WO2010052061A1

WO2010052061A1 - Measuring unit

Info

Publication number: WO2010052061A1
Application number: PCT/EP2009/062239
Authority: WO
Inventors: Reiner Krapf; Martin Sinner-Hettenbach
Original assignee: Robert Bosch Gmbh
Priority date: 2008-11-07
Filing date: 2009-09-22
Publication date: 2010-05-14
Also published as: DE102008043579A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a measuring unit (1), preferably a handheld measuring device, particularly a locating device or distance measuring device, having measuring means for determining a measurement value and having display means (2) for displaying the measured value. According to the invention, an estimated accuracy (4) for the measurement result (3) can be signaled, particularly visualized.

Description

description

Title measuring device

State of the art

The invention relates to a measuring device, preferably a hand-held measuring device, according to the preamble of claim 1.

Location measuring devices are known, which are equipped with the help of inductive, capacitive,

High frequency or radar sensors indicate the presence, possibly the position and sometimes the depth (safe drilling depth) of objects such as pipes, cables, reinforcements in buildings, especially in building walls, ceilings or floors. Such position measuring devices are also used in the construction of roads, bridges and railway construction and usually comprise a liquid crystal display, a segment display, a dot matrix display or LEDs for visualizing a measurement result. For example, the depth of found objects is indicated by a bar graph or by a numeric depth indication. In known position measuring devices, the display concept is almost always based on the sensor signal, such that a scale is controlled on a display on the basis of the received signal strength.

In addition to the position measuring devices described above, distance measuring devices are known which measure distances to objects by means of a measuring signal, for example ultrasound or laser radiation. Here, for example, interferometric measurement methods or transit time measurements are used. The measurement result is sometimes specified with several decimal places, whereby the decimal places do not reflect the accuracy of the measuring procedure. The user learns about the accuracy of measurement results to be obtained exclusively from the operating instructions, in the absolute or typical or progressive, ie with the distance increasing error sizes are given. As a rule, a higher measurement accuracy is associated with a higher measurement time. In this case, the error is often significantly larger at longer distances to keep the measurement time in the frame. If a specific measuring accuracy can no longer be realized, an error is frequently output in the display that a sufficiently accurate measurement is not possible within a reasonable time. This acceptable time is defined by the manufacturer in the meter software. It would therefore be possible in many cases in principle to allow a measurement with a large measurement error - this is the user but denied by the meter, because then the achievable accuracy is no longer with the indication of

Manual or calibration certificate. However, it is to be expected that in many applications, the user would accept a measurement with a large measurement error if he had knowledge of the size of the error.

Disclosure of the invention

The invention has for its object to propose a measuring device that provides the user with a greater information content.

This object is achieved with a measuring device having the features of claim 1. Advantageous developments of the invention are specified in the subclaims. All combinations of at least two features disclosed in the description, the claims and / or the figures fall within the scope of the invention.

The invention is based on the idea of designing the measuring device in such a way that it signals to the user the accuracy of a measurement result, preferably at all, or at least during critical measurements, preferably visually visualized, wherein it is also conceivable that the accuracy ranges are acoustically, for example by signal different tone frequencies and / or tone repetition frequencies. In other words, a measuring device designed according to the concept of the invention is able to signal, in particular to visualize, an accuracy estimate for a measurement result. In this way, the user can be allowed by the measuring device any measurements, including those specified outside of Accuracy specifications are given because the user is informed about the currently expected accuracy of the measurement result. Basically, it is possible to represent the accuracy estimation as an absolute range specification, for example +/- 5mm, or as a percentage. It is also possible to abstract an accuracy estimate, in particular graphically, for example using a scale. In the case of location measuring devices, there may be three accuracy estimates that can be displayed individually or in total:

1 . a lateral accuracy for specifying an object center,

2. a depth accuracy for specifying an object depth,

3. an expansion accuracy for specifying the object width.

Individual or all accuracy estimates can be displayed as a percentage, absolute and / or abstract graphic.

For a variety of applications it is quite sufficient to obtain measurement results with a large measurement error, for example, in the case that a painter wants to determine the required amount of color for a room by area measurements. On the other hand, users, such as

Architects who need accurate measurement results, do not accept measured values with too high a measurement error, which they are now informed for the first time because of the invention.

