JP2003099278A - Photoelectric sensor system - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] (With correction) [Problem] To make rewritable firmware of a photoelectric sensor. SOLUTION: An amplifier unit of the amplifier-separated photoelectric sensor and an interface unit 1 for relaying communication between the data processing device and the amplifier unit 2 include a program memory and a CPU for executing a program. ing. The sensor program is stored in the rewrite permitted area in the program memory, and the boot program for rewriting the sensor program by the program obtained from the interface unit 1 through communication is stored in the rewrite prohibited area. The interface unit 1 has a built-in CPU for executing a program memory and firmware. The program memory stores a program that defines a communication relay function from the data processing device to the amplifier unit 2. The sensor program in the amplifier unit can be rewritten by the program sent from the data processing device.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a photoelectric sensor suitable for a high-performance photoelectric sensor, such as a displacement sensor or a length measuring sensor, which implements an advanced detection algorithm by means of a built-in microprocessor through light emission and reception. The present invention relates to a system, and more particularly, to a photoelectric sensor system in which firmware of a photoelectric sensor can be rewritten, for example, in an installed state so that the measurement specifications of individual users can be finely met.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Recently, various high-performance photoelectric sensors, such as displacement sensors and length measuring sensors, have been developed which realize a high-level detection algorithm by means of a built-in microprocessor through light transmission and reception. As well known to those skilled in the art, the measurement principle of the displacement sensor is as shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 9A, the irradiation light image from the light source is guided to the position detection element (PSD) from another angle, and the height of the object is measured by the triangulation distance calculation. As shown in FIG. 29 (b), the measurement principle of the length measuring sensor is that a light curtain with parallel light is provided between the light source and the light receiving element (PD), and the light curtain is output based on the light receiving amount output of the light receiving element. It measures the length of an object that intercepts.

When installing these high-performance photoelectric sensors, various adjustments are required according to the measurement specifications of each user. As the adjustment items, in addition to the items specific to the measurement algorithm (various detection thresholds, etc.), there are common items regardless of the measurement algorithm. Common items include, for example, various constants related to moving averaging processing that realizes an input side noise filter (data sampling number, data sampling period, etc.), various constants related to timer processing for preventing unstable operation on the output side ( Timer time, etc.).

Therefore, on the manufacturer side, in consideration of such a situation on the user side, it is possible to cope with items for which adjustments are expected by changing parameters on the user side within a certain range.
Generally, this kind of parameter changing operation is performed using a setting key, a 7-segment display or the like arranged on the surface of the sensor case.

[0005]

Recently, due to the complicated and sophisticated control specifications on the user side, the optimum parameter values greatly differ from user to user, and the manufacturer prepares in advance a parameter change range that is satisfactory for all users. It is becoming difficult to do. This is because depending on the parameter, if the change range is set too large, it affects the memory layout of the firmware that defines the sensor measurement specifications. However, it is inevitable to produce a small amount of other products, and the cost will be high if the parameter change range that satisfies all users is handled by the product lineup.

Further, in this kind of high-performance photoelectric sensor, there is a tendency that various auxiliary functions are installed in advance so that the user can select them in order to cope with a wide range of user specifications. The load on the processor will increase and the response speed will decrease in the future. Also in this case, it is inevitable to produce a small amount of other types and to increase the cost, in order to satisfy the measurement specifications satisfying all users by assorting the products.

Further, in the field of the amplifier-separated type photoelectric sensor, various sensor head units having different measurement principles tend to be newly developed. In that case, new sensor head units are newly added in accordance with such sensor head units. If we had to purchase a dedicated amplifier unit for the above, the burden on the user would be heavy.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to make it possible to rewrite the firmware of a photoelectric sensor, for example, even in the installed state, and to make measurement specifications for each user. It is an object of the present invention to provide a photoelectric sensor system capable of responding to each of the problems in detail.

Other objects and operational effects of the present invention will be easily understood by those skilled in the art by referring to the following description of the specification.

[0010]

A photoelectric sensor system of the present invention comprises an amplifier unit of an amplifier-separated photoelectric sensor,
And an interface unit that is interposed between the amplifier unit and a data processing device such as a personal computer to relay communication between the two. The amplifier unit is defined only by what is commonly known to those skilled in the art. Generally, an amplifier unit of this type is connected to a sensor head unit of a photoelectric sensor via an electric cord and a connector. Further, the case of the amplifier unit is generally a small rectangular parallelepiped shape, and it is often the case that two or more cases are connected to a single row platoon via a DIN rail. Further, the photoelectric sensor referred to here includes various high-performance photoelectric sensors such as a displacement sensor and a length measuring sensor that realize an advanced detection algorithm through light transmission and reception by a built-in microprocessor.

The amplifier unit has a built-in CPU including a program memory that stores firmware that defines the function of the amplifier unit, and a microprocessor that executes the firmware in the program memory.

A rewrite permitted area and a rewrite prohibited area are defined in the program memory. Here, the element configuration of the program memory includes a flash memory, an EEPROM and the like.

A sensor program corresponding to firmware defining a function as a sensor is stored in the rewritable area, and all or all of the sensor programs are stored in the rewritable area by a program obtained from the interface unit via communication. The boot program corresponding to the firmware that defines the function of partially rewriting is stored. Here, in the "rewriting function",
It also includes functions to add and delete.

The interface unit includes a CP including a program memory that stores firmware that defines the function of the interface unit, and a microprocessor that executes the firmware in the program memory.
U is built in.

The program memory stores an interface program corresponding to firmware that defines a communication relay function from a data processing device such as a personal computer to an amplifier unit.

