Abstract: Methods and devices are provided where a first current and a second current are provided selectively to a semiconductor component, and times for charging a capacitor to a voltage at the semiconductor component are provided.

Abstract: A new and useful thermochromic liquid crystal Indicator is disclosed that provides an indication of the temperature of the Object to which the Indicator is attached, and is an improvement over the existing art for at least the fact that the impact of ambient air circulating around the Indicator and circulating the Object is reduced by several means, such as i) the use of a novel cap or housing to isolate the liquid crystal Structure from ambient air and from touching or ii) using a novel liquid crystal formulation that reduces the reaction time of the thermochromic liquid crystal contained in the Indicator to changing temperatures conveyed by the ambient air. The new and useful liquid crystal Indicator can also employ either a template or a colored filter as a mask that narrows the colors and narrows the range of temperatures indicated by the Indicator.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a method for determining distributed temperature variation of a few mode optical fiber comprising the steps of:—providing a few mode optical fiber;—enlighting a first end of said few mode optical fiber by means of a coherent light source;—determining the interference pattern of coherent light at a second end of the optical fiber;—selecting one maximum of intensity at the second end of the optical fiber by spatially filtering the enlighting at the first end of the optical fiber;—determining the path length of the trajectory of the selected maximum of intensity;—based upon the determined path length of the trajectory of the selected maximum of intensity, determining the temperature variation of the few mode optical fiber.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining validity of physiological data according to an embodiment of the present invention include a patient sensor configured to acquire patient data from a patient, wherein the patient data is physiological; and an environmental sensor configured to acquire environmental data related to validity of the patient data, wherein a value of the environmental data has a clinical effect on the validity of the patient data but not on performance of the environmental sensor; a control/monitoring system, wherein the control/monitoring system is configured to determine whether the environmental data satisfies one or more conditions indicative of the validity of the patient data and to flag the patient data that is invalid based on the determination.

Abstract: A device for detecting a holding state of an object. The device includes a housing for the object that has a shape that can be held by an operator and a piezoelectric sensor attached to the housing. Moreover, a detecting unit can detects a holding state of the housing by using a fluctuation amount of an output voltage of the piezoelectric sensor. The housing has a shape having a hollow space and the piezoelectric sensor has a flat film shape and is disposed in contact with an inner wall surface of the housing. The piezoelectric film produces charges when stretched and contracted in response to a displacement of the housing that are outputted as a voltage to the detecting unit. When detecting that the output voltage significantly fluctuates, the detecting unit identifies that the object is being held.

Abstract: A WIM sensor for measuring wheel forces of vehicles on a road that pass over the sensor includes an elongated hollow profile along a longitudinal axis thereof. First and second inner pressing surfaces inside the profile are arranged connected in opposition on both sides by curved, pre-tensioned profile edges. Each of a plurality of piezoelectric measuring elements inside the profile has first and second force absorbing surfaces that face the first and said second pressing surface, respectively. Each of the measuring elements is disposed between two absorbing elements that exert a pretension thereon via the pressing surfaces. A long strip of insulating film provided with an electrically conductive layer on one of its sides electrically connects the first force absorbing surfaces of the measuring elements that are electrically insulated from the first pressing surface.

Abstract: In various aspects, embodiments of the disclosure are generally directed to measuring static and dynamic forces of a body using sensors. In particular, a sensor may include a first layer serving as a flexible support material; a second layer on the first layer, the second layer serving as a sensing material; and a third layer on the second layer, the third layer comprising an insulating material. Further, the second layer and the third layer may be coupled using a first electrode comprising a first conductive thread and a first non-conductive thread. Additionally, the first conductive thread may be embedded in the second layer. Also, the first layer and the second layer may be further coupled using a second electrode comprising a second conductive thread and a second non-conductive thread, the second conductive thread may be embedded in the second layer.

Abstract: A balance device comprises first, second and third components. The first, second and third components include substantially cylindrical first, second and third central portions, respectively, and which are coaxial with one another. The balance device further comprises a first set of connectors for coupling the first component to the third component and a second set of connectors for coupling the second component to the third component. The connectors accommodate axial movement in response to relative axial forces between the first and second components and minimise rotational movement about the axial direction in response to relative axial torque between the first and second components.

