Level gauge and method for controlling level gauge

Abstract

The invention relates to a gradienter and a method for controlling the gradienter. The gradienter comprises: a housing comprising a longitudinal axis; a flat base surface extending parallel to the longitudinal axis; an orientation sensor configured to measure an orientation of the housing relative to gravity; a controller that calculates an orientation difference between the housing orientation and a target orientation; and a display that emits an image, the image including a target orientation, a primary range extending from the target orientation by a first range, and a secondary range extending from the target orientation by a second range that is further than the first range.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of an application with an application date of January 25, 2019, application number 202210634758.5 ​​and invention name “Digital Level”. Application 202210634758.5 ​​is a divisional application of an application with an international application date of January 25, 2019, Chinese national application number 201980015305.0 (international application number PCT / US2019 / 015110) and invention name “Digital Level”.

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] This application claims priority to U.S. application No. 62 / 622,011, filed on January 25, 2018, entitled “Digital Level,” and priority to U.S. application No. 62 / 663,945, filed on April 27, 2018, entitled “Digital Level,” and the entire contents of these two U.S. applications are incorporated herein. Background Art

[0004] The present invention relates generally to the field of levels, and more particularly to digital levels.

[0005] Levels are used in a variety of applications, particularly in the building and construction industries. Traditionally, levels use one or more vials containing a liquid (e.g., ethanol) and a small bubble (e.g., an air bubble) to measure orientation. The walls of the vials are arcuately shaped so that when the level is placed on a sufficiently horizontal or vertical surface, the air bubble is aligned at or near the center of at least one of the vials. Summary of the invention

[0006] In one embodiment, the level includes a housing. The housing includes: a longitudinal axis, a flat base surface, a top surface opposite the base surface, an orientation sensor such as an accelerometer, a controller, and a display. The controller calculates the orientation difference between the orientation of the housing and the target orientation. The target orientation is one of the selected orientation and the default target orientation (e.g., horizontal to the horizontal ground, vertical to the horizontal ground).

[0007] The level includes one or more displays, one of the one or more displays being located on the front surface of the housing and another being located on the top surface of the housing. The display on the front surface emits a first image that is rotated relative to the housing so that alphanumeric characters in the first image are oriented horizontally relative to a horizontal ground surface, regardless of the orientation of the level itself.

[0008] One embodiment of the present invention relates to a digital level including two accelerometers, a display and a power supply. The accelerometers are arranged in a complementary arrangement, such as rotated 90 degrees relative to each other. Therefore, for different orientations, the resolution error of using a combination of two accelerometers is minimized. In some embodiments, the accelerometers generate input signals that are processed by a processor to determine the orientation of the level housing, which is then used to display the orientation to the user.

[0009] In one embodiment, features on a circular display rotate so that the features are vertical relative to the downward pull of gravity, and therefore approximately horizontal relative to the horizontal ground. For example, numbers representing the orientation (e.g., angle) of a level, the battery status of the level, a line indicating the orientation of the level, a line indicating a plumb line parallel to the downward pull of gravity, and a target orientation can continuously rotate around the display so that they maintain the same orientation relative to the horizontal ground.

[0010] In another embodiment, when the level is within an acceptable range of the target angle, the display of the level changes its background color. For example, when the level is reading within the acceptable primary range, the background may be a first color or pattern (e.g., green, solid color, etc.); when the level is reading outside the acceptable primary range but within the acceptable secondary range, the background color may be a second color or pattern different from the first color or pattern (e.g., yellow, checkered pattern, etc.); and / or when the level is reading outside the acceptable secondary range, the background color may be a third color or pattern different from the first and second colors (e.g., red and flashing, etc.).

[0011] In another embodiment, an alternate angle (e.g., an angle other than 0 or 90 degrees) can be selected as the target orientation of the level. For example, the user can place the level on a surface oriented at an angle that the user wants to repeat. The target button is pressed when the level is in the desired orientation, and the level then identifies the orientation as the target angle. Alternatively, the user can manually enter or adjust the target angle via one or more input buttons.

[0012] In one or more embodiments, the digital level includes a control module that reduces or minimizes power consumption on a power source (e.g., a battery). For example, the control module can be configured to enter a sleep mode in any of a number of situations, such as when the device does not receive user input within a threshold time period. The control module can also use a depletion mode of operation when the battery supply is below a threshold charge. In the depletion mode of operation, the display can be dimmed, one of the displays can be completely turned off, and / or the level can enter a sleep mode after a threshold time that is shorter than a threshold time period during normal operation, etc.

[0013] In one embodiment, the level includes a coarse view mode and a detailed view mode. When the orientation of the level housing approaches a target orientation, the level (e.g., a controller) determines to switch the display to the detailed view mode based on a comparison of the level orientation to the target orientation. The transition point from the coarse view mode to the detailed view mode is user configurable and may have a default value of 3 degrees in either direction from the target orientation.

[0014] In detailed view mode, the mark on the display of the level corresponding to the orientation of the level exaggerates the angle of the level. For example, if the physical orientation of the level is 3 degrees away from the target orientation, the displayed orientation of the level is 30 degrees away from the target orientation. As the physical orientation of the level approaches the target orientation, the displayed orientation of the level correspondingly approaches the target orientation mark on the display. In various embodiments, the change in the physical orientation of the level corresponds linearly to the change in the displayed orientation of the level (for example, when the level changes its orientation toward the target orientation by 1 degree, the displayed orientation changes by 10 degrees toward the target orientation).

