Modular microprocessor-based power tool system

• US 20060155582A1
• Filed: 11/15/2005
• Published: 07/13/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 11/17/1992
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Health Hero Network Incorporated (Robert Bosch GmbH)
• Original Assignee: Health Hero Network Incorporated (Robert Bosch GmbH)
• Inventors: Brown, Stephen J.
• Granted Patent: US 7,613,590 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 705/3
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0271 using a remote monitoring unit
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0431 Portable apparatus, e.g. comprising a handle or case
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0443 Modular apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2562/0295 Strip shaped analyte sensors for apparatus classified in A61B5/145 or A61B5/157
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0002 Remote monitoring of patients using telemetry, e.g. transmission of vital signals via a communication network A61B5/07 takes precedence; transmission systems for measured values G08C; transmission H04B; transmission of digital information H04L; wireless communication networks H04W
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0205 Simultaneously evaluating both cardiovascular conditions and different types of body conditions, e.g. heart and respiratory condition
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/087 Measuring breath flow
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14532 for measuring glucose, e.g. by tissue impedance measurement
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6896 Toys
• CPC Class Codes: B25F 5/00 Details or components of portable power-driven tools not particularly related to the operations performed and not otherwise provided for
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/06 Resources, workflows, human or project management; Enterprise or organisation planning; Enterprise or organisation modelling
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 10/20 for electronic clinical trials or questionnaires
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 82/30 Miscellaneous

Abstract

A power tool system and method of using the same is provided. The system can include a programmable microprocessor device including at least one input mechanism, and a memory having instructions and/or other information. The system can also include a display; at least one power tool having at least one sensor operable for monitoring a parameter associated with operation of the power tool. The system can further include a communications device connectable in signal communication with both the programmable microprocessor device and the at least one sensor and program instructions. The method can include the steps of (i) using stored program instructions to generate power tool related information on at least one display and (ii) collecting power tool related data using a programmable microprocessor.

Claims

32. A method of using a modular microprocessor power tool system comprising:

(a) at a site employing a power tool,

(i) using stored program instructions to generate power tool related information on at least one display;

(ii) collecting power tool related data using a programmable microprocessor;

(b) connecting at least one remotely located computing facility including at least one central server for communication with a communications device at the power tool site; and

(c) providing power tool data to at least one service provider computer remotely located from and in signal communication with the central server, wherein hardware and software of the central server are configured to receive and store power tool-related data from a power tool site that can be viewed or retrieved by an authorized user from the remotely located service provider computer.

1. A power tool system comprising:

a programmable microprocessor;

at least one input mechanism;

a memory having instructions and/or other information;

a display;

at least one power tool having at least one sensor operable for monitoring a parameter associated with operation of the power tool and for producing digitally encoded signals representative of the monitored parameter;

a communications device connectable in signal communication with both the programmable microprocessor and the at least one sensor; and

program instructions for the programmable microprocessor that,

(i) cause instructions and/or other information stored in the memory to be presented to the user on the display,

(ii) collect data from a user interaction with the at least one input mechanism in response to the display and stores data in memory,

(iii) collect data from the at least one sensor and stores the data in memory,

(iv) transmit test results and other data to a remotely located server over a communication network,

(v) receive from the server instructions and/or other information stored on the server for transmission to the programmable microprocessor, and

(vi) store instructions and/or other information in the memory.

2. The power tool system of claim 1, wherein the programmable microprocessor is located in a programmable microprocessor device or integrated into the power tool.

3. The power tool system of claim 1, wherein the communications device is provided within a communications unit and a central processing device of the communications device causes the signals representative of the monitored parameter to be stored in a memory circuit of the communications unit;

and wherein the communications unit further includes a the communications device for transmitting the stored digitally encoded signals representative of the monitored parameter to a remotely located service provider.

4. The power tool system of claim 3, wherein the system is configured to transmit a message from the service provider to the display.

5. The power tool system of claim 4, wherein the message includes step-by-step instructions, tool positioning for an upcoming cut, a laser guide cut length, a record of successful cuts, a list of upcoming cuts, project design, scaling factors, a materials list, a cut list, wood or materials type, or equipment information.

6. The power tool system of claim 4, wherein the message is educational or provides feedback.

7. The power tool system of claim 6, wherein the programmable microprocessor device comprises a compact video game.

8. The power tool system of claim 3, further comprising a clearinghouse facility for receiving the signals supplied via the communications device of the communications unit, the clearinghouse facility being remotely located from the communications device and including a server having a digital signal processor for converting the digitally encoded signal supplied via the communications device of the communications device into a report that provides information relating to the parameter monitored by at least one sensor.

9. The power tool system of claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor is adapted to measure heat, vibration, moisture, room temperature, location, direction, user identification, power, torque, motor jam, length and time of usage, cut distance, length of cut, equipment manufacturer information, equipment identification, or service record.

