Surface measurement device and method of manufacturing the same

Abstract

The curved surface measuring device comprises a plurality of vector sensors, each of which comprises a body and a vectorizer connected to the body. The vectorizer comprises a straight extension, an end of which is provided with a connector for connecting to the body of another vector sensor; a sensor chip for sensing the vector of gravity; and a wireless communication circuit for transmitting the sensing value of the sensor chip to the outside through a wireless communication channel. The device can further comprise a computing device for calculating the vector value of the extension of the vectorizer relative to gravity. The calculation result is a plurality of points in space, based on which a curve can be drawn. The application also discloses a manufacturing method of the vectorizer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a surface measuring device, and particularly to a surface measuring device used in the medical and rehabilitation fields. Background Technology

[0002] Many applications require measuring curved surfaces, especially the vector distance from one point to another on that surface. This measurement cannot be performed using traditional methods, such as optical methods. One reason is the presence of convex surfaces between the two points, obstructing the path of light. Many researchers have devised solutions to overcome these challenges.

[0003] US Patent No. 5960370 discloses a two-dimensional position determining arrangement for measuring local variations in the Earth's magnetic field relative to a moving object and a method for determining the position of a magnet. It uses an elongated housing to house sensors for measuring gravity vectors along three fixed vertical axes relative to the length of the housing. As the housing moves, the tilt and rotation of the sensors around the housing's axes are determined using the measurements at each point. An Euler rotation transformation is used to convert the measurements along the three axes of the magnetic sensor into corresponding values ​​in a Cartesian coordinate system. This Cartesian coordinate system has a first horizontal component, a second horizontal component (both perpendicular to the wellpath direction), and a vertical component along the wellpath direction at the measurement point. The measurement results at each point then plot a curve.

[0004] DE19737142A1 discloses an apparatus for determining the two-dimensional position of a measured object. The apparatus includes a flat, square magnet 1 made of a hard magnetic material and coupled to the measured object. The magnetization direction (M) of the magnet 1 is parallel to a first axis of motion (X) of the measured object. First and second magnetic field sensors S1 and S2 are disposed on a surface parallel to the bottom surface of the magnet 1 and are used to detect the normal component of the magnetic field induced by the magnet 1 and extending in a direction perpendicular to the bottom surface of the magnet 1. The two sensors S1 and S2 maintain the same distance from the measured object along the first axis of motion (X), and maintain a fixed distance (Ds) along a second axis of motion (Y) perpendicular to the first axis of motion (X). The second axis of motion (Y) maintains the same fixed distance from the bottom surface of the magnet 1. A conversion unit 2 receives and processes the measurement values ​​(M1) of the sensors S1 and S2. A storage unit 4 stores the normal components of the magnetic field measured in each iteration as a feature group (Hxy) in the form (Hx, Hy*).

[0005] US11144063B2 discloses a system, method, and apparatus for inspecting a surface. The sensor is mounted on a slide or slide array system, and uses magnetic wheels to achieve accurate, automatic alignment and self-stabilizing contact with the surface to be inspected, overcoming physical obstacles and maneuvering at varying or constant speeds.

[0006] As described in the existing technology, there is a strong industry demand for the measurement of curved surfaces, regardless of their size. Various technologies have emerged to meet this need. Existing solutions all use magnetometers to measure changes in the Earth's magnetic field and calculate the coordinates of points on the curved surface. To improve measurement accuracy, existing technologies have also developed methods to ensure a fixed relative relationship between the sensor's sensing axis and the substrate surface. However, these methods still cannot guarantee that this relative relationship will remain constant, leading to accumulated drift during the measurement process. Furthermore, the existing methods for maintaining this relative relationship are not suitable for substrates other than magnetic materials. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to provide a novel surface measurement device for measuring a segment of a surface and generating position information of multiple measurement points.

[0008] The present invention also aims to provide a surface measuring device for measuring a segment of a surface and to prevent the accumulation of drift.

[0009] The purpose of this invention is also to provide a device that can measure curved surfaces of different materials and obtain accurate results.

[0010] The purpose of this invention is also to provide a method for preparing a surface measuring device.

[0011] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a surface measurement device is provided, comprising a first vector sensor and N second vector sensors, where N is a natural number, and each vector sensor comprising:

[0012] The body and the vectorer connected to the body, the vectorer including a linear extension, preferably a straight rod, and a first connector provided at the end of the vectorer away from the body;

[0013] The second connector is disposed on the sensor body, at the end opposite to the vector sensor, or within the coverage area of ​​the body, and has an opening or cut in the body to allow the first connector of another vector sensor to enter, thereby forming a rotatable connection with the second connector. The second connector can be disposed on multiple second vector sensors.

[0014] The first connector is equipped with a connecting part, and the second connector is equipped with a rotating connecting part for connection with the connecting part; the second connector is located on the extension line of the vector generator.

