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US20160069678A1 - Measuring Apparatus - Google Patents

Measuring Apparatus Download PDF

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Publication number
US20160069678A1
US20160069678A1 US14/618,428 US201514618428A US2016069678A1 US 20160069678 A1 US20160069678 A1 US 20160069678A1 US 201514618428 A US201514618428 A US 201514618428A US 2016069678 A1 US2016069678 A1 US 2016069678A1
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
main body
height
body portion
measuring apparatus
movable portion
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US14/618,428
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English (en)
Inventor
Michael GRACE
Andrew Barr
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
CAPALTEC Ltd
Original Assignee
CAPALTEC Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by CAPALTEC Ltd filed Critical CAPALTEC Ltd
Assigned to CAPALTEC LIMITED reassignment CAPALTEC LIMITED ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: BARR, ANDREW, DR, GRACE, MICHAEL
Priority to JP2017534013A priority Critical patent/JP2017528736A/ja
Priority to CN201580056365.9A priority patent/CN107072542A/zh
Priority to AU2015313979A priority patent/AU2015313979A1/en
Priority to RU2017111474A priority patent/RU2017111474A/ru
Priority to PCT/GB2015/052602 priority patent/WO2016038361A1/fr
Priority to EP15766201.6A priority patent/EP3191792B1/fr
Priority to US15/510,262 priority patent/US10996047B2/en
Priority to CA2960911A priority patent/CA2960911A1/fr
Publication of US20160069678A1 publication Critical patent/US20160069678A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01B—MEASURING LENGTH, THICKNESS OR SIMILAR LINEAR DIMENSIONS; MEASURING ANGLES; MEASURING AREAS; MEASURING IRREGULARITIES OF SURFACES OR CONTOURS
    • G01B11/00—Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques
    • G01B11/02—Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring length, width or thickness
    • G01B11/06—Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring length, width or thickness for measuring thickness ; e.g. of sheet material
    • G01B11/0608—Height gauges
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01C—MEASURING DISTANCES, LEVELS OR BEARINGS; SURVEYING; NAVIGATION; GYROSCOPIC INSTRUMENTS; PHOTOGRAMMETRY OR VIDEOGRAMMETRY
    • G01C3/00—Measuring distances in line of sight; Optical rangefinders
    • G01C3/10—Measuring distances in line of sight; Optical rangefinders using a parallactic triangle with variable angles and a base of fixed length in the observation station, e.g. in the instrument
    • G01C3/20—Measuring distances in line of sight; Optical rangefinders using a parallactic triangle with variable angles and a base of fixed length in the observation station, e.g. in the instrument with adaptation to the measurement of the height of an object
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
    • A01K29/00—Other apparatus for animal husbandry
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/103—Measuring devices for testing the shape, pattern, colour, size or movement of the body or parts thereof, for diagnostic purposes
    • A61B5/107—Measuring physical dimensions, e.g. size of the entire body or parts thereof
    • A61B5/1071—Measuring physical dimensions, e.g. size of the entire body or parts thereof measuring angles, e.g. using goniometers
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/103—Measuring devices for testing the shape, pattern, colour, size or movement of the body or parts thereof, for diagnostic purposes
    • A61B5/107—Measuring physical dimensions, e.g. size of the entire body or parts thereof
    • A61B5/1072—Measuring physical dimensions, e.g. size of the entire body or parts thereof measuring distances on the body, e.g. measuring length, height or thickness
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/103—Measuring devices for testing the shape, pattern, colour, size or movement of the body or parts thereof, for diagnostic purposes
    • A61B5/107—Measuring physical dimensions, e.g. size of the entire body or parts thereof
    • A61B5/1079—Measuring physical dimensions, e.g. size of the entire body or parts thereof using optical or photographic means
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01B—MEASURING LENGTH, THICKNESS OR SIMILAR LINEAR DIMENSIONS; MEASURING ANGLES; MEASURING AREAS; MEASURING IRREGULARITIES OF SURFACES OR CONTOURS
    • G01B11/00—Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques
