Abstract: A system for designing visual information on a monitor unit which enables the use of the monitor unit manufactured at a reduced cost but assures rapid reproduction of the intended visual information. The monitor unit is utilized in combination with a programmable logic controller (PLC) for monitoring a task to be performed by I/O devices managed by the PLC. The monitor unit includes a display, a controller section, and a memory. The system includes an image design tool operating on a personal computer for creating a source display code of the visual information to be reproduced on the display. The image design tool has a conversion means which translates the source display code into a corresponding bitmapped image and exports the bitmapped image to the monitor unit for immediate reproduction of the visual information on the display.

Abstract: A pyroelectric-type IR receiving element comprises a pyroelectric substrate which is fixed to a supporting body at its support ends and at least one rectangular patch formed in the substrate. The patch is formed on its opposite surfaces with first and second electrodes which are overlapped to each other. The substrate has a U-shaped slit composed of a pair of side slits and a base slit connecting the side slits. The U-shaped slit surrounds continuously three sides of the patch, so that the patch is supported by the substrate in a cantilever fashion at a cantilever end which is opposed to one of the support ends of the substrate. Since a thermal stress applied to the substrate when the substrate is exposed to a temperature change is absorbed by the U-shaped slit, a stress concentration to be considered is not developed in the patch. As a result, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of popcorn noise, while maintaining good IR sensitivity.