Rotary encoder with push-button function on a surveying instrument

Abstract

Surveying device comprising at least one rotary encoder, wherein the focus of the lens position or the alignment of the optics to a target point, in particular the fine adjustment, is carried out by means of a rotary encoder, characterized in that the rotary encoder, in addition to the function of a rotational movement, includes at least one further function which enables the selection of device settings or device functions.

Description

[0001] With various surveying instruments, such as motorized total stations or levels, a user interacts with the instrument to aim and initiate measurements. These interactions include pressing buttons, turning rotary encoders, and entering data on touchscreens. This interaction can result in force being exerted on the measuring instrument by the user, causing deflections or shifts in its position, which can affect measurement accuracy.

[0002] Targeting a target using a rotary encoder that sends a position signal to a motor control is used in various surveying instruments available on the market and is described, for example, in EP0820395B1.

[0003] Rotary encoders with function keys are state of the art in various other application areas of daily life.

[0004] Previous solutions with separate rotary encoder and button function ( Fig. 1) They require installation space for rotary encoders and input buttons. To activate the push-button function, the user must leave the rotary encoder area and search for the button.

[0005] Surveying instruments are typically set up on tripods above a known point; the ground can be of any type (from soft to hard). Even the slightest changes in orientation have undesirable effects on the measurement result.

[0006] To aim at a target, the user looks through an optical sight (2) on the rotary encoder to move the optical instrument's axis toward the target. Once the target is in position, the user must move their hand from the rotary encoder to the measurement button to trigger a measurement of the target coordinates. The user has two options for initiating the measurement. They can look away from the sight and focus on the input buttons to locate and press the measurement button. If the user moves their head away from the sight, they will glance through it after the measurement to verify the target alignment. If the target deviation is too great, the measurement must be repeated. This recheck and remeasurement take time and ultimately represent an additional cost or effort for the user.

[0007] Alternatively, this can be done blindly, with the user continuing to look at the target through the scope. If the trigger button is searched for blindly, there is a risk that the surveying instrument will move while searching for the button, requiring the user to re-aim, which also wastes time.

[0008] To enable one-handed use by the user, surveying instruments exist ( Fig. 3) with three rotary encoders for motorized focusing (12), motorized horizontal adjustment (11) and motorized vertical adjustment (16) on the side surface, like the Leica Multistation MS60. This arrangement requires additional installation space compared to a total station with two rotary encoders.

[0009] The known measuring instruments are, by design, very large and very complex to operate.

[0010] As in Fig. Figure 1 shows a measuring device known from the prior art with a separate arrangement of rotary encoders (Nos. 11 & 12) and input buttons (Nos. 13 & 14) requiring installation space on the side surface of the instrument. This installation space results in a larger instrument, which generally also means a higher weight. A smaller instrument size results in a less ergonomic arrangement of the operating elements.

[0011] In daily use, the separate arrangement of rotary encoder (No. 11 & 12) and input keys (No. 13 & 14) has the disadvantage that the user has to move his hand from the rotary encoder to the input key in order to reach the input key after a rotational movement on the rotary encoder.

[0012] A conventional rotary encoder arrangement ( Fig. 5) The use of rotary encoders for adjusting the aiming axis on both sides (11 and 16) of the instrument necessitates two-handed operation for aiming. One-handed operation is not possible, especially if an additional rotary encoder is required for motorized telescope focusing (12).

[0013] To simplify the use of the measuring device, the object of the invention is therefore to reduce the size, to reduce input-related errors, or to simplify user input, e.g., by means of one-handed operation.

[0014] For example, for one-handed operation, the rotary encoder and electromechanical contact switch used in the state of the art can be replaced by an integrated solution.

[0015] Alternatively, an encoder with two rotary functions with / without push-button function can be used.

[0016] Ergonomics are improved by integrating the button function into the rotary encoder. This allows the user to aim at a target point and activate a button function (e.g., measurement, autofocus) without losing sight of the target point.

[0017] To enable one-handed operation by the user, a rotary encoder can be combined with another coaxial rotary encoder (26). Fig. 4 and Fig. 6).

