JP2018109966A - Data transmission module, wireless transmission method and wireless transmission system - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to improve the ability to perform a function such as wireless transmission of measurement data, to reliably transmit desired measurement data, and to minimize power consumption of a battery of a portable measurement device. A data transmission module is a battery-free accessory as an attachment to a portable measurement device, and uses energy wirelessly received from a remote data node without using battery resources from the portable measurement device. The data transmission module transmits the measurement data signal to the remote data node using the power generated from the received energy. The wireless data generator of the data transmission module uses the generated energy, the modulation reflection of the received energy supply field or the combination with the received energy supply field, or a combination thereof when wirelessly transmitting the measurement data signal. Be composed. [Selection diagram] FIG.

Description

  This application is based on a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 521,330 filed on October 22, 2014 (invention name "measurement value transmission system for small measuring instruments"), here The disclosure of the present application is incorporated as a part of this specification.

  The present invention relates to a measurement system, and more particularly to a battery-free data transmission module accessory for wirelessly transmitting measurement data from a battery-powered portable measurement device to a remote data node. The present invention particularly relates to a data transmission module, a wireless transmission method using the data transmission module, and a wireless transmission system.

  Currently, various battery-powered portable (eg, small) measuring instruments are available. An example of the battery-type portable measuring device is a displacement measuring device such as a small electronic caliper. By using this, it is possible to accurately measure each dimension of the object (for example, by measuring a machined part and confirming that it is within a tolerance reference value range). Patent Documents 1 to 3 by the same applicant disclose typical electronic calipers.

  In general, if the power consumption of such calipers and other battery-powered portable measuring devices is reduced, the number of required batteries also decreases, and the calipers and other battery-powered portables until these batteries need to be replaced or charged. The operating period of measuring equipment is extended. However, it is difficult to reduce the amount of power required for such devices in units of “microwatts” or more. Such equipment is required to perform extremely accurate measurements. Since the signal processing technology that has been developed for use in such devices is complex, designing circuits that operate at low voltage and low power while achieving the desired accuracy is also complicated. There are many. Furthermore, the power resources required for a particular function (such as wireless transmission of measurement data) may be much larger than the power required for basic operation and measurement. In addition to the problem of high power requirements for this particular function, various factors (for example, if the caliper's jaw is accidentally moved while performing the measurement function) are reliable or predictable There is also a problem that it may affect sex.

US Reissue Patent No. 37490 US Registered Patent No. 5574381 US registered patent No. 597494 US Registered Patent No. 6671976 US registered patent No. 8131896 US registered patent No. 8035255 US Patent No. 9246358 US registered patent No. 8076801 US registered patent No. 8035255 US Registered Patent No. 7271777 US registered patent No. 7084605 US Registered Patent No. 8963781 US Registered Patent No. 9159017

"Wireless Passive Sensor Networks," Ozgur Akan, et al., IEEE Communications Magazine, August 2009 "Design of an RFID-Based Battery-Free Programmable Sensing Platform," Alanson Sample, et al., IEEE Transactions on Instrumentation and Measurement, Vol. 57, No. 11, November 2008

  In view of the circumstances as described above, the object of the present invention is to improve the ability to execute functions such as wireless transmission of measurement data to reliably transmit desired measurement data and to reduce the power consumption of the battery of the portable measurement device. It is to minimize.

  In this “Means for Solving the Problems”, a simplified concept selected from each concept described in detail in the “Mode for Carrying Out the Invention” below is introduced. This "means for solving the problem" is not intended to identify important features of the content of the "claims", but may be used to identify the scope of the "claims". Absent.

  Based on the needs outlined above, and on further needs and challenges outlined as an introduction to FIGS. 7-10, it will be appreciated that the wireless data transmission module operates without the need for battery power or manual operation. It is desirable to keep supplying measurement data almost continuously. The wireless data transmission module is preferably capable of responding to a remote request for measurement data received from a remote data node. Along with / alternatively, when the remote data node is in the vicinity of the wireless data transmission module, the wireless data transmission module simply transmits measurement data automatically or semi-automatically (regardless of the remote request) Is desirable. The wireless data transmission module is preferably compact, lightweight, ergonomically usable, and easy to use after being mounted on various small battery type portable measuring devices. At the same time, it is desirable that the wireless data transmission module be installed at an inconvenient location and be operable with battery-powered measuring equipment attached to the machine itself (such as a drilling machine or lathe). The wireless data transmission module preferably operates over a range of convenient distances from the remote data node. Based on the above considerations and other considerations, the following disclosure has been conceived.

  The data transmission module inputs measurement data from the battery-powered portable measurement device and wirelessly transmits a corresponding measurement data signal to the remote data node. The remote data node is configured to generate at least one energy supply field (eg, to power the data transmission module) and configured to wirelessly receive the measurement data signal from the data transmission module. In each implementation, the data transmission module includes a main unit, a field reception unit, a wireless data generation unit, and a data transmission / energy management circuit. The main body is configured to be physically connected to the battery-powered portable measuring device. The field receiver is configured to receive the energy supply field from the remote data node. The wireless data generation unit wirelessly transmits the measurement data signal to the remote data node. The data transmission / energy management circuit includes a data connector configured to connect with a data connector of the battery-powered portable measuring device.

  In each implementation, the data transmission / energy management circuit is configured to perform various operations, such as the following operations. It suffices to generate energy from the field received by the field receiver, store at least part of the generated energy in the data transmission module, and manage the generated energy. A communication connection may be established with the remote data node. What is necessary is just to input the said measurement data from the said battery-type portable measuring device via the said data connector. The measurement data signal corresponding to the input measurement data may be wirelessly transmitted to the remote data node using the wireless data generation unit.

In each implementation, the battery-powered portable measurement device may be driven by a battery independent of the data transmission module, and is configured to display the measurement data on a built-in display. In each implementation, when the wireless data generation unit wirelessly transmits the measurement data signal to the remote data node, the following a), b) or c), that is, a) the generated energy,
b) Modular reflection of the energy supply field received from the remote data node, or combination with the energy supply field received from the remote data node, or c) a combination of a) and b) It only has to be done.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the ability to execute a function such as wireless transmission of measurement data to reliably transmit desired measurement data and to minimize power consumption of the battery of the portable measurement device. .

1 is a block diagram showing a measurement value transmission system according to a first exemplary embodiment in a state where it is connected to a small measurement device and wirelessly transmits measurement data to a remote system. FIG. It is a figure which shows the measured value transmission system which concerns on 2nd exemplary embodiment in the state connected to the small measuring device and transmitting the measurement data to a remote system wirelessly. It is a figure which shows the measured value transmission system which concerns on 2nd exemplary embodiment in the state connected to the small measuring device and transmitting the measurement data to a remote system wirelessly. It is a perspective view which shows the measured value transmission system which concerns on 3rd illustrative embodiment connected to a small measuring device. It is a perspective view which shows the measured value transmission system which concerns on 4th exemplary embodiment in which the recessed part which accommodates a measured value transmission system was formed, and the said measured value transmission system is connected to a small measuring device. It is a front view which shows the measured value transmission system which concerns on the 5th exemplary embodiment in the state stored in the small measuring device for wirelessly transmitting measurement data to a remote system. It is a block diagram which shows each circuit part of the measured value transmission system which concerns on exemplary embodiment, a small measuring device, and a remote system. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a data transmission module according to a seventh exemplary implementation, wherein the data transmission module is connected to a battery-powered portable measurement device and wirelessly transmits measurement data to a remote data node. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating various forms of energy supply field coupling and data transmission between a data transmission module and a remote data node, according to an example implementation. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating various forms of energy supply field coupling and data transmission between a data transmission module and a remote data node, according to an example implementation. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating various forms of energy supply field coupling and data transmission between a data transmission module and a remote data node, according to an example implementation. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a data transmission module according to a seventh exemplary implementation. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a data transmission module according to a seventh exemplary implementation. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary implementation of a routine for wirelessly transmitting a measurement data signal from a battery-powered portable measurement device to a remote data node using a data transmission module.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a measurement system 10 that includes a measurement value transmission system 150 according to a first exemplary embodiment. In the figure, a measurement value transmission system 150 is connected to the small measurement device 101 and wirelessly transmits measurement data from the small measurement device 101 to the remote system 180. The measurement data TMD1 to be transmitted may be related to one or more measurement values (for example, the measurement dimension MD1) of the workpiece (measurement target) WP acquired by the small measurement device 101. The remote system 180 includes a computer system 182 that is operatively connected to a keyboard 184, a monitor 186, and / or other input / output devices. The measurement data of the small measuring device 101 may be displayed on the display 109 of the small measuring device 101 and / or the monitor 186 of the remote system 180.

  The measurement value transmission system 150 includes an antenna 161 for wirelessly transmitting measurement data. On the other hand, the remote system 180 has an antenna 181 for receiving the transmitted measurement data TMD1. In each implementation, when the remote system 180 successfully receives the transmitted measurement data TMD1, the remote system 180 wirelessly transmits the transmission success signal STS1 using the antenna 181. The measurement value transmission system 150 receives the transmission success signal STS1 using the antenna 161. As will be described in more detail later, in each implementation, the measurement transmission system 150 stops various operations (eg, wireless transmission) upon receipt of a successful transmission signal STS1 or otherwise confirms successful transmission. A transmission cycle end operation, a data holding release operation for ending the data holding state, a display display of a notification indicating that transmission was successful, and the like.

  As will be described in more detail later, in each implementation, the measured value transmission system 150 includes a power generator. The power generation unit converts work (for example, an operation on a power generation actuator such as a button, a slide, and a lever) given by the user into power for wirelessly transmitting the measurement data to the remote system 180. Alternatively, the main battery resource in the small precision measuring device may be used for wireless transmission of data, or the main power source consumes a large amount of power by supplying power for wireless transmission from an external power generation unit. It should be understood that this may be avoided. In each implementation, the measurement transmission system 180 may additionally or alternatively include a data retention actuator. When manually operated by a user, the data retention actuator initiates a data retention state that fixes a set of measurement data that is subsequently wirelessly transmitted to the remote system 180. It should be understood that this data retention state can have various advantages. For example, one advantage is that the user can store the measurement data temporarily (for example, if the user manipulates a power generation actuator and / or transmission actuator or other component, the caliper is incorrectly The original measurement can be confirmed on the display (and / or display 109) (eg, of the measurement transmission system).

