FR2719112A1 - Tape measure with ribbon data storage elements - Google Patents

Abstract

The tape measure is a conventional flexible graduated tape (1) enclosed in a box (2) with means for extending the tape and retracting it by spring tension back into the casing (2) which contains a loudspeaker (4) and microphone (5) together with electronic circuits to allow recording of sound. The casing is fitted with push buttons and/or selector switches (7,8,9) to control the recording and playback of spoken measurements. An opening in the case allows replacement of the batteries. The tape measure is used by speaking the measurement taken from the tape which is then recorded and can be replayed when required.

Description

- 1 - The present invention relates to measuring instruments;

  especially the tape measure reels.

  Conventional tape measures do not have any means of memorizing measurements. This leads to frequent errors and wasted time for the user; the latter is obliged to mentally retain the measurements; it is difficult to remember several independent numbers, and especially their correspondence with the measured objects from where errors but also measurements made several times, back and forth from the measurement point to the bench, or finally uncomfortable positions to take marks. To overcome, at least partially, these drawbacks, tape measures have been produced equipped with memory elements: - It can be a simple tape blocker in its measurement position, which only allows memory to be stored the

last measure, without its purpose.

  - It may also be an electronic device such as a built-in calculator with memory, which makes it possible to store several measurements but not their object; moreover, this latter device requires the use of both hands, which

  are not always available during measurement.

  An object of the present invention is to allow the storage of one or more measurements simultaneously with

the action of measuring.

  Another object of the present invention is to allow the

  storage, for each measurement, of the object of said measurement.

  Another object of the present invention is to allow this memorization by requiring the use of only one finger at most, by allowing the hands to keep substantially the same position as for gripping a conventional measuring tape, therefore

  by not interfering with the action of measuring.

  Another object of the present invention is to allow the restitution of information, simultaneously with their notation or their use, by freeing both hands of the user,

  (except, possibly, when the refund is triggered).

  A final object of the present invention is to allow the storage of a measured length greater than the length of the tape. The objects of the present invention are achieved by the arrangement, inside the housing (the body of the measuring tape),

  a miniaturized voice recorder.

  The reel measuring tape according to the invention contains a

  voice recorder for recording a description

  oral of at least one of the measurements made by the user to

using the said tape measure.

  - Thus, the first object of the invention is achieved: the sound recording allows the storage of at least one measurement simultaneously with the action of measuring; - the specific object of each measurement, described by the user, is stored in association with the measurement itself (for example: ... "width of the corridor on the north side: 125 cm" ...); - the restitution of the measurements is initialized by pressing on a "read" command, then takes place phonically, thus completely freeing the hands of the user, and allowing the latter to use them or to transfer them to

  the material to work on while listening.

  - The device according to the invention can memorize a measurement which exceeds the length of the ribbon: in fact, it is possible to carry out several measurements, and to record only their sum or the terms of this sum which will be carried out

  later using a calculator.

  The voice recorder used in the measuring tape according to the invention is of the electronic integrated circuit type, called the "tape recorder" circuit. These "solid state" integrated circuits bring together all

  functions of a tape recorder, except the microphone, the loudspeaker

  speaker, power supply, and control buttons.

  -3 - These circuits, based on an "analog EEPROM", are commonly

  used in telephone recorders.

  According to one embodiment, the tape measure housing contains an integrated “tape recorder” circuit, a loudspeaker, a microphone if it is dissociated from the loudspeaker, the control members of the integrated circuit, and the element of energy supply. In order to improve the ergonomics of the device, at least the recording control member can be located on the same face of the case as the ribbon outlet. These organs of

  control can be buttons or switches.

  Thus, the recording phase requires only the action of a finger, for example the thumb or the index finger of the hand holding the measuring tape, which avoids hampering the measurement by poor grip of the measuring tape. The arrangement of the recording device on one of the lateral flanks of the

housing is also practical.

  According to an improved embodiment, the start of the recording can be controlled by voice, similar to a dictaphone; thus, after having previously put the meter in standby state by an appropriate command, the hands are no longer used for memorization during the measurement. This

  voice control can be integrated into the tape recorder circuit.

  The device according to the invention is used as follows: The user performs the first measurement by describing it

  orally while pressing the record button.

  - The user can repeat this action several times, the recordings being carried out sequentially (which is possible with existing "tape recorder" circuits which even allow direct access to a given message); - When using the measurements, the operator

  "return" to playback by pressing an appropriate button.

  -4 - Figure 1 shows an external overview of a

  embodiment of the measuring tape according to the invention.

  FIG. 2 represents an internal view by transparency of a

  embodiment of the measuring tape according to the invention.

  According to the embodiments shown in Figures 1 and 2, the measuring tape according to the invention comprises a conventional graduated tape (1), wound in a housing (2), and returned by a spring (3); the housing (2) contains a loudspeaker (4) and a microphone (5) (if the latter is separate from the loudspeaker); the housing (2) contains an integrated tape recorder (6). The housing (2) is equipped with push-buttons and / or selectors (7) (8) and (9), for controlling the tape recorder circuit, as well as a housing for a power supply battery (10); the power supply can also be supplemented by a converter

  photoelectric to avoid battery renewal.

  The known improvements on tape meters are all adaptable to the meter according to the invention: tape blocking, incorporated level, electronic calculator, etc. The measuring tape according to the invention is intended for all users of the measuring tape, professionals and DIY enthusiasts. - 5 -

Claims (1)

CLAIMS:   -1- Measuring device, such as reel tape measure, characterized in that it contains a recorder   voice recording of an oral description of at least   one of the measurements made by the user using said tape measure. -2- Device according to claim 1, characterized in that one voice recorder is of the integrated circuit type   electronics says "tape recorder" circuit.   -3- Device according to any one of   previous claims, characterized in that its housing (2)   contains a "tape recorder" integrated circuit (6), a loudspeaker (4), a microphone (5) if it is separate from the loudspeaker, the controls (7,8,9) of the integrated circuit, and the element power supply (10).   -4- Device according to any one of   previous claims, characterized in that at least   the recording controller (7) is located on the same   face of the housing as the ribbon outlet (1).   -5- Device according to any one of   previous claims, characterized in that the start of   recording can be controlled by voice.