CA1102023A - Display measuring instrument - Google Patents

Display measuring instrument

Info

Publication number
CA1102023A
CA1102023A CA295,598A CA295598A CA1102023A CA 1102023 A CA1102023 A CA 1102023A CA 295598 A CA295598 A CA 295598A CA 1102023 A CA1102023 A CA 1102023A
Authority
CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
display elements
measuring instrument
appearance
shape
straight line
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired
Application number
CA295,598A
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Thiam L. Go
Friedrich-Wilhelm Zube
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of CA1102023A publication Critical patent/CA1102023A/en
Expired legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • GPHYSICS
    • G01MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01RMEASURING ELECTRIC VARIABLES; MEASURING MAGNETIC VARIABLES
    • G01R13/00Arrangements for displaying electric variables or waveforms
    • G01R13/40Arrangements for displaying electric variables or waveforms using modulation of a light beam otherwise than by mechanical displacement, e.g. by Kerr effect
    • G01R13/404Arrangements for displaying electric variables or waveforms using modulation of a light beam otherwise than by mechanical displacement, e.g. by Kerr effect for discontinuous display, i.e. display of discrete values
    • G01R13/405Arrangements for displaying electric variables or waveforms using modulation of a light beam otherwise than by mechanical displacement, e.g. by Kerr effect for discontinuous display, i.e. display of discrete values using a plurality of active, i.e. light emitting, e.g. electro-luminescent elements, i.e. bar graphs

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Indicating Measured Values (AREA)
  • Control Of Indicators Other Than Cathode Ray Tubes (AREA)
  • Illuminated Signs And Luminous Advertising (AREA)
  • Transition And Organic Metals Composition Catalysts For Addition Polymerization (AREA)
  • Measuring Pulse, Heart Rate, Blood Pressure Or Blood Flow (AREA)
  • Devices For Indicating Variable Information By Combining Individual Elements (AREA)

Abstract

ABSTRACT A displaying measuring instrument with combined digital and analog display. The lowest order digit of the measuring value to be displayed is indicated by means of a linear scale made up of scale marks, the mark corresponding to the instantaneous value of the measuring value differing in appearance from the surrounding, thus indicating the instantaneous value of the lowest order digit. The higher order digits of the measuring value are displayed by conventional numeral indicators located at the lower end of the linear scale. Thus, the higher order digits are displayed strictly digitally, whereas the lowest order digit is displayed both digitally (by the particular scale mark concerned) and analogously (by the location along the scale of that particular scale mark).

Description

~ Z~Z3 DISPLAYING MEASURING INSTRUMENT

The invention relates to a displaying mesuring instrument with a digital measuring circuit for the magnitude to be displayed, in which the display of the value of that magnity is obtained by selective change of appearanceof certain visual display elements of a display panel.
Traditionally, measuring instruments have for a long time been designed as pointer intruments. In such instrumentS, the magnitude to be measured is applied to a drive means such as a moving coil, which positions the pointer along a calibrated scale in correspondence with the value of the quantity to be measured. Such pointer instruments have the advantage that an approximate impression of the measuring value can be obtained at a glance, and that any change with time of the measuring value can be followed easily.
In case of the occurrence of rapid fluctuations of the measuring value too, a good indication of the mean value can be obtained and, provided that the fluctuations are not too fast in comparison to the inertia of the measuring instrument, it is also possible to obtain a rough impression of the presence and magnitude of such fluctuations. A further advantage is the absence of active components in as far as no extreme sensitivity is required. However, disadvantages are the sensitivity for mechanical defects, the small accuracy of the measuring instrument itself, the need for a very careful reading, in ....
which it is always necessary to make an estimate of the precise position of the pointer with respect to the scale, and the very limited possibility of reading fluctuations of the measuring value.
Later, measuring instruments with digital read-out have been developed, in which the value of the measuring quantity is displayed directly in numerals. Advantages thereof are that the accuracy of the measuring in-strument can be increased almost indefinitely, that no estimate is necessary for reading the measuring instrument, that the measuring instrument is com-paratively insensitive to mechanical defects and that by a combination of ~k .
2~Z3 standard units, any desired measuring function and measuring range can be obtained. Also, it is possible without difficulties, to obtain an indi-cation of the polarity of the measuring quantity and of any exceeding of the range. However, disadvantages are tha-t the reading becomes virtually impossible for rapidly fluctuating measuring values, since one or more display numerals will change rapidly in that case, whereby these numerals can be read hardly or not at all. Also, it is difficult to obtain an impres-sion of the course of a slowly changing measuring value, since the speed with which and the direction in which the measuring value changes, can be derived only from the time which passes between the changes of the displayed numerals and the sense in which these numerals change respectively. For fluctuating measuring values it is virtually impossible, to read the range within which the measuring value fluctuates.
Because of these advantages and disadvantages, both kinds of measuring instruments found an application area of their own. Since the circumstances in which a measuring instrument will be used cannot always be predicted with any certainty, measuring instruments of either type are often used in circumstances in which the disadvantages inherent to the type of mea-suring instrument concerned are of great practical importance.
The invention aims at providing a measuring instrument which to a large extent combines the advantages of both types of measuring instruments referred to, and also to a large extent lacks the disadvantage of both types of measuring instruments referred to.
A measuring instrument according to the invention is character-ized in that the display elements of the display panel are so arranged in a straight row, that they successively change in appearance with rising or falling measuring quantities, and each represent the same increment of the measuring quantity.

