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Smart Scale Digital Ruler

Use a tool that makes units and scales easier with the Smart Scale Digital Ruler. Ideal for builders, architects and designers, the Smart Scale comes with several useful features. It enables you to take a drawing that is not according to scale and measure it as though is. By using the sliding pointer, you can determine the distance between the start and end of a dimension. Once you input the distance it represents and your required units, the screen will refresh to the new custom scale. Additionally, the Convert function makes it easy to change the display between imperial and metric. Just tap the convert button for the long screen to regenerate to the other version. The Divide function is handy for dividing a space into equal sections. Simply move the sliding pointer across the distance that needs dividing and input the number of sections on the number pad.

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Kickstarter Comments (50)

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Andrea B

Review from Kickstarter

Hi Joanne - I'm very excited for this project. Any updates you can give us on progress? Thanks!

Vincent Goudreault

Review from Kickstarter

One month after the successful campaign, we should be due for an update on the progress. Are we still aiming for an August delivery?

Daniel Thomasson

Review from Kickstarter

Any news about the progress?

Braxton Howard

Review from Kickstarter

Congrats on the project success. Really looking forward to getting some time in with the scale. After reading through the comments and campaign I haven't seen any mention of the scale being reversible, so the 0 can be at whichever end is convenient. Is that an option? Also, while someone mentioned markers earlier (that's a tough situation for this) I use mechanical pencils for my paper drafting, will the edge be able to hold up well to that? Any progress on the decision of having an aluminum edge with a slider or something to transfer the scale to the paper? Similar to Vincent's comment earlier about the printer being poorly calibrated on x/y but I think more commonly a problem is working on 2 sheets simultaneously. Doing take-off I'm often working on 1 sheet with a large scale (1"=20' or more) and also fine scales (1"=1') concurrently. Being able to swap with a single button would be wonderful. Lastly, I'd caution you against making things too complicated. Even if it means ignoring my comments. If it's too hard to use, most people won't. Maybe have a way to unlock sets of controls? Option button+1 to toggle perspective controls active or something like that?

Michelle Mawby

Review from Kickstarter

Congratulations Joanne. I can't wait to get mu smart scale!

Adam Henson

Review from Kickstarter

Congratulations, rather than trying to find an Imperial Scale in a metric office I'll be able to generate one, even with some of the really none standard ones I come across. I'll have to keep it under lock and key when it lands!

Angelo M

Review from Kickstarter

Congrats! Note - you might want to get a better profile on Stripe for charging our credit cards. I just went through a call with AMEX thinking it was a fraudulent charge as there was no info other than Stripe Canada.

Joanne Swisterski

Review from Kickstarter

Yesssss, goal hit! I have the same feeling Vincent! Sometimes good ideas take time to catch on though... I do believe every design office will have one some day. Thanks everyone for supporting!

numba.ninja

Review from Kickstarter

Congratulations achieving funding goal! Let's keep sharing the campaign guys.

Vincent Goudreault

Review from Kickstarter

The project reached the goal. Still, I cannot help feeling a bit disappointed; this is such a brilliant idea, I was thinking there would be thousand of takers.
Of course, this does not need to be over even after May 2nd; many successful Kickstarter projects go on to a supplemental "in demand" financing phase on Indigogo.

numba.ninja

Review from Kickstarter

@Ric - creator's aren't allowed to kick in the shortfall, but it's looking pretty safe right now. We can all help secure the position though, by sharing the campaign with anyone we know,

Ric Gitomer

Review from Kickstarter

I hope you are going to kick in the whatever funding is needed by the end date since you are so close!

Joanne Swisterski

Review from Kickstarter

Hi Kris, I completely understand you wanting the product to stay the exact same as in the video! The goal of this campaign is to create a product that achieves all of the functions that the video displays in the best way possible in terms ergonomics & accuracy (I'm assuming you read the 'risks and challenges' portion of the campaign). In regards to e-ink, that is just one company that makes e-paper or screens with low power display. E-ink specifically has very high minimum orders and tooling costs. They also do not provide very high dpi. It's likely not the best option for a product like the Smart Scale, but new technology in low power LCD is actually looking the best. It looks very much like e-paper but provides better accuracy (each line would be approximately 0.2mm) and long battery life.

