Opto-mechanical instrument to accurately measure linear distance

Details Opto-mechanical instrument to accurately measure linear distance Opto-mechanical instrument to accurately measure linear distance

1995-06-07

1996-10-01

Fulton, Christopher W.

Geometrical instruments

Distance measuring

Of length by rolling contact

33701, 33780, G01B 312

Patent

active

055601197

ABSTRACT:
A hand-held scaler for a map or illustration uses a rotary element and an optical sensor at its tip to generate digital pulses when the tip is moved over a map surface. The pulses are counted by a microprocessor. Different pulse counts automatically scale distances on the map. The microprocessor is supplied with a number, e.g., the number miles on the map scale line; then the tip is run over the scale line (or a known distance between two points on the map). The ratio of the number and the pulse count is used to scale arbitrary distances on the map by multiplying the tip pulses by the ratio. A readout shows the scaled distance (or a mathematical function of the distance). The rotary element can be a wheel in an axle or a sphere held in a retainer, like a ball-point pen ball. The sensor has a lamp and photocell to generate pulses by a pattern of reflective and non-reflective areas on the rotary element. The housing has switches for resetting, calibrating, and initializing, and a map-illuminating light. Battery power is cut off after long non-use.

REFERENCES:
patent: 3494039 (1970-02-01), Porter
patent: 4760647 (1988-08-01), Gillis
patent: 4914831 (1990-04-01), Kanezashi et al.
patent: 5067249 (1991-11-01), Terrigno
patent: 5161313 (1992-11-01), Rijlaarsadam
patent: 5288993 (1994-02-01), Bidiville et al.
Advertisements for "Map Mate". (date unknown).
Advertisements for "Precision Map Meter". (date unknown).

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