranged at the plurality of positions. It can be difficult to understand. Therefore, each of the plurality of units constituting the data collection device 1 may be provided with an indicator light indicating that the unit is subject to detailed settings by the user, for example. For example, a light emitting diode can be used as the indicator light.

In this case, the indicator light provided on each unit may, for example, turn off while the user is not making detailed settings for the unit, and turn on or blink while the user is making detailed settings for the unit. It is controlled by a control section (master control section 21, remote control section 31, or function control section 41). This makes it possible for the user to easily understand where the unit targeted for detailed settings is actually located on the image displayed on the display device 14.

(2) In the data collection device 1 according to the embodiment described above, the remote control sections 31 of the plurality of remote units 3 are configured to shift to a non-starting state when power is not supplied from the master unit 2. may be done. In this case, when the power state of the master unit 2 is turned off, all the remote units 3 shift to the non-starting state. Therefore, the first to third recognition processes described above are smoothly performed each time the power of the master unit 2 is turned on, without having to deactivate all the remote units 3.

(3) In the above embodiment, the first to third recognition processes are started when the power state of the master unit 2 is switched from off to on, but the present invention is not limited to this. In addition to the power switch SW, the data collection device 1 may be provided with other operation units for instructing the start of the first to third recognition processes. For example, when the master unit 2, the remote unit 3, and the plurality of functional units 4a, 4b are in the activated state, by operating another operation section, all the units are temporarily switched to the non-activated state, and , the first to third recognition processes may be started. In this case, the user can have the connection configuration of the plurality of units recognized at desired timing.

(4) In the first recognition process according to the above embodiment, the number of remote units 3 that can be connected to the master unit 2 is limited to a predetermined number; The number of remote units 3 does not need to be limited.

(5) In the second recognition process according to the above embodiment, it is specified that the connection state of the functional unit 4a to the master unit 2 should satisfy the first connection condition. It does not have to be specified.

(6) In the second recognition process according to the above embodiment, it is specified that the connection state of the functional unit 4b to one remote unit 3 should satisfy the second connection condition. Conditions may not be specified.

(7) In the second recognition process according to the above embodiment, it is stipulated that the connection state of all units constituting the data collection device 1 should satisfy the third connection condition. Conditions do not need to be specified.

(8) The master unit 2 according to the above embodiment is provided with two remote ports dp1 and dp2 that can connect a plurality of remote units 3 in a daisy chain via the cable CA. Not limited. The master unit 2 may be provided with only one remote port, or may be provided with three or more remote ports.

(9) In the data collection device 1 according to the above embodiment, the functional unit 4b does not necessarily need to be connected to each of the plurality of remote units 3 connected to the master unit 2. The functional unit 4b may not be connected to some of the remote units 3 among the plurality of remote units 3.

(10) In the data collection device 1 according to the above embodiment, the master unit 2 is configured to be connectable to one or more functional units 4a in a building block type, but the present invention is not limited to this. The master unit 2 may be configured to be unable to connect the functional unit 4a.

(11) In the data collection device 1 according to the above embodiment, the functional unit 4a operates with power supplied from the master unit 2, and the functional unit 4b operates with power supplied from the remote unit 3. The invention is not limited to this. At least some of the one or more functional units 4a connected to the master unit 2 may be connected to an external power source and may be operable by power supply from the external power source. Furthermore, at least some of the one or more functional units 4b connected to the remote unit 3 may be connected to an external power source and may be operable by power supply from the external power source.

(12) When the external power supply 18 is connected to the remote unit 3, the switching circuit of the remote power supply circuit 32 prioritizes power supplied from the external power supply 18 to the remote control unit after the start switch is turned on. 31 may be supplied. Even in this case, the activation switch will not turn on unless it receives power from the master unit 2. Thereby, the plurality of remote units 3 connected to each remote port dp1, dp2 of the master unit 2 are activated in the order of connection.

(13) In the data collection device 1 according to the above embodiment, each of the master unit 2 and the remote unit 3 is in a non-starting state in which power is not supplied to the control unit (master control unit 21 and remote control unit 31); Although it is configured to be able to transition between a starting state in which power is supplied to the control unit, the present invention is not limited thereto.

Each of the master unit 2 and the remote unit 3 has a first state in which power is not supplied to all components of the unit, and a second state in which power is supplied only to some components of the unit. The unit may be configured to be able to transition between a third state in which power is supplied to all components of the unit. The first state corresponds to the non-activated state described above, the second state corresponds to a so-called standby state in which functions other than the main functions of the unit can be used, and the third state corresponds to the activated state described above. shall be taken as a thing. The main functions of the master unit 2 are, for example, a physical quantity data collection function and a connection configuration recognition function. Further, the main functions of the remote unit 3 are, for example, a physical quantity data collection function and a connection configuration recognition function.

When the master unit 2 is configured to be able to shift to the above-mentioned first to third states, the CPU of the master control unit 21 switches the power supply from the second state (standby state) to the third state (startup state). The master recognition program stored in the storage unit 27 may be executed in response to the state switching. Further, the CPU of the remote control unit 31 executes the remote recognition program stored in the storage unit 37 while switching the power state from the second state (standby state) to the third state (starting state). good.

In these cases, the master unit 2 and remote unit 3 in the third state are once transferred to the second state, and then switched to the third state again to connect each unit constituting the data collection device 1. It becomes possible to recognize the configuration and assign an identifier at any timing.

