Method for operating a material testing apparatus and such a material testing apparatus

Abstract

The present invention is based on a method for operating a material inspection device, particularly a handheld material inspection device, wherein a measurement signal is transmitted to an object to be inspected (14), wherein the position of the material inspection device relative to the surface (16) of the object to be inspected (14) is detected in order to determine, in a position-resolved and / or orientation-resolved manner, the material properties of a region (18) of the object to be inspected (14) hidden behind the surface (16), and wherein the material properties are displayed as at least one digital display object (20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32) via a physical display unit (34). It is specified that, in at least one method step, in addition to the material properties, the same display object (22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32) also displays additional measurement information, particularly by color coding (39).

Description

Background Technology

[0001] WO 2015 / 197790 A2 discloses a method for operating a material inspection device, particularly a handheld material inspection device, and such a material inspection device wherein a measurement signal is transmitted to the object being inspected, wherein the position of the material inspection device relative to the surface of the object being inspected is detected in order to determine the material properties of a region of the object being inspected that is hidden behind the surface in a position-resolved and / or orientation-resolved manner, and wherein the material properties are displayed as at least one digital display object by a physical display unit. Summary of the Invention

[0002] The present invention is based on a method for operating a material inspection device, particularly a handheld material inspection device, wherein a measurement signal is transmitted to the object being inspected, wherein the position of the material inspection device relative to the surface of the object being inspected is detected in order to determine the material properties of a region of the object being inspected that is hidden behind the surface in a position-resolved and / or orientation-resolved manner, and wherein the material properties are displayed as at least one digital display object by a physical display unit.

[0003] The proposal states that, in at least one method step, in addition to material properties, the same display object also shows additional measurement information, particularly through color coding. The material inspection device preferably includes a sensor unit, particularly an antenna unit, which emits and receives electromagnetic waves, particularly in the microwave and / or radio wave ranges, as measurement signals. Specifically, the sensor unit is configured to receive the backscattered, particularly reflected, components of the emitted measurement signals. The material inspection device is particularly configured to be arranged on the surface of the object being inspected and optionally move relative to the surface, particularly while maintaining contact with the surface, to detect material properties, particularly by a user. The material inspection device preferably includes at least one rolling element, particularly a wheel, roller, ball, etc., for arranging the material inspection device on the surface and / or for moving the material inspection device relative to the surface. The material inspection device preferably includes at least one position detection unit, particularly an odometer, which detects the position of the material inspection device relative to the surface, particularly the displacement relative to a starting position, particularly by detecting the rolling of the rolling element on the surface. In particular, the material inspection equipment includes at least one control unit that evaluates the material properties detected by the sensor unit, creates a display object accordingly, and transmits it to the display unit for output. The material inspection equipment preferably includes at least one storage unit. The storage unit is preferably designed as a rewritable memory, such as a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash EEPROM, etc. Specifically, the control unit stores the material properties, particularly as raw data and / or in an evaluated form, in combination with the location data of the material inspection equipment, which is detected when the location detection unit detects the value of the material property to be stored.

[0004] As material properties, the sensor unit particularly detects the scattering, reflection, transmission, and / or absorption behavior of the object under inspection with respect to the measurement signal. Specifically, the control unit determines spatial variations in material properties. The control unit is preferably configured to inspect objects with spatially homogeneous base materials, such as those made of concrete, solid wood, laminated cardboard, gypsum board, ceramics, plastics, or other structural materials. Specifically, the control unit concludes, based on variations in material properties, that there are fillers, such as water, and / or foreign objects, such as screws, wires, steel beams, water pipes, air pockets, etc., in the base material of the object under inspection. "Homogeneous base material" should be understood in particular as a material in which the spatial differences in material properties are smaller than the differences between the base material and the foreign object, or smaller than the spatial differences caused by location-dependent fillers, especially moisture. The method preferably includes a calibration step, wherein the average value of the material properties of the base material is detected by using measurements from the sensor unit as a reference for distinguishing the base material from fillers and / or foreign objects. Alternatively or additionally, these data may be retrieved by the control unit, particularly as a reference for distinguishing between the base material and fillers and / or foreign objects. Specifically, the material inspection equipment is configured to locate foreign objects and / or to detect spatial changes in the filler material within the base material of the object being inspected.

[0005] "Control unit" should be understood in particular as a unit having at least one electronic control device. "Electronic control device" should be understood in particular as a unit having a processor unit and a memory, as well as an operating program stored in the memory. The display unit includes at least one display, particularly preferably a color display, which in particular has a resolution of at least 50×50 pixels, preferably greater than 100×100 pixels, and particularly preferably greater than 200×200 pixels.

[0006] For example, the display is designed as a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light-emitting diode display (LED display), an organic light-emitting diode display (OLED display), a plasma display panel (PDP), etc. The display unit may optionally include display operation elements for changing the display settings of the display, particularly brightness, contrast, color saturation, etc., and / or at least one additional display element, particularly controlling the lights. "Settings" should be understood in particular as: specifically established, specifically programmed, specifically designed, and / or specifically equipped. An object being set for a specific function should be understood in particular as: the object satisfying and / or performing that specific function in at least one application and / or operating state.

