CN101639344A - Linear measurement apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention provides a linear measuring device. The linear measuring device includes a measuring unit including at least one first non-contact distance measuring sensor and one second non-contact distance measuring sensor supported at the frame and arranged on opposite sides of the measured object. The measurement unit measures a plurality of first gap distances from a plurality of first object locations on a plurality of parallel first measurement lines, and a plurality of second object locations on a plurality of parallel second measurement lines. a second gap distance. a distance calculator to calculate a plurality of candidate object lengths based on the first and second gap distances, each candidate object length being between one of the plurality of first object positions and one of the plurality of second object positions distance between. A maximum selector selects a maximum object length from the plurality of candidate object lengths.

Description

Linear Measuring Device

This application is a divisional application of the original patent application number 200710109167.1 (application date: June 14, 2007, invention name: linear measuring device).

field of invention

The invention relates to a linear measuring device for measuring the dimensions of objects.

related technology

Conventionally, the dimensions of objects are easily measured using contact measuring tools such as tape measures and vernier calipers. However, if the measured object is deformable, the contact measurement tool may cause deformation of the measured object, which may cause measurement errors. The amount of deformation varies depending on the strength of the force applied to the object to be measured, and it is difficult to compensate for such measurement errors.

Measuring devices with non-contact distance measuring means, such as optical displacement sensors, are already used in industry. For example, in each of Japanese Patent Applications JP-9-273912 (published in 1997) and JP 2004-294368 (published in 2004), a thickness measuring device that can be used in a factory production line is disclosed. The thickness measuring device includes a pair of spaced apart optical displacement sensors arranged along a transport path of the sheet material. Sheets or boards are conveyed one by one through the gap between the sensors, and each sensor measures the distance between the sensor itself and the currently moving material. Based on the measurements made by the sensors, the thickness of the material is determined. A similar device is disclosed in http://www.ncsfox.co.jp/product/dn/laser_c.html (Nittetsu Hokkaido ControlSystems Co.). However, these conventional non-contact measuring devices have been designed only for measuring objects with simple contours and uniform thickness.

Contents of the invention

Accordingly, the present invention provides a linear measuring device that can measure the size of a non-uniform object having a complex profile in a non-contact manner.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a linear measuring device comprising: a frame which can be arranged around an object to be measured; a measuring unit comprising at least a pair of non-contact The non-contact distance measurement sensor pair includes a first non-contact distance measurement sensor and a second non-contact distance measurement sensor, and each sensor emits light, receives light reflected from the measured object, and generates and The signal corresponding to the distance from the corresponding sensor to the object under test, the first and second sensors are arranged in the frame on opposite sides of the object under test, the first sensor measures the first sensor a first gap distance between a sensor and the first object position on the first measurement line of the measured object, and the second sensor measures the second sensor and the measured object on the second measurement line The second gap distance between the positions of the second object, the second measurement line is parallel to or equal to the first measurement line, and the measurement unit measures the distance from the plurality of first measurement lines on the plurality of parallel first measurement lines. a plurality of first gap distances to an object location, and a plurality of second gap distances to a plurality of second object locations on a plurality of parallel second measurement lines that are at a distance from the plurality of second measurement lines In the same plane as the plane where the plurality of parallel first measurement lines are located; the distance calculator is used to calculate a plurality of candidate object lengths based on the plurality of first and second gap distances, and each candidate object length is the a distance between one of the plurality of first object locations and one of the plurality of second object locations; and a maximum selector for selecting a maximum object length from the plurality of candidate object lengths. With this structure, the linear measurement device can measure the size of a non-uniform object to be measured having a complex profile in a non-contact manner without deforming the object generator.

In the description and claims, the term "object length" or "measured object length" means any limit of the measured object, whether it is naturally called the "width", "width", "width" of the measured object "Depth", "Thickness" or "Height". In other words, the term "object length" or "measured object length" represents any one of the above-mentioned terms.

The linear measuring device may further include: a driving mechanism for moving the first and second non-contact distance measuring sensors respectively relative to the frame, wherein the first sensor measures the distance from the plurality of parallel first distance measuring sensors. The multiple first gap distances of the multiple first object positions on a measurement line, each first gap distance is the distance between the sensor position of the first sensor and the first object on the measured object The distance between the positions, and wherein the second sensor measures the plurality of second gap distances from the plurality of second object positions on the plurality of parallel second measurement lines, each second gap distance is the distance between the sensor position of the second sensor and the second object position on the measured object. In this embodiment, each individual sensor can measure multiple gap distances.

The linear measuring device may further include: a limit detector for determining whether at least one of the first and second non-contact distance measuring sensors has reached a movement limit of the corresponding sensor; and a measurement terminator for When the limit detector has detected that the corresponding sensor has reached the limit, the corresponding sensor is terminated to measure the corresponding gap distance. In this embodiment, the measurement of the gap distance can be terminated when the sensor has reached the movement limit.

In another embodiment, said pair of non-contact distance measuring sensors is fixedly supported on said frame in such a way that said first measurement at which said first sensor measures said first gap distance line is identical to the second measurement line at which the second sensor measures the second gap distance. In this embodiment, since the sensor is fixed to the frame, the device can be easily manufactured. Although the sensors are fixed to the frame, they can be moved relative to the measured object by moving the frame so that each sensor can measure multiple gap distances.

In order to facilitate the movement of the frame, the linear measurement device may further include: at least one guide for guiding the movement of the frame relative to the measured object.

The linear measuring device may further include: an end detector for determining whether at least one of the first and second non-contact distance measuring sensors has reached an end of the measured object; and a measurement terminator , for stopping the measurement of the corresponding gap distance by the corresponding sensor when the end detector has detected that the corresponding sensor has reached the end of the measured object. In this embodiment, the measurement of the gap distance may be terminated when the sensor has reached the end of the measured object.

Preferably, the end detector determines that the corresponding sensor has reached the end of the measured object when the corresponding sensor measures the first or second gap distance greater than a threshold. In this embodiment, the end portion of the object to be measured can be easily detected.

The linear measurement device may further include: a man-machine interface, through which the operator can instruct to start or stop the first and second sensors; When the first and second sensors are activated, the first and second sensors are activated to measure the first and second gap distances; and a measurement stopper is used to stop the first and second gap distances when the operator has instructed When two sensors are used, the first and second sensors are terminated to measure the first and second gap distances. In this embodiment, the measurement of the gap distance can be initiated and terminated in a simple manner.

In an embodiment, said measuring unit may comprise a plurality of pairs of said non-contact distance measuring sensors, each pair comprising said first and second non-contact distance measuring sensors fixedly supported on said frame, wherein each of the first sensors measures a first gap distance between the corresponding first sensor and the first object position of the measured object on the first measurement line, and wherein each of the second sensors measures the corresponding A second gap distance between the second sensor and a second object position of the measured object on a second measurement line parallel to or equal to the first measurement line. In this embodiment, since the sensor is fixed to the frame, the device can be easily manufactured.

Preferably, the frame has a shape with one side open, the frame has a pair of pillars and a connection portion connecting the pillars, and the first and second non-contact distance measuring sensors are respectively supported on the pillars . Since one side of the frame is open, the device can be easily arranged around various objects to be measured. This feature is particularly advantageous when measuring, for example, bedridden or physically disabled persons.

In an embodiment, the first measurement line where the first sensor measures the first gap distance is parallel to and not equal to the second measurement line where the second sensor measures the second gap distance , and wherein the distance calculator calculates the difference between the first object position and the second object position in a direction parallel to the first and second measurement lines based on the first and second gap distances and based on the parallel object length and the perpendicular object length between the first object position and the second object position in a direction perpendicular to the first and second measurement lines Compute one of multiple candidate object lengths. In this embodiment, although the first measurement line and the second measurement line are not arranged on the same straight line, the distance calculator can calculate the candidate object length based on the parallel object length and the perpendicular object length. This embodiment can be used in such a way that one of the first and second sensors is fixed, while the other is moved, and a plurality of candidate object lengths are calculated between the fixed object position and the variable object position. This embodiment can also be used in such a way that candidate object lengths between a first object position and a plurality of second object positions are calculated based on the first gap distance and the plurality of second gap distances, and repeated for other first gap distances The calculation.

In another embodiment, the linear measuring device may further include: an angle calculator, used to calculate the angle based on the distance between the first sensor and the second sensor in the first direction and the angle perpendicular to the The distance between the first sensor and the second sensor in the second direction of the first direction is used to calculate the distance between the first non-contact distance measurement sensor and the second non-contact distance measurement sensor and a plurality of sensor angle adjusters for adjusting the angle of the measurement line of one of the first and second sensors based on the angle, respectively, so that the first sensor The first measurement line on which the first gap distance is measured is identical to the second measurement line on which the second sensor measures the second gap distance. In this embodiment, said plurality of sensor angle adjusters adjusts said angle of each of said first and second sensors to align said direction of said first and second gap distances such that The distance calculator may accurately calculate a candidate object length between the first object position and the second object position on the same line between the first and second sensors.

