Digital tape measure

Abstract

A digital tape measure is provided, including a reel positioned within a housing and a tape blade wound around the reel and extendable from the housing. The tape blade also includes incremental code markings and absolute code markings on a surface thereof, and a sensor assembly is positioned within the housing to read the incremental code markings and the absolute code markings. A controller is in communication with the sensor assembly and receives output from the sensor assembly to perform incremental sensing by incrementally counting the incremental code markings, perform absolute sensing by interpreting periods of the absolute code markings as absolute positions of the tape blade, and combine the incremental sensing and the absolute sensing to determine a current length of the tape blade extending out from the housing.

Description

DIGITAL TAPE MEASURECROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 626,487 filed on January' 29, 2024, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 641,206 filed on May 1. 2024, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 671,368 filed on July 15. 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND

[0001] In construction applications, the fabrication of a workpiece (e.g., a piece of electrical metallic tubing (EMT) or conduit) may be a labor-intensive process that requires a user to manually take linear measurements, calculate bend angles, and determine the orientation of the workpiece (e.g., conduit, etc.) in space.SUMMARY

[0002] Some aspects of the disclosure provide a digital tape measure including a housing, a reel, a tape blade, a sensor assembly, and a controller. The reel is positioned within the housing and the tape blade is wound around the reel and extendable from the housing. The tape blade also includes incremental code markings and absolute code markings on a surface thereof, and the sensor assembly is positioned within the housing to read the incremental code markings and the absolute code markings. The controller is in communication with the sensor assembly and receives output from the sensor assembly to perform incremental sensing by incrementally counting the incremental code markings, perform absolute sensing by interpreting periods of the absolute code markings as absolute positions of the tape blade, and combine the incremental sensing and the absolute sensing to determine a current length of the tape blade extending out from the housing.

[0003] Some aspects of the disclosure provide a digital tape measure including a housing, a reel, a tape blade, a linear position sensor assembly, and a controller. The housing includes a tape port on a first side thereof, the reel is positioned within the housing, and the tape blade is wound around the reel and extendable from the housing through the tape port. The tape blade includes a plurality of code markings on surface thereof, and the linear position sensor assembly, positioned within the housing adjacent to a second side of the housing opposite the first side, is to read the plurality' of code markings on the tape blade. The controller is in communication with the linear position sensor assembly, and receives output from the linear position sensor assembly to perform incremental sensing and absolute sensing to determine a current length of the tape blade extending out from the housing.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of embodiments of the invention:

[0005] FIG. 1 is a block diagram view of connected tool system according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0006] FIG. 2 is an isometric view' of an example digital tape measure according to some aspects.

[0007] FIG. 3 is another isometric view of the digital tape measure of FIG. 2.

[0008] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the digital tape measure of FIG. 2.

[0009] FIG. 5 is an isometric view' of an example reel of the digital tape measure of FIG.2.

[0010] FIG. 6 is a block diagram view of a digital tape measure according to some aspects.

[0011] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of an example method, according to some aspects, for automatically determining a length of tape blade extending from a tape measure housing in conjunction with user inputs received by a digital tape measure.

[0012] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of an example method, according to some aspects, for communicating measurements, determined by a digital tape measure, w ith an external device.

[0013] FIG. 9 is an isometric view of another example digital tape measure, according to some aspects.

[0014] FIG. 10 is an isometric view of yet another example digital tape measure, according to some aspects.

[0015] FIGS. 11 A, 11B, and 11C are projected side views of example tape measures illustrating different internal sensor assembly locations, according to some aspects.

[0016] FIG. 12 is an underside view of an example sensor assembly for use with a digital tape measure, according to some aspects.

[0017] FIG. 13 is an underside view of an example tape blade for use with a digital tape measure, according to some aspects, along with an example projected binary translation of code markings on the example tape blade and a look-up table associated with binary translations of code markings.

[0018] FIGS. 14A. 14B. and 14C are partial top views of example sensor assemblies for use with a digital tape measure, according to some aspects, including two, three, and four incremental code marking sensors, respectively.

[0019] FIG. 15 is a flowchart of an example method, according to some aspects, for automatically determining a length of tape blade extending from a tape measure housing based on reading code markings on the tape blade.

[0020] FIG. 16 is a representative view of incremental sensor output relative to incremental code markings on a tape blade, according to some examples.

[0021] FIG. 17 is another representative view of incremental sensor output in relation to both incremental code markings and absolute code markings on a tape blade, according to some examples.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] The following discussion is presented to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use embodiments of the invention. Given the benefit of this disclosure, various modifications to the illustrated embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the principles herein can be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from embodiments of the invention. Thus, embodiments of the invention are not intended to be limited to embodiments shown, but are to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein.

[0023] As generally noted above, the fabrication of a workpiece may be a labor-intensive process that requires a user to manually take linear measurements, calculate bend angles, and determine the orientation of the workpiece in space. For example, currently, measurements and calculations are all handled through on-the-job training and reference books or applications. Further, users must plan the workpiece orientation mentally, without a visual representation of how the final product will look. As a result, the fabrication of the workpiece can be a timeconsuming and error prone process, which is undesirable in many construction applications.

[0024] To mitigate these issues, the user may utilize a visualization system (e.g., a mobile application), which may generate a model (e.g., a three-dimensional model) of the workpiece. In one example, the user may manually create a generalized workpiece that extends from a first location to a second location. The user may then use a tool, such as a digital tape measure, to take measurements as instructed by the visualization system. For example, these measurements may correspond to a work area where the workpiece is desired to be placed (e.g., between the first and second points). The measurement data can then be wirelessly communicated to a computing device (e.g., a mobile device, server, etc.) and associated with segments of the generalized workpiece in the visualization system. The visualization system may then generate a three-dimensional rendering of the workpiece within the simulated environment based on theinputed measurements, which automatically calculates the bend angles and positions on the workpiece. Following this, the user may use measurements associated with the applicationgenerated rendering as instruction on where to cut or bend a workpiece or to provide instructions to a tool to automatically cut or bend a workpiece.

[0025] FIG. 1 shows an example of a connected tool system 100. The tool system 100 can include one or more tools (e.g., tools 102, 104, etc.) and a computing device 106. In some examples, the computing device 106 can be implemented as a mobile phone (e.g., a smart phone), a personal digital assistant (“PDA”), a laptop, a notebook, a netbook computer, a tablet computing device, etc. In some examples, the computing device 106 may be configured to communicate directly with the tools 102, 104 via a communication system 108 of the computing device 106. For example, the communication system 108 may permit the computing device 106 to exchange information with the tools 102, 104. In one particular example, the communication system 108 may permit the computing device 106 to receive information from a tool (e.g., tool 102, such as a digital tape measure) and output information to another tool (e.g., tool 104, such as an automated pipe bender). In some examples, the communication system 108 may be a wireless communication system (e.g.. a wireless transceiver) or a wired communication system (e.g.. via a physical, wired network).

[0026] In some examples, the computing device 106 may include one or more controllers 110 each having a processor 112 and a memory 114. The processor 112 can be implemented as a programmable processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), a group of processing components, or other suitable electronic processing components. The memory 114 (e.g., memory, memory unit, storage device, etc.) can include one or more devices (e.g., RAM, ROM, Flash memory, hard disk storage, etc.) for storing data or computer code for completing or facilitating the various processes, layers and modules described herein. The memory 114 can be or include volatile memory or non-volatile memory. The memory 114 can include database components, object code components, script components, or any other type of information structure for supporting the various activities and information structures described in the present application.

[0027] The computing device 106 may further include a display 116 and a corresponding user interface 118. In some examples, the display 116 and user interface 118 may permit one or more users (e.g., users 120. 122) to interact with the computing device 106. For example, the users 120, 122 may7interact with the user interface 118 to input information into thecomputing device 106. Tn some examples, the information inputted into the computing device 106 may be depicted on the display 116 for review by the user(s) 120, 122.

[0028] In some examples, to facilitate the fabrication of a workpiece (e.g., EMT tubing, conduit, etc.) within a work area, the computing device 106 may include a visualization system 124. The visualization system 124 may be in the form of a mobile application (e.g., computer program) stored within the memory 114 of the computing device 106 and executed by the processor 112. The visualization system 124 may permit the users 120, 122 to build and review a three-dimensional (3D) model of a workpiece prior to cutting, bending, or otherwise performing work on the workpiece.

[0029] For example, the user may build the 3D model of the workpiece within the visualization system 124 (e.g., using the user interface 118). The user may then input measurements corresponding to one or more segments of the workpiece for analysis by the visualization system. In some examples, the user may take measurements as prompted by the visualization system (e.g., via a traditional tape measure or other tool) and manually input those measurements into the visualization system 124. However, in other examples, the user may utilize a connected tool (e.g., the digital tape measure 102), and may automatically transmit measurements from the digital tape measure 102 to the visualization system 124. Based on the inputted measurements, the visualization system 124 may generate instructions that may be followed by the user (e.g., user 122) to cut, bend, or otherwise perform work on the workpiece, without having to perform manual calculations on cut or bend locations for the workpiece.

