WO2019052618A2

WO2019052618A2 - Laser range finder

Info

Publication number: WO2019052618A2
Application number: PCT/DK2018/050226
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jacob Bjørn JENSEN
Original assignee: Jensen Jacob Bjoern
Priority date: 2017-09-13
Filing date: 2018-09-13
Publication date: 2019-03-21
Also published as: DK179889B1; WO2019052618A3; DK201700500A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a hand-held laser distance-measuring device configured for making measurements in at least four different directions, preferably in one plane, and based on these measurements obtain distance information comprising: the distance between two reference points on a first axis, the distance between two reference points on a second axis and/or the distance from a pre-determined point on the device to one or more of the four reference points and optionally also to further reference points.The laser distance- measuring device of the present invention have a housing comprising at least one laser emitting unit, configured to emit at least one laser beam in the at least four different directions, at least one laser detecting unit, configured to detect reflected laser beams emitted in the at least four different directions, a processing unit configured to receive information from the at least one laser emitting unit and the at least one laser detecting unit and process the information to obtain the distance information,a display unit arranged on/in a surface of the housing, configured for displaying the distance information from the processing unit and user interacting means.

Description

LASER RANGE FINDER

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a distance-measuring device, more particularly to a hand-held laser distance-measuring device, such as a laser rangefinder, to be used in the construction industry.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the construction industry, measuring devices are of huge importance.

Everyday-work for a craftsman includes measuring distances and finding points on surfaces, such as the center point of a ceiling or a plurality of equally separated points along a wall etc. Such measurements may be time consuming and require several measurements and calculations. A point on a surface always has two references, one on a first axis and one on a second axis. For example, a point on a wall may be located 1 meter above the floor and 1.5 meter from an adjacent wall. To determine such a point, the craftsman will have to make at least two measurements. First, the craftsman has to find the horizontal level 1 meter above the floor and allocate a line. Then, the craftsman has to find the vertical level 1.5 meter from the wall and allocate a line. As the craftsman will often take these measures in freehand, the measurements may be inaccurate, as the craftsman can not be sure that the measurements are made parallel to the adjacent wall and the floor. A spirit level may be used to make sure that the measurements are made horizontal or vertical. However, in cases where the floor and/or walls are crooked and the craftsman wish to make the measurements relative to the floor and/or wall, a spirit level is of no use. Therefore, the two resultant allocated lines will rarely intersect in the first run and the craftsman will have to measure the distance in the horizontal level again to be able to determine the point located 1.5 meter from the wall and 1 meter from the floor.

Conventional measuring devices include a carpenter's ruler and a spirit level.

Furthermore, a calculator, pen and paper are also needed by the craftsman in his everyday work. In recent years, laser rangefinders have found their way into the construction industry as a measuring device. A laser rangefinder is a rangefinder that uses a laser beam to determine the distance to an object. The most common form of laser rangefinder operates on the time of flight principle by sending a laser pulse in a narrow beam towards the object and measuring the time taken by the pulse to be reflected off the target and returned to the sender. Alternatively, a laser rangefinder may use the phase-shift method.

Conventional laser rangefinders used in the construction industry have one laser unit, configured to make measurements in one direction. Furthermore, it is often seen that an inclinometer is built into the laser rangefinders.

Several simple measurements and markings can be effectively taken care of by these laser rangefinders. However, existing laser rangefinders have certain limitations that make it troublesome, time consuming and often requires the use of additional devices, such as a calculator, a spirit level, a notepad for writing down measurements, etc., to make efficient measurements and markings of points and/or lines. Therefore, many craftsmen only use a laser rangefinders as a supplement where it makes sense, which means that many craftsmen still mainly use conventional measuring devices.

One problem with existing laser rangefinders is that they have to be positioned at one end point, to measure a distance from that end point to another. This is a disadvantage, particularly for a craftsman working above the ground, such as from a ladder, as the craftsman will be required to move around in order to obtain different measurements, which may be time consuming when many

measurements have to be obtained. Thus, a hand-held laser rangefinder that does not need to be positioned at an end point, to measure a distance from the end point to another, would be advantageous.

Another problem is that finding a point with a laser rangefinder still generally requires many measurements and calculations for each point, as well as the challenge of holding a straight line, parallel to an element/floor/wall. A spirit level may be used if the line is parallel to a horizontal plane, however, if the line need to be parallel to another object, such as a crooked floor, or an edge such as a board, a spirit level is not sufficient and several measurements are needed along the object to ensure a straight line along the object.

Furthermore, there is no sure way to adjust the measurement so that it takes place at a certain desired distance from a surface. For example, when measuring the distance from the floor to the ceiling, the laser will be reflected from the lists or panels and thus not measure the whole distance, if the device is arranged close to a wall for stability. Furthermore, there is no sure way to make a measurement that takes place precisely along an edge or at a certain desired distance to an edge such as the edge of boards. For example, if you have to put up a cladding on a gable, the measurements change a lot by just a slight shift from the desired line. As a rule, the ratio is about 1 : 2, depending on the angle. For example, if you measure 3 mm offset, the measure change approximately 6 mm. Often, the coverings on the gable have an overlap, on for example 10 mm. Therefore, you need to make the measurement just 10 mm from the edge, which is not possible to do effectively and accurately with existing laser rangefinders.

Thus, a measuring device allowing the craftsman to quickly determine any point on a surface, without having to move or make several time consuming

measurements would be advantageous. Furthermore, a measuring device enabling the craftsman to make measurements parallel or perpendicular to a horizontal, vertical, non-horizontal and non-vertical element would also be advantageous. OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide an alternative to the prior art. In particular, it may be seen as a further object of the present invention to provide a distance-measuring device that solves one or more of the above mentioned problems of the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Thus, the above described object and several other objects are intended to be obtained in a first aspect of the invention by providing a hand-held laser distance- measuring device configured for making measurements in at least four different directions, preferably in one plane, and based on these measurements obtain distance information comprising one or more of the following

the distance between two reference points on a first axis; the distance between two reference points on a second axis, whereon the second axis is perpendicular on the first axis; and/or the distance from a pre-determined point on the device to one or more of the four reference points and optionally also to further reference points. The laser distance-measuring device of the present invention has a housing comprising

- at least one laser emitting unit, configured to emit at least one laser beam in the at least four different directions;

- at least one laser detecting unit, configured to detect reflected laser beams emitted in the at least four different directions;

- a processing unit configured to receive information from the at least one laser emitting unit and the at least one laser detecting unit and process the information to obtain the distance information;

- a display unit arranged on/in a surface of the housing, configured for displaying the distance information from the processing unit; and user interacting means.

The hand-held laser distance-measuring device (also interchangeably referred to as "the device" herein) of the present invention is configured for making measurements in at least four different directions, such as in at least five different directions.

A direction is herein defined as a line or a course along which something or someone moves. A direction is independent of the starting point, the end point and the distance that the something or someone moves. Thus, two elements move in the same direction if the lines or courses along which they move are parallel to each other and move toward the same pole. Herein, a direction preferably refers to the line or the course along which a laser beam travels. Thus, two laser beams emitted in the same direction are always parallel, even if they are emitted from different starting points towards different end points and travel different distances.

Herein the term "laser beam" preferably refers to a narrow beam (less than 5 mm in diameter) of light produced by a laser unit. A laser beam may be emitted continuously, in pulses, with specific frequencies and/or wavelengths etc.

Preferably, such a laser beam is visible, for instance red, such that a user of the device can view where a laser beam impinge on a solid object. Herein the term "reference point" preferably refers to a point having the same distance from the device, as the shortest distance from where the laser beam is emitted to where the laser beam impinge an object wherefrom it is reflected. However, the reference point may often be offset compared to the point where the laser beam impinge an object, as the device is configured to display distance information from a pre-determined point and not from where the laser beams are emitted.

The measurements made in the at least four different directions are performed by the at least one laser emitting unit and the at least one laser detecting unit.

Preferably, the measurements are based on the time of flight principle, wherein the at least one laser emitting unit emit at least one laser beam or at least one laser pulse in a narrow beam in the at least four different directions towards at least four different reference points and the time taking by the at least one laser beam or laser pulse to be reflected from each of the at least four reference points are detected by the at least one laser emitting unit. Thus, at least four laser beams are emitted from the housing. The measurements are received and processed by the processing unit and can then be used to obtain distance information, which is displayed on the display unit. The at least four different directions in which the measurements are made, have to be such that the processing unit can obtain distance information including :

the distance between two reference points on a first axis;

the distance between two reference points on a second axis, wherein the second axis is perpendicular on the first axis; and/or the distance from a pre-determined point on the device to one or more of the four reference points and optionally also to further reference points. In some settings of the device, a user of the device can view all of the above distance information simultaneously on the display unit.

