Patent Publication Number: US-2021192438-A1

Title: Power tool communication system

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/261,230, filed on Jan. 29, 2019, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/183,445, filed Jun. 15, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,39,496, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/175,957, filed on Jun. 15, 2015, the entire content of each of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to methods and systems of maintaining inventory systems for power tool devices, and generating reports for power tool devices. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one embodiment, the invention provides a method of adding a power tool device to an inventory list. The method includes receiving, via a user interface, a request to add a nearby power tool device and receiving, via a short-range transceiver, identification from a plurality of power tool devices. The method also includes displaying, via the user interface, the identification information of the plurality of power tool device and receiving, via the user interface, a selection of a power tool device from the plurality of power tool devices. The method further includes adding, using a processor, the power tool device to the inventory list. 
     In one embodiment, the invention provides a method of analyzing metrics for a power tool device. The method includes receiving, via a short-range transceiver, identification signals from a plurality of power tool devices and displaying, via a user interface, identification information of the plurality of power tool devices. The method also includes receiving, via the user interface, a selection of a power tool device to be analyzed from the plurality of power tool devices and receiving, via the short-range transceiver, metrics information regarding the power tool device in response to the selection of the power tool device to be analyzed. The method further includes displaying, via the user interface, metrics information of the power tool device. 
     In one embodiment, the invention provides a method for determining power tool attendance. The method includes receiving a list of a first plurality of power tools and receiving, via a user interface, a selection to detect nearby tools. The method also includes receiving, via a short-range transceiver, identification signals from a second plurality of power tools and determining, using a processor, that a subset of the first plurality of power tools is missing based on the identification signals. The method further includes generating, using the processor, an indication that the subset of the first plurality of power tools is missing. 
     In one embodiment, the invention provides a communication system including a communicating power tool device and a non-communicating power tool device. The communicating power tool device can communicate wirelessly with a mobile external device. The mobile external device including a processor configured to receive information from an external server regarding the communicating power tool device, receive information from the user regarding the non-communicating power tool device, and group the communicating power tool wireless device and the non-communicating power tool device together as a single inventory. 
     In another embodiment the invention provides a method of determining whether any power tool devices are missing from an inventory. The method includes receiving a list of power tool devices from a remote server, directly communicating with a plurality of power tool devices, generating a list of the plurality of power tool devices; comparing the list of power tool devices received from the remote server and the plurality of devices, and determining whether a power tool device is missing. 
     Other aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a communication system according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a schematic diagram of a wireless communication module in communicating power tool devices. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a schematic diagram of the communication system. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates an exemplary home page for the inventory and reporting application. 
         FIG. 5  is a flowchart illustrating a method implemented to add a new power tool device. 
         FIGS. 6A-B  illustrate exemplary screenshots of pages for adding a power tool device from a connected manufacturer. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates an exemplary screenshot of pages for adding a power tool device from a disconnected manufacturer. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates an edit screen for one of the power tool devices. 
         FIG. 9  is a flowchart for the method of launching an application at a mobile electronic station. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates an exemplary inventory screen. 
         FIG. 11  illustrates an exemplary filters screen. 
         FIGS. 12A-C  illustrate exemplary screenshots showing filters that can be applied on an inventory and reporting application. 
         FIG. 13  is a flowchart illustrating a method of adding a new power tool device on a mobile electronic device. 
         FIG. 14  illustrates an exemplary screen to add a power tool device. 
         FIG. 15  illustrates an exemplary list of nearby power tool devices that are not in the inventory. 
         FIG. 16  illustrates an exemplary screen including information received from a communicating power tool device. 
         FIG. 17  illustrates an exemplary screen to search for a power tool device from a connected manufacturer. 
         FIGS. 18A-G  illustrate exemplary guide screens that allow the user to input information for adding a power tool device to the inventory. 
         FIGS. 19A-F  illustrate exemplary editing screens to allow the user to edit information associated with a power tool device. 
         FIG. 20  is a flowchart illustrating a method for implementing a tool attendance feature. 
         FIG. 21  illustrates a schematic diagram illustrating the concept of inventory sectioning. 
         FIG. 22  is a flowchart illustrating a method for implementing an inventory sectioning feature. 
         FIG. 23  illustrates an exemplary home screen for a crimper. 
         FIG. 24  is a cross-sectional view of a crimper. 
         FIG. 25  is a flowchart illustrating a method for generating reports from the inventory and reporting application. 
         FIG. 26  illustrates a second exemplary home screen for the crimper. 
         FIG. 27  illustrates a start reporting page on a mobile external device. 
         FIG. 28  illustrates a start reporting page with an expanded date field. 
         FIG. 29  illustrates an exemplary information screen. 
         FIG. 30  illustrates an exemplary alert screen. 
         FIG. 31  illustrates an exemplary report screen. 
         FIG. 32  is a flowchart illustrating a method for determining power tool attendance. 
         FIG. 33  is a flowchart illustrating a method for adding power tool devices to an inventory list. 
         FIG. 34  is a flowchart illustrating a method for analyzing metrics for a power tool device. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. 
     It should be noted that a plurality of hardware and software based devices, as well as a plurality of different structural components may be utilized to implement the invention. Furthermore, and as described in subsequent paragraphs, the specific configurations illustrated in the drawings are intended to exemplify embodiments of the invention and that other alternative configurations are possible. The terms “processor” “central processing unit” and “CPU” are interchangeable unless otherwise stated. Where the terms “processor” or “central processing unit” or “CPU” are used as identifying a unit performing specific functions, it should be understood that, unless otherwise stated, those functions can be carried out by a single processor, or multiple processors arranged in any form, including parallel processors, serial processors, tandem processors or cloud processing/cloud computing configurations. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a power tool communication system  100 . The power tool communication system  100  includes, among other things, a plurality of power tool devices  104   a - d , a mobile electronic device  108 , a remote server  112 , a network  114 , and an external device  116 . The power tool devices  104   a - d  include power tools and devices used in relation to the operation of power tools. For example, the power tool devices  104   a - d  can include a power tool battery charger  104   a , a battery pack  104   b , power tools  104   c - d , as well as other devices used in conjunction with the power tools. Each power tool  104   c - d  may be the same tool or may be different tools. Accordingly, each power tool  104   c - d  is configured to perform one or more specific tasks (e.g., drilling, cutting, fastening, pressing, lubricant application, sanding, heating, grinding, bending, forming, impacting, polishing, lighting, etc.). The task associated with each of the power tools  104   c - d  may also be referred to as the primary function(s) of the power tool  104   c - d . The power tool devices  104  in the communication system  100  are representative and exemplary. The communication system  100  may include more or fewer power tool devices  104  and various combinations of power tool devices  104 . Similarly, the power tool devices  104  in the communication system  100  may be from the same or different manufacturers. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , some of the power tool devices  104   a - c  include, among other things, a wireless communication module  109  (also referred to as a wireless communication controller  109 ) and a back-up power supply  110 . The wireless communication module  109  is coupled to a controller  118  of the power tool device  104 , a main power source  119  for the power tool device  104  (e.g., a battery pack and/or a wall outlet), and to a back-up power supply  110 . The wireless communication module  109  includes a radio transceiver and antenna  111 , a memory  113 , a processor  115 , and, in some embodiments, a real-time clock (RTC)  117 . The wireless communication module  109  is configured to receive data from the controller  118  of the power tool device  104 , and relay the information to the mobile electronic device  108  via the antenna and transceiver  111 . In a similar manner, the wireless communication module  109  is configured to receive information (e.g., configuration and programming information) from the mobile electronic device  108  via the antenna and transceiver  111  and relay the information to the power tool controller  118 . 
     The memory  113  of the wireless communication module  109  can store data related to communications between the power tool  104  and the mobile electronic device  108 . The processor  115  for the wireless communication module  109  controls wireless communications between the power tool  104  and the mobile electronic device  108 . For example, the processor  115  associated with the wireless communication module  109  buffers incoming and/or outgoing data, communicates with the controller  118  of the power tool device  104 , and determines the communication protocol and/or settings to use in wireless communications. The wireless communication module  109  receives electrical power from the main power source  119  and from the secondary power supply (e.g., back-up power supply  110 ) based on which power supply is available. When the main power source  119  is connected to the power tool device  104  and the main power source  119  holds sufficient power, the main power source  119  provides electrical power to the wireless communication module  109 . If, on the other hand, the main power source  119  is not connected to the power supply, the back-up power supply  110  provides power to the wireless communication module  109 . The back-up power supply  110 , however, has limited supply of power and could be quickly drained if used to power significant electronic data exchange between the power tool devices  104  and the mobile electronic device  108 . Therefore, in some embodiments, when the back-up power supply  110  powers the wireless communication module  109 , the power tool device  104  outputs (e.g., broadcasts) only identification information for the power tool device  104 , but does not enable further data exchange between the power tool device  104  and the mobile electronic device  108 . 
