Abstract:
The measuring machine according to the invention has a display device, a processing device, and at least one measurement channel. The processing device measures the measurement signal of the at least one measurement channel. The display device displays the measurement signal of the at least one measurement channel as a chart. A plurality of charts can thereby be displayed at once. The display device additionally displays preview charts. The preview diagrams are scaled representations of the diagrams. The plurality of diagrams can be displayed cascaded and/or horizontally tiled and/or vertically tiled. The multiple plots can be displayed at different, preferably arbitrary positions of the display device.

Description:
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The invention relates to a multi-channel measuring device, especially an oscilloscope and a corresponding measurement method. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Switching between different channels of measuring devices is conventionally implemented with dedicated keys allocated to the individual channels. However, this frequently leads to operating errors, because an allocation of the signal connected to the respective channel is not possible without further difficulty. Only an actual measurement and display of the respective signal allows the type of signal to be recognized, and thus allows an allocation. Accordingly, an operational error is frequent, and an avoidance of such an error occupies a significant amount of the user&#39;s time. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,791,545 B2 shows an oscilloscope and a corresponding measurement method, which allow a preview of the anticipated displays of the oscilloscope. However, only a preview of different measurement methods is shown, for example, a histogram measurement or an amplitude measurement. The connection of several different signals to the oscilloscope and the display of associated preview images is not disclosed. 
     Furthermore, DE 10 2006 023 914 A1 discloses a measuring device, which displays preview displays of several different signals simultaneously. In this context, however, the display of the reduced displays of the diagrams is provided in a separate display region. This leads to a reduced display of the diagrams. Moreover, the different diagrams cannot be positioned freely. The diagrams can only be arranged at predetermined positions of the display. Furthermore, a superimposed display of diagrams, which allows comparisons of the signals, is not shown. 
     SUMMARY 
     The invention is based upon the object of providing a measuring device and a measurement method, which allow a rapid, reliable measurement of the signals on several different channels of a measuring device. In particular, an unambiguous allocation of the respective signals to the channels of the measuring device and a very good legibility of the measured results are important in this context. 
     The object is achieved according to the invention for the measuring device by the features of the independent claim  1  and for the measurement method by the features of the independent claim  19 . Advantageous further developments form the subject matter of the dependent claims referring back to these claims. 
     The measuring device according to the invention provides a display device, a processing unit and at least one measurement channel. The processing unit measures the measurement signal of the at least one measurement channel. The display device displays the measurement signal of the at least one measurement channel as diagrams. In this context, several diagrams can be displayed simultaneously. The display device additionally displays preview diagrams. The preview diagrams are reduced displays of the diagrams. The several diagrams can be displayed superimposed and/or side by side and/or one below the other. The several diagrams can be displayed at different, preferably arbitrary positions of the display device. Accordingly, the anticipated image of each diagram can be read from the preview diagram. An evaluation of the measured values is possible before displaying the diagram. A large volume of information can be displayed simultaneously. Comparisons between different diagrams are possible. Switching to and fro between different diagrams can be avoided. Great flexibility of use is possible as a result of the arbitrary positioning. 
     The processing unit preferably derives several diagrams from the measurement signal of the at least one measurement channel. Accordingly, different displays of a signal are possible, which leads to a very clear overview and a large volume of displayable information. 
     The processing unit preferably measures several measurement signals of several measurement channels. Accordingly, different signals can be compared with one another. 
     The processing unit advantageously derives one measurement signal simultaneously from the measurement signals of several measurement channels. Accordingly, for example, sums or differences of several available signals can be displayed in a common diagram. This increases the legibility of the information for the user and reduces the number of additional processing steps. 
     The preview diagrams are preferably hidden as required. Space for the display of the diagrams can therefore be obtained on the display device. 
     The preview diagrams are preferably simplified displays of the diagrams. The preview diagrams are advantageously real-time images of the diagrams. Accordingly, a clear overview of the preview diagrams can be achieved, because the reduced diagrams, the preview diagrams, contain less information than the diagrams. Furthermore, the real-time display allows a reliable estimate of the anticipated diagram. 
