TECHNICAL FIELD

Example embodiments generally relate to outdoor power equipment and, more particularly, relate to outdoor power equipment devices that are used to perform actions at specified distances from each other.

BACKGROUND

Outdoor power equipment includes such devices, as mowers, trimmers, edgers, chainsaws and the like. These devices are often used to perform tasks that inherently require such devices to be mobile. Accordingly, these devices are typically made to be relatively robust and capable of handling difficult work in hostile environments, while balancing the requirement for mobility. However, even though these devices are often primarily constructed with a balance between. mobility and robustness in mind so that they can engage in hard work in hostile environments, they are still sometimes called upon to perform precision work. For example, such devices may be asked to make cuts at distances that are specific lengths from each other. The use of a forestry measuring tape to determine where to make subsequent cuts on a felted tree is one such example.

In the past, operators would be required to carry the forestry measuring tape, and place the hook on one end of the felled tree. The operator would then walk along the log to the specified distance and perform the next cut. This operation would be repeated for each subsequent cut, and can be time consuming. However, in addition to the time consuming nature of the operation , a number of ot her potential problems can be int roduced. In this regard, for example, the performance of separate measurements using the forestry measuring tape requires a keen eye and steady hand to employ precision cuts. Moreover, the hook may slip off the end of the log and require the operator to go and reset the position of the hook, if the forestry measuring tape is also automatically retractable, the hook may get tangled in brush or come speeding back toward the operator. Denting, fading or other damage to the forestry measuring tape may also occur over time.

More recently, larger devices have been able to employ guidance features that are driven, for example, by the use of global positioning systems (GPS), GLONASS, Galileo and/or the like, GPS guidance may be employed in connection with large agricultural equipment such as tractors, of even some lawn tractors, in order to guide operators relative to performing some precision tasks. However, commercially available GPS does not provide sufficient accuracy, particularly in many forestry contexts, to enable an operator to generate precise work product in the context of smaller pieces of equipment, where the measurementsare confined to small areas or where the work product requires small tolerances.

Accordingly, there may be a desire to provide improved methods of providing measurement for outdoor power equipment.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF SOME EXAMPLES

In one example embodiment, an electronic measuring device may be provided. The device may include a movement sensor disposed at a portion Of the device to determine movement information fifths device and a measurement actuator. The device may further include a measurement module including -processing circuitry configured to receive the movement information defining a reference plane for the device, measure displacement front the reference plane in a direction substantially perpendicular to the reference plane;, and provide feedback to an operator of an outdoor power tool responsive to the displacement reaching a predetermined distance. The measurement actuator may be operable in association with receiving the movement information to define the reference plane based on actuation of the measurement actuator.

In another example embodiment, a method of providing feedback for operation of an outdoor power tool is provided. The method may include receiving movement information indicative of defining a reference plane for an outdoor powe r tool. The movement information may be Indicative of a trigger gesture moving the guide bar, or another device in the reference plane (in some cases, in association with actuation of a measurement actuator), The method may further include measuring displacement from the reference plane in a direction substantially perpendicular to the reference plane. The method may further includeproviding feedback to an operator of the outdoor power tool responsive to the displacement reaching a predetermined distance. In some cases, the method _; may optionally further include resetting the reference plane, to set up for a subsequent measurement of the predetermi ned distance from the reset reference plane.

Some example embodiments may provide an operator of an outdoor power tool with a relatively easy way to make measurements wi thout using a physical measuring tape, BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. I illustrates a perspective view of a chainsaw in an operating environment according to an example embodiment; FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of one example of measuring electronics that may be used in connection with employment of an example, embodiment on the chainsaw or any other device that may employ an example embodiment;

FIG. 3 illustrates a reference plane formed to define a starting point for measuring using art example embodiment; FIG. 4 illustrates a tree felled for cutting into logs of a predetermined length using an example embodiment; and

FIG. 5 illustrates a method of providing feedback for operation of an outdoor power tool according to an example embodiment, DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Some example embodiments now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all example embodiments are shown. Indeed, the examples described and pictured herein should not he construed as being limi ting as to the scope, applicability or configuration of the present disclosure,Rather, these example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like reference numerals refer to l ike elements throughout. Furthermore, as used herein, the term “or” is to be interpreted as a logical operator that results in true whenever one or more of its operands are true. As used herein, operable coupling should be understood to relate to direct or indirect connection that, in either case, enables functional interconnection of components that are operably coupled to each other.

