LASER DISTANCE EXHIBITION

Description

State of the art

[0001] Methods for operating a distance measuring device have already been proposed.

[0002] Distance measuring devices, and in particular optical distance measuring devices as such, and methods for operating such distance measuring devices have been known for some time. These devices emit a modulated measuring beam, for example a light or laser beam, which is directed at a desired measuring object whose distance from the distance measuring device is to be determined. The returning measuring signal, reflected or scattered by the targeted measuring object, is at least partially detected by the distance measuring device and used to determine the desired distance.

[0003] The application range of such distance measuring devices generally covers distances ranging from a few millimeters to several hundred meters. Depending on the distances to be measured, the environmental conditions, and the reflectivity of the selected target, the performance requirements of such a distance measuring device vary. Such distance measuring devices are now commercially available in compact designs and allow the operator to operate them easily handheld.

[0004] For example, DE 102 32 878 A1 already discloses a method for operating a distance measuring device, in particular a handheld laser distance measuring device. In at least one method step, at least one parameter influencing measurement accuracy is detected, in particular by means of a sensor unit of the distance measuring device. In at least one method step, an achievable measurement accuracy class is determined as a function of the parameter influencing measurement accuracy, in particular by means of a computing unit of the distance measuring device. The achievable measurement accuracy or measurement accuracy class can be output to the operator. Distance measuring devices are also known from EP 2 652 441 A1 and EP 2 637 038 A1. Disclosure of the invention

[0005] The invention is based on a method for operating a handheld laser distance measuring device according to claim 1 and on a handheld laser distance measuring device according to claim 7.

[0006] Advantageous embodiments are defined by the dependent claims.

[0007] It is proposed that, in at least one method step, depending on the at least one detected measurement accuracy influencing parameter and / or the achievable measurement accuracy class, at least one instruction is output in the form of an optical, acoustic, and / or haptic signal, in particular by means of an output unit of the distance measuring device, which instructs a user on how to use the laser distance measuring device (12) to achieve a measurement accuracy class. In at least one method step (106), at least one measurement accuracy influencing parameter embodied as a movement parameter is detected by means of a sensor unit (34) embodied as an optical camera unit (36). A "measurement accuracy influencing parameter" is to be understood in particular as a detected parameter that influences a measurement inaccuracy.The measurement accuracy influencing parameter is preferably designed as a brightness in a captured camera image, a contrast in a captured camera image, an extraneous light in a captured camera image, a histogram (brightness / color distribution) of a captured camera image, a wobble, a movement or change in a series of captured camera images, a movement measured by a distance measuring device, a movement measured by an inertial sensor, a movement measured by a yaw rate sensor, a change in a distance measurement value, a distance measurement value or as a noise / SNR of a detector of the distance measuring device.In this context, a "sensor unit" is understood in particular to mean a unit designed to record at least one parameter and / or a physical property. The recording can be performed actively, such as by generating and transmitting an electrical measurement signal, and / or passively, such as by detecting changes in the properties of a sensor component. Various sensor units that would be deemed appropriate by a person skilled in the art are conceivable. A sensor unit is understood in particular to mean a camera, an inertial sensor, or a distance measurement chip (e.g., an APD). A "measurement accuracy class" is understood in particular to mean a range of achievable measurement reliability that can be achieved using a single measurement or a series of measurements with a specified measurement time and / or a specified number of measurement points.Different measurement uncertainty classes have different ranges within which a measurement is accurate. Measurements can be accurate, for example, in the decimeter (dm) range, the centimeter (cm) range, or the millimeter (mm) range. Alternatively or additionally, measurement accuracy classes can also be described verbally, such as "coarse," "medium," or "fine." An "instruction" is understood to be an optical, acoustic, and / or haptic signal issued by the distance measuring device to an operator. An instruction is specifically issued as a signal that instructs a user on how to operate the distance measuring device.In this case, an instruction is particularly designed as an instruction that tells the operator how to use the distance measurement to achieve a specific measurement accuracy class and / or which measurement accuracy class they can achieve with the current handling of the distance measuring device, and what they must do to achieve a different measurement accuracy class. In particular, instructions can provide suggestions to the operator, e.g., that the operator should hold the distance measuring device more steadily in their hand ora tripod should be used, the operator should change the lighting situation, for example, by changing the location, the operator should use an aid, such as a shade, the operator should use a reflector to increase the received signal strength, the operator should reduce the distance to the measurement object in order to increase the received signal strength, and / or the operator should perform a minimum number of measurements and / or a minimum measurement duration in order to achieve a certain measurement accuracy class. A "computing unit" should be understood in particular as a unit with an information input, an information processing unit, and an information output. The computing unit advantageously has at least one processor, a memory, input and output means, other electrical components, an operating program, control routines, and / or calculation routines.The components of the computing unit are preferably arranged on a common circuit board and / or advantageously arranged in a common housing. This allows an operator of the distance measuring device to achieve a precise measurement result, which in particular allows for simple operation of the distance measuring device. A "motion characteristic" is understood in particular to mean a characteristic that describes a movement of the distance measuring device relative to its surroundings. A motion characteristic can preferably be detected by various methods using the optical camera unit, in particular by an optical difference between two different recorded images, whereby, for example, an amount of pixel displacement and / or a change in the position of a feature of the image, such as in particular an edge, a pattern, or a structure in the image, is detected.The difference can be determined between two consecutive images or between two or more images taken at a certain time interval. In principle, it is also conceivable to determine a motion parameter by detecting other optical differences. Alternatively or additionally, a motion parameter can be determined by a characteristic relative movement of the distance measuring device to the measurement object, for example, by a translational displacement relative to the measurement object. This allows a movement of the distance measuring device and / or a measurement object to be advantageously taken into account when determining an instruction, and an operator of the distance measuring device can be guided particularly advantageously to achieve an accurate measurement result.