[0015] In various embodiments, the target orientation of the level can be switched to its mirror image. For example, if the target orientation is the left side of the level 13 degrees higher than the right side of the level, the mirrored target orientation is the right side of the level 13 degrees higher than the left side of the level. One way to switch the target orientation to its mirror image is to double-click the enter button.

[0016] In various embodiments, the display lists a number of user-selectable target orientations. The items in the list may be changed depending on the environment in which the level is used.

[0017] In various embodiments, the level includes several power modes. In sleep mode, the display of the level is disabled, and input buttons other than the power button are similarly disabled. If the level includes multiple processors, the processor that requires less energy to operate is used when in sleep mode.

[0018] The level may enter sleep mode for any of several reasons, including: the level being inactive for a period of time, the level being placed in a predetermined orientation (eg, the face of the level with the front display at the bottom).

[0019] The level also has a depletion mode, and when the battery power for the level is below a predetermined level (e.g., 10%, 20%), the level enters the depletion mode. In the depletion mode, the level can disable a display (e.g., a front display) that requires more energy to operate.

[0020] Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the following detailed description, and some of these features and advantages will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the description or will be recognized by practicing the embodiments as described in the included written description and in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary.

[0021] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate one or more embodiments and together with the description serve to explain principles and operations of the various embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a level according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0023] Figure 2 According to an exemplary embodiment Figure 1 Detail front view of the side wall display of the spirit level.

[0024] Figure 3 According to another exemplary embodiment Figure 1 Detail front view of the side wall display of the spirit level.

[0025] Figure 4 According to an exemplary embodiment Figure 1 Annotated detail elevation view of a portion of the side wall display of a spirit level.

[0026] Figure 5 According to an exemplary embodiment Figure 1 A front view of a portion of the side wall display of a spirit level.

[0027] Figure 6 is an illustrative illustration of features in a level display according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0028] Figure 7is a front view of a level display according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0029] Figure 8 is a front perspective view of a level according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0030] Fig. 9 is a front view of a level according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0031] Fig.10 is a front view of a level according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0032] Fig.11 is a front view of a level display according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0033] Fig.12 is a front view of a level display according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0034] Fig.13 is a front view of a level display according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0035] Fig.14 is a front view of a level display according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0036] Fig.15 is a front view of a level display according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0037] Fig.16 According to an exemplary embodiment Figure 1 Block diagram of several modules of the level meter's control system.

[0038] Fig.17 According to an exemplary embodiment Figure 1 Detail front view of the level input device.

[0039] Fig.18 According to an exemplary embodiment Figure 1 Block diagram of an orientation sensor including two accelerometers in a level gauge.

[0040] Fig.19 is an accelerometer according to an exemplary embodiment Fig.18 Graph of error measurement estimates at the orientations shown in FIG.

[0041] Fig. 20 is a perspective view of a level according to an exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] Referring generally to the accompanying drawings, various embodiments of digital levels are shown. Various embodiments of the digital levels discussed herein include an orientation sensor that includes an accelerometer orientation / arrangement to measure the orientation of the level housing and provide increased accuracy in readings of frequently used angles (e.g., housing orientation horizontal to the ground and housing orientation perpendicular to the ground). In particular, the orientation sensor includes a pair of accelerometers that are rotationally oriented relative to each other so as to improve orientation reading accuracy. Applicants believe that by using multiple accelerometers positioned in a complementary manner as discussed herein, more accurate position readings are provided while allowing the use of lower quality, lower cost and / or lower accuracy accelerometers (compared to designs that provide orientation readings via a single high quality / high accuracy accelerometer).

[0043] In one embodiment, the level includes a rough view mode and a detailed view mode. When the orientation of the level is close enough to the target orientation, the display switches to the detailed view mode. In the detailed view mode, the markings on the display of the level corresponding to the orientation of the level exaggerate the angle of the level. For example, if the physical orientation of the level is 3 degrees away from the target orientation, the display of the level indicates an orientation 30 degrees away from the target orientation.

[0044] In various embodiments, the level includes several power modes, including a power mode, a sleep mode, and a drain mode. For each of these modes, various components and / or features of the level may be disabled or have reduced functionality. One benefit of these modes is that power is conserved for the level, which increases the operating time of the level.

[0045] In one embodiment, the level includes a level body housing that defines at least one reference surface configured to engage a workpiece. To conserve power when not in use, the level controller selectively uses a sleep mode based on remaining battery power, user input, sensed motion, and / or level orientation. The level controller also selectively uses a reduced functionality mode that limits and / or reduces power to some features (e.g., allowing the display to illuminate) to maintain power for other features (e.g., powering an orientation sensor). Applicants believe that this innovative approach to power usage will eliminate the need for bulky and expensive batteries while still allowing the level to be powered for a sufficient duration.

[0046] Reference Figures 1 to 3, shows a level, such as a digital level 10, according to an exemplary embodiment. In general, the level 10 includes a housing 15, a controller 12, a first display 18, a second display 40, and an input module 50. The level body includes a first measurement surface 8, which includes a generally flat base surface and an opposing upper surface, the upper surface being generally parallel to the flat base surface. As will be generally understood, the base of the level is placed on a workpiece (e.g., a structure, a surface, etc.) so that a user of the level can measure the orientation of the surface of the workpiece, including but not limited to whether the surface is horizontal or vertical.