     The selection of the diagrams to be displayed is preferably implemented by selecting the corresponding preview diagrams. In the case of an already implemented display of the associated diagram, a re-selection of a preview diagram, preferably triggers a removal of the associated diagram from the display device. Accordingly, before displaying different diagrams, a selection of the diagram to be observed is possible. An overview of several preview diagrams allows the user a simple and rapid selection. A simple intuitive choice of the diagram is guaranteed in this manner. 
     By preference, the arrangement of the diagrams on the display device is implemented by positioning of the preview diagrams at given positions of the display device. Accordingly, the subdivision of the display device can be adjusted in an intuitive manner. A training of the user of the measuring device is not required. 
     The display device is preferably a touch-sensitive screen. The selection and positioning of the preview diagrams on the display device can preferably be implemented by touching and displacement of the preview diagrams. Accordingly, the subdivision of the diagrams on the display device can be adjusted in a particularly simple manner. A safe and intuitive allocation of the diagrams to the signals is guaranteed. 
     The measuring device preferably provides a pointing instrument (mouse). The selection and positioning of the preview diagrams can preferably be implemented by selection and displacement of the preview diagrams with the pointing instrument. Accordingly, the user can make use of the very widely available input instrument for arranging the diagrams on the display device. This therefore guarantees a simple and intuitive operation. 
     By preference, the positioning of the diagrams is implemented by selection and displacement of the preview diagrams to given regions of the display device or to given regions of already displayed diagrams. A displacement of a preview diagram on the display device, without a previous display of a diagram, preferably brings about the display of a diagram corresponding to the preview diagram over largely the entire display device. A displacement of a preview diagram to the middle of an already displayed first diagram preferably brings about a superimposition of the first diagram and of the second diagram corresponding to the preview diagram. A displacement of a preview diagram to the edge of an already displayed first diagram preferably brings about a reduction of the first diagram and a display of the second diagram corresponding to the preview diagram in the area freed by the reduction. The reduction is preferably implemented in such a manner that the display of the second diagram takes place at the side of the edge of the first diagram, to which the preview diagram has been displaced. This guarantees an unambiguous arrangement of the diagrams, which can be readily comprehended by the user. A simple and rapid operation of the measuring device is possible. 
     With the display of a diagram, the preview diagram corresponding to the respective diagram is preferably hidden or replaced by configuration parameters. In this manner, a safe allocation of the displayed diagrams to the channels of the measuring device is guaranteed. Furthermore, configuration parameters of the displayed signals can be read off and readily allocated by the user. 
     The display device advantageously displays the preview diagrams with a degree of transparency determined by processing unit. The display device preferably displays the preview diagrams superimposed over the diagrams. Accordingly, the visibility of the complete signals of the different diagrams is guaranteed. By contrast with a display of the preview diagrams in their own separate region of the display device, the diagrams can be displayed in an enlarged manner, which improves the overview and legibility. 
     Moreover, the measuring device preferably provides an operating unit with at least one operating element. Each displayed diagram is preferably displayed in a color distinguishable from the colors of the displays of the other diagrams. The at least one operating element can advantageously be illuminated and/or backlit with colors at least similar to the colors of the diagrams. In this manner, a very simple allocation of the operating element to individual displayed diagrams is possible. 
     The operating unit of the measuring device preferably provides several operating elements. The several operating elements can preferably be illuminated and/or backlit with colors at least similar to the colors of the diagrams. Precisely one diagram displayed by the measuring device is preferably an active diagram. The last positioned or changed diagram is preferably the active diagram. At least one operating element is preferably illuminated or backlit in a color similar to the color of the active diagram. Accordingly, a simple allocation of the respective operating elements to the currently active diagram is possible. 
     The active diagram can preferably be changed by selecting a diagram on the display device. With a change of the active diagram, the illumination or backlighting of at least one operating element preferably changes to a color similar to the color of the active diagram. This guarantees that the correct operating elements are always illuminated or backlit in the color of the currently active diagram. 
