Sensors, controllers and sensor systems

• US 20030061403A1
• Filed: 09/27/2001
• Published: 03/27/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 03/12/1999
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Omron Corporation
• Original Assignee: Omron Corporation
• Inventors: Miyata, Yoshiaki, Kadowaki, Masanori
• Granted Patent: US 6,895,572 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 719/328
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 9/4415 Self describing peripheral devices

Abstract

A sensor system is formed with sensors and a controller which are detachably attached to a network to be connected together. Each sensor stores an interface program for its own and the controller serves to upload these interface programs from the individual sensors and use the uploaded interface programs to access these sensors under optimum conditions.

Claims

1. A sensor which is disconnectably connectable to a network, said sensor comprising:

memory means for storing an interface program for said sensor; and

outputting means for outputting said interface program stored in said memory means to said network.

2. A controller which is disconnectably connectable to a network, said controller comprising:

uploading means for uploading an interface program for a sensor transmitted from said sensor through said network; and

accessing means for accessing said sensor by executing said uploaded interface program.

3. A sensor system comprising:

a network;

a sensor which is disconnectably connected to said network and comprises memory means for storing an interface program for said sensor and outputting means for outputting said interface program stored in said memory means to said network; and

a controller which is disconnectably connected to said network and comprises uploading means for uploading said interface program for said sensor transmitted from said sensor through said network and accessing means for accessing said sensor by executing said uploaded interface program, said sensor system being configured such that said controller obtains said interface program for said sensor by uploading said interface program from said sensor and using said obtained interface program to access said sensor.