[0030] In some examples, the visualization system 124 may transmit instructions (e.g., via the communication system 108) to one or more connected tools (e.g., tool 104) to perform automated cuts, bends, or other operations on the workpiece. In further examples, the tools 102, 104 may directly communicate with one another, such that the tool 104 alternatively or additionally receives instructions directly from the digital tape measure 102 to perform automated cuts, bends, or other operations on the workpiece. Thus, as should be appreciated, the number of manual inputs from the users 120, 122 may be reduced and overall efficiency may be increased.

[0031] FIGS. 2-5 illustrate an example digital tape measure 102 (e.g., a length measurement device, measuring tape, retractable rule, etc.) that may be used with the connected tool system 100 of FIG. 1. In some examples, the digital tape measure 102 can include an housing 130, a coilable tape blade 132 (shown, in part, in FIG. 13) at least partially disposed within the housing 130 and extendable from the housing 130, a blade hook 134, a user interface136 including a plurality of buttons 138 A, 138B, 138C, 138D, 138E (collectively referred to as buttons 138), a light emitting diode (LED) indicator 140, and a charging port 142. Additionally, for ease of reference with respect to the figures and the present description, the tape measure 102 may include a forward portion 144, a rearward portion 146. an upper portion 148, and a lower portion 150. It should be noted that these directional notations are for reference to assist with describing relative positioning of components of the tape measure 102 with respect to the figures.

[0032] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, generally, the housing 130 can include a first side wall 152 (shown in FIG. 2), a second side wall 154 (shown in FIG. 3). and a peripheral wall 156 between the first side wall 152 and the second side wall 154. The first side wall 152, the second side wall 154, and the peripheral wall 156 define an internal cavity7158, shown in FIG. 4, to house internal components of the tape measure 102. In some examples, the housing 130 may be formed from multiple pieces that are coupled together. In one example, the housing 130 can include at least a first housing piece 160 that forms the first side wall 152 and a portion of the peripheral wall 156, and a second housing piece 162 that forms the second side wall 154 and another portion of the peripheral wall 156. Additionally, in some examples, each housing piece 160, 162 may be a collective piece formed from multiple smaller pieces. Further, in some examples, the two housing pieces 160, 162 may be disconnected from one another to permit access to the internal cavity’ 158 (e.g., to replace a tape blade 132). For example, the two housing pieces 160, 162 may be coupled together via a snap fit connection or a screw or tool connection to allow a user to manually disengage the two pieces 160, 162 to access the internal cavity 158. In another example, the two housing pieces 160, 162 can be hingedly connected to one another, e.g., forming a clamshell connection that can be opened to access the internal cavity 158.

[0033] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, in some examples, the first side wall 152 and the second side wall 154 can include a polygonal profile, or the side walls 152, 154 may be rectangular, circular, or any other desired shape. The profile of the side w alls 152, 154, as well as a width of the peripheral w all 156, can provide an overall ergonomic shape that enables a comfortable and secure hand-held grip by a user. In one example, the tape measure 102 can include an overall height of about 3 inches, a width of about 2 inches, and a length of about 4.3125 inches. In another example, the tape measure 102 can include an overall height range of about 3 inches to about 3.25 inches, width range of about 2 inches to about 2.25 inches, and length range of about 4.3125 inches to about 5 inches, though other dimensions may be contemplated forcertain applications. Accordingly, in some examples, the tape measure 102 can provide additional features compared to a traditional tape measure (as further described below), but generally maintain the same or a similar footprint of a traditional tape measure, providing ease- of-use and comfort for users. Furthermore, in the illustrated construction, a portion of the peripheral wall 156 along the lower portion 150 of the tape measure 102 can include a substantially flat profile to provide the tape measure 102 with a stable base that allows the tape measure 102 to sit upright when placed on a surface. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 3, a carry hook 164 can be removably coupled to or integrally formed with the housing 130. Furthermore, in some examples, portions of the housing 130 may be co-molded or separately formed of a resilient material, such as a natural or synthetic rubber.

[0034] The housing 130 can also define a number of sections or openings for user accessible components, such as a tape lock 166, a tape port 168 through which the tape blade 132 extends (terminating at the blade hook 134). the user interface 136, the LED indicator 140, and the charging port 142. With reference to the tape lock 166, according to one example, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a slot 170 can be defined along the forward portion 144 at the peripheral wall 156. The slot 170 can provide an opening in the housing 130 that allows the tape lock 166 to extend into housing 130. In addition, the slot 170 provides a length sufficient to allow the tape lock 166 to be moved relative to housing 130 between locked and unlocked positions.

[0035] As another example, below the slot 170, the tape port 168 can be provided in the peripheral wall 156. The tape port 168 can provide an opening for extending the tape blade 132 from and retracting the tape blade 132 into the internal cavity 158, e.g., via a user pulling and releasing or pushing the tape blade 132, respectively. As noted above, an end of the tape blade 132, which may extend out of the housing 130, can be coupled to or integral with the blade hook 134. Accordingly, in some examples, the tape port 168 can be large enough to permit movement of the tape blade 132 therethrough, yet small enough such that the peripheral wall 156 surrounding the tape port 168 acts as a stop for the blade hook 134 when the tape blade 132 is fully retracted into the housing 130. In some examples, as shown in FIGS. 2-4, one or more magnets 172 may be positioned inside or along the housing 130 adjacent to the tape port 168 to maintain the blade hook 134, also made of a magnetic material, such as a metal, against the housing 130 when the tape blade 132 is fully retracted into the housing 130.

[0036] A user may also interact with the user interface 136, for example, when the tape blade 132 is extended from or retracted into the housing 130. More specifically, still referringto FIGS. 2 and 3, the user interface 136 can be located along the peripheral wall 156 near the upward portion 148 and / or the forward portion 144, though the user interface 136 may be located anywhere along the housing 130 in other examples. That is, in some examples, the user interface 136 can include one, two. three, four, five, or more buttons 138. In the illustrated example, a first button 138A may be located along the forward portion 144 of the housing 130 between the tape lock 166 and the tape port 168, while a second button 138B, a third button 138C, a fourth button 138D, and a fifth button 138E may be located near the upper portion 148 of the housing 130.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 2. the housing 130 may also include an opening, such as along the first side wall 152 (or anywhere else along the housing 130) for the LED indicator 140, which may provide visual feedback to a user, as further described below. Additionally, the housing 130 may include an opening, such as along the first side wall 152 (or anywhere else along the housing 130) for the charging port 142. The charging port 142 may be. for example, a micro USB port, a mini USB port, a USB Type C port, or another type of port that enables a power and / or data connection, as further described below.

[0038] Referring now to the internal cavity 158 of the housing 130, as noted above, the housing 130 can form the internal cavity 158 to house internal components of the tape measure 102, such as the tape blade 132. For example, refernng to the cross-sectional view of FIG. 4, the tape blade 132 can be wound onto and supported by a reel 174 within the internal cavity 158. In some examples, the housing 130 can be sized so that a 24-foot tape blade 132 may be wound within the internal cavity 158. In other examples, the housing 130 can be sized to accommodate other lengths of tape blade 132. such as 16 feet. 10 feet, 35 feet, or another length.

[0039] Additionally, as noted above, in some examples, the housing pieces 160, 162 can be disconnected from one another to access the internal cavity 158, for example, to allow for replacement of the tape blade 132 and / or the reel 174. For example, in general, the tape blade 132 can be an elongate strip of material including a plurality of graduated measurement markings, and in some examples, the tape blade 132 is an elongate strip of metal material (e.g., steel material). In some applications, a user may desire to replace the tape blade 132 with one having different measurement markings (e g., metric versus standard), with one made of a different type of material, with one of a different length, or with the same type of tape blade 132 to replace a worn one (e.g., due to abrasion, kinking, tearing, general wear, etc ). In further applications, a user may desire to replace the tape blade 132 with one having specializedmarkings for a specific application (e g., quick reference tables such as three-phase tables, bending calculation tables, springback tables, scaling calculations, etc.) or with one having specialized add-ons for a specific application (e.g., specialized hooks or attachments like keychain rings, hooks with magnets. LED lights, etc.).

[0040] Generally, the reel 174 can be rotatably disposed about an axis of the tape measure 102 (e.g., where the axis extends through the side walls 152, 154 at point 176 shown in FIG. 4). A retraction mechanism (not shown) can be coupled to the reel 174 and the tape blade 132 and configured to drive the tape blade 132 about the rotation axis 176 which, in turn, provides powered retraction of the tape blade 132. For example, the retraction mechanism may include one or more springs that provide the retraction energy to the retraction mechanism. Additionally, the tape lock 166 can include one or more brakes 178 that selectively engages the tape blade 132 between the reel 174 and the tape port 168 (e.g., by movement of the tape lock 166 along the slot 170), and the brakes 178 act to restrain the retraction mechanism to maintain the tape blade 132 at its current position.

[0041] With reference still to the reel 174, in some examples, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the tape measure 102 can also include a spool cover 180 and a spring plug 182 that cover respective open sections of the reel 174. Furthermore, in some examples, the tape measure 102 can include a yoke 184 configured to surround the reel 174. More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the yoke 184 can extend over the reel 174 and be coupled on one side to the reel 174 and on another side to the spool cover 180, e.g., via bolts 186. With this configuration, the yoke 184 can constrain the tape blade 132 and the retraction mechanism within the reel 174, for example, preventing those components from popping out of the reel 174 when a user takes apart the housing 130.

