Distance measuring device and method for operating said device

Translation of description of equivalent WO 2007110311 A1

p0001Apparatus for distance measurement, as well as methods for operating such a device

p0002The invention relates to a device for distance measurement, in particular for berühungslosen distance measurement, which enables using of a transmitted measurement signal, determining a distance between a target object and at least one reference point of the device. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for operating such a device, in particular a method for operating a digital meter rule.

p0003State of the art

p0004In the determination of distances or distances, a distinction between a direct measurement by direct comparison of a distance with a measuring means, such as a ruler, a tape measure, or a folding rule on one side and an indirect measurement by means of non-contact, for example, electro-optical rangefinder. Electro-optical rangefinders allow

p0005Determination of distances or distances using transit time or phase measurements of a measurement signal.

p0006The is on the market indirect rangefinders are designed almost exclusively as measuring devices for determining a distance value and not as an auxiliary equipment for measurement-related activities, such as the determining and marking points, or lines.

p0007From EP 15 666 58 Al a hand-held device for measuring distances is known, which is arranged on a housing optics transmitter beams against the

p0008emitting surface area of ​​an object to be measured and the reflected rays it receives back. This device also includes a related to the housing component, which in the propagation direction of the transmitted beams is extendable for measuring short distances beyond the housing. An embodiment of this device provides for serving as a spacer component which extends in a fixed predetermined length beyond the housing. The fixed predetermined length of this spacer at least as great as the critical distance in front of the casing of the meter is in which no optical measurements on surface areas are possible.

p0009Disclosure of the Invention

p0010The inventive device for distance measurement, which by means of a transmitted measurement signal, in particular by means of a modulated measurement signal, enables the non-contact determination of a distance between a target object and at least one reference point of the apparatus has a housing, with a the facing object to be measured first end and a, facing away from the object to be measured, the second end. In addition, the apparatus comprises an output unit for reproduction of measurement results. Advantageously, a section of the path between the object to be measured and the distal end of the housing by means of a length-measurement scale via the output unit of the device is at least presentable. That is, at least can be assigned to a section of the path between the object to be measured and the distal end of the housing of the device via the output unit, a measurement scale and thus distance values, in particular a plurality of distance values.

p0011The device of the invention thus makes it possible not only to identify a single quantitative distance value and to bring the display, as is possible, for example, in devices of the prior art, but can represent an entire measurement scale that a finite range of the measured distance, or the distance between the object to be measured and the averted from the object of the meter reflects.

p0012In this way, the device of the invention provides a meter rule, in particular a digital meter rule, with a measurement scale, in particular a length-measurement scale, which can be displayed on an output unit of the device, in particular graphically, and the distance measurements over an entire section of the measured course able to provide ,

p0013A user of the device of the invention is thus transmitted not only of a specific distance value of the device to an object to be measured in an advantageous manner, but it has, as a device for directly measuring distance directly over a range of finite length a measurement scale that reflects the respective distance to the object to be measured.

p0014During operation of such a device, which is functionally equivalent to a digital meter rule, the zero point of the graduated scale of the meter rule, the outside of the of will

p0015Output unit of the device measuring range shown is, a non-contact distance measurement, in particular, for example, determined by an electro-optical distance measurement. Such a method makes it possible advantageously with a meter stick by only a finite length, which may be in a typical order of 0.3 to 1 meter, for example, to measure also significantly greater distances of several meters and at the same time displayed a whole range of distances and relative distances to obtain, as is the case for example with a classic folding rule for a limited range.

p0016are due to the features listed in the dependent claims, advantageous

p0017Further developments of the inventive device or the inventive method for operating such a device possible.

p0018In particular, reproduced by the output unit measurement scale is such variably displayed that will change to a target object according to the measured distance between the device and the object to be measured this with increasing and / or decreasing measuring distance of the device.

p0019In advantageous manner, the measurement scale of the inventive device divisions and / or numerical values. It is particularly advantageous if the measurement scale on

p0020Numerical values ​​has, the amount of which corresponds to the respective distance of the associated scale part to the measured object, so that the measurement scale provides a measurement scale. If the distance of the device varies to a measurement object, so in a corresponding manner, the divisions or the scale divisions assigned numerical values ​​are varied and brought in their updated form via the output unit of the device a user note.