With such a configuration, it is possible to rewrite all or part of the sensor program in the amplifier unit by the program sent from the data processing device such as a personal computer via the interface unit via communication. Therefore, the firmware of the photoelectric sensor
For example, rewriting is possible even in the installed state, and it is possible to finely correspond to the measurement specifications of each user.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the firmware defining the function of rewriting all or part of the interface program in the program memory of the interface unit by a program obtained through communication from a data processing device such as a personal computer. Is stored in the boot program, which provides the interface unit with expandability. That is, even if a new command is added due to a new rewrite of the amplifier unit firmware, the firmware in the interface unit can be rewritten correspondingly so that the amplifier unit has a new function. Will be possible.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an interface program corresponding to a firmware defining a communication relay function from the amplifier unit to a data processing device such as a personal computer is stored in the program memory of the interface unit, As a result, the data such as the detection value generated by the amplifier unit can be sent to the data processing device such as a personal computer via the interface unit. That is, as a result, the detected light amount value and the judgment value generated in the amplifier unit are sent to a data processing device such as a personal computer to display the light amount value and the judgment value on the screen of the personal computer in a time series manner, for example, as a graph. Thus, it becomes possible to monitor the object to be measured.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the amplifier unit and the interface unit are respectively
Supports both the first communication protocol suitable for large-volume batch data communication and the second communication protocol suitable for small-quantity sequential data communication, and adopts the first communication protocol when transmitting / receiving a program corresponding to firmware. However, the second communication protocol is adopted when transmitting and receiving the command and the detected value data. As a result, by adopting an optimum communication protocol according to the type of communication data and the amount of communication data, it is possible to satisfy both reliability and speed of communication.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention,
It is said that the light emission from the sensor head unit is stopped during the rewriting of the sensor program in the amplifier unit. Thereby, in particular, when a laser diode is used as a light source for projecting light of the sensor head unit, it is possible to prevent the risk of eye damage due to careless looking into the front surface of the sensor head. You can

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the case of the amplifier unit and the case of the interface unit can be arranged in parallel, and in a state where both units are arranged in parallel, from the amplifier unit to the sensor head unit. The direction of pulling out the electric cord and the direction of pulling out the electric cord from the interface unit to the general-purpose connector for personal computer such as RS232C are the same, and a display panel showing the communication state is arranged on the upper surface of the interface unit facing the user. To be done. As a result, since the electric cord is pulled out from the case and the connector for the personal computer (RS232C connector, etc.) is attached to the tip of the electric cord, it is not necessary to incorporate a large-sized connector in the case of the interface unit, and the miniaturization of the case is maintained. As a result, the possibility of adjacent connection with the amplifier unit can be secured. In addition, if such a configuration is adopted, even when a plurality of units are aligned in a control panel or the like via a DIN rail or the like, the electric cords are pulled out in a regular direction, and the electric cords used for bundling In addition to facilitating the handling of the code, since the upper surface of the case is an empty area, the visibility of the communication operation display can be improved by disposing the display panel here.

The amplifier unit of the present invention is an amplifier unit of an amplifier-separated photoelectric sensor, and includes a program memory that stores firmware that defines the function of the amplifier unit, and a microprocessor that executes the firmware in the program memory. It includes a built-in CPU.

In the program memory, a rewritable area and a rewritable area are defined. In the rewritable area, a sensor program corresponding to a firmware that defines a function as a sensor is stored, and the rewrite is prohibited. The area stores a boot program corresponding to firmware that defines the function of rewriting all or part of the sensor program by the program obtained through communication. As a result, all or part of the sensor program in the amplifier unit can be rewritten by the program sent from a data processing device such as a personal computer via communication.

In a preferred embodiment of the amplifier unit of the present invention, light emission from the sensor head unit is stopped during rewriting of the sensor program in the amplifier unit.

The interface unit of the present invention is interposed between the amplifier unit and a data processing device such as a personal computer and has a function of relaying communication between the two. In addition, a CPU that includes a program memory that stores firmware that defines the function of the interface unit and a microprocessor that executes the firmware in the program memory is incorporated therein.

In addition, in the program memory of the interface unit, there is a boot program corresponding to firmware that defines a function of rewriting all or part of the interface program by the program obtained through communication from a data processing device such as a personal computer. It is stored. Thereby, expandability according to the configuration of the amplifier unit is given.

In a preferred embodiment of the interface unit of the present invention, the program memory stores an interface program corresponding to firmware that defines a communication relay function from the amplifier unit to a data processing device such as a personal computer. Therefore, the data such as the detection value generated by the amplifier unit can be sent to the data processing device such as a personal computer through the interface unit.

In a preferred embodiment of the interface unit of the present invention, a first communication protocol suitable for large-quantity batch data communication and a second communication protocol suitable for small-quantity sequential data communication.
It supports both the communication protocols of
It is said that the second communication protocol is adopted when transmitting and receiving the command and the detection value data.

In a preferred embodiment of the interface unit of the present invention, it has a case of the same standard as the amplifier unit, and the interface unit is RS23.
The direction of pulling out the electric cord from the case toward the general-purpose connector for personal computer such as 2C is the same as the direction of pulling out the electric cord from the amplifier unit to the sensor head unit, and the upper surface of the case facing the user has a communication state. The display panel shown is arranged.

The present invention described above can be widely applied not only to the photoelectric sensor but also to other amplifier separation type sensors (for example, proximity sensor, ultrasonic sensor, etc.).

[0031]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which an interface unit and an amplifier unit to which the present invention is applied are connected adjacent to each other. As shown in the figure, the interface unit 1 and the amplifier unit 2 are, for example, DIN
It is attached in a line in a state of being adjacently connected via a rail or the like.

In this example, the case 10 of the interface unit 1 and the case 20 of the amplifier unit 2 have the same standard. The cases 10 and 20 have a rectangular parallelepiped shape slightly elongated in the direction orthogonal to the DIN rail. That is, the case 10 of the interface unit is provided with the front surface 10A, the rear surface 10B, the left side surface 10C, the right side surface 10D, the top surface 10E, and the bottom surface 10F, and has a hexahedral box shape.

Similarly, the case 20 of the amplifier unit is provided with a front surface 20A, a rear surface 20B, a left side surface 20C, a right side surface 20D, a top surface 20E and a bottom surface 20F, and has a hexahedral shape.

An electric cord 7 is pulled out from the front surface 20F of the amplifier unit 2. The electric cord 7 includes an input line, an output line, a power line, and the like. The input line is for giving various commands to the amplifier unit 2 from the outside, and the output line is for outputting switching output, analog output, etc. generated inside the amplifier unit 2 to the outside. The power supply line is for supplying power to the internal circuit of the amplifier unit 2 and for distributing power to the interface unit 1 via the adjacent coupling connector 24 described later.

The electric cord 5 pulled out from the rear surface 20B of the amplifier unit 2 includes various signal lines for exchanging signals with the sensor head unit 7 described later. These signal lines also include a received light amount signal generated in the sensor head unit 7.
A circular connector 6 is attached to the tip of the electric cord 5. The circular connector 6 is connected to a similar circular connector 9 attached to the tip of an electric cord drawn from a sensor head unit 7 (not shown).