Some example embodiments described herein provide _: a movement sensor that may be employed on any of a number of different pieces of outdoor power equipment, or a device used in association therewith. The movement sensor may employ inertia based measurement associated with the use of accelerometers, gyroscopes or other similar movement detecting devices. Distance measurements and guided movement may therefore be conducted without the use of external measuring or guiding devices. By employing movement sensors based on inertia, a relatively simple and accurate measurement method may be provided to enable, for example, chainsaws to cut pieces .of lumber to an accurate length without pausing to employ physical measuring equipment.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a chainsaw 100 according to an example embodiment. It should be appreciated that the chainsaw 100 of FIG. 1 merely represents one example of power equipment on which ah example embodiment may be employed. Thus, alternative embodiments may also be employed on other devices such as, for example, trimmers, edgers and/or the like. The chainsaw 100 is therefore only presented as one, non- limiting example for which some of the functionality achievable by example embodiments will be described.

Referring to FIG. 1 , the chainsaw 100 may include a housing 110 inside which a power unit or motor (not shown) is housed. In some embodiments, the power unit may be either an electric motor or an internal combustion engine. The chainsaw 100 may further include a guide bar 120 that is atached to housing 1 10 along one side thereof. A chain 122 may be driven around the guide bar 120 responsive to operati on of the power unit in order to enable the chainsaw 100 to cut lumber (e.g., logs) or other workpieces. The chainsaw 100 may include a front handle 130 and a rear handle 132. A chain brake and front hand guard 134 may be positioned forward of the front handle 130 to stop the movement of the chain 122 in the event of a kickback. The rear handle 132 may include a throttle control 136 to facilitate control of the power unit. In some embodiments, a measurement actuator 140 may be provided on or proxim ate to a portion of the rear handle 132, However, the measurement actuator 140 could alternatively be provided at any other conveniently accessible portion of the housing 110, or at another device (as will be described in greater detail below).

In some cases, the measurement actuator 140 may be used to indicate the starting point for a measurement operation, In such examples, the operator of the chainsaw 100 may manually actuate the measurement actuator 140 to mark the starting point for the measurement operation. However, some examples may be enabled to determine the starting point for the measurement operation automatically, or without specific manual actuation by tire operator. Automatic determination of the starting point will be described in greater detail below. When the chainsaw 100 is designed to allow automatic determination of the starting point, the measurement actuator 140 may either be omitted, may act as an alternate way to indicate the starting point, or may act as an on/off switch for enabling of automatic determination of the starting point. Thus, for example, the measurement actuator 140 may act as a mode selector to sel ect between a mode in which automatic determina tion of the starting point is employed, a. mode in which manual determination of the starting point -is employed, or a mode in which operation of example embodiments for measurement i s disabled.

Accordingly, the measurement actuator 140 of this example embodiment is provided as a button that the operator may access relatively easily With the thumb of the hand that grips the rear handle 132. Thus, for example, the operator may be enab l ed to provide an input by actuating or depressing the measurement actuator 140 at an appropriate time as described in greater detail below. However, it should be appreciated that the measurement actuator 140 could take other forms and be located in other locations. Moreover, in some embodiments, the measurement actuator 140 may not be embodied as a physical component, instead, for example, the measurement actuator 140 may be actuated responsive to detection of specific actions _: or activity patterns that are known to correlate to a specific behavior or action. When the specific actions or activity patterns associated with a certain desired behavior or action that is associated with triggering a corresponding activity are detected, a functional entity embodied in software within the chainsaw 100 may be triggered in order to act as the measurement actuator 140, In one example, movement of the chainsaw 100 in a cutting

-motion may be detected and may cause (when detected) the starting point to he defined as described in greater detail below'.

The housing .110 may also host a feedback indicator 150. in this example, the feedback indicator 150 is provided aft a top portion of the housing 110 so as to be visible to the operator while the chainsaw 100 is in use. However, the feedback indicator 150 could be provided at any suitable location of the chainsaw 100, or at another device (as will be described in greater detail below). The feedback indicator 150 may provide a visual, audible, tactile and/or other detectable feedback or signal to the- operator to indicate the starting andtor ending point of a measurement operation, Thus, for example, given tha t the feedback indicator 150 may indicate audibly or even tactilely, if is not necessary that the feedback indicator 150 be visible in all instances.

In some examples, the feedback indicator 150 may provide a simple signal to indicate either or both of the starting or ending point of the measurement operation. In a simplest case, the feedback indicator 150 may provide only an indication of reaching the ending point of the measurement operation . In examples in which the feedback indicator 150 provides visual feedback, the ending point may be indicated by lighting or flashing of the feedback indicator 150 either at all, or at a particular pattern or sequence. The starting point may similarly be indicated, if employed, and may have either the same or a different indicati on (e.g., by light color, or the patern or sequence of flashing). Although not required, some example embodiments may also use the feedback indicator 150 to indicate progress toward the ending point of the measurement operation. In such examples, the feedback indicator 150 may flash progressively faster (or slower), may light more intensely (or dimmer), of may otherwise indicate a pattern that changes until a final state or pattern is achieved at the ending point. The progressive operation of the feedback indicator 150 may therefore indicate proximi ty to the ending point so that the operator can slow down for increased accuracy when nearing the ending point.

