Electronic length measuring device

Abstract

An improved electronic measuring device has a compact design, is easy to operate, and uses menu-driven logic to minimize the requirement for buttons and/or switches to take, store, recall, and/or manipulate measurements.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to measuring devices, such as measuring tapes, and more specifically to electronic measuring devices.

BACKGROUND

Electronic tape measures, such as sonic tape measures, have been developed to simplify the task of measuring distances, for example, for estimating the size of a room, without having to physically stretch a tape measure across the distance being measured.

With advancements in electronics, it is possible to provide many functions, such as calculations for area and volume, into a sonic tape measure. However, with many functions often comes a need for many buttons for an end user to select a desired function. This adds complexity and cost to the device, and may make it cumbersome to operate.

In addition, hand-held device such as sonic tape measures, stud finders, and laser levels, often have a desirable feature of a belt clip for hanging the device from a belt. However, the belt clip often provides an uneven surface that may not be desirable from a utilitarian standpoint, such as when it is desirable to have the device sit level on a surface such as a table for making measurements, or to take up a minimal amount of space in a storage container such as a tool box or drawer. In addition, the belt clip may interfere with the operation of electronic handheld devices, such as those that include buttons and/or switches, especially when it is necessary to have a large number of buttons and/or switches for operation of an electronic handheld device. Accordingly, there is a need for an improved sonic tape measure that is easier for an end user to operate.

SUMMARY

An improved electronic measuring device is disclosed which has a compact design, that is easy to operate, and that uses menu-driven logic to minimize the requirement for buttons and/or switches to take, store, recall, and manipulate measurements.

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, an electronic measuring device include a transceiver device, a microprocessor operatively connected to the transceiver device, as well as a memory, an electronic output device, and a plurality of input mechanisms, all of which are operatively connected to the microprocessor. The microprocessor may be programmed with logic that allows a user of the device to take and manipulate measurements using a menu-driven procedure by using the input mechanisms to select and activate desired operations.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the input mechanisms include a read button, at least one scroll button, and a menu/select button. The read button may be a combined power/read button.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, the microprocessor may be programmed with logic that allows a user of the device to take distance measurements using a menu-driven procedure solely by using the menu/select button, the scroll button, and the read button to select and activate desired operations. The input mechanisms may also include a +/= button.

According to still another aspect of the invention, a method of taking a measurement using an electronic measuring device is provided. The electronic measuring device includes a read button, at least one scroll button, and a menu/select button as input mechanisms that are operatively connected to a microprocessor that is also operatively connected to a display device. The method includes pressing the menu/select button, pressing the scroll button until an indication is provided on the display device corresponding to a desired measurement to be taken, and pressing the read button.

Other features and advantages of the disclosed devices and methods will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the detailed description provided below which is made with reference to the attached drawings provided in illustration of one preferred embodiment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a measuring device in accordance with this disclosure;

FIG. 2 is an elevational view of the upper end of the measuring device;

FIG. 3 is an elevational view of the left side of the measuring device;

FIG. 4 is an elevational view of the right side of the measuring device;

FIG. 5 is an elevational view of the lower end of the measuring device;

FIG. 6 is an elevational view of the rear side of the measuring device;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a display screen of the measuring device;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a portion of the measuring device, showing a retractable belt clip member in a deployed configuration;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a portion of the measuring device, showing the retractable belt clip member in a stowed configuration;

FIG. 10 is a perspective cross-sectional view, taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 1, of a deployment and retraction mechanism for the retractable belt clip member; and

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view, taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 5, of the deployment and retraction mechanism.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference initially to FIG. 1, an electronic tape measure 20 includes a microprocessor 21. Operatively connected to the microprocessor may be a memory 23, an electronic display 22, and input mechanisms in the form of a power/read button 24, a first scroll button 26, a second scroll button 28, a select button 30, an addition or +/= button 32, and a clear/reset button 34. The electronic tape measure 20 may also include a retractable belt clip member 36.

As shown in FIG. 2, the electronic tape measure 20 may include a sonic transceiver device 38 and a laser pointer device 40, both of which may be operatively connected to the microprocessor 21. The sonic transceiver device 38 may be adapted to use a sound signal (such as, for example, an ultrasonic signal) to measure a distance from the electronic tape measure 20 to a surface, such as a wall or ceiling of a room. The laser pointer device 40 assists the end user of the electronic tape measure 20 by providing an indication of a specific location at which a measurement is being taken, for example, a location on a wall or ceiling surface.

With reference again to FIG. 1, the electronic display 22 may include a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen 42 that has a function indication region 44, that in FIG. 1 displays a “V” to indicate the electronic tape measure 20 is in a volume measurement mode. The LCD screen 42 may also include a graphical icon display 46 that may indicate, for example, which measurement is to be taken by the electronic tape measure 20 when the read button is depressed. For example, a height segment “H,” a length segment “L,” or a width segment “W,” may flash on the graphical icon display 46 to indicate the respective dimension to be measured when the read button 24 is depressed. The LCD screen 42 may also include an upper numeric display region 48, that may be used to indicate a distance measured by the electronic tape measure 20. A unit indication region 50 may be provided on the LCD screen 42, for example, to indicate units of measures such as feet, meters, inches, or centimeters. The LCD screen 42 may also include a lower numeric display region 52, and a parameter region 54 that may be used to indicate that a calculated area or volume of a room being measured by the electronic tape measure 20 is being shown on the lower numeric display region 52.

As shown in the side views of FIGS. 3 and 4, the electronic tape measure 20 may further include left and right ribbed side grip panels 56 and 58, respectively, a front housing portion 57, and a rear housing portion 59. As shown in FIG. 5, the retractable belt clip member 36 may include ribbed base surface 60, to facilitate deployment and retraction of the retractable belt clip member 36 by sliding the ribbed base surface 60 along the line of the directional arrow 62 shown in FIG. 5. As shown in FIG. 6, the electronic tape measure 20 may include a battery lid 64, and an instructional label 66 on the rear of the electronic tape measure 20.

With reference to FIG. 7, the LCD screen 42 is shown with an example of all possible display indications shown at one time (of course all such display indications would not be shown at the same time during normal use of the electronic tape measure 20). As shown in FIG. 7, the function display region 44 may include “L” for length, “A” for area, “V” for volume, “U” for selecting units, “M^S” for storing a measurement in memory, “M^R” for recalling a measurement from memory, numeric indications 1-5 to indicate five different memory locations, as well as a battery status indicator. The unit display region 50 shown in FIG. 7 uses “IN” for inches, “FT” for feet, “YDS” for yards, “M” for meters, and “CM” for centimeters. The parameter display region 54 may show “SQ” for measuring area, (i.e., square feet or square meters) or “CU” for measuring volume (i.e., cubic feet or cubic meters). The graphic icon display region 46 may include a “+” to indicate that a measurement is being added, for example, to calculate a total square footage of multiple rooms in a dwelling.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the retractable belt clip member 36 in a deployed configuration, and FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the retractable belt clip member 36 in a stowed configuration.

FIGS. 10 and 11 are cross-sectional views showing further detail of structure providing the mechanism for deployment and retraction of the retractable belt clip member 36.

