A feeder and a method and apparatus for detecting the status of the feeder.

Abstract

This application provides a feeder and a method and apparatus for detecting the feeder's status. The method includes: collecting the weight of the feed bowls in the feeder; determining the dispersion of the weights of multiple feed bowls within a preset time period; and determining the status of the feeder based on the dispersion. This application can determine the distribution of the weights of multiple feed bowls based on their dispersion, thereby accurately determining the status of the feeder without needing to combine information from other devices to determine the feeder's status.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of feeding technology, and in particular relates to a feeder and a method and apparatus for detecting the status of the feeder. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, feeders on the market include both feeding and weighing functions. Specifically, they use a weight sensor to measure the amount of food dispensed. After a timer is preset, a servo motor controls the opening and closing of the food valve to dispense food at the preset time.

[0003] However, when determining the status of the feeder, in addition to the information from the weight sensor, it is also necessary to combine the information collected by camera equipment, infrared equipment, etc. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a method, apparatus, feeder, readable storage medium, and computer program product for detecting the status of a feeder, which can solve the problem of needing to combine information collected from multiple devices to determine the status of the feeder.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a method for detecting the status of a feeder, including:

[0006] Collect the weight of the food bowl in the feeder;

[0007] Determine the degree of dispersion of the weights of multiple grain bowls within a preset time period;

[0008] The state of the feeder is determined based on the degree of dispersion.

[0009] In one embodiment, determining the dispersion of the weights of the multiple grain bowls within a preset time period includes:

[0010] Determine the average weight of the multiple grain bowls within the preset time period;

[0011] Based on the weights of the multiple grain bowls and the average value, determine the variance of the weights of the multiple grain bowls within the preset time period;

[0012] The variance represents the degree of dispersion.

[0013] In one embodiment, determining the state of the feeder based on the degree of dispersion includes:

[0014] If the variance is less than or equal to the first variance threshold, then the feeder is determined to be in an interference-free state.

[0015] If the variance is greater than the second variance threshold and less than the third variance threshold, then the feeder is determined to be in a weighing sensor disturbance state, and the second variance threshold is greater than or equal to the first variance threshold.

[0016] If the variance is greater than the fourth variance threshold and less than the fifth variance threshold, then the feeder is determined to be in the feeding state, and the fourth variance threshold is greater than the third variance threshold.

[0017] If the variance is greater than the sixth variance threshold, then the feeder is determined to be in a touching state, and the sixth variance threshold is greater than or equal to the fifth variance threshold.

[0018] In one embodiment, determining the dispersion of the weights of the multiple grain bowls within a preset time period further includes:

[0019] Based on the mean and the variance, determine the coefficient of variation of the weights of the multiple grain bowls within the preset time period;

[0020] The coefficient of variation represents the degree of dispersion.

[0021] In one embodiment, determining the state of the feeder based on the degree of dispersion includes:

[0022] If the variance is less than or equal to the first variance threshold, then the feeder is determined to be in an interference-free state.

[0023] If the variance is greater than the second variance threshold and less than the third variance threshold, then the feeder is determined to be in a weighing sensor disturbance state, and the second variance threshold is greater than or equal to the first variance threshold.

[0024] If the variance is greater than the seventh variance threshold and the coefficient of variation is greater than the first coefficient threshold and less than the second coefficient threshold, then the feeder is determined to be in the feeding state, and the seventh variance threshold is greater than or equal to the third variance threshold.

[0025] If the variance is greater than the eighth variance threshold and the coefficient of variation is greater than the third coefficient threshold, then the feeder is determined to be in a touching state, wherein the eighth variance threshold is greater than or equal to the third variance threshold and the third coefficient threshold is greater than or equal to the second coefficient threshold.

[0026] In one embodiment, the method further includes:

[0027] If the feeder is in a state of disturbance of the weighing sensor, then a numerical compensation operation is performed on the zero point of the weighing sensor after drift.

[0028] If the feeder is in the feeding state, after feeding is completed, the weight of the feed bowl after feeding is collected by the weighing sensor, and the weight of the feed bowl and the amount of feed are sent to an external device.

[0029] If the feeder is in a touching state, the weight of the food bowl after the feeder is touched is collected by the weighing sensor. After the feeder transitions from the touching state to a non-interference state, the weight of the new food bowl is collected by the weighing sensor. Based on the weight of the food bowl after the touching and the weight of the new food bowl, the weight difference between the food bowls and the pet information are determined. The weight difference between the food bowls and the pet information are then sent to the external device.