[0007] "Display object" should be understood in particular as: a physical object, especially a representation of a single physical object shown by a display unit, or a representation of a hypothetical object, especially a single hypothetical object, shown by a display unit, that participates in the inspection of an object using a material inspection device. The physical object represented by the display object includes, in particular, the object being inspected, the surface of the object being inspected, sub-regions of the object being inspected, especially foreign matter and / or fillers in the base material of the object being inspected, and / or the material inspection device. Examples of hypothetical objects represented by the display object are scales, especially descriptions of the range or location of material properties, information boxes, sensor ranges of the material inspection object, etc. "Single" physical object should be understood in this context, especially considering the resolving power of the sensor unit, as: a physical object that can be individually distinguished by the material inspection device. In particular, multiple physical objects that are close together and / or have similar material property values ​​in the sense of resolving power can be combined into a single display object by the control unit. "Displayed" physical or hypothetical object specifically refers in the following text to: an abbreviation of the display object representing that physical or hypothetical object. The control unit preferably creates and manages display objects, especially updating, activating, or deactivating the display of display objects. The display unit preferably assigns pixels of the display unit to display objects according to control signals from the control unit. The display unit preferably outputs a display in at least one method step of the method. The display preferably includes at least one background and at least one display object, particularly a large number of display objects. Various display objects may be arranged spaced apart from each other in the display or may be arranged in a partially obscured manner. Different display objects in the display are preferably defined by outer contours or different fills, particularly shading, and especially by the background of the display. Pixels of the display unit assigned by the display unit to a single display object may be arranged adjacent to each other, or particularly arranged in groups spaced apart from each other.

[0008] The control unit preferably creates at least one of the display objects based on the detected material properties. In particular, the control unit creates at least one display object that represents foreign matter and / or filler in the base material of the object being inspected. Specifically, the display object represents: the spatial extension, position, and / or orientation of a sub-region of the object being inspected, particularly a foreign matter, carrying as information values ​​of material properties, particularly at least a binary or gradual deviation from the reference, and a position relative to the material inspection equipment in at least one dimension, preferably two dimensions, and optionally three dimensions.

[0009] "Measurement supplementary information" should be understood in particular as information derived from the detected, location-related material properties and / or representing settings of the control unit related to the detected material properties. Examples of measurement supplementary information include the material type of the foreign object, the confidence factor for evaluating the measurement signal, the detection mode of the sensor unit, the evaluation mode of the control unit, etc. The display of measurement supplementary information using the same display object that also shows the material properties is particularly preferably performed by means of coloring and / or grayscale of the display object. Alternatively or additionally, the measurement supplementary information is encoded, for example, by means of the outer contour or filled pattern of the display object, by means of the blinking of the display object, by means of the transparency of the display object, by means of the brightness of the display object, etc. The control unit preferably creates at least one additional display object for evaluating the display object, for example, as a scale, position reference, etc. Optionally, the additional display object also additionally represents the measurement supplementary information and / or other measurement supplementary information. Optionally, the control unit creates at least one additional display object unrelated to the material property detection, such as a charging status display of the material inspection device, a menu bar, etc.

[0010] The design scheme of the method according to the invention allows for the advantageous display of a large amount of information. In particular, it is also advantageous to clearly output information about foreign objects located outside the current sensor range.

[0011] It is also recommended to output material properties and measurement supplementary information in different display formats in at least two method steps. Preferably, the control unit and display unit switch display formats when the user operates the operating elements of the material inspection equipment. For example, the control unit and calculation unit switch between a display format showing the depth of foreign matter on the inspected object and a display format showing the maximum drilling depth without encountering foreign matter on the inspected object. "Depth" should be understood in particular as the minimum distance between the surface of the inspected object, especially the sub-region of foreign matter, and the surface of the inspected object. For example, the control unit and calculation unit switch between a display format showing a cross-section perpendicular to the surface of the inspected object and a display format showing a top view parallel to the surface of the inspected object. For example, the control unit and calculation unit switch between a display format showing the current sensor range of the material inspection equipment and a display format showing a panoramic view of the inspected object beyond the current sensor range based on previous detections of material properties. For example, the control unit and display unit

[0012] The device switches between a display format in which the variation process of material properties and / or parameters derived therefrom in at least two spaces overlaps, particularly with a common scale or dual scale, and a display format in which at least two spatial distributions are spaced apart from each other, particularly with their own scales and particularly displayed without overlap. For example, the control unit and the display unit switch between two display formats that represent different, particularly logarithmic and linear scaling of material properties. Due to the design according to the invention, the material inspection device can be advantageously used in many applications.

[0013] Furthermore, it is proposed that, in at least one method step, the current display form of the displayed object can be identified by means of measurement supplementary information and / or other measurement supplementary information. At least one displayed object is preferably designed as a depth reference. The depth reference preferably comprises a line parallel to the displayed surface of the inspected object, extending in particular from at least the currently displayed detection position to the displayed depth scale. In particular, depending on the setting and / or depending on the display form, the depth reference is displayed at the depth of the currently detected displayed foreign object, the depth of the displayed foreign object with a determined minimum depth, at a user-predefined drilling depth and / or the maximum possible drilling depth, and in particular at a safe distance from the displayed foreign object. Measurement supplementary information of the depth reference, for example, is set to distinguish the drilling depth from the depth of the displayed foreign object. For example, to identify the drilling depth, in particular the drill bit adjacent to the depth reference line is superimposed as measurement supplementary information. For example, the drill bit is obscured so that the depth of the displayed foreign object can be identified. With the design according to the invention, the operation of the material inspection equipment can be advantageously designed to be intuitive. In particular, it is advantageous to make different display forms clearly distinguishable from each other.

[0014] Furthermore, it is proposed that the measurement of additional information encodes the material type in at least one method step of the method. The control unit preferably determines the material type of the sub-region of the object under inspection, particularly foreign objects, based on spatial variations in material properties. For example, the control unit distinguishes between magnetic metals, non-magnetic metals, current-carrying conductors, non-metals, and other materials. Display objects representing foreign objects of different material types preferably have different colors, particularly different fill colors. Alternatively, the display objects have the same fill color, where different material types are encoded by color markings within the display object, for example, by dots and / or, in particular, colored symbols. With the design according to the invention, different foreign objects in the base material of the object under inspection can be advantageously displayed differently. In particular, it is advantageous to enable the identification of foreign objects outside the current sensor range. In particular, to enable differentiated identification of foreign objects, it is advantageous to keep the number of other display objects relatively small.

