Hozo Design boasts a duo of innovative digital measurement tools, the NeoRuler and M-Dice, designed to streamline both microscopic and macroscopic measurements, ensuring unparalleled accuracy and ease of use.
Measurements remain a field that has seen few significant advancements over time? A humble tool, the common ruler, to say the least.
The design goals at Hozo aim to diversify, in conjunction with the M-Dice innovation. A set of versatile measuring tools that can be conveniently placed both on and off your desk.
NeoRuler and M-Dice Evaluation: NeoRuler
The NeoRuler represents a significant expansion and refinement of the traditional concept of the ruler. Without a standard ruler’s markings for centimeters and inches along its perimeter, As outfitted, it appears to be an exact replica of a precision instrument, its shape eerily similar to a pair of high-quality calipers.
To accurately gauge length, this process necessitates a concise presentation of a project’s duration. Instead of relying solely on visual estimation when using a ruler, you can employ an innovative method that involves sliding a physical gauge along the length of the ruler, aligned with a guide track.
The precise measurements are displayed on the LCD screen in both millimeter and inch formats.
The display features a 1.14-inch color LCD with a resolution of 240×135 pixels and a pixel density of 240 pixels per inch. Compact and smaller than the Apple Watch, this device is surprisingly efficient and boasts a satisfying shine, making it well-suited for its intended purposes.
Despite being non-intuitive, the system surprisingly delivers a relatively user-friendly experience.
The flexibility lies in scaling measurements from approximately 0.001 to 100,000 times. When using it with a plan of a house or a map, measurements can be taken in feet, miles, meters, and kilometers.
While the facet features markings reminiscent of a conventional ruler, it does not provide instant measurements without additional action. What this does is provide a clear visual indicator of the ruler’s reference level, serving as a tangible benchmark for measuring purposes.
The House Divider mechanism also plays a crucial role. You’ll have the ability to establish a precise interval between variables, allowing the lights to clearly indicate where each segment commences and concludes.
Enhance the capabilities of the NeoRuler with the installation of additional modules, unlocking new possibilities and expanding its versatility. The Neo Pointer serves as the standard option, accompanied by a physical pointer employed for precise measurements.
Additionally available are a range of extras designed to enhance your measurement experience, including the Neo Magnifier, which amplifies the factor being measured, and the Neo Pen Holder, ideal for drawing lines while simultaneously taking measurements.
The Neo Caliper transforms a traditional ruler into a digital caliper, allowing for precise measurements of various bodily objects.
Measuring 13 inches in length, 1.7 inches in width, and a modest 0.39 inches in thickness, this ruler presents a slightly bulkier profile compared to its standard counterparts. While weighing in at 6.4 ounces, the notable presence of an aluminum alloy and chrome steel contributes significantly to its increased weight.
The device features a 1,000mAh battery, equipped with USB-C charging capabilities, although it’s unlikely that users will need to recharge it frequently. Capable of sustained operation for up to 14 days at a lower “peak energy usage” level, or 12 hours at its maximum capacity.
The device can operate for an impressive 180 days on standby, thanks to its advanced power management capabilities.
With its extensive library of 93 built-in scales, plus 52 US Standard and 41 Metric equivalents, this tool makes it effortlessly easy to navigate your chosen option via the intuitive companion app. Connected via Bluetooth 4.0, this technology seamlessly integrates four customizable themes, comprehensive knowledge lists, intuitive drawing modes, and options to prevent endless customization of personalized scales.
NeoRuler and M-Dice Evaluation: M-Dice
While NeoRuler excels in providing precise measurements for desktop applications, M-Dice offers a versatile toolset for evaluating numerous aspects.
At the heart of this technology lies the principle of M-Dice, a cutting-edge laser measurement system capable of effortlessly measuring distances throughout an entire room with remarkable precision. The Single Laser boasts precise measurements up to 49.5 meters away, while the Multi-functional Laser excels with a rapid fire rate of 10 frames per second.
Measuring 1.7 inches in length, 2.2 inches in width, and a slim 1.3 inches in thickness, this compact device is constructed from a durable blend of ABS and PC plastic, weighing in at a mere 2.8 ounces. Considering its laser-based technology, that device is impressively compact.
The display features an 1.89-inch IPS LCD panel with a robust tempered glass touchscreen and a resolution of 240 pixels per inch (ppi) on one side. This intuitive tool simplifies interactions by seamlessly integrating numerous functionalities and conspicuous features, eliminating the necessity for a supporting application.
Despite limitations, you can still utilize the Meazor App 2.0 for managing multiple tasks effectively.
On its own, this device likely handles a multitude of functions, including calculating distances, functioning as a spirit level, making oblique measurements, performing quantity calculations, and more. Regardless of its initial capabilities, additional modules can be seamlessly integrated to further enhance its functionality.
The Primary tool, known as the Good Planner, serves as a valuable resource in creating a floorplan by mapping out the perimeter of a room with ease. The design will be displayed seamlessly on both the show and within the companion app, and will be exportable in numerous codecs, including DXF files that can be read by AutoCAD.