  2A and 2B are a measurement transmission system 250 according to a second exemplary embodiment for wirelessly transmitting measurement data to a remote system (eg, remote system 180 of FIG. 1), which is a small measurement instrument. 1 is a diagram showing a measured value transmission system 250 connected to 201. FIG. It will be understood that some features of the measurement value transmission system 250 are similar to those of the measurement value transmission system 150 of FIG. 1 and are understood to operate in the same manner unless otherwise noted below. I want. In the embodiment of FIG. 2A, the small measuring device 201 is a vernier caliper that can output measurement data obtained by measuring the workpiece WP (for example, corresponding to the measurement dimension MD2 of the workpiece WP). The measured value transmission system 250 includes a first actuator 255 (for example, a button). In each implementation, the first actuator 255 functions as a power generation actuator, a transmission actuator, and / or a data retention actuator. This will be described in more detail later.

  In each implementation, the first actuator 255 forms part of the transmission activation unit TAP2 and / or the power generation unit EGP2. For example, as shown in FIG. 2B, the transmission activation unit TAP2 includes a first actuator 255 (for example, shown as a transmission actuator) and circuit elements (circuits) 253A and 253B of the circuit board assembly 251. In the figure, the output side wireless transmission unit WTP on the circuit board assembly 251 includes each part of the circuit element 253B and an antenna 261. An example of circuit elements 253A and 253B will be described in more detail later with reference to FIG. When the user operates the first actuator 255, each operation including the transmission operation cycle starts, and thereby the switching function of the circuit element 253A is activated. When the switching function of the circuit element 253A is activated, the transmission activation unit TAP2 operates. The transmission operation cycle includes wirelessly transmitting measurement data to the remote system using the circuit element 253B connected to the antenna 261.

  As further shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the power generation unit EGP2 includes a first actuator 255 (for example, shown as a power generation actuator), a work conversion element WCE, and each part of the circuit element 253A. In order to operate the power generation unit EGP2, the first actuator 255 can be manually operated by the user, and can be used as a work conversion element WCE (for example, a piezoelectric element such as a piezoelectric film sensor or an igniter, an electromagnetic generator, or the like). It is comprised so that work may be provided with respect to it. In FIG. 2A, the first actuator 255 is shown as a button. On the other hand, in other implementations, the first actuator 255 is another element (for example, a slide, a lever, etc.), and the work amount conversion element corresponding thereto may be given a work amount. I want you to understand. The work amount conversion element WCE converts this work amount into electric power. The electric power obtained by this conversion is fed at least to an output-side wireless transmission unit WTP (for example, including each part of the circuit element 253B and the antenna 261) that wirelessly transmits measurement data to the remote system.

  In one implementation, the transmission activation unit TAP2 consumes a first amount of power when performing one transmission operation cycle, and the power generation unit EGP2 performs one actuation cycle of the power generation actuator 255. , Configured to generate a second amount of power that is greater than the first amount of power. In other words, in the implementation of FIG. 2, according to the overall operation of the measurement value transmission system 250, when the user presses the actuator button 255 once, the wireless transmission of the measurement data starts and A sufficient amount of power is generated.

  In each implementation, the first actuator 255 may additionally or alternatively have a function as a data retention actuator. In such an implementation, when the user manually operates the first actuator 255, an operation of starting the data holding state is executed. Here, the data holding state means a state in which a set of measurement data to be wirelessly transmitted to the remote system later is fixed. In one implementation, the small measurement device 201 may include a measurement value display 209. The small measuring device 201 may execute an operation holding mode including fixing the measurement value being displayed on the measurement value display 209. In such an implementation, these operations for starting the data holding state for fixing the set of measurement data are held in the small measuring device 201 through the device-side data connection unit DCP2 (for example, including the female connector 219). Including starting the mode. This will be described in more detail later. In another implementation, these operations of initiating a data retention state that fixes the set of measurement data are performed by circuit elements 253A of measurement transmission system 250 for later wireless transmission of the set of measurement data to the remote system. Temporarily storing it in the memory MEM.

  In one implementation, the transmit operation cycle further includes a data retention release operation. This data retention release operation is executed after successful transmission of measurement data. By executing the data holding release operation, the data holding state ends. For example, as described above with reference to FIG. 1, upon receiving measurement data transmitted wirelessly, the remote system 180 returns a “successful transmission” signal STS 1 to the measurement value transmission system 250. In such an example, when the measurement value transmission system 250 receives the transmission success signal STS1, the measurement value transmission system 250 executes the data retention release operation and ends the data retention state. With such a function, it should be understood that the user can know that the transmission of the measurement data was successful and can perform the next measurement process. The measurement value displayed on the measurement value display 209 may be kept fixed until the next measurement process is completed.

  In one implementation, the transmit operation cycle further includes a transmit cycle end operation. This transmission cycle end operation is executed after successful transmission of measurement data. Thereby, the operation of at least a part of the measurement value transmission system 250 is terminated. This operation end state continues until the user manually operates the actuator (eg, actuator 255) of the measurement value transmission system 250 again. During this end operation, power consumption can be reduced, and the amount of calculation processing can be kept constant. The measured value transmission system 250 also includes a wireless reception unit WRP (for example, including the antenna 261 and each part of the circuit element 253B) in addition to the wireless transmission unit WTP. In this case, the transmission cycle end operation is executed after receiving the transmission success signal STS1 from the remote system 180 as described above. Additionally or alternatively, the measurement value transmission system receives a transmission success signal from the remote system if the measurement data transmission fails (for example, within a certain period of time after starting the wireless transmission of the measurement data). If not, an error message may be presented to the user.

  In one implementation in which the first actuator 255 performs multiple functions as a transmit actuator, a power generation actuator, and / or a data retention actuator, state-dependent operations are used. For example, in one implementation, the state-dependent operation is that the user operates the actuator 255 (eg, presses the button 255) to perform the operation of starting the data retention state, and then operates the actuator 255 again. Means starting a series of operations including a transmission operation cycle and / or generating power necessary for data transmission. In such an implementation, the measurement data is fixed when the button 255 is pressed for the first time (for example, this allows the user to check whether the measurement value is accurate on the display. If you move any part by mistake, the measured value will not change.) Thereafter, when the button 255 is pressed for the second time, the fixed / confirmed measurement data is wirelessly transmitted to the remote system 180. As described above, in one implementation, upon receipt of the transmission success signal STS1 from the remote system 180, the display of the data holding state is released and / or the display indicating that the transmission is successful is started. Thereafter, the next measurement value is acquired and transmitted in the same procedure. That is, when the button 255 is pressed for the first time, new measurement data is fixed, and when the button 255 is pressed for the second time, wireless transmission of the new measurement data is started.

  Alternatively, in each implementation, a second actuator 257 may be provided that functions as a transmission actuator and / or a data retention actuator. For example, the second actuator 257 connected to the circuit element 253A has a switching function in one implementation while the work is converted into electric power using the first actuator 255 having the work conversion element WCE. It may be used to perform and function as a transmit actuator and / or a data retention actuator. In one implementation in which the second actuator 257 functions as a transmitting actuator, in one configuration, the user first operates the first actuator 255 to generate power used for wireless transmission, and then the user When the actuator 257 is operated, wireless transmission of measurement data may be started. In one implementation where the second actuator 257 functions as a data retention actuator, in one configuration, the measurement data is first fixed when the user operates the second actuator 257, and then the user activates the first actuator 255. In operation, a transmission operation cycle may be initiated and / or power used for wireless data transmission may be generated.

  As will be described in detail later, in each implementation, the measurement value transmission system 250 may include a data activation function that includes the transmission activation unit TAP2 and does not use the power generation unit EGP2. For example, the measurement value transmission system 250 has an external battery and / or is connected to the power source of the small measurement device 201 and uses power from the power source. In such an implementation, the function of the data holding actuator and the function of the transmission actuator are executed by one actuator. For example, in one configuration, the measurement data may be fixed when the user performs the first operation of the actuator, and then the transmission operation cycle may be initiated when the user performs the second operation of the actuator. At this time, power necessary for these operations is supplied from the power source (for example, battery) of the small measuring device 201 or the measured value transmission system 250. Alternatively, in one configuration, once the user operates the actuator, the measurement data may be fixed and a transmission operation cycle may be initiated (e.g., this allows the user to accurately And as described in the previous example, the measurement data is in a fixed state, indicating that the transmission process has not yet succeeded).

  The measurement value transmission system 250 shown in the examples of FIGS. 2A and 2B is stored in the main body BP2 and constitutes the measurement value transmission module MTM2. In the measurement value transmission module MTM2, at least an actuator 255 (for example, a transmission actuator, a power generation actuator, and / or a data holding actuator) is visible to the user. As will be described in more detail later, the measured value transmission module MTM2 is configured to mechanically and / or electronically connect to at least one connection feature (eg, data connection DCP2) of the small measurement device 201. May be. In some cases, the measured value transmission module MTM2 does not include a battery and does not consume power from the small measuring device 201 (for example, instead of receiving necessary power from the power generation unit EGP2). It may be configured to operate. In addition, by connecting the measurement value transmission module MTM2 to an existing caliper (for example, via an existing data port such as a data port of the data connection unit DCP2), a wireless transmission function of measurement data accompanied by a data holding operation and A power generation function necessary for wireless transmission of measurement data can be added. In another implementation, the measured value transmission system is stored in a small measuring instrument and provides such functionality. This will be described in detail later with reference to FIG.