A perspective view of a sensor head unit for a displacement sensor is shown in FIG. The sensor head unit 7 shown in the figure has a case 70 having a rectangular parallelepiped shape. A light projecting / receiving window 71 is provided on the front surface side of the case 70, an electric cord 8 is pulled out from the rear surface side, and a round connector 9 is attached to the tip thereof. Then, the round connector 9 and the above-mentioned round connector 6 are coupled. In this way, in the amplifier-separated photoelectric sensor, by attaching and detaching the circular connector 9 and the circular connector 6,
If necessary, the amplifier unit 2 and the sensor head unit 7 can be separated.

Returning to FIG. 1 again, the electric cord 3 is pulled out from the rear surface 10B of the interface unit 1, and the RS-232C connector 4 connected to the corresponding connector on the personal computer side is attached to the tip of the electric cord 3. Has been. The electric cord 3 includes a communication line for exchanging data between the interface unit 1 and the personal computer PC.

As is apparent from the figure, the size of the case 10 of the interface unit 1 is RS-232.
As is clear from the comparison with the size of the C connector 4, it is formed in a sufficiently small size.

A transparent cover 13 which can be opened and closed is provided on the upper surface of the interface unit 1. The interface unit 1 is provided under the transparent cover 13.
A display panel 14 for displaying the communication state in is arranged.

An example of the display panel 14 is shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, on the display panel 14, a busy display lamp 14A, an error display lamp 14B, which are operation display lamps related to serial communication with the personal computer PC, and an operation display in communication with the sensor (amplifier unit 2). There are provided a busy indicator lamp 14C, an error indicator lamp 14D, and a power indicator lamp 14E that indicates an ON / OFF state of operating power.

As is apparent from FIGS. 1 to 6, although the case 10 of the interface unit has a relatively small size, its upper surface 10E facing the user is shown.
The display panel 14 relating to the communication state is arranged here by effectively utilizing. Such a display panel 1
4 can be arranged by RS- in the case 10.
This is because the RS-232C connector 4 is attached to the tip of the electric cord 3 pulled out from the case 10 without forcibly incorporating the 232C connector 4. If such a configuration is adopted, the RS-232C connector 4
Even if an unreasonable force is applied to the main body case 10, the electric cord 3 interferes with such force, so that the main body case 10 is not damaged. Conversely, the interface unit 1
Assuming that the RS-232C connector 4 is fixedly attached to the case 10, the case 10 may be unnecessarily applied with force during connection / disconnection work of the connector, resulting in damage to the case or connection failure of the connector. There is a risk of

As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, slide lids 12 and 22 are provided on the left and right side surfaces of the case 10 of the interface unit 1 and the case 20 of the amplifier unit 2, respectively. These slide lids 12,
When the opening 22 is opened, the connector window 23 is exposed inside, and the adjacent coupling connector 24 is exposed in the window. Therefore,
The interface unit 1 and the amplifier unit 2 are electrically and mechanically coupled to each other by engaging adjacent coupling connectors 24 exposed on opposite side surfaces. Needless to say, the fixing of the units 1 and 2 is performed via the DIN rail DL as shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a state in which the interface unit 1 and the amplifier unit 2 are adjacently connected to each other. As shown in the figure, these two units 1,
When the two are adjacently coupled, the electric cord 3 pulled out from the rear surface 10B of the interface unit 1 and the electric cord 5 pulled out from the rear surface 20B of the amplifier unit 2 are pulled out in the same direction. On the other hand, the electrical cord pulled out from the front of the amplifier unit 2 is DIN
As a result, it extends in the direction opposite to the electric cords 3 and 5 in the direction orthogonal to the rail DL. Therefore, even when these units 1 and 2 are mounted on the surface of the control panel or the like via the DIN rail DL, the electric cords 3, 5, and 7 are arranged and pulled out according to their functions, and the handling thereof is simplified. When a large number of units are arranged in parallel, the bundling work becomes easy.

1 to 6, reference numeral 11 denotes a DIN rail fitting groove for connecting with the DIN rail DL.

Next, referring to FIGS. 8, 27 and 28, the interface unit 1 and the amplifier unit 2
The electrical hardware configuration of will be described.

A hardware configuration diagram of the entire sensor system is shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, this sensor system includes, for example, a notebook personal computer 801.
It includes one interface unit 1 and two amplifier units 2 and 2 which are sequentially connected to the interface unit 1.

The personal computer 801 and the interface unit 1 are connected to each other via the RS-232C connector 4 and the electric cord 3 as described above. In FIG. 8, the symbol CC is equivalent to the electric cord 3 shown in FIGS.

The interface unit 1 includes a driver IC 802 and a CPU 803. The driver IC 802 supports RS232C communication. CPU
803 includes a program memory that stores firmware that defines the function of the interface unit, and a microprocessor that executes the firmware in the program memory.

FIG. 27 is a circuit block diagram showing a more detailed internal structure of the interface unit 1. As shown in the figure, the interface unit 1
A communication CPU (M16C / 62) 2701 and
RS-232C driver 2703 for realizing communication between the amplifier unit side circuit board 2702 and the personal computer
A power supply reset circuit 2705, a display LED group 2706, and a power supply circuit 2707.
The circuit board 2702 on the amplifier side includes a connector 24 for connecting to the amplifier and a current inflow prevention circuit 2702a (when the power is off). The LED group 2706 corresponds to a display panel arranged on the case upper surface 20E of the amplifier unit 2.

Next, the internal structure of the amplifier unit 2 will be described. Inside the amplifier unit 2, a CPU 80 including a program memory that stores firmware that defines the function of the amplifier unit, and a microprocessor that executes the firmware in the program memory.
4,805 are included. These CPUs 804, 8
05 is connected to the interface unit 1 via serial bus lines BS0 and BS1 extending from the CPU 803. In addition, C in the interface unit 1
The PU 803 and the CPUs 804 and 805 in the amplifier unit 2 connected to the serial bus lines BS0 and BS1 are also connected to each other by a serial transmission line BB that serially transfers data by a bucket brigade method.

The serial bus lines BS0 and BS1 are mainly used for transmitting and receiving commands and program data, etc., while the transmission line BB for transmitting data by the bucket brigade method is used for the light quantity data generated in the amplifier unit and for judging. It is used to send out values, measurement data, etc. from each amplifier unit to the interface unit 1 in a continuous manner. It should be noted that handshake processing is also used when data is transferred using this line BB.