As seen in FIG. 10, the belt clip member 36 includes two bosses 68 (only one of which is visible in FIG. 10) that each include a blind hole 70. The front housing portion 57 includes a pair of openings 72 through which each of the bosses 70 pass. A threaded fastener 74 is threadably secured to each of the blind bores 70, and includes a fastener head 76 that prevents the retractable belt clip member 36 from being completely removed from attachment to the front housing portion 57. A detent protrusion 78 may be provided on the retractable belt clip member 36, such that it mates with a corresponding deployed detent dimple 80 formed in the front housing portion 57 when the belt clip member 36 is in a deployed configuration, and that mates with a stowed detent dimple 82 also formed in the front housing portion 57, when the belt clip member 36 is in a stowed configuration. Also, as seen in FIG. 8, guide slots 84 may be formed in the belt clip member 36, to ensure that it will move from the stowed configuration to the deployed configuration and vice versa in a linear fashion and also to stabilize the belt clip member 36 in a proper position with respect to the front housing portion 57 and the rear housing portion 59.

The front and rear housing portions 57 and 59 may be made from any suitable material, such as ABS plastic, and the retractable belt clip member and side grip panels 56 and 58 may also be made from any suitable material, such as ABS plastic. The buttons 24-34 may be made from any suitable material such as a TPR rubber material.

As shown in Table I below, to turn the electronic tape measure 20 on the end user may simply press and release the power/read button 24.

TABLE I
TO TURN TOOL ON
Step
Number	Button	Result	Display
1	Press	Unit will power up where	Upper Numeric
	POWER/	it was just before it	Display Region 48:
	READ button	powered down. Display	Same as shutdown
	24 and	should be the same as it	Lower Numeric
	release.	was prior to shutdown.	Display Region 52:
			Same as shutdown
			Periphery:
			Same as shutdown

It should be noted that any software, hardware, firmware, and/or combination thereof used to implement the programming logic described herein is well within the capabilities of one of ordinary skill in the art to program, and may be stored in any computer readable memory such as on a magnetic disk, a laser disk, or other storage medium, in a RAM or ROM of a computer or processor, etc. Likewise, this programming logic may be delivered to a user, a device, or an operator workstation using any known or desired delivery method including, for example, on a computer readable disk or other transportable computer storage mechanism or over a communication channel such as a telephone line, the Internet, the World Wide Web, any other wired or wireless local area network or wide area network, etc. (which delivery is viewed as being the same as or interchangeable with providing such software via a transportable storage medium). Furthermore, this programming logic may be provided directly without modulation or encryption or may be modulated and/or encrypted using any suitable modulation carrier wave and/or encryption technique before being transmitted over a communication channel.

Table II sets forth the logic that may be programmed into the microprocessor 21 and a procedure that may be used to facilitate measuring a length by using the electronic tape measure 20.

TABLE II
TO MEASURE A LENGTH
Step
Number	Button	Result	Display
1	Press	Menu options will pop up	Upper Numeric
	MENU/SELECT	with the mode you are	Display Region 48:
	button 30.	currently in flashing. The	Whatever was in
		current mode should be	display before the
		either Length, Area, or	MENU/SELECT
		Volume.	button 30 was pushed.
			Lower Numeric
			Display Region 52:
			Whatever was in
			display before the
			MENU/SELECT
			button 30 was pushed.
			Periphery:
			Icon for Length, Area,
			Volume, Units,
			Memory Store, and
			Memory Retrieve***
			will be visible with the
			current mode flashing.
2	Repeatedly press	Menu options will	Upper Numeric
	SCROLL (L or R)	continue to be displayed	Display Region 48:
	button 26 or 28 until	on the screen and each	Whatever was in
	the Length Icon is	time the SCROLL (L or R)	display before the
	flashing.	button 26 or 28 is pushed,	MENU/SELECT
		the flashing will move to	button 30 was pushed.
		the next Icon in line.	Lower Numeric
			Display Region 52:
			Whatever was in
			display before the
			MENU/SELECT
			button 30 was pushed.
			Periphery:
			Icon for Length, Area,
			Volume, Units,
			Memory Store, and
			Memory Retrieve***
			will be visible with the
			Length mode flashing.
3	Press	Menu choice of measuring	Upper Numeric
	MENU/SELECT	lengths has been selected.	Display Region 48:
	button 30.		A value of zero and the
			current units of
			measure.
			Lower Numeric
			Display Region 52:
			Nothing
			Periphery:
			The L with line Icon
			should appear on the
			screen and be flashing.
4	Press READ button	Measurement will be	Upper Numeric
	24 and obtain first	displayed on Upper	Display Region 48:
	measurement.	Numeric Display Region	XXXX″, XX′XX″,
		48 of display.	XX.XX yds,
			XXXX cm, or
			XX.XX m
			Lower Numeric
			Display Region 52:
			Nothing
			Periphery:
			The L with line Icon
			should appear on the
			screen and be flashing.
5	Pressing READ	Pressing this button	Upper Numeric
	button 24.	generates a new	Display Region 48:
		measurement.	XXXX″, XX′XX″,
			XX.XX yds,
			XXXX cm, or
			XX.XX m
			Lower Numeric
			Display Region 52:
			Nothing
			Periphery:
			The L with line Icon
			should appear on the
			screen and be flashing.

If length is above 600″, 50′, 16.7 yds, 1524 cm, 15.24 m, “Err” should appear in the display.

If length is less than 22″, 1′ 10″, 0.61 yds, 56 cm, 0.56 m, “Err” should appear on the display.

Pressing the Clear/Reset button 34 will zero the screen.

Table III sets forth logic that may be programmed into the microprocessor 21 and a procedure that may be used to add length measurements using the electronic tape measure 20.