    • G01B11/02—Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring length, width or thickness
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01C—MEASURING DISTANCES, LEVELS OR BEARINGS; SURVEYING; NAVIGATION; GYROSCOPIC INSTRUMENTS; PHOTOGRAMMETRY OR VIDEOGRAMMETRY
    • G01C15/00—Surveying instruments or accessories not provided for in groups G01C1/00 - G01C13/00
    • G01C15/002—Active optical surveying means
    • G01C15/008—Active optical surveying means combined with inclination sensor
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01C—MEASURING DISTANCES, LEVELS OR BEARINGS; SURVEYING; NAVIGATION; GYROSCOPIC INSTRUMENTS; PHOTOGRAMMETRY OR VIDEOGRAMMETRY
    • G01C3/00—Measuring distances in line of sight; Optical rangefinders
    • G01C3/02—Details
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01C—MEASURING DISTANCES, LEVELS OR BEARINGS; SURVEYING; NAVIGATION; GYROSCOPIC INSTRUMENTS; PHOTOGRAMMETRY OR VIDEOGRAMMETRY
    • G01C3/00—Measuring distances in line of sight; Optical rangefinders
    • G01C3/02—Details
    • G01C3/06—Use of electric means to obtain final indication
    • G01C3/08—Use of electric radiation detectors
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01C—MEASURING DISTANCES, LEVELS OR BEARINGS; SURVEYING; NAVIGATION; GYROSCOPIC INSTRUMENTS; PHOTOGRAMMETRY OR VIDEOGRAMMETRY
    • G01C5/00—Measuring height; Measuring distances transverse to line of sight; Levelling between separated points; Surveyors' levels
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01P—MEASURING LINEAR OR ANGULAR SPEED, ACCELERATION, DECELERATION, OR SHOCK; INDICATING PRESENCE, ABSENCE, OR DIRECTION, OF MOVEMENT
    • G01P15/00—Measuring acceleration; Measuring deceleration; Measuring shock, i.e. sudden change of acceleration
    • G01P15/18—Measuring acceleration; Measuring deceleration; Measuring shock, i.e. sudden change of acceleration in two or more dimensions
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S17/00—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of electromagnetic waves other than radio waves, e.g. lidar systems
    • G01S17/02—Systems using the reflection of electromagnetic waves other than radio waves
    • G01S17/06—Systems determining position data of a target
    • G01S17/08—Systems determining position data of a target for measuring distance only
    • G01S17/32—Systems determining position data of a target for measuring distance only using transmission of continuous waves, whether amplitude-, frequency-, or phase-modulated, or unmodulated
    • G01S17/36—Systems determining position data of a target for measuring distance only using transmission of continuous waves, whether amplitude-, frequency-, or phase-modulated, or unmodulated with phase comparison between the received signal and the contemporaneously transmitted signal
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S17/00—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of electromagnetic waves other than radio waves, e.g. lidar systems
    • G01S17/02—Systems using the reflection of electromagnetic waves other than radio waves
    • G01S17/06—Systems determining position data of a target
    • G01S17/42—Simultaneous measurement of distance and other co-ordinates
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S17/00—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of electromagnetic waves other than radio waves, e.g. lidar systems
    • G01S17/86—Combinations of lidar systems with systems other than lidar, radar or sonar, e.g. with direction finders
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S7/00—Details of systems according to groups G01S13/00, G01S15/00, G01S17/00
    • G01S7/48—Details of systems according to groups G01S13/00, G01S15/00, G01S17/00 of systems according to group G01S17/00
    • G01S7/4808—Evaluating distance, position or velocity data
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S7/00—Details of systems according to groups G01S13/00, G01S15/00, G01S17/00
    • G01S7/48—Details of systems according to groups G01S13/00, G01S15/00, G01S17/00 of systems according to group G01S17/00
    • G01S7/481—Constructional features, e.g. arrangements of optical elements
    • G01S7/4811—Constructional features, e.g. arrangements of optical elements common to transmitter and receiver
    • G01S7/4813—Housing arrangements
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B2560/00—Constructional details of operational features of apparatus; Accessories for medical measuring apparatus
    • A61B2560/04—Constructional details of apparatus