kris

Review from Kickstarter

So reading the threats below, You're not sure to keep the E-ink screen like shown on the commercial vid. Nor sure of the position of it (right to the edge)… Pls leave it like it is. It's perfect like this + many backers backed this project, because of the looks, dimensions, functions, etc of the prototype. If the screen won't be an e-screen, I rather know it, so I still can cancel my order… hope to hear you soon

kris

Review from Kickstarter

Hi, 1/ How fine will be the pixels on the scale.
2/ Can we speak about a certain Dpi?
3/ Will it be an E Ink screen? best
K

Joanne Swisterski

Review from Kickstarter

Hi Ninja, the batteries would be AAA. The customs would be for yours specifically, so I'll delve into that when I start shipping. The delivery is estimated for August, so I'll be figuring out yours closer to then.

numba.ninja

Review from Kickstarter

@Joanne - great news about the batteries. Can you confirm whether that'll be standard battery sizes like AA or AAA rather than something harder and more expensive to locate? Also you mentioned help with customs/delivery costs - any news on that? Cheers

Rob States

Review from Kickstarter

This comment has been removed by Kickstarter.

Joanne Swisterski

Review from Kickstarter

For anyone concerned about the battery being replaceable, I'm confirming that it will be.

patrick

Review from Kickstarter

I had the same concern as Vincent. Wanted to go for two but...
Hope there will be a good offer in next week finish line. Count me in

Joanne Swisterski

Review from Kickstarter

Hi Vincent, a big thank-you for your concern and offering to buy another scale! I wouldn't worry about the goal being hit. I have a bunch of promo material lined up for the last week of the campaign to increase the visibility and ensure it soars through the finish line!

Vincent Goudreault

Review from Kickstarter

Opps!
Kicktraq (http://www.kicktraq.com/projects/245093613/smart-scale-ruler/#chart-exp-projection) is now projecting that the project will barely reach the goal, IF the high estimate goes (and not if the low estimate happens). There is a need to do something to increase visibility and get more backers...
I could consider going for two Smart Rulers, but a dual pack is more expensive (2.5% discount) than two individual "early bird" (5% discunt), and Kickstater does not allow multiple pledge.

Javier Moser

Review from Kickstarter

Feedback:
- a smaller version?
- replaceable battery
- an e-ink display
- all aluminium, that’s great! Keep like that! You are awesome to bring us such an amazing product!

Joanne Swisterski

Review from Kickstarter

Hi Javier, thanks for the pledge! I completely understand and I'm definitely pushing hard for it.

Javier Moser

Review from Kickstarter

Hi @creator. Amazing project! Love it! As an architect, this thing will help me out with the metric/inch conversion. The only bad thing is the battery, not replaceable? Come on! Also, an e-ink display would be amazing! I can see it in every climate condition!

Joanne Swisterski

Review from Kickstarter

Hi Numba, I really appreciate the support and will arms wrestle the engineer to make sure the batteries are replaceable. Joking. In all seriousness I have spoken with him already about the concern and it's 100% possible for them to be replaceable, but there are many factors to consider. The primary ones being weight and size. I'll keep you posted on the progress and if all goes well, I'll see what I can do about the duties and make sure you get one to decide for yourself.

Joanne Swisterski

Review from Kickstarter

Hi Vincent, the subdivisions in the photo are an example of one generated scale (and it's in imperial units, which is why it's 1/3's). The lines themselves will be .3mm, and the densest you can get the spacing will be to have .3 between each line. The density of the lines can be adjusted with the + and - keys so that you can have as many divisions or as little as you want.

numba.ninja

Review from Kickstarter

Hi Joanne, regarding our exchange of comments on April 5th about perspective ratios, I've been investigating this further and can see that the calculations are rather more complex than I had assumed. I'm sure there must be a formula out there for doing this kind of calculation, but thought I'd better let you know that my assumptions about simple ratios were incorrect, so your engineers don't head down the wrong path. I've decided to keep my pledge at the zero-reward level just to help you get off the ground as I still have concerns about battery life, and the import duties would bump the final cost of a physically delivered reward considerably. That said, I wish you and your team all the best with getting the remaining 25% of your goal funded!