TABLE III
TO ADD LENGTH MEASUREMENTS
Step
Number	Button	Result	Display
1	Press	Menu options will pop up	Upper Numeric
	MENU/SELECT	with the mode you are	Display Region 48:
	button 30.	currently in flashing.	Whatever was in
		Should be Length, Area,	display before the
		or Volume.	MENU/SELECT
			button was pushed.
			Lower Numeric
			Display Region 52:
			Whatever was in
			display before the
			MENU/SELECT
			button was pushed.
			Periphery:
			Icon for Length, Area,
			Volume, Units,
			Memory Store, and
			Memory Retrieve***
			will be visible with the
			current mode flashing.
2	Repeatedly press	Menu options will	Upper Numeric
	SCROLL (L or R)	continue to be displayed	Display Region 48:
	button 26 or 28 until	on the screen and each	Whatever was on the
	the Length Icon is	time the SCROLL (L or R)	screen before the
	flashing.	button 26 or 28 is pushed,	MENU/SELECT
		the flashing indication will	button 30 was pushed.
		move to the next Icon in	Lower Numeric
		line.	Display Region 52:
			Whatever was on the
			screen before the
			MENU/SELECT
			button 30 was pushed.
			Periphery:
			Icon for Length, Area,
			Volume, Units,
			Memory Store, and
			Memory Retrieve will
			be visible with the
			Length mode flashing.
3	Press	Menu choice of measuring	Upper Numeric
	MENU/SELECT	lengths has been selected.	Display Region 48:
	button 30.		A value of zero and the
			current units of
			measure.
			Lower Numeric
			Display Region 52:
			Nothing
			Periphery:
			The Length Icon should
			appear on the screen
			and be flashing.
4	Press READ button	Measurement will be	Upper Numeric
	24 and obtain first	displayed on Upper	Display Region 48:
	measurement. If	Numeric Display Region	XXXX″, XX′XX″,
	measurement is not	48 of display.	XX.XX yds, XXXX cm,
	correct user may		or XX.XX m,
	push		Lower Numeric
	CLEAR/RESET		Display Region 52:
	button 34 to clear		Nothing
	line.		Periphery:
			The L with line Icon
			should appear on the
			screen and be flashing.
5	Press +/= button 32.	Measurement continues to	Upper Numeric
		show on Upper Numeric	Display Region 48:
		Display Region 48 of	XXXX″, XX′XX″,
		display along with a plus	XX.XX yds, XX.XX m,
		sign (+). Measurement is	or XXXX cm
		also displayed on Lower	Lower Numeric
		Numeric Display Region	Display Region 52:
		52.	XXXX″, XX′XX″,
			XX.XX yds,
			XXXX cm, or
			XX.XX m
			Periphery:
			The L with line
			(Length Icon) should
			appear on the screen
			and be flashing.
			There will be a plus
			sign (+).
6	Press READ button	Second measurement will	Upper Numeric
	24 and obtain	appear on Upper Numeric	Display Region 48:
	second	Display Region 48 of	XXXX″, XX′XX″,
	measurement. If	display along with a plus	XX.XX yds, XXXX cm,
	measurement is not	sign (+) but there will be	or XX.XX m
	correct the READ	no value on the Lower	Lower Numeric
	button 24 could be	Numeric Display Region	Display Region 52:
	pushed again.	52.	Nothing
			Periphery:
			The L with line Icon
			should appear on the
			screen and be flashing.
			There will be a plus
			sign (+).
7	Press +/= button 32.	Second measured value	Upper Numeric
		continues to appear on	Display Region 48:
		Upper Numeric Display	XXXX″, XX′XX″,
		Region 48. Sum total of	XX.XX yds,
		first and second	XXXX cm, or
		measurements will show	XX.XX m
		up on Lower Numeric	Lower Numeric
		Display Region 52.	Display Region 52:
			XXXX″, XX′XX″,
			XX.XX yds,
			XXXX cm, or
			XX.XX m
			Periphery:
			The L with line Icon
			should appear on the
			screen but not be
			flashing.
8	Press +/= button 32.	Pressing the +/= button 32	Upper Numeric
		again will prepare the unit	Display Region 48:
		to add another length. The	XXXX″, XX′XX″,
		Upper Numeric Display	XX.XX yds,
		Region 48 will display the	XXXX cm, or
		last measured value, the	XX.XX m
		Lower Numeric Display	Lower Numeric
		Region 52 will display the	Display Region 52:
		last calculated result.	XXXX″, XX′XX″,
			XX.XX yds, XXXX cm,
			or XX.XX m
			Periphery:
			The L with line Icon
			should appear on the
			screen and be flashing.
			There will be a plus
			sign (+).
9	Press READ 24	Third measurement will	Upper Numeric
	button and obtain	appear on Upper Numeric	Display Region 48:
	third measurement.	Display Region 48 of	XXXX″, XX′XX″,
	If measurement is	display along with a plus	XX.XX yds, XXXX cm,
	not correct the	sign (+) but there will be	or XX.XX m
	READ button 24	no value on the Lower	Lower Numeric
	could be pushed	Numeric Display Region	Display Region 52:
	again.	52.	Nothing
			Periphery:
			The L with line Icon
			should appear on the
			screen and be flashing.
			There will be a plus
			sign (+).
10	Press +/= button 32.	Third measured value	Upper Numeric
		continues to appear on	Display Region 48:
		Upper Numeric Display	XXXX″, XX′XX″,
		Region 48. Sum total of	XX.XX yds, XXXX cm,
		first, second, and third	or XX.XX m
		measurements will show	Lower Numeric
		up on Lower Numeric	Display Region 52.
		Display Region 52:	XXXX″, XX′XX″,
			XX.XX yds,
			XXXX cm, or
			XX.XX m
			Periphery:
			The L with line Icon
			should appear on the
			screen but not be
			flashing.
*To add additional length measurements repeat steps #8, #9, and #10.

To clear sum total, press CLEAR/RESET button 34.

Table IV sets forth the programmed logic and a procedure that may be used to determine an area measurement using the electronic tape measure 20.

TABLE IV
TO DETERMINE AREA
Step
Number	Button	Result	Display
1	Press	Menu options will pop up	Upper Numeric
	MENU/SELECT	with the mode you are	Display Region 48:
	button 30.	currently in flashing.	Whatever was in
		Should be either Length,	display before the
		Area, or Volume.	MENU/SELECT
			button 30 was pushed.
			Lower Numeric
			Display Region 52:
			Whatever was in
			display before the
			MENU/SELECT
			button 30 was pushed.
			Periphery:
			Icon for Length, Area,
			Volume, Units,
			Memory Store, and
			Memory Retrieve***
			will be visible with the
			current mode flashing.
2	Repeatedly press	Menu options will	Upper Numeric
	SCROLL (L or R)	continue to be displayed	Display Region 48:
	button 26 or 28 until	on the screen and each	Whatever was on the
	the Area Icon is	time the SCROLL (L or R)	screen before the
	flashing.	button 26 or 28 is pushed,	MENU/SELECT
		the flashing indication will	button 30 was pushed.
		move to the next Icon in	Lower Numeric
		line.	Display Region 52:
			Whatever was on the
			screen before the
			MENU/SELECT
			button 30 was pushed.
			Periphery:
			Icon for Length, Area,
			Volume, Units,
			Memory Store, and
			Memory Retrieve will
			be visible with the area
			mode flashing.
3	Press	Menu choice of measuring	Upper Numeric
	MENU/SELECT	areas has been selected.	Display Region 48:
	button 30.		A value of zero and the
			current units of
			measure
			Lower Numeric
			Display Region 52:
			------ and sq
			Periphery:
			The LW Icon should
			appear on the screen
			with the L with line
			portion flashing.
4	Press READ button	Measurement will be	Upper Numeric
	24 and obtain first	displayed on Upper	Display Region 48:
	measurement. If	Numeric Display Region	XXXX″, XX′XX″,
	measurement is not	48 of display.	XX.XX yds,
	correct press		XXXX cm, or
	CLEAR/RESET		XX.XX m
	button 34 to start		Lower Numeric
	measuring routine		Display Region 52:
	over again		------ and sq
	(beginning of step		Periphery:
	4).		The LW with line Icon
			should be on the screen
			with the W with line
			portion flashing.
5	Press READ button	Second measurement will	Upper Numeric
	24 and obtain	appear on Upper Numeric	Display Region 48:
	second	Display Region 48 of	XXXX″, XX′XX″,
	measurement. If	display. Area calculation	XX.XX yds,
	measurement is not	will appear on the Lower	XXXX cm, or
	correct press	Numeric Display Region	XX.XX m
	CLEAR/RESET	52.	Lower Numeric
	button 34 to start		Display Region 52:
	measuring routine		XXXX sq
	over again		Periphery:
	(beginning of step		The LW with line Icon
	4).		should be on the screen
			with nothing flashing.
6	Press	Screen will clear any read	Upper Numeric
	CLEAR/RESET	or calculated values.	Display Region 48:
	button 34 to start		A value of zero and the
	measuring routine		current units of
	over again		measure
	(beginning of step		Lower Numeric
	4).		Display Region 52:
			------ and sq
			Periphery:
			The LW Icon should
			appear on the screen
			with the L with line
			portion flashing.