In some embodiments, the at least one laser emitting unit is configured such that at least two of the at least four directions in which the at least one laser beam is emitted, are parallel to the first axis and opposite each other; and at least two of the at least four directions in which the at least one laser beam is emitted, are parallel to the second axis and opposite each other. In such embodiments, at least four laser beams are emitted from the housing. In some embodiments, the at least one laser emitting unit is further configured such that in at least one of the at least four directions, at least two laser beams are emitted from the housing at a pre-determined distance from each other toward two reference points. For example, the two parallel laser beams may be emitted from the housing with a pre-determined distance of 5 cm or more from each other. In such embodiments, at least five laser beams are emitted from the housing.

In some embodiments, the at least two laser beams emitted from the housing at a pre-determined distance from each other are parallel when emitted from the housing. In such embodiments, the at least one laser emitting unit is configured such that

- at least two of the at least four directions in which the at least one laser beam is emitted, are parallel to the first axis and opposite each other;

- at least two of the at least four directions in which the at least one laser beam is emitted, are parallel to the second axis and opposite each other; and

- in at least one of the at least four directions, the at least one laser beam is emitted from the housing as two separate laser beams having the same direction. Thus, at least five laser beams are emitted from the housing.

In some embodiments, the at least two laser beams emitted from the housing at a pre-determined distance from each other are not parallel to each other, to the first axis or the second axis. In such embodiments, at least five laser beams are emitted from the housing and the at least one laser emitting unit is configured to emit at least one laser beam in at least five different directions, wherein

- at least two of the at least five directions in which the at least one laser beam is emitted, are parallel to the first axis and opposite each other;

- at least one of the at least five directions in which the at least one laser beam is emitted, is parallel to the second axis; and

- at least two of the at least five directions in which the at least one laser beam is emitted, diverge from each other and are not parallel to either the first axis nor to the second axis.

The present invention can be used by craftsmen in the construction industry to make measurements. The measurements performed by craftsmen can roughly be divided into two categories. The first category of measurements relate to distance measurements, whereas the other category of measurements relate to point determination or spot search/target search, where the craftsman need to locate one or more specific points on a surface. When the craftsman wants to find a distance between two points, the device of the present invention is simply positioned between the two points such that at least one laser beam is emitted towards each point. The points are preferably solid objects, such as two walls. When a laser beam impinge a solid object, the laser beam is reflected and detected by the at least one laser detecting unit. The processing unit then process the data obtained by the at least one laser emitting unit and the at least one laser detecting unit and the display unit displays the distance information obtained, including the distance between the two objects. In this way, the craftsman can easily obtain the distance between two points without having to move or position the device at one end point to obtain the distance. When the craftsman wants to find a specific point on a surface, such as a center point on a ceiling, the device of the present invention is positioned on the surface of the ceiling such that at least one laser beam is emitted in at least four different directions, in a plane parallel to the ceiling. When a laser beam impinge a solid object, the at least one laser beam emitted in at least four different directions is reflected and detected by the at least one laser detecting unit. The processing unit then process the data obtained by the at least one laser emitting unit and the at least one laser detecting unit and the display unit display the distance information obtained, including the distance between two reference points on the first axis, the distance between two reference points on the second axis and the distance between a pre-determined point on the device and the four reference points. As the device continuously update the distance information displayed on the display unit, the device can be moved while the user can view substantially real-time distance information on the display unit.

If the distance between the pre-determined point on the device and two reference points on a first axis are the same, and the distance between the pre-determined point on the device and two reference points on a second axis are the same, the pre-determined point on the device indicate the center of the ceiling. If this is not the case, the craftsman can slowly move the device towards the center point until the distance between the pre-determined point and two reference points on a first axis are the same, and the distance between the pre-determined point and two reference points on a second axis are the same. In the same manner, if the point to be determined is, e.g., 1/3 of the distance between two reference points on a first axis and, e.g., 1/4 of the distance between two reference points on a second axis, the user can slowly move the device towards this point until it is reached, using the distance information as guidance. In this way, the device of the present invention enable a user of the device to easily locate any desired point on a surface.

The distance from a pre-determined point on the device to one or more of the at least four reference points can be calculated by the processing unit, based on the information received from the at least one laser emitting unit and the at least one laser detecting unit, as well as pre-defined constants such as the positioning of the at least one laser emitting unit and the at least one laser detecting unit relative to each other and to the pre-determined point on the device.

The distance between two reference points on a first axis and the distance between two reference points on a second axis can be calculated by the

processing unit, based on the information received from the at least one laser emitting unit and the at least one laser detecting unit, as well as pre-defined constants such as a distance between the at least one laser emitting unit and the at least one laser detecting unit relative to each other.

In embodiments where four laser beams are emitted from the housing in four different directions, wherein two of the four directions in which the at least one laser beam is emitted, are parallel to the first axis and opposite each other and two of the four directions in which the at least one laser beam is emitted, are parallel to the second axis and opposite each other, the distance between two reference points on a first axis can be calculated by adding the distance

information from a pre-determined point on the device to one reference point on the first axis and the distance from a pre-determined point on the device to another reference point on that axis. In the same way, the distance between two reference points on a second axis can be calculated by adding the distance information from a pre-determined point on the device to one reference point on the second axis and the distance from a pre-determined point on the device to another reference point on that axis. In embodiments where five laser beams are emitted from the housing in four different direction and wherein two of the four directions in which the at least one laser beam is emitted, are parallel to the first axis and opposite each other; two of the four directions in which the at least one laser beam is emitted, are parallel to the second axis and opposite each other; and in one of the four directions, the at least one laser beam is emitted from the housing as two separate laser beams having the same direction, the distance between two reference point on a first axis can be calculated as described above. However, the distance between two reference points on a second axis, is calculated by taking the two laser beams emitted in the same direction into account when calculating the distance between two reference points on the first axis. More specifically, the distance between two reference points on a second axis can be calculated by adding the distance information from a pre-determined point on the device to one reference point on the second axis and the average of two distances from a pre-determined point on the device to two reference points in that axis.

A device configured to emit five laser beams in at least four different directions, wherein two of the five laser beams are emitted in the same direction, have several advantages. Firstly, the user of the device will be able to arrange the device such that the first axis or the second axis is parallel with a non-horizontal object, such as a crooked floor, based on information from the two parallel laser beams emitted in the same direction. Preferably, the device is configured such that when the display unit shows that the distance from the device to two reference points are the same, as measured by the two parallel laser beams emitted in the same direction, the device is parallel to the non-horizontal object. Secondly, the device will be able to obtain angle information, such as the angle between a surface relative to the first axis or the second axis of the device, based on information from the two parallel laser beams emitted in the same direction. This will be described in more detail later. A device configured to emit five laser beams in at least five different directions, have the same advantages. Preferably, if the device is configured to emit five laser beams in five directions, two of the five laser beams are diverging laser beams, replacing the two parallel laser beams described above. In that way, the user will still be able to arrange the device such that the first axis or the second axis is parallel with a non-horizontal object. However, as the two laser beams are diverging, the information may be more precise than for the two parallel laser beams, as the two diverging laser beams have a broader span than the two parallel laser beams.

Furthermore, the device will still be able to obtain angle information, such as the angle between a surface relative to the first axis or the second axis of the device.

In embodiments where the device emit at least five laser beams from the housing in at least four different directions, such as five different directions, the display unit may display the distance from a pre-determined point on the device to five reference points. Preferably, the measurements are made continuously or within a short period of time, such as every second or more often than every second, such as

substantially every 0.5 second, or even substantially every 0.25 second or less. In the same way, the process unit is preferably configured to process the information continuously, such as every time new measurements are available from the at least one laser emitting unit and the at least one laser detecting unit, and the display unit is configured to update the displayed information continuously, such as every second, or more often than every second. In this way, the device can be moved, while the user can obtain substantially real-time distance information.

The number of laser emitting units and laser detecting units needed, depends on the specific configuration of the device, but may be between 1-10 laser emitting units and 1-10 laser detecting units respectively. It is essential that the device is configured to make measurements in at least four different directions in one plane to obtain the distance information. Thus, the device need to be configured such that at least one laser beam is emitted in at least four different directions.

