Weighing device and weighing method thereof

Abstract

To provide a weighing device with which a user can be reported, accurately about of the need for horizontal adjustment.SOLUTION: A weighing device 1 is provided with: a level gauge 9; a weight sensor 14a; a multiple axis acceleration sensor 28 for setting x and y to a virtual horizontal plane of the weight sensor 14a and detecting a change of acceleration of two axes x, y; a storage unit 12 for storing reference output of two axes of multiple axis acceleration sensor 28 when the weight sensor 14a is installed at a reference position which is horizontal and at a reference temperature; and a computation processing unit 11. The level gauge 9 has a light emitting unit 10 for illuminating the inside when turned on, and the computation processing unit 11 compares the present output generated to the multiple axis acceleration sensor 28 at an installation position of the weighing device 1 with reference output and detects output change occurring to x and / or y of the multiple axis acceleration sensor 28 as a gradient generated to the weighing device 1. The light emitting unit 10 is constituted to be switchable between a first action mode when installing the weighing device 1 horizontally and a second action mode when detecting a gradient.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a weighing device and a weighing method capable of accurately notifying a user of the need for level adjustment. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a measuring device having an illuminated level that is illuminated by a light bulb, as shown in FIG. 1, and the measuring device can perform level adjustment even when installed in a dark place. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Jikko No. 54-32934 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The weighing device of Patent Document 1 is convenient in that it allows horizontal adjustment even in a dark place. However, the illumination of the conventional level gauge, even if it can make the water bubbles easier to see, is not a strong means of calling the user's attention to the need for horizontal adjustment of the weighing device, and there has been a problem in that the user cannot use the weighing device to perform accurate measurements without performing horizontal adjustment. Therefore, if a level gauge installed for the purpose of horizontal adjustment can strongly remind the user of the need for horizontal adjustment according to the tilt level of the installed weighing device, it is desirable in that it will encourage the user to perform horizontal adjustment.

[0005] In view of the above problem, the present invention provides a weighing device and a weighing method capable of notifying a user of the horizontal state of the weighing device detected separately from the level by the light-emitting mode of the level caused by the light-emitting unit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The weighing device is equipped with a level that indicates whether the weighing device is installed horizontally, a weight sensor, a multi-axis acceleration sensor that detects acceleration changes in the two axes, x and y, by setting x and y on a virtual horizontal plane of the weight sensor and z in a direction perpendicular to the virtual horizontal plane, a memory unit that stores reference outputs of the two axes of the multi-axis acceleration sensor when the weight sensor is installed in a reference position horizontally and at a reference temperature, and an arithmetic processing unit, wherein the level has a light-emitting unit that emits light from within when turned on, and the arithmetic processing unit compares the current outputs of the two axes generated in the multi-axis acceleration sensor at the installation position of the weighing device with the reference outputs and detects output changes generated in x and / or y of the multi-axis acceleration sensor as tilt generated in the weighing device, and the light-emitting unit is configured to be switchable between a first operating mode when the weighing device is installed horizontally and a second operating mode when tilt of the weighing device is detected.

[0007] (Function) When the light-emitting unit operates in a first operating mode, for example by being turned off during the day or kept in a first lighting mode at night, the level indicates that the weighing device is installed in a horizontal position, and when the light-emitting unit operates in a second operating mode, for example by being turned on even during the day or by changing to a second lighting mode different from the first lighting mode at night, the level indicates that the weighing device is tilted.

[0008] It is also preferable that the calculation processing unit determines the tilt level of the weighing device from the change in output, and the light emitting unit gradually changes the light emitting mode in the second operating mode based on the tilt level.

[0009] (Function) The light emission mode of the level gradually changes based on the tilt level of the measuring device, thereby notifying the user of the tilt level of the measuring device installed.

[0010] The arithmetic processing unit determines whether an output change Xh, Yh of the multi-axis acceleration sensor in x and / or y belongs to any one of a plurality of continuous numerical ranges 1, 2...n that determine a tilt level in equations (1) and (2); It is desirable that the light emitting section illuminates the level in different illumination modes corresponding to the numerical ranges to which the output changes Xh and Yh belong.

[0011] Xh=Xout(θ)-Xout(0) Equation (1) Yh = Yout(θ) - Yout(0) Equation (2) however, Xout(θ): x component output by the multi-axis acceleration sensor at angle θ Yout(θ): y component output by the multi-axis acceleration sensor at angle θ Xout(0): x-component of the reference output of the multi-axis acceleration sensor Yout(0): The y component of the reference output of the multi-axis acceleration sensor Let us assume that.

