An intelligent automatic verification system for a pointer multimeter

The intelligent automatic calibration system for pointer multimeters utilizes technologies such as visual recognition and robotic arms to achieve fully automated calibration of pointer multimeters, solving the problems of low efficiency and low accuracy in traditional manual calibration, and improving calibration efficiency and accuracy.

CN119738763BActive Publication Date: 2025-11-18GUANGZHOU GRG METROLOGY & TEST CO LTD +3
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202411932210.4
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-12-26
Publication Date
2025-11-18
Estimated Expiration
2044-12-26

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Traditional pointer multimeter calibration methods rely on manual operation, which is inefficient, cannot achieve full automation, and the calibration accuracy is greatly affected by human factors and the environment.

Method used

Design an intelligent automatic calibration system for pointer multimeters, including a feeding/discharging unit, a vision recognition unit, and a control unit. The system uses a dial and control panel to identify and calibrate the detection module, and combines a six-axis robotic arm and a servo gripper for precise operation. A controllable light source matrix provides a stable light source, and the control unit coordinates with the functional units to achieve automated processes.

Benefits of technology

It improves the efficiency and accuracy of verification, reduces manual intervention, ensures the consistency and reliability of verification results, and realizes fully automatic and intelligent verification of pointer multimeters.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The application provides a kind of pointer multimeter intelligent automatic verification system, relating to multimeter verification technical field, including inlet and outlet unit, visual identification unit, verification unit and control unit;Inlet and outlet unit is used to carry the pointer multimeter to be detected;Two identification detection modules in visual identification unit are respectively arranged above the dial and control panel of the pointer multimeter to be detected, obtain the position information of the control panel of the pointer multimeter to be detected and send to control unit;Control unit controls verification unit based on position information, and obtains verification result by reading dial reading through identification detection module.The above-mentioned system guarantees the accuracy of the operation of the control panel by the verification unit, improves the reliability of the verification, avoids the error caused by manual reading, ensures the accuracy of the verification result;Reduce manual participation in the process, improve the verification efficiency, finally automate the original record and verification certificate in the automatic verification process, realize the automatic and intelligent verification of the pointer multimeter to be detected.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of multimeter calibration technology, and in particular to an intelligent automatic calibration system for pointer multimeters. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional multimeters, also known as multimeters, are indispensable measuring instruments in fields such as power electronics. They are typically used to measure data such as DC current, DC voltage, AC current, AC voltage, and resistance parameters. Specifically, they can be classified into two types according to the structure of the meter head: digital multimeters and analog multimeters. Analog multimeters have advantages such as continuous indication, strong anti-interference ability, and no need for batteries for current and voltage ranges. They are widely used by professional technicians. The characteristic of the pointer swing amplitude in analog multimeters provides technicians with intuitive and continuous indication in many fields such as rail transportation, electronics, and maintenance. This is also an important reason why ordinary digital multimeters cannot completely replace analog multimeters.

[0003] Currently, national regulations require instruments to be calibrated annually. Traditional calibration methods typically involve manual operation and visual inspection, which has the disadvantages of being labor-intensive, inefficient, and unable to automate the entire calibration process for pointer multimeters. Furthermore, the accuracy of calibration is greatly affected by human skill and external environmental factors, and the consistency of data readings needs to be improved.

[0004] Therefore, a system that can guarantee the accuracy of pointer multimeter calibration and realize a fully automated and intelligent calibration process for pointer multimeters is urgently needed for research. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the shortcomings of the existing technologies, this invention provides an intelligent automatic calibration system for pointer multimeters, which solves the technical problems of low calibration efficiency and inability to automate the calibration process caused by manual visual inspection of pointer multimeters in the existing technologies.

[0006] This invention provides an intelligent automatic calibration system for pointer multimeters, including a feeding / discharging unit, a vision recognition unit, a calibration unit, and a control unit;

[0007] The feeding and discharging unit is used to carry the pointer multimeter to be inspected;

[0008] The visual recognition unit is connected to the control unit. The visual recognition unit includes a dial recognition and detection module and a control panel recognition and detection module. The dial recognition and detection module is located above the dial of the pointer multimeter under test and is used to identify and record the metrological identification information required for the cover of the calibration certificate of the pointer multimeter under test. The control panel recognition and detection module is located above the control panel of the pointer multimeter under test and is used to obtain the position information of the control panel of the pointer multimeter under test and send the control panel position information to the control unit. The control panel position information includes the zero position knob position information, the measurement range position information, and the terminal identification position information.

[0009] The control unit is also connected to the calibration unit. Based on the control panel location information, the control unit controls the calibration unit to perform calibration actions on the control panel of the pointer multimeter under test, and reads the dial reading of the pointer multimeter under test through the dial recognition detection module to obtain the calibration result of the pointer multimeter under test, complete the original record and issue a calibration certificate.