     In some embodiments, the back-up power supply is a coin cell battery. The coin cell battery is removable from the power tool device  104  and is, therefore, located in an accessible area of the power tool device  104 . In many embodiments, the back-up power supply  110  is accessed and replaced by the user/operator of the power tool device  104 . In other embodiments, however, the back-up power supply  110  is located in a hard-to-access portion of the power tool device, and is replaced by a professional serviceman. For instance, rather than being located in a dedicated battery recess separate from the motor and other circuitry and accessible via a sliding or removable door on the tool housing, the back-up power supply  110  may require opening the main housing using one or more tools. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the wireless communication module  109  is a Bluetooth® controller. The Bluetooth® controller communicates with the mobile electronic device  108  employing the Bluetooth® protocol. Therefore, in the illustrated embodiment, the mobile electronic device  108  and the power tool  104  are within a communication range (i.e., in proximity) of each other while they exchange data. In other embodiments, the wireless communication module  109  communicates using other protocols (e.g., Wi-Fi, cellular protocols, etc.) over a different type of wireless networks. For example, the wireless communication module  109  may be configured to communicate via Wi-Fi through a wide area network such as the Internet or a local area network, or to communicate through a piconet (e.g., using infrared or NFC communications). The communication via the communication module  109  may be encrypted to protect the data exchanged between the power tool  104  and the mobile electronic device  108  from third parties. 
     The RTC  117  increments and keeps time independently of the other power tool components. In the illustrated embodiment, the RTC  117  is powered through the wireless communication module  109  when the wireless communication module  109  is powered. In some embodiments, however, the RTC  117  is a separate component from the wireless communication module  109 . In such embodiments, the RTC  117  receives power from the main power source  119  when the battery pack is connected to the power tool  104  and receives power from the back-up power supply  110  when the battery pack is not connected to the power tool  104 . Therefore, the RTC  117  keeps track of time regardless of whether the power tool  104  is in operation, and regardless of whether the battery pack is connected to the power tool  104 . When no power source is present (i.e., the battery pack is detached from the power tool  104  and the back-up power supply  110  is removed or depleted), the RTC  117  stores the last valid time. When a power source is replaced (i.e., the battery pack is attached to the power tool  104  or/and the coin cell  110  is replaced), the RTC  117  uses the stored time as a starting point to resume keeping time. 
     Other power tool devices (e.g., power tool  104   d ), however, do not communicate with the mobile electronic device  108 , and therefore do not include the wireless communication module  109 . In some embodiments, some of the power tool devices may include a wireless communication module  109 , but may not be configured to communicate with the mobile electronic device  108  because, for example, the wireless communication module  109  utilizes a different communication protocol, and/or the power tool device  104  does not know how to interpret the instructions from the mobile electronic device  108 . 
     In some embodiments, the mobile electronic device  108  is a dedicated electronic device. In other words, the mobile electronic device  108  is specifically manufactured to communicate with the power tool devices  104  and the remote server  112 . In some embodiments, the dedicated electronic device may include a ruggedized exterior to withstand the environmental conditions of different worksites. 
     In other embodiments, the mobile electronic device  108  is not a dedicated electronic device and is configured to perform various functions not related to communicating with power tools  104 . For example, the mobile electronic device  108  may be configured to place phone calls, play videos, share media, etc. The mobile electronic device  108  may be, for example, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a smartphone, a cellphone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), or another electronic device capable of communicating wirelessly with the communicating power tool devices  104   a - c  and providing a graphical user interface. 
     The communicating power tool devices  104   a - c  may communicate power tool status, power tool operation statistics, power tool identification, stored power tool usage information, power tool maintenance data, battery pack identification, battery pack stored voltage, battery pack charge and discharge characteristics, and the like to the mobile electronic device  108 . Therefore, by using the mobile electronic device  108 , a user can access stored power tool device usage or power tool device maintenance data. The mobile electronic device  108  can also transmit data to each of the communicating power tool devices  104   a - c  for power tool configuration, firmware updates, or to send commands (e.g., turn on work light). The mobile electronic device  108  also allows a user to set operational parameters, safety parameters, select operating modes, and the like for the communicating power tool devices  104   a - c.    
     The mobile electronic device  108  can also establish wireless communication with the remote server  112  through the network  114 . The mobile electronic device  108  can forward to the remote server  112  at least some of the information received from the communicating power tool devices  104   a - c . For example, the mobile electronic device  108  can forward new user-defined tool modes, power tool usage information, new identification information, power tool device status, and the like. The remote server  112  provides additional storage and processing power and thereby enables the communication system  100  to encompass more power tool devices  104   a - d  without being limited to the storage and processing capabilities of the mobile electronic device  108 . Furthermore, the remote server  112  can also communicate with the external device  116  through the network  114  or through a different network to provide additional functionality. 
     The external device  116  may be, for example, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a workstation from a local network, or another device configured to communicate with the remote server  112  through the network  114 . The remote server  112  can forward the information received from the mobile electronic device  108  to the external device  116  through the network  114 . Forwarding the information allows other users, who may, for example, be at a remote location from the power tool devices  104   a - d  and the mobile electronic device  108 , to receive information regarding various parameters, characteristics, and status of the power tool devices  104   a - d . The external device  116  can also generate and send new information to update data on the server  112 , the mobile electronic device  108 , and the communicating power tool devices  104   a - c . For example, the external device  116  can assign locations for the specific tool devices, and the like. 
     In some implementations, the power tool devices  104   a - d  are owned by a larger entity (e.g., a contracting company). The larger entity then allows specific users (e.g., operators) to use the power tool devices  104   a - d  to perform specific tasks related to a project. Establishing the communication system  100  between power tool devices  104   a - d  and the electronic devices  108 ,  112 ,  116  allows individual users and/or larger entities to accurately control, manage, maintain, and operate large groups of power tool devices without cumbersome tracking, inventory, and programming methods. 
     In particular, the communication system  100  implements an inventory system. The inventory system provides information regarding the number of power tool devices  104   a - d  in the communication system  100 , the location of the power tool devices  104   a - d , the status of the power tool devices  104   a - d , the purchasing information of the power tool devices  104   a - d , and the like. The inventory information gathered and provided by the inventory system allows users (e.g., buyers) to buy desired and/or necessary tool devices, arrange for maintenance of tool devices, and track the power tool devices  104   a - d.    
     For the inventory system, the server  112  stores an inventory database  145  (as shown in  FIG. 3 ). The inventory database  145  includes user profiles and power tool device information. The inventory database  145  stores information regarding each power tool device  104  such as, for example, serial and/or model number, a customized name associated with the power tool device  104 , a digital photograph or image associated with the power tool device  104 , a category for the power tool device  104  (e.g., drill, impact wrench, power generator, etc.), maintenance information, purchasing information, location information, tool device usage data associated it the power tool device  104 , and the like. The inventory database  145  also stores user profiles that indicate which power tool devices  104  are associated with each user. The inventory database  145  may also store additional settings information for the user profile such as identification information for each user (e.g., username and password) to properly identify each user, power tool devices the user has been associated with in the past, sub-inventories associated with the user, information regarding power tool device purchases and the like. In some embodiments, the inventory database  145  may also store settings for the graphical user interface generated by the mobile electronic device  108  and/or the external device  116 . For example, the inventory database  145  may store display options or settings for to display power tool devices associated with a particular user. 
     Both the mobile electronic device  108  and the external device  116  execute the inventory system and provide desired information to the user. The mobile electronic device  108  and the external device  116  are able to synchronize the inventory information by communicating with the remote server  112  through the network  114 . Therefore, a user can add and/or remove power tool devices from the inventory through the mobile electronic device  108  and/or through the external device  116 . Stated another way, the mobile electronic device  108  and the external device  116  provide user interfaces into an inventory database  145  primarily stored on the server  112 . 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a schematic diagram of the components of the communication system  100 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the external device  116  includes, among other things, a processor  120 , a display  124 , an external wireless communication controller  128  (e.g., a Wi-Fi communication controller), and a memory  132 . The external wireless communication controller  128  allows the external device  116  to connect to the remote server  112  and exchange information regarding the power tools devices  104   a - d . The memory  132  stores a core application software  134  that enables the external device  116  to execute an inventory and reporting application. The processor  120  accesses the core application software  134  in memory  132  to generate a graphical user interface shown on the display  124 . The processor  120  is also coupled to the external wireless communication controller  128  to control the communication to and from the remote server  112 . 