The linear measurement device may further include a frame size adjustment mechanism for enabling adjustment of the size of the frame. In this embodiment, objects to be measured having various sizes can be measured.

The linear measurement device may further include: a reference light emitter located at the frame, for irradiating reference light onto the measured object, so as to deploy the linear light relative to the reference position of the measured object. measuring device. In this embodiment, the reference light may assist in deploying (ie positioning) the device.

The linear measurement device may further include: a frame inclination adjustment mechanism for enabling adjustment of the inclination of the frame relative to the measured object. In this embodiment, measurements can be made along various inclined surfaces.

The linear measuring device may further include: a display for displaying the maximum object length; and a display controller for controlling the display such that the display maintains the displayed maximum object length for a period of time. In this embodiment, since the display at least temporarily maintains the displayed maximum object length, the operator can easily confirm the displayed value after the measurement is complete, and even if the sensor is accidentally moved after the measurement is complete , which also avoids changing the displayed image.

The linear measurement device further includes: a display; and a display controller for controlling the display such that the first gap distance and the second gap distance measured at the measurement unit will be measured by the first gap distance. A section of the measured object defined by an object position and the second object position is displayed as a two-dimensional image. In this embodiment, even if the section (ie, the outline of the object to be measured) is complicated, the operator can immediately and easily recognize the section.

The linear measuring device may further include: an additional measuring unit including at least a third non-contact distance measuring sensor, the third sensor is supported on the frame, the third sensor emits light, receives light from the first light reflected by any object in front of the third sensor and generates a signal corresponding to the distance from the third sensor to any object in front of the third sensor, whereby the third sensor measures a third gap distance between the sensor and the measured position on the third measurement line, the additional measurement unit measures a plurality of third gap distances from a plurality of measured positions on a plurality of parallel third measurement lines, so The plurality of parallel third measurement lines are in the same plane as the plane where the plurality of parallel first measurement lines and the plurality of parallel second measurement lines are located; the measured object end detector is used for Detecting the first end and the second end of the measured object based on the plurality of third gap distances; and a length calculator for calculating the distance between the first end and the second end of the measured object wherein instead of or in addition to selecting a maximum value from the plurality of candidate object lengths, the maximum value selector selects from the length of the measured object and the plurality of The maximum object length is selected among the candidate object lengths. In this embodiment, in addition to the candidate object length, the length (that is, the distance) between the first end and the second end of the measured object is also used as the candidate value of the maximum object length, thereby improving the measurement accuracy.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a linear measurement device, the linear measurement device includes: a support that can be arranged near the object to be measured; a measurement unit, the measurement unit includes a support supported on the support at least one non-contact distance measuring sensor that emits light, receives light reflected from any object in front of the sensor, and generates a value corresponding to the distance from the sensor to any object in front of the sensor signal, so that the sensor measures the gap distance between the sensor and the measured position on the measurement line, and the measurement unit measures a plurality of gap distances from a plurality of measured positions on a plurality of parallel measurement lines; a measured object end detector for detecting the first end and the second end of the measured object based on the amount of each of the plurality of gap distances; and a length calculator for calculating The length of the measured object between the first end and the second end of the measured object. With such a structure, the linear measurement device can measure the size of a non-uniform measured object with a complex profile in a non-contact manner without deforming the measured object.

The linear measurement device may further include: a drive mechanism for moving the non-contact distance measurement sensor relative to the support, wherein the sensor measures distances from a plurality of measured positions on a plurality of parallel measurement lines. Multiple gap distances. In this embodiment, a single sensor can measure multiple gap distances.

The linear measurement device may further include: a measurement terminator for when the measured object end detector has detected that the sensor has reached When the second end of the measured object is reached, the sensor stops measuring the gap distance. In this embodiment, the measurement of the gap distance can be terminated when the sensor has reached the second end of the measured object.

Preferably, when the sensor measures a gap distance smaller than a threshold or outputs an error signal, the measured object end detector determines that the sensor has reached the first end of the measured object, and Wherein, when the sensor measures a gap distance greater than a threshold or outputs an error signal, the detected object end detector determines that the sensor has reached the second end of the measured object. In this embodiment, the end of the object to be measured can be easily detected.

The linear measuring device may further include: a man-machine interface, through which the operator instructs to start or stop the sensor; a measurement starter, used to start the sensor when the operator has instructed to start the sensor. the sensor to measure the gap distance; and a measurement stopper for stopping the sensor from measuring the gap distance when the operator has instructed to stop the sensor. In this exemplary embodiment, the measurement of the gap distance can be started or terminated manually in a simple manner.

The linear measurement device may further include a support size adjustment mechanism for enabling adjustment of the size of the support. In this embodiment, objects having various sizes can be measured.

In another embodiment, the measurement unit may include: a plurality of non-contact distance measurement sensors fixedly supported on the support, for measuring distances from multiple distances on multiple parallel measurement lines, respectively. multiple gap distances for each measured position. In this embodiment, since the sensor is fixed to the support, the device can be easily manufactured.

Preferably, the supporting member has a shape with one side open, the supporting member has a pair of pillars and a connecting portion connecting the pillars, and the non-contact distance measuring sensor is supported on the connecting portion. Since one side of the support is open, the device can be easily placed around various objects to be measured. This feature is especially advantageous when measuring bedridden or physically disabled persons.

The linear measurement device may further include: a reference light emitter located at the support, for irradiating reference light onto the measured object, so as to facilitate the deployment of the measured object relative to the reference position of the measured object. Linear measuring device. In this embodiment, the reference light may assist in deploying (ie positioning) the device.

The linear measuring device may further include: a support member inclination adjustment mechanism for enabling adjustment of the support member inclination relative to the measured object. In this embodiment, measurements can be made along various inclined surfaces.

The linear measurement device may further include: a display for displaying the length of the measured object; and a display controller for controlling the display so that the display maintains the displayed length of the measured object. The length of time. In this embodiment, since the display at least temporarily maintains the displayed length of the measured object, the operator can easily confirm the displayed value after the measurement is completed, and even if the sensor accidentally moves after the measurement is completed, Alteration of the displayed image can be avoided.

The linear measurement device may further include: a display; and a display controller for controlling the display such that the measured position is displayed as a two-dimensional image based on the gap distance measured at the measurement unit. In this embodiment, even if the cross-section of the measured object is complicated, the operator can easily recognize the rough outline of the measured object.

Description of drawings

Various embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the attached picture:

1 is a perspective view of a linear measuring device according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a front view of the linear measuring device in Fig. 1 which has been set relative to the measured object;

Fig. 3 is the front view of the linear measuring device in Fig. 1 being measured distance;

Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the components of the linear measuring device in Fig. 1;

Figure 5 is a flow chart illustrating the use and operation of the linear measuring device in Figure 1;

Fig. 6 is a front view of a linear measurement device that has been positioned relative to an object to be measured according to an alternative embodiment;

Figure 7 is a front view of the linear measuring device of Figure 6 being raised and measuring distance;

Fig. 8 is a front view of a linear measuring device that has been set relative to a measured object according to a modified embodiment;

Fig. 9 is a front view of the linear measuring device in Fig. 8 being measured distance;

Fig. 10 is a front view of the linear measuring device which has been set relative to the measured object according to the second embodiment;

Fig. 11 is a block diagram showing the components of the linear measuring device in Fig. 10;

Figure 12 is a flowchart illustrating the use and operation of the linear measurement device in Figure 10;

Fig. 13 is a front view of a linear measuring device that has been set relative to a measured object according to another variant embodiment;

Fig. 14 is a front view of a linear measuring device that has been set relative to a measured object according to another variant embodiment;

15 is a front view of a linear measuring device according to a third embodiment;

Figure 16 is a front view of the linear measuring device in Figure 15 with the sensor in another position;

Fig. 17 is a block diagram showing the components of the linear measuring device in Fig. 16;

18A and 18B form a flowchart showing the use and operation of the linear measurement device in FIG. 16;

Figure 19 is a front view of a linear measuring device according to another alternative embodiment;

Figure 20 is a front view of a linear measurement device according to yet another alternative embodiment;

Figure 21 is a front view of a linear measurement device according to yet another alternative embodiment;

22 is a front view of a linear measuring device according to a modification in which the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 and the third embodiment shown in FIGS. 15 to 17 are combined;

FIG. 23 is a front view of a linear measuring device according to another modification, in which the second embodiment shown in FIG. 10 and the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 21 are combined;

24 is a front view of a linear measuring device according to another modification;

Figure 25 is a front view of the linear measuring device in Figure 24 under another situation;

26 is a front view of a linear measuring device according to another modification;

Figure 27 is a bottom view of the linear measuring device in Figure 26;

28 is a side view of a linear measuring device according to another modification;

FIG. 29 is a diagram showing a two-dimensional image displayed on a display according to the first and second embodiments; and

Fig. 30 is a diagram showing a two-dimensional image displayed on a display according to the third embodiment.