A more detailed structure of the internal circuit of the amplifier unit is shown in the block diagram of FIG. As shown in the figure, the CPU 280 is installed inside the amplifier unit 2.
1 and current inflow prevention circuit (when power is off) 2802
And current inflow prevention circuit (when power is off) 2803
Power supply reset circuit 2806 and EEPROM 12
807, analog output circuit 2808, external output circuit 2809, external input circuit 2810, and external input / output line 2
811 and are included.

As described above, the CPU 2801 includes a program memory that stores the firmware that defines the function of the amplifier unit and a microprocessor that executes the firmware in the program memory. The analog output circuit 2808 outputs various analog outputs generated in the amplifier unit 2 to the external input / output line 2
It is for outputting to the outside via 811.

The external output circuit 2809 outputs to the external input / output line 2811 the determination output such as HIGH, PASS, or LOW generated by the amplifier unit.

The external input circuit 2810 is connected to the external input / output line 2
Various commands arriving via 811 are sent to the CPU 2801.
Used to fill in. These commands include timing commands, reset commands, zero reset commands, and the like.

Next, the software configurations of the interface unit 1 and the amplifier unit 2 will be described.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart (No. 1) showing the software configuration of the interface unit. As shown in the figure, in the sensor connection process, the interface unit 1 first enters a communication interrupt waiting state (step 901). Here, the waiting for communication interrupt includes both waiting for communication from the PC (personal computer) and waiting for reception of data flowing from the sensor. Note that the data flowing from the sensor here is data that is performed via the data line BB described above with reference to FIG. 8, and in the CPUs 804 and 805 that configure the amplifier unit 2,
The measurement data sequentially generated by the amplifier unit 2 of each channel by the bucket brigade method is flowed from the lower side to the upper side, and this reaches the reception port RxD1 of the interface unit 1. The arrival of this data can be interrupted by an interrupt signal to the interrupt port INT0.

On the other hand, the arrival of data from the PC (personal computer) 801 is received by the receiving port R via the driver IC 802.
It is received at xD1. Conversely, data transmission to the PC (personal computer) 801 is from the transmission port TxD1 to the driver IC 80.
2 via.

In this state, the upper level (PC, PDA)
When the reception interrupt from is confirmed, the received data is then analyzed (step 902). After that, it is determined whether the received data is a command related to flash rewriting based on the received data analysis result (step 903). Here, "flash" refers to a flash memory that is a program memory that stores firmware that defines the function of the interface unit.

Here, as a result of analyzing the received data (step 902), if it is determined that the command is flash rewriting (YES in step 903), the process proceeds to the flowchart of FIG. It is determined whether the command is a rewriting command for the internal amplifier software (step 1001).

If it is determined that the instruction is not the interface unit internal amplifier software rewriting command (step 1001 NO), then it is determined whether the rewriting target is the interface unit (step 100).
3). Here, if it is determined that the rewriting target is the interface unit (step 1003 YES), all the interface unit indicators are turned on, and processing for indicating to the user that the firmware of the interface unit is being rewritten is executed. (Step 10
06).

Subsequently, the interface unit flash rewriting sequence (PC → IFU) is executed (step 1007), and when the execution is completed, the normal processing is restored (step 1008).

15 to 17 are processing sequence diagrams (No. 1 to No. 3) between the personal computer and the interface unit at the time of rewriting the flash memory in the interface unit.

FIG. 15 shows the processing of a flash memory erase command, a sensor amplifier reset command, and a flash status confirmation command. When the process is started in the figure, from the personal computer side to the IF unit side,
A process of transmitting a flash memory erase command is executed by CompoWay (step 1501). continue,
On the interface unit side, a normal response is transmitted by CompoWay to the personal computer side (step 1502), and then erase is executed to complete the reset process (step 1503).

FIG. 16 shows the processing of the flash memory rewrite command. In the figure, when the process is started, the personal computer side sends a flash memory rewrite command by CompoWay toward the interface unit side (step 1601).

Then, on the interface unit side,
A normal response is transmitted by CompoWay to the personal computer side (step 1602). In response to the transmission of this normal response, the personal computer side switches to Xmodem communication and enters the NAK waiting state (step 160).
4).

On the other hand, on the interface unit side, 1
After a lapse of seconds, Xmodem communication is activated and NAK is sent to the personal computer side (step 1603). continue,
On the personal computer side, after receiving NAK, 128 bytes are transmitted toward the interface unit side (step 16).
05).

Then, on the interface unit side,
Upon receiving the transmission of 128 bytes, ACK is returned to the personal computer side (step 1606). Subsequently, the personal computer side transmits the next 128 bytes to the interface unit side (step 1607).

Then, on the interface unit side,
Writing of 256 bytes is executed, and after completion of writing, ACK is sent to the personal computer side (step 160).
8). Subsequently, the personal computer side repeats the transmission of 128 bytes until the entire program is transmitted (step 1
609).

Thereafter, on the interface unit side, when the rewriting of all programs is completed, Xmod
The em communication is ended, and a waiting state for CompoWay is received (step 1610). Similarly, on the PC side,
After transmission of all programs is completed, the CompoWay is switched (step 1611).

FIG. 17 shows the processing of the flash memory read instruction. When the process is started in the figure, the personal computer side sends a flash memory read command by CompoWay toward the interface unit side (step 1701).

Then, on the interface unit side,
A normal response is transmitted by CompoWay to the personal computer side (step 1702). Then, on the personal computer side, after receiving the normal response, Xmodem
Switch to communication and NAK to the interface unit side
Is transmitted (step 1703).

Then, on the interface unit side,
The mode is switched to the Xmodem communication, and the NAK waiting state is set (step 1704). After that, when NAK is received, 128 bytes are transmitted to the personal computer side (step 1705). Then, on the PC side, 128
In response to the byte transmission, ACK is transmitted to the interface unit side (step 1706).

Then, on the interface unit side,
After that, the transmission is repeated every 128 bytes until the transmission of all programs is completed (step 1707). After that, when the reception of all the programs is completed, the switching of CompoWay is executed (step 1709). On the other hand, on the side of the interface unit, the Xmodem communication at the time of termination is terminated, and a state of waiting for CompoWay reception is set (step 1708).

As a result of the sequential execution of the processing described with reference to FIGS. 15 to 17, the rewriting of the flash memory in the interface unit is completed.