[0047] The level 10 includes a Figure 1 The first measuring surface 8 on the top and bottom (from the perspective of Figure 1 The level 10 includes a second measuring surface 6 on the front and rear (from a perspective of the level 10). The measuring surfaces of the level 10 provide a very flat surface that allows the level 10 to measure the orientation of other objects by placing one of the measuring surfaces of the level 10 against the object being measured. It is contemplated that the level 10 may have any number of measuring surfaces (e.g., 1 to 4). The level 10 also includes a longitudinal main axis 4 aligned with the length of the level 10.

[0048] The first display 18 is a primary output device and is disposed on an exterior sidewall of the housing 15. The first display 18 includes one or more examples of alphanumeric characters, such as a target 24 representing the target orientation of the level 10. The reading line 20 indicates the orientation difference between the current orientation of the level 10 and the perceived direction of gravity based on the signal received from the accelerometer. For example, in Figure 2 In FIG. 1 , both targets 24 are not aligned with the reading line 20. Specifically, the rightmost target 24 is below the reading line 20, and the leftmost target is above the reading line 20. This indicates that the level 10 is tilted so that the level 10 (from Figure 2 The right side of the level 10 is too high, while the left side of the level 10 is too low.

[0049] The vertical indicator 23 is correspondingly oriented at 90 degrees relative to the target 24 so that when the target 24 tracks the target orientation of the main axis of the level 10, the vertical indicator 23 tracks the normal relative to the target orientation (for example, when the target orientation is horizontal relative to the ground, such as a horizontal ground, the vertical indicator 23 is vertical relative to the ground).

[0050] exist Figure 2, the actual reading 28 of the orientation of the level is 3.89 degrees. In this example, the orientation is within the acceptable range of readings, which is represented by the acceptable limit 26. In one or more embodiments, the acceptable limit 26 is a fixed degree different from the target (e.g., 6 degrees in either direction, 0.3 degrees in either direction), but the user can configure the level 10 to have a user-defined acceptable limit 26. In one or more embodiments discussed herein, the orientation of the level generally refers to the orientation of the housing of the level.

[0051] When the level 10 is rotated perpendicular to the main axis of the level 10 by tilting either end upward or downward, the two targets 24 rotate correspondingly within the first display 18. For example, Figure 2 , if the right side of the level 10 is moved upward, then the rightmost target 24 and the rightmost limit 26 will correspondingly rotate counterclockwise about the perimeter 34 of the display 18. Thus, although the display 18 is not physically rotated, the elements 78 in the image 76 within the display 18 rotate in unison with the rotation of the level 10. It is contemplated that all or a portion of the image 76 may be rotated relative to the housing 15. In one or more embodiments, the image 76 includes a plurality of images 76, at least one of the plurality of images 76 is rotated relative to the housing, and at least one of the plurality of images 76 is not rotated relative to the housing (e.g., a first image is rotated relative to the housing 15 so that the first image is horizontal to the ground regardless of the orientation of the housing, and a second image is not rotated relative to the housing 15).

[0052] In one or more embodiments, the first display 18 comprises a rectangular shaped display (e.g., LCD, plasma, OLED, QLED, etc.), wherein a circular cutout is provided in front of the first display 18 in the housing 15, thereby making the first display 18 appear circular. Alternatively, it is also contemplated that the first display 18 is a circular display.

[0053] If the level 10 is perfectly aligned or nearly aligned with the target, a different background color 22 is used to indicate to the user at a distance. For example, when the reading line 20 is aligned and / or nearly aligned with the target 24, the background 22 can be a color that is easy to identify from a distance, such as green, which indicates that the level is perfectly or nearly perfectly aligned with the target. When the reading line 20 is not aligned with the set target 24 but the reading line 20 is within the acceptable limit 26, the background 22 can be yellow, which indicates that the orientation of the level is not perfectly aligned but within an acceptable range. When the reading line 20 is outside the mark of the acceptable limit 26, the background 22 can be black and the characters are white, which indicates that the orientation of the level 10 is unacceptable, and therefore the structure located below that the level 10 is against should be adjusted.

[0054] The battery status 32 is used to communicate the remaining power in the power module 14 (eg, a battery). The power module 14 may include one or more batteries disposed within the housing 15.

[0055] Steering Figure 3 In another embodiment and / or configuration, a target range is used instead of using acceptable limit markings 26. When the reading line 20 is within the primary target range 36, then the background 22 can be a first color (e.g., green) to indicate that the current orientation is acceptable. When the reading line 20 is outside the primary target range 36 but within the secondary target range 38, the background 22 can be a second color (e.g., yellow) to indicate that the current orientation is close but not perfect, and therefore may be acceptable for some less demanding situations (e.g., a wooden support beam with an uneven surface may only need to be "roughly" level, in part because the uneven surface makes it difficult to determine an exact orientation). When the reading line 20 is outside the secondary target range 38, the background 22 can be a third color (e.g., black), while the numbers and features are white.

[0056] In one embodiment, the secondary target range 38 is wider than the primary target range 36 by a fixed number of degrees (e.g., 0.5 degrees in both directions, 1 degree in both directions, 5 degrees in both directions, 10 degrees in both directions). In another embodiment, the secondary target range 38 is wider than the primary target range 36 by a relative amount (e.g., 25% in both directions, 50% in both directions, 100% in both directions, 200% in both directions).

[0057] In another embodiment, the primary target range 36 is asymmetric with respect to the target reading (eg, 1 degree in one direction and 0.5 degrees in another direction). Similarly, it is also contemplated that the secondary target range 38 is asymmetric.