Detailed ways

first embodiment

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 , a linear measuring device 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention includes a support which is a portable frame 14 which can be set around a measured object 15 . In this embodiment, the measured object 15 is a human body lying on the floor or a bed 16, but any other suitable object may also be measured.

The frame 14 has a generally rectangular shape with one side open. More specifically, the frame 14 has: a pair of parallel pillars 3a and 3b standing vertically on the bed 16; and a connecting portion 2 whose both ends are connected to the pillars 3a and 3b. Through the open side of the frame 14, the device 1 can be easily arranged around various measured objects. This feature is particularly advantageous when the measured object 15 is a bedridden person or a physically disabled person.

A console of the linear measuring device 1 is provided on the connecting portion 2 . The console includes: a display 4 for displaying operating instructions, measurement results or other information for the operator; and a man-machine interface 5, which includes at least one of buttons and switches, through which The at least one operator can provide instructions to the device to, for example, power on or initiate a measurement. A circuit is provided inside the connection portion 2 to control the linearity measuring device 1, and the circuit will be described later.

The linear measuring device 1 also includes a measuring unit for estimating the maximum object length Lmax shown in FIG. 2 . The measuring unit comprises a pair of non-contact distance measuring sensors, ie first and second sensors 6a and 6b, which are respectively supported on pillars 3a and 3b of the frame. The first and second sensors are arranged on opposite sides of the measured object 15 within the frame 14 . Each sensor is an optical distance sensor having a light emitter for emitting a light beam horizontally, such as, but not limited to, an infrared beam, and for receiving light from any object on the front side of the sensor, such as A light receiver that detects light reflected by an object 15) and generates a signal corresponding to the distance from the corresponding sensor to any object on the front side of the sensor. Thus, each sensor measures the gap distance between the respective sensor and any object in front of that sensor.

In FIGS. 1 and 2, arrows LA and LB represent beams emitted horizontally from sensors 6a and 6b. In the state shown in FIG. 2, the first sensor 6a measures the first object position between the first sensor 6a and the first object position intersecting with the first horizontal measurement line (the optical path of the light beam from the sensor 6a) on the measured object 15. A gap distance DA, while the second sensor 6b measures a second gap distance between the second sensor 6b and a second object position on the measured object 15 that intersects with the second horizontal measurement line (the optical path of the light beam from the sensor 6b) DB. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the first and second measurement lines are equivalent.

Drive mechanisms 7a and 7b are provided at the pillars 3a and 3b, respectively, for moving the first and second non-contact distance measuring sensors 6a and 6b vertically relative to the frame 14 by a range, respectively. For example, each drive mechanism comprises an endless belt mounted on pulleys driven by rotating means, such as a stepper motor, and the corresponding sensor 6a or 6b is attached to the endless belt. Instead, other suitable drive mechanisms known to those skilled in the art may be used. As depicted by the dotted lines in FIG. 3, the first and second sensors 6a and 6b are synchronously raised or lowered along the pillars 3a and 3b on the same vertical plane by the driving mechanisms 7a and 7b.

During the vertical movement of the first sensor 6a, the first sensor 6a measures a plurality of first gap distances DA1 from a plurality of first (left) object positions on a plurality of first parallel horizontal measuring lines on the same vertical plane To DA4 , each first gap distance is the distance between the sensor position of the first sensor 6 a and the first (left) object position on the measured object 15 . When the second sensor 6b moves vertically, the second sensor 6b measures a plurality of second (right side) objects on a plurality of second parallel horizontal measuring lines on the same vertical plane equivalent to the plane where the first measuring line is located Second gap distances DB1 to DB4 of positions, each second gap distance being the distance between the sensor position of the second sensor 6 b and the second (right side) object position on the measured object 15 . Thus, although the measuring unit has only two sensors, each individual sensor can measure a plurality of gap distances from a plurality of object positions on a plurality of parallel horizontal lines from the measured object 15 . In FIG. 3 , first gap distances DA1 to DA4 and second gap distances DB1 to DB4 are illustrated for example, but it should be understood that the number of gap distances is not limited to that of the illustrated embodiment.

Although the sensors 6a and 6b are moved, the horizontal distance interval INT between them in the horizontal direction parallel to the first and second measurement lines remains constant because the support columns 3a and 3b are parallel. Therefore, based on the plurality of first and second gap distances DA and DB and the constant interval INT, a plurality of candidate object lengths L can be estimated, which are candidate values for the maximum object length Lmax. For example, when the gap distances DA1 and DB1 are at the same height, the candidate object length is equal to INT minus the value of DA1 and DB1. Similarly, another candidate object length is equal to INT minus the value of DA2 and DB2. The third candidate has an object length equal to INT minus the values of DA3 and DB3, and the fourth candidate has an object length equal to INT minus the values of DA4 and DB4. As will be understood from FIG. 3 , each candidate object length L is the distance between one of the first (left) object positions and one of the second (right) object positions.

The actual maximum object length is almost equal to the largest among the above-mentioned plurality of candidate object lengths L. This is the general principle of the maximum length measurement achieved by the device 1 . The accuracy of the estimate of the maximum object length Lmax will increase as the vertical distance spacing of the horizontal measurement lines decreases and the number of gap distances measured increases.

Referring to the block diagram of FIG. 4 , the electrical structure of the linear measurement device 1 will be described. The above-mentioned circuits located in the connection part 2 include a microcomputer 8 connected to the display 4, the human-machine interface 5, the sensors 6a and 6b, and the driving mechanisms 7a and 7b. The microcomputer 8 is actuated by a power source 13 and includes a memory 12 and a processor including a controller 9 , a calculator 10 , and a determiner 11 in a functional manner rather than in a physical manner.

A controller 9 , ie, a control device, performs overall control of the linear measuring device 1 . The overall control includes controlling the sensors 6a and 6b to measure the distances DA and DB, and controlling the drive mechanisms 7a and 7b to move the sensors 6a and 6b.

The calculator 10 functions as a distance calculator, ie, a calculating means for calculating a plurality of candidate object lengths L based on the plurality of first and second gap distances DA and DB measured by the sensors 6a and 6b.

The determiner 11 functions as a maximum value selector, that is, maximum value selection means for selecting a maximum object length Lmax among a plurality of object lengths L candidates. The determiner 11 also serves as a limit detector, ie limit detection means for determining whether at least one of the first and second sensors 6a and 6b has reached the movement limit of the corresponding sensor. In this embodiment, the determiner 11 performs such limit detection for each of the sensors 6a and 6b. If the determiner 11 has detected that the sensor has reached the movement limit, the controller 9 acts as a measurement terminator, ie, a measurement termination device for terminating the measurement of the corresponding gap distance by the corresponding sensor.

The memory 12 prestores various data such as default values, system settings, and mathematical expressions. Furthermore, the maximum value determined by the determiner 11 is stored in the memory 12 .

The controller 9, the calculator 10, and the determiner 11 can be realized in a physical manner by a plurality of central processing units. Alternatively, they may be functionally implemented by a computer program executed by a single central processing unit.

The use and operation of the linear measurement device 1 will be described in more detail with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 5 . The memory 12 permanently stores a computer program for controlling the linear measuring device 1 . The microcomputer 8 operates according to the computer program. Within the operations in this flowchart, steps executed by the microcomputer 8 correspond to computer programs or components of computer programs. Although the memory 12 is used as a storage medium for storing computer programs or program components in this embodiment, other memories or storage devices may be used as the storage medium. Semiconductor memory, hard disks, optical disks, digital versatile disks (DVD), floppy disks or other suitable storage media may be used for this purpose.

After turning on the power by manipulating the power switch of the man-machine interface 5 , the operator sets the linear measuring device 1 on the bed 16 so that the frame 14 is positioned above the object 15 to be measured at step S1 . The following operations are steps performed by the microcomputer 8 according to the program.

At step S2, the microcomputer 8 determines whether the measurement start switch of the man-machine interface 5 has been pressed. If so, the process proceeds to step S3 where the microcomputer 8 initializes the entire system. For example, the microcomputer 8 initializes the positions of the sensors 6 a and 6 b and the data in the memory 12 .

After system initialization, at step S4, the microcomputer 8 acts as a controller 9 to control the drive mechanisms 7a and 7b to move the sensors 6a and 6b synchronously, and to activate the sensors 6a and 6b to measure or sample a pair of first gap distances DA and the second gap distance DB.

As will be understood from the flowchart, whenever the process returns to step S4, the sensors 6a and 6b are moved synchronously and activated to measure the next pair of first and second gap distances, thereby at fixed sampling time intervals The measured object 15 is scanned. Each of the drive mechanisms 7a and 7b under the control of the controller 9 moves the sensors 6a and 6b at the same speed, thereby keeping the sensors 6a and 6b at the same height during this movement and measurement. The moving speed of the sensors 6a and 6b is multiplied by the sampling period interval to be the sampling distance interval (the distance interval of the horizontal measurement line). For example, when the sampling distance interval is 1 millimeter and the sampling period interval is 50 milliseconds, the velocity is 0.02 meters per second.

