Measuring instrument

Abstract

To provide a measuring instrument that can exclude an influence of a user's operation and hence increases measurement precision when determining a setting of a base point and measurement data.SOLUTION: A measuring instrument comprises: an operation reception section for receiving a user's instruction operation; and a proximity sensor for measuring the distance between fingers and the operation reception section when the fingers are brought closer to or separated from the operation reception section. The operation reception section receives an instruction of determination of measurement data for determining the measurement data, and a center control section successively stores measurement values in a memory as tentative determination measurement data when the proximity sensor detects approach of fingers to the operation reception section, and sets one or at least two of tentative determination measurement data stored in a memory as measurement data when the operation reception section receives an instruction of determination of measurement data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a compact measuring device. [Background technology]

[0002] Vernier calipers, micrometers, dial gauges (indicators), lever-type dial gauges (test indicators), height gauges, etc. are widely used as small measuring instruments (small tools) for measuring the dimensions of objects. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6472309 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 5192144 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] With dial indicators and lever-type dial indicators, the reference point (origin) is often set with the contact point in contact with the workpiece, master workpiece, or gauge block. At this time, the user operates a button to import and set the reference point (origin). However, when the user operates a button, they press the measuring instrument, which moves the position and posture of the measuring instrument. This causes the reference point (origin) to shift, which can cause errors in the measured values ​​when instructions are input by operating the button during subsequent measurement operations.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a measuring instrument that can eliminate the influence of user operations when setting a reference point (origin) or determining measurement data, thereby improving measurement accuracy. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The measuring instrument of the present invention comprises: A measuring instrument, a main body; a position detector provided in the main body for detecting the position of the object to be measured by contact or non-contact; an operation receiving unit provided in the main body unit and configured to receive an instruction operation from a user; a proximity sensor that measures a distance between an object and the operation reception unit when the object approaches or moves away from the operation reception unit; A central control unit that controls the overall operation It is characterized by:

[0007] In one embodiment of the present invention, the operation receiving unit receives a measurement data determination instruction for determining the measurement data; When the proximity sensor detects that the object has approached the operation reception unit, the central control unit sequentially stores the measurement values ​​obtained by the position detector as provisionally determined measurement data in a storage unit; When the operation reception unit receives an instruction to confirm the measurement data, the central control unit determines one or more of the provisionally confirmed measurement data stored in the storage unit as confirmed measurement data. It is preferable.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present invention, When the operation reception unit receives an instruction to confirm the measurement data, the central control unit determines, among the provisionally confirmed measurement data stored in the memory unit, the provisionally confirmed measurement data immediately before the operation reception unit detects the instruction to confirm the measurement data as the confirmed measurement data. It is preferable.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present invention, the operation receiving unit receives a reference point setting instruction; After the operation reception unit receives a base point setting instruction, if the proximity sensor subsequently detects that the object has moved away from the operation reception unit, the central control unit sets the position of the object to be measured detected by the position detector as a base point. It is preferable.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, the operation reception unit receives a mode transition instruction to a hold mode, After the operation acceptance unit accepts a mode transition instruction to the hold mode, if the proximity sensor subsequently detects that the object has moved away from the operation acceptance unit, the central control unit starts sampling of the measurement value by the position detector and executes the instructed hold mode. It is preferable.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, Furthermore, it is equipped with an inertial sensor It is preferable.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, The operation receiving unit receives an instruction operation from a user by contacting or pressing the object. It is preferable.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, The position detector A detector with a single measurement axis A measuring instrument characterized by: It is preferable.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, The position detector a movable member provided on the main body portion so as to be movable forward and backward and adapted to come into contact with the object to be measured; an encoder for detecting the position of the movable member; It is preferable.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present invention, The meter is a portable meter that can be carried by a user, It is attached to a stand so as to maintain a relative posture or position with respect to the object to be measured. It is preferable.

