Color-Coded Ternary Length Scale for Compact Precision Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing length measuring instruments face inefficiencies due to the need for manual data entry and the requirement for large, complex binary code systems, which result in increased device size and potential reading errors.
Innovation Solution
A length measuring instrument utilizing a measure with ternary color patterns, where each digit is represented by a different color, arranged in ascending or descending order, and a microcomputer reads these patterns to calculate the length, reducing the need for extensive sensor arrays and minimizing device size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If binary code systems are used for length measurement, then measurement precision can be achieved, but device size increases and complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the base parameter of the code system from binary (base-2) to ternary (base-3). This parameter change allows the same measurement precision to be achieved with fewer code digits, thereby reducing the size of the measure and the complexity of the reading unit without sacrificing measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent assigns different colors to different numerical values (0, 1, 2) within the ternary code system. This local differentiation of quality (color) at each digit position enables the reading unit to accurately distinguish between different ternary values, maintaining measurement precision while using a more compact code structure.
2Measurement precision
If binary code systems are used for length measurement, then measurement precision can be achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By changing from binary to ternary code, the patent reduces the number of digits required to represent the same measurement range. This reduces the complexity of the code structure, the reading unit's sensor array, and the overall device architecture while preserving measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses color as a visual copy or representation of numerical values in the ternary code. Each color corresponds to a specific digit value (0, 1, or 2), creating a simplified visual encoding system that reduces the complexity of the reading and decoding process compared to traditional binary systems.
3Ease of operation
If manual data entry is used for measurement recording, then ease of operation is maintained, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring instrument performs automatic data recording and transmission functions. The measurement data is automatically captured by the reading unit, processed by the microcomputer, and transmitted to external devices without requiring manual intervention for data entry, thereby eliminating duplicate work and improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of writing down measurements with an automated optical and electronic system. The optical reader captures the ternary code, the microcomputer processes the data, and automatic transmission eliminates the need for manual data entry, significantly improving efficiency.
4Volume of moving object
If ternary color patterns are used, then device size is reduced and sensor count is minimized, but code complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses different colors at different digit positions to represent different ternary values. This local quality differentiation simplifies the code structure by making each digit's value immediately distinguishable through color, reducing the need for complex decoding algorithms despite the ternary base system.
Solution Approach 2:
By using color as an additional parameter to represent numerical values, the patent creates a more compact and visually distinguishable code system. This parameter addition simplifies the overall structure by reducing the number of digits needed while maintaining clarity and reducing decoding complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution allows for accurate length measurement with reduced device size and sensor count, minimizing reading errors and eliminating the need for large binary code systems, while maintaining high accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a reading unit that optically reads patterns printed on the measure
Data Source
AI summary
A length measuring instrument for measuring length with a measure includes: a measure on which a code is printed, a plurality of patterns each allotted to a different number being arranged, each of the patterns having digits to which an N-notation number (N being 3 or greater) is allotted, each of the digits having a different color corresponding to the allotted numerical value, the patterns being arranged in ascending order or descending order, a Hamming distance between patterns adjacent to each other in an array direction being 1, an amount of change in numerical value at the same digit between the adjacent patterns being 1 in the code; a reading unit that optically reads patterns printed on the measure; and a measuring unit that measures a length of a measurement target from a result of the reading by the reading unit.