EP3289518A1

EP3289518A1 - Method for obtaining information from a coding body, system comprising a coding body, computer program product and data storage means

Info

Publication number: EP3289518A1
Application number: EP16742155.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Johann Lenz
Original assignee: Prueftechnik Dieter Busch AG
Current assignee: Prueftechnik Dieter Busch AG
Priority date: 2015-04-30
Filing date: 2016-04-19
Publication date: 2018-03-07
Also published as: CA2984515A1; US20180129843A1; DE102015208121A1; US10853599B2; WO2016173582A1

Abstract

In a method for obtaining information from a coding body (1, 15), information is assigned to a three-dimensional form of at least one portion of the coding body (1, 15), at least one two-dimensional image of at least the portion of the coding body (1, 15) is generated, the form of the portion is identified on the basis of the image and the information that has been assigned to the identified form is accessed. A corresponding system comprises: at least one coding body (1, 15) having at least one portion with a three-dimensional form that has information assigned; at least one image-capture means (8, 19, 24) for generating two-dimensional images; and at least one processor (9, 21, 25) configured to identify the form of the portion on the basis of at least one two-dimensional image of at least the portion of the coding body (1, 15) and to access the information assigned to the identified form.

Description

Method for obtaining information from a coding body, system with a coding body, computer program product and data storage means

The present invention relates to a method for obtaining information from a Kodierkörper, in which a spatial form of at least a portion of the Kodierkörpers information is assigned, a system with such Kodierkörper, a computer program product with program instructions when executed by a processor of such a system cause such a method to be carried out and a data storage means on which such a computer program product is stored.

In practice, it is necessary, especially in machines with moving parts, to regularly inspect their operating condition. By means of suitable sensors for this purpose different variables such as vibrations or vibrations or the temperature at certain points of the machine are measured. From DE 10 2012 014 277 A1 it is known, for example, to set up measuring points distributed on the machines for this purpose, which can be connected to a data collector, whereby suitable sensors can either be arranged at the measuring point or provided in the data collector. In order to be able to differentiate or unambiguously identify these measuring points, the measuring points are marked. But even machines as such can be provided with a corresponding identification for unambiguous identification thereof.

For marking machines and machine parts such as measuring points, it is known to attach signs or stickers with, for example, barcodes directly to the machine. Frequently, RFID transponders (Radio Frequency Identification) are also used for identification, as described, for example, in DE 10 2007 022 355 A1. In these RFID transponders, a wireless data exchange takes place between the RFID transponder and a remote read-out unit. In the latter Writing is also described the provision of measuring points with identity data, which are automatically read by a separate reader. For this purpose, the measuring point is provided with a coded plastic ring in a pickup system. The pick-up system is firmly locked at the measuring point via a bayonet lock. A coding ring sensor first scans a ring pattern in the plastic ring and from this detects which measuring point it is. The measurements previously programmed for this measuring point are then carried out.

Although an automatic measuring point recognition is realized with the described pickup system, the mechanical decoding of the measuring point used in this system is, of course, relatively susceptible to wear and is therefore also subject to increased maintenance. In addition, the coded plastic ring can be read only by a special, the Kodierring sensor having hand-held probe. But also barcode systems and RFID transponder markings have disadvantages. For example, barcode systems require an optical reading unit, whereby detection of soiled or damaged barcode labels is not possible, while communication problems often arise in the case of RFID transponders in an electromagnetically loaded environment. It is therefore the object of the present invention to reliably and easily obtain coded information.

This object is achieved by the method having the features of claim 1, by the system having the features of claim 4, by the computer program product having the features of claim 7 and by the data storage means having the features of claim 8. Preferred embodiments are subject of the dependent claims.

According to the present invention, a coding body is provided which has at least one partial area with a spatial shape to which information is assigned. The coding body can in particular be a known coded plastic ring. Instead of the coding By scanning in a known manner with a sensor and to derive coded information from the scan, according to the invention a two-dimensional image of at least the subregion of the coding body or of the entire coding body is generated. On the basis of this image, the shape of the subarea is now recognized and information associated with the detected shape is accessed, or the information represented by the latter is derived from this form. With the invention can thus be omitted in the coding of information and their recovery on the one hand error-prone barcode systems and RFID transponders and on practical use much more robust coding such as encoded plastic rings avoided without their disadvantages such as the susceptibility to wear and the increased maintenance costs To take, since a mechanical scanning of the encoder does not take place. Therefore, encoded information can be reliably and easily obtained. Furthermore, it is possible to dispense with a special hand-held probe with a coding sensor and thus save costs. Instead of providing a separate device such as a hand-held probe for obtaining the information, the image capture means for generating two-dimensional images and the processor for recognizing shapes in the generated images and for deriving information therefrom can be implemented in any existing devices. In the simplest case, the image capture means may be a camera or film camera, and in particular a digital camera, while the processor may be a miniature computer or minicomputer. Preferably, the coding body is arranged on a device and based on the information obtained at least a part of the device is identified. For example, the coding body may be provided for identifying a specific measuring point which is provided for reading out data of a sensor or for applying a sensor for carrying out a measurement, as part of a device such as, for example, a machine or a wind turbine. On the other hand, it is also possible to information also identify the entire device as such.

