ONLINE SCREEN CALIBRATION AND MEASURING METHOD

Abstract: An on-line method for measuring dimensions including using a computer screen (252). The measurement method features a calibration technique which provides for the display of an indicator (254) on the computer screen which is compared to an object (250), preferably a coin, which has known dimensions. By moving portions of an indicator to correspond to at least one known dimension of the object along at least one axis, the number of pixels between two portions of the indicator may be divided into the length of the known dimension to calculate a calibration rule. The calibration rule may be utilized to convert the number of pixels between two other locations on the screen into a length, such as may be utilized for the measuring of a human hand for fitting with a glove.

Description: ONLINE SCREEN CALIBRATION AND MEASURING METHOD REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a continuation-in-part of copending U.S. Patent Application Nos. 09/434,251 filed November 5, 1999, 09/567,311 filed May 8, 2000, and 09/592,004 filed June 12, 2000. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to an on-line method for calibrating, measuring and recording certain measurements utilizing a monitor, such as a computer screen, and an on-line program to determine certain dimensions of a person's hand for fitting with and ordering a glove. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART Regularly sized gloves do not typically accommodate a user having an unconventionally sized hand, including a hand which is exceptionally well-developed due to long practice of an art, craft or sport, or a hand which is deformed. Known hand measuring scales correlate hand size to ready made gloves sizes, and do not often measure the dimensions necessary to provide a well-fitting glove or custom fitting glove for the particular hand measured. A number of devices have been developed for taking measurements of a person's hand. By utilizing these measurements, one of a variety of glove sizes may be selected. In this manner, a glove manufacturer can best provide a custom fit or a correctly fitted glove of a known size for a particular customer. These prior art devices must be physically located at the same location as the potential customer in order to measure that individual's hand measurements. Examples of these prior art devices include Tepley, U.S. Pat. No. 4,897,924 and Mays, U.S. Pat. No. 5,170,570. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Consequently it is an object of the present invention to provide a calibration and measurement method and system which does not require a mechanical measuring apparatus. It is another object of the present invention to provide a method for measuring utilizing the Internet. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method for obtaining particular measurements of an individual's hand using an on-line visual aid for obtaining an accurate glove size fit. Another object of the present invention is to provide a calibration technique for a computer's screen to assist in accurate measurement of an object, such as a hand. It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a method for utilizing particular measurements of an individual's hand on-line using the Internet and for recommending a particular glove size for that individual's hand, and for ordering the glove. Accordingly, the present invention provides a method of measuring, specifically hand measurement and glove size determination utilizing at least one computer, and preferably connected to download a program through the Internet. A screen view is provided which gives the customer the opportunity to measure the customer's hand. If the customer does not know the screen size of his or her particular computer monitor, the program may display screens to assist the user in determining the particular screen size. The customer may then input the screen size into the program and perform a screen calibration routine to assist in precise measurement using the screen. The calibration routine may ensure that the user's computer screen provides an accurate measuring device. The screen calibration routine preferably comprises the customer placing an object of known horizontal and vertical dimensions, such as a coin, printed image or other object of know dimensions, proximate to the computer screen. The object may be compared with indicators, such as pointers, lines or other image, such as an image of a displayed coin. If the pointers, lines or image (collectively, hereinafter denoted "indicators") do not correspond to the object, then the customer may adjust the dimensions, or positions on the screen of the indicators to have the indicators correspond with the object. This routine, if used, calibrates the screen to assist in the accurate measurement of the individual ' s hand. The individual may then select male or female and right or left hand. The program will then preferably display a displayed hand for the appropriate sex and ask the user if instructions are desired. A fmger measurement routine begins wherein the user places the user's hand against the screen utilizing an indicator to fix a particular portion of the user's hand relative to the display. Trajectory lines may be illustrated on the screen which extend along displayed fingers and may be utilized to assist the user in matching their hand with a displayed hand. Beginning with each finger, a fmger length cap marker is displayed on the screen which may be adjusted to the ends of each fmger. This procedure assists in measuring the length of each fmger. Next, the location where the fingers meet between the fingers is measured. This is referred to as V depth measurement. Trajectory lines on the screen may appear between the fingers and the user may move a visually displayed marker on the screen such as V depth marker in order to locate the V depth: the juncture where two fingers meet. This process may be repeated for each juncture. After determining the finger length positions and the V depth positions, as well as palm length and width, the program uses at least some of this information to select a standard size or existing glove or it may be used by a manufacturer to create a custom fitting glove. Utilizing this glove size or measurements, the customer may order gloves and can provide information including payment information, mailing address, and the like in order to submit the order via Internet or otherwise. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The particular features and advantages of the invention as well as other objects will become apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which: Figs, la, lb, lc and Id comprise a composite flow chart diagram illustrating the operation of the system and the method of measuring an individual's hand, determining a glove size, and ordering a glove in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 2 is a screen snapshot of the finger measurement page in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 3 is a screen snapshot of the V measurement page in accordance with the principles of the present invention; Fig. 4 is a screen snapshot of the width assessment page in accordance with the principles of the present invention; Fig. 5 is a front elevational view of a computer screen illustrating a user beginning the process of calibration by comparing an object to an indicator on the computer screen; Fig. 6A is a screen snapshot of a first embodiment of a calibration method with a coin illustrated in phantom; Fig. 6B is a screen snapshot of a second embodiment of a calibration method with a coin illustrated in phantom; Fig. 6C is a screen snapshot of a third embodiment of a calibration method with a coin illustrated in phantom; and Figure 7 is a flow chart diagram illustrating the preferred calibration method. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The hand measurement system and method of the invention is preferably utilized to record critical dimensions of a hand for use in selecting an appropriate glove size or in making custom-fitting gloves. The measurements are typically not related to traditional glove sizes but are typically related to dimensions of certain portions of the hand which are necessary in making gloves which fit the hand properly. Persons in certain professions where gloves are needed, such as professional golfers, often find it difficult or impossible to obtain a glove which fits the hand properly. Such persons who make constant use of certain muscles of the hand which become especially well- developed may also find it difficult to obtain regular gloves, such as dress gloves or driving gloves, which are comfortable to wear. The system and method of the invention is useful for measuring all shapes and sizes of hands for sizing custom- fitted gloves. Referring to Figs, la, lb, lc and Id, a flow chart diagram is presented illustrating the operation of the system and the method of measuring an individual's hand, determining a glove size, and ordering a glove in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention. A potential customer will begin the process by preferably logging onto the webpage of a glove selling enterprise at step 10. Alternatively, a computer in a glove selling establishment, or elsewhere, may be used independently of a network. Nevertheless, a customer will obtain access to the program via a computer at step 10. Although the customer may browse the webpage as indicated at 10 or otherwise look at other features of the webpage, the potential customer may have the opportunity to purchase a glove at 12. If the potential customer elects not to purchase a glove at this time, the program may allow the potential customer to return to the webpage for browsing at 14. If the potential customer elects to purchase a glove, the program provides the potential customer with the opportunity to measure the customer's hand as indicated at 16. If the customer elects to not have his or her hand measured, the program allows the customer to enter a particular glove desired or otherwise provide measurements of his particular hand to the computer at box 18. If a particular glove is requested by the user, the program may allow the user to enter ordering information at 418. If a particular set of hand measurements are known, the program may calculate a particular glove size at 416 and then proceed into obtaining the ordering information from the customer at 418. If the customer elects to have his or her hand measured at 16, the program needs to know the particular computer screen, or monitor resolution and size. If the screen resolution and size is not known at 20, the computer may assist the user in determining the resolution and screen size at 22. In order to determine the screen size and resolution in the preferred embodiment, a set of instructions will appear in order to assist the customer in navigating through the settings of his or her computer to determine a particular screen size and resolution. In a Microsoft Windows (TM) computer environment, the start button may be selected followed by selections for settings and display which will provide the screen size and resolution for that particular computer. Other environments may provide other methods of accessing the screen properties. Common screen sizes include 15" and 17" monitors; common resolutions are 640 x 480, 800 x 600 and 1024 x 768. It is also possible that other screen sizes and resolutions may also be utilized. The user may then select the screen size and resolution at 24 and begin the screen calibration subprocess at 26. The screen calibration subprocess is illustrated at 26-36. The calibration subprocess at step 26 shown in Fig. 1 A includes the step of printing at least one and preferably two lines, a horizontal and a vertical line, on the user's printer at 28. The printed lines will have a known length. With this printout, the customer may then compare the printout to one or two similar lines displayed on the screen at 30. Although the printed lines are a known length, the displayed line length may not be exactly known by the program at this time. The inputted screen size may assist in providing an estimate of the number of pixels per inch, or twips displayed, however, the monitor size as well as screen resolution will likely have a profound effect on the number of twips displayed on the user's screen. The program will know the number of twips displayed, but will not necessarily know the length of the displayed lines. As hereinafter noted, the preferred embodiment uses Microsoft Visual Basic and Microsoft Visual Basic ActiveX. At 32, the user determines whether or not the printed lines and the displayed lines correspond. If the displayed lines and the printed lines do not correspond, the user may utilize the vertical and horizontal controls on their monitor to adjust the length of the lines appearing on the screen at 24. In the programming sense, the lengthening or shortening of the displayed line will change the number of twips displayed. Once the lines correspond, the screen calibration step is complete as indicated at 36. The program will then know the number of twips which constitute a given measurement. This will allow the program to utilize the screen as a measuring tool. Other screen calibration techniques may also be utilized. Although the calibration routine may be performed on liquid crystal display (LCD) screens, such as those commonly found on laptop-type computers, these screens are typically pre-calibrated screens and no horizontal or vertical adjustment will be necessary, if even possible. LCD screens typically do not operate in the "projector" style. They are generally precalibrated to a particular resolution. One way to think of calibration process is to think of a projector and a screen. The adjustment of the screen relative to the light source affects the image displayed on the screen. Many monitors have cathode-ray tubes (CRTs) that display an image on the monitor screen like a projector projecting an image on a screen. The use of horizontal and vertical controls on the monitor to adjust the displayed images on the monitor screen. The preferred screen calibration techniques of the present invention are illustrated in Figs. 5-7. Figure 5 illustrates a user beginning the screen calibration process by comparing an object, preferably coin 250, to the screen 252 of a monitor 256. Three embodiments of indicators 254 are illustrated on the screen 252. Of course, only one embodiment need be present to utilize the preferred screen calibration technique. Each of these embodiments has been found to satisfactorily function as an indicator 254. Of course, other indicators 254 could also be utilized. The three indicators 254 illustrated are pointers 262, lines 260, and displayed image 264. Each of these embodiments are illustrated in more detail in Figs. 6A-6C. The preferred method of calibration is illustrated in flow chart form in Fig. 7. Fig. 6A illustrates the preferred embodiment wherein pointers 262 function as the indicators 254. Pointers 262 may be utilized to