[0016] The method for controlling a measuring instrument of the present invention includes: A method for controlling a measuring instrument comprising: a position detector provided in a main body that detects the position of an object to be measured by contact or non-contact; an operation reception unit provided in the main body that receives an instruction operation from a user; a proximity sensor that measures the distance between an object and the operation reception unit when the object approaches or moves away from the operation reception unit; and a central control unit that controls the overall operation, When the proximity sensor detects that the object has approached the operation reception unit, the central control unit sequentially stores the measurement values ​​obtained by the position detector as provisionally determined measurement data in a storage unit; When the operation reception unit receives an instruction to confirm the measurement data, the central control unit determines one or more of the provisionally confirmed measurement data stored in the storage unit as confirmed measurement data. It is characterized by:

[0017] A computer (CPU, memory) may be incorporated into the measuring device, and a measuring device control program may be installed in this computer, causing the computer to execute the operations of the measuring device control method by the measuring device control program. The measuring device control program may be distributed in a state recorded on a non-volatile recording medium, or may be downloaded via an internet line or the like. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which the indicator is attached to a stand and is in use. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of an electric circuit section. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an indicator when a button is operated. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an indicator when a button is operated. [Figure 6]10 is a flowchart illustrating a base point setting operation. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a hold mode transition operation. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a data confirmation operation. [Figure 9] 10 is a timing chart showing a reference point setting operation. [Figure 10] 10 is a timing chart showing a hold mode transition operation. [Figure 11] 10 is a timing chart showing a data determination operation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be illustrated and described with reference to the reference numerals attached to the various elements in the drawings. Each embodiment, example, and modification may not only be implemented alone, but two or more embodiments, examples, and modifications may be implemented in combination, and examples of modifications supplemented in each embodiment, example, and modification may be applied to other embodiments, examples, and modifications. (First embodiment) A first embodiment of the present invention will be described. The measuring instrument of this embodiment is a small, portable measuring instrument that can be carried by the user and is intended to be used while attached to a stand so as to maintain the relative orientation or position of the object being measured. The measurement objects are intended to measure the surface texture, contour shape, dimensions (e.g., height and width by comparative length measurement), minute displacements such as circular runout, total runout, flatness, and parallelism of the object, as well as machining errors of machined products relative to a master work (or block gauge). Examples of such measuring instruments include dial gauges and lever-type dial gauges. (Measuring instruments of this type are also called indicators, test indicators, digital indicators, digital test indicators, linear gauges, height gauges, etc.)

[0020] In this embodiment, a so-called digital indicator 100 (hereinafter referred to as indicator) will be described as an example. FIG. 1 is an external view of the indicator 100. As shown in FIG. Indicator 100 digitally displays the displacement of spindle 120 on display unit 130. Indicator 100 includes a measuring device main body 110, a spindle (movable member) 120, a display unit 130, a plurality of operation buttons (operation receiving unit) 140, a proximity sensor 150, an inertial sensor 160, and an electric circuit unit 170.

[0021] The measuring device main body 110 is a short cylindrical case body. The spindle 120 has a measuring element at its tip and is supported so as to be movable axially forward and backward while passing through the measuring device main body 110. An encoder 171 that detects the displacement of the spindle 120 is built into the measuring device main body 110. The encoder 171 is a sensor that outputs an electrical signal in response to the displacement (or absolute position) of the object, and may be a linear encoder or a rotary encoder. The detection principles of encoders include photoelectric, capacitance, electromagnetic induction, and magnetic, and there are also incremental and absolute measurement methods.

[0022] Here, the spindle 120 and the encoder 171 constitute a position detector that detects the position (or displacement) of the object to be measured.

[0023] Display unit 130 is disposed in approximately the center region of the front end face of measurement device main body 110. Display unit 130 is, for example, a liquid crystal display panel. Note that display unit 130 may be a segment or dot matrix liquid crystal display panel, an organic EL panel, or electronic paper.

[0024] The display unit 130 has a numeric display area and an analog scale display area. Numeric values ​​are displayed in the numeric display area. The meaning of the values ​​displayed here varies depending on the mode currently selected. For example, in measurement mode, the numeric value in the numeric display area is the measurement value itself. The measurement value is expressed as a difference from a base point (origin) set by calibration, for example.

[0025] Alternatively, in hold mode, the measurement value (display value) is fixed and displayed. For example, depending on the user's settings, the maximum value (Max) or the minimum value (Min) may be held and displayed. Alternatively, the value midway between the maximum and minimum values ​​(here, this is referred to as the intermediate value) may be held and displayed (intermediate value hold display). Furthermore, the amplitude (maximum value - minimum value, Tir) in the shake measurement may be held and displayed.

[0026] Alternatively, in the tolerance setting mode or preset mode, the numerical value in the numerical value display area indicates the tolerance or preset value input by the user using the input means (operation buttons).

[0027] The analog scale display area displays an arc-shaped scale and several marks whose display is controlled in accordance with the scale. The arc-shaped scale displays marks resembling pointer meters that light up, move, or increase or decrease in accordance with the measured value (display value). In addition, marks indicating the maximum tolerance, which is the upper limit value, and marks indicating the minimum tolerance, which is the lower limit value, may be displayed in accordance with the arc-shaped scale.