Returning to FIG. 10 again, if it is determined that the rewriting target is not the interface unit (step 1003 NO), the interface unit flash rewriting sequence (PC → IFU → AMP) is executed (step 1004), and after the execution is completed. Return to normal processing is performed (step 1005).

22 to 2 show the processing sequence (No. 1 to No. 3) when rewriting the flash memory in the amplifier unit (PC → IF unit → AMP unit).
4 is shown.

FIG. 22 shows processing of a flash memory erase command, a flash status confirmation command, and a sensor amplifier reset command. When the process is started in the figure, the personal computer sends a flash erase command by CompoWay (step 2201).

Then, on the interface unit side,
A flash rewrite mode transition command is transmitted as COMM data to the amplifier unit side (step 2).
202). Subsequently, the amplifier unit side returns a normal reception response to the interface unit side, switches to the flash rewrite mode, and then switches to the flash data protocol (step 2203).

Then, on the interface unit side,
An erase command is transmitted as flash data toward the amplifier unit side (step 2204). Subsequently, after the erase process is executed on the amplifier unit side, "OK" is transmitted toward the interface unit side (step 2205).

Then, on the interface unit side,
A normal response is transmitted by CompoWay to the personal computer side (step 2206). In addition, CompoD
The flash rewrite mode transition command in ATA is necessary only for the first time when transitioning from the normal mode to the flash rewrite mode.

FIG. 23 shows the processing of the flash memory rewrite command. When the processing is started in the figure, the personal computer side transmits a flash memory read command by CompoWay toward the interface unit side (step 2301).

Then, on the interface unit side,
A normal response is transmitted by CompoWay to the personal computer side (step 2302). Subsequently, on the personal computer side, after switching to Xmodem communication, the PC enters a NAK waiting state (step 2303).

Then, on the interface unit side,
After 1 second, Xmodem communication is activated and NAK is transmitted to the personal computer side (step 2304). Subsequently, on the personal computer side, after receiving NAK, 128 bytes are transmitted to the interface unit side (step 230).
5).

Then, on the interface unit side,
ACK is sent back to the personal computer (step 230)
6). Subsequently, the personal computer side transmits the next 128 bytes toward the interface unit side (step 2307).

Subsequently, on the interface unit side, a flash memory rewrite command is transmitted as flash data toward the amplifier unit side (step 230).
8). Then, the amplifier unit side executes the rewriting process, and transmits "OK" to the interface unit side (step 2309).

Then, on the interface unit side, a normal response is transmitted by CompoWay toward the personal computer side (step 2310). Next, the personal computer side repeats transmission every 128 bytes until all programs are transmitted (step 2311). After that, on the interface unit side, the Xmodem communication is terminated by waiting for the completion of the rewriting of all programs, and the CompoW
The aye reception standby state is set (step 2312). On the other hand, on the PC side, after sending all programs,
The poWay is switched (step 2313).

FIG. 14 shows the processing of the flash memory read instruction. In the figure, when the process is started, the personal computer side sends a flash memory read command by CompoWay toward the interface unit side (step 2401).

Then, on the interface unit side, a normal response is transmitted by CompoWay toward the personal computer side (step 2402). Then Xmode
The communication is switched to m communication and the NAK wait state is set (step 2404). On the other hand, the personal computer side that has received the normal response switches to Xmodem communication and transmits NAK to the interface unit side (step 240).
3). Then, on the interface unit side, a flash memory read command is transmitted as flash data toward the amplifier unit side (step 2405).

Subsequently, the amplifier unit side returns the read data toward the interface unit side (step 2406). Then, on the interface unit side, after receiving the NAK, toward the personal computer side 128
The byte is transmitted (step 2407). Then, on the personal computer side, send an ACK to the interface unit side.
Is transmitted (step 2408).

Then, on the interface unit side,
Transmission of every 128 bytes is repeated until the transmission of all programs is completed (step 2409). Then, writing of 256 bytes is executed, and after the writing is completed, an ACK is returned to the personal computer side (step 2410). Then, on the personal computer side, after receiving all programs, CompoWay
Is switched (step 2411). On the interface unit side, the Xmodem communication is terminated at the end,
Waiting for CompoWay reception (step 24)
12).

Returning to FIG. 10 again, if it is determined that the rewriting command is for the interface unit internal amplifier software (step 1001 YES), the interface unit flash rewriting sequence (IFU → AMP).
Is executed (step 1002), and after completion, the normal processing is restored (step 1005).

FIG. 25 shows the processing sequence (No. 1 and No. 2) between the interface unit and the amplifier unit when rewriting the flash memory in the amplifier unit.
And FIG. 26.

FIG. 25 shows the processing of the flash memory erase command and the sensor amplifier reset command.
When the processing is started in the figure, the interface unit transmits a flash rewrite mode transition command as COMM data to the amplifier unit (step 2501). Then, the amplifier unit side returns a normal reception response, switches to the flash rewrite mode, and then switches to the flash data protocol (step 2502).

Then, on the interface unit side,
An erase command is transmitted as flash data to the amplifier unit side (step 2503). continue,
On the amplifier unit side, after performing erase processing,
"OK" is transmitted to the interface unit side (step 2504).

Then, on the interface unit side,
A normal response is transmitted by CompoWay (step 2505).

The flash rewrite mode transition command with this data is required only for the first time when transitioning from the normal mode to the flash rewrite mode.

FIG. 26 shows the processing of the flash memory rewrite command. In the figure, when the processing is started, the interface unit side transmits a flash memory rewrite command with flash data toward the amplifier unit side, and transmits 128 bytes (step 2601). Then, on the amplifier unit side, after rewriting, "OK" is transmitted to the interface unit (step 2602).

Subsequently, the interface unit transmits a normal response by CompoWay (step 2603), and thereafter repeats transmission every 128 bytes until transmission of all programs is completed (step 260).
4) After all programs have been rewritten, Xmod
The em communication is ended, and the state of waiting for reception of CompoWay is restored (step 2605).

Returning to FIG. 9 again, if it is determined that the instruction is not a flash rewriting instruction (step 903N).
O), proceeding to FIG. 11, it is determined whether the target of the instruction is the interface unit (step 110).
1). If it is determined that the command target is the interface unit (YES in step 1101), the process according to the command content is executed (step 1107), and the PC
Response command is created (step 1108),
Send a response command to the PC (step 110)
9).

