Method for controlling a laser distance measuring device

Abstract

A method (300, 400) for controlling a laser distance measuring device (100) is disclosed, comprising a control unit (110) for carrying out the method (300, 400), comprising the steps: - Detection of an actuation of an adjustment element (106) of the laser distance measuring device (100); - Providing an animated measurement mode display; - Displaying the animated measurement mode display on a display unit (104) of the laser distance measuring device (100).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for controlling a laser distance measuring device. State of the art

[0002] A method for controlling a laser distance measuring device, such as EP 3 602 120 B1, is already known from the prior art. Disclosure of the invention

[0003] The present invention is based on a method for controlling a laser distance measuring device comprising a control unit for carrying out the method comprising the steps: - Detecting an actuation of an adjustment element of the laser distance measuring device; - Providing an animated measurement mode display; - Displaying the animated measurement mode representation on a display unit of the laser distance meter.

[0004] The invention provides a method that enables language-independent and intuitive use of measurement modes by displaying each measurement mode in an animated manner. This allows the user to be shown, language-independently, which function and measurement are hidden behind each measurement mode using the animated measurement mode display.

[0005] The laser distance measuring device can be a handheld laser distance measuring device for contactless distance measurement between the laser distance measuring device and a distant object using a laser beam emitted by the laser distance measuring device, comprising a device housing and a power supply device. The control unit can be arranged in the device housing. The control unit is designed to control the laser distance measuring device. The control unit has an information input, an information processing unit, and an information output. In one embodiment, the control unit can have a processor and measurement modes and / or measurement mode representations and / or control routines and / or evaluation routines and / or calculation routines stored in a memory unit of the control unit.It is conceivable that a measurement mode, a measurement mode display, and a calculation routine are stored in the memory unit. The device housing can at least partially enclose the display unit. The display unit can be designed, for example, as a display.

[0006] When detecting the actuation of the adjustment element, it is detected when the user actuates the adjustment element. The adjustment element can be arranged on the device housing and designed as an actuatable adjustment element. For example, the adjustment element can be designed as a pressing element, a rotating element, or a sliding element. The adjustment element is signal-connected at least to the control unit, so that actuation of the actuating element is forwarded to the control unit. The device housing can at least partially enclose the adjustment element. It is also conceivable for the device housing to enclose the adjustment element at least circumferentially. When actuating the adjustment element, the user can, for example, make a selection or switch the laser distance measuring device on and / or off.

[0007] In one step of the method, a measurement mode overview is provided, in particular from the memory unit of the laser distance measuring device. The measurement mode overview can display the measurement modes available on the laser distance measuring device. The measurement mode overview can be retrieved from the memory unit. The control unit can provide the measurement mode overview.

[0008] In one step of the process, the measurement mode overview is displayed on the display unit. The display on the display unit helps the user understand the possible measurement modes. The control unit controls the display unit, retrieving the measurement mode overview from the memory unit and forwarding it to the display unit via signal processing. The display unit then displays the measurement mode overview on the display unit.

[0009] In one step of the method, actuation of a selection element for selecting the measuring mode is detected. The selection element can be arranged on the device housing. Furthermore, the selection element can be designed as an actuatable selection element. For example, the selection element can be designed as a push element, rotary element, or sliding element. The selection element is signal-connected at least to the control unit, so that actuation of the selection element is forwarded to the control unit. The device housing can at least partially enclose the selection element. It is also possible for the device housing to enclose the selection element at least in the circumferential direction. It is possible for the setting element and the selection element to be one piece. When the measuring mode overview is opened and the selection element is actuated, the desired measuring mode is selected in advance on the display unit.The animated measurement mode display is then provided, which uses an animation to explain to the user which measurement mode is selected.

[0010] When providing the animated measurement mode display, the control unit retrieves the animated measurement mode display from the storage unit and forwards it to the display unit. The animated measurement mode display uses an animation to graphically show the user which function a desired measurement mode enables. This enables an intuitive, language-independent display of a measurement mode for the user. The animated measurement mode display can, for example, be a series and / or sequence of images that are played back to create a type of video. The series and / or sequence of images can, for example, be in a bitmap, png, jpg format, or the like.

[0011] When the animated measurement mode display is shown on the display unit, the animated measurement mode display is played as the animation. The display unit is connected to at least the control unit via signaling.