[0008] It is further proposed that, in at least one method step, at least one measurement accuracy influencing parameter embodied as extraneous light is detected by a sensor unit embodied as an optical camera unit, in particular by a sensor unit of the distance measuring device embodied as an optical camera unit. An "extraneous light component" is to be understood in particular as colors in the image recorded by the optical camera unit that are the same as / similar to a laser wavelength of a laser (unmodulated component of the light at the laser wavelength) intended for distance measurement. A "sensor unit embodied as a camera unit" is to be understood in particular as an optical sensor, which can be embodied as part of a rangefinder or as a separate optical sensor.As a result, an extraneous light component can advantageously be taken into account when determining an action instruction, whereby an improved measurement can preferably be achieved and an operator of the distance measuring device can be guided particularly advantageously to achieve an accurate measurement result.

[0009] It is further proposed that, in at least one method step, at least one measurement accuracy influencing parameter, embodied as a contrast, be detected by a sensor unit embodied as an optical camera unit, in particular by a sensor unit of the distance measuring device embodied as an optical camera unit. A "contrast" is to be understood in particular as the contrast of a camera image, whereby a low contrast, for example in conjunction with a short exposure time, allows a conclusion to be drawn about lighting conditions during a distance measurement, whereby the lighting conditions can be determined during a distance measurement.This allows a contrast to be taken into account when determining an instruction to be carried out, the instruction to be adapted in particular to the lighting conditions in the environment of the distance measurement and an operator of the distance measuring device can be guided in a particularly advantageous manner to achieve an accurate measurement result.

[0010] It is further proposed that, in at least one method step, at least one measurement accuracy influencing parameter, embodied as brightness, be detected by a sensor unit embodied as an optical camera unit, in particular by a sensor unit of the distance measuring device embodied as an optical camera unit. "Brightness" is to be understood in particular as an intensity of ambient light relative to the light of the laser used for distance measurement. A determined brightness is in particular related to a laser strength, since the laser can be outshone above a certain brightness (detector saturation or similar). This allows brightness to be taken into account when determining an instruction, and an operator of the distance measuring device can be guided particularly advantageously to achieving an accurate measurement result.

[0011] Furthermore, it is proposed that, in at least one method step, at least one measurement accuracy influencing parameter, embodied as an image histogram, be recorded by a sensor unit embodied as an optical camera unit, in particular by a sensor unit of the distance measuring device embodied as an optical camera unit. An "image histogram" is understood to mean, in particular, a distribution of brightness values ​​or color values ​​in an image captured by an optical sensor. In particular, an evaluation of the image histogram allows a more precise determination of an achievable measurement accuracy class by utilizing detailed information from a camera image.As a result, an image histogram can be taken into account when determining an action instruction, a particularly advantageously precise determination of an achievable measurement accuracy class can be achieved, and an operator of the distance measuring device can be guided in a particularly advantageous manner to achieve an accurate measurement result.

[0012] Furthermore, it is proposed that, in at least one method step, at least one measurement accuracy influencing parameter configured as a motion parameter is detected by a sensor unit configured as an inertial sensor unit of the distance measuring device. A "motion parameter determined by the sensor unit configured as an inertial sensor unit" is to be understood in particular as a speed and / or acceleration, in particular of the distance measuring device. The motion parameter characterizes in particular a relative movement of the distance measuring device to the measurement object, in particular a speed / acceleration during a displacement and / or inclination / rotation of the distance measuring device relative to the measurement object.In this case, a movement parameter determined by the sensor unit embodied as an inertial sensor unit can represent a movement of the distance measuring device in and / or transverse to a measuring direction. This advantageously allows a movement of the distance measuring device to be taken into account when determining an action instruction, thus particularly advantageously guiding an operator of the distance measuring device to achieve an accurate measurement result.