[0012] (Function) The tilt level is determined from the x and / or y output changes Xh, Yh of the multi-axis acceleration sensor calculated by the arithmetic processing unit, and the level emits light in a different light emission mode for each tilt level.

[0013] In addition, in the second operating mode, it is preferable that the calculation processing unit changes the blinking speed of the light-emitting unit in a stepwise manner in accordance with a change in the detected tilt level.

[0014] (Function) A change in the blinking speed of the light-emitting part of the spirit level indicates a deterioration or improvement in the level adjustment.

[0015] In addition, in the second operating mode, it is preferable that the calculation processing unit changes the lighting intensity of the light-emitting unit in a stepwise manner in accordance with a change in the detected tilt level.

[0016] (Function) The deterioration or improvement of the level adjustment is indicated by a change in the illumination intensity of the light-emitting part.

[0017] In addition, in the weighing device, it is desirable that the light-emitting unit has a configuration that can cause the spirit level to emit light in a plurality of different colors, and that in the second operating mode, the calculation processing unit causes the light-emitting unit to emit light in gradually different colors in response to changes in the detected tilt level.

[0018] (Function) The color of the light emitted by the light-emitting part changes to indicate deterioration or improvement of the level adjustment.

[0019] Furthermore, there is provided a weighing method using a weighing device having a level having a light-emitting unit that emits light inside when lit, a weight sensor, a multi-axis acceleration sensor that detects acceleration changes in two axes, x and y, by setting x and y on a virtual horizontal plane of the weight sensor and z in a direction perpendicular to the virtual horizontal plane, a memory unit that stores reference outputs of the two axes of the multi-axis acceleration sensor when the weight sensor is installed in a reference position that is horizontal and at a reference temperature, and an arithmetic processing unit, in which the arithmetic processing unit desirably executes the following steps: a current output acquisition step of acquiring current outputs of the two axes generated in the multi-axis acceleration sensor at the installation position of the weighing device; an output change acquisition step of comparing the current output with the reference output and acquiring output changes that have occurred in x and / or y of the multi-axis acceleration sensor; a tilt detection step of detecting whether or not a tilt has occurred in the weighing device based on the output change; and an installation status notification step of operating the light-emitting unit in either a first operating mode or a second operating mode based on the presence or absence of tilt detection.

[0020] (Function) The spirit level illuminated by the light-emitting unit operated in the first operating mode indicates that the weighing device is installed in a horizontal position, and the spirit level illuminated by the light-emitting unit operated in the second operating mode different from the first operating mode indicates that the weighing device is tilted.

[0021] In addition, it is desirable that the calculation processing unit executes, in the installation state notification step, a tilt level determination step of operating the light-emitting unit in a second operating mode and determining the tilt level of the weighing device from the output change, and a tilt level notification step of causing the light-emitting unit to emit light in a light emission mode that differs for each of the determined tilt levels and that gradually changes as the light emission level increases or decreases.

[0022] (Function) The light emission mode of the level gradually changes based on the tilt level of the measuring device, thereby notifying the user of the tilt level of the installed measuring device. Effect of the Invention

[0023] The weighing device allows the user to visually recognize the change that occurs in the light-emitting part of the level from a first operating mode to a second operating mode, such as a change from an off state to a on state during the day, or a change in the lighting mode at night, and by alerting the user that the weighing device is installed in an inclined state when the light-emitting part is operating in the second operating mode, the need for level adjustment can be strongly impressed upon the user.

[0024] With the measuring device, the user performing the level adjustment can gradually recognize the change in the tilt level by visually checking the gradually occurring change in the light emission pattern in addition to the position of the air bubble in the level, and can therefore easily recognize whether the measuring device is approaching horizontal or is further tilted.

[0025] In addition, with the measuring device, a user performing level adjustment can easily recognize whether the inclination of the installed measuring device has worsened or has improved and approached horizontality by visually checking not only the position of the air bubble in the level, but also the gradual change in the blinking speed of the level caused by the light-emitting part.

[0026] In addition, with the measuring device, a user performing level adjustment can easily recognize whether the inclination of the installed measuring device has worsened or has improved and approached horizontality by visually checking not only the position of the air bubble in the level, but also the gradual change in the lighting intensity of the level caused by the light-emitting section.