In some embodiments, the distance-measuring device comprise only one laser emitting unit which is capable of emitting at least one laser beam in the at least four different directions, such as a rotating laser unit, or a stationary laser unit having an optical delivery system capable of selectively emitting the laser beam in each of the at least four different directions. In other embodiments, the distance- measuring device comprise only one laser emitting unit comprising several laser emitting portions for emitting more than one laser in different directions. The laser emitting unit may also be used in combination with mirrors reflecting the at least one laser beam in different directions. In such embodiments, the number of a laser detecting units may also be one. If this is the case, the laser emitting unit need to be configured such that the laser detecting unit can differ between the different reflected laser beams emitted in different directions. Thus, preferably, the device comprises a laser detecting unit for receiving each differently reflected laser beams. In embodiments where four laser beams are emitted from the housing, four laser detecting units are preferred. In embodiments where five laser beams are emitted from the housing, five laser detecting units are preferred. In some embodiments, the distance-measuring device comprise two or three laser emitting units, wherein each laser emitting unit is configured to emit at least one laser in more than one direction. Again, the number of laser detecting units may vary, but preferably, the device comprise a laser detecting unit for receiving each reflected laser beam.

In some embodiments, the distance-measuring device comprise four laser emitting units configured to emit at least one laser beam in each of the four different directions, wherein each laser emitting unit is configured to emit at least one laser in one of the four different directions. Again, the number of laser detecting units may vary, but preferably the device comprise a laser detecting unit for receiving each reflected laser beam, which in this case would be at least four laser detecting units. In some embodiments the laser distance-measuring device comprise

at least four laser emitting units, each configured to emit at least one laser beam in one of the four different directions, and

at least four laser detecting units, each configured for detecting a laser beam emitted from one laser emitting unit in one of the four different directions, when the laser beam is reflected

In preferred embodiments, the distance-measuring device comprise five laser emitting units, wherein four of the five laser emitting units are each configured to emit at least one laser in one of the four different directions and the fifth laser is configured to emit at least one laser beam in any of the four different directions, such that two lasers are emitted from two laser emitting units in the same direction. Again, the number of laser detecting units may vary, but preferably the device comprise a laser detecting unit for receiving each reflected laser beam, which in this case would be five laser detecting units. In other words, the laser distance-measuring device may comprise:

at least five laser emitting units, each configured to emit at least one laser beam in one of the at least four different directions and

at least five laser detecting units, each configured for detecting a laser beam emitted from one laser emitting unit in one of the four different directions, when the laser beam is reflected wherein at least two of the at least five laser emitting units, are configured such that they emit laser beams having the same direction.

In some embodiments the laser distance-measuring device comprise

- at least five laser emitting units, each configured to emit at least one laser beam in one of the at least five different directions and

at least five laser detecting units, each configured for detecting a laser beam emitted from one laser emitting unit in one of the five different directions, when the laser beam is reflected

In such embodiments, two of the at least five laser emitting units, are configured such that at least two separate laser beams are emitted in two different directions diverging from each other and not being parallel to either the first axis nor to the second axis. In preferred embodiments, the distance-measuring device comprise five laser emitting units, wherein the five laser emitting units are each configured to emit at least one laser in one of five different directions. Again, the number of laser detecting units may vary, but preferably the device comprise a laser detecting unit for receiving each reflected laser beam, which in this case would be five laser detecting units.

In some embodiments, the distance-measuring device comprise more than five laser emitting units, wherein at least one laser emitting units, such as two laser emitting units, emit at least one laser beam in one of the four different directions and optionally more than four different directions, such as at least five different directions, such as six, seven or eight different directions.

In preferred embodiments, the number of laser emitting units and the number of laser detecting units are the same, such that each laser detecting unit is configured for detecting a laser beam emitted from one laser emitting unit when the laser beam is reflected.

In some embodiments, the device is further configured to make at least one measurement in a direction which is not in the same plane as the measurements made in the at least four different directions. The device may be configured to make the measurements on a third axis, being perpendicular to the first and second axis. Such a device would further be able to measure volumes, such as the volume of a room. In some embodiments, the hand-held distance-measuring device further comprise a spirit level or a digital inclinometer, configured to indicate when the first axis is parallel to a horizontal axis and/or when the second axis is parallel to a vertical axis, or vice versa. In some embodiments, measurements of the digital inclinometer is displayed on the display unit and indicate an angle of the first axis relative to a horizontal level and/or the angle of the second axis relative to a vertical level.

In some embodiments, the housing of the device is a longitudinal box, having a - volume of less than 1000 cm³, preferably less than 500 cm³, more preferably less than 300 cm³, such as less than 200 cm³; a length between 5-lOOcm, such as between 10-50cm, preferably between 15-25cm;

a width between 1-10 cm, such as between 2-8cm, preferably between 3-5cm; and/or

a thickness between 0.5-10 cm, such as between l-5cm, preferably between l-3cm.

Preferably, the hand-held device have dimensions similar to a carpenters ruler, such as 20cm*4cm*2cm.

In some embodiments, the first axis is parallel with a longitudinal axis of the housing and the second axis is parallel with a transverse axis of the housing. In some embodiments, the housing comprise six substantially flat surfaces, preferably including two larger surfaces and four smaller surfaces, wherein

a first larger surface is configured to be arranged on a flat surface of an object when the device is in use, such that a stable measurement relative to the flat surface of the object can be obtained; a second larger surface comprise the display unit and the user interaction means; and/or

each smaller surface comprise at least one optical opening through which at least one laser beam from at least one laser emitting unit can be emitted.

The six substantially flat surfaces may also include two smaller surfaces and four larger surfaces, depending on the configuration of the housing. Thus, the four smaller surfaces may also be two smaller surfaces opposite each other and two larger surfaces opposite each other.

In a preferred embodiments, the housing is a longitudinal box having a volume of less than 300 cm³ and comprising six substantially flat surfaces, preferably including two larger surfaces and four smaller surfaces, wherein

- a first larger surface is configured to be arranged on a flat surface of an object when the device is in use, such that a stable measurement relative to the flat surface of the object can be obtained;

a second larger surface comprise the display unit and the user interaction means; and/or

- each of the smaller surfaces comprise at least one optical opening through which at least one laser beam from at least one laser emitting unit can be emitted in at the at least four different directions

In some embodiments, one of the smaller surface comprise at least two optical openings separated by at least 5 cm, through which at least one laser beam from at least one laser emitting unit can be emitted. Preferably, one of the smaller surfaces comprise at least two optical openings separated by at least 5 cm, wherein through each optical opening, one laser beams from one laser emitting unit can be emitted.

Each smaller surface may further comprise at least one optical opening through which a reflected laser beam can be received. For example, each smaller surface comprise at least two optical openings, one for emitting a laser beam and one for receiving a laser beam. In embodiments where at least one smaller surface comprise two optical openings for emitting a laser beam, the surface may also comprise two optical openings for receiving a laser beam.

Herein optical openings is defined as an area, allowing transmission of a laser beam. The area may be glass or other transparent material through which a laser beam can be transmitted.

In some embodiments, at least one smaller surface of the housing comprise a ruler illustration, comprising a center line as well as the distance from the center line in both directions. Preferably, the center line is the pre-determined point on the device. Thus, the pre-determined point on the device may be illustrated by a visual center line arranged on a smaller surface of the housing. In that way, a user of the device knows from which point/line all obtained distance information should be considered.

A ruler illustration on the device is advantageous, as it allows for quick marking of several points along the device. This may be useful, for example if a new wall is to be built, where the craftsman will often need to mark several points within a short distance. Normally, the craftsman would use a measuring tape in such situations. However, this will not be necessary with the present invention.

In some embodiments, the device of the present invention further comprise at least two mechanical stop elements, such as four mechanical stop elements, being protractible from the housing. Preferably, the at least four mechanical stop element are arranged on the first larger surface of the housing, such that a stable measurement can be obtained some distance from the flat surface of the object when the at least four mechanical stop elements are protracted, wherein the distance depend on the length of the mechanical stop elements.

Preferably, at least two of the mechanical stop elements on the first larger surface, can be offset by an offset distance between l-50mm, such as 30 mm. These two mechanical stop elements are preferably arranged at each end of the longitudinal axis of the housing, such that they can be arranged on a surface when protracted. This would be advantageous for example when putting up a cladding on a gable end at both ends. Often, the coverings on the gable have an overlap, on for example 10 mm. Therefore, you need to make the measurement just 10 mm from the edge, which is possible to do effectively and accurately with the present invention comprising mechanical stop elements that can be offset.

In some embodiments, the processing unit further comprise

- a memory unit for storing measurements on the device

- a wireless transmission unit, configured for transmitting data to

other devices

The wireless transmission unit may be configured to wirelessly transmit distance information to other devices via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, ZigBee etc.