[0042] In addition or alternatively, in some examples, a user may be able to service or replace the tape blade 132 without taking apart the housing 130. For example, a user may fully extend the tape blade 132 from the housing 130. disengage the tape blade 132 from an "‘end T” of the retraction mechanism, and reengage the end T with a new' tape blade 132, then allow the retraction mechanism to retract the new tape blade 132 into the housing. Furthermore, in some examples, the housing 130 may include a slot (not shown), e.g., near the forward portion 144, that can hold the end T of the retraction mechanism to more easily facilitate such tape blade replacements.

[0043] Referring back to the cross-sectional view of FIG. 4, in some examples, in addition to housing the tape blade 132 and the reel 174, the internal cavity' 158 can also house a sensorassembly 188, a control board 190, a vibration motor 192, and a power source 194. Generally, the sensor assembly 188 can be used to sense a length of the tape blade 132 that has been unwound or extended out from the housing 130, the control board 190 can include a controller 196 (described below with reference to FIG. 6) and / or other electronics of the tape measure 102, the vibration motor 192 can be used to provide haptic feedback to a user, and the power source 194 can provide power to one or more components of the tape measure 102.

[0044] More specifically, FIG. 6 illustrates an example schematic representation of a tape measure 102. such as the tape measure 102 of FIGS. 2-5. As shown in FIG. 6, the tape measure 102 can include the controller 196, with a processor 198 and a memory 200, the power source 194, a communication system 202, the sensor assembly 188, the tape blade 132, the user interface 136 including the first button 138A, the second button 138B, the third button 138C, the fourth button 138D, the fifth button 138E, and an optional display 204. the LED indicator 140 (e.g., a visual feedback mechanism), the vibration motor 192 (e.g., a haptic feedback mechanism), and an optional laser 210.

[0045] In some examples, as noted above, the controller 196 can be housed on the control board 190 (e g., chip on board), and other components of the tape measure 102 (such as, for example, the communication system 202, the LED indicator 140. the vibration motor 192, the sensor assembly 188, the user interface 136, the power source 194, etc.) can be located on the control board 190 and / or connected to the controller 196 via the control board 190. In some examples, as shown in FIG. 4, the control board 190 can be physically located in the internal cavity 158 near the forward portion 144 of the housing 130. However, in other examples, the control board 190 can be located in other locations within the internal cavity 158, such as near the rearward portion 146, the upper portion 148 or the lower portion 150.

[0046] In some examples, the controller 196 can be a microcontroller unit (MCU) including the processor 198 and memory 200. In some examples, the processor 198 can be implemented as a programmable processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), a group of processing components, or other suitable electronic processing components. Accordingly, any reference to the controller 196 taking certain actions throughout the description herein may refer to the processor 198 executing program steps stored as computer code, e g., in the memory 200. The memory 200 (e.g., memory, memory unit, storage device, etc.) can include one or more devices (e.g., RAM, ROM. Flash memory, hard disk storage, etc.) for storing data or computer code for completing or facilitating various processes, layers, and modules described herein. The memory 200 can beor include volatile memory or non-volatile memory. The memory 200 can include database components, object code components, script components, or any other t pe of information structure for supporting the various activities and infomiation structures described in the present application. Additionally, in some examples, the tape measure 102 can optionally include additional removable storage 212, such as a micro SD card or other removable storage, that can include database components, object code components, script components, or any other t pe of information structure for supporting the various activities and information structures described in the present application. As such, reference herein to the controller 196 storing data or information in the memory 200 may also refer to the controller 196 storing such data or information in the removable storage 212 in some examples, or vice versa.

[0047] Generally, the controller 196 can be powered by the power source 194. In some examples, the power source 194 can be a rechargeable power source, such as a rechargeable lithium-ion battery cell. For example, the power source 194 can be charged via a power cable plugged into the charging port 142. Referring to FIG. 4, in some examples, the power source 194 can be physically located in the internal cavity 158 at the lower portion 150 and / or the rearward portion 146 of the housing 130. However, in other examples, the power source 194 can be located in other locations within the internal cavity 158. such as the upper portion 148 and / or the forw ard portion 144.

[0048] Furthermore, the controller 196 may be configured to communicate with other devices via the communication system 202. In some examples, the communication system 202 can be a Bluetooth® or other wireless communication module (e.g., Near Field Communication (NFC). WiFi, cellular, etc.). Though illustrated as separate components in FIG. 5. in some examples, the controller 196 can include the communication system 202 (e g., as an MCU including a Bluetooth® module housed on the control board 190). Accordingly, the communication system 202 can permit a wireless connection between the tape measure 102 and external devices, such as the computing device 106 and / or the other tool 104 illustrated in FIG. 1, to enable exchanging information betw een the components 102, 104, 106. For example, the tape measure 102 can wirelessly communicate with the computing device 106 to communicate measured lengths to the computing device 106 and / or other operational data (e.g., pairing status, battery level, health, range, etc.). Additionally, in some examples, the communication system 202 can also include a wired communication component via the charging port 142. That is, the charging port 142 may be used to enable a wired connectionbetween the tape measure 102 and a connected device 106 / 104 to communicate measured lengths and / or other operational data.

[0049] Referring still to FIG. 6, as well as FIGS. 2 and 3, the controller 196 can be in communication with the plurality of buttons 138 of the user interface 136 to receive inputs from a user. Generally, the user interface 136 can permit a user to interact with the tape measure 102 to record length measurements, as sensed by the sensor assembly 188 (as further described below), and, optionally, transmit the measurements to an external device, such as the computing device 106 or the tool 104 illustrated in FIG. 1. That is, a user may extend or retract the tape blade 132. the controller 196 can determine or acquire a length of the tape blade 102 extending out from the housing 130 based on output from the sensor assembly 188, and can perform a certain action with that determined length based on the button 138 pushed by the user.

[0050] In one example, the controller 196 can act in response to prompts from the computing device 106, or another connected device or tool. In such an example, the computing device 106 and the tape measure 102 can act in a master / slave, or primary / secondary, relationship. In this relationship, the controller 196 can communicate which buttons 138 are pressed by the user along with operational data, such as measured lengths, and the computing device 106 can take certain action based on which button 138 is pressed. Furthermore, in some examples, a user can initiate a wireless connection between the tape measure 102 and the computing device 106 (or another device or tool) by initially pressing one of the buttons 138.

[0051] Referring still to the master / slave relationship example, with reference to FIGS. 2, 3, and 6, the first button 138A can be a ’ RECORD button. When the RECORD button 138A is pressed, the controller 196 can determine or acquire a current length of tape blade 132 extending out from the housing 130, optionally save the current length to memory 200, and transmit the current length to the computing device 106. For example, a user may do this in response to the computing device 106 communicating a prompt to the user (e.g.. viathe display 116 of the computing device 106) to measure a length of a particular work area where a workpiece is desired to be placed. Upon receipt of the current length, the computing device 106 can store the current length in association with the particular work area in its memory' 114.

[0052] The second button 138B can be an ’ADD" button. When the ADD button 138B is pressed, the controller 196 can acquire a first current length of tape blade 132 extending out from the housing 130 and save the first current length in memory 200 (e g., temporary memory ), for example as a modifier. Then, when the user presses the RECORD button 138A,the controller 196 can acquire a second current length of tape blade 132 extending out from the housing 130, add the first current length and the second current length to obtain a total length, store the total length in memory 200, and send the total length to the computing device 106. Optionally, the computing device 106 can store the total length in association with a particular work area in memory 114.

[0053] Alternatively, when the ADD button 138B is pressed, the controller 196 can acquire a first current length of tape blade 132 extending out from the housing 130 and transmit the first current length to the computing device 106 with an indication that another measurement is to be added to that first current length. Then, when the user presses the RECORD button 138A, the controller 196 can acquire a second current length of tape blade 132 extending out from the housing 130 and transmit the second current length to the computing device 106. The computing device 106 can then add the first current length and the second current length to obtain a total length and, optionally, can store the total length in association with a particular work area in memory' 114.

[0054] The third button 138C can be a “SUBTRACT” button. When the SUBTRACT button 138C is pressed, the controller 196 can acquire a first current length of tape blade 132 extending out from the housing 130 save the first length to memory 200, for example as a modifier. Then, when the user presses the RECORD button 138A, the controller 196 can acquire a second current length of tape blade 132 extending out from the housing 130, subtract the second current length from the first current length to obtain a total length, save the total length (e.g., as an absolute value) in memory 200, and transmit the total length to the computing device 106. Optionally, the computing device 106 can store the total length in association with a particular work area in memory 114.

[0055] Alternatively, when the SUBTRACT button 138C is pressed, the controller 196 can acquire a first current length of tape blade 132 extending out from the housing 130 and transmit the first current length to the computing device 106 with an indication that another measurement is to be subtracted from that first current length. Then, when the user presses the RECORD button 138A, the controller 196 can acquire a second current length of tape blade 132 extending out from the housing 130 and transmit the second current length to the computing device 106. The computing device 106 can then subtract the second current length from the first current length to obtain a total length (e.g., as an absolute value) and. optionally, can store the total length in association with a particular work area in memory 114.

[0056] The fourth buton 138D can be an “TRASH / UNDO” buton. When the TRASH / UNDO buton 138D is pressed, the controller 196 can delete a previously stored measurement in memory 200 or, alternatively, can indicate to the computing device 106 to delete or “throw ouf ’ an immediately previously communicated measurement.