It is very particularly preferred if the accuracy estimation is determined on the basis of the obtained measurement result. For example, it can be stored in a memory of the measuring device that distance measurements between 50m and 100m with an error of 0.1% and with measurement results from a range between about 100m and 200m with a larger measurement error, for example, 0.6% is to be expected. Additionally or alternatively, the

Signal strength of a measurement signal are used for accuracy estimation. As a rule, it will be the case that the accuracy of the measurement result also decreases with decreasing signal strength. Additionally or alternatively, a user default can be taken into account in the accuracy estimation to be signaled. In other words, it is provided in a development of the invention that the user has a specification for a desired accuracy or - A -

range of accuracy. It is also possible that the measuring device can estimate the accuracy of a measurement result by parameters of the signal processing, for example on the basis of the signal noise or error quantities of median or mean value formations. The accuracy estimation for the measurement result obtained advantageously takes place as a function of the measurement situation, that is, for example, as explained, depending on the measured value size and / or the signal level, wherein the accuracy estimation preferably takes place based on criteria or evaluation keys stored in the memory of the measuring apparatus. The measurement situation also includes ambient parameters influencing the measurement, for example the moisture content of the material, which may influence the measurement result of position-measuring devices.

In a development of the invention, it is advantageously provided that the measuring device has sensor means for analyzing the measuring situation. Thus, for example, a position measuring device can be provided with a moisture sensor, with which the moisture of a wall, a ceiling, a floor, etc., can be determined, are suspected in the detecting objects. In addition or as an alternative to the provision of sensor means for analyzing the measurement situation, an embodiment can be realized in which essential parameters for the measurement, for example material information, etc., can be specified by the user, in particular via a keyboard. In laser rangefinders, for example, an external light detection can be detected by means of an additional sensor and used to determine an accuracy estimate.

As already indicated above, it is preferred if a desired accuracy range can be selected by the user. In this case, it is particularly preferred that if the measurement result obtained is outside the accuracy range, this is displayed, or if the accuracy estimate is outside the desired accuracy range, the measurement is denied or not displayed. Additionally or alternatively, it can be realized that the minimum and / or maximum measuring time can be preselected by the user.

With regard to the representation of the accuracy estimation, there are different possibilities. For example, it is conceivable to visualize the accuracy estimation on the basis of numerical values or symbolically, in particular graphically. Furthermore, it is possible to represent the accuracy estimation as absolute values or as percentages.

Particularly preferred is an embodiment of the measuring device in which the latter is not only able to determine measurement results, but additionally makes it possible to combine the measurement results, in particular based on stored or predefinable formulas, for example, an area based on a plurality of individual measurements. to calculate a volume, etc. In this case, it is possible that only the same measured variables, for example distances, are combined by means of the calculation, or else different measured variables, such as, for example, measured distances and angles measured with the aid of suitable sensors. Tilt sensors and / or motion sensors, etc. are preferably provided for this purpose. In the case of measuring devices designed as described above, with which calculations based on the same or different measured variables can be performed, it is preferred if the measuring device is able to take account of error propagation and to provide an overall accuracy estimate for the calculation result.

If, for example, a pixel display is used, it is possible to specify any numbers or percentages. In a simpler embodiment not arbitrary, but only predetermined accuracy ranges can be signaled, in particular visualized, for example by the corresponding accuracy range, for example, is marked by an LED.

Very particular preference is given to an embodiment in which the measurement result and the accuracy estimation can be visualized in a common display, in particular in an LCD display.

In an alternative embodiment, different display means are provided for indicating the measurement result and the accuracy estimate, for example an LC segment display for the measurement result and three LEDs for the accuracy range specification, with which an accuracy estimate printed on the housing, for example, can be marked. Additionally or alternatively, given information can be marked by a colored background or by an increased or reduced brightness. Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments and from the drawings.

These show in:

1 shows a first embodiment of a measuring device designed as a distance measuring device, which is suitable for visualizing a relative accuracy estimation of a measurement result,

2 shows an alternative embodiment of a measuring device with which absolute precision estimates can be visualized,

3 shows a third embodiment of a measuring device in which an accuracy estimate is visualized by marking a predetermined value,

4 shows a fourth embodiment of a measuring device with three LEDs for

Marking one of three printed accuracy specifications,

5 shows a fifth embodiment of a measuring device in which an accuracy estimate can be displayed as an abstracted bar scale, and

6 shows a sixth embodiment of a measuring device with a graphically visualized accuracy estimation.

