US 11,536,552 B1 · Digital workpiece measurement system and method for intelligent measurements

Abstract

A digital workpiece measurement system and method for intelligent measurements measures the length, angles, and characteristics of a workpiece, and then automatically displays the measurement and the other identifying measurement related data in a digital, incrementally adjustable manner. The workpiece measurement system provides a flexible measuring tape and micrometer head that electronically measures the distance between a starting measuring point and an ending measuring point. The short point, long point, square cut angle, and characteristics of the workpiece are inputted into the system. Various functions controlled by short, long, and square check switch mechanisms allow for manually inputting the measurements, incrementally editing the measurements, identifying the short point, long point, and square edges of the workpiece, and transmit the measurements and other data to a remote data storage unit for future processing and measurement analysis. The system also detachably attaches to a belt or wall through a clip or adhesive.

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Drawings

Claims20

Dependent claims

One or more computer storage media storing computer-usable instructions, that when used by one or more computing devices, cause the one or more computing devices to perform a method for intelligent selection and customization of workpieces for a project, comprising the steps:

providing multiple workpieces;
assigning at least one code to each workpiece, the code being associated with at least one characteristic;
storing the code of the associated workpiece in a database;
downloading a software application operable to access the database;
querying, through the software application, one or more desired characteristics from the database;
based on the desired characteristic, calculating a quantity of the workpieces required for a project;
based on the desired characteristic, calculating a cost for the workpieces required for the project;
based on the desired characteristic, identifying a supplier for the workpieces required for the project;
receiving the code for the workpieces required for the project;
transmitting, through the software application, the received code to an external data storage unit;
and
selecting the workpiece associated with the code.

9 more elements

providing multiple workpieces, the workpieces defined by at least one of the following:
a length, an obtuse angle associated with a short point, an acute angle associated with a long point, and two perpendicular edges associated with a square;
assigning at least one code to each workpiece, the code being associated with at least one characteristic, the at least one characteristic including at least one of the following:
a material, a dimension, a supplier, and a price;
storing the code of the associated workpiece in a database;
downloading a software application operable to access the database;
querying, through the software application, one or more desired characteristics from the database;
based on the desired characteristic, calculating a quantity of the workpieces required for a project;
based on the desired characteristic, calculating a cost for the workpieces required for the project;
based on the desired characteristic, identifying a supplier for the workpieces required for the project;
receiving, in an estimate mode, the code for the workpieces required for the project;
receiving, in a work mode, the code for the workpieces required for the project;
transmitting, through the software application, the received code in the work mode to an electronic measuring tape;
selecting the workpieces associated with the code;
positioning the electronic measuring tape adjacent to the workpieces, the electronic measuring tape defining linear measurement marks for identifying a starting measurement point and an end measurement point of the workpieces, whereby the electronic measuring tape is operable to extend and retract for measuring the distance from the starting measurement point to the end measurement point;
determining, from the extended distance of the linear measurement marks on the extended electronic measuring tape, a measured length;
inputting, through at least one alphanumeric character switch mechanism on the electronic measuring tape, at least one alphanumeric character that records the measured length;
inputting, through a short point switch mechanism on the electronic measuring tape, the starting measurement point or the end measurement point from an obtuse angle on the workpiece;
inputting, through a long point switch mechanism on the electronic measuring tape, the starting measurement point or the end measurement point from an acute angle on the workpiece;
inputting, through a square check switch mechanism on the electronic measuring tape, the starting measurement point or the end measurement point from a square edge on the workpiece;
and
displaying, through a digital display screen on the electronic measuring tape, at least one of the following:
the measured distance, the angle, the edge, and the workpiece characteristics.

20 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Description8,800 words

Summary1,358 words

#The present invention relates generally to a digital workpiece measurement system and method for intelligent measurements. More so, the present invention relates to a measuring tape system that provides a flexible tape with linear measurement marks that measures distance as a function of length of the tape extended from a housing, and then the distance from a starting measuring point to an end measuring point of a workpiece, and provides functions for: viewing on a display screen, digital storage of the measurement, transmission to a remote display, computer or corresponding intelligent measuring tape, short point and long point switch mechanisms to help in determining what end of an angle to start the measurement, and a square check switch mechanism that helps in determining the square point of measurement where two edges of the workpiece are 90° to each other, and also identifies the material being measured; and whereby the measuring tape system is configured to adhere to a surface or clip to a belt for facilitated measurement positioning and carrying.

#The following background information may present examples of specific aspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts, or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon.

#Typically, a measuring tape is used to measure length and distance measurement. In contrast the length of distance in a quick and efficient manner. When no dimensions are provided. Generally, measuring tape is a roll-up, self-retracting style tape measure that's designed for carpentry or tailoring. The actual tape potion of the measure, called the ribbon, is usually constructed from a stiff metallic material that can stiffen when needed but can also roll up for simple use and storage. The ribbon is extendable and retractable from the opening in a housing to measure distance as a function of length of the measuring ribbon extended from the housing.

Brief description of the drawings14 figures

#The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

#FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a measurer measuring a workpiece with an exemplary digital workpiece measurement system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

#FIG. 2 illustrates a frontal view of the digital workpiece measurement system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Detailed description7,028 words

#Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views of the drawings.

#The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “left,” “rear,” “right,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific systems and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are therefore not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

#A digital workpiece measurement system 100 and method 1000 for intelligent measurements is referenced in FIGS. 1-10. The digital workpiece measurement system, hereafter “system 100” is configured to measure the length, angles, and characteristics of a workpiece 116, and then automatically display the measurement and the other identifying measurement related data in a digital, incrementally adjustable, storable, and transmittable manner.

Facts

Application

17/385,751Filed 26 Jul 2021 · continuation in part

Priority

3 Apr 2019

Granted

27 Dec 2022

Term ends

8 Jul 2039

Estimated · how

20 years from earliest known nonprovisional domestic filing plus recorded patent term adjustment. Maintenance-fee lapses, terminal disclaimers and statutory extensions have not been checked. The continuity chain may be incomplete; this is not an enforceability determination.

Classification5 codes

G01B 3/1069
Means for displaying or assisting reading of length measurement: electronic or mechanical display arrangements
G01B 3/1089
Tapes combined with arrangements for functions other than measuring lengths: for marking, drawing or cutting
G01B 3/1094
Tapes combined with arrangements for functions other than measuring lengths: for recording information or for performing calculations
G01B 2003/1064
Means for displaying or assisting reading of length measurement: windows, e.g. lenses, glasses or cross-hairs

Digital workpiece measurement system and method for intelligent measurements

Life of this patent

Digital workpiece measurement system and method for intelligent measurements

Life of this patent

Life of this patent

Abstract

Drawings

Drawings

Claims20

Description8,800 words

Drawings

Classification5 codes

Life of this patent

Description8,800 words