     The external device  116  launches the inventory and reporting application in response to a user input (e.g., selecting an icon, opening a webpage, etc.). When the external device  116  launches the inventory and reporting application, the external device  116  requests a user to input a username (e.g., e-mail address) and a password, thereby identifying him/herself to the external device  116 , to the inventory and reporting application, and to the server  112 . Once the user has inputted his/her account information, the external wireless communication controller  128  communicates with the remote server  112  to ensure that the user is an authorized user and to obtain information regarding the power tool devices  104  that are specifically associated with the identified user. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the remote server  112  includes a processor  136 , a network interface  140 , and a memory  144 . The processor  136  is coupled to the network interface  140  to allow communication with the mobile electronic device  108  and the external device  116  through the network  114 . The processor  136  is also coupled to the memory  144  to store and access information associated with various users (for example, user profiles  146 ) and information associated with various power tool devices (for example, power tool device information  147 ). In particular, the external device  116  receives a list of power tool devices and associated information that are associated with the identified user. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the power tools  104   a - c  include a processor  105 , a memory  106  and a short-range transceiver  149 . In some embodiments, the transceiver  149  is implemented as the wireless communication controller  109 . The memory  106  stores usage data  150 , sensor data  151  and maintenance data  153  of the power tools  104   a - c.    
       FIG. 4  illustrates an exemplary screenshot of a home screen  148  of the inventory and reporting application launched by the external device  116 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , the inventory and reporting application displays a list  152  of power tool devices  104  associated with a particular user. The power tool devices  104  are arranged by category. For example, all the batteries associated with the identified user are listed under batteries, while the impact power tools are listed under the category “Drivers &amp; Impacts.” In the illustrated embodiment, the user can create and delete categories according to his/her preferences. Listing the power tool devices  104  according to their category allows a user to easily identify particular power tool devices and gain a better understanding of the variety of the power tool devices in his/her possession. As shown in  FIG. 4 , the list  152  of power tool devices  104  also indicates a number of power tool devices  104  per category. For example, a user can easily determine how many impact drills are in the inventory and compare that to the number of battery packs compatible with the impact drills. Such easy access to the inventory information may allow the user to make more informed decisions regarding the purchases, maintenance, and general tracking of the power tool devices  104 . 
     As also shown in  FIG. 4 , the inventory and reporting application also receives other information associated with the power tool devices  104  from the remote server  112 . For example, the inventory and reporting application displays an image (e.g., a photograph) of the power tool device, a manufacturer, a description (e.g., what the power tool device is and/or specific characteristics of the power tool device), a model and/or serial number, a specific device number (e.g., a tool number by which the manufacturer identifies the type of power tool device), and a location (e.g., an assigned location, a last known location, a purchase location, etc.). In some embodiments, the inventory and reporting application also receives a customized name for the power tool device  104  (e.g., Bob&#39;s Tool) that allows a user to more readily identify the power tool device listed by the inventory and reporting application. 
     The home screen  148  illustrates the list  152  of the power tool devices associated with the identified user, a search bar  156 , a filters option  160 , and an add item option  164 . The search bar  156  allows a user to search for a particular power tool device by keywords (e.g., impact drill or 18V pack). The filters option  160  allows the user to restrict the display of the power tool devices  104  to only those power tool devices that meet certain criteria. In the illustrated embodiment, a filter can be applied according to a manufacturer, a category, and a location. In other embodiments, other filters can be used in addition or instead of the filters in the illustrated embodiment. In some embodiments, the user can select which filters are available. A user can select the add item option  164  to add a new power tool device  104  to the inventory associated with the identified user. 
       FIG. 5  is a flowchart of the process  165  of adding a new power tool device to the inventory using the external device  116 . First, the user is requested to identify the manufacturer of the power tool device (step  170 ). In some embodiments, the user is requested to specify the manufacturer for the power tool device  104 . In other embodiments, identifying the manufacturer includes using a particular search box applicable only to some or to one manufacturer. The external device  116  communicates and/or has access to a server associated with at least one manufacturer. If the external device  116  can communicate with the server of a specific manufacturer or a server having power tool device information of the manufacturer (e.g., maintained by a third party), this manufacturer is referred to as a connected manufacturer. If the user adds a power tool device  104  associated with a connected manufacturer, the user searches for a particular tool device  104  using, for example, a tool device number (step  174 ) as shown in  FIG. 6A . The external device  116  (e.g., the inventory and control application) receives a query for a particular power tool device and then communicates with the server of the connected manufacturer to obtain a list of power tool devices matching the search query. The inventory and reporting application then receives power tool device information from the connected server and displays a list of power tool devices to the user on the external device  116 . The user can then select the desired power tool device from the search results provided by the inventory and reporting application (step  176 ). The external device  116  (e.g., the inventory and control application) receives an indication of the user&#39;s selection and communicates with the connected server to obtain some of the power tool device information from the manufacturer (step  178 ). In the illustrated embodiment, the external device  116  obtains an image of the power tool device, a model number, and a description of the power tool device. The external device  116  may also automatically categorize the power tool device based on the information received from the server. In the illustrated example, the power tool device selected to be added to the inventory is an impact driver. Accordingly, the external device  116  categorizes the impact driver under the “Drivers and Impacts” category. In some embodiments, the category to which the power tool device belongs is also communicated from the manufacturer to the external device  116 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 6B , a user can add further information regarding the selected power tool device  104  (step  182 ). For example, the user can select a quantity of the same power tool devices that are being added, a purchase location, a value (e.g., purchasing price), a location (e.g., an assigned location for the power tool device), and order and itemization information. Once the user has entered the requested information, or the necessary information, the user can save the entered information by clicking a save button (step  186 ). After the user has saved all of the entered information for the power tool device  104 , the external device  116  displays the new power tool device on the list  152  of power tool devices associated with the identified user (step  190 ). 
     In some embodiments, some of the information received by the inventory and reporting application is required to save a new power tool device (e.g., a device number associated with the power tool device), and some of the information is optional (e.g., a customized name for the power tool device). In other words, while a minimum set of information is required to add a new power tool device  104  to the inventory, some of the information is optional and the power tool device can be added with or without the additional information. For example, a user may be required to enter a tool number and a tool name, but may not be required to enter a location and/or purchasing price. In such embodiments, the external unit  116  may receive the required information from the manufacturer server and allow the user to add in any optional information. Such embodiments allow a user to search, select the desired power tool device, and save without further data entry, which makes the process of adding power tool devices  104  to the inventory faster. 
     If, on the other hand, the user wishes to add a power tool device from a manufacturer that is not connected to the external device  116  (e.g., power tool device  104   d ), the inventory and control application displays a screen with empty text boxes to be filled by the user (step  194 ). The user then inputs the information for the power tool device (step  198 ). Notably, in such embodiments, the external device  116  does not populate the text boxes with information received from the remote server  112 . Rather, the text boxes remain blank for the user to fill them in, as shown in  FIG. 7 . Once the user inputs the information for the power tool device, the user saves the information by, for example, clicking a save button (step  186 ). The new power tool device is then displayed on the inventory list  152  (step  190 ). 
     When the inventory has been altered (e.g., due to an addition of a power tool device and/or due to loss of a power tool device), the inventory and control application on the external device  116  communicates with the server  112  to update the stored information regarding the inventory. The remote server  112  stores the new information for the inventory associated with the user. The next time the user accesses the inventory and reporting application on the external device  116  or on the mobile electronic device  108 , the inventory and reporting application would display the most recent inventory information for the user. 
     Referring back to  FIG. 4 , each power tool device  104  also includes an edit icon  195  and a delete icon  196 . Even after the power tool device  104  has been added to the user&#39;s inventory, a user can edit the information associated with the power tool device  104  by selecting the edit icon  195 . When the user selects the edit icon  195 , the inventory and reporting application displays an edit screen  197  as shown in  FIG. 8 . The user can change the category, the location, the tool number, the serial number, the purchase location, the purchase value, and the notes associated with the power tool device. Some of the fields such as, for example, the description or the model number are only editable when other fields such as, for example, the serial number and/or the tool number are changed. In other words, when the serial number and/or the tool number is changed, the description and the model number fields become editable. 
     A user can alternatively or additionally access the inventory and reporting application via the mobile electronic device  108 . For example, a user can add power tool devices to his/her inventory through the mobile electronic device  108 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the mobile electronic device  108  includes a processor  200 , a short-range transceiver  204 , a network communication interface  208 , a touch display  212 , and a memory  216 . The processor  200  is coupled to the short-range transceiver  204 , the network communication interface  208 , the touch display  212 , and the memory  216 . The short-range transceiver  204  is configured to communicate with a compatible transceiver within the power tool devices  104   a - c . The short-range transceiver  204  can also communicate with other electronic devices. The network communication interface  208  communicates with the network  114  to enable communication with the remote server  112 . The communication interface  208  may include circuitry that enables the mobile electronic device  108  to communicate with the network  114 . In some embodiments, the network  114  may be an Internet network, a cellular network, another network, or a combination thereof. 