In some embodiments, the device have at least three modes of operation including

- an off-mode, wherein the device is off,

- an on-mode, wherein the display unit and the process unit is active, but the laser emitting unit(s) and the laser detecting unit(s) are not active

- a measuring mode, wherein

o the laser emitting unit(s) and the laser detecting unit(s) are active and continuously or with short intervals repeatedly emit and detect at least one laser beam, respectively,

o the process unit is active and continuously or with short

intervals repeatedly receives and processes information from the laser emitting unit(s) and the laser detecting unit(s), such that substantially real-time distance information can be obtained when the device is moved,

o the display unit is active and display substantially real-time distance information from the process unit. In a standard setting of the measuring mode, the display unit simultaneously display processed information including

- the distance between two reference points on the first axis;

- the distance between two reference points on the second axis;

- the distance from a pre-determined point on the device to any of the four reference points. Optionally the display unit further display the distance from a pre-determined point one the device to other reference points and/or the angle of a digital inclinometer in relation to a horizontal level and/or vertical level.

For example, when four laser beams are emitted from the housing, the distance from a pre-determined point on the device to any of the four reference points are preferably displayed. However, when five laser beams are emitted from the housing, the distance from a pre-determined point on the device to five reference points are preferably displayed. Preferably, the device have additional settings of the measuring mode. In some embodiments, these setting may include one or more of the following :

- A fraction setting

- An area measuring setting

- An angle measuring setting

- A semi-automatic setting

In a fraction setting, the processing unit may be programmed to calculate different fractions of the distance between two reference points on the first axis and the distance between two reference points on the second axis and the display unit display the processed information such that in use a user of the device can select a fraction in the first and/or the second axis and move the device until the center-line of the device reach the selected fraction. This is advantagous e.g. for setting up a number of elements on a wall with an equal spacing equal to a fraction of a total width of the wall.

In some embodiments, the device further comprise signaling means, such that in the fraction setting, when the device reach a selected fraction on the first axis and/or the second axis, the signaling means make a signal indicating that the selected fraction is reached. In some embodiments, the signaling means is a sound or a light, such as a red light. Thus, the device may further comprise a sound system or light source connected to the processing unit.

In an area measuring mode, the device is configured for measuring areas, including rectangular areas, triangular areas and trapezoidal areas, as the processing unit is programmed to calculate areas based on information on the distance between two reference points on a first axis and two reference points on a second axis.

In cases where the user want to find a rectangular area, such as the area of a wall, the device of the present invention can be placed anywhere on the wall and a measurement can be made, to obtain distance information including the distance between two reference points on the first axis and the distance between two reference points on the second axis. A rectangular area can then be calculated by the processing unit, by multiplying the distance between two reference points on the first axis and the distance between two reference points on the second axis.

In cases where the user want to find a triangular area, the device of the present invention have to be arranged such that three laser beams can be emitted from the housing towards three points, which in this case have to be the three corners of the triangle which the user want to find the area of. The triangular area can then be calculated by the processing unit, by multiplying the distance between two reference points on the first axis and the distance between two reference points on the second axis and dividing the result with two.

In cases where the user want to find a trapezoidal area, the device of the present invention have to be arranged such that three laser beams can be emitted from the housing towards three corner points in the trapezoid. The trapezoidal area can then be calculated by the processing unit, by finding the area of the rectangular and the two triangles and adding these areas.

In some embodiments, the device of the present invention is further configured to measure the angles of a surface relative to the first axis or second axis, as the processing unit is programmed to calculate angles based on pre-determined constants as well as distance information received from at least one laser emitting unit and at least one laser detecting unit regarding the two laser beams emitted in the same direction.

In cases where the user want to find an angle of an object relative to the device, the device of the present invention have to be arranged such that two laser beams can be emitted from the housing towards the object. Preferably, the two laser beams are parallel laser beams emitted in the same direction, through the same surface of the housing. The distance between the two laser beams emitted from the housing, is known. Furthermore, as the device can obtain distance information from the device to both points, the difference between the distance from the device to each point can be calculated by subtracting the shorter distance from the larger distance and the last an angle can be calculated by the processing unit, using geometrical calculation methods such as Pythagoras, sin, cos and tan. Thus, the processing unit is configured to measure distances, areas, and/or angles, based on pre-determined constants, as well as information received from the at least one laser emitting unit and the at least one laser detecting unit.

In a semi-automatic setting of the measuring mode, the hand-held device automatically saves data when :

- the digital inclinometer indicate that the device is in a horizontal plane and/or vertical plane or

- two laser emitting units, configured for emitting two laser beams in the same direction or in diverging directions, indicate that the device is parallel to a reference object.

In a first semi-automatic setting, the hand-held device automatically saves data when the digital inclinometer indicate that the first axis or the second axis is parallel to a horizontal plane and/or vertical plane.

In a second semi-automatic setting, the hand-held device automatically saves data when the two laser beams emitted in the same direction or in diverging directions indicate that the first axis or the second axis is parallel to the surface of an object.

In some embodiments, the user interacting means is configured such that a user can interact with the device and decide which processed information to be displayed on the display unit, by choosing different settings of the display unit, preferably displayed in a menu on the display unit, wherein the user interacting means comprise operating buttons arranged on a surface of the housing, allowing a user to interact with the device through the operating buttons and/or

a touchscreen in the display unit by which a user can interact with the device,

wherein the user interacting means allows the user to

switch between the different modes of operation

save processed information

transmit processed information to other devices

choose between different settings in the display menu, such that the display unit displays the desired processed information.

The different embodiments of the present invention may each be combined with any of the other embodiments. These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The laser distance-measuring device according to the present invention will now be described in more detail with regard to the accompanying figures. The figures show one way of implementing the present invention and is not to be construed as being limiting to other possible embodiments falling within the scope of the attached claim set.

FIG. 1 directions in which the at least one laser emitting unit is configured to make measurements

FIG. 2 three-dimensional view of device according to

embodiment of the invention

FIG. A Location of laser devices in the box

FIG. Bl Laser rangefinder with laser directions

FIG. B2 Home screen - with 5 lasers (zoom of figure Bl)

FIG. C Measuring surface (upper surface)

FIG. D Measuring principle - correct measurement

FIG. E Measurement principle - incorrect measurement

FIG. F Locked goal - "hold" function

FIG. G Home screen - with 2 lasers

FIG. H Home screen - with 1 laser

FIG. I Fraction menu - find the divisions

FIG. J Fraction menu - The divisions found

FIG. K Area menu - straight walls standard

FIG. L Area - straight walls variation

FIG. M Area - a sloping wall standard

FIG. N Area - a sloping wall variation

FIG. 0 Area - 2 sloping walls

FIG. P angle measurement

FIG. Q The laser rangefinder from the rear

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT

The device of the present invention is configured for making measurements in at least four different directions, in one plane, and based on these measurements obtain distance information including : the distance between two reference points on a first axis, the distance between two reference points on a second axis and the distance from a pre-determined point on the device to one or more of the four reference points and optionally also to further reference points. The measurements made in the four different directions are performed by at least one laser emitting unit configured to emit at least four laser beams from the housing and at least one laser detecting unit arranged within a housing of the device, configured to detect the reflected laser beams. The measurements are received and processed by a processing unit and can then be used to obtain distance information, which can be displayed on a display unit on the housing.

Reference is made to fig. 1A, IB and 1C illustrating preferred embodiments of the directions in which the at least one laser emitting unit is configured to make measurements.

Fig. 1A illustrates an embodiments of the device 101 of the present invention, wherein the at least one laser emitting unit 105 (not illustrated) is configured to emit four laser beams from the housing 104 in four different directions dl, d2, d3, d4, such that two d l, d3 of the four directions dl, d2, d3, d4 are parallel to the first axis 102 and opposite each other and two d2, d4 of the four directions are parallel to the second axis 103 and opposite each other. The first axis 102 is perpendicular to the second axis 103.

Fig. IB illustrates a preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein the at least one laser emitting unit 105 (not illustrated) is configured to emit five laser beams from the housing 104 in four different directions dl, d2, d3, d4, such that two dl, d3 of the four directions dl, d2, d3, d4 are parallel to the first axis 102 and opposite each other and two d2, d4 of the four directions are parallel to the second axis 103 and opposite each other. In three d l, d2, d3 of the four direction dl, d2, d3, d4, only one laser beam is emitted from the housing 104, whereas in one d4 of the four directions dl, d2, d3, d4, two laser beams are emitted from the housing 104 in the same direction at a distance from each other.

Fig. 1C illustrates a preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein the at least one laser emitting unit 105 (not illustrated) is configured to emit five laser beams from the housing 104 in five different directions dl, d2, d3, d4, d5, such that two dl, d3 of the five directions dl, d2, d3, d4, d5 are parallel to the first axis 102 and opposite each other, one d3 of the five directions dl, d2, d3, d4, d5 is parallel to the second axis 103, and two d4, d5 of the five directions dl, d2, d3, d4, d5 diverge from each other and are not parallel to either the first axis 102 nor to the second axis 103.

