InGauge

InGauge is a signal converter that connects digital measuring instruments' Digimatic/SPC ports, such as Vernier calipers, micrometers, and gauges, to computers or tablets via a USB cable. After measurement, employees press the Foot Switch once, and the measured value enters the open program. The QC team no longer needs to write down the values on paper and retype them.

Dimensional measurement work in several factories still uses the method of reading values from the measuring instrument's display, writing them down on paper, and then keying them into a computer later. This process is slow and values may be incorrect every time someone reads, writes, or keys them in.

InGauge receives measurement values directly from the measuring instrument via the signal line, then types the value into the field where the cursor is located in the program. The recorded value matches the reading from the measuring instrument and is ready for quality control charting. Operators can press the Foot Switch without letting go of the workpiece.

InGauge users

• QC teams and measurement operators on the production line who need to record large amounts of measurement data during each shift
• Quality managers who require real measurement data to create SPC (Statistical Process Control) and Cpk (Process Capability Index) values
• Factories that already have digital port Digimatic measuring instruments and do not want to change their measuring instruments

InGauge receives measurement values from the measuring instrument via the GAUGE port, then sends them out via the USB cable to the computer or tablet. You can choose between 2 modes using the MODE switch on the device. There are 5 steps in operation, from connecting the cable to the measurement value entering the program.

1. 1

   Connect cables

   Connect Digimatic from the measuring instrument to the GAUGE port, connect Foot Switch to the FOOT SWITCH port, then plug the USB cable into the computer

2. 2

   Wait for power ready

   POWER light turns red, wait until the STATUS light flashes green, indicating it is ready to use

3. 3

   Open destination program

   Set keyboard language to English and place cursor in the receiving field

4. 4

   Select HID mode

   Set MODE switch to Mode 2

5. 5

   Measure and send value

   Press Foot Switch or PUSH SWITCH button, measured value will appear in the field, TRANSMISSION light turns on during sending

When used with InGauge, measured values can be sent to any program that accepts keyboard input, such as Excel, Notepad, factory system forms, and InQC app in HID mode. For Serial mode, it works with software that reads data from the COM port. You can use InGauge with existing programs first, then extend it to a quality control system.

When used together with InQC, the values sent by InGauge will enter the application's input field without requiring additional drivers. InQC creates X̄ and R (mean and range) control charts during measurement and calculates Cp/Cpk when the sample size is complete (Cp/Cpk chart is available in the Pro package and above). The data is then forwarded to nimitFlow for integration with other plant data.

If you want to send measured values to another system in your factory, we offer a service to connect measured values to other systems. The scope of work depends on the destination system. Provide us with the name of the system and a sample form for evaluation before proceeding.

InGauge is suitable for jobs that measure with digital measuring instruments that have Digimatic SPC output ports and require measured values to be entered into computers without manual keying. InGauge is not suitable for measuring instruments that do not have data output ports because InGauge does not have a camera and cannot read dials.

Measuring instruments that can be connected

• Digital Vernier Caliper and Digital Micrometer
• Digital Height Gauge, Bore Gauge, Depth Gauge and Thickness Gauge
• Digital Holtest and Digimatic Indicator

In project development version 2.1, we tested InGauge with 2 brands of digital measuring instruments, Mitutoyo and Teclock. Additional accessories that can be ordered include Digimatic Type F cable, 1 meter or 2 meters long, XLR 3 Pin connector (12 mm), and OTG adapter (Micro USB to USB-A) for connecting to Android tablets or smartphones.

We developed a web app for quality report for an automotive factory in B.E. 2563-2564 and delivered 10 sets of InGauge USB along with 10 tablets in January 2564. QC staff could send measured values from digital verniers directly into the report. The system drew X̄-R control charts and calculated Cpk. This system worked within the factory's LAN without internet.

Since September B.E. 2568, we have rented InGauge USB to the QC department of a manufacturing plant in Thailand for 3-month periods to transfer measurements of injection-molded parts to a computer. Some thickness gauge models lacked cables, so we also rented waterproof SPC cables or the instrument manufacturer’s USB adapters that connect directly to the computer without InGauge. The 4th rental period is in progress. A separate engineering and maintenance company in Thailand purchased 3 InGauge USB sets outright, delivered in August 2568.

The version 2.1 device comes from the ITAP project (Technology and Innovation Development Support Program) of the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) in B.E. 2563-2564. We designed the new circuitry together with the project experts. Version 2.1 has passed CE and FCC tests. The assembly and testing time for each unit was reduced from 75-90 minutes to 15-25 minutes.

Before the ITAP project, we developed an internal prototype to send gauge values to computers via 2 methods: a Wi-Fi reader and a USB board that the computer sees as a keyboard (USB HID).

What we learned

Equipment connected to measuring instruments in production lines must send data every time. If data is not sent sometimes, workers will revert to manual recording. The first version of InGauge required soldering and wiring each unit individually, and some units were unstable. Version 2.1 uses pre-assembled circuit boards from manufacturers, adds circuits to protect against static electricity, reverse current, and short circuits, and includes steps to inspect the circuit before assembly.

In the same QC department, there are often several types and versions of measuring instruments. Some versions still lack data cables. Surveying all instruments before starting work can determine which ones need additional cables or accessories. For tasks that require subsequent reporting, it is best to start with commonly used forms and clear measurement points.

What does it mean to you?

Before requesting a quotation, we need the brand, model, and port images of all measuring instruments to be used. This will help us determine which ones can connect directly to InGauge and which ones require additional cables. You can start by renting InGauge for testing in your actual production line, then purchase it once you know the number of measurement points needed. If you require control charts and Cpk values, start with a single measurement point using InGauge paired with InQC, then expand to other points.