     The memory  216  of the mobile electronic device  108  also stores core application software  220 .  FIG. 9  illustrates the process  223  executed by the processor  200  when launching the mobile inventory and reporting application. The processor  200  accesses the core application software  220  in memory  216 , and launches a mobile version of the inventory and reporting application (step  224 ). When the mobile electronic device  108  launches the mobile inventory and reporting application, the mobile electronic device  108  communicates with the remote server  112  to provide a user identification (e.g., username and password). The server  112  accesses the inventory database  113  with the user identification information to generate a list of power tool devices  104  associated with the user, and provides the list of power tool devices  104  to the mobile electronic device  108 . The mobile electronic device  108 , in turn, receives the list of power tool devices  104  associated with a particular user (step  228 ). In the illustrated embodiment, the user does not provide a username and password each time the mobile inventory and reporting application is launched. Rather, when an initial install of the mobile inventory and reporting application is performed to download the core application software  220  to the memory  216 , a user provides his/her identification information. The mobile inventory and reporting application may then store identification information for the particular mobile electronic device  108  and associate the mobile electronic device with a particular user. 
     Once the mobile electronic device  108  receives the list of power tool devices  104  associated with the user from the server  112 , the mobile electronic device  108  displays the list of associated power tool devices on the touch display  212  (step  232 ). Similar to the list  152  shown in  FIG. 4 , the mobile electronic device  108  also categorizes the power tool devices to provide the user with readily accessible information regarding the inventory of power tool devices associated with the user, as shown in the exemplary inventory screen  236  in  FIG. 10 . In the illustrated embodiment, the inventory includes two power tool devices  104  that are uncategorized. As with the external device  116 , the mobile electronic device  108  also includes a total count of the power tool devices  104  under any one category. In other embodiments, the inventory may include more or less power tool devices that may be categorized differently. 
     When the mobile electronic device  108  receives information from the server  112  regarding the power tool devices  104  associated with the identified user, the mobile electronic device  108  also determines the state of the power tool devices  104 . The mobile electronic device  108  determines the state or status of the power tool devices  104  based on communication with the power tool devices  104  themselves. The power tool devices  104  can be in a connectable state, an advertisement state, an out of range state, or an unconnectable state. When the power tool device  104  is in the connectable state, the power tool device  104  has sufficient energy (e.g., because the power tool device  104  is connected to a battery pack) to begin data exchange between the power tool device  104  and the mobile electronic device  108 . In the connectable state, the power tool device  104  communicates a tool number, a customized name, and an indication that sufficient power for data exchange is available. The inventory and reporting application indicates that the power tool device is in the connectable state by showing a communication symbol  238  next to the power tool device  104 . The power tool device  104  is in an advertisement state when the power tool device is not connected to a main power source (e.g., a battery pack) that may provide sufficient energy to sustain data exchange. Rather, in the advertisement state, the power tool device  104  receives power only through the back-up power supply  110 . When the power tool device  104  is in the advertisement state, the power tool device  104  does not have sufficient energy to sustain data exchange, but the power tool device  104  communicates the customized name, a tool device number, and/or a state of charge of a secondary battery. The inventory and reporting application indicates that the power tool device is in the advertisement state by graying out or not showing the communication symbol  238  and/or by graying out the power tool device. 
     When the power tool device  104  is out of range, the inventory and reporting application also show the power tool device  104  grayed out. Finally, when the power tool device  104  is in the unconnectable state, the power tool device  104  is not configured to communicate with the mobile electronic device  108 . For example, power tool  104   d  is not configured to communicate with the mobile electronic device and would therefore be in the unconnectable state. The inventory and reporting application also show unconnectable power tool devices  104  in a grayed out form. In other embodiments, different ways of indicating the status of the power tool devices  104  are implemented. In particular, in some embodiments, each state of the power tool device is illustrated (e.g., using different colors for the symbol  238 , showing different symbols, and/or including an information column that explicitly indicates the state of the power tool device  104 ) differently than another state of the power tool device  104  to readily be able to identify the state of the power tool device  104 . 
     The inventory screen  236  includes a search box  240 , a menu option  244 , and an add item option  248 . The search box  240  allows a user to search within his/her inventory for a particular tool using keywords. The keywords may be associated with a customized name of the power tool, a description of the power tool, a location, a model or serial number, etc. The menu option  244  may allow the user to select how to display the list of associated power tool devices  104 . For example, the menu option  244  may allow the user to display the power tool devices according to the location, the manufacturer, etc. As shown in  FIG. 11 , the menu option  244  may allow the user to set different filters to display only a portion of the associated power tool devices. In the illustrated embodiment, the user may set filters according to manufacturer (see  FIG. 12A ), category (see  FIG. 12B ), location (see  FIG. 12C ), etc. 
     The user may select the add item option  248  to add a power tool device to his/her inventory through the mobile inventory and reporting application.  FIG. 13  illustrates the process  249  of adding a new power tool device using the mobile electronic device  108 . First, the user selects the add item option  248  from the inventory screen  236  (step  250 ). In response to the selection of the add item option  248 , the mobile electronic device  108 , in particular the inventory and reporting application, displays an add item screen  252  as shown in  FIG. 14 . The add item screen  252  provides the user two methods for adding a new power tool device. The user can identify the manufacturer of the power tool device  104  similar to how a manufacturer was identified through the external device  116  (options  256  and  260 ), or the user can add a communicating power tool device  104  that is nearby by establishing communication with the nearby power tool device  104  (option  264 ). 
     When the user wishes to add a nearby power tool device  104 , the user selects the nearby device option  264 . In response to receiving the nearby device option  264 , the mobile inventory and reporting application broadcasts a ping signal from the mobile electronic device  108  to the power tool devices within the communication range of the mobile electronic device  108  (step  270 ). Only those power tool devices  104  that are within the communication range of the mobile electronic device  108  and that are configured to communicate wirelessly with the mobile electronic device  108  (e.g., the communicating power tool devices  104   a - c ) respond to the ping signal from the mobile electronic device  108 . The inventory and reporting application then receives responses from the communicating power tool devices  104   a - c  within the communication range (step  274 ). The responses from the communicating power tool devices  104   a - c  include identification information for each power tool device. The identification information includes, for example, a customized name associated with the power tool device, a model number, a unique identifier, a tool number, etc. In some embodiments, the power tool devices  104  periodically broadcast the identification information for the power tool device  104  without requiring a ping signal from the mobile electronic device  108  to be received. In such embodiments, step  270  in which the mobile electronic device  108  sends a ping signal to the power tool devices  104  nearby is bypassed. 
     The inventory and reporting application then compares the received responses to the power tool devices already in the inventory (step  278 ). If a received response corresponds to a power tool device  104  that is already part of the inventory, the inventory and reporting application does not display that power tool device  104  to the user and continues to check the rest of the responses (step  282 ). If, on the other hand, the received response corresponds to a power tool device  104  that is not part of the inventory, the inventory and reporting application displays the power tool device  104  to the user (step  286 ). Thereby, the inventory and reporting application only displays those power tool devices  104  that are nearby and that are not already part of the inventory for the user. 
       FIG. 15  illustrates a list generated by the inventory and reporting application that identifies the power tool devices that are nearby and not yet part of the user&#39;s inventory. The user can then select the new power tool device  104  that he/she wishes to add to his/her inventory (step  290 ). The mobile electronic device  108  then communicates with the selected communicating power tool device  104   a - c  to obtain information for the selected communicating power tool device  104   a - c  (step  294 ). The communicating power tool device  104   a - c  then forwards identification and other information to the mobile electronic device  108  to add the selected communicating power tool device  104   a - c  to the user&#39;s inventory (step  298 ). The mobile inventory and reporting application, upon receipt of the identification and other information from the communicating power tool device  104   a - c , displays the received information to the user as shown in  FIG. 16  (step  302 ). The user can verify the information received from the selected communicating power tool device  104   a - c , and click save. The mobile inventory and reporting application then saves the received information and adds the power tool device to the user&#39;s inventory (step  326 ). If the information received from the power tool device is not complete (e.g., the power tool device  104  may not communicate a category), the user can add and/or edit information received from the communicating power tool device. In some embodiments, the identification information provided in step  274  is sufficient to generate a new entry (i.e., add the power tool device  104 ) to the user&#39;s inventory, and steps  294 - 302  are bypassed. 
     Enabling the user to add power tool devices that are nearby saves a significant amount of time because the user no longer has to manually search for a particular power tool device, input necessary information, etc. Instead, the mobile inventory and reporting application automatically determines which of the nearby power tool devices  104  are not yet part of the user&#39;s inventory and requests information for the inventory from the power tool devices  104  directly. 
     Referring back to  FIG. 13 , the user can alternatively choose to add a power tool device  104  without using the nearby device option  264 . Rather, the user can add a power tool device  104  from a connected manufacturer by selecting the connected manufacturer option  256 . In response to detecting the selection of the connected manufacturer option  256 , the inventory and reporting application (e.g., the processor executing the core application software) displays a search bar  306  ( FIG. 17 ). The user then searches for the desired power tool device using a model number, serial number, tool number, etc. (step  310 ). The mobile electronic device  108  communicates with the remote server  112 . The remote server  112  communicates with a server associated with the connected manufacturer. Based on the search criteria from the user, the mobile electronic device  108  receives a set of search results including various power tool devices. The user then selects the desired power tool device from the search results (step  314 ). The mobile electronic device  108  then communicates the user&#39;s selection to the remote server  112  and receives information regarding the selected power tool device from the remote server  112  (step  318 ). The mobile electronic device  108  populates text boxes or selections with the information received from the remote server  112 . 
