DE3243540A1 - Method and measuring instrument for measuring and processing characteristic quantities of the environmental atmosphere, particularly below ground - Google Patents

Abstract

In a method for measuring and processing characteristic quantities of the environmental atmosphere, particularly below ground, in which a measuring instrument is used for measuring the respective characteristic quantity, the measurement value, after the characteristic quantity has been measured, is normalised in accordance with a predeterminable normalisation function to one or several parameters in the measuring instrument - triggered manually or automatically, and thereafter the normalised and possibly also the absolute measurement value is displayed and stored, a normalisation function which can be handled mathematically in the simplest possible way and requires only little storage space can be used under all circumstances in that a progression approximating the normalising function is calculated and is used as normalising function. If the characteristic quantity is measured with a measuring error which is greater than the mathematical error occurring during the calculation of the normalisation function, the number and/or the width of the progression sections of the progression are to be predetermined on the basis of the magnitude of the measurement error so that the approximation of the progression of the normalising function is not unnecessarily accurate which would lead to increased storage space requirement.

Description

concerning a

"Method and measuring device for measuring and processing parameters the ambient atmosphere, especially underground " The invention relates to a method for measuring and processing parameters of the ambient atmosphere, especially underground, in which the respective parameter is determined by means of a measuring device is measured, after measuring the parameter, the measured value in the measuring device - triggered manually or automatically - according to a predeterminable normalization function on one or several parameters is normalized and then the normalized, possibly also the absolute, Measured value is displayed and saved. The invention also relates to a measuring device to carry out such a method with an internal power source, a Measuring arrangement, an actuation unit, a display unit, one on the one hand the measuring arrangement, on the other hand with the display unit connected normalization stage and a memory unit connected to the measuring arrangement and / or the normalization stage. The term "normalization function" is to be understood here relatively broadly, and in particular regardless of the method, how this "normalization function" is obtained. These "Normalization function" can be calculated as such or purely empirically, thus can only be determined by measured values.

The measurement and processing of parameters of the ambient atmosphere is necessary in many applications, be it long-term information about the ambient atmosphere, be it for short-term information received, which are evaluated immediately. Especially in gas-polluted ambient atmospheres Such measurements are in many cases for the safety of those in such ambient atmospheres are of crucial importance to the people involved, namely to take precautionary measures, For example, venting or the like, or being able to initiate rescue measures. Such processes have been known for a long time, and will be, especially underground practiced constantly.

Previously, the measured values of the respective parameter were stored in writing, the measured values of the respective parameter were thus in evaluation sheets or the like. In mining, i.e. in ambient atmospheres underground the measured values are entered in a so-called weather book.

These entries were made depending on the location, i. H. at different Locations underground, so that with long-term recurring measurements on extensive Comparative values could be used. An evaluation of the measured values of the corresponding parameters of the ambient atmosphere take place at a later point in time, for example via comparison tables or the like.

In many cases it is now the case that the measured and processed Parameters of the ambient atmosphere as such do not have an optimal information content because the boundary conditions under which the measurement took place are not or are not exactly known. In terms of occupational physiology, for example, it plays a role whether a certain air temperature with high or low humidity has been measured, a certain gas concentration in the surrounding atmosphere can be differently dangerous under different other conditions etc. The earlier methods of measuring and processing parameters of the ambient atmosphere unfortunately have not yet provided sufficiently clear and meaningful information Declarations.

The known method, which has already been explained at the beginning and from which the invention is based (cf. the older, but not yet published Patent application P 32 17 798.4-52), brings clear compared to the earlier process and meaningful information that can be processed quickly and effectively. For this purpose, in the known method, after the parameter has been measured, the measured value in the measuring device - triggered manually or automatically - on one or more parameters normalized etc. as was explained at the beginning.

The term normalization is to be understood here in a relatively broad sense, thus also includes a calibration of measured values, a linearization of measurement curves etc. How it is standardized in detail also and in particular depends on the particular measured parameter from and on which or which parameter is normalized. For example, underground normalization of the measured Air temperature on the air pressure on the earth's surface and on a certain, predetermined air speed possible, so that a meaningful relative working temperature as a standardized measured value obtained the immediate conclusions on the physical load of each working people.