[0027] In addition, with the measuring device, a user performing level adjustment can easily recognize whether the inclination of the installed measuring device has worsened or has improved and approached horizontality by visually checking the change in the color of the light emitted by the light-emitting part, in addition to the position of the air bubble in the level. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a weighing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the weighing device of the present invention. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the level of the measuring device of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a weighing device according to the present invention; [Figure 4] 1 is a flowchart relating to a first embodiment of a weighing method using a weighing device of the present invention. [Diagram 5] 5 is a flowchart relating to a second embodiment of a weighing method using the weighing device of the present invention. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart relating to a third embodiment of a weighing method using the weighing device of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0029] Next, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0030] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a weighing device 1 for carrying out a weighing method of the present invention, and Fig. 2 is a plan view of the weighing device 1. The weighing device 1 is composed of an operation display unit 2, a main body unit 3, and a connecting unit 8 that connects these together.

[0031] As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the operation display unit 2 has a display unit 4 consisting of a liquid crystal screen, an organic electroluminescence screen, or the like, and a plurality of operation buttons 5. The main body unit 3 has a main body case 6, a weighing pan 7, and a level 9. The display unit 4 displays the measurement value and measurement result of the weighing object mounted on the weighing pan 7, and the plurality of operation buttons 5 of the weighing device 1 are used to change the display content of the display unit 4, change the weighing mode of the weighing device 1, reset the measurement value, and change the settings of the weighing device 1 based on their respective roles. A weighing mechanism 13 (described later) and the like are housed inside the main body case 6. The weighing pan 7 is provided in the weighing mechanism 13, and an object to be weighed is mounted on the weighing pan 7.

[0032] The level 9 is filled in a container 9d with a liquid 9b with one air bubble 9c formed inside the container, and the upper end opening is closed by a transparent or semi-transparent top cover 9a with an adjustment reference circle 9e formed thereon. A storage section 15 for fixing the level 9 is integrally provided inside the case 16 at the rear end of the main body 3. The storage section 15 is formed in a cylindrical cavity shape with an inner peripheral wall 15d and a bottom 15e, and is covered from above by a light diffusion section 15c. The light diffusion section 15c is formed in a flange shape from an acrylic resin or the like that has been subjected to a clouding process on the entire area except for the area of ​​the transparent circular light-transmitting section 15b in the center, and has an integral cylindrical protrusion 15c1 that protrudes downward along the outer periphery of the light-transmitting section 15b. The level 9 is fixed to the center of the bottom 15e inside the storage section 15. The top cover 9a is disposed in a state in which it is in contact with the entire cylindrical convex portion 15c1 of the light diffusion portion 15c and is spaced apart from the light-transmitting portion 15b. The storage portion 15 is covered from above with a circular sheet 17 that is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the inner peripheral wall 15d. The sheet 17 is formed of an opaque non-light-transmitting portion 17a and a transparent light-transmitting portion 17b (the light-transmitting portion 17b may be a plain circular hole) formed in the center of the non-light-transmitting portion 17a. The sheet 17 is disposed such that the light-transmitting portion 17b is disposed along the outer periphery of the light-transmitting portion 15b, and the non-light-transmitting portion 17a covers the light diffusion portion 15c.

[0033] The air bubble 9c and the adjustment reference circle 9e of the level 9 are exposed to the outside through the light-transmitting portion 15b and the light-transmitting portion 17b. The air bubble 9c is located at the center of the adjustment reference circle 9e of the level 9 when the weighing device 1 is installed horizontally. The LED 10, which is a light-emitting portion, is arranged on the inner peripheral wall 15d of the storage portion 15 toward the light diffusion portion 15c. In addition, a large number of fine irregularities are formed on the inner bottom portion 15e of the storage portion 15. The light L1 emitted by the LED 10 is emitted toward the uneven bottom portion 15e and is diffusely reflected inside the storage portion 15. Furthermore, the diffusely reflected light L2 is diffused toward the light-transmitting portion 15b in the light diffusion portion 15c that has been subjected to a frosted processing, and is blocked from above by the non-transmitting portion 17a of the sheet 17, so that the light L2 is irradiated to the level 9 without omission, and the air bubble 9c and the adjustment reference circle 9e are brightly illuminated. The light from the LED 10 is diffused by the unevenness of the inner bottom 15e of the storage section 15, and is further diffused by passing through the light diffusion section 15c to illuminate the inside of the level 9, so that no lines of light are generated inside the level 9, making the air bubble 9c and the adjustment reference circle 9e difficult to see. It is preferable that the LED 10 is formed so that the light emission color can be switched by having a light emitting section of multiple colors, but a single color may also be used. Also, the light emitting section of the level 9 is not limited to the LED 10, and a light emitting element light source such as a laser diode, a light bulb, etc. may be used as long as it is configured to emit light of a single color or multiple colors.

