Measurement apparatus and method for controlling the same

Abstract

The present invention provides a measurement apparatus and a control method thereof, which can improve measurement accuracy by eliminating the influence of user operation when setting a base point (origin) and when finalizing measurement data. An operation receiving unit of the measuring device receives a measurement data final command to final the measurement data. The central control unit sequentially stores the measurement values as provisional final measurement data in the memory when the proximity sensor detects that the finger has approached the operation receiving unit. The central control unit determines one or two or more of the provisional final measurement data stored in the memory as final measurement data when the operation receiving unit receives the measurement data final command.

Description

[0001] This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from Japanese patent application No. 2024-064758 (DAS code 5A19), filed on April 12, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a small measuring device. Background Art

[0003] Calipers, micrometers, dial indicators (indicators), lever-type dial indicators (test indicators), height gauges, and the like are widely used as small measuring devices (small tools) to measure the size of an object to be measured.

[0004] Patent Document 1: JP6472309B

[0005] Patent Document 2: JP5192144B Summary of the Invention

[0006] When using a micrometer or lever-type micrometer, a base point (origin) is typically set when its contact point is in contact with a workpiece, master workpiece, or gauge block. In this case, the user sets and acquires the base point (origin) by operating a button. However, when the user operates a button—that is, when the user presses the measuring device—the position and posture of the measuring device are changed. Consequently, the base point (origin) shifts, causing errors in the measured values ​​even in subsequent measurement operations when a command is input via button operation.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a surveying apparatus capable of improving measurement accuracy by eliminating the influence of user operations when setting a base point (origin) and when finalizing measurement data.

[0008] A measuring device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes:

[0009] Main body;

[0010] a position detector provided on the main body portion and configured to detect a position of an object to be measured by contact or non-contact;

[0011] an operation receiving unit provided on the main body portion and configured to receive a command / operation from a user;

[0012] a proximity sensor configured to measure a distance between the object and the operation receiving unit when the object approaches the operation receiving unit or moves away from the operation receiving unit; and

[0013] A central control unit is configured to control the overall operation.

[0014] According to a control method of a measuring device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the measuring device includes: a position detector provided on a main body and configured to detect the position of an object to be measured by contact or non-contact; an operation receiving unit provided on the main body and configured to receive a command / operation from a user; a proximity sensor configured to measure the distance between the object and the operation receiving unit when the object approaches or moves away from the operation receiving unit; and a central control unit configured to control overall operations. The control method includes:

[0015] When the proximity sensor detects that the object has approached the operation receiving unit, sequentially storing the measurement values ​​from the position detector as tentative finalized measurement data in a memory unit by the central control unit; and

[0016] When the operation receiving unit receives the measurement data finalization command, the central control unit determines one, two, or more than two of the tentative finalization measurement data stored in the memory unit as finalization measurement data. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 is the external view of the indicator;

[0018] Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of use of an indicator attached to a stand;

[0019] Figure 3 is a functional block diagram showing an electronic circuit;

[0020] Figure 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the indicator during button operation;

[0021] Figure 5 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the indicator during button operation;

[0022] Figure 6 is a flowchart for explaining the base point setting operation;

[0023] Figure 7 is a flow chart for explaining a hold mode switching operation;

[0024] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating the data finalization operation;

[0025] Figure 9 is a timing diagram during base point setting operation;

[0026] Figure 10 is a timing diagram during hold mode switching operation; and

[0027] Figure 11 is a timing diagram during a data finalization operation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The embodiments of the present invention are illustrated and described with reference to the reference numerals assigned to the elements in the drawings.

[0029] Note that each embodiment, example, and modified example may be implemented independently, or two or more embodiments, examples, and modified examples may be implemented in combination, and examples of modified examples supplemented by each embodiment, example, and modified example can be applied to other embodiments, examples, and modified examples.

[0030] (First exemplary embodiment)

[0031] A first exemplary embodiment of the present invention is described below.

[0032] The small measuring device in this exemplary embodiment is a portable small measuring device that can be carried in the user's hand, and is intended to be used when attached to a machine table to maintain a relative posture or relative position relative to the object to be measured. The small measuring device is intended to be used for micro-displacement measurement, such as the surface texture, contour, size (such as height and width measured using comparative lengths), circular runout, total runout, flatness and parallelism of the object to be measured, as well as the machining error of the processed product relative to the main workpiece (or gauge block). Such measuring devices include, for example, micrometers and lever-type micrometers. (This type of measuring device is also known as an indicator, test indicator, digital indicator, digital test indicator, linear gauge, height gauge, etc.)

[0033] In the present exemplary embodiment, a so-called digital indicator 100 (hereinafter, referred to as “indicator”) is described as an example.

[0034] Figure 1 is an external view of the indicator 100 .