     The user can then add more information regarding the selected power tool device  104 , if the user, for example, wishes to input more information or additional notes (step  322 ). When the information has been gathered regarding the new power tool device  104 , the user selects a “save” option, and the inventory and reporting application saves the information and adds the new power tool device to the user&#39;s inventory (step  326 ). The inventory and reporting application then displays the new power tool device  104  as part of the list  152  of power tool devices in the user&#39;s inventory (step  330 ). 
     Referring back to  FIG. 13  again, the user can alternatively select to add a power tool device from a disconnected manufacturer by selecting the disconnected manufacturer option  260  ( FIG. 14 ). In response to detecting that the user selected the disconnected manufacturer option  260 , the inventory and reporting application guides the user by displaying various guide screens shown in  FIGS. 18A-G  for the user to input information regarding the new power tool device (step  334 ). The inventory and reporting application receives information such as a name  338  for the power tool and the tool number  342  ( FIG. 18A ), purchase information such as, for example, purchase location  346 , a value (e.g., price)  350  ( FIGS. 18B-C ). When entering purchase information, the user can also take a picture of, for example, a purchase order or a purchase receipt and save the image under the purchasing information for that power tool device  104  ( FIG. 18C ). The inventory and reporting application also receives an indication of the category for the power tool device  104  ( FIGS. 18D-E ). The user can also incorporate other notes for the power tool device  104  ( FIG. 18F ) and take a picture of the power tool device  104  to readily identify it ( FIG. 18G ). Once the user inputs the information regarding the new power tool device  104 , the inventory and reporting application saves the information and adds the power tool device  104  to the user&#39;s inventory (step  354 ). 
     Once the power tool devices  104  have been added to the user&#39;s inventory, the power tool devices are displayed as part of the user&#39;s inventory. Referring back to  FIG. 10 , a user can select each power tool device  104  in his/her inventory and view/edit information regarding the power tool device  104 . For example, as shown in  FIGS. 18A-F , the user can edit the information associated with a power tool device  104  already part of the inventory. In the illustrated embodiment, the user selects a power tool device  104  (e.g., Bob&#39;s Tool). In response to the user selection of the power tool device  104 , the inventory and reporting application shows limited information regarding the power tool device  104 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 19A , the mobile inventory and reporting application display the name  338  of the power tool device, the date  358  the power tool device was added, and the assigned or current location  362  of the power tool device. As shown in  FIG. 19A , the user can select to see more information associated with the selected power tool device by selecting the arrow  366  in  FIG. 19A . In other embodiments, the inventory and reporting application may use different symbols and icons to indicate that more information is available to the user. 
     In response to selecting the arrow  366 , the inventory and reporting application displays a product information screen  370  for the selected power tool device as shown in  FIG. 19B . The product information screen  370  provides a summary of the product information associated with a selected power tool device  104 . In the illustrated embodiment, the product information screen  370  includes information regarding the power tool device name  338 , the model number  374 , the assigned category  378 , the assigned location  362 , and an option to view more purchase information  382 . The product information screen  370  also includes an edit selector  386  that enables the user to edit the information associated with the power tool device  104 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the selected power tool device (e.g., Bob&#39;s Tool) does not include information regarding the category  378  of power tool device and the location  362  of the power tool device. The user then selects the edit selector  386  to add in a category and a location for the power tool device (e.g., Bob&#39;s Tool). In response to detecting that the user clicked on the edit selector  386 , the mobile inventory and reporting application displays an editable version of the product information screen  370 . As shown in  FIG. 19C , a user can then edit the information associated with the power tool device. In the illustrated example, the user specifies a category  378  and a location  362  for the power tool device, as shown in  FIG. 19D . Once the user has edited the desired information for the power tool device, the user can select “save” to finalize editing the power tool device information.  FIG. 19E  shows an updated version of the product information screen  370  with the edited information included (e.g., the category  378  and the location  362 ).  FIG. 19F  illustrates an updated version of the inventory screen  236  showing the edited power tool device (e.g., Bob&#39;s Tool) under a different category. 
     Executing the inventory and reporting application on the mobile electronic device  108  also provides other features such as tool device attendance, inventory sectioning, and location tracking. Tool device attendance is a feature that allows users to determine whether the tool devices  104  in his/her inventory are within a communication range of the mobile electronic device  108 , thus allowing a user to quickly identify whether power tool devices  104  are missing and if so, which ones. 
       FIG. 20  illustrates a flowchart of a method  389  implementing tool device attendance. From the inventory screen  236 , the user can select a “tool attendance” selector (step  390 ). In response to the user selecting the “tool attendance” selector, the mobile inventory and reporting application broadcasts a ping signal to the communicating power tool devices  104   a - c  (step  394 ). The communicating power tool devices  104   a - c , in response to the ping signal, send a response signal to the mobile electronic device  108  (step  398 ). The mobile electronic device  108  then receives the response signals from each of the communicating power tool devices  104   a - c  that are within the communication range of the mobile electronic device  108  (step  402 ). In some embodiments, the power tool devices  104  periodically broadcast identification information for the power tool deice  104  without requiring a ping signal from the mobile electronic device  108 . In such embodiments, the mobile electronic device  108  detects which power tool devices  104  are nearby based on the broadcast signals from the power tool devices  104 . 
     The mobile inventory and reporting application then generates a list of the power tool devices  104  that sent a response signal (or those that broadcasted the power tool device identification information) to the mobile electronic device  108  (step  406 ). The mobile inventory and reporting application compares the list of power tool devices  104  that sent a response signal to the power tool devices  104  that are part of the user&#39;s inventory (step  410 ). Based on the comparison of the two lists, the mobile inventory and reporting application determines which power tool devices  104  from the user&#39;s inventory are not within a communication range of the mobile electronic device  108  (step  414 ). The mobile inventory and reporting application displays a list of the “missing” power tool devices to the user (step  418 ). Since the user&#39;s inventory may also include power tool devices that do not communicate wirelessly with the mobile electronic device  108  (e.g., power tool  104   d ), the inventory and reporting application also displays a list of the power tool devices  104  that are not configured to communicate with the mobile electronic device  108  (step  422 ). The inventory and control application can also display, in response to a user selection, a separate list of these power tool devices  104  that were found. 
     The user can determine, based on the list provided by the inventory and reporting application, how many power tool devices  14  are missing and which power tool devices  104  are missing. The user can also delete these power tool devices  104  from the inventory, or edit the information associated with these power tool devices  104 . The tool attendance feature can be implemented, for example, at the beginning of the work day to establish which tools are present at the particular worksite, at the end of the work day to ensure that the tools which were present at the beginning of the day are returned at the end of the day, and when transporting tools from one jobsite to another to ensure that the power tool devices  104  were delivered to the appropriate jobsite. The user can also save an attendance log including a time, date, and location stamp. The attendance log includes a listing of the power tool devices  104  that were nearby (e.g., found), and a separate listing the power tool devices  104  that were in the user&#39;s inventory, but were not nearby (e.g., missing). 
     Running the inventory and reporting application on the mobile electronic device  108  also enables inventory sectioning. While a large entity (e.g., a contracting company) may have too many power tool devices for a mobile inventory and reporting application to conveniently track, an administrator can divide and assign particular power tool devices  104  to particular users (e.g., operators, foreman, crib manager, etc.). The administrator (e.g., a buyer) can run the inventory and reporting application on the external device  116  displaying the power tool devices  104  owned by the large entity. However, to accurately and efficiently track the power tool devices  104 , the administrator may separate the power tool devices  104  into subsets, as illustrated in  FIG. 21 . Each jobsite, for example, may be assigned a particular set of power tool devices  104 . A user (e.g., a foreman or crib manager) at the jobsite may manage the inventory of the power tool devices  104  within the jobsite. The user at the jobsite may not have access to the other power tool devices  104  that are owned by the large entity. Rather he/she can focus on the present jobsite and on efficiently managing the power tool devices  104  within that jobsite. For example, operator X has sub-inventory including all tools shown in  FIG. 21 . Operator Y has sub-inventory including the tools shown as connected via dashed lines to operator Y&#39;s mobile device  108 . Operator Z has sub-inventory including the tools shown as connected via dashed lines to operator Z&#39;s mobile device  108 . 