In an example embodiment, the chainsaw 100 may also include a movement sensor 155, The movement sensor 155 may be disposed On a portion of thechainsaw 100 to be used to measure distances during the measurement operation, and/or to measure movement information that may indicate the starting point In some example embodiments, the movement sensor 155 may be located in or at the guide bar 120 to enable effective measurement of the movement of the guide bar 120. In this regard, in some cases, the movement sensor 155 may be embedded within the guide bar 120. For example, if the giiide bar 120 includes one or more metal plates, the movement sensor 155 may be embedded between the metal plates, or may be placed in a cavity formed in the metai piate(s), or attached to side of the metal plate(s). in other examples, the movement sensor 155 may be located in other places. For example, the movement sensor 155 could be collocated with the feedback indicator 150 or may be located at another portion of the housing 110 or the chainsaw 100 including possibly being located inside the housing 110 or outside, In still other embodiments, the movement sensor 155 may be located at a different device from the chainsaw 100.

In this regard, for example, a remote (relative to the chainsaw 100) movement sensor 155’ may be located at an electronic measuring device 160, The electronic measuring device 160 may include its own (or a separate measurement actuator 140’) and/or· feedback indicator

150’. In an example embodiment, the electronic measuring device 160 may be transported in a pocket of the operator, or on a wearable band 165 (e.g,, a belt or watch band) that can be worn by the operator. The electronic measuring device 160 may be worn by the operator and may he removed as needed from the wearable band 165 to operate the electronic measuring device 160 as described in greater detail below. However, in some cases, the electronic measuring device 160 may he mountable to a portion of the chainsaw 100. For example, the chainsaw 100 may include a mounting portion 170 at a portion of the housing 110 of the chainsaw 100, The mounting portion 170 may mechanically, magnetically, or otherwise retain the electronic measuring device 160 at the chainsaw 100 to facilitate operation of the electronic measuring device 160 as described in greater detail below.

When the measurement actuator 140, feedback indicator 150 and movement sensor 155 are all located at the chainsaw 100 and integrated therein, the chainsaw ,100 itself may he understood to include (or be embodied as) the electronic measuring device 160. However, it is also possible that portions of the electronic measuring device 160 may be distributed between the chainsaw 100 itself or a separate housing (e.g., the electronic measuring device 160 of FIG, 1).

In an example embodiment, both the feedback indicator 150 and the measurement actuator 140 may be configured to communicate with measuring electronics or control circuitry of the chainsaw 100. The measuring: electronics of the chainsaw 100 may be relatively rudimentary in some embodiments, relatively sophisticated in others, or anywhere in between. In some embodiments, the measuring electronics may be limited to interaction with local components of the chainsaw 100. However, in some alternative embodiments, the measuring electronics may be configured to enable communication with external devices or networks (e.g., via wireless communication device 180).

As can likely be appreciated from the descriptions above, the “brains'’ or processing circuitry for operation of the electronic measuring device 160 may be located at a number of different places including at the chainsaw 100 itself or at the separate housing (e.g., the electronic measuring device 160 of FIG. 1), or at another location/device. For example, in some cases, the processing circuitry may be located at the wireless communication device 180 (e.g., a cell phone, smart, phone, tablet, laptop, etc.). In such an example, the wireless communication device 180 may communicate with the· electronic measuring device 160 (and/or the components thereof) via short range wireless links (e,g,, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc.). The wireless communication device 180 in such an example may host the processing circuitry for coordinating the various functions of the electronic measuring device 160 and/or for conducting additional information tracking and/or notification services. However, the wireless communication device 180 may alternatively he a relay device via which data gathered at or near the chainsaw 100 can be communicated to a network device (e.g., an application server in the cloud) at which the processing circuitry may be hosted. FIG . 2 illustrates a block diagram of one example of measuring elec tronics 200 that may be used in connection with employment of an example embodiment on the chainsaw 100 or any other power equipment that may employ an example embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the measuring electronics 200 nray incl ude processing circuitry 210 of an example embodiment as described herein, In this regard, for example, the· measuring electronics 200 may utilize the processing circuitry 210 to provide electronic control inputs to one or more functional units of the chainsaw 100 and to process data generated by the one or more functional units regarding various operational parameters relating to the chainsaw 100,However, in other cases, the processing circuitry 210 may be associated with a separate device (e.g., the electronic measuring device 160 of FIG. 1).

In some cases, the processing circuitry 210 may he configured to perform data processing, control function execution and/or other processing and management services according to an example: embodiment of the present invention, in some embodiments, the processing circuitry 210 may be embodied as a chip or chip set. In Other words, the processing circuitry 210 may comprise one or more physical packages (e.g., chips) including materials, components and/or wires on a structural assembly (e,g„ a baseboard). Thestructural assembly may provide physical strength, conservation of size, and/or limitation of electrical interaction for component circuitry included thereon. The processing circuitry 210 may therefore, in some cases, be configured to implement an embodiment of the present invention on a single chip or as a single ‘system on a chip,” As such, in some cases, a chip or chipset may constitute means for performing one or more operations for providing the functionalities described herein.

