GB2147757A - Apparatus for sensing a physical property - Google Patents
Apparatus for sensing a physical property Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2147757A GB2147757A GB8326855A GB8326855A GB2147757A GB 2147757 A GB2147757 A GB 2147757A GB 8326855 A GB8326855 A GB 8326855A GB 8326855 A GB8326855 A GB 8326855A GB 2147757 A GB2147757 A GB 2147757A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- energy
- sensors
- sensor
- receiver
- source
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
- 230000000704 physical effect Effects 0.000 title claims abstract description 19
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 8
- 230000005855 radiation Effects 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000013307 optical fiber Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000035945 sensitivity Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000002463 transducing effect Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 claims 1
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04B—TRANSMISSION
- H04B10/00—Transmission systems employing electromagnetic waves other than radio-waves, e.g. infrared, visible or ultraviolet light, or employing corpuscular radiation, e.g. quantum communication
- H04B10/27—Arrangements for networking
- H04B10/278—Bus-type networks
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04B—TRANSMISSION
- H04B10/00—Transmission systems employing electromagnetic waves other than radio-waves, e.g. infrared, visible or ultraviolet light, or employing corpuscular radiation, e.g. quantum communication
- H04B10/27—Arrangements for networking
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Computing Systems (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Electromagnetism (AREA)
- Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
- Signal Processing (AREA)
- Arrangements For Transmission Of Measured Signals (AREA)
Abstract
A number of terminals 2 are attached to an optical data bus 1 and each terminal 2 is associated with a number of sensors 3, 4 and 5. The sensors measure physical properties such as strain, temperature and pressure in an industrial environment. There is no physical link between the terminal 2 and its associated sensors, energy being transferred from the terminal to the sensors and information being transferred from the sensors to the terminal by optical or infra-red beams. <IMAGE>
Description
SPECIFICATION
Apparatus for sensing a physical property
This invention relates to apparatus for sensing a physical property for example strain, temperature, pressure etc.
In many industrial environments it is required to have a large number of sensors distributed about a machine or industrial plant and this invention arose with a view to simplying the design and installation of such a system and to providing a basic sensor system which can readily be adapted to different purposes.
This invention provides apparatus for sensing a physical property comprising: a source of radiated energy designed to project a beam of energy through a medium in which the apparatus is located; a sensor arranged to receive the beam of energy and designed to use the energy to generate a second beam carrying information concerning the said physical property; and a receiver for receiving the second beam and extracting the aforesaid information from it.
The medium in which the apparatus is located will of course normally be the atmosphere but the invention would be applicable in other environments for example, under water or in space.
It will be apparent that by employing the invention the need for a physical link such as a wire or an optical fibre between the source of radiated energy and the sensor and between the sensor and the receiver is eliminated. This greatly simplifies the design and construction of a basic system which is adaptable to a very large range of different environments. This advantage is greatly magnified where a large number of sensors are required.
A receiver is preferably directional and arranged so that its direction of maximum sensitivity is aligned with the sensor so as not to receive extraneous radiation from other sources.
Where there are a number of sensors the energy source may be designed to project energy simultaneously to all of them or to project energy in turn to them one by one. The receiver is preferably constructed and arranged to receive energy in turn from the sensors, when there is more than one of the latter. In one form of the invention the source of energy transmits energy to one sensor which in response transmits a beam to the receiver and this operation is then repeated with the other sensors in turn.
The energy source may include a number of separate sources (of light or infra-red) each aligned with a respective sensor but in a preferred arrangement a single such source is provided and cooperates with beam - deflection means for deflecting an initially single beam in different directions to the sensors in turn. A receiver, which may share with the energy source a common focussing device, similarly may include beam deflecting means for deflecting different beams from respective different sensors in turn to a receiving element.