~102~Z:3 .

The visual display elements can correspond to the scale divisions of the calibrated scale which is conventional for a pointer instrument, and they can emit light upon energization, e.g. by means of light emitting diodes, gas discharge lamps or incendescent lamps, or they can change their re~ection coefficient or transmission coefficient upon energization, e.g. by means of liquid cr~stals. The measuring instrument can be designed in such a way that for each measuring value, only a single display element, corresponding to that measuring value, displays a deviant appearance (point scale, ln which the display element with deviant appearance corresponds to the tip of a pointer) or can be made in such a way that all display elements relating to values below the instantaneous measuring value ~ea first appearance, and all display elements;~ belonging to values above the instantaneous measuring value have a second appearance (ro~ scale, corresponding to the presentation obtained by a mercury thermometer). The numerals of higher order of the measuring value, for which the disadvantages of digital measuring instruments are less important, as well as an indication for the polarity and/or ex~e~ng of the range, can be displayed conveniently in the way which is usual for digital measuring instruments. The symbols used for that purpose are preferably arranged adjacent the low end of the scale constituted by the visual display elements of the row.
A measuring instrument according to the invention is eminently suited for obtai-ning an adjustable limit value signa~ing by using one or more movable tabs whichcan be displaced along the row of visual display elements, carrying light sensitive elements whic~ respond to the changes in the appearance of the displayelements.

~z~:3 ,, The invention is further elucidated below with reference to the drawing, f which shows a front view of the display panel of a measuring instrument according to the invention.
The scale of the measuring instrument comprises a row of display elements 1, the appearance of which depends upon the electric control. The display elements 1 can e.g. operate with light emitting diodes, gas discharge lamps or incandescent lamps, in which case they light up upon electric energ~i~ation, or they can consist !l of liquid cristals, the optical transmission coefficient or reflection coefficient i of which changes depend~ent upon the electric control, in which case they visuaLly , deviate from the surrounding. By way of example, it is here assumed that the r display elements 1 operate with light emitting diodes.
Each fifth dlsplay element 2 has a greater length than the remaining display elements 1, for marking multiples of five. For the remainder, the display elements 2 operate in the same way as the display elements 1. Each tenth display element 3 not only is longer than the display elements 1, for marking multiples of ten, but also cooperateswith its own numeral indicator 4 which makes visible the _sequential number of the multiple of ten concerned. F~r the remainder, the display elements 3 operate in the same way as the display elements 1 and 2.
To the left of the scale constituted by the display elements 1, 2 and 3, which towards the right shows increasing numbers, a numeral indicator 5 is arranged, which by way of example has been shown as a numeral indicator for numerals made up o' seven segments. This numeral indicator 5 also contains a decimal point to the right of the numeral segments, a minus sign to the left of the numeral segments, and a range overload indication above it. The seven numeral segments, the decimal point, the minus sign, and the range overload indication can again be eqtf~J~ with light emitting diodes, gas discharge lamps, incandescent lamps or liquid cristals.