In an example embodiment, the processing circuitry 210 may include one or more instances of a processor 212 and memory 214 that may be in communication with or otherwise control a device interface 220 and/or a user interface 230, As such, the processing circuitry 210 may be embodied as a circuit chip (e.g., an integrated circuit chip) configured (e.g. * with hardware, software or a combination of hardware and software) to perform operations described herein. However, in some embodiments, the processing circuitry 210 may be embodied as a portion of an on-board computer (e.g,, for the chainsaw 100, the electronic measuring device 160 or the wireless communication device 180). In some embodiments, the processing circuitry 21,0 may communicate with electronic components and/or sensors of a sensor network 240: (e,g., sensors that measure variable values related to chainsaw parameters like RPM, and/or the like) of the chainsaw TOO via the device interface 220, In one embodiment, part: of the sensor network 240, or at least a component: or assembly of components with which the processing circuitry 210 may communicate, may include movement sensor 155. However, the movement sensor 155 may be separate and communicate (e.g., via wired or wireless links) with the processing circuitry 210 via the device interface 220. The: movement sensor 155 may include, control and/or otherwise: interface with one or more individual movement sensor devices such as one or more accelerometers and/or gyroscopes. In some cases, the movement sensor 155 may further include GPS capability. However, GPS capability is not required and may be excluded in some embodiments. Thus, in several examples, the movement sensor 155 may include a combined gyroscope (or gyro) and accelerometer.

The movement sensor 155 may he configured to provide indicati ons of movement of the chainsaw 100 based on data provided by the one or more accelerometers and/or gyroscopes. In other words, the movement sensor 155 may be configured to detect movement of the chainsaw 100 based on inertia-related measurements. The indications may be provided to a measurement module 250, The measurement module 250 may be configured to receive indications of movement and track movement of the chainsaw 100 (or electronic measuring device 160) relative to a starting point and indicate (e.g., via the feedback indicator 150) when the chainsaw 100 (or electronic measuring device 160) has moved by a predetermined distance that is defined to extend from the starting point to the ending point In some cases, the measurement module 250 may also track progress (as noted above) toward the ending point and may provide feedback to the operator based on the tracked movement toward the ending point. in. an example embodiment _,, the measurement module 250 may include positioning capability via inclusion of a global positioning system (GPS) sensor, an assisted global positioning system (A-GPS) sensor, a differential GPS sensor, UWB, inertial sensors or vision based position, tracking techniques, but such capabilities are not necessary. The measurement module 250 may include an electronic compass, a horizon sensor, a gravity sensor, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a magnetometer and/or the like or any other sensor that maybe useful in determining orientation information. The measurement module 250 may also be configured to communicate data to be stored (e.g., in the memory 214) as a log of directions and distances moved by the chainsaw (or electronic measuring device 160). In this regard, for: example, the log may define a series of data points corresponding to positions of the chainsaw 100 for electronic measuring device 160) at respective times with movement vectors indicating direction, speed and distance moved. In an example embodiment, various events or activities of the chainsaw' 100 (or electronic measuring device 160) may be recorded in association with logged information provided by the measurement module 250. in an example embodiment, the measurement actuator 140 may be used to indicate the starting point for initiation of movement tracking. and the feedback indicator 150 may receive information from the measurement module 250 to provide audible, visual and/or tactile feedback to the operator regarding the movement of the chainsaw 100 relative to the ending point, which correlates to the predefined distance from the starting point.

The user interface 230 may be in communication with the processing circuitry 210 to recei ve an indication of a user input at the user interface 230 and/or to provide an audible, visual, tactile or other output to the user. As such, the user interface 230 may include, for example, a display, one or more levers, switches, lights, buttons or keys {e.g,, functionbuttons), and/or other input/output mechanisms. In an example embodiment, the user interlace 230 includes the measurement actuator 140 and the feedback indicator 150, which maty include one or a plurality of lights, a display, a speaker, a tone generator, a vibration unit and/or the like _.