In one form of the invention, which is particularly applicable to large scale industrial plant. A number of sensor systems as previously described may be linked together by a data bus joining the receivers (and also preferably the energy sources.) This data bus can be an optical or an electrical link. The individual sensor systems are preferably clamped or otherwise attached to this bus by means of nonintrusive connection, i.e. a connection which does not involve making any modification to the data bus.
Using this technique it is possible to provide a standard data bus and to connect to it, at positions as required, units consisting of an energy source and receiver as previously described associated with a group of nearby sensors. A common control system for the appropriate industrial process will normally also be connected to the data bus at some convenient position.
One way in which the invention may be performed will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing of a sensor system constructed in accordance with the invention.
Referring to the drawing there is shown a data bus 1 in the form of an optical fibre onto which data signals are time multiplexed. This data bus extends around a large scale industrial environment. At particular position on the data bus terminals 2 are attached using some non-intrusive system which does not alterthe integrity of the data bus 1. Each of the terminals 2 comprises: a source of radiated energy in the form of for example an infra-red or visible light laser or lamp which, possibly in association with suitable focussing means and beam deflection means projects a beam of radiation in turn to sensors such as shown at 3,4 and 5.
Each of the sensors 3, 4 and 5 includes an optical to electrical transducer providing electrical power to energise it; though in alternative systems it may be possible to use the optical energy directly without transducing it into electrical form. Each sensor includes a focussing device which directs a second beam of radiation back to the terminal 2 this beam being coded with information defining the measurement of the physical property being sensed.
A suitable receiver in terminal 2 is focussed to receive this beam and the information is transferred in a suitable time slot on the data bus.
1. Apparatus for sensing a physical property comprising: a source of radiated energy designed to project a beam of energy through a medium in which the apparatus is located; a sensor arranged to receive the beam of energy and designed to use the energy to generate a second beam carrying information concerning the said physical property; and a receiver for receiving the second beam and extracting the aforesaid information from it.
2. Apparatus according to Claim 1 in which the receiver is directional and arranged so that its direction of maximum sensitivity is aligned with the sensor.
3. Apparatus according to Claim 1 including more than one sensor at respective different locations, the energy source being designed to project
**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.
Claims (1)
- **WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **.SPECIFICATION Apparatus for sensing a physical property This invention relates to apparatus for sensing a physical property for example strain, temperature, pressure etc.In many industrial environments it is required to have a large number of sensors distributed about a machine or industrial plant and this invention arose with a view to simplying the design and installation of such a system and to providing a basic sensor system which can readily be adapted to different purposes.This invention provides apparatus for sensing a physical property comprising: a source of radiated energy designed to project a beam of energy through a medium in which the apparatus is located; a sensor arranged to receive the beam of energy and designed to use the energy to generate a second beam carrying information concerning the said physical property; and a receiver for receiving the second beam and extracting the aforesaid information from it.The medium in which the apparatus is located will of course normally be the atmosphere but the invention would be applicable in other environments for example, under water or in space.It will be apparent that by employing the invention the need for a physical link such as a wire or an optical fibre between the source of radiated energy and the sensor and between the sensor and the receiver is eliminated. This greatly simplifies the design and construction of a basic system which is adaptable to a very large range of different environments. This advantage is greatly magnified where a large number of sensors are required.A receiver is preferably directional and arranged so that its direction of maximum sensitivity is aligned with the sensor so as not to receive extraneous radiation from other sources.Where there are a number of sensors the energy source may be designed to project energy simultaneously to all of them or to project energy in turn to them