[0035] The indicator 100 digitally displays the displacement of the spindle 120 on the display unit 130. The indicator 100 includes a measuring device body 110, a spindle (movable member) 120, a display unit 130, a plurality of operation buttons (operation receiving units) 140, a proximity sensor 150, an inertial sensor 160, and an electronic circuit 170.

[0036] The measuring device main body 110 is a short cylindrical housing.

[0037] The spindle 120 includes a contact point at its top end and is supported so as to be movable forward and backward in the axial direction through the measuring device main body 110. The measuring device main body 110 incorporates an encoder 171 for detecting the displacement of the spindle 120. The encoder 171 is a sensor that outputs an electrical signal based on the displacement (or absolute position) of the object to be measured, and is, for example, a linear encoder or a rotary encoder. Encoders employ various detection principles, including photoelectric, capacitive, electromagnetic induction, and magnetic, and employ both incremental and absolute detection methods.

[0038] In this example, the spindle 120 and the encoder 171 constitute a position detector for detecting the position (or displacement) of an object to be measured.

[0039] The display unit 130 is disposed in the approximately central area of ​​the front end surface of the measuring device main body 110. The display unit 130 is, for example, a liquid crystal display panel. The display unit 130 may be a segment or dot matrix liquid crystal display panel, an organic EL panel, or electronic paper.

[0040] The display unit 130 includes a numerical display area and an analog scale display area. The numerical display area displays numerical values. The meaning of the numerical values ​​displayed here depends on the mode selected at the time. For example, in measurement mode, the numerical values ​​in the numerical display area are the measured values ​​themselves. The measured values ​​are expressed as the difference from the base point (origin) set by calibration, for example.

[0041] In hold mode, the measured value (displayed value) is fixed and displayed. For example, depending on the user's settings, the maximum value (Max) or minimum value (Min) can be displayed during hold. Alternatively, the intermediate value between the maximum and minimum values ​​(herein referred to as the intermediate value) can be displayed during hold (intermediate value hold display). In addition, the runout range (maximum value - minimum value, Tir) in runout measurement can be displayed during hold.

[0042] In the tolerance setting mode or the preset mode, the numerical value in the numerical value display area indicates the tolerance or preset value input by the user through the input member (operation button).

[0043] The analog scale display area displays an arc-shaped scale and several markers displayed and controlled in conjunction with the scale. Markers imitating a pointer instrument are displayed on the arc-shaped scale, lighting up, moving, and increasing / decreasing according to the measured value (displayed value). Furthermore, a marker indicating the maximum tolerance as the upper limit and a marker indicating the minimum tolerance as the lower limit can also be displayed in conjunction with the arc-shaped scale.

[0044] A plurality of operation buttons (operation receiving unit 140) are provided as input components (operation receiving unit 140). Operation buttons 140 are arranged below display unit 130 on the front end surface of measuring device main body 110. These operation buttons 140 are assigned functions such as mode switching commands and value acquisition commands. In this exemplary embodiment, the input components (operation receiving unit 140) include a base point setting button 140A, a hold mode switching button 140B, and a data finalization button 140C.

[0045] The operation button (operation receiving unit) 140 may be a mechanical button or, for example, a “button” displayed on a touch panel. (The detection method of the touch panel may be pressure-sensitive, capacitive, electromagnetic induction, or any other method.)

[0046] The proximity sensor 150 is arranged between the display unit 130 and the input component (operation receiving unit 140) on the front side end surface of the measuring device main body 110. The proximity sensor 150 is preferably arranged as close to the input component (operation receiving unit 140) as possible. For example, in a plan view, the distance between the input component (operation receiving unit 140) and the proximity sensor 150 is 10 mm or less, preferably 5 mm or less, and more preferably 2 mm or less, and the proximity sensor 150 can be in contact with or located on a button. In this exemplary embodiment, the proximity sensor 150 is an optical proximity sensor (proximity light sensor), which is a so-called short-range optical distance measurement sensor that emits light and measures the distance to an object based on the detection time of the reflected light, such as a TOF sensor and LiDAR.

[0047] However, the detection method of the proximity sensor is not particularly limited. For example, a capacitive proximity sensor or an electromagnetic induction proximity sensor may be used.

[0048] Alternatively, a camera can be used as proximity sensor 150. For example, a small camera can be placed next to the operation button (operation receiving unit 140). As a finger gradually approaches the operation button, that is, as the finger gradually approaches the camera, the area of ​​the finger in the camera's field of view gradually increases. Therefore, the distance between the operation button and the finger can be measured based on the size of the finger in the camera's field of view.

[0049] Since a finger is a typical example of an object that operates the operation receiving unit 140 , a finger will continue to be used as an object that operates the operation receiving unit 140 in the following description.