[0013] Furthermore, a distance measuring device, in particular a handheld laser distance measuring device, which can be operated in particular according to the method described above, is proposed, comprising at least one sensor unit provided for detecting at least one measurement accuracy influencing parameter, at least one computing unit provided for processing the at least one measurement accuracy influencing parameter, and at least one optical, acoustic, and / or haptic output unit. Depending on the at least one detected measurement accuracy influencing parameter, at least one instruction can be output by means of the output unit. This advantageously makes it possible to provide a distance measuring device for carrying out the method that is particularly user-friendly.

[0014] It is further proposed that the distance measuring device comprise at least one sensor unit configured as an optical camera unit, which is designed to detect at least one measurement accuracy influencing parameter configured as ambient light, contrast, brightness, image histogram, and / or motion characteristic. This makes it possible to provide a distance measuring device that can advantageously detect at least one measurement accuracy influencing parameter and issue a corresponding instruction to an operator in order to guide the operator to a particularly accurate measurement result.

[0015] Furthermore, it is proposed that the distance measuring device comprise at least one sensor unit configured as an inertial sensor unit, which is intended to detect at least one measurement accuracy influencing parameter configured as a movement parameter, in particular as a speed and / or an acceleration. This makes it possible to provide a distance measuring device that can advantageously detect at least one further measurement accuracy influencing parameter and issue a corresponding instruction to an operator in order to guide the operator to a particularly accurate measurement result. drawing

[0016] Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of the drawings. The drawings illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The drawings, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. Those skilled in the art will also expediently consider the features individually and combine them into useful further combinations.

[0017] They show: Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a distance measuring device according to the invention, which is intended for operation by means of a method according to the invention, and Fig. 2 is a schematically represented flow diagram of the method according to the invention with various method steps. Description of the embodiment

[0018] The Figure 1shows a schematic representation of a distance measuring device 10 according to the invention. The distance measuring device 10 is intended for carrying out a method according to the invention. Figure 1 The most important components for describing the basic structure of the distance measuring device 10 are shown. The distance measuring device 10 is intended for determining a distance between the distance measuring device 10 and a measurement object 78. The distance measuring device 10 is designed as a laser distance measuring device 12. The distance measuring device 10 is designed as a handheld laser distance measuring device 12. An operator can hold the distance measuring device 10 preferably in one hand and determine a distance to a remotely arranged measurement object 78.

[0019] The distance measuring device 10 has a transmitting unit 14. The transmitting unit 14 is provided for generating a measurement signal. Using the measurement signal, the distance measuring device 10 is provided for determining a distance to a measurement object 78. The transmitting unit 14 comprises a laser diode 16. The laser diode 16 is designed as a semiconductor laser diode. The laser diode 16 is provided for emitting a laser beam. The laser beam emitted by the laser diode 16 is in the form of a laser beam visible to the human eye. The transmitting unit 14 has a beam-shaping element 22 that reshapes the laser beam emitted by the laser diode 16. The beam-shaping element 22 is designed as a cylindrical lens 24. The beam-shaping element 22 is provided for improving a beam profile of the laser beam. Such a beam-shaping element 22 can also be an integral part of the laser diode 16.The transmitting unit 14 has an optical element 26. The optical element 26 is designed as a lens 28. The optical element 26 forms a collimating lens that generates a substantially parallel transmitted beam 80 from the laser beam of the laser diode 16. In principle, it is also conceivable for the beam-shaping element 22 to be designed in a different way or for the transmitting unit 14 to have further beam-shaping elements 22. The transmitted beam 80 is directed towards the measurement object 78 to be measured. The distance measuring device 10 comprises an optical window 86 through which the transmitted beam 80 can emerge from an interior of the distance measuring device 10 into an environment. The optical window 86 is arranged at a front end of the distance measuring device 10. The transmitting unit 14 is arranged substantially behind the optical window 86.

[0020] The distance measuring device 10 has a receiver unit 18. The receiver unit 18 is provided for detecting a measurement signal emitted by the transmitter unit 14. A measurement signal emitted by the transmitter unit 14, in particular in the form of the transmission beam 80, is detected as a returning measurement signal by the receiver unit 18 after it is reflected and / or scattered by the measurement object 78. The distance measuring device 10 has a further optical window 90. A reception beam 82 returning from the measurement object 78 can enter the distance measuring device 10 through the optical window 90. The receiver unit 18 is arranged behind the further optical window 90. The receiver unit 18 has an optical element 30 through which the reception beam 82 is guided. The optical element 30 is designed as a lens 32. The optical element 30 focuses the received beam 82. The receiver unit 18 has a sensor unit 20.The sensor unit 20 is designed as a photodiode. The received beam 82 is focused by the optical element 30 of the receiver unit 18 onto a measuring surface of the sensor unit 20, which is designed as a photodiode. This allows a returning received beam 82 to be detected by the sensor unit 20. The sensor unit 20 converts the returning received beam 82 into an electrical sensor signal.

