DE102010004610A1 - Measuring and test equipment identification arrangement, has conversion unit converting encoded information in mark matrix into test equipment-specific identification number, where coding of mark matrix is provided in sequential manner - Google Patents

Abstract

The arrangement has a measuring and test equipment (3) provided with two-dimensional optical selectable mark matrix (2). A reading and decoding unit reads and decodes the mark matrix, which are coupled with a data processing unit (5). A conversion unit converts encoded information in the mark matrix into a test equipment-specific identification number, where the coding of the mark matrix is provided in a sequential manner. The mark matrix consists of a structure in a surface area of the measuring and test equipment, and is inserted in a carrier component (1).

Description

The invention relates to a measuring and test equipment identification system.

The currently valid quality standards stipulate that all test equipment and devices relevant to product quality must be marked and calibrated. As identification, so-called ident numbers have proven to be suitable, according to individual specification of the applying companies, eg. B. be applied by electronic pen or engraving on the test equipment or devices. The ident numbers must create unique and permanent assignments to the marked object. The ident numbers establish the connection between the test equipment and devices to the associated documentation, such. For example, datasheets, application instructions, calibration and adjustment certificates as well as records of frequency of use and duration of use as well as information on calibration intervals and the next calibration due date.

When dealing with the test equipment and devices, it is always necessary to read the written identification numbers and transfer to other documents, eg. For example, when outputting from a magazine or when returning to a magazine, as well as for data queries of all kinds. A transmission of the ident numbers is also required in the compilation prior to passing on to a calibration laboratory, during calibration in the calibration laboratory and when taking back after calibration. This transfer activity is time consuming and annoying. In addition, it can easily lead to errors such. B. come by number pushers, which are later corrected only with increased effort again.

A major improvement in the DE 103 47 591 B Here, it is provided to provide the test means a read-only memory in the form of a transponder, in which a certain number or bit sequence is stored. In this case, this memory is a passive transmission block, which as soon as it is brought into the magnetic field of an antenna, which receives energy from this field and begins with the transmission of the stored information. This ensures a high transmission speed and low susceptibility to interference.

The disadvantage here, however, the relatively high production costs, which are to be provided for the manufacture or the introduction of the transponder in the measuring or testing means.

Proceeding from this, the object of the invention is to provide a measuring and test equipment identification system which enables an automatic transmission of ID numbers of the measuring and test equipment in a data processing unit, wherein the system should be used reliably and error-free even by untrained users in the simplest way , It should also be possible later to implement the measuring and test equipment identification system and a cost-effective implementation.

These objects are achieved with a measuring and test equipment identification system having the features of patent claim 1. It is essential to the invention that, in contrast to memory chips, a non-programmable, at least two-dimensional marking matrix is provided which is arranged directly on the measuring and test means. The measurement and test equipment identification system according to the invention further comprises means for reading out the marking matrix, wherein these means are coupled to a data processing unit. Within the data processing unit, a conversion unit is provided. This conversion unit converts the information encoded in the marking matrix into a test agent-specific identification number. The coding of the marking matrix is serial as standard.

Of course, the marking matrices can be read out with stationary or mobile readout means. The mobile read-out means may also have means for intermediate storage.

Advantageously, the marking matrix consists of a structuring in a surface of the measuring and testing means.

However, it is also possible to apply the marking matrix to a carrier component or to structure it into a carrier component. This carrier component can be coupled to the measuring and test equipment. The coupling can be done by material and / or non-positive connections with the measuring and test equipment. It can be provided on the measuring and testing means also recesses, in which the support members can be used form-fitting.

A significant advantage of the use of marking matrices is a minimization of the data loss risk, which exists for example in a programmable memory chip.

In addition, the proportion for the labeling costs of the measuring and test equipment can be omitted.

Preferably, the marking matrices are introduced by means of laser marking in a surface of the measuring and test means or the carrier component. Alternatively, the marking matrix can also by means of a Nadelprägers in a Surface of the measuring or test equipment or the carrier component can be introduced. Needle embossing is a diamond mandrel or a hardened tip which introduces indentations into the component to be marked.

Advantageously, it is provided to introduce marking matrices of the same coding multiple times in one or different surfaces of a measuring or testing means, so that even if one of the marking matrices is damaged, the testing means can be identified without error.

It is considered particularly advantageous to introduce at least one marking matrix into the functional surface of the measuring and testing device.

It is particularly advantageous to dimension a depth of the marking matrix in such a way that the beginning of the unreadability of the marking matrix coincides with the reaching of the wear limit. This ensures that the marking matrix can be read out over the lifetime of the measuring and test equipment.

If the marking matrix is located outside the functional areas, the readability of the marking matrix should exceed that of the measuring or testing device.

To encode the necessary identification information, a marking matrix in the form of a 14 × 14 row and column data matrix is sufficient. By way of example, such a data matrix can have an edge length of 2 mm-5 mm.

Preferably, the code scheme ECC200 of the data matrix code is used, whose symbol elements can be square or round.

In addition, this code is standardized and thus a secure reading of the code with different encoders or readers is possible.

The information is encoded as a pattern of points. By choosing the uniform symbol size and fixed symbol spacing, reading and decoding the information stored in the data matrix code is very secure. In addition, encoding the information in a data matrix provides a method of error correction. This means that the data matrix code contains redundant data and can be corrected automatically in the individual elements by means of a Read-Solomon error correction suitable for the ECC200, for example in the event that parts of the code are covered or destroyed.