one by one. The receiver is preferably constructed and arranged to receive energy in turn from the sensors, when there is more than one of the latter. In one form of the invention the source of energy transmits energy to one sensor which in response transmits a beam to the receiver and this operation is then repeated with the other sensors in turn.The energy source may include a number of separate sources (of light or infra-red) each aligned with a respective sensor but in a preferred arrangement a single such source is provided and cooperates with beam - deflection means for deflecting an initially single beam in different directions to the sensors in turn. A receiver, which may share with the energy source a common focussing device, similarly may include beam deflecting means for deflecting different beams from respective different sensors in turn to a receiving element.In one form of the invention, which is particularly applicable to large scale industrial plant. A number of sensor systems as previously described may be linked together by a data bus joining the receivers (and also preferably the energy sources.) This data bus can be an optical or an electrical link. The individual sensor systems are preferably clamped or otherwise attached to this bus by means of nonintrusive connection, i.e. a connection which does not involve making any modification to the data bus.Using this technique it is possible to provide a standard data bus and to connect to it, at positions as required, units consisting of an energy source and receiver as previously described associated with a group of nearby sensors. A common control system for the appropriate industrial process will normally also be connected to the data bus at some convenient position.One way in which the invention may be performed will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing of a sensor system constructed in accordance with the invention.Referring to the drawing there is shown a data bus 1 in the form of an optical fibre onto which data signals are time multiplexed. This data bus extends around a large scale industrial environment. At particular position on the data bus terminals 2 are attached using some non-intrusive system which does not alterthe integrity of the data bus 1. Each of the terminals 2 comprises: a source of radiated energy in the form of for example an infra-red or visible light laser or lamp which, possibly in association with suitable focussing means and beam deflection means projects a beam of radiation in turn to sensors such as shown at 3,4 and 5.Each of the sensors 3, 4 and 5 includes an optical to electrical transducer providing electrical power to energise it; though in alternative systems it may be possible to use the optical energy directly without transducing it into electrical form. Each sensor includes a focussing device which directs a second beam of radiation back to the terminal 2 this beam being coded with information defining the measurement of the physical property being sensed.A suitable receiver in terminal 2 is focussed to receive this beam and the information is transferred in a suitable time slot on the data bus.1. Apparatus for sensing a physical property comprising: a source of radiated energy designed to project a beam of energy through a medium in which the apparatus is located; a sensor arranged to receive the beam of energy and designed to use the energy to generate a second beam carrying information concerning the said physical property; and a receiver for receiving the second beam and extracting the aforesaid information from it.2. Apparatus according to Claim 1 in which the receiver is directional and arranged so that its direction of maximum sensitivity is aligned with the sensor.3. Apparatus according to Claim 1 including more than one sensor at respective different locations, the energy source being designed to project energy to respective sensors; each of the sensors being arranged to use the received energy to generate a respective second beam carrying information concerning a physical property at the associated location, and the receiver being constructed and arranged to receive each of the second beams and to extract the information from them.4. Apparatus according to Claim 3 in which the energy source is constructed and arranged to project energy in turn to the sensors.5. Apparatus according to Claim 3 or4 in which the receiver is constructed and arranged to receive energy in turn from the sensors.6. Apparatus according to Claim 5 when dependent on Claim 4 in which the receiver is constructed and arranged to receive energy from that sensor which is currently receiving energy from the source.7. Apparatus according to Claim 4 in which the energy source includes beam deflection means for deflecting an initially single beam in different directions to the sensors.8. Apparatus according Claim 4 in which the receiver includes beam deflecting means for deflecting different beams from respective different sensors in turn to a receiving