  In the example of FIG. 2, the connection feature CF2A of the measurement value transmission system 250 has a device-side male connector 263 at the bottom. An optional connection feature CF2B has a meshing portion. In order to remove the meshing portion, a dedicated mesh release tool is required. The device-side male connector 263 of the measurement value transmission system 250 is accommodated in the data connection unit DCP2. The data connection unit DCP2 includes a female connector 219 of the small measuring device 201. The female connector 219 is a part of a primary output port of the small measuring device 201 for supplying measurement data to an external device (for example, the remote system 180 in FIG. 1). In one implementation, the female connector 219 includes a sealed elastic interconnector in which a plurality of conducting portions and non-conducting portions are alternately stacked. This is described in more detail in Patent Document 4 by the same applicant. The device-side male connector 263 can be a complementary connector. More generally, however, any suitable connection method can be used. The female connector 219 supplies an RS232 port, a serial port, an interface such as a digimatic interface suitable for a connector (eg, flat connector, circular 6-pin connector, flat 10-pin connector, etc.) or measurement data to an external device. Can be part of any other output port. Several types of output ports and connectors are described in further detail in commonly assigned US Pat. Such connectors are often used to wire-connect small measurement devices and external devices (eg, remote system 180 of FIG. 1), but instead, as described herein, a measurement value transmission system. It should be understood that measurement data can be wirelessly transmitted to a remote system by using such a connector to attach the device to a small measuring instrument.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, the small measuring instrument 201 includes a main scale 202 having a main scale and a slider 206 disposed on the main scale 202. The slider 206 is disposed on the main scale 202 so as to be slidable along the longitudinal axis of the main scale 202. The main scale 202 includes an inner measurement jaw 203 and an outer measurement jaw 204. The inner measurement jaw 203 and the outer measurement jaw 204 are attached to the upper and lower edges of the base end of the main scale, respectively. The small measuring instrument 201 further includes a scale 205. The scale 205 is attached to the inner part of the main scale along the longitudinal direction. Each of the inner measurement jaw 203 and the outer measurement jaw 204 is integrated with the main scale 202.

  On the outer surface of the slider 206, an inner measurement jaw 207 and an outer measurement jaw 208 are arranged. The inner measurement jaw 207 and the outer measurement jaw 208 are attached to the upper and lower edges of the proximal end, respectively. A measurement value display 209 is disposed on the front surface of the slider 206. A set screw 210 is screwed onto the slider 206. The position of the slider 206 is fixed by the set screw 210. A feed roller 211 is attached to the outer surface of the slider 206. As the feed roller 211 rotates in contact with the main scale of the main scale 202, the slider 206 moves.

  During the measurement operation, the slider 206 is moved by the feed roller 211 so that the inside of the measurement jaw 207 or the outside of the measurement jaw 208 contacts the target portion of the workpiece WP together with the inside of the measurement jaw 203 or the outside of the measurement jaw 204. . At this time, the displacement of the slider 206 is detected by the scale 205 provided on the main scale of the main scale 202 and the detection head of the slider 206. The signal of the detected measurement value (shown as the measurement dimension MD2 of the workpiece WP) is processed as measurement data by a circuit board (not shown). This measurement data is displayed as a display measurement value DM2 on a measurement value display 209 provided on the front side of the slider 206, and / or as described above, by the measurement value transmission system 250, the remote system (for example, the remote value of FIG. 1). Wirelessly transmitted to system 180).

  FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a measured value transmission system 350 according to a third exemplary embodiment connected to the small measuring device 301. The measurement value transmission system 350 has the same features as the measurement value transmission systems 150 and 250, and unless otherwise described below, the measurement value transmission system 350 is interpreted to operate in the same manner as the measurement value transmission systems 150 and 250. I want you to understand. As shown in FIG. 3, the measurement value transmission system 350 includes an actuator 355, a device-side male connector 363, a plurality of meshing fasteners 365, and a main body BP3 as a part of the measurement value transmission module MTM3. . The device-side male connector 363 is inserted into the female connector 219 provided in the data connection portion DCP3 of the small measuring device 301, similarly to the device-side male connector 263 of FIG. A plurality of holes 217 are formed in the small measuring device 301. Each meshing fastener 365 of the measured value transmission system 350 is inserted into each of these holes 217. In each implementation, each mating fastener 365 can be a fixed fastener, a semi-fixed fastener, or a removable fastener.

  In each implementation, actuator 355 functions as a power generation actuator, a transmission actuator, and / or a data retention actuator, similar to the operation described above with respect to actuator 255 in FIG. In the example of FIG. 3, only one actuator 355 is provided as a part of the measurement value transmission system 350. Thus, in one implementation in which the power generator is provided in the measured value transmission system 350, when the user operates the actuator 355 once (for example, pressing the button 355), the transmission operation cycle starts and the wireless data Generate the power required for transmission. Additionally or alternatively, state dependent operations may be utilized. For example, in one implementation that performs a data retention operation in the measured value transmission system 350, a state dependent operation initiates a data retention state when the user operates the actuator 355, and then transmits when the user operates the actuator 355 again. A series of operations including an operation cycle can be initiated and / or power required for data transmission can be generated. In such an implementation, when the button 355 is pressed for the first time, the measurement data is fixed (for example, this confirms whether or not the measurement value fixed by the user on the measurement value display 209 of the small measurement device 201 is accurate). Can do). Thereafter, when the button 355 is pressed for the second time, the fixed / confirmed measurement data is wirelessly transmitted to the remote system 180. In each implementation, when a transmission success signal from the remote system 180 is received or when it is determined that transmission is successful by another method, the measurement value display 209 is used to notify the user of the fact. For example, as described above, in one implementation, this notification may be made by releasing the fixed measurement value on the measurement value display 209. Alternatively, another display may be performed on the measurement value display 209 (for example, displaying “OK”).

  FIG. 4 is a measurement value transmission system 450 according to a fourth exemplary embodiment in which a recess for accommodating the measurement value transmission system 450 is formed, and the measurement value transmission system connected to the small-sized measuring device 401. FIG. The measured value transmission system 450 has the same features as the measured value transmission systems 150, 250, and 350, and operates in the same manner as the measured value transmission systems 150, 250, and 350 unless otherwise described below. It should be understood that The measurement value transmission system 450 and the small measurement device 401 are substantially the same as the measurement value transmission system 350 and the small measurement device 301 in FIG. 3, but mainly the concave portion 410 of the small measurement device 401 and the measurement value. The display 459 of the transmission system 450 is different.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the concave portion 410 as a whole has a shape that matches the outer dimension of the main body portion BP4 of the measurement value transmission module MTM4. The measurement value transmission module MTM4 includes a measurement value transmission system 450. The concave portion 410 includes a female connector 219 of the data connection portion DCP4 at the bottom thereof. The equipment-side male connector 463 of the measurement value transmission system 450 is inserted into the female connector 219. The recess 410 further has a plurality of holes 217. The meshing fasteners 465 of the measured value transmission system 450 are inserted into the holes 217, respectively.

  In one implementation, the recess 410 is such that when the measurement value transmission system 450 is secured within the recess 410 by a mating fastener 465, the body portion BP4 of the measurement value transmission system 450 is substantially the same as the surface of the small measurement device 401. The dimensions are such that they are flush and do not protrude excessively from the surface. In the present embodiment, the formation of such a recess 410 in the small measurement device 401 means that the measurement value transmission system 450 is integrally fitted in the recess 410 while maintaining the ideal ergonomic design of the small measurement device 401. It is advantageous in that it can be done. Alternatively, the measurement value transmission system 450 may be omitted for cost reduction, and the measurement value transmission system 450 may be purchased and attached as necessary after the fact. In addition, the same measurement value transmission system 450 can be used for the small measurement device of the above-described embodiment (for example, the small measurement device 301 in FIG. 3) in which the concave portion 410 is not formed. As a result, the number of models (models) of the measurement value transmission system 450 and / or the small measurement devices 301 and 401 can be reduced, and the number of necessary stocks can be reduced, so that there is a cost advantage.

  In each implementation, the display 459 presents various information regarding the operation of the measured value transmission system 450 to the user. For example, instead of the measurement value display 209 of the small measuring device 201, when a transmission success signal is received from the remote system 180 by the display 459 or when it is determined that the transmission has been successful by another method, the user is notified of the fact. To be notified. For example, when it is determined that the transmission is successful, the characters “OK” are displayed on the display 459 as shown in FIG. In other implementations, a larger display may be used (eg, displaying a fixed value of the measured data value, etc.). It should be understood that in any of the measurement value transmission systems 150, 250, and 350, a plurality of similar types of displays may be provided.

  FIG. 5 is a measurement value transmission system 550 according to a fifth exemplary embodiment for wirelessly transmitting measurement data to a remote system, wherein the measurement value transmission system 550 is stored in a small measurement device 501. FIG. The measured value transmission system 550 has the same features as the measured value transmission systems 150, 250, 350, and 450, and is the same as the measured value transmission systems 150, 250, 350, and 450 unless otherwise described below. It should be understood that it is interpreted as operating. The main body BP included in the measurement value transmission systems 250, 350, and 450 is a part of a removable and portable measurement value transmission module MTM. In contrast, the measurement value transmission system 550 is integrated as a part of the small measurement device 501 and is stored in the small measurement device 501 (for example, removable from the small measurement device 501 and others). It is not assumed that it can be attached to other measuring instruments as a normal function).

  In the example of FIG. 5, the measured value transmission system 550 has one actuator 555 (eg, shown as a “hold / send” button 555). Therefore, as described above with reference to FIG. 3, as in FIG. 3, each implementation uses a state-dependent operation for one actuator 555. For example, in one implementation, according to the state dependent operation function, when the user operates the actuator 555, the data holding state is started, and then when the user operates the actuator 555 again, a series of operations including a transmission operation cycle. And / or generate the power required for data transmission. During the operation, the measurement dimension MD2 of the workpiece WP is processed as measurement data, and the processing data is displayed on the measurement value display 209 as the display measurement value DM5 and / or the measurement value, as in the above-described implementation of FIG. The transmission system 550 wirelessly transmits to a remote system (for example, the remote system 180 of FIG. 1).