At step S5, the microcomputer 8 acts as a calculator 10 for calculating the latest candidate object based on the above-mentioned horizontal distance interval INT and the first and second gap distance pairs DA and DB last measured by the sensors 6a and 6b Length L.

At step S6, the microcomputer 8 acts as a determiner 11 for determining whether the latest candidate object length L is the maximum object length Lmax in the measured section. In this embodiment, the value of the maximum object length is stored in the memory 12 , and the determiner 11 determines whether the latest candidate object length is greater than the current maximum object length already stored in the memory 12 . The default value of the maximum object length in memory 12 is zero.

If the latest candidate object length is larger, the process proceeds to step S7, and at step S7 place determiner 11 erases the maximum object length stored in memory 12 before, and stores the latest candidate object length in memory 12 as The new maximum object length. That is, the determiner 11 updates the maximum object length in the memory 12 . Then, the process proceeds to step S8. On the contrary, if the latest candidate object length is not greater, the process directly advances to step S8 without updating the maximum object length in the memory 12 .

At step S8, the microcomputer 8 acts as a determiner 11 for determining whether the first and second sensors 6a and 6b have reached their movement limits 6L (see FIG. 3). For example, the period of time required for the sensors 6 a and 6 b to reach the movement limit 6L is calculated based on the moving speed of the sensors 6 a and 6 b and the length from the home position to the movement limit 6L. The required time period is stored in the memory 12, and the microcomputer 8 has a timer for counting the time elapsed since the sensors 6a and 6b started to move. When the elapsed time has reached the required period of time, the determiner 11 determines that the sensor has reached the limit 6L.

If the sensor has not reached the limit 6L, the process returns to step S4 where the next first gap distance and the next second gap distance are measured. If the sensor has reached the limit 6L, the process proceeds to step S9 where the microcomputer 8 acts as a display controller for causing the display 4 to show the value of the maximum object length Lmax stored in the memory 12 . The microcomputer 8 controls the display 4 so that the display maintains the maximum object length displayed for a period of time. Since the display at least temporarily maintains the displayed maximum object length, the operator can easily confirm this displayed value after the measurement is complete, and changes to the displayed image can be avoided even if the sensor is accidentally moved after the measurement is completed.

The maximum object length Lmax is finally stored in the memory 12 and held on the display 4 is the maximum length of the measured object 15 between the paths of the sensors 6a and 6b. After step S9, the process ends; the controller 9 acts as a measurement terminator, and terminates the sensors 6a and 6b from measuring the gap distance.

In the first embodiment described above, the driving mechanisms 7a and 7b are synchronously driven to simultaneously move the sensors 6a and 6b, and the latest candidate object length is compared with the current maximum object length Lmax. However, the present invention is not intended to be limited to this embodiment. In an alternative embodiment, controller 9 may drive drive mechanisms 7a and 7b separately to move sensors 6a and 6b at different times, but the sampling distance interval and sampling start height for sensor 6a may be different from those for sensor 6b. Same, so that the first parallel horizontal measurement line of sensor 6a coincides with the second parallel horizontal measurement line of sensor 6b. The microcomputer 8 may continuously store all measured first and second gap distances DA and DB in the memory 12 . In this alternative embodiment, the calculator 10 may continuously calculate all candidate object lengths L based on the first and second gap distances DA and DB stored in the memory 12, wherein each candidate object length is based on the above-mentioned level The distance interval INT and the first and second gap distances DA and DB at the same height are calculated, and the determiner 11 may select the maximum object length Lmax from all the calculated candidate values.

In the first embodiment described above, the sensors 6 a and 6 b are actuated automatically by the drive mechanisms 7 a and 7 b controlled by the controller 9 . In an alternative embodiment (not shown), sensors 6a and 6b may be manually moved by an operator while each sensor samples the corresponding gap distance at prescribed sampling distance intervals. Preferably, a means or mechanism for limiting the velocity of the sensors 6a and 6b is provided to facilitate such equally spaced measurements. For example, at least one speedometer (not shown) that measures the speed of at least one of the sensors 6a and 6b and provides a signal indicative of the speed to the microcomputer 8 may be used. When the speed exceeds a threshold, the microcomputer 8 can send a notification to the operator, for example can cause the display 4 to display an error message, in order to avoid unreliable measurements.

In another alternative embodiment, the determiner 11 can serve as an end detector, that is, to determine whether at least one of the first and second non-contact distance measuring sensors 6a and 6b has reached the end 15a of the measured object 15 end detection device. Preferably, when the corresponding sensor 6a or 6b measures the first or second gap distance DA or DB greater than a threshold value, the end detector determines that the corresponding sensor 6a or 6b has reached the measured object 15 (in FIG. 3 Shown in) end 15a. More preferably, when the sensors 6a and 6b both measure the first and second gap distances DA or DB which are greater than half of the above-mentioned horizontal distance interval INT between the fixed sensors 6a and 6b, the end detector It is determined that both the sensors 6 a and 6 b have reached the end 15 a of the object 15 to be measured. In this case, the end portion 15a of the object to be measured 15 can be easily detected. The controller 9 may act as a measurement terminator, ie for terminating at least one of the sensors 6a and 6b from measuring the corresponding gap when the end detector has detected that the corresponding sensor 6a or 6b has reached the end 15a of the measured object 15 Measurement termination device for distance DA or DB. In this embodiment, the measurement of the gap distance DA or DB can be terminated when the sensor 6a or 6b has reached the end 15a of the measured object 15 .

In another alternative embodiment of the linear measuring device 21 shown in FIGS. The first measuring line on which a sensor 6a measures the first gap distance DA is identical to the second measuring line on which the second sensor 6b measures the second gap distance DB. In this embodiment, since the sensors 6a and 6b are fixed to the frame 14, the device 21 can be easily manufactured. Although the sensors 6a and 6b are fixed to the frame 14, as shown in FIG. 7, they can move in groups with the frame 14 relative to the measured object 15 so that each sensor can measure a plurality of gap distances DA and DB. An operator can grasp a portion of the frame 14 and lift the linear measurement device 21 substantially vertically and gradually from the bed 16 . During the raising of the linear device 21, the sensors 6a and 6b sample the gap distances DA and DB.

In the embodiment of the linear measuring device 21 shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the determiner 11 preferably serves as the end detector described above, which determines the distance between the first and second non-contact distance measuring sensors 6a and 6b. Whether at least one has reached the end 15a of the measured object 15 . The controller 9 acts as the measurement terminator described above for terminating at least one of the sensors 6a and 6b to measure the corresponding The clearance distance DA or DB. In this embodiment, the measurement of the gap distance DA or DB can be terminated when the sensor 6a or 6b has reached the end 15a of the measured object 15 .

The use and operation of the alternative embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 is similar to that of the first embodiment described above with reference to the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 5 . However, at step S4, the automatic movement of the sensors 6a and 6b by the drive mechanisms 7a and 7b is replaced by a manual movement of the frame 14 together with the sensors 6a and 6b. Furthermore, the determination operation for detecting the limit of movement at step S8 is replaced by a determination operation by the end detector to determine that both the sensors 6 a and 6 b have reached the end 15 a of the object 15 to be measured.

8 and 9 show variants of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 . In this modified embodiment, the linear measuring device 31 includes a pair of post guides 33 a and 33 b for guiding the vertical movement of the frame 14 relative to the measured object 15 so as to raise the frame 14 . The struts 23a and 23b are slidably inserted into the strut guides 33a and 33b, respectively. The post guides 33a and 33b are formed in such a manner that the first and second measurement lines are not blocked by the guides so that the sensors 6a and 6b can measure the gap distance to the object 15 to be measured.

In the alternative embodiments described above in Figures 6 and 7 and shown in Figures 8 and 9, it is also preferred to provide the above-described means for limiting the velocity of the sensors 6a and 6b so that measurements are taken at equal intervals. In the alternative embodiments shown in Figures 6 and 7 and Figures 8 and 9 described above, it is also preferred to provide at least one grip or grip to be grasped or held by an operator. This grip may be convenient for steadily lifting the device.

second embodiment

As shown in FIG. 10, a linear measuring device 41 according to a second embodiment of the present invention includes a support member, ie, a portable frame 14 substantially the same as in the first embodiment. The linear measuring device 41 also includes a measuring unit for estimating the maximum object length Lmax shown in FIG. 10 . The measurement unit of this embodiment includes a plurality of pairs (n pairs) of non-contact distance measuring sensors, each pair of non-contact distance measuring sensors including first and second non-contact distance measuring sensors fixedly installed on the pillars 43a and 43b of the frame 14. type distance measuring sensors 6a and 6b. The type of sensor employed is the same as in the first embodiment.

The pairs of non-contact distance measuring sensors are equidistantly spaced from each other. Each of the first sensors 6a1 to 6an measures a first gap between the corresponding first sensor and a first object position on the measured object 15 that intersects the first horizontal measurement line (the optical path of the light beam from the sensor 6a) Each of the second sensors 6b1 to 6bn measures the distance between the corresponding second sensor and the second object position on the measured object 15 intersecting the second horizontal measurement line (the optical path of the light beam from the sensor 6b). Second gap distance. The second measurement line is parallel or equal to the first measurement line.