[0010] Optionally, the feeding / discharging unit includes a conveyor belt, a fixing fixture, a stepper motor, and a driver;

[0011] Along the transmission direction of the conveyor belt, there are sequentially arranged a test station, a test station, and a test completion station;

[0012] The fixing fixture is placed on the conveyor belt and is used to clamp and fix the pointer multimeter to be tested;

[0013] The control unit is connected to the driver, the driver is connected to the stepper motor, and the stepper motor is connected to the conveyor belt. The control unit controls the driver to work so as to drive the stepper motor to rotate the conveyor belt, so that the multimeter under test on the fixed fixture moves along the transmission direction of the conveyor belt and passes through the test station, the test station and the test completion station in sequence.

[0014] When the pointer multimeter to be tested arrives at the test station, the calibration unit performs calibration actions on the control panel of the pointer multimeter to be tested.

[0015] Optionally, the test station is provided with a clamping component, which is used to clamp the fixing fixture to fix the pointer multimeter to be tested on the test station;

[0016] A stopper is also provided between the test station and the test station, and the stopper is used to prevent the fixed fixture on the test station from moving toward the test station.

[0017] A sensor and a limiting device are installed at the end of the test completion station away from the test station. When the sensor detects the pointer multimeter under test, the limiting device limits the pointer multimeter under test. The sensor sends a stop rotation command to the control unit to control the conveyor belt to stop rotating.

[0018] Optionally, the verification unit includes a six-axis robotic arm, a servo gripper, a drive power supply, and a programmable controller;

[0019] The servo gripper is located at the end of the six-axis robotic arm, and the drive power supply supplies power to the six-axis robotic arm and the servo gripper respectively.

[0020] The programmable controller is connected to the six-axis robotic arm, the servo gripper, and the control unit, respectively. It receives control panel position information from the control unit and, based on this information, controls the six-axis robotic arm to move the servo gripper to the top of the control panel of the multimeter under test. It also controls the servo gripper to perform calibration actions on the control panel of the multimeter under test, and uses the dial identification and detection module to perform reading actions on the dial of the multimeter under test. The calibration actions include controlling the servo gripper to adjust the voltage / current zero-adjustment knob and the resistance zero-adjustment knob on the control panel to achieve voltage zeroing, current zeroing, and resistance zeroing. The reading actions include taking positive readings of the voltage and current ranges on the dial, and taking reverse readings of the resistance range.

[0021] Optionally, the verification unit may further include a gripper fixture and / or a dial indicator fixture;

[0022] The gripper fixture is mounted on the servo electric gripper and is used to adjust the knob settings on the control panel of different types of pointer multimeters under test; and / or,

[0023] The probe fixture is mounted on the servo gripper and is used to insert the probes into the jacks on the control panel of different types of pointer multimeters under test.

[0024] Optionally, the visual recognition unit further includes a controllable light source matrix;

[0025] The controllable light source matrix is ​​positioned between the dial recognition and detection module and the pointer multimeter under test, and between the control panel recognition and detection module and the pointer multimeter under test, to provide a calibration light source.

[0026] Optionally, the control unit includes an electronic control module and a host computer;

[0027] The electronic control module includes a feeding / discharging unit control system, a vision recognition unit control system, and a verification unit control system, which are respectively used to control the operation of the feeding / discharging unit, the vision recognition unit, and the verification unit;

[0028] The host computer runs automatic calibration software for pointer multimeters. This software controls the feeding / discharging unit control system, the vision recognition unit control system, and the calibration unit control system to work together to achieve automatic calibration of the pointer multimeters to be calibrated and automatic acquisition of calibration results.

[0029] Optionally, the automatic calibration software of the pointer multimeter integrates a calibration item switching module and a standard source. The calibration item switching module includes current calibration items, voltage calibration items and resistance calibration items, and the standard source is used to provide the electrical signal reference for the calibration items.

[0030] The host computer controls the verification unit to perform one of the following tests on the control panel of the pointer multimeter under test: current test, voltage test, or resistance test, based on the standard source and the verification item switching module, and switches between them.

[0031] Optionally, the intelligent automatic calibration system for the pointer multimeter also includes a chassis;

[0032] The feeding / discharging unit, the visual recognition unit, the verification unit, and the control unit are disposed inside the chassis. The chassis has a feeding port and a discharging port on its two sides, respectively. The feeding end of the feeding / discharging unit is disposed at the feeding port, and the discharging end of the feeding / discharging unit is disposed at the discharging port.

[0033] The front of the chassis is provided with a control panel, which is electrically connected to the control unit;

[0034] The front of the chassis is also provided with an observation window, and the observation window is equipped with a transparent protective plate.

[0035] Optionally, the top of the chassis is provided with an air-cooling device, which is used to dissipate heat from the inside of the chassis;

[0036] The chassis is also equipped with an electrical input port and an external expansion port.