    • A61B2560/0406—Constructional details of apparatus specially shaped apparatus housings
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B2562/00—Details of sensors; Constructional details of sensor housings or probes; Accessories for sensors
    • A61B2562/02—Details of sensors specially adapted for in-vivo measurements
    • A61B2562/0219—Inertial sensors, e.g. accelerometers, gyroscopes, tilt switches
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/68—Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient
    • A61B5/6801—Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient specially adapted to be attached to or worn on the body surface
    • A61B5/6813—Specially adapted to be attached to a specific body part
    • A61B5/6814—Head
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01C—MEASURING DISTANCES, LEVELS OR BEARINGS; SURVEYING; NAVIGATION; GYROSCOPIC INSTRUMENTS; PHOTOGRAMMETRY OR VIDEOGRAMMETRY
    • G01C3/00—Measuring distances in line of sight; Optical rangefinders
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G12—INSTRUMENT DETAILS
    • G12B—CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF INSTRUMENTS, OR COMPARABLE DETAILS OF OTHER APPARATUS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G12B5/00—Adjusting position or attitude, e.g. level, of instruments or other apparatus, or of parts thereof; Compensating for the effects of tilting or acceleration, e.g. for optical apparatus

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an apparatus for measuring the heights of subjects, in particular where the apparatus is placed on top of the subject to be measured.
  • a measuring stick generally comprises an upright wooden ruler marked out in suitable units, and has horizontal sliding arm or ‘cross-bar’ that is arranged perpendicularly to the ruler. The subject to be measured is then stood upright alongside the ruler and the horizontal arm is lowered until it contacts the point on the subject where the height measurement is to be taken from. With a human, this point would be the top of the head; with a horse this would be at the withers; and with a cow at the top of its hip bone. The corresponding reading on the ruler at this point provides the height measurement.
  • Measuring sticks as described above present a number of drawbacks. Firstly there is an inherent potential for error in the measurement made. This is because the measurement is taken on the vertical ruler and not at the horizontal point of contact with the subject. In other words, the point of measurement is displaced. Consequently, if the sliding arm is not perfectly perpendicular to the ruler, this an error is introduced into the measurement. Similarly, error may be introduced by poor calibration or due to the judgement of the user. Furthermore, the use of measuring sticks involves significant noise. In the case of animals, this can cause distress and unwanted movement, leading to flawed readings. Still furthermore, measuring sticks are by their nature, large and lack portability and so their practical use is often restricted to a fixed location.
  • Rangefinders measure from a distance from the target subject and require that a line of sight to both the bottom and top of the object is present and that the elevation of the rangefinder is known.
  • trees are commonly measured this way whereby a laser rangefinder is used to measure the straight line distances to the top and bottom of the tree and an inclinometer is used to measure the angles to the top and bottom of the tree.
  • the heights of the tree above and below the level of the rangefinder are calculated and added to give the total height.
  • This method suffers a number of drawbacks. In particular, there are many sources of user error; the method is time consuming; and it requires the person conducting the measurement to be able to carry out trigonometric calculations. Furthermore, this method is unsuitable for accurately measuring the height of modestly sized subjects at close range, i.e. where space is limited. The accuracy of this method is also significantly affected if the laser rangefinder changes elevation between the two measurement stages.
  • range finders are not appropriate for a single person to measure an animal as they measure from a distance, i.e. the animal cannot be kept still.
  • a height measuring apparatus adapted for placement upon the object to be measured, the apparatus comprising a main body portion and a movable portion, wherein the movable portion is movable relative to the main body portion and comprises a laser source and a photo detector.
