Method for starting up a reading device, in particular a capacitive reading device, computer program and computer-readable medium

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for starting up a reading device (7), in particular a capacitive reading device, for an analog pointer instrument, having the steps of S1) evaluating at least one image recording (15) of the pointer instrument (1) together with a sensor device (8) provided thereon, said evaluation process including the automated determination of the measurement variable displayed by the pointer instrument (1) and the automated determination of the position of the at least one marking (M) of the sensor device (8) relative to at least one element of the measuring scale (6), S2) providing, determining or receiving the sensor measurement value output by the sensor device (8) for a pointer position belonging to the marking (M), and S3) assigning a corresponding measurement value for the measurement variable of the pointer instrument (1) to the sensor measurement value belonging to the marking (M) on the basis of the automated image evaluation process according to step S1. The invention also relates to a computer program and to a computer-readable medium.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Method for commissioning a reading device, in particular a capacitive reading device, computer program and computer-readable medium

[0003] The invention relates to a method for commissioning a reading device, in particular a capacitive one, for an analog pointer instrument. The analog pointer instrument comprises a measuring scale and a pointer movable relative to the measuring scale. The reading device has a sensor device configured and arranged on the pointer instrument, in particular a viewing window of the pointer instrument, such that the pointer position can be detected contactlessly. Furthermore, the invention relates to a computer program and a computer-readable medium.

[0004] There are a variety of analog sensors whose measured values ​​are displayed using analog pointer instruments. Common measured variables are pressure, temperature, humidity, electrical voltage, etc. Pointer instruments consist of a pointer that can be moved relative to a measuring scale, usually shown on a pointer face of the instrument, and whose deflection indicates the current value of the monitored or displayed measured variable. In such analog pointer instruments, the pointer is often rotatable about an axis, and the measuring scale is circular or arc-shaped. They are also referred to as round instruments and round scales. The angular range covered by a circular arc-shaped measuring scale can vary depending on the application or design of the pointer instrument. For example, it can be 270° or 90°.

[0005] Analog pointer instruments can be read visually by a person on-site. However, it can also be advantageous to enable remote and automated reading of the measured values ​​defined by the current pointer position. It would also be particularly advantageous if the corresponding measured value or a representative quantity or value could be provided in electrical or digital form.

[0006] However, there is often no electrical power supply or data line on-site. A technical device that automatically reads the pointer position should therefore consume as little energy as possible and be capable of transmitting the measured value wirelessly. Furthermore, this technical device must be inexpensive to make such a retrofit worthwhile for the operator.

[0007] Reading devices have been developed that can be fitted to analogue pointer instruments and enable contactless detection of the pointer position. For example, there are optical reading devices, such as those used in

[0008] WO 2007 / 147609 A2, US 6,157,311 A and US 4,275,393 A. However, a disadvantage of optical reading devices for pointer instruments is that they are sensitive to interference from external light and may therefore require active illumination.

[0009] Other reading devices for detecting the pointer position of analog pointer instruments are also known from the prior art, for example, capacitive and inductive reading devices. Capacitive reading devices, such as those disclosed in EP 3 150 972 B1 and DE 38 91 367 C2, typically comprise a plurality of electrodes arranged on a support opposite the rotating pointer of the pointer instrument, in particular in a circle or circular arc. Another capacitive reading device is disclosed in WO 2023 / 036423 A1.

[0010] The previously known remote reading devices have proven themselves in principle. However, there are a multitude of different pointer instruments on the market that display current measured values ​​of a wide variety of physical quantities in different units, with different measuring ranges, and different scale divisions.

[0011] This means that when using reading devices, such as capacitive reading devices, the calibration of the display data is very complex and must be initialized manually.

[0012] Based on this, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method of the type mentioned at the outset which can be carried out with less effort.