  Since the measurement value transmission system 550 is integrated with the small measurement device 501, in one implementation, the power supply (for example, battery) of the small measurement device 501 supplies part or all of the power necessary for measurement data transmission. can do. Alternatively, in one implementation, the power generation unit is provided in the measurement value transmission system 550, thereby supplying power necessary for wireless transmission so that the power of the main power source of the small measuring device 501 is not consumed when the wireless transmission is activated. May be. In each implementation, the measurement value transmission system is integrated with the small measurement device 501, and therefore, generally, any data holding operation (for example, measurement data) is performed using the measurement value display 209 and the memory of the small measurement device 501. Storage and display of the fixed values of the data, and some notification to the user when the measurement data is successfully transmitted). In another implementation, a separate indicator may be provided on a separate display or outer surface of the measurement transmission system 550.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a measurement system 600 according to an exemplary embodiment including circuit portions of a measurement value transmission system 650, a small measurement device 601, and a remote system 680. It should be understood that in each implementation, any or all of each circuit portion of FIG. 6 may represent each circuit portion of each component of FIGS. As shown in FIG. 6, the remote system 680 includes a computer system 682, a signal processing unit 688, a transmission / reception circuit 690, and an antenna 681. The computer system 682 includes a measurement data application program execution unit 692, a status and / or control operation unit 694, and a data confirmation operation status / cancellation operation unit 696. In each implementation, the computer system 682 can be a type of personal computing device such as a PC, tablet, or smartphone. As described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5, the remote system 680 can transmit and receive signals to and from the measurement value transmission system 650 using the antenna 681. For example, the remote system 680 can receive the transmitted measurement data and return a “successful transmission” signal to the measurement value transmission system 650 upon successful reception of the measurement data. In order to realize the transmission / reception operation, the transmission / reception circuit 690 includes various existing technologies (for example, a wireless USB transmission unit using a wireless protocol such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), another type of wireless protocol transmitter / receiver, etc.). Can be used.

  In each implementation, the signal processing unit 688 can be optionally provided. The signal processing unit 688 performs conversion into various formats or performs other functions, so that the signal received by the transmission / reception circuit 690 is converted from a raw state into a format suitable for processing by the measurement data application program execution unit 692. Can be converted. As an example, by using a protocol, the received raw measurement data can be converted into a measurement value that can be processed by the measurement data application program execution unit 692 (for example, input to spreadsheet software). In one implementation, the signal processing unit 688 includes irrelevant information (for example, header information) (for example, information that is not input to spreadsheet software, a measurement data application program execution unit, etc.) from the signal received by the transmission / reception circuit 690. Information that is not relevant to 692) is removed or otherwise processed. Instead of providing the independent signal processing unit 688, the measurement data application program execution unit 692 may directly process the raw measurement data, ID, signal, etc. received by the transmission / reception circuit 690.

  In each implementation, a manufacturer, a seller, or the like may design the measurement data application program execution unit 692 so that it can be used with one or more types of small measurement devices 601. In one implementation, the measurement data application program execution unit 692 includes a statistical processing control program for receiving measurement data from the small measuring device 601, and spreadsheet software or other program to which the measurement value indicated by the measurement data is input. You may have.

  The status and / or control operation unit 694 determines and / or otherwise receives a signal from the measurement data application program execution unit 692 indicating the status of the processing of the most recently received measurement data. The data confirmation operation status / cancellation operation unit 696 uses the determined status to transmit a confirmation signal and / or a cancellation signal from the status and / or control operation unit 694 to the signal processing unit 688 to measure the measured value transmission system. Indicates whether to return to 650. For example, as described above, in one implementation, the remote system 680 may return a successful transmission signal to the measured value transmission system 650 upon successful reception of the transmitted measurement data.

  As also shown in FIG. 6, the measured value transmission system 650 includes a power generation / transmission activation unit 652, a power management circuit 654, a low power microcontroller / memory 656, small measurement instrument data and / or status / control. An operation unit 657, a controller routine execution unit 658, a low power transmission / reception circuit 660, and an antenna 661 are included. In each implementation, each circuit component of the measured value transmission system 650 corresponds to a particular component of the measured value transmission system 150, 250, 350, 450, and / or 550. For example, in one implementation, the power generation / transmission activation unit 652 corresponds to the transmission activation unit TAP2 and the power generation unit EGP2 of FIGS. 2A and 2B. Furthermore, the circuit units 654 to 658 correspond to the circuit element 253A, and the low power transmission / reception circuit 660 corresponds to the circuit element 253B in FIGS. 2A and 2B.

  In each implementation, the power generation / transmission activation unit 652 may have one actuator (eg, actuator 255). Alternatively, the power generation / transmission activation unit 652 may include an actuator including a circuit unit dedicated to the power generation unit and an actuator including a circuit unit dedicated to the transmission activation unit. The power management circuit 654 adjusts the operation of the circuit unit of the measurement value transmission system 650 according to the amount of available power. In each implementation, the power management circuit 654 implements its function using various voltage regulation circuit elements and / or voltage detection circuit elements for monitoring the remaining power. For example, in one specific implementation, the power management circuit 654 monitors the amount of available power when the power generation / transmission activation unit 652 begins to operate, and the available power value reaches a predetermined threshold. If it falls below, the low power microcontroller / memory 656 may be commanded to stop operation. If the low-power microcontroller 656 continues to operate in a state where the power value is extremely low, an error may occur, but such a situation can be avoided by the above function. In general, based on the limitation on the amount of power generated by one operation cycle of the power generation / transmission activation unit 652, the measurement value transmission system 650 waits for a transmission success signal returned from the remote system 680. Time for being active (eg, in one specific and exemplary implementation, no more than about 10 seconds).

  In each implementation, the low power microcontroller / memory 656 operates as a central controller for the measurement transmission system 650. In each implementation, the low-power microcontroller / memory 656 processes measurement data from, for example, a small measurement device 601 (connected via a data port or connection wiring, etc.), and converts the measurement data into a format for transmission. It has functions such as converting, adding an arbitrary command or identifier to the measurement data as appropriate, outputting the measurement data to the low-power transmission / reception circuit 660, and transmitting it to the remote system 680. The small measurement device data and / or status / control operation unit 657 is used to facilitate communication between the small measurement device 601 and the low power microcontroller / memory 656. For example, if a data retention function is required, the small measurement instrument data and / or status / control action unit 657 determines an appropriate control signal and sends this signal to the small measurement instrument processing / control unit 612, Can be used to initiate a data retention function.

  The low power microcontroller / memory 656 also performs various operations in cooperation with the controller routine execution unit 658. The controller routine execution unit 658 includes an actuator operation unit 671, a hold / queue operation unit 672, a transmission operation unit 674, a signal reception operation unit 676, and an ID link operation unit 678. In each implementation, the actuator operation unit 671 determines when the user has operated the actuator and / or determines various state-dependent operations, as described above with reference to FIGS. Used. For example, in one exemplary implementation, the holding operation is started when the actuator is operated for the first time, and then the transmission operation is started when the actuator is operated for the second time. It is realized by.

  The holding / queue operation unit 672 is used to realize various data holding functions. For example, the hold / queue operation unit 672 stores measurement data in the low power microcontroller / memory 656 and / or sends a command to the small measurement instrument processing / control unit 612 when the user operates the data holding actuator. Thus, the measurement data can be stored as part of the holding operation in the small measuring device 601. As another example of operation of the hold / queue operation unit 672, when performing a data hold release operation (eg, as a result of receiving a successful transmission signal from the remote system 680), the low power microcontroller / memory 656 is a small measurement instrument. A signal may be transmitted to the processing / control unit 612 to end the data holding state.

  Further, the transmission operation unit 674 adds a serial number (serial number) to the measurement data, adds additional information (for example, device ID) to the measurement data, and / or converts the measurement data into various formats. It is used for conversion or adding a command for assisting the operation of the measurement data application program execution unit 692 of the remote system 680 to the measurement data. As a specific example, when the measurement data application program execution unit 692 inputs measurement data to the spreadsheet software, the transmission operation unit 674 may add an “enter” command to the end of the measurement data being transmitted. Thereby, in the spreadsheet application software, when the input of the measurement data being transmitted is completed, it moves to the next cell according to the “enter” command. Measurement data to be received next time is input to this destination cell.

  The signal receiving operation unit 676 is used to process a signal received from the remote system 680 or another system in each implementation. For example, as described above, in one implementation, the remote system 680 returns a transmission success signal to the measurement value transmission system 650 upon successful reception of measurement data. The signal receiving operation 676 may decode or otherwise process the format of such a signal received from the remote system 680. Further, according to one implementation, when the measurement value transmission system 650 needs to switch between the transmission mode and the reception mode, the signal reception operation unit 676 determines the timing for starting the transmission mode and the reception mode. Assist the adjustment process.

  Also, the ID link operation unit 678 determines the model of the device that is the transmission source of the measurement data, and / or the device that is the transmission source of the measurement data when there are a plurality of devices. It is used to add information necessary for the measurement to the measurement data to be transmitted. For example, a plurality of small measuring devices may transmit measurement data to one remote system 680 within a predetermined period. In this case, it is desirable that the remote system 680 can determine a small measurement device that is a transmission source of a currently received measurement data set among a plurality of small measurement devices. Further, various types of small measuring devices (for example, different types of calipers, measuring devices (gauge), etc.) may be able to transmit measurement data. In this case, since the remote system 680 interprets or processes the measurement data in a different manner depending on the model, it is necessary to appropriately identify these small measurement devices.

