Abstract: To enables realization of an image data collection function, a bank switch function and the like at low cost in a juxtaposedly placed type sensor system for handling an image, such as a visual sensor or a displacement sensor, by introduction of the minimum required number of new units into an existing system. A first operation of storing image data acquired by a sensor controller from a sensor head and/or measurement data obtained by processing the image data, into a non-volatile record medium of a data storage unit, and/or a second operation of writing the setting data having been stored into the non-volatile record medium of the data storage unit, on a bank memory inside the sensor controller unit, are made possible.

Abstract: A sensor controller is disclosed which transmits large-capacity data such as waveform data and image data within a short time (in rapid cycles, for example) and makes possible various collaborative operations using the transmitted data. A control unit includes a programmable logic circuit and a CPU to control the operation of the sensor controller. A unit connector can be used to connect other sensor controllers. An inter-unit path constitutes a signal transmission path between the control unit and the unit connector and includes a sensing data transmission path between the programmable logic circuit and the unit connector. In the case where another sensor controller is connected to the unit connector, the sensing data can be transmitted between the programmable logic circuit of the local sensor controller and the programmable logic circuit of the particular another sensor controller.

Abstract: To enables realization of an image data collection function, a bank switch function and the like at low cost in a juxtaposedly placed type sensor system for handling an image, such as a visual sensor or a displacement sensor, by introduction of the minimum required number of new units into an existing system. A first operation of storing image data acquired by a sensor controller from a sensor head and/or measurement data obtained by processing the image data, into a non-volatile record medium of a data storage unit, and/or a second operation of writing the setting data having been stored into the non-volatile record medium of the data storage unit, on a bank memory inside the sensor controller unit, are made possible.

Abstract: A sensor controller is disclosed which transmits large-capacity data such as waveform data and image data within a short time (in rapid cycles, for example) and makes possible various collaborative operations using the transmitted data. A control unit includes a programmable logic circuit and a CPU to control the operation of the sensor controller. A unit connector can be used to connect other sensor controllers. An inter-unit path constitutes a signal transmission path between the control unit and the unit connector and includes a sensing data transmission path between the programmable logic circuit and the unit connector. In the case where another sensor controller is connected to the unit connector, the sensing data can be transmitted between the programmable logic circuit of the local sensor controller and the programmable logic circuit of the particular another sensor controller.