[0013] This object is achieved according to the invention by a method for commissioning a reading device, in particular a capacitive reading device, for an analogue pointer instrument, wherein the analogue pointer instrument comprises a measuring scale and a pointer movable relative to the measuring scale, and wherein the reading device has a sensor device which is designed and arranged on the pointer instrument, in particular a viewing window of the pointer instrument, in such a way that the pointer position can be detected without contact, and wherein the sensor device has a marking, comprising the steps

[0014] 51) at least one image recording of the pointer instrument with the sensor device arranged thereon is evaluated, wherein the evaluation comprises the automated determination of the measured variable displayed by the pointer instrument and the automated determination of the position of the marking of the sensor device relative to at least one element of the measuring scale, in particular to at least one number of the measuring scale and / or to at least one line of the measuring scale,

[0015] 52) the sensor measurement value output by the sensor device for a pointer position belonging to the marking is provided, determined or received, and

[0016] 53) Based on the automated image evaluation according to step S1, a corresponding measured value of the measured variable of the pointer instrument is assigned to the sensor measured value belonging to the marking.

[0017] In other words, the present invention enables an automated association between the properties of a given pointer instrument and the output(s) of a reading device with which the analog pointer instrument is equipped.

[0018] At least one image, such as a photograph of the pointer instrument, is used to automatically determine the measured variable of the pointer instrument, from which measured values ​​are displayed. Preferably, one or more properties of the instrument's measuring scale can also be determined automatically via image analysis. For example, at least one property of the measuring scale can be determined, for example, the measuring range covered by the measuring scale and / or the subdivision of the measuring scale.

[0019] Examples of a measured quantity include pressure, temperature, humidity, or even electrical voltage. One or more properties of the measuring scale of a pointer instrument can, in particular, be the measuring range covered by the measuring scale and / or the subdivision of the measuring scale. Purely by way of example, from an image recording, in particular a photograph, of a pointer instrument, the pressure as the measured quantity, a pressure range of 0 to 50 bar as the measuring range covered by the measuring scale, and a subdivision, in other words an increment, of 0.5 bar are automatically determined.

[0020] Both the measured quantity and the measuring range are indicated on pointer instruments so that the user can read the reading accurately. The measuring scale usually comprises a large number of lines spanning the measuring range or dividing it into individual steps. Corresponding numerical values ​​are usually indicated in Arabic numerals on at least some of the lines of the measuring scale.

[0021] According to the invention, the information contained on the pointer instrument is automatically recorded, in particular read out. The covered measuring range can be determined or read out, for example, the last numerical value or the number on the last mark of the measuring scale, since scales often start at zero.

[0022] On the other hand, the position of the marking relative to the measuring scale of the pointer instrument is determined based on the automated image evaluation according to step S1.

[0023] The marking can in principle have any design as long as it is recognizable in an image, such as a photograph. Its shape is not important. Purely by way of example, the marking can be provided by a dot, cross, line, star or the like on the sensor device. Alternatively or in addition to such an element or symbol, which can be printed on the sensor device, e.g. a carrier thereof, it is also possible for the marking to be provided by a recess in the sensor device, e.g. a carrier thereof. Purely by way of example, a notch in the circumference of the sensor device or a carrier thereof.

[0024] Furthermore, it should be noted that, even if one marking is sufficient in principle, it is by no means impossible for the sensor device to have multiple markings. In this case, in step S1, only the position of one or more of the markings relative to the measuring scale, specifically at least one element of the scale, can be determined automatically by image analysis.

[0025] Sensor devices in reading devices for analog pointer instruments, such as capacitive reading devices, are often circular or comprise a circular support. Sometimes the sensor devices or supports are also shaped like a circular segment with a pie-shaped cutout. An example would be a three-quarter circle. Circular segments with an angle other than 270° are also possible.

[0026] As noted, the sensor device is or will be mounted as a rule on a viewing window of the pointer instrument, and the pointer is rotatably held below or behind the viewing window in a manner known per se. Then, in step S2, for example, the sensor measurement value that is output by the sensor device when the pointer is located below or behind the respective marking, and in particular below or behind a specific, in particular known, sensor element of the sensor device, can be provided, determined, or received. The sensor measurement value in step S2 can correspond to a measurement signal that is output by the sensor device when, for an observer, the pointer of the pointer instrument points essentially directly at the marking or to the marking.