[0058] In one or more embodiments, several visual features, such as elements 78 in the first display 18, rotate within the first display 18 to maintain a horizontal orientation relative to the ground. For example, even if the housing 15 of the level 10 is at a 45-degree angle relative to the ground, several elements 78 in the first display 18, such as the reading 28, the battery status 32, the reading line 20, and the history 30, are all horizontal relative to the ground. Therefore, in this example, the reading 28, the battery status 32, the reading line 20, and the history 30 will be displayed at a 45-degree angle relative to the housing 15. However, because these elements 78 are horizontal relative to the ground, they are easier for the user to read.

[0059] Although one or more features rotate around the first display 18, the first display 18 itself does not physically rotate. Instead, the graphical features are displayed on the first display 18 in a manner that provides the appearance of physical rotation.

[0060] History 30 displays the most recent measurements recorded by level 10. For example, Figure 2 , the history 30 displays "3.1" to indicate that the last recorded orientation of the level was at that angle. Measurements may be recorded by the level by any of several methods, including pressing a specific input button on the level 10, or leaving the level 10 in a certain orientation for a threshold length of time. By interacting with the input module 50 described below, the user may store any of several historical measurements and display one or more of those historical measurements at the history 30.

[0061] Now turn to Figures 4 to 6 When the level 10 is outside the view mode threshold of the target 24, for example 3 degrees, the display 18 operates in the coarse view mode ( Figure 5 When the level 10 is within the view mode threshold of the target 24, the display 18 operates in a more detailed view ( Figure 4 For example, when the orientation of the level 10 (e.g., which orientation may be represented by the reading line 20) is more than 3 degrees away from the target 24, the display 18 displays a rough outer ring 114 (e.g., Figure 5 ), and when the orientation of the level 10 is within 3 degrees of the target 24, the display 18 switches to displaying the fine outer ring 116 (e.g., Figure 4 ). In this example, the level 10 has an orientation three degrees away from the target 24, which means 1.5 degrees in either direction.

[0062] Continue to refer to Figure 4, the detailed primary range 120 surrounds the target 24 over an arc of 0.5 degrees in either direction relative to the target 24. The detailed secondary range 122 adds another 1.0 degree orientation change beyond the detailed primary range 120 to either end away from the target 24. The combination of the detailed primary range 120 and the detailed secondary range 122 includes a total range of 1.5 degrees in either direction. However, although the combined detailed primary range 120 and detailed secondary range 122 correspond to a 1.5 degree change in orientation of the level 10, the detailed primary range 120 and detailed secondary range 122 visually extend from the target 24 in either direction around the display 18 for a circumferential arc of approximately 30 degrees ( Figure 4 76). Thus, the movement of the reading line 20 within the image 76 is an exaggerated representation of the change in orientation of the level 10. For example, in this embodiment, a single degree of change in the orientation of the level 10 corresponds to the reading line 20 passing a circumferential distance of 20 degrees over the detailed primary range 120 and / or the detailed secondary range 122. The exaggerated movement of the reading line 20 in the image 76 compared to the physical change in orientation of the level 10 helps the user more easily make fine adjustments to align with a surface having a target orientation.

[0063] For the illustrative example, when the level 10 is oriented 1.5 degrees from the target 24, the reading line 20 is at Figure 4 18, with the target 24 in the display 18 at a 30 degree angle, and the reading line 20 aligned with the end of the detailed secondary range 122 farthest from the target 24. When the orientation of the level 10 changes by 0.5 degrees toward the target 24 and is thus 1.0 degrees from the target 24, the reading line 20 correspondingly moves circumferentially toward the detailed primary range 120 to Figure 4 The reference point B in the detailed secondary range 122 passes halfway through the detailed secondary range 122. When the orientation of the level 10 changes by another 0.5 degrees toward the target 24 and is thus 0.5 degrees from the target 24, the reading line 20 correspondingly moves the remaining distance through the detailed secondary range 122 to Figure 4 120 and the detailed secondary range 122. When the orientation of the level 10 changes by another 0.5 degrees toward the target 24 and is thus aligned with the target 24, the reading line 20 is correspondingly at Figure 4 The reference point D in FIG. 1 is aligned with the target 24. In this example, even though the orientation of the physical level 10 itself has only changed by 1.5 degrees in the physical world, the position of the reading line 20 has moved by 30 degrees on the fine outer ring 116.

[0064] In this example, a 1 degree change in the orientation of the level 10 corresponds to a 20 degree movement of the reading line 20 around the fine outer ring 116 (a 1:20 ratio of change in the orientation of the level 10: circumferential movement of the reading line 20 in the display 18). Other ratios (e.g., 1:3 or more, 1:5 or more, 1:10 or more, and / or 1:30 or more) are practiced in various other embodiments.

[0065] During use of the level 10, the direction indicator 124 passes through the inner circumference of the outer ring 112 in a circular rotation such that the dark edge 126 leads the leading edge of the direction indicator 124 and the light edge 128 follows the end of the direction indicator 124. In one embodiment, the direction indicator 124 is very dark (e.g., high contrast with the background color) at the dark edge 126, and the direction indicator 124 slowly transitions to being relatively light (e.g., low to no contrast with the background color) at the light edge 128. The direction indicator 124 passes through the inner circumference of the fine outer ring 116 along the circumferential direction 100. In various embodiments, two direction indicators 124 rotate circumferentially around the inner circumference of the fine outer ring 116 on opposite sides of the fine outer ring 116. The speed of the direction indicator 124 corresponds to the difference between the target 24 and the reading line 20, such that the farther the orientation of the level 10 is from the desired target, the faster the direction indicator 124 rotates. The direction of rotation of the direction indicator 124 corresponds to the direction that the level 10 needs to be rotated to achieve the target orientation. The speed of rotation of the direction indicator 124 corresponds to how close the level 10 is to the target orientation (e.g., the direction indicator 124 moves slower when the orientation of the level 10 is within the detailed primary range 120 than within the detailed secondary range 122).