  • the present invention advantageously provides a height measuring apparatus in which a laser beam can be directed at the ground in a non-perpendicular angle when the main body portion of the measuring apparatus is placed on the object to be measured. In this way, the laser beam can obtain a clear line of sight to the ground by avoiding the body being measured.
  • the apparatus provides a means of taking a measurement of height directly from the object to be measured using a single point of reference, the point of reference being the ground which supports the object being measured.
  • the laser source and photo detector are located proximate, and in precise alignment with, each other.
  • the laser source is provided with a lens and focus adjuster.
  • photo detector is provided with a focus adjuster.
  • the laser source and photo detector provide a laser rangefinder.
  • the laser source is a laser diode.
  • the main body portion and/or the movable portion comprises one or more of a circuit board, batteries, a screen and an on/off switch which activates the apparatus.
  • circuit board batteries, a screen and the on/off switch can each be located within the main body portion and/or the movable portion where appropriate.
  • the on/off switch is provided on the main body portion and comprises a trigger mechanism.
  • the trigger mechanism is depressed or activated when the main body portion is placed on the object to be measured.
  • the trigger provides a signal which readies the height measuring apparatus for use.
  • the trigger mechanism extends into a space defined by a recessed portion provided on the main body portion.
  • the trigger mechanism comprises a capacitive touch switch.
  • the main body portion and the movable portion are each provided with at least one accelerometer based inclinometer.
  • the or each accelerometer is a tri-axial accelerometer.
  • the at least one tri-axial accelerometer associated with the main body portion is adapted to measure the angular orientation of said main body portion.
  • the at least one tri-axial accelerometer associated with the movable portion is adapted to measure the angular orientation of said movable portion.
  • the position of the laser and the photo detector with respect to the main body portion can be accurately determined and the data values relating to spatial location being usable by a processing means in an overall height calculation.
  • the vertical offset distance (“h”) between the origin of the laser beam and the point of contact between the main body portion and the object to measured is established.
  • inclinometers in the main body portion and the movable portion that are in communication with a processing means enables the angle incidence of the laser beam with the ground to be determined.
  • the measurement of straight line beam distance L is determined using a measurement of the phase angle between the amplitude waveform of the transmitted laser beam and that of the reflected beam.
  • the processing means which runs firmware programmed or adapted to convert the combination of laser path distance (measured by the photo detector in conjunction with the laser source) and laser path angle data determined by the tri-axial accelerometers, together with known constant dimensions of the apparatus, to obtain an accurate measurement of the height of the object being measured.
  • the processing means is a microprocessor.
  • the main body and movable portions are each constructed from respective shell halves which define housings which house the necessary hardware, circuitry, processing means and power source for the measuring apparatus.
  • the movable portion is slidably connected to the main body portion.
  • the respective shell halves are each formed having an outwardly curved side that terminates in an upstanding side wall.
  • the sidewalls are of a height such that when the shell halves are mated together, the terminal edges of the respective side walls are spaced apart so as to define an elongate slot.
  • each shell half is provided a corresponding inwardly curved side that terminates in a side wall having a projection extending outwardly therefrom.
  • each shell half of the moveable portion defines a groove, each groove being adapted to receive a terminal edge of a side wall of the main body.
  • the respective projections together define a substantially T-shaped member which engages in use with the elongate slot defined by the respective shell halves of the main body portion.
  • the movable portion is engaged with and slidable relative to the main body portion.
  • the laser can be oriented at a range of different angles relative the main body portion so that the laser beam can be directed at whatever angle is necessary to avoid the body being measured and to obtain a clear line of sight to the ground.
  • the movable portion can be maintained (i.e. held in position) at a desired angle with respect to the main body portion.
  • the invention further provides a method of obtaining a measurement of height of an object, the method comprising:
  • the step of manually adjusting the movable portion of the measuring apparatus comprises slidably moving the movable portion relative to the main body portion.