Reference is made to fig. 2, illustrating a three-dimensional view of a hand-held distance measuring device 101 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In fig. 2, the housing 104 is in the shape of a longitudinal box. The device 101 is configured such that the first axis 102 is parallel with a longitudinal axis of the housing 104 and the second axis 103 is parallel with a transverse axis of the housing 104. The housing 104 comprise six substantially flat surfaces 110, including two larger surfaces 110a, 110b and four smaller surfaces 110c. The first larger surface 110a is configured to be arranged on a flat surface of an object when the device 101 is in use, such that a stable measurement relative to the flat surface of the object can be obtained. The second larger surface 110b comprise the display unit 107 configured for showing processed distance information. Furthermore, the second larger surface 110b comprise user interacting means 108 in the form of operating buttons, as well as a button for activating/deactivating the device and/or the lasers. In fig. 2, one of the smaller surfaces 110c of the housing 104 comprise a ruler illustration 112, comprising a center line 113 as well as indications of the distance from the center line 113 in both directions. The distance information illustrated on the display unit 107 is preferably to be considered from the center-line 113 e.g. the pre-determined point may be any point along the center-line 113. Reference is made to fig. C, illustrating a top view of the smaller surface 110c of the housing 104 comprising the ruler illustration 112, e.g. the measuring surface. On this surface, as shown, is the center line 113 introduced and the measuring lines, to help with the marking of measurements. The dimensions of the measuring surface can either be permanently drawn onto the upper surface of the box, such as millimeter, or on a replaceable or turnable bar, which is mounted to the box. This allows for a bar with alternative measuring units such as inches. It is essential that a center-line and measuring lines appear on this surface. Markings are allocated at the center-line 113, and the measuring lines can be used for quick allocation of several relative measurements from this point, for example at a wall structure. Measurements smaller than the lowest range of lasers can also be allocated from this area. The center line 113 is located in the center at the center axis and it is at this line and surface that the five laser units make measurements relative to (exceptions later described). This is accomplished as the device is programmed to display the distance measured by the laser units including the distance to the center axis (11, 12). The device is programmed to display the distance to the upper surface, the measuring surface.

Furthermore, two optical openings 111 are seen on the smaller surface 110c in fig. C. In embodiments where four laser beams are emitted from the housing, each of the smaller surfaces 110c preferably comprise at one optical opening 111 through which at least one laser beam from at least one laser emitting unit 105 can be emitted in the at least four different directions as well as an optical opening through which a reflected laser beam can be received. In embodiments where five laser beams are emitted from the housing, one smaller surface 110c comprise two optical openings 111 separated by a distance, through which two laser beams can be emitted, as well as two optical openings 111 through which reflected laser beams can be received. The number of laser emitting units 105 and laser detecting units 106 needed in a device of the present invention, depends on the specific configuration of the device, but may be between 1-10 laser emitting units and 1-10 laser detecting units respectively. The important thing is that the device is configured to make measurements in at least four different directions in one plane to obtain the distance information.

Fig. A illustrates a preferred embodiment where the distance-measuring device 101 is configured to make measurements in four different directions dl, d2, d3, d4, d5. The housing 104 comprise five laser units each comprising a laser emitting unit 105 and a laser detecting unit 106. The laser emitting units 105 are each configured to emit a laser beam in one of the four different direction dl, d2, d3, d4 from the housing 104. Four of the five laser emitting units 105 are configured to emit one laser beam in one of the four different directions dl, d2, d3, d4 and the fifth laser emitting unit 105 is configured to emit a laser beam in one of the four different directions, such that two lasers are emitted from two laser emitting units 105 in the same direction. Furthermore, the device comprise five laser detecting units 106, each configured for detecting a laser beam emitted from one laser emitting unit 105 in one of the four different directions, when the laser beam is reflected. Each laser emitting unit 105 are arranged in a laser unit with one laser detecting unit 106. Each smaller surface 110c comprise an optical opening 111 through which a laser beam can be emitted, as well as an optical opening 111 through which a reflected laser beam can be received. The lower smaller surface 111 comprise four optical openings 111.

In other words, two laser units 105+106 are located in the same axis, in each end of a box respectively measuring in precisely opposite directions, called the main axis 102. Perpendicular to the main axis 102 and substantially with the widest possible distance between each other, as well as the same distance to the center axis 103, are two downwardly oriented laser units 105+106 located. A laser unit 105+106 is located in the middle of the box at the center axis 103, which also measures perpendicular to the main axis 102, but upwardly oriented, such that the user is able to carry out measurements at 0 ⁰ (1), 90° (5), 180° (2), 270° (3, 4), relative to the housing. Fig. Bl illustrates an embodiment of the device similar to fig. 2, with a device in configured to make measurements in four different directions dl, d2, d3, d4 and emit five laser beams from the housing 104, wherein two of the five laser beams are emitted parallelly from the housing 104. However, in fig. Bl, the display unit 107 display an embodiment of a home screen of the display unit 107 when the device is turned on. The home screen shown in the embodiment in fig. Bl and B2 shows distance information, a digital inclinometer 109 as well as a five icons 121, 122, 123, 124, 125.

The distance information displayed on the display unit in fig. Bl and B2 includes the distance between two reference points on a first axis 102, illustrated by a twoheaded arrow parallel to a longitudinal axis of the housing 104. Furthermore, the distance information include the distance between two reference points on a second axis 103, illustrated by a twoheaded arrow parallel to a transverse axis of the housing 104. The display unit 107 further display the distance from a pre- determined point on the device to three of the four reference points, illustrated by an arrow to the left, up and to the right, as well as the distance from a predetermined point on the device to two further reference points, illustrated by two arrows pointing down. The distance in which a laser beam travel before it is reflected, is in the following referred to as a laser measurements. In some embodiments, the distance information include five laser measurements 116, 117, 118, 119, 120 and how these refer to the center-line 113 and the measuring surface 110c. This is achieved by programming the device such that two laser measurements 116, 118 are added and will result in the overall measurement in the main axis 102.

Programming for the center axis 103 will be the average of 120, 119 added with 117, thus resulting in the total measurement in the center axis 103. However, in later-mentioned menus that do not visually contain these total measurements, this calculation method continues to apply to total measurements in the main axis and center axis. As shown by this, this arrangement of the laser units gives the option of locating the distance measuring 101 device at any position when measuring, and you are not forced to make measurements from an end point.

The home screen as shown in fig. Bl and B2 also display a digital inclinometer 109 indicating an angle of a longitudinal axis of the device relative to a horizontal level, which in this case is off by 0.4 degrees. The digital inclinometer 109 is represented by the numerical value of the inclination in degrees from a horizontal level (Fig. B2-10). For guidance, a visual spirit level/bubble level is illustrated and programmed to follow these values as an indication as suggested here.

The five icons 121, 122, 123, 124, 125 in the bottom of the home screen represents a menu list 121, a list of saved measures 122, and three icons 123, 124, 125 each representing variations of the home screen with the option of selecting fewer active lasers where appropriate. This is advantageous, e.g. to save power or to avoid directing laser light in an unwanted direction thus, e.g. risking to shine laser light on other persons in a room.

The display unit 107 can be operated by a user by using navigating buttons 108, which are configured such that a user can interact with the device and decide which processed information to be displayed on the display unit 107, by choosing different settings of the display unit 107, preferably from the menu list 121 displayed in the display unit 107. In the embodiment illustrated in fig. Bl, the navigation buttons 108 comprise arrow keys 108a, enter button 108b in the center, and a return button 108c. These buttons 108a, 108b, 108c may be used to navigate the display unit 107, to select setting and menus, or to return to the last screen display. The navigation buttons 108 may be configured such that when the return button 108c is held down for approximately two seconds, one will always return to the home screen. The design of the buttons 108a, 108b, 108c is only one example of a button layout. The distance measuring device may also comprise a laser button 108d. The laser button 108d may be configured such that the device turns on or off when the button is held for approximately two seconds. At one touch of the laser button 108d, the laser units 105+106 and inclinometer 109 may be activated and measure continuously. At the next press of the laser button, the laser measures and the inclinometer inclination of that measurement may be frozen and the lasers turned off. The screen may change to a screen similar to the screen illustrated in fig. F, and in this screen you will have the option to select which measures to save by using the navigation buttons. By default, the total measurement in the main axis may be highlighted. The main feature of this screen display may be to check whether the laser measurements and the inclinometer 109 inclination were satisfactory before saving or alternatively deleting the measurement. The return button 108c may also be programmed as a shortcut to erase and do another measurement.