[0028] A plurality of operation buttons (operation acceptance section) 140 are provided as input means (operation acceptance section 140). The plurality of operation buttons 140 are arranged below the display section 130 on the front end surface of the measuring device main body section 110. Functions such as issuing an instruction to switch modes and an instruction to import numerical values ​​are assigned to these operation buttons 140. In this example, a base point setting button 140A, a hold mode transition button 140B, and a data confirmation button 140C are provided as input means (operation acceptance section 140).

[0029] The operation button (operation reception unit) 140 may be a mechanical push button or, for example, a "button" displayed on a touch panel. (The detection method of the touch panel may be pressure-sensitive, capacitance-sensitive, electromagnetic induction-sensitive, or other methods.)

[0030] Proximity sensor 150 is disposed between display unit 130 and input means (operation acceptance unit 140) on the front end surface of measuring device main body 110. Proximity sensor 150 is preferably disposed as close as possible to the input means (operation acceptance unit 140); for example, the distance between the input means (operation acceptance unit 140) and proximity sensor 150 is 10 mm or less, preferably 5 mm or less, and more preferably 2 mm or less in a plan view, and proximity sensor 150 may be in contact with or on a button. In this embodiment, proximity sensor 150 is an optical proximity sensor (proximity light sensor), such as a TOF sensor or LiDAR, which emits light and measures the distance to an object based on the detection time of the reflected light.

[0031] However, the detection method of the proximity sensor is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a capacitance type proximity sensor or an electromagnetic induction type proximity sensor.

[0032] Alternatively, a camera may be used as the proximity sensor 150. For example, a small camera may be placed right next to the operation button (operation reception unit 140). As a finger approaches the operation button, the finger gets closer and closer to the camera, and the area of ​​the finger within the imaging field of view becomes larger and larger. Therefore, the distance between the operation button and the finger can be measured from the size of the finger within the camera field of view. A finger is a typical example of an object that operates operation reception unit 140, and therefore the following description will be given assuming that the object that operates operation reception unit 140 is a finger.

[0033] Proximity sensor 150 may measure the distance to the finger (human body) after recognizing that an approaching or moving away object is a finger (human body). Alternatively, a camera or the like may be used to separately recognize whether the approaching object is a finger (human body) or something other than a finger (human body), and then measure the distance to the finger (human body). Alternatively, it may be determined whether the object is a finger (human body) or not based on the light reflectance or wavelength of the finger (human body), or other characteristics such as capacitance.

[0034] Alternatively, the proximity sensor 150 may measure the distance to an object approaching or moving away from the measuring device (operation receiving unit 140), regardless of whether the approaching or moving away object is a finger (human body) or not. In the first place, an object that comes very close to the operation button 140 of the measuring device is likely to be a finger that will operate the button. Therefore, an object that comes closer to the operation button 140 than a predetermined proximity determination threshold is determined to be a finger, and the distance is measured.

[0035] In the indicator (measuring instrument) 100 of this embodiment, one proximity sensor 150 is arranged for three operation receiving sections 140 (base point setting button 140A, hold mode transition button 140B, data confirmation button 140C), and one proximity sensor 150 also serves as the proximity sensor for the three operation receiving sections 140. Of course, a corresponding proximity sensor 150 may be arranged for each of the three operation acceptance sections 140 (base point setting button 140A, hold mode transition button 140B, and data confirmation button 140C). This means arranging a proximity sensor for the base point setting button that measures the distance of an object (finger) approaching or moving away from the base point setting button 140A, a proximity sensor for the hold mode transition button that measures the distance of an object (finger) approaching or moving away from the hold mode transition button 140B, and a proximity sensor for the data confirmation button that measures the distance of an object (finger) approaching or moving away from the data confirmation button 140C. There are various ways to arrange the proximity sensors, such as in a position very close to each operation button, in a position substantially adjacent to each operation button, or embedded in the key top of each operation button. However, it is not easy to embed multiple proximity sensors in a small, compact measuring device and monitor their sensor values. Also, when a finger approaches multiple (three) operation buttons lined up, it is difficult to reliably predict which operation button will ultimately be pressed based on the proximity of the finger and the trajectory of its approach. Therefore, it is reasonable to share a single proximity sensor for multiple (three) operation buttons arranged in a group.