In many cases, a normalization is just a zero point correction, a Sensitivity correction for a measuring arrangement or the like. Include. In particular because of the sensitivity, which often fluctuates with the absolute measured value of the parameter The normalization of the parameter "sensitivity" often comes from measuring arrangements special meaning to it. The same applies to the parameter "zero point deviation".

In the known method from which the invention is based, the Normalization carried out in the form of a function, be it in the form of a function of the Parameter or the parameter, be it in the form of a function "correction value of the Parameter depending on the absolute value of the parameter1 ,.

The previously explained normalization sometimes requires a measurement of the parameters necessary for this normalization in addition to the measurement of the actual parameter. Such measurements can take place simultaneously or one after the other. In In any case, the measured values of each parameter can be standardized specifically for the parameter, the measured values of the respective parameter can also be linearized.

As far as the storage of the measured values of the respective parameter is concerned, so in the known method from which the invention is based, a time-dependent one Storage implemented in order to also gain time as a parameter. Such Time-dependent storage can be done indirectly, namely via a predetermined route subsequent measurements are made, converted to a location-dependent measurement will. However, it is more advantageous to also display the measured values of the respective parameter as a function of location, if necessary by entering local code numbers or

the like. To save.

The storage of the standardized and possibly also the absolute measured values different parameters can basically, as before, in writing, underground for example in a weather book. With modern electronic means but it is also possible to use a corresponding memory in a corresponding measuring device to integrate. In this case, the stored measured values of the parameters can then be used Transferred to a central computer and evaluated by the central computer, possibly stored and, if applicable, can be displayed.

Of course, a measuring device for carrying out the known is also known Procedure. The known measuring device has a normalization stage, on the one hand is connected to the measuring arrangement, on the other hand, to the display unit. In the Normalization stage is an electronic component, for example a Microprocessor or the like. In addition, a memory unit is provided in the measuring device, which is connected to the measuring arrangement and / or to the normalization stage. In this Storage unit can store the measured values of the various parameters, be they now absolute or normalized, can be saved immediately without any need for a record would have to be done by hand. Between the measuring arrangement and the storage unit or the normalization stage and the storage unit can, if necessary, a Analog / digital converter can be provided, with the help of which the measuring arrangement analog measured values converted into digital and thus storable signals can be.

Finally, there is a timer for the time-dependent measurement of parameters provided, the time then being automatically stored for the measured value of each parameter and, if applicable, is also displayed.

For location-dependent measurements of parameters, as they usually take place a local keypad is provided for the code numbers, the operating unit is designed at the same time as a local input keyboard. To reduce the risk that it is sometimes forgotten by an operator, the code number of a Enter the measuring location, the measuring arrangement is only after the location has been entered Approved.

Furthermore, a threshold value stage is provided in the known measuring device and downstream of the measuring arrangement and possibly the normalization stage. The threshold level is connected to an acoustic and / or optical warning device and is synchronous switchable to the measuring arrangement and, if necessary, the normalization level.

The threshold level can be used in conjunction with the warning device immediately and acutely a warning signal can be triggered and issued, by which the Operator of the measuring device, for example underground, about a dangerous Development of a parameter of the ambient atmosphere is informed.

It has previously been explained that with the known measuring device with corresponding Design of the measuring arrangement a large number of parameters can be measured. For this purpose, the display unit is designed accordingly, that is to say has the display unit not only a numerical display, but also a parameter display. the Parameters can be displayed, for example using corresponding symbols, which are currently in each case show measured parameter.

An interface connection is provided for connecting the measuring device to a central computer intended. It is particularly practical that the otherwise portable, i.e. from An operator can take along a measuring device on a narrow side that can be covered if necessary Has connector strip, via which it as such in a socket on the interface of the Central computer can be plugged in. Reprogramming can be carried out from the central computer of the measuring device, for example the standardization level, at least then, if the normalization stage has a programmable microprocessor. The normalization level can of course also be part of a programmable microprocessor.