[0050] The proximity sensor 150 can recognize that an approaching or departing object is a finger (human body) and then measure the distance to the finger (human body). The proximity sensor 150 can use a separate camera or the like to recognize whether the approaching object is a finger (human body) or an object other than a finger (human body) and then measure the distance to the finger (human body). Alternatively, the proximity sensor 150 can determine whether the approaching object is a finger (human body) or an object other than a finger (human body) based on the reflectivity or wavelength of light from the finger (human body) and other factors such as capacitance.

[0051] Alternatively, the proximity sensor 150 can measure the distance to an object approaching or moving away from the measuring device (operation receiving unit 140), regardless of whether the approaching or moving away object is a finger (human body). First, an object very close to the operating button 140 of the measuring device is likely to be a finger used to operate the button. Therefore, any object closer to the operating button 140 than a predetermined proximity determination threshold is considered a finger and measured.

[0052] The indicator (measuring device) 100 of this exemplary embodiment includes a single proximity sensor 150 for three operation receiving units 140 (base point setting button 140A, hold mode switching button 140B, and data finalization button 140C), and the single proximity sensor 150 is shared by the three operation receiving units 140 .

[0053] The proximity sensor 150 may be provided for each of the three operation receiving units 140 (the base point setting button 140A, the hold mode switching button 140B, and the data finalize button 140C).

[0054] This means that a proximity sensor is provided for the base point setting button to measure the distance of an object (finger) approaching and moving away from the base point setting button 140A, a proximity sensor is provided for the hold mode switching button to measure the distance of an object (finger) approaching and moving away from the hold mode switching button 140B, and a proximity sensor is provided for the data finalization button to measure the distance of an object (finger) approaching and moving away from the data finalization button 140C. Each proximity sensor can be arranged in various ways, including very close to each operation button, substantially adjacent to each operation button, or embedded in the key top of each operation button.

[0055] However, it is not easy to embed multiple proximity sensors in a small, compact measuring device and monitor their sensor values. In addition, when a finger approaches multiple (three) operation buttons arranged side by side, it is difficult to reliably predict which operation button will ultimately be pressed based on the finger's proximity and approach trajectory. Therefore, it is reasonable to provide a single proximity sensor that will be shared by the multiple (three) operation buttons arranged in a centralized manner.

[0056] The proximity sensor only needs to detect the proximity between the finger (the object that operates the operation receiving unit) and the operation receiving unit, and the position of the proximity sensor is not limited. The proximity sensor can be arranged on the interior or exterior surface of the main body of the measuring device, and can be arranged not only on the front side end face, but also on the side or back. In this exemplary embodiment, the proximity sensor is arranged on the main body of the measuring device, but the proximity sensor can also be arranged separately from the main body of the measuring device. For example, a camera that can capture an image of the area around the measuring device in its field of view can capture the finger and the measuring device to detect the distance (proximity) between the finger and the measuring device (operation receiving unit). The sensor (proximity sensor) can be attached to the user's finger, hand or wrist to detect the distance (proximity) between the finger and the measuring device (operation receiving unit).

[0057] The inertial sensor 160 is arranged on the measuring device main body 110. Here, it is assumed that the inertial sensor 160 is arranged inside the measuring device main body 110, but it can be attached to the outer surface of the measuring device main body 110, or it can be optionally removed later or removed from the back (attached or inserted into a slot). The inertial sensor 160 is well-known and is, for example, a 6-axis inertial sensor 160 (3-axis gyroscope sensor + 3-axis acceleration sensor) integrated on a single chip.

[0058] Figure 3 is a functional block diagram showing the electronic circuit 170 .

[0059] The electronic circuit 170 includes a central control unit 172 for controlling overall operations, a memory unit 173 for storing various setting values ​​or measurement values, and a transmission / reception unit 174 as a communicator that outputs and inputs data to and from an external device.

[0060] The central control unit 172 includes a counter that measures (or counts) the position (or displacement) of the spindle 120 based on the detection signal from the encoder 171. The central control unit 172 displays the counter value and the like on the display unit 130. The specific functions of the central control unit 172 and its control operation will be described later.

[0061] refer to Figures 4 to 8The flowchart in describes the operation of the indicator 100 in this exemplary embodiment.

[0062] When measuring the shape or size of a workpiece, e.g. Figure 2 As shown in , the user attaches the indicator 100 to the stage 10 , and installs the indicator 100 and a workpiece (object to be measured) W.

[0063] Here, when attaching the indicator 100 to the machine table 10, in order to bring the spindle 120 of the indicator 100 closer to the workpiece W from directly above along a vertical line, the user attaches the indicator 100 to the machine table 10 in such a manner that the spindle 120 is parallel to the vertical line. Thereafter, as an operation during measurement, the user presses the operation button 140 on the indicator 100. Therefore, it is important to securely fix (screw tightening, etc.) the joint between the indicator 100 and the machine table 10 and the hinge portion of the machine table 10 so that the posture and position of the indicator 100 do not change even when the operation button 140 of the indicator 100 is pressed. However, when a finger is brought into contact with the indicator 100 (operation button 140) to input a command, the indicator 100 will inevitably change slightly in its posture.