       FIG. 22  is flowchart illustrating an exemplary method  429  of sectioning a large inventory. First, an administrator at the external device  116  launches the inventory and reporting application (step  430 ). The administrator at the external device  116  generates a sub-inventory based on the entire inventory (step  434 ). The inventory and reporting application at the external device  116  generates the sub-inventory by grouping specific power tool devices  104  together in response to receiving a selection from a user of some power tool devices  104 . The sub-inventory is assigned a name so that the user can identify and distinguish each sub-inventory from other sub-inventories. The inventory and control application then assigns the sub-inventory to a particular user (step  438 ), based on the administrator identifying the user for the sub-inventory. Once the inventory and reporting application generates the sub-inventory and assigns the sub-inventory to a particular user, the external device  116  communicates with the remote server  112  to update the inventory information (step  442 ). The server  112  stores the sub-inventory and the user to which it is assigned. A user at the mobile electronic device  108  then launches the mobile inventory and reporting application (step  446 ). When the mobile inventory and reporting application is launched, the mobile electronic device  108  communicates with the remote server  112  to identify the user associated with the mobile electronic device  108  (step  450 ). The server  112  then determines that the user associated with the mobile electronic device  108  is the same as the user to which the sub-inventory is assigned (step  454 ). The server  112  then sets the sub-inventory as the inventory for the user (step  458 ). The user interacts with the mobile inventory and reporting application as described previously, being able to add power tool devices  104  to the sub-inventory, edit information of the power tool devices  104  in the sub-inventory, etc. (step  462 ). 
     Launching the inventory and reporting application on the mobile electronic device  108  also allows for location tracking of the power tool devices  104 . As discussed above, each of the power tool devices  104  is associated with a location. The location is an assigned location (e.g., where the power tool device is supposed to be). If a transfer of power tool devices  104  is desired, a user can use the inventory and reporting application to change the assigned location to track where the power tool device  104  is being transported. The inventory and reporting application can also save, display, and output information regarding a particular power tool device&#39;s location history. In other words, a user may determine where the power tool device has been before and may be able to better determine a probable location for the power tool device if, for example, the power tool device  104  is misplaced. 
     For example, the location tracking would also enable a user at the external device  116  to determine that power tool devices  104  are to be transported from jobsite A to jobsite B. The users at both jobsite A and jobsite B may be notified via communication from the remote server  112  that at least some of the power tool devices  104  from jobsite A are to be transported to jobsite B. A user at jobsite A may then arrange for the transportation of the power tool devices  104  according to the received notification. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, when a user launches the mobile inventory and reporting application at the mobile electronic device  108 , the inventory and reporting application also indicates the status of each of the power tool devices  104  to the user. The power tool devices  104  may be in an advertisement state in which the power tool device  104  provides minimal identification information, but may not engage in further electronic data transfer between the power tool device  104  and the mobile electronic device  108 . The power tool devices  104  may alternatively be in the connectable state in which the power tool device  104  provides identification information and may readily engage in electronic data transfer between the power tool device  104  and the mobile electronic device  108 . Additionally, the mobile inventory and reporting application may indicate when a power tool is in use. 
     The inventory and reporting application also allows a user to analyze the operation of a particular power tool device and generate technical reports regarding the operation of the power tool device  104  or a group of power tool devices  104 . In the illustrated embodiment, the operation of a hydraulic crimper is analyzed and the user receives information regarding the performance of the hydraulic crimper on both the mobile electronic device  108  and the external device  116 . 
     As discussed above, the mobile electronic device  108  can wirelessly communicate with communicating power tool devices  104   a - c . As also discussed above, the mobile inventory and reporting application can display a list of nearby power tool devices. A user can select one of these devices, and the mobile inventory and reporting application displays a power tool device home screen  500  ( FIG. 23 ) in response to detecting the user selection. The power tool device home screen  500  varies based on the specific power tool device  104  selected by the user. For at least some of the power tool devices  104 , the power tool device home screen  500  illustrates metrics on the performance of the specific power tool device  104 . The following example illustrates a home screen  500  for a hydraulic crimper. The home screen  500  for the hydraulic crimper provides metrics information  502  regarding the performance and operation of the hydraulic crimper. Similar aspects of the home screen  500  may be available for other power tool devices  104 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 24 , the hydraulic crimper  510  includes an electric motor  512 , a pump  514  driven by the motor  512 , a housing  522  defining a cylinder  526  therein, and an extensible piston  530  disposed within the cylinder  526 . The crimper  510  also includes electronic control and monitoring circuitry (not shown) for controlling and/or monitoring various functions of the hydraulic power tool. As is described in more detail below, the pump  514  provides pressurized hydraulic fluid to the piston cylinder  526 , causing the piston  530  to extend from the housing  522  and thereby actuate a pair of jaws  532  for crimping a workpiece. The jaws  532  are a part of a crimper head  572 , which also includes a clevis  574  for attaching the head  572  to a body of the crimper  510 , which otherwise includes the motor  512 , pump  514 , housing  522 , and piston  530 . The crimper head  572  can include different types of dies depending on the size, shape, and material of the workpiece. For example, the dies can be used for electrical applications (e.g., wire and couplings) or plumbing applications (e.g., pipe and couplings). The size of the die can depend on the size of the wire, pipe, or coupling. The shape formed by the die can be circular or another shape. The dies can be configured to crimp various malleable materials and metals, such as copper (Cu) and aluminum (Al). Although  FIG. 24  illustrates a hydraulic crimper  510 , the inventions described herein and the interaction of the power tool device with the inventory and reporting application are applicable to a wide range of power tool devices (e.g., cutters, knockout punches, drills, etc.). 
     The crimper  510  also includes a wireless communication module  109  and a back-up power supply  110  as discussed with respect to  FIG. 2 . In the illustrated embodiment, however, the back-up power supply  110  is positioned at a hard-to-access location of the crimper  510 . To replace the back-up power supply  110  on the crimper  510 , a professional service person takes apart some portions of the crimper  510  and replaces the back-up power supply  110 . The crimper  510  transmits power tool operation data to the mobile electronic device  108  through the wireless communication module  109 . In particular, the crimper  510  sends pressure data and other sensor data for each operation (e.g., crimping) the crimper  510  performs. The mobile electronic device  108  receives the pressure and sensor data from the crimper  510  and forwards the data to the remote server  112 . Referring back to  FIG. 23 , the home screen  500  for the crimper  510  provides some overview information regarding the crimper  510 . In particular, the metrics information  502  of the home screen  500  indicates a battery voltage/energy remaining on the back-up power supply  110  of the crimper  510  and a number of cycles performed by the crimper  510  since the last service was performed on the crimper  510 . The home screen can alternatively or additionally provide other metric information to the user. For example, the home screen  500  can indicate total number of cycles completed by the crimper  510  and/or the total number of full pressure cycles completed by the crimper  510 , as shown in  FIG. 26 . In the illustrated embodiment, the user can select which information is presented on the home screen  500  of the power tool device (e.g., by swiping left or right across the displayed information). In other words, the mobile electronic device  108  may provide the user with display options and store the user selected display options such that the next time the user enters the crimper home screen  500 , the mobile electronic device  108  displays the user&#39;s most recently elected choices. 
     The home screen  500  of the crimper  510 , or any other power tool device, also includes a sync tool data selector  580  and a view tool details selector  585 . Selecting the sync tool data selector  580  initiates electronic data transfer from the crimper  510  to the mobile electronic device  108 . The electronic data includes pressure and other sensor data associated with each operation the crimper  510  has performed since the last sync. Selecting the view tool details selector  585  allows a user to change tool information as discussed above with respect to the inventory feature. In some embodiments, the view tool details selector  585  also enables the user to configure modes for the crimper  510 , change operating parameters, etc. 
     When the crimper  510  sends the operational data to the mobile electronic device  108 , the mobile electronic device  108  compares the pressure data to a predetermined full pressure range (e.g., a high pressure threshold and a low pressure threshold). For each operation completed by the crimper  510 , the mobile electronic device  108  determines whether the final pressure reached by the crimper  510  is within the predetermined full pressure range. If the final pressure is within the predetermined full pressure range, the crimper  510  is considered to have completed a full pressure cycle. If, however, the final pressure is outside (e.g., below or above) the predetermined full pressure range, the crimper  510  is considered to not have reached full pressure. This determination made by the mobile electronic device  108  generates the counts shown in the home screen  500  of the crimper  510 . Specifically, by comparing the received final pressure information to the predetermined full pressure range, the mobile electronic device  108  is able to determine how many cycles the crimper  510  has completed, and how many of the completed cycles were completed to full pressure  510 , as shown in  FIG. 26 . 
     The mobile electronic device  108  communicates with the remote server  112  to forward the final pressure data points, the total number of cycles completed by the crimper  510 , and the total number of full pressure cycles completed by the crimper  510 . The remote server  112  can store the performance analysis for the crimper  510 . When the inventory and reporting application is launched on the external device  116 , the external device  116  communicates with the remote server  112  to receive updated information regarding the power tool devices  104 . 
     The inventory and reporting application includes a reporting option  600  when launched on the external device  116 . Selecting the reporting option  600  allows a user to have access to performance data for different power tool devices and generate meaningful reports on the performance of specific power tool devices or groups of power tool devices. 