  • the method further includes one or more of: displaying the calculated height on a display provided on the measuring apparatus; recording calculated height measurements; communicating height measurements to a remote server or servers; associating height measurement data with identifiers which relate to the object(s) being measured; adjusting the focus of the laser beam.
  • ground as used throughout the claims and description should not be construed to mean the surface of the earth only, but rather describes any surface which supports the object being measured.
  • FIGS. 1 a and 1 b are schematic illustrations showing a height measuring apparatus in accordance with the present invention and shown in opened and closed positions;
  • FIG. 2 a is a detailed exploded schematic drawing of the exemplary height measuring apparatus of FIGS. 1 a and 1 b;
  • FIG. 2 b is a detailed exploded schematic drawing of an exemplary height measuring apparatus.
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional illustration showing the principle of operation of an the height measuring apparatus in accordance with the present invention.
  • FIGS. 1 a , 1 b , 2 a and 2 b there is shown embodiments of an exemplary measuring apparatus 1 in accordance with the present invention.
  • the measuring apparatus 1 provides a means to measure the height of an exemplary object 50 ( FIG. 3 ) when placed on said object at a position from where the height measurement is to be taken.
  • the measuring apparatus 1 comprises a main body portion 12 and a movable portion 14 , wherein the movable portion 14 is movable relative to the main body portion and comprises a laser source 141 and a photo detector 144 .
  • the photo detector 144 preferably is a photo diode.
  • Measuring apparatus 1 is a slim, portable hand held device that can be stowed in a small space, for example a pocket of a garment or bag.
  • the apparatus has a thickness of 10 mm or less.
  • the measuring apparatus As the size constraints imposed upon the measuring apparatus mean that it will not always span across, or project laterally from the point of contact with an object to be measured to an extent that a notional vertical (i.e. perpendicular) line of sight can be established with the ground surface below. Similarly, with certain objects the point of contact from which the height is to be measured may be obscured by other features of that object such that a notional vertical (i.e. perpendicular) line of sight cannot be established with the ground surface below.
  • An example of such an exemplary subject 50 is shown in FIG. 3 where the body of the subject blocks a perpendicular view to the ground below, thereby preventing a substantially vertically directed laser beam from reaching the ground.
  • a derived measurement of vertical height can be made using a laser beam 51 ( FIG. 3 ) that is incident at the ground at an angle that is substantially less than 90 degrees.
  • the shape of the exemplary subject 50 shown in FIG. 1 is generally representative of a horse or other animal.
  • the main body 12 and movable 14 portions are each constructed from respective shell halves which define housings which house the necessary hardware, circuitry, processing means and power source for measuring apparatus 1 .
  • the main body portion 12 comprises a circuit board 122 , batteries 123 , a LCD screen 124 and an on/off switch 125 which activates the apparatus.
  • the circuit board 122 supports a processing means (not shown) which runs firmware programmed or adapted to convert the combination of laser path distance (measured by the photo detector 144 in conjunction with the laser source 143 as described below) and laser path angle data, together with known constant dimensions of the apparatus, to obtain an accurate measurement of the height of the object being measured.
  • the processing means is a microprocessor. The height measurement is displayed on the LCD screen 124 for immediate reading by a user.
  • the specific location of the respective circuitry, power supply and processing means is not limited to being in one or other of the main body 12 and movable portions 14 .
  • the battery 123 and circuit board 122 are shown located within the movable portion 14 .
  • the on/off switch 125 is provided on the main body portion and comprises a trigger mechanism 125 a .
  • the trigger mechanism 125 a can be depressed or activated when the main body portion is placed on the object to be measured. In this way, the trigger mechanism can provide a signal which readies the height measuring apparatus for use.
  • a further transparent cover 1240 is shown placed over screen 124 .
  • the trigger mechanism 125 a may be provided to extend into a space defined by a recessed portion 127 provided on an edge 120 of the main body portion 12 .