p0021This scale adjustment can for example take place automatically as soon as the device operates in a continuous measurement mode and continuously measures the distance.

p0022This is for example made possible in that a built-in device processing unit to the respective distance of a reference point of the device to the - A -

p0023determined measuring object and starting from this distance over at least a portion of the longitudinal extent of the measuring device generates a measurement scale, which can be displayed on the output unit of the measuring device.

p0024Advantageously, the housing of the device of the invention has a signal to the measuring direction of the contactless distance measurement substantially parallel contact edge. This bearing edge forms advantageously a ruler to draw lines and routes, in particular to transmit straight lines from the lay edge onto a surface. carried Drawing the line by the device of the invention or a ruler forming contact edge of the device at certain points of

p0025Workspace is created and then, for example, with a pen, the contact edge of the device is executed. Thereby, the shape of the edge is transferred as lines onto the surface.

p0026Advantageously, the output unit for displaying the measurement scale in the inventive device, in essence, that is, placed in the context of production-related tolerances parallel to an edge of the housing. This allows the direct transfer of measuring points, which can be read on the measuring scale on an appropriate substrate, such as a wall, a ceiling or the floor of a housing or building. Due to the fact that with the inventive device only not only a measured value is displayed, but a complete measurement range, with intermediate scale values ​​represented graphically, can as a single device position several dimensions and also routes and especially relative distances to be removed without the to change position of the distance measuring device. In particular, allows for

p0027Measurement signal direction parallel contact edge transferring, and longer and in particular straight lines or routes to the respective substrate. The housing of the device thus forms in an advantageous manner by its parallel sides a ruler. Since the device according to the invention not only determines only a single distance value, but represents a whole range of distance values, which may for example be of the order of 30 cm, an exact positioning of the measuring device in the direction of the measurement signal is in particular not necessary.

p0028Unlike devices of the prior art, in which, for example, in continuous measurement operation of the rangefinder device with very steady hand and a lot

p0029Time must be brought into a desired millimeter spacing position to ablate a measure or place a marker, enabling the invention Measuring a time-saving handling, since the relative distance in the direction of the measurement signal direction of the device over a relatively wide range by the depicted measuring scale is determined accurately. It must only be ensured that the end point of the measured course, falls within the displayable with the display area,

p0030In contrast to classical rulers, as are known for the direct measurement of distances for a long time, the inventive device allows not only limited to the length of the ruler measurement range. In the inventive device, the measuring range is ultimately limited by the measuring range of the contactless distance measurement. This accessible with the contactless distance measurement

p0031Measuring range can be between a few centimeters and more than 100 meters.

p0032Advantageously, the measurement scale, which is displayed on the output unit of the measuring device, in its orientation relative to the housing can be switched. For example, the display of numerical values ​​depending on the orientation of the inventive

p0033Device are shown for example by 180 °. This provides significantly improved visibility of the measurement scale of the inventive measuring device and contributes to its ease of use at. To realize this, a position or inclination sensor can be integrated into the inventive device.

p0034Advantageously, the housing of the inventive device has an additional scale, for example, a fixed graduated scale, which is designed in particular in the field of edge of the housing. Such a second, fix the housing Inappropriate scale enabling easy transfer and removal of measuring points or lines on a work surface. The variable, via the output unit displayable electronic measurement scale case corresponds advantageously with the fixed mechanical scale on the housing of the device.

p0035In an advantageous embodiment of the device according to the invention, the measurement signal used for contactless distance measurement is an electromagnetic

p0036Measurement signal, for example a light signal or even radar signal. In a particularly advantageous manner here is a modulated laser signal, which enables non-contact distance measurement for example via a transit time measurement or even a phase measurement of the signal in a conventional manner. In alternative embodiments of the device according to the invention but also an acoustic signal, for example an ultrasonic signal can be used for contactless distance measurement.

p0037The inventive device for contactless distance measurement combines the

p0038Advantages of indirect and direct length measurement. Thus, in particular distances, by using a ruler or conventional yardstick - can be awkward to be measured and / or removed, are identified and characterized now easily - if at all. For example, even distances of several meters by the compact design of the inventive device in "one-man

p0039Operation "are determined. The Transferring a measurement by the measuring device, for example, to a substrate is facilitated or accelerated considerably, since the device in the direction of spacing need not be exact point positioned.