The device interface 220 may include one or more interface mechanisms for enabling: communication with other devices (e.g., sensors of the sensor network 240, the movement sensor 155 and/or other accessories or functional units of the chainsaw 100, the electronic measuring device 160 or other power equipment on which an example embodiment may be employed). In some cases, the device interface 220 may be any means such as a device or circuitry' embodied in either hardware, or a combination of hardware and software that is configured to receive and/or transmit data from/to sensors in communication with the processing circuitry 210 via internal communication systems of the chainsaw 100. In some eases, the device interface 220 may further include wireless communication equipment (e.g., a one way or two way radio) for at least communicating information from the chainsaw 100 to a network and, in the case of a two way radio, in some cases receiving information from anetwork or other devices such as the electronic measuring device 160 and/or the wireless communication device 180. The processor 212 may be embodied in a number of different ways. For example, the processor 212 may be embodied as various processing means such as cine or more of a microprocessor or other processing element, a coprocessor, a controller or various other computing or processing devices including integrated circuits such as, for example, an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit), an FPGA (field programmable gate array), or the like. In an example embodiment, the processor 212 may be configured to execute instructions stored in the memory 214 or otherwise accessible to the processor 212. As such, whether configured by hardware or by a combination of hardware and software, the processor 212 may represent an entity (e.g., physically embodied in circuitry - in the form of processing circuitry 210) capable of performing operations according to embodiments of the present invention while configured accordingly. Thus, for example, when the processor 212 is embodied as anASIC, FPGA or the like, the processor 212 may be specifically configured hardware for conducting the operations described herein, Alternatively, as another example, when the processor 212 is embodied as an exec utor of software instructions, the instructions may specifically configure the processor 212 to perform the operations described herein.

In an example embodiment, the processor 212 (or the processing circuitry 210) may be embodied as, include or otherwise control the operation of the measurement module 250 (or any other components of the measuring electronics 200) based on inputs received by the processing circuitry 210 responsive to operation of the chainsaw 100 and/or the operation Of various ones of any functional units that may be associated therewith. As such, iu some embodiments, the -processor 212 (or the processing circuitry 210) may be said to cause each of the operations described in connection with the measurement module: 250 in relation to operation the measurement module 250 relative to undertaking the corresponding functionalities associated therewith responsive to execution ofinstructions or algorithms configuring the processor 212 (or processing circuitry 210) accordingly, in an exemplary embodiment, the memory 214 may include one or more noti- transitory memory devices such as, for example, volatile and/or non-volatile memory that may be either fixed or removable. The memory 214 may be configured to store information, data, applications, instructions or the like for enabling the processing circuitry 210 to carry out various functions in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention. For example, the memory 214 could be configured to buffer input data for processing by the processor 212, Additionally or alternatively, the memory 214 could be configured to store instructions for execution by the processor 212. As yet another alternative or additional capability, the memory 214 may include one or more databases that may store a. variety of data sets responsive to input from the sensor network 240, the movement sensor 155, the measurement module 250, or any other functional units that may he associated with the chainsaw 100. Among the contents of the memory 214, applications may be stored for execution by foe processor 212 in order to carry out foe functionality associated with each respective application. In some cases, the applications may include instructions for recognition of various input signals related to designation of a starting point responsive to detection of movement of the device (e,g,, foe chainsaw 100 or the electronic measuring device 160) according to a trigger gesture or start gesture and then recording a line of movement away from the starting point as described herein. ln an example embodiment, the measurement actuator 140 may be pressed by the operator to designate the starting point. In the context of chainsaw operation, the measurement actuator 140 may be pressed before, during or after a work piece (e.g., a log) is cut at a particular location. The measurement module 250 may note the starting point and then monitor data provided by the movement sensor 155 to determine, when the chainsaw 100 has moved the predetermined distance (e.g, , the distance corresponding to the desired length of the cut work piece). In some cases, the user interface 230 may be used to set the predetermined distance (or change it by increasing or decreasing a previous setpoint). When the chainsaw 100 has moved the predetermined distance, the measurement: module 250 may provide an input to the feedback indicator 150 to direct the feedback indicator 150 to indicate the same to the operator (e.g., via lighting of one or more Lights, provision of a sound, or vibration). ln the context of the example above, the measurement module 250 may be configured to monitor the lateral movement of the chainsaw 100 relative to vertical cutting of the log lying on the ground. Thus, in some embodiments, the measurement module 250 may he configured to monitor lateral acceleration (and/or velocity) so that the acceleration may be considered along with the time that the acceleration in the corresponding direction is detectedto determine a distance. The distance traveled may continuously or periodically be determined based on the time over which a particular motion (as indicated by the accelerationand/or velocity) has been experienced. The distance traveled may be compared (by the measurement module 250) to a desired distance (i.e. the predetermined distance) that may be known based on a current program setting or mode of operation. When the distance traveled is equal to the predetermined distance, the measurement module 250 may direct the feedback indicator 150 to indicate the fact of such movement: to the operator. Thus, the measurement: module 250 may be configured to calculate or determine distance and/or direction of movement by employing one or several steps of integration using data indicative of physical movement: of the chainsaw 100 based on inertial data.