Furthermore, the coding body is preferably substantially annular or formed as a ring portion. The present invention thus makes it practically possible to use existing coding bodies, for example known coded plastic rings, which are usually read out by a special hand-held probe having a coding ring sensor. Thus, it is not necessary for the present invention to design, manufacture and package entirely new coding bodies. Particularly preferably, the two-dimensional image is generated by an integrated image acquisition means of a data collector or an alignment device or of a measuring device or a data goggle. Accordingly, the image acquisition means and / or the processor is particularly preferably integrated in a data collector or an alignment device or a measuring device or a data glasses. Alignment devices are used for aligning aligned axes of rotation rotatably mounted machine parts of two machines. They usually include a light emitting device for emitting a light beam and at least one light detecting device having a light-sensitive surface, wherein an incident position of a light emitted from the light emitting device light beam on the light-sensitive surface is registered. In most cases, these are laser-optical alignment devices with a laser emission device which emits a laser beam. The image acquisition means can be arranged either on the light emission device or on the light detection device. However, it is also possible for both the light emission device and the light detection device to be provided with at least one image capture means. The data collector may be a common data collector provided for connection to a measurement site for either receiving data from the measurement site or performing measurements using a sensor integrated in the data collector. In general, the image capture means can be arranged in any measurement device that does not necessarily have to be connected to a measurement site. A smart phone usually has not only an image capture means and a processor, but also a display means of the type of a so-called head-up display (HUD), in which a wearer of the data glasses his This information can be combined with images captured by the image capture device, most of which have an internal projector and a prism, advantageously an angle between the image capture device and a frame Apart from data and information such as numerical values, drawings, plans, graphics, diagrams, films, pictures or texts, other relevant information for the operation of a device can also be displayed on the display Reality (Augmen ted Reality AR) are displayed in the display means. Advantageously, the data glasses are used to access stored data based on the information obtained. These can be stored in a data memory of the data glasses or in an external memory. In the latter case, the data glasses can advantageously be set up for a wired or a wireless data transmission or communication connection with at least one external device. The stored data can be, for example, technical data or specifications of a device or dimensions of the device or parts of the device such as measuring points. After identification of the device or measuring point, an operator in the display device of the data glasses can be provided with exactly the information that they need for their work. In addition, an interface can be used to access an order stored in an external inventor database for servicing the device.

The computer program product may be software programmed in any manner. This may be stored on any data storage medium or storage medium for storage of data, such as a magnetic or optical or storage medium Volatile or non-volatile data carriers such as a CD (Compact Disc), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), a hard disk, a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a PROM (Programmable Read Only Memory ), or an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory).

The invention will be described in more detail with reference to preferred embodiments with the aid of drawings. Show it:

FIG. 1 shows a coding body;

FIG. 2 shows a measuring point with a coding body and a data collector;

Figure 3 devices with a Kodierkörper and a laser optical

alignment;

Figure 4 is a data glasses.

FIG. 1 shows a coding body 1 in the form of a coded plastic ring section. On an inner surface, the plastic ring has a plurality of trapezoidal projections 2. Some of these projections 2 are provided with a through hole 3, while others do not have a through hole 3. Projections 2 without through hole 3 are used to determine the position of the coding body. 1 At the through holes 3, a suitable tool can be used to break out selected projections 2 from the coding body 1. By breaking out or removing certain protrusions 2 while retaining other protrusions 2, a specific arrangement of protrusions 2 with specific vacancies between the protrusions 2 can be created. This specific arrangement or pattern of protrusions 2 and spaces encodes information similar to a punched card. In other words, the sequence of projections 2 of the coding body 1 and spaces represents the information or the information is associated with the spatial shape of the coding body 1. This one Form associated with or represented by the form information is available in a suitable storage means for retrieval.

By means of the coding body 1 is in a known manner as shown in Figure 2, a measuring point 4 of a machine 5, wherein the coding body 1 is received in a receptacle 6 of the measuring point 4 such that the sequence of projections 2 and spaces remains visible.

The measuring point 4 can be connected to read out data from a data memory (not shown in FIG. 2) or to carry out measurements with a data collector 7. The data collector 7 has, inter alia, a camera 8 as image recording means and a processor 9.

In order to identify the measuring point 4, the camera 8 of the data collector 7 generates a two-dimensional image of the spatial coding body 1 recorded in the receptacle 6 of the measuring point 4, on which in particular the sequence of protrusions 2 and spaces on the inside of the coding body 1 is detected. Software running on the processor 9 processes this image. The software is in particular capable of pattern recognition. By means of the software, a pattern of the sequence of projections 2 and spaces and their shape is recognized. On the basis of the recognized shape or the recognized pattern, it is then possible for the processor 9 to access the information associated with the sequence of protrusions 2 and spaces and, thanks to this, to identify the measuring point 4.