p0040Further advantages of the inventive device or an inventive

p0041Method for operating such a device will become apparent from the following description of an embodiment.

p0042drawing

p0043In the drawing, exemplary embodiments are shown of a device, which will be explained in more detail in the following description. The drawings, the description and the claims contain numerous features in combination. An artisan will also consider these features individually and combine them to form further reasonable combinations. In particular, features of different exemplary embodiments can be summarized to form further reasonable combinations. Show it:

p0044Figure 1 shows an inventive device for contactless distance measurement in a schematic overview representation,

p0045Figure 2 shows an embodiment of an inventive device,

p0046Figure 3 shows an alternative embodiment of an inventive device in a perspective overall view, 4 shows a detailed representation of an output unit of the inventive device according to an embodiment according to Figure 2 or Figure 3,

p0047Figure 5 is a schematic illustration of an alternative output unit for a device according to the invention,

p0048Figure 6 illustrates the use of the device for measuring very short

p0049Distances.

p0050Description of Embodiments

p0051Figure 1 shows a schematic overview of an inventive apparatus for distance measurement. The apparatus 10 comprises a housing 12, inside of which electronic components for signal generation, signal detection, and

p0052Signal evaluation are located. These electronic components are provided in the schematic diagram of Figure 1 in a group and symbolically by the numeral 14th In addition to these electronic elements, the interior of the housing depending on the embodiment optionally also optical elements such as collimating lenses or lenses on. In addition, mechanical elements such as mechanical fasteners may be arranged inside the housing 12th In addition, the device has all the known components of a rangefinder, in particular of an electro-optical rangefinder. For the targeted orientation of the device, this has an inclination sensor 15, which is shown in Figure 1 symbolically as a mechanical dragonfly. Here, however, it may also be an electronic tilt sensor or the like.

p0053The device of the invention sends a measurement signal 16 measurement signal in the direction 17 from which is reflected or scattered by a target object 18, so that a part of the emitted, returning measurement signal 16 in turn into the housing 12 of the device

p005410 can be reached and sensed via a not shown detecting the electronic component 14th About a runtime measurement of the measurement signal 16 and a phase measurement which evaluates for example the relative phase shift between the target object 18 toward the current measurement signal 16 and reflected by the target object and the measuring device returning measurement signal, the distance d between the can

p0055Target object 18 and the measuring device 10, in particular the distance between the Target object 18 and a reference point or a reference plane 20 of the apparatus are detected in a known manner.

p0056Such a measuring device can be, for example, as a laser distance measuring device, an ultrasonic meter, or also as a radar distance measuring device realized in the corresponding transmitter, receiver and associated signal control and evaluation are integrated into the housing 12 of the meter 10th For a more detailed explanation of the operation of such a device for measuring distance to the description of the inventive device to DE 102 32 878 Al and the DE 198 11 550 Al, reference is made in the context of describing a principle possible operation of such a rangefinder in the form of a laser rangefinder. With regard to the signal generation and signal analysis is therefore made at this point only to these documents.

p0057The inventive apparatus for distance measurement also has a

p0058Output unit 22, in particular an optical output unit 28, with the results of a corresponding distance measurement can be displayed. About the output unit 22, it is also possible reading, which was determined by the tilt sensor 15 represent.

p0059The housing 12 of the device 10 has a contact edge 24 which extends parallel to the output unit 22, in essence, that is, as permitted under the manufacturing tolerances.

p0060The output unit itself, which is designed as a visual output unit can be configured as an electro-optical display and has an extension in measurement signal direction 17, which is significantly larger than its orthogonal thereto. In preferred embodiments, the extent of the output unit 22 in measurement signal direction 17 is greater by a multiple than the extension in the direction perpendicular thereto. To the extent in measurement signal direction can for example be 10 to 30 cm, the expansion in the direction orthogonal thereto, but for example, in only 2 to 5 cm.

