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:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to a transducer for measurement signals measured by a sensor and, more particularly, relates to a USB transducer which transmits measurement signals to a USB terminal of a computer through a USB cable. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    In the field of equipment for environmental analysis, process analysis, laboratory analysis, and industrial analysis, measuring instruments and measuring systems that display measurement signals measured by various kinds of sensors or that convert the signals into an analog output for transmission are generically called transducers. Generally, such transducers are provided with switches or like operating parts for making settings for the transducer itself or for controlling the sensor. 
         [0003]      FIG. 7  shows a prior art transducer. In the figure, the transducer  10  is connected to a sensor  11  and external power supply  12 , and the output of the transducer  10  is coupled to a computer  14  via an A/D converter  13 , if necessary. The transducer  10  comprises a measuring section  101  for making measurements, an operation section  102  having switches or the like, and a display section  103  for displaying measurement data. 
         [0004]    The measuring operation in  FIG. 7  will be described step by step. First, the sensor  11  is set ready for the measurement. After that, power is turned on to the transducer  10 . Next, the transducer  10  is placed in a setup mode, and various settings, such as the setting of upper and lower set values for the measurement range, the setting of alarm set points, the setting for temperature compensation, and the setting of response speed, are made from the operation section  102  of the transducer  10 . When the measurement setup of the transducer  10  is completed, the transducer  10  is placed in a measurement mode to start the measurement. Measurement data is transmitted from the sensor  11  and displayed on the display section  103 . Then, the transducer  10  is switched to a transmission mode to transmit the measurement data to the computer  14  for analysis. 
         [0005]    In the prior art, analog transmission (DC 4 to 20 mA, etc.) or serial data communication such as RS-232C has been used as a method for transmitting the measurement data from the transducer to the computer. 
         [0006]    In the case of analog transmission, the A/D converter  13  for converting the data into a digital signal must be provided as shown by dashed lines, thus requiring the use of an extra device before connection to the computer  14 . 
         [0007]    In the case of serial communication using RS-232C, the A/D converter is not needed, but few instruments are equipped with RS-232C and, if equipped with RS-232C, such instruments are often expensive; for this reason, in the field of equipment for environmental analysis, process analysis, laboratory analysis, and industrial analysis, measuring systems using RS-232C are not prevalent (reference document 1). 
         [0008]    Another method of transmission is one that uses the GPIB (General Purpose Interface Bus) interface. This interface allows a number of devices to be connected in a daisy chain on a single bus. However, equipment that uses this interface system is bulky, its volume being as large as 100 cm 3  or more, and requires the use of an independent power supply. GPIB ensures reliable data transmission by using a method called three-wire handshaking. While reliable data transmission can be achieved, GPIB is slow in such cases as when a setup operation and a measurement value read operation are repeated. (Reference document 2) 
         [0009]    There is a high-speed version of GPIB, but this is intended for the transmission of large volumes of data (such as waveform data). Further, the cable length of GPIB is specified in the standard, and the expensive cable is usually rugged and bulky. 
         [0010]    In the prior art, when processing a plurality of measurement data by computer, a plurality of arrays of sensors  11   a  to  11   e , transducers  10   a  to  10   e , and computers  14   a  to  14   e  have been arranged as shown in  FIG. 8 , and the processing has been performed using a data management device  15 . As a result, the overall system becomes large, causing problems in terms of space and cost. (Reference document 3) 
         [0011]    Furthermore, it has not been possible to control the transducer  10  from the computer  14 , and power has had to be supplied externally. 
         [0012]    Reference document 1: Yokogawa Technical Report, Vol. 44, No. 1, 2000, pp. 19-24. 
         [0013]    Reference document 2: http://www.ocs-1v.co.jp/LabVIEW/Sub3 — 5.htm 
         [0014]    Reference document 3: 
         [0000]    http://toyonakakeisou.com/02FA/01Keisoku/01Keisoku.htm 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0015]    There are various limitations when using the prior art transducer  10  by incorporating it into other equipment, and these limitations have impeded the incorporation of the transducer into other equipment. For example, as measurement values are checked using a display meter or a digital display, and various settings and operations are performed using buttons or keys on the system, the transducer has had to be mounted in a surface section of an instrument.  FIG. 9  shows an example in which the transducer  10  is mounted by cutting a panel  16 . Reference numeral  17  is a fixing device for fixing the transducer in place. 