[0030] In one embodiment, the seventh variance threshold is determined based on the variance of grain bowls of different weights under the feeding operation, the eighth variance threshold is determined based on the variance of grain bowls of different weights under the touching operation, the first coefficient threshold and the second coefficient threshold are determined based on the dispersion coefficients of grain bowls of different weights under the feeding operation, and the third coefficient threshold is determined based on the dispersion coefficients of grain bowls of different weights under the touching operation.

[0031] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a device for detecting the status of a feeder, comprising:

[0032] The data acquisition module is used to collect the weight of the feeder's food bowl;

[0033] A state determination module is used to determine the degree of dispersion of the weights of multiple food bowls within a preset time period; and to determine the state of the feeder based on the degree of dispersion.

[0034] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a feeder, including a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein the processor executes the computer program to implement the method as described in any one of the first aspects above.

[0035] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the method as described in any one of the first aspects above.

[0036] Fifthly, embodiments of this application provide a computer program product that, when run on a feeder, causes the feeder to perform the method described in any one of the first aspects above.

[0037] The beneficial effects of the embodiments in this application compared with the prior art are:

[0038] This application embodiment collects the weight of the feeder's food bowls; determines the dispersion of the weights of multiple food bowls within a preset time period; and determines the state of the feeder based on the dispersion. It can obtain the distribution of the weights of multiple food bowls based on the dispersion of the weights of multiple food bowls, and thus accurately determine the state of the feeder without needing to combine information from other devices to determine the state of the feeder.

[0039] It is understood that the beneficial effects of the second to fifth aspects mentioned above can be found in the relevant descriptions in the first aspect mentioned above, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0040] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0041] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating a feeder status detection method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0042] Figure 2 This is an example diagram of the variance of the interference-free state provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0043] Figure 3 This is an example diagram of the variance of the disturbance state of a weighing sensor provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0044] Figure 4 This is an example diagram of the variance of the feeding status provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0045] Figure 5 This is an example diagram of the variance of touch states provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0046] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a feeder status detection device provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0047] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a feeder provided in one embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0048] In the following description, specific details such as particular system architectures and techniques are set forth for illustrative purposes and not for limitation, in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of this application. However, those skilled in the art will understand that this application may also be implemented in other embodiments without these specific details. In other instances, detailed descriptions of well-known systems, apparatuses, circuits, and methods have been omitted so as not to obscure the description of this application with unnecessary detail.

[0049] It should be understood that, when used in this application specification and the appended claims, the term "comprising" indicates the presence of the described features, integrals, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components and / or a collection thereof.

[0050] It should also be understood that the term “and / or” as used in this application specification and the appended claims means any combination of one or more of the associated listed items and all possible combinations, and includes such combinations.

[0051] As used in this application specification and the appended claims, the term "if" may be interpreted, depending on the context, as "when," "once," "in response to determination," or "in response to detection." Similarly, the phrase "if determined" or "if detected [the described condition or event]" may be interpreted, depending on the context, as meaning "once determined," "in response to determination," "once detected [the described condition or event]," or "in response to detection [the described condition or event]."

[0052] Furthermore, in the description of this application and the appended claims, the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0053] References to "one embodiment" or "some embodiments" as described in this specification mean that one or more embodiments of this application include a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment. Therefore, the phrases "in one embodiment," "in some embodiments," "in other embodiments," "in still other embodiments," etc., appearing in different parts of this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, but rather mean "one or more, but not all, embodiments," unless otherwise specifically emphasized. The terms "comprising," "including," "having," and variations thereof mean "including but not limited to," unless otherwise specifically emphasized.

[0054] In one embodiment, Figure 1 This is a schematic flowchart of a feeder status detection method according to an embodiment of this application. The method includes:

[0055] S11: Collect the weight of the food bowl in the feeder.

[0056] In application, to obtain timely information about the feeder's status, it is necessary to collect the weight of the feeder's food bowl. This can be achieved by controlling a weighing sensor to collect the weight of the feeder's food bowl at a preset frequency.