[0021] The distance measuring device 10 has a computing unit 58. The computing unit 58 is designed as a control and processing unit. The computing unit 58 is provided for controlling and regulating the distance measuring device 10. The computing unit 58 is provided to control the transmitting unit 14. In particular, the computing unit 58 is provided to control and operate the laser diode 16. The computing unit 58 is further provided to evaluate the electrical sensor signal of the sensor unit 20 of the receiver unit 18. By evaluating the electrical sensor signal of the sensor unit 20 of the receiver unit 18, the computing unit 58 determines a distance to the measurement object 78.

[0022] The computing unit 58 comprises a circuit arrangement (not shown in detail), which, among other things, also includes at least one quartz oscillator for providing the required frequency signals. These signals, of which several are typically used with different frequencies during a distance measurement, modulate the measurement signal in a known manner. The basic structure of such a circuit arrangement can be found, for example, in DE 198 11 550 A1 and will therefore not be explicitly repeated here.

[0023] To measure the distance between the distance measuring device 10 and the measurement object 78, the distance measuring device 10 is directed at the measurement object 78 so that the optical windows 86, 90 are aligned with the measurement object 78. The computing unit 58 controls the laser diode 16 of the transmitting unit 14, which emits a laser beam that is converted into a parallel transmitted beam 80 via the beam-shaping element 22 and the optical element 26. The transmitted beam 80 forms the measuring radiation of the distance measuring device 10. The transmitted beam 80 is directed through the optical window 86 toward the measurement object 78 and, depending on the nature of the measurement object 78, is partially reflected and / or partially scattered by the measurement object 78. The reflected and / or scattered transmitted beam 80 forms a received beam 82 that returns to the distance measuring device 10.The returning received beam 82 re-enters the distance measuring device 10 through the optical window 90 and is focused onto the sensor unit 20 via the optical element 30. The sensor unit 20, designed as a photodiode, converts the received beam 82 focused onto it into an electrical sensor signal, which is processed by the computing unit 58. The computing unit 58 determines a distance between the distance measuring device 10 and the measurement object 78 from the sensor signal triggered by the returning received beam 82. In doing so, the computing unit 58 determines a distance between the distance measuring device 10 and the measurement object 78, in particular from a phase shift imposed on the returning received beam 82 compared to the transmitted transmitted beam 80.Determining the distance corresponds to a method known from the prior art, for example, from DE 102 32 878 A1, and will therefore not be described in detail here. Various environmental and / or application influences affect the accuracy of the distance measurement. In particular, a relative movement of the distance measuring device 10 as well as various optical influences, such as brightness, contrast and / or extraneous light 84, and / or a measuring distance influence the accuracy of the distance measurement by means of the distance measuring device 10. The computing unit 58 is provided to record and evaluate measurement accuracy influencing parameters that affect the accuracy of the distance measurement.

[0024] The distance measuring device 10 has a sensor unit 34. The sensor unit 34 is provided for detecting at least one parameter influencing measurement accuracy. The sensor unit 34 is designed as an optical sensor unit. The sensor unit 34 is designed as an optical camera unit 36. It is conceivable that the sensor unit 34 designed as an optical camera unit 36 ​​is present for distance measurement by means of the distance measuring device 10 or that the sensor unit 34 designed as an optical camera unit 36 ​​is integrated into the distance measuring device 10 as an additional sensor that is only provided for detecting parameters influencing measurement accuracy. The sensor unit 34 designed as an optical camera unit 36 ​​is provided in particular for detecting an image of the surroundings of the distance measuring device.The sensor unit 34 is coupled to the computing unit 58 via corresponding lines so that images captured by the sensor unit 34 can be stored and evaluated on the computing unit 58. The sensor unit 34 comprises a detector element 42. The detector element 42 is designed as an optoelectronic sensor 44. The sensor unit 34 comprises an optical element 38. The optical element 38 is designed as a lens 40 that focuses an incoming hole onto the detector element 42 of the sensor unit 34. The distance measuring device 10 has a further optical window 88. The further optical window 88 is arranged on the same side of the distance measuring device 10 as the two other optical windows 86, 90. The sensor unit 34 is arranged behind the further optical window 88.Light can enter the interior of the distance measuring device 10 through the optical window 88, whereby the sensor unit 34 can capture an image of the surroundings via the optical element 38 and the detector element 42. The sensor unit 34, designed as an optical camera unit 36, is provided to capture at least one measurement accuracy influencing parameter in the form of extraneous light 84, contrast, brightness, image histogram, and / or motion parameter.