[0037] This invention provides an intelligent automatic calibration system for pointer multimeters. It features two identification and detection modules that visually recognize the dial and control panel of the pointer multimeter under test. This ensures the accuracy of the calibration unit's operation of the control panel, guaranteeing the consistency and repeatability of calibration conditions and improving calibration reliability. Furthermore, it accurately reads the pointer position on the dial, avoiding errors that may arise from manual reading and ensuring the accuracy of the calibration results. Simultaneously, it acquires the metering information of the pointer multimeter. An automated feeding and discharging unit transports the pointer multimeter to the designated calibration location, reducing manual intervention and improving calibration efficiency. The system, based on control unit control, enables the various functional units to work collaboratively, achieving automated and intelligent calibration of the pointer multimeter.

[0038] Other features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and will be apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practicing the invention. The objects and other advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the structures particularly pointed out in the written description, claims, and drawings.

[0039] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0040] The accompanying drawings are provided to further illustrate the invention and form part of the specification. They are used in conjunction with embodiments of the invention to explain the invention and do not constitute a limitation thereof. In the drawings:

[0041] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the feeding and discharging unit structure of an intelligent automatic calibration system for a pointer multimeter provided in this application;

[0042] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the visual recognition unit of the intelligent automatic calibration system for pointer multimeters provided in this application, calibrating the pointer multimeter under test;

[0043] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of a six-axis robotic arm for an intelligent automatic calibration system of a pointer multimeter provided in this application;

[0044] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the visual recognition unit of the intelligent automatic calibration system for pointer multimeters in another embodiment provided in this application, calibrating the pointer multimeter under test;

[0045] Figure 5 A control principle diagram of the control unit of the intelligent automatic calibration system for a pointer multimeter provided in this application;

[0046] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the chassis in an intelligent automatic calibration system for a pointer multimeter provided in this application;

[0047] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the automatic calibration software function of a pointer multimeter in an intelligent automatic calibration system provided in this application.

[0048] In the picture:

[0049] 1. Pointer multimeter to be tested; 2. Fixture; 3. Clamping component; 4. Stop component; 5. Sensor; 6. Limiting component; 7. Dial recognition and detection module; 8. Control panel recognition and detection module; 9. Controllable light source matrix; 10. Chassis; 11. Observation window; 12. Air cooling device;

[0050] A. Station to be tested; B. Testing station; C. Testing completed station. Detailed Implementation

[0051] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," and "counterclockwise," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0052] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0053] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0054] This invention provides an intelligent automatic calibration system for pointer multimeters, including an infeed / outfeed unit, a vision recognition unit, a calibration unit, and a control unit; the infeed / outfeed unit is used to transport the pointer multimeter 1 to be calibrated; the vision recognition unit is connected to the control unit, as shown below. Figure 2 As shown, the visual recognition unit includes a dial recognition and detection module 7 and a control panel recognition and detection module 8. The dial recognition and detection module 7 is located above the dial of the pointer multimeter 1 under test and is used to identify and record the metrological identification information required for the cover of the calibration certificate of the pointer multimeter 1 under test. The control panel recognition and detection module 8 is located above the control panel of the pointer multimeter 1 under test and is used to obtain the position information of the control panel of the pointer multimeter 1 under test and send the control panel position information to the control unit. The control panel position information includes the position information of the zero knob, the position information of the measurement range, and the identification position information of the terminal. The control unit is also connected to the calibration unit. Based on the control panel position information, the control unit controls the calibration unit to perform calibration actions on the control panel of the pointer multimeter 1 under test and reads the dial reading of the pointer multimeter 1 under test through the dial recognition and detection module 7 to obtain the calibration result of the pointer multimeter 1 under test, complete the original record, and issue a calibration certificate.

[0055] This invention provides an intelligent automatic calibration system for pointer multimeters. Two identification and detection modules are set up to visually identify the dial and control panel of the pointer multimeter 1 under test. This ensures the accuracy of the calibration unit's operation of the control panel, guarantees the consistency and repeatability of calibration conditions, and improves calibration reliability. It also accurately reads the pointer position on the dial, avoiding errors that may be caused by manual reading and ensuring the accuracy of the calibration results. Simultaneously, it can acquire the basic identification information of the pointer multimeter. The automated feeding and discharging unit transports the pointer multimeter 1 to the designated calibration position, reducing manual intervention and improving calibration efficiency. The system, based on control unit control, enables the various functional units to work collaboratively, achieving automated and intelligent calibration of the pointer multimeter 1.

[0056] The dial recognition and testing module 7 obtains the metrological identification information of the pointer multimeter 1 under test, including the instrument name, model, manufacturer, serial number, and accuracy class on the dial. The dial recognition and testing module 7 can automatically identify, record, and issue certificates for the basic identification information.