In this embodiment, since the sensors 6a1 to 6an and 6b1 to 6bn are fixed to the frame 14 and do not include the drive mechanisms 7a and 7b described above, the device 41 can be easily manufactured. Furthermore, use of the device is simplified since no automatic or manual movement of the sensors 6a and 6b (with or without the frame) is necessary. As the logarithm of the sensor increases, the accuracy of the estimation of the maximum object length Lmax will increase.

Referring to the block diagram of Fig. 11, the electrical structure of the linear measuring device will be described. 11 is a block diagram similar to FIG. 5 of the first embodiment, but in FIG. 11 drive mechanisms 7a and 7b are not included, and a greater number of sensors 6a1 to 6an and 6b1 to 6bn are connected to microcomputer 8.

Instead of controlling the drive mechanisms 7a and 7b, the controller 9 activates and deactivates the sensors sequentially in turn. The determiner 11 functions as a completion detector, ie, as completion detection means for determining whether all the first and second sensors 6a1 to 6an and 6b1 to 6bn have completed sampling the gap distance, instead of detecting the movement limit.

Referring to the flowchart shown in Fig. 12, the use and operation of the linear measurement device 41 will be described in more detail. Within the operations in this flowchart, the steps performed by the microcomputer 8 correspond to the computer program or components of the computer program stored in the memory 12 or other memory or storage means.

Steps S41, S42, and S43 after power-on are the same as steps S1, S2, and S3 in FIG. 5 of the first embodiment, so they will not be described in detail. However, at step S43, it is not necessary to initialize the positions of the sensors 6a and 6b. Furthermore, a counter is provided functionally or physically in the microcomputer 8 for counting the serial number "n" indicating the pair of first and second sensors to be used next. At step S43, the counter count "n" is reset to "0" (default value) for system initialization.

At step S44, the microcomputer 8 increments the counter count "n" by one. Therefore, immediately after system initialization, the counter count "n" becomes 1. Subsequently, the microcomputer 8 acts as a controller 9 to activate a pair of the first sensor 6a and the second sensor 6b corresponding to the counter count "n", and thus the first sensor 6a and the second sensor 6b respectively measure or sample the corresponding first The gap distance DA and the corresponding second gap distance DB. Deactivate other sensor pairs. That is, the microcomputer 8 selects the next pair of sensors and activates the next pair of sensors. Immediately after system initialization, activated are the first sensor 6a1 and the second sensor 6b1 corresponding to the counter count "1", and thus the first sensor 6a1 and the second sensor 6b1 measure or sample the corresponding first gap distance DA1 and the corresponding second gap distance DB1.

At step S45, the microcomputer 8 acts as a calculator 10 for calculating the latest candidate object length based on the above-mentioned horizontal distance interval INT and the pair DA and DB of the first and second gap distances last measured by the sensors 6a and 6b L. The calculator 10 stores the latest candidate object length L in the memory 12 as the nth calculation result.

At step S46, the microcomputer 8 functions as a determiner 11 (completion detector) for determining whether all the first and second sensor pairs 6a1 to 6an and 6b1 to 6bn have completed sampling the gap distance. This decision is made by comparing the counter count "n" with the maximum value (actual logarithm).

If the determination at step S46 is negative, the process returns to step S44 where the next first gap distance and the next second gap distance are measured. If all the sensors have completed the measurement, the process proceeds to step S47, and at step S47 the microcomputer 8 acts as a determiner 11 for determining the maximum length from the candidate object lengths stored in the memory 12 by comparing all the candidate object lengths. Object length Lmax.

Subsequently, at step S48, the microcomputer 8 acts as a display controller for causing the display 4 to show the obtained value of the maximum object length Lmax. The microcomputer 8 controls the display 4 in such a way that it maintains the displayed maximum object length for a period of time. Since the display at least temporarily maintains the displayed maximum object length, the operator can easily confirm this displayed value after the measurement is complete, and changes to the displayed image can be avoided even if the sensor is accidentally moved after the measurement is complete.

The maximum object length Lmax held on the display 4 is the maximum length of the measured object 15 between the column of the first sensor 6a and the column of the second sensor 6b. After step S48, the process ends.

In the second embodiment described above, the microcomputer 8 continuously stores all measured first gap distances DA and second gap distances DB in the memory 12, and the determiner 11 selects from all calculated candidate values Maximum object length Lmax. However, it is not intended to limit the present invention to this embodiment. In an alternative embodiment, the determiner 11 may compare the latest candidate object length with the current maximum object length Lmax, and may update the maximum object length if the latest candidate object length is greater.

Figure 13 shows a variant embodiment. It should be noted that the modifications in this variant embodiment are applicable to all of the first and second embodiments and the alternative embodiments described above, but the same reference numerals are used in FIG. 13 as in the first embodiment . In all the embodiments described above, the candidate object length L is the length of the measured object 15 on the same horizontal line as the first measurement line and the second measurement line, on which the first sensor 6a is measured The first gap distance DA is used to calculate the candidate object length L, and the second gap distance DB is measured by the second sensor 6b on the second measurement line to calculate the candidate object length L.

However, in this variant embodiment, the inclined candidate object length X is determined based on the first gap distance DA and the second gap distance DB, wherein the first and second measurement lines of the first gap distance DA and the second gap distance DB are in phase parallel and not equal to each other. As shown in FIG. 13, it is assumed that the second sensor 6b is located at an upper position and the first sensor 6a is located at a lower position. The illustrated sensors 6a and 6b are used to sample the first and second gap distances DA and DB in order to determine the inclined candidate object length X.

In this variant embodiment, the calculator 10 (distance calculator) calculates the distance between the first and second object positions in a direction parallel to the first and second measurement lines based on the first and second gap distances DA and DB. The length L of the parallel object of , since L is equal to INT minus DA and DB. The height difference between the sensors 6a and 6b is the vertical object length H between the first and second object positions in a direction perpendicular to the first and second measurement lines. If the height difference is fixed, the vertical object length H is known and can be stored in the memory 12 . On the other hand, if the height difference is variable, the calculator 10 (distance calculator) can easily calculate the vertical object length H because it is the difference between the moving distance of the sensor 6a and the moving distance of the sensor 6b.

The calculator 10 (distance calculator) calculates the candidate object length X by trigonometry based on the parallel object length L and the perpendicular object length H. For example, X is equal to the square root of the sum of the squares of L and H. Alternatively, X is equal to L/cos θ1, where the tangent of θ1 is equal to H/L.

In this modified embodiment, although the first measurement line is not arranged on the same line as the second measurement line, the distance calculator may calculate the candidate object length X based on the parallel and perpendicular object lengths L and H.

This variant embodiment can be used such that one of the first and second sensors of a pair moves (with or without the support to which the moving sensor is attached), while the other of the pair is fixed, and the calculation A plurality of inclined candidate object lengths between the fixed object position and the variable object position. Subsequently, the maximum object length is selected from all candidate object lengths.

This variant embodiment can also be used in such a way that a plurality of inclined candidate object lengths between a first object position and a plurality of second object positions are calculated based on the first gap distance and the plurality of second gap distances. Subsequently, a plurality of other inclined candidate object lengths between another first object position and a plurality of second object positions are calculated based on the other first gap distance and the plurality of second gap distances, and for the other first The calculation is repeated for the gap distance. Finally, the maximum object length is selected from all oblique candidate object lengths.

Figure 14 shows another variant embodiment. It should be noted that the modifications in this variant embodiment are applicable to all of the first and second embodiments and the alternative embodiments described above (except the embodiment in FIG. 13 ), but in FIG. Same reference numerals in one embodiment.

In a variant embodiment shown in FIG. 14 , the angles of the first and second sensors are adjusted such that the first and second sensors measure the first and second inclined gap distances Dα and Dβ, respectively. The oblique candidate object length Y is measured based on the first oblique gap distance Dα and the second oblique gap distance Dβ of the first and second oblique measurements lines are equivalent to each other. As shown in FIG. 14, it is assumed that the second sensor 6b is located at an upper position and the first sensor 6a is located at a lower position. The illustrated sensors 6a and 6b are used to sample the first and second oblique gap distances D[alpha] and D[beta] in order to determine the oblique candidate object length Y. The above-mentioned horizontal distance interval INT between the sensors 6a and 6b is known. The height difference H between the sensors 6a and 6b is known or can be easily calculated as described in connection with the embodiment in FIG. 13 .

In the microcomputer 8, the calculator 10 serves as an angle calculator, that is, an angle calculating means for calculating a straight line between the first and second sensors 6a and 6b with respect to the frame 14 based on the horizontal distance interval INT and the height difference H The angle θ2 of the connecting part 2. θ2 is the arc tangent of H/INT.