[0025] The distance measuring device 10 has a sensor unit 46. The sensor unit 46 is designed as an inertial sensor unit 48. The sensor unit 46 is intended to detect a movement of the distance measuring device 10. The sensor unit 46 is intended for movement detection. The sensor unit 46 has a first inertial sensor element 50. The first inertial sensor element 50 is designed as an acceleration sensor 52. The acceleration sensor 52 is intended to detect an acceleration of the distance measuring device 10. The acceleration sensor 52 has three translation sensors, each orthogonally positioned to one another, so that the acceleration sensor 52 can detect movement in all three spatial axes. The sensor unit 46, which is designed as an inertial sensor unit 48, has a second inertial sensor element 54. The second inertial sensor element 54 is designed as a rotation rate sensor 56.The rotation rate sensor 56 is provided to detect a rotation speed of the distance measuring device 10 about the three orthogonal spatial axes.

[0026] For this purpose, the yaw rate sensor 56 has three gyroscopic sensor elements arranged orthogonally to one another. It is also conceivable in principle for the sensor unit 46 to have additional inertial sensor elements 50, 54. The sensor unit 46, designed as an inertial sensor unit 48, is intended to detect at least one measurement accuracy influencing parameter in the form of a movement parameter, in particular a speed and / or an acceleration. The sensor unit 46 is coupled to the computing unit 58 via a line and thus transmits the detected movement parameter to the computing unit 58, which then processes this movement parameter.

[0027] The computing unit 58 is provided for evaluating the measurement accuracy influencing parameters transmitted by the sensor units 20, 34, 46. The computing unit 58 is provided for evaluating the sensor signal of the sensor unit 20 as a measurement accuracy influencing parameter. The computing unit 58 is provided for evaluating the images transmitted to the computing unit 58 by the sensor unit 34, which is designed as an optical camera unit 36, and for deriving measurement accuracy influencing parameters therefrom. The computing unit 58 evaluates an extraneous light 84, a contrast, a brightness, and an image histogram of an image captured by the sensor unit 34 as measurement accuracy influencing parameters. Furthermore, the computing unit 58 evaluates a motion parameter, which the computing unit 58 determines by comparing two different images captured by the sensor unit 34, as a measurement inaccuracy parameter.The computing unit 58 is provided to evaluate the movement parameters output by the sensor unit 46 designed as an inertial sensor unit 48 as measurement accuracy influencing parameters.

[0028] The distance measuring device 10 has different measurement accuracy classes. In the different measurement accuracy classes of the distance measuring device 10, the deviation between the distance to the measurement object 78 measured by the distance measuring device 10 and the actual distance to the measurement object 78 varies in magnitude. The measurement accuracy classes are stored in the computing unit 58. The different measurement accuracy classes each form a deviation that a distance measurement using the distance measuring device 10 has. In a first measurement accuracy class, the measured distance has a deviation of plus / minus one millimeter from the actual distance. In a second measurement accuracy class, the measured distance has a deviation of plus / minus one centimeter from the actual distance.In a third measurement accuracy class, the measured distance exhibits a deviation of plus / minus one decimetre from the actual distance. In principle, it is also conceivable that additional measurement accuracy classes are stored on the computing unit 58, which have other deviations that lie between the deviations of the above-mentioned measurement accuracy classes or are greater or smaller than the deviations of the specified measurement accuracy classes.

[0029] The distance measuring device 10 has an output unit 60. The output unit 60 is designed to output information and instructions to an operator. The output unit 60 is configured for the optical, acoustic, and / or haptic output of information and instructions. The output unit 60 is controlled by the computing unit 58. The computing unit 58 can output visual information to the operator via the output unit 60. The output unit 60 has a display element 62. The display element 62 is designed to output a visual signal to the operator. The display element 62 is designed as a display 64. In principle, it is also conceivable for the display element 62 to be designed as a single LED or a series of LEDs that can output a visual signal to the operator.During operation, the output unit 60 is provided in particular to visually output the result of a distance measurement to the operator. The output unit 60 has an acoustic output element 66. The acoustic output element 66 is designed as a loudspeaker 68. The acoustic output element 66 is provided to output acoustic signals to the operator. In this case, it is conceivable, for example, for a voice output to occur via the acoustic output element 66 and, for example, for a result of a distance measurement to be output acoustically to the operator. It is also conceivable for an acoustic signal to be output via the acoustic output element 66, for example, when a distance measurement is complete. The output unit 60 has a haptic output element 70. The haptic output element 70 is designed as a vibration element 72.In principle, it is also conceivable for the haptic output element 70 to be designed as another output element that would be deemed appropriate by a person skilled in the art. Haptic signals can be output to the operator via the haptic output element 70. For example, it is conceivable for the haptic output element 70 to indicate a successful distance measurement by vibrating.