On the other hand, if it is determined that the instruction target is not the interface unit (step 1101N
O) to create a sensor communication command (step 110).
2) Send a command to the sensor (step 110)
3) Waiting for a response from the sensor (step 1104), creating a PC response command (step 1105), and transmitting the response command to the PC (step 1106).

Next, a flow chart showing the software configuration of the amplifier unit is shown in FIG. When the process is started in the figure, the reception data is analyzed after waiting for a communication reception interrupt from the interface unit (step 1201).

If it is determined that the command is a flash rewriting command (YES in step 1202), it is determined whether or not the amplifier unit to be rewritten is its own channel (step 1208). If it is determined that it is not your channel (step 1
208 NO), and returns to normal processing without doing anything (step 1215).

On the other hand, if the amplifier unit to be rewritten is its own channel (step 120)
8 YES), after turning off all the indicator lights of the sensor amplifier (step 1209), all the indicator lights of HIGH, PASS, and LOW are turned on to indicate to the user that the firmware of the sensor amplifier is being rewritten (step 1209). 1
210). In addition, the laser diode is turned off so that the user will not be injured by an accidental look (step 1211). After that, the analog output is fixed to a specified value (step 1212), the sensor amplifier flash rewriting sequence processing is executed (step 1213), and after the completion, the normal processing is restored (step 1214).

On the other hand, as a result of analyzing the received data (step 1201), if it is determined that the command is not the flash rewriting command (NO in step 1202),
Further, it is judged whether or not the own channel is a command target (step 1203). Here, if it is determined that the user's channel is not the command target (step 1203N
O), and returns to normal processing without doing anything (step 12).
04). On the other hand, if the user's own channel is the target of the command (YES in step 1203), the process corresponding to the command is executed (step 1205), the response code is created (step 1206), and the command is transmitted to the interface unit. (Step 120)
7).

As described above with reference to the respective flowcharts and processing sequence diagrams, according to the present invention, the firmware in the interface unit and in any amplifier unit can be freely rewritten. This rewriting can be performed while the amplifier unit is installed, and the manufacturer can finely set or adjust the user's firmware according to the user's specifications at any time after the product is delivered.

Therefore, according to the present invention, this type of photoelectric sensor can be customized without adopting the conventional method of increasing the product lineup in accordance with the individual specifications of the user. The usability of this type of photoelectric sensor in can be significantly improved.

In addition, not only the amplifier unit but also the firmware of the interface unit can be rewritten as appropriate, so that even if the function of the amplifier unit is expanded in the future, the interface unit is purchased again each time. There is no need, and if only one common interface unit is purchased, the user can implement an appropriate firmware rewriting process according to the subsequent expansion of the sensor function.

Further, according to the present invention, the light emission of the laser diode is stopped during the rewriting of the firmware of the amplifier unit.
It is possible to surely avoid the possibility of damaging the user's eyes. Further, while the amplifier unit and the interface unit are being rewritten, by executing the characteristic display mode by using the existing indicator light,
The user can be surely notified that the firmware is being rewritten, and the difference between normal operation and firmware rewriting can be clearly notified.

An explanatory view showing the concept of program rewriting by applying the present invention is shown in FIG. FIG. 9A shows an example of rewriting the program of the amplifier unit. In this case, the sensor unit basic detection processing for the displacement sensor was stored in the original amplifier unit, whereas the sensor basic detection process was changed in the changed firmware. The detection process is rewritten from the displacement sensor to the length measuring sensor. If such a rewriting process is used, when the photoelectric sensor originally purchased as the displacement sensor is used by replacing only the sensor head with the length measuring sensor, it is not necessary to repurchase the amplifier unit accordingly, and the user does not need to purchase it again. The usability on the side is dramatically improved.

FIG. 13B shows an example of rewriting the program of the interface unit. In this example, the amplifier unit is expanded by adding a new command to the original interface unit software configuration. It enables flexible response to new programs.

As described above, by using the sensor system of the present invention, it is possible to rewrite any firmware in both the amplifier unit and the interface unit. Especially, in the field of this type of amplifier separation type sensor, the usability of the device is improved. Can be significantly improved.

FIG. 14 shows a memory map showing the stored contents of the flash memory in the amplifier unit. A flash ROM in the amplifier unit is shown in FIG.
As shown in the figure, blocks 1 to 6 are flash ROM rewrite target areas, and block 0 is flash R.
The OM rewrite program area is set not to be written. A boot program corresponding to firmware for rewriting blocks 1 to 6 is stored in the block 0.

The laser stop processing at the time of rewriting the firmware described above and the LE by the special display target are performed.
The D lighting process is also stored in this boot program area. That is, the boot program stored in the block 0 corresponds to the software configuration of the amplifier unit shown in FIG.

As described above, in the present invention, the boot program area (block 0) is provided in the flash ROM in the amplifier unit, and the program area received from the block 1 to the block 0 is changed by the program received through the communication process. Selectively rewrite or delete all or part of the contents,
Since it can be added, the operation or processing on the personal computer side is simpler than writing the contents of the program memory directly from the outside, and anyone can easily selectively rewrite the firmware in the amplifier unit at any time. It becomes possible.

FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing the contents of character bits (DATA) in the communication between the interface unit and the amplifier unit in the above-described firmware rewriting process.

As shown in the figure, the character bit in the communication between the interface unit and the amplifier unit is 9 bits, the A part in the figure is 1 bit and the B part in the figure is 8 bits. . 0 is stored in the A part, and address, command, data 1, data 2 in the B part.
~, Data 256, SUM, etc. are stored.

Next, FIGS. 19 to 21 are explanatory diagrams (Nos. 1 to 3) showing the form of packets exchanged between the interface unit and the amplifier unit.

As shown in the figure, the flash memory erase instruction, the amplifier unit reset instruction, the flash memory read instruction, the flash memory rewrite instruction, the flash status confirmation instruction, "OK" and "NG" are used for the firmware rewrite processing. ] Responses etc. are used. The format of each command or response is as clearly shown in each table of FIGS.

In the sensor system of the present invention described above, the interface unit having the case of the same standard as the conventional amplifier unit is used. This interface unit is mounted by a DIN rail adjacent to the case of a conventional amplifier unit, and signals can be exchanged with each other via an adjacent coupling connector 24 provided on an adjacent opposing surface.