[0018] In Fig. Figure 2 shows the integration of a key function (23 and 24) into the rotary encoder (21 and 22) of a surveying instrument. Integrating the keys into the rotary encoder allows the surveying instrument to be built smaller.

[0019] As previously described, integrating the touch function into the rotary encoder solves various problems and enables the implementation of new functions. This saves installation space, allowing the surveying instrument to be built smaller and lighter. Furthermore, functionality is improved because the user's hand is already near the trigger button when the instrument is aligned with a target using the rotary encoder. An input button for triggering a measurement or for automatic telescope focusing can be pressed directly without searching. This increases measurement reliability because the user can keep their target constantly in view.

[0020] Additionally, the rotary encoder with touch function and coaxial second rotary encoder allows the user to aim at the target in the horizontal and vertical directions with one hand. Fig. Figure 1 shows a surveying instrument according to the state of the art. Fig. Figure 2 shows a surveying device with an input system which incorporates the improvements according to the invention. Fig. Figure 3 shows a surveying instrument according to the state of the art. Fig. Figure 4 shows a surveying instrument with a combined pressure-rotary encoder. Fig. Figure 5 shows a surveying instrument with combined pressure-rotary encoders on several sides of the housing. Fig. Figure 6 shows a surveying instrument with a double pressure rotary encoder and several pressure rotary encoders. Fig. Figure 7 shows a surveying instrument with a sensor consisting of a magnetic field detector. Fig. Figure 8 shows a surveying instrument with a sensor consisting of a magnetic field detector. Fig. Figure 9 shows a surveying instrument with a capacitive angle sensor / distance sensor. Fig. Figure 10 shows a surveying device with an optical rotary encoder and light barrier. Fig. Figure 11 shows a surveying device with an optical rotary encoder and light barrier. Fig. Figure 12 shows a surveying instrument with a radially arranged magnetic sensor. Fig. Figure 13 shows a surveying instrument with a radially arranged capacitive sensor in the pressed state. Fig. Figure 14 shows a surveying instrument with a rotary encoder as an optical angle encoder with beam blocking for key detection.

[0021] The Fig. Figure 1 shows the basic structure of a modern surveying instrument (1) with telescopic sight (2), rotary encoder (11) / (12) and input keys (13) / (14) which requires classic two-handed operation.

[0022] Fig. Figure 2 shows the basic structure of a surveying device (1) according to the invention in a side view. Input buttons (24) / (23) are integrated in the rotary encoder (21) / (22).

[0023] Fig. Figure 3 shows the basic structure of a modern surveying instrument (1) with telescopic sight (2), rotary encoder (11) / (12) / (16) and input keys (13) / (14).

[0024] Fig. Figure 4 shows the basic structure of a surveying device (1) according to the invention in a side view. Input buttons (24) / (23) are integrated into the rotary encoder (21) / (22). A further rotary encoder (26) is arranged coaxially to the rotary encoder (21).

[0025] Fig. Figure 5 shows the basic structure of a modern surveying instrument (1) with telescopic sight (2), in front view. Rotary encoders (11), (12) and (17) are distributed on both sides of the instrument.

[0026] Fig. Figure 6 shows the basic structure of a surveying instrument (1) according to the invention, with a telescopic sight (2) and the possibility of one-handed operation. Rotary encoders with touch function (21-23), (27-28) and double rotary encoders with touch function (22-26-24). The touch functions (23, 28, 24) can be omitted.

[0027] Various solution principles can be applied.

[0028] Fig. Figure 7 shows a sensor consisting of a magnetic field detector (31) for detecting the rotation angle and distance of a rotatably and longitudinally displaceable permanent magnet (30).

[0029] The permanent magnet can be designed as an axially magnetized disc magnet in any shape or as a ring magnet.

[0030] Fig. Figure 8 shows an embodiment with a magnetic field detector (31) for detecting the rotation angle of the ring magnet (30). The magnetic field detector (31) is arranged off-axis to provide space for an electrical contact switch (32) for input detection.