[0027] The sensor device is or will be arranged and in particular fastened on a pointer instrument, usually a viewing window thereof, in such a way that the center point of the sensor device or of a support thereof lies (as precisely as possible) above the axis of rotation of the pointer.

[0028] Using one or more markings and one or more automatically detected features of the measuring scale, the sensor device—usually subsequently attached—can be adjusted relative to the measuring scale, or in other words, the dial, of the pointer instrument. According to the invention, this is done automatically using image analysis. This makes it possible to precisely assign a sensor reading, for example, capacitively recorded, to a measured value of the measurand on the measuring scale or dial, and to compensate for adjustment tolerances.

[0029] In the case of capacitive reading devices, the sensor measured values ​​are usually given by Farad values, which can be digitized in a preferred embodiment.

[0030] The sensor device will typically comprise a plurality of sensor elements, each of which can detect different positions of the pointer, so that the current pointer position can be recorded. The sensor device can, for example, comprise multiple electrodes, as previously known from WO 2023 / 036423 A1. Different electrodes can then be assigned different farad values, which correspond to or represent different pointer positions.

[0031] It has proven particularly advantageous if, as part of the image analysis in step S1, it is automatically determined which element, in particular which number and / or which line of the measuring scale, the marking is closest to. By way of example, the measured variable is pressure, e.g. in bar, and the measuring scale has the numbers 0, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50, which are arranged in a sufficiently known manner at equidistant intervals along a circular scale. If the marking, e.g. a point, is close to or next to the 20, this can be determined automatically from the image recording. The sensor measured value corresponding to the marking can then be assigned, for example, as a measured value of the measured variable 20, preferably together with the associated unit bar.

[0032] An image of the pointer instrument with the reading device arranged thereon can be created with little effort, for example, by a user on-site. The at least one image of the pointer instrument can be taken before step S1, for example, by a user using a smartphone, tablet, or even a digital camera, and made available for automated image analysis and recognition. In principle, it would also be conceivable to use existing cameras, for example, cameras already installed in a technical system comprising the pointer instrument, to obtain at least one image of the pointer instruments.

[0033] As a rule, a single image of the pointer instrument will suffice to automatically determine the desired information about this pointer instrument in the manner according to the invention. Particularly in the case where only one image is used, this image expediently shows at least sections of the measuring scale and an area of ​​the pointer instrument in which the displayed measurement quantity and preferably the associated unit are indicated. The measurement quantity is generally indicated in, next to, or below the measuring scale, in particular on a scale plate of the pointer instrument, for example, printed with corresponding letters.

[0034] It is also conceivable that more than one image recording is used in step S1, for example a video comprising several individual recordings of the pointer instrument with reading device or sensor device of such or several image recordings that show different sections of the pointer instrument and the sensor device, for example one image recording that shows at least some sections of the measuring scale and sensor device and another that shows at least one area of ​​the pointer instrument in which the measured variable is specified.

[0035] The step of creating an image recording can be part of the method according to the invention.

[0036] In an expedient further development, it is provided that in step S3, starting from the assignment using the marking and based on the automated image analysis according to step S1, corresponding measured values ​​of the measurand of the measuring scale are assigned to further sensor measured values, preferably all sensor measured values. The further sensor measured values ​​can in particular belong to further sensor elements, such as electrodes, of the sensor device. In particular, if the reading device is a capacitive reading device, the sensor device generally has a plurality of electrodes arranged in a ring on a circular carrier, for example. A sensor measured value can correspond to each electrode. The respective sensor measured value can be output when the pointer is in a specific position relative to the respective electrode, for example above or behind it.

[0037] For example, based on the assignment of a measured value to a sensor value, specifically the sensor value corresponding to the marking, and taking into account the measuring range covered by the measuring scale and the subdivision of the measuring scale, and possibly further information about the measuring scale or sensor device, a corresponding measured value of the measured value according to the measuring scale is determined for each sensor measured value. For example, based on an assignment for a marked electrode, a corresponding measured value of the displayed measured value of the pointer instrument is assigned to further electrodes, preferably all electrodes of a sensor device.