10. The power tool system of claim 2, wherein the display is located in the programmable microprocessor device or integrated into the power tool.

11. The power tool system of claim 8, wherein the program instructions included in the memory of the programmable microprocessor cause the programmable microprocessor to display one or more menus on the display and further operation of one or more switches and allows a user of the power tool system to control the operation of the programmable microprocessor and the communications unit, the operation controlled by the user with the one or more switches including the processing of the digitally encoded signals representative of the monitored parameter, the transmission of the digitally encoded signals from the communications device to the programmable microprocessor and the display of information on the display.

12. The power tool system of claim 11, wherein the one or more menus displayed on the display and further operation of one or more switches allows the user of the power tool system to generate graphic and alphanumeric displays on the display alphanumeric and graphic displays being representative of the signals that are representative of the monitored parameter and stored in the memory circuit of the communications unit.

13. The power tool system of claim 2, wherein the microprocessor device further comprises a receptacle for receiving a program cartridge that includes a memory circuit having stored therein program instructions for controlling the operation of the programmable microprocessor unit.

14. The power tool system of claim 13, wherein the program cartridge adapts the microprocessor device for operation with at least one power tool.

15. The power tool system of claim 13, wherein the program cartridge adapts the power tool to operate in the power tool system.

16. The power tool system of claim 15, wherein the adaptation occurs by downloading program instructions from a network server located at the clearinghouse facility.

17. The power tool system of claim 16, wherein the downloaded program instructions reconfigure the operation of the at least one power tool.

18. The power tool system of claim 16, wherein the program instructions are selected by a user of the power tool system from a website, or by the service provider.

19. The power tool system of claim 18, wherein the service provider is an authorized professional in customer service for the tool manufacturer, a retailer, or third party program developer of project plans and designs.

20. The power tool system of claim 8, wherein the signals are received by the remote clearinghouse via telephone landline, cell phone, or via RF.

21. The power tool system of claim 8, wherein the report is standardized and sent to the service provider.

22. The power tool system of claim 21, wherein the report includes statistical information.

23. The power tool system of claim 8, wherein the system is configured to transmit a message from the clearinghouse facility to the display.

24. The power tool system of claim 23, wherein the message includes step-by-step instructions, tool positioning for an upcoming cut, a laser guide cut length, a record of successful cuts, a list of upcoming cuts, project design, scaling factors, a materials list, a cut list, wood or materials type, or equipment information.

25. The power tool system of claim 23, wherein the message is educational or provides feedback.

26. The power tool system of claim 8, wherein the system is configured to transmit a message from the clearinghouse to the display.

27. The power tool system of claim 26, wherein the message is transmitted automatically.

28. The power tool system of claim 11, wherein a user of the programmable microprocessor answers survey questions with one or more of switches.

29. The power tool system of claim 11, wherein the user inputs data associated with the user'"'"'s materials and the system determines the optimal cuts.

30. The power tool system of claim 11, wherein the user inputs equipment and materials data and in response settings are sent from the clearinghouse facility to the tool via the data management unit.

31. The power tool system of claim 1, wherein the power tool is a drill, saw, sander, grinder, router, or joiner.

33. The method of claim 32, wherein the central server receives messages from the remotely located service provider computer and transmits the messages to the power tool site.

34. The method of claim 33, wherein the message includes step-by-step instructions, tool positioning for an upcoming cut, a laser guide cut length, a record of successful cuts, a list of upcoming cuts, project design, scaling factors, a materials list, a cut list, wood or materials type, or equipment information.

35. The method of claim 33, wherein the message is educational or provides feedback.

36. The method of claim 32, wherein the power tool data is generated from at least one sensor associated with the power tool.

37. The method of claim 35, wherein the power tool comprises a plurality of sensors.

38. The method of claim 37, wherein the sensors measure heat, vibration, moisture, room temperature, location, direction, user identification, power, torque, motor jam, length and time of usage, cut distance, length of cut, equipment manufacturer information, equipment identification, or service record.

39. The method of claim 32, further comprising displaying one or more menus on a display of a programmable microprocessor device in signal connection with the communications device, the microprocessor device having one or more switches allowing a user of the power tool system to control the operation of the programmable microprocessor device and the communications device.

40. The method of claim 32, further comprising downloading program instructions from the central server to the data management unit.

41. The method of claim 40, wherein the downloaded program instructions reconfigure the operation of the power tool.

43. The method of claim 33, further comprising the user inputting equipment and materials data and in response instructions are sent from the clearinghouse facility to the programmable microprocessor device via the communications unit.

41-1. The method of claim 40, wherein the downloaded program instructions are selected by a user of the power tool system from a website, or by the service provider