  As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the various exemplary circuit portions of measurement system 600 typically consist of or be implemented in any type of computing system or device. Can do. Such a computing system or device may have one or more processors that execute software that implements the functions described herein. These processors may include programmable general purpose or special purpose microprocessors, programmable controllers, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), etc., or combinations thereof. The software can be stored in a memory such as a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), a flash memory, or a combination thereof. The software may also be stored on one or more storage devices, such as a magnetic or optical disk, a flash memory device, or any other type of non-volatile storage medium for storing data. Software has one or more program modules, which routines, programs, objects, components, data structures that perform a specific task or implement a specific abstract data type Etc. may be included. In a distributed computing environment, the functionality of program modules may be combined or distributed across multiple computing systems or devices and accessed via either wired or wireless configuration service calls. .

  The problem solving and related principles described below with reference to FIGS. 7 to 10 are different from the problem solving and related principles described above with reference to FIGS. Various combinations of the elements, principles and operations described above with reference to FIGS. 1-6 may be used in various implementations of the measurement transmission module. The measured value transmission module can be connected to a battery-powered portable measuring device. The measured value transmission module uses the power generated by the user (mostly the power generated by the user or only the power generated by the user), and the acquired measurement data from the portable measuring device. Wireless transmission to the remote data node is possible. In particular, the user may activate a small mechanical energy generator provided in the module (for example, in combination with the user pressing a button as a trigger for transmitting measurement data). This eliminates the need to use battery power from a battery-powered portable measuring device for wireless transmission of data.

  However, according to the technique described above, data can be wirelessly transmitted without consuming battery resources of the battery-powered portable measuring device, but it is necessary for the user to manually operate the data. Therefore, there is a problem that the practicality of the measurement value transmission module is limited.

  In order to achieve high practicality and value, ideally, a wireless transmission module should be adaptable to as many types of battery-powered portable measuring instruments as possible. Some battery-powered portable measuring instruments are not compact. The power generating actuator disclosed above is impractical for non-compact battery powered portable measuring instruments. For example, a battery-type position measurement scale used as follows is also known. That is, a battery type caliper reading head and a scale member are mounted on a drilling machine or a lathe, and the displacement of the machine itself (a drilling machine or a lathe) is measured and displayed. In some cases, it may be desirable to attach such a measurement scale member to the bottom or back of the machine itself (such as a drilling machine or lathe) and continuously send measurements to a “remote” display that can be installed anywhere. Sometimes. In this case, a wireless transmission module that needs to be pressed is not practical. In other words, the existing battery-type (or wired power supply) wireless transmission attachment that provides an interface to connect to such a scale and is installed in an inconvenient location is large, bulky, and requires troublesome battery replacement. It is necessary to install power wiring permanently in an inconvenient location. Furthermore, such existing data transmission devices are difficult to handle ergonomically and are not easy to use for anyone after being mounted on a small battery powered portable measuring instrument.

  Of course, there are a certain number of users who are resistant to replacing the battery in the battery-type portable measuring device. Today, many such devices can operate for several years on a single button cell or coin cell battery of less than 12 millimeters in diameter. It is desirable to extend battery life. Devices that run out of battery are often not used (similar to watches and the like). Similarly, there may be users who are reluctant to replace the battery of the desired wireless data transmission module.

  In view of the above circumstances, of course, it is desirable that the wireless data transmission module operates and continuously supplies measurement data almost continuously without the need for battery power or manual operation. The wireless data transmission module is preferably capable of responding to remote requests for measurement data from remote data nodes. Along with / alternatively, when the remote data node is in the vicinity of the wireless data transmission module, the wireless data transmission module simply transmits measurement data automatically or semi-automatically (regardless of the remote request) Is desirable. The wireless data transmission module is preferably compact, lightweight, ergonomically usable, and easy to use after being mounted on various small battery type portable measuring devices. At the same time, it is desirable that the wireless data transmission module be installed at an inconvenient location and be operable with battery-powered measuring equipment attached to the machine itself (such as a drilling machine or lathe). The wireless data transmission module preferably operates over a range of convenient distances from the remote data node. Since the user may inadvertently disturb the measurement position of the measuring device, it is desirable to start up and transmit measurement values without the effort of inadvertently changing the position of the hand or pressing a button.

  All of the desirable features outlined above are realized through a combination of features of various implementations and related principles described below with reference to FIGS. 7-10. The data transmission module can generate power (power harvest / energy harvest; hereinafter simply referred to as power generation) (mostly by power generation or only by power generation) and / or using power wirelessly supplied from a remote data node The measurement data from the battery-powered portable measuring device is input, and the corresponding measurement data signal is wirelessly transmitted to the remote data node. When the data transmission module inputs measurement data and wirelessly transmits a measurement data signal to the remote data node, the data transmission module does not use power from the battery of the battery-powered portable measurement device. Generally, existing general-purpose wireless power generation and data communication solutions are large and / or power intensive. For this reason, existing solutions are undesirable or unacceptable for use as an option or “built-in” to existing small battery powered portable measuring instruments. Some existing wireless power generation and data communication solutions used in medicine are small enough, but the power generation range is insufficient and inconvenient. The wireless data transmission module according to each implementation disclosed below solves such a problem.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a data transmission module 750 according to a seventh exemplary implementation. In the figure, a data transmission module 750 is connected to a battery-powered portable measuring device 701 and works in a work area WA (for example, a measurement station work surface or desk, or an area of a size such as an industrial work “work cell”). The measurement data TMD1 is wirelessly transmitted from the battery-type portable measurement device 701 to the remote data node 780 over the distance WD. In each implementation, it can be said that the wireless devices in the work area WA are included in the “personal measurement network”. The transmitted measurement data TMD1 may be related to one or more measurement values (for example, measurement dimension MD1) of the workpiece WP acquired by the battery-type portable measurement device 701. The remote data node 780 may include a field generation / reception unit 781 and a remote device interface / circuit unit 770. The field generation / reception unit 781 is connected to the generation / reception circuit 790. The remote device interface / circuit unit 770 may include various operation circuits and routines 782 and a user interface 795.

  In one implementation, the user interface 795 may include a measurement display 795A, a touch screen 795B, and the like. Touch screen 795B displays text and / or control elements. The operation circuit and the routine 782 may be realized by a processor and a memory. Accordingly, the various operations outlined with reference to the measurement data application program execution unit 692, the status and / or control operation unit 694, and the data confirmation operation status / release operation unit 696 realized by the computer system 682 of FIG. The same operation is realized. In addition to / alternatively, other operations described herein or other desired operations are realized.

  The field generation / reception unit 781 and the generation / reception circuit 790 will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS. 8A to 8C. In general, the field generation / reception unit 781 and the generation / reception circuit 790 generate at least one energy supply field STS1 (eg, to power the data transmission module) and wirelessly receive the measurement data signal from the data transmission module 750. Configured to do.

  Measurement data from the battery-powered portable measuring device 701 may be displayed as the display measurement value DM1 on the built-in display 709 of the battery-powered portable measuring device 701 and / or the user interface (for example, display) 795 of the remote data node 780.

  In each implementation, the data transmission module 750 may be an attachment that is attached to the battery-powered portable measuring device 701 as a battery-free accessory. In each implementation, the data transmission module 750 includes a main body (details will be described later), a field reception / wireless data generation unit 761, and a data transmission / energy management circuit 760. The field reception / wireless data generation unit 761 and the data transmission / energy management circuit 760 will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS. 8A to 8C. The main body is configured to physically connect to the battery-powered portable measuring device 701. The field reception / wireless data generation unit 761 is configured to receive the energy supply field STS1 from the remote data node 780. In general, the field reception / wireless data generation unit 761 may be connected to a transmission circuit included in the data transmission / energy management circuit 760. Thereby, the measurement data signal can be wirelessly transmitted to the remote data node 780 (details will be described later). Data transmission / energy management circuit 760 includes a data connector. The data connector of the data transmission / energy management circuit 760 is configured to be connected to the data connector of the battery-powered portable measuring device 701. Measurement data from the battery-type portable measuring device 701 may be input to the data transmission / energy management circuit 760 via the data connector. The data transmission / energy management circuit 760 may wirelessly transmit the measurement data signal TMD1 corresponding to the input measurement data to the remote data node 780 using the field reception / wireless data generation unit 761.

In each implementation, the battery-powered portable measuring device 701 may be supplied with power from a battery. However, this battery is not part of the data transmission module 750 and is not connected to the data transmission module 750 for power supply. That is, the battery-type portable measuring device 701 is driven by a battery independent of the data transmission module 750. This “independent battery” is configured to display and operate measurement data on the built-in display 709 regardless of whether or not the battery-powered portable measuring device 701 is connected to the data transmission module 750. In each implementation, the field reception / wireless data generation unit 761 transmits the measurement data signal to the remote data node 780 wirelessly by the following a), b) or c), that is, a) generated energy,
b) Modulated reflection of energy supply field STS1 received from remote data node 780, or combination with energy supply field STS1 received from remote data node 780, or c) a combination of a) and b) Is done. Details of these will be described later.

  In each implementation, the various protocols and commands for holding, transmitting and receiving measurement data may be implemented as outlined in this article, or in some cases, according to known methods. .

  In each implementation, the system outlined above may be configured to use a field reception / wireless data generator 761 that is relatively small and ergonomically practical. If the battery-powered portable measuring device 701 and the data transmission module 750 are relatively close to the remote data node 780 (for example, a working distance of about 1 to 2 meters within a typically used work area WA), the data Sufficient power (eg, about 10 microwatts, etc.) can be provided to the transmit module 750. This system may operate according to various principles disclosed in this paper. In the following, effective components and techniques for energy generation and data transmission will be described.

  8A-8C are block diagrams illustrating various forms of energy supply field coupling and data transmission between each data transmission module 850A-850C and each remote data node 880A-880C, according to an exemplary implementation. .