p0061Figure 2 shows an embodiment of an inventive device. The substantially rectangular housing 12 which, for example, from a plastic or from a light metal, in particular aluminum is produced, has a

p0062Housing opening 26, through which the optical display 28 of the output unit 22 is visible. The display 28 is substantially parallel to both the direction of the measurement signal 16 aligned and parallel to the contact edge 24 of the housing 12 of the device. Serving as the output unit 22 display 28 extends over a substantial portion of the longitudinal extension of the meter in the direction of the measurement signal 16. The display 28 is positioned close to the contact edge 24 of the housing 12 of the meter 10th

p0063After switching on the device via control 30, which are not explicitly visible in Figure 2, the display 28 of the output unit 22 is, for example, a ruler scale 36 displayed directly with discrete scale divisions over the entire length extension of output unit 22nd Reference point for this measurement scale is then usefully exiting window distal end 35 of the housing 12 that in plan view in Figure 2,

p0064is output unit, the left end of the housing. In this mode of operation, however, the inventive device 10 corresponds to a classical ruler or yard stick with a digital example, electro-optical reproduction of the scale values. In such a mode, the inventive device can be like a normal yardstick for direct measurement use. It is advantageous in particular also possible to switch between different measurement systems, such as the commonly used in Europe, the metric system and the US system -Inch-.

p0065If, in addition, the measurement signal 16, in particular an optical measuring signal, activated by a corresponding control element 30, so no more decency now becomes the

p0066Housing edge 34 shown, but the distance of the measuring device 10 to an intended target object 18. For this purpose, the distance d of the target 18 to a reference plane or a reference point 20 of the inventive device, for example, by the known phase measuring method - determined and starting from the distance from this reference point 20 of the device is then an appropriate measurement scale 36 generated on computational manner in the output unit 22, so that it reproduces the distances of the scale of this measurement scale to the target object. Thus can be in this mode of operation of the inventive device distances of the measuring device and a target object over the entire area, the play by means of the display 28 measurement scale shown. For example, the distance between a target object 18 and the reference point or the reference plane 20 of the measuring device is changed, the measurement scale of the meter is automatically tracked electronically, so they each accurately and currently on the distance of individual divisions to the measuring object 18 reproduces and thus at least some portion the distance between a remote object to be measured 18 and the object end 35 of the housing 12 is represented by the measurement scale 36 via the output unit 22 of the device.

p0067The inventive device thus corresponds to a meter stick, in particular a digital meter rule, whose origin is the measurement scale outside the measurement scale displayed in output unit 22nd When activated, the measurement signal 16 of zero, this

p0068Measuring scale, in particular also be substantially outside the housing of the device.

p0069In alternative embodiments, with the instrument is switched already directly the measurement signal 16 is enabled so that the meter is immediately in the second, the above-described non-contact measurement mode.

p0070Here, the device can operate for example in a continuous measurement mode, is measured to the respective target or reference point in which continuously or with a specific clock rate the current distance between the device and play by the display.

p0071Another measurement mode of the device according to the invention may alternatively each provide only a single measurement that is triggered for example by actuation of a control. According to the measured distance to the target object that is the representation of the scale on the output unit, for example in a

p0072Frame.

p0073So it is, for example, with the inventive device also possible to take a single measurement in a single measurement and save it on a "memory function" in the device. This stored or "tapped" value can be combined with the inventive device now just another underground transfer , In the "memory mode" shows the output unit for this purpose for example the arrows on the direction in which the device needs to be moved so that the current path that is being measured, corresponding to the distance previously recorded. If the end point of the ablated track in the field of measurement scale so this endpoint at the corresponding point of the output unit is displayed so that a user can wear the predetermined level. in this way it is possible to transfer a once recorded or "tapped" measure on a variety of substrates. Thus, in a simple manner, for example, a large number of boards with a measure provided the same length and are then cut. Alternatively, it is also possible to measure the measured value to be transmitted not only or "tap off" by a measurement, but through a control panel, for example via a keypad with numbers, directly into the enter meter and save. The output unit of the device is then in the "memory mode" again for example the arrows to the left or right on the direction in which the device needs to be moved so that the straight path to be measured, reaches the previously stored distance value.