     This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of various aspects of the present invention will become more readily appreciated as the same become better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  provides a view of an exemplary measuring device; 
         FIG. 2  provides a view of the display device of a first exemplary embodiment of the measuring device according to the invention; 
         FIG. 3  provides a view of the display device of a second exemplary embodiment of the measuring device according to the invention; 
         FIG. 4  provides a view of the display device of a third exemplary embodiment of the measuring device according to the invention; 
         FIG. 5  provides a view of the display device of a fourth exemplary embodiment of the measuring device according to the invention; 
         FIG. 6  provides a view of the display device of a fifth exemplary embodiment of the measuring device according to the invention; 
         FIG. 7  provides a view of the display device of a sixth exemplary embodiment of the measuring device according to the invention; 
         FIG. 8  provides a view of the display device of a seventh exemplary embodiment of the measuring device according to the invention; 
         FIG. 9  provides a view of the display device of an eighth exemplary embodiment of the measuring device according to the invention; and 
         FIG. 10  provides a view of the display device of a ninth exemplary embodiment of the measuring device according to the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     With reference to  FIG. 1 , the general structure of a measuring device is outlined. The structure and functioning of the measuring device according to the invention and the functioning of the measurement method according to the invention are shown with reference to  FIGS. 2-10 . In some cases, a presentation and description of identical elements in similar drawings has not been repeated. 
       FIG. 1  provides a view of an exemplary measuring device  1 . A measuring device  1  provides a display device  2 , a processing unit  4  and a plurality of channels. A single-channel embodiment of the measuring device is also conceivable. Signals are transmitted via a plurality of connections  3  to the measuring device  1 . The processing unit  4  measures the signals and displays the measured results in the form of diagrams on the display device  2 . The processing unit  4  also implements calculations on the measured results occurring before the display by the display device  2 . Accordingly, for example, a combination of several measurement signals to form one measurement signal is conceivable. The measuring device  1  is controlled by means of a pointing instrument  5  and an operating unit  6  with several operating elements  7 . Furthermore, a control of the measuring device  1  through the touch-sensitive display device  2  is possible. 
       FIG. 2  provides a view of the display device  2  of a first exemplary embodiment of the measuring device  1  according to the invention. A diagram  15  is displayed on the display device  2 . The diagram  15  in this view contains only the coordinate system  16 . A plurality of preview diagrams  11 ,  12 ,  13 ,  14  is presented superimposed over the diagram. In this context, the preview diagrams  11 ,  12 ,  13 ,  14  display the signals measured on the individual channels of the device in a simplified and reduced form. The preview diagrams  11 ,  12 ,  13 ,  14  in this context are real-time images of anticipated diagrams. Since the diagram  15  currently displays no signal, the preview diagrams  11 ,  12 ,  13 ,  14  of all available channels are displayed. The markings of the diagram  15  and the coordinate system  16  in this case are displayed in a neutral colour, because no signal is displayed in the diagram  15 . 
       FIG. 3  provides a view of the display device  2  of a second exemplary embodiment of the measuring device  1  according to the invention. The display of the allocated signal  20  as a diagram  15  is brought about by selecting one of the preview diagrams  11 ,  12 ,  13 ,  14 . In this context, the selection is implemented by means of a pointing instrument  5  or the touch-sensitive display device  2 . The diagram  15  is now displayed on the display device  2  of the measuring device  1 . The diagram  15  contains the coordinate system  16  and the signal  20 . The signal  20 , the markings of the diagram  15  and the coordinate system  16  are displayed in the same colour here. A plurality of preview diagrams  12 ,  13 ,  14  is displayed superimposed over the diagram  15 . In the place of the preview diagram  11  from  FIG. 2 , the channel number  111  is displayed, because the signal  20  corresponds to the preview diagram  11 . Accordingly, it is evident, to which channel number  111  the displayed signal  20  corresponds. A display of the channel number  111  and of the associated signal  20  in the same colour additionally simplifies this allocation. The display of additional signal configuration parameters alongside the channel number  111  instead of the preview diagram  11  is conceivable. 