(14) In the above embodiment, the remote power supply circuit 32 functions as a startup switch for the power supply control section to switch the startup state of the master unit 2, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the above-mentioned switching program may be stored in the storage unit 37, and the remote control unit 31 may execute the switching program to realize the function of the activation switch.

[12] Correspondence between each component of the claims and each element of the embodiment Hereinafter, an example of the correspondence between each component of the claim and each element of the embodiment will be described. In the above embodiment, the sensor ss further connected to the functional unit 4b connected to the remote unit 3 is an example of the first sensor, and the functional unit 4b connected to the remote unit 3 is an example of the first functional unit. For example, the master unit 2 is an example of the master unit, and the remote unit 3 is an example of the remote unit.

Further, the master power supply circuit 22, the power supply control unit 23, and the remote interface 24 are examples of a power supply unit, the master recognition unit 21a is an example of a connection recognition unit, and the master identifier assignment unit 21b is an example of an identifier assignment unit. It is.

Further, the remote power supply circuit 32 is an example of a power supply section, the remote ports dp1 and dp2 of the master unit 2 are examples of first and second remote ports, the output section 21c is an example of an output section, and the master unit The sensor ss further connected to the functional unit 4a connected to the master unit 2 is an example of the second sensor, the functional unit 4a connected to the master unit 2 is an example of the second functional unit, and the functional unit 4a, The model information 4b is an example of model information.

Various other elements having the configuration or function described in the claims can also be used as each component in the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1...Data collection device, 2...Master unit, 3...Remote unit, 4a, 4b...Functional unit, 11...Battery unit, 11a...Battery terminal, 12...External power supply, 13...PLC, 14...Display device, 15...PC , 16... Wireless LAN unit, 17... Recording medium, 18... External power supply, 19... Display setting unit, 20, 30, 40... Housing, 20a... One side, 20b... Other side, 20c... Front, 21... Master control 21a...Master recognition unit, 21b...Master identifier assigning unit, 21c, 31c...Output unit, 22...Master power supply circuit, 23...Power supply control unit, 24...Remote interface, 25...Functional unit interface, 26... External device interface, 27, 37, 47...Storage unit, 31...Remote control unit, 31a...Remote recognition unit, 31b...Remote identifier assigning unit, 32...Remote power supply circuit, 33...Power supply control unit, 34...For remote Interface, 35... Interface for functional unit, 36... Interface for external device, 41... Function control section, 41a... Function response section, 41b... Acquisition section, 42... Functional power supply circuit, 43... Interface for functional unit, 44... Signal control section, 45...signal processing section, 46...interface for external device, 90...display screen, 91...remote display area, 92...operation area, 93...connection configuration display area, 910...master icon, 911, 912...remote icon, 921...Setting button, 922...Group button, 931...Group name input frame, CA, CAL...Cable, dp1, dp2...Remote port, dp3...Import, dp4...Out port, if...Function icon, IL...Schematic configuration diagram , im...master icon, IM1-IM4...enlarged image, ir...remote icon, pc1-pc4...power connection section, ec, ec1, ec2...external device connection section, fc1-fc4...function connection section, sc...sensor connection part, ss...sensor, SW...power switch

Claims (7)

a first functional unit to which a first sensor that measures a physical quantity is connected and that acquires the physical quantity measured by the first sensor;
a master unit that collects the physical quantity acquired by the first functional unit;
A plurality of units connected to the master unit via a cable, connected in series to the first functional unit, and configured to transfer physical quantities acquired by the first functional unit connected in series to the master unit. Equipped with a remote unit,
The master unit is
a power supply section that supplies power to the plurality of remote units through the cable;
The plurality of remote units are activated by supplying power from the power supply unit to the plurality of remote units in a non-activated state through the cable, and the plurality of remote units are activated based on the activation order of the plurality of remote units. a connection recognition unit that recognizes the connection configuration of the
and an identifier assigning unit that assigns each of the plurality of remote units an identifier that can specify an electrical connection position in the connection configuration. Each of the plurality of remote units includes:
A power supply unit configured to receive power supply from an external power supply in addition to power supply from the master unit,
The power supply unit is configured to give power supplied from the master unit priority over power supplied from the external power supply to start up the remote units when the connection recognition unit recognizes the connection configuration of the plurality of remote units. The data collection device according to claim 1. 3. The data collection device according to claim 1, wherein the master unit is configured to allow the plurality of remote units to be connected in series via the cable. the master unit has first and second remote ports;
The data collection device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each of the first and second remote ports is configured to allow connection of the plurality of remote units via the cable. Device. The data collection device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the master unit further includes an output unit that outputs data indicating a connection configuration of the plurality of remote units recognized by the connection recognition unit. The connection recognition unit recognizes a connection configuration of the first functional unit connected to the plurality of remote units, and acquires information regarding the type of the first functional unit as model information;
6. The data collection device according to claim 5, wherein the output unit further outputs data indicating a connection configuration of the first functional unit and model information of the first functional unit. The master unit is connected to a second sensor that measures a physical quantity, and is configured such that a second functional unit that acquires the physical quantity measured by the second sensor can be connected in series,
The data collection device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the master unit collects the physical quantity acquired by the second functional unit.

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