  FIG. 8A shows a remote data node 880A and a data transmission module 850A. Of course, a component given a specific reference number in FIG. 8A is a component given a similar reference number in FIG. 7 (for example, a component suffixed by the same number “XX”, such as 7XX and 8XX). Corresponding and / or similar operations may be performed and generally understood by analogy unless otherwise noted.

  The remote data node 880A has a field generation / reception unit 881A. The field generation / reception unit 881A is connected to the generation / reception circuit 890A. The generation / reception circuit 890A is connected to the processor 888A. The processor 888A is connected to the remote device interface / circuit unit 870A. The data transmission module 850A includes a field reception / wireless data generation unit 861A. Field reception / wireless data generation unit 861A is connected to data transmission / energy management circuit 860A.

  In the implementation shown in FIG. 8A, the field generation / reception unit 881A and the field reception / wireless data generation unit 861A may be electric loop antennas. The energy supply field (indicated by power transmission P1) generated by the field generation / reception unit 881A may be an oscillating magnetic field. The oscillating magnetic field is inductively coupled to the field reception / wireless data generation unit 861A (the field reception / wireless data generation unit 861A receives the oscillating magnetic field). Such dielectric coupling may be realized according to a known method. For example, known RFID system technology can be cited (for example, see below: http://rfid-handbook.de/about-rfid.html.).

  In each implementation, the field generation / reception unit 881A connected to the matching circuit 891A and the field reception / wireless data generation unit 861A connected to the matching circuit 863A are resonances formed as part of the resonant inductive coupling configuration. You may have a circuit. The resonant dielectric coupling configuration may be realized according to a known principle. For example, various electric loop antennas and impedance matching and / or resonance circuits useful for the matching circuits 863A and 891A may be implemented according to the principles disclosed in Patent Documents 6 to 10. Such resonant dielectric coupling can greatly increase coupling and power transfer compared to configurations without resonant dielectric coupling (eg, about 10 to 1000 times in each implementation). In the illustrated implementation, the generation / reception circuit 890A of the remote data node 880A includes a matching circuit 891A, a supply / transmission circuit 894A, and a reception circuit 893A. These circuits may be realized according to known principles. For example, since it is described in the patent literature, it will be briefly described in this paper.

  In short, the matching circuit 891A may be configured to give a desired impedance and / or adjust the resonance frequency of the field generation / reception unit 881A. The supply / transmission circuit 894A and the reception circuit 893A may be connected to the field generation / reception unit 881A via the matching circuit 891A. Supply / transmission circuit 894A is configured to drive an oscillating magnetic field (eg, at a resonant frequency to transmit power P1). The oscillating magnetic field can be inductively coupled to the field reception / wireless data generation unit 861A (the field reception / wireless data generation unit 861A receives the oscillating magnetic field). Although details will be described later, the data transmission / energy management circuit 860A modulates the impedance (or load) of the field reception / wireless data generation unit 861A because the data transmission module 850A transmits data (see MLOAD2 in FIG. 8A). That's fine. The reception circuit 893A may detect the modulation impedance MLOAD2 of the field generation / reception unit 881A. Briefly, the field reception / wireless data generation unit 861A applies a dielectric load to the oscillating magnetic field (takes out energy from the oscillating magnetic field). The receiving circuit 893A may monitor the modulation load impedance. For example, as schematically shown in FIG. 8A, the modulation load impedance is monitored by monitoring the voltage drop at the internal resistance of the circuit that drives the field generation / reception unit 881A. In one known implementation, the receiving circuit 893A only needs to demodulate the AC voltage at the monitored internal resistance and detect the fluctuation of the demodulated signal constituting the transmission data.

  In the implementation schematically shown in FIG. 8A, supply / transmission circuit 894A may be configured to modulate the drive amplitude of the oscillating magnetic field to be controlled by processor 888A to transmit data. The reception circuit 867A of the data transmission / energy management circuit 860A may detect the modulation amplitude of the oscillating magnetic field received by the field reception / wireless data generation unit 861A (details will be described later).

  As inferred from the remote device interface / circuit unit 770 described above, the remote device interface / circuit unit 870A may have similar components that may be implemented in conjunction with the processor 888A.

  In the illustrated implementation, the data transmission / energy management circuit 860A of the data transmission module 850A includes a matching circuit 863A, a power generation circuit 864A, a reception circuit 867A, an energy storage device 862A, a processor / memory 866A, and a data connector 868A. And a transmission circuit 865A. These circuits may be realized according to known principles. For example, since it is described in the patent literature, it will be briefly described in this paper.

  In short, the matching circuit 863A may be configured to provide a desired impedance and / or tune the resonant frequency of the field reception / wireless data generation unit 861A according to the principle outlined above. The power generation circuit 864A and the reception circuit 867A may be connected to the field reception / wireless data generation unit 861A via the matching circuit 891A. The power generation circuit 864A is configured to rectify and boost the voltage obtained from the current of the field reception / wireless data generation unit 861A by the oscillating magnetic field (see, for example, Patent Document). The energy storage device 862A (for example, a super capacitor) is connected to the power generation circuit 864A, is charged with the output voltage of the power generation circuit 864A, and supplies power to various components of the data transmission module 850A.

  In the implementation schematically shown in FIG. 8A, the transmission circuit 865A modulates the impedance (or load) of the field reception / wireless data generation unit 861A so that the data transmission module 850A transmits data (see MLOAD2 in FIG. 8A). do it. In one implementation, the processor / memory may receive measurement data from the battery powered portable measurement device 701 via the data connector 868A. The processor / memory only has to modulate the impedance of the field reception / wireless data generation unit 861A in order to operate the transmission circuit 865A and transmit the measurement data (see, for example, the reception circuit 893A of the remote data node 880A). According to the principle outlined above). In one embodiment, as schematically illustrated in FIG. 8A, the transmit circuit 865A uses a transistor controlled by the processor to change (eg, short) the internal impedance and use a field receive / wireless data generator 861A. Modulates the impedance.

  When the remote data node 880A operates to modulate the driving amplitude of the oscillating magnetic field to transmit data, the receiving circuit 867A may derive the modulated amplitude derived, for example, by monitoring the voltage drop across the test resistor of the receiving circuit 867A. May be monitored. In one known implementation, the receiving circuit 867A only needs to demodulate the AC voltage monitored by the test resistor and detect the fluctuation of the demodulated signal constituting the transmission data.

  As shown or suggested herein, the processor / memory 866A may be connected to send and receive various signals and to operate as outlined herein. The processor / memory 866A may include the module circuit / operation unit 858A or may be connected to the module circuit / operation unit 858A in order to realize related operations. As outlined with reference to FIG. 6, the module circuit / operation unit 858A includes the actuator operation unit 671, the holding / queue operation unit 672, the transmission operation unit 674, and the signal reception operation realized by the controller routine execution unit 658. A circuit or a routine useful for realizing various operations similar to the various operations outlined with reference to the unit 676 and the ID link operation unit 678 may be provided.

  FIG. 8B shows a remote data node 880B and a data transmission module 850B. Of course, components labeled with specific reference numbers in FIG. 8B may correspond to and / or operate similarly to components labeled with similar reference numbers in FIG. 8A, and unless otherwise noted, It only needs to be understood by analogy. Therefore, in the following description, only important differences are emphasized. The remote data node 880B has a field generation / reception unit 891B ′. The field generation / reception unit 891B ′ is connected to the generation / reception circuit 890B. The data transmission module 850B includes a field reception / wireless data generation unit 861B. Field reception / wireless data generation unit 861B is connected to data transmission / energy management circuit 860B.

  In the implementation shown in FIG. 8B, the field generator / receiver 891B ′ and the field receiver / wireless data generator 861B may be RF antennas (eg, metal “tag” antennas used in RFID members, dipole antennas, strip antennas). etc). In general, the size of the field generation / reception unit 891B ′ is not limited. In general, the antenna of the field generation / reception unit 891B ′ may have any design for the purpose of transmitting a desired level of power to the field reception / wireless data generation unit 861B. On the other hand, it is desirable that the field reception / wireless data generation unit 861B is relatively compact and compatible with the ergonomic design of the data transmission module 850B. In each implementation, the energy supply field (indicated by power transmission P1) generated by the field generator / receiver 891B ′ may include the desired RF and / or UHF frequency of electromagnetic radiation. The field reception / wireless data generation unit 861B receives electromagnetic radiation. Such coupling may be realized according to a known method. For example, known RFID system technology can be cited (for example, see below: http://rfid-handbook.de/about-rfid.html.). Various appropriate antennas and related circuits to be described later may be implemented according to the principles disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Documents, Patent Documents 11 to 13, and Non-Patent Documents 1 to 2, for example.

  As outlined, the generation / reception circuit 890B of the remote data node 880B differs from the generation / reception circuit 890A in that it uses an RF antenna. The generation / reception circuit 890B includes a circuit similar to the circuit of the generation / reception circuit 890A and a directional coupler 892B. Directional coupler 892B connects reception circuit 893B and supply / transmission circuit 894B to field generation / reception unit 891B ′ via matching circuit 891B (this is optional depending on the implementation). These circuits may be realized according to known principles. For example, since it is described in the patent literature, it will be briefly described in this paper.

  The supply / transmission circuit 894B drives the field generation / reception unit 891B ′ via the directional coupler 892B in order to generate a radial field (for example, to transmit power P1). The field reception / wireless data generation unit 861B can receive a radial field. Although details will be described later, the data transmission / energy management circuit 860B may modulate the impedance of the field reception / wireless data generation unit 861B in order for the data transmission module 850B to transmit data (see MP2 in FIG. 8B). The reception circuit 893B may detect the impedance modulation. Briefly, according to the known principle of backscatter coupling, the impedance modulation affects (modulates) the reflected power MP2 received by the field generator / receiver 891B ′. Depending on the implementation, the field reception / wireless data generation unit 861B and the matching circuit 863B may be configured to resonate with the radial wavefront from the field generation / reception unit 891B ′. Thereby, a comparatively large reflection cross section is obtained. The receiving circuit 893A may monitor the reflected power MP2 via the directional coupler 892B according to a known method. For example, the ratio between the power P1 transmitted by the field generation / reception unit 891B ′ and the reflected power MP2 can be estimated using the “radar equation” and a known circuit technique. This change in ratio constitutes the transmitted data.