[0036] The proximity sensor may be located anywhere within the measuring device body, as long as it can detect the proximity between the finger (the object operating the operation reception unit) and the operation reception unit. The proximity sensor may be located inside or on the outer surface of the measuring device body, and may be located on the front end surface, side surface, or rear surface. While the proximity sensor is located within the measuring device body in this embodiment, the proximity sensor may also be located separately from the measuring device body. For example, a camera capable of capturing images of the area surrounding the measuring device may capture the finger and the measuring device to detect the distance (proximity) between the finger and the measuring device (operation reception unit). The distance (proximity) between the finger and the measuring device (operation reception unit) may also be detected by attaching a sensor (proximity sensor) to the user's finger, hand, or wrist.

[0037] The inertial sensor 160 is disposed in the measuring device main body 110. Here, the inertial sensor 160 is assumed to be provided inside the measuring device main body 110, but it may also be attached to the outer surface of the measuring device main body 110, or may be designed to be detachable (attached or inserted into a slot) later as an accessory option. The inertial sensor 160 is known, and for example, a six-axis inertial sensor 160 (a three-axis gyro sensor and a three-axis acceleration sensor) integrated into a single chip is known.

[0038] FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the electrical circuit section 170. The electrical circuit section 170 includes a central control section 172 that controls the overall operation, a memory section 173 that stores various setting values ​​or measurement values, and a transceiver section 174 that serves as a communication device for inputting and outputting data to and from external devices.

[0039] The central control unit 172 has a counter that measures (or counts) the position (or displacement) of the spindle 120 based on the detection signal from the encoder 171. The central control unit 172 displays the counter value, etc. on the display unit 130. Specific functions of the central control unit 172 and its control operations will be described later.

[0040] The operation of the indicator 100 of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. When measuring the shape or dimensions of a workpiece, the user attaches the indicator 100 to the stand 10, and then places the indicator 100 and the workpiece (object to be measured) W, as shown in FIG. 2, for example. Here, when attaching the indicator 100 to the stand 10, the user attaches the indicator 100 to the stand 10 so that the spindle 120 of the indicator 100 is parallel to a vertical line. Then, the user approaches the workpiece W from directly above along the vertical line. After this, the user presses the operation button of the indicator 100 as an operation for measurement. Therefore, it is important to firmly fasten (with screws, for example) the joint between the indicator 100 and the stand 10 and the movable joint part of the stand 10 so that the posture and position of the indicator 100 do not change even when the operation button 140 of the indicator 100 is pressed. However, when a command is input by touching the indicator 100 (operation button 140) with a finger, slight fluctuations in the indicator 100 are unavoidable.

[0041] 2, the central control unit 172 acquires the counter value of the encoder 171 and displays it provisionally as a measurement value on the display unit 130. While the power is on, the central control unit 172 acquires the count value of the encoder 171 at a predetermined sampling pitch (for example, 20 ms to 50 ms pitch, 1 kHz to 2.5 kHz). If the spindle 120 is displaced, the displayed value on the display unit 130 will change accordingly, but such provisional measurement values ​​will not be stored in a storage device and will disappear.

[0042] Furthermore, while the power is on, the central control unit 172 monitors the sensor value of the proximity sensor 150 (ST100). That is, the indicator 100 monitors whether a finger is approaching the operation button 140.

[0043] A determination threshold for determining whether a finger is approaching (approaching) or separating is set in the central control unit 172 or the storage unit 173. Here, as illustrated in FIG. 9 , a value of 1 / 2 of the maximum sensor output value of the proximity sensor 150 is set as the determination threshold. In this embodiment, the approach determination threshold for determining whether a finger is approaching and the separation determination threshold for determining whether a finger is separating are set to the same value, but they may be different. For example, the approach determination threshold for determining whether a finger is approaching may be set to 3 / 4 of the maximum sensor output value of the proximity sensor 150, and the separation determination threshold for determining whether a finger is separating may be set to 1 / 4 of the maximum sensor output value of the proximity sensor 150. Then, when the sensor value of the proximity sensor 150 exceeds the approach determination threshold, it is determined that a finger is approaching the operation button 140. When the sensor value of the proximity sensor 150 falls below the separation determination threshold, it is determined that a finger has separated from the operation button 140.

[0044] In addition, since the sensor value of the proximity sensor 150 is correlated (for example, inversely proportional) to the distance between the finger and the operation button 140, setting a judgment threshold for the sensor value of the proximity sensor 150 is equivalent to setting a judgment threshold for the distance between the finger and the operation button 140.