p0074Figure 3 shows an alternative embodiment 10 'of an inventive measuring device. The device comprises a housing 13 with a measuring head 42, in the example, a laser distance meter or an ultrasonic rangefinder is arranged. The measurement signal passes through a corresponding exit window 43 facing to the object end 34 of the device out of the housing 13 made of, is in a - in figure 3 not further shown - reflected target object and passes partly through an entrance window 45, in turn, back into the housing. At the, the measuring head 42 opposite, the object thus remote end 35 of the device, an evaluation and computing unit 44 is arranged the device which determines, for example, a transit time measurement or even a phase evaluation, the distance of the device to the target object. in the

p0075Field of evaluation 44 can for example also appropriate controls and input keys to be mounted, which are only indicated symbolically in the representation of Figure 3 as a control element 46th Between the measuring head 42 and the arithmetic unit 44, the output unit 22 is arranged in the form of an electro-optical display 29th Both sides of the longitudinal side of the electro-optical display 29, the device has a fixed scale 48, which is mounted on the housing of the device thirteenth These scales are used for transmission of measured values ​​to a substrate. In alternative embodiments of the device according to the invention, the measuring head and the evaluation and computing unit may be also incorporated in a housing and in particular be arranged only on one side of the display.

p0076The functioning of the device and in particular the operation of the output unit corresponds to the previously described and will be explained in somewhat more detail for the embodiments of FIGS. 2 and 3

p0077Figure 4 shows a detailed view of the housing 12, 13 of the device 10 or 10 according to the invention 'of Figure 2 and Figure 3 in the area of ​​optical displays 28 and 29. The display includes a digital display with a variable scale on which of scale bars and assigned numerical values ​​there. The numbers change accordingly with increasing or decreasing distance between the measuring device and a target object. The use of, for example, LEDs or laser display is possible in principle. In the illustrated exemplary display 28 and 29 are 36 divisions with a distance of 1 cm appears. This scaling still has each subdivision in 5 mm increments by additional scale divisions 38. A further subdivision of the scale, for example, in 1 mm strokes is also possible and may for example be displayed on a user's request. It may advantageously an embodiment of the inventive device is permitted by the different fine scales depending on the measured absolute distance to a target object. So can be adapted to the measurement object, for example, the measurement uncertainty of the inventive device the absolute removal of the device, as proposed applicant sided with DE 102 32 878 Al for rangefinders. According to the measurement uncertainty used can thus be made of a different fine illustration of the measurement scale.

p0078assigned to scale divisions 36 are numerical values ​​36 indicate the respective distance of each scale portion to a target object 18th The device of the invention thus provides not only the distance between a target object and a reference plane or a reference point of the measuring apparatus, but also shows in a finite range, the absolute distances to a measurement scale to the target object. Over the entire range of the output unit of the absolute distance of measurement points to a target object, and thus the relative distance of the measuring points can be read to each other and, for example, marked on a base. For this purpose, the housing 12 of the inventive device 10 also fixed to the housing, that is fixed scale 40 which is fixed to the housing, for example, over the entire longitudinal extension of the output unit 22 or even over the entire longitudinal extension of the housing 12th In the embodiment of Figure 2 and Figure 3 finds such a fixed scale in 1 mm increments application. Other scales are of course also conceivable.

p0079In addition to the implementation of electronic measurement scale shown in Figure 4, depending on the application, a sub range of the full scale or even merely only a single measured value are reproduced so that similar to conventional laser rangefinders also individual measurements, for example in relation to a reference point or a reference edge of the device (eg, front or rear end of the instrument) are possible. In particular, it is provided that the Geäteseitige reference point of the distance measurement may be switched.

p0080Figure 5 shows in a very simplified manner, an embodiment of such an output unit. A single measured value 50 (here: 320,5cm) is advantageously Manner with at least one scale mark 52 is provided, which allows via its relation to fixed measurement scale 54 on device housing 56, the removal of the measured value itself, or even the relative lengths, starting from the non-contact measured reading 50th For this purpose, fixed measurement scale 54 of housing 56 is advantageously designed as a relative scale and determined in a contactless reading 50 is fixed at a

p0081Point appears in the output unit 31st To the orientation of a mechanical vial 58 is integrated facing the object end 34 of the device in the housing 56th Alternatively, in the apparatus of Figure 5 and also in the other, previously described devices, for example, an electronic inclinometer be integrated. Also, the position and placement of the vials or

p0082Inclinometer vary depending on the embodiment.

p0083About appropriate controls can be the different measuring modes Select task-oriented by a user. The measurement modes can be set, for example, via a keypad or via a rotary knob on the housing.