End users may see what values were measured when determining area by pressing the READ button 24 after an area has been calculated. The LCD screen 42 will show first measurement on the Upper Numeric Display Region 48 with the L with line Icon flashing, by pressing the READ button 24 again the second measurement will be displayed on the Upper Numeric Display Region 48 with the W with line Icon flashing. Pressing the READ button 24 again will get the user back to the first measurement.

Table V sets forth programmed logic and a procedure that may be used to add area measurements using the electronic tape measure 20.

TABLE V
TO ADD AREA MEASUREMENTS
This function is a continuation of the “TO DETERMINE AREA” function. User
would still be in the Area mode with a calculated area displayed on the Lower
Numeric Display Region 52 of the LCD screen 42.
Step
Number	Button	Result	Display
1	Press the +/= button	This button should be	Upper Numeric
	32 (add another	pressed only after a value	Display Region 48:
	area).	for area is registered on	Whatever was in
		the Lower Numeric	display before the
		Display Region 52 of the	MENU/SELECT
		display. This function will	button 30 was pushed.
		allow the user to calculate	Lower Numeric
		another area and add it to	Display Region 52:
		the previous value. Upper	Whatever was in
		Numeric Display Region	display before the
		48 will show nothing and	MENU/SELECT
		Lower Numeric Display	button 30 was pushed.
		Region 52 will show the	Periphery:
		current area value.	The LW Icon should
			appear on the screen
			with the L with line
			portion flashing.
			A plus sign (+) will
			appear on the screen
2	Press READ button	Measurement will be	Upper Numeric
	24 and obtain first	displayed on Upper	Display Region 48:
	measurement. If	Numeric Display Region	XXXX″, XX′XX″,
	measurement is not	48 of display.	XX.XX yds, XXXX cm,
	correct press		or XX.XX m
	CLEAR/RESET		Lower Numeric
	button 34 to start		Display Region 52:
	measuring routine		Nothing
	over again (end of		Periphery:
	step 1).		The LW Icon should be
			on the screen with the
			W with line flashing.
			A plus sign (+) will
			appear on the screen
3	Press READ button	Second measurement will	Upper Numeric
	24 and obtain	appear on Upper Numeric	Display Region 48:
	second	Display Region 48 of	XXXX″, XX′XX″,
	measurement. If	display. Area calculation	XX.XX yds, XXXX cm,
	measurement is not	will appear on the Lower	or XX.XX m
	correct press	Numeric Display Region	Lower Numeric
	CLEAR/RESET	52.	Display Region 52:
	button 34 to start		XXXX sq
	measuring routine		Periphery:
	over again (end of		The LW Icon should be
	step 1).		on the screen with
			nothing flashing.
			A plus sign (+) will
			appear on the screen
4	Press +/= button 32.	Upper Numeric Display	Upper Numeric
		Region 48 of display will	Display Region 48:
		show the last measured	XXXX″, XX′XX″,
		length from step #3 above.	XX.XX yds,
		Tool will calculate the	XXXX cm, or
		sum of the area previously	XX.XX m
		on the Lower Numeric	Lower Numeric
		Display Region 52 of the	Display Region 52:
		LCD and the new area just	XXXX sq
		obtained. This new value	Periphery:
		will be displayed on the	The LW Icon should be
		Lower Numeric Display	on the screen with
		Region 52.	nothing flashing.
5	Press +/= button 32.	Pressing this button will	Upper Numeric
		let the end user add	Display Region 48:
		another area.	A value of zero and the
			current units of
			measure
			Lower Numeric
			Display Region 52:
			XXXX sq
			Periphery:
			The LW Icon should
			appear on the screen
			with the L with line
			portion flashing.
			A plus sign (+) will
			appear on the screen

End users may see what values were measured when determining last area by pressing the READ button 24 after an area has been calculated. Display will show first measurement on the Upper Numeric Display Region 48 with L with line Icon flashing, by pressing the READ button 24 again the second measurement will be displayed on the Upper Numeric Display Region 48 with the W with line flashing. Pressing the READ button 24 again will get the user back to the first measurement.

Table VI sets forth the programmed logic and a procedure that may be used to determine volume using the electronic tape measure 20.

TABLE VI
TO DETERMINE VOLUME
Step
Number	Button	Result	Display
1	Press	Menu options will pop up	Upper Numeric
	MENU/SELECT	with the mode you are	Display Region 48:
	button 30.	currently in flashing.	Whatever was in
		Should be either Length,	display before the
		Area, or Volume.	MENU/SELECT
			button was pushed.
			Lower Numeric
			Display Region 52:
			Whatever was in
			display before the
			MENU/SELECT
			button 30 was pushed.
			Periphery:
			Icon for Length, Area,
			Volume, Units,
			Memory Store, and
			Memory Retrieve***
			will be visible with the
			current mode flashing.
2	Repeatedly press	Menu options will	Upper Numeric
	SCROLL (L or R)	continue to be displayed	Display Region 48:
	button 26 or 28 until	on the screen and each	Whatever was in
	the Volume Icon is	time the SCROLL (L or R)	display before the
	flashing.	button is pushed, the	MENU/SELECT
		flashing will move to the	button 30 was pushed.
		next Icon in line.	Lower Numeric
			Display Region 52:
			Whatever was in
			display before the
			MENU/SELECT
			button 30 was pushed.
			Periphery:
			Icon for Length, Area,
			Volume, Units,
			Memory Store, and
			Memory Retrieve***
			will be visible with the
			Area mode flashing.
3	Press	Menu choice of measuring	Upper Numeric
	MENU/SELECT	volumes has been selected.	Display Region 48:
	button 30.		A value of zero and the
			current units of
			measure
			Lower Numeric
			Display Region 52:
			------ and cu
			Periphery:
			The LWH Icon should
			appear on the screen
			with the L with line
			portion flashing.
4	Press READ button	Measurement will be	Upper Numeric
	24 and obtain first	displayed on Upper	Display Region 48:
	measurement. If	Numeric Display Region	XXXX″, XX′XX″,
	measurement is not	48 of display.	XX.XX yds, XXXX cm,
	correct press		or XX.XX m
	CLEAR/RESET		Lower Numeric
	button 34 to start		Display Region 52:
	volume measuring		------ and cu
	routine over again		Periphery:
	(beginning of step		The LWH Icon should
	4).		be on the screen with
			the W with line
			flashing.
5	Press READ button	Second measurement will	Upper Numeric
	24 and obtain	appear on Upper Numeric	Display Region 48:
	second	Display Region 48 of	XXXX″, XX′XX″,
	measurement. If	display. Nothing will	XX.XX yds,
	measurement is not	appear on the Lower	XXXX cm, or
	correct press	Numeric Display Region	XX.XX m
	CLEAR/RESET	52.	Lower Numeric
	button 34 to start		Display Region 52:
	volume measuring		------ and cu
	routine over again		Periphery:
	(beginning of step		The LWH Icon should
	4).		be on the screen with
			the H with line
			flashing.
6	Press READ button	Third measurement will	Upper Numeric
	24 and obtain third	appear on Upper Numeric	Display Region 48:
	measurement. If	Display Region 48 of	XXXX″, XX′XX″,
	measurement is not	display. Calculated	XX.XX yds, XXXX cm,
	correct press	volume will appear on the	or XX.XX m
	CLEAR/RESET	Lower Numeric Display	Lower Numeric
	button 34 to start	Region 52 of the display.	Display Region 52:
	volume measuring		XXXX cu
	routine over again		Periphery:
	(beginning of step		The LWH Icon should
	4).		be on the screen with
			nothing flashing.
7	Press	Screen will clear any read	Upper Numeric
	CLEAR/RESET	or calculated values.	Display Region 48:
	button 34 to start		A value of zero and the
	measuring routine		current units of
	over again		measure
	(beginning of step		Lower Numeric
	4).		Display Region 52:
			------ and cu
			Periphery:
			The LWH Icon should
			appear on the screen
			with the L with line
			portion flashing.