[0015] Furthermore, it is proposed that the encoding of the measurement supplementary information be changed in at least one step of the method, particularly the encoding already mentioned. The encoding is preferably changed based on user input, particularly through the operating elements of the material inspection equipment. The encoding includes at least one assignment of coded elements to encoded elements, particularly a large number of assignments. The coded elements are, for example, the color of the displayed object, the pattern of the displayed object, the symbol of the displayed object, etc., wherein the encoded elements are, for example, a range of material properties, the determined material type, etc. When the encoding is changed, the assignment is preferably activated or deactivated, particularly individually. Specifically, when the assignment is deactivated, the display unit displays the displayed object in a standard manner. Optionally, the display unit includes at least one display mode in which the displayed object is completely obscured by the deactivated assignment. Optionally, by activating or deactivating the assignment, the control unit activates or deactivates the determination of the corresponding encoded element. Alternatively, the control unit changes the assignment itself, particularly in a manner triggered by user input, i.e., the control unit assigns a new coded element, particularly another color, to the encoded element. Optionally, at least two different codes are optionally stored in the memory of the control unit, particularly from which the user can select. Due to the design according to the invention, the material inspection device is advantageously flexible and can be individually adapted to the user, particularly to users with color vision deficiencies. Specifically, the user can advantageously switch between a general display mode with numerous activation assignments and a large amount of information, and a special display mode with few activation assignments and high clarity, the general display mode being used, for example, to determine possible drilling points, and the special display mode being used, for example, to trace wires.

[0016] Furthermore, it is proposed that, in at least one method step, another display object showing the sensor range of the material inspection equipment, particularly the aforementioned sensor range, undergoes a display switch based on the determined material characteristics. The display unit preferably shows, at least in a panoramic view, a segment of the inspected object extending beyond the sensor range of the material inspection equipment. The sensor range, in particular, is marked with markers assigned to the measurement volume of the sensor unit, where the sensitivity of the sensor unit is above a predetermined threshold. Specifically, the sensor range moves with the material inspection equipment and / or with the orientation of the sensor unit relative to the inspected object. The other display object showing the sensor range includes a focal marker representing the most sensitive point of the sensor unit and / or at least one boundary marker, the marker of which reaches the threshold of the sensor unit's sensitivity. The display unit preferably switches the displayed sensor range to output a warning or clear an alarm. The display of the sensor range is particularly preferably switched between at least two colors. For example, if a predetermined drilling depth cannot be reached due to foreign matter, the display unit shows the sensor range in one display form, particularly in red; and if no foreign matter is identified within the predetermined drilling depth, the display unit shows the sensor range in another display form, particularly in green or white. Optionally, the display unit, along with the switching of the displayed sensor range, overlays and obscures additional display objects, which use symbols and / or text output to warn of drilling at the current point of the material inspection equipment. Alternatively, the displayed sensor range is shown in a manner coded with the currently detected material type. With the design according to the invention, it is advantageous to display the evaluation of material properties depending on the application, particularly advantageously with very few other display objects.

[0017] Furthermore, in at least one step of the method, the measurement of additional information is shown, in particular, a depth reference already mentioned, based on the determined material properties. Preferably, the depth reference is shown in an encoded manner using the currently detected material type. Optionally, the user sets a value range for the position of the material inspection device via an operating element of the material inspection device, particularly a value range beyond the current sensor range. If the control unit determines multiple material types within the set value range for the position of the material inspection device, the depth reference is preferably aligned with the foreign object at the minimum distance from the surface of the object being inspected and can be optionally encoded using its material type or a neutral color. Due to the design according to the invention, if multiple foreign objects are present, the depth reference can be advantageously and easily assigned to a specific foreign object.

[0018] Furthermore, it is proposed that, in at least one method step of the method, codes for additional measurement information are overlaid and displayed. During operation of the material inspection equipment, the display unit preferably shows at least one additional display object along with the current measurement, the at least one additional display object displaying the assignment of codes relating to the material properties being inspected, particularly the material type, particularly a separate assignment. In at least one method step of the method, the display unit preferably overlays and displays illustrations of the codes, including all, all activated, and all selections for generating the current display or particularly pre-set code assignments. The display of illustrations can be continuously overlaid and displayed together with the display of the current measurement during operation of the material inspection equipment, for example as a sidebar, or the display of the current measurement can be temporarily overlaid and displayed. The user preferably triggers the overlay display of the codes by manipulating the operating elements of the material inspection equipment. The overlay of the codes, particularly the illustrations, can be done by manipulating or releasing the operating elements of the material inspection equipment or automatically, particularly after a pre-given time period has elapsed. Due to the design according to the invention, the material inspection equipment can be advantageously and easily operated and read.

[0019] Furthermore, it is proposed that, in at least one step of the method, a range of values ​​is adapted for the material properties and / or measured additional information. The adaptation of the value range can be automatic by a control unit, particularly based on the value range of the detected material properties, or by a user through manipulation of the operating elements of the material inspection device. For example, when adapting the value range, a minimum and / or maximum value of the displayed value range is set. For example, when adapting the value range, switching between logarithmic and linear scaling of the value range is possible. Due to the design according to the invention, the display can be advantageously designed to be application-dependent and advantageously flexible. In particular, the area of ​​the display can be advantageously utilized.

[0020] The present invention is also based on a method, particularly the method already mentioned or an alternative method, for operating a material inspection device, particularly a handheld material inspection device, particularly the material inspection device already mentioned or an alternative method, wherein a measurement signal, particularly the measurement signal already mentioned, is transmitted to the object to be inspected, particularly the object already mentioned, and the position of the material inspection device relative to the surface of the object to be inspected, particularly the surface already mentioned, is detected in order to determine the material properties of a region of the object hidden behind the surface of the object to be inspected, particularly the material properties already mentioned, in a position-resolved and / or orientation-resolved manner.