[0066] Steering Figure 6 , which illustrates a graphical representation of the ranges to which the primary range 120 and the secondary range 122 correspond in the exemplary display 18. For example, even though the primary range 120 actually corresponds to a 2 degree rotation of the level 10, the primary range 120 covers an arc of approximately 20 degrees in the display 18, and even though the secondary range 122 corresponds to a 4.5 degree rotation of the level, the secondary range 122 covers an arc of approximately 45 degrees in the display 18. Figure 6 As indicated in FIG. 1 , in one embodiment, the detailed primary range 120 extends the same circumferential distance in either direction from the target 24. Similarly, the detailed secondary range 122 extends the same circumferential distance in either direction from each of the acceptable limits 26.

[0067] In various embodiments, the degree of orientation accuracy of the level 10 that is minimally required to meet the requirements of the detailed primary range 120 and the detailed secondary range 122 can be selected by the user. Figures 4 to 6In an embodiment of the present invention, the orientation of the level 10 can be up to 0.5 degrees from the target orientation and meet the requirements of the detailed primary range 120, or between 0.5 degrees and 1.5 degrees from the target orientation and meet the requirements of the detailed secondary range 122. In various other embodiments, the detailed primary range 120 is configured to correspond to an orientation accuracy of no more than X degrees of the level 10 (e.g., 0.1 degrees, 0.05 degrees). Adjustments to the accuracy requirements can be input to the level 10, for example, via the input module 50.

[0068] Steering Figures 7 to 10 , the display 18 is in a rough view because the level 10 is not sufficiently close to the target orientation. Specifically, the level 10 is oriented at an angle of thirty degrees relative to the horizontal ground. Therefore, the reading 28 indicates a reading of "30.00" degrees, and the reading line 20 is oriented away from the target 24 at a corresponding thirty degree angle.

[0069] When the level 10 is oriented within the detailed primary range 120 of the target 24, the background 22 of the display 18 changes color. In one or more embodiments, the target 24 is manually set to the target reading. For example, the target orientation of the level 10 can be set by placing the level 10 in the target orientation and pressing the mark button 56. Alternatively, the level 10 can be placed near the target orientation (e.g., the target orientation is 30 degrees, and the level 10 is placed at 28.5 degrees), pressing the mark button 56 to set 28.5 as a temporary target, and using the input button 52 to manually adjust the target from 28.5 degrees to 30 degrees. As another alternative, the target orientation of the level 10 can be manually set only by using the input button 52.

[0070] In various embodiments, in the event that the target orientation is not horizontal or vertical (e.g., if the target is 30 degrees), the display 18 continues to display a non-zero reading 28 even if the level 10 is oriented in line with the target. The reading 28 displays the measured orientation of the level 10 relative to the horizontal ground, rather than displaying the difference between the reading line 20 and the target 24. In another embodiment, the reading 28 specifies the difference between the reading line 20 and the target 24. As the level 10 approaches the target orientation, the reading 28 gradually approaches zero, even if the target orientation itself is not zero, until the reading 28 is at or near zero.

[0071] In the absence of a manual target setting, the target 24 is a default target, such as a target that is horizontal to the horizontal ground (e.g., reads 0 degrees) or a target 24 that is perpendicular to the horizontal ground (e.g., reads 90 degrees). Fig.10, when the level 10 is aligned with the plumb 23 of the horizontal ground and is therefore within the detailed primary range 120, the background 22 changes to a first color (e.g., green). When the level 10 is aligned with the detailed secondary range 122 of the target 24, the background 22 changes to a second color (e.g., blue). In one embodiment, the level 10 changes the target 24 from the horizontal ground to the plumb, depending on which is closer to the orientation of the level 10.

[0072] By default, the level 10 is configured to have a target measurement of 0 degrees (parallel to the horizontal ground, or in other words perpendicular to the perceived gravity) or 90 degrees (perpendicular to the horizontal ground, or in other words parallel to the perceived gravity). Therefore, when the level 10 has an orientation that is close to and / or equal to one of those measurements, the background 22 of the display 18 can change color to indicate that the orientation is close and / or correct. To toggle the ability to configure a custom marked orientation target, the mark button 56 can be quickly pressed to enable / disable the feature (e.g., turn the mark mode on and off). When the level 10 is positioned in the target orientation, the mark button 56 can be held for a short period of time (e.g., two seconds) to indicate that this is the target orientation of the level.

[0073] Steering Figure 11 to Figure 12 , the level 10 also includes the ability to flip or mirror the target orientation of the level 10 relative to perceived gravity. This may be useful in situations where the measurement surface requires the level 10 to face a different direction so that the display 18 is not visible. The level 10 can be reconfigured so that the mirror image of the target orientation is the desired target for the next measurement (e.g., in Fig.12 , when the right side of the level 10 is 18.5 degrees higher than parallel to the horizontal ground 21, the target 24 is aligned with the reading line 20). For example, the flipping of the target mark of the level 10 can be completed by double-clicking the mark button 56. For example, if the target orientation is that the left side of the level is 13 degrees higher than the right side of the level, the mirrored target orientation is that the right side of the level is 13 degrees higher than the left side of the level.