[0057] For example, the weight of the feeder's bowls is collected every 100ms. A sliding window method can then be used to store the data, allowing for the acquisition of the weights of multiple bowls within a preset time period. The length of the sliding window can be set according to actual needs.

[0058] The preset time can be a predetermined period of time, representing the time required to determine the dispersion of the grain bowl's weight. Alternatively, the preset time can be a preset cycle time, representing the time for one cycle in the process of determining the dispersion of the grain bowl's weight.

[0059] S12: Determine the degree of dispersion of the weights of multiple grain bowls within a preset time period.

[0060] In applications, the weight of the feed bowl changes depending on whether the feeder is in a undisturbed state, under load, or when food is being fed or touched. The corresponding data will exhibit some degree of dispersion. Generally, the degree of dispersion of the feed bowl weight will differ under different states. Multiple feed bowls in the same state will show similar dispersion, allowing the feeder's current state to be determined by analyzing the dispersion of multiple feed bowl weights.

[0061] Specifically, the dispersion is lowest in the interference-free state, lower in the weighing sensor disturbance state than in the feeding state, and lower in the feeding state than in the touching state. Analyzing the dispersion of the grain bowl weight under different states and establishing corresponding mathematical models provides a basis for determining the feeder's state based on the dispersion.

[0062] S13: Determine the state of the feeder based on the degree of dispersion.

[0063] In application, the state of the feeder is determined based on the degree of dispersion, using a mathematical model.

[0064] Understandably, by incorporating mathematical models of data dispersion, the state of the feeder can be determined using data collected from its limited hardware, eliminating the need for additional equipment and thus reducing feeder costs. These mathematical models characterizing data dispersion include variance, coefficient of variation, profile coefficient, mean difference, and range.

[0065] This embodiment collects the weight of the feeder's food bowls; determines the dispersion of the weights of multiple food bowls within a preset time period; and determines the state of the feeder based on the dispersion. It can accurately determine the state of the feeder by knowing the distribution of the weights of multiple food bowls based on the dispersion of the weights of multiple food bowls, without needing to combine information from other devices to determine the state of the feeder.

[0066] In one embodiment, generally, when the feeder is in a state of no disturbance, weighing sensor disturbance, feeding, or touch, the external pressure experienced in different states is not of a certain order of magnitude, resulting in different degrees of dispersion for each state. Since the different degrees of dispersion manifest as varying deviations between a set of data and its mean, i.e., different states have different variances, variance can be used to measure the degree of data dispersion.

[0067] For example, the variance of the feeder in the following states: no disturbance, weighing sensor disturbance, feeding or touching: Figures 2 to 5 As shown in the figure, the vertical axis represents variance, and the horizontal axis represents time. Figure 2 This is an example diagram of the variance of the interference-free state provided in an embodiment of this application. For example... Figure 2 As shown, when the feeder is in an undisturbed state, the variance of the weights of multiple food bowls within a preset time is 0, with the minimum dispersion. Figure 3 This is an example diagram illustrating the variance of the disturbance state of a weighing sensor provided in an embodiment of this application. For example... Figure 3 As shown, when the feeder is in a state of disturbance of the weighing sensor, the variance of the weight of multiple food bowls within a preset time is displayed as a waveform, and the dispersion is relatively small. Figure 4 This is an example diagram illustrating the variance of the feeding status according to an embodiment of this application. For example... Figure 4 As shown, when the feeder is in the feeding state, the variance of the weight of multiple food bowls within a preset time is also displayed as a waveform, but the dispersion is relatively large. Figure 5 This is an example diagram illustrating the variance of touch states provided in one embodiment of this application. For example... Figure 5 As shown, when the feeder is in a touching state, the force and duration of the touching are uncontrollable. The variance of the weights of multiple food bowls within a preset time period appears as a large, undulating wave shape, with a greater degree of dispersion. The example graph can serve as the basis for analyzing the variance of each state and establishing a mathematical model of the variance.

[0068] Step S12 includes:

[0069] S121: Determine the average weight of multiple grain bowls within a preset time period.

[0070] S122: Based on the weight and mean of multiple grain bowls, determine the variance of the weight of multiple grain bowls within a preset time period. The variance represents the degree of dispersion.

[0071] Wherein, the variance formula is: Mean formula:

[0072]

[0073] In the application, the average weight of multiple food bowls within a preset time period is determined. Then, the variance is determined by calculating the weight of each food bowl within the preset time period against the average weight.