In addition, data communication with a personal computer is performed via RS232C which is a general-purpose connector. The RS-232C connector is not incorporated in the case 10 of the interface unit 1, but is attached to the tip of the electric cord 3 pulled out from the case 10. Therefore, the RS232C connector 4 does not affect the size of the case 10 of the interface unit.

In other words, since the RS232C connector 4 is not incorporated in the case 10 of the interface unit, the case 10 can be kept small, and the electric cord 3 connected to the RS232C connector can be pulled out in a different direction. The direction of drawing out the electric cord 5 from the adjacent amplifier unit to the sensor head unit is the same.

Therefore, even when a large number of amplifier units and interface units are arranged in the control panel, the electric cords 3 and 5 are laid out in order, and in addition, the upper surface 1 of the interface unit 10 is arranged.
The display panel 14 can be arranged in the vacant space generated in 0E, and if the display panel 14 has the configuration shown in FIG. 7, the communication state of the relay processing performed via the interface unit 1 can be accurately confirmed to the user. Can be informed.

Further, if the method of pulling out the electric cord 3 from the case 10 of the interface unit and attaching the RS232C connector 4 to the tip thereof is adopted, the size of the RS232C connector 4 affects the size of the case of the interface unit. As a result, the interface unit 1 and the amplifier unit 2 can adopt the same standard case, and the cost can be reduced by simplifying the parts management.

As described above, the photoelectric sensor system of the present invention allows the firmware of the amplifier unit and the interface unit to be rewritten arbitrarily, but such an idea is not limited to the photoelectric sensor.
It can be widely adopted as an arbitrary sensor, especially an amplifier separation type sensor. That is, such a sensor may be a proximity sensor or an ultrasonic sensor.

[0127]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, it is possible to rewrite the firmware of the photoelectric sensor, for example, even in the installed state, and it is possible to finely respond to the measurement specifications of each user. can get.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which an IF unit and an AMP unit are adjacently connected to each other.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a sensor head unit for a displacement sensor.

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing an adjacent connection state of an IF unit and an AMP unit.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a separated state of an IF unit and an AMP unit.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the IF unit as seen obliquely from the front.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the IF unit as seen obliquely from behind.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a display panel of an IF unit.

FIG. 8 is an electrical hardware configuration diagram of the entire sensor system.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart (part 1) showing the software configuration of the IF unit.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart (part 2) showing the software configuration of the IF unit.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart (part 3) showing the software configuration of the IF unit.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a software configuration of an AMP unit.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the concept of program rewriting.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing stored contents of a flash memory incorporated in an AMP unit.

FIG. 15 is a processing sequence diagram (part 1) between a personal computer and an IF unit when rewriting a flash memory built in the IF unit.

FIG. 16 is a processing sequence diagram (No. 2) between the personal computer and the IF unit when rewriting the flash memory built in the IF unit.

FIG. 17 is a processing sequence diagram (3) between the personal computer and the IF unit at the time of rewriting the flash memory built in the IF unit.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the content of character bits (DATA) in communication between an IF unit and an AMP unit.

FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram (part 1) showing a form of a packet exchanged between the IF unit and the AMP unit.

FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram (part 2) showing the form of the packet exchanged between the IF unit and the AMP unit.

FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram (part 3) showing the form of the packet exchanged between the IF unit and the AMP unit.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a (PC-IF unit-AMP unit) processing sequence (No. 1) at the time of rewriting the flash memory built in the AMP unit.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a (PC-IF unit-AMP unit) processing sequence (No. 2) at the time of rewriting the flash memory built in the AMP unit.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a (PC-IF unit-AMP unit) processing sequence (No. 3) at the time of rewriting the flash memory built in the AMP unit.

FIG. 25 is a processing sequence (part 1) between the IF unit and the AMP unit when rewriting the flash memory built in the AMP unit.

FIG. 26 is a processing sequence (part 2) between the IF unit and the AMP unit when rewriting the flash memory built in the AMP unit.

FIG. 27 is a block diagram showing the circuit configuration of the IF unit in more detail.

FIG. 28 is a block diagram showing in more detail the circuit configuration of the AMP unit.

FIG. 29 is a diagram showing a typical configuration example of a photoelectric sensor head.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 interface unit 2 amplifier unit 3 electric cords (communication lines, etc.) 4 RS232C connector 5 Electric cord (light quantity signal line, etc.) 6 Round connector 7 Electric cord (power line, input line, output line, etc.) 8 Electric cord (light quantity signal line, etc.) 9 Round connector 10 Interface unit case 10A front 10B rear 10C left side 10D right side 10E upper surface 10F bottom 11 DIN rail fitting groove 12 Slide lid 13 transparent cover 14 Display panel 14A busy indicator light 14B Error indicator light 14C busy indicator light 14D error indicator 14E Power indicator 15 cord outlet 20 Amplifier unit case 20A front 20B rear 20C left side 20D right side 20E upper surface 20F bottom 22 Slide lid 23 Connector window 24 Adjacent coupling connector 801 Notebook PC 802 driver IC 803 CPU in interface unit CPU (CH1) in the 804 AMP unit CPU (CH2) in the 805 AMP unit

Continued front page    (72) Inventor Toru Hosoda             Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi Shioji-dori Horikawa Higashiiri Minamifudo-cho             801 OMRON Corporation F term (reference) 2F065 AA02 FF09 FF24 GG00 JJ00                       PP22 QQ00 QQ28 SS06                 5B025 AD04 AD05 AE00                 5B076 BA00 BB06

Claims (17)