         [0016]    In this way, design freedom in terms of the incorporation of the measuring system has been greatly limited. 
         [0017]    Further, when using a personal computer to process and analyze the data measured by the prior art measuring system, as the measurement value is output in the form of an analog signal in the prior art transducer, the signal has had to be converted into a digital signal for input to the personal computer. This has led to the problem that the accuracy of the measurement value decreases due to a conversion error associated with the signal conversion. Furthermore, this prior art system also has required the use of an A/D converter, resulting in an increase in cost. 
         [0018]    There has also been the following problem. Conventionally, software has been provided to users in a general-purpose standardized form. On the other hand, user requests vary widely, and it is strongly requested by users that application software be made customizable, demanding that the source code of the special application software be disclosed. However, disclosure of the source code has involved difficult problems, as the disclosure means disclosing information including know-how. For such reasons, the user requests have not been adequately addressed. 
         [0019]    It is an object of the present invention to solve the above problems associated with the prior art measuring system. More specifically, the invention is directed to the provision of a user-friendly system that ensures freedom for incorporating the measuring system into other equipment, reduces the conversion error associated with the signal conversion, reduces the cost of the A/D converter, and allows simultaneous processing of a plurality of data, while also addressing the user request for customization of application software. 
       [Means for Solving the Problems] 
       [0020]    In view of the above technical problems, the system of the present invention is constructed so that measurement signals from various kinds of measuring instruments, for example, equipment for environmental analysis, process analysis, laboratory analysis, industrial analysis, or the like, can be directly coupled to a USB terminal of a computer, thereby making it possible to observe, record, and store the results of the measurements and to analyze the data. In this configuration, the transducer can be controlled by a control signal supplied from the computer via the USB cable, and power for the transducer can also be supplied from the computer. The invention thus achieves a system that processes a plurality of measurements simultaneously and analyzes the plurality of measurement data using a single computer. 
         [0021]    According to a first mode of the present invention, there is provided 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; and signal processing means for processing the measurement signal as well as a signal transferred from the external computer. 
         [0022]    According to a second mode of the present invention, the signal processing means according to the first mode includes: a CPU which receives the measurement signal from the sensor, converts the measurement signal into a digital signal, performs processing based on a command signal from the computer, and performs processing for converting the digital signal into measurement data; and a controller which converts the data into data ready for processing by the computer, and which converts the signal transferred from the external computer into a signal format ready for processing by the CPU. 
         [0023]    According to a third mode of the present invention, the USB transducer according to the first or second mode is configured so that power for the USB transducer is supplied from the computer through the USB cable. 
         [0024]    [Effect of the Invention] 
         [0025]    Using the USB cable, signal transmission/reception and supply of power can be accomplished using a single cable connection. Thus, according to the present invention, not only can the measurement data be displayed on the computer display, but various settings for measurements can also be made on the computer while confirming the settings on the screen of the computer connected to the device of the present invention. Since power, for example, DC power (DC5V, 500 mA), necessary for the operation of the transducer is supplied from the computer, there is no need to provide a separate power supply. 
         [0026]    Further, when incorporating the device (USB transducer) of the present invention into other equipment, since there is no need to provide setting/operation keys, display meter, digital display or the like on the device, and since the size of the device is small, no limitation is imposed when incorporating the device into other equipment, and thus the design freedom in terms of the shape and mounting of the device can be greatly enhanced. 
         [0027]    As the signal that the device of the present invention outputs for transmission to the computer is a digital signal, the output of the device of the present invention is not converted and, therefore, provides a highly accurate measurement signal. There is also no need to provide an extra device such as an A/D converter. 
         [0028]    Furthermore, most computers (both desktop and notebook types) currently sold on the market are fitted with terminals for USB connection, which is thus the most prevalent connection method. 