[0034] Next, the detailed overall configuration of the weighing device 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. The operation display unit 2 has a display unit 4 and operation buttons 5 installed so as to be exposed to the outside, as well as an arithmetic processing unit 11 and a memory unit 12 on the inside. The arithmetic processing unit 11 is composed of an arithmetic control device such as a CPU. The display unit 4, the operation buttons 5, and the memory unit 12 are each connected to the arithmetic processing unit 11 and controlled by the arithmetic processing unit 11.

[0035] 3, the main body 3 has a level 9 and a weighing mechanism 13 therein. The weighing mechanism 13 is an electromagnetic weighing mechanism, and has a weight sensor 14a, a Roberval mechanism 14b, an A / D converter 18, and a multi-axis acceleration sensor 28.

[0036] 3, the weighing dish 7 is provided on a Roberval mechanism 14b, which is connected to a weight sensor 14a. The Roberval mechanism 14b is a mechanism that transmits the load of the weighing object received by the weighing dish 7 to the weight sensor 14a. The weight sensor 14a is connected to the arithmetic processing unit 11 via an A / D converter 18 and is controlled by the arithmetic processing unit 11.

[0037] 3 is composed of a capacitance type two-axis acceleration sensor or a three-axis acceleration sensor, such as a MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) sensor, which generates a voltage change in response to changes in the installation direction, installation height, and environmental temperature at the installation location, and is connected to the calculation processing unit 11. The multi-axis acceleration sensor 28 fixed to the weighing device 1 detects output values ​​such as the gravitational acceleration on the two axes x and y and the inclination angle from the change in voltage value that occurs when the weighing device 1 is installed at the measurement site from the reference position.

[0038] 3, the operation display unit 2 has an internal calculation processing unit 11 and a memory unit 12. The calculation processing unit 11 is an arithmetic processing device such as a CPU, and has a current output acquisition unit 19, an output change acquisition unit 20, an inclination determination unit 21, a light emission control unit 22, and an elapsed time acquisition unit 23. The display unit 4 and the operation buttons 5 are each connected to the calculation processing unit 11, and the display content and whether or not to display the content of the display unit 4 are controlled by the calculation processing unit 11. Furthermore, the LED 10 of the level 9 is controlled by the light emission control unit 22 of the calculation processing unit 11 for turning on and off and for selecting the light emission color.

[0039] The storage unit 12 pre-stores, as reference outputs, Xout(0), Yout(0), which are output values ​​of the x and y angles of the built-in multi-axis acceleration sensor 28 when the weighing device 1 is installed horizontally.

[0040] Next, a first example of a method for detecting tilt using a weighing device according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4. When a user installs the weighing device 1 at a measurement site and inserts an AC adapter (not shown) into a socket, the calculation processing unit 11 of the weighing device 1 executes a current output acquisition step S1 using the current output acquisition unit 19, and acquires the current outputs: Xout(θ), Yout(θ) relating to the x and y angles of the multi-axis acceleration sensor 28 measured at the measurement site.

[0041] Next, the calculation processing unit 11 executes the output change acquisition step S2 by the output change acquisition unit 20, and calculates the output changes Xh, Yh occurring in x and / or y of the multi-axis acceleration sensor 28 from the current output acquired at the installation location and the reference output at the time of horizontal installation read from the memory unit 12 using the following equations (1) and (2).

[0042] Xh=Xout(θ)-Xout(0) Equation (1) Yh = Yout(θ) - Yout(0) Equation (2) Next, the calculation processing unit 11 executes a tilt detection step S3 by the tilt determination unit 21, and detects whether or not Xh and / or Yh of the installed weighing device 1 are within a predetermined threshold value close to 0 at which it can be determined that the weighing device 1 has been installed horizontally. Specifically, when 0≦Xh≦a0 and 0≦Yh≦a0 (a0 is the limit value at which it can be determined that the weighing device 1 is horizontal), the tilt determination unit 21 determines that the weighing device is installed horizontally because both Xh and Yh are within the threshold value, and when Xh>a0 or Yh>a0, the tilt determination unit 21 determines that the weighing device is installed in an inclined state because either Xh or Yh is outside the threshold value.