Abstract: A strain amount calculation system includes an imaging unit, and a strain amount calculation device that acquires an image taken by the imaging unit, measures luminescent brightness from the acquired image, calculates an amount of strain on the object caused by a load on the object, based on a temporal change in the measured luminescent brightness, and outputs information on the calculated strain amount.

Abstract: A method for calculating torque through a rotor mast of a propulsion system of a tiltrotor aircraft includes receiving the torque being applied through a quill shaft of the rotorcraft. The quill shaft is located between a fixed gearbox and a spindle gearbox, and the spindle gearbox is rotatable about a conversion access. The torque through the rotor mast is determined by using the torque through the quill shaft and the efficiency loss value between the quill shaft and the rotor mast.

Abstract: A power tool including: a motor; a shaft for delivering a torque to a joint or the like, the shaft being drivingly connected to the motor; and a housing that at least partly houses the motor and the shaft. The shaft includes a longitudinal cavity in which a torque transducer is arranged to measure a torque acting over a portion of the shaft, wherein the longitudinal cavity includes: a first contact surface for torque transferring contact with a first end portion of the torque transducer; and a second contact surface, separated from the first contact surface, for torque transferring contact with a second end portion of the torque transducer, the portion over which the torque is measured being located between the first and second contact surfaces.

Abstract: Collecting roll data for a sensing roll and mating roll forming a nip includes generating a respective sensor signal from each of a plurality of sensors located at axially spaced-apart locations of the sensing roll, wherein each respective sensor signal is generated when each sensor enters a region of a nip between the sensing roll and the mating roll during each rotation of the sensing roll and receiving the generated signal. Upon receiving the signal, a processor a) determines a particular which of the sensors which generated the signal, b) based upon a rotational position of the mating roll relative to a reference position, determines which one of a plurality of tracking segments associated with the mating roll occurs substantially concurrently with the sensor entering the region of the nip, and c) stores the respective sensor signal to associate the signal with the determined one tracking segment.

Abstract: A load analysis includes analyzing, based on a finite element method, a load characteristic when a load is inputted to a cylindrical object to be analyzed in an axial direction, and for the analyzing, applying an analysis model in which a disposition direction of mesh cells of the analysis model is inclined with respect to the axial direction.

Abstract: A device for measuring the tension in a tensioning belt comprises a retaining device for retaining a spring element, an elastically deformable spring element that is retained by the retaining device and on which a section of the tensioning belt can apply a force and elastically deform the spring element, the ends of the spring element being moved closer to one another when the tensioning force increases, and an electronic sensor unit. The sensor unit comprises a sensor system that measures the deflection of the spring element and generates a data signal, and a transmitter for transmitting the data signal to a receiving unit. The sensor system is situated at the ends of the spring element.

Abstract: A pressure sensor includes a first plate (102), a second plate (104) and a foam (106) disposed between the first and second plate. The foam is a polyurethane foam having an average cell size of about 50 to 250 urn and a density of between 5 to 30 lbs/ft3.

Abstract: A process pressure transmitter system includes a process pressure transmitter housing and a process pressure sensor in the process pressure transmitter housing. A metal flange is configured to mount to a process vessel which carries a process fluid. An isolation diaphragm attaches to the metal flange and is exposed to the process fluid through an opening in the process vessel. The isolation diaphragm comprises a polymer diaphragm bonded to a metal face of the metal flange. A capillary passageway carries a fill fluid from the isolation diaphragm to thereby convey a process pressure to the pressure sensor.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing a pressure sensor are provided. In preferred embodiments, the method comprises: forming a cavity in a first side of a silicon starting material; depositing a layer of a second material over the cavity; removing a first portion of material above the cavity from a second side of the silicon starting material to expose the second material to the second side to form a diaphragm from the second material and wherein, a second portion of material above the cavity that was not removed from the silicon starting material, forms at least one support structure that spans the diaphragm, wherein the second side is opposite to the first side; and forming at least one piezoresistor in the silicon starting material over an intersection of the support structure and the silicon starting material at an outside edge of the diaphragm on the second side.