[0074] Correspondingly, step S13 includes:

[0075] S131: If the variance is less than or equal to the first variance threshold, then the feeder is determined to be in an undisturbed state.

[0076] S132: If the variance is greater than the second variance threshold and less than the third variance threshold, then the feeder is determined to be in a state of disturbance of the weighing sensor, and the second variance threshold is greater than or equal to the first variance threshold.

[0077] S133: If the variance is greater than the fourth variance threshold and less than the fifth variance threshold, then the feeder is determined to be in the feeding state, and the fourth variance threshold is greater than the third variance threshold.

[0078] S134: If the variance is greater than the sixth variance threshold, then the feeder is determined to be in a touching state, and the sixth variance threshold is greater than or equal to the fifth variance threshold.

[0079] In application, after testing and data collection of the feeder, the data can be analyzed to obtain the patterns of the feeder's various states and establish a mathematical model. Based on the mathematical model, the judgment threshold for each state is determined. The variance of the weight of multiple food bowls within a preset time period is compared with each judgment threshold to determine the feeder's state.

[0080] For example, to Figures 2 to 4 The analysis reveals the patterns in the feeder's various states, leading to the establishment of a mathematical model and the determination of threshold values ​​for each state. Correspondingly, the first variance threshold can be set to 0, the second variance threshold to 1, the third variance threshold to 4, the fourth variance threshold to 100, the fifth variance threshold to 1000, and the sixth variance threshold to 1000.

[0081] The variance is compared with various threshold values ​​to determine the feeder's state. If the variance is less than or equal to the first variance threshold (0), the feeder is determined to be in an interference-free state. If the variance is greater than the second variance threshold (1) and less than the third variance threshold (4), the feeder is determined to be in a weighing sensor disturbance state. If the variance is greater than the fourth variance threshold (100) and less than the fifth variance threshold (1000), the feeder is determined to be in a feeding state. If the variance is greater than the sixth variance threshold (1000), the feeder is determined to be in a touch state.

[0082] It is understandable that load cells are susceptible to temperature fluctuations and creep effects after prolonged use. These factors can cause the weights of the collected grain bowls to be relatively dispersed, resulting in data dispersion. By analyzing the dispersion of weights from multiple grain bowls over a preset time period, the status of the load cell can be determined, allowing for the timely detection of weighing problems.

[0083] This embodiment determines the average weight of multiple food bowls within a preset time period, and then determines the variance of the weight of multiple food bowls within the preset time period based on the weight of multiple food bowls and the average weight. The variance represents the degree of dispersion. The variance is compared with each variance threshold to determine the state of the feeder. This achieves the goal of combining a mathematical model involving variance to accurately determine the state of the feeder based on the variance of the weight of multiple food bowls, thus obtaining an accurate state result.

[0084] In one embodiment, the impact of touching the food bowl and feeding it food on the bowl's weight differs depending on the amount of food in the bowl. Since the coefficient of variation (COP) is the ratio of the standard deviation to the mean, used to compare the dispersion of different populations or sample data, to more accurately distinguish between the feeding and touching states of the feeder, variance combined with the COP is used to measure the dispersion of the data.

[0085] Step S12 also includes:

[0086] S123: Based on the mean and variance, determine the coefficient of variation of the weight of multiple grain bowls within a preset time period. The coefficient of variation represents the degree of dispersion.

[0087] The formula for the coefficient of variation is:

[0088] In the application, the mean and variance are divided to determine the coefficient of variation of the weight of multiple grain bowls.

[0089] In one embodiment, step S13 includes:

[0090] S131: If the variance is less than or equal to the first variance threshold, then the feeder is determined to be in an undisturbed state.

[0091] S132: If the variance is greater than the second variance threshold and less than the third variance threshold, then the feeder is determined to be in a state of weighing sensor disturbance, and the second variance threshold is greater than or equal to the first variance threshold.

[0092] S133`: If the variance is greater than the seventh variance threshold and the coefficient of variation is greater than the first coefficient threshold and less than the second coefficient threshold, then the feeder is determined to be in the feeding state, and the seventh variance threshold is greater than or equal to the third variance threshold.