This variant embodiment includes at least one pair of sensor angle adjusters 18a and 18b, each attached to a sensor 6a or 6b. Each sensor angle adjuster includes a motor, solenoid or other suitable type of actuator for adjusting the angle of the measurement line of the corresponding sensor. In the microcomputer 8, the controller 9 controls or activates the sensor angle adjusters 18a and 18b based on the calculated angle θ2 so that the first measurement line is equal to the second measurement line on which the first measurement line passes. The sensor 6a measures a first inclined gap distance Dα, and the second sensor 6b measures a second inclined gap distance Dβ on said second measuring line.

In this embodiment, the sensor angle adjusters 18a and 18b adjust the angle of each of the first and second sensors 6a and 6b to align the directions of the first and second gap distances Dα and Dβ. Therefore, the calculator 10 (distance calculator) can accurately calculate the distance between the first and second object positions between the first and second object positions based on the inclined gap distances Dα and Dβ, the calculated angle θ2, and the constant horizontal distance interval INT. The oblique candidate object length Y on the same oblique line between the sensor 6a and the second sensor 6b. That is, Y equals OINT minus Dα and Dβ, where OINT is INT/cosθ2.

This variant embodiment can be used such that one of the first and second sensors of a pair moves (with or without the support to which the moving sensor is attached), while the other of the pair is fixed, and the calculation Multiple inclined candidate object lengths along a straight inclined line between the fixed sensor position and the variable sensor position. Subsequently, the maximum object length is selected from all oblique candidate object lengths.

This variant embodiment can also be used in such a way that on the basis of a variable first inclined gap distance and a plurality of second inclined gap distances, the number of times along a straight inclined line between a first sensor position and a plurality of second sensor positions is calculated. lengths of tilted candidate objects. Then, based on another variable first tilt gap distance and a plurality of second tilt gap distances, calculate the values of further tilts along a straight tilt line between another first sensor location and a plurality of second sensor locations. Candidate object lengths, and repeat the calculation for the other first sensor positions. Finally, the maximum oblique object length is selected from all oblique candidate object lengths.

third embodiment

As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 , a linear measuring device 51 according to a third embodiment of the present invention includes a support member, ie, a portable frame 14 substantially the same as in the first embodiment. The linear measuring device 51 also includes a measuring unit for estimating the object length Lobj shown in FIG. 15 . The measuring unit of this embodiment includes a single non-contact distance measuring sensor 6 c movably supported on a horizontally extending connection portion 52 of the frame 14 . The type of sensor used is the same as that of the first embodiment. Thus, the sensor has a light emitter for emitting a vertically downward beam (such as, but not limited to, an infrared beam) and a light emitter for receiving light from any object on the front side of the sensor (such as the object under test 15 or the bed 16). ) reflected light and generate a signal corresponding to the distance from the corresponding sensor to any object on the front side of the sensor. Thus, the sensor 6c measures the gap distance between the sensor 6c and the measured position on the vertically extending measuring line. In FIGS. 15 and 16, the arrow LC represents the light beam emitted downward from the sensor 6c.

A drive mechanism 7c is located at the connection portion 52 for moving the sensor 6c horizontally relative to the frame 14 by a range. The type of drive mechanism employed is the same as in the first embodiment. As depicted by broken lines in FIGS. 15 and 16 , the sensor 6c moves horizontally along the connection portion 52 by the drive mechanism 7c.

During the horizontal movement of the sensor 6c, a single sensor 6c measures a plurality of gap distances DC from a plurality of measured positions on a plurality of parallel vertical measurement lines on the same vertical plane, each gap distance being the distance between the sensor position of the sensor 6c and the bed 16 or the distance between the measured positions on the measured object 15.

In the state shown in Fig. 15, the sensor 6c measures the gap distance DC between the sensor 6c and the intersection of the bed 16 with the vertical measurement line (light path of the light beam from the sensor 6c). The gap distance DC in this state is almost equal to the reference height ELE of the sensor 6c, ie the vertical distance between the sensor 6c and the bottom of the pillars 3a and 3b. On the other hand, in the state shown in FIG. 16, the sensor 6c measures another gap distance between the sensor 6c and the object position of the measured object 15 intersecting another vertical measurement line (optical path of the light beam from the sensor 6c). DC.

It will be understood from FIG. 15 that when the sensor 6c is not located above the measured object 15, the measured gap distance DC is very large. On the contrary, as shown in FIG. 16, when the sensor 6c is located above the measured object 15, the measured gap distance DC is small. Therefore, the both ends SE and TE of the measured object 15 can be detected based on the comparison of the gap distance DC amount with at least one threshold, and the length of the measured object 15 between the both ends SE and TE of the measured object 15 can be estimated Lobj. This is the general principle by which the maximum length measurement is obtained by means 51. The accuracy of the estimate of the object length Lobj will increase as the horizontal distance spacing of the vertical measurement lines decreases and the number of gap distances measured increases.

Referring to the block diagram of FIG. 17 , the electrical structure of the linear measurement device 51 will be described. 17 is a block diagram similar to FIG. 5 of the first embodiment, but in FIG. 17 , instead of sensors 6 a and 6 b and drive mechanism 7 a , a sensor 6 c and a drive mechanism 7 c are connected to a microcomputer 8 .

Instead of controlling the sensors 6a and 6b for distance measurement and the drive mechanism 7a to move the sensors 6a and 6b, the controller 9 controls the sensor 6c to measure the distance DC and the drive mechanism 7c to move the sensor 6c.

The calculator 10 functions as a length calculator, ie, a length calculation means for calculating an object length Lobj between both ends (ie, the first and second ends of the measured object 15).

The determiner 11 functions as a measured object end detector, ie, measured object end detection means for detecting the first end and the second end of the measured object 15 based on the amount of each of the plurality of gap distances DC.

The memory 12 prestores various data such as default values, system settings, and mathematical expressions. In addition, the memory 12 prestores threshold values for determining the first end SE and the second end TE of the measured object 15 .

The use and operation of the linear measurement device 51 will be described in more detail with reference to the flowchart shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B . Within the operations in this flowchart, the steps performed by the microcomputer 8 correspond to the computer program or components of the computer program stored in the memory 12 or other memory or storage means. Steps S51, S52, and S53 after power-on are the same as steps S1, S2, and S3 in FIG. 5 of the first embodiment, so they will not be described in detail. However, at step S53, the microcomputer 8 initializes the position of the sensor 6c instead of initializing the positions of the sensors 6a and 6b. In addition, a counter is provided functionally or physically in the microcomputer 8 for counting the number of times the gap distance DC is sampled when the sensor 6c is located above the measured object 15 . At step S53, the counter count "i" is reset to "0" (default value) for system initialization.

At step S54, the microcomputer 8 acts as the controller 9 to activate the sensor 6c, and accordingly, the sensor 6c measures the initial vertical gap distance between the sensor 6c and the bed 16. The microcomputer 8 thus obtains this initial vertical gap distance and stores it in the memory 12 as a reference initial height ELE of the sensor 6c.

At step S55, the microcomputer 8 acts as the controller 9 to control the drive mechanism 7c to move the sensor 6c at a constant speed. As a result, sensor 6c measures or samples one of a plurality of gap distances DC. It will be understood from this flow chart that whenever the process returns to step S55, the sensor 6c is moved and activated to measure the next gap distance DC in order to scan the measured object 15 at a prescribed sampling time interval.

At step S56, the calculator 10 calculates the difference between the last measured gap distance and the reference initial height ELE. At step S57 , the microcomputer 8 acts as a determiner 11 for determining whether the vertical measurement line of the sensor 6 c is located above the object 15 to be measured. This determination is carried out by determining whether or not the above-mentioned counter count "i" is equal to or greater than 1.

If "i" is less than 1 (the sensor 6c is not above the measured object 15), the process proceeds to step S58, where the determiner 11 acts as a measured object end detector for determining the measured value of the sensor 6c. Whether the wire has reached the first end (starting end) SE of the object 15 to be measured. This determination is achieved by comparing the difference calculated at step S56 with the threshold value P stored in the memory 12 . If the difference is greater than P, the measuring line of the sensor 6c has reached the start SE. This determination is the same as the determination by the determiner 11 that the sensor 6c has reached the start end SE of the measured object 15 when the sensor 6c measures a gap distance DC smaller than another threshold value.

If the determination at step S58 is negative (the difference is not greater than P), the process returns to step S55 where the next gap distance DC is sampled. If the determination at step S58 is affirmative (the difference is greater than P), the process proceeds to step S59 where the microcomputer 8 increments the counter count "i" by one.

If the counter count "i" is equal to or greater than 1, the determination at step S57 is affirmative, and the process proceeds directly to step S59 (not via step S58) because the system knows that the sensor 6c is moving above the measured object 15.

At step S60 , the determiner 11 functions as a measured object end detector for determining whether the measurement line of the sensor 6 c has reached the second end (terminal end) TE of the measured object 15 . This determination is achieved by comparing the difference calculated at step S56 with the threshold Q stored in the memory 12 . Threshold Q may be the same as or different from threshold P described above. If the difference is equal to or smaller than Q, the measuring line of the sensor 6c has reached the end point TE. This determination is the same as the determination by the determiner 11 that the sensor 6c has reached the terminal end TE of the measured object 15 when the sensor 6c measures a gap distance DC greater than another threshold value.