It is envisaged that in the measuring and test equipment identification arrangement, the conversion of the coding in the marking matrix into the test agent-specific ID number by the data processing system takes place directly after the optical readout, so that the further data processing is based on the test agent-specific ID number. In this case, an editor is provided in the data processing system, which outputs the decoded from the read code ID number as a keyboard input. That is, the ID number is automatically written by the editor in the input field of the data processing system, usually to be described by means of a keyboard, intended for the ID number. This has the advantage that the measuring and test equipment identification system is compatible with any management programs for measuring and test equipment.

Advantageously, the character string of the coding consists of a manufacturer code, a country code, an annual code and a consecutive number sequence. The number sequence may, for example, have the form HHLLJJxxxxxx, where the manufacturer and country code are each alphanumeric and the year code and the numerical sequence are numeric. A corresponding code could for example be KSDE09123456.

It is also conceivable to code information beyond the identification number in the marking matrix. Thus, for example, information about user rights can be encoded, which can then be compared in the data processing system, for example, with the rights of a current user.

In addition, each user can also be assigned a marking matrix in which its rights are encoded. For example, the current user can be recognized by the data processing system and its user rights assigned or compared.

Essential in the use of a marking matrix is that after the generation of the matrix on the carrier component or in a surface of the measuring and testing means, the programmed code can not be changed. This should necessarily be excluded in the case of the measurement and test equipment identifications according to the invention.

Simultaneously with the marking matrix, d. H. In one step, a label can be incorporated into the measuring and test equipment or be. This is particularly favorable from a manufacturing point of view.

The invention will be explained with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the schematic drawings. Show it:

1 the schematic structure of the measuring and test equipment identification system according to the invention and

2 a schematic representation of a dial gauge with a marking matrix.

With 1 is in 1 a carrier component with a marking matrix 2 denotes, which on a schematically illustrated measuring or testing means 3 is fixed. At a distance from the marking matrix 2 is a means for reading the marking matrix 2 in the form of an optical read head 4 arranged. The over the reading head 4 Data obtained are sent to the data processing unit 5 forwarded. In this data processing unit 5 For example, a management and calibration program 6 be installed, which applies read ID number.

This in 2 illustrated embodiment relates to a Bügelmaßschraube 7 at which a marking matrix 8th on a handle shell 9 is arranged.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

support component

2

marking matrix

3

Measuring or test equipment

4

read head

5

Data processing unit

6

Management and calibration program

7

Bügelmaßschraube

8th

marking matrix

9

grip

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 10347591 B [0004]

Claims (14)

Measuring and test equipment identification arrangement comprising measuring and test equipment, which is provided with at least one two-dimensional, optically readable marking matrix ( 2 . 8th ) and means for reading and decoding the marking matrix ( 2 . 8th ) connected to a data processing unit ( 5 ), wherein the data processing unit ( 5 ) comprises a conversion unit for converting in the marking matrix ( 2 . 8th ) coded information into a tester-specific identification number, the coding of the marking matrix ( 2 . 8th ) is serial as standard. Measuring and test equipment identification arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the marking matrix ( 8th ) from structuring in a surface of the measuring and test device ( 3 ) consists. Measuring and test equipment identification arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the marking matrix ( 2 ) in a carrier component ( 1 ), which with the measuring and test equipment ( 3 ) can be coupled. Measuring and test equipment identification arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the marking matrix ( 2 . 8th ) by means of laser marking in a surface of the measuring and test means ( 3 ) or carrier component ( 1 ) is introduced. Measuring and test equipment identification arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the marking matrix ( 2 . 8th ) by means of a Nadelprägers in a surface of the measuring and test means ( 3 ) or carrier component ( 1 ) is introduced. Measurement and test equipment identification arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that marking matrices ( 2 . 8th ) of the same coding multiple times in one or different surfaces of a measuring and test 3 ) are introduced. Measuring and Prüfmittelidentifikationsanordnung according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that at least one marking matrix is introduced into the functional surface of the measuring and testing means. Measuring and test equipment identification arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that a depth of the marking matrix is dimensioned such that the beginning of the unreadability of the marking matrix coincides with the reaching of the wear limit. Measuring and test equipment identification arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the marking matrix ( 2 . 8th ) is a data matrix with at least 14 × 14 rows and columns and has an edge length of 2 to 5 mm. Measuring and test equipment identification arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that a conversion of the coding of the marking matrix ( 2 . 8th ) into the test agent-specific identification number by the data processing unit ( 5 ) is provided directly after the optical readout and prior to further data processing. Measuring and Prüfmittelidentifikationsanordnung according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the data processing system includes an editor that outputs the ID number as a keyboard input. Measuring and test equipment identification arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that in the marking matrix ( 2 . 8th ) a user information about its user rights are encoded, which by means of the data processing unit ( 5 ) are automatically recognizable and adjustable. Measuring and Prüfmittelidentifikationsanordnung according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that a string of coding of a manufacturer code, a country code, an annual code and a consecutive digit sequence composed. Measuring and test equipment identification arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the marking matrix ( 2 . 8th ) is introduced in a joint operation with a label of the measuring and testing means.

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