[0093] S134`: If the variance is greater than the eighth variance threshold and the coefficient of variation is greater than the third coefficient threshold, then the feeder is determined to be in a touching state. The eighth variance threshold is greater than or equal to the third variance threshold, and the third coefficient threshold is greater than or equal to the second coefficient threshold.

[0094] In application, the seventh variance threshold is determined based on the variance of grain bowls of different weights under the grain feeding operation, the eighth variance threshold is determined based on the variance of grain bowls of different weights under the touch operation, the first coefficient threshold and the second coefficient threshold are determined based on the dispersion coefficient of grain bowls of different weights under the grain feeding operation, and the third coefficient threshold is determined based on the dispersion coefficient of grain bowls of different weights under the touch operation.

[0095] In the application, the amount of food in the feeding bowl can be set to different weights. Feeding and touching operations are performed under different food weights for testing. Data is then collected and analyzed to obtain the patterns of the feeder's various states, and a mathematical model is established. Based on the mathematical model, the judgment thresholds for each state are determined.

[0096] For example, the data after the test is shown in the table below:

[0097]

[0098] Analyze the data in the table to obtain the patterns of the feeder's various states, establish a mathematical model, and then determine the judgment thresholds for each state. Correspondingly, the seventh variance threshold can be set to 4, the eighth variance threshold can be set to 4, the first coefficient threshold can be set to 0.8, the second coefficient threshold can be set to 8, and the third coefficient threshold can be set to 8.

[0099] The feeder's state is determined by comparing the variance with each judgment threshold and the coefficient of variation with each judgment threshold. If the variance is less than or equal to the first variance threshold (0), the feeder is determined to be in an interference-free state. If the variance is greater than the second variance threshold (1) and less than the third variance threshold (4), the feeder is determined to be in a weighing sensor disturbance state. If the variance is greater than the seventh variance threshold (4), and the coefficient of variation is greater than the first coefficient threshold (0.8) and less than the second coefficient threshold (8), the feeder is determined to be in a feeding state. If the variance is greater than the eighth variance threshold, and the coefficient of variation is greater than the third coefficient threshold (8), the feeder is determined to be in a touching state.

[0100] This embodiment determines the coefficient of variation of the weights of multiple food bowls within a preset time period based on the mean and variance. The coefficient of variation represents the degree of dispersion. By comparing the variance with each variance threshold and the coefficient of variation with each coefficient threshold, the state of the feeder is determined. This achieves a more accurate determination of the feeder's state by combining a mathematical model involving variance and coefficient of variation based on the variance and coefficient of variation of the weights of multiple food bowls.

[0101] In one embodiment, the method further includes:

[0102] S21: If the feeder is in a state of disturbance of the weighing sensor, a numerical compensation operation is performed on the zero point after the drift of the weighing sensor.

[0103] In applications, when the feeder is under load cell disturbance, it has been affected by temperature and / or creep, causing the load cell's zero point to drift. This results in the load cell outputting data that is either smaller or larger than the actual data. In this case, the currently collected data from the load cell is compared with its historical data to determine the zero-point drift. Then, based on the zero-point drift, numerical compensation is performed on the drifted zero point to ensure the load cell outputs accurate data.

[0104] For example, if the zero point of the load cell drifts, the data output by the load cell will be 1-2g less or more than the actual data. The zero point should be compensated by 1-2g after the drift.

[0105] S22: If the feeder is in the feeding state, after feeding is completed, the weight of the feed bowl after feeding is collected by the weighing sensor, and the weight of the feed bowl and the amount of feed are sent to the external device.

[0106] In the application, when the feeder is in the feeding state, it indicates that the feeder is working and the amount of feed fed needs to be obtained. When the feeder finishes feeding, the weight of the feed bowl after feeding is collected by the weighing sensor, and then the weight of the feed bowl and the amount of feed fed are sent to the external device so that the user can know the feeding status.

[0107] The external device can be a terminal device used by the user, or a device that communicates with the feeder.

[0108] Specifically, since the weight of the feed bowl can be collected by a weighing sensor after feeding, the feeder can be determined to be in an undisturbed state based on the dispersion of the weights of multiple feed bowls within a preset time, thus determining when feeding has ended. Once feeding is determined to be finished based on the weight of the feed bowl, the weight of the feed bowl at this point is collected by the weighing sensor to obtain the weight of the feed bowl after feeding. The amount of feed fed can be determined by calculating the weight of the feed bowl before and after feeding.