Even if the well-known, previously explained in great detail If the process shows extremely satisfactory results, there is still one certain problem in the fact that the normalization functions to be calculated are sometimes relative are complicated, that is, for example, empirically determined curve courses mathematically shown only with very complicated functions can be. As a result, in order to use the known method, it is necessary for the storage of the normalization function or the normalization functions, an extraordinarily large amount of storage space provide. But now the question of the storage space to be provided is So the memory content of the memory unit of a measuring device in which in question standing procedure relatively problematic, since this procedure on site, for example is used underground, mainly by means of a portable measuring device, Based on the problem explained above, the invention now lies in the The object is to design and develop the known method so that normalization functions that are mathematically as easy to use as possible under all circumstances can be used.

The method according to the invention, in which the above task is solved, is now characterized in that the normalization function approximated Polygon is calculated and used as a normalization function. Is essential here that only at the beginning, namely when calculating or empirically determining the actual Normalization function requires a lot of storage space, but that is after it only one polygon has to be saved as a normalization function. A traverse is made up of straight lines, so that the representation of a polygon mathematically and extraordinarily in the context of an electronic storage medium is simple and space-saving. The fact is of particular importance to that the full memory space at the beginning of an application of the method according to the invention is available and that at a later point in time when there is space to store the actually determined measured values is required for the normalization function in the form of an approximate polygon, the required storage space is extraordinary is low. As a result, a highly economical implementation of the invention Procedure can also be carried out when used on site.

There are now various possibilities for the method according to the invention to design and develop, which are explained in the following only by way of example target.

First of all, an embodiment of the method according to the invention is recommended, which is characterized in that the maximum expected range of measured values the parameter into a certain number of polygon sections, in particular in 2n polygon course sections, preferably into 16 polygon course sections, is subdivided As an independent variable when applying the method according to the invention preferably the actual measured values are used, so that their to be expected Area is divided into the specific number of traverse sections. The graduation in the binary system has the advantage that a simple data processing technical acquisition is possible.

In most cases the width of all the traverse sections will be sufficient to choose right away. That is sufficient for most normalization functions. Only at For very extreme normalization functions, you have to change the width of the polygon sections choose different. Ultimately, this is a question of the circuitry to be driven Effort.

According to a further teaching of the invention, which is of particular importance, in a method of the type according to the invention, that when measuring the parameter is also used occurring measurement errors are taken into account. It takes place in such a procedure the measurement of the parameter with a measurement error that is greater than that in the calculation calculation errors occurring in the normalization function, it is advisable to calculate the number and / or the width of the traverse sections based on the size of the measurement error to pretend. The number and / or the width of the polygon sections can be used be the same for all normalization functions and possibly in advance after a one-off determination of the measurement error can be specified1 but it is also possible when specifying the number and / or the width of the traverse sections except the The size of the measurement error also determines the course of the corresponding normalization function consider. Take these embodiments of the method according to the invention into account, that it is of course completely pointless, a very precise approximation of a normalization function to be realized by a polygon course if the measurement error is greater than the calculation error or is greater than the maximum deviation of the polygon from the normalization function. In other words, the invention teaches the approximation of the normalization function through the polygon only to be selected as precisely as this is due to the measuring system immanent measurement error is necessary.

Finally, from a procedural point of view, it is advisable to use the The normalization function, which serves as the starting point for the polygon, consists of certain, in advance to calculate or empirically determine the calibration measurements carried out for a parameter. In practice, the calibration measurements explained above can be done in this way, for example carry out a measurement in an ambient atmosphere in which the relevant Parameter is exactly zero. The measured value measured in this ambient atmosphere is saved as zero point correction and when calculating the normalization function considered. Another calibration measurement at one both in terms of the actual Value as well as the state of the known with regard to the expected measured value Parameter as an intermediate value calibration measurement leads to a further correction value, which can be saved and used to calculate the normalization function. On the basis of these two measured values, one can be calculated as a normalization function. This embodiment of the method according to the invention takes into account the fact that it is operationally often intended, at the actual value "Zero" of a parameter nonetheless to specify a measured value, so that under certain circumstances Errors, interruptions, module failures or the like can be reliably determined can. With the purely mathematical correction of systematic, Metrological and other errors in the measurement of parameters are the most significant Advantage connected that the previously necessary iterative settings - Correction of the zero point shift, correction of the sensitivity, post-correction the zero point shift, post-correction of sensitivity, etc. - superfluous will.