[0030] The distance measuring device 10 has an operating unit 74. The operating unit 74 is provided so that an operator can make various settings on the distance measuring device 10. The operating unit 74 is coupled to the computing unit 58 via a corresponding line. This allows the operator to operate the computing unit 58 or the distance measuring device 10 via the operating unit 74. For example, an operator can use the operating unit 74 to select a type of display for a measurement result using the output unit 60 or to switch the distance measuring device 10 on or off. Using the operating unit 74, the operator can set a desired measurement accuracy class with which they wish to take a distance measurement. The operating unit 74 has several operating elements 76 for this purpose.The operating elements 76 can be designed as pushbuttons, rotary knobs, buttons, touch-sensitive surfaces, or other operating elements 76 that a person skilled in the art deems appropriate. A value such as "mm," "cm," or "dm" can be assigned to the various measurement accuracy classes and output via the output unit 60 according to the operator's selection. It is also conceivable, in principle, for the different measurement accuracy classes to be assigned descriptions such as "fine," "medium," and "coarse," which can also be output via the output unit 60.

[0031] The computing unit 58 is provided to process the measurement accuracy influencing parameters transmitted from the sensor units 20, 34, 46 to the computing unit 58. Depending on the processed measurement accuracy influencing parameters, the computing unit 58 determines a probable deviation of the measured distance from an actual distance of the measurement object 78 to the distance measuring device 10. Depending on the processed measurement accuracy influencing parameters, the computing unit 58 determines in which measurement accuracy class the distance measuring device 10 can be operated under the current conditions. The computing unit 58 is provided to determine an action instruction based on the processed measurement accuracy influencing parameters. The computing unit 58 is provided to determine an action instruction based on the processed measurement accuracy influencing parameters and the set measurement accuracy class.The computing unit 58 determines instructions for the operator, which can be used to improve a distance measurement and / or achieve a desired measurement accuracy class. The computing unit 58 outputs the determined instructions to the operator via the output unit 60.

[0032] The following schematically describes a method according to the invention for operating the above-mentioned distance measuring device 10, designed as a laser distance measuring device 12. In normal operation, a distance between the distance measuring device 10 and the measurement object 78 is determined by the computing unit 58 via the transmission beam 80 emitted via the transmission unit 14 and the reception beam 82 reflected and scattered by the measurement object 78, which is received via the receiver unit 18. The measured distance is output by the computing unit 58 via the output unit 60.

[0033] In a method step 92, a measurement accuracy influencing parameter is determined using the sensor unit 20. The sensor unit 20, which performs the distance measurement of the distance measuring device 10, determines the distance to be measured, and the value is recorded as a measurement accuracy influencing parameter by the computing unit 58. In particular, the noise (SNR) of the sensor unit 20 is recorded by the computing unit 58 as a measurement accuracy influencing parameter.

[0034] In a method step 98, a measurement accuracy influencing parameter is determined by means of the sensor unit 34. In method step 98, an ambient ambient light 84 is determined as a measurement accuracy influencing parameter by means of the sensor unit 34, which is designed as an optical camera unit 36. The computing unit 58 evaluates an image captured by the sensor unit 34 and thereby determines an existing ambient light 84. In particular, colors that are the same as or similar to the laser waves of the laser beam emitted by the laser diode 16 are determined as a measurement accuracy influencing parameter.

[0035] In a method step 100, a measurement accuracy influencing parameter is determined using the sensor unit 34. In method step 100, a measurement accuracy influencing parameter in the form of contrast is determined using the sensor unit 34, which is designed as an optical camera unit 36. The computing unit 58 evaluates an image captured by the sensor unit 34 and thereby determines the contrast. Using the determined contrast as a measurement accuracy influencing parameter, the computing unit 58 can determine the lighting conditions in the vicinity of the distance measurement.

[0036] In a method step 102, a measurement accuracy influencing parameter is determined using the sensor unit 34. In method step 102, a measurement accuracy influencing parameter, embodied as brightness, is determined using the sensor unit 34, embodied as an optical camera unit 36. The computing unit 58 evaluates an image captured by the sensor unit 34 and thereby determines the brightness in the surroundings. Through method step 102, the computing unit 58 can determine an intensity of the ambient light in which the distance measurement is performed as a measurement accuracy influencing parameter and relate it to an intensity of the laser beam of the laser diode 16 for distance measurement, thus determining, in particular, a ratio of the measurement signal to the "ambient noise" and a possible "overexposure" of the transmitted beam 80.