       FIG. 4  provides a view of the display device  2  of a third exemplary embodiment of the measuring device  1  according to the invention. If a further preview diagram  12 ,  13 ,  14  is selected in addition to the first preview diagram  11 , a positioning guide  34  is displayed superimposed over the present diagram  15 . Through a positioning of the selected preview diagram  12 ,  13 ,  14  in the middle sector  35  of the positioning guide  34 , the signal allocated to the selected preview diagram  12 ,  13 ,  14  is displayed superimposed over the already displayed signal  20 . A positioning of the selected preview diagram  12 ,  13 ,  14  in one of the lateral sectors  30 ,  31 ,  32 ,  33  leads to a reduction of the already displayed diagram  15  and a positioning of the diagram allocated to the selected preview diagram  12 ,  13 ,  14  at the corresponding side of the already displayed diagram  15 . A partially transparent display of the preview diagrams  12 ,  13 ,  14  or respectively of the allocated channel numbers or configuration parameters in order to improve the overview is also conceivable. 
       FIG. 5  provides a view of the display device  2  of a fourth exemplary embodiment of the measuring device  1  according to the invention. Here, the result of the selection of the preview diagram  12  from  FIG. 4  and a positioning of the same in the middle sector  35  of the positioning guide  34  is displayed. After the positioning of the second signal  40 , which corresponds to the preview diagram  12  from  FIG. 4 , it is displayed in a further diagram superimposed over the signal  20 . Since the diagrams are completely superimposed here, they are referred to by the common reference  15 . Instead of the preview diagrams  11 ,  12  from  FIG. 2 , which correspond to the two signals  20 ,  40  now displayed, the channel numbers  111 ,  121  are displayed. In this context, the display of the respective signal  20 ,  40  is implemented in the same colour as the display of the channel number  111 ,  121 . Accordingly, an easy allocation is also guaranteed with several displayed signals. Before the positioning of the second signal  40 , the originally displayed signal  20  and the corresponding diagram were active. In consequence, the signal  20 , the markings of the diagrams  15  and the coordinate system  16  were displayed in the same colour. After the positioning of the second signal  40  in the diagrams  15 , the active signal or respectively diagram changes to the last positioned signal  40  and its associated diagram  15 . Accordingly, the color of the markings of the diagrams  15  and of the coordinate system  16  also change. 
       FIG. 6  provides a view of the display device  2  of a fifth exemplary embodiment of the measuring device  1  according to the invention. The result of the selection of the preview diagram  12  from  FIG. 4  and a positioning of the same in the lower sector  32  of the positioning guide  34  is displayed here. The diagram  15  from  FIG. 4  is displayed here as a reduced diagram  15 . Additionally, a further diagram  51  is displayed below it. In the first diagram  50 , the signal  54  allocated to the first preview diagram  11  from  FIG. 2  is displayed. In the second diagram  51 , the signal  55  allocated to the second preview diagram  12  from  FIG. 4  is displayed. Each of the displayed diagrams  50 ,  51  in this context provides its own coordinate system  52 ,  53 . Here also, the two corresponding preview diagrams  11 ,  12  from  FIG. 4  are no longer displayed. Instead, the respective numbers  111 ,  121  of the allocated channel are also displayed here. The channel numbers  111 ,  121  and the corresponding signals  54 ,  55  are also displayed in the same colour here. The markings of the diagrams  50 ,  51  and the coordinate systems  52 ,  53  are also displayed here in the colour of the respectively displayed, active diagram  50 ,  51 . Since only one signal  54 ,  55  is displayed in each diagram  50 ,  51  here, the colour of this signal  54 ,  55  is the colour allocated to the respective diagram  50 ,  51 . 