       FIG. 25  is a flowchart showing a process  599  for generating a report on the performance of one or more power tool devices  104 . In the illustrated embodiment, the report quantifies the performance of the crimper  510 . In other embodiments, the generated report may quantify the performance of other power tool devices. First, the inventory and reporting application detects an indication that the user selected the reporting option  600  (step  601 ). The inventory and reporting application then generates a reporting start page  604 , as shown in  FIG. 27 . The reporting start page  604  includes a search field  606 , a date range field  608 , a quick reporting area  612 , and a power tool device list  616 . The inventory and reporting application receives an indication from the user regarding the specific type of power tool devices that the user wishes to analyze (step  617 ). In the illustrated embodiments, a filter selection (see search field  606 ) has been entered such that only crimpers are displayed on the reporting start page  604 . In some embodiments, a report can be generated for one power tool device  104  or multiple power tool devices  104  of the same type (e.g., three crimpers, or two impact wrenches, etc.). In other embodiments, the report can include different portions, each dedicated to one power tool device  104  or one type of power tool devices  104 . The different portions can then be presented to the user as a single report. 
     The inventory and reporting application generates common performance metrics applicable to all the displayed power tool devices  104  and displays the common performance metrics on the quick reporting area (step  618 ). The quick reporting area  612  indicates select metrics related to the operation of the power tool devices listed. In  FIG. 27 , the quick reporting area  612  shows a total number of cycles performed by the crimpers  510  collectively, a total number of full pressure cycles, and a percentage of the full pressure cycles compared to the total number of cycles. In the illustrated start page  604 , only one type of power tool device  104  is shown. However, in other instances, common performance metrics for different tool types are shown. In other instances, when the reporting start page  604  is not restricted by a filter to a specific type of power tool device  104 , the inventory and reporting application may not display any performance metrics on the quick reporting area  612  and step  618  is bypassed. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the power tool device list  616  includes only crimpers. The crimpers shown in the power tool device list  616  provide the power tool usage data to generate the common performance metrics shown in the quick reporting area  612 . Once the user has specified the type of power tool devices to be used, the user also specifies the date range for the report. The date range field  608  is used to specify a particular time period for which power tool device performance is analyzed. In one example, the performance report is run four times per year. In other embodiments, the performance report may be run more or less frequently. As shown in  FIG. 28 , the user can select specific dates to run the performance report. The inventory and reporting application receives the user&#39;s indication of the date range for the report and uses the specified date range to limit the power tool usage data used in the creation of the report (step  619 ). In some embodiments, the user may not need to specify particular dates. Rather, the inventory and reporting application may provide common options for date ranges such as, for example, one week, one month, one quarter, one year, etc. 
     The list  616  of power tool devices, specifically crimpers  510 , provides information to the user regarding the power tool devices. The information shown to the user is received by the external device  116  from the server  112 . As shown in  FIG. 27 , the list  616  provides an image  620  of the specific power tool device, a tool and/or serial number  624 , a model number and/or description of the power tool device  628 , a location  632 , the date on which the power tool device was last synced  636 , number of cycles completed  640  since the crimper  510  was serviced, and an indication of the percentage of remaining voltage on the back-up power supply  644 . The indication of remaining voltage on the back-up power supply  644  is helpful, in particular, for those power tool devices  104  in which the back-up power supply is inaccessible to an operator of the power tool device  104  (e.g., the crimper  510 ). 
     As shown in  FIG. 27 , some of the power tool devices may also include a warning icon  645  when an aspect of the power tool device (e.g., the crimper  510 ) that is to be addressed. For example, the inventory and reporting application may display a warning icon  645  associated with a particular power tool device  104  when the voltage percentage of the back-up power supply  110  drops below a certain threshold. Such a warning icon  645  alerts the user to take the power tool device  104  (e.g., the crimper  510 ) to a service center to replace the back-up power supply  110 . In some embodiments, the power tool device  104  itself can output a warning indication (e.g., a red light, a vibration, sound, etc.) when the back-up power supply  110  is approaching a low voltage threshold. In other embodiments, the power tool device  104  provides no indication of the voltage level of the back-up power supply  110 , and the user relies on the inventory and reporting application to be alerted when the back-up power supply  110  is to be replaced. The inventory and reporting application may additionally or alternatively display a warning icon  645  when the number of cycles since the last service approaches or exceeds a certain threshold. As shown in  FIG. 27 , some of the warning icons  645  may be more or less dark or apparent than others. With respect to the warning icon  645  displayed based on the number of cycles since the last service, the warning icon may appear darker and darker as the number of cycles since the last service increases and thereby approaches the predetermined threshold. 
     From the list  616  of the power tool devices, the user can also select one or more power tool devices (e.g., crimper  510 ) to analyze their performance by selecting specific checkboxes  646  shown in  FIG. 28 . The inventory and reporting application receives an indication from the user specifying one or more power tool devices  104  for which performance data is to be analyzed (step  647 ). As shown in  FIG. 29 , when the user selects one of the crimpers (or other power tool device  104 ), the inventory and reporting application displays an information screen  650  for each of the selected power tool devices  104  (step  651 ). The information screen  650  contains general information regarding the crimper  510 . In particular, the information screen  650  includes the power tool device name  654 , a date range  658 , a specific customer (if applicable)  662 , a job name (if applicable)  666 , an operator  670 , notes  674 , and other relevant information. In the illustrated embodiment, the user selected power tool device number  2757 - 20 . The inventory and reporting application displays this information to the user to provide the user an opportunity to verify that the crimper selected is the correct crimper. 
     After the user sufficiently verified the information shown on the information screen  650 , the inventory and reporting application displays an alert screen  680  to the user (step  682 ). The alert screen  680 , as shown in  FIG. 30 , is based on the number of cycles for which the crimper  510  did not achieve full pressure. More particularly, the alert screen  680  includes one or more alerts  684 . Each alert  684  provides information regarding a cycle of the crimping machine. For example, as shown in  FIG. 30 , the alert  684  includes a cycle number, a date and time associated with the detected failure, the maximum pressure reached by the crimper, and a text box. In some embodiments, the alert  684  also includes a tool identifier (e.g., the tool name, the tool serial and/or model number, etc.). A user can determine whether the alert  684  is substantive, and may include notes in the text box explaining why the crimper  510  failed to reach full pressure and/or what actions were taken to compensate for the crimper  510  not reaching full pressure. In some embodiments, the inventory and reporting application does not continue to generate a report until each of the alerts  684  has been addressed by the user by typing characters into the text box. In the embodiments for which more than one power tool device  104  was selected to be included in the report, the alert screen  680  may include alerts pertaining to more than one power tool device  104 . The user then addresses different alerts pertaining to different power tool devices  104  from a single screen. 
     After addressing the alerts  684 , the inventory and reporting application generates a report that analyzes the performance of one or more specific power tool devices (step  686 ). As shown in  FIG. 31 , the report includes overview information such as, for example, a date range for the report, a customer, a job name, an operator, etc. The report also identifies the tools analyzed while performing the report. The tools analyzed for the generated report are listed under the heading “Tools.” In other embodiments, the heading may be different. In the illustrated embodiment, the report is generated for two crimpers. Additionally, the report includes a quick reporting area  688  for providing high-level indicators of the performance of the one or more power tool devices. In the illustrated embodiments, the quick reporting area  688  includes information regarding the total number of cycles completed by the crimpers  510  included in the report, the total number of full pressure cycles, and the percentage of total full pressure cycles. In other embodiments, other performance measures may be displayed in the quick reporting area  688 . In particular, the quick reporting area  688  and the nature of the alerts changes based on the power tool device being analyzed. For example, if a torque specific tool was being analyzed, the quick reporting area  688  may include information about the total number of fastening applications, the number of fastening application that reached optimal torque, etc. Also, to generate the performance metrics shown in the quick reporting area  688  and in the rest of the report, the inventory and reporting application may process data from more than one power tool device  104 . For example, the inventory and reporting application may be summed, averaged, or otherwise combined for display on the report. Additionally or alternatively, the data for each power tool device  104  may be displayed separately. 
     The report also includes a graphical display  690  illustrating specific data points of the performance data. In the illustrated embodiments, the graphical display  609  includes information regarding the final pressure reached by the crimper  510  and the full pressure range. As shown in  FIG. 31 , a couple of data points are noticeably outside of the full pressure range, thereby indicating that at least two cycles were not completed to full pressure. Below the graphical display, the report includes the alerts  684  addressed as part of the alert screen  680 . In other embodiments, the layout of the report may be different. For example, the alerts  684  may be positioned elsewhere on the screen, and/or the general information may also be placed elsewhere. 
     Although the reports generated by the inventory and reporting application were only described in relation to the crimper, similar methods can be followed for other and different electric power tool devices. Additionally, although the generated report was illustrated in a particular set-up, other arrangements of information may be implemented based on user preferences and/or specific power tool devices. 