The Bilateral Laser+, designed to significantly enhance measuring capabilities, achieves this by emitting lasers from both ends, thereby extending its maximum measurable distance to an impressive 328 feet. The device features an integrated angle sensor capable of detecting degrees, complemented by a user-friendly guide spirit level gauge measuring in degrees.
The device features a distinctive cross-leveling capability, which projects a large, bright laser X onto a surface, facilitating precise alignment and leveling operations.
The Scale Curler is designed to accurately measure distances along a web page or floor by rolling alongside it. As it moves, a laser indicator provides real-time feedback on the exact location of the measurement, ensuring precise readings. This precision tool also features 93 built-in scales, allowing you to accurately measure distances and dimensions on maps, plans, and more.
Identical in essence to the NeoRuler’s supplementary offerings, these additional features require individual purchases or can be acquired through bundled packages.
The device boasts a 900mAh battery, said to last up to 12 hours of continuous use without additional power sources, 14 days under normal operating conditions, and an impressive 90 days in standby mode.
NeoRuler and M-Dice Evaluation: Testing
Living just outside of Washington D.C.’s metropolitan area allows me easy access to its many cultural and historical attractions. The U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology is situated near my workplace, and I have undertaken some consulting assignments for them in the recent past.
I contacted individuals familiar with this topic to discuss ways to assess the precision of such data. While measuring tapes have a reputation for being unreliable, particularly near their starting point where the mounting hook is located, it’s essential to note that high-quality brands often exhibit greater precision than budget-friendly alternatives?
That’s true for most people, as long as they use the same measuring tape at home and abroad. While combining your tape measure with measurements available at a typical house improvement superstore, the breakdown of issues often starts to emerge.
We visited an architect to validate our equipment against their standard scales. The Neoruler’s successful operation enabled us to utilize the drafting tools effectively.
The two attachments on the NeoRuler enable seamless integration of a drafting pencil for enhanced precision and creativity in your drawing endeavors. As the user draws a line, the NeoRuler’s extension follows in tandem with the pencil tip, while the device’s compact display showcases the length of the journey. Neat.
This feature, combined with 93 built-in scales, enables seamless switching between draft and real-world measurements.
We embedded the M-Dice within a job website to assess practical metrics in actual usage scenarios. The M-Dice laser unit serves as the foundation of the system, seamlessly integrating with its accompanying attachments.
Knowledge is seamlessly transferred to the Meazor app via the Bilateral Laser attachment, which is integrated with the M-Dice core, allowing for a comprehensive wall-to-wall measurement that is then relayed to the app. When linked to relevant data, The Good Planner seamlessly creates a detailed layout of a space, starting from the most precise point – such as the corner of a room – to ensure accurate spatial planning.
During our evaluation and trials, we encountered difficulties that were unrelated to the hardware or software components; rather, the problem stemmed from the firmware governing the device’s operation. The effective utilization of the Good Planner relies heavily on the user’s judicious decision-making skills to ensure accurate mapping.
Using a tripod with your M-Dice is highly recommended to ensure optimal results. The precision is indeed remarkable; nonetheless, human variability may still influence measurement accuracy when relying on a handheld tool.
On a stable tripod, measurements would exhibit minimal variation. With precise grip, we achieved a notable increase of approximately one-eighth of an inch across multiple trials.
While the corporation asserts a 50-meter distance can be accurately measured during daylight with each laser, and 100 meters with bilateral attachments, this claim is misleadingly exaggerated – it’s actually much more limited in reality. When using this measurement system to measure 100 meters, it’s reasonable to consider a specific tool designed for that length.
NeoRuler and M-Dice Evaluation: Excellent & exact measurements
Measure twice, cut once, to ensure precision in your work. With rising costs for wood and various development materials, expenses will escalate significantly.
They initially experience a slight learning curve, much like anyone would when introducing new precision instrumentation to their work. While having experience with laser measuring can be beneficial, it’s not an absolute requirement, as the software’s quality can compensate for any hardware limitations.
This niche market requires a highly curated selection to satisfy its distinctive demands. While some may find a budget-friendly laser measure from a retail giant sufficient for casual measurements,
When desires are exceptionally rigorous and precise, this tool proves to be the most effective solution.
We’ve lent our evaluation unit to a local cabinetmaking company for testing and assessment purposes. As we continue to explore opportunities, I’m confident that we’ll have another chance to discuss this concept with key decision-makers in the near future.
Despite this, we acknowledge that the pair is an exceptional set of tools suitable for both novice woodworkers and experienced architects alike.
NeoRuler and M-Dice Execs
- Unimaginable, simple precision
- The Meazor 2.0 app is exceptional, seamlessly integrating with its accompanying hardware.
- A streamlined approach allows seamless expansion with the NeoRuler and M-Dice combination.
NeoRuler and M-Dice Cons
- Each module on the MDice requires a tripod gap.
- While extremely affordable, this product’s value pales in comparison to the cost of more advanced laser measuring devices.
Ranking:4 out of 5
You can find the NeoRuler on Amazon.
The NeoRuler digital scale ruler is now available for purchase on Amazon, effective as of. Available in bundles are options like the premium combo package of the NeoRuler Digital Caliper, priced competitively.
The MDice is available separately for purchase, with the option to bundle and receive additional discounts.