[0021] It is proposed that, in at least one method step, an image of the material properties is stored as an image by a material inspection device. Specifically, the control unit of the material inspection device, particularly the aforementioned control unit, stores the image in a storage unit of the material inspection device, particularly the aforementioned storage unit. Based on measurement signals, the control unit creates at least one display object, particularly the aforementioned display object, which is shown in the image. In particular, the methods described herein and those previously described can be implemented independently of each other or in combination, particularly in the previously mentioned material inspection device or in alternative material inspection devices. These two methods are neither restrictive nor mutually exclusive. A particularly advantageous synergistic effect arises in the preferred design that combines the two methods. Optionally, the control unit outputs the image on the display unit of the material inspection device, particularly the aforementioned display unit. For example, the image shows a cross-sectional view of the object under inspection, a top view of the object under inspection, particularly on a transparently shown surface, a three-dimensional cross-section of the object under inspection, a one-dimensional or multi-dimensional spatial variation of the material properties, etc. Preferably, the image is stored in the non-volatile memory of the storage unit and / or on a memory card. Optionally, particularly in addition to the image, the raw data detected by the material inspection equipment, particularly the aforementioned sensor units, and / or the values ​​of material properties determined by the control unit based on the raw data, are stored, particularly in non-volatile memory. Alternatively, the raw data detected by the sensor units and / or the values ​​of material properties determined by the control unit based on the raw data are stored in volatile memory and are actively deleted and / or released for rewriting, particularly after the image is created or after a series of measurements, particularly multiple images, are created therein.

[0022] By means of the method according to the invention, material properties can be advantageously detected and stored for later use and / or evaluated by the same device. In particular, external recording devices for recording images can be advantageously eliminated. In particular, a large amount of information can be stored. In particular, information can also be advantageously stored for foreign objects located outside the current sensor range. In particular, material properties that have been pre-evaluated and encoded, especially color-coded, can be advantageously stored.

[0023] Furthermore, in at least one step of the method, the current display of material properties created by means of the display unit of the material inspection equipment, particularly the already mentioned display unit, is stored. Specifically, the control unit and the display unit create a screenshot stored as an image. The screenshot may include the entire display of the display unit, such as including the menu bar, status display, sidebar, etc., or may include a display segment, particularly a display segment showing the material properties. Optionally, the user selects the display segment to be stored as a screenshot during storage and / or in the setup phase of the method prior to said storage via an operating element of the material inspection equipment. Specifically, the control unit stores a copy of the data stream sent to the display unit to display the output as an image in the storage unit. With the design according to the invention, the user can advantageously and easily store material properties as images. In particular, the display of the display unit can advantageously be used as a preview of the image.

[0024] It is also proposed that, in at least one step of the method, the image is regenerated based on current measurement data from the material inspection equipment, specifically for storage. The control unit generates the image and stores it in the storage unit independently of the display, particularly without outputting it through the display unit. Optionally, the image is stored at a different, particularly higher, resolution than the output display. With the design according to the invention, the image can advantageously be stored independently of the limitations of the display unit, particularly the size and resolution of the display. In particular, higher information content can be inserted into the image.

[0025] Furthermore, it is proposed that the image be additionally regenerated based on additional data detected in previously performed measurements. The storage unit preferably stores the current measurement data as additional data in the memory of the storage unit or control unit for later use, at least temporarily, particularly for displaying material properties in segments of the object being inspected that are beyond the current sensor range of the material inspection equipment. Specifically, the control unit generates and / or displays the image based on the current measurement data detected specifically within the current sensor range and based on the additional data. With the design according to the invention, the image can advantageously display large segments of the object being inspected. In particular, the measured segments of the object being inspected can advantageously be stored in a small number of images. In particular, the overhead of these images can advantageously be kept low.

[0026] Furthermore, it is proposed that, in at least one method step, the newly generated image is stored in a manner different from the current display of the display unit of the material inspection equipment. The display of the display unit is generated by the control unit based on current measurement data and optionally based on additional data detected by the sensor unit and processed by the control unit. In addition to material properties, the display includes, for example, status displays, menu bars, time, warning prompts, current sensor range, etc., as additional or supplementary display objects, which are shown in particular overlapping with the material properties. Preferably, the user or control unit selects, in at least one method step, via a preset configuration file whether and, in particular, which display objects in the image are stored, especially in relation to the material properties. The stored image may be consistent with or deviate from the display of the display unit. Optionally, the newly generated image is output on the display unit for user confirmation. Optionally, the image is stored in a multi-layer image format, wherein one layer of the image includes the material properties, while at least another layer includes additional and / or supplementary display objects. With the design according to the invention, the image can be advantageously adapted for further use and / or evaluation. In particular, additional display objects and pre-evaluations can also be additionally integrated into the image, especially those that are not necessary for performing measurements in the display and / or make performing measurements more difficult due to display overload. Specifically, additional and / or supplementary display objects unrelated to further use and / or evaluation can advantageously be omitted from the image. Furthermore, the display can advantageously be adapted to measurement processes using sensor units, for example, by overlaying alignment aids, particularly regardless of whether the display is suitable for evaluation and / or further use.

[0027] It is also proposed that, in at least one method step, at least two stored images of material properties be combined into a single image. The control unit combines at least two images into a single image, these two images being created at different locations of the material inspection equipment relative to the surface of the object being inspected, or at the same location with different settings of the material inspection equipment, particularly the sensor unit. The control unit preferably stores the image for merging with overhead. The overhead specifically includes the position of the material inspection equipment relative to the surface of the object being inspected on which the image was detected and / or the setting of the sensor unit used to detect the image. The overhead can be stored as a separate file or together with the relevant images in a single meta-file. In the case of overlapping images, the control unit preferably uses a stitching method known per se to fuse the overlapping areas of the images. Optionally, in the case where the images are spaced apart from each other, the control unit interpolates intermediate regions between the images. With the design according to the invention, large segments of the object being inspected, particularly larger than the material inspection equipment itself, can advantageously be shown in a single image.