[0015] The sensing chip preferably includes an inertial sensor for sensing the vector of gravity and generating a gravity vector sensing value.

[0016] The wireless communication circuit connects to the sensor chip and transmits sensor values ​​to the outside world through the wireless communication channel; and

[0017] A power supply device for providing electrical power to the sensor chip and / or wireless communication circuitry;

[0018] The sensing data transmitted by the wireless communication circuit includes the code of the vector sensor.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the sensing numerical data transmitted by the wireless communication circuit includes the vector values ​​from the sensing chip of the vector sensor to the first connector.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in the second vector sensor, the position of the sensing chip is preferably within the range of the rotating connection portion of the second connector.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the length of the connection portion from the sensing chip to the first connector of the vectorer is preferably the same for each vectorer.

[0022] A preferred embodiment of the vector sensor of the present invention may further include a processing circuit connected to the sensing chip, for receiving the sensing results from the sensing chip, converting them into spatial position representation data, such as coordinate values ​​or vector values, and calculating the vector value of the connection between the sensing chip and the first connector of the vector generator, the relative vector value relative to the gravity vector, and / or calculating the absolute vector value of the vector at the connection between the sensing chip and the first connector of the vector generator. In this embodiment, a power supply device also provides power to the processing circuit.

[0023] The vector sensor may also be equipped with an attachment element for attaching the body to the measurement surface. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the center of the attachment element is projected into the range of the sensing chip.

[0024] The curved surface sensing device may also include a computing unit equipped with wireless communication capabilities to receive the processing results of each vector sensor and calculate the relative vector values ​​from the sensing chip of each vector sensor to the connection portion of its vector generator first connector. The computing unit may also be used to calculate the relative vector values ​​from the sensing chip of the first vector sensor to the connection portion of the vector generator first connector of the Nth second vector sensor.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, only one or more vector sensors are equipped with a processing circuit. Each sensor chip transmits its sensing results to the processing circuit via a wireless communication circuit, thereby calculating the relative vector value from each sensor chip to the connection portion of the corresponding vector generator first connector. In this embodiment, the processing circuit may also be configured to calculate the relative vector value from the sensor chip of the first vector sensor to the connection portion of the vector generator first connector of the Nth second vector sensor. The processing circuit may be configured in one of the first vector sensor or the plurality of second vector sensors.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the connecting portion of the first connector can be a connecting hook or a connecting ring, and the rotating connecting portion of the second connector can be a shaft. A flange can be provided at a certain distance from the periphery of the shaft to regulate the rotation of the connecting hook or connecting ring.

[0027] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the sensor chip is equipped with a storage device for storing vector data of the connection portion of the first connector relative to the sensor chip, and the code of the vector sensor corresponding to the sensor chip. In this embodiment, the computing device and / or processing device calculates the relative vector value from each sensor chip to the connection portion of the corresponding vector sensor first connector, or the vector value from the first vector sensor chip to the connection portion of the first connector of the Nth vector sensor, based on the code data, vector data, and processing results of the processing circuit.

[0028] In other embodiments of the present invention, the sensing values ​​of individual vector sensors are used to calculate the direction of the vector at the connection between the sensing chip and the first connector of the vector generator, relative to the gravity vector. The direction can be represented by an angle between the directions on a specific plane. In this case, the vector can be represented in the form of [angle, length of the connection between the sensing chip and the first connector of the vector generator].

[0029] In this embodiment, the inertial sensor includes an angular velocity meter.

[0030] A second aspect of the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a vector sensor for a surface measurement device. The method includes:

[0031] A mold is provided, which provides a forming space for the vector sensor and also includes a forming space for the second connector;

[0032] A chip rack is provided, which provides space for accommodating the sensor chip.

[0033] The chip holder is placed in the mold, so that the sensing chip accommodating space of the chip holder is projected into the range of the space formed by the second connector;

[0034] A chipset is provided, which includes a sensing chip, contains an inertial sensor, and processing circuitry electrically connected to the sensing chip.

[0035] The chipset is placed within the sensor chip housing space of the chip rack for positioning; and...

[0036] The material of the vector sensor is applied to the vector sensor's forming space and then cured.

[0037] The method may also include steps of demolding and curing the vector sensor.

[0038] The objectives and advantages of the present invention described above will become clearer from the following detailed description and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0039] Figure 1 A perspective schematic diagram of an embodiment of the surface measuring device of the present invention is shown.

[0040] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a vector sensor is shown, illustrating an embodiment of the surface measurement device of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a method for manufacturing a vector sensor for the surface measuring device of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of the manufacturing stage of an embodiment of the vector sensor of the surface measuring device of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 5 This diagram illustrates an application example of the curved surface measuring device of the present invention for measuring the back of a human body.