[0057] The fifth buton 138E can be a “MEASURE FROM BACK” buton. In one example, when the MEASURE FROM BACK buton 138E is pressed, the controller 196 can retrieve a numerical value of a length of the tape measure 102, e.g., stored in memory 200. Then, when the user presses the RECORD buton 138A, the controller 196 can add the retrieved measurement length to a current measurement length, store the total length in memory 200. and send the total length to the computing device 106. In another example, the controller 196 can send both the retrieved measurement length and the current measurement length to the computing device 106 with an indication that the lengths should be added together to obtain a total length. In yet a further example, the controller 196 can send the current measurement length to the computing device 106 with an indication that the current measurement length is to be added to a tape measure length to obtain a total length. The computing device 106 can then retrieve the tape measure length from its memory 114 and add the retrieved measurement length to the cunent measurement length to obtain a total length. For example, the computing device 106 may include a single tape measure length stored in memory 114, or may include a table of tape measure lengths associated with identifiers unique to certain tape measures 102. In any of these examples, the computing device 106 can then store the total length in association with a particular work area in memory 114.

[0058] The above buton examples are illustrated functionally in FIG. 7. which illustrates a process 220 associated with user inputs of the tape measure 102. For example, according to the process 220 shown in FIG. 7, when the RECORD buton 138A is pressed (at block 222), the controller 196 determines whether the measurement should be from the front or the back (at block 224). This determination at block 224 is made based on whether input from the MEASURE FROM BACK buton 138E was pressed (at block 226). If not, the controller 196 determines the current length based on input from the sensor assembly 188 (at block 228) and modifies the current length, if necessary, based on a stored modifier (block 230). That is, the stored modifier 230 may have an addition length or subtraction length stored in it based on whether the user previously pressed the ADD buton 138B (block 232) or the SUBTRACT buton 138C (block 234). The controller 196 then stores the current length (original or modified, if a length was stored in the modifier 230) in memory 200 (block 236).

[0059] Still referring to FIG. 7, returning back to decision block 224, if the MEASURE FROM BACK button 138E was pressed at block 226, the controller 196 determines the current length based on input from the sensor assembly 188 (at block 238) and modifies the current length, if necessary, based on the stored modifier (block 230), as described above. The controller 196 further adds a length of the tape measure 102 to the current length (block 240), and then stores the current length (original or modified) plus the tape measure length to memory 200 (block 236).

[0060] The above button examples are further illustrated functionally in FIG. 8, which illustrates a process 250 associated with outputs of the tape measure 102. For example, according to the process 250 shown in FIG. 8, when the RECORD button 138A is pressed (at block 252), the controller 196 retrieves the current length measurement from memory 200 (block 254) and sends the measurement over a wired or wireless connection to an external device, such as the computing device 106 (block 256). The receiving device can then confirm if the measurement is received (block 258). If so, the process 250 is complete. If not, the process reverts back to block 256 and the controller 196 again attempts to send the measurement to the external device.

[0061] In some examples, the tape measure 102 can also act as a master or primary device, e.g., as opposed to the slave or secondary device state discussed above. In this state, the controller 196 can take certain action based on which button 138 is pressed and, rather than immediately communicate measurements to the computing device 106, can store the measurements in internal memory 200 (or the removable storage 212), such as in a table. For example, when the RECORD button 138A is pressed, the controller 196 can acquire a current length of tape blade 132 extending out from the housing 130 and store the current length in the memory' 200. When the ADD button 138B is pressed, the controller 196 can acquire and store a current length of tape blade 132 extending out from the housing 130. Then, when the user presses the RECORD button 138A, the controller 196 can acquire a second current length of tape blade 132 extending out from the housing 130, add the first current length and the second current length to obtain a total length, and save the total length in memory 200.

[0062] When the SUBTRACT button 138C is pressed, the controller 196 can acquire and store a current length of tape blade 132 extending out from the housing 130. Then, when the user presses the RECORD button 138 A. the controller 196 can acquire a second current length of tape blade 132 extending out from the housing 130, can subtract the second current length from the first current length to obtain a total length (e.g., as an absolute value), and save thetotal length in memory 200. When the TRASH / UNDO button 138D is pressed, the controller 196 can delete or “throw out” an immediately previously stored measurement. When the MEASURE FROM BACK button 138E is pressed, the controller 196 can retrieve a numerical value of a length of the tape measure 102 from memory 200. Then, when the user presses the RECORD button 138A, the controller 196 can add the retrieved measurement length to a current measurement length to obtain a total length, and save the total length in memory 200.

[0063] In some examples, the tape measure 102 can be configured to operate in the master / primary state, the slave / secondary state, or in a combination of both states. For example, the controller 196 can initially store measurements in memory 200 and then send the measurements, individually or collectively, to a connected device, such as the computing device 106. According to one example, in some applications, a wireless or wired connection may not be immediately available or an established connection may be interrupted. In such instances, the controller 196 can store measurements to be sent in memory’ 200 until the wireless or wired connection to the computing device 106 is made or restored. That is, rather than immediately sending measured lengths to the computing device 106 when the RECORD button 138A is pressed, the controller 196 can save the measured length to memory 200 (or the optional removable storage 212). Upon a connection with the computing device 106 being established, or reestablished, the controller 196 can send the stored measurements to the computing device 106. In some examples, the controller 196 can send a plurality of stored measurements to the computing device 106 in a table, and the user can use the user interface 118 and the display 116 of the computing device 106 to associate each stored measurement with a particular work area of a workpiece, allowing the computing device 106 to store the length measurements in association with respective work areas in memory 114.

[0064] Additionally, in some examples, the controller 196 can also opt to store measurements rather than wirelessly transmit them to the computing device 106 when battery levels are low. Upon battery recharge, the controller 196 can send the stored measurements to the computing device 106. In yet another example, the controller 196 can opt to transmit measurements to the computing device 106 when the memory’ 200 and / or removable storage 212 is approaching a storage limit, allowing new measurements to be stored in the memory 200 / removable storage 212.

[0065] Referring back to the buttons 138 of the user interface 136, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, in some examples, the RECORD button 138A may’ be located along the peripheral wall 156 at the forward portion 144 of the housing 130, between the tape lock 166 and the tape port168. However, in other examples, the RECORD button 138A can be located at other locations along the housing 130, such as along the side walls 152, 1 4 or along the peripheral wall 156 at the upper portion 148, the lower portion 150, or the rearward portion 144 of the housing 130. Additionally, in some examples, the ADD button 138B. the SUBTRACT button 138C, the TRASH / UNDO button 138D, and the MEASURE FROM BACK button 138E can be grouped together and located along the peripheral wall 156 at the upper portion 148 of the housing 130. However, in other examples, these buttons 138B-138E may not be grouped together and / or can be collectively or individually located at other locations along the housing 130, such as along the side walls 152. 154 or along the peripheral wall 156 at the lower portion 150, the forward portion 144, or the rearward portion 146 of the housing 130.

[0066] While the tape measure 102 of FIGS. 2-6 illustrate five buttons 138, in some examples, the user interface 136 can include additional buttons 138, additional functionality associated with the buttons 138, and / or additional or alternative user interface mechanisms. According to one example, a button 138 may be used to group measurements together. That is, a user may press such a button 138 as an indication that a group of measurements should be saved together as a single grouping, or table. This may be helpful for the user to later access the entire grouping, e.g., from the computing device 106, rather than interacting with the computing device 106 after each measurement is taken. As another example, a button 138 (e.g., a “TARE” button) may be pressed to “zero” the current measurement. This may be helpful when a user desires to zero a measurement at a first location or objection and get a relative distance to a new object from the first location / object. As a further example, a user can trigger the controller 196 to acquire a current measurement length of the tape blade 132 by squeezing the housing 130 (e.g., activating pressure sensors or other within or on the housing 130), or through pushing or sliding other dials or sliders (not shown) on the housing 130. As a further example, a user can trigger the controller 196 to acquire a current measurement length of the tape blade 132 by voice activation. For example, the controller 196 can include a voice recognition component so that the controller 196 can respond to voice commands, such as “RECORD,” “ADD,” etc.

[0067] With continued reference to the user interface 136, in some examples, the controller 196 can provide haptic and / or visual feedback to a user when the buttons 138 are pressed. For example, when any button 138 is pressed, the controller 196 can provide confirmation of the button press to the user using a haptic feedback mechanism, such as the vibration motor 192. As shown in FIG. 4, the vibration motor 192 can be positioned adjacent to the control board190 within the internal cavity 158 at the forward portion 144 of the housing 130. However, in other examples, the vibration motor 192 can be located at other locations within the internal cavity 158, such as along an upper portion 148, the lower portion 150, or the rearward portion 146. Additionally or alternatively, when any button 138 is pressed, the controller 196 can provide confirmation of the button press to the user using a visual feedback mechanism, such as the LED indicator 140. While the LED indicator 140 is illustrated in FIG. 1 as being positioned along the first side wall 152, in some examples, the LED indicator 140 can be located along any other portions of the housing 130, such as anywhere along the second side wall 154 or the peripheral wall 156. Furthermore, in some examples, multiple LED indicators 140 can be provided along the housing 130.