[0109] Alternatively, after the feeder completes the feeding task and confirms the feeding is finished, a weighing sensor can be used to collect the weight of the feed bowl at this point, thus obtaining the weight of the feed bowl after feeding. Additionally, the preset feeding weight from the feeding task can be retrieved to obtain the feeding quantity.

[0110] S23: If the feeder is in the touch state, the weight of the food bowl after the feeder is touched is collected by the weighing sensor. After the feeder changes from the touch state to the non-interference state, the weight of the new food bowl is collected by the weighing sensor. Based on the weight of the food bowl after the touch and the weight of the new food bowl, the weight difference between the food bowls and the pet information are determined. The weight difference between the food bowls and the pet information are sent to external devices.

[0111] In the application, when the feeder is in a touch-sensitive state, it indicates that the pet may have a need to eat, and the weight of the food bowl after the touch is recorded. When the feeder transitions from the touch-sensitive state to a non-interference state, it indicates that the touch has ended, and it can be determined whether the pet had a need to eat. After the feeder transitions from the touch-sensitive state to the non-interference state, a weighing sensor collects the weight of the food bowl at this time, obtaining the new weight of the food bowl. The weight difference between the old and new food bowls is calculated. Then, based on the weight difference, pet information is determined. Finally, the weight difference and pet information are sent to an external device so that the user can know whether the pet ate or was accidentally touched, and the amount of food consumed.

[0112] Specifically, since the weight of the food bowl can be collected by a weighing sensor after being touched, the feeder can be determined to be in an interference-free state based on the dispersion of the weights of multiple food bowls within a preset time.

[0113] The weight difference in the food bowl can be compared with a preset threshold to determine the pet's condition. If the weight difference is less than a first preset threshold, it is determined that the pet accidentally touched the food bowl, and the pet information is "pet accidentally touched food bowl." If the weight difference is greater than a second preset threshold, it is determined that the pet has eaten, and the pet information is "pet has eaten." The weight difference in the food bowl represents the amount of food the pet has consumed.

[0114] This embodiment can promptly correct weighing sensor disturbances by performing corresponding operations based on the status of different feeders, reducing the impact of the weighing sensor on the feeder, outputting accurate weighing data, and collecting the feeder's working information and the pet's behavior information in a timely manner based on the feeder's status, so that the user can remotely know the status of the feeder and the pet.

[0115] It should be understood that the sequence number of each step in the above embodiments does not imply the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application. Furthermore, the data collection in the above embodiments is compliant, and its use or implementation does not involve any infringement upon public interests.

[0116] For ease of explanation, only the parts related to the embodiments of this application are shown in the methods described in the above embodiments.

[0117] In one embodiment, Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a feeder status detection device provided in one embodiment of this application. Figure 6 As shown, the device includes:

[0118] Data acquisition module 10 is used to collect the weight of the feeder's food bowl;

[0119] The state determination module 11 is used to determine the degree of dispersion of the weight of multiple food bowls within a preset time; and to determine the state of the feeder based on the degree of dispersion.

[0120] In one embodiment, the state determination module is used to determine the average weight of multiple grain bowls within a preset time period; and to determine the variance of the weight of multiple grain bowls within the preset time period based on the weight of multiple grain bowls and the average weight; wherein the variance characterizes the degree of dispersion.

[0121] In one embodiment, the state determination module is configured to determine that the feeder is in an interference-free state if the variance is less than or equal to a first variance threshold; determine that the feeder is in a weighing sensor disturbance state if the variance is greater than a second variance threshold and less than a third variance threshold, wherein the second variance threshold is greater than or equal to the first variance threshold; determine that the feeder is in a feeding state if the variance is greater than a fourth variance threshold and less than a fifth variance threshold, wherein the fourth variance threshold is greater than the third variance threshold; and determine that the feeder is in a touching state if the variance is greater than a sixth variance threshold, wherein the sixth variance threshold is greater than or equal to the fifth variance threshold.

[0122] In one embodiment, the state determination module is further configured to determine the dispersion coefficients of the weights of multiple grain bowls within a preset time period based on the mean and variance; wherein the dispersion coefficients characterize the degree of dispersion.