[0045] The first thing a user does is to set the reference point (zero set, origin calibration). To do this, the user sets a master work or a calibration gauge (for example, a block gauge) and presses the reference point setting button 140A. Now, refer to FIG. 9. Let's assume that the provisional measurement value with the master work set is slightly greater than zero. FIG. 9 is a timing chart of the reference point setting operation.

[0046] As the user attempts to press the base point setting button 140A, the user's finger gradually approaches the base point setting button 140A. As a result, the sensor output value of the proximity sensor 150 gradually increases and exceeds the approach determination threshold (time t11 in FIG. 9). At this time, the central control unit 172 determines that the finger is closer to the operation button 140 than the approach determination threshold (ST110: YES).

[0047] In this way, when the finger is approaching the operation button 140 (ST110: YES), the central control unit 172 sends the counter value of the encoder 171 to the storage unit 173 and records it as provisionally confirmed measurement data (ST120). That is, the central control unit 172 buffers the measurement data before the user's finger touches the indicator 100 (operation button 140) (ST120). The provisionally confirmed measurement data is sampled at a predetermined sampling pitch (for example, 20 ms to 50 ms pitch, 1 kHz to 2.5 kHz).

[0048] When the user's finger presses the operation button 140 corresponding to the desired instruction, the central control unit 172 detects the button operation (ST130: YES) (time t12 in FIG. 9). Upon detecting the button operation (ST130: YES), the central control unit 172 stops recording the provisionally confirmed measurement data at this point (ST140). These operations (ST120, ST140) are not related to the reference point setting, but are required for the measurement data confirmation operation described below. In this embodiment, one proximity sensor 150 is shared by multiple (three) operation buttons (reference point setting button 140A, hold mode transition button 140B, data confirmation button 140C), so these steps (ST120, ST140) are performed each time a finger approaches any of the operation buttons. If a modified example is considered in which a corresponding proximity sensor is provided for each of multiple (three) operation acceptance units 140 (reference point setting button 140A, hold mode transition button 140B, data confirmation button 140C), ST120 and ST140 may be performed only when the proximity sensor for the data confirmation button detects the approach of a finger.

[0049] As a button operation, it is assumed that the reference point setting button 140A is pressed (ST150: YES). When the operation button 140 (reference point setting button 140A) is pressed, the indicator 100 fluctuates, albeit very slightly. Figure 9 shows a case where the measurement value becomes slightly smaller due to a slight tilt of the indicator 100 when the operation button 140 (reference point setting button 140A) is pressed.

[0050] The operation when the user's button operation is for setting a base point (ST150: YES) will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Even if it is detected that the user's button operation is to set the base point, the base point (origin) is not immediately set at this point (time t12). The central control unit 172 monitors the sensor output value of the proximity sensor 150 (ST151) and waits until the finger is completely released from the indicator 100 (operation button 140).

[0051] When the finger is released from the base point setting button 140A at time t13 in FIG. 9, the central control unit 172 detects that the button operation has been turned off. However, when the finger is further released from the indicator 100 (operation button 140) and the sensor output value of the proximity sensor 150 falls below the separation determination threshold (ST152: YES), the central control unit 172 determines that the finger has completely released from the indicator 100 (operation button 140) (time t14 in FIG. 9).

[0052] 9, when the finger is released from the base point setting button 140A at time t13, the indicator 100 returns to its original position because the finger is no longer pressing on it, but it does not return to exactly the same position. Also, when the finger is released from the base point setting button 140A at time t13, the indicator 100 fluctuates to return to its original position, which causes the indicator 100 to vibrate and the measured value to fluctuate slightly.

[0053] In this embodiment, the sensor output value of the inertial sensor 160 is further checked to confirm that there is no vibration (vibration is below a predetermined threshold) (ST153: YES). Then, the measurement value at this point (time t14 in FIG. 9) is set as the base point (origin) (ST154). That is, at this point (time t14 in FIG. 9), the counter value of the encoder 171 is reset to zero. (Alternatively, offset calibration may be performed so that the measurement value at this point becomes zero.) The display on the display unit 130 becomes zero at this moment. Now that the base point has been set, the operation flow returns to the beginning (ST100 in FIG. 4).

