Method for checking a setting value in the context of a setting of a technical system, computer program, laser distance meter and computer-readable storage medium

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method (100) for checking an adjustment value within a framework of adjusting a technical system (1), the method comprising the steps of: - providing (101) the adjustment value by a first component of the technical system (1); - calculating (102) a first checksum by the first component based on the adjustment value; - transmitting (103) the adjustment value and the first checksum to a second component of the technical system (1); - calculating (104) a second checksum by the second component based on the transmitted adjustment value; and - checking (105) the adjustment value by the second component based on a comparison of the first checksum and the second checksum. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a laser rangefinder, computer program, and storage medium for this purpose.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a method for checking adjustment values ​​within a framework of adjusting a technical system. Furthermore, this invention relates to a laser rangefinder, computer program, and storage medium for this purpose. Background Technology

[0002] Digital or software regulation can periodically read in and output digital values ​​to close loops on the regulated section. As long as data is exchanged within a closed system, such as in a processor, the data is largely protected against interference, and the error frequency can be estimated using MTTFd, the average time until dangerous failure.

[0003] In the example of laser modulation in a laser rangefinder, the processor measures and controls the voltage using integrated analog-to-digital converters and digital-to-analog converters. The modulation software, in particular, runs within the processor.

[0004] The current system architecture has shortcomings, particularly in the analog interfaces used for measuring and setting parameters. Errors can occur within the transmission framework via these interfaces, and in the worst case, these errors can be translated into dangerous control signals for the laser diodes used in the laser rangefinder in a way that goes unnoticed. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The subject of this invention is a method for checking adjustment values ​​within a framework of adjusting a technical system, a computer program, a laser rangefinder, and a computer-readable storage medium. Further features and details of the invention are derived from preferred embodiments, the description, and the drawings. Here, the features and details described in the context of the method according to the invention also apply in the context of the computer program according to the invention, the laser rangefinder according to the invention, and the computer-readable storage medium according to the invention, and vice versa, so that mutual reference can always be made in relation to the disclosure of the invention.

[0006] The subject of this invention is particularly a method for checking regulation values ​​within a framework of regulating a technical system, the method comprising the following steps: - The regulation value is provided by a first component of the technical system, the first component being, in particular, the source of the regulation value. - The first checksum is calculated by the first component based on the adjustment value. - The adjustment value and the first checksum are transmitted to a second component of the technical system, the second component being, in particular, a receiver of the adjustment value. - The second component calculates the second checksum based on the transmitted adjustment value. - The adjustment value is checked by the second component based on the comparison of the first checksum and the second checksum.

[0007] This allows for reliable identification of errors in the transmission of adjusted values, thus ensuring the safe and proper operation of the technical system. Using two checksums significantly enhances security compared to a single calculation. This contributes to the functional security of the technical system and minimizes functional failures that could lead to security risks.

[0008] Furthermore, it is possible to consider a technical system that is a laser rangefinder and includes at least one software adjustment loop and / or hardware adjustment loop, wherein the laser diode of the laser rangefinder is adjusted within the adjustment framework via the software adjustment loop and / or hardware adjustment loop.

[0009] Preferably, the software adjustment loop includes an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and a processor, particularly a microprocessor or microcontroller, wherein the first component is the ADC and the second component is the processor, and the adjustment value corresponds to a measurement value on the laser diode. Therefore, the software adjustment loop can detect the measurement value and send a corresponding control signal to the laser diode. Preferably, the ADC and processor are arranged near the laser diode. By integrating the ADC and processor near the laser diode, the response time of the laser rangefinder can be improved, which can lead to higher accuracy and stability of the adjustment.

[0010] Optionally, the software adjustment loop can be configured to include a digital-to-analog converter and (another) or processor, wherein the first component is the processor and the second component is the digital-to-analog converter, and the adjustment value corresponds to the set value for the laser diode.

[0011] Alternatively, the method may further include the following steps: - The processor provides the setting values ​​for the laser diode. - The processor calculates the third checksum based on the set value. - Transmit the set value and third checksum to the digital-to-analog converter. - Calculate the fourth checksum based on the transmitted set value using a digital-to-analog converter. - The setpoint is checked by comparing the third checksum with the fourth checksum using a digital-to-analog converter.

[0012] Thus, additional security enhancements can be advantageously provided through third and fourth checksums.

[0013] Furthermore, within the framework of this invention, a hardware adjustment loop can be configured to include one or more processors and an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), the processor being, in particular, a microprocessor or microcontroller, wherein the first component is the processor and the second component is the ASIC, and the adjustment value corresponds to the rating for the laser diode.