The subject matter of the invention is, as was explained at the beginning, also a measuring device for carrying out the method in question. With such a Measuring device, the basic structure of which has also already been explained is, a first embodiment according to the invention is characterized in that in a normalization function can be specified for the normalization stage, namely calculable or it can be determined empirically that a polygon course approximated to the normalization function can be calculated and that the traverse as a normalization function for subsequently measured Measured values can be stored in the memory unit.

The measuring arrangement of the measuring device according to the invention should have a plurality be able to measure parameters. For this purpose, the measuring arrangement can be switchable so that the individual parameters or parameters can be measured one after the other, but it can also contain a plurality of different types of measuring elements, so that different Characteristic quantities or parameters can be measured simultaneously.

Can the measured values of each parameter according to the method according to the invention are normalized characteristic-specific, the measuring device according to the invention should be a Have normalization stage in which a plurality of normalization functions can be specified are. Accordingly, a plurality of polygons would then have to be in the memory unit be storable.

With regard to the data processing design of the inventive With the measuring device, it is recommended that each polygon section has its own memory address assign. For example, it is then possible to use a two-byte format Word is the second half-word with a word length of one byte Fine tuning of the polygon section that begins with the first half-word of the length Byte can be jumped to as an address. Like such solutions in terms of data processing technology look in detail how to organize such processing plants and storage facilities is known as such and does not require any further explanation here (cf. as literature for example the computer science standard work Bauer, Goos "Informatik" Springer-Verlag, Berlin, Heidelberg, New York, 1971).

Finally, in the event that when performing the invention Method of taking into account the measurement error of the measurement arrangement, one embodiment of the measuring device according to the invention expedient, which is characterized in that the normalization stage is a setpoint unit for storing the value of a measurement error the measuring arrangement, a difference unit for determining the difference between one Value of the normalization function and the corresponding value of the approximated polygon and a comparator for comparing the value determined by the difference unit with the value stored in the setpoint unit.

In the following the invention is based on only one embodiment illustrative drawing explained in more detail; it shows Fig. 1 in a schematic Diagram showing the functional relationships when measuring and processing parameters of the Ambient atmosphere, here in the subterranean weather stream, FIG. 2 is a block diagram a system for measuring and processing parameters of the ambient atmosphere, 3 shows a block diagram of a measuring device for a system according to FIGS. 1, 4 an embodiment of a measuring device according to FIG. 3, Fig. 5 and 6 shows diagrams for possible normalizations or calibrations in the case of a measuring device according to FIG. 3.

In the schematic representation according to FIG. 1, a plurality can be seen of parameters or parameters of the ambient atmosphere, namely different gas concentrations 1 to 4, air temperature 5, air pressure 6, relative humidity 7, air speed 8 and an unspecified parameter 9.

All of these parameters or parameters are fed to a measuring device 10. Except for the parameters and parameters mentioned above and shown schematically the time 11 and the location of the measurement 12 are also recorded in the measuring device 10. All of these data are stored in a memory unit 13, possibly after the previous one Processing, display, etc., and can each be transferred from the storage unit 13 to a Central unit not shown here can be called up.

Fig. 2 shows more clearly how a corresponding system for measuring and processing of parameters of the ambient atmosphere can be established. Shown are two measuring devices 10, which, like a plurality of other, not shown measuring devices, Can be connected to the interface 15 of a central computer 16 via interface connections 14 are. In this central computer 16 can all in the storage units 13 of Measuring devices 10 stored data on the various parameters and parameters 1 to 9, 11, 12 evaluated, processed, sorted, corrected, standardized, etc. will. The central computer 16 in turn can with an external computer 17, a Print 18, a memory unit 19 and a user terminal 20, so usual Be connected to peripheral devices of computers. Assign the measuring devices 10 corresponding programmable memories, as they are extensively contained in microprocessors today are, the central computer 16 can, if necessary, each measuring device

program, save with evaluation data, etc.