  In general, the other components in FIG. 8B are understood to operate similar to the corresponding components in FIG. 8A and may be understood based on the above description. It will be recognized by those skilled in the art and / or based on patent literature and the like that modifications for adaptation are necessary.

  FIG. 8C shows a remote data node 880C and a data transmission module 850C. Of course, components labeled with specific reference numbers in FIG. 8C may correspond to and / or operate similarly to components labeled with similar reference numbers in FIGS. 8A and / or 8B, unless otherwise noted. As long as there is not, it should generally be understood by analogy. Therefore, in the following description, only important differences are emphasized. The remote data node 880C includes a field generation unit 881C and a field reception unit 881C ′. The field generation unit 881C and the field reception unit 881C ′ are connected to the generation / reception circuit 890C. The data transmission module 850C includes a field reception unit 861C and a wireless data generation unit 861C ′. The field reception unit 861C and the wireless data generation unit 861C ′ are connected to the data transmission / energy management circuit 860C.

  In the implementation shown in FIG. 8C, the field generation unit 881C and the field reception unit 861C may be electrical loops. The accompanying components and operations may be inferred from FIG. 8A. However, in the data transmission module 850C of this implementation, the field generation unit 881C and the field reception unit 861C are used only for energy transmission and power generation. Therefore, the receiving circuit is not included in this. The field receiver 881C ′ and the wireless data generator 861C ′ may be RF or UHF antennas. Data may be transmitted between the field reception unit 881C ′ and the wireless data generation unit 861C ′ by using only the generated power and / or stored energy from the energy storage device 852C using a known method. The system implementation of FIG. 8C can be useful, for example, to constantly display measurements from the data transmission module 850C and attached measurement equipment.

  Of course, in the system configuration of FIG. 8C, the components 880Ct and 880Cr may be physically separated if necessary (eg, at the dotted line DL of the remote data node 780 of FIG. 7). Depending on the implementation, the components 880Ct and 880Cr may be separate power sources. Alternatively, in other implementations, components 880Ct and 880Cr may be connected by power and signal connections. In any case, the components 880Ct and 880Cr are provided in the work area (for example, the work area WA in FIG. 7) for convenience and / or to improve the wireless connection when there are obstacles in the surroundings. ) Around each other.

  FIG. 9A is a perspective view schematically showing a part of the data transmission module 950 according to the seventh exemplary implementation. The data transmission module 950 is connected to a battery-powered portable measurement device 901 that wirelessly transmits measurement data to a remote data node (eg, remote data node 780 in FIG. 7). Of course, components labeled with specific reference numbers in FIG. 9A may correspond to and / or operate similarly to components labeled with similar reference numbers in FIGS. 7, 8A-8C and FIG. Unless otherwise noted, generally, it may be understood by analogy. Therefore, in the following description, only important differences are emphasized. The data transmission module 950 includes a main body portion BP9, a circuit board assembly 951 provided inside the main body portion BP9 (shown schematically by a dotted line), and a cover BP9 ′. As illustrated, the main body BP9 has a typical coupling mechanism CF9 (any of various known mechanical coupling mechanisms (not shown)). The coupling mechanism CF9 may be mechanically connected to the meshing mechanism of the slider 206 according to the principle outlined above. Thereby, the data transmission module 950 is fixed to the battery-type portable measuring device 901. The region BP9cp of the main body BP9 may be a connector region. The size and connection mechanism of the region BP9cp (connector region) of the main body BP9 may be the same as or the same as the corresponding mechanism of the main body BP4 of the module MTM4 of FIG. The following outline is applicable to both. The size and shape of the main body BP9 are somewhat different from the size and shape of the main body BP4 in FIG. This is because the main body BP9 is mainly intended to have a large capacity in order to accommodate the relatively large field reception / wireless data generation unit 961. However, the function is almost the same. The purpose of the relatively large field reception / wireless data generation unit 961 is to generate a larger amount of energy by transmitting a larger amount of power from a remote data node (eg, the remote data node 780 of FIG. 7). In general, the larger the field reception / wireless data generation unit 961, the more power can be transmitted and the more energy can be generated. However, in an implementation designed to generate electricity very efficiently and / or to work with a short working distance WD (see WD in FIG. 7), a relatively large field The reception / wireless data generation unit 961 and the circuit board assembly 951 may be suitable for use in a main body having the same size as that of the main body BP4, if necessary.

  In each of the mounting forms shown in FIG. 9A and the like, like the main body BP9 in FIG. 9A, ergonomically, the shape of the main body is the main body of the portion (for example, slider (read head) 206) to which the main body is connected. It is desirable to have the same shape as In each mounting form, when the main body BP9 of the data transmission module 950 is physically connected to the battery-type portable measuring device 901, a large part of the volume of the data transmission module 950 is located at the rear part of the battery-type portable measuring device 901. What is necessary is just to comprise (for example, the rear part of the battery-type portable measuring device 901 is the other side of the built-in display 909 etc. which were provided in the front part of the battery-type portable measuring device 901). In addition, the relatively large field reception / wireless data generation unit 961 is disposed within the capacity of the rear part of the battery-powered portable measurement device 901 when the data transmission module 950 is physically connected to the battery-powered portable measurement device 901. do it. In each implementation, when the circuit board assembly 951 having the relatively large field reception / wireless data generation unit 961 is mounted on the main body BP9, between the circuit board assembly 951 and the rear part of the battery-powered portable measuring device 901, A desired interval Dsep may be interposed. This generally allows the energy supply field from the remote data node to be received more efficiently, especially when the rear of the battery-powered portable measuring device 901 is made of metal. Similar considerations are mentioned in some patent documents. Depending on the implementation, the spacing Dsep is at least 2 millimeters or 4 millimeters or more due to constraints for ergonomic design of the body portion BP9.

  As shown in FIG. 9A, in some implementations, the data transmission module 950 may optionally include a low power actuator 955 ′ and / or a power generation indicator 959 ′. In contrast to actuator 455, low power actuator 955 ′ does not generate energy and consumes significantly less energy. In other respects, however, the operation and protocol of the low power actuator 955 ′ is similar to the operation and protocol for the actuator disclosed above in this paper. Similarly, the power generation indicator 959 ′ also consumes significantly less energy. The power generation indicator 959 ′ may indicate to the user whether power generation and / or energy storage is at the operating level of the data transmission module 950 (eg, whether the device is within the working distance WD or outside of the remote data node). Is there?)

  The illustrated circuit board assembly 951 includes a relatively large field reception / wireless data generator 961. The relatively large field reception / wireless data generation unit 961 is connected to the data transmission / energy management circuit 960. The data transmission / energy management circuit 960 incorporates a module circuit / operation unit 958 to implement related operations (all operations outlined above with reference to corresponding components in FIGS. 8A-8C). May be. The illustrated data transmission / energy management circuit 960 further includes a data connector element 968 ′. At the time of attachment, the data connector element 968 ′ is connected and / or coupled to the data connector 968 in the connector region BP9cp of the main body BP9 by a known method. In general, the configuration of the data transmission modules 850A to 850C realized by the data transmission module 950 may be any of various configurations. Of course, the illustrated data transmission module 950 according to the implementation described above is merely illustrative and not limiting. More generally, the data transmission module may realize any combination of various mechanisms or configurations of the data transmission modules 850A to 850C, and may be any combination that allows desired operation. Various known fabrication and assembly methods may be used in accordance with the principles disclosed herein.

  FIG. 9B is a perspective view schematically showing a part of the data transmission module 950B according to the seventh exemplary implementation. Of course, components labeled with specific reference numbers in FIG. 9B may correspond to and / or operate similarly to components labeled with similar reference numbers in FIG. 9A, and unless otherwise noted, It only needs to be understood by analogy. Therefore, in the following description, only important differences are emphasized.

  The data transmission module 950B has a main body BP9 ′. The main body BP9 ′ may accommodate the circuit board assembly 951B by a known method (different from the main body BP9). Unlike the circuit board assembly 951 of FIG. 9A, the circuit board assembly 951B may be any known type of “rigid flexible” assembly and has one or more tab portions 951a-951d. Each tab unit may accommodate one or more corresponding additional field reception / wireless data generation units 961a to 961d. The tab portion may be bent about 90 degrees with respect to the main body portion BP9 ′ before being assembled to the main body portion BP9 ′. Each of the additional field reception / wireless data generation units 961a to 961d may include an appropriate matching circuit (for example, any one of the above-described matching circuits 863A to 863C). The matching circuit may be built in the data transmission / energy management circuit 960B by a known method (for example, a method disclosed in patent literature).

  The configuration of FIG. 9B includes a field reception area expanded by the additional field reception / wireless data generation units 961a to 961d, so that more power can be transmitted from the remote data node (for example, the remote data node 780 of FIG. 7). It can be advantageous in that energy generation can be realized. By arranging the various field reception / wireless data generation units 961 and 961a to 961d in a three-dimensional manner, there is a possibility of increasing power generation in an unexpected operation direction.