[0014] Alternatively, the method may further include the following steps: - The processor provides the ratings for the laser diode. - The processor calculates the fifth checksum based on the nominal value. - Transmit the rating and fifth checksum to the application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). - The sixth checksum is calculated based on the transmitted rating using a dedicated integrated circuit. - The rating is checked by comparing the fifth checksum with the sixth checksum using an application-specific integrated circuit.

[0015] Thus, additional security enhancements can be advantageously provided through the fifth and sixth checksums.

[0016] In another possibility, the method may be configured such that when a check of the adjustment value indicates a disparity between a first checksum and a second checksum, and / or when a check of the setpoint indicates a disparity between a third checksum and a fourth checksum, and / or when a check of the rated value indicates a disparity between a fifth checksum and a sixth checksum, the method further includes: - The technical system, preferably the laser diode of the laser rangefinder, is moved to a safe state, especially to a shut-off state.

[0017] In other words, transitioning to a safe state can mean switching the laser diode to an off state or to a state where the laser power poses no danger to the human eye. This has the advantage that the technical system can autonomously react and transition to a safe state when an error is detected. Therefore, the probability of harm to people or machines, or the probability of erroneous measurement, can be minimized.

[0018] In addition, advantageously, within the framework of the invention, when a check of the adjustment value indicates a disparity between a first checksum and a second checksum, and / or when a check of the set value indicates a disparity between a third checksum and a fourth checksum, and / or when a check of the rated value indicates a disparity between a fifth checksum and a sixth checksum, the method further includes: - Startup output, which indicates that an error exists in the technical system or in the adjustment of the technical system.

[0019] The error could be, for example, a mistransmitted value. For instance, a measurement might be lost or a numerical value might be falsified. Therefore, it's possible that the technical system would output a warning when a discrepancy is determined between checksums. This would advantageously alert the user to the error, allowing them to take appropriate action, such as checking and, if necessary, repairing or replacing the component.

[0020] A laser rangefinder is also the subject of this invention. This laser rangefinder includes a software adjustment loop and / or a hardware adjustment loop, wherein the laser rangefinder is configured to implement the method according to the invention. Thus, the laser rangefinder according to the invention provides the same advantages as those described in detail with reference to the method according to the invention. The laser rangefinder, or the software adjustment loop and / or hardware adjustment loop, may include a device for data processing configured to implement the method according to the invention. As such a device, for example, at least one computer, or microcomputer, processor, or integrated circuit may be provided, configured to implement the method according to the invention. The computer may include at least one processor for implementing the computer program. A non-volatile data memory may also be provided, in which the computer program is stored, and which can be read from the data memory by the processor for implementation.

[0021] Computer programs, and especially computer program products, are also the subject of this invention. These computer programs include instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method according to the invention. Thus, the computer program according to the invention provides the same advantages as those described in detail with reference to the method according to the invention.

[0022] Computer-readable storage media can also be the subject of this invention, having a computer program according to the invention and / or including instructions that, when implemented by at least one computer, cause the computer to perform the method according to the invention. The storage medium is, for example, constructed as a data storage device, such as a hard disk and / or non-volatile memory and / or a memory card. The storage medium can, for example, be integrated into a computer.

[0023] In addition, the method according to the invention can also be implemented as a computer-based method. Alternatively or additionally, at least one step of the disclosed method steps can be implemented by a computer and / or executed automatically. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, in which different embodiments are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Here, the features mentioned can be important to the invention individually or in any combination. The drawings show: Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a laser rangefinder according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a laser rangefinder according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 3A schematic visualization illustrating a method, apparatus, storage medium, and computer program according to embodiments of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a laser rangefinder 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The laser rangefinder includes a laser diode 4, a display 11, and a plurality of operation buttons 12.

[0026] Figure 2 Another schematic diagram of the internal equipment of a laser rangefinder 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The laser rangefinder includes a software adjustment loop 2 and a hardware adjustment loop 3. An analog-to-digital converter 5, a processor 6, and a digital-to-analog converter 7 are provided in the software adjustment loop 2. One or more of the processor 6 and a dedicated integrated circuit 8 are provided in the hardware adjustment loop 3. Furthermore, the laser rangefinder 1 includes a laser diode 4 and a detector 9.