A further embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 3, in which two machines 10 and 11 with respective rotatably mounted machine parts 12 and 13 can be seen. In the present case, the machine 10 has a measuring point 14 for docking a data collector, not shown, on which, as described above, a coding body 15 is provided.

A laser-optical alignment system 16 is provided for aligning the machines 10 and 11 and the machine parts 12 and 13, respectively, with the machine parts 12 and 13 being arranged in a known manner whose axes of rotation are aligned. The alignment system 16 comprises a laser emission device 17, a laser detection device 18 with a camera 19, and a handheld device 20 with a processor 21. Between laser detection device 18 and handset 20, a wireless communication connection 22 can be produced.

As in the previous example of FIG. 2, a two-dimensional image of the coding body 15 is also generated by the camera 19 in the example of FIG. 3 in order to identify the machine 10. For this purpose, the camera 19 can be controlled by the processor 21 of the handheld device 20 via the communication connection 22. The generated image is transmitted via the communication link 22 from the camera 19 to the processor 21 of the handset 20, on which software for recognition as described above a form of the Kodierkörpers 15 runs, which recognizes the machine 10 in the manner described on the basis of the image generated by the camera 19. Of course, alternatively or additionally, a camera could be provided on the laser detection device 18 in order to identify the machine 11 in the same way by means of a coding body, not shown in FIG. 3, arranged on the machine 11.

The identification of machines on the basis of a two-dimensional image generated by a coding body using data glasses is particularly simple. For this purpose, the figure shows a data glasses 23 in an enlarged view. Like known data glasses, the data glasses 23 also have a camera 24 as image acquisition means, a processor 25 as data processing means and a head-up display or HUD 26 as display means. In this case, the HUD 26 is arranged such that it is positioned in front of an eye of a wearer of the data glasses 23. In addition to the HUD 26 to the ear of the wearer of the data glasses 23 towards the camera 24 is arranged, while the processor 25 is located on an adjoining strap 27. As in the previously described examples, the processor 25 is configured to execute suitable software for recognizing shapes of three-dimensional bodies based on two-dimensional images of the bodies. directed. Furthermore, in the present case an interface 28 is provided, via which a wireless data transmission connection with the data glasses 23 can be produced.

The data glasses 23 have the advantage that a wearer of the data glasses 23 can conveniently generate a two-dimensional image of a coding body, such as the coding body 1 at the measuring point 4 of the machine 5 or the coding body 15 on the machine 10, and immediately from the processor 25 can process to identify the relevant machine. The result of this processing can then be visually displayed to the wearer of the data glasses 23 in the HUD 26. In a corresponding manner, two-dimensional images of three-dimensional coding bodies can be generated by means of image recording devices or cameras of any devices, such as measuring devices, and machines or equipment provided with these coding bodies can be identified on the basis of the images produced. Although the present embodiments pertain to the specific case of identifying machines or equipment, the subject matter of the present invention may nonetheless be used quite generally to obtain information from an encoder body for any purpose.

LIST OF REFERENCES

1 . coding body

2nd lead

3. through hole

4th measuring point

5th machine

6. Recording

7. Data collector

8. Camera

9th processor

10th machine

1 1. machine

12. Machine part

13. Machine part

14th measuring point

15. Coding body

16. Alignment system

17. Laser emission device

18. Laser detection device

19. Camera

20. Handset

21. processor

22. Communication connection

23. Data glasses

24. Camera

25th processor

26. HUD

27. Temple

28th interface

Claims

claims

1. A method for obtaining information from a Kodierkörper (1, 15), in which

a spatial form of at least part of the coding body (1, 15) is assigned information,

at least one two-dimensional image of at least the subregion of the coding body (1, 15) is generated,

based on the image, the shape of the sub-area is recognized and the information associated with the recognized shape is accessed.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the coding body (1, 15) arranged on a device (5, 10, 1 1) and based on the information obtained at least a part (4, 14) of the device (5, 10, 1 1) is identified.

3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the two-dimensional image of an integrated image acquisition means (8, 19, 24) of a data collector (7) or an alignment device (16) or a measuring device or a data goggles (23) is generated.

4. System having at least one coding body (1, 15) which has at least one partial area with a spatial shape to which information is assigned, at least one image acquisition means (8, 19, 24) for generating two-dimensional images and at least one processor (9, 21, 25) which is adapted to recognize the shape of the subregion based on at least one two-dimensional image of at least the subregion of the coding body (1, 15) and to access the information associated with the recognized shape.

5. System according to claim 4, wherein the coding body (1, 15) is substantially ring-shaped or formed as a ring portion.

6. System according to any one of claims 4 or 5, wherein the image acquisition means (8, 19, 24) and / or the processor (9, 21, 25) in a data collector (7) or an alignment device (16) or a measuring device or a data glasses (23) is integrated.

Computer program product with program instructions which, when executed by a processor (9, 21, 25) of a system according to one of claims 4 to 6, cause a method according to one of claims 1 to 3 to be carried out.

8. Data storage means on which a computer program product according to claim 7 is stored.