p0084For example, in a special measurement mode of each of the described embodiments of the inventive device with a "memory key" so-called stored a determined measured value or a key sequence a desired distance value is entered directly into the meter. When removing this stored value, for example, another underground, the numerical value in the display can be highlighted separately. This can for example be done in a representation of the output unit of figure 5. When removal of the desired value, an arrow or a line, for example, appears, which / who in the position of the ablated reading with respect to the relative position of the output unit indicates the target object. the user of the device according to the invention is thus indicated in which direction he should move the device so that it gets the desired distance from a given target. Appears the abzutragender measured value in the display area of ​​the device, that is, is the end point of the corresponding ablated track in the measurement scale of the output unit shown, the corresponding arrow and the line disappears and appears the measured value at the point that corresponds to its distance from the reference point. In this way, a user is easily transmitted, the direction in which he has the inventive device to move relative to the target object to pass into the region of the desired spacing. to provide apparatus of the invention in addition to a mechanical or electronic level that makes it possible to use the device of the invention as inclinometers, or to make sure that when a distance measurement to the device, the device "in is particularly advantageous water "is.

p0085In addition, the integration of a position sensor in the housing of the device, the output unit can be designed such that the displayed distance values ​​are always displayed in optimally readable position. Thus, depending on the orientation of the housing of the numerical value which is associated with a scale division, are by 90 ° or 180 ° to the orientation shown in Figure 3 to a

p0086Users to ensure the readability of the scale. The digital scale output unit thus allows a good orientation of the user both over the entire measuring range and in particular over the display area of ​​the device.

p0087The inventive device also allows in an advantageous manner in contrast to conventional electro-optical rangefinder also measuring or ablation of values ​​starting with a distance of 0 mm from the device. Figure 6 shows a corresponding measurement situation.

p0088By appropriate arrangement of the measurement technique that is especially the transmitter and the receiver for the measurement signal, in the housing of the device, the usual for distance measurement equipment, such as laser rangefinders "dead zone" in the vicinity of the object distances, which is a few centimeters, are avoided . This is in the inventive device in particular possible because the corresponding measurement 14 in the elongate "ruler housing" 12 of the device is at least one, corresponding to the amount of the distance D Todbereichs reset. Thus, measurements are relatively possible to target objects with the device of the invention, which have a distance of zero or only a few centimeters to the object-side end of the housing of the device. Such an arrangement of the apparatus to the target object, which optionally a touch contact between the

p0089However, device and a target object is conditioned, in the context of the disclosure of the invention also to be regarded as non-contact distance measurement, since the determination of the desired distance between the instrument and the target object is contactless by means of the measurement signal 16th

p0090The inventive device is not limited to the embodiments of the embodiments. In particular, the device of the invention is not limited to the use of light signals, particularly laser signals as a measurement signal. Thus, corresponding radar signals or in general electromagnetic radiation may for example be used as a measurement signal, to determine a distance between a target object and the apparatus and a reference point of the device.

p0091Alternative way but can also be used acoustic measuring signals, in particular ultrasonic signals for these distance measurements.

p0092Besides the use of modulated measurement signals, which allows a distance determination on the signal propagation time or phase shift of the back or returning measurement signal, even triangulation to determine the distance between the target object and the measuring device can be used in principle.

p0093The output unit is not limited to the use of an electro-optical displays. Thus, the presentation of the measurement scale for example, could also be purely mechanical in which the distance measurement values ​​are shown by the display of a rotating belt, take place.

p0094The device of the invention thus provides a yardstick, in particular a digital meter rule, represent, which combines the advantages of direct and indirect length measurement. the advantageous housing shape in particular, which has an increased longitudinal extent of the housing in the direction of the measurement signal, which is significantly greater than the extent of

p0095Housing in the two orthogonal directions, allows measurement-related activities, such as determining and marking points, point distances or lines. The correspondingly shaped elongated display with its digital display enables the display of a variable scale of scale marks and numerical values, which are in particular with increasing or decreasing measured distance changeable and adaptable to the corresponding distance values. In particular, blank lines, which can be measured or removed only with difficulty using a ruler or ordinary, finite measuring stick, easily identify even by a single user and characterize. When transmitting lines thus the functionality of the device according to the invention advantageously corresponds to that of an ordinary ruler.