[0057] Specifically, in the above embodiments, such as Figure 1As shown, the feeding and discharging unit includes a conveyor belt, a fixed fixture 2, a stepper motor, and a driver. Along the conveyor belt's transmission direction, there are sequentially arranged a test station A, a test station B, and a test completion station C. The fixed fixture 2 is placed on the conveyor belt to hold and fix the multimeter under test 1. The control unit is connected to the driver, the driver is connected to the stepper motor, and the stepper motor is connected to the conveyor belt. The control unit controls the driver to drive the stepper motor to rotate the conveyor belt, causing the multimeter under test 1 on the fixed fixture 2 to move along the conveyor belt's transmission direction, sequentially passing through test station A, test station B, and test completion station C. When the multimeter under test 1 reaches test station B, the calibration unit performs a calibration operation on the control panel of the multimeter under test 1.

[0058] In this embodiment, the automated operation of the conveyor belt enables the pointer multimeter 1 to be inspected to move orderly from one station to the next, improving the efficiency of the overall calibration process. Specifically, the pointer multimeter 1 is placed at the test station A, and as the conveyor belt moves, it reaches the test station B, where it is calibrated using the calibration unit. After calibration, it moves with the conveyor belt to the test completion station C, and finally, the pointer multimeter 1 is removed, completing the entire automated calibration process. The fixing fixture 2 serves as the mounting fixture for the pointer multimeter 1. The carrier on the conveyor belt can stably hold the multimeter under test, ensuring that it will not shift its position during the calibration process, which helps to improve the accuracy of visual recognition and calibration. The combined use of the driver and stepper motor can precisely control the speed and position of the conveyor belt, ensuring that each pointer multimeter 1 under test can accurately reach the designated station for corresponding operation. The control unit's coordinated control of the entire system enables the entire process from receiving the pointer multimeter 1 under test to completing the calibration to be executed automatically, reducing the possibility of human intervention and improving the consistency and reliability of the work.

[0059] Furthermore, a clamping component 3 is provided on test station B to clamp and fix the fixing fixture 2, thereby fixing the pointer multimeter 1 to be tested on test station B; a stop component 4 is also provided between test station A and test station B to prevent the fixing fixture 2 on test station A from moving to test station B; a sensor 5 and a limiting component 6 are provided at the end of test station C away from test station B. When sensor 5 detects the pointer multimeter 1 to be tested, the limiting component 6 limits the pointer multimeter 1 to be tested, and sensor 5 sends a stop rotation command to the control unit to control the conveyor belt to stop rotating.

[0060] In this embodiment, such as Figure 1As shown, by setting a clamping component 3 on test station B to clamp and fix the fixed fixture 2, it is ensured that the pointer multimeter 1 under test remains stable throughout the entire calibration process. This helps the visual recognition unit to accurately read the dial reading and ensures the consistency and accuracy of the calibration actions. Setting a stop component 4 between test station A and test station B can effectively prevent the pointer multimeter 1 under test from entering test station B prematurely without completing the preparatory steps, or prevent multiple pointer multimeters 1 under test from existing in test station B, which would lead to incorrect calibration results and affect the reliability and stability of the system. At the test completion station C, a sensor 5 can accurately sense the position of the test object and promptly transmit the signal to the control unit. The control unit sends a stop command to ensure that each item to be inspected can accurately reach the predetermined position for the next step of processing. By establishing a feedback mechanism, the accuracy of the conveyor belt motion control is effectively improved and the position error is reduced. Among them, the sensor 5 can be set in conjunction with the limit member 6. When the sensor 5 detects the pointer multimeter 1 to be inspected, the limit member 6 can limit the pointer multimeter 1 to be inspected and stop the pointer multimeter 1 from continuing to move. Finally, based on the stop member 4, sensor 5 and limit member 6 provided in this application, which are automatically controlled, the system can automatically adjust the workflow without manual intervention, speed up the inspection cycle and improve the overall inspection efficiency of the system.

[0061] Specifically, in the above embodiments, the calibration unit includes a six-axis robotic arm, a servo gripper, a drive power supply, and a programmable controller. The servo gripper is located at the end of the six-axis robotic arm, and the drive power supply supplies power to both the six-axis robotic arm and the servo gripper. The programmable controller is connected to the six-axis robotic arm, the servo gripper, and the control unit, respectively, and is used to receive control panel position information sent by the control unit, and based on the control panel position information, control the six-axis robotic arm to drive the servo gripper to the control panel of the multimeter under test 1, and control the servo gripper to perform calibration actions on the control panel of the multimeter under test 1. The dial recognition detection module 7 performs reading actions on the dial of the multimeter under test 1. The calibration actions include controlling the servo gripper to adjust the voltage and current zero-adjustment knobs and the resistance zero-adjustment knobs on the control panel to achieve voltage zeroing, current zeroing, and resistance zeroing. The reading actions include reading the voltage and current ranges in the forward direction on the dial, and reading the resistance range in the reverse direction.