A block diagram of a measuring device 10 for a system according to FIG. 2 is in Fig. 3 shown. Here is initially indicated a Power source 21 for supplying the entire measuring device 10, which as such, in particular when used underground, of course, it must be freely movable, namely portable. Farther If the measuring device 10 has a measuring arrangement 22, which, as not shown further here is, a measuring chamber and a pump for sucking a gas sample into the measuring chamber, may also have several measuring chambers. How such measuring arrangements work is known from the prior art and does not require a detailed explanation here.

Connected to the measuring arrangement 22 is an actuating unit 23 as well as the storage unit 13 already mentioned at the beginning. The actuation unit 23 has a plurality of actuating elements 24, shown only hinted at, in the form a keyboard. The measuring arrangement 22 is also provided with a normalization stage 25 and a threshold value stage 26 connected downstream of the normalization stage 25. The actuation unit 23, the normalization stage 25 and the threshold value stage 26 are connected to a display unit 27, the display unit 27 being a numeric Display 28 for displaying the measured value of a parameter, a parameter display 29 and an optical warning device 30, namely a warning lamp. In the end if a timer 31 is also provided and connected to the memory unit 13, see above that the corresponding time is saved for all saved data can.

The actuation unit 23 allows the measuring arrangement 22 to To switch measurement of different parameters and parameters. The switchover can of course also be done automatically, for example if you have a special Wants to measure the parameter, but has parameters corresponding to this desired parameter, that are important for their classification should be measured. The actuation unit 23 with the button-like actuating elements 24 also serves as a local input keypad, d. H. Via the actuating elements 24 of the actuating unit 23, location data, for example special code numbers can be entered. To this It is possible to assign measured values of certain parameters to certain locations, which is of particular importance underground.

It cannot be seen in FIG. 3 that the measured by the measuring arrangement 22 Measured values, if they are measured in analog, via an analog / digital converter out and can be digitally stored in the memory unit 13.

It is essential that with the measuring device 10 shown in FIG the parameter display 29 can be seen immediately which parameter is being measured and it is displayed that the numerical display 28 of the display unit 27 the respective The measured value clearly shows that the warning device 30 of the Threshold level 26 the respective operator when the threshold is exceeded the respective parameter can be acutely warned that any notes from Measured values no longer have to be made and that optimal evaluability the measured, processed and stored data is given.

It is not shown in FIG. 3 that the memory unit 13 has a can have its own energy buffer, so that even if the power source fails 21 the memory content of the memory unit 13 stored up to that point is not lost goes.

FIG. 4 shows a front view of a measuring device 10 according to FIG. 3 is the actuation unit 23 of the measuring device 10 with the actuation elements 24.

The actuating elements 24 are recognizable double occupied here, that is executed as double-assigned function keys, namely, on the one hand, allow a selection of the the parameter to be measured or the relevant parameter of interest, allow, on the other hand, a coded entry of the measurement location in the form of code numbers. The display unit 27 with the numerical display 28 and the Warning device 30.

It has previously been explained in connection with FIG. 3 that the measuring device 10 has a normalization stage 25. This normalization level 25 is of course particular then easily foreseeable if modern microelectronic components, for example Microprocessors, find use. A normalization can be carried out via the normalization level 25 of the respective measured value of a parameter on one or more parameters. In the diagram in Fig. 5, the gas concentration measured value, for example CH4, according to the sensitivity, which changes with the concentration of the gas to be measured the measuring arrangement 22 corrected. That is about the normalization level 25 with a given one Sensitivity curve of the measuring arrangement 22 is easily possible.

This sensitivity correction is also shown in FIG. 5 the measuring arrangement 22 corresponding normalization function with a dash-dotted line Line. This normalization function can now be approximated as such by a Replace traverse. This shows what such a polygon approach can look like Embodiment shown in FIGS.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 6 for an application of the method according to the invention is the measured value as an independent variable, namely the actual measured value plotted against a parameter. As can be seen, that is maximum expected range of measured values divided into 16 polygon sections. The real, corrected measured value is plotted on the ordinate, the ultimate one the displayed measured value should correspond.

A normalization function is drawn in for each polygon section is linearized, which is therefore approximated overall by a polygon.