[0028] Furthermore, it is proposed that in at least one step of the method, image storage is triggered by the user of the material inspection device. Specifically, the material inspection device includes at least one actuating element for triggering storage. Optionally, based on the current position of the material inspection device and the position of the last stored image, a display unit indicates whether a new image should be stored at the current position, particularly for seamlessly joining multiple images and / or avoiding redundant data. The actuating element for triggering storage can preferably be operated with the same hand holding the material inspection device, particularly by arranging the actuating element on and / or near the handle of the material inspection device. Due to the design according to the invention, the user advantageously has significant control over the selection of the stored content and the amount of data required for this purpose. In particular, downstream review of the images can advantageously be brief.

[0029] Furthermore, it is proposed that images be automatically stored in at least one step of the method. The control unit stores images, in particular, at regular spatial and / or time intervals. Additionally or alternatively, storage is triggered by detecting foreign objects in the otherwise homogeneous base material of the inspected object. Automatic storage can, in particular, occur throughout the entire operating duration of the material inspection equipment. Alternatively, automatic storage occurs during the duration of the recording mode of the material inspection equipment activated by the user. Alternatively, automatic storage occurs during the duration in which the user actively manipulates the operating elements of the material inspection equipment, particularly manipulating them against restoring force. With the design according to the invention, this segment can advantageously be systematically detected and stored in the image. In particular, seamless storage of material properties can be advantageously achieved in a simple manner.

[0030] Furthermore, it is proposed that in at least one step of the method, an image is transmitted to an external storage device via an interface, particularly the interface of the aforementioned material inspection device. This interface can be designed as wired, for example as a USB connection, a Lightning connection, an RS-232 connection, an Ethernet connection, etc.; it can be designed as wireless, particularly radio wave-constrained, for example as a Wi-Fi module, a Bluetooth module, a ZigBee module, etc.; and / or as data carrier-constrained, particularly as a memory card reader / writer. The control unit preferably transmits the image to the external storage device via the interface, particularly for image post-processing, for evaluating the material properties displayed in the image, and / or for digitally recording measurements performed using the material inspection device. Alternatively or additionally, the control unit transmits raw data from the sensor unit and / or material properties determined by the control unit to the external storage device via the interface. The external storage device can be designed, for example, a smartphone, tablet, server, PC, etc. With the design according to the invention, the storage unit of the material inspection device can advantageously remain small or be implemented by the memory of the control unit. In particular, when the evaluation of the measurement signal is at least partially transferred out, the maximum computing power and energy consumption of the control unit can be advantageously kept low.

[0031] Furthermore, a material inspection device, particularly a handheld device, is proposed, having a control unit, particularly the aforementioned control unit, and a display unit, particularly the aforementioned display unit, particularly a color display, for performing the method according to the invention. The material inspection device includes a sensor unit, particularly an antenna unit, comprising at least one transmitting element for emitting electromagnetic waves, particularly in the microwave and / or radio wave range, and at least one receiving element for receiving electromagnetic waves, particularly in the microwave and / or radio wave range. Optionally, the transmitting and receiving elements are formed from the same component, particularly from the same antenna element. The sensor unit preferably includes transmitting and receiving electronics having, for example, a signal generator, an amplifier, analog and / or digital signal filters, etc. The material inspection device preferably includes a housing that accommodates the sensor unit and / or arranges the sensor unit thereon. "Handheld" should be understood to mean that it can be held and / or transported with one hand, particularly without the need for hand-holding and / or transport equipment assistance. In particular, the material inspection device weighs less than 20 kg, preferably less than 10 kg, and particularly preferably less than 5 kg. The material inspection device optionally has a handle protruding from the housing, a handle latch inside the housing, and / or a gripping surface arranged on the housing for user guidance of the material inspection device. The material inspection device preferably includes at least two, preferably four, rolling elements mounted on the housing. A display unit is arranged on the housing, particularly on the side of the housing opposite to the rolling elements, and particularly inside it. The material inspection device includes at least one position detection unit, particularly an odometer. The material inspection device includes at least one storage unit. The storage unit may include volatile memory, particularly for overlaying and displaying values ​​of material properties from previous measurements onto the current measurement, and / or non-volatile memory, particularly for downstream material property evaluation of the current measurement. Optionally, the storage unit includes write and / or read elements for a replaceable data carrier, particularly a memory card and / or memory stick. Alternatively or additionally, the material inspection device includes an interface for wired and / or wireless communication with external devices, particularly radio wave-constrained communication, particularly for external evaluation and / or processing of detected position-related material properties. The material inspection equipment includes at least one operating element, particularly multiple operating elements, such as buttons, switches, slide buttons, rotary adjustment knobs, etc., for user input. Alternatively or additionally, the display unit's display is designed as a touch screen. In particular, the control unit, storage unit, interface, position detection unit, and / or sensor unit are arranged within a housing. The design according to the invention makes it possible to provide a material inspection equipment that can be advantageously operated in a user-friendly and intuitive manner. In particular, a material inspection equipment can be provided by way of which a large amount of advantageous information can be advantageously displayed at a glance.

[0032] The method and / or material inspection apparatus according to the invention should / should not be limited to the applications and embodiments described above in this case. In particular, the method and / or material inspection apparatus according to the invention may have the number of individual elements, components, and units mentioned herein, as well as a number deviating from the method steps, in order to perform the functional manner described herein. Furthermore, in the cases of the value ranges stated in this disclosure, values ​​within the limits should also be considered public and freely usable. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Further advantages will emerge from the following description of the accompanying drawings. An embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the drawings. The drawings, description, and claims contain a number of features in combination. Those skilled in the art will also find these features individually advantageous and combine them into other meaningful combinations.