[0027] The laser rangefinder 1 according to the invention particularly utilizes indirect time-of-flight (iToF) measurement. The laser rangefinder 1 operates, for example, by measuring the phase shift of a modulated optical signal emitted by the laser rangefinder 1 and reflected by a target object. The operation of the indirect time-of-flight (iToF) measurement is described below. First, the laser diode 4 in the laser rangefinder 1 can emit intensity-modulated light, for example, light in the infrared or visible range, in the direction of the target object. Modulation is particularly performed using a sine wave or square wave. The intensity-modulated light is then incident on the target object and reflected back to the laser rangefinder 1. The detector 9 in the laser rangefinder 1 can now receive the reflected light. Since the light needs a certain amount of time to travel back and forth across this path, a phase shift occurs between the emitted and received signals. This phase shift between the emitted and received signals can then be measured. This phase shift is particularly proportional to the distance traveled by the light. The distance can then be calculated from the phase shift, taking into account the modulated wavelength and the speed of light. Here, it can also be configured to determine a reference phase (not shown) using a second detector with a constant spacing, so that the phase shift can be determined based on a comparison with the reference phase.

[0028] The software regulation loop 2 and / or hardware regulation loop 3 specifically take over laser regulation, i.e., control and / or data transmission of, for example, the laser diode 4. According to the invention, the processor 6 is specifically configured to process software, particularly algorithms for laser regulation and security. The primary task of the application-specific integrated circuit 8 is, in particular, the modulation and phase measurement of the laser. An optional secondary task may be to provide an analog interface for laser power regulation (using ADC and DAC).

[0029] Therefore, the emission of laser diode 4 can be controlled by adjusting the on / off state of laser diode 4 and the intensity of its laser beam. This ensures that the laser beam is emitted with the correct power and characteristics.

[0030] After a small portion of the emitted laser light is received by detector 9, the received signal can be processed. This includes, for example, amplifying, filtering, and converting the received analog signal into a digital signal, particularly by analog-to-digital converter 5, for further analysis.

[0031] Furthermore, according to embodiments of the present invention, the phase shift between the emitted and received signals can be measured and compared with a reference phase if necessary.

[0032] Preferably, the analog-to-digital converter 5 converts the analog signals received by the detector 9 into digital signals, specifically converting the laser brightness into digital words. These signals particularly represent the light intensity emitted by the laser diode 4. The digital signals provided by the corresponding analog-to-digital converter 5 can be further filtered, amplified, and processed to reduce noise and improve signal quality.

[0033] The digital-to-analog converter 7 in the laser system 1 or laser rangefinder has the particular task of converting digital control signals into analog signals. These analog signals can be used to precisely control different components of the laser rangefinder 1, especially the laser diode 4. Preferably, the digital-to-analog converter 7 generates the analog voltage or current required to operate the laser diode 4. This control is crucial for emitting a laser beam with the desired intensity. Furthermore, the digital-to-analog converter 7 can convert digital feedback from the processor 6 into analog control to continuously adjust the power and stability of the laser diode 4.

[0034] Preferably, the processor 6 generates digital signals based on the requirements of the measurement process and feedback from sensors and other components. These digital signals are sent, in particular, to a digital-to-analog converter 7. Preferably, the digital-to-analog converter 7 converts the received digital signals into analog voltages or currents. These analog signals can then be used to control the laser diode 4.

[0035] exist Figure 3 The diagram schematically illustrates a method 100, an apparatus 10, a storage medium 15, and a computer program 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 3In particular, an embodiment of a method for checking an adjustment value within a framework of adjusting a technical system 1 is shown. In a first step 101, an adjustment value is provided by a first component of the technical system 1. In a second step 102, a first checksum is calculated by the first component based on the adjustment value. In a third step 103, the adjustment value and the first checksum are transmitted to a second component of the technical system 1. In a fourth step 104, a second checksum is calculated by the second component based on the transmitted adjustment value. In a fifth step 105, the adjustment value is checked by the second component based on a comparison of the first checksum and the second checksum.

[0037] The method according to the present invention can further protect the transmission of security-related values ​​from errors and / or manipulation, thereby improving functional security.

[0038] Therefore, preferably, a checksum (CRC) is provided by the sender, i.e., the first component, for the adjustment values, especially the measurement parameters and setting parameters, before transmission. If the checksum does not match the useful data received by the receiver, i.e., the second component, the receiver preferably sets the laser diode 4 of the technical system 1, especially the laser rangefinder 1, to a safe state. Thus, for example, the probability of a safety-critical transmission error is reduced by a power of two (MTTFd × 2NCRC) of the checksum bit length (NCRC).

[0039] In software adjustment loop 2, the method according to an embodiment of the invention can operate as follows. Analog-to-digital converter 5 calculates a checksum, for example, for the transmitted measurement values. Processor 6 can check the checksum. If they are inconsistent, preferably, processor 6 aborts adjustment and turns off laser diode 4. Subsequently, preferably, adjustment calculates a new digital-to-analog converter setting value from the analog-to-digital converter measurement values. Now, preferably, processor 6 calculates a checksum for the transmitted setting value. Digital-to-analog converter 7 can now check the checksum. If they are inconsistent, preferably, digital-to-analog converter 7 enters a safe state, i.e., preferably, laser diode 4 is turned off. Furthermore, an output can be activated to display the error.