From Fig. 6 it can be clearly seen that the width of all polygon course sections is the same on the abscissa. The width of the traverse sections is below Consideration of the normalization function chosen so that the maximum deviation of the polygon section of the normalization function in the order of magnitude of the measurement error the measuring arrangement lies. In this way, the predetermined by the measuring arrangement Measurement accuracy not deteriorated, nevertheless with one optimally low storage space requirements, a good standardization is implemented.

In conclusion, the function of the previously in various things should be briefly repeated Context explained measuring device 10 in the context of the system according to FIG. 2 be: The corresponding operator, for example an underground riser, checked on a tour a plurality of measuring locations, each through a fixed code number are identified. Arrived at a certain place gives this operator via the actuating elements 24 of the actuating unit 23 enter the code number of the location, this code number is stored in the memory unit 13 saved. Then the measuring arrangement 22 is released and the operator selects the parameter to be measured, for example the air temperature 5. Simultaneously with the air temperature 5, which represents the actual parameter, are used for extraction a relative working temperature of the air pressure 6, the relative humidity 7 and the air speed 8 measured as parameters. Then on the one hand the air temperature 5 absolute, on the other hand a via the normalization level 25 on the parameters air pressure 6, relative humidity 7 and air speed 8 normalized measured value of the air temperature 5 is stored. The latter standardized The measured value is also displayed as it gives an indication of the actual physical Load of the people in this place. This normalized measured value is also fed to the threshold stage 26, so that when this is relative Measured value at any location exceeds an absolute upper limit, immediately from the warning device 30 is emitted an optical warning signal. With the explained Measuring device 10 can thus obtain a current statement for the operator, at the same time long-term examinations and observations via the central computer 16, to which the measuring device 10 will be connected later, can be realized. The measuring device 10 represents an electronic one, so to speak, in relation to the underground operation Weather book. Blank page

Claims (13)

Claims: \ Method for measuring and processing parameters the ambient atmosphere, especially underground, by means of a measuring device the respective parameter is measured, after measuring the parameter the measured value in the measuring device - triggered manually or automatically - according to a specifiable Normalization function is normalized to one or more parameters and then the normalized, possibly also the absolute, measured value is displayed and stored, d a d u r c h e k e nn n n n e i n e t that a normalization function approximated Polygon is calculated and used as a normalization function. 2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the maximum expected range of measured values of the parameter in a certain number of polygon sections, in particular in 2 polygon sections, preferably in 16 polygon sections, is divided. 3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that the width of all traverse sections is the same. 4. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that the width the traverse section is different. 5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the measurement the parameter takes place with a measurement error that is greater than that in the calculation arithmetic errors occurring in the normalization function, characterized in that the Number and / or the width of the traverse sections based on the size of the measurement error is specified. 6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that the number and / or the width of the polygon sections for all normalization functions the same is, 7. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that at the specification of the number and / or the width of the traverse sections except the size of the measurement error, the course of the normalization function is also taken into account. 8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that that the normalization function serving as the starting point for the polygon consists of certain previously performed calibration measurements of a parameter are calculated or determined empirically will. 9. Measuring device for performing the method according to one of the claims 1 to 8, with an internal power source, a measuring arrangement, an actuation unit, a display unit, one on the one hand with the measuring arrangement, on the other hand with the Display unit connected normalization stage and one with the measuring arrangement and / or the storage unit connected to the normalization stage, characterized in that in the normalization stage (25) a normalization function can be specified, namely calculated or it can be determined empirically that a polygon course approximated to the normalization function can be calculated and that the traverse as a normalization function for subsequently measured Measured values can be stored in the memory unit (13). 10. Measuring device according to claim 9, characterized in that with the Measuring arrangement (22) a plurality of parameters or parameters can be measured. 11. Measuring device according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that A plurality of normalization functions can be specified and in the normalization stage (25) accordingly, a plurality of polygons can be stored in the memory unit (13) is. 12. Measuring device according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that that each polygon section has its own memory address in the memory unit (13) is assigned. 13. Measuring device according to one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that that the normalization stage is a setpoint unit for storing the value of a measurement error the measuring arrangement, a difference unit for determining the difference between one Value of the normalization function and the corresponding value of the approximated polygon and a comparator for comparing the value determined by the difference unit with the value stored in the setpoint unit.