[0034] in:

[0035] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a material inspection apparatus according to the present invention is shown.

[0036] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the method according to the present invention is shown.

[0037] Figure 3 A schematic diagram showing an object during depth measurement using the method according to the present invention is provided.

[0038] Figure 4 This diagram illustrates the display of objects during the switching of representations in the process according to the method of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 5 A schematic diagram showing the object during humidity measurement using the method according to the invention, and

[0040] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a display object having an alignment aid is shown during the process of the method according to the invention. Detailed Implementation

[0041] Figure 1 Material inspection device 12 is shown. Material inspection device 12 is specifically designed for positioning the object to be inspected 14 (see [reference]). Figure 3Foreign objects and / or fillers in the base material, particularly water, especially in walls, floors, ceilings, etc. The material inspection device 12 includes a housing 64. The material inspection device 12 includes a sensor unit 65 for emitting and receiving electromagnetic waves, particularly microwaves and / or radio waves. The sensor unit 65 is arranged in and / or on a positioning side of the housing 64. The positioning side of the housing 64 is specifically configured for alignment with the surface 16 of the object to be inspected 14 during measurement using the material inspection device 12. The material inspection device 12 preferably includes a handle 60, which in particular protrudes from or is formed by the housing 64, for manually guiding the material inspection device 12 along the surface 16 of the object to be inspected 14. The material inspection device 12 includes at least one rolling element 56, 58, preferably multiple, particularly four rolling elements 56, 58. The rolling elements 56, 58 are mounted on the housing 64. Specifically, the rolling elements 56, 58 are arranged to directly contact the surface 16 and for positioning the housing 64, particularly the sensor unit 65, spaced apart from the surface 16 of the object being inspected 14. The material inspection device 12 includes at least one displacement sensor (not shown here), which is specifically configured to determine the displacement of the material inspection device 12 relative to the surface 16 of the object being inspected 14 by detecting the rolling of at least one of the rolling elements 56, 58. The material inspection device 12 preferably has a longitudinal axis 63. Specifically, the plane of rotation of at least one of the rolling elements 56, 58 extends at least substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 63. Alternatively, the plane of rotation of at least one of the rolling elements 56, 58 is arranged at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 63 or may additionally be aligned in this manner. The material inspection device 12 includes a control unit 50 for performing method 10, which... Figures 2 to 6 This will be explained in more detail below. The material inspection device 12 includes a storage unit 54. The material inspection device 12 includes a display unit 34 for displaying the measurement results of the sensors. The display unit 34 is particularly preferably designed as a color display. The display unit 34 is arranged on the side of the housing 64 opposite to the positioning side. The material inspection device 12 includes at least one operating element 62. The material inspection device 12 is designed to, for example, show foreign objects in a cross-sectional view of the inspected object 14 (see...). Figure 3 and 4 The foreign object is shown in a top view, particularly in the transparent view of surface 16 (see...). Figure 5 ) and / or show the curve changes of measurement signals, material properties, etc. 100 (see Figure 6 The material inspection device 12 can be designed, in particular, as a dedicated device as shown in the manner described, or as a general-purpose device that can be switched between several of those shown.

[0042] Figure 2A flowchart of method 10 is shown. Method 10 includes a measurement step 66. Method 10 includes a storage step 68. Method 10 includes a display step 70. Method 10 includes an encoding display step 72. Method 10 specifically includes a display storage step 74. Alternatively or additionally, method 10 includes an image generation step 76. Optionally, method 10 includes a setting step 78. Method 10 includes an image post-processing step 80.

[0043] Method 10 is configured to operate material inspection equipment 12. In measurement step 66, a measurement signal is transmitted to the object under inspection 14 (see...). Figure 3 In the process of material inspection, the position of the material inspection device 12 relative to the surface 16 of the object to be inspected is detected by a displacement sensor. The material properties of the region 18 of the object to be inspected, hidden behind the surface 16, are determined in a position-resolved and / or orientation-resolved manner. In the storage step 68, the material properties and position are stored together in the volatile memory and / or non-volatile memory of the storage unit 54 by the control unit 50. In the display step 70, the material properties are displayed as at least one digital display object 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32 (see...) using the display unit 34. Figure 3 In at least one method step, the same display objects 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32 are additionally displayed with respect to material properties, particularly through color coding 39. Material properties and measurement additional information are output in different display formats 36, 38 respectively in display step 70. The current display formats 36, 38 of display object 32 are identified by measurement additional information and / or additional measurement information. In display step 70, the measurement additional information encodes the material type. During display step 70 or a preset step of method 10, the coding 39 of the measurement additional information is changed, particularly through the operating element 62. In the coding display step 72, the coding 39 of the measurement additional information is displayed overlaid.

[0044] During the display step 70 or preset step of method 10, the value ranges 46, 47, and 48 of the material properties and / or measurement supplementary information shown are (see...). Figures 3 to 6 It is adapted, especially through operating element 62.