indicate at least one, and preferably two or more dimensions (such as length and width) related to an object, such as coin 250 (shown in phantom). Calibrating both length and width has been found helpful as most screen sizes employ a different number of pixels in the vertical and horizontal directions. Although the pointers 262 are illustrated as being substantially along axes, such as horizontal and vertical lines of the screen 252, the pointers 262 could also be angled relative to lines of latitude and longitude along the screen 252. The pointers 262 may, or may not, have arrow heads 288 to assist a user in placing the pointers 262 proximate to a specific boundary of an object, such as the periphery, or edge, of a coin 250. The individual pointers 262 are identified as 298- 304. The first and second pointers 298, 300 may be moved utilizing vertical adjustments 290, 292 for the screen. The adjustment controls, such as vertical adjustments are often found at the bottom portion of a monitor, below the screen. However, the monitor manufacturer could locate these adjustments anywhere they desired. Of course, a variety of other techniques known in the art could also be utilized to move any of the pointers 262. A depression on vertical adjustment 290 moves at least one of first and second pointers 298, 300 away from one another along a first axis 299. A mouse depression on vertical adjustment 292 moves at least one of first and second pointers 298, 300 toward one another along the first axis 299. By moving at least one of first or second pointers 298, 300, the user may correspond the pointers 298, 300 to a portion of the object, or coin 250. For first and second pointers 298, 300 in the preferred embodiment, the pointers will correspond to the height of the coin 250. For other objects, other portions of the object may be utilized in conjunction with the pointers 262. Of course, one of the pointers 298, 300 may be stationary, or both may move. The third and fourth pointers 302, 304 may be utilized in a similar fashion as the first and second pointers 298, 300. These pointers 302, 304 may be utilized to determine the width of an object as shown in Fig. 6 A. Depressions on horizontal adjustments 294, 296 may be utilized to move at least one of the pointers 302, 304 towards or away from one another as described above for the first and second pointers 298, 300 and horizontal adjustments 290, 292 except that movement occurs along second axis 303 instead of first axis 299. Once again the pointers 302, 304 may be moved to correspond with a particular location on an object such as the width. A coin 250 is the preferred object to utilize with the calibration system and method. Coins 250 are an object of known dimensions which most people have readily available, such as in their pocket, in a container, or in a pocket book. Option selections 306 maybe utilized to select a particular coin 250, i.e., a quarter, a dime, a nickel, etc. in the United States. Furthermore, coins 250 of other countries may also be utilized. The software would only need to be programmed with the physical dimension to be calibrated with the indicators 254. Other objects, such as a currency note (i.e., a one dollar bill), ruler, or other objects of known dimensions may also be utilized with the calibration method as taught herein. Since most coins are round, the user need not worry about the orientation of the coin 250 relative to the screen 252 when conducting the calibration process. Another embodiment of the invention is illustrated in Fig. 6B. Instead of pointers 262, lines 260, are utilized to correspond to particular locations on the coin 250, or other object. First and second lines 308, 310 may be moved in a similar fashion as the pointers 298, 300, with depressions on vertical adjustments 290, 292, or in any other acceptable manner. The lines 308, 310 may be moved to correspond with the height, or in this case, the diameter of the coin 250 along the vertical axis. Since the diameter of a coin may be known and provided to the software running the calibration routine, the coin may function as a calibration tool to perform the calibration routine. The first and second lines 308, 310 are shown as being too close together in Fig. 5B and would need to be moved outwardly, such as by depressing vertical adjustment 290 to correspond the lines 308, 310 to the coin edge. Third and fourth lines 312, 314 are illustrated as being too far from one another and would preferably be moved toward one another with one or more depressions on horizontal adjustment 294. Vertical adjustment 296 could be utilized to move third and fourth lines 312, 314 away from one another. A further embodiment is illustrated in Fig. 6C. In this embodiment, a displayed image 264 is utilized as the indicator 254. The displayed image 254 may be as simple as a geometric shape, an outline of the object to be utilized as the calibration tool, such as the coin 250, or it may by a "jpg" image of the object or other representation. Additionally, although two sets of vertical and horizontal adjustments 290, 292 and 294, 296 are illustrated in Fig. 5C, it may be possible for some objects, such as round objects or square displays, that only one set of adjustments (one to enlarge and another to reduce) may suffice. Nevertheless, preferably vertical adjustments 290, 292 may be utilized to increase (or decrease) the height of the displayed image 264, while vertical adjustments 294, 296 may be utilized to increase, or decrease, the width of the displayed image 264 to correspond with a calibration tool, such as coin 250. A presently preferred displayed image is a square surrounding an image of a coin. The square has been found helpful in lining up the image of the coin with an actual coin since the sides of the square coincide with four points on the coin's circumference. The method of calibration is illustrated in flow chart form in Fig. 7. At step 270, the user begins the screen calibration subroutine. This subroutine is preferably substituted in Figs. 1A-1C for steps 26-36. Step 270 begins the process. At step 272, the indicators 254, whether it be pointers 262, lines 260, a displayed image 264, or other indicators, are displayed. It is possible that a combination of indicator types may be utilized as well. After displaying the appropriate indicator(s), the user is preferably prompted at step 274 to place the object, or calibration tool, such as coin 250, proximate to the screen 252 such as is illustrated in Fig. 5. With the coin 250 placed proximate, or even up against the screen 252, the user may then perform step 276 by comparing a location, or dimension, such as the height of the coin 250 to the appropriate indicator, such as pointers 298, 300. If the indicator(s), such as first and second pointers 298, 300 do not correspond, then the user may adjust the indicator(s) 254, such as through mouse depressions on adjustments 290, 292. Once the indicator(s) 254 corresponds with the coin 250, through comparison at step 274 and a determination at step 276 after adjustments at step 278, if necessary, then the indicator(s) 254 may be compared to the coin 250 at step 284 to determine if the width of the indicator(s) 254 corresponds with the coin 250. A determination is made at step 280. If the width of the indicator(s) 254 does not correspond to the coin 250, then the user may adjust the indicator(s) 254 at step 282, and then compare again at step 284. The process may be repeated until the indicator(s) 254 corresponds with the coin 250. Once the indicator(s) 254 correspond to