[0038] In principle, various options are available for the automated image analysis performed in step S1. It has proven particularly advantageous if at least one text recognition algorithm is used during the image analysis in step S1, in particular for the automated determination of the measured variable, possibly along with the associated unit, the position of the marking and / or at least one property of the measuring scale. Alternatively or additionally, one or more lookup tables can also be used. At least one, preferably pre-trained, image recognition tool can also be used, in particular for the automated determination of the measured variable, possibly along with the associated unit, the position of the marking and / or at least one property of the measuring scale. Artificial intelligence, such as a neural network, can also be used.A pre-trained image recognition tool, or in other words, a pre-trained image recognition program, can be used in a particularly suitable way to determine advantageous reference points. Pre-training or teaching an image recognition tool can be carried out in a conventional manner using suitable learning data, which can be provided, for example, by suitable examples. A pre-trained image recognition tool can also be available in cloud storage.

[0039] In step S1, the unit of the displayed measurement value is expediently determined automatically from the at least one image recording, in addition to the displayed measurement value. A text recognition algorithm and / or at least one lookup table and / or at least one image recognition tool can also be used for this purpose, preferably the same one(s) used to determine the additional information. Purely examples of automatically determined units are – in the case of the measurement value of pressure – bar or PSI, in the case of the measurement value of temperature – °C or °F, and in the case of the measurement value of absolute humidity, for example, g / m 3 and in the case of an electrical voltage called volt.

[0040] As noted, the pointer instrument can be a round pointer instrument—in other words, a circular instrument—in which the pointer is mounted so that it can rotate around an axis and the measuring scale has a circular or arc-shaped course—in other words, a round scale. The axis of rotation of the pointer and the center of the round scale conveniently coincide. This type of pointer instrument is particularly common.

[0041] In an advantageous development, after step S3, the current pointer position is detected at least once by the reading device, preferably capacitively, and from the associated sensor value based on the assignment according to step S3, a corresponding measured value of the measured variable of the pointer instrument is automatically determined and preferably output in digital form. Preferably, the current pointer position is detected multiple times, for example (quasi) continuously or repeatedly at predetermined time intervals, by the reading device, preferably capacitively, and in each case the corresponding measured value of the measured variable of the pointer instrument is automatically determined and preferably output in digital form. The output can be made, for example, via a cloud and / or on a mobile device, such as a smartphone or tablet.

[0042] Furthermore, it can be provided that the at least one measured value, preferably the plurality of measured values, is used for the control or regulation of a technical process, which has proven to be particularly advantageous.

[0043] A further embodiment of the method according to the invention is further characterized in that, prior to step S1, the sensor device is arranged and preferably fixed by a user on the pointer instrument, in particular on a viewing window of the pointer instrument. The user can arrange and preferably fix the sensor device on the pointer instrument in such a way that the marking lies next to a predetermined element, in particular next to a predetermined number and / or line, of the measuring scale. In other words, the installation or retrofitting of the reading device or the sensor device thereof on the pointer instrument can be part of the method according to the invention. The user can also realize a particularly expedient positioning of the marking relative to the measuring scale.

[0044] The invention further relates to a computer program comprising instructions which, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to carry out the above-described inventive method. The inventive computer program can, in particular, be an application—app for short—preferably for a mobile device such as a smartphone, tablet, or the like. Then, for example, a user can take a photo of the pointer instrument using the mobile device having the app, and the (further) steps of the inventive method can (also) be carried out using the app, which has proven particularly advantageous.

[0045] A further subject matter of the invention is a computer-readable medium comprising a computer program according to the invention.

[0046] For further details of the invention, reference is made to the dependent claims and the description of the following exemplary embodiment with reference to the drawing. Figure 1 shows a purely schematic perspective view of an analogue pointer instrument equipped with a capacitive reading device.

[0047] Figure 2 is a purely schematic representation of a smartphone with a photo of the analogue pointer instrument from Figure 1,

[0048] Figure 3 shows an enlarged section of the photo in Figure 2 with highlighted areas, and

[0049] Figure 4 shows the smartphone from Figure 2, where an app outputs a digital measured value that corresponds to a capacitively detected pointer position.

[0050] In the figures, the same reference numerals are used for identical or corresponding components or elements.