[0044] Reference tag list

[0045] 10 First Vector Sensor

[0046] 11 body

[0047] 11A end

[0048] 12 Vectors

[0049] 13 First Connector

[0050] 13A Connection Part

[0051] 14 Second connector

[0052] 14A Rotary connection part

[0053] 15. Opening or incision

[0054] 17 Sensor Chips

[0055] 18 Wireless Communication Circuits

[0056] 19 Power supply unit

[0057] 20-60 Second Vector Sensor

[0058] 21 Processing Circuit

[0059] 23 Storage devices

[0060] 30 Computing devices

[0061] 40 molds

[0062] 41 Vector Sensor Shaping Space

[0063] 42 Second connector forming space

[0064] 43 Chip rack

[0065] 45 Chipset

[0066] A1-A5 Vector Sensor

[0067] C7 The 7th cervical vertebra

[0068] S1 Sacral vertebrae 1 Detailed Implementation

[0069] Several embodiments of the surface measuring device and its manufacturing method of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0070] Figure 1 A perspective view of an embodiment of the surface measurement device of the present invention is shown. As shown, the surface measurement device of the present invention includes a first vector sensor 10 and a plurality of second vector sensors 20-60. The figure shows five second vector sensors 20-60 used in an embodiment. However, there is no limitation on the number of second vector sensors. In application, the number of second vector sensors used can be arbitrarily determined according to the purpose of measurement and the required measurement resolution.

[0071] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a vector sensor suitable for the surface measurement apparatus of the present invention is shown. As shown in the figure, each vector sensor includes a body 11 and a vectorer 12 connected to the body 11. The vectorer 12 includes a linear extension, shown as a straight-extending rod. A first connector 13 is provided at the end 11A of the vectorer 12 remote from the body 11.

[0072] A second connector 14 is disposed below the main body 11, and an opening or cutout 15 is provided in the main body 11 to allow the first connector of another vector sensor to enter and form a rotatable connection with the second connector 14. The second connector 14 may also be disposed on the sensor body 11, at the end opposite to the vector sensor 12. However, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the second connector 14 is disposed within the coverage area of ​​the main body 11. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the second connector is disposed only on the plurality of second vector sensors 20-60, and not on the first vector sensor 10. However, for ease of manufacturing, the first vector sensor 10 may also be equipped with the second connector 14, but it is not used during operation.

[0073] The first connector 13 is provided with a connecting portion 13A, and the second connector 14 is provided with a rotating connecting portion 14A for connection to the connecting portion 13A of another vector sensor, preferably a rotatable connection. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the second connector 14 is located on the extension line X of the vector sensor 12.

[0074] exist Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the connecting portion 13A of the first connector 13 forms a connecting hook. However, other types of connectors, such as connecting rings, are also applicable to the present invention. The rotating connecting portion 14A of the second connector 14 shown in the figure is a shaft. However, any other element that can cooperate with the connecting portion 13A of the first connector 13 to form a rotatable connection is also applicable to the present invention. A flange (not shown in the figure) may be provided at a certain distance from the periphery of the shaft 14A to restrict the rotation of the connecting hook 13A or the connecting ring.

[0075] The second vector sensor 20 with the above features can be used with another first vector sensor 10 or second vector sensor 20. The first connector 13 of the other vector sensor is connected to the second connector 14 of the second vector sensor 20, and the vector of the other vector sensor 12 passes through the cutout 15 of the second vector sensor 20, so that the two form a rotatable connection.

[0076] The first connector 13 is preferably integrated with the vector generator 12. The second connector 14 is preferably integrated with the body 11. However, it is also acceptable to form another component and then combine it with the vector generator 12 or the body 11.

[0077] Furthermore, the body 11 and the vector generator 12 are preferably integrated. However, they can also be manufactured separately and then combined. According to a preferred embodiment of the vector sensor manufacturing method of the present invention, a single mold is used to manufacture a sensor including the body 11, the vector generator 12, and forming a first connector 13 and a second connector 14. However, the manufacturing method of the present invention is not limited to the method of the embodiment.

[0078] Figure 2The diagram shows a sensing chip 17 disposed within the body 11 to sense the vector of gravity (earth's gravitational force) and generate a gravity vector sensing value. The sensing chip 17 preferably includes an inertial sensor, such as an accelerometer or gyroscope. The gravity sensed using an inertial sensor can typically be represented as a vector value, such as a vector represented by three-dimensional components of coordinate values ​​or angular vector values.

[0079] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the gravity vector is used to infer the spatial value of the vector represented by vectorizer 12. Therefore, other reference values ​​that can be used to calculate the spatial value of the vector represented by vectorizer 12 can also be applied to the present invention.