       FIG. 7  provides a view of the display device  2  of a sixth exemplary embodiment of the measuring device  1  according to the invention. Here, the result of the selection of the preview diagram  12  from  FIG. 4  and of a positioning of the same in the right-hand sector  31  of the positioning guide  34  is displayed. The diagram  15  from  FIG. 4  is displayed here as a reduced diagram  60 . Additionally, a second diagram  61  is displayed alongside it. The signal  64  allocated to the first preview diagram  11  is displayed in the first diagram  60 . The signal  65  allocated to the second preview diagram  12  is displayed in the second diagram  61 . Each of the displayed diagrams  60 ,  61  in this context provides its own coordinate system  62 ,  63 . Here also, the two corresponding preview diagrams  11 ,  12  from  FIG. 4  are no longer displayed. Instead, the respective numbers  111 ,  121  of the associated channel are also displayed here. The colour scheme corresponds to the colour scheme shown with reference to  FIG. 6 . 
       FIG. 8  provides a view of the display device  2  of a seventh exemplary embodiment of the measuring device  1  according to the invention. If a further signal is to be displayed on the display device  2  in the form of a diagram, a further preview diagram  13  is selected. Through provisional positioning of the preview diagram  13  over the diagram  61 , the positioning guide  66  appears superimposed over the diagram  61 . As already explained in  FIG. 4 , a final positioning of the preview diagram  13  in one of the five sectors  67 ,  68 ,  69 ,  690 ,  691  is possible and in each case triggers a different arrangement of the diagrams on the display device  2 . 
       FIG. 9  provides a view of the display device  2  of an eighth exemplary embodiment of the measuring device  1  according to the invention. With the positioning of the third preview diagram  13  from  FIG. 8  in the lower sector  69  of the positioning guide  66 , the diagram  61  from  FIG. 8  is reduced and displayed as diagram  71 . This contains the signal  79  and the coordinate system  75 . The additional diagram  72  is displayed in the free space on the display device  2 . The diagram  72  contains the signal  81  and the coordinate system  77 . As already explained before, the preview diagram  13  is no longer displayed. Instead, the channel number  131  is shown matched in colour to the signal  81 . As already shown with reference to the other drawings, in this exemplary embodiment also, the colour of the coordinate systems  74 ,  75 ,  77 , the markings and the preview diagram  14  or respectively the channel numbers  111 ,  121 ,  131  correspond to the colours of the signals  64 ,  79 ,  81  in the diagrams  70 ,  71 ,  72 . 
       FIG. 10  provides a view of the display device  2  of a ninth exemplary embodiment of the measuring device  1  according to the invention. If, starting from the situation displayed in  FIG. 9 , the fourth preview diagram  14  from  FIG. 9  is selected and positioned in the right-hand lower corner of the display device  2 , the arrangement of diagrams  70 ,  71 ,  90 , and  91  displayed here on the display device  2  is obtained. Each of the diagrams  70 ,  71 ,  90 ,  91  in this context provides its own coordinate system  74 ,  75 ,  92 ,  93 . Each of the diagrams  70 ,  71 ,  90 ,  91  displays its own signal  64 ,  79 ,  80 ,  94 . In this exemplary embodiment, the preview diagrams and channel numbers have been hidden in order to obtain more space for the display of the diagrams  70 ,  71 ,  90 ,  91 . An alternative transparent display would also be conceivable. 
     In order to hide a diagram again, the currently active diagram can be hidden by means of the operating element  7 . As an alternative, if the allocated diagram is displayed, the respective diagram can be hidden by re-selecting a preview diagram or a channel number. In this context, if the last diagram at a position were hidden, that is to say, if no superimposed diagram is present, the corresponding diagram is removed from the display device  2  and, if possible, the diagram, which was reduced in favour of the diagram to be hidden is restored to its original size. If this is not possible, the adjacent diagram is enlarged accordingly. If the diagram to be hidden is the only diagram displayed by the display device  2 , it is not hidden but continues to be displayed, wherein the signal of the diagram is hidden. 
     The invention is not restricted to the exemplary embodiment displayed. As already mentioned, different measuring devices can be used. For example, oscilloscopes and also spectrum analysers are conceivable. All of the features described or shown in the drawings can be combined with one another as required within the framework of the invention.