[0051] Figure 1 shows an embodiment of an analog pointer instrument 1, in this case a manometer, which serves to display a pressure (symbol p) in bar. The pointer instrument 1 is located in a technical system (not shown) and is used, in a well-known manner, to display the pressure measured by an analog sensor of the system (also not shown).

[0052] The pointer instrument 1 is a conventional round instrument with a pointer 2 located behind a transparent viewing window 3 of the pointer instrument 1 and mounted so as to rotate about an axis 4 above the dial 5 of the pointer instrument 1. A measuring scale 6 is clearly marked on the dial 5, covering a measuring range from 0 to 60 bar with an increment of 1 bar. In the example shown here, the measuring range or measuring scale 6 covers an angular range of approximately 270°.

[0053] The pointer instrument 1 is provided with a capacitive reading device 7, which enables automated remote reading or detection of the current pointer position. The reading device 7 comprises a sensor device 8, which is fixed to the viewing window 3 of the pointer instrument 1 and has a plurality of electrodes 9. The electrodes 9 are arranged and fixed in a ring shape on a circular transparent carrier 10 of the sensor device 8. The carrier 10 is in turn arranged and fixed on the viewing window 3. The axis 4 of the pointer 2 clearly extends through the center of the carrier 10 and the center of the circular scale 6. The reading device 7 comprises an evaluation device 11, which is shown in Figure 1 separate from the sensor device 8 and connected to the sensor device 8 by a cable 12 for reasons of clarity, but can also be integrated into the sensor device 8 arranged on the viewing window 3.The reading device 7 can also be provided by the sensor device 8, possibly with integrated evaluation device 11.

[0054] The sensor device 8 is designed and configured to output capacitively detected pointer positions or associated sensor measurements or signals. The output can also be performed using the evaluation device 11. The sensor measurements can be wirelessly transmitted to a remote receiver using the radio interface 13 of the reading device 7. The sensor device 8 of the reading device 7 was retrofitted to the pointer instrument 1 to enable remote reading.

[0055] The capacitive reading device 7 according to the embodiment shown in Figure 1 can, for example, be one as described in more detail in WO2023 / 036423 A1. In the example of the reading device 7 shown in Figure 1, it is possible to determine above which electrode 9 or electrodes 9 the pointer 2 is located, thereby detecting the current pointer position, as described in more detail in WO 2023 / 036423 A1.

[0056] As can be seen, the sensor device 8 of the reading device 7 has a marking M, which in the illustrated embodiment is provided by a dot on the carrier 10, for example, printed thereon. It should be emphasized that the shape of the marking M is not important and, as an alternative to a dot, a cross, line, star, or any other shaped marking could be provided. As an alternative to the illustrated example, it would also be possible for the marking to be provided by a recess provided in the carrier 10 of the sensor device 8, for example a notch made from the outside in the circumference at the appropriate location.

[0057] Previously, for capacitive measured value acquisition using a reading device 7 as shown in Figure 1, the measurement type, in particular the displayed measured variable and preferably its unit, and the properties of the measuring scale 6 of the pointer instrument 2 had to be manually determined by a user, in particular visually read, and then transferred to an evaluation system for further processing or use. The exemplary embodiment of the method according to the invention for commissioning the reading device 7 described below offers an alternative, less complex option.

[0058] For this purpose, a user on site, for example using his smartphone, tablet or even a digital camera, first creates at least one photo of the pointer instrument 1 shown in Figure 1 with the sensor device 8 attached thereto. In doing so, an image is created which shows at least the measuring scale 6 of the pointer instrument 1 and the marking M. Such an image taken with a smartphone 14 in the form of a photo 15 is shown as an example in Figure 2.

[0059] The photograph 15 is evaluated automatically, wherein the evaluation comprises the automated determination of the measured variable indicated by the pointer instrument 1 and the automated determination of the position of the marking M of the sensor device 8 relative to at least one element of the measuring scale 6. In other words, the orientation of the retrofitted sensor device 8, here the retrofitted circular carrier 10 with the electrodes 9, relative to the measuring scale 6 is determined automatically.