[0037] In a method step 104, a measurement accuracy influencing parameter is determined using the sensor unit 34. In method step 104, a measurement accuracy influencing parameter, designed as an image histogram, is determined using the sensor unit 34, which is designed as an optical camera unit 36. The computing unit 58 evaluates an image captured by the sensor unit 34 and determines a distribution of brightness values ​​or color values ​​in the image.

[0038] This allows the computing unit 58 to use detailed information from the captured image of the sensor unit 34 to achieve a precise determination of the achievable measurement accuracy class.

[0039] In a method step 106, a measurement accuracy influencing parameter is determined by means of the sensor unit 34. In method step 106, a measurement accuracy influencing parameter embodied as a movement parameter is determined by means of the sensor unit 34 embodied as an optical camera unit 36 ​​and the computing unit 58. The computing unit 58 evaluates a plurality of images captured by the sensor unit 34. These can be images captured directly one after the other or images that were taken at a certain distance from one another. By comparing the at least two images, the computing unit 58 determines a movement of the distance measuring device 10 based on the changes in the images.In this case, the computing unit 58 uses, for example, a pixel shift or a position change of a feature, such as an edge, a structure, or a pattern, in the at least two evaluated images to determine a motion characteristic. The motion characteristic represents a movement of the distance measuring device 10. As a result, the computing unit 58 can determine a displacement of the distance measuring device 10 relative to the measurement object 78 and record it as a parameter influencing the measurement accuracy.

[0040] In a method step 108, a measurement accuracy influencing parameter is determined using the sensor unit 46. In method step 108, a measurement accuracy influencing parameter configured as a movement parameter is determined using the sensor unit 46 configured as an inertial sensor unit 48. The computing unit 58 uses the sensor signals from the inertial sensor elements 50, 54 to determine a movement of the distance measuring device 10. As a result, the computing unit 58 can determine a movement of the distance measuring device 10 relative to the measurement object 78 or a shaking of the distance measuring device 10 and record it as a measurement accuracy influencing parameter.

[0041] In a method step 94, the computing unit 58 determines an achievable measurement accuracy class based on the measurement accuracy influencing parameter determined in method steps 92, 98, 100, 102, 104, 106, 108. The computing unit 58 determines the achievable measurement accuracy class from all available measurement accuracy influencing parameters determined in method steps 92, 98, 100, 102, 104, 106, 108. In principle, it is also conceivable that individual measurement accuracy influencing parameters determined in method steps 92, 98, 100, 102, 104, 106, 108 are preferentially used to determine the achievable measurement accuracy class. The achievable measurement accuracy or measurement accuracy class can be communicated to the operator via the output unit 60.

[0042] In a method step 96, at least one action instruction is determined depending on the measurement accuracy influencing parameters acquired by the computing unit 58 and the determined achievable measurement accuracy class. In principle, it is also conceivable for an action instruction to be determined solely on the basis of the measurement accuracy influencing parameters acquired by the computing unit 58 or the determined achievable measurement accuracy class. The action instruction is preferably also output depending on the set, desired measurement accuracy class.If a certain measurement accuracy class has been set by the operator and an achievable measurement accuracy class determined from the measurement accuracy influencing parameters exhibits a greater deviation in the measurement result than the set measurement accuracy class, an instruction is determined for the operator in method step 96 as to how the desired measurement accuracy class can be achieved. The determined instruction is output to the operator via the output unit 60. The instruction informs the operator if a desired measurement accuracy class cannot be achieved and which actions the operator can take to achieve the desired measurement accuracy class. If the operator has not specified a desired measurement accuracy class, an instruction is determined that specifies the currently achievable measurement accuracy class and how the next more accurate measurement accuracy class can be achieved.If no measurement accuracy class is specified, an instruction can also be determined and issued, providing the operator with suggestions on how to improve the measurement conditions. The instructions include requests to improve the measurement conditions by changing the environment, for example, by changing the lighting conditions, by changing the operation of the distance measuring device 10, for example, by holding the distance measuring device 10 more steadily, or by using additional devices, such as a reflector.

[0043] Depending on the recorded measurement accuracy influencing parameters and the resulting determined cause of measurement errors and inaccuracies, an action instruction is selected and output via the output unit 60. Various action instructions are stored on the computing unit 58. The stored action instructions are selected depending on the recorded measurement accuracy influencing parameter and output via the output unit 60. An action instruction that is likely to enable the greatest improvement in the measurement result, i.e. the action instruction that most decisively improves the corresponding measurement accuracy influencing parameter, is output first. The action instructions are output according to their prioritization according to their influence on the measurement result. In principle, it is also conceivable for the determined action instructions to be output essentially simultaneously via the display 64 of the output unit 60.It is generally conceivable that the instructions are output to the operator purely visually, purely acoustically or both acoustically and visually via the output unit 60.