When one of the icons 121, 122, 123, 124, 125 in the home screen shown in fig. Bl and B2 is selected using the navigation buttons 108a, 108b, 108c, the respective menu is entered. For example if the icon 18 is selected, the home screen changes to fig. G with two active laser units in the main axis. If the icon 125 is selected, the screen changes to fig. H from which laser measurement with one active laser, as a conventional laser rangefinder is an option. In fig. G with two active lasers, programming is done only with these measurements from the main axis 102 in the same way as previously described with two laser measures for the center axis 103 and a total measure for the main axis 102. This function is characterized by that you can measure in two opposite directions (180 °) in the same axis without the need to measure from an endpoint, but with optional location. Since this menu does not provide perpendicular measurements, it will typically be useful for measurements on one axis along surfaces, for example measurements along wall and ceiling or wall and floor, or for example along window frame/door frames or the like where no support measures are needed. As seen in fig. H one can also choose just one active laser. This accommodate an entirely traditional distance measurement as already known, as this as described initially can accommodate simple measurements from an endpoint. With this function, it is chosen to input three measures, so that is programmed to display the distance measurement to the first edge of the box. The center measurement is programmed to display the distance measurement including the distance to the center axis. The measurement to the opposite edge is programmed to display the distance measurement including the entire length of the box. As craftsmen are accustomed to measurements with one laser from the edge of the distance measuring device box, it is essential that these measures occur to avoid confusion around from where the measurement in this menu takes place. Further, the measure at the end of the box is clearly highlighted and also programmed as default to be selected when the measurements are frozen before saving, as by principle previously described. Already known developed functions from

measurement by one laser may, as it seems relevant, also be programmed into the distance measuring device based on this option.

A device according to the present invention, configured to emit five laser beams in at least four different directions dl, d2, d3, d4, wherein two d4, d4 of the five laser beams are emitted in the same direction, have the advantages that a user of the device will be able to arrange the device such that the first axis 102 or the second axis 103 is parallel with a non-horizontal object, such as a crooked floor, based on information from the two parallel laser beams emitted in the same direction. Preferably, the device is configured such that when the display unit 107 shows that the distance from the device to two points are the same as indicated by the two parallel laser beams emitted in the same direction, the device is parallel to the non-horizontal object.

Fig. D and E illustrates the basic measuring principle in this construction of five laser units in a handheld distance measuring device. Fig. D shows a correct measurement, while fig. E shows an incorrect, non-parallel, measurement. The center-line 113 is on the drawing shown at the point. The five dotted lines indicate the measured directions and distances 116, 117, 118, 119, 120 of the five laser units (corresponding to laser units 1-5 in figures A and Bl). When the two parallel lasers have the same measures 119= 120, the measurement will be correct i.e. parallely or perpendicularly (fig. D). When they have different measures, the measurement will be incorrect (fig. E). For measurements in one axis, for example a total length measurement in the main axis, the other laser units will act as a support measure to ensure the measurement in the main axis is made at the desired height and that the measurement is done perpendicularly or parallelly for a proper measurement and will not serve as actual measures which must be saved. These support measures are especially useful for measurements on ceiling and floor surfaces where the inclinometer cannot function as a support. When measurements are made on wall surfaces, the measurements will usually be made horizontal using the inclinometer. Fig. D and E also demonstrate how it is possible to find a point using one measurement. As the device measures continuously, the measurements will be updated continuously as the distance measuring device is moved. As can be seen from fig. B1/B2, one can optionally use the measures to the left 116, right 118, up 117 or down 119, 120, depending on the reference needed, thus moving the distance meter to the desired point. At the point, the distance measuring device is moved so that the two parallel lasers 119, 120 have the same measures 119= 120, thus ensuring the correct

measurement, as described, and in practice the two measures can be perceived as being measured in between the two lasers, i.e. in the center axis and in the same axis as the upward laser 117. This allows you to allocate the point at the center-line 113. The two parallel lasers therefore ensures that the measurements are parallel or perpendicular. In combination with the built-in inclinometer 109, one can alternatively make sure that the measurements are horizontal. This is achieved by simple reading, or by the later described auto mode.

Preferably, the device of the present invention have several settings of the measuring mode. In some embodiments, these setting may include one or more of the following :

- A standard setting

- A semi-automatic setting

- A fraction setting

- An area measuring setting

- An angle measuring setting The standard setting may be as described above as the home screen.

In a semi-automatic setting of the measuring mode, the hand-held device automatically save data when :

- the digital inclinometer 109 indicate that the device is in a horizontal plane and/or vertical plane or

- two laser emitting units 105, configured for emitting two laser

beams in the same direction d4, d4 or in diverging directions d4, d5, indicate that the device is parallel to a reference object. In fig. B2, G, H a semi-automatic setting can be viewed. With an auto button 126 an auto function may be activated to measure (semi)-automatically in a horizontal level. Instead of a costly structure with for example power driven lasers, the challenge is solely characterized by the programming. The auto button 126 may be programmed so that when activated with the navigation buttons 108, the normal laser button 108d is deactivated (fig. Bl-9). Thus, programming is done such that when this function is selected, the lasers and the inclinometer 109 are activated, as would otherwise normally have been done at the first press of the laser button 108d. The moment the distance measuring device detects that the inclinometer 109 is in a horizontal level, it automatically freezes all measurements in the same way that the laser button 108d would normally obtain at second press. It is programmed with as high precision at the inclinometer 109 as practically possible to achieve, keeping in mind that users with this function must lead the distance measuring device above the horizontal level with calm

movements, hereby the definition semi-automatic.

In fig. B2, where all five lasers are selected, one can also choose between auto- horizontal level and auto-parallel function, for example via a popup window when the auto button is selected. In auto-parallel, programming is done in the same way as described by auto-horizontal. The only difference in this programming will be after activation, the laser rangefinder is programmed to, in the moment it register the two downward lasers have identical measurements, it will

automatically lock all measurements, opposite registration via inclinometer auto- horizontal level. Thus, one can also use this semi-auto function to achieve a parallel or perpendicular measurement. Under this function, the user must move the distance meter towards uniform measures at the two downwardly parallel lasers.

In a fraction setting, the processing unit may be programmed to calculate different fractions of the distance between two reference points on the first axis 102 and the distance between two reference points on the second axis 103 and the display unit 107 display the processed information such that in use a user of the device can select a fraction in the first and/or the second axis 102, 103 and move the device until the center-line 113 of the device 101 reach the selected fraction.

In some embodiments, the device 101 further comprise signaling means, such that in the fraction setting, when the device reach a selected fraction on the first axis and/or the second axis, the signaling means make a signal indicating that the selected fraction is reached. In some embodiments, the signaling means is a sound or a light, such as a red light. Thus, the device may further comprise a sound system or light source connected to the processing unit.

In fig. I and J an embodiment of a setting for fractional indexation can be viewed. This setting is characterized by calculating fractions in the main axis 102 and center axis 103 simultaneously, so that the indexation can be shown at the center line 113 without the use of calculators or other aids. Fractions are represented for the main axis 102 and the center axis 103. When selecting a fraction in one axis, it is highlighted. Likewise, an icon appears for each axis with information for the main axis 102 and for the center axis 103. During use of the menu, the lasers measure continuously as normal. Programming of the information in the main axis 102 works so that when a fraction is selected in the main axis 102 it calculates based on the total measurement in the main axis 102, all fractions e.g. 1/5, 2/5, 3/5, 4/5 for internal calculation for the information. The fractions are then calculated from the left laser and to the center-line for internal use. Then, the icon is programmed to automatically display the fraction closest to the center-line, in the example of fig. I, 3/5. Similarly, it is programmed to display the distances to the fraction, as well as display an arrow in the direction the distance meter is to be moved to hit this fraction. In the center axis, the principle is the same. Here, the total measurement in the center axis is used for internal calculation. The fractions are then calculated from the descending lasers (the average of the two measurements as previously described) and to the measure surface. It is programmed to automatically display the fraction closest to the measure surface, as well as the distance to the fraction and an arrow in the direction that the laser rangefinder is to be moved so that the fraction can be allocated at the center-line of the measuring surface. This information is displayed in the center axis icon 6. It is also recommended that you can view the laser measurements as normally, so that you can combine measures and fractions as needed, as well as check that the distance measuring device is kept parallel to the two descending lasers.

In fig. J an example of when the distance measuring device have been positioned correctly at the fractions. As indicated herewith, it must be programmed such that it is clear when one have found the point, as suggested here with color indication.