  • a recess 127 enables the measuring apparatus to engage positively with the withers an animal, for example a horse.
  • the on/off switch comprises a capacitive touch switch 125 b that is housed within the main body portion 12 .
  • the measuring apparatus further comprises a socket 128 , such as a USB connector, to enable external connection of the apparatus for the purposes or powering, battery recharging, data transfer and the likes.
  • a socket 128 such as a USB connector
  • the movable portion comprises a laser source 141 , such a laser diode, and a photo detector 144 ( FIG. 2 a , 2 b ), the photo detector being located proximate to, and in precise alignment with, the laser source 141 and adapted to receive reflected laser light from said laser source.
  • a lens 142 FIG. 2
  • focus adjuster 143 are also provided for control and adjustment of the beam of laser light emitted from the laser source 141 .
  • a focus adjuster 145 is provided in conjunction with the photo detector 144 in order to maximise the amount of reflected laser light that can be captured.
  • the laser diode 141 and photo detector 144 together provide a laser range finder.
  • the movable portion is shown having two laser diodes 141 , each with associated lens 142 and focus adjuster 143 .
  • one laser diode is a primary IR laser for the purposes of height measurement and which is invisible to the human eye, while the other laser diode is a visible laser to create a spot on the ground that is visible to the user of the apparatus.
  • the two laser diodes 141 of the arrangement in FIG. 2 b are shown having their own respective lens and focus adjusters, it is possible that the a common lens may be shared. It will be appreciated that a single, visible, laser can be employed therefore obviating the requirement for a separate secondary laser diode to provide a visible spot.
  • the movable portion 14 is slidably connected to the main body portion 12 .
  • the shell halves are each formed having an outwardly curved side that terminates in an upstanding side wall 121 .
  • the sidewalls are of a height such that when the shell halves are mated together, the terminal edges of the respective side walls 121 are spaced apart so as to define an elongate slot ( 121 b , FIG. 1 b ).
  • each shell half is provided a corresponding inwardly curved side that terminates in a side wall having a projection 146 extending outwardly therefrom, the projection defining a groove 147 .
  • Each groove 147 is adapted to receive a terminal edge of a side wall 121 of main body 14 .
  • the respective projections 146 together define a substantially T-shaped member which engages in use with the elongate slot 121 b defined by the respective shell halves of the main body portion 12 .
  • the movable portion 14 is engaged with and is slidable relative to the main body portion 12 . In this way the connection of the movable portion to the main body portion is a sliding hinge.
  • the laser 141 can be oriented at a range of different angles relative the main body portion 12 so that the laser beam can be directed at whatever angle is necessary or appropriate to avoid the body being measured and to obtain a clear line of sight to the ground.
  • the geometry and/or dimensions of the substantially T-shaped member and the elongate slot 121 b are such that they mutually frictionally engage in use, such that the movable portion 14 can dwell at any position to which it is moved with respect to the main body portion 12 .
  • the movable portion 14 can be maintained (i.e. held in position) at any desired angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the main body portion 12 .
  • the movable portion 14 is movable relative to the main body portion 12 such that the laser 141 and photo diode 144 may be oriented an any angle between 0°-89° relative to the longitudinal axis A-A ( FIG. 1 ) of the measuring apparatus to provide a height measurement.
  • the movable portion 14 is substantially in alignment with the main body portion 12 (i.e. the hinge is at a “closed” or 0° position).
  • a height measurement can be made by placing part or all of the movable portion 14 of measuring apparatus outwardly over an edge of the object to be measured.
  • a dust cover 129 is provided between the main body portion 12 and the movable portion 14 .
  • the movable portion 14 may alternatively be arranged to be pivotally movable with respect to the main body portion 12 .
  • the movable portion 14 may be connected to the main body portion 12 by means of a hinge.
  • the movable portion may be rotatable with respect to the main body portion 12 .
  • a port 148 provided in movable portion 14 allows for electrical connection of the powered components of said movable portion 14 with the hardware, circuitry, processing means and power source housed within the main body portion 12 .