Abstract: Pressure sensors are disclosed that may perform health monitoring in-situ in harsh operating environments. The pressure sensors may be based on a Clapp-type oscillator that includes one or more resistors, one or more inductors, capacitors, a sensor, and a transistor. Such pressure sensors may be particularly well-suited various applications, such as gas turbine engines, oil and gas extraction, vehicle engines, and exhaust monitoring.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a sensor body and a sensor configured to measure pressure. The apparatus also includes at least one pressure input in or on the sensor body, where the at least one pressure input is configured to provide at least one input pressure to the sensor. The apparatus further includes multiple fluid passages configured to convey the at least one input pressure from the at least one pressure input to the sensor using a fill fluid. The multiple fluid passages are configured to both (i) transport the fill fluid and (ii) absorb thermal energy in a flame created by the sensor before the flame exits the sensor body. The fluid passages can include long and narrow straight passages, long and narrow curved or helical passages, and turns or bends. The fluid passages can have small cross-sections relative to their lengths.

Abstract: A pressure sensor includes an evaluation unit and a sensor assembly, which includes a sensor and an electrode arrangement. The sensor generates signals under the action of a pressure profile, and the electrode arrangement transmits the signals to the evaluation unit, which includes an evaluation unit housing, an electric circuit board and a reinforcement element, which is arranged in a radial plane between the electric circuit board and the evaluation unit housing. The reinforcement element is mechanically connected to the electric circuit board and dampens mechanical resonance vibrations of the electric circuit board that occur in the radial plane.

Abstract: In order to produce accurate sensor element in a simple way, the invention provides a method for producing a sensor element (10) for a pressure or force sensor. Steps include, providing a component (13) to be deformed. Applying to the component (13), a sensor function and contact layer (24) consisting of a material with a k-factor between 2 and 10. Performing planar ablation of the material of the sensor function and contact layer (24) by means of a laser, in such a manner that strain gauges (44) with a resistance structure with a meandering shape and contact pads (46.1, 46.2, 46.3, 46.4) remain standing.

Abstract: A gravity-based light pressure calibrating device includes a vacuum chamber, a calibration platform, and laser emitters and laser beam expanders, laser beam expanders changing a point light source to an area light source.

Abstract: An angle-measuring device includes a housing and a position sensor configured to generate angle values indicating an angular position of a shaft with respect to a reference position. An interface is configured to communicate with subsequent electronics via a data channel. At least one imbalance sensor is configured to generate an imbalance signal from imbalance-induced excursions of the shaft. An imbalance analyzer is configured to generate imbalance values from the imbalance signal. A signal processor is configured to generate imbalance information from the angle values and the imbalance values. The imbalance information is transmittable through the interface to the subsequent electronics.

Abstract: A system and method for pipeline inspection may include a transport module having a sensor arrangement configured to carry one or more sensors, and it may be movable longitudinally through the pipeline and circumferentially around an interior of the pipeline. The sensor arrangement may include a sensor and a sensor cover selectively disposable over the sensor for isolating the sensor from contact with the inside surface of a wall of the pipeline. The sensor cover may include a cleaning arrangement disposed proximate the sensor for removing debris from the sensor.

Abstract: An improved sensor system is provided that monitors and controls a dendritic fluid system. A dendritic fluid system can include artificial components and/or natural components that carry fluid from a source to a destination through a series of paths. The sensor system can include magnetic field sensors, acoustic sensors, encapsulated sensor systems, pressure regulators, and valve controllers to monitor and control the dendritic fluid system. For example, magnetic field sensors, acoustic sensors, and/or pressure regulators can be used to measure the flow of fluid within a dendritic fluid subsystem and/or to detect potential leaks. The encapsulated sensor systems and/or valve controllers can be used to detect fluid levels in a contained system and control valves to adjust the fluid levels in the contained system to a desired level.

Abstract: Condition based engine parts (e.g., movable engine parts) monitoring is disclosed. The techniques may enable detecting cracks present in engine parts while the engine is operational. In one embodiment, a system includes a wireless sensor configured to be disposed on a movable part internal to a machine and communicate wirelessly and a controller that includes a processor. The processor may be configured to initiate communication with the wireless sensor by receiving a wireless signal indicative of a frequency of vibration of the internal movable part from the wireless sensor, to obtain an acceptable threshold range of vibrations for the internal movable part from one or more data sources, to determine whether the frequency of vibration is within the acceptable threshold range of vibrations for the internal movable part, and to initiate preventative actions when the frequency is not within the acceptable threshold range.