One of skill in the art may appreciate that, wheo actually in the forest, the operator may fell a tree and then perform a combination of different steps associated with cutting logs of a certain size (e.g., having a length equal to the predetermined distance). For example, the operator may hold the chainsaw 100 so that the guide bar 120 is horizontal until the tree is felled. Then the operator may commence to cutting the felled tree into individual logs having a length equal to the predetermined distance while cutting off limbs as necessary to prepare the individual logs for transport. The cutting: of logs will generally occur via cuts that: are parallel to each other while feeing perpendicular to the ground (i.e., no longer horizontal). Each of the actions associated with cutting the logs will therefore be understood to trace movement of the guide bar 120 in a plane that is both substantially perpendicular to the ground and substantially parallel to both the base of the log (formed by the initial cut that felled the tree) and each other plane formed by subsequent cuts to form logs. However, any actions associated with cutting off limbs are likely to also form planes that are substantially perpendicular to the ground, but are not parallel to either the base of the log of the planes fanned by cuts that form logs, indeed many of the cutting actions that cut off limbs will instead be substantially perpendicular to the planes formed by cuts that form logs.

To implement a technical Solution for enabling electronic measurement of the predetermined distance, j ust considering motion or acceleration of the chainsaw 100 over time must assume that the operator moves directly (and only) from one log cutting plane to the next in order to remain accurate, This would constrain the operator very rigidly (and inconveniently), and would also risk significant inaccuracy. Thus, example embodimentsaim to measure only the movement of the chainsaw 100 (or its operator) in the direction that matters relative to the realistic placement of the log, and relative to realistic movement dynamics that actual operators employ. To "accomplish this, example embodiments may define a reference plane from which measurement of the predetermined distance can be measured, and then enable subsequent resetting of the reference plane (or defining a .new reference plane) each time a cut is made parallel to the reference plane at the predetermined distance. Movements or cuts made that do not correspond to cuts made in parallel planes to the reference plane at the predetermined distance may therefore effectively be ignored such that when the operator walks along the log and cuts off limbs, the el ectronic measuring device 160 still accurately tracks progress to the predetermined distance and can alert the operator wfeen it is reached so that another cut at the correct length to define another log can be made even though other cuts may be made along the way to the predetermined distance.

Accordingly, the measurement module 250 may be configured to execute instructions for recognizing when the operator has defined a starting point for measuring the predetermined distance. The starting point may be designated by performing the trigger gesture or start gesture mentioned above, which is shown in FIG. 3. In this regard, FIG. 3 shows the guide bar 120 being moved downwardly (as shown by arrow 300) substantially perpendicular to the ground (which can be appreciated to extend horizontally in an x-z plane based on the directional references provided in FIG. 3). The downward movement of the guide bar 120 traces or otherwise extends through a reference plane 310 that lies in or defines an x-y plane. However, as noted above, the operator may make many cuts that are perpendicular to the x-z plane, so it is important that the measurement module 250 be able to distinguish which cuts are intended to act as cut that defines the reference plane 310. in an example embodiment, the operator may actuate the measurement actuator Ί 40 to indicate that the trigger gesture or start gesture is being performed, and therefore that the reference plane 310 is being defined . The operator may either press the measurement actuator 140 while performing the trigger gesture (i.e., while moving the guide bar 120 through the x-y plane), or press the measurement actuator 140 before and/or after performing the trigger gesture. As such, the· trigger gesture may need only be performed in association with actuation of the measurement actuator 140, and specific details On how or when the measurement actuator 140 is actuated relative to the movement defining the trigger gesture can vary in different example embodiments. But once the trigger gesture has been detected, and the reference plane 310 has correspondingly been defined, then the measurement module 250 may measure displacement from the reference plane 310 in the z direction. In other words, for example, responsive to detection of movement of the device (e.g., the chainsaw 100 or the electronic measuring device 160) according to the trigger gesture or start gesture, the reference plane 310 may be defined and then recording a line of movement away from the starting point (which is located at the reference plane 310) may be accomplished and measured as displacement. In FIG. 3, the displacement may correspond to the predetemti.ned length (d), but the displacement may generally be calculated by a double integration of data provided by the measurement sensor 155: as given by the equation: where s(t) is the displacement with respect to time and a(t) is the acceleration with respect to time.

As noted above, the felling of the tree is done horizontally, and the cuts to define logs are performed vertically ( i.e., in the x-y plane), so transitioning from felling of tire tree to defining the reference plane 310 may include the additional step of defining the reference plane 310 via performing the trigger gesture at the base of the tree. This transition may be marked by the measurement actuator 140, and may reset or null any prior reference plane locations, and air example is shown in FIG, 4. in FIG. 4, the base of the tree 400 is shown for a tree trunk 410 that is lying horizontally (i.e,, in the x-z plane). Thus, if the operator nulls the displacement at the bottom or base of the tree 400 (e.g., via the measurement actuator 140 and performance of the trigger gesture), the reference plane 310 can be defined to correspond to the base of the tree 400. The base of the tree 400 is therefore also marked as the starting point for measuring the displacement that accrues from that spot in the x-y plane, which is defined by the reference plans 310 and the base of the tree 400. Assuming the tree is Straight (or nearly so), all other cuts that define logs will also: be in the x-y plane, and therefore twill have the same orientation as prior log cuts, but he formed at an offset in the z-direction that is equal to the predetermined distance (d). The displacement in the z-direction will then be measured to alert, the operator when the length of the log has been traversed to a point that matches the predetermined distance (if). A logging cut 420-may then be performed at the predetermined distance (d) as shown in FIG. 4. The logging cut 420 may he understood to trace the guide bar 120 again through a plane that is parallel to the reference plane 310, bat is displaced from the .reference plane 310 in the z-directiort by the predetermined distance (d). In some embodiments, as the predetermined distance (d) between cuts is approached, the feedback indicator 150 may indicate proximity to the predetermined distance (d) and/or when the predetermined distance (d) is reached. The operator may then initiate another cut (e.g , the logging cut 420) at the predetermined distance (d). In some embodiments, the measurement actuator 140 may be pressed again to create a new starting point for the next cut and/or to provide clearance for the prior starting point in association with making the logging cut 420. Therefore, the logging cut 420 may act as another trigger gesture. However, pressing the measurement actuator 140 again may not be necessary for some embodiments.