In the figures, like elements and elements having the same function are denoted by the same reference numerals.

Fig. 1 shows a handset, here as a laser rangefinder trained

Measuring device 1. This includes measuring means, not shown, for determining a measurement result. In the case of a laser measuring device, these are a laser light source, a receiving optics and electronics, which determines the distance to an object, for example based on a transit time measurement. The measuring device 1 further comprises display means 2, here in the form of a matrix display, for signaling, in this case for visualization, of the measurement result 3. The provision of a matrix display is advantageous, since this enables the display of individual values and / or graphics. The display means 2 in the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 1 serve not only to display the measurement result 3, but additionally to display a, here relative, accuracy estimate 4, which indicates information about the maximum error of the measurement result 3 in percent.

The measuring device 1 comprises input means 5 in the form of a keyboard. If required, desired accuracies and / or minimum or maximum measuring times and / or measuring modes and / or measuring parameters can be entered via these. In the case of a position measuring device, it is possible, for example, to select between the measuring modes "dry floor", "moist floor", "underfloor heating", "lightweight construction", etc., the selection influencing the accuracy estimation 4 for the measurement result 3.

The embodiment according to FIG. 2 essentially corresponds to the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 1. Again, the display means 2 are formed as a matrix display. The accuracy estimate (here as the maximum error range) is given as an absolute value.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 3, the measuring device 1 comprises an LC segment display for representing an accuracy estimation 4. Overall, three regions (segments) of accuracy estimates are indicated, from which a frame-shaped marking 7 can be selected. In other words, the measuring device 1 visualizes an accuracy estimation 4 by marking one of the indicated ranges. Other types of marking, such as a colored background and / or a brighter backlight, etc., are also feasible.

4 shows a simply constructed measuring device 1, in which the accuracy estimation 4 is not displayed directly in the display means 2, here an LCD display. Rather, four areas are printed on a housing 8 of the measuring device 1, the marking of the determined accuracy By activating one of three LEDs, here the lowest LED, while the other LEDs remain dark.

FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of a measuring device 1 in which an abstract representation of the accuracy estimation 4 is selected, similar to FIG

Signal strength indicator on the mobile phone from a bar scale. Although the user does not receive an exact numerical value here, an indication as to whether the measurement result 3 is rather accurate or rather inaccurate.

FIG. 6 shows a further alternative embodiment of the measuring device 1. Here, the measuring device 1 is designed as a position measuring device. The measuring means, not shown here comprise a radar sensor and a corresponding electronics for the evaluation of the reflected radar radiation. As measuring result 3, an object width is indicated. The accuracy estimation 4 is realized graphically, whereby the mean width of the object is darker, more abstract than here

Bar is shown and the possible deviation (min./max.) Is shown in different colors. In addition or as an alternative to a colored marking or visualization of the accuracy estimation 4, a brightness course can also be selected.

Claims

claims

1. Measuring device, preferably hand-held measuring device, in particular locating device or distance measuring device, with measuring means for determining at least one measurement result (3) and with display means (2) for displaying the measured value

characterized,

an accuracy estimation (4) can be signaled, in particular visualized, for the measurement result (3).

2. Measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that the accuracy estimate (4) can be displayed as an error indication.

3. Measuring device according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the accuracy estimate (4) on the basis of the obtained measurement result (3) and / or on the basis of user input and / or on the basis of the measurement situation, in particular as a function of in a memory deposited criteria.

4. Measuring device according to claim 3, characterized in that sensor means are provided for analyzing the measurement situation.

5. Measuring device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a desired accuracy range and / or a minimum and / or maximum measuring time can be selected by the user.

6. Measuring device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the accuracy estimate (4) is absolute, in particular as a numerical value or symbolically, and / or relatively displayable.

7. Measuring device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an accuracy estimate (4) for a calculation result can be visualized, which can be determined on the basis of individual measurements.

8. Measuring device according to claim 7, characterized in that the individual measurements relate to the same measured variable or at least two different measured variables.

9. Measuring device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that any or predetermined accuracy ranges can be displayed.

10. Measuring device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the measurement result (3) and the accuracy estimate (4) can be visualized in a common display (6).

1 1. Measuring device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the accuracy estimate (4) is visualized by marking (7) of one of a plurality of displayed details.