“Free Shape Gauge by Laser Pointer” Patent Overview By: Nick Cirucci

Summary A gauge (specifically used in automobiles) is commonly indicated with lines and a rotating needle about one fixed point This patent describes a laser diode in place of a needle, reducing the need for a specifically circular geometry in a gauge

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Distinguished from Prior Art? One patent used a knob with a laser “needle” coming from the knob – This is different because there is no knob Another patent has a standard pointer gauge with lit up indication lines – This is different because there is no physical pointer Yet another patent has a pointer with a “luminescent” material on the outside that lights up at particular locations on the gauge – This is different because there is no “luminescent” material

Is This Patent Novel and Inventive? “One limitation of current analog gauges is their…inability to indicate markings…of noncircular shaped gauges” This patent describes a setup that can make a noncircular gauge, which is novel compared to all the circular gauges in cars This patent uses a laser diode, which apparently hasn’t been used before in other gauges, solving the problem in an inventive way