[0012] In one step of the method, the measuring mode is carried out using a distance measuring unit. The distance measuring unit can be arranged at least partially within the device housing. The control unit serves to control the laser distance measuring device. The control unit is provided to determine a distance from a distance measurement using the distance measuring unit. In particular, the control unit can be provided to determine a light propagation time from a phase comparison performed between emitted laser radiation and laser radiation returning from a surface of a target object, and to calculate or determine a desired distance between the laser distance measuring device and the target object using the speed of light.The control unit is signal-connected to the other components of the laser distance measuring device, in particular a transmitting device, a detector device, an output device such as the display unit, and further, for example, an input device such as the setting element or the selection element, the power supply device, and a data communication interface. The control unit is designed to communicate with these components during operation of the laser distance measuring device, thus enabling operation of the laser distance measuring device.

[0013] In one step of the method, further actuation of the selection element is checked. Once the animation of the animated measurement mode display has expired, a check is made to determine whether the user has actuated the selection element again. If the user has not actuated the selection element again, essentially the same measurement mode is displayed using the animated measurement mode display. It is also possible that the display of the animated measurement mode display is stopped if the selection element is not actuated again. The check is performed by the control unit.

[0014] In one step of the method, upon further actuation of the selection element, a further animated measurement mode display is provided, in particular by means of the control unit. The further measurement mode display is retrieved from the storage unit and made available for activation. If the user has actuated the selection element again, a further measurement mode is displayed on the display unit using the further animated measurement mode display.

[0015] In one method step of the method, actuation of an activation element for activating a measuring mode displayed by means of the animated measuring mode display is detected. The user can use the activation element to activate the desired measuring mode, which was displayed on the display unit by means of the animated measuring mode display. The activation element can be arranged on the device housing and designed as an actuatable activation element. For example, the activation element can be designed as a push element, rotary element, or sliding element. The activation element is signal-connected at least to the control unit, so that actuation of the activation element is forwarded to the control unit. The device housing can at least partially enclose the activation element. It is also possible for the device housing to enclose the activation element at least in the circumferential direction.It is possible for the setting element, the selection element, and the activation element to be integral. The control unit can be configured to check whether the activation element has been activated and execute the desired measurement mode using the components. If the activation element is not activated, the animated measurement mode display is repeated. If the activation element is activated, the animated measurement mode display is executed.

[0016] In one method step of the method, a connection to an external adapter is determined. External adapters that can be connected to the laser distance measuring device are known from EP 3 602 120 B1. The external adapter can be designed as an attachment adapter for the laser distance measuring device. The external adapter can be connectable to an interface of the laser distance measuring device. The control unit determines whether the external adapter is connected to an interface of the laser distance measuring device. If the control unit determines that the external adapter is connected, a measuring mode representation for the external adapter is provided. Subsequently, a measuring mode for the external adapter can be activated using the activation element, and the measuring mode for the external adapter is executed.If the control unit detects that no external adapter is connected, one of the measurement mode displays described above is executed. The control unit can check in control loops whether the external adapter is still connected to the laser rangefinder. This can be done as long as the external adapter is connected. As soon as the external adapter is connected to the laser rangefinder's interface, the animated measurement mode display for the external adapter is provided and played.

[0017] The measurement mode display can be, for example, a display for a single distance measurement, a display for a continuous distance measurement, a display for an area measurement, a display for a rounding function, a display for a distance measurement using a roller adapter, a display for an area measurement using a roller adapter, a display for a distance measurement using a tape adapter, a display for an area measurement using a tape adapter, a display for a horizontal alignment using a line adapter, a display for a vertical alignment using a line adapter, or the like.

[0018] The measurement mode may be, for example, a single distance measurement, a continuous distance measurement, an area measurement, a rounding function, a distance measurement using a roller adapter, an area measurement using a roller adapter, a distance measurement using a tape adapter, an area measurement using a tape adapter, a horizontal alignment using a line adapter, a vertical alignment using a line adapter, or the like.

[0019] The invention also relates to the control unit for controlling the laser distance measuring device, comprising a processor configured to carry out the method described above.

[0020] The invention also describes a laser distance measuring device with the control unit described above. Short description of the drawings

[0021] The invention is explained below using a preferred embodiment. The drawings show: Fig. 1 is a schematic view of a system comprising a plurality of external adapters and a handheld laser distance measuring device; Fig. 2 shows a method according to the invention for controlling the laser distance measuring device; Fig. 3 shows a method according to the invention for controlling the laser distance measuring device with a connected external adapter; Description of the embodiment

[0022] Fig. 1 shows, in a schematic perspective view, an exemplary system 10 comprising a handheld laser distance measuring device 100 for contactless distance measurement between the laser distance measuring device 100 and a distant object (not shown in detail) and a plurality of external adapters 200. The handheld laser distance measuring device 100 has a device housing 102, a display unit 104, which is designed, for example, as a display, and an adjustment element 106.