If disired, several numeral indicators 5 can be arranged side by side, for indicating more than one numeral.
In the shown embodiment it has been assumed that the instantaneous measuring value equals 3.42, that the polarity is positive, and that no range overload has occurred. Consequently, the numeral segments which have been shown boldhhave an appearance deviating from the surrounding, indicating the numeral
3 of the measuring value, the decimal point which has been shown boldhas an appearance deviating from the surrounding, which obviously indicates the decimalpoint, the mark 6 has an appearance deviating from the surrounding, indicating the numeral 4 of the measuring value, and the second display element 1 to the right of it has an appearance differing from the surrounding, indicating the numeral 2 of the measuring value.
If the measuring value slowly increases, the sècond display element 1 to the right of the mark 6 resumes its initial condition, not deviating from the surrounding, and in its place, the third element 1 to the right of the mark 6 assumes an appearance deviating from the surrounding etc. As soon as the measuring value reaches 3.50, the mark 6 resumes its initial condition, not deviating fromthe surrounding, and the mark 7 which indicates a 5, assumes an appearance - differing from the surrounding. For a decreasing measuring value, this process 20- occurs in the reverse sense.
The control of the numeral segments of the numeral indicator 5, and of the decimal point, the minus sign, and the range overload indicator thereof, occur `in the conventional way.
In the above it has been assumed that at any time only a single display element 1, 2 or 3 has an appearance differing from the surrounding. The mark concerned thereby resembles the tip of the pointer of a pointer instrument.

~2~Z3 ~owever, it can also be arranged that all display elements to the left or to the right of the display element indicating the instantaneous measuring value, also ha~ean appearance differing from the surrounding. In that case, one obtaines a presentation corresponding to the mercury column of a mercury thermometer, in which the transition between the display elements which do and do not deviate from the surrounding, indicates the measuring value.
A measuring instrumsnt of the type described is a favourable combination of digital and analogous presentation. With the exception of the numeral of the lowest order of the instantaneous measuring value, all numerals of the measuringvalue are presented directly and digitally, so that they can be read at a glance.
The numeral of the lowest order but one of the instantaneous measuring value is not only presented digitally, but also analogously (since the location where that numeral is displayed depends upon the value of that numeral).The numeral of lowest order of the measuring value is displayed excluslvely in an analogous way.
If the measuring value fluctuates, the display elements 1, 2 and 3 which deviate_ from the surrounding change correspondingly. Each of them therefore deviates from the surrounding only during part of the time, and the range within which the measuring value fluctuates can thereby be observed, with or without flicker, depend~nt upon the fluctuation frequency. Because of the inertia-free presentation, this is true even for high fluctuation frequencies.
A measuring instrument of the type referred to is excellently suitable for signafling limi' values. For that purpose, a rail or slot can be provided alongside the scale, along which two or more tabs 9 can move. Each of these tabs carries a light sensitive element (e.g. a photodiode) which provides a limit value signal as soon as the underlying display element 1, 2 or 3 assumes an appearance deviating from the surrounding.

~1~23 This can be done very easily if the display elements 1, 2 and 3 light up in that they are provided with lig~ emitting diodes, gas discharge lamps or incandescent lamps, but is also possible if the display elements 1, 2 and 3 have an optical transmission coefficient or reflection coefficient depend~nt upon the control, such as when using liquid cristals, provided that sufficient ambient light is available, or a light source is available.