         [0029]    In the case of the prior art transducer, there are cases where, depending on the quality of the power supply in the actual operating environment, the transducer is affected by external perturbations such as excessive noise, leading to malfunctioning of the transducer; on the other hand, when USB cable is used, stable operation of the transducer can be achieved because the quality of the power supplied from the computer is assured by the computer (USB interface) technical standard. Furthermore, the invention can achieve a system that makes a plurality of measurements simultaneously and performs data processing to analyze the plurality of measurement data using a signal computer. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0030]    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: 
           [0031]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram showing how a USB transducer according to the present invention is connected to a sensor and a computer; 
           [0032]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram of the USB transducer according to the present invention; 
           [0033]      FIG. 3  is a functional block diagram of the USB transducer according to the present invention; 
           [0034]      FIG. 4  is a block diagram showing an arrangement for connection of USB transducers, sensors, and a computer when making a plurality of measurements; 
           [0035]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the USB transducer of the present invention; 
           [0036]      FIG. 6A  is a diagram showing connections for pH and ORP measurements using the USB transducer of the present invention; 
           [0037]      FIG. 6B  is a diagram showing connections for resistance/temperature measurement using the USB transducers of the present invention; 
           [0038]      FIG. 7  is a diagram showing the configuration of a prior art transducer and its connections to a sensor and a computer; 
           [0039]      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 
           [0040]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view for explaining the condition in which the prior art transducer is mounted in another equipment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0041]    Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 
         [0042]      FIG. 1  is a diagram showing a measuring system that uses a USB transducer according to the present invention. The output of a sensor  1  is connected to the USB transducer  2  whose output, in turn, is connected to a computer  4  by means of a USB cable  3 . A measurement signal from the sensor  1  is input to the USB transducer  2 , which then transfers the measurement signal to the computer  4 . At the same time, the computer  4  is configured to be able to set up the operation of the USB transducer  2  by sending the commands through the USB cable, check the measurement value, provide an instruction for computation, and process the data for analysis. Power for the transducer  2  is supplied from the computer  4  through the USB cable  3 . 
         [0043]      FIG. 2  shows the configuration of the USB transducer  2  of the present invention. The USB transducer  2  includes an input connector  23  as an input means, a CPU  21  and a USB controller  22  as signal processing means for processing signals, and a USB terminal  24  as an output means. 
         [0044]    The CPU  21  is connected to the USB controller  22 , and the USB controller  22  is connected to the USB terminal  24 . The USB terminal  23  is connected to the computer  4  via the USB cable  3 . 
         [0045]    The measurement signal from the sensor  1  is input to the CPU  21 , transferred through the USB controller  22  and the USB terminal  23 , and sent to the computer  4  through the USB cable  3 . The signal from the computer  4  is transferred through the USB cable  3  and the USB terminal  23  and input to the USB controller  22  and the CPU  21 . In the figure, dashed lines indicate power supply lines over which the computer  4  supplies power to the USB transducer  2 . 
         [0046]    The CPU  21  includes an A/D converter  211 , a computation circuit  212 , and a memory  213 . The A/D converter  211  is connected to the computation circuit  212  which in turn is connected to the memory  213 . The analog measurement signal from the sensor is converted by the A/D converter  211  into a digital signal which is supplied to the computation circuit  212 . The computation circuit  212  performs computation, for example, for converting the digital signal into measurement data by using the output of the A/D converter  211  and the data and program stored in the memory  212 , and stores the result of the computation in the memory  213  or supplies the result to the USB controller  22 . An identifier for identifying the transducer  2 , instrument set values, and firmware for the transducer are prestored in the memory  213 . 
         [0047]    Each transducer has an identifier for uniquely identifying the transducer, and the identifier unique to the transducer  2  is prestored in the memory  213 . Using this identifier, the computer  4  can switch the mode between setup, measurement, and transmission for each individual one of transducers  2   a  to  2   e  when making different kinds of measurements (for example, pH and ORP measurements), and can make various settings and manage the measurement for each individual transducer. 
         [0048]    The quantity to be measured is predetermined for each transducer  2  and, to make this distinction, an identifier indicating the quantity to be measured by the transducer  2  is prestored in the memory  213 . 
         [0049]    The USB controller  22  converts the result of the computation received from the CPU  21  into a signal format that can be received by the computer  4 , and outputs the signal via the USB terminal  23  onto the USB cable  3  for transmission to the computer  4 . Conversely, the signal from the computer  4  is converted into a signal format that can be received by the CPU, and sent to the USB transducer  2  via the cable  3  and via the USB terminal  24 . 
         [0050]      FIG. 3  is a block diagram showing a functional representation of the USB transducer  2  of the present invention. The USB transducer  2  includes at least an A/D converting means  26  and a functional means  27 . The functional means  27  comprises at least a time stamping means  271  and a command executing means  272 . 
         [0051]    The A/D converting means  26  converts the analog measurement signal received from the sensor into a digital signal and is identical to the A/D converter  211  shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0052]    The time stamping means in the functional means  27  measures the measurement time  271  and appends a time stamp to the measurement data. 