[0080] In detail, a sensing chip 17 is disposed within the body 11 of the vector sensor. When the vector sensor is manufactured, the relative vector value of the endpoint of the vector generator 12, i.e., the first connector 13 of the vector generator 12, relative to the vector system of the sensing chip 17, is known. Furthermore, in manufacturing, the relative vector value can usually be set to a fixed value through strict process control, for example, (x, 0, 0) expressed in coordinates. In addition, if the gravity vector is expressed in coordinates, its absolute coordinate value can be expressed as (0, 0, -1). Therefore, as long as the relative vector value of the gravity vector relative to the vector system of the sensing chip 17 is measured by the sensing chip 17, the absolute vector value from the sensing chip 17 to the endpoint of the vector generator 12 can be calculated.

[0081] The sensor chip with the above-described technical features can use any commercially available sensor, or with necessary modifications. Sensor chips suitable for use in this invention include: NORDIC (trademark) nRF51822 and other chip products with the same functionality.

[0082] The vector sensor is equipped with a wireless communication circuit 18, which is also located within the main body 11. The wireless communication circuit 18 is connected to the sensor chip 17 and is used to transmit the sensor readings from the sensor chip 17 to the outside world via a wireless communication channel. The wireless communication circuit 18 can use any commercially available product. For example, the aforementioned NORDIC nRF51822 sensor chip is equipped with Bluetooth wireless communication functionality and can be used in this invention. Other circuit chips and circuit IPs with short-range wireless communication capabilities can also be used in this invention.

[0083] The vector sensor is also equipped with a power supply unit 19 to provide power to the sensing chip 17, the wireless communication circuit 18, and other components and circuits that require electrical power.

[0084] In several preferred embodiments of the present invention, the vector sensor is equipped with a storage device 23 for storing the sensing results of the sensing chip 17 and the data required to process the sensing results of the sensing chip 17. In a particular embodiment of the present invention, the storage device 23 may be disposed within the sensing chip 17. However, it may also be a separate circuit that forms a signal connection with the sensing chip 17. If it is a separate circuit or component, the power supply device 19 is also used to supply electrical power to the storage device 23.

[0085] The types of data stored in storage device 23 are not limited, but preferably include: relative vector data of the connection portion of the first connector 13 relative to the sensing chip 17, and the codes of the vector sensors 10 and 20 corresponding to the sensing chip 17. Additionally, it may include the sensing result readings of the sensing chip 17 and the corresponding sensing timestamps. In this embodiment, each piece of sensing data can be associated with a specific time and the sensor code. Furthermore, each piece of sensing data (gravity vector value) is also associated with the relative vector of the connection portion of the first connector 13 relative to the sensing chip 17. In this embodiment, the sensing value data transmitted by the wireless communication circuit 18 each time may include the code of the vector sensor. The sensing value data transmitted by the wireless communication circuit 18 also includes the relative vector value of the vector sensor's vectorizer 12 relative to the sensing chip 17. However, the relative vector value does not need to be transmitted each time sensing result data is transmitted. The sensing data transmitted by the wireless communication circuit 18 each time may also include a timestamp, but the timestamp may also be added to a batch of data by the element that receives the sensing data, such as a processing circuit or one of the first vector sensor 10 and a plurality of second vector sensors 20-60.

[0086] A preferred embodiment of the vector sensor of the present invention may further include a processing circuit 21 for converting the sensing results of the sensing chip 17 into spatial position representation data, such as coordinate values ​​or vector values. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the processing circuit 21 is connected to the sensing chip 17 to receive the numerical data of the sensing results from the sensing chip. The processing circuit 21 converts the sensing values ​​into spatial position representation data, such as coordinate values ​​or vector values. For example, when the sensing chip 17 is stationary, it can sense the vector of gravity (earth's gravitational force) and generate a gravity vector sensing value. The gravity vector sensing value represents the relative vector value of the gravity vector with respect to the vector system of the sensing chip 17. Since the relative vector value of the connection between the sensing chip and the first connector of the vector generator is known, the processing circuit 21 can calculate the vector value of the connection between the sensing chip 17 and the first connector of the vector generator, relative to the gravity vector, based on the relative vector of gravity. Furthermore, since the absolute vector of gravity is known, the processing circuit 21 can also calculate the absolute vector value of the vector at the connection between the sensing chip 17 and the first connector 13 of the vector generator based on the absolute vector of gravity. All of these vector values ​​can be expressed as coordinate values ​​(spatial coordinates or polar coordinates) or as vector values. In this embodiment, the power supply device 19 also supplies power to the processing circuit 21, and the sensing values ​​sent by the wireless communication circuit 18 are the calculated relative or absolute vector values.