[0123] In one embodiment, the state determination module is further configured to: determine that the feeder is in an interference-free state if the variance is less than or equal to a first variance threshold; determine that the feeder is in a weighing sensor disturbance state if the variance is greater than a second variance threshold and less than a third variance threshold, wherein the second variance threshold is greater than or equal to the first variance threshold; determine that the feeder is in a feeding state if the variance is greater than a seventh variance threshold and the coefficient of variation is greater than a first coefficient threshold and less than a second coefficient threshold, wherein the seventh variance threshold is greater than or equal to the third variance threshold; and determine that the feeder is in a touching state if the variance is greater than an eighth variance threshold and the coefficient of variation is greater than a third coefficient threshold, wherein the eighth variance threshold is greater than or equal to the third variance threshold and the third coefficient threshold is greater than or equal to the second coefficient threshold.

[0124] In one embodiment, the device further includes a processing module.

[0125] The processing module is used to perform numerical compensation operations on the zero point of the weighing sensor after drift if the feeder is in a state of weighing sensor disturbance; if the feeder is in the feeding state, it collects the weight of the feed bowl after feeding through the weighing sensor after feeding is completed, and sends the weight of the feed bowl and the amount of feed to an external device; if the feeder is in the touch state, it collects the weight of the feed bowl after touching through the weighing sensor, and collects the weight of the new feed bowl through the weighing sensor after the feeder's state changes from the touch state to the non-interference state; based on the weight of the feed bowl after touching and the weight of the new feed bowl, it determines the weight difference of the feed bowls and pet information; and sends the weight difference of the feed bowls and pet information to an external device.

[0126] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a feeder provided in one embodiment of this application. Figure 7 As shown, the feeder 2 in this embodiment includes: at least one processor 20 ( Figure 7 (Only one is shown in the diagram), memory 21, and computer program 22 stored in said memory 21 and executable on said at least one processor 20, wherein said processor 20 executes said computer program 22 to implement the steps in any of the above method embodiments.

[0127] The feeder 2 may include, but is not limited to, a processor 20 and a memory 21. Those skilled in the art will understand that... Figure 7 This is merely an example of feeder 2 and does not constitute a limitation on feeder 2. It may include more or fewer components than shown, or combine certain components, or different components, such as input / output devices, network access devices, etc.

[0128] The processor 20 can be a Central Processing Unit (CPU), or it can be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0129] In some embodiments, the memory 21 may be an internal storage unit of the feeder 2, such as a hard drive or memory of the feeder 2. In other embodiments, the memory 21 may be an external storage device of the feeder 2, such as a plug-in hard drive, smart media card (SMC), secure digital (SD) card, flash card, etc., equipped on the feeder 2. Furthermore, the memory 21 may include both internal and external storage units of the feeder 2. The memory 21 is used to store operating systems, applications, bootloaders, data, and other programs, such as the program code of computer programs. The memory 21 can also be used to temporarily store data that has been output or will be output.

[0130] It should be noted that the information interaction and execution process between the above-mentioned devices / units are based on the same concept as the method embodiments of this application. For details on their specific functions and technical effects, please refer to the method embodiments section, and they will not be repeated here.

[0131] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the above-described division of functional units and modules is merely an example. In practical applications, the above functions can be assigned to different functional units and modules as needed, that is, the internal structure of the device can be divided into different functional units or modules to complete all or part of the functions described above. The functional units and modules in the embodiments can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional unit. Furthermore, the specific names of the functional units and modules are only for easy differentiation and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. The specific working process of the units and modules in the above system can be referred to the corresponding process in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0132] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program that, when executed by a processor, can implement the steps in the above-described method embodiments.

[0133] This application provides a computer program product that, when run on a feeder, enables the feeder to perform the steps described in the various method embodiments above.

[0134] If the integrated unit is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, all or part of the processes in the methods of the above embodiments of this application can be implemented by a computer program instructing related hardware. The computer program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, and when executed by a processor, it can implement the steps of the various method embodiments described above. The computer program includes computer program code, which can be in the form of source code, object code, executable files, or certain intermediate forms. The computer-readable medium can include at least: any entity or device capable of carrying the computer program code to a photographing device / terminal device, a recording medium, a computer memory, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), an electrical carrier signal, a telecommunication signal, and a software distribution medium. Examples include USB flash drives, portable hard drives, magnetic disks, or optical disks. In some cases, the computer-readable medium cannot be an electrical carrier signal or a telecommunication signal.