[0064] Once Figure 2 As shown in FIG, the indicator 100 is installed, the central control unit 172 obtains the count value of the encoder 171 and temporarily displays the count value as a measurement value on the display unit 130. When the power is turned on, the central control unit 172 obtains the count value of the encoder 171 at a predetermined sampling interval (for example, an interval of 20ms to 50ms, 1kHz to 2.5kHz). If the spindle 120 is displaced, the value displayed on the display unit 130 will change accordingly, but these temporary measurement values ​​are not stored in the memory device and disappear.

[0065] When the power is turned on, the central control unit 172 also monitors the sensor value of the proximity sensor 150 (ST100). In other words, the pointer 100 monitors whether the finger is approaching the operation button 140.

[0066] A judgment threshold is set in the central control unit 172 or the memory unit 173 to judge the approach (proximity) or separation of the finger. Figure 9As shown in , a value of 1 / 2 of the maximum sensor output value of the proximity sensor 150 is set as the judgment threshold. In this exemplary embodiment, the approach judgment threshold for judging the approach of the finger and the separation judgment threshold for judging the separation of the finger are set to the same value, but they may be different. For example, the approach judgment threshold for judging the approach of the finger may be 3 / 4 of the maximum sensor output value of the proximity sensor 150, and the separation judgment threshold for judging the separation of the finger may be 1 / 4 of the maximum sensor output value of the proximity sensor 150. When the sensor value of the proximity sensor 150 exceeds the approach judgment threshold, it is judged that the finger is approaching the operation button 140. When the sensor value of the proximity sensor 150 falls below the separation judgment threshold, it is judged that the finger is moving away from the operation button 140.

[0067] Since the sensor value of the proximity sensor 150 is related to (for example, inversely proportional to) the distance between the finger and the operation button 140 , setting a judgment threshold for the sensor value of the proximity sensor 150 has the same meaning as setting a judgment threshold for the distance between the finger and the operation button 140 .

[0068] The first thing the user needs to do is to set the base point (set zero point, calibrate origin). Therefore, the user installs the master workpiece or calibration gauge (e.g., gauge block) and presses the base point setting button 140A. Figure 9 , assuming that the temporary measurement value when placing the master workpiece is slightly greater than zero. Figure 9 is a timing chart during base point setting operation.

[0069] In order to press the base point setting button 140A, the user's finger gradually approaches the base point setting button 140A. Then, the sensor output value of the proximity sensor 150 gradually increases and exceeds the proximity judgment threshold value ( Figure 9 At this time, central control unit 172 determines that the finger is closer to operation button 140 than the approach determination threshold value (ST110: YES).

[0070] When a finger approaches operation button 140 (ST110: YES), central control unit 172 transmits the count value of encoder 171 to memory unit 173 and records this count value as tentative finalized measurement data (ST120). In other words, central control unit 172 buffers the measurement data before the user's finger touches indicator 100 (operation button 140) (ST120). The tentative finalized measurement data is sampled at a predetermined sampling interval (e.g., 20 ms to 50 ms intervals, 1 kHz to 2.5 kHz).

[0071] When the user's finger presses the operation button 140 corresponding to the desired command, the central control unit 172 detects the button operation (ST130: YES) ( Figure 9 Upon detecting a button operation (ST130: YES), the central control unit 172 stops recording the tentative finalized measurement data at this time (ST140).

[0072] These steps (ST120, ST140) are not related to the base point setting, but are required for the measurement data finalization operation to be described later. In this exemplary embodiment, a single proximity sensor 150 is shared by multiple (three) operation buttons (base point setting button 140A, hold mode switching button 140B, and data finalization button 140C), and these steps (ST120, ST140) are performed whenever a finger approaches one of the operation buttons. In the case where a proximity sensor is arranged for each operation receiving unit of multiple (three) operation receiving units 140 (base point setting button 140A, hold mode switching button 140B, and data finalization button 140C), ST120, ST140 can be performed only when the proximity sensor for the data finalization button detects that a finger is approaching.

[0073] Assume that the base point setting button 140A is pressed as a button operation (ST150: YES). When the operation button 140 (base point setting button 140A) is pressed, the pointer 100 changes in its posture, albeit slightly. Figure 9 In the example, when the operation button 140 (base point setting button 140A) is pressed, the measurement value slightly decreases due to a slight tilt of the indicator 100 or the like.

[0074] refer to Figure 6 The flowchart in continues to describe the operation when the user's button operation is for a base point setting command (ST150: YES).

[0075] Even if the user's button operation is detected as a base point setting, the base point (origin) is not immediately set at that point (time t12). The central control unit 172 monitors the sensor output value of the proximity sensor 150 (ST151) and waits until the finger is completely released from the indicator 100 (operation button 140).