  • the measurement of distance L is determined by modulating the laser light is amplitude modulated with a high frequency wave (10-20 MHz) and then comparing this modulating waveform with the corresponding waveform obtained from the reflected signal as detected by the photo detector 144 adjacent to the source 141 of the laser beam.
  • the beam reflected from the ground will manifest a phase delay compared with the modulating signal as a consequence of the time of flight incurred by the distance traveled by the laser beam along the return journey from the laser beam source to the ground and back.
  • the phase angle or delay between the amplitude waveform of the transmitted beam 51 and that of the reflected beam is a direct function of the time of flight.
  • measurement of the phase angle indicates the time of flight.
  • the length of the beam path i.e. distance L
  • This phase delay is extracted using a conventional heterodyne circuit within the measuring apparatus whereby the high frequency signals are mixed with a common local oscillator signal to obtain two resulting signals that have much lower frequency but the same phase angle as the original pair of signals (modulating and reflected). At this lower frequency this phase angle is determined by a simple microprocessor timer circuit incorporated within the measuring apparatus and/or in communication with the processing means.
  • Main body portion 12 and the movable portion 14 are each provided with a tri-axial accelerometer 130 .
  • the tri-axial accelerometer associated with the main body portion 12 is adapted to measure the angular orientation of said main body portion 12 .
  • the tri-axial accelerometer associated with the movable portion 14 is adapted to measure the angular orientation of said movable portion.
  • the respective tri-axial accelerometers 130 are in communication with the processing means.
  • tri-axial accelerometer in both the main body portion 12 and the movable portion 14 means that a user is not required to be meticulous in placing the measuring apparatus 1 in a horizontal orientation on the object to be measured. This is because the tri-axial accelerometers and associated processing means can automatically compensate for apparatus orientation in use and relative hinge angle in order to correctly determine the true angle of the laser beam. In addition, they can also determine and make correction for any minor vertical offset of the source 141 of the laser beam 51 arising from inclination of the measuring apparatus from an optimum horizontal orientation.
  • the processing means optionally a microprocessor, runs firmware programmed or adapted to convert the combination of laser path distance L, offset height h and laser path angle data ⁇ , together with known constant dimensions of the apparatus to obtain an accurate measurement of the vertical height H of the object being measured.
  • the calculation for vertical height is performed by the processing means using the formula
  • the resultant height measurement is displayed on the LCD screen 124 for immediate reading by a user.
  • the calculated vertical height can be displayed in appropriate units selected by the user and chosen from a menu stored on the processing means.
  • an example of a mode of use of the apparatus comprises the following steps:
  • the measuring apparatus As the operation of the measuring apparatus is instantaneous and silent, it is particularly suited for use in the measurement of horses. This is because horses generally do not stand still for sufficiently long periods to make accurate measurements using traditional techniques and because they are easily unsettled by unfamiliar noises in close proximity. It will be appreciated however the a height measuring apparatus in accordance with the present invention is not limited to use with animals, but rather is suitable for use with anything which the apparatus can be placed in contact.
  • the measuring apparatus optionally includes the following beneficial features:
  • the size of the measuring apparatus is not limited.
  • height measuring apparatuses in accordance with the present invention may be particularly optimized for measurement of specific height ranges that are appropriate to particular groups of subjects that are most commonly measured by specific user groups.
  • the apparatus in accordance with the invention provides a number of distinct advantages, which include the ability to use a laser beam that can be inclined at an angle from the horizontal and shone at the ground with no aiming mechanism and no requirement to aim at any particular reference point or target on the ground. In this way the need for accurate aiming mechanisms, eye pieces, tripods and specific specialised training etc. is obviated. Furthermore, through the provision of a movable portion, the angle of the laser beam can be configured at an optimum angle to suit a shoulder of an object being measured.