[0068] In some examples, the visual feedback mechanism and / or the haptic feedback mechanism can provide other feedback to the user in addition to confirming button presses. In one example, the LED indicator 140 can flash and / or the vibration motor 192 can vibrate when an error occurs, when battery levels are low or other charging status indications, when a wireless connection is interrupted or other wireless connection status indications, when space in the memory 200 and / or removable storage 212 is reaching a limit, for diagnostics like read head functionality, etc.

[0069] As another example, the tape measure 102 can provide user feedback as the tape blade 132 is extended or retracted, e.g., in order to guide the user on how- far to pull out the tape blade 132 to mark desired locations on a workpiece. More specifically, the controller 196 can retrieve stored measurements (“target measurements”) from memory 200, or removable storage 212, which may have been previously measured by the tape measure 102, transmitted to the tape measure 102 from the computing device 106 or another tool, or otherwise input by a user. When the user pulls the tape blade 132 out to a specific length equal to one of the stored measurements, the controller 196 can provide visual and / or haptic feedback to the user. In one specific example, a user may measure or otherwise input a complete length of a room, w orkpiece, area, etc. , and provide user input to the tape measure 102 or to the computing device 106 to equally divide the complete length by X increments. The tape measure 102 or the computing device 106 can either display the incremental measurements to the user or store the incremental measurements (“target measurements”) so that, when the user pulls the tape blade 132 out to a specific length equal to one of the stored incremental measurements, the controller 196 can provide visual and / or haptic feedback to the user. Furthermore, in some examples, the housing 130 can include an embedded marking device or external feature to hold a markingdevice (e.g., such as a pencil) that allows a user to more easily mark measurements next to the tape measure 102. In such examples, the controller 196 can use the known position of the marking device relative to the housing 130, and can provide visual and / or haptic feedback when the marking device is at a location to be marked by the user.

[0070] Additionally, in some examples, the controller 196 may control the LED indicator 140 and / or the vibration motor 192 to emit different patterns of light flashes or vibrations, respectively, to communicate a particular message to the user. Accordingly, each or some of the examples above, including button presses, may elicit a different respective LED indicator 140 output (e.g., different pattern of light output) or vibration motor 192 output (e.g.. different vibration pattern) in some examples.

[0071] With continued reference to the user interface 136, in some applications, the user interface 136 may further include a display 204. For example, FIG. 9 illustrates another example tape measure 102A. The tape measure 102A of FIG. 9 may include similar components as the tape measure 102 of FIGS. 2-5 and, thus, like components are numbered accordingly. However, the tape measure 102A of FIG. 9 may further include a sixth button 138F as w ell as a display 204 on the first side wall 152. In other examples, the display 204 maybe located at other locations along the housing 130, such as on the second side wall 154 or the peripheral wall 156 near the forward portion 144, the rearward portion 146, the upper portion 148, or the lower portion 150 of the housing 130. It should also be noted that, in some examples, the display 204 may be incorporated into the tape measure 102 of FIGS. 2-5. In some examples, the controller 196 can control the display 204 to display information to the user, such as a current measurement so that a user may verify the measurement, measurement history (e.g., stored measurements), target measurements, prompts from the computing device 106 (e.g., indicating which particular work area of a workpiece to measure), battery status, health, connection status, error messages, workpiece routes, tape measure “name” or identifier, etc.

[0072] Referring back to FIG. 6, in some examples, the tape measure 102 can further include a laser line 210. For example, FIG. 10 illustrates another example tape measure 102B. The tape measure 102B of FIG. 10 may include similar components as the tape measure 102 of FIGS. 2-5 and / or the tape measure 102A of FIG. 9. However, the tape measure 102B of FIG. 10 may further include a laser line 210 adjacent the tape port 168. As shown in FIG. 10, the laser line 210 may emit a line 260 of light outward from the tape measure 102 in a first direction and / or a second direction opposite the first direction, and a user may use the line 260 as a reference for aligning the tape measure 102 w hen obtaining a measurement using the tape blade132. It should also be noted that, in some examples, the laser line 210 may be incorporated into the tape measure 102 of FIGS. 2-5 or the tape measure 102A of FIG. 9.

[0073] As noted above, for any of the above-described tape measure examples, the controller 196 can determine a current length of the tape blade 132 based on input from the sensor assembly 188, shown in FIGS. 4 and 12. Generally, in some examples, the sensor assembly 188 can be located adjacent to the tape blade 132. According to one example, as shown in FIG. 4, the sensor assembly 188 can be located within the internal cavity 158 at the rearward portion 146 and adjacent the upper portion 148 of the housing 130. In some applications, this rearward location of the sensor assembly 188 can allow for uninterrupted room in the forw ard portion 144 for components such as the tape lock 166, the magnets 172, and the optional laser line 210. Additionally, in some applications, this upper and rearward location of the sensor assembly 188 can allow7for less additional space needed in the forward portion 144, which may make the tape measure 102 more strong and durable to withstand drops. For example, such sensor assembly positioning can provide more space in the forward portion 144 for movement of the blade hook 134 in the event that the tape measure 102 is dropped. Such movement can allow drop forces to be instead received by the housing 130 and help prevent the blade hook 134 from being damaged or bent, potentially rendering the tape blade 132 inaccurate.

[0074] FIGS. 11A-11C illustrate additional example locations of the sensor assembly 188, according to some examples. That is, as shown in FIG. 11A, the sensor assembly 188 may be located along the lower portion 150 near the forward portion 144. As shown in FIG. 1 IB, the sensor assembly 188 may be located along the lower portion 150 near the rearward portion 146. In these examples, the sensor assembly 188 may further include a dowel 262 that the tape blade 132 can be routed around, allowing the tape blade 132 to traverse substantially flat against the sensor assembly 188. As shown in FIG. 11C, the sensor assembly 188 may be located along the rearward portion 146 near the lower portion 150. In this example, the sensor assembly 188 may be sprung mount at a fixed point 264, so that the sensor assembly 188 is urged, via spring forces, against the tape blade 132. Additionally, though not specifically illustrated, in some examples, the sensor assembly 188 may be located along the forw ard portion 144.

[0075] Referring back to the internal view of the tape measure 102, illustrated in FIG. 4, and with further reference to FIG. 12, in some examples, the sensor assembly 188 can be a linear position sensor assembly and can include a sensor mount 266, such as a linear position sensor mount, and one or more sensors 268, such as photoreceptors. In some examples, thesensor mount 266 can be coupled to an inside of the housing 130, such as to the first housing piece 160 and / or the second housing piece 162 via one or more screws or other fasteners (not shown). As a result, in some examples, the housing 130 can be disassembled to access and clean, repair, or replace the sensor mount 266. if needed. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 12, the sensor mount 266 can include features 270, such as extensions, to create a pathway adjacent to the sensors 268 through which the tape blade 132 is routed. In some examples, the features 270 may additionally or alternatively include rollers or bearings to further help hold the tape blade 132 flat against the sensors 268.

[0076] Generally, the sensor assembly 188 and, in particular, the sensors 268 can detect markings on the tape blade 132 in order to determine a length of the tape blade 132 extending out from the housing 130. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, a rear side, or lower surface, 272 of the tape blade 132 can include a plurality of code markings 274. While FIG. 13 also illustrates numeric measurement markings 276 on the rear side 272. in some examples, such numeric measurement markings 276 may only be included on a front side, or upper surface (not shown), of the tape blade 132, or on both sides. Additionally, in some examples, the code markings 274 may alternatively or additionally be located on the front side of the tape blade 132.

[0077] Generally, the code markings 274 can be printed or otherwise formed on the tape blade 132 as dark marks spaced apart. As a result, the sensors 268 (e.g., infrared photoreceptors) can sense a change in light between the dark code markings 274 (e.g., little reflection sensed) and light gaps between code markings 274 (e.g., more reflection sensed) as the tape blade 132 is retracted or extended, for example, in terms of a binary dark / light or on / off measurement, which can then be interpreted by the controller 196 to determine a length measurement. In one example, generally, the controller 196 (e.g., executing program instructions stored on the memory 200) can obtain raw analog values from each sensor 268 and filter the values, e.g.. using a dynamic exponential filter scheme. The controller 196 can note a previous maximum and minimum value of the analog waveform and, upon reaching that previous maximum or minimum value, determine that the sensor is adjacent to a code marking 274 or a gap between code markings 274, respectively . The controller 196 can further set a threshold value halfway between the previous maximum and minimum value as a trigger indicating that the sensor 268 is at a nsing or falling edge of a code marking 274. respectively.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 13, tw o sets of code markings 274 can be included on the rear side 272 of the tape blade 132: incremental code markings 274A and absolute code markings274B. Furthermore, one or more sensors 268 may be associated with the incremental code markings 274A and one or more sensors 268 may be associated with the absolute code markings 274B. Generally, according to some examples, the incremental code markings 274A can be used to provide a precise measurement of tape blade movement, while the absolute code markings 274B can provide an accurate measure of tape blade position. For example, the controller 196 can perform incremental sensing by incrementally counting the incremental code markings 274A, can perform absolute sensing by interpreting periods of the absolute code markings 274B as absolute positions of the tape blade 132, and can combine the incremental sensing and the absolute sensing to determine a cunent length of the tape blade 132 extending out from the housing 130.