[0062] In this embodiment, such as Figure 3As shown, the six-axis robotic arm provides six degrees of freedom of motion, enabling flexible adjustment of position and posture to ensure that the servo gripper can accurately reach the control panel of the multimeter 1 under test and perform the required calibration actions. The servo gripper, located at the end of the robotic arm, has fast response characteristics and high-precision control capabilities, enabling it to quickly and accurately complete operations such as grasping and releasing, thus accelerating the calibration speed and improving overall work efficiency. The programmable controller receives position information sent from the control unit and parses it into specific motion commands, realizing precise control of the six-axis robotic arm and the servo gripper, ultimately forming a closed-loop control system to ensure consistency and accuracy in every operation of the servo gripper.

[0063] Specifically, the calibration process utilizes a six-axis robotic arm in conjunction with a servo gripper. This involves adjusting the voltage and current zeroing knobs to achieve voltage and current zeroing, and adjusting the resistance zeroing knob to achieve resistance zeroing. Simultaneously, the dial recognition and detection module 7 reads the dial of the multimeter 1 under test, including forward readings of the voltage and current ranges and reverse readings of the resistance range. This application employs a six-axis robotic arm and servo gripper to perform the zeroing operation. The six-axis robotic arm can quickly and accurately position and adjust the knobs, while the servo gripper provides highly precise control, ensuring that each adjustment achieves the required accuracy level. This shortens the calibration time and reduces errors caused by human factors. The dial recognition and detection module 7 automatically identifies and records the pointer position, avoiding subjective bias caused by human observation. It can not only provide forward readings of the voltage and current ranges but also reverse readings of the resistance range, offering a more comprehensive data verification method and further improving the reliability of the calibration results.

[0064] Furthermore, the calibration unit also includes a gripper fixture and / or a probe fixture; the gripper fixture is mounted on a servo electric gripper and is used to adjust the knob positions on the control panel of the multimeter 1 for different types of pointers under test; and / or, the probe fixture is mounted on a servo electric gripper and is used to insert the probes into the jacks on the control panel of the multimeter 1 for different types of pointers under test.

[0065] In this embodiment, gripper fixtures and / or probe fixtures can be set on the servo gripper according to testing requirements. The gripper fixture is used to adjust the knob positions on the control panel of different types of pointer multimeters, allowing the system to flexibly handle various multimeter models without requiring the design of dedicated tools for each specific model, greatly improving the system's versatility and adaptability. The probe fixture is used to insert the probes into different types of jacks, ensuring the accuracy and stability of the test connection, and is suitable for pointer multimeters with various interface specifications. Both the gripper fixture and the probe fixture are mounted on the servo gripper, achieving precise operation of the knobs and jacks through precision control, ensuring not only the accuracy of each... The system ensures consistency and accuracy in each operation, reducing errors caused by human factors. During operation, the probe fixture is fixed to the side and gripped by a six-axis robotic arm and servo grippers. After verification, it is automatically returned to the starting position. Automated gripping and insertion effectively reduce the need for manual intervention, speed up the verification process, and improve overall work efficiency. Furthermore, by setting up gripper and probe fixtures, the system can perform more complex verification tasks, such as simulating manual adjustment of knobs and inserting probes for measurement. It can also perform some simple adjustments or verification work, expanding the system's application scope and applicability.

[0066] Specifically, in the above embodiments, such as Figure 4 As shown, the visual recognition unit also includes a controllable light source matrix 9; the controllable light source matrix 9 is set between the dial recognition and detection module 7 and the pointer multimeter 1 under test, and between the control panel recognition and detection module 8 and the pointer multimeter 1 under test, and is used to provide a calibration light source.

[0067] In this embodiment, the controllable light source matrix 9 can provide uniform and stable illumination, reducing shadows and reflections, ensuring the acquisition of clear, high-contrast images, and thus accurately reading the pointer position on the dial and the information on the control panel. By adjusting the intensity, angle, and color of the light source, the lighting conditions can be optimized for different types of multimeters and different verification tasks, thereby improving the accuracy and reliability of the visual recognition unit. The controllable light source matrix 9 can be programmed and controlled according to specific needs, adapting to various verification environments and requirements, increasing the system's versatility and adaptability. Furthermore, a stable light source can help reduce the impact of external light changes on the verification process, enhancing the system's robustness and stability, especially in the presence of external light source interference.

[0068] The controllable light source matrix 9 is rectangular, providing light from four sides and can be fixed by a bracket. The dial recognition and detection module 7 and the control panel recognition and detection module 8 have the same structure, including a 2000W pixel industrial camera and a 50mm lens, to meet the requirement of clearly recognizing the characteristics required for multimeter verification at a viewing distance of about 700mm. The dial recognition and detection module 7 also includes automatically reading the instrument model, manufacturer and serial number of the instrument under test. When the handwritten serial number is not clear, a screenshot can be uploaded to the original record and certificate report.

