Device for metrological accuracy testing

Abstract

Device (10) for metrological accuracy testing, characterized in that the device (10) has several sensors (11) for detecting light pulses emitted by a test object.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for metrological accuracy testing according to claim 1. State of the art

[0002] Metrological accuracy testing is an important aspect in many technical fields to ensure the accuracy and reliability of measuring instruments. Conventional testing methods typically rely on individual sensors that capture light pulses from a test piece. However, these methods can be inaccurate because they depend on the position and orientation of the sensor. Furthermore, conventional measurement methods require laborious, manual sensor alignment. Description of the invention: task, solution, advantages

[0003] The present invention aims to provide an improved metrological accuracy testing apparatus that enables accurate, reliable and effective measurement of light pulses.

[0004] The invention relates to a device for metrological accuracy testing, which comprises several sensors for detecting the light pulses emitted by a test object. The sensors can be, for example, photodiodes, phototransistors, photoresistors, or other light-sensitive elements. The sensors are designed to effectively detect light pulses and convert them into electrical signals, which can then be used for further analysis and evaluation.

[0005] The sensors used in the device for metrological accuracy testing preferably comprise a photosensitive surface capable of detecting light pulses emitted by the test object. The test object's metrological accuracy is tested, in other words, the assessment of the measurement accuracy of the test object, which is typically required by the authorities. The test object can primarily be an electricity meter. For the purpose of the test, the test object provides light pulses, which the device can then optically scan. These light pulses depend on actual variables that are set on the test object. The actual variables can be a voltage and / or a current present on the test object.

[0006] The light pulses detected by the sensors are preferably in the infrared or visible range of the light spectrum. This means that the sensors are specifically designed to be sensitive in these specific ranges. This specific sensitivity allows the sensors to detect a wide range of light pulses that may be emitted by different types of test objects, thus providing a high degree of flexibility and adaptability of the device.

[0007] The sensors are preferably arranged flat in front of the test object. Above all, they are positioned in a way that allows optimal detection of the light pulses emitted by the test object. Typically, the sensors are aligned exactly in front of the light pulse source of the test object at the beginning of the test. This alignment is crucial to ensure that the sensors are able to effectively detect the light pulses and provide accurate and reliable data for further analysis and evaluation. The use of multiple sensors in the device offers the advantage of significantly simplifying alignment, as the input of the light pulses does not have to be precisely aligned to just one sensor. This is particularly important when multiple test objects must be tested in a short period of time to achieve a high test throughput. In such cases, manually aligning the sensors to each individual test object can be time-consuming and tedious.However, by using multiple sensors, this process can be significantly simplified and accelerated, resulting in more efficient and effective testing.

[0008] The sensors can be configured as a sensor array. A sensor array is primarily an arrangement of sensors in a plane. In other words, the light-sensitive surfaces of the sensors lie in a common plane or a curved surface. The sensors in a sensor array are preferably operated simultaneously. A sensor array can enable efficient and accurate detection of light pulses from slightly different directions, further simplifying alignment.

[0009] The device may comprise at least two, but preferably several, sensors, such as at least 5, at least 10, or at least 15 sensors. The number of sensors may vary depending on the specific requirements of the application. A larger number of sensors may enable more accurate detection of the light pulses. In particular, a larger number of sensors may provide higher spatial resolution and better coverage of the detection area. Furthermore, a larger number of sensors may provide greater redundancy, which may improve the reliability and robustness of the device.

[0010] The sensors can cover a light-sensitive area approximately equal to the size of the test specimen surface. This area can be at least 5, preferably at least 10, square centimeters. The light-sensitive area can be the combined area of ​​all sensors. A larger light-sensitive area can enable greater sensitivity and better detection of light pulses. In particular, a larger light-sensitive area can enable better detection of low-intensity light pulses.

[0011] The light-sensitive surfaces of the sensors can form a continuous surface. This means that the light-sensitive surfaces of the sensors are arranged in such a way that they provide continuous or nearly continuous coverage of a predefined detection area. This arrangement can enable accurate and uniform detection of the light pulses.

[0012] The device can comprise at least one camera, preferably exactly one camera or several cameras for reading information about the device under test. The camera can, for example, be used to capture information about the device under test that is displayed on the device under test itself. This information can then be used to identify the device under test, to track the test process or to document the test results. In particular, the camera is used to read a nameplate and / or a display of the device under test. This means that the camera is used to capture information from a nameplate or a display attached to the device under test and / or to visually display the device under test itself. This information can, for example, include the model number, the serial number, the manufacturer information or a meter reading.

[0013] The camera can be a digital camera capable of capturing high-resolution images. The camera can also be equipped with appropriate software to analyze the captured images or videos and extract the information they contain.

[0014] The sensors are preferably arranged around the camera. This arrangement can help ensure that the sensors and the camera can be aligned simultaneously with the test object, which simplifies handling of the device. The detection range mentioned above can thus refer to the camera. For example, this can be defined as the area around the camera. For example, the detection range can be defined as a radial distance from the camera, whereby this condition can extend completely around the camera and can be, for example, at least 2 cm or at least 5 cm.

[0015] The sensors can be arranged in a circular, rectangular, or other suitable arrangement around the camera. The sensors and the camera are preferably fixed to each other.

[0016] The sensors can be placed at specific, e.g., regular, intervals. This specific arrangement can help ensure uniform coverage of the test object and minimize potential blind spots in the view of the camera or sensors. The spacing between the sensors can vary depending on the distance from the camera. For example, they can be placed closer together in a first area directly surrounding the camera to provide more detailed coverage there, while they can be spaced further apart in a second area farther from the camera.