         [0053]    The command executing means  272  interprets a command received from the computer, and executes the command in the transducer  2 . Commands to be executed here include, for example, commands for alarm setting, measurement range setting, timer and other device setting, etc. and commands for performing computation for correcting the measurement data. 
         [0054]    One feature of the USB transducer configuration according to the present invention is that all the functions and instructions necessary for controlling the USB transducer are predefined as commands (instruction words) for the user and that the means (command executing means) is provided for executing the commands. In the present invention, a command means a process to be executed in the transducer. 
         [0055]    Usually, when controlling a device by using software, the contents of a command (describing the action and mathematical equation to be performed by the command) are directly written to a control program. In this case, the contents of the command (in particular, the mathematical equation and numeric value correcting means) may contain important know-how, and often, such contents cannot be disclosed to general users. 
         [0056]    As a result, the user cannot create a control program specific to his use. If, for example, the mathematical equation is disclosed, unpredictable computation results can occur unless the user correctly understand the mathematical equation. 
         [0057]    In view of this, the present inventors have devised a method in which instruction statements for setting conditions and the processing of a plurality of equations are predefined as single-line commands (instruction words) and the process to be executed by each particular command is stored in a memory within the transducer so that a control program can be executed by specifying the instruction word. With this method, an environment necessary for the construction of an application program can be provided to the user without disclosing the condition settings, important equations, and the details of computation. 
         [0058]    As earlier described, there are two kinds of commands, one concerning transducer setting and the other describing the details of computation. In practice, the command executing means is configured to store in a program area within the memory  213  a program that executes an instruction in response to each particular command, and to cause the computation circuit  212  to execute the command. 
         [0059]    In the above configuration, when a command is sent to the USB transducer  2  from the computer  4 , the command is executed using the computation means  212  and the program stored in the memory of the transducer  2 . 
         [0060]    Examples of transducer commands for pH measurement are shown below. 
         [0061]    1. Examples of condition setting commands 
         [0062]    OFFSET: 
         [0063]    Set electromotive force corresponding to pH=7, and store the set value in memory. 
         [0064]    CRACK: 
         [0065]    Set electrode crack detection function and store the setting in memory. 
         [0066]    2. Examples of computation commands 
         [0067]    CAL: 
         [0068]    For example, a true value C which is a value effective as measurement data is obtained by subtracting correction value B, an offset value, from the measurement value A measured by the sensor  1 ; here, when a user command CAL for true value calculation is issued from the computer  4 , the operation C=A−B is performed in the USB transducer  2 . 
         [0069]    TEMP_COMP: 
         [0070]    This command sets the sample solution temperature compensating function for the pH value, and stores the setting in memory. The sample solution temperature compensating function compensates for the pH-temperature characteristics of the sample solution, and the pH value is compensated for temperature in accordance with the following equation. 
         [0071]    pH value after compensation=Raw pH value−(Solution temperature−25° C.)×Solution temperature compensation coefficient 
         [0072]    In the above equation, the solution temperature compensation coefficient represents the amount of change of the pH value for a temperature change of 1° C. This coefficient value varies from one sample solution to another. 
         [0073]    Next, an operation will be described referring to  FIG. 2 . First, when the USB transducer  2  of the present invention is connected to the computer  4  via the USB cable  3 , operating power is supplied to the transducer  2  which is thus started up. Thereupon, the transducer identifier and the sensor identifier are automatically sent to the computer  4 . Next, the USB transducer  2  is placed in a setup mode by a command from the computer  4 , and receives the various setting commands from the computer  4  to make necessary settings, thus becoming ready for measurement. 
         [0074]    When the setup for the measurement is completed, the USB transducer  2  is placed in a measurement mode by a command from the computer  4 . In this mode, the sensor  1  makes the prescribed measurement. The signal measured here is an analog signal, which is sent to the USB transducer  2  where the analog signal is converted by the A/D converting means  22  into a digital signal. Further, in the CPU  21 , using the data and program prestored in the memory  213  the computation means  212  corrects the digital signal for changes in temperature and for individual differences of hardware by performing computation under the conditions prespecified by the user, and outputs the final measurement data. That is, the A/D-converted digital signal is based, for example, on the voltage of the electromotive force generated from the sensor and, when measuring the pH, the digital signal is converted to the pH value corresponding to the voltage value, and computation for correction, etc. is performed. On the other hand, the time stamping means  271  measures the measurement time, and appends to the digital signal a time stamp that indicates the time of the measurement ( FIG. 3 ). 