[0044] Instructions stored on the computing unit 58 and output via the output unit 60 can be taken, for example, from the following non-exhaustive list: "Please perform X additional measurements." "Please extend the measurement time." "Please move the device more slowly." "Please use a tripod for the measurement." "Please change the lighting conditions of the measurement object." "Please use a reflector." "Please reduce the distance to the measurement object."

[0045] These instructions can each contain additional information, for example, how a lighting situation can be improved, for example, by shading. Once a desired measurement accuracy class has been achieved, the output unit 60 outputs a corresponding signal to the operator. The signal can, in particular, be a haptic signal, such as a vibration, output via the haptic output element 70.

Claims

1. Method for operating a hand-held distance measuring device (10) designed as a laser distance measuring device (12), wherein, in at least one method step (92, 98, 100, 102, 104, 106, 108), at least one measurement accuracy influencing characteristic variable is captured by means of a sensor unit (20, 34, 46) of the distance measuring device (10), wherein, in at least one method step (94), an achievable measurement accuracy class is determined on the basis of the measurement accuracy influencing characteristic variable by means of a computing unit (58) of the distance measuring device (10), wherein, in at least one method step (96), at least one instruction is output in the form of an optical, acoustic and / or haptic signal on the basis of the at least one captured measurement accuracy influencing characteristic variable and / or the achievable measurement accuracy class, in particular by means of an output unit (60) of the distance measuring device (10), and gives a user an instruction on how to use the laser distance measuring device (12) to achieve a measurement accuracy class, characterized in that, in at least one method step (106), at least one measurement accuracy influencing characteristic variable designed as a movement characteristic variable is captured by means of a sensor unit (34), designed as an optical camera unit (36), of the distance measuring device (10), wherein the movement characteristic variable is a characteristic variable that describes a movement of the distance measuring device (10) relative to its environment.

2. Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that, in at least one method step (98), at least one further measurement accuracy influencing characteristic variable designed as extraneous light (84) is captured by means of the sensor unit (34) designed as an optical camera unit (36).

3. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in at least one method step (100), at least one further measurement accuracy influencing characteristic variable designed as contrast is captured by means of the sensor unit (34) designed as an optical camera unit (36).

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in at least one method step (102), at least one further measurement accuracy influencing characteristic variable designed as brightness is captured by means of the sensor unit (34) designed as an optical camera unit (36).

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in at least one method step (104), at least one further measurement accuracy influencing characteristic variable designed as an image histogram is captured by means of the sensor unit (34) designed as an optical camera unit (36).

6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in at least one method step (108), at least one further measurement accuracy influencing characteristic variable designed as a movement characteristic variable is captured by means of a sensor unit (46), designed as an inertial sensor unit (48), of the distance measuring device (10).

7. Hand-held laser distance measuring device (12), which is a distance measuring device (10) designed as a laser distance measuring device (12), which can be operated according to a method according to one of the preceding claims, having at least one sensor unit (20, 34, 46) which is provided for capturing at least one measurement accuracy influencing characteristic variable, having at least one computing unit (58) which is provided for processing the at least one measurement accuracy influencing characteristic variable, and having at least one optical, acoustic and / or haptic output unit (60), wherein at least one instruction can be output in the form of an optical, acoustic and / or haptic signal on the basis of the at least one captured measurement accuracy influencing characteristic variable by means of the output unit (60) and gives a user an instruction on how to use the laser distance measuring device (12) to achieve a measurement accuracy class, characterized in that the measurement accuracy influencing characteristic variable is designed as a movement characteristic variable and can be captured by means of a sensor unit (34), designed as an optical camera unit (36), of the distance measuring device (10), wherein the movement characteristic variable is a characteristic variable that describes a movement of the distance measuring device (10) relative to its environment.

8. Hand-held laser distance measuring device according to Claim 7, characterized by the sensor unit (34) which is designed as the optical camera unit (36) and is provided for capturing at least one further measurement accuracy influencing characteristic variable designed as extraneous light (84), as contrast, as brightness, as an image histogram and / or as the movement characteristic variable.

9. Hand-held laser distance measuring device according to Claim 7 or 8, characterized by at least one sensor unit (46) which is designed as an inertial sensor unit (48) and is provided for capturing at least one further measurement accuracy influencing characteristic variable designed as a movement characteristic variable, in particular as a speed and / or an acceleration.