End users may see what values were measured when determining volume by pressing the READ button 24 after the volume has been calculated. Display will show first measurement on the Upper Numeric Display Region 48 with L with line Icon flashing, by pressing the READ button 24 again the second measurement will be displayed on the Upper Numeric Display Region 48 with the W with line flashing, by pressing the READ button 24 again the third measurement will be displayed on the Upper Numeric Display Region 48 with the H with line flashing. Pressing the READ button 24 again will get the user back to the first measurement with the L with line Icon flashing.

Table VII sets forth the programmed logic and a procedure that may be used to add volume measurement using the electronic tape measure 20.

TABLE VII
TO ADD VOLUME MEASUREMENTS
This function is a continuation of the “TO DETERMINE VOLUME” calculation
function. User would still be in the Volume mode with a calculated volume displayed
on the Lower Numeric Display Region 52 of the LCD screen 42.
Step
Number	Button	Result	Display
1	Press the +/= button	This button should be	Upper Numeric
	32 (add another	pressed only after a value	Display Region 48:
	volume).	for volume is registered on	The last measurement
		the Lower Numeric	shown on the screen
		Display Region 52 of the	will remain.
		display. This function will	Lower Numeric
		allow the user to calculate	Display Region 52:
		another volume and add it	XXXX cu
		to the previous value.	Periphery:
		Lower Numeric Display	The LWH Icon should
		Region 52 will show the	appear on the screen
		current volume value.	with the L with line
			portion flashing.
			A plus sign (+) will
			appear on the screen.
2	Press READ button	Measurement will be	Upper Numeric
	24 and obtain first	displayed on Upper	Display Region 48:
	measurement. If	Numeric Display Region	XXXX″, XX′XX″,
	measurement is not	48 of display. This will be	XX.XX yds,
	correct press	the length value just	XXXX cm, or
	CLEAR/RESET	measured.	XX.XX m
	button 34 to start		Lower Numeric
	measuring routine		Display Region 52:
	over again (end of		------ and cu
	step 1).		Periphery:
			The LWH Icon should
			be on the screen with
			the W with line
			flashing.
			The plus sign (+) will
			stay lighted on the
			screen.
3	Press READ button	Second measurement will	Upper Numeric
	24 and obtain	appear on Upper Numeric	Display Region 48:
	second	Display Region 48 of	XXXX″, XX′XX″,
	measurement. If	display. This will be the	XX.XX yds,
	measurement is not	width value just measured.	XXXX cm, or
	correct press		XX.XX m
	CLEAR/RESET		Lower Numeric
	button 34 to start		Display Region 52:
	measuring routine		------ and cu
	over again (end of		Periphery:
	step 1).		The LWH Icon should
			be on the screen with
			the H with line
			flashing.
			The plus sign (+) will
			stay lighted on the
			screen.
4	Press READ button	Third measurement will	Upper Numeric
	24 and obtain third	appear on Upper Numeric	Display Region 48:
	measurement. If	Display Region 48 of	XXXX″, XX′XX″,
	measurement is not	display. Volume	XX.XX yds,
	correct press	calculation will appear on	XXXX cm, or
	CLEAR/RESET	the Lower Numeric	XX.XX m
	button 34 to start	Display Region 52.	Lower Numeric
	measuring routine		Display Region 52:
	over again (end of		XXXX cu
	step 1).		Periphery:
			The LWH Icon should
			be on the screen with
			nothing flashing.
			The plus sign (+) will
			stay lighted on the
			screen.
5	Press +/= button 32.	Upper Numeric Display	Upper Numeric
		Region 48 of display will	Display Region 48:
		show the last measured	XXXX″, XX′XX″,
		length from step #4 above.	XX.XX yds,
		Tool will calculate the	XXXX cm, or
		sum of the volume	XX.XX m
		previously on the Lower	Lower Numeric
		Numeric Display Region	Display Region 52:
		52 of the LCD and the	XXXX cu
		new volume just obtained.	Periphery:
		This new value will be	The LWH Icon should
		displayed on the Lower	be on the screen with
		Numeric Display Region	nothing flashing.
		52.	The plus sign (+) will
			go off.
6	Press +/= button 32.	Pressing this button will	See line 1 above
		let the end user add
		another volume.

End users may see what values were measured when determining a volume by pressing the READ button 24 after the volume has been calculated. Display will show first measurement on the Upper Numeric Display Region 48 with L with line Icon flashing, by pressing the READ button 24 again the second measurement will be displayed on the Upper Numeric Display Region 48 with the W with line flashing, by pressing the READ button 24 again the third measurement will be displayed on the Upper Numeric Display Region 48 with the H with line flashing. Pressing the READ button 24 again will get the user back to the first measurement with the L with line Icon flashing.

Table VIII sets forth the programmed logic and a procedure that may be used to change units of measure when using the electronic tape measure 20.