       FIG. 32  illustrates an exemplary method  700  of determining power tool attendance. The mobile electronic device  108  receives a list of a first plurality of power tools (step  704 ). As described above, the list may be an inventory of power tools assigned to the user of the mobile electronic device  108 . As described above, the mobile electronic device  108  may receive the list from the remote server  112 . Alternatively, as described above, the user of the mobile electronic device  108  may create the list of the first plurality of power tools (i.e., the user&#39;s inventory) at the mobile electronic device  108 , for example, by creating an inventory via the touch display  212  of the mobile electronic device  108 . 
     The mobile electronic device  108  receives a selection to detect nearby tools (step  708 ). As described above, the mobile electronic device  108  may receive the selection when a user selects a “tool attendance” selector on the inventory screen  236  of  FIG. 10 . The mobile electronic device  108  receives identification signals from a second plurality of power tools within communication range of the mobile electronic device  108  (step  712 ). As described above, the power tools  104   a - c  broadcast identification information for the power tool device  104 . The mobile electronic device  108  detects which power tool devices  104  are nearby based on the broadcast signals from the power tool devices  104 . The power tools devices  104  may broadcast the signals periodically (unprompted by an external device) or may broadcast in response to a ping from the mobile electronic device  108 . 
     The mobile electronic device  108  determines that a subset of the first plurality of power tools is not nearby (i.e., missing) based on the identification signals received (step  716 ). As described above, the mobile electronic device  108  compares the list of the first plurality of electronic device to the second plurality of electronic devices. The mobile electronic device  108  determines which of the first plurality of electronic devices are or not found nearby based on the identification signals. The subset of the first plurality of electronic devices may include only one power tool  104  or multiple power tools  104 . That is, the mobile electronic device  108  may determine that one or more of the first plurality of power tools is or not found nearby by determining that a signal was not received from the one or more power tools  104  making up the subset within a predetermined time period. Thus, the absence of a signal from a particular power tool  104  indicates to the mobile electronic device  108  that the particular tool is not nearby. The mobile electronic device  108  generates an indication that the subset of the first plurality of power tools is not nearby (i.e., missing) (step  720 ). As described above, the mobile electronic device  108  may display the subset of the first plurality of power tools on the touch display  212 . 
     In some embodiments, the inventory and reporting application receives, from one or more mobile electronic devices  108 , the voltage levels of the back-up power supplies  110  of a plurality of the power tools  104 . As described above, the one or more mobile electronic devices  108  receive the voltage levels of the back-up power supplies  110  wirelessly from the respective power tools  104  via respective wireless communication controllers  109 . The inventory and reporting application, in turn, generates a list of the power tools  104  and the voltage levels of the respective back-up power supplies  110 . Additionally, the inventory and reporting application determines whether each voltage level is below a first low battery threshold and whether each voltage level is below a second low battery threshold. The second low battery threshold is a lower level than the first low battery threshold and is indicative of a back-up power supply being nearer to depletion and in need of replacement. The inventory and reporting application then generates an indication (e.g., warning icon  645 ) for each power tool having a back-up power supply  110  with a voltage level below the first or second low battery threshold. For example, with reference to  FIG. 27 , the inventory and reporting application may generate a list of the power tools  104  along with a low battery indication for each power tool  104  having a back-up power supply  110  having a voltage level below the first or second low battery threshold. For example, in  FIG. 27 , a warning icon  645  having a first form is used to indicate a back-up power supply  110  at 10% is below the first low battery threshold, and a warning icon  645  having a second form, which is darker than the first form, is used to indicate a back-up power supply at 4% is below the second low battery threshold. 
       FIG. 33  illustrates an example method  724  for adding a power tool device to an inventory list. The mobile electronic device  108  receives a request to add a nearby power tool device (step  728 ). The mobile electronic device  108  receives the request from a user interface (for example, the touch display  212 ). As described above, the mobile electronic device  108  may receive the request when a user selects the add item option  248  on the inventory screen  236  of  FIG. 10 . 
     The mobile electronic device  108  receives identification signals from a plurality of power tool devices  104  within communication range of the mobile electronic device  108  (at step  732 ). As described above, the power tools  104   a - c  broadcast identification information for the power tool device  104 . The mobile electronic device  108  detects which power tool devices  104  are nearby based on the broadcast signals from the power tool devices  104 . The power tools devices  104  may broadcast the signals periodically (unprompted by an external device) or may broadcast in response to a ping from the mobile electronic device  108 . 
     The mobile electronic device  108  displays identification information of the plurality of power tool devices  104  (at step  736 ). For example, the mobile electronic device  108  displays the identification information on a touch display  212  of the mobile electronic device  108 . The mobile electronic device  108  receives a selection of a power tool device  104  from the plurality of power tool devices  104  (at step  740 ). As described above, the mobile electronic device  108  receives the selection of the power tool device  104  when the user selects the power tool device  104  on the touch display  212  of the mobile electronic device  108 . 
     The mobile electronic device  108  adds the power tool device  104  to the inventory list (at step  744 ). As described above, the mobile electronic device  108  and the inventory and reporting application save the information of the power tool device  104  to the inventory list. The inventory list may be stored on the remote server  112 . 
     In some embodiments, another process is provided for adding a new power tool device using the mobile electronic device  108  to an inventory of a user. With reference to  FIG. 14 , the user selects the add a nearby device (option  264 ) from the add item screen  252 . The inventory and reporting application receives signals from the communicating power tool devices  104   a - c  within communication range of the mobile electronic device  108 . The signals from the communicating power tool devices  104   a - c  include identification information for each power tool device. The identification information includes, for example, a customized name associated with the power tool device, a model number, a unique identifier, a tool number, etc. In some embodiments, the power tool devices  104  may periodically broadcast the identification information for the power tool device  104  without requiring a ping signal from the mobile electronic device  108 , and in other embodiments, the mobile device  108  sends a ping signal and the power tool devices  104  that are nearby (i.e., within communication range) reply with the signal including identification information. 
     The inventory and reporting application then compares the received responses to the power tool devices already in the inventory of the user. If a received response corresponds to a power tool device  104  that is already part of the inventory, the inventory and reporting application does not display that power tool device  104  to the user and continues to check the rest of the responses (step  282 ). If, on the other hand, the received response corresponds to a power tool device  104  that is not part of the inventory, the inventory and reporting application displays the power tool device  104  to the user (step  286 ). Thereby, the inventory and reporting application only displays those power tool devices  104  that are nearby and that are not already part of the inventory for the user. See, for example,  FIG. 15 , which illustrates a list generated by the inventory and reporting application that identifies a power tool device that is nearby and not yet part of the user&#39;s inventory. The mobile device  108  then receives a user selection of one of the listed power tools, and, in response, adds the power tool to the inventory of the user. 
       FIG. 34  illustrates an example method  748  for analyzing metrics information of a power tool device  104 . The mobile electronic device  108  receives identification signals from a plurality of power tool devices  104  within communication range of the mobile electronic device  108  (at step  752 ). As described above, the power tools  104   a - c  broadcast identification information for the power tool device  104 . The mobile electronic device  108  detects which power tool devices  104  are nearby based on the broadcast signals from the power tool devices  104 . The power tools devices  104  may broadcast the signals periodically (unprompted by an external device) or may broadcast in response to a ping from the mobile electronic device  108 . 
     The mobile electronic device  108  displays identification information of the plurality of power tool devices  104  (at step  756 ). As described above, the mobile electronic device  108  may display the identification information on a touch display  212  of the mobile electronic device  108 . The mobile electronic device  108  receives a selection of a power tool device  104  to be analyzed from the plurality of power tool devices  104  (at step  760 ). As described above, the mobile electronic device  108  may receive the selection of the power tool device  104  when the user selects the power tool device  104  on the touch display  212  of the mobile electronic device  108 . 
     The mobile electronic device  108  receives metrics information regarding the power tool device  104  in response to the selection of the power tool device  104  to be analyzed (at step  764 ). As described above, the mobile electronic device  108  receives metrics information of the power tool device  104  via the short-range transceiver, for example over a Bluetooth® connection. The power tool device  104  may transmit the metrics information when it receives a request from the mobile electronic device  108  in response to the selection or a further user input (e.g., by selecting the sync tool data selector  580  ( FIG. 23 )). 
     The mobile electronic device  108  displays the metrics information for the power tool device (at step  768 ). As described above, the mobile electronic device  108  may display the metrics information on a touch display  212  of the mobile electronic device  108  (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 23 and 26 ). 
     Throughout the above description, reference is made to the inventory and reporting application or other software as taking action (e.g., receiving, generating, displaying, and the like). Such actions may be performed by the device on which the application or software is being executed (e.g., the mobile device  108  or the external device  116 ) in response to or based on the execution of the application or software on that device. 
     Thus, the invention provides, among other things, a system that allows a user to control, manage, and maintain a large number of power tool devices. Various features and advantages of the invention are set forth in the following claims.