[0079] More specifically, with reference to the incremental code markings 274A, as the tape blade 132 is retracted or extended, the sensor(s) 268 provide output to the controller 196 based on whether they are adjacent incremental code markings 274 A or the light gaps therebetween. The controller 196 can interpret this sensor output as binary Is and Os (e.g., with reference to maximum and minimum analog values, as described above), counting the Is, or patterns of Is if multiple sensors 268 are used, to determine how far the tape blade 132 has moved, e.g., based on a size and / or sensing region of each sensor 268.

[0080] For example, while one sensor 268 may be used for detecting the incremental code markings 274A, by increasing the number of sensors 268, staggering sensors 268, and / or strategically phasing sensor placement with respect to the code markings 274A, higher measurement resolution can be achieved by collectively interpreting the pattern of Is and 0s of the sensors 268. By way of example, the sensors 268. as infrared photoreceptors, may require at least a three millimeter (mm) wide sensing region and a two mm wide code marking 274 for sensing. FIGS. 14A-14C illustrate example sensor arrangements to sense the incremental code markings 274A, showing the sensors 268 and theoretical waveforms 278 detected by the sensors 268 from the incremental code markings 274A. The waveforms 278 are illustrated in FIGS. 14A-14C as square waves for the sake of visual clarity , though they may instead be analog sine waves. As shown in FIG. 14A, tw o in-line sensors 268, equally spaced apart, may be used in some examples, w hich results in a resolution of 1 mm (based on the three mm wide sensing region and two mm wide code markings 274). This 1 mm resolution, for example, may be equivalent to the resolution of an optical encoder. As shown in FIG. 14B. three in-line sensors 268, equally spaced apart, may be used, which results in a resolution of 2 / 3 mm. As shown in FIG. 14C, four in-line sensors 268, equally spaced apart, may be used, which resultsin a resolution of ! mm. In some examples, the Vi mm resolution of the four in-line sensors 268 can eliminate the need for additional sensors (such as rotary encoders or other sensors) in the tape measure 102.

[0081] Accordingly, the incremental code markings 274A can provide the controller 196 with precise length (e.g., distance) measurements of the tape blade 132 as it moves. However, in some applications, errors may occur during incremental sensing. For example, in the event of a power failure or if a tape blade 132 is pulled too fast, the incremental count may become inaccurate. Additionally, small drifts over time may also affect the accuracy of the incremental count. To correct and verily the length readings from the incremental count, the controller 196 can use the absolute code markings 274B. Generally, the absolute code markings 274B can be interpreted as a collective groupings, or periods, to determine an absolute location of the tape blade 132, allowing the controller 196 to periodically "re-zero" or recalibrate the tape blade location with respect to the incremental code marking counts. The controller 196 can thus use the incremental code markings 274 A and the absolute code markings 274B in tandem to determine tape blade length measurements.

[0082] In some examples, one sensor 268 may be used for detecting the absolute code markings 274B, though additional sensors 268 may be used in other examples. As noted above, the sensors 268, as infrared photoreceptors, may require at least a three-mm wide sensing region and a two-mm wide code marking 274 for sensing in some applications. In some examples, the absolute code markings 274B can be spaced and arranged to maximize period density and minimize code footprint. This can ensure optimal human readability and minimal distance between absolute re-zeroing.

[0083] Referring back to FIG. 13, an example period 280 within the absolute code markings 274B is illustrated. In some examples, each period 280 can be 1.5 inches long, though other period lengths may be utilized in other examples. The controller 196 can interpret sensor output as binary 1 s and 0s in each period and compare the output to codes stored in one or more look-up tables (LUTs) 282 in memory 200 to determine the absolute position of the tape blade 132. According to one example, each period 280 can include four sections: a first section 284 as a preamble check bit and quadrant indicator; a second section 286 providing an address; a third section 288 as a closing check bit and quadrant indicator; and a fourth section 290 of blank spaces.

[0084] In some examples, the first section 284 and third section 288 can each contain two bits and can signify the beginning and end, respectively, of an absolute reading period 280 andcollectively designate a present quadrant of the tape blade 132. For example, the tape blade 132 can be split into four quadrants, though more sections can be used in some examples. Using the quadrants example, the first quadrant can be designated when the first section 284 is 10 and the third section 288 is OU the second quadrant can be designated when the first section 284 is 10 and the third section 288 is 1 1; the third quadrant can be designated when the first section 284 is 11 and the third section 288 is 01; and the fourth quadrant can be designated when the first section 284 is 11 and the third section 288 is 11. Accordingly, with this scheme, each period 280 starts with a 1 and ends with a 1.

[0085] Still referring to FIG. 13, the second section 286 can contain between one and six bits, or more, and the binary number indicated by the second section 286 can designate an “address” or location of the tape blade 132 within the particular quadrant. That is, the controller 196 may count up in binary from a first address of 000001 within the respective quadrant to determine the specific address or location of the tape blade 132 at the sensor assembly 188. According to another example, the binary numbers in the second section 286 can provide unique sequences associated with specific locations of the tape blade 132, e.g., to be stored in memory' 200 in association with the locations in look-up tables.

[0086] Still referring to FIG. 13. the fourth section 290 can be a blank section to signal to the controller 196 that the period 280 is complete. For example, the fourth section 290 can include two more 0s than the maximum number of 0s betw een any 1 within the binary counting sequence of the second section 286. For example, if the third section 288 includes six 0s in a row; the fourth section 290 can include at least eight 0s. In the example shown in FIG. 13, the fourth section 290 includes ten 0s. The controller 196 can interpret this batch of 0s as a flag that indicates no more binary' information is coming in the present period 280.

[0087] According to the present example illustrated in FIG. 13, each period can be represented by 20 bits — two bits in the first section 284, six bits in the second section 286, two bits in the third section 288. and ten bits in the fourth section 290 — though other numbers of bits may be used in other examples. In some examples, each time the controller 196 detects a minimum or maximum peak from the incremental sensors 268, the controller 196 determines whether the absolute sensor 268 is output high (1) or low (0). The controller 196 utilizes a buffer storing the last 20 bits from the absolute sensor readings (e.g., an entire period) and compares the buffer against the look-up table 282 to determine the absolute location of the tape blade 132. If the determined location is different than what the controller 196 has stored basedon output from the incremental sensors 268, the controller 196 resets the location to match that indicated by the absolute sensor 268.

[0088] More specifically, FIG. 15 illustrates an example process 300 for determining a current length of a tape blade 132 extending from the housing 130 of the tape measure 102. As shown in FIG. 15, first, all sensor values are initialized (block 302). For each sensor 268, the controller 196 can read raw values from the sensor 268 (block 304), filter the raw values to remove noise (block 306), and determine a last minimum, maximum, and average between the minimum and maximum to set a center threshold (block 308). The controller 196 determines if the respective sensor value is above or below the center threshold (block 310) and. if above, designates a sensor state as a 1 (block 312) or, if below, designates the sensor state as a 0 (block 314). The controller 196 then adds that sensor state to a data byte, which is equal to the binary total of all sensor states (block 316). For example, if four incremental sensors 268 are part of the sensor assembly 188, the data byte include a binary total of sensor states from each of the four incremental sensors 268.

[0089] Still referring to FIG. 15, following block 316, the controller 196 calculates a sector based upon the byte value from the incremental sensor(s) 268 in a look-up table 282 (block 318). For example, at a given moment, the four sensors 268 will read either 1 or 0 and, as such, there can be a predefined sequence of Is or 0s that are to be expected. As shown in FIG. 16, using the four-sensor arrangement example, there are eight expected sensor binary output combinations 334 (where digit 1 is associated with a first sensor 268, digit 2 is associated with a second sensor 268, etc.): 0000; 1000; 1100; 1110; 1111 ; 0111 ; 0011 ; and 0001. Each of these combinations 334 of 4-bits of data may correspond to a sector 336 (e.g.. sector 1. sector 2, sector 3 . . . sector 8), and movement from one sector 336 to a subsequent sector 336 may be referred to as a step 338.

[0090] Further, following block 318, if the controller 196 determines that a sector change is associated with a period “check spof ’ (block 320), the controller 196 adds a current absolute sensor state to a buffer (block 322). More specifically, with reference to block 320, one or more check spots can occur in the cycle of eight sectors 336. For example, as shown in FIG. 17, a check spot 340 may occur when the sector 336 has changed from sector 2 to 3, or from sector 6 to 7. These sector changes, or check spots 340, can be associated with the absolute sensor 268 being centrally aligned with an absolute code marking 274B, allowing for an accurate reading of the absolute sensor state. However, in other examples, one or more other check spots may be implemented. Following block 322, after the absolute sensor state is added to the buffer,the controller 196 compares the buffer to the look-up table 282 (block 324) to determine whether the buffer matches any location values in the look-up table 282 (block 326). If the buffer matches a value in the look-up table (as determined at block 326), the controller 196 sets a current tape blade position to the position associated with the buffer value in the look-up table (block 328). As described above, the controller 196 can periodically perform this absolute check every period, e.g., every 1.5 inches in some examples. If a full period has not been reached, no period calculation may be made.

[0091] Referring still to FIG. 15, and back to block 318, following the sector calculation, the controller 196 can determine a number of steps 338, equal to a number of sector changes (block 330). Steps 338 can be positive if sectors 336 are moving to the right (e.g., 0000 to 1000 to 1100, or sector 1 to sector 2 to sector 3), indicating tape blade extension, or negative if sectors 336 are moving to the left (e.g., 1100 to 1000 to 0000, or sector 3 to sector 2 to sector 1), indicating tape blade retraction. The controller 196 can then convert the number of steps 338 into length measurements, e.g., in millimeters or inches (block 332). This final conversion at block 332, which may be corrected as needed by the absolute check, can then be output as the current length the tape blade 132 has been extended out from the housing 130. For example, this current length can be used by the controller 196 at blocks 228 and 238 of the process 220 of FIG. 7.