[0054] In conventional technology, the measurement value at time t12, time t13, or a predetermined delay time after time t13 is set as the base point (origin). However, at time t12 or time t13, the influence of the finger pressing on the indicator 100 is carried over to the measurement value, resulting in an error in the subsequent measurement value. Alternatively, even if the measurement value a predetermined delay time after time t13 is set as the base point (origin), there is a possibility that the finger continues to touch the operation button 140 even after the finger pressure is released and the detection of the operation button 140 turns off. Conversely, there may be an unnecessary waiting time before the base point is set even though the finger has completely removed itself from the operation button 140. In contrast to this, in this embodiment, the proximity sensor 150 is provided, so the base point (origin) can be set at the exact appropriate timing (time t14 in FIG. 9) when it is confirmed that the finger has completely left the operation button 140.

[0055] When the operation button 140 (here, the reference point setting button 140A) is pressed, the inertial sensor 160 detects vibration (acceleration). 9 illustrates an example of acceleration occurring in the Z-axis direction (here, the vertical axis), but the inertial sensor 160 may detect all six axes. Then, it may be determined whether the detected acceleration (angular velocity) is greater than a predetermined threshold, and if the vibration is greater than the predetermined threshold, an alarm may be issued to the user. Alternatively, the time from when the vibration exceeds a predetermined threshold to when the vibration falls below the predetermined threshold may be measured, and an alarm may be issued to the user if the vibration continues for too long. Such an alarm can alert the user that the indicator 100 may be loosely fastened, and the user should take the action of tightening the joints and articulated parts of the stand 10 firmly. In this embodiment, the indicator 100 is used as an example in which the spindle 120 moves back and forth in the Z direction, so it is advisable to focus on the acceleration in the Z axis direction and determine whether the acceleration in the Z axis direction is at a predetermined threshold value to determine whether the indicator (measuring instrument) 100 is properly fixed. In this case, it is advisable to set the acceleration threshold in the Z-axis direction (that is, the direction of the measurement axis) to be stricter (more severe or stricter) than the thresholds in the other directions.

[0056] Furthermore, the inertial sensor 160 may measure the installation orientation and tilt angle of the indicator 100, and an alarm may be issued if the tilt is too large.

[0057] After the base point has been set in this way, the user measures the shape and dimensions of the actual workpiece, and therefore a setup change is performed to replace the workpiece to be measured. Next, returning to the flowcharts of FIGS. 4 and 5, a case where the operation button 140 pressed by the user is the hold mode transition button 140B will be described. After returning to the beginning (ST100) of the flowchart in Fig. 4, a button operation is detected (ST130: YES), and the button operation is assumed to be an instruction to transition to hold mode (ST160: YES). The operation flow when transitioning to hold mode is shown in Fig. 7, and the timing chart is shown in Fig. 10.

[0058] The explanation of the timing for transitioning to the hold mode is almost the same as the explanation of the base point setting. In short, even if the central control unit 172 detects that the hold mode transition button 140B has been pressed, it does not immediately start the hold mode. Instead, when the sensor output value of the proximity sensor 150 falls below the separation determination threshold (ST162: YES) and further when it is confirmed that there is no vibration (ST163: YES), the central control unit 172 transitions to the hold mode (t24 in FIG. 10).

[0059] In the hold mode, the maximum value (Max) or minimum value (Min) is held and displayed, but according to this embodiment, the influence of fluctuations in the indicator 100 due to button operation can be completely eliminated, and the maximum value (minimum value) displayed in the hold mode accurately reflects the magnitude of the change in the measurement value of the object to be measured, rather than the magnitude of the posture fluctuation of the indicator 100, etc.

[0060] Note that Figure 10 shows that after the button operation (t23 in Figure 10), the attitude of indicator 100 almost returns to its original state, and the measured value also almost returns to its original state. Figure 9 shows that the attitude of indicator 100 does not return to its original state before and after the button operation, and therefore the measured value does not return to its original state either. The button operation for setting the base point is the first button operation after indicator (measuring instrument) 100 is set on the stand, so it is affected by backlash and gaps in the fasteners (screws, etc.), but it is thought that the backlash and gaps in the fasteners (screws, etc.) are eliminated by the second and subsequent button operations, and the indicator tends to return to its original state.

[0061] Next, returning to the flowcharts of FIGS. 4 and 5, a case where the operation button 140 pressed by the user is the measurement data confirmation button 140C will be described. After returning to the beginning (ST100) of the flowchart in Fig. 4, a button operation is detected (ST130: YES), and the button operation is assumed to be an instruction to confirm the measurement data (ST170: YES). The operation flow for confirming the measurement data is shown in Fig. 8, and the timing chart is shown in Fig. 11.