[0017] Furthermore, the sensors can be arranged completely around the camera. This means that the sensors can be placed in a full 360-degree arrangement around the camera. This full-circle arrangement can help provide a complete, all-round view of the test object, which can further improve the accuracy and reliability of the data acquired by the device.

[0018] The device can comprise an evaluation unit configured to detect the illumination of the individual sensors and to select one or more sensors based on the illumination. The evaluation unit can comprise, for example, a microprocessor or other suitable computer. Based on the illumination, it can be determined which sensor(s) optimally detect the light pulses, and these can then be used for further evaluation. In particular, the ambient lighting can be taken into account.

[0019] The evaluation unit can be configured to process the data acquired by the sensors and to determine the desired information from it. For example, the evaluation unit can be configured to measure the intensity of the light pulses acquired by the sensors and, based on these measurements, determine the illumination of the individual sensors. The evaluation unit can then select one or more sensors that exhibit a specific illumination, for example, a maximum or minimum illumination or intensity. The evaluation unit can also be configured to calibrate or adjust the selected sensors to optimize their performance.

[0020] The device's evaluation unit can be designed to determine optimal illumination for each sensor by adjusting sensor-specific trigger thresholds. These trigger thresholds can be related to the threshold voltages of the individual sensors. The threshold voltage is a parameter that determines the sensor's performance and sensitivity. A threshold voltage that is too high can result in the sensor not responding to weak light pulses, while a threshold voltage that is too low can cause the sensor to overreact to strong light pulses. In particular, the ambient illumination of the sensors is determined and taken into account in order to optimally adjust the trigger thresholds. The selection of the sensor or multiple sensors can therefore only be made after the trigger thresholds have been set, since it is then clear which sensor optimally detects the light pulses of the test object.

[0021] The evaluation unit can further be designed to store the data acquired by the selected sensors or to transmit them to other devices.

[0022] The evaluation unit can be designed to determine the number of light pulses received by the selected sensor or sensors. It can be implemented as a central sensor for forwarding the detected light pulses to a meter testing system. The meter testing system can also perform a metrological evaluation taking into account the number and actual values ​​set on the test object. The metrological evaluation can be used to determine measurement errors of the test object. The number of light pulses expected as the target value is determined by a predefined value, typically referred to as a meter constant, in conjunction with the actual values ​​acting on the test object for the purpose of the test. The meter testing system calculates the measurement error presented by the test object from the number of light pulses, knowing the actual values.

[0023] They show in a purely schematic representation: Fig. 1 a device for metrological accuracy testing; Fig. 2 a top view of the camera and the sensors of a device for metrological accuracy testing according to Fig. 1; and Fig. 3 a top view of the camera and the sensors of a device for metrological accuracy testing according to Fig. 1.

[0024] In Fig. 1 shows a device 10 for metrological accuracy testing. The sensors 11 and the camera 12 are shown purely schematically. The sensors are designed as a sensor array 11a. The device 10 further comprises an evaluation unit 30, which can, for example, detect the illumination of the individual sensors, select one or more sensors 11, and then determine the number of light pulses received by the selected sensor or sensors. The evaluation unit 30 is further designed to perform a metrological evaluation, specifically taking into account the previously determined number and the actual values ​​set in the test object. This allows the measurement errors of the test object to be determined. The result of the evaluation, e.g., the determined measurement error, can be transmitted as a digital output signal.

[0025] Fig. Figure 2 shows a plan view of the sensors 11 and the camera 12 of a device 10 according to Fig. 1. The sensors 11 are again designed as a sensor array 11a. Starting from a center point of the camera 12, Fig. 2 a center line 20 is shown, namely in Fig. 2 in the vertical direction. In a first direction 21 in Fig. 2 to the left horizontal direction and in a second direction 22 in the opposite direction, sensors 11 extend from the center line 20. On the center line, i.e. in a third direction 23 and in a fourth direction 24, in the example of the Fig. 2 no sensors arranged.

[0026] In Fig. 3 shows a further plan view of sensors 11 and a camera 12 of a further device 10 for metrological accuracy testing, which as in Fig. 1. However, the sensors 11 are in comparison to the Fig.2 are arranged slightly differently. Specifically, the sensors 11 extend completely around the camera 12; in other words, the camera 12 is embedded in the sensor array 11a, ensuring the greatest possible coverage of the sensors 11. List of reference symbols 10 Device for metrological accuracy testing 11 sensors 11a Sensor array 12 Camera 20 Center line 21 first direction 22 second direction 23 third direction 24 fourth direction 30 evaluation unit

Claims

[1] Device (10) for metrological accuracy testing, characterized by that the device (10) has a plurality of sensors (11) for detecting light pulses emitted by a test object. [2] Device (10) according to claim 1, characterized by that the sensors (11) are designed as a sensor array (11a). [3] Device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the device (10) comprises at least two, but preferably several sensors (11). [4] Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the sensors (11) comprise a photosensitive surface, wherein the photosensitive surfaces of the sensors (11) form a coherent common surface. [5] Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the device (10) additionally comprises a camera (12) for reading an indication of the test object. [6] Device (10) according to claim 5, characterized bythat the sensors (11) are arranged around the camera (12). [7] Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the device (10) comprises an evaluation unit (30), wherein the evaluation unit (30) is designed to detect an illumination of the individual sensors (11) and to select one or more sensors (11) based on the illumination. [8] Device (10) according to claim 7, characterized by , that the evaluation unit (30) is designed to determine a number of received light pulses at the selected sensor (11) or the selected sensors (11), wherein the evaluation unit (30) is further designed to transmit the light pulses thus detected to a downstream testing device

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