[0087] When calculating, if the vector value of the connection between the sensor chip 17 and the first connector 13 of the vector generator is to be calculated, the relative vector value with respect to the gravity vector can be completed using the following formula (1):

[0088] Let the relative vector value of the connection between the sensing chip 17 of the first vector sensor 10 and the first connector 13 of the vector generator be expressed in spatial coordinates as (x11, 0, 0). The gravity vector measured by the sensing chip 17 is (x12, y12, z12). Then the relative vector value of the connection between the sensing chip 17 of the first vector sensor 10 and the first connector 13 of the vector generator, expressed in spatial coordinates as (x10, y10, z10), can be calculated by the following formula (1):

[0089] (x10, y10, z10) = (x11-x12, y11-y12, z11-z12) … (1)

[0090] Conversely, if the absolute vector value of the connection between the sensor chip 17 and the first connector 13 of the vector generator is to be calculated, it can be done using the following formula (2):

[0091] Let the relative vector value of the connection between the sensing chip 17 of the first vector sensor 10 and the first connector 13 of the vector generator be expressed in spatial coordinates as (x11, 0, 0). The gravity vector measured by the sensing chip 17 is (x12, y12, z12). Since the absolute vector of the gravity vector is known as (0, 0, -1), the absolute vector value of the connection between the sensing chip 17 of the first vector sensor 10 and the first connector 13 of the vector generator, expressed in spatial coordinates as (x10, y10, z10), can be calculated by the following formula (2):

[0092] (x10, y10, z10) = (x11-x12, y11-y12, z11-z12+1) … (2)

[0093] The processing circuit 21, which possesses the above-mentioned computing capabilities, can also utilize commercially available processors, with necessary modifications, to provide the computing functions required by this invention. Furthermore, the aforementioned NORDIC nRF51822 product also provides a processing circuit with the above-mentioned functions. Those skilled in the art will readily understand how to implement this invention.

[0094] In other embodiments of the invention, the sensor chip 17 includes an angular velocity meter for calculating the angle and length of the vector at the connection between the sensor chip 17 and the first connector 13 of the vector generator relative to gravity. In the calculation, the length of gravity is assumed to be 1 unit or other suitable length.

[0095] Vector (vector 10) can be represented as:

[0096] Vector 10 = L10, θ10…(3)

[0097] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, only one or more vector sensors may be equipped with a processing circuit 21, or only one or more vector sensor processing circuits 21 may provide processing functions. In this embodiment, each sensor chip 17 transmits the sensing results, i.e., the individually detected gravity vector values, to the processing circuit 21 via a wireless communication circuit 18. The vector sensor processing circuit 21 calculates the relative vector value from each sensor chip to the connection portion of the corresponding vector generator first connector based on the sensing values ​​sent by each vector sensor 10, 20. In this embodiment, the processing circuit may also be configured to calculate the relative vector value from the sensor chip of the first vector sensor to the connection portion of the vector generator first connector of the Nth second vector sensor.

[0098] In another embodiment of the invention, individual vector sensors 10, 20 do not require processing circuitry 21; instead, the curved surface sensing device includes an independent computing device 30. The computing device 30 is equipped with wireless communication capabilities to receive the sensing or processing results from each vector sensor 10, 20, and thereby utilizes its computing capabilities to calculate the relative vector values ​​from the sensing chip 17 of each vector sensor 10, 20 to the connection portion of the first connector 13. The computing device 30 can also be configured to calculate the relative vector values ​​from the sensing chip 17 of the first vector sensor 10 to the connection portion of the first connector 13 of the Nth second vector sensor 20. The computing device 30 used in this type of embodiment can typically be achieved by modifying existing components and functions found in mobile devices. For example, a mobile app can be developed to connect to the first vector sensor 10 and multiple second vector sensors 20, receive the sensing values ​​from each vector sensor 10, 20, and calculate their respective sensing vector values ​​or other useful values. The mobile app can be set to draw a surface shape on the display device based on the calculated values, which is represented by the measurement results of each vector sensor 10, 20 in sequence.

[0099] In the two embodiments described above, the computing device 30 and / or the processing circuit 21 calculate the vector values ​​sensed by individual vector sensors 10 and 20, or the vector of the connection between the first vector sensor 10 sensing chip and the first connector 13 of the Nth vector sensor 20, based on the code data of each sensing chip, the vector sensing data, and the processing results of the processing circuit.

[0100] In use, connect multiple vector sensors 10 and 20 one after the other, connecting the first connector of the previous vector sensor to the second connector of the next vector sensor, and tighten them. Then, arrange the vector sensors sequentially on the surface to be measured, so that each vector sensor is located at a point on the curve. If there are any attachment or fixing elements, attach or fix them to the measurement surface. Turn on the power of the vector sensors and use a smartphone app to collect the sensing results from multiple vector sensors. Input the vector values ​​or coordinate values ​​of the sensing results into surface drawing application software, such as software equipped with the ability to draw known Bezier curves, to draw a curve in two-dimensional or three-dimensional space passing through each vector sensor.