[0031] Fig. Figure 9 shows a capacitive angle sensor-distance sensor (41) / (42) for detecting the rotation angle and the distance.

[0032] Fig. Figure 10 shows the unpressed position. A light beam (54) is sent via an angle encoder code plate (52) to a receiver (51). The rotation angle of the axis of rotation is evaluated from the light information.

[0033] Fig. Figure 11 shows the pressed state. The axial displacement of the angle encoder code plate (52) directs the light beam (54) from the light source (50) into a light barrier (53). The absence of light on the receiver (51) is interpreted as a button being pressed.

[0034] In the Fig. 12 and Fig. Figure 13 describes a solution variant with a radially arranged magnetic sensor. The angle of rotation is determined by the direction of the magnetic field of the magnet (60) from the sensor (61). Fig. Figure 16 shows the unpressed (unactuated) case for determining the angle of rotation.

[0035] Fig. Figure 13 shows the arrangement in the pressed state. The "button pressed" state is detected by the contact of the metallic, electrically conductive surface of the magnet (60) with the electrical contact surface (62). The rotor has a passive structure, whereas the stator has an electrically active structure to generate a capacitive field and detect changes.

[0036] Fig. Figure 14 shows a sensor consisting of a magnetic field detector (31) for detecting the rotation angle and distance of a rotatably and longitudinally displaceable permanent magnet (30). Input detection is performed by contact surfaces (70) and (71). The ring-shaped contact surfaces can be designed as electrical contact surfaces or capacitive distance sensors. The permanent magnet can be designed as an axially magnetized disc magnet of any shape or as a ring magnet.

[0037] The solution principles for the rotary encoder can also be applied to the second rotary encoder (26) which is arranged coaxially to the first rotary encoder (21).

[0038] Furthermore, temporal aspects can provide important input. Since the representation of temporal aspects is not possible, the following aspect cannot be represented. In addition, a surveying device with temporal aspects can be designed such that a device setting or function can be selected by rotating the rotary encoder. A selection is confirmed by no further operation of the rotary encoder for a period of 1 to 10 seconds, in particular 2 to 6 seconds, preferably 3 to 5 seconds. The selection is confirmed with feedback, in particular in the form of haptic, visual, or acoustic feedback. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

[0000] EP 0820395B1

[0002]

Claims

[1] Surveying device, comprising at least one rotary encoder, wherein the focus of the lens position or the alignment of the optics to a target point, in particular the fine adjustment, is carried out by means of the rotary encoder characterized by that the rotary encoder, in addition to the function of a rotational movement, includes at least one further function which enables the selection of device settings or device functions. [2] Surveying device according to claim 1, characterized by that the selection function on the rotary encoder is carried out by a spatial deflection of the rotary encoder in relation to the housing from the neutral position to the selection position. [3] Surveying device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the rotary encoder, in addition to the rotation function, has a switch with a push function and / or a switch with a pull function for a one-dimensional deflection. [4] Surveying device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the rotary encoder, in addition to the rotation function for a multi-dimensional deflection, has a switch with a multi-dimensional, in particular six-dimensional, movement function. [5] Surveying device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the selection function is formed by means of at least one touch-sensitive area of ​​a surface of the rotary encoder, wherein touching the area triggers the selection function. [6] Surveying device according to claim 5, characterized by that the motion-sensitive surface is at least part of the head surface or part of the side surface of the rotary encoder. [7] Surveying device according to claim 5 or 6, characterized by that the selection function is only active if at least two touch-sensitive surfaces (e.g. head and side surface) are touched simultaneously. [8] Surveying device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat a selection on the measuring device or on the rotary encoder is confirmed by feedback, in particular in the form of haptic, visual or acoustic feedback. [9] Surveying device according to claim 8, characterized by that the feedback can be switched on and off. [10] Surveying device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the rotational movement of the rotary encoder is measured by an angle sensor, in particular by a capacitive or optical or magnetic angle sensor. [11] Surveying device according to claim 10, characterized by that the rotational movement is a stepped or rasterized rotational movement, whereby the change from one selection level to the next requires increased effort and thus a haptic feedback is created.

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