[0045] In at least one method step of method 10, a diagram of the material properties is stored as an image by the material inspection device 12. In the display storage step 74, the current display of the material properties created by the display unit 34 of the material inspection device 12 is stored. Specifically, the image rendered for display is stored as a file in the storage unit 54 or an external storage device. After storage is triggered, particularly by a user, the material inspection device 12 stores the current display of the display unit 34 as a graphic file. If information exists outside the current display, it may also be optionally stored thereas. Where the material inspection device 12 can detect displacement of the material inspection device 12 in a dimension parallel to the surface 16, a wider image is generated, which, for example, contains information about the entire measurement area. Where the material inspection device 12 can detect displacement of the material inspection device 12 in two dimensions parallel to the surface 16, the image may optionally be expanded in both dimensions compared to the display. In the image generation step 76, an image is regenerated based on the current measurement data of the material inspection device 12, specifically for storage. In image generation step 76, the image is additionally regenerated from supplementary data recorded in previously performed measurements and specifically stored in storage step 68. In image generation step 76, the image is additionally regenerated based on supplementary data detected in previously performed measurements and specifically stored in storage step 68. In image generation step 76, the newly generated image is stored in a representation different from the current display format 36, 38 of the display unit 34 of the material inspection device 12. The image to be stored is generated in image generation step 76 independently of the display from the current measurement data. Image generation step 76 can be performed additionally or alternatively relative to display storage step 74. Optionally, additional information not included in the display is overlaid on the image. Optionally, the type of display is adapted for external evaluation or further use of the image. For clarity, data determined in the display, such as the depth of detected foreign objects, is preferably displayed only for currently detected foreign objects. In the stored images, optional data is provided for each foreign object, such as depth, possible borehole depth, and / or material type, particularly optically coded material type. Alternatively, image storage is triggered automatically, for example, after the measurement is completed. In at least one method step of method 10, image storage is triggered by the user of the material inspection device 12. In at least one method step of method 10, image storage is performed automatically. Optionally, overhead is additionally stored in addition to the images. The overhead includes, for example, information about the foreign objects found, information about the two-dimensional area or one-dimensional path inspected using the material inspection device 12. Alternatively, the overhead is stored as a data file, particularly instead of the images.In image post-processing step 80, at least two stored images of material properties are combined into a single image. Specifically, a single image is created from multiple images using one-dimensional or two-dimensional stitching. Optionally, in image post-processing step 80, the image may be transferred to an external storage device via interface 52 of the material inspection device 12.

[0046] Figure 3The display of display unit 34 is illustrated exemplarily. Display unit 34 displays display objects 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, and 32, which indicate the material properties of the object 14 under inspection. Display unit 34 also displays other display objects 42, 82, 84, 86, and 88 used to evaluate material properties, such as the sensor range 40 of the material inspection device 12, the value ranges 46 and 47 of the material properties, particularly the lateral position and depth, the surface 16 of the object 14 under inspection, abbreviations of code 39, etc. Optionally, display unit 34 displays additional display objects unrelated to material properties, such as a charging status display of the material inspection device 12, a menu bar, material calibration of the material inspection device 12, etc. In at least one method step of method 10, measurement supplementary information of one of the display objects 32 is used to display a depth reference 44 based on the determined material properties. In particular, display unit 34 displays the depth reference 44 using the same code 39, specifically using the same color as the material properties currently present in the sensing area 40. In the encoding display step 72, the display unit 34 overlays the code 39 as an illustration 90. Specifically, the display unit 34 represents the display objects 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, and 32 using geometric shapes such as dots or elongated points, particularly lines, which represent the detected foreign objects and / or the base material of the inspection object 14. The code 39, which reproduces the additional measurement information, is achieved by coloring the shapes. It may also be advantageous to color only a portion of the shape of one of the display objects 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, and 32 when detection is important. Uncolored portions of the display objects 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, and 32, such as the outer ring, represent detected foreign objects. Colored portions of the display objects 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, and 32, such as a point in the middle of the display objects 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, and 32, represent code 39. For color alternatives or additionally, the encoding 39 can also be implemented using symbols and / or text. To assign meaning to the colors, an illustration 90 is overlaid. The illustration 90 can be overlaid automatically and / or via an operational element 62 designed as a button. Additionally or alternatively, additional display objects 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, such as symbols and / or text, are overlaid for sub-areas of the currently detected inspection object 14, particularly to make the operation more intuitive. Thus, the user can advantageously learn the meaning of the colors during use, especially without using the illustration 90. If only a specific category of foreign objects is of interest, the foreign objects can be shown and / or obscured in an uncoded manner. Optionally, the acoustic output of the identified object supports optical encoding 39 or, instead, in a manner whereby the acoustic signal is encoded according to material characteristics, for example, through a description of frequency, volume, or material properties, particularly the material type, in plaintext.

[0047] Figure 4The switching of display formats 36 and 38 of the display unit 34 is illustrated exemplary. Exemplarily, one display format 36 (referred to as "object depth" for distinction) is designed to assess the depth of material properties. Exemplarily, one display format 38 (referred to as "drill depth" for distinction) is designed to assess the maximum permissible drill depth. In at least one method step of method 10, another display object 42 representing the sensor range 40 of the material inspection device 12 undergoes a display switching based on the determined material properties. In particular, in the case of an idle drill path, the sensor range 40 is displayed differently, particularly in a different color, compared to an anomaly detected in the drill path as indicated by display object 30'. Optionally, and particularly additionally, a warning message 92 is output on the display unit 34. The switching between display formats 36 and 38 is performed, for example, via a settings menu or a direct button. In illustration form 36, “Object Depth,” the horizontal depth reference 44 of the currently detected foreign object is located directly on the upper edge of the object, facing the displayed surface 16 of the inspected object 14, thus indicating the depth of the foreign object. The markings on the depth reference 44 emphasize the depth on another display object 82, which is designed as a depth scale, and thus support reading. The markings and depth reference 44 are color-matched to the currently detected foreign object to emphasize its attribution. A focal point marker and two boundary markers shown here in dashed lines indicate the sensor range 40. The boundary markers are specifically arranged on the outer edge of the material inspection device 12. The focal point marker and boundary markers are shown in red when a foreign object is present in the sensor range 40, particularly at the dashed boundary markers, otherwise in green. In illustration form 38, “Drilling Depth,” the depth reference 44 is positioned at a defined interval, specifically a safety margin, relative to foreign objects associated with the drilling. The foreign object considered for the depth reference 44 can be the currently detected foreign object, or multiple foreign objects can be considered, where the object with the minimum depth is decisive. If multiple objects are decisive for the depth reference 44, the markers and depth lines are shown in a neutral color. To indicate that the "drilling depth" is currently selected in presentation 38, the drill hole is displayed on the depth reference 44, particularly within the sensor range 40. In the area from the displayed surface 16 to the depth reference 44, boundary markers and / or focus markers are shown in green, specifically to indicate that drilling is possible. In the area from the depth reference 44 to the end of the displayed inspection object 14 away from the displayed surface 16, boundary markers and / or focus markers are shown in red, specifically to warn of foreign objects. If drilling is impossible due to a shallow foreign object, an icon indicating "Drilling not possible" is displayed. In both presentations 36, 38, optionally, an acoustic output additionally warns of foreign objects. Optionally, the user sets the desired drilling depth. The display unit 34 optionally displays only foreign objects that prevent drilling to the desired drilling depth.