[0101] If it is necessary to know the absolute coordinate values ​​of the sensing chips of each vector sensor, a smartphone with absolute coordinate sensing capabilities, such as satellite positioning application software, can be placed above the sensing chip of the first vector sensor to obtain the absolute coordinate values. Based on these values, the absolute coordinates of the sensing chips of each second vector sensor and the absolute coordinates of the first connector of the Nth second vector sensor can be calculated.

[0102] To improve the accuracy of the sensing results of the curved surface sensing device of the present invention, the position of the sensing chip 17 in the second vector sensor 20 is preferably projected onto the range of the rotating connection portion of the second connector 14. Typically, the rotating connection portion is preferably located directly below the sensing chip 17, such as... Figure 2 As shown, it may be located directly above. However, this arrangement is not a technical limitation. Furthermore, to simplify calculations, the length of the connection between the sensing chip 17 of each individual vector sensor 10, 20 and the first connector 13 of the vectorer 12 is preferably the same for each vectorer 12. However, this is also not a technical limitation.

[0103] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, individual vector sensors 10, 20 may also be provided with attachment elements (not shown) for attaching the body 11 to the measurement surface. While this design is not a technical limitation, it is very useful, for example, when measuring curved surfaces of the human body or other similar surfaces. The attachment elements have different possible forms in different applications. For example, the attachment elements that might be used when measuring curved surfaces hundreds of meters long are completely different from those used when measuring curved surfaces only a few centimeters long. If attachment elements are used, the center of the attachment element preferably coincides with the sensing chip 17. For example, it may be located directly below or above the sensing chip 17.

[0104] To measure large curved surfaces, such as the ground inside a tunnel, a single first vector sensor can be used, with a powered movement device, such as a vehicle, mounted on its body. Equipped with a GPS chip, the sensor is moved to the tunnel entrance, where its absolute coordinates and the relative vectors of its endpoints are measured. Next, the sensor is moved back to the original position of the first vector sensor endpoints using the powered movement device, and the relative vectors of those endpoints are measured again. This process is repeated point by point until the tunnel exit. By collecting the values ​​from each measurement, the shape of the ground inside the tunnel can be mapped. The vector length of the sensor can be set, for example, to 10 meters. Therefore, only 100 measurements are needed per kilometer to map the ground shape.

[0105] In this application example, the surface measurement device includes a vector sensor and a dynamic movement device equipped with the vector sensor; the vector sensor includes:

[0106] The body and the vector generator connected to the body; the vector generator includes a linear extension;

[0107] The sensor chip is used to sense the vector of gravity and generate a gravity vector sensing value.

[0108] The processing device is connected to the sensing chip to calculate the relative vector value from the sensing chip of the vector sensor to its vector terminal based on the sensing results of the vector sensor.

[0109] Wireless communication circuit, connected to the processing device, transmits calculation results to the outside world through a wireless communication channel; and

[0110] A power supply device for providing electrical power to sensor chips, computing devices, and / or wireless communication circuits.

[0111] The surface measurement device may also include a GPS chip for measuring the coordinates of the location of the sensing chip. In this example, the sensing values ​​of the vector sensor can be used to calculate the relative vector of the vector at the connection between the sensing chip and the first connector of the vectorer with respect to the gravity vector. The relative vector is expressed by the angle between its direction and the specific vector and its length.

[0112] The following describes a method for manufacturing the vector sensor of the curved surface measuring device of the present invention. Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the manufacturing method of the vector sensor of the surface measuring device of the present invention is shown. Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of the manufacturing stages of an embodiment of the vector sensor of the surface measuring device of the present invention. The following description refers to the accompanying drawings.

[0113] like Figure 3 As shown, the vector sensor manufacturing method of the curved surface measuring device of the present invention may include the following steps: providing a mold 40 in step 301, the mold 40 providing a vector sensor forming space 41, and including a second connecting member forming space 42, as shown. Figure 4A As shown. In step 302, a chip holder 43 is provided, which provides a space for accommodating the sensor chip 17. In step 303, the chip holder is placed in the mold, so that the sensor chip accommodating space of the chip holder and the second connector are spatially aligned vertically, as shown. Figure 4B As shown. In step 304, a chipset 45 is provided. The chipset includes a sensor chip 17, which contains an inertial sensor, and a processing circuit 21 electrically connected to the sensor chip, a wireless communication circuit 18, a storage device 23, a power supply device, etc. In step 305, the chipset is placed in the sensor chip accommodating space of the chip holder 43 and positioned, as shown. Figure 4C As shown. Next, in step 306, the material of the vector sensor is applied to the vector sensor forming space and cured. After this step, the chip holder 43 forms part of the vector sensor body 11. The chip assembly 45 is also located above the second connector 14, completing the positioning, as shown. Figure 4D As shown. In step 307, the vector sensor is demolded and cured. This completes the fabrication of the vector sensor.