[0069] Specifically, in the above embodiments, the control unit includes an electronic control module and a host computer; the electronic control module includes a feeding / discharging unit control system, a vision recognition unit control system, and a calibration unit control system, which are respectively used to control the actions of the feeding / discharging unit, the vision recognition unit, and the calibration unit; the host computer runs pointer multimeter automatic calibration software, which is used to control the feeding / discharging unit control system, the vision recognition unit control system, and the calibration unit control system to work together to realize the automatic calibration of the pointer multimeter 1 to be calibrated and the automatic acquisition of the calibration results.

[0070] In this embodiment, such as Figure 5 As shown, the control unit, as the core component of the system, specifically includes an electrical control module and a host computer. The electrical control module is controlled and managed by a high-performance industrial computer. Based on its functions, it can be divided into a material feeding / discharging unit control system, a vision recognition unit control system, and a calibration unit control system, etc., used to realize the operation control of each functional unit. The host computer is used to run the automatic calibration software for the pointer multimeter. The software can automatically identify the range and reading of the pointer multimeter 1 to be tested, control the various functional units to work together, process the calibration results, and automatically generate a calibration report for the pointer multimeter 1 to be tested.

[0071] Furthermore, the automatic calibration software of the pointer multimeter integrates a calibration item switching module and a standard source. The calibration item switching module includes current calibration items, voltage calibration items, and resistance calibration items. The standard source is used to provide the electrical signal reference for the calibration items. The host computer controls the calibration unit to perform one of the current calibration, voltage calibration, or resistance calibration on the control panel of the pointer multimeter 1 under test based on the standard source and the calibration item switching module, and switches between them.

[0072] In this embodiment, the calibration item switching module is specifically the AVΩ switching module, a key component in the multimeter calibration system. It automatically selects and switches between different measurement functions of the pointer multimeter 1 under test. Here, A represents current calibration items, V represents voltage calibration items, and Ω represents resistance calibration items. In the system provided in this application, the main function of the AVΩ switching module is to automate the testing process. It can automatically switch between different measurement functions without manual intervention, completing the conversion between different measurement modes such as current, voltage, and resistance, effectively improving calibration efficiency. Besides switching between different measurement types, the AVΩ switching module also supports switching between multiple ranges within the same measurement type. For example, in voltage calibration items, it can automatically select... Select a suitable voltage range to meet the actual needs of the object being tested. At the same time, the AVΩ switching module is also guided by the visual recognition unit. The visual recognition unit identifies the current range setting of the multimeter 1 under test and then sends an instruction to the AVΩ switching module according to the preset calibration program to adjust it to the required measurement function and range. In the voltage and current calibration projects, the range increases clockwise, while in the resistance calibration project, the range increases counterclockwise. Therefore, in the voltage and current calibration projects, the pointer needs to be read in the forward direction, while in the resistance calibration project, the pointer needs to be read in the reverse direction. The calibration project also includes adjusting the voltage and current zero adjustment knob and the resistance zero adjustment knob on the control panel to achieve voltage zeroing, current zeroing, and resistance zeroing.

[0073] The standard source is a key component in a multimeter calibration system, used to provide known and accurate electrical signals, such as voltage, current, or resistance values, for calibrating and verifying the accuracy of the pointer multimeter 1 under test. The standard source plays a crucial role in the automated calibration process, ensuring that each measurement function can be accurately tested and adjusted. Specifically, in this application, the AVΩ switching module can also work closely with the standard source. When switching to a specific measurement function, the standard source outputs the corresponding standard value for comparison and calibration.

[0074] Specifically, in the above embodiments, such as Figure 6 As shown, the intelligent automatic calibration system for pointer multimeters also includes a chassis 10; the feeding / discharging unit, the vision recognition unit, the calibration unit, and the control unit are located inside the chassis 10. The chassis 10 has a feeding port and a discharging port on its two sides, respectively. The feeding end of the feeding / discharging unit is located at the feeding port, and the discharging end of the feeding / discharging unit is located at the discharging port; a control panel is located on the front of the chassis 10, and the control panel is electrically connected to the control unit; an observation window 11 is also provided on the front of the chassis 10, and a transparent protective plate is provided on the observation window 11.