[0074] Steering Figures 13 to 15 , a list 31 is displayed on the display 18 and includes several (e.g., 3) selectable orientation measurements. This allows the user to quickly switch between commonly used target orientations. The entries in the list 31 can be selected by the user to set the target 24 of the level 10. For example, the first entry in the list 31 is 7.56 degrees, the second entry in the list 31 is 8.5 degrees, and the third entry in the list 31 is 12.5 degrees. In response to the user selecting the second entry ( Fig.15), the target 24 of the level 10 becomes 8.5 degrees different from the horizontal ground. In various embodiments, the items in the list 31 are input to the level 10, such as via the input module 50. The items in the list 31 can be adjusted, added and / or removed by the user.

[0075] See also Fig.16 , the controller 12 is in electrical communication with the accelerometer module 60, the input module 50, and the display module 16. The controller 12 also controls the power module 14 in order to minimize the energy consumption of one or more or batteries. It is contemplated that the controller 12 may be implemented via hardware, software, firmware, and / or any combination of hardware, software, and firmware, such as a microprocessor (e.g., an ASIC).

[0076] In one or more embodiments, the controller 12 calculates the orientation difference of the level 10, determines in which mode to operate, determines which one or several images are to be displayed on one or more displays if there are images, and sends a control signal to the display to emit an image indicating the orientation difference. The controller 12 can use several modes, such as an active mode, a sleep mode, and a disabled function mode. The sleep mode and the disabled function mode are used to save battery power. In the active mode, all features in the feature are enabled, and the display is fully lit (e.g., not dimmed). In the disabled function mode, which can be activated when the battery power is below a threshold, the controller 12 can reduce the power supply to any of the several features, such as one or more displays can be darker, one of the displays can be completely turned off, the level can enter a sleep mode after a threshold time period shorter than the threshold time period during normal operation, only one of the accelerometers can be used, and the like.

[0077] Additionally, a disabled functionality mode can prioritize electronic features / power features within the level when the battery is low. For example, this approach can disable certain features, such as lighting features (e.g., background color) or sound features (e.g., notification that the orientation is within one of the ranges) in order to maintain sufficient power for other features. Such essential features can include a position sensor / level sensor and a digital display of level / position information on a digital level display.

[0078] The controller 12 may enter a sleep mode that disables all features of the level 10 except the power button 54 and the ability to charge one or more batteries. The sleep mode may be entered as a result of detecting any of a number of trigger conditions, such as if the power button is engaged to switch the level 10 off, if there is no user input within a threshold time period, if there is no motion within a threshold time period, if there is excessive motion within a threshold time period (e.g., if the level 10 is carried during a long walk), etc.

[0079] Back to Fig.16 , the controller 12 has several features and configurations to conserve battery power. One aspect of the power saving features is based on the level 10 including at least two processors. Fig.16 In the embodiment schematically shown in FIG. 1 , the level 10 includes a first CPU 82 and a second CPU 84. The first CPU 82 uses more power than the second CPU 84. For example, the first CPU 82 may operate at a faster clock speed, the first CPU 82 may be a physically larger processor, the first CPU 82 may measure the orientation of the level to a higher level of accuracy (e.g., to one hundredth of a degree (e.g., 18.23 degrees) instead of a whole degree (e.g., 18 degrees)), the first CPU 82 may have increased functionality, etc. In various embodiments, processors other than CPUs may be used, including but not limited to MCUs, MPUs, and / or ASICs.

[0080] Therefore, the controller 12 should selectively disable and / or reduce the power consumption of the first CPU 82 to provide support for the operation of the level 10. When the first CPU 82 is disabled and / or has reduced functionality, in various embodiments, the controller 12 relies on the second CPU 84 to monitor the operation of the level 10 and determine whether and when to activate the first CPU 82.

[0081] The controller 12 operates using several modes. One mode is an "off mode" in which most or all of the components of the level 10 are disabled, except for the power button 54. Another mode is an "on mode" in which at least the first CPU 82 is operational, and thus at least most of the features of the level 10 are operational.

[0082] Another mode is a "sleep mode" in which the level 10 is powered on but has reduced functionality. For example, when the level 10 has not been moved for a period of time (e.g., 2 minutes), the controller 12 places the level 10 in a sleep mode due to this stagnation, in which the first CPU 82 is disabled and / or has reduced functionality, and the second CPU 84 is enabled and utilized by the controller 12. In another example, the controller 12 can place the level 10 in a sleep mode when the level 10 is placed in an unusable orientation (e.g., if the front display 18 is facing the ground, such as if the level 10 is placed face down on a table or workpiece, or if the front display 18 is placed face up).

[0083] Another mode is a "power saving mode" in which the level 10 is still active but has reduced functionality. For example, in this mode, at least one of the first display 18 or the second display 40 may be disabled and / or have partial functionality (e.g., the display 18 or the display 40 may be dark). As another example, in this mode, the first CPU 82 may be disabled, and thus the level 10 has reduced orientation measurement accuracy (e.g., the orientation of the level 10 may only be determined to an accuracy of a whole degree (e.g., 18 degrees), rather than a more precise measurement, such as to a tenth of a degree (e.g., 18.1 degrees) or a hundredth of a degree (e.g., 18.23 degrees)).