There is also a button called defined area, in which case an option must be programmed to lock the distance measuring device in a specific measurement, one possibly shoots from this menu, so that it uses this measurement as a starting point for the fractional calculation. Likewise, one must subsequently be able to select which of the laser(s) from where the fractions is/are calculated. Such that the distance measuring device after the measurement is locked, for example, only refer to the right laser. This can be used when you want the fractions to follow a line, for example between columns, where one do not have a reference point at both ends, but only at one end. Additionally, an option must be programmed to make an offset for the lasers you want so that the fractional calculation subtracts this offset before the calculation. This is useful when the fraction have to follow for example a kitchenette that does not reach the end walls, where you want an offset from the kitchen and to the end wall.

In fig. K, L, M, N, O the setting for the area/M2 (square meters) calculation can be seen. Based on the distance measuring devices construction, M2 calculation can be achieved by one measurement, even with oblique walls, characterized by M2 calculation based on perpendicular measurements in two axes simultaneously. In these settings, it is not necessary to display the respective laser measurement, even though these are used for the M2 calculation. It is recommended to show the two parallel laser measurements to help keep the distance meter parallel. On fig. K, a default setting for M2 is illustrated. The menu is programmed to find M2 by multiplying the total measures in the main axis and the center axis.

In other words, in cases where the user want to find a rectangular area, such as the area of a wall, the device of the present invention can be placed anywhere on the wall and a measurement can be made, to obtain distance information including the distance between two reference points on the first axis and the distance between two reference points in the second axis. A rectangular area can then be calculated by the processing unit, by multiplying the distance between two reference points on the first axis and the distance between two reference points on the second axis.

In fig. L, it is seen that alternatively, one or more of the four areas divided by the center axis and the measuring surface (parallel to the main axis) can be selected. This is achieved by multiplying the five normal laser measures in the respective way for each field. For example, by the highlighted field multiplied right laser measure (Fig. B2-12) with the upwardly laser measure (Fig. B2-15), and so on. In fig. M, the possibility of area/M2 calculation with sloping walls can be seen. In this setting, it is important that the user position the distance measuring device vertically as illustrated, such that the lasers are directed into the respective corners. In some embodiments, only the two lasers are in the main axis

(corresponding to Figure A-l, 2) and the center axis (corresponding to Figure A - 5) which are active, and not the two parallel lasers. The result is obtained by adding the M2 calculation for the rectangular field, with geometric M2 calculation for the triangular field. For high precision, further the smaller area, which the lasers due to physical limitations can not measure, can be added. As the lasers in the main axis cannot measure all the way into the corners, this can be added by simple calculation, knowing the distance from the main axis to the edge of the distance measuring devices edge. On fig. N it can be seen that you can also choose one of the two areas (using the navigation buttons) divided by the center laser. The principle of the calculation is the same as described, just only for the selected area.

In fig. O, area/M2 calculation at two sloping walls can be seen. The user must position the distance measuring device horizontally so that the center laser shoots up into the tip of the triangle while the laser in the main axis shoots into the corners. Hereafter M2 is calculated based on the five laser measurements.

The device of the present invention is further configured to measure the angles of a surface relative to the first axis or second axis, as the processing unit is programmed to calculate angles based on pre-determined constants as well as distance information received from at least one laser emitting unit and at least one laser detecting unit regarding the two laser beams emitted in the same direction.

In cases where the user want to find an angle of an object relative to the device, the device of the present invention have to be arranged such that two laser beams can be emitted from the housing towards the object. Preferably, the two laser beams are parallel laser beams emitted in the same direction, through the same surface of the housing. The distance between the two laser beams emitted from the housing, is known. Furthermore, as the device can obtain distance information from the device to both points, the difference between the distance from the device to each point can be calculated by subtracting the shorter distance from the larger distance and the last an angle can be calculated by the processing unit, using geometrical calculation methods such as Pythagoras, sin, cos and tan.

In fig. P, it is shown how the distance measuring device of the present invention can calculate angles by one measurement, characterized by geometric calculation at the difference between the two parallel laser measures. As a right triangle is created by the difference between the two lasers measurements and the distance between the two lasers is fixed, Pythagoras can be used to calculate an angle. At markings of angles on materials the user must use a straight rail, such as a spirit level. The distance measuring device can, as illustrated in fig. Q, perform measurements exactly at the lasers at the main axis 102 or shifted from this axis, characterized by two protractible adjustable bars, also referred to as protractible mechanical stop elements 114, on the back surface 110a of the distance measuring device 101 at each end. The bars/protractible mechanical stop elements 114 are designed so that they can be tilted out from the back surface and locked in a 90 degree position on the back surface 110a, as well as that they can be adjusted to the main axis 102, indicated by a datum on the scale or shifted from the main axis 102, recommended up to 15mm. Thus, measurements can be made flush with materials, or shifted by for example overlap of boards by gable sheathing.

In addition, two similar folding (non-adjustable) bars/protractible mechanical stop elements 114 may be arranged around the center so that when all four bars are folded out/protracted, they work together as four "feet" or breakers. The length of the bars is designed so that when they are folded out/protracted and the distance measuring device is held up against a wall surface, the lasers will, as a minimum, shoot past commonly used skirting boards.

The term main axis and reference axis is interchangeable used with the term the first axis.

The term center axis is interchangeable used with the term the second axis. Although the present invention has been described in connection with the specified embodiments, it should not be construed as being in any way limited to the presented examples. The scope of the present invention is set out by the accompanying claim set. In the context of the claims, the terms "comprising" or "comprises" do not exclude other possible elements or steps. Also, the mentioning of references such as "a" or "an" etc. should not be construed as excluding a plurality. The use of reference signs in the claims with respect to elements indicated in the figures shall also not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. Furthermore, individual features mentioned in different claims, may possibly be advantageously combined, and the mentioning of these features in different claims does not exclude that a combination of features is not possible and advantageous. Itemized list:

1. Handheld laser distance measuring device, characterized by being able to make measurements in opposite directions such that two laser units (Fig. A-1,2) are located in a main axis (Figs. A-6), measuring in opposite directions, and

substantially handheld.

2. A laser distance measuring device according to claim 1, characterized by perpendicular measurement on the main axis (Figures A-6), such that a laser unit (Figs. A-5) is arranged which measures perpendicular to the main axis.

3. A laser distance measuring device according to claims 1 and 2, characterized by perpendicular and parallel measurement on the main axis, such that two parallel laser units (Figures A-3,4) are located perpendicular to the main axis. 4. The laser distance measuring device according to claim 1, 2 and 3,

characterized in fractions in the light of continuous, simultaneous, reverse, perpendicular and parallel measurements, such that the distance and direction of a selected fraction in the main axis (Figs. 1-5) and/or perpendicularly to this (Figs. 1-6) are calculated as well as by continuous measurements to update the distance measurements while the distance measuring device is manually moved towards the fractions until the positions are found (Figs. J-5,6).

5. A laser distance measuring device according to claims 1, 2 and 3, characterized measurement of angles, carried out by geometric calculation on the basis of a simultaneous parallel measurement (Figure P).

6. A laser distance measuring device according to claims 1 and 2, characterized by calculation of square meters on the basis of a simultaneous, opposite and perpendicular measurement (Figures K, M, O).

7. A laser distance measuring device according to claim 1, characterized by adjustable measurements at the main axis (Fig. Q-1,2) or shiftet from it, such that two drop-out rails (Fig. Q-3,4) of the rangefinder can be adjusted to the main axis (Fig. Q-7) or shiftet from it, as the land for the measurements.

8. A laser distance measuring device according to claim 1, 2 and 3, characterized by programming a semi-automatic perpendicular function (Figs. B2-23), such that the distance measuring device with this function is programmed to automatically being able to make distance measurements when it via the two parallel lasers detects identical measurements, directed towards the user.

9. A laser distance measuring device according to claim 1, as well as with digital inclinometer, characterized by programming a semi-automatic bubble level function (Figures B2-23), such that the distance measuring device with this function is programmed to automatically measure a distance when it, by the inclinometer, detects that the distance meter is in a horizontal level, directed towards the user. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS USED

101 hand-held laser distance-measuring device

102 first axis

103 second axis

104 housing 105 laser emitting unit

106 laser detecting unit

107 display unit

108 user interacting means

108a arrow key

108b enter button

108c return button

108d laser button

109 digital inclinometer

110 surface

110a a first larger surface

110b a second larger surface

110c a smaller surface

111 optical opening

112 ruler illustration

113 center-line

114 mechanical stop elements

115 pre-determined point

116 distance measured by dl

117 distance measured by d2

118 distance measured by d3

119 distance measured by d4 (to the right)

120 distance measured by d4 (to the left)

121 icon for menu list

122 icon for savings

123 icon for setting with two active laser units

124 icon for setting with one active laser unit (to the right)

125 icon for setting with one active laser unit (to the left) dl, d2, d3, d4, d5 directions

Claims

1. A hand-held laser distance-measuring device (101) configured for making measurements in at least four different directions (dl, d2, d3, d4), preferably in one plane, and based on these measurements obtain distance information comprising one or more of the following

the distance between two reference points on a first axis (102);

the distance between two reference points on a second axis (103), wherein the second axis (103) is perpendicular to the first axis (102); and/or - the distance from a pre-determined point on the device to one or more of the four reference points and optionally also to further reference points, wherein the laser distance-measuring device (101) have a housing (104) comprising :

- at least one laser emitting unit (105), configured to emit at least one laser beam in the at least four different directions (dl, d2, d3, d4);

- at least one laser detecting unit (106), configured to detect reflected laser beams emitted in the at least four different directions (dl, d2, d3, d4);

- a display unit (107) arranged on/in a surface of the housing (104),

configured for displaying the distance information from the processing unit; and

- user interacting means (108).