[0023] To measure the distance of the laser rangefinder 100 to a target object (not shown in detail here), parallel laser radiation 108 is transmitted toward the target object via a transmission optics (not shown in detail here), which, for example, consists of a lens system (not shown in detail here). The laser radiation reflected from a surface of the target object (not shown in detail here) is guided via a receiving optics (not shown in detail here) to a detector device (not shown in detail here) where it is detected.From a phase comparison carried out between the emitted laser radiation 108 and the laser radiation reflected from the surface of the distant object, a light travel time can be determined and, via the speed of light, the desired distance between the laser distance measuring device 100 and the target object in the corresponding distance measuring direction 114 (direction of emission of the laser radiation 108) can be determined.

[0024] The laser distance measuring device 100 comprises, within the device housing 102, a distance measuring unit 120, a control unit 110, a storage unit 114, and a power supply device 112. The distance measuring unit 120 comprises a laser diode for generating the laser radiation 108 and a detector device, which are not shown in detail. The power supply device serves to supply power to the laser distance measuring device 100—as well as to an external adapter 200 possibly arranged on the laser distance measuring device 100—wherein the power supply device, in one embodiment, comprises a battery or an accumulator, preferably a lithium-ion accumulator. In this embodiment, the detector device comprises at least one single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD), preferably a SPAD array.The control unit 110 is provided at least to determine a light propagation time from a phase comparison performed between the emitted laser radiation 108 and the laser radiation returning from the surface of the target object, and to determine the desired distance between the laser distance measuring device 100 and the target object using the speed of light. Furthermore, the control unit 110 is provided to enable the operation of the laser distance measuring device 100, in particular to control and / or regulate the components used in the laser distance measuring device 100. A determined distance measurement value—and / or data information provided by an arranged external adapter 200, for example, a measured value—can be further processed by the control unit 110 of the laser distance measuring device 100 and / or output to a user of the laser distance measuring device 100 via the display unit 104.The control unit 110 comprises a processor (not shown in detail). The memory unit 114 stores stored measurement modes and / or measurement mode representations and / or control routines and / or evaluation routines and / or calculation routines. The device housing 102 at least partially encloses the display unit 104.

[0025] The adjustment element 106 is arranged on the device housing 102 and is designed to be operable by the user. Furthermore, the device housing 102 at least partially encloses the adjustment element 106. Here, the adjustment element 106 is designed as a push-button element. The adjustment element 106 is signal-connected to the control unit 110. Using the adjustment element 106, the user can at least switch the laser distance measuring device 100 on and / or off. By actuating the adjustment element 106, the user can, for example, switch the laser distance measuring device 100 on and / or off and call up a measurement mode overview.

[0026] The laser distance measuring device 100 includes a selection element 116 arranged on the device housing 102. In this embodiment, the setting element 106 and the selection element 116 are formed integrally. The selection element 116 is configured to select a desired measurement mode when the measurement mode overview is opened. The selected measurement mode is then displayed on the display unit.

[0027] The laser distance measuring device 100 comprises an activation element 118, which is arranged on the device housing 102 and can be actuated by the user. For example, the activation element 118 is designed as a push element. The activation element 118 is signal-connected at least to the control unit 110. The actuation of the activation element 118 is forwarded to the control unit 110. The device housing 102 at least partially encloses the activation element 118.

[0028] Furthermore, Fig. 1 shows a plurality of different external adapters 200 for arrangement on a handheld laser distance measuring device 100. The external adapters 200 are embodied here, by way of example, as attachment adapters 200. In the following, the different embodiments of the external adapters 200 are designated by the reference numerals "a" to "m" where necessary for differentiation. Each of the external adapters 200 (correspondingly, 200a-200m) has an attachment housing which at least substantially surrounds, encloses, and / or holds the essential functional components of the respective external adapter 200—for example, electronic and / or optical components. Each of the external adapters 200 is configured for reversible arrangement at least on the laser distance measuring device 100, wherein at least one additional functionality can be provided by the arrangement of the respective external adapter 200 on the laser distance measuring device 100.In particular, the additional functionality can provide an alternative or additional functionality of the laser distance measuring device 100 that is not available without the external adapter 200.