If the determination at step S60 is negative (the difference is greater than Q), the process returns to step S55 where the next gap distance DC is sampled because the sensor 6c is still moving over the object 15 being measured.

If the determination at step S60 is affirmative (the difference is not greater than Q), the process proceeds to step S61, where the controller 9 acts as a measurement terminator (i.e., measurement termination means), and the sensor 6c is terminated to measure the gap distance And the end drive mechanism 7c moves the sensor 6c. In addition, the microcomputer 8 maintains the current count "i" of the sampling counter, and then based on this count, the calculator 10 acts as a length calculator and calculates the difference between the sensor position detected at the first end SE and the sensor position detected at the second end TE The interval length Lint between the sensor positions (in Fig. 16). This interval length Lint is equal to the object length Lobj between the first end SE and the second end TE. The interval length Lint is calculated by multiplying the sampling distance interval, which is the sampling period interval, multiplied by the speed of motion of the sensor 6c, by the counter count "i". The calculator 10 stores the interval length Lint in the memory 12 .

At step S62 , the microcomputer 8 functions as a display controller for causing the display 4 to show the value of the interval length Lint (object length Lobj) stored in the memory 12 . The microcomputer 8 controls the display 4 such that the display maintains the displayed length for a certain period of time. Since the display at least temporarily maintains the displayed object length, the operator can easily confirm the displayed value after the measurement is complete, and changes to the displayed image can be avoided even if the sensor is accidentally moved after the measurement is completed.

The interval length Lint is finally stored in the memory 12 and held on the display 14 is the object length Lobj of the measured object 15 . After step S62, the process ends.

In the third embodiment described above, the interval length Lint is calculated based on the sampling counter count "i". However, it is not intended to limit the present invention to this embodiment. In an alternative embodiment, a distance encoder (not shown) may be incorporated in the drive mechanism 7c to measure the interval length Lint. When the determiner 11 notifies the distance encoder that the sensor 6c has reached the first end SE, the distance encoder starts measuring the length. When the determiner 11 notifies the distance encoder that the sensor 6c has reached the second end TE, the distance encoder terminates the measurement of the length Lint.

In practice, it is not necessary to measure the above-mentioned initial vertical clearance distance, since the reference initial height ELE is the vertical distance between the sensor 6c and the bottom of the pillars 3a and 3b. Therefore, the reference initial altitude ELE may be stored in the memory 12 in advance.

In the third embodiment described above, the first and second ends are specified based on the measured gap distance DC. However, in an alternative embodiment, the determiner 11 (measured object end detector) may determine that the sensor 6c has reached the first end SE when the sensor 6c outputs an error signal, and may determine that the sensor 6c has reached the first end SE when the sensor 6c outputs an error signal again. The sensor 6c has reached the second end TE. This alternative embodiment is advantageous in the absence of a suitable reference level from which the distance from the sensor to said reference level can be measured on each side of the measured object 15 within the movable range of the sensor 6c. Initial vertical clearance distance. According to this alternative embodiment, the reference initial altitude ELE and the threshold may not be used.

The linear measurement device 51 described above includes the frame 14 as a support for supporting the sensor. However, it is not intended to limit the present invention to this embodiment. For example, in an alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 19, the pillars 3a and 3b may be eliminated, and a straight rod 54 corresponding only to the connecting portion 52 may be used as a support for supporting the sensor. Preferably, the rod 54 may be provided with a level 55 (such as a spirit level), an angle sensor, or any other suitable means for facilitating the operator to maintain the rod level.

In another alternative embodiment (not shown), the sensor 6c may be manually moved relative to the frame 14 by an operator while the sensor samples the gap distance DC at prescribed sampling distance intervals.

In another alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 20, although the sensor 6c is fixed to the straight rod 54, the sensor 6c can move with the straight rod 54 in groups relative to the measured object 15, so that a single sensor 6c Multiple gap distances DC can be measured. The straight rod 54 together with the sensor 6c can be moved manually by an operator. A horizontal guide 56 is provided for guiding the horizontal movement of the rod 54 relative to the object 15 to be measured so as to facilitate the sliding of the rod 54 .

In the third embodiment described above, the object length Lobj between the first end SE and the second end TE of the measured object 15 is regarded as the difference between the sensor position where the first end SE is detected and the second end SE is detected. Interval length Lint between sensor positions of TE. However, if the connecting portion 52 is inclined, the interval length Lint is not equal to the object length Lobj. In this case, the object length Lobj is calculated by trigonometry based on the interval length Lint and the height difference between the sensor position at which the first end SE is detected and the sensor position at which the second end TE is detected.

In another alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 21 , the measuring unit comprises a plurality of non-contact distance measuring sensors 6c fixedly supported at the connecting portion 52 of the frame 14 . The plurality of sensors 6c are equidistantly spaced relative to each other, and respectively measure a plurality of gap distances DC from a plurality of measured positions on a plurality of parallel vertical measurement lines. In this embodiment, since the sensor 6c is fixed to the frame 14 and does not include the drive mechanism 7c described above, the device can be easily manufactured. Furthermore, the use of the device is simplified since no automatic or manual movement of the sensor 6c (with or without the support) is necessary. As the number of sensors increases, the accuracy of the estimation of the object length Lobj will increase.

Variation

FIG. 22 shows a modified example in which the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 and the third embodiment shown in FIGS. 15 to 17 are combined. This variant consists of a measuring unit comprising a pair of movable sensors, namely first and second sensors 6a and 6b, which are supported on columns 3a and 3b of a frame 14 , for measuring the first and second gap distances DA and DB; and an additional measuring unit comprising a third sensor 6c, which is movably supported on the connecting portion 2 of the frame 14 for measuring The third gap distance DC.

FIG. 23 shows another variant in which the second embodiment shown in FIG. 10 and the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 21 are combined. This variant comprises: a measuring unit comprising pairs of fixed sensors (i.e. a plurality of first sensors 6a and a plurality of second sensors 6b) supported on a frame On the pillars 3a and 3b of 14, it is used to measure a plurality of first gap distances DA and a plurality of second gap distances DB; A means is supported on the connection part 2 of the frame 14 for measuring a plurality of third gap distances DC.

The calculator 10 in the microcomputer 8 used for the modification in FIGS. 22 and 23 serves as a distance calculator for calculating a plurality of candidate object lengths L in a similar manner to those in the first and second embodiments. The determiner 11 functions as a measured object end detector for detecting the first end SE and the second end TE of the measured object 15 based on a plurality of third gap distances DC in a similar manner to that in the third embodiment. The calculator 10 also functions as a length calculator for calculating the object length Lobj in a similar manner to that in the third embodiment. The determiner 11 also serves as a maximum value selector for selecting a maximum object length Lmax from the object length Lobj and the plurality of candidate object lengths L instead of or in addition to selecting the maximum object length from the plurality of candidate object lengths L. Alternatively, the maximum selector may select the maximum object length Lmax from a plurality of candidate object lengths L, and may obtain the final measurement result by averaging the maximum object length Lmax and the object length Lobj. In either case, more reliable results can be obtained.

24 and 25 show another variant applicable to all the above-described embodiments and variants. This modification has a modification of the frame 14, and therefore illustration of the other components is omitted in FIGS. 24 and 25 .

More specifically, the frame 14 includes a frame size adjustment mechanism (supporter size adjustment mechanism) for enabling the size of the frame (supporter) to be adjusted. Therefore, the frame 14 has a pair of extendable stays 63a and 63b standing vertically on the bed 16, and an extendable connecting portion 62 whose both ends are connected to the stays 63a and 63b. The horizontal connecting portion 62 has a central shaft 64 and a pair of sleeves slidably mounted on the central shaft 64 so that the connecting portion 62 is extendable. Each strut 63a or 63b has a central shaft 65a or 65b, and a pair of sleeves slidably mounted on the central shaft so that the strut is extendable.

Objects of various sizes can be measured using the frame size adjustment mechanism. In particular, in the case where the extendable connecting portion 62 is applied to the above-described first or second embodiment, in a direction parallel to the first and second measurement lines, between the first and second sensors 6a and 6b The distance interval is adjustable. By applying the extendable struts 63a and 63b to the first or second embodiment, the range of movement of the sensors 6a and 6b is adjustable. On the other hand, by applying the extendable connection portion 62 to the above-described third embodiment, the moving range of the sensor 6c is adjustable.

Although in the illustrated embodiment struts 63a and 63b and connecting portion 62 are extendable, it is contemplated that only the struts or only the connecting portion are extendable. It is also contemplated that in the embodiment shown in Figure 20, the straight rod 54 (support) could be modified to be extendable.