Vincent Goudreault

Review from Kickstarter

Another question: what is the finest sub-division of the ruler? In your prototype gallery, we see what looks like 1/3 of a cm (1/3 ?? That is a weird factor. Was that for illustration purpose only?) with another section between -1 and 0 with a finer pitch. While a moving slider read and display capability might even go beyond what the finer pitch could ever be displayed, there still may be a need to actually display finer sub-divisions. Is the finer subdivision intended to be user selectable, or fixed?

Joanne Swisterski

Review from Kickstarter

Hi Vincent, I see what you mean now and I think it would definitely be a valuable feature to have. I'm going to include that in the feedback list to see how we can incorporate it. I think having a cross hair and the numerical reference on the screen would be best. Throughout the final prototyping, I'll be sending updates to let you know exactly what you'll be getting.

Vincent Goudreault

Review from Kickstarter

Sorry I wasn't clear. Let me reiterate. Suppose there is a something that needs measuring, the scale has been adjusted, but for some reason, I cannot really bring my eyes close enough to read on the scale. And picking up the ruler to read the fine scale means that I no longer know exactly where the measured point was.
So, if I could slide the index pointer, it showing like a contrasting, over-sized marker or cross hair or what not, then I have fixed the position in a manner that remains until I have a chance to look at it. And if, besides it, is a little label that reads "5.231" (or whatever) right there, then I do not even have to count the finer divisions to know what I measured.

Joanne Swisterski

Review from Kickstarter

Hi Vincent. The ruler would occupy the entire screen, and if you wanted to see the initial 'equation' that you entered to generate the ruler, you could flip back to that screen.

Vincent Goudreault

Review from Kickstarter

..."its" position, not "it's"

Vincent Goudreault

Review from Kickstarter

Another thing that I wonder. Once a scale has been established, can the slider be in a status where it's position, in function of the current scale, provide a reading that permits to scrutinize the finer divisions? Some kind of digital, but variable, "micrometer"?
This would permit to move the ruler off whatever is being measured with the dimension still showing.

Joanne Swisterski

Review from Kickstarter

Hi Peter, great questions! The display in the video is e-ink, but we're still contemplating what the best screen would actually be in terms of durability, resolution and cost of manufacturing. It's likely looking like a low energy LCD is probably the best. A lot of the feedback we've gotten from people is that they're afraid of dropping the ruler and damaging the screen (especially on construction sites), so we're playing with the idea of setting the screen back, and using a slider to line up with the screen to the edge of the paper (feel free to give me your thoughts on that idea).
There are a few more prototypes to make and test to determine what the best positioning of the screen would be for performance. The case will be a dense white cardboard (like the type that iphones come in) so that you can take it with you to meetings or sites and have it protected.

Peter Brülls

Review from Kickstarter

Hi. This sounds like an exciting project, but I do have some questions. What kind of display is this? The few seconds on the video seem to be e-ink, which would be the obvious choice. This would limit resolution to around 300 dpi, which would be sufficient, I guess. How big is the gap between the actual scale and the paper surface? A couple of closeup videos of the ruler and when it changes scales would be much appreciated. Also, will this come with a protective case of some kind? Perhaps just a bag?

Joanne Swisterski

Review from Kickstarter

You can replace the battery, but it's not recommended. The battery vendor said the cap is >=70% after 500 times recharging, which means that after 3 years, the battery should have 50%.
For longevity, we would prefer using AAA batteries, but they're heavier and larger, so we're not positive that they'll fit in after we finalize all of the internal components. It'll be a balancing act of how the ruler functions and weighs vs. it's lifespan.

numba.ninja

Review from Kickstarter

So, we should expect to replace the unit after 2-3 years? "The typical estimated life of a Lithium-Ion battery is about two to three years or 300 to 500 charge cycles, whichever occurs first. One charge cycle is a period of use from fully charged, to fully discharged, and fully recharged again." Lithium-Ion Battery Maintenance Guidelines - Newark
www.newark.com/pdfs/techarticles/tektronix/LIBMG.pdf "Lithium-ion batteries age. They only last two to three years, even if they are sitting on a shelf unused. So do not 'avoid using' the battery with the thought that the battery pack will last five years. It won't." Lithium-ion Battery Life and Death | HowStuffWorks
https://electronics.howstuffworks.com/everyday-tech/lithium-ion-battery2.htm

Joanne Swisterski

Review from Kickstarter

Hi numba.ninja! Sorry about the delay there, the engineer says that the battery's are installed in the factory and no need to be replaced, as they are lithium ion and chargeable via USB.

numba.ninja

Review from Kickstarter

Joanne, did you hear back from the engineer yet about the battery?

Joanne Swisterski

Review from Kickstarter

Frank, thanks so much for the moral support! Sorry the price could not fit your budget better! In this early phase, there are still many unknowns, so we have to price conservatively to ensure there's enough money to deliver the product! In every case study we performed, on average $250 was saved every time the smart scale performed a time saving task, when all mistakes or work-a-rounds were considered. That means the Smart Scale pays for itself and more during every average use. If you do re-consider, then definitely keep in mind that the most successful business owners make sure they have the right tools. Time is the most valuable resource (sorry to be so sales-pitchy, but it's true!)

Joanne Swisterski

Review from Kickstarter

Vincent, a lot new information that I'm sure many people do not consider in terms of paper warping through the printing process. Thanks for sharing!

Frank Wiebenga

Review from Kickstarter

It looks really cool! I hope it comes to be. The price is just a bit too much for me, and I'm a woodworker who shops woodpeck.com. The equal graduation thing seems really cool.

Vincent Goudreault

Review from Kickstarter

Hi Joanne, In fact, any printer that uses a rolling drum is susceptible to have a variation in the X and Y scaling, because of the inherent difference in the way a printing head is located in the X and in the Y direction. Careful calibration of such mechanism is hard to achieve. In the late 1980's, a large electrostatic colour plotter would actually roll the paper back and forth for each of the passes of the required toners (cyan, yellow, magenta and black) and achieved proper positioning by pre-printing reference blocks on the edge. That ensured that mixing colour would be accurate, but highlighted the fact that the paper had a tendency to stretch in the direction of motion.
Laser printers that produce output in a single pass, even those ledger size, are likely accurately proportional. What may be an issue are the documents from the larger plotters, those that are using rolls, particularly pen plotter where the paper is rolled back and forth, and the media likely to slip.
(and by the way, once it was realized that the X and Y were not scaled properly, I fixed it in software since was the writer/custodian of the plotting package. But careful measurement was required to get the calibration value...)

Joanne Swisterski

Review from Kickstarter

Hi Vincent, thanks for your comment! That's an interesting issue. I wonder how often it happens now with newer printers. I would imagine that it probably happens more so from a photocopy where one side of the paper was elevated (especially if it was part of a rolled set of drawings). In any case, I think that it would make sense to have two scales that you can alternate between, especially for those drawing perspectives with the ratio divide.
To answer the display question, yes, the scale and units would be displayed on the screen to the nearest 2 decimal points.

Vincent Goudreault

Review from Kickstarter

One of the thing that sometimes occur is that a drawing was printed with a slight distortion, i.e. a different scale in X and Y. At the risk of dating myself, there was this electrostatic printer 25 year ago for which if a square was printed, the 10 cm in Y would be around 9.5 in X; small enough to miss on casual inspection, but could be significant. I do not know how often this kind of thing occurs with different plotters/printers; but to be able to have two slightly different scales in the Smart Scale Ruler, and be able to switch between the two without having to completely re-calibrate each time would be a nice enhancement.
Or perhaps have a mode where the slider pointer can stretch or shrink the posted scale.
Does the display indicate the current scale? I mean, if the dimension on the ruler spans a distance of 5 m (the size on the drawing) and the ruler is calibrated to show 5 m in 30 cm, then the scale is 6/100. Is that value displayed anywhere?

Joanne Swisterski

Review from Kickstarter

Hi Martin, as of now, the battery time is 20 hours. I believe the battery can be exchanged, but I'm double checking with the engineer and will let you know soon. We are considering releasing an SDK and likely will! Stretch goals as of now are based on feedback from you guys. We'll add things within budgetary reason if they're ideas that will increase the function for enough people.

Martin Tödtling

Review from Kickstarter

What will be the battery time? Is it possible to exchange the batteries? Do you release an SDK for developing? Any stretch goals? Thanks Martin

Joanne Swisterski

Review from Kickstarter

Another good suggestion! The logistics of this is definitely more complicated, so it'll take more thinking through. This is also something that could be written by others if the source code is published.

Vincent Goudreault

Review from Kickstarter

In some cases (like scientific plotting) a logarithmic scale might come handy. Any provision for that?

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