[0029] The Fig. The external adapters 200 shown in Figure 1, which can be used with the laser distance measuring device 100, comprise the following additional functionality in this exemplary embodiment: External adapter 200a is configured to provide a distance measuring functionality when arranged on the laser distance measuring device 100. External adapter 200b is configured to provide a measuring tape functionality when arranged on the laser distance measuring device 100. External adapter 200c is configured to provide a leveling functionality when arranged on the laser distance measuring device 100.External adapter 200d is configured, when mounted on laser distance measuring device 100, to redirect the emitted laser beam 108 of laser distance measuring device 100 using at least one optical element, in particular using a cylindrical lens, such that a laser line projectable onto a distant object is created (an emitted beam is indicated by dashed lines). External adapter 200e is configured, when mounted on laser distance measuring device 100, to redirect the emitted laser beam 108 of laser distance measuring device 100 using at least two cylindrical lenses such that two laser lines projectable onto a distant object are created, which intersect each other at an angle of 90° (two emitted beams are indicated by dashed lines).External adapter 200f is configured to redirect the emitted laser beam 108 using a mirror (not shown in detail) when mounted on laser distance measuring device 100. External adapter 200f is provided to redirect the laser beam 108 using a reflective conical mirror in such a way that a laser line projectable onto a distant object is created, in particular a laser line projectable onto a distant object over an angular range of 360° is created (the laser lines emitted over the angular range of 360° are indicated by dashed lines). External adapter 200g is configured to provide a temperature measurement functionality when mounted on laser distance measuring device 100.External adapter 200h is configured to provide, when mounted on laser distance measuring device 100, air pressure measurement functionality, air humidity measurement functionality, air temperature measurement functionality, and carbon dioxide measurement functionality. External adapter 200i comprises a communication interface for wireless communication with an external data device, wherein the communication interface is configured to transmit information to or from an external data device. External adapter 200j is configured to provide, when mounted on laser distance measuring device 100, humidity measurement functionality. External adapter 200k has a light source in the form of multiple LEDs, so that laser distance measuring device 100 can thus be used as a flashlight.External adapter 200l is configured to provide an air pressure measurement function, in particular for measuring tire air pressure, when mounted on laser distance measuring device 100. External adapter 200m is configured to provide a tread depth measurement function when mounted on laser distance measuring device 100.

[0030] Using the various external adapters 200 (here in particular 200a-200m), a wide range of additional functionality can be provided for the laser distance measuring device 100 that would not be available without the corresponding external adapters 200. In particular, external adapters 200 with additional electrical functions, for example with sensors (not shown in detail here), motors, diodes, or the like, can be used, wherein the power supply of the corresponding external adapter 200 is advantageously provided using the power supply device 112 of the laser distance measuring device 100.

[0031] Fig. Figure 2 shows a method 300 according to the invention for controlling the laser distance measuring device 100. The control unit 110 is configured to carry out the method 300. In a method step 302, the actuation of the setting element 106 is detected. The control unit 110 thus recognizes that the user wishes to use the laser distance measuring device 100.

[0032] In a method step 304, the measurement mode overview is provided. The control unit 110 retrieves the measurement mode overview from the storage unit 114. The measurement mode overview enables a display of usable measurement modes for the laser distance measuring device 100.

[0033] In a method step 306, the measurement mode overview is displayed on the display unit 104. The available measurement modes are shown to the user. The control unit 110 controls the display unit 104 such that the measurement mode overview is retrieved from the storage unit 114 and forwarded to the display unit 104 via signaling.

[0034] In a method step 308, an actuation of the selection element 116 for selecting the measurement mode is detected. The user selects the desired measurement mode from the measurement mode overview by switching between the various measurement modes using the selection element 116. Here, switching occurs by repeatedly actuating the selection element 116.

[0035] In a method step 310, an animated measurement mode display of the desired measurement mode is provided. After actuating the selection element 116, the control unit 110 retrieves the animated measurement mode display from the storage unit 114 and makes it available to the display unit 104 via signaling.

[0036] In a method step 312, the animated measuring mode representation is displayed on the display unit 104. The animated measuring mode representation is played back as an animation. In a method step 314, a further actuation of the selection element 116 is checked. If the user has actuated the selection element 116 again, the same or a further animated measuring mode representation is displayed on the display unit 104 in a method step 316. In a method step 318, a check is made as to whether the display of the animated measuring mode representation has ended. In a method step 320, an actuation of the activation element 118 for activating the measuring mode displayed by means of the animated measuring mode representation is detected. The desired measuring mode is then executed by means of the distance measuring unit 120.