TABLE VIII
TO CHANGE UNITS OF MEASURE
Step
Number	Button	Result	Display
1	Press	Menu options will pop up	Upper Numeric
	MENU/SELECT	with the mode you are	Display Region 48:
	button 30.	currently in flashing.	Whatever was in
		Should be either Length,	display before the
		Area, or Volume	MENU/SELECT
			button 30 was pushed.
			Lower Numeric
			Display Region 52:
			Whatever was in
			display before the
			MENU/SELECT
			button 30 was pushed.
			Periphery:
			Icon for Length, Area,
			Volume, Units,
			Memory Store, and
			Memory Retrieve***
			will be visible with the
			current mode flashing.
2	Repeatedly press	Menu options will	Upper Numeric
	SCROLL (L or R)	continue to be displayed	Display Region 48:
	button 26 or 28 until	on the screen and each	Whatever was in
	the Units Icon is	time the SCROLL (L or R)	display before the
	flashing.	button 26 or 28 is pushed,	MENU/SELECT
		the highlighting will move	button 30 was pushed.
		to the next Icon in line.	Lower Numeric
			Display Region 52:
			Whatever was in
			display before the
			MENU/SELECT
			button 30 was pushed.
			Periphery:
			Icon for Length, Area,
			Volume, Units,
			Memory Store, and
			Memory Retrieve***
			will be visible with the
			Units mode flashing.
3	Press	Menu choice of changing	Upper Numeric
	MENU/SELECT	units has been selected.	Display Region 48:
	button 30.		Should show the same
			value that was on the
			screen before getting
			into this menu driven
			mode to change units.
			Lower Numeric
			Display Region 52:
			Should show the same
			value that was on the
			screen before getting
			into this menu driven
			mode to change units.
			Periphery:
			The Units Icon will be
			flashing; all other Icons
			will be off. The units of
			measure will show up
			on the screen (in, ft,
			yds, cm, m) with the
			current units of
			measure flashing.
4	Press SCROLL (L	The units of measure will	Upper Numeric
	or R) button 26 or	change to the next type in	Display Region 48:
	28 until the units	line. Sequence will be in,	Value and units from
	desired show up on	ft, yds, cm and m. User	previous step will
	the screen.	may keep pressing	change to converted
		SCROLL (L or R) button	value and units of
		26 or 28 until the desired	measure.
		Units of measure are	Lower Numeric
		displayed.	Display Region 52:
			If there was a value on
			this line, value and
			units from previous
			step will change to
			converted value and
			units of measure.
			Periphery:
			The Units Icon will be
			flashing; all other Icons
			will be off. The units of
			measure will be
			illuminated (in, ft, yds,
			cm, m) with the desired
			unit of measure
			flashing.
5	Press	Tool will now display all	Upper Numeric
	MENU/SELECT	measurements based upon	Display Region 48:
	button 30.	the Unit type selected.	Same as previous step
		Unit will kick out of menu	Lower Numeric
		mode and back to Length,	Display Region 52:
		Area or Volume mode.	Same as previous step
			Periphery:
			Unit Icon will turn off.
*If an end user comes into menu mode from measuring lengths, the Upper Numeric Display Region 48 and possibly Lower Numeric Display Region 52 may continue to show the measurements once the MENU/SELECT button 30 is pressed. If the menu option is then changed to Area, Volume, or Memory Retrieve, nothing may be displayed on the UPPER NUMERIC DISPLAY REGION 48 or Lower Numeric Display Region 52. The UPPER NUMERIC DISPLAY REGION 48 and possibly
# LOWER NUMERIC DISPLAY REGION 52 values may be displayed in the Length, Units, and Memory Store modes.

If an end user comes into menu mode from measuring areas, the Upper Numeric Display Region 48 and possibly Lower Numeric Display Region 52 may continue to show the measurements once the MENU/SELECT button 30 is pressed. If the menu option is then changed to Length, Volume, or Memory Retrieve, nothing may be displayed on the UPPER NUMERIC DISPLAY REGION 48 or Lower Numeric Display Region 52. The UPPER NUMERIC DISPLAY REGION 48 and possibly LOWER NUMERIC DISPLAY REGION 52 values may be displayed in the Area, Units, and Memory Store modes.

If an end user comes into menu mode from measuring Volumes, the Upper Numeric Display Region 48 and possibly Lower Numeric Display Region 52 may continue to show the measurements once the MENU/SELECT button 30 is pressed. If the menu option is then changed to Length, Area, or Memory Retrieve, nothing may be displayed on the UPPER NUMERIC DISPLAY REGION 48 or Lower Numeric Display Region 52. The UPPER NUMERIC DISPLAY REGION 48 and possibly LOWER NUMERIC DISPLAY REGION 52 values may be displayed in the Volume, Units, and Memory Store modes.

Table IX sets forth the programmed logic and a procedure that may be used to save a value in memory on the electronic tape measure 20.

TABLE IX
TO SAVE VALUE IN MEMORY
Step
Number	Button	Result	Display
1	Press	Menu options will pop up	Upper Numeric
	MENU/SELECT	with the mode you are	Display Region 48:
	button 30.	currently in flashing.	Whatever was in
		Should be either Length,	display before the
		Area, or Volume.	MENU/SELECT
			button 30 was pushed.
			Lower Numeric
			Display Region 52:
			Whatever was in
			display before the
			MENU/SELECT
			button 30 was pushed.
			Periphery:
			Icon for Length, Area,
			Volume, Units,
			Memory Store, and
			Memory Retrieve***
			will be visible with the
			current mode flashing.
2	Repeatedly press	Menu options will	Upper Numeric
	SCROLL (L or R)	continue to be displayed	Display Region 48:
	button 26 or 28 until	on the screen and each	Whatever was in
	the Memory Store	time the SCROLL (L or R)	display before the
	Icon is flashing.	button 26 or 28 is pushed,	MENU/SELECT
		the highlighting will move	button 30 was pushed.
		to the next Icon in line.	Lower Numeric
		User may continue to	Display Region 52:
		toggle through the choices	Whatever was in
		until reaching the Memory	display before the
		Store Icon.	MENU/SELECT
			button 30 was pushed.
			Periphery:
			Icon for Length, Area,
			Volume, Units,
			Memory Store, and
			Memory Retrieve will
			be visible with the
			Memory Store mode
			flashing.
3	Press	Menu choice of Memory	Upper Numeric
	MENU/SELECT	Storage has been selected.	Display Region 48:
	button 30.	Once the user has selected	Nothing
		that they want to go to	Lower Numeric
		Memory Storage, they	Display Region 52:
		need to determine what	The value that is to be
		memory location they	stored.
		want to save their value in.	Periphery:
		There are five locations	Icon for Memory Store
		(1-5). The tool will default	and 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 will be
		to the first memory	highlighted. The 1 will
		location by flashing the 1.	be flashing.
		The user may then accept
		this location by pressing
		the MENU/SELECT
		button 30 or scroll to
		another of the memory
		locations by pushing the
		SCROLL (L or R) button
		26 or 28.
4	Press the SCROLL	This will allow the user to	Upper Numeric
	(L or R) button 26	choose a different memory	Display Region 48:
	or 28.	location. By continuing to	Nothing
		push the SCROLL (L or	Lower Numeric
		R) button 26 or 28, the	Display Region 52:
		unit will scroll through the	The value that is to be
		five different memory	stored.
		locations.	Periphery:
			Icon for Memory Store
			and 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 will be
			highlighted. The
			current memory
			location will be
			flashing.
5	Press the	This will store the value in	Upper Numeric
	MENU/SELECT	the memory location.	Display Region 48:
	button 30.	Pressing this key will also	The display will look
		put the user back in the	like it did before the
		Length, Area or Volume	MENU/SELECT
		mode, whatever the mode	button 30 was pushed.
		was before the Memory	Lower Numeric
		Storage routine was	Display Region 52:
		started.	The display will look
			like it did before the
			MENU/SELECT
			button 30 was pushed.
			Periphery:
			The display will look
			like it did before the
			MENU/SELECT
			button 30 was pushed.

Table X sets forth programmed logic and a procedure that may be used to retrieve a value in memory on the electronic tape measure 20.