[0043] When the calculation processing unit 11 detects that the weighing device 1 is set horizontally because both Xh and Yh are within the threshold values, the calculation processing unit 11 executes a horizontal notification step S4, which is one of the installation state notification steps, by the light emission control unit 22, and operates the LED 10 in the first operation mode. Specifically, the calculation processing unit 11 notifies the user that the level adjustment of the installed weighing device 1 is not necessary by keeping the LED 10 in the off state or by turning it on. The calculation processing unit 11 acquires the elapsed time of the first operation mode by the elapsed time acquisition unit 23, and after a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds after the start of the first operation mode) that is considered to have been sufficiently confirmed by the user that the weighing device 1 is set horizontally, the calculation processing unit 11 executes a horizontal notification end step S5 by the light emission control unit 22 to end the first operation mode of the LED 10. At that time, the light emission control unit 22 turns off the LED 10 when the first operation mode is in the on state. After that, the calculation processing unit 11 transitions the weighing device to a weighing-enabled state, and the user performs weighing.

[0044] On the other hand, when the calculation processing unit 11 detects in the tilt detection step S3 that the weighing device 1 is installed in an inclined state because Xh or Yh is a value outside the threshold value, the calculation processing unit 11 operates the LED 10 in the second operating mode by the light emission control unit 22 based on the further tilt determination result by the tilt determination unit 21.

[0045] Specifically, the arithmetic processing unit 11 sequentially executes the inclination level determination steps S6, S7... Sn, which are part of the installation state notification step, by the inclination determination unit 21, and determines which of the numerical values of Xh and Yh, whichever is larger, belongs to any of the ranges from the first threshold value to the nth threshold value. Here, the range from the first threshold value to the nth threshold value is a range obtained by equally dividing the range from the limit value a0 that can be determined as horizontal to the limit value an where inclination can be detected into n equal parts. The range of the first threshold value is a0 < Xh ≦ a1 or a0 < Yh ≦ a1, the range of the second threshold value is a1 < Xh ≦ a2 or a1 < Yh ≦ a2... the range of the nth threshold value is a(n−1) < Xh ≦ an or a(n−1) < Yh ≦ an. Also, the inclination level of the installed weighing device 1 corresponds to the first threshold value, the second threshold value... the nth threshold value respectively, and is set as the first inclination level, the second inclination level... the nth inclination level. The inclination of the installed weighing device 1 is minimum at the first inclination level, and the larger the number of the inclination level, the steeper the inclination becomes, and it is maximum at the nth inclination level.

[0046] In the case where the inclination determination unit 21 determines in the inclination level determination step S6 that the larger of Xh and Yh is within the first threshold and is the first inclination level, the calculation processing unit 11 causes the light emission control unit 22 to execute the inclination level notification step S6' and causes the LED 10 to blink at a first speed. On the other hand, in the case where the inclination determination unit 21 determines that the larger of Xh and Yh is outside the first threshold, the calculation processing unit 11 causes the inclination determination unit 21 to execute the inclination level determination step S7. In the case where the inclination determination unit 21 determines in the step S7 that the larger of Xh and Yh is within the second threshold and is the second inclination level, the calculation processing unit 11 causes the light emission control unit 22 to execute the inclination level notification step S7' and causes the LED 10 to blink at a second speed faster than the first speed. On the other hand, when the inclination determination unit 21 determines that the larger of Xh and Yh is outside the second threshold, the inclination determination unit 21 executes a step of determining whether the larger of Xh and Yh falls within the next threshold. In this way, the inclination determination unit 21 of the calculation processing unit 11 executes the inclination level determination steps S6 to Sn in order to determine whether the larger of Xh and Yh falls within the first threshold to the nth threshold, thereby determining the inclination level, and the light emission control unit 22 executes the corresponding inclination level notification step to cause the LED 10 to blink at a speed corresponding to the inclination level. When the larger of Xh and Yh reaches the nth inclination level, which is the maximum inclination level of the weighing device 1 (inclination level determination step Sn), the calculation processing unit 11 executes step Sn' by the light emission control unit 22, and causes the LED 10 to blink at the fastest nth speed.

[0047] In the first embodiment, the blinking speed of the spirit level 9 illuminated by the LED 10 becomes faster as the inclination level increases, and the blinking speed becomes faster as the inclination level of the installed weighing device 1 increases, such that the first speed (slowest) < the second speed (slightly faster than the first speed) <... < the n-1th speed (slightly slower than the nth speed) < the nth speed (fastest).