         [0075]    The signal is then output from the USB transducer  2 , passes through the USB cable  3 , and is input to the computer  4 . 
         [0076]    When the user corrects the measurement value, for example, the pH value, by temperature compensation, the TEMP_COMP command is sent to the transducer  2  from the application software running on the computer  4 . The computation means  212  in the CPU  21  then recognizes the TEMP_COMP command from among the commands prestored in the memory  213 , and performs the specified computation (action) to execute the temperature compensation in accordance with the previously made setting. Likewise, when any particular command is sent to the transducer  2  from the application software running on the computer  4 , the command is recognized and the specified function or computation is executed in the transducer  2 . The result of the execution is stored in the memory  214  or sent to the computer  4  via the USB controller. 
         [0077]      FIG. 4  shows a configuration in which a plurality of transducers  2   a  to  2   e  are connected to one computer  4 . Using the transducer identifiers earlier described, the computer  4  can automatically identify the plurality of connected transducers  2   a  to  2   e  and manage the respective measurement data. In the illustrated example, five transducers are connected. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, up to 12 transducers, for example, can be automatically identified. The transducers can be handled without having to be aware of the type of sensor (the quantity to be measured). The transducer identifiers may be used in combination with the sensor identifiers to further enhance the reliability with which the quantities to be measured are identified. 
         [0078]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the USB transducer  2 , and reference numeral  23  indicates an input means via which a signal from the sensor is input, i.e., a connector to which a signal line from the sensor is connected. On the opposite side from the connector  23 , there is provided an output means of the USB transducer  2 , that is, a connector (USB terminal  24 ) for connecting to the USB cable (this connector is not shown here, as it is a connector well known to any person skilled in the art). 
         [0079]      FIGS. 6A and 6B  show application examples that use the transducers of the present invention. 
         [0080]    In  FIG. 6A , two USB transducers ( 2   a  and  2   b ) according to the present invention are used to measure the measurement data received from a pH sensor  1   a  and an ORP (Oxidation Reduction Potential) sensor  1   b . The input terminals of the USB transducers  2   a  and  2   b  are connected to the pH sensor  1   a  and the ORP sensor  1   b , respectively. The output terminals are connected to the computer  4  via respective USB cables  3   a  and  3   b  and via a hub  5 . 
         [0081]    The USB transducer  2   a  connected to the pH sensor  1   a  is a dedicated transducer for the pH sensor, and the USB transducer  2   b  connected to the ORP sensor  1   b  is a dedicated transducer for the ORP sensor. Accordingly, the computer  4  can automatically identify the type of each USB transducer. 
         [0082]    In the figure, the measurement signal from each sensor, which includes temperature data, is sent to the corresponding USB transducer through four lines. In this configuration, the pH of the solution, the temperature of the solution, and the ORP measurement data taken from the solution whose ORP is measured are simultaneously read into the computer  4  and displayed on the display of the computer  4 . The illustrated example has shown as an example the configuration in which two sensors, the pH sensor and the ORP sensor, are connected, but it will be appreciated that only one sensor may be used. It is also possible to use a dissolved oxygen (DO) sensor as the sensor. In that case, a USB transducer dedicated for the dissolved oxygen (DO) sensor is used, as a matter of course. Here, as data measured by the dissolved oxygen (DO) sensor is influenced by solvent temperature and chloride ion concentration, compensation buttons for selecting solvent temperature and chloride ion concentration compensation methods to compensate for the data can be added on the display (not shown) of the computer  4 . 
         [0083]    With the traditional RS-232C interface, because of its specification, it has been difficult to read two or more measurement signals simultaneously into a computer. Further, while a system similar to the one of the present invention can be constructed using a GPIB interface, the interface and the cable are generally expensive and, if a plurality of data are to be captured simultaneously and displayed on the computer, a special program for that purpose has had to be created. 
         [0084]    According to the present invention, as the plurality of USB transducers in accordance with the present invention can be easily connected to one computer using a commercially available USB hub, and as each transducer can be automatically identified at the computer end and each measurement data can be automatically measured, displayed, and stored, there is no need to create a special program for that purpose. As the time of the measurement is appended to each measurement data, the variation of the data can be automatically displayed. Further, the computer can analyze the measurement data by effectively using the time data. Furthermore, as the power for the USB transducer is supplied from the computer, and the transducer body is small for this type of transducer, the space required for conducting an experiment can be saved. In the experiment conducted here, a computer, two USB transducers, a USB hub, a pH sensor, and an ORP sensor were arranged on a desk measuring 30 cm by 60 cm. After connecting the USB cables, the three parameters, i.e., the pH, the temperature of the pH solution, and the ORP were read at intervals of one second, and the parameters were able to be displayed simultaneously on the display (not shown) and recorded. 