[0092] It should be noted that, while the example code markings 274 are shown in FIG. 13 and described herein as being two separate longitudinal rows, in some examples, a single row7of code markings 274 may be used, where the incremental code markings 274A and the absolute code markings 274B are intermixed while providing the same information as described above. In this example, less sensors 268 may be used, and less space on the tape blade 132 would be needed for the code markings 274.

[0093] Additionally, generally, the above example describes linear tape blade sensing using infrared sensors that look at the tape blade 132 as it linearly passes by the sensor assembly 188 to determine the tape blade length that extends out of the housing 130. However, in some applications, other linear sensing technologies may be utilized as an alternative to or in addition to the sensor assembly 188 described above, either alone or in combination with each other. In one example, induction sensors may be used, such as, but not limited to, a ZMID family inductive position sensor, e.g., positioned on the tape blade 132. an Inductosyn® position sensor, e.g., positioned on the tape blade 132, a linear variable differential transformer (LVDT) sensor, e.g., positioned within the housing 130, and / or a “coil on coil”-type induction sensor,e.g., positioned within the housing 130. In another example, optical sensors may be used, such as, but not limited to, other infrared line sensors, e.g., positioned within the housing 130, a linescan camera, e.g., positioned within the housing 130, and / or time-of-flight (TOF) sensors, e.g., positioned within the housing 130. For example, providing additional optical sensing may increase the accuracy of the above sensor assembly 188 in some applications. As yet another example, capacitive sensors may be used, such as, but not limited to, capacitive sensors to sense a contactless pad on the tape blade 132, and / or capacitive sensors to sense metal-ionic ink markings on the tape blade 132. As yet a further example, conductive sensors may be used, such as, but not limited to, conductive sensors to sense physical contacts on the tape blade 132. As yet a further example, magnetic sensors may be used, such as, but not limited to magnetic strip sensors and / or analog hall effect sensors. In yet another example, mechanical sensing technologies can be used, such as, for example, a digital roller.

[0094] Additionally, in some examples, any of the above technologies may be utilized as rotational sensing technologies as an alternative to, or in addition to, linear sensing. For example, while linear tape blade sensing looks at the tape blade 132 as it linearly passes by the sensor assembly 188 to determine the tape blade length that extends out of the housing 130, rotational sensing can assume that the reel 174 that spools the tape blade 132 is rotationally tracked in order to determine the distance that the tape blade 132 is protruding from the housing 130. Furthermore, in some of the examples, as an alternative to, or in addition to, the linear or rotational sensing described above, a diameter of the tape blade 132 around the reel 174 may be sensed as an indication of an amount of tape blade 132 protruding from the housing 130. For example, distance sensors such as TOF, inductive, or capacitive sensors can be used to determine how many times the tape blade 132 is wound about the reel 174, and therefore determine the length of the tape blade 132 protruding from the housing 130.

[0095] Furthermore, in addition to length measurements, in some examples, the tape measure 102 can include additional sensors to obtain other measurements. In one example, the tape measure 102 can include an orientation sensor (e.g., accelerometer, inertial measurement unit (IMU), etc.) to sense an orientation of the tape measure 102 at the time that a length measurement is obtained. As such, the controller 196 can transmit both a current length measurement and a current orientation to the computing device 106 or store such measurements in memory 200. This can help provide context to the user when later reviewing measurements or using measurements. Additionally or alternatively, the computing device 106 and, more specifically, the visualization system 124 can use the length and orientation data in unison tofurther consider off-angles when generating a model or when prompting a user to obtain measurements in conjunction with generating a model. Furthermore, in some examples, the controller 196 can use the orientation data to provide feedback (e.g., haptic or visual feedback) to the user as an indication when the tape measure 102 is level vertically and / or or horizontally.

[0096] In another example, the tape measure 102 can include a sensor in conjunction with the laser 210 to provide laser distance measuring functionality. That is, the laser 210 can be configured to emit light in a single direction, and the sensor can detect the light upon reflection off a surface. The controller 196 can interpret the sensor output to determine a distance between the tape measure 102 and the surface to provide a length measurement.

[0097] In yet another example, the tape measure 102 can include a sensor for use in conjunction with an extendable bumper. For example, a bumper may be a portion of the tape measure housing 130 or a separate component that is located at the lower comer of the tape measure housing 130 adjacent to the tape port 168. Generally, the bumper can act as the datum that users will physically push up against to confirm their tape blade 132 measurement. Because the bumper is part of or close to the bulk of the housing 130, a user may find difficulty with confirming measurements or using the tape measure 102 in tight spaces. By allowing the bumper to be extendable, e.g., via a hinged block, a telescoping section, etc., this datum of reference can be extended further from the housing 130, therefore allowing it to fit into tighter spaces. The controller 196 can receive inputs from a corresponding sensor (e.g., a presence sensor, reed switch, hall effect sensor, encoder, tactile switch, etc.) indicative of an extended length of the bumper and use the extended length as a modifier to the determined length of the tape blade 132 extending out from the housing 130, thus providing the user with an accurate measure of the tape blade length 132 from the bumper.

[0098] In light of the above, some aspects of the disclosure provide a digital tape measure configured to automatically determine a length of tape blade pulled from the tape measure housing. In some aspects, the digital tape measure is capable of determining this length with up to a ! mm resolution using infrared sensors and incremental code markings on the tape blade, and checks the measurement every 1.5 inches by re-calibrating the tape blade position using infrared sensors and absolute markings on the tape blade, though other resolutions and / or calibration period lengths may be contemplated in some examples, and other sensor technologies may be used, alone or in combination with the infrared sensors described above. In some examples, the digital tape measure can include a user interface that allows a user to save determined lengths, add lengths together, subtract lengths from each other, deletepreviously saved lengths, measure from back, and send stored measurements to an external device, such as another tool or a computing device including a visualization system for using the measurements for digitally rendering workpieces, or a building information modeling (BIM) program for using the measurements for digitally rendering buildings and infrastructures.

[0099] In some implementations, devices or systems disclosed herein can be utilized, manufactured, or installed using methods embodying aspects of the invention. Correspondingly, any description herein of particular features, capabilities, or intended purposes of a device or system is generally intended to include disclosure of a method of using such devices for the intended purposes, a method of otherwise implementing such capabilities, a method of manufacturing relevant components of such a device or system (or the device or system as a whole), and a method of installing disclosed (or otherwise known) components to support such purposes or capabilities. Similarly, unless otherwise indicated or limited, discussion herein of any method of manufacturing or using for a particular device or system, including installing the device or system, is intended to inherently include disclosure, as embodiments of the invention, of the utilized features and implemented capabilities of such device or system.

[0100] Also as used herein, unless otherwise limited or defined, “or” indicates a nonexclusive list of components or operations that can be present in any variety of combinations, rather than an exclusive list of components that can be present only as alternatives to each other. For example, a list of “A, B, or C” indicates options of: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; and A, B. and C. Correspondingly, the term “or” as used herein is intended to indicate exclusive alternatives only when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as “either,” “one of,” “only one of,” or “exactly one of.” For example, a list of “one of A, B, or C” indicates options of: A, but not B and C; B, but not A and C; and C. but not A and B. A list preceded by “one or more” (and variations thereon) and including “or” to separate listed elements indicates options of one or more of any or all of the listed elements. For example, the phrases “one or more of A, B, or C” and “at least one of A, B, or C” indicate options of: one or more A; one or more B; one or more C; one or more A and one or more B; one or more B and one or more C; one or more A and one or more C; and one or more of A, one or more of B, and one or more of C. Similarly, a list preceded by “a plurality of’ (and variations thereon) and including “or” to separate listed elements indicates options of multiple instances of any or all of the listedelements. For example, the phrases “a plurality of A, B, or C” and “two or more of A, B, or C” indicate options of: A and B; B and C; A and C; and A, B, and C.

[0101] In some examples, aspects of the disclosed technology, including computerized implementations of methods according to the disclosed technology, can be implemented as a system, method, apparatus, or article of manufacture using standard programming or engineering techniques to produce software, firmware, hardware, or any combination thereof to control a processor device (e.g., a serial or parallel general purpose or specialized processor chip, a single- or multi-core chip, a microprocessor, a field programmable gate array, any variety of combinations of a control unit, arithmetic logic unit, and processor register, and so on), a computer (e.g., a processor device operatively coupled to a memory), or another electronically operated controller to implement aspects detailed herein. Accordingly, for example, aspects of the disclosed technology can be implemented as a set of instructions, tangibly embodied on a non-transitory computer-readable media, such that a processor device can implement the instructions based upon reading the instructions from the computer-readable media. Some examples of the disclosed technology can include (or utilize) a computing device such as an automation device, a special purpose or general purpose computer including various computer hardware, software, firmware, and so on. consistent with the discussion below. As specific examples, a computing device can include a processor, a microcontroller, a field- programmable gate array, a programmable logic controller, logic gates etc., and other typical components that are known in the art for implementation of appropriate functionality (e.g., memory, communication systems, power sources, user interfaces and other inputs, etc.). In some examples, a computing device can include a centralized hub controller that receives, processes and (re)transmits control signals and other data to and from other distributed computing devices (e.g., an engine controller, an implement controller, a drive controller, etc.), including as part of a hub-and-spoke architecture or otherwise.