[0048] The user visually checks the blinking speed of the level 9 by the LED 10, and is made strongly aware that the faster the blinking speed, the greater the inclination of the weighing device 1, which promotes the level adjustment. The calculation processing unit 11 of the weighing device 1 executes one of the inclination level notification steps S6', S7', . . . Sn' by the light emission control unit 22, and then repeatedly executes step S3 by the inclination determination unit based on the user's level adjustment, and repeats the determination of the inclination level determination steps S6 to Sn and the blinking of the LED 10 at one of the inclination level notification steps S6' to Sn' as long as the inclination is determined. Since the blinking speed of the LED 10 gradually changes based on the deterioration or improvement of the level adjustment by the user, the user can recognize that the level adjustment has worsened due to an increase in the blinking speed of the LED 10, and that the level adjustment has improved and is approaching horizontal due to a decrease in the blinking speed.

[0049] When the inclination determination unit 21 of the calculation processing unit 11 detects that both Xh and Yh are within the threshold values ​​due to the user's level adjustment, it determines that the weighing device 1 has been reinstalled horizontally, and executes a level notification step S4 by the light emission control unit 22 to operate the LED 10 in the first operation mode. At that time, the LED 10 transitions from a blinking state to an off state or to an on state, notifying the user that the level adjustment of the installed weighing device 1 has been completed. After a predetermined time has elapsed, the calculation processing unit 11 executes a level notification end step S5 by the light emission control unit 22 to end the first operation mode of the LED 10, and transitions the weighing device to a weighing-enabled state, allowing the user to perform weighing.

[0050] In the first embodiment, the blinking speed of the level 9 immediately after power-on indicates to the user the need for level adjustment. The faster the blinking speed of the level 9, the stronger the user is made aware that the weighing device 1 is installed at an angle, which encourages the user to adjust the level. In the weighing device 1, in the second operating mode of the LEDs 10, the blinking speed of the corresponding LED may be slowed as the tilt level increases from the first tilt level to the nth tilt level. In this case, the blinking speed of the LED becomes faster in stages as the tilt level improves, which allows the user to recognize that the end of the level adjustment is approaching.

[0051] Next, a second embodiment of the tilt detection method using the weighing device according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 5. The tilt detection method of the second embodiment differs from the first operation mode of the LED 10 in the horizontal notification step S4 and the on / off mode of the LED 10 in the tilt level notification steps S6'', S7'', Sn'' in the second operation mode, but implements means common to the first embodiment. In the horizontal notification step S4 of the second embodiment, the LED 10 operating in the first operation mode is maintained in an off state or a blinking state. In the second operation mode of the LED 10 of the first embodiment, the blinking speed of the LED 10 is increased as the tilt level of the weighing device 1 determined from the larger value of Xh and Yh increases, thereby notifying the user of the improvement or deterioration of the tilt level. However, in the second operation mode of the second embodiment, the light emission intensity of the LED 10 is increased stepwise as the tilt level increases.

[0052] In the second embodiment, the following process is specifically performed in the second operating mode. First, the arithmetic processing unit 11 executes the tilt level determination step S6, step S7, to step Sn in order by the tilt determination unit 21, and determines which of the values ​​of Xh and Yh, which is larger, belongs to within the first threshold to the nth threshold. The range from the first threshold to the nth threshold and the corresponding first tilt level to the nth tilt level are the same as those in the first embodiment. In the tilt level determination step S6, when the tilt determination unit 21 determines that the larger value of Xh and Yh is within the first threshold and is the first tilt level, the arithmetic processing unit 11 executes the tilt level notification step S6'' by the light emission control unit 22 and lights up the LED 10 with the first intensity. On the other hand, when the tilt determination unit 21 determines that the larger value of Xh and Yh is outside the first threshold, the arithmetic processing unit 11 causes the tilt determination unit 21 to execute the tilt level determination step S7. If the larger of Xh and Yh is within the second threshold and is determined to be the second tilt level, the calculation processing unit 11 executes a tilt level notification step S7'' by the light emission control unit 22 and lights up the LED 10 at a second intensity brighter than the first intensity.

[0053] On the other hand, when the inclination determination unit 21 determines that the larger of Xh and Yh is outside the second threshold, the calculation processing unit 11 executes an inclination level determination step in which the inclination determination unit 21 determines whether or not the larger of Xh and Yh falls within the next threshold. In this way, the inclination determination unit 21 of the calculation processing unit 11 executes the inclination level determination steps S6 to Sn in order to determine the inclination level of the installed weighing device 1 from the larger of Xh and Yh, and the light emission control unit 22 executes the inclination level notification step corresponding to the inclination level, thereby lighting the LED 10 at a brightness. When the larger of Xh and Yh reaches the nth inclination level, which is the maximum inclination level of the weighing device 1 (step Sn), the calculation processing unit 11 executes the inclination level notification step Sn'' by the light emission control unit 22, and lights the LED 10 at the brightest nth intensity.