[0084] The level 10 may be placed in the power saving mode manually by a user selecting that mode via the input module 50. Alternatively, the level 10 may be placed in the power saving mode due to a reduction in the power available to the level 10.

[0085] Another mode is a "depletion mode" in which the level 10 has limited functionality. The level 10 enters this mode when the available power is below a certain threshold (e.g., 10 percent, 20 percent). In the depletion mode, similar to the power saving mode, at least one of the first display 18 or the second display 40 may be disabled and / or have partial functionality (e.g., the display 18 or the display 40 may be dark). For example, in the depletion mode, the first display 18, which may consume more power than the second display 40, is disabled.

[0086] Now turn to Fig.17 In various embodiments, the input module 50 includes a "Menu / Select" button 52 labeled "..." that allows the user to open a menu of the level 10. The user cycles through the menu options by continuously pressing the "..." button 52, or the user cycles through the menu options by pressing the up or down arrow buttons 52.

[0087] The input module includes an input button 52, a power button 54, and a mark button 56. The mark button 56 allows the user to "mark" the orientation of the level on a selected surface as the target orientation for future surfaces. For example, if the beam is oriented at a certain angle (e.g., 2 degrees) relative to the ground, the level 10 can be placed on the target support beam. The mark button 56 is then used to indicate to the controller 12 in the level 10 that the angle of the target support beam should be stored and repeated in future readings. Alternatively, the target angle of the level 10 can be set by the user via the input button 52.

[0088] The input buttons can be used to adjust various settings of the level 10, including language settings (e.g., what language to use), adjusting various ranges (e.g., the primary target range 36, the secondary target range 38, the detailed primary range 120 and / or the detailed secondary range 122), adjusting default thresholds for entering a sleep mode and / or a disable function mode (both of which are discussed further below), and notifications (e.g., which background color indicates which orientation).

[0089] Figure 18 to Figure 19 An exemplary accelerometer module 60 in the level 10 is shown. Fig.18 From the perspective of the level 10, the bottom 64 of the first accelerometer 62 is located at the upper left, the bottom 74 of the second accelerometer 72 is located at the lower left, and the bottom 68 of the accelerometer module 60 is located on the left. The bottom 68 of the accelerometer module 60 is generally coplanar with the first measuring surface 8 of the level 10. Therefore, the first accelerometer 62 has a first angular position relative to the measuring surface (e.g., 6 and 8) of the level 10, and the second accelerometer 72 has a different second angular position relative to the measuring surface (e.g., 6 and 8) of the level 10. In this embodiment, the first accelerometer 62 is oriented at an angle of +45 degrees (positive forty-five degrees) relative to the first measuring surface 8 on the bottom of the level 10 and also relative to the accelerometer housing 66. The positive aspect of this angle means that the rotation is clockwise relative to the selected viewing angle, which in this example is +45 degrees. Fig.18 . Thus, in this embodiment, the first accelerometer 62 is oriented at a -45 degree angle relative to the housing 15. Based on the position of the bottom 74 of the second accelerometer 72, it can be seen that the second accelerometer 72 is oriented at a -45 degree (negative forty-five degree) angle relative to the first measurement surface 8 on the bottom of the level 10 and also relative to the accelerometer housing 66. The negative aspect of this angle means that the rotation is counterclockwise relative to the selected viewing angle, which in this example is Fig.18 Shown in.

[0090] Thus, in this embodiment, the first accelerometer 62 has a first angular position relative to the first measurement surface of the level 10, and the second accelerometer 72 has a different second angular position relative to the first measurement surface of the level. The first accelerometer 62 and the second accelerometer 72 are oriented at a 90 degree angle relative to each other. This complementary orientation of the first accelerometer and the second accelerometer provides more accurate measurements at the most typical orientations, i.e., 0 degrees, 90 degrees, 180 degrees, and 270 degrees. The error tolerance at those angles can be zero or close to zero (see Fig.19 ), while the maximum error tolerance at other angles (i.e., 45 degrees, 135 degrees, 225 degrees, 315 degrees) remains small. In another embodiment, the first accelerometer 62 and the second accelerometer 72 are rotationally oriented relative to each other so that the first accelerometer 62 and the second accelerometer 72 have different orientations relative to the housing (e.g., one accelerometer is 30 degrees off horizontal compared to the housing and the other accelerometer is 60 degrees off horizontal compared to the housing).

[0091] like Fig.19 As shown in Fig.18 In the orientation described and illustrated in FIG. 1 , the first accelerometer 62 has its most accurate measurements at 90 degrees and 270 degrees, while the second accelerometer 72 has its most accurate measurements at 0 degrees and 180 degrees, as well as 360 degrees (360 degrees is equivalent to 0 degrees).

[0092] In one or more embodiments, in the event that the measurements from the two accelerometers are not equal, only the measurement from the more accurate accelerometer is used and communicated to the user. However, it is contemplated that the two measurements may be combined to generate an output to the user (e.g., an average of the two measurements, a weighted average, whereby, for example, based on the Fig.19 , more accurate accelerometer measurements are given greater weight).

[0093] In one or more embodiments, the level 10 does not include a vial with a liquid and an air bubble, but in alternative embodiments, the digital level 10 may also include such a vial, such as Fig. 20 The vial may be oriented in a complementary orientation, such as perpendicular to and aligned with the longitudinal axis 4 of the housing 15 .