the coin 250, then the program may update, or record, the position of the indicator(s) 254 based on the movement, if any, of the indicator(s) 254 at step 286. Since the program knows the initial separation in terms of coordinates, pixels, or twips, of portions of the indicator 254 from other portions (such as the number of twips between the lines 260, like first and second lines 308, 310, or the number of twips between the pointers 262, such as between corresponding ends of first and second pointer 298, 300, etc....), the program may add or subtract the number of twips moved during the calibration routine and assign a length to a number of pixels, a twips per inch value or a calibration rule which is utilized to assign a length measurement to the screen measured value of a particular object, such as a person's hand. In the preferred calibration process, a length and a width of a particular object are compared to different points of the indicator(s) 254. For the pointer-type indicator 262, first and second points may correspond to the tips of arrow heads 288 of the first and second pointers 298, 300. The distance between the first pointer 298 and the second pointer 300 along the first axis 299 when aligned with the object is the known length along that dimension of the object. Accordingly, the number of twips may be determined between the first and second pointers 298, 300. A calibration rule may be calculated by dividing the number of twips between the first and second pointers 298, 300 by the known distance of the object. This process may then be repeated for the second, and possibly subsequent, dimensions. Once the calibration rule, or rules, are determined, then the measuring program may relatively accurately measure length by determining the number of twips between two markers, or locations, and multiplying by the inverse of the calibration rule. Alternatively, the number of twips could be divided by the calibration rule to arrive at a length of measure. If the second dimension to be measured is substantially perpendicular to the first dimension, then vector components of the measured lengths may be utilized. More specifically, an object of an unknown dimension is to be measured between two markers. The markers are moved to correspond to the ends of the object. The position of the markers may be determined by the program. The distance between the markers along the first axis may be determined as a first vector. The distance between the markers along the second axis may then be determined as a second vector. Using the pythagarean theorem, the square root of the square of the sum of the square of the first vector and the square of the second vector is the distance between the two markers. Of course, other geometric principles could be utilized to conduct relatively accurate measurements. This will complete the calibration subroutine at step 287. Next, the potential customer will preferably be asked whether or not the measurement to be taken is of a male or a female hand as indicated at 38. This step may not be required, but it has been found helpful to assist in accurately fitting gloves due to differences between the hands of many men and women. Next, at 40 and 42, the potential customer is asked whether or not to measure the right or left hand. Depending on the particular hand and sex entered by the customer, at 44, the program displays on the computer screen a hand opposite in configuration to the selected hand to allow the customer's hand to correspond to the displayed hand (i.e., a displayed left hand will correspond to a customer's right hand). A displayed hand may be obtained by taking a picture of an individual's hand with a digital camera and saving as a ".gif ' or" ".jpg" file or other type of file which may be displayed on the screen. The right hand of a male person is illustrated in Fig. 2. A left hand of the potential customer will correspond to this displayed right hand image or the screen. It is anticipated the left hand would be the hand to be measured of the potential customer in Fig. 2. Alternatively, a male's left hand or a female's right or left hand could be displayed at this point in time. Alternatively, instructions could be provided before providing the view of Fig. 2. If instructions are desired as represented at 46, instructions may be provided as indicated at 48. Otherwise, the finger measurement process may begin as illustrated in step 50. An individual begins the hand measurement process of placing his or her hand on the computer's monitor screen as provided as indicated at 52. A reference mark such as indicator 94, illustrated in Fig. 2, may be displayed on the screen and may be utilized by the user to position his or her hand relative to this fixed position on the screen. Although the indicator 94 is illustrated at the juncture of the index and middle finger, any appropriate reference mark relative to a person's hand could be utilized. The program may display a reference mark by changing the color of selected coordinates on the screen to create the mark. Additionally, a hand 220 may be displayed on the screen to assist in proper hand placement. Beginning with one fmger, that finger will be compared in length with the length of a finger cap marker shown on the screen at step 54. The display of a fmger cap marker on the screen may be accomplished in a variety of ways and through a variety of programming techniques. Recently, the use of ActiveX files may be utilized in conjunction with a programming language, such as VBScript, in order to download the program through the Internet onto a potential customer's computer where the program will run. Using this technology or other programming techniques, a fmger cap marker may be programmed to be displayed by selecting an X and a Y coordinate for two points and defining a line between those two points. Once this line is defined, the line color may be changed by changing the color attribute of the line. The first finger marker 98 is illustrated as having a first line 208 which moves substantially along a trajectory line 104 as will be explained in further detail herein. At the ends of the first line are two bracket lines 210. The lines illustrated have been chosen because they are relatively easy to display, however other finger cap marker designs could also be utilized as desired. Proceeding in this manner, the first fmger 96 may be compared to a first fmger cap marker or curser 98 as indicated in Fig. lb at 54. The first fmger marker 98 is shown as below the end of the first fmger 96 in the screen snapshot of Fig. 2. If a person's first finger 96 exactly overlayed the displayed first finger 96 on the screen, the marker 98 would need to be moved to correspond with the tip of the customer's fmger for this digit. If the first fmger 96 does not correspond to the first finger cap marker 98 as illustrated, the first finger cap marker 98 may be moved as shown at 62. It is also possible that the speed of the movement of the marker 98 may be adjusted if selected at 58. If the speed is selected to be adjusted at 58 the marker speed is adjusted at 60 by activating the slower command button 100 or the faster command button 102, shown in the display in Fig. 2. The first finger cap marker 98 may be moved by utilizing mouse depressions on arrows 106 and 108. The measurement may be recorded in pinky box 110. A first finger trajectory line 104 is provided on the screen as illustrated on Fig. 2, and the first finger cap marker 98 moves substantially along the trajectory line 104. The endpoints of the trajectory line 104 