[0054] In the second embodiment, the LED 10 lights up brighter as the inclination of the installed weighing device 1 increases, such as first intensity (illuminated but dimmest) < second intensity (slightly brighter than the first intensity) <... < n-1th intensity (slightly darker than the nth intensity) < nth intensity (brightest). The user visually recognizes the brightness of the level 9 illuminated by the LED 10, and adjusts the level by being made more aware that the brighter the level is illuminated, the greater the inclination of the weighing device 1. After the light emission control unit 22 executes any one of steps S6'', S7'',...Sn'', the calculation processing unit 11 of the weighing device 1 repeatedly executes the inclination detection step S3 by the inclination determination unit 21 in accordance with the user's level adjustment, and repeats the determination of the inclination level determination steps S6 to Sn and the lighting of the LED 10 at any one of the intensities (brightness) of the inclination level notification steps S6'' to Sn'' as long as the inclination is determined. The brightness of the LED 10 gradually changes based on the deterioration or improvement of the user's horizontal adjustment, so that the user can recognize that the horizontal adjustment is worsening as the illumination intensity of the LED 10 increases and the LED becomes brighter, and that the horizontal adjustment is improving and approaching horizontal as the illumination intensity decreases and the LED becomes darker.

[0055] When the inclination determination unit 21 of the calculation processing unit 11 detects that both Xh and Yh are within the threshold value due to the user's level adjustment, it determines that the weighing device 1 has been reinstalled horizontally, and executes the level notification step S4 by the light emission control unit 22 to operate the LED 10 in the first operation mode. At that time, the light emission control unit 22 executes the level notification end step S5 to transition the LED 10 to an off state or a blinking state, thereby notifying the user that the level adjustment of the installed weighing device 1 has been completed. After a predetermined time has elapsed, the calculation processing unit 11 executes the level notification end step S5 by the light emission control unit 22 to terminate the first operation mode of the LED 10 and transition the weighing device to a weighing-enabled state, allowing the user to perform weighing.

[0056] Next, a third embodiment of the tilt detection method using the weighing device according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 6. The tilt detection method of the third embodiment differs from the first operation mode of the LED 10 in the horizontal notification step S4 and the on / off mode of the LED 10 in the tilt level notification steps S6''', S7''', Sn'''' in the second operation mode, but implements means common to the first embodiment. In the horizontal notification step S4 of the third embodiment, the LED 10 operated in the first operation mode is configured to be able to light up in multiple colors, and as an example, is maintained in a green light state. In the second operation mode of the third embodiment, the LED 10 lights up in yellow (first color) at the smallest first tilt level, and as the tilt level increases, the LED 10 lights up in orange (second color to n-1th color), which is yellow with a reddish tint, and at the largest nth tilt level, the LED 10 lights up in red (nth color).

[0057] In the third embodiment, the following process is specifically performed in the second operation mode. First, the arithmetic processing unit 11 executes the tilt level determination step S6, step S7, to step Sn in order by the tilt determination unit 21, and determines which of the values ​​of Xh and Yh, which is larger, belongs to within the first threshold to the nth threshold. The range from the first threshold to the nth threshold and the corresponding first tilt level to the nth tilt level are the same as those in the first embodiment. In the tilt level determination step S6, when the tilt determination unit 21 determines that the larger value of Xh and Yh is within the first threshold and is the first tilt level, the arithmetic processing unit 11 executes the tilt level notification step S6'' by the light emission control unit 22 and lights up the LED 10 in yellow (first color). On the other hand, when the tilt determination unit 21 determines that the larger value of Xh and Yh is outside the first threshold, the arithmetic processing unit 11 causes the tilt determination unit 21 to execute the tilt level determination step S7. If the larger of Xh and Yh is within the second threshold and is determined to be the second inclination level, the calculation processing unit 11 executes the inclination level notification step S7'' by the light emission control unit 22 and lights up the LED 10 in orange (second color), which is yellow with a slight reddish tint.