TABLE X
TO VIEW VALUE IN MEMORY
(MEMORY RECALL MODE)
Memory locations may be cleared only when in Memory Recall mode. Once in
Memory Recall mode, the user may hold the CLEAR/RESET button 34 in for 2
seconds and all the values in memory will be cleared.
Step
Number	Button	Result	Display
1	Press	Menu options will pop up	Upper Numeric
	MENU/SELECT	with the mode you are	Display Region 48:
	button 30.	currently in flashing. At	Whatever was in
		this point the current mode	display before the
		should be either Length,	MENU/SELECT
		Area, or Volume	button 30 was pushed.
			Lower Numeric
			Display Region 52:
			Whatever was in
			display before the
			MENU/SELECT
			button 30 was pushed.
			Periphery:
			Icon for Length, Area,
			Volume, Units,
			Memory Store, and
			Memory Retrieve***
			will be visible with the
			current mode flashing.
2	Repeatedly press	Menu options will	Upper Numeric
	SCROLL (L or R)	continue to be displayed	Display Region 48:
	button 26 or 28 until	on the screen and each	Whatever was in
	the Memory	time the SCROLL (L or R)	display before the
	Retrieve Icon is	button 26 or 28 is pushed,	MENU/SELECT
	flashing.	the highlighting will move	button 30 was pushed.
		to the next Icon in line.	Lower Numeric
		User may continue to	Display Region 52:
		toggle through the choices	Whatever was in
		until reaching the Memory	display before the
		Retrieve Icon.	MENU/SELECT
			button 30 was pushed.
			Periphery:
			Icon for Length, Area,
			Volume, Units,
			Memory Store, and
			Memory Retrieve***
			will be visible with the
			Memory Retrieve Icon
			flashing.
3	Press	Menu choice of Memory	Upper Numeric
	MENU/SELECT	Retrieve has been selected.	Display Region 48:
	button 30.	Once the user has selected	Nothing
		that they want to go to	Lower Numeric
		memory retrieve, they	Display Region 52:
		need to determine what	The display shows the
		memory location they	value stored in the
		want to retrieve their value	memory location that is
		from. There are five	flashing.
		locations (1-5). The tool	Periphery:
		will default to the first	Icon for Memory
		occupied memory location	Retrieve and any
		by flashing the memory	memory locations (1, 2,
		location number and the	3, 4, 5) that have a
		corresponding value	value will be
		displayed on the Lower	highlighted. The lowest
		Numeric Display Region	numbered memory
		52.	location will be
			flashing when the user
			first enters this mode.
4	Press the	This will take the end user	Upper Numeric
	MENU/SELECT	back to the mode he/she	Display Region 48:
	button 30.	was in before they got into	Whatever was in
		the Memory Recall mode.	display before the
			MENU/SELECT
			button 30 was pushed.
			Lower Numeric
			Display Region 52:
			Whatever was in
			display before the
			MENU/SELECT
			button 30 was pushed.
			Periphery:
			Whatever was in
			display before the
			MENU/SELECT
			button 30 was pushed.

Table XI sets forth the programmed logic and a procedure that may be used to add a memory value to a length, area, or volume measurement using the electronic tape measure 20.

TABLE XI
TO ADD A MEMORY VALUE TO A LENGTH, AREA, OR VOLUME
Obviously, one cannot add a length to an area or volume,
nor can one add an area to a volume.
As noted above, memory locations may be cleared only when
in Memory Recall mode. Once in Memory Recall
mode, the user may hold the CLEAR/RESET button 34 in for 2
seconds and all the values in memory will be cleared.
Step Number	Button	Result	Display
1	Press the +/= button	This button may be pushed	Upper Numeric
	32.	once there is a value in the	Display Region 48:
		tool for length, area or	XXXX″, XX′XX″,
		volume. Measurement	XX.XX yds, XXXX cm,
		continues to show on	or XX.XX m
		Upper Numeric Display	Lower Numeric
		Region 48 of display along	Display Region 52:
		with a plus sign (+).	XXXX″, XX′XX″,
		Measurement is also	XX.XX yds,
		displayed on Lower	XX.XX cm, or
		Numeric Display Region	XX.XX m
		52.	Periphery:
			Some form of the LWH
			icon should be on the
			screen. There will be a
			plus sign (+).
2	Press	Menu options will pop up	Upper Numeric
	MENU/SELECT	with the mode you are	Display Region 48:
	button 30.	currently in flashing. At	Whatever was in
		this point the current mode	display before the
		should be either Length,	MENU/SELECT
		Area, or Volume.	button 30 was pushed.
			Lower Numeric
			Display Region 52:
			Whatever was in
			display before the
			MENU/SELECT
			button 30 was pushed.
			Periphery:
			Icon for Length, Area,
			Volume, Units,
			Memory Store, and
			Memory Retrieve***
			will be visible with the
			current mode flashing.
3	Repeatedly press	Menu options will	Upper Numeric
	SCROLL (L or R)	continue to be displayed	Display Region 48:
	button 26 or 28 until	on the screen and each	Whatever was in
	the Memory	time the SCROLL (L or R)	display before the
	Retrieve Icon is	button 26 or 28 is pushed,	MENU/SELECT
	flashing.	the highlighting will move	button 30 was pushed.
		to the next Icon in line.	Lower Numeric
		User may continue to	Display Region 52:
		toggle through the choices	Whatever was in
		until reaching the Memory	display before the
		Retrieve Icon.	MENU/SELECT
			button 30 was pushed.
			Periphery:
			Icon for Length, Area,
			Volume, Units,
			Memory Store, and
			Memory Retrieve***
			will be visible with the
			Memory Retrieve Icon
			flashing.
4	Press	Menu choice of Memory	Upper Numeric
	MENU/SELECT	Retrieve has been selected.	Display Region 48:
	button 30.	Once the user has selected	Nothing
		that they want to go to	Lower Numeric
		memory retrieve, they	Display Region 52:
		need to determine what	The display shows the
		memory location they	value stored in the
		want to retrieve their value	memory location that is
		from. There are five	flashing.
		locations (1-5). The tool	Periphery:
		will default to the first	Icon for Memory
		occupied memory location	Retrieve and any
		by flashing the memory	memory locations (1, 2,
		location number and the	3, 4, 5) that have a
		corresponding value	value will be
		displayed on the Lower	highlighted. The lowest
		Numeric Display Region	numbered memory
		52. The user may then	location will be
		accept this location by	flashing when the user
		pushing the	first enters this mode.
		MENU/SELECT button
		30 or scroll to another of
		the memory locations by
		pushing the SCROLL (L
		or R) button 26 or 28.
5	Press the	This will take the end user	Upper Numeric
	MENU/SELECT	back to the mode he/she	Display Region 48:
	button 30.	was in before they got into	Whatever was in
		the Memory Recall mode.	display before the
		The Lower Numeric	MENU/SELECT
		Display Region 52 will	button 30 was pushed.
		show the addition of the	Lower Numeric
		previous value and what	Display Region 52:
		was in memory.	Sum of the previous
			value and what was in
			memory.
			Periphery:
			Whatever was in
			display before going
			into the memory recall
			mode.
Footnotes:
*Unit may be programmed to automatically shutdown 30 seconds after last input (button actuation).
**None of the functions listed can be performed until unit is powered on.
***When getting into Menu/Select Mode to select Length, Area, Volume, Units, Memory Storage, and Memory Retrieve, the Memory Retrieve Icon may be programmed not to light up unless there are stored values in memory.