are programmed into the program, and a line therebetween is defined whereby the program may determine any of the points along the trajectory line 104. The program receives the mouse depressions to effect movement of the cap marker 98. In order to move the cap marker 98, the end points of the cap marker first line 208 are preferably moved relative to the trajectory line 104. It is preferred that the first line is centered on the trajectory line 104 which can be done utilizing an integer function of the average of the X coordinates of the endpoints of the first line. This midpoint of the first line 208 may then be made to correspond to a point on the trajectory line 104. The bracket lines 210 have end points which may correspond to the endpoints of the first line 208 and these bracket lines 210 may be moved the same incremental distance as the first line 208 so that all parts of the cap marker 98 move the same distance for a given incremental change. The incremental movement may be a scroll increment or a value assigned for each depression of the arrow keys 106, 108. In the preferred embodiment, the cap marker 98 is moved upon instructions through the input device, such as a mouse. Upon receiving this movement command, the line color of the cap marker 98 is changed to correspond to the background colors. Accordingly, the cap marker 98 appears to disappear. The incremental scroll amount of the change in position is added to a point along the cap marker, such as the midpoint of the first line, and the cap marker is redrawn through coloration at a new location reflecting the change in scroll amount. The scroll amount can be changed by selecting a new marker speed: a larger scroll amount will result in an apparently faster moving line. It is likely that computer programmers skilled in the art will know a multitude of other ways of moving the cap marker as well. With the cap marker stationary, the program may determine the location of a particular point such as the midpoint of the first line in order to provide a measurement of the fmger length. Since the program knows the coordinates on the screen of the marker and the reference mark as well as the twips per inch of the screen via the calibration step, the computer may record relative fmger positions. The measuring of the other fingers may be programmed in a manner similar to the programming of the first fmger 96. Next, the user's ring finger 112 will be compared to a ring finger cap marker 114. The ring finger marker 114 is illustrated in the correct position relative to a fmger 112 in Fig. 2. If the ring fmger 112 does not correspond to the ring finger cap marker 114, the ring fmger cap marker 114 may be moved at step 62. It is also possible that the speed of the movement of the marker 114 may be adjusted at step 58. If the speed is desired to be adjusted at step 58 the marker speed is adjusted at step 60 by clicking the slower command button 100 or the faster command button 102. A ring fmger trajectory line 116 is provided on Fig. 2 such that the ring finger cap marker 114 moves substantially along the trajectory line 116. The ring finger cap marker 114 may be moved by utilizing mouse depressions on movement arrows 118 and 120. The measurement may be recorded in ring finger box 122. Next, the user's middle finger 124 will be compared to a middle finger cap marker 126. The middle fmger marker 126 is illustrated in the correct position relative to a fmger 124 in Fig. 2. If the middle fmger 124 does not correspond to the middle finger cap marker 126, the middle finger cap marker 126 may be moved at step 62. It is also possible that the speed of the movement of the marker 126 may be adjusted at step 58. If the speed is desired to be adjusted at step 58 the marker speed is adjusted at step 60 by clicking the slower command button 100 or the faster command button 102. A middle finger trajectory line 132 is provided on Fig. 2 such that the middle finger cap marker 126 moves substantially along the trajectory line 132. The middle finger cap marker 126 may be moved by utilizing mouse depressions on arrow keys 128 and 130. The measurement may be recorded in middle finger box 134. Next, the index or pointing fmger 136 will be compared to an index finger cap marker 138. The index finger marker 138 is illustrated in the correct position relative to a fmger 136 in Fig. 2. If the index finger 136 does not correspond to the index fmger cap marker 138, the index finger cap marker 138 may be moved at step 62. It is also possible that the speed of the movement of the marker 138 maybe adjusted at step 58. If the speed is desired to be adjusted at step 58 the marker speed is adjusted at step 60 by clicking the slower command button 100 or the faster command button 102. An index fmger trajectory line 144 is provided on Fig. 2 such that the index fmger cap marker 138 moves substantially along the trajectory line 144. The index finger cap marker 138 may be moved by utilizing mouse depressions on movement arrows 140 and 142. The measurement may be recorded in index finger box 146. Next, the user's thumb 148 will be compared to a thumb cap marker 150. The term "fmger" is broad enough to encompass a "thumb." The thumb marker 150 is illustrated in the correct position relative to the thumb 148 in Fig. 2. If the thumb 148 does not correspond to the thumb marker 150, the thumb cap marker 150 may be moved at step 62. It is also possible that the speed of the movement of the marker 150 may be adjusted at step 58. If the speed is desired to be adjusted at step 58 the marker speed is adjusted at step 60 by clicking the slower command button 100 or the faster command button 102. A thumb trajectory line 156 is provided on Fig. 2 such that the thumb cap marker 150 moves substantially along the trajectory line 156. The thumb cap marker 150 may be moved by utilizing mouse depressions on arrow keys 152 and 154. The measurement may be recorded in thumb box 158. Of course, the order of measuring the fingers 96, 112, 124, 136 and 148 maybe selected by the customer or otherwise provided. Moreover, it is to be understood that the steps as noted above relate to the flow chart and are actually separate distinct steps. Furthermore, it is anticipated that the fmger length measurements of the fingers may need to be made relative to another portion of the customer's hand other than the reference mark 94. For instance, one measurement which is helpful in fitting gloves is the length of the middle finger 124 as measured from the tip of the finger to the base of the palm. Trajectory line 214 and palm end marker 222 may be used in a similar manner as trajectory lines 104, 116, 132, 144, and 156 and finger end cap markers 98, 114, 126, 138 and 150 to locate the base of a customer's palm. Palm marker 222 may be adjusted similar to the adjustment of finger end markers 98, 114, 126, 138 and 150 using movement arrows 24, 226. When the palm marker 222 is aligned with the base of a potential customer's palm, more information will be available to the glove supplier in order to provide a better fitting glove. Although the technique illustrated to locate the position of the customer's bottom of their palm is similar to the technique utilized to measure the location of the tips of the fingers, other techniques could also be utilized for locating these positions. Fig. 2 also shows an option box 160. Within the option box 160 are the options of choosing whether to measure the fingers 162: the procedure followed in steps 50 through 66. Alternatively, the hand measurement procedure 164 may be