[0048] Figure 5 Another display form 96 is shown, which the display unit 34 uses to display material properties. Specifically, the additional display form 98 includes an alignment aid 94, here in the form of a crosshair, for the lateral alignment of the material inspection device 12 relative to the surface 16, serving as an additional display object. The additional display form 96 can be displayed by the display unit 34, alternatively or additionally to display forms 36 and 38.

[0049] Figure 6An additional display format 98 is shown, which the display unit 34 uses to display material properties via a display object 33 designed as a curve change process 100. Specifically, additional measurement information is shown in the plane defined by the curve change process 100 or as a representation of the curve change process 100, for example, as the color or pattern of the curve change process 100. The curve change process 100 is, for example, a measure of the probability of a foreign object being located at a corresponding point or a measure of how wet the inspection object 14 is. If additional measurement information is available, additional curve changes may optionally be shown. Curve changes 100 can be superimposed, particularly shown on the same scale or on two scales, for example, in terms of the depth of the foreign object, the propagation time of the measurement signal, the signal strength of the measurement signal, and / or the probability of the foreign object. Alternatively, multiple curve changes 100 are shown, each having its own coordinate system, wherein the coordinate system is shown in a manner parallel to the scale of the coordinate system, particularly the vertical axis. Alternatively, the curve change process 100 or the area between the curve change process 100 and the horizontal axis of the coordinate system belonging to the curve change process 100 is colored or otherwise graphically altered according to measurement supplementary information. For example, the curve change process 100 itself indicates the probability of the presence of a foreign object or the signal strength of the detected measurement signal. For example, the color of the curve change process 100 or the area between the curve change process 100 and the horizontal axis provides information about the material type of the foreign object. Preferably, the display can be parameterized by the user, i.e., the range of values ​​48 shown can be adapted to the measurement supplementary information. In particular, the range of values ​​48 shown can be adapted regardless of how much information is shown, and especially regardless of whether one or more curve change processes 100 are shown colored or uncolored. For example, the minimum and / or maximum values ​​of the coordinate system or the scale of the measurement supplementary information can be adapted. The minimum value is used to set how small or weak the smallest detectable foreign object is. In particular, unwanted signal components in the measurement signal, especially noise and / or clutter, can be masked as the minimum value increases. The maximum value can be used to set the maximum signal strength of the measured signal, which in particular allows the area of ​​display unit 34 to be used advantageously even when the measured signal is weak. The adaptation of the displayed value range 48 can be performed manually by the user, automatically based on other user settings such as the base material, or fully automatically based on a reference determined by sensor unit 65.

Claims

1. A method for operating a material inspection device, wherein a measurement signal is transmitted to an object to be inspected (14), wherein the position of the material inspection device relative to a surface (16) of the object to be inspected (14) is detected to determine, in a position-resolved and / or orientation-resolved manner, a material property of a region (18) of the object to be inspected (14) hidden behind the surface (16), and wherein the material property is displayed by a physical display unit (34) as at least one digital display object (20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32), wherein, in at least one method step, in addition to the material property, the same display object (22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32) also displays additional measurement information by color coding (39). Its features are, In at least one method step, another display object (42) showing the sensor range (40) of the material inspection device undergoes a display switch according to the determined material properties, wherein the sensor range (40) moves together with the material inspection device and / or with the orientation of the sensor unit (65) of the material inspection device relative to the inspection object (14).

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The material properties and measurement additional information are output in at least two method steps in different presentation formats (36, 38).

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, In at least one method step, the current display form (36, 38) of the display object (32) can be identified by means of the measurement supplementary information and / or other measurement supplementary information.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, In at least one method step, the measurement of additional information encodes the material type.

5. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, In at least one method step, the encoding of the measurement supplementary information is changed (39).

6. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, In at least one method step, the measurement supplementary information provides a depth reference based on the determined material properties (44).

7. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, In at least one method step, the encoding of the measurement additional information is superimposed (39).

8. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, In at least one method step, the range of values ​​shown for the material properties and / or the measurement supplementary information is adapted (46, 47, 48).

9. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The material inspection equipment is a handheld material inspection device.

10. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, In at least one method step, the material properties are shown as an image and stored by the material inspection device.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, In at least one method step, the current display of material properties created by the display unit (34) of the material inspection device is stored.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, In at least one method step, the image is regenerated based on the current measurement data from the material inspection device and is specifically intended for storage.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The image is additionally regenerated based on additional data detected in previously performed measurements.

14. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, In at least one method step, the regenerated image is stored in a manner different from the current display form (36, 38) of the display unit (34) of the material inspection device.

15. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, In at least one method step, the regenerated image is stored in a manner different from the current display form (36, 38) of the display unit (34) of the material inspection device.

16. The method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, In at least one method step, at least two stored images of material properties are combined into a single image.

17. The method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, In at least one method step, the storage of the image is triggered by the user of the material inspection device.

18. The method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, The image is automatically stored in at least one method step.

19. The method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, In at least one method step, the image is transmitted to an external storage device via the interface (52) of the material inspection device.

20. A material inspection device having a control unit (50) and a storage unit (54) for performing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 19.

21. The material inspection equipment according to claim 20, characterized in that, The display unit (34) is a color display.

Images