[0076] On the fingers Figure 9 When the finger is released from the base point setting button 140A at time t13 in FIG. 1 , the central control unit 172 detects that the button operation is off. However, when the finger is released from the pointer 100 (operation button 140) and then the sensor output value of the proximity sensor 150 falls below the separation judgment threshold value (ST152: YES), the central control unit 172 determines that the finger has completely left the pointer 100 (operation button 140). Figure 9 time t14).

[0077] exist Figure 9 In the example, when the finger is released from the home point setting button 140A at time t13, the pointer 100 returns to its original position because the finger pressure is no longer applied. However, this position is not completely the same as the original position. In addition, when the finger is released from the home point setting button 140A at time t13, the pointer 100 changes to return to its original position, which causes the pointer 100 to vibrate and the measured value to change slightly.

[0078] In this exemplary embodiment, the sensor output value of the inertial sensor 160 is observed to confirm that there is no vibration (vibration is lower than a predetermined threshold value) (ST153: YES). Then, the point ( Figure 9 The measured value at the time t14 in the figure is set as the base point (origin) (ST154). In other words, the counter value of the encoder 171 at this point ( Figure 9 The reference point is now set and the operation returns to the start ( Figure 4 ST100 in the ).

[0079] In conventional technology, the measurement value at time t12, time t13, or after a predetermined delay time from time t13 is set as the base point (origin). However, at time t12 or time t13, the influence of the finger pressing the indicator 100 is reflected in the measurement value, which causes errors in subsequent measurement values. Alternatively, even if the measurement value after the predetermined delay time from time t13 is set as the base point (origin), even if the finger pressure is released and the operation button 140 is determined to be off, the finger may continue to contact the operation button 140. Conversely, even if the finger has completely left the operation button 140, there may be additional waiting time before setting the base point.

[0080] In contrast, in this exemplary embodiment, since the proximity sensor 150 is provided, it is possible to confirm that the finger has completely left the operation button 140 at a very appropriate timing ( Figure 9 At time t14) in the process, the base point (origin) is set.

[0081] Note that the inertial sensor 160 detects vibration (acceleration) during operation when the operation button 140 (in this case, the base point setting button 140A) is pressed.

[0082] Although Figure 9An example of acceleration generated in the direction of the Z axis (in this case, the vertical axis) is shown, but the inertial sensor 160 can detect all six axes. Then, the inertial sensor 160 can determine whether the detected acceleration (angular velocity) is greater than a predetermined threshold value, and notify the user of an alarm when the vibration is greater than the predetermined threshold value.

[0083] In addition, the inertial sensor 160 may measure the time between when the vibration exceeds a predetermined threshold and when the vibration falls below the predetermined threshold, and notify the user of an alarm when the vibration continues for too long.

[0084] Such an alert notifies the user that the indicator 100 may be loosely secured and allows the user to securely retighten the joints and hinges of the table 10 .

[0085] Since in this exemplary embodiment, the indicator 100 including the main shaft 120 that moves forward and backward in the Z direction is used as an example, attention is paid to the acceleration in the Z-axis direction to determine whether the indicator (measuring device) 100 is properly fixed by judging whether the acceleration in the Z-axis direction is a prescribed threshold value.

[0086] In this case, the threshold value for the acceleration in the Z-axis direction (ie, the direction of the measurement axis) may be set to be stricter (stricter) than the threshold values ​​in other directions.

[0087] In addition, the inertial sensor 160 may measure the installation orientation or tilt angle of the indicator 100 and notify an alarm to the user when the tilt is too large.

[0088] After setting the base point in this way, the user measures the shape and size of the actual workpiece. Therefore, the user switches to replace the workpiece to be measured.

[0089] Return to Figure 4 and Figure 5 The flowchart in , describes a case where the operation button 140 pressed by the user is the hold mode switching button 140B.

[0090] Assume that the process returns to Figure 4 At the start of the flowchart in (ST100), a button operation is detected (ST130: YES), and the button operation is used to hold the mode switching command (ST160: YES). Figure 7 The operation process during switching to the hold mode is shown in Figure 10 The timing diagram is shown in FIG.

[0091] The instructions for switching to hold mode are similar to those for base point setting.

[0092] In short, even when the central control unit 172 detects that the hold mode switching button 140B is pressed, it does not immediately execute the hold mode. Instead, the central control unit 172 confirms that the sensor output value of the proximity sensor 150 falls below the separation determination threshold value (ST162: YES) and there is no vibration (ST163: YES), and then switches to the hold mode ( Figure 10 t24).

[0093] In the hold mode, the maximum value (Max) or minimum value (Min) is displayed while the value is being held. However, according to this exemplary embodiment, the influence of the position change of the indicator 100 caused by the button operation can be completely eliminated, and the maximum value (minimum value) displayed in the hold mode is not the magnitude of the position change of the indicator 100, but an accurate reflection of the magnitude of the change in the measurement value of the object to be measured.