[0062] As described above, when the user approaches the operation button 140 (measurement data confirmation button 140C) beyond the approach determination threshold (ST110: YES) as the user attempts to press the operation button 140 (measurement data confirmation button 140C), the central control unit 172 samples the counter value of the encoder 171 and records it as provisionally confirmed measurement data. The central control unit 172 monitors the sensor value of the proximity sensor 150 (ST171), and when the sensor output value of the proximity sensor 150 falls below the separation determination threshold (ST172: YES) and further confirms that there is no vibration (ST173: YES), the central control unit 172 extracts confirmed data from the provisionally confirmed measurement data buffered in the memory unit 173 (ST174) (t34 in FIG. 11 ).

[0063] When extracting the finalized data from the provisionally confirmed measurement data buffered in the memory unit 173, the provisionally confirmed measurement data immediately before it is detected that the operation button 140 (measurement data confirmation button 140C) has been pressed may be extracted as the finalized data. This may be, for example, the provisionally confirmed data going back several times in time from the most recent of the provisionally confirmed measurement data buffered in the memory unit 173. This can be said to be the data that is closest to the timing when the user attempted to acquire the measurement data among the provisionally confirmed measurement data acquired without being affected by finger contact.

[0064] In this case, the number of times to go back from the most recent one in terms of time may be a predetermined number, or may be a predetermined time (several tens of ms).

[0065] Alternatively, the data may be the oldest in terms of time among the provisionally confirmed measurement data buffered in the storage unit 173. That is, the provisionally confirmed measurement data sampled at time t31 in Fig. 11 may be extracted as the confirmed data. It can be said that the data acquired at this timing is not affected at all by contact between the finger and the indicator 100, and it can also be said to match the user's intention because this is the timing when the user brings their finger quite close to the measurement data confirmation button 140C in an attempt to obtain a measurement value.

[0066] Alternatively, the data may be the middle data in terms of time among the provisionally confirmed measurement data buffered in the storage unit 173.

[0067] 11, there may be an extreme proximity determination threshold (which may be called a second proximity determination threshold) for detecting the timing immediately before a finger touches the operation button 140. The extreme proximity determination threshold may be set to 90% or 95% of the maximum sensor output value of the proximity sensor 150.

[0068] The measurement data thus determined is displayed on the display unit 130, recorded (saved) as determined data in the storage unit 173, or output to an external device.

[0069] Although it is necessary to limit the number of confirmed data displayed on the display unit 130 to one, it is also possible to record (save) or output some or all of the sampled provisionally confirmed measurement data as confirmed data without limiting the number of confirmed data to one.

[0070] In the operational flow for confirming the measurement data in FIG. 8, ST171 to ST173 may be eliminated, and once it is detected that the measurement data confirmation button 140C has been pressed (ST170: YES), the confirmed data may be immediately extracted from the provisionally confirmed measurement data (ST174). However, if we consider that the user's operation is confirmed when the user's finger is released from the operation button 140 (here, the measurement data confirmation button 140C), it is desirable to confirm the button operation when the finger is released below the separation determination threshold. Also, it is desirable to check whether there is vibration (ST173) and provide the user with the confirmed data when the vibration has subsided. If there is an influence of external disturbance, such as the vibration not being within a predetermined threshold, a flag may be attached to indicate that the measurement data is a reference value.

[0071] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the invention. The measuring device is not limited to a small contact type measuring device, and the present invention can also be applied to, for example, a non-contact type distance meter (range finder). These include laser distance sensors (laser range finders), capacitance displacement sensors, and focal (confocal, chromatic) distance sensors. These have in common that, like indicators (dial gauges), they are measuring instruments (detectors) that have a single measurement axis perpendicular to the surface of the object being measured. The present invention can be effective for any measuring instrument in which the measurement axis does not have to be perpendicular to the workpiece and the setting of the relative posture between the workpiece and the measuring instrument affects the measurement accuracy.

[0072] As a small contact type measuring instrument, a vernier caliper or a micrometer (micrometer head) may be equipped with the function of the present invention.