Claims (5)

THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION IN WHICH AN EXCLUSIVE
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. Displaying measuring instrument in which a measured value of a quantily is displayed by a selective change of appearance of predetermined visual display elements arranged in a display panel, comprising a plurality of discrete display elements, each element having more than one state of appearance and each element adapted to change its appearance upon energization, at least some of which display elements of the display panel being arranged in a straight line, each of which said display elements arranged in a straight line represent-ing a uniform, discrete measured quantity from the next nearest display element in the straight line, and means successively changing the state of appearance of said display elements to correspond to a new measured value when said measured value is changed to said new measured value, wherein each of said visual display elements comprises a shape selected from one of a first shape and a second shape, wherein said first shape is distinguishably different from said second shape, and wherein the display elements arranged in a straight line, periodic ones of said display elements comprise said second shape, and all other of said display elements comprise said first shape, said visual display element comprised of said second shape being further comprised of an alphanumeric indication changing its state of appearance upon energization.
2. Measuring instrument according to claim 1 where-in said visual display elements arranged in a straight line comprise the least and one but least significant digit in-dication of said display panel, said measuring instrument further comprising at least a next one but least significant digit alphanumeric indicator connected to display an alpha-numeric indication in response to said measured value of a quantity.
3. The measuring instrument of claim 2 wherein said alphanumeric indicator comprises means to indicate the polarity of the measured value being displayed.
4. Displaying measuring instrument according to claim 1 or 2 wherein said alphanumeric indication is arranged in a closed border around said indication, the closed border also changing its appearance upon energication.
5. Displaying measuring instrument according to claim 1 or 2, said measuring instrument further comprising at least one tab supported in close proximity to said straight line of visual display elements on said display panel, and movable lineraly along said straight line so as to be in close proximity to said visual display elements, each tab comprising a light sensitive element adapted to provide a signal when the visual display element nearest to said tab is energized and illuminates from within.
CA295,598A 1977-01-25 1978-01-23 Display measuring instrument Expired CA1102023A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
NLAANVRAGE7700758,A NL171292C (en) 1977-01-25 1977-01-25 READING SCALE FOR A MEASURING INSTRUMENT.
NL7700758 1977-01-25

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA1102023A true CA1102023A (en) 1981-05-26

Family

ID=19827842

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA295,598A Expired CA1102023A (en) 1977-01-25 1978-01-23 Display measuring instrument

Country Status (10)

Country Link
JP (2) JPS53106067A (en)
BE (1) BE863288A (en)
CA (1) CA1102023A (en)
DE (1) DE2802684C2 (en)
FR (1) FR2378262A1 (en)
GB (1) GB1595621A (en)
IT (1) IT1092099B (en)
NL (1) NL171292C (en)
NO (1) NO780174L (en)
SU (1) SU1009289A3 (en)

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE3214439A1 (en) * 1982-04-20 1983-10-20 Brown, Boveri & Cie Ag, 6800 Mannheim Line testing unit
GB9008716D0 (en) * 1990-04-18 1990-06-13 Atomic Energy Authority Uk Instrument readout

Family Cites Families (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3343155A (en) * 1964-01-06 1967-09-19 Marcel A Pahlavan Display apparatus
US3460127A (en) * 1966-02-15 1969-08-05 Aerospace Prod Res Display apparatus
DE1816831A1 (en) * 1968-01-22 1969-09-18 Aleksejev Jurij A Light contact measuring instrument
US3619574A (en) * 1968-04-08 1971-11-09 Time Systems Corp Digital meter with auxiliary visual analog display
DE7229438U (en) * 1972-07-01 1972-11-30 Lex H SEGMENT LIGHT STICK FOR QUASI-ANALOGUE DISPLAY FOR DIGITAL MEASURING DEVICES
JPS5050948A (en) * 1973-09-03 1975-05-07

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR2378262B1 (en) 1983-01-14
NL171292C (en) 1983-03-01
BE863288A (en) 1978-05-16
NL171292B (en) 1982-10-01
DE2802684A1 (en) 1978-07-27
GB1595621A (en) 1981-08-12
SU1009289A3 (en) 1983-03-30
IT7819567A0 (en) 1978-01-24
IT1092099B (en) 1985-07-06
NL7700758A (en) 1978-07-27
DE2802684C2 (en) 1982-12-02
JPS58145510U (en) 1983-09-30
NO780174L (en) 1978-07-26
JPS53106067A (en) 1978-09-14
FR2378262A1 (en) 1978-08-18

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Legal Events

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MKEX Expiry
MKEX Expiry

Effective date: 19980526