[0094] Notice, Figure 10 Shown after button operation ( Figure 10 At t23) the posture of the indicator 100 returns to almost the original posture, and the measurement value also returns to almost the original value. Figure 9 The indicator 100 does not return to its original position before and after the button operation, and therefore the measured value does not return. Since the button operation for setting the base point is the first button operation after the indicator (measuring device) 100 is installed on the machine, looseness and clearance of the fixtures (screws, etc.) affect the indicator 100. However, it is believed that the looseness and clearance of the fixtures (screws, etc.) are eliminated by the second and subsequent button operations, and the indicator 100 easily returns to its original position.

[0095] Return to Figure 4 and Figure 5 The flowchart in , describes a case where the operation button 140 pressed by the user is the data finalization button 140C.

[0096] Assume that the process returns to Figure 4 At the start of the flowchart in (ST100), a button operation is detected (ST130: YES), and the button operation is for a measurement data finalization command (ST170: YES). Figure 8 The operation process in the case of finalization of measurement data is shown in Figure 11 The timing diagram is shown in FIG.

[0097] As described above, when the user's finger approaches the operation button 140 (data finalization button 140C) to exceed the proximity determination threshold in order to press the operation button 140 (data finalization button 140C) (ST110: YES), the central control unit 172 samples the count value of the encoder 171 and records the count value as the tentative finalization measurement data. The central control unit 172 monitors the sensor value of the proximity sensor 150 (ST171), and when it is confirmed that the sensor output value of the proximity sensor 150 falls below the separation determination threshold (ST172: YES) and further confirms that there is no vibration (ST173: YES), the central control unit 172 extracts the finalization data from the tentative finalization measurement data buffered in the memory unit 173 (ST174) ( Figure 11 t34).

[0098] When extracting finalization data from the tentative finalization measurement data buffered in memory unit 173, the tentative finalization measurement data immediately before the detection that operation button 140 (data finalization button 140C) has been pressed can be extracted as finalization data. This can be, for example, tentative finalization data that is traced back in time several times from the most recent data in the tentative finalization measurement data buffered in memory unit 173. This can be considered to be the data closest to the timing when the user attempted to obtain measurement data among the tentative finalization data acquired without the influence of finger contact.

[0099] In this case, the number of times traced back in time from the most recent one may be a predetermined number or a predetermined time (tens of milliseconds).

[0100] Alternatively, the finalization data may be the oldest in time among the tentative finalization measurement data buffered in the memory unit 173. In other words, the finalization data may also be the oldest in time among the tentative finalization measurement data buffered in the memory unit 173. Figure 11 The tentative finalized measurement data sampled at time t31 is extracted as the finalized data. It can be considered that the data acquired at this timing is not affected by the contact between the finger and the indicator 100 and also conforms to the user's intention because the data is acquired at a timing when the user has already brought the finger very close to the data finalization button 140C in order to acquire the measurement value.

[0101] Alternatively, the finalization data may be temporally intermediate among the tentative finalization measurement data buffered in the memory unit 173 .

[0102] Alternatively, as Figure 11As shown, an extreme proximity determination threshold (which may be referred to as a second proximity determination threshold) may be provided to detect the moment immediately before a finger touches the operation button 140. The extreme proximity determination threshold may be set to 90% or 95% of the maximum sensor output value of the proximity sensor 150.

[0103] The measurement data finalized in this manner is displayed on the display unit 130 , recorded (stored) in the memory unit 173 as finalized data, or output to an external device ( ST175 ).

[0104] Although it is necessary to limit the number of finalization data to be displayed on the display unit 130 to one, some or all of the sampled tentative finalization measurement data may be recorded (stored) or output as finalization data without limiting the number of finalization data to be recorded (stored) or output to one.

[0105] exist Figure 8 During the measurement data finalization operation, ST171 to ST173 may be omitted, and when it is detected that the data finalization button 140C has been pressed (ST170: YES), the finalization data is immediately extracted from the tentative finalization measurement data (ST174).

[0106] However, considering that a user operation is confirmed when the user's finger is released from operation button 140 (in this case, data finalization button 140C), it is desirable to confirm the button operation when the finger is further away than the release judgment threshold. It is also desirable to confirm whether there is vibration (ST173) and provide the user with finalized data when the vibration has subsided. If the vibration does not fall within the predetermined threshold, or if there is some other interference, the measured data can be marked as a reference value.

[0107] The present invention is not limited to the above-described exemplary embodiments, and can be appropriately modified without departing from the gist.

[0108] As a measuring device, the present invention is not limited to a small contact-type measuring device, but can also be applied to, for example, a non-contact distance measuring instrument (distance meter).