[Claims] 1. An amplifier unit of an amplifier-separated photoelectric sensor, and an interface unit that is interposed between the amplifier unit and a data processing device such as a personal computer and relays communication between the two units. , Including a program memory that stores firmware that defines the function of the amplifier unit, and a microprocessor that executes the firmware in the program memory
It has a built-in PU, and the program memory defines a rewritable area and a rewritable area. In the rewritable area, a sensor program corresponding to firmware that defines the function as a sensor is stored. In the rewrite prohibited area, a boot program corresponding to firmware that defines the function of rewriting all or part of the sensor program by the program obtained from the interface unit via communication is stored. A CPU including a program memory that stores firmware that defines the function of the interface unit and a microprocessor that executes the firmware in the program memory is built in. The program memory includes a data processing device such as a personal computer. The interface program corresponding to the firmware that defines the communication relay function from the amplifier unit to the amplifier unit is stored. Therefore, the program sent from the data processing device such as a personal computer via the interface unit causes the sensor program in the amplifier unit to be stored. A photoelectric sensor system characterized in that all or part of the above can be rewritten. 2. The program memory of the interface unit stores a boot program corresponding to firmware defining a function of rewriting all or part of the interface program by a program obtained from a data processing device such as a personal computer through communication. The photoelectric sensor system according to claim 1, wherein the interface unit is provided with expandability. 3. The interface unit program memory stores an interface program corresponding to firmware that defines a communication relay function from the amplifier unit to a data processing device such as a personal computer. The photoelectric sensor system according to claim 1, wherein the generated data such as a detected value can be sent to a data processing device such as a personal computer through an interface unit. 4. The amplifier unit and the interface unit are each a first unit suitable for mass data communication.
It supports both the first communication protocol and the second communication protocol suitable for small-volume sequential data communication. When transmitting and receiving the program equivalent to the firmware, the first communication protocol is adopted, and the command and the detection value data are transmitted and received. The photoelectric sensor system according to claim 3, wherein a second communication protocol is adopted in this case. 5. The photoelectric sensor system according to claim 1, wherein light emission from the sensor head unit is stopped during rewriting of the sensor program in the amplifier unit. 6. A case of the amplifier unit and a case of the interface unit can be arranged in parallel, and in a state where both units are arranged in parallel, a direction of withdrawing the electric cord from the amplifier unit to the sensor head unit and Interface unit to RS2
2. The photoelectric conversion device according to claim 1, wherein a direction of pulling out an electric cord toward a general-purpose connector for a personal computer such as 32C is the same, and a display panel showing a communication state is arranged on the upper surface of the interface unit facing the user. Sensor system. 7. An amplifier unit of an amplifier-separated photoelectric sensor, which includes a program memory that stores firmware that defines the function of the amplifier unit, and a microprocessor that executes the firmware in the program memory.
It has a built-in PU, and the program memory defines a rewritable area and a rewritable area. In the rewritable area, a sensor program corresponding to firmware that defines the function as a sensor is stored. In the rewrite prohibited area, a boot program corresponding to the firmware that defines the function of rewriting all or part of the sensor program by the program obtained through communication is stored. An amplifier unit characterized in that all or a part of a sensor program in the amplifier unit can be rewritten by a program sent from the device via communication. 8. The amplifier unit according to claim 7, wherein the light emission from the sensor head unit is stopped during the rewriting of the sensor program in the amplifier unit. 9. An interface unit which is interposed between an amplifier unit and a data processing device such as a personal computer and relays communication between them, and a program memory for storing firmware defining the function of the interface unit, A CPU including a microprocessor for executing the firmware in the program memory is built in, and the interface unit program memory has all or all of the interface programs according to a program obtained through communication from a data processing device such as a personal computer. 2. The interface unit according to claim 1, wherein a boot program corresponding to firmware that defines a function of rewriting a part of the program is stored, thereby providing expandability according to the configuration of the amplifier unit. Door. 10. The program memory stores an interface program corresponding to firmware that defines a communication relay function from the amplifier unit to a data processing device such as a personal computer, and is thereby generated by the amplifier unit. The interface unit according to claim 9, wherein data such as a detected value can be sent to a data processing device such as a personal computer via the interface unit. 11. A first communication protocol suitable for large-quantity batch data communication and a second communication protocol suitable for small-quantity sequential data communication are supported, and the first communication protocol is used for transmitting and receiving a program corresponding to firmware. 11. The interface unit according to claim 10, wherein the communication protocol is adopted, and the second communication protocol is adopted when transmitting and receiving the command and the detection value data. 12. An electric cord having a case of the same standard as the amplifier unit and extending from the interface unit to a general-purpose connector compatible with a personal computer such as RS232C is pulled out from the case of the electric cord extending from the amplifier unit to the sensor head unit. 12. A display panel which is in the same direction as the pull-out direction and is arranged on the upper surface of the case facing the user to indicate the communication state.
Interface unit according to any one of. 13. An amplifier unit of an amplifier-separated type sensor, and an interface unit interposed between the amplifier unit and a data processing device such as a personal computer to relay communication between them, and the amplifier unit includes: C including a program memory that stores firmware that defines the function of the amplifier unit, and a microprocessor that executes the firmware in the program memory
It has a built-in PU, and the program memory defines a rewritable area and a rewritable area. In the rewritable area, a sensor program corresponding to firmware that defines the function as a sensor is stored. In the rewrite prohibited area, a boot program corresponding to firmware that defines the function of rewriting all or part of the sensor program by the program obtained from the interface unit via communication is stored. A CPU including a program memory that stores firmware that defines the function of the interface unit and a microprocessor that executes the firmware in the program memory is built in. The program memory includes a data processing device such as a personal computer. The interface program corresponding to the firmware that defines the communication relay function from the amplifier unit to the amplifier unit is stored. Therefore, the program sent from the data processing device such as a personal computer via the interface unit causes the sensor program in the amplifier unit to be stored. A sensor system characterized in that all or part of the above can be rewritten. 14. A boot program corresponding to firmware that defines a function of rewriting all or part of an interface program by a program obtained through communication from a data processing device such as a personal computer is stored in the program memory of the interface unit. 14. The sensor system according to claim 13, wherein the interface unit is provided with expandability. 15. The interface unit program memory stores an interface program corresponding to firmware that defines a communication relay function from the amplifier unit to a data processing device such as a personal computer. 14. The sensor system according to claim 13, wherein the generated data such as detected values can be sent to a data processing device such as a personal computer via an interface unit. 16. The amplifier unit and the interface unit respectively include a first communication protocol suitable for large-scale batch data communication and a second communication protocol suitable for small-quantity sequential data communication.
It supports both the communication protocols of
16. The sensor system according to claim 15, wherein the communication protocol is used, and the second communication protocol is used when transmitting and receiving the command and the detection value data. 17. A case of the amplifier unit and a case of the interface unit can be arranged in parallel, and in a state where both units are arranged in parallel, a direction of withdrawing an electric cord from the amplifier unit to the sensor head unit and Interface unit to RS
14. The sensor according to claim 13, wherein a direction of drawing out an electric cord toward a general-purpose personal computer connector such as 232C is the same, and a display panel showing a communication state is arranged on the upper surface of the interface unit facing the user. system.