selected which includes the steps 68 through 84. Furthermore, the width measurement procedure 165 may be selected which includes the steps 300 through 322. Additionally, the selection of whether to proceed at a slower rate 100 or a faster rate 102 is provided. The slower and faster buttons 100, 102 may be utilized to adjust the speed of the marker provided at step 60. Other methods for adjusting the speed at step 60 may also be utilized. Fig. 3 is a second screen snapshot of a displayed hand 220. The option box 160 may be provided with similar selections as are provided in Fig. 2. In this illustration, fingers 96, 112, 124, 136 and 148 are illustrated. In the spaces between the fingers are V's or joining portions, i.e., fmger junctures. Trajectory lines 170, 172, 174 and 176 may be utilized to locate the particular points known as V depths. The trajectory lines 170, 172, 174 and 176 may be programmed having preselected, fixed endpoints. The V depth markers 178-182 are two lines which meet at a V. These lines each have two endpoints, however, other markers could have other configurations. The point of the V can be tied to the trajectory line utilizing simple equations and movement of the V can be affected utilizing the scroll increments similar to the movement of the finger cap markers. In the preferred embodiment, the reference indicator 94 is maintained at the V depth location between the index and middle fingers. Alternatively, this location may have a V depth indicator similar to the other V depths. To locate the V depths, the hand option 164 on the option box 160 may be selected. Other methods may be utilized to begin the V depth measurement at step 68. With the hand maintained on the screen or placed upon the screen with the indicator 94 appropriately placed as is illustrated by step 70, the consumer may compare the V indicator between two fingers, such as the pinky and the ring fmger 96, 112 to determine whether or not the V indicator 178 corresponds with the V depth of that consumer's hand. If these V's do not correspond in step 74, the consumer may elect at step 76 to adjust the speed of the movement by adjusting speed at step 78 using slower or faster command buttons 100, 102 on the option box 160 or may simply adjust the location of the V indicator at step 80 by using control buttons 184, 186, the slower or faster command buttons being used depending on the amount of adjustment necessary. The measurement of the V depth may be displayed in first box 188. The V depth indicator 178 is not shown in the correct position in Fig. 3 for properly measuring the V depth between the pinky and the ring fingers 96, 112. In this illustration, the V depth indicator 178 should be moved with the control button 186 in the downward direction until the point of the V intersects the point of the V between fingers 96 and 112 similar to the position of the V depth indicator 180 between the middle and index fingers 124, 126. Between the ring finger 112 and middle fmger 124 is located trajectory line 172. On trajectory line 172 is located the V depth indicator 180. In Fig. 3, the V depth indicator 180 is located in the correct position relative to the middle finger 124 and index fmger 136. This V depth indicator may be moved utilizing controls 190 and 192, and the measurement may be displayed in box 194. Since the V depth between the index finger and the middle finger is the presently preferred position of the reference marker 94, there is no V depth indicator between these two fingers. It may be possible that a V depth indicator is desired at this location and the trajectory line 174 may be utilized for this purpose. Additionally, movement controls 196, 198 may be utilized to move a V depth indicator if it were utilized. The third box 200 may be utilized to display the second V depth. Between the index finger 136 and thumb 148 is located trajectory line 176. On trajectory line 176 is located the V depth indicator 182. In Fig. 3, the V depth indicator 182 is located in the correct position relative to the index finger 136 and the thumb 148. This V depth indicator may be moved utilizing controls 202 and 204, and the measurement may be displayed in box 206. Once any particular V depth indicator is properly located relative to the potential customer's hand, the next V indicator may be compared and/or adjusted at step 82. Finally, the V depth process ends at step 84. Illustrated in Fig. 4 are width markers 212 and 216 along a trajectory line 218. The potential customer may utilize movement arrows 228 and 230 to adjust the first width marker 216 to correspond with a left exterior surface portion of the customer's hand. The exterior surface portion may also be characterized as an edge or periphery of the hand. The edge or periphery of the hand also includes any portion of a fmger and/or wrist. Movement arrows 232 and 234 may be utilized to move the second width marker 212 to correspond with another exterior surface portion of the customer's hand. The distance between the first and second markers 212, 216 will then substantially correspond to a width of the customer's hand which may be provided to the glove provider and/or displayed in box 213. Furthermore, other widths, such as the width of the wrist or finger could also be provided or any other measurement using the methods taught herein. Fig. Id illustrates the method of measuring the width beginning at step 400. The potential customer preferably maintains his or her hand on the screen with the indicator appropriately placed at step 402. Next, at least one width indicator is compared with a location on the customer's hand at step 404. The customer then views the screen to determine whether or not the width marker 212,216 corresponds to an edge of the hand at step 406. If a width marker does correspond to the hand at step 406, then the process may be repeated for each particular width measured by the program at step 413. If just one width is measured, then the width measurement process ends at step 414. Otherwise, the width measurement process is repeated again at step 404 as indicated. If the width marker does not correspond to a location on the hand at step 406, then the width indicator may be adjusted at step 412. Of course, the width indicator speed may be adjusted in a similar manner as the V indicator speed described above. Specifically, if the width indicators is desired to be adjusted at step 408, it is adjusted at step 410. The width indicator may be adjusted at a different speed at 412, if necessary. The potential customer may continually compare the width indicator 412, 416 with a location on the customer's hand at step 404 until the width indicator 412, 416 corresponds to the portion on the hand and, each width which is measured may be processed accordingly. Finally, the width measurement process may end at step 414. At the end of the width measurement process at step 414, the program may utilize some or all of these measurements, as well as possibly other measurements, to determine a particular glove size or record the measurements for an existing glove or a custom fitting glove in step 416. Next, an ordering screen will be presented to the customer so that the customer may enter relevant information such as name, address, credit card information, quantity, etc., at step 418. After entering the ordering information, the customer may submit the order at step 420 to a server hosting the webpage or otherwise submit the order to the glove merchandiser. At this point, the program may return the customer to the webpage for further browsing