[0073] The usage of the inertial sensor 160 will be explained below. Indicator 100 (dial gauge) has a spring inside measuring device main body 110, which biases spindle 120 in one direction (the direction toward the outside of measuring device main body 110). This spring generates an appropriate measuring pressure, but repeated use of indicator 100 (dial gauge) causes the spring to deteriorate. However, ordinary users often continue to use the indicator without noticing the deterioration of the spring. Therefore, the inertial sensor 160 is used to evaluate the deterioration of this spring. For example, after the spindle 120 is moved all the way back (pushed into the measuring device main body 110), the spring force is used to move the spindle 120 forward to its fullest extent. By evaluating the time it takes for the spindle 120 to move at this time and the magnitude of vibration when the spindle 120 reaches its fullest extent, it is possible to evaluate the degree of deterioration of the internal mechanism (in this case, the spindle biasing spring) of the indicator 100 (dial gauge). If the spring is deteriorated, it will take longer for the spindle 120 to move. Furthermore, if the spring is deteriorated, it will not be able to firmly prevent the spindle 120 from bouncing back significantly after it has protruded to its fullest extent, resulting in greater vibration and a longer time for the vibration to subside. [Explanation of symbols]

[0074] 100 indicator 110 Measuring instrument body 120 spindle 171 Encoder 130 Display section 140 Operation reception unit 140 Operation Buttons 140A Base point setting button 140B Hold mode transition button 140C Data confirmation button 150 Proximity Sensor 160 Inertial Sensor 170 Electrical Circuit Section 172 Central Control Unit 173 Memory section 174 Transmitter / Receiver

Claims

1. A measuring instrument, a main body; a position detector provided in the main body for detecting the position of the object to be measured by contact or non-contact; an operation receiving unit provided in the main body unit and configured to receive an instruction operation from a user; a proximity sensor that measures a distance between an object and the operation reception unit when the object approaches or moves away from the operation reception unit; A central control unit that controls the overall operation A measuring instrument characterized by:

2. 2. The measuring device according to claim 1, the operation receiving unit receives a measurement data determination instruction for determining the measurement data; When the proximity sensor detects that the object has approached the operation reception unit, the central control unit sequentially stores the measurement values ​​obtained by the position detector as provisionally determined measurement data in a storage unit; When the operation receiving unit receives an instruction to confirm the measurement data, the central control unit determines one or more of the provisionally confirmed measurement data stored in the storage unit as confirmed measurement data. A measuring instrument characterized by:

3. 3. The measuring device according to claim 2, When the operation reception unit receives an instruction to confirm the measurement data, the central control unit determines, among the provisionally confirmed measurement data stored in the memory unit, the provisionally confirmed measurement data immediately before the operation reception unit detects the instruction to confirm the measurement data as the confirmed measurement data. A measuring instrument characterized by:

4. 2. The measuring device according to claim 1, the operation receiving unit receives a reference point setting instruction; After the operation reception unit receives a base point setting instruction, if the proximity sensor subsequently detects that the object has moved away from the operation reception unit, the central control unit sets the position of the object to be measured detected by the position detector as a base point. A measuring instrument characterized by:

5. 2. The measuring device according to claim 1, the operation reception unit receives a mode transition instruction to a hold mode, After the operation acceptance unit accepts a mode transition instruction to the hold mode, if the proximity sensor subsequently detects that the object has moved away from the operation acceptance unit, the central control unit starts sampling of the measurement value by the position detector and executes the instructed hold mode. A measuring instrument characterized by:

6. 2. The measuring device according to claim 1, Furthermore, it is equipped with an inertial sensor A measuring instrument characterized by:

7. 2. The measuring device according to claim 1, The operation receiving unit receives an instruction operation from a user by contacting or pressing the object. A measuring instrument characterized by:

8. The measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, The position detector A detector with a single measurement axis A measuring instrument characterized by:

9. The measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, The position detector a movable member provided on the main body portion so as to be movable forward and backward and adapted to come into contact with the object to be measured; an encoder for detecting the position of the movable member; A measuring instrument characterized by:

10. The measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, The meter is a portable meter that can be carried by a user, It is attached to a stand so as to maintain a relative posture or position with respect to the object to be measured. A measuring instrument characterized by:

11. A method for controlling a measuring instrument comprising: a position detector provided in a main body that detects the position of an object to be measured by contact or non-contact; an operation reception unit provided in the main body that receives an instruction operation from a user; a proximity sensor that measures the distance between an object and the operation reception unit when the object approaches or moves away from the operation reception unit; and a central control unit that controls the overall operation, When the proximity sensor detects that the object has approached the operation reception unit, the central control unit sequentially stores the measurement values ​​obtained by the position detector as provisionally determined measurement data in a storage unit; When the operation receiving unit receives an instruction to confirm the measurement data, the central control unit determines one or more of the provisionally confirmed measurement data stored in the storage unit as confirmed measurement data. A method for controlling a measuring instrument.

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