[0114] Figure 5This diagram illustrates an application example of the curved surface measuring device of the present invention for measuring the human back. The purpose of this application example is primarily to measure whether a patient has kyphosis or scoliosis. As shown in the figure, five vector sensors A1-A5 are used to measure the horizontal distance from the 7th cervical vertebra (C7) to the 1st sacral vertebra (S1). The C7-S1 curve in the figure represents the surface of the human back.

[0115] The curved surface sensing device includes a first vector sensor A1 and four second vector sensors A2-A5, connected to each other by a first connector 13 and a second connector 14. The five vector sensors A1-A5 are sequentially attached to the back of the subject, preferably along the spine. Care should be taken to maintain the stretch length during attachment. If the total length of the vector sensors is insufficient, the number can be increased arbitrarily, and vice versa. Before or during use, all vector sensors A1-A5 are paired and connected to a mobile application (APP). After startup, the mobile APP collects the sensor readings of all vector sensors A1-A5. The mobile APP's calculation function calculates the direction and length of the vector represented by the sensor reading of each vector sensor A1-A5 relative to the gravity vector. That is, the angle and relative length between the vector represented by the vector generator 12 of vector sensors A1-A5 and the gravity vector.

[0116] The calculation results are A1=(θ1,L1), A2=(θ2,L2), A3=(θ3,L3), A4=(θ4,L4), A5=(θ5,L5).

[0117] The C7-S1 curve can be plotted on the phone's display using a mobile app, such as... Figure 5 As shown. In addition, the mobile app can also calculate the horizontal distance on the plane from point C7 to point S1 using the following formula. This distance is medically termed SVA (sagittal vertical axis), and can be used to determine if a person has a hunchback:

[0118] SVA=∑L N ×cosθ N ...(4)

[0119] If θ_N < 90°, then cosθ_N > 0; if θN > 90°, then cosθN < 0.

[0120] By comparing the horizontal distance to a standard value (e.g., the SVA standard value is 46mm), it can be determined whether a person has developed a hunchback. The values ​​obtained in the examples can also be applied to various medical, rehabilitation, sports, and training assessments.

[0121] In equation (4), each included angle may not lie on the same plane or be projected onto the same plane. However, such directional offsets are usually negligible because, in applications, multiple vector sensors are typically located on or substantially on the same plane.

[0122] The surface sensing device of this invention can be applied to the measurement of various curved surfaces. The scale of the measured surfaces ranges from small human organs to large transportation infrastructure. Because the vector generator provides a vector with a known direction and length, and the vector sensor also provides wireless communication capabilities, any curved surface can be measured using this invention, without environmental limitations or damage to the object being measured. This invention truly provides benefits that existing technologies cannot offer.

Claims

1. A surface measurement device, comprising a first vector sensor and N second vector sensors, where N is a natural number, each vector sensor comprising: The body and the vectorer connected to the body, the vectorer including a linear extension, and a first connector provided at the end of the vectorer away from the body; The second connector is disposed on the end of the second vector sensor body opposite to the vector generator; The first connector is configured with a connecting portion, and the second connector is configured with a rotating connecting portion for connection with the first connector connecting portion of another vector sensor, the second connector being located on the extension line of the vector sensor; The sensor chip is used to sense the vector of gravity and generate a gravity vector sensing value. A wireless communication circuit is connected to the sensing chip and transmits the sensing values ​​to the outside world through a wireless communication channel. and A power supply device for providing electrical power to the sensing chip and / or the wireless communication circuit; The sensing data transmitted by the wireless communication circuit includes the code of the vector sensor.

2. The surface measuring device as described in claim 1, wherein, The sensing chip includes an inertial sensor, which is an accelerometer or an angular velocity meter.

3. The surface measuring device as described in claim 1, wherein, The second connector is disposed within the coverage area of ​​the body and has an opening or cut in the body to allow the first connector of the vector sensor to enter, thereby forming a rotatable connection with the second connector.

4. The surface measuring device as described in claim 1, wherein, In the second vector sensor, the position of the sensing chip coincides with the rotating connection portion of the second connector.

5. The surface measuring device as described in claim 1, wherein, The length of the connection between the sensing chip and the first connector of the vectorer is the same for each vectorer.

6. The surface measuring device as claimed in claim 1 further includes an attachment element for attaching the body to the measuring surface.

7. The surface measuring device as described in claim 6, wherein, The center of the attached element coincides with the sensing chip.

8. The surface measuring apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6 further includes a computing device equipped with wireless communication functionality to receive the sensing results of each vector sensor and to calculate the relative vector value from the sensing chip of each vector sensor to the connection portion of its vectorer first connector.

9. The surface measuring device as described in claim 8, wherein, The computing device also calculates the relative vector value of the connection between the sensing chip of the first vector sensor and the first connector of the vector generator of the Nth second vector sensor.

10. The surface measuring device as described in claim 8, wherein, The computing device is built into a smartphone in the form of application software.