         [0085]      FIG. 6B  shows an example in which a specimen resistance/temperature measuring instrument is constructed using two USB transducers ( 2   a  and  2   b ) of the present invention dedicated for voltage and temperature sensors, respectively. The resistance/temperature measurement here means measuring a change in the resistance value of the specimen with respect to a change in temperature. 
         [0086]    In  FIG. 6B , reference numeral  6  designates the test specimen for the resistance/temperature measurement. This is, for example, a rectangular specimen measuring 1 cm in length, and 5 mm in width 3 mm in thickness (top view). Vapor deposition electrodes  6   a  and  6   b  are respectively formed on the upper and lower ends of the specimen  6 , and two vapor deposition electrode bands  6   c  and  6   d , each encircling the specimen  6 , are formed at two positions spaced apart in the height direction. This specimen  6  is placed in a thermostatic chamber  7 , and a constant current source  9  is connected to the electrodes  6   a  and  6   b . A temperature sensor  8  is placed inside the thermostatic chamber  7 . 
         [0087]    The first USB transducer  2   a  is connected to the electrode bands  6   c  and  6   d  of the specimen  6  via cable  10   a  and  10   b , and the second USB transducer  2   b  is connected to the temperature sensor  8  via cables  11   a  and  11   b . The first and second USB transducers are dedicated USB transducers for the voltage and temperature sensors, respectively. Their outputs are connected to a hub  5  via the respective USB cables  3   a  and  3   b , and the output of the hub  5  is connected to the computer  4  via a cable  12 . 
         [0088]    The resistance and temperature of the specimen  6  are measured while supplying, for example, a direct current of 1 μA to 1 A from the constant current source  9  in the direction directed from the electrode  6   a  toward the electrode  6   b.    
         [0089]    For the resistance/temperature measurement of the specimen  6 , the temperature sensor  8  is placed in close proximity to the specimen  6 , and the terminal voltage between the two vapor deposition electrode bands  6   c  and  6   d  of the specimen  6  is transmitted to the second USB transducer  2   b  and, via the USB hub  5 , on to the computer  4  which displays the voltage on the display (not shown) connected to the computer  4 . 
         [0090]    The type of each USB transducer (in this case, the dedicated USB transducers for the voltage and temperature sensors) is automatically identified by the computer, and the measurement data received from the first USB transducer  2   a  and second USB transducer  2   b  are automatically and periodically measured, displayed, and stored in a memory (not shown) by the computer. In the example of the USB transducer that the inventor fabricated in accordance with the present invention, the measurement was successfully made with a particular value within the range of −100 V to 100 V, for example, with 50 V, and the accuracy of the measurement was 1 mV. 
         [0091]    On the other hand, the level of the temperature measurement signal that the second USB transducer outputs differs depending on the type of the temperature sensor  8  (for example, when the temperature sensor is a thermocouple sensor, the measurement temperature range and the accuracy vary depending on the type of the thermocouple (B, R, S, N, K, etc.); therefore, voltage versus temperature calibration must be done for each type of sensor. For this purpose, a set button for selecting the type of thermocouple can be added on the screen of the computer display. 
         [0092]    Further, by clicking on an electrode crack detection function on the computer, a fault condition can be detected immediately when a break occurs in the thermocouple. 
       INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY 
       [0093]    In the field of equipment for environmental analysis, process analysis, laboratory analysis, and industrial analysis, the applicability of the present invention is enormous, because measurement data can be directly handled by a computer and because a plurality of data can be processed simultaneously. Furthermore, as the transducer of the present invention is compact in construction and does not require the provision of a dedicated power supply, design freedom when incorporating the transducer into a system is enhanced, which greatly facilitates the construction of the system. It has been verified as described above that the present invention is particularly useful for applications where the transducers are connected to a pH sensor, an ORP sensor and voltage and temperature sensors. 
       CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0094]    This application claims priority of Japanese Patent Application Number 2006-031646, filed on Feb. 8, 2006.