USB transducer for measurement signals

Abstract

The present invention is directed to the provision of a user-friendly system that ensures freedom for incorporating the measuring system into other equipment, reduces a conversion error associated with signal conversion, reduces the cost of an A/D converter, and allows simultaneous processing of a plurality of data. A USB transducer according to the present invention comprises: an input section which receives a measurement signal from a measuring device; a controller which converts measurement data into digital data and further converts the digital data into data ready for processing by a computer; and an output section having a USB connection terminal for outputting the data generated by the controller to the computer by using a USB cable, and for receiving a control signal from the computer.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above object and features of the present invention will be more apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing how a USB transducer according to the present invention is connected to a sensor and a computer;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the USB transducer according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the USB transducer according to the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an arrangement for connection of USB transducers, sensors, and a computer when making a plurality of measurements;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the USB transducer of the present invention;

FIG. 6A is a diagram showing connections for pH and ORP measurements using the USB transducer of the present invention;

FIG. 6B is a diagram showing connections for resistance/temperature measurement using the USB transducers of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the configuration of a prior art transducer and its connections to a sensor and a computer;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an arrangement for connection of USB transducers, sensors, computers, and a data management device when making a plurality of measurements according to the prior art; and

FIG. 9 is a perspective view for explaining the condition in which the prior art transducer is mounted in another equipment.

Claims

1. A USB transducer comprising: input means for taking a measurement signal from a sensor;output means for transferring signals to and from an external computer via a USB cable; andsignal processing means for processing said measurement signal as well as a signal transferred from said external computer.

2. A USB transducer as claimed in claim 1, wherein said signal processing means includes: a CPU which receives said measurement signal from said sensor, converts said measurement signal into a digital signal, performs processing based on a command signal from said computer, and performs processing for converting said digital signal into measurement data; anda controller which converts said data into data ready for processing by said computer, and which converts the signal transferred from said external computer into a signal format ready for processing by said CPU.

3. A USB transducer as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein power for said USB transducer is supplied from said computer through said USB cable.