26 and 27 show another variant applicable to all the above-described embodiments and variants. Illustration of the sensor is omitted in FIGS. 26 and 27 . In this modified example, the reference light emitter 70 is located on the connecting part 72 frame or support (for example, a straight rod 54), and is used to irradiate the reference light onto the measured object 15, so as to facilitate reference with respect to the measured object 15. Position 15b deploys (ie positions) the linear measurement device. Reference light emitter 70 is, for example, but not limited to, a laser pointer that emits a narrow beam. This variant is advantageous for reliable measurement if it is desired to measure the length of the measured object 15 in a specific section in which the reference position 15 is located.

Furthermore, if the reference light emitter 70 is located at the center of the connection portion 72, the device can be deployed such that the object 15 to be measured is placed at the center between the pillars 3a and 3b. For the first and second embodiments in which the first and second sensors 6a and 6b are arranged on opposite sides of the measured object 15, this is advantageous when the measured object 15 is very small. If the measured object 15 is very small and too far away from the sensor, it is possible that only a small amount of light reflected at the measured object 15 reaches the sensor, so that the sensor cannot measure the gap distance. However, according to this modification, placing the object 15 to be measured at the center between the pillars 3a and 3b can reduce such adverse effects. The reference light emitter 70 may be slidably attached to the connection part 72 in a slidable manner along the longitudinal direction of the connection part 72 .

Fig. 28 is a side view of another modification applicable to all the above-described embodiments and modifications. This modification includes a frame inclination adjustment mechanism (support inclination adjustment mechanism) for enabling the inclination of the frame (support) 14 to be adjusted relative to the object 15 to be measured. More specifically, the lower portion of each of the legs 3a and 3b of the frame 14 is pivotally attached to a corresponding swivel base 80 so that the frame 14 can be aligned within a predetermined angular range relative to a plurality of shafts 82 that are coaxially aligned. swing. The fixing screws 84 are tightened to lock the struts 3a and 3b to the swivel base 80 at a selected angle (eg θ3). In this variant, measurements can be made along a plurality of inclined surfaces.

The embodiments described above with one or more sensors movable automatically or manually (with or without a support) can be modified as follows. The man-machine interface 5 has means by which the operator instructs the sensor 6c or the pair of sensors 6a and 6b to be activated or deactivated, for example a measurement start switch and a measurement stop switch. The controller 9 can act as a measurement initiator and a measurement terminator: when the operator has instructed to activate the sensor 6c or the sensor pair 6a and 6b, the measurement initiator causes the sensor 6c or the sensor pair 6a and 6b to start measuring the corresponding gap distance, and when When the operator has instructed to stop the sensor 6c or the sensor pair 6a and 6b, the measurement stopper causes the sensor 6c or the sensor pair 6a and 6b to stop measuring the corresponding gap distance. For automatically movable sensors or sensor pairs, when the operator has instructed to activate sensor 6c or sensor pair 6a and 6b, the measurement actuator also activates drive mechanism 7c or drive mechanism 7a and 7b to move sensor 6c or sensor pair 6a and 6b. 6b, while the measurement terminator also terminates drive mechanism 7c or drive mechanisms 7a and 7b to move sensor 6c or sensor pair 6a and 6b when the operator has instructed to terminate sensor 6c or sensor pair 6a and 6b. With such a structure, during the movement of the sensor or the sensor pair, the operator can instruct to start or stop the measurement with the sensor or the sensor pair at an optional position, so that the operator can freely determine the measurement range. For embodiments with multiple sensors, each sensor may be activated or deactivated independently or simultaneously.

29 and 30 show two-dimensional images displayed on the display 4 according to the embodiment. FIG. 29 corresponds to the first and second embodiments and their modifications, and FIG. 30 corresponds to the third embodiment and their modifications. The display 4 is for example (but not limited to) a liquid crystal display or a dot matrix display. After displaying the length measurement result, the microcomputer 8 acts as a display controller so that the display 4 displays the measured position as a two-dimensional image (as shown in FIGS. 29 and 30 ). Thereby, even if the cross-section (ie, the outline of the object 15 to be measured) is complicated, the operator can immediately and easily recognize the cross-section.

In order to display the measured positions, for the first and second embodiments and their modifications, the microcomputer 8 obtains the coordinates of each of the first object position and the second object position. The X-coordinate of each first object position is the sum of the corresponding first gap distance and the known X-coordinate of the first sensor 6a. The X-coordinate of each second object position is the known X-coordinate of the second sensor 6b minus the corresponding second gap distance. The Y coordinate of each object position is the Y coordinate of the sensor that has sampled that object position. Based on the determination of the XY coordinates of the object position, the microcomputer 8 controls the display 4 so that the section of the measured object defined by the first object position and the second object position is displayed as a two-dimensional image.

In order to display the measured positions, with the third embodiment and its modifications, the microcomputer 8 obtains the coordinates of each measured position from the first end SE to the second end TE of the measured object 15 . The X coordinate of each measured position is the coordinate of the sensor that has sampled the measured position. The Y coordinate of each measured position is the known Y coordinate of the sensor 6c minus the corresponding second gap distance. Based on the determination of the XY coordinates of the measured position, the microcomputer 8 controls the display 4 so that the measured position is displayed as a two-dimensional image.

Although in the embodiment described above, the display 4 is used as the output device for outputting the measurement results, the apparatus may output the measurement results in any other suitable manner. For example, the device may include a printer for printing out measurement results in response to output signals from the microcomputer 8 . The apparatus may send a measurement result signal indicative of the measurement result to an external device and/or store the signal to the external device.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described with respect to preferred embodiments thereof, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims. Various changes in form and detail. Such alterations, changes and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims (12)

1. A linear measuring device (51), comprising: a support (14, 54) arranged adjacent to the measured object (15); A measuring unit comprising at least one non-contact distance measuring sensor (6c) supported on said support, said sensor emitting light, receiving reflections from any object (15, 16) on the front side of said sensor and generate a signal corresponding to the distance from the sensor to any object on the front side of the sensor such that the sensor measures the gap distance (DC) between the sensor and the measured position on the measurement line , the measuring unit measures a plurality of gap distances (DC) from a plurality of measured positions on a plurality of parallel measurement lines; a measured object end detector (11) for detecting a first end (SE) and a second end (TE) of the measured object based on the amount of each of the plurality of gap distances; and A length calculator (10) for calculating the length (Lobj) of the measured object between the first end (SE) and the second end (TE) of the measured object. 2. The linear measuring device (51) according to claim 1, further comprising: a drive mechanism (7c) for moving said non-contact distance measuring relative to said support (14, 54) A sensor (6c), wherein said sensor measures said plurality of gap distances (DC) from said plurality of measured locations on said plurality of parallel measurement lines. 3. The linear measurement device (51) according to claim 2, further comprising: a measurement terminator (9), used for when the end detector (11) of the measured object has detected When the sensor has reached the second end (TE) of the measured object (15) after the sensor has passed the first end (SE) of the measured object, the measurement of the sensor (6c) is terminated The clearance distance (DC). 4. The linear measuring device (51) according to claim 2, wherein when the sensor measures a gap distance (DC) smaller than a threshold or outputs an error signal, the end detector (11 of the measured object ) determining that the sensor (6c) has reached the first end (SE) of the measured object (15), and wherein, when the sensor measures a clearance distance (DC) greater than a threshold or outputs an error signal , the measured object end detector (11) determines that the sensor (6c) has reached the second end (TE) of the measured object. 5. The linear measuring device (51) according to claim 1, further comprising: A man-machine interface (5), through which the operator instructs to start or stop the sensor (6c); a measurement actuator (9) for activating said sensor to measure said gap distance (DC) when the operator has instructed to activate said sensor; and A measurement stopper (9) for stopping the sensor from measuring the gap distance when the operator has instructed to stop the sensor. 6. The linear measuring device (51) according to claim 1, further comprising a support size adjustment mechanism (62, 63a, 63b) for enabling adjustment of the support (14, 54) size of. 7. The linear measuring device (51) according to claim 1, wherein said measuring unit comprises: a plurality of said non-contact distance measuring sensors ( 6c), respectively used to measure the plurality of gap distances (DC) from the plurality of measured positions on the plurality of parallel measurement lines. 8. The linear measuring device (51) according to claim 1, wherein the support (14) has a shape with one side open, the support has a pair of struts (3a, 3b) and a connection connecting the struts part (2), the non-contact distance measuring sensor (6c) is supported on the connection part. 9. The linear measuring device (51) according to claim 1, further comprising: a reference light emitter (70) located at the support (14, 54) for irradiating reference light to on the measured object (15), so as to deploy the linear measurement device relative to the reference position (15b) of the measured object. 10. The linear measurement device (51) according to claim 1, further comprising: a support member inclination adjustment mechanism (80, 82, 84), used to enable relative to the measured object (15) ) to adjust the inclination of the support (14). 11. The linear measuring device (51) according to claim 1, further comprising: a display (4) for displaying said length (Lobj) of said measured object (15); and A display controller (8), configured to control the display so that the display keeps displaying the length (Lobj) of the measured object (15) for a period of time. 12. The linear measuring device (51) according to claim 1, further comprising: a display (4); and A display controller (8) for controlling the display such that the measured position is displayed as a two-dimensional image based on the gap distance (DC) measured at the measurement unit.

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