element.9. Apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the energy source and the receiver are at the same location.10. Apparatus according to Claim 9 in which the energy source and the receiver share a common focussing means for forming the beam or beams transmitted to the or each sensor; and for receiving the beam or beams from the or each sensor.11. A sensor system comprising a plurality of apparatus, each constructed in accordance with any preceding claim, the receiver of each such apparatus being linked by a bus along which the outputs from the sensors are communicated.12. A sensor system according to Claim 12 in which the bus also links and supplies power to the sources of radiated energy.13. A sensor system according to Claim 12 or 13 in which the individual apparatus are linked to the bus in such a way that they can be connected and disconnected from the bus without modifications to the latter.14. A manufacturing machine or plant comprising sensing apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 13 our a sensor system according to Claim 1 3 or 1 4.Amendments to the claims have been filed, and have the following effect: *(a) Claims 1 above have been deleted or textually amended.*(b) New or textually amended claims have been filed as follows:1. Apparatus for sensing a physical property comprising: a source of radiated energy designed to project a beam of energy through a medium in which the apparatus is located; a sensor arranged to receive the beam of energy and designed to use the energy to generate a second beam coded with information concerning the said physical property; and a receiver for receiving the second beam and extracting the aforesaid information from it.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB8326855A GB2147757B (en) | 1983-10-07 | 1983-10-07 | Apparatus for sensing a physical property |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB8326855A GB2147757B (en) | 1983-10-07 | 1983-10-07 | Apparatus for sensing a physical property |
Publications (3)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB8326855D0 GB8326855D0 (en) | 1983-11-09 |
| GB2147757A true GB2147757A (en) | 1985-05-15 |
| GB2147757B GB2147757B (en) | 1987-02-11 |
Family
ID=10549818
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB8326855A Expired GB2147757B (en) | 1983-10-07 | 1983-10-07 | Apparatus for sensing a physical property |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (1) | GB2147757B (en) |
Citations (8)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB1098377A (en) * | 1964-11-09 | 1968-01-10 | Allis Chalmers Mfg Co | Improved apparatus for detecting an electrical condition in a region of high electrical potential and transmitting an indication thereof |
| GB1274682A (en) * | 1968-07-13 | 1972-05-17 | Sacofgas Spa | Differential manometer with automatic indication of small and frequent differences in pressure by way of an optical lever |
| GB1480583A (en) * | 1973-07-02 | 1977-07-20 | Reyrolle Parsons Ltd | Measurement of surface temperature of rotating objects |
| WO1981000636A1 (en) * | 1979-12-17 | 1981-03-05 | Cerberus Ag | Detection device with detector |
| GB1596295A (en) * | 1978-04-28 | 1981-08-26 | Sira Institute | Optical apparatus and method |
| EP0053790A1 (en) * | 1980-12-01 | 1982-06-16 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Fiber optical sensor system, preferably for measuring physical parameters |
| GB2100857A (en) * | 1981-06-03 | 1983-01-06 | Nat Nuclear Corp Ltd | Measuring heat transfer rate |
| GB2116701A (en) * | 1982-03-02 | 1983-09-28 | Itt Ind Ltd | Fluid flowmeter |
-
1983
- 1983-10-07 GB GB8326855A patent/GB2147757B/en not_active Expired
Patent Citations (8)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB1098377A (en) * | 1964-11-09 | 1968-01-10 | Allis Chalmers Mfg Co | Improved apparatus for detecting an electrical condition in a region of high electrical potential and transmitting an indication thereof |
| GB1274682A (en) * | 1968-07-13 | 1972-05-17 | Sacofgas Spa | Differential manometer with automatic indication of small and frequent differences in pressure by way of an optical lever |
| GB1480583A (en) * | 1973-07-02 | 1977-07-20 | Reyrolle Parsons Ltd | Measurement of surface temperature of rotating objects |
| GB1596295A (en) * | 1978-04-28 | 1981-08-26 | Sira Institute | Optical apparatus and method |
| WO1981000636A1 (en) * | 1979-12-17 | 1981-03-05 | Cerberus Ag | Detection device with detector |
| EP0053790A1 (en) * | 1980-12-01 | 1982-06-16 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Fiber optical sensor system, preferably for measuring physical parameters |
| GB2100857A (en) * | 1981-06-03 | 1983-01-06 | Nat Nuclear Corp Ltd | Measuring heat transfer rate |
| GB2116701A (en) * | 1982-03-02 | 1983-09-28 | Itt Ind Ltd | Fluid flowmeter |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB8326855D0 (en) | 1983-11-09 |
| GB2147757B (en) | 1987-02-11 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCNP | Patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee |