The Problem
From research undertaken..there seems to be a niche area regarding measurement that has yet to be developed.
Its likely there is an opening for an APP enabled mini measuring device that can be used to measure circumferences, such as waists, or legs for instance of any other straight line variables; easily, whilst allowing the results be taken digitally and displayed on your Smartphone (and also stored if desired). Or potentially straight onto the Measuring unit itself (See sugg.below).
The Device
IMP Mini Measure is such a device. Its dimensions are still to be fine tuned obviously but in the sketch attached perhaps 1 cm X 1cm x 5cm (approx). To look at its a rectangular shaped rubber unit Inside the unit is a retractable cord housing including a length of cord. This is what is used to take the measurement. The unit is securely attached to the smartphone by a resilient rubber band. On one end of the unit there is a button on the other is a sensor. To use in 'circumference mode'.. pull out the button and withdraw the cord in one continuous motion, wrap it around the circumference to be measured and touch it on the sensor on the other end of the unit. This will enable the system to display the measurement you have just taken, straight onto the phone display- (this can be saved with annotation). If you wish to measure a straight line- then place phone/unit next to the point you wish to measure from; pull out the cord in one continuous motion.. when you are at the point you wish to measure two hold for 2 seconds and the app will display the measurement on the phone (can also be saved with annotation)
It may be decided that it is not necessary to directly use the Smartphone at all - and display or save size information on the unit itself. If this is the case a smaller, redesigned unit maybe more suitable; as the current design is more optimized for use with the actual phone.
Possible applications (work in progress- please suggest more if possible!):
*Monitoring waist size, other body parts, diets.
*Checking body part measurements , clothes fitting
*Monitoring Baby bumps, pregnancy.
*Tree sizes
* any other circumferences (up to length of cord- to be advised)
* luggage/items size prior to flight check-in
* any straight line measurement (up to length of cord- to be advised)
* automatically calculate radius/diameter and other metrics
+ PLEASE suggest!
Suggestions accepted so far (more in sect. below)
Carolyn:
To get more interest, I think that you should list specific uses for this product. One would be monitoring weight loss. Another would be to keep track of the "baby bump".
Ken Y: I suggest that you don't need to tell the app whether or not it is a circumference or linear measurement, they are both the same thing, a measure of distance. However, what would be helpful would be for the app to be able to tell you the diameter, or radius, of something round you just measured, saving you from having to do all the formulas. It could also tell you 1/2, or 1/3, or 1/5th of a distance, and show you the answer in decimal or fractional measurements. Great idea, voted!
LuckyAnant:
Ability to store your favorite profiles. eg: Create profiles called "Person A Waist" and "Person B Waist" and "Person A Chest", and just click on one of the profiles, after measuring, and it'll store the waist automatically and mark it to that day's date and time. Now view the graph on how your waist looks over time.
Key Features
- The app will enable straight line or circumference selections to be made-
- It will also allow all results to be displayed in a range of formats
- It will allow date to be saved with or without text/date and time stamp information etc.Plus much more!!
- More Suggestions accepted: Guy: Hi Qussi, i love your idea so much, my wife is a fashion designer and sure could use it. The product doesn't have to be connected to an iphone if you use Imp since Imp has wireless abilities, so i have attached an image for you to use if you like. i think that it gives a clear idea of your product and is sexy :) good for votes... all the best Guy
- Constantine: Suggest we consider development of an analogue tape-less measure too. Instead of tape, the measure uses a retractable pull cord. We precisely measure the amount of cord pulled, and measure any lengths, circumferences or odd shapes. A digital or analogue number display would show the length pulled.