Abstract: An optical wavefront testing system includes a light source, an image capturing unit and a processing unit. The image capturing unit includes a lens array and a sensor module that is configured to detect light rays passing through an optical element and the lens array. The processing unit controls the sensor module to detect the light rays under a plurality exposure conditions for generating a plurality of images each including a plurality of light spots, obtains a plurality of light spot datasets corresponding to the light spots and each including a plurality of pixel coordinate sets and a plurality of pixel values, and obtains wavefront information associated with the light spots based on the light spot datasets of at least two of the images.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for evaluating the geometric properties of optical fiber preforms, which methods include: providing an optical fiber preform having a longitudinal axis, an outer diameter and a circumference; providing a two-dimensional pattern having a length parallel to the longitudinal axis of the preform and a width greater than the outer diameter of the preform; providing an image capturing device disposed such that the preform is aligned between the pattern and the image capturing device; rotating the preform about its longitudinal axis and acquiring a first plurality of images of the pattern viewed through the preform at at least two different points along the circumference of the preform; and determining at least one geometric property of the preform from the first plurality of images.

Abstract: A method includes capturing multivariate time-series data comprising two or more data sets from a system captured over a past time period and a present time period, applying at least two sliding time windows to the multivariate time-series data in determining respective data matrices, computing an orthonormal matrix for each of the data matrices, wherein the orthonormal matrix is a signature of fluctuation patterns of a respective data matrix, computing a difference between at least two of the data sets in the past and the present time periods through the orthonormal matrices, and detecting a fault in at least one of the systems by comparing the difference to a threshold.

Abstract: A clutch for a motor vehicle with a wear compensation mechanism which includes a sensor element for detecting wear, wherein the sensor element is formed of a plurality of parts, and at least two sensor component parts are rotatably connected to one another.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bushing assembly height checking fixture, which is composed of a jacket, set screws, a measuring cylinder and a positioning cylinder. When the bushing assembly height checking fixture is used, the lower cone of the positioning cylinder is fitted with the orifice edge of an inner shaft hole of a bushing, and the checking fixture is positioned radially; the bottom surface of the jacket is flush with the assembly positioning end face of a workpiece, and the checking fixture is positioned axially; then the bottom surface of the measuring cylinder is flush with the end face of the bushing, the position of the top surface of the measuring cylinder is observed, and if the top surface of the measuring cylinder is in the middle of the top step of the jacket, it shows that the height after the workpiece is assembled is qualified.

Abstract: A method for digital processing of vibration signals from rolling bearings in rotating machines is presented, allowing subsequent fault detection with high reliability. A linear, adaptive filter is applied to the acquired vibration signal and iteratively tuned to increase the statistical asymmetry of its output. In this process, the filter removes phase- and amplitude distortion from underlying fault impulses. Furthermore, suppression of sinusoidal disturbances is simultaneously achieved with high robustness to measurement noise. The result is a processed signal from which rolling bearing defects are more easily detected.

Abstract: Provided is a detecting apparatus for detecting one or more anomalies of an operating body. The detecting apparatus includes a processor communicatively coupled to a dividing unit, a model learning unit, a difference calculating unit, and an anomaly detecting unit. The dividing unit divides a data sequence corresponding to an operation of the operating body into a plurality of divided data sequences in a time direction. The model learning unit learns each of the plurality of divided data sequences according to a regression model in the time direction, and calculates a model component modeling each of the divided data sequences. The difference calculating unit calculates a difference component indicating a difference between each of the plurality of divided data sequences and their corresponding model component. The anomaly detecting unit detects one or more anomalies of the operating body based on the calculated difference components.

Abstract: The invention relates to an atmosphere conditioning device for testing engines, comprising an inflow conduit connected to an engine admission, an outflow conduit connected to the exhaust of the engine and expelling exhaust gases, a communication conduit which communicates the inflow conduit with the outflow conduit, a supercharging turbogenerator comprising a turbine in the inflow conduit, a bypass valve which diverts the air flow that circulates towards the turbine, a heat regenerator consisting of heat exchangers in the inflow and outflow conduits, connected by the same heat transfer fluid circuit, a bypass valve in the outflow conduit together with the heat exchanger thereof, a heat exchanger in the outflow conduit downstream from the heat regenerator, and a turbocompressor downstream from the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A fuel actuation system may comprise a servo valve (SV) including a torque motor and at least one screen, a metering valve (MV) fluidly connected to the SV, and an electronic engine control (EEC) operatively connected to the SV. The EEC may be configured and disposed to determine a travel time of the MV, a travel distance of the MV, a pressure of a fuel, and/or a temperature of the fuel, generate at least one of a travel time history, a travel distance history, a fuel temperature history, and a fuel pressure history, and determine a level of degradation of the fuel actuation system based on the at least one of the travel time history, the travel distance history, the fuel temperature history, or the fuel pressure history.