In this regard, the measurement module 250 may certainly be configured to reset and redefine the reference plane 310 with each cut only in association with actuation of the measurement actuator 140. However, in some embodiments, the measurement module 250 may reset the reference plane 310 automatically whenever a cut is made that is both parallel to the reference plane 310 and at the predetermined distance (d) from the reference plane 310, In some embodiments, the predetermined distance (d) may be provided according to a program stored in the device, or may be adjusted by the operator, as described above. Given that the predetermined distance ( d ) is adjustable, it should be appreciated that the predetermined distance (d) may be varied by the operator while in use to create significant flexibility in relation to measuring logs and even changing the measurement on the fly. Thus, for: example, the operator may set the predetermined distance (d) to 4 m. However, as the 4 m distance is being tracked while the operator moves along the log (via measurement methods described above), the operator may notice that the diameter of the log is too small to use 4 m as the predetermined distance (d). In such an example, the operator may adjust the _: predetermined distance (d ) to 3.75 m when nearing (or even after passing) the 4 m distance, and the measurement module 250 may, on the fly, adjust the predetermined distance (d) to provide feedback relative to the adjusted predetermined distance (d) instead of the originally set predetermined distance (d ).

When the logging cut 420 is made, the displacement (e.g., the predetermined distance (d)) may be displayed on a screen (e.g., at the user interface 230) of the chainsaw 100, at a display of the electronic measuring device 160, or at a display of the wireless communication device 180 Various information about the operation(s) associated with making the logging cut 420 may also be logged as well. The operator may continue to perform additional logging cuts along the tree trunk 410 until the tree is fully logged. As noted above, limb removal may occur in the middle of and interspersed between logging cuts, but may not impact the ability of the measurement module 250 to accurately measure (and indicate) each subsequent arrival of the operator at the predetermined distance (d), Thus, the operator may be able to eliminate extra steps that enable faster working, and also eliminate the need to carry a physical measuring tape. it is important to note that although the example described above refers to movement of the guide bar 120 in the reference plane 310, this does not restrict: location of the movement sensor 155 to the guide bar 120. Indeed, as noted above, the electronic measuring device 160 could be attached to the housing 110 of the chainsaw 100 as noted above, and the pivoting moti on of the chainsaw 100 during cuting of the logging cut 420 or performance of the trigger gesture in even this ease would also effectively define the reference plane 310 at the base of the tree 400, and during each subsequent logging cut 420. The guide bat 120 would still trace the reference plane 310 in such examples, but the movement sensor 155 itself need not be located in the guide bar 120. indeed, the operator could also retain the electronic measuring device 160 in the belt, pocket, or at a watch (e.g., via band 165) of the operator until fee electronic measuring device G60 is removed to perform the trigger gesture at the base of the tree 400 whi le actuating the measurement actuator 140 ’, The electronic measuring device 160 may then track movement to the predetermined distance (d) and provide feedback via the feedback indicator 150 to indicate a location to define the logging cut 420. The operator may again trace the trigger gesture or, in some eases, fee actuation of fee measurement actuator 140’ may simply redefine the location at which the actuation occurs as a resetting or redefining of the reference plane 310, and this process can be repeated as necessary.