  As shown above with reference to FIG. 9A, configured to be able to generate electricity very efficiently and / or designed to operate in response to a short working distance WD (see WD in FIG. 7) In the implemented configuration, the relatively large field reception / wireless data generation unit 961 and the circuit board assembly 951 are made suitable for use in the main unit having the same size as the main unit BP4, if necessary. Also good. By adopting the configuration of the additional field receiving area and the three-dimensional arrangement shown in FIG. 9B, it is advantageous to adapt to use in the main body having the same size as the main body BP4.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary implementation of a routine 1000 for wirelessly transmitting a measurement data signal from a battery-powered portable measurement device to a remote data node using a data transmission module. At block 1010, the field receiver of the data transmission module receives the energy supply field of the remote data node. The data transmission module generates energy from the energy supply field. The data transmission module stores at least a part of the generated energy in the data transmission module. At block 1020, a communication connection is established between the data transmission module and the remote data node. In each implementation, the remote data node receives the predetermined amount of energy generated by the data transmission module, and the establishment of the communication connection may be started. For example, a data transmission module may initially be inactive if it is not within a certain distance (eg, 1 meter, etc.) from the remote data node. When the data transmission module is within the specific distance, it performs the function for “wake-up” and only needs to be activated. The data transmission module receives power from the remote data node and starts generating power. In this process, when the data transmission module detects that it is within a specific distance, it may establish a communication connection. In addition / alternatively, when the data transmission module detects that it has received energy from the remote data node, it may establish a communication connection. In each implementation, a communication connection may be established by transmitting a specific type of communication connection code and / or measurement data.

In block 1030, measurement data is input from the battery-powered portable measuring device to the data transmission module via the data connector. In block 1040, the data transmission module wirelessly transmits a measurement data signal corresponding to the input measurement data to the remote data node using the wireless data generation unit. When the wireless data generation unit wirelessly transmits the measurement data signal to the remote data node, the following (a), (b) or (c), that is, (a) generated energy,
(B) Modulation reflection of the energy supply field received from the remote data node, or combination with modulation reflection of the energy supply field received from the remote data node, or (c) a combination of (a) and (b) It is configured as follows.
In each implementation, the wireless data generation unit may be configured to use or mainly use (a), (b), or (c) when wirelessly transmitting a measurement data signal to a remote data node. .

  While preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described, many variations on the arrangement and sequence of operations illustrated and described will be apparent to those skilled in the art based on the present disclosure. Various alternative shapes and forms can be used to implement the principles disclosed herein. Furthermore, another embodiment can be provided by combining the above embodiments. Reference is made to the disclosure of all patent documents mentioned in this specification, which forms a part of the present invention. If necessary, each aspect of the present embodiment can be changed by adopting the concept of each patent document. Thereby, still another embodiment can be provided.

  Various modifications can be made to the present embodiment in light of the above description. In general, terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the scope of the claims to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims. Rather, it should be construed to include the full scope of equivalents of the claims in addition to all possible embodiments.

701, 901 ... Battery-powered portable measuring device 750, 850A, 850B, 850C, 950, 950B ... Data transmission module 780, 880A, 880B, 880C ... Remote data node

Claims (19)

A data transmission module that inputs measurement data from a battery-powered portable measuring device and wirelessly transmits a corresponding measurement data signal to a remote data node,
The remote data node is configured to generate at least one energy supply field and configured to wirelessly receive the measurement data signal from the data transmission module;
The data transmission module includes:
A main body configured to be physically connected to the battery-powered portable measuring device;
A field receiver configured to receive the energy supply field from the remote data node;
A wireless data generator for wirelessly transmitting the measurement data signal to the remote data node;
A data transmission / energy management circuit having a data connector configured to connect with a data connector of the battery-powered portable measuring instrument,
Generating energy from the field received by the field receiver, storing at least a portion of the generated energy in the data transmission module, and managing the generated energy;
Establishing a communication connection with the remote data node;
Input the measurement data from the battery-powered portable measuring device via the data connector,
The data transmission / energy management circuit for performing an operation of wirelessly transmitting the measurement data signal corresponding to the input measurement data to the remote data node using the wireless data generation unit;
The battery-powered portable measuring device is driven by a battery independent of the data transmission module, and is configured to display the measurement data on a built-in display.
When the wireless data generation unit wirelessly transmits the measurement data signal to the remote data node, the following a), b) or c), that is, a) the generated energy,
b) Modular reflection of the energy supply field received from the remote data node, or combination with the energy supply field received from the remote data node, or c) a combination of a) and b) Data transmission module. A data transmission module according to claim 1,
The data transmission module does not include a chemical battery. A data transmission module according to claim 1,
At least a majority of the energy used by the data transmission module to transmit the measurement data signal to the remote data node is
b) A data transmission module obtained by modulation reflection of electromagnetic energy received from the remote data node by the field receiving unit or combination with the electromagnetic energy received by the field receiving unit from the remote data node. A data transmission module according to claim 1,
The energy supply field generated by the remote data node is an oscillating magnetic field;
The field receiving unit includes at least one electric loop and a resonance circuit configured to be inductively coupled to the oscillating magnetic field. A data transmission module according to claim 4, wherein
At least a majority of the energy used by the data transmission module to transmit the measurement data signal to the remote data node is:
a) A data transmission module obtained by the energy stored in the data transmission module. A data transmission module according to claim 1,
The electromagnetic energy of the energy supply field generated by the remote data node is electromagnetic radiation;
The field receiving unit is a data transmission module having an antenna. A data transmission module according to claim 1,
The data transmission module, wherein the main body is further configured to be electrically connected to a data connection unit of the battery-powered portable measuring device. A data transmission module according to claim 1,
The battery-powered portable measuring device is a caliper or a micrometer,
The measurement data is a data transmission module related to the physical dimensions of the measurement object. A data transmission module according to claim 1,
The remote data node is
Power supply,
Display,
One or more processors;
A memory connected to the one or more processors;
The memory is a data transmission module for storing data corresponding to the measurement data signal wirelessly received from the data transmission module. A data transmission module according to claim 1,
A data transmission module for interrupting and / or canceling the operation of wirelessly transmitting the measurement data signal to the remote data node when the field reception unit determines that the energy received is below a threshold level. A data transmission module according to claim 1,
Thereafter, in order to succeed in wireless transmission of the measurement data signal to the remote data node, execute a transmission cycle end operation,
A data transmission module that terminates at least a portion of the operation of the data transmission module until a user manually operates an actuator of the data transmission module or receives a data request from the remote data node. A data transmission module according to claim 1,
The main body is configured to be physically connected to the rear of the battery-powered portable measuring device,
The data transmission module, wherein the rear portion of the battery-powered portable measuring device is opposite to the built-in display provided at the front portion of the battery-powered portable measuring device. A data transmission module according to claim 1,
The rear part of the battery-powered portable measuring device has a rear surface,
When the data transmission module is physically connected to the rear part of the battery-powered portable measuring device, at least one of the field receiving unit and the wireless data generating unit is provided on the rear surface of the battery-powered portable measuring device. A data transmission module that is arranged on a plane parallel to the surface. A data transmission module according to claim 13, comprising:
The total thickness of the data transmission module is a maximum of 12 millimeters;
At least one of the field reception unit and the wireless data generation unit is a data transmission module disposed at a separation distance of at least 4 millimeters from the rear surface. A data transmission module according to claim 1,
The remote data node has at least two parts physically separated;
A first part of the at least two parts has a field generation unit and is configured to generate at least one energy supply field;
A data transmission module, wherein a second part of the at least two parts is configured to wirelessly receive the measurement data signal from the data transmission module. A wireless transmission method for wirelessly transmitting a measurement data signal from a battery-powered portable measurement device to a remote data node using a data transmission module,
The remote data node is configured to generate an energy supply field and configured to wirelessly receive the measurement data signal from the data transmission module;
The data transmission module includes:
A main body configured to be physically connected to the battery-powered portable measuring device;
A field receiver configured to receive the energy supply field from the remote data node;
A wireless data generator for wirelessly transmitting the measurement data signal to the remote data node;
A data transmission / energy management circuit having a data connector configured to connect to a data connector of the battery-powered portable measuring device;
The wireless transmission method includes:
Generating energy from the energy supply field generated by the remote data node and received by the field receiver of the data transmission module, storing at least a portion of the generated energy in the data transmission module;
Establishing a communication connection between the data transmission module and the remote data node;
Input the measurement data from the battery-powered portable measuring device via the data connector of the data transmission module,
The measurement data signal corresponding to the input measurement data is wirelessly transmitted to the remote data node using the wireless data generation unit,
When the wireless data generation unit wirelessly transmits the measurement data signal to the remote data node, the following a), b) or c), that is, a) the generated energy,
b) Modulated reflection of the energy supply field received from the remote data node, or combination with the energy supply field received from the remote data node, or c) a combination of a) and b) Wireless transmission method. The wireless transmission method according to claim 16, wherein
The battery-powered portable measuring device is driven by a battery independent of the data transmission module,
The wireless transmission method configured to display the measurement data corresponding to the measurement data signal on a built-in display. The wireless transmission method according to claim 16, wherein
The data transmission module is a wireless transmission method that does not include a chemical battery. A wireless transmission system for wirelessly transmitting a measurement data signal to a remote data node, the wireless transmission system comprising:
A data transmission module;
A remote data node configured to generate an energy supply field and wirelessly receive a measurement data signal;
A battery-powered portable measuring device that is driven by a battery independent of the data transmission module, and configured to measure a workpiece and display corresponding measurement data on a built-in display;
The data transmission module includes:
A main body configured to be physically connected to the battery-powered portable measuring device;
A field receiver configured to receive the energy supply field from the remote data node;
A wireless data generator for wirelessly transmitting the measurement data signal to the remote data node;
A data transmission / energy management circuit having a data connector configured to connect with a data connector of the battery-powered portable measuring instrument,
Generating energy from the energy supply field generated by the remote data node and received by the field receiver, storing at least a portion of the generated energy in the data transmission module;
Establishing a communication connection with the remote data node;
Input the measurement data from the battery-powered portable measuring device via the data connector,
The data transmission / energy management circuit for performing an operation of wirelessly transmitting the measurement data signal corresponding to the input measurement data to the remote data node using the wireless data generation unit;
When the wireless data generation unit wirelessly transmits the measurement data signal to the remote data node, the following a), b) or c), that is, a) the generated energy,
b) Modular reflection of the energy supply field received from the remote data node, or combination with the energy supply field received from the remote data node, or c) a combination of a) and b) Configured wireless transmission system.