[0040] In the hardware adjustment loop 3, the method according to an embodiment of the invention can be applied as follows. The processor 6 calculates a checksum, specifically for the rated value of the adjustment. Now, preferably, the application-specific integrated circuit 8 checks the checksum. If they are inconsistent, the adjustment is, for example, aborted and the laser diode 4 is turned off. Furthermore, an output can be activated to display the error.

[0041] The above description of the embodiments is merely an example within the framework of the invention. Of course, individual features of the embodiments can be freely combined with each other without departing from the framework of the invention, provided it is technically reasonable.

Claims

1. A method (100) for checking regulation values ​​within a framework of regulating a technical system (1), the method comprising the steps of: - The adjustment value (101) is provided by the first component of the technical system (1). - The first checksum is calculated by the first component based on the adjustment value (102). - The adjustment value and the first checksum are transmitted (103) to the second component of the technical system (1). - The second component calculates the second checksum (104) based on the transmitted adjustment value. - The adjustment value (105) is checked by the second component based on the comparison between the first checksum and the second checksum.

2. The method (100) according to claim 1. Its features are, The technical system (1) is a laser rangefinder (1) and includes at least one software adjustment loop (2) and / or hardware adjustment loop (3), wherein the laser diode (4) of the laser rangefinder (1) is adjusted by the software adjustment loop (2) and / or the hardware adjustment loop (3) within the framework of the adjustment.

3. The method (100) according to claim 2. Its features are, The software adjustment loop (2) includes an analog-to-digital converter (5) and a processor (6), wherein the first component is the analog-to-digital converter (5) and the second component is the processor (6), wherein the adjustment value corresponds to the measured value on the laser diode (4).

4. The method (100) according to claim 2 or 3. Its features are, The software regulation loop includes a digital-to-analog converter (7) and one or the processor (6). Wherein, the first component is the processor (6), the second component is the digital-to-analog converter (7), and the adjustment value corresponds to the set value for the laser diode (4), or The method (100) further includes the following steps: - The processor (6) provides the setting value for the laser diode (4). - The processor (6) calculates the third checksum based on the set value. - The set value and the third checksum are transmitted to the digital-to-analog converter (7). - The fourth checksum is calculated by the digital-to-analog converter (7) based on the transmitted set value. - The set value is checked by the digital-to-analog converter (7) based on the comparison of the third checksum and the fourth checksum.

5. The method (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 4. Its features are, The hardware regulation loop (3) includes one or more of the processor (6) and an application-specific integrated circuit (8). Wherein, the first component is the processor (6), the second component is the application-specific integrated circuit (8), and the adjustment value corresponds to the rated value for the laser diode (4), or The method further includes the following steps: - The processor (6) provides the ratings for the laser diode (4). - The processor (6) calculates the fifth checksum based on the stated value. - The rated value and the fifth checksum are transmitted to the application-specific integrated circuit (8). - The sixth checksum is calculated based on the transmitted nominal value by the application-specific integrated circuit (8). - The nominal value is checked by the application-specific integrated circuit (8) based on the comparison of the fifth checksum and the sixth checksum.

6. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims. Its features are, When a check (105) on the adjustment value indicates a disparity between the first checksum and the second checksum, and / or when a check on the set value indicates a disparity between the third checksum and the fourth checksum, and / or when a check on the rated value indicates a disparity between the fifth checksum and the sixth checksum, the method (100) further includes: - The laser diode (4) of the laser rangefinder (1) is preferably transferred to a safe state, especially to a shut-off state, in the technical system (1).

7. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims. Its features are, When a check (105) on the adjustment value indicates a disparity between the first checksum and the second checksum, and / or when a check on the set value indicates a disparity between the third checksum and the fourth checksum, and / or when a check on the rated value indicates a disparity between the fifth checksum and the sixth checksum, the method (100) further includes: - Startup output, wherein the output indicates that there is an error in the technical system (1) or in the adjustment of the technical system (1).

8. A computer program (20) comprising instructions that, when implemented by at least one computer (10), cause the computer to perform the method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims.

9. A laser rangefinder (1), wherein the laser rangefinder includes a software adjustment loop (2) and / or a hardware adjustment loop (3), wherein, The laser rangefinder is configured to implement the method (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 7.

10. A computer-readable storage medium (15) comprising instructions that, when implemented by at least one computer (10), cause the computer to perform the steps of the method (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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