[0060] In the illustrated embodiment, it is determined which number on the measuring scale 6 the marking M is closest to or next to which number on the measuring scale 6 the marking M is located. The unit of the measured quantity and the measuring range covered by the measuring scale 6 and the subdivision of the measuring scale, in other words the increment, are also determined automatically from the photo 15.

[0061] In the illustrated embodiment, the pressure p is determined as the measured variable and the associated unit is bar. The measuring range is determined to be 60 bar and the increment of the measuring scale 6 to be 1 bar. Furthermore, it is automatically determined that the marking M - as can be seen in Figure 1 - is located next to the number 10 on the measuring scale 6. The fact that the position of the marking relative to a number on the measuring scale 6 is used as an example. The relative position, in this case in particular the angular position of the carrier 10 relative to the dial 5 or the measuring scale 6 printed thereon, can also be determined using one or more other reference points on the measuring scale 6. It should also be noted that it would be possible for the sensor device 8 to have more than one marking M and for more than one marking M to be used within the framework of the automated image evaluation in step S1. The automated determination from the photo 15 takes place, for example,using suitable text recognition software. Alternatively or additionally, at least one lookup table and / or at least one preferably pre-trained or trained image recognition tool can be used for the automatic determination. Using the text recognition software and / or lookup table(s) and / or image recognition tools, the measured variable indicated on the pointer instrument, specifically its scale face 5, its unit, the maximum pressure value - here 60 -, the increment and the position of the marking M in relation to the measuring scale - in this case its positioning at 10 - can be automatically recorded or read out. In Figure 3, which shows an enlarged section of the photo 15 according to Figure 2, those areas which are read out in particular automatically are highlighted by frames 16, 17, 18.

[0062] Furthermore, the sensor measurement value output by the sensor device 8 for a pointer position associated with the marking M is provided, determined, or received. In the example shown, it is known at which electrode 9 of the sensor device 8 the marking M is located and which sensor measurement value is output when the pointer 2 is located below or behind this electrode 9.

[0063] Based on the automated image analysis according to step S1, this sensor measurement value associated with the marking M is assigned a corresponding measured value of the measured variable of the pointer instrument 1. In the illustrated embodiment, this is a measured variable value of 10 bar. One could also say that the capacitive sensor measurement value, which is preferably a digital farad value, corresponds to a position of the pointer 2 at 10 bar. The relative adjustment of the capacitive value with respect to the value of the measuring scale 6 is ensured by this initialization.

[0064] Based on this assignment using the marking M and based on the automated image analysis according to step S1, further sensor measured values, preferably all sensor measured values, can be assigned corresponding measured values ​​of the measured variable of the measuring scale 6. In particular, for each electrode 9 of the sensor device 8, it can be determined which measured value of the measured variable, i.e., which pressure value in bar, corresponds to this.

[0065] Since the orientation of the carrier 10 with the electrodes 9 relative to the measuring scale 6 is determined via the automated image evaluation, it can be ensured that assembly tolerances, such as twisting or non-centric fastening, for example gluing, of the carrier 10 on the viewing window 3 have no influence on the measuring accuracy.

[0066] During ongoing operation of the technical system, the corresponding measured value of the measured variable can then be determined continuously or repeatedly at predetermined time intervals for a pointer position capacitively detected by the reading device 7, in particular an associated sensor measured value, and preferably output in digital form. The output digital measured value(s) can be used for the control or regulation of a technical process running in the system. In other words, the reading device 7 adjusted in the manner described above can then be integrated into a control or regulation process. The current measured value of the analog pointer instrument 1 can be read remotely and used accordingly.

[0067] It has proven particularly suitable if an app is installed on the user's smartphone 14, which carries out the steps of the above-described embodiment of the method according to the invention. Such an app represents an embodiment of a computer program according to the invention. The app is preferably designed in such a way that it can also be used to capture images, optionally with supporting instructions for the user.

[0068] For example, the sensor measurement value output by the sensor device 8 for the pointer position corresponding to the marking M can also be transferred to the app. In other words, the app can receive this value (step S2) for the subsequent assignment according to step S3.