Abstract: To obtain vehicle speed deviation data for changeover between accelerator and brake properly with inclination of a standard mode. In technique of calculating a changeover vehicle speed deviation from accelerator to brake in driving vehicle along standard mode (target vehicle speed) of vehicle drive pattern defined by time and vehicle speed within range of predetermined vehicle speed and time deviations from standard mode, an inclination AB of the standard mode is calculated by approximate differentiation of vehicle speed at a judgment standard point A of a current time instant on standard mode, first inclination AB is multiplied by an accelerator-to-brake changeover time deviation preset value ?t?1, and the accelerator-to-brake changeover vehicle speed deviation from the judgment standard point A to a changeover judgment point E for changeover at the current time instant is calculated by addition of the product and an accelerator-to-brake changeover vehicle speed deviation preset value ?V?1.

Abstract: A candidate extraction unit (322) executes candidate extraction processing wherein a fixed number of consecutive height data items are extracted from one line of height data using a certain sample point as the starting point, the median for the extracted height data items and the difference therefrom for each extracted height data item are calculated, and sample points with a difference that is at least a height threshold are extracted as singular point candidates. An interpolation unit (323) determines, to be a singular point, a singular point candidate having a number of consecutive repetitions that is less than a width threshold, deletes the height data for the determined singular point, interpolates the deleted height data using height data for sample points which are adjacent to and other than such singular point, and generates shape data for evaluating runout and bulge/dent.

Abstract: An integrated automated robotic test system for automated driving systems is disclosed, which is operable to provide an automated testing system for coordinated robotic control of automobiles equipped with automation functions (i.e., test vehicles) and unmanned target robots with which test vehicles may safely collide. The system may include a system for controlling a vehicle that includes a brake actuator, a throttle actuator, and a steering actuator. The brake actuator is controlled by a brake motor and configured to press and release a brake pedal of the vehicle. The throttle actuator is controlled by a throttle motor and configured to press and release a gas pedal of the vehicle. The steering actuator is configured to control a steering wheel of the vehicle. The steering actuator includes a steering motor configured to attach to the steering wheel and a reaction stand configured to support the steering motor.

Abstract: A railway vehicle condition monitoring apparatus includes a detection device for detecting vehicle information represented by a wheel load or the like of a wheel included in a railway vehicle running on a railroad track, and a determination device including a classifier to which the vehicle information detected by the detection device is input and which outputs a vehicle condition such as the presence or absence of an abnormality of the railway vehicle. The classifier is generated by means of machine learning that uses training data of a railway vehicle of which the vehicle condition is known, the training data being the vehicle information and the vehicle condition which is known, the machine learning being performed so that when the vehicle information of the training data is input to the classifier, the classifier outputs the vehicle condition of the training data.

Abstract: A method of, and apparatus for sampling a solid or liquid sample using a sampling tool which has a sampling rod/tube that is configured to house a sampling pod, the apparatus comprising: a main body portion with at least one sample collecting cavity; and a removable/opening lid portion that in use fits/closes over at least part of said main body portion and thereby covers and the cavity; the method further comprising the following steps: Inserting said sampling pod main body portion within said sampling rod/tube and taking a solid or liquid sample from a vessel/container; removing sampling rod/tube from said vessel or container and covering said collecting cavity to seal said cavity; transporting said sample within said sampling pod to place of a analysis; and at place of analysis removing at least part of said covering from main body portion to expose sample for analysis.

Abstract: A tube segment sampler system (10) for withdrawing a fluid sample from a tube segment (100), the sampler (10) having a first tube piercing member (28) for piercing the tube segment at a first location and a second tube piercing member (28) for piercing the tube segment at a second location so as to allow air to be drawn into the tube segment (100) through one of the openings made by one of the piercing members (28) while fluid is withdrawn through the other of the openings.

Abstract: A microorganism evaluation system comprising a first viewing section, wherein a first fluid flow supplies and passes through the first viewing section, the first fluid flow defining a first fluid flow rate, a relatively smaller second viewing section, wherein a second fluid flow supplies and passes through the second viewing section, the second fluid flow defining a second fluid flow rate, and an isokinetic probe positioned so as to sample from the first fluid flow so as to provide the second fluid flow.