  • the use of a plurality of tri-axial accelerometers provides automatic compensation for any angle of apparatus orientation in use and thereby obviates any requirement for a user to be exact in how the apparatus is placed on the object being measured. Thus minimum user skill is required.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
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  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
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  • Dentistry (AREA)
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  • Animal Husbandry (AREA)
  • Length Measuring Devices By Optical Means (AREA)
  • Measurement Of The Respiration, Hearing Ability, Form, And Blood Characteristics Of Living Organisms (AREA)
US14/618,428 2014-09-10 2015-02-10 Measuring Apparatus Abandoned US20160069678A1 (en)

Priority Applications (8)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2017534013A JP2017528736A (ja) 2014-09-10 2015-09-09 測定装置
CN201580056365.9A CN107072542A (zh) 2014-09-10 2015-09-09 测量装置
AU2015313979A AU2015313979A1 (en) 2014-09-10 2015-09-09 Measuring apparatus
RU2017111474A RU2017111474A (ru) 2014-09-10 2015-09-09 Устройство для измерения
PCT/GB2015/052602 WO2016038361A1 (fr) 2014-09-10 2015-09-09 Appareil de mesure
EP15766201.6A EP3191792B1 (fr) 2014-09-10 2015-09-09 Appareil de mesure
US15/510,262 US10996047B2 (en) 2014-09-10 2015-09-09 Measuring appartus
CA2960911A CA2960911A1 (fr) 2014-09-10 2015-09-09 Appareil de mesure

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GB1416023.8 2014-09-10
GB1416023.8A GB2530053A (en) 2014-09-10 2014-09-10 Measuring device

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AU (1) AU2015313979A1 (fr)
CA (1) CA2960911A1 (fr)
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EP3336487A1 (fr) * 2016-12-16 2018-06-20 Robert Bosch GmbH Procédé de fonctionnement d'un dispositif de mesure de distance laser
WO2018177570A1 (fr) * 2017-03-28 2018-10-04 Robert Bosch Gmbh Télémètre laser
CN110220460A (zh) * 2019-06-25 2019-09-10 中交一公局第四工程有限公司 一种隧道安全步距监控量测装置
CN113474616A (zh) * 2018-12-20 2021-10-01 萨沙·德罗斯特 用于测量衣物的测量系统
US11486992B2 (en) 2019-11-15 2022-11-01 Stage Lighting Patents, LLC Rotating range sensor to measure truss vertical height for stage configurations

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN105832340A (zh) * 2016-05-12 2016-08-10 董元忠 多功能手持式激光智能身高测量仪
EP3336487A1 (fr) * 2016-12-16 2018-06-20 Robert Bosch GmbH Procédé de fonctionnement d'un dispositif de mesure de distance laser
WO2018177570A1 (fr) * 2017-03-28 2018-10-04 Robert Bosch Gmbh Télémètre laser
US11555924B2 (en) * 2017-03-28 2023-01-17 Robert Bosch Gmbh Laser distance measuring device
CN113474616A (zh) * 2018-12-20 2021-10-01 萨沙·德罗斯特 用于测量衣物的测量系统
CN110220460A (zh) * 2019-06-25 2019-09-10 中交一公局第四工程有限公司 一种隧道安全步距监控量测装置
US11486992B2 (en) 2019-11-15 2022-11-01 Stage Lighting Patents, LLC Rotating range sensor to measure truss vertical height for stage configurations

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CA2960911A1 (fr) 2016-03-17
US20170241770A1 (en) 2017-08-24
GB2530053A (en) 2016-03-16
GB201416023D0 (en) 2014-10-22
CN107072542A (zh) 2017-08-18
EP3191792B1 (fr) 2021-12-08
RU2017111474A (ru) 2018-10-11
AU2015313979A1 (en) 2017-04-27
US10996047B2 (en) 2021-05-04
JP2017528736A (ja) 2017-09-28
EP3191792A1 (fr) 2017-07-19
WO2016038361A1 (fr) 2016-03-17

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