[0102] The term “article of manufacture" as used herein is intended to encompass a computer program accessible from any computer-readable device, carrier (e.g., non-transitory signals), or media (e.g., non-transitory media). For example, computer-readable media can include but are not limited to magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disk, floppy disk, magnetic strips, and so on), optical disks (e.g., compact disk (CD), digital versatile disk (DVD), and so on), smart cards, and flash memory devices (e.g., card, stick, and so on). Additionally, it should be appreciated that a carrier wave can be employed to carry computer-readable electronic data such as those used in transmitting and receiving electronic mail or in accessing a network suchas the Internet or a local area network (LAN). Those skilled in the art will recognize that many modifications may be made to these configurations without departing from the scope or spirit of the claimed subject matter.

[0103] Certain operations of methods according to the disclosed technology’, or of systems executing those methods, may be represented schematically in the figures, or otherwise discussed herein. Unless otherwise specified or limited, representation in the figures of particular operations in particular spatial order may not necessarily require those operations to be executed in a particular sequence corresponding to the particular spatial order. Correspondingly, certain operations represented in the FIGS., or otherwise disclosed herein, can be executed in different orders than are expressly illustrated or described, as appropriate for particular examples of the disclosed technology. Further, in some examples, certain operations can be executed in parallel, including by dedicated parallel processing devices, or separate computing devices configured to interoperate as part of a large system.

[0104] As used herein in the context of computer implementation, unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms “component,” “system,” “module,” “block,” “device,” and the like are intended to encompass part or all of computer-related systems that include hardware, software, a combination of hardware and software, or software in execution. For example, a component may be, but is not limited to being, a processor device, a process being executed (or executable) by a processor device, an object, an executable, a thread of execution, a computer program, or a computer. By way of illustration, both an application running on a computer and the computer can be a component. One or more components (or system, module, and so on) may reside within a process or thread of execution, may be localized on one computer, may be distributed between two or more computers or other processor devices, or may be included within another component (or system, module, and so on).

[0105] As used herein, unless otherwise defined or limited, directional terms are used for convenience of reference for discussion of particular figures or examples. For example, references to downward (or other) directions or top (or other) positions may be used to discuss aspects of a particular example or figure, but do not necessarily require similar orientation or geometry in all installations or configurations.

[0106] Also as used herein, unless otherwise limited or defined, “substantially parallel” indicates a direction that is within ± 12 degrees of a reference direction (e.g., within ± 6 degrees), inclusive.

[0107] Also as used herein, unless otherwise limited or defined, ‘'substantially perpendicular” indicates a direction that is within ± 12 degrees of perpendicular a reference direction (e.g., within ± 6 degrees), inclusive.

[0108] Also as used herein, unless otherwise limited or defined, “integral” and derivatives thereof (e.g., “integrally”) describe elements that are manufactured as a single piece without fasteners, adhesive, or the like to secure separate components together. For example, an element stamped, cast, or otherwise molded as a single-piece component from a single piece of sheet metal or using a single mold, without rivets, screws, or adhesive to hold separately formed pieces together is an integral (and integrally formed) element. In contrast, an element formed from multiple pieces that are separately formed initially then later connected together, is not an integral (or integrally formed) element.

[0109] Additionally, unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms “about” and “approximately,” as used herein with respect to a reference value, refer to variations from the reference value of ± 15% or less, inclusive of the endpoints of the range. Similarly, the term “substantially equal” (and the like) as used herein with respect to a reference value refers to variations from the reference value of less than ± 10%, inclusive. Where specified, “substantially” can indicate in particular a variation in one numerical direction relative to a reference value. For example, “substantially less” than a reference value (and the like) indicates a value that is reduced from the reference value by 10% or more, and “substantially more” than a reference value (and the like) indicates a value that is increased from the reference value by 10% or more.

[0110] Also as used herein, unless otherwise limited or specified, “substantially identical” refers to two or more components or systems that are manufactured or used according to the same process and specification, with variation between the components or systems that are within the limitations of acceptable tolerances for the relevant process and specification. For example, two components can be considered to be substantially identical if the components are manufactured according to the same standardized manufacturing steps, with the same materials, and within the same acceptable dimensional tolerances (e.g., as specified for a particular process or product).

[0111] Unless otherwise specifically indicated, ordinal numbers are used herein for convenience of reference, based generally on the order in which particular components are presented in the relevant part of the disclosure. In this regard, for example, designations such as “first,” “second,” etc., generally indicate only the order in which a thus-labeled componentis introduced for discussion and generally do not indicate or require a particular spatial, functional, temporal, or structural primacy or order.

[0112] The above detailed description is to be read with reference to the figures, in which like elements in different figures have like reference numerals. The figures, which are not necessarily to scale, depict selected embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of embodiments of the invention. Skilled artisans will recognize the examples provided herein have many useful alternatives and fall within the scope of embodiments of the invention.

[0113] It is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the above description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,’" “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms “mounted,” “connected,” “supported,” and “coupled” and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further, “connected” and “coupled” are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings.

[0114] The previous description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the invention. Given the benefit of this disclosure, various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, the invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A digital tape measure comprising: a housing; a reel positioned within the housing; a tape blade wound around the reel and extendable from the housing, the tape blade comprising incremental code markings and absolute code markings on a surface thereof; a sensor assembly positioned within the housing to read the incremental code markings and the absolute code markings on the tape blade; and a controller in communication with the sensor assembly, the controller to receive output from the sensor assembly to: perform incremental sensing by incrementally counting the incremental code markings, perform absolute sensing by interpreting periods of the absolute code markings as absolute positions of the tape blade, and combine the incremental sensing and the absolute sensing to determine a current length of the tape blade extending out from the housing.

2. The digital tape measure of claim 1, wherein the sensor assembly comprising a first infrared photoreceptor to sense the incremental code markings and a second infrared photoreceptor to sense the absolute code markings.

3. The digital tape measure of claim 1, wherein the incremental code markings include a first longitudinal row of markings on the tape blade, and the absolute code markings include a second longitudinal row of markings on the tape blade.

4. The digital tape measure of claim 1, wherein the sensor assembly is a linear position sensor positioned in a rear of the housing opposite a front of the housing that includes a tape port through which the tape blade extends out the housing.

5. The digital tape measure of claim 1, further comprising a user interface including a first button that, when pressed, causes the controller to save the current length of the tape blade to memory.

6. The digital tape measure of claim 5, wherein the user interface comprises a second button that, when pressed, causes the controller to save the current length of the tape blade to the memory as a modifier, to be added to a subsequent length measurement.

7. The digital tape measure of claim 6, wherein the user interface comprises a third button that, when pressed, causes the controller to save the current length of the tape blade to the memory as the modifier, to be subtracted from a subsequent length measurement.

8. The digital tape measure of claim 7, wherein the user interface comprises a fourth button that, when pressed, causes the controller to delete a previously stored length measurement from the memory.

9. The digital tape measure of claim 8, wherein the user interface comprises a fifth button that, when pressed, causes the controller to add the current length of the tape blade to a tape measure length to obtain a total length, and save the total length to the memory.

10. The digital tape measure of claim 9, further comprising a feedback mechanism comprising one of a vibration motor and a light emitting diode (LED) indicator, wherein the controller is to control the feedback mechanism to emit feedback when one of the first button, the second button, the third button, the fourth button, and the fifth button is pressed.

11. The digital tape measure of claim 1 , further comprising a user interface including a first button that, when pressed, causes the controller to communicate the current length of the tape blade to an external device.

12. The digital tape measure of claim 1, further comprising a display, wherein the controller is to display the current length of the tape blade on the display.

13. A digital tape measure comprising: a housing comprising a tape port on a first side; a reel positioned within the housing; a tape blade wound around the reel and extendable from the housing through the tape port, the tape blade comprising a plurality of code markings on surface thereof; a linear position sensor assembly positioned within the housing adjacent to a second side of the housing opposite the first side, the linear position sensor assembly to read the plurality of code markings on the tape blade; and a controller in communication with the linear position sensor assembly, the controller to receive output from the linear position sensor assembly to perform incremental sensing and absolute sensing to determine a current length of the tape blade extending out from the housing.

14. The digital tape measure of claim 13, further comprising a yoke coupled to either side of the reel to retain the tape blade within the reel.

15. The digital tape measure of claim 13, wherein the controller is positioned within the housing adjacent to the first side.

16. The digital tape measure of claim 13, wherein the plurality7of code markings includes a first row of incremental code markings and a second row of absolute code markings.

17. The digital tape measure of claim 13, further comprising a communication system, wherein the controller is to transmit the current length to an external device via the communication system.

18. The digital tape measure of claim 13, wherein the linear position sensor assembly comprises a plurality of infrared photoreceptors.

19. The digital tape measure of claim 13, wherein the controller is to determine the current length of the tape blade extending out from the housing with Vi millimeter resolution.

20. The digital tape measure of claim 13, wherein the controller is to recalibrate the current length of the tape blade extending out from the housing using the absolute sensing every' 1.5 inches.

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