Abstract: A system for converting propelling thrust to produce a continuous flow is provided. The system can be integrated and/or retrofitted to the body of an aircraft. The system includes a pressure-lowering device and a sample chamber. The pressure-lowering device is used produce a low-pressure, continuous flow from a high-velocity propelling thrust source. Moreover, the pressure-lowering device is a passive flow generator that does not require a power source in order to produce a continuous flow from a propelling thrust. The design of the pressure-lowering device produces a flow rate that is independent of the aircraft motion. The sample chamber is used to measure and analyze ambient gases which are pulled through the sample chamber by the pressure-lowering device, as a result of the high-velocity air stream produced by the propelling thrust source.

Abstract: A system for sampling sub-slab soil gas having an adaptor body that includes a first barbed portion, a collar portion, a second barbed portion, an internal cavity that axially passes through the length of the adaptor body, and a coupling portion. The system further includes one or more extensions such as a fitting extension, a filter extension, a sieve extension and a length extension, each of which are threadably retainable with the coupling portion of the adaptor body.

Abstract: A method for preparing a biological sample for analysis is provided that includes moving a continuous substrate film past a sample applicator unit including one or more sample applicators and applying at least one trace of a biological sample to be analyzed onto the continuous substrate film by the sample applicator unit.

Abstract: A method for labeling concentration density differentials of an analyte in a biological sample is provided. The method may including the steps of: binding an enzyme to an analyte contained in a sample, the enzyme capable of acting on at least two chromogens; incubating the sample with a first chromogen for a first time period to generate a first color chromogen-enzyme product, the first color chromogen-enzyme product reflecting light observable as a first color; and incubating the sample with a second chromogen for a second time period to generate a second color chromogen-enzyme product, the second color chromogen-enzyme product reflecting light observable as second color. A combination of the light observable as the first color and the light observable as the second color may be observable as a third color, and each color may describe a different analyte density in the biological sample.

Abstract: The apparatus for inoculating agar plates includes a spray chamber having an upper opening for receiving an atomized microbial suspension and a lower opening for receiving an agar plate. The apparatus also includes an atomizer including a reservoir and a fluid tube for delivering the microbial suspension to the atomizer nozzle. A containment feature extends around an inner surface of the spray chamber to catch any drop that may form on its inner wall and advance down towards the lower opening. The spray chamber allows multiple agar plates to be quickly inoculated without cross-contamination of agar habitats, without contaminating the outside of the plates, and without contaminating the work area.

Abstract: In order to surely discharge dust produced in a sample containing part 10, the present invention is adapted to include: a dust introduction part 30 that has a through-hole 3a formed penetrating in a vertical direction and introduces dust produced in the sample containing part 10 into the through-hole 3a; a dust containing part 43 that contains the dust discharged through the through-hole 3a; and a dust discharge path 41a of which one end is connected to the dust introduction part 30 to communicatively connect to the through-hole 3a and the other end is connected to the dust containing part 43, in which the dust discharge path 41a is linearly formed along the vertical direction from the one end to the other end.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus are disclosed for recovering one or more target cells from a fluid sample. A first chamber aligned with a first surface of a removable filter receives the fluid sample. The removable filter defines a plurality of pores configured to retain the one or more target cells on the first surface and/or in the plurality of pores, each pore of the plurality of pores having a first diameter smaller than a diameter of the one or more target cells in the first surface and a second diameter greater than the first diameter in a second surface of the removable filter. A second chamber comprises a hydrophilic microporous wick structure configured to contact the second surface of the removable filter and capillarize any non-target cells and fluid from the fluid sample, drawing them into the second chamber.

Abstract: In a method and device for setting one or more measuring points on a specimen in a specimen holder for automated hardness testing in a hardness-testing device, the hardness-testing device has a table, a tool holder with a penetrator and at least one lens. The specimen holder with the specimen is positioned on the table in the x- and y-directions. The table and/or tool holder can be moved in the z-direction, relative to one another. A virtual three-dimensional model of the specimen holder and specimen is selected from data storage, and the model and/or an overview image of the specimen is depicted on a screen. Then, a point is marked in the image, and one or more measuring point is/are automatically defined based on the measuring method selected. To each measuring point, the z-coordinate is automatically assigned in the hardness-testing device based on its x- and y-coordinates and virtual model.