at step 422 or otherwise end the ordering process. The program of the preferred embodiment has been written in the VBScript language, i.e., Visual Basic, uses ActiveX controls, and may be utilized with the Microsoft Internet Explorer (TM) programs. At this date, the Netscape Navigator (TM) Internet browser does not support ActiveX type applications, however, it is believed that subsequent developments in the Netscape Navigator <TM) program will likely allow similar programs to be run utilizing this web navigation program as well. The Explorer type programs support the ActiveX controls which are typically identifiable by the ".ocx" at the end of the file names. These type programming controls have been found effective at increasing the speed of some applications. Using this technology, a potential customer may download the hand measurement program from a server to the local machine and have that hand measuring program stored on the potential customer's computer for immediate use, as well as future use. The ActiveX controls are particularly attractive in that they are portable computer language models that support a variety of programming languages including C, Fox, and VB programming languages. Nevertheless, this type of program could be run potentially on any type computer system through any language. Numerous alternations of the structure herein disclosed will suggest themselves to those skilled in the art. However, it is to be understood that the present disclosure relates to the preferred embodiment of the invention which is for purposes of illustration only and not to be construed as a limitation of the invention. All such modifications which do not depart from the spirit of the invention are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims: What is claimed is: 1. A method for obtaining dimensions of a human hand having a plurality of fingers and a thumb utilizing a computer having a memory portion and linked to a monitor, comprising the steps of: energizing the computer; determining a screen size and resolution of the monitor; recording the screen size and resolution of the monitor in the memory portion of the computer; displaying a reference mark on the screen of the monitor; positioning the hand on the screen of the monitor relative to the reference mark; displaying at least one displayed marker on the screen; locating said at least one displayed marker on the screen at a first edge of the human hand; recording the position of said at least one displayed marker in the memory portion of the computer; and utilizing the recorded position of said at least one marker and the recorded screen size and resolution to provide at least one measurement for use in sizing a glove. 2. The method of claim 1 further comprising the steps of: displaying at least one juncture marker on the screen; positioning said at least one juncture marker on the screen at at least one of the junctures formed between pairs of adjacent fingers; and recording the position of said at least one juncture marker in the memory of the computer. 3. The method of claim 1 further including the step of calibrating the screen after selecting the screen size. 4. The method of claim 1 wherein the locating of the displayed marker at a first edge of the hand is utilized to determine a width of the hand. 5. The method of claim 1 further including the step of ordering a glove utilizing the recorded position of the markers. 6. The method of claim 1 further including the step of logging on to the Internet prior to displaying the reference mark on the screen. 7. The method of claim 6 further including the step of sending the recorded position of the markers to a remote location via the Internet. 8. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of displaying a trajectory line on the screen along at least a location relative to the displayed mark wherein the trajectory line extends through the displayed mark 9. The method of claim 8 wherein the at lest one displayed mark comprises a first and second displayed mark; and further comprising the step of displaying the displayed mark along said trajectory line. 10. The method of claim 9 further comprising the step of locating said second displayed marker at a second edge of the human hand. 11. The method of claim 10 further comprising the step of determining the distance represented between the first and second displayed numbers. 12. The method of claim 11 wherein the distance between the first and second markers corresponds to a width. 13. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of selecting a right or a left hand prior to displaying the reference mark on the screen. 14. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of selecting the sex of the human hand prior to displaying the reference mark on the screen. 15. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of displaying a model hand in conjunction with the reference mark on the screen. 16. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of positioning markers on the screen at the ends of a plurality of fingers. 17. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of positioning markers on the screen at a plurality of the junctures formed between pairs of adjacent fingers. 18. A method for obtaining dimensions of a human hand having a plurality of fingers and a thumb utilizing a computer having a memory portion and linked to a computer screen comprising the steps of: selecting a screen size of the computer screen; recording the screen size on the memory portion of the computer; calibrating the screen size; selecting a hand to be measured; displaying a model hand and a reference mark on the screen based upon the selected hand; positioning the human hand on a surface of the computer screen by placing the human hand at an appropriate location relative to the reference mark; displaying a plurality of displayed markers on the screen; positioning displayed markers on the screen at edges of the hand; and recording the position said displayed markers in the memory portion of the computer. 19. The method of claim 18 wherein the positioning of the markers is performed by utilizing an input device for the computer to move the markers relative to the human's hand. 20. The method of claim 18 further comprising the step of connecting with a website, prior to selecting the screen size of the computer screen. 21. The method of claim 18 further comprising the step of calculating a glove size based on the position of at least one of said markers. 22. The method of claim 21 further comprising the step of ordering a glove based upon the recorded position of each of said markers and the recorded screen size. 23. A method for obtaining dimensions of a human extremity utilizing a computer having a memory portion and linked to a monitor, comprising steps of: energizing the computer; displaying a reference mark on the screen of the monitor; positioning the human extremity proximate to the screen of the monitor relative to the reference mark; displaying at least one marker on the screen; positioning the displayed marker on the screen at an edge of at least one portion of the human extremity; recording the position of said end marker in the memory portion of the computer; and utilizing the recorded position of said end marker to provide measurements for a covering for the extremity. 24. The method of claim 23 wherein the human extremity is a hand, and further comprising the steps of determimng a screen size and resolution of the monitor and utilizing the screen size and resolution to provide measurements for the covering. 