[0075] In this embodiment, the feeding / discharging unit, vision recognition unit, verification unit, and control unit of the system are integrated into a single chassis 10, making the entire system more compact, reducing the floor space required, and facilitating management and maintenance. The modular design of each functional unit also simplifies the installation and debugging process. The entire verification process from feeding to discharging is fully automated, reducing manual intervention and improving work efficiency. The chassis 10 design provides physical isolation, protecting the internal precision instruments from external environmental influences and preventing operators from contacting moving parts, thus increasing safety and providing an additional safety barrier. A control panel is located on the front of the chassis 10, which can be directly connected to the control unit, allowing users to easily manage the entire verification process through an intuitive interface. Furthermore, a transparent protective plate is installed on the observation window 11 on the front of the chassis 10, allowing operators to observe the internal working status without opening the chassis 10, ensuring safety while facilitating monitoring.

[0076] Specifically, the control panel on the front of the chassis 10 includes a human-machine interface and mechanical operation buttons, allowing operators to control the entire testing process from the front of the chassis 10. The visual recognition testing software in the control center adopts a modular functional approach, such as... Figure 7 As shown, its graphical interface simplifies programming complexity, transforming complex programming concepts into an intuitive, drag-and-drop interface, thereby improving the flexibility of business logic. It also enables the standardized development of vision algorithms, PLC communication, instrument communication, robot communication, and data management into individual functional modules through the platform. Custom programming scripts are supported, allowing for secondary development of the system. Furthermore, it adopts a flexible and configurable, modular architecture, reducing the coupling of functional modules and improving the configurability, reusability, and independence of individual modules. Moreover, it allows for the construction of a business platform based on business needs, incorporating the concept of digital twins to quickly build a fully functional system. The software features a flexible business layer that meets user needs; the user interface layer, serving as the human-machine interface, includes a main operating interface, a visual image capture interface, a parameter interface, a manual interface, and a log interface; the software implements functions including motion control of the six-axis robotic arm in the visual recognition unit and calibration unit, as well as control of the standard source output and report output of test values ​​and results; the specific control logic is as follows: first, the initial state of the multimeter under test 1 is judged; then, the multimeter under test 1 is automatically zeroed; finally, the measurement judgment and output of test values ​​are performed by comparing different values ​​of each range of the multimeter under test 1 with the standard source.

[0077] Furthermore, the top of the chassis 10 is equipped with an air-cooling device 12, which is used to dissipate heat from the inside of the chassis 10; the chassis 10 is also provided with an electrical input port and an external expansion port.

[0078] In this embodiment, the top of the chassis 10 is equipped with a fan-cooling device 12 for dissipating heat inside the chassis 10, so that the heat generated inside the chassis 10 can be dissipated in a timely manner, ensuring a stable internal environment. At the same time, the chassis 10 is equipped with quick-connect electrical input ports and external expansion ports, which facilitates subsequent expansion operations.

[0079] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this invention without departing from its spirit and scope. Therefore, if these modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this invention and their equivalents, this invention also intends to include these modifications and variations.

Claims

1. An intelligent automatic calibration system for a pointer multimeter, characterized in that, It includes a material feeding / discharging unit, a vision recognition unit, a verification unit, and a control unit; The feeding and discharging unit is used to carry the pointer multimeter (1) to be tested. The feeding and discharging unit includes a conveyor belt and a fixed clamp (2). A test station, a test station and a test completion station are arranged sequentially along the transmission direction of the conveyor belt. A stop member (4) is provided between the test station and the test station. The stop member (4) is used to prevent the fixed clamp (2) on the test station from moving to the test station. The visual recognition unit is connected to the control unit. The visual recognition unit includes a dial recognition and detection module (7) and a control panel recognition and detection module (8). The dial recognition and detection module (7) is set above the dial of the pointer multimeter (1) under test. It is used to identify and record the metrological identification information required for the cover of the calibration certificate of the pointer multimeter (1) under test. The control panel recognition and detection module (8) is set above the control panel of the pointer multimeter (1) under test. It is used to obtain the control panel position information of the pointer multimeter (1) under test and send the control panel position information to the control unit. The control panel position information includes the zero knob position information, the measurement range position information and the terminal identification position information. The metrological identification information includes the instrument name, model, manufacturer, serial number and accuracy class on the dial. The dial recognition and detection module (7) is also used to automatically identify, record and issue certificates for the metrological identification information. The control unit is also connected to the calibration unit. The control unit controls the calibration unit to perform calibration actions on the control panel of the pointer multimeter (1) under test based on the position information of the control panel, and reads the dial reading of the pointer multimeter (1) under test through the dial identification detection module (7) to obtain the calibration result of the pointer multimeter (1) under test.

2. The intelligent automatic calibration system for pointer multimeters according to claim 1, characterized in that, The feeding / discharging unit includes a stepper motor and a driver; The fixing clamp (2) is placed on the conveyor belt to clamp and fix the pointer multimeter (1) to be tested; The control unit is connected to the driver, the driver is connected to the stepper motor, the stepper motor is connected to the conveyor belt, and the control unit controls the driver to work so as to drive the stepper motor to drive the conveyor belt to rotate, so that the multimeter (1) under test on the fixed fixture (2) moves along the transmission direction of the conveyor belt and passes through the test station, the test station and the test completion station in sequence. When the pointer multimeter (1) to be tested arrives at the test station, the calibration unit performs calibration actions on the control panel of the pointer multimeter (1) to be tested.

