The invention provides a handheld electronic gauge that is configured to obtain measurement data for an object, such as a wheel, rail, axle, or the like. The gauge includes one or more position sensors that automatically determine when the gauge is in a measurement position. The invention also provides a handheld computing device that can automatically determine when a gauge is in the measurement position and automatically obtain measurement data using the gauge. As a result, the invention provides a solution for measuring an object, such as a railway wheel, that is portable and capable of repeatedly providing various desired measurements, irrespective of the operator.
REFERENCE TO PRIOR APPLICATION
The current application claims the benefit of co-pending U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/573,332, filed on May 24, 2004, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