[0135] In the above embodiments, the descriptions of each embodiment have different focuses. For parts that are not described in detail or recorded in a certain embodiment, please refer to the relevant descriptions of other embodiments.

[0136] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0137] In the embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed apparatus / network devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus / network device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For instance, the division of modules or units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between devices or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0138] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0139] The above-described embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and should all be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A method for detecting the status of a feeder, characterized in that, include: Collect the weight of the food bowl in the feeder; Determine the degree of dispersion of the weights of multiple grain bowls within a preset time period; The state of the feeder is determined based on the degree of dispersion.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The determination of the dispersion of the weights of the multiple grain bowls within a preset time period includes: Determine the average weight of the multiple grain bowls within the preset time period; Based on the weights of the multiple grain bowls and the average value, determine the variance of the weights of the multiple grain bowls within the preset time period; The variance represents the degree of dispersion.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, Determining the state of the feeder based on the degree of dispersion includes: If the variance is less than or equal to the first variance threshold, then the feeder is determined to be in an interference-free state. If the variance is greater than the second variance threshold and less than the third variance threshold, then the feeder is determined to be in a weighing sensor disturbance state, and the second variance threshold is greater than or equal to the first variance threshold. If the variance is greater than the fourth variance threshold and less than the fifth variance threshold, then the feeder is determined to be in the feeding state, and the fourth variance threshold is greater than the third variance threshold. If the variance is greater than the sixth variance threshold, then the feeder is determined to be in a touching state, and the sixth variance threshold is greater than or equal to the fifth variance threshold.

4. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The determination of the dispersion of the weights of the multiple grain bowls within a preset time period also includes: Based on the mean and the variance, determine the coefficient of variation of the weights of the multiple grain bowls within the preset time period; The coefficient of variation represents the degree of dispersion.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, Determining the state of the feeder based on the degree of dispersion includes: If the variance is less than or equal to the first variance threshold, then the feeder is determined to be in an interference-free state. If the variance is greater than the second variance threshold and less than the third variance threshold, then the feeder is determined to be in a weighing sensor disturbance state, and the second variance threshold is greater than or equal to the first variance threshold. If the variance is greater than the seventh variance threshold and the coefficient of variation is greater than the first coefficient threshold and less than the second coefficient threshold, then the feeder is determined to be in the feeding state, and the seventh variance threshold is greater than or equal to the third variance threshold. If the variance is greater than the eighth variance threshold and the coefficient of variation is greater than the third coefficient threshold, then the feeder is determined to be in a touching state, wherein the eighth variance threshold is greater than or equal to the third variance threshold and the third coefficient threshold is greater than or equal to the second coefficient threshold.

6. The method according to claim 3 or 5, characterized in that, Also includes: If the feeder is in a state of disturbance of the weighing sensor, then a numerical compensation operation is performed on the zero point of the weighing sensor after drift. If the feeder is in the feeding state, after feeding is completed, the weight of the feed bowl after feeding is collected by the weighing sensor, and the weight of the feed bowl and the amount of feed are sent to an external device. If the feeder is in a touching state, the weight of the food bowl after the feeder is touched is collected by the weighing sensor. After the feeder changes from the touching state to the non-interference state, the weight of the new food bowl is collected by the weighing sensor. Based on the weight of the food bowl after the touching state and the weight of the new food bowl, the weight difference of the food bowl and the pet information are determined. And send the weight difference of the food bowl and the pet information to the external device.

7. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The seventh variance threshold is determined based on the variance of grain bowls of different weights under the grain feeding operation, the eighth variance threshold is determined based on the variance of grain bowls of different weights under the touching operation, the first coefficient threshold and the second coefficient threshold are determined based on the dispersion coefficients of grain bowls of different weights under the grain feeding operation, and the third coefficient threshold is determined based on the dispersion coefficients of grain bowls of different weights under the touching operation.

8. A device for detecting the status of a feeder, characterized in that, include: The data acquisition module is used to collect the weight of the feeder's food bowl; The state determination module is used to determine the degree of dispersion of the weights of multiple grain bowls within a preset time period; The state of the feeder is determined based on the degree of dispersion.

9. A feeder, comprising a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, characterized in that, When the processor executes the computer program, it implements the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

10. A computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, characterized in that, When the computer program is executed by a processor, it implements the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

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