[0037] If the selection element 116 has not been activated again, the display of the animated measurement mode representation is stopped in a method step 322. In a method step 324, a check is made to determine whether another measurement mode has been selected. If another measurement mode has been selected, an associated measurement mode representation is displayed, which is executed in method step 312.

[0038] In the event that no further measuring mode has been selected, the laser distance measuring device 100 is switched off in a method step 326.

[0039] In a method step 320 of the method, an actuation of an activation element for activating a measuring mode displayed by means of the animated measuring mode representation is detected. The user can use the activation element to activate the desired measuring mode, which was displayed on the display unit by means of the animated measuring mode representation. The desired measuring mode is then executed by means of the distance measuring unit 120.

[0040] Fig. 3 illustrates a method 400 according to the invention for controlling the laser distance measuring device 100 with a connected external adapter 200. In a method step 402, a connection to the external adapter 200 is determined. If the control unit 110 determines that the external adapter 200 is connected, a measurement mode representation for the external adapter 200 is provided.

[0041] In a method step 404, the connection to the external adapter 200 is detected. An animated measurement mode display for the connected external adapter 200 is provided from the storage unit 114 by the control unit 110. In a method step 406, the animated measurement mode display is displayed on the display unit 104. In a method step 408, it is determined whether the activation element 118 is actuated. In a method step 410, the display of the animated measurement mode display is stopped. Subsequently, in a method step 412, the selected measurement mode is activated if the activation element 118 has been actuated. The control unit 110 then controls the distance measuring unit 120 such that the distance measuring unit 120 executes the selected measurement mode. In a method step 414, the laser distance measuring device 100 is then switched off.

[0042] If no user action is performed in method step 406, the animated measurement mode display is processed in method step 416, and a sequence of different image series is scrolled through. In method step 418, it is determined whether the activation element 118 has been activated. If this occurs, the animated measurement mode display is stopped in method step 410, and the measurement mode is executed in method step 412.

[0043] If no action is performed in method step 416, a check is performed in method step 420 to determine whether the sequence of the various image series has been completed. If this is the case, the animated measurement mode display is stopped in method step 410, and the measurement mode is executed in method step 412.

[0044] If, in method step 406, the control unit 110 detects that the connection between the external adapter 200 and the laser distance measuring device 100 has been severed, the animated measurement mode display is stopped in method step 422. Subsequently, in method step 424, the measurement mode display for the external adapter 200 is ended. In method step 426, the laser distance measuring device 100 can be switched off, or the laser distance measuring device can perform method 300.

[0045] If it is detected in method step 416 that the connection between the external adapter 200 and the laser distance measuring device 100 has been disconnected, the animated measurement mode display is stopped in method step 422. Method steps 424 and 426 are subsequently performed. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP 3 602 120 B1 [0002, 0016]

Claims

[1] Method (300, 400) for controlling a laser distance measuring device (100) comprising a control unit (110) for carrying out the method (300, 400) comprising the steps: - detecting an actuation of an adjustment element (106) of the laser distance measuring device (100); - Providing an animated measurement mode display; - Displaying the animated measurement mode representation on a display unit (104) of the laser distance measuring device (100). [2] Method (300, 400) according to claim 1, characterized by that in a method step (304) a measurement mode overview is provided, in particular from a memory unit (114) of the laser distance measuring device (100). [3] Method (300, 400) according to claim 2, characterized by that in a method step (304) the measurement mode overview is displayed on the display unit (104). [4] Method (300, 400) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat in a method step (308) an actuation of a selection element (116) for selecting a measuring mode is detected. [5] Method (300, 400) according to claim 4, characterized by that in a method step (320) the measuring mode is carried out by means of a distance measuring unit (120). [6] Method (300, 400) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized by that in a method step (314) a further actuation of the selection element (116) is checked. [7] Method (300, 400) according to claim 6, characterized by that in a method step (324) upon further actuation of the selection element (116) a further animated measurement mode display is provided. [8] Method (300, 400) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that in a method step (320) an actuation of an activation element (118) for activating a measuring mode displayed by means of the animated measuring mode display is detected. [9] Method (300, 400) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that in a method step (402) a connection with an external adapter (200) is determined. [10] Control unit (110) for controlling a laser distance measuring device (100), comprising a processor configured to carry out the method (300, 400) according to any one of the preceding claims. [11] Laser distance measuring device (100) with a control unit (110) according to claim 10.

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