25. A method for calibrating a monitor for measuring, comprising the steps of: a) placing a three dimensional object having a first known dimension proximate to an indicator displayed on a screen of the monitor, said indicator having at least a first and a second point, said first point movable relative to said second point; b) comparing the object to the first and second points of the indicator; c) corresponding the indicator to have the first and second points substantially coincide with the first known dimension of the object; d) determining the number of twips between the first and second points along a first axis; and e) calculating a first calibration rule wherein the number of twips per unit measurement is established by mathematically comparing the number of twips obtained in step (d) to the first known dimension of the object. 26. The method of claim 25 wherein mathematically comparing the number of twips obtained in step (d) to the first known dimension of the object comprises dividing the number of twips obtained in step (d) by the first known dimension of the object. 27. The method of claim 25 further comprising the steps of: a) measuring a distance by providing two displayed locations on the screen;b) moving at least one of said two displayed locations relative to the other of said two displayed locations; c) determining the number of twips between the first and second displayed locations; and d) comparing the number of number of twips obtained in step (c) to the first calibration rule to determine a length between the two locations. 28. The method of claim 27 wherein the moving of the two locations occurs substantially in a direction parallel to said first axis. 29. The method of claim 27 further comprising a first vector wherein said first length corresponds to a length component of said first vector. 30. The method of claim 25 wherein said second point is movable toward and away from said first point. 31. The method of claim 25 wherein the known dimension is a height of the object. 32. The method of claim 25 further comprising the steps of: determining a screen size and a resolution of the monitor; and recording the screen size and resolution of the monitor in a memory portion of a computer. 33. The method of claim 25 wherein the object is substantially circular. 34. The method of claim 25 wherein said object is a coin. 35. The method of claim 25 wherein said object further comprises a second known dimension and wherein the indicator further comprises third and fourth points, said third point movable relative to said fourth point, further comprising the steps of: a) comparing the object to the third and fourth points of the indicator; b) corresponding the indicator to have the third and fourth points substantially coincide with the second known dimension of the object; c) determining the number of twips between the third and fourth points along a second axis; and d) calculating a second calibration rule wherein the number of twips per unit measurement is established by mathematically comparing the number of twips obtained in step (c) to the second known dimension of the object. 36. The method of claim 35 wherein mathematically comparing the number of twips obtained in step (d) to the second known dimension of the object comprises dividing the number of twips obtained in step (d) by the second known dimension of the object. 37. The method of claim 36 further comprising the steps of: a) measuring a distance by providing two displayed locations on the screen; b) moving at least one of said two displayed locations relative to the other of said two displayed locations; c) determining the number of twips between the first and second displayed locations; and d) multiplying the number of number of twips obtained in step (c) by the inverse of the second calibration rule to determine a second length between the two locations. 38. The method of claim 37 wherein the moving of the two locations occurs substantially in a direction parallel to said second axis. 39. The method of claim 37 further comprising a second vector wherein said second length coπesponds to a length component of said second vector. 40. A method for calibrating a monitor for measuring, comprising the steps of: a) placing a three dimensional object having first and second known dimensions proximate to an indicator displayed on a screen of the monitor, said indicator having at least first, second, third and fourth points, said first point movable relative to said second point, said third point movable relative to said fourth point, and said first axis substantially parallel to said second axis; b) comparing the object to the first and second points of the indicator; c) corresponding the first and second points of the indicator to substantially coincide with the first known dimension of the object; d) determining the number of twips between the first and second points along a first axis; e) calculating a first calibration rule wherein the number of twips per unit measurement is established by mathematically comparing the number of twips obtained in step (d) to the first known dimension of the object; f) comparing the object to the third and fourth points of the indicator; g) corresponding the third and fourth points of the indicator to substantially coincide with the second known dimension of the object; h) determining the number of twips between the third and fourth points along a second axis; and i) calculating a second calibration rule wherein the number of twips per unit measurement is established by mathematically comparing the number of twips obtained in step (h) to the second known dimension of the object. 41. The method of claim 40 wherein mathematically comparing the number of twips obtained in step (d) to the first known dimension of the object comprises dividing the number of twips obtained in step (d) by the first known dimension of the object, and mathematically comparing the number of twips obtained in step (h) to the second known dimension of the object comprises dividing the number of twips obtained in step (h) by the second known dimension of the object. 42. The method of claim 41 further comprising the steps of: a) measuring a distance by providing two displayed locations on the screen; b) moving at least one of said two displayed locations relative to the other of said two displayed locations; c) determining the number of twips between the first and second displayed locations along the first axis; d) determining the number of twips between the first and second displayed locations along the second axis; e) dividing the number of number of twips obtained in step (c) by the the first calibration rule to determine a length between the two locations along the first axis to obtain a first vector; f) dividing the number of number of twips obtained in step (d) by the second calibration rule to determine a length between the two locations along the second axis to obtain a second vector; and g) determining a length between the first and second locations by taking the square root of the sum of the first vector squared and second vector squared. 43. The method of claim 41 wherein the object is a coin. 44. The method of claim 42 wherein the two displayed locations are utilized to measure a dimension of a human hand.

Inventors: DAVENPORT LANIER M, ESPINOSA CAROL, POWELL DARYL G, DAVENPORT, LANIER, M., ESPINOSA, CAROL, POWELL, DARYL, G.
Applicants: INTERNAT GLUV CORP, INTERNATIONAL GLUV CORPORATION
Application year: 2000
Main classification: A43D1
IPC codes: A41D19, A41H1, A41H43, A61B5, G01B11