Due to the simplicity of the logic programmed into the processor 21 and the minimal number of buttons that are used in the electronic tape measure 20, multiple functions may be performed using the electronic tape measure, without the need for cumbersome numerous small buttons on the device. In addition, due to the retractable nature of the belt clip 36, and the small number of buttons, a belt clip may be provided on the front of the device without interfering with operation of the buttons 24-34.

Since the belt clip member 36 is retractable, it may be located on the front of the device 20 without interference with operation of the device 20.

The foregoing detailed description has been given for clearness of understanding only and no unnecessary limitations should be understood therefrom, as modifications will be obvious to those skilled in the art. For example, the teachings of this disclosure are applicable to many types of handheld devices in addition to length measuring devices, such as, for example, laser levels, and stud sensors.

Claims

1. An electronic measuring device, comprising: a transceiver device; a microprocessor operatively connected to the transceiver device; and a memory, an electronic output device, and a plurality of input mechanisms, all of which are operatively connected to the microprocessor; wherein the microprocessor is programmed with logic that allows a user of the device to take and manipulate measurements using a menu-driven procedure by using the input mechanisms to select and activate desired operations.

2. The electronic measuring device of claim 1, wherein the input mechanisms include a read button, at least one scroll button, and a menu/select button.

3. The electronic measuring device of claim 2, wherein the read button is a combined power/read button.

4. The electronic measuring device of claim 2, wherein the microprocessor is programmed with logic that allows a user of the device to take distance measurements using a menu-driven procedure solely by using the menu/select button, the scroll button, and the read button to select and activate desired operations.

5. The electronic measuring device of claim 2, further including a +/= button, wherein the microprocessor is programmed with logic that allows a user of the device to add length measurements using a menu-driven procedure solely by using the menu/select button, the scroll button, the read button, and the +/= button to select and activate desired operations.

6. The electronic measuring device of claim 2, wherein the microprocessor is programmed with logic that allows a user of the device to determine an area based on distance measurements using a menu-driven procedure solely by using the menu/select button, the scroll button, and the read button to select and activate desired operations.

7. The electronic measuring device of claim 2, further including a +/= button, wherein the microprocessor is programmed with logic that allows a user of the device to add area measurements using a menu-driven procedure solely by using the menu/select button, the scroll button, the read button, and the +/= button to select and activate desired operations.

8. The electronic measuring device of claim 2, wherein the microprocessor is programmed with logic that allows a user of the device to determine a volume based on distance measurements using a menu-driven procedure solely by using the menu/select button, the scroll button, and the read button to select and activate desired operations.

9. The electronic measuring device of claim 2, further including a +/= button, wherein the microprocessor is programmed with logic that allows a user of the device to add volume measurements using a menu-driven procedure solely by using the menu/select button, the scroll button, the read button, and the +/= button to select and activate desired operations.

10. The electronic measuring device of claim 2, wherein the microprocessor is programmed with logic that allows a user of the device to change units of measure using a menu-driven procedure solely by using the menu/select button and the scroll button to select and activate desired operations.

11. The electronic measuring device of claim 2, wherein the microprocessor is programmed with logic that allows a user of the device to save a measured value in the memory using a menu-driven procedure solely by using the menu/select button and the scroll button to select and activate desired operations.

12. The electronic measuring device of claim 2, wherein the microprocessor is programmed with logic that allows a user of the device to view a measured value that has been saved in the memory using a menu-driven procedure solely by using the menu/select button and the scroll button to select and activate desired operations.

13. The electronic measuring device of claim 2, further including a +/= button, wherein the microprocessor is programmed with logic that allows a user of the device to add measured value that has been saved in the memory to additional measurements using a menu-driven procedure solely by using the menu/select button, the scroll button, and the +/= button to select and activate desired operations.

14. An electronic measuring device, comprising: a transceiver device; a microprocessor operatively connected to the transceiver device; and a memory, an electronic output device, input mechanisms, all of which are operatively connected to the microprocessor; wherein the microprocessor is programmed with logic that allows a user of the device to take and manipulate measurements made by the transceiver device using a menu-driven procedure by using the input mechanisms to select and activate desired operations; wherein the input mechanisms include a read button, at least one scroll button, a +/= button, and a menu/select button; wherein the microprocessor is programmed with logic that allows a user of the device to take distance measurements using a menu-driven procedure solely by using the menu/select button, the scroll button, and the read button to select and activate desired operations; wherein the microprocessor is programmed with logic that allows a user of the device to add length measurements using a menu-driven procedure solely by using the menu/select button, the scroll button, the read button, and the +/= button to select and activate desired operations; wherein the microprocessor is programmed with logic that allows a user of the device to determine an area based on distance measurements using a menu-driven procedure solely by using the menu/select button, the scroll button, and the read button to select and activate desired operations; wherein the microprocessor is programmed with logic that allows a user of the device to add area measurements using a menu-driven procedure solely by using the menu/select button, the scroll button, the read button, and the +/= button to select and activate desired operations; wherein the microprocessor is programmed with logic that allows a user of the device to determine a volume based on distance measurements using a menu-driven procedure solely by using the menu/select button, the scroll button, and the read button to select and activate desired operations; wherein the microprocessor is programmed with logic that allows a user of the device to add volume measurements using a menu-driven procedure solely by using the menu/select button, the scroll button, the read button, and the +/= button to select and activate desired operations; wherein the microprocessor is programmed with logic that allows a user of the device to change units of measure using a menu-driven procedure solely by using the menu/select button and the scroll button to select and activate desired operations; wherein the microprocessor is programmed with logic that allows a user of the device to save a measured value in the memory using a menu-driven procedure solely by using the menu/select button and the scroll button to select and activate desired operations; wherein the microprocessor is programmed with logic that allows a user of the device to view a measured value that has been saved in the memory using a menu-driven procedure solely by using the menu/select button and the scroll button to select and activate desired operations; and wherein the microprocessor is programmed with logic that allows a user of the device to add measured value that has been saved in the memory to additional measurements using a menu-driven procedure solely by using the menu/select button, the scroll button, and the +/= button to select and activate desired operations.

15. The electronic measuring device of claim 14, wherein the transceiver device is a sonic transceiver.

16. A method of taking a measurement using an electronic measuring device that includes a read button, at least one scroll button, and a menu/select button as input mechanisms that are operatively connected to a microprocessor that is also operatively connected to a display device, the method comprising: pressing the menu/select button; pressing the scroll button until an indication is provided on the display device corresponding to a desired measurement to be taken; and pressing the read button.

17. The method of claim 16, further including pressing the menu/select button to select the desired measurement after pressing the scroll button and prior to pressing the read button.

18. A method of manipulating measurements using an electronic measuring device that includes a read button, at least one scroll button, and a menu/select button as input mechanisms that are operatively connected to a microprocessor that is also operatively connected to a display device, the method comprising: pressing the menu/select button; pressing the scroll button until an indication is provided on the display device corresponding to a desired measurement manipulation to be performed; and pressing the read button.

19. The method of claim 18, further including pressing the menu/select button to select the desired measurement after pressing the scroll button and prior to pressing the read button.