[0109] These include laser distance sensors (laser rangefinders), capacitive displacement sensors and focal (confocal, chromatic) distance sensors. Like indicators (micrometers), they all have in common that they are measuring devices (detectors) with a single measuring axis perpendicular to the surface of the object to be measured.

[0110] The present invention is effective for any measuring device in which the setting of the relative posture between the workpiece and the measuring device affects the measurement accuracy even though the measuring axis is not perpendicular to the workpiece.

[0111] As small contact measuring devices, calipers and micrometers (micrometer heads) can be equipped with the functionality of the present invention.

[0112] The use of the inertial sensor 160 will be supplementarily described.

[0113] The indicator 100 (micrometer indicator) includes a spring inside the measuring device body 110, and this spring biases the spindle 120 in one direction (the direction it emerges from the measuring device body 110). The spring generates appropriate measuring pressure, but after repeated use of the indicator 100 (micrometer indicator), the spring deteriorates. However, ordinary users often continue to use the indicator 100 without noticing the deterioration of the spring.

[0114] Thus, the inertial sensor 160 is used to assess the degradation of the spring.

[0115] For example, the spindle 120 is brought to its rearmost position (pushed into the measuring device body 110) by the biasing force of the spring, so that the spindle 120 moves the furthest forward. By evaluating the time it takes for the spindle 120 to move and the amplitude of the vibration when the spindle 120 moves the furthest forward, the degree of deterioration of the internal mechanism of the indicator 100 (micrometer indicator) (in this case, the spindle biasing spring) can be evaluated. If the spring deteriorates, the spindle 120 takes longer to move. Furthermore, if the spring deteriorates, when the spindle 120 rebounds significantly after the furthest forward movement, the spring cannot firmly hold the spindle 120, resulting in more vibration and a longer vibration subsidence time.

[0116] Regarding the implementation methods including the above embodiments, the following supplements are further disclosed.

[0117] (Supplementary Note 1)

[0118] A measuring device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes:

[0119] Main body;

[0120] a position detector provided on the main body portion and configured to detect a position of an object to be measured by contact or non-contact;

[0121] an operation receiving unit provided on the main body portion and configured to receive a command / operation from a user;

[0122] a proximity sensor configured to measure a distance between the object and the operation receiving unit when the object approaches the operation receiving unit or moves away from the operation receiving unit; and

[0123] A central control unit is configured to control the overall operation.

[0124] (Supplementary Note 2)

[0125] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, it is preferred that the operation receiving unit is configured to receive a measurement data finalization command to finalize the measurement data.

[0126] The central control unit is configured to: sequentially store the measurement values ​​from the position detector as tentative finalized measurement data in a memory unit when the proximity sensor detects that the object has approached the operation receiving unit, and

[0127] The central control unit is configured to, when the operation receiving unit receives the measurement data finalization command, determine one, two, or more than two of the tentative finalization measurement data stored in the memory unit as finalization measurement data.

[0128] (Supplementary Note 3)

[0129] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, preferably, when the operation receiving unit receives the measurement data finalization command, the central control unit is configured to: among the provisional finalized measurement data stored in the memory unit, determine the provisional finalized measurement data immediately before the operation receiving unit detects the measurement data finalization command as the finalized measurement data.

[0130] (Supplementary Note 4)

[0131] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, it is preferred that the operation receiving unit is configured to receive a base point setting command, and

[0132] When the operation receiving unit receives the base point setting command and the proximity sensor subsequently detects that the object has left the operation receiving unit, the central control unit is configured to set the position of the object to be measured detected by the position detector as a base point.

[0133] (Supplementary Note 5)

[0134] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, it is preferred that the operation receiving unit receives a mode switching command to a hold mode, and

[0135] When the operation receiving unit receives the mode switching command to the holding mode and the proximity sensor subsequently detects that the object has left the operation receiving unit, the central control unit is configured to: start sampling the measurement values ​​from the position detector and execute the commanded holding mode.

[0136] (Supplementary Note 6)

[0137] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, preferably, the measuring device further includes an inertial sensor.

[0138] (Supplementary Note 7)

[0139] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, it is preferred that the operation receiving unit is configured to receive a command / operation from the user by being in contact with the object or being pressed by the object.

[0140] (Supplementary Note 8)

[0141] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, it is preferred that the position detector is a detector having a uniaxial measuring axis.

[0142] (Supplementary Note 9)

[0143] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, preferably, the position detector includes:

[0144] a movable member provided on the main body portion, capable of moving forward and backward and contacting the object to be measured; and

[0145] An encoder is configured to detect a position of the movable member.

[0146] (Supplementary Note 10)

[0147] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, it is preferred that the measuring device is a portable measuring device to be carried in the hand of the user, and

[0148] The measuring device is configured to be attached to a stage to maintain a relative posture or relative position with respect to the object to be measured.