3. The intelligent automatic calibration system for pointer multimeters according to claim 2, characterized in that, The test station is provided with a clamping component (3), which is used to clamp the fixing fixture (2) to fix the pointer multimeter (1) to be tested on the test station. A sensor (5) and a limiting member (6) are provided at the end of the test completion station away from the test station. When the sensor (5) detects the pointer multimeter (1) to be tested, the limiting member (6) limits the pointer multimeter (1) to be tested. The sensor (5) sends a stop rotation command to the control unit to control the conveyor belt to stop rotating.

4. The intelligent automatic calibration system for pointer multimeters according to claim 1, characterized in that, The verification unit includes a six-axis robotic arm, a servo electric gripper, a drive power supply, and a programmable controller; The servo gripper is located at the end of the six-axis robotic arm, and the drive power supply supplies power to the six-axis robotic arm and the servo gripper respectively. The programmable controller is connected to the six-axis robotic arm, the servo gripper, and the control unit, respectively. It is used to receive the control panel position information sent by the control unit, and control the six-axis robotic arm to drive the servo gripper to the control panel of the pointer multimeter (1) under test based on the control panel position information. It also controls the servo gripper to perform a calibration action on the control panel of the pointer multimeter (1) under test, and performs a reading action on the dial of the pointer multimeter (1) under test through the dial identification and detection module (7). The calibration action includes controlling the servo gripper to adjust the voltage and current zero adjustment knob and the resistance zero adjustment knob on the control panel to achieve voltage zeroing, current zeroing, and resistance zeroing. The reading action includes reading the voltage and current ranges in the forward direction on the dial, and reading the resistance range in the reverse direction.

5. The intelligent automatic calibration system for pointer multimeters according to claim 4, characterized in that, The calibration unit also includes a gripper fixture and / or a test pen fixture; The gripper fixture is mounted on the servo electric gripper and is used to adjust the knob position on the control panel of different types of pointer multimeters (1); And / or, The probe fixture is mounted on the servo electric gripper and is used to insert the probes into the jacks on the control panel of different types of pointer multimeters (1) under test.

6. The intelligent automatic calibration system for pointer multimeters according to claim 1, characterized in that, The visual recognition unit also includes a controllable light source matrix (9); The controllable light source matrix (9) is set between the dial recognition and detection module (7) and the pointer multimeter (1) under test, and between the control panel recognition and detection module (8) and the pointer multimeter (1) under test, to provide a calibration light source.

7. The intelligent automatic calibration system for pointer multimeters according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control unit includes an electronic control module and a host computer; The electronic control module includes a feeding / discharging unit control system, a vision recognition unit control system, and a verification unit control system, which are respectively used to control the operation of the feeding / discharging unit, the vision recognition unit, and the verification unit; The host computer runs an automatic calibration software for pointer multimeters. The automatic calibration software for pointer multimeters is used to control the feeding and discharging unit control system, the vision recognition unit control system and the calibration unit control system to work together to realize the automatic calibration of the pointer multimeter (1) to be calibrated and the automatic acquisition of calibration results.

8. The intelligent automatic calibration system for pointer multimeters according to claim 7, characterized in that, The automatic calibration software for the pointer multimeter integrates a calibration item switching module and a standard source. The calibration item switching module includes current calibration items, voltage calibration items, and resistance calibration items. The standard source is used to provide the electrical signal reference for the calibration items. The host computer controls the verification unit to perform one of the following tests on the control panel of the pointer multimeter (1) under test: current test, voltage test, or resistance test, based on the standard source and the verification item switching module, and switches between them.

9. The intelligent automatic calibration system for pointer multimeters according to claim 1, characterized in that, The intelligent automatic calibration system for the pointer multimeter also includes a chassis (10); The feeding and discharging unit, the visual recognition unit, the inspection unit and the control unit are arranged inside the chassis (10). The two sides of the chassis (10) have feeding ports and discharging ports respectively. The feeding end of the feeding and discharging unit is located at the feeding port and the discharging end of the feeding and discharging unit is located at the discharging port. The front of the chassis (10) is provided with a control panel, which is electrically connected to the control unit; The front of the chassis (10) is also provided with an observation window (11), and a transparent protective plate is provided on the observation window (11).

10. The intelligent automatic calibration system for pointer multimeters according to claim 9, characterized in that, The top of the chassis (10) is provided with a cooling device (12), which is used to dissipate heat from the inside of the chassis (10). The chassis (10) is also provided with an electrical input port and an external expansion port.

Citation Information

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