[0094] Additionally, in one or more embodiments, the level 10 includes a second display 40 disposed on the top surface of the housing 15. The second display 40 communicates a number representing the angle of the level 10, a number representing the target angle, and optionally a symbol indicating which side of the level 10 may be too high or too low. However, it is contemplated that the second display 40 includes some or all of the graphical elements of the first display 18.

[0095] As referenced throughout this document, the term "horizontal ground" refers to ground that is generally coplanar with a plane perpendicular to perceived gravity.

[0096] It should be understood that the drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments in detail, and it should be understood that the present application is not limited to the details or methods set forth in the specification or illustrated in the drawings. It should also be understood that the terminology is used for descriptive purposes only and should not be considered as limiting.

[0097] In view of this specification, further modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects of the present invention will be obvious to those skilled in the art. Therefore, this specification should be interpreted as being illustrative only. The structures and arrangements shown in various exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments are described in detail in this disclosure, many modifications are possible (e.g., changes in the size, dimensions, structure, shape and proportion of various elements, changes in parameters, changes in mounting arrangements, changes in the use of materials, changes in colors, changes in orientation, etc.) without substantially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. Elements shown as being integrally formed may be composed of multiple parts or elements, the positions of the elements may be reversed or otherwise changed, and the properties or number of positions or discrete elements may be changed or varied. The order or sequence of any process, logical algorithm or method steps may be changed or reordered according to alternative embodiments. Without departing from the scope of the present invention, other replacements, modifications, changes and omissions may also be made to the design, operating conditions and arrangements of various exemplary embodiments.

[0098] Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is by no means intended that any method described herein be interpreted as requiring that its steps be performed in a particular order. Therefore, where a method claim does not actually describe the order in which its steps should be followed, or where the claims or specification do not otherwise specifically state that the steps are limited to a particular order, it is by no means intended to imply any particular order. In addition, as used herein, the article "a" is intended to include one or more parts or elements and is not intended to be interpreted as referring to only one. As used herein, "rigidly coupled" refers to two parts being coupled so that the parts move together in a fixed positional relationship when subjected to a force.

[0099] Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to any combination of any of the features, and any such combination of features may be claimed in this or future applications. Any feature, element, or component of any exemplary embodiment discussed above may be used alone or in combination with any feature, element, or component of any other embodiment discussed above.

Claims

1. A level, comprising: a housing, the housing comprising a longitudinal axis; a planar base surface extending parallel to the longitudinal axis; an orientation sensor configured to measure the orientation of the housing relative to gravity; a controller that calculates an orientation difference between the shell orientation and a target orientation; as well as A display that emits an image, the image including the target orientation, a main range, and a sub-range, the main range extending a first range from the target orientation, and the sub-range extending a second range from the target orientation further than the first range.

2. The level of claim 1, the image comprising a first background color as a result of the housing orientation being within the primary range, and the image comprising a second background color different from the first background color as a result of the housing orientation being within the secondary range.

3. The level of claim 2, the image including a third background color as a result of the housing being oriented outside of the secondary range, wherein: The third background color is different from both the first background color and the second background color.

4. The level according to claim 1, wherein: The secondary range is several degrees wider than the primary range.

5. The level according to claim 1, wherein: The primary range extends asymmetrical distances from either side of the target orientation.

6. The level according to claim 1, wherein: The secondary ranges extend asymmetrical distances from either side of the target orientation.

7. The level according to claim 1, wherein: The display emits a second image that does not rotate in response to rotation of the housing.

8. The level according to claim 1, wherein: The image includes an exaggerated representation of the housing orientation.

9. A level, comprising: a housing, the housing comprising a longitudinal axis; a planar base surface extending parallel to the longitudinal axis; an orientation sensor configured to measure the orientation of the housing relative to gravity; a controller that calculates an orientation difference between the shell orientation and a target orientation; as well as A display emits an image including a direction indicator that rotates within the image in a first rotational direction, the first rotational direction indicating a rotational direction to rotate the housing to adjust the measured orientation of the housing toward the target orientation.

10. The level of claim 9, said direction indicator comprising a front edge at the front of said rotation and an opposite rear edge, and said front edge being darker than said rear edge.

11. The level according to claim 9, wherein: The rotation speed of the direction indicator corresponds to the orientation difference.

12. The level according to claim 11, wherein the image comprises a main range and a sub-range, the main range extending a first range from the target orientation, the sub-range extending a second range further from the target orientation than the first range, wherein: When the orientation difference is within the primary range, the direction indicator rotates at a first speed, and when the orientation difference is within the secondary range, the direction indicator rotates at a second speed slower than the first speed.

13. A method for controlling a level, the method comprising: A level is placed against the surface of the object, the level comprising: a housing having a longitudinal axis; Flat base surface; Orientation sensor; Controller; and monitor; The orientation sensor measures the orientation of the housing relative to gravity; The controller calculates an orientation difference between the shell orientation and the target orientation; The display emits an image indicative of the orientation difference; The controller determines to enter a sleep mode; and In response to the controller determining to enter the sleep mode, the display stops displaying the orientation difference. The method of claim 13 , wherein the controller determines to enter the sleep mode due to inactivity for a period of time.

15. The method of claim 13, the controller determining to enter the sleep mode due to the housing being placed in a predetermined orientation.

16. The method according to claim 13, further comprising: The controller determines to enter a depletion mode when power for the level meter is below a predetermined level.

17. The method according to claim 13, wherein: The controller enters the sleep mode resulting in reduced functionality, wherein the orientation sensor continues to receive power and measure the orientation of the housing relative to gravity.

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