11. The surface measuring device as described in claim 9, wherein, The computing device is built into a smartphone in the form of application software.

12. The surface measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The sensing data transmitted by the wireless communication circuit includes the vector values ​​of the vector sensor's vector generator.

13. The surface measurement device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a processing circuit connected to the sensing chip, for receiving the sensing results of the sensing chip, converting them into spatial position representation data, including coordinate values ​​or vector values, and calculating the vector value of the connection portion from the sensing chip to the first connector of the vectorizer, the relative vector value relative to the gravity vector, and / or calculating the absolute vector value of the vector from the sensing chip to the connection portion of the first connector of the vectorizer; wherein, The power supply device also provides electrical power to the processing circuit.

14. The surface measuring device as described in claim 13, wherein, Only one vector sensor is equipped with the processing circuit, wherein each sensing chip transmits the sensing results to the processing circuit via the wireless communication circuit.

15. The surface measuring device as described in claim 13, wherein, The processing circuit is configured to calculate the relative vector value of the connection between the sensing chip of the first vector sensor and the first connector of the vector generator of the Nth second vector sensor.

16. The surface measuring device as described in claim 15, wherein, The processing circuit is configured only on the first vector sensor.

17. The surface measuring device as claimed in claim 8, wherein, The sensing chip is equipped with a storage device for storing vector data of the connection portion of the first connector relative to the sensing chip, as well as the code of the vector sensor corresponding to the sensing chip.

18. The surface measuring device as claimed in claim 17, wherein, The computing device calculates the vector value of the connection between each sensor chip and the corresponding vector sensor first connector, or the vector value of the connection between the first vector sensor chip and the first connector of the Nth vector sensor, based on the code data of each sensor chip and the vector data.

19. The surface measuring device as described in claim 13, wherein, The sensing chip is equipped with a storage device for storing vector data of the connection portion of the first connector relative to the sensing chip, as well as the code of the vector sensor corresponding to the sensing chip.

20. The surface measuring device as claimed in claim 13, wherein, The processing circuit calculates the vector value of the connection between each sensor chip and the corresponding vector sensor first connector, or the vector value of the connection between the first vector sensor chip and the first connector of the Nth vector sensor, based on the code data and vector data of each sensor chip and the processing result of the processing circuit.

21. A method for manufacturing a vector sensor for a surface measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 20, comprising the following steps: A mold is provided, the mold providing a vector sensor forming space and including a second connector forming space; A chip rack is provided, which provides space for accommodating the sensor chip; The chip holder is placed in the mold, so that the sensing chip accommodating space of the chip holder is projected into the area of ​​the space formed by the second connector; A chipset is provided, the chipset including a sensing chip containing an inertial sensor and processing circuitry electrically connected to the sensing chip; The chipset is placed within the sensor chip housing space of the chip rack and positioned accordingly. and The material of the vector sensor body is applied to the vector sensor forming space and then cured.

22. The method of claim 21, further comprising the steps of demolding and curing the vector sensor.

23. The vector sensor obtained by the method of claim 21.

24. A vector sensor, comprising: The body and a vectorer connected to the body, the vectorer including a straight extension and a first connector provided at the end of the vectorer away from the body; A second connector is disposed on the body at the end opposite to the vector generator; The first connector is configured with a connecting portion, and the second connector is configured with a rotating connecting portion for connection to the connecting portion of the first connector of another vector sensor; the second connector is located on the extension line of the vector sensor; The sensor chip is used to sense the vector of gravity and generate a gravity vector sensing value. A processing circuit, connected to the sensing chip, is used to receive the sensing results of the sensing chip, convert them into spatial position representation data, including coordinate values ​​or vector values, and calculate the vector value of the connection part from the sensing chip to the first connector of the vector generator, the relative vector value relative to the gravity vector, and / or calculate the absolute vector value of the vector from the sensing chip to the connection part of the first connector of the vector generator. A wireless communication circuit is connected to the processing circuit and transmits the processing results to the outside world through a wireless communication channel. and A power supply device for providing electrical power to the sensing chip and / or the wireless communication circuit; The sensing data transmitted by the wireless communication circuit includes the code of the vector sensor.

25. The vector sensor as claimed in claim 24, wherein, The sensing chip includes an inertial sensor, which is an accelerometer or an angular velocity meter.

26. The vector sensor of claim 24, wherein, The position of the sensing chip coincides with the rotating connection part of the second connector.

27. The vector sensor of claim 24, further comprising an attachment element for attaching the body to the measuring surface.

28. The vector sensor as claimed in claim 27, wherein, The center of the attached element coincides with the sensing chip.

29. The vector sensor as claimed in claim 24, wherein, The sensing chip is equipped with a storage device for storing vector data of the connection portion of the first connector relative to the sensing chip, as well as the code of the vector sensor corresponding to the sensing chip.

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