2. A hand-held distance-measuring device (101) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one laser emitting unit (105) is configured such that

- at least two (dl, d3) of the at least four directions (dl, d2, d3, d4) in which the at least one laser beam is emitted, are parallel to the first axis (102) and opposite each other;

- at least two (d2, d4) of the at least four directions (dl, d2, d3, d4) in which the at least one laser beam is emitted, are parallel to the second axis (103) and opposite each other; and - in at least one (d4) of the at least four directions (dl, d2, d3, d4), the at least one laser beam is emitted from the housing (104) as two separate laser beams having the same direction. 3. A hand-held distance-measuring device (101) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one laser emitting unit (105) is configured to emit at least one laser beam in at least five different directions (dl, d2, d3, d4, d5), wherein

- at least two (dl, d3) of the at least five directions (dl, d2, d3, d4, d5) in which the at least one laser beam is emitted, are parallel to the first axis (102) and opposite each other;

- at least one (d2) of the at least five directions (dl, d2, d3, d4, d5) in which the at least one laser beam is emitted, is parallel to the second axis (103); and

- at least two (d4, d5) of the at least five directions (dl, d2, d3, d4, d5) in which the at least one laser beam is emitted, diverge from each other and are not parallel to either the first axis (102) nor to the second axis (103).

4. A hand-held distance-measuring device (101) according to claims any of claims 1 or 2, wherein the hand-held distance-measuring device (101) comprise

at least five laser emitting units (105), each configured to emit at least one laser beam in one of the at least four different directions (dl, d2, d3, d4) and

at least five laser detecting units (106), each configured for detecting a laser beam emitted from one laser emitting unit in one of the four different directions (dl, d2, d3, d4), when the laser beam is reflected,

wherein at least two of the at least five laser emitting units (105) are configured such that they emit laser beams having the same direction. 5. A hand-held distance-measuring device according to claim 3, wherein the handheld distance-measuring device (101) comprise

at least five laser emitting units (105), each configured to emit at least one laser beam in one of the at least five different directions (dl, d2, d3, d4, d5), and at least five laser detecting units (106), each configured for detecting a laser beam emitted from one laser emitting unit (105) in one of the five different directions (dl, d2, d3, d4, d5), when the laser beam is reflected. 6. A hand-held distance-measuring device (101) according to any of claims 1-5, wherein the hand-held distance-measuring device (101) further comprise a spirit level or a digital inclinometer (109), configured to indicate when the first axis (102) is parallel to a horizontal axis and/or when the second axis (103) is parallel to a vertical axis.

7. A hand-held distance-measuring device (10) according to claim 6, wherein the digital inclinometer (109) is displayed on the display unit (107) and indicate an angle of the first axis (102) relative to a horizontal level and/or the angle of the second axis (103) relative to a vertical level.

8. A hand-held distance-measuring device (101) according to any of claims 1-7, wherein the housing (104) is a longitudinal box having a volume of less than 300 cm³, wherein the first axis (102) is parallel with a longitudinal axis of the housing (104) and the second axis (103) is parallel with a transverse axis of the housing (104) and wherein the housing (104) comprise six substantially flat surfaces

(110), preferably including two larger surfaces and four smaller surfaces, wherein a first larger surface (110a) is configured to be arranged on a flat surface of an object when the device is in use, such that a stable measurement relative to the flat surface of the object can be obtained;

- a second larger surface (110b) comprise the display unit (107) and the user interaction means (108); and/or

each smaller surface (110c) comprise at least one optical opening (111) through which at least one laser beam from at least one laser emitting unit (105) can be emitted in at the at least four different directions (dl, d2, d3, d4).

9. A hand-held distance-measuring device (101) according to claim 8, wherein one smaller surface (110c) comprise at least two optical openings (111) separated by at least 5 cm.

10. A hand-held distance-measuring device (101) according to any of claims 8-9, wherein at least one smaller surface (111) of the housing (104) comprise a ruler illustration (112), comprising a center-line (113) as well as the distance from the center-line (113) in both directions, and wherein the center-line (113) is the pre- determined point on the device.

11. A hand-held distance-measuring device according to any of claims 1-10, wherein the housing (104) further comprise at least two mechanical stop elements (114), such as four mechanical stop elements (114), being protractible from the first larger surface (110a) of the housing (104), wherein at least two of the mechanical stop elements (114) on the first larger surface (110a), can be offset by an offset distance between 1-50 mm.

12. A hand-held distance-measuring device (101) according to any of claims 1-11, wherein the device has at least three modes of operation including

- an off-mode, wherein the device is off,

- an on-mode, wherein the display unit (107) and the process unit is active, but the laser emitting unit (105) and the laser detecting unit (106) are not active

- a measuring mode, wherein

o the laser emitting units (105) and the laser detecting units (106) are active

o the processing unit is active and continuously or with short intervals receive and process information from the laser emitting units (105) and the laser detecting units (106), such that substantially real-time distance information can be obtained when the device (101) is moved,

o the display unit (107) is active and display substantially realtime distance information from the processing unit.

13. A hand-held distance-measuring device (101) according to claim 12, wherein in a standard setting of the measuring mode, the display unit (107)

simultaneously display processed information including

- the distance between two reference points on the first axis (102);

- the distance between two reference points on the second axis (103); - the distance from a pre-determined point on the device to any of the four reference points; and optionally

- the distance from a pre-determined point one the device to other reference points and/or

- the angle of the digital inclinometer (109) in relation to a horizontal level and/or vertical level.

14. A hand-held distance-measuring device (101) according to any of claims 12- 13, wherein in a fraction setting of the measuring mode, the processing unit calculate different fractions of the distance between two reference points on the first axis (102) and the distance between two reference points on the second axis (103) and the display unit (107) display the processed information such that in use a user of the device (101) can select a fraction in the first (102) and/or the second axis (103) and move the device until the center-line (113) of the device reach the selected fraction.

15. A hand-held distance-measuring device (101) according to claim 14, wherein the device further comprise signaling means, such that in the fraction setting, when the device reach a selected fraction on the first axis (102) and/or the second axis (103), the signaling means make a signal indicating that the selected fraction is reached, wherein the signaling means is a sound or a light, such as a red light.

16. A hand-held distance-measuring device (101) according to any of claims 12- 15, wherein in a semi-automatic setting of the measuring mode, the device (101) automatically save data when :

- the digital inclinometer (109) indicate that the device is in a horizontal plane and/or vertical plane or

- two laser emitting units (105), configured for emitting two laser beams in the same direction or in diverging directions, indicate that the device is parallel to a reference object.

17. A hand-held distance-measuring device (101) according to any of claims 12- 16, wherein in an area setting of the measuring mode, the device (101) is configured for measuring areas, including rectangular, triangular areas and trapezoidal areas, as the processing unit is programmed to calculate areas based on information on the distance between two reference points on a first axis (102) and two reference points on a second axis (103). 18. A hand-held distance-measuring device according to any of claims 12-17, wherein in an angle setting of the measuring mode, the device (101) is configured to measure the angle of a surface relative to the first axis (102) or the second axis (103), as the processing unit is programmed to calculate angles based on pre-determined constants as well as distance information received from at least one laser emitting unit (105) and at least one laser detecting unit (106) regarding the two laser beams emitted in the same direction.

19. A hand-held distance-measuring device (101) according to any of claims 1-18, wherein the user interacting means (108) is configured such that a user can interact with the device (101) and decide which processed information to be displayed on the display unit (107), by choosing different settings of the display unit (107), preferably displayed in a menu on the display unit (107), wherein the user interacting means (108) comprising

operating buttons arranged on a surface of the housing (104), allowing a user to interact with the device (101) through the operating buttons and/or a touchscreen in the display unit (107) by which a user can interact with the device (10),

wherein the user interacting means (108) allows the user to

switch between the different modes of operation

- save processed information

transmit processed information to other devices