[0069] The app can also be used to output the preferred digital measured value(s) determined based on the assignment. Output via an app is shown purely schematically and as an example in Figure 4. In a technical system, for example, several pointer instruments 1 can of course be present and put into operation in the manner described above. An app then expediently also shows which pointer instrument 1 the preferred digital measured value(s) of the (respective) measured variable belong to. In Figure 4, this is indicated by the entry “Measuring point 2,” for which a measured value of 2.1 bar is listed. Alternatively or in addition to output in an app, output can also be made to a cloud, for example.Although the invention has been illustrated and described in detail by the preferred embodiment, the invention is not limited to the disclosed examples and other variations may be derived therefrom by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0070] Regardless of the grammatical gender of a particular term, persons with male, female or other gender identities are included.

Claims

Patent claims 1. A method for commissioning a reading device (7) for an analogue pointer instrument, in particular a capacitive reading device, wherein the analogue pointer instrument (1) comprises a measuring scale (6) and a pointer (2) movable relative to the measuring scale (6), and wherein the reading device (7) has a sensor device (8) which is designed and arranged on the pointer instrument (1), in particular a viewing window (3) of the pointer instrument (1), such that the pointer position can be detected without contact, and wherein the sensor device (8) has a marking (M), comprising the steps 51) at least one image recording (15) of the pointer instrument (1) with the sensor device (8) arranged thereon is evaluated, wherein the evaluation comprises the automated determination of the measured variable displayed by the pointer instrument (1) and the automated determination of the position of the marking (M) of the sensor device (8) relative to at least one element of the measuring scale (6), in particular to at least one number of the measuring scale (6) and / or to at least one line of the measuring scale (6), 52) the sensor measurement value output by the sensor device (8) for a pointer position belonging to the marking (M) is provided or determined or received, and 53) a corresponding measured value of the measured variable of the pointer instrument (1) is assigned to the sensor measured value belonging to the marking (M) based on the automated image evaluation according to step S1.

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that in step S3, starting from the assignment using the marking (M) and based on the automated image evaluation according to step S1, corresponding measured values ​​of the measured variable of the measuring scale (6) are assigned to further sensor measured values, preferably all sensor measured values.

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one text recognition algorithm and / or at least one lookup table and / or at least one image recognition tool is used within the scope of the image evaluation in step S1.

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the image evaluation in step S1 comprises the automated determination of at least one property of the Measuring scale (6), preferably the determination of the measuring range covered by the measuring scale (6) and / or the subdivision of the measuring scale (6).

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that within the scope of the image evaluation in step S1 it is automatically determined to which element, in particular which number and / or which line of the measuring scale (6), the marking (M) is closest.

6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the context of the image evaluation in step S1, in addition to the displayed measurement value, the unit of the displayed measurement value is also determined automatically.

7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pointer (2) of the pointer instrument (1) is held rotatably about an axis (4) and the measuring scale (6) has a circular or circular arc-shaped course.

8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pointer instrument (1) indicates a pressure or a temperature or a humidity or an electrical voltage as a measured variable.

9. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that after step S3 the current pointer position is detected at least once by means of the reading device (7), preferably capacitively, and from the associated sensor value based on the assignment according to step S3 a corresponding measured value of the measured variable of the pointer instrument (1) is automatically determined and preferably output in digital form.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that the at least one measured value of the measured variable is used for the control or regulation of a technical process.

11. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that before step S1 the at least one image recording (15) of the pointer instrument (1) is recorded by a user with a smartphone (14) or tablet or a digital camera.

12. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that before step S1 the sensor device (8) is arranged and preferably fixed by a user on the pointer instrument (1), in particular on a viewing window (3) of the pointer instrument (1), in particular wherein the user arranges and preferably fixes the sensor device (8) on the pointer instrument (1) in such a way that the marking (M) lies next to a predetermined element, in particular next to a predetermined number and / or line, of the measuring scale (6).

13. Computer program, in particular app, comprising instructions which, when the program is executed on a computer, in particular a mobile terminal, preferably a smartphone (14), cause the computer to carry out the method according to one of claims 1 to 12.

14. A computer-readable medium comprising a computer program according to claim 13.

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