As can be appreciated from the description above, some embodiments may be enabled to provide measurement and guidance for cutting logs of a predetermined length with continued accuracy in spite of the reality that other cuts (e.g., cutting limbs) may also be performed during logging operations. To avoid restricting operators, _; and to eliminate extra steps and equipment, example embodiments can accurately measure displacement from a reference plane in a desired direction while ignoring other activities. in some embodiments, as discussed above, operator activity may be logged and certain acti vi ties can be used as measuremen t triggers instead of requiring the operator to actually actuate a button or switch like the measurement actuator 140. Thus, for example, various patterns of activity may be correlated to certain actions and some such actions may define triggers that may form the basis of guidance and/or measurement functions as described herein; For example, the running of the chainsaw 100 at full throttle may generally indicate a cutting operation and, if such operation occurs at the predetermined distance from the reference plane, while also being perpendicular to the reference plane, the throttle actuat ion may signal resetting of the reference plane. Each cutting operation may therefore, for example, reset the prior starting point and/or reference plane. Thus, measurement triggers may not necessarily only be provided by operator actuation of a button like the measurement actuator 140. Instead, in some cases, operational parameter measurement may be used to detect measurement triggers. in some cases, a method of providing feedback for enabling operation of an outdoor power tool wi th guidance and/or measurement provided using inertial measurement according to an example embodiment may be provided. FIG, 5 illustrates a block diagram of such a method. In some embodiments, the processing circuitry 210 (which may include a processor capable of executing instruc tions stored in a non-transitory computer readable medium/memory) may be configured to implement a control algorithm for the outdoor power tool according to the method.

In an example embodiment, the method may include receiving movement information indicative of defining a reference pl ane for an outdoor power tool at operation 500. The movement information may be indicative of a trigger gesture moving the guide bar, or another device in the reference plane (in some cases, in association wi th actuation of a measurement actuator), The method may further include measuring displacement from the reference plane in a direction substantially perpendicular to the reference plane at operation

510. The method may further incl ude providing feedback to an operator of the outdoor power tool responsive to the displacement reaching a predetermined distance at operation 520, In some cases, the method may optionally further include resetting the reference plane, to set up for a subsequent measurement of the predetermined distance from the reset reference plane at operation 330. Some embodiments of the invention provide an electronic measuring device that may include a movement sensor disposed at a portion of the device to determine movement information of the device and a measurement actuator. The device may further include a measurement module including processing circuitry configured to receive the movement information defining a reference plane for the device, measure displacement from the reference plane in a direction substantially perpendicular to the reference plane, and provide feedback: to an operator ofan outdoor power tool responsive to the displacement reaching a predetermined distance. The measurement actuator may be operable in association with receiving the movement information to define the reference plane based on actuation of the measurement actuator. to some embodiments, the device may include additional, optional features, and/or the features described above may be modified or augmented. Some examples of modifications, optional features and augmentations are described below. It should be appreciated that the modifications, optional features and augmentations may each be added alone, or they may be added cumulatively in any desirable combination, to an example embodiment, the device may be an outdoor power tool that includes an engine, a working assembly that performs a cutting operation powered by the engine, and a feedback indicator. The movement sensor may be disposed at theworking assembly to measure movement of the working assembly in the reference plane. The feedback indicator may be disposed at the outdoor power tool to provide feedback to the operator via audible feedback, tactile feedback of visual feedback to direct performance of the putting operation at the predetermined distance, in some embodiments, the device may be attached to the outdoor power tool that includes an engine, and a working assembly that performs a cutting operation powered by the engine. The device may include a feedback indicator. The movement sensor may be disposed at the outdoor power tool to measure movement of the working assembly in the reference plane. The feedback indicator may provide feedback to the operator via audible feedback, tactile feedback or visual feedback to direct resetting the reference plane at the predetermined distance, in some eases, the movement information may be indicati ve of a trigger gesture performed by the operator in the reference plane. In an example embodiment, the outdoor power tool may include a chainsaw, and the trigger gesture may include moving a guide bar of the chainsaw in the reference plane. In some cases, the device may be separate from the outdoor power tool, and the trigger gesture may include moving the device that is separate from the chainsaw in the reference plane, to an example embodiment, the measurement module may be configured to reset the reference plane to enable a subsequent measurement of the predetermined distance from the reset reference plane. In some cases, resetting the reference plane may include clearing an initial reference plane responsive to actuating the measurement actuator and replacing tire initial reference plane with the reset reference plane. In an example embodiment, resetting the reference plane may be performed responsive to detecting operation of the outdoor power tool at the predetermined distance and in a plane substantially parallel to the reference plane. In some cases, resetting the reference plane may include clearing an initial reference plane responsive to the detecting operation of the outdoor power tool at the predetermined distance and in the plane substantially parallel to the reference plane and replacing the initial reference plane with the reset reference plane.

Accordingly, some example embodiment may provide a robust system for providing guidance and/or accurate measurement to assist device users during device operation without any need for a physical measuring tape.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the inventions are not to he limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims, Moreover, although the foregoing: descriptions and the associated drawings describe exemplary em bodiments in the context of certain exemplary combinations of elements andfor functions, it should he appreciated that different combinations of elements and/or functions may be provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In this regard, for example, different: combinations of elements and/or functions than those explicitly described above are also contemplated as may be set forth in some of the appended claims. In eases where advantages, benefits or solutions to problems are described herein, it should be appreciated that such advantages, benefits and/or solutions may be applicable to some example embodiments, but not necessarily all example embodiments. Thus, any advantages, benefits or solutions described herein should not be thought of as being critical, required or essential to all embodiments or to that which is claimed herein. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.