[0149] (Supplementary Note 11)

[0150] According to a control method of a measuring device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the measuring device includes: a position detector provided on a main body and configured to detect the position of an object to be measured by contact or non-contact; an operation receiving unit provided on the main body and configured to receive a command / operation from a user; a proximity sensor configured to measure the distance between the object and the operation receiving unit when the object approaches or moves away from the operation receiving unit; and a central control unit configured to control overall operations. The control method includes:

[0151] When the proximity sensor detects that the object has approached the operation receiving unit, sequentially storing the measurement values ​​from the position detector as tentative finalized measurement data in a memory unit by the central control unit; and

[0152] When the operation receiving unit receives the measurement data finalization command, the central control unit determines one, two, or more than two of the tentative finalization measurement data stored in the memory unit as finalization measurement data.

[0153] (Supplementary Note 12)

[0154] The measuring device may include a computer (CPU, memory), so that a measuring device control program is installed in the computer, and the measuring device control program may cause the computer to perform the operation of the measuring device control method.

[0155] The measuring device control program may be distributed in a form recorded on a nonvolatile recording medium, or may be downloaded via an Internet line or the like.

[0156] 100 indicator

[0157] 110 Measuring device main body

[0158] 120 spindle

[0159] 171 Encoder

[0160] 130 display units

[0161] 140 Operation receiving unit

[0162] 140 Operation buttons

[0163] 140A base point setting button

[0164] 140B Hold mode switch button

[0165] 140C Data Finalization Button

[0166] 150 proximity sensor

[0167] 160 Inertial Sensors

[0168] 170 Electronic Circuits

[0169] 172 Central Control Unit

[0170] 173 memory cells

[0171] 174 Send / Receive Unit

Claims

1. A measuring device comprising: Main body; a position detector provided on the main body portion and configured to detect a position of an object to be measured by contact or non-contact; an operation receiving unit provided on the main body portion and configured to receive a command / operation from a user; a proximity sensor configured to measure a distance between the object and the operation receiving unit when the object approaches the operation receiving unit or moves away from the operation receiving unit; as well as A central control unit is configured to control the overall operation.

2. The measuring device according to claim 1, wherein The operation receiving unit is configured to receive a measurement data finalization command for finalizing the measurement data. The central control unit is configured to: sequentially store the measurement values ​​from the position detector as tentative finalized measurement data in a memory unit when the proximity sensor detects that the object has approached the operation receiving unit, and The central control unit is configured to, when the operation receiving unit receives the measurement data finalization command, determine one, two, or more than two of the tentative finalization measurement data stored in the memory unit as finalization measurement data.

3. The measuring device according to claim 2, wherein When the operation receiving unit receives the measurement data finalization command, the central control unit is configured to: determine, among the provisional finalized measurement data stored in the memory unit, the provisional finalized measurement data immediately before the operation receiving unit receives the measurement data finalization command as the finalized measurement data.

4. The measuring device according to claim 1, wherein The operation receiving unit is configured to receive a base point setting command, and When the operation receiving unit receives the base point setting command and the proximity sensor subsequently detects that the object has left the operation receiving unit, the central control unit is configured to set the position of the object to be measured detected by the position detector as a base point.

5. The measuring device according to claim 1, wherein The operation receiving unit receives a mode switching command to a hold mode, and When the operation receiving unit receives the mode switching command to the holding mode and the proximity sensor subsequently detects that the object has left the operation receiving unit, the central control unit is configured to: start sampling the measurement values ​​from the position detector and execute the commanded holding mode. The measuring device according to claim 1 , further comprising an inertial sensor.

7. The measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that The operation receiving unit is configured to receive a command / operation from the user by being in contact with the object or being pressed by the object.

8. The measuring device according to claim 1, wherein The position detector is a detector having a uniaxial measuring axis.

9. The measuring device according to claim 1, wherein The position detector comprises: a movable member provided on the main body portion so as to be movable forward and backward and to contact the object to be measured; and An encoder is configured to detect a position of the movable member.

10. The measuring device according to claim 1, wherein The measuring device is a portable measuring device to be carried in the hand of the user, and The measuring device is configured to be attached to a stage to maintain a relative posture or relative position with respect to the object to be measured.

11. A method for controlling a measuring device, the measuring device comprising: a position detector provided on the main body portion and configured to detect the position of the object to be measured by contact or non-contact; an operation receiving unit provided on the main body portion and configured to receive a command / operation from a user; a proximity sensor configured to measure a distance between the object and the operation receiving unit when the object approaches the operation receiving unit or moves away from the operation receiving unit; and a central control unit configured to control overall operations, the control method comprising: When the proximity sensor detects that the object has approached the operation receiving unit, the central control unit sequentially stores the measurement values ​​from the position detector as tentative finalized measurement data in a memory unit; as well as When the operation receiving unit receives the measurement data finalization command, the central control unit determines one, two, or more than two of the tentative finalization measurement data stored in the memory unit as finalization measurement data.

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