[0058] On the other hand, when the inclination determination unit 21 determines that the larger of Xh and Yh is outside the second threshold, the calculation processing unit 11 executes an inclination level determination step in which the inclination determination unit 21 determines whether the larger of Xh and Yh is within the next threshold. The inclination determination unit 21 of the calculation processing unit 11 executes the inclination level determination step S6 to step Sn in order to determine the inclination level of the installed weighing device 1 from the larger of Xh and Yh, and causes the LED 10 to emit light in a color (first color to nth color) corresponding to the inclination level (first inclination level to nth inclination level). Specifically, the light emission control unit 22 of the calculation processing unit 11 controls the LED 10 to emit light in a color (second inclination level to n-1th inclination level) that gradually becomes redder as the inclination level increases from yellow (first inclination level) to orange (second inclination level to n-1th inclination level). Then, when the larger of Xh and Yh reaches the nth tilt level, which is the maximum tilt level of the weighing device 1 (step Sn), the light-emitting control unit 22 of the calculation processing unit 11 performs a tilt level notification step Sn'' and lights up the LED 10 in red (nth tilt level).

[0059] In the third embodiment, the LED 10 lights up from yellow to reddish orange as the inclination of the installed weighing device 1 increases, such as first color (yellow)<second color (orange with a slight reddish tint to yellow)<third color (orange with an even greater reddish tint than the second color)...<n-1th color (orange with a slightly less reddish tint than red)<nth color (red), and lights up red at maximum inclination. The user visually recognizes that the color of the light emitted from the level 9 illuminated by the LED 10 gradually changes from yellow to a redder shade, and then from orange to red, as the inclination level increases, and the more red the orange becomes, the more aware the weighing device 1 is of a greater inclination, which promotes level adjustment. The calculation processing unit 11 of the weighing device 1 executes one of the tilt level notification steps S6'''', S7'''',..Sn'''' by the light emission control unit 22, and then repeatedly executes the tilt detection step S3 by the tilt determination unit 21 in accordance with the user's level adjustment, and repeats the determination of the tilt level determination steps S6 to Sn and the lighting of the LED 10 in one of the colors of the tilt level notification steps S6'''' to Sn'''' as long as tilt is determined. Since the light emission color of the LED 10 gradually changes based on the deterioration or improvement of the user's level adjustment, the user can recognize that the horizontal adjustment has worsened as the light emission color of the LED 10 approaches from orange to red, and that the horizontal adjustment has improved and is closer to horizontal as the light emission color of the LED 10 approaches from orange to yellow.

[0060] When the inclination determination unit 21 of the calculation processing unit 11 detects that both Xh and Yh are within the threshold values ​​due to the user's level adjustment, it determines that the weighing device 1 has been reinstalled horizontally, and executes a level notification step S4 by the light emission control unit 22 to operate the LED 10 in the first operation mode. At that time, the light emission control unit 22 changes the light emission color of the LED 10 from yellow to a green lighting state to notify the user that the level adjustment of the installed weighing device 1 has been completed. After a predetermined time has elapsed, the calculation processing unit 11 executes a level notification end step S5 by the light emission control unit 22 to end the first operation mode of the LED 10 (turn off the green light emission), and transitions the weighing device to a weighing-enabled state, allowing the user to perform weighing.

[0061] In the third embodiment, the LED 10 emits light in three or more colors, green in the first operation mode, and gradually changes from yellow to red in the second operation mode, but the LED 10 may emit light in a simple manner, with one green color in the first operation mode and two yellow and red colors in the second operation mode, for a total of three colors, and red light when the inclination is large and yellow light when the inclination is small in the second operation mode. The LED 10 may emit light in a simple manner, without being limited to green, yellow, and red, and may be a combination of a wide variety of colors. [Explanation of symbols]

[0062] 1 Weighing device 7 Weighing pan 11 Processing unit 12 Storage section 28 Multi-axis acceleration sensor S1 Current output acquisition step S2 Output change acquisition step S3 Tilt detection step S4 Horizontal notification step, one of the installation status notification steps S6 to Sn gradient level judgment steps S6'' to S7'' Tilt Level Notification Steps S6'' to S7'' Incline Level Notification Steps Xout(0),Yout(0) Reference output Xout(θ),Yout(θ) Current output

Claims

1. A level to indicate whether the measuring device is installed horizontally or not; A weight sensor; a multi-axis acceleration sensor that detects acceleration changes along two axes, x and y, by setting x and y on a virtual horizontal plane of the weight sensor and z perpendicular to the virtual horizontal plane; a storage unit that stores the two-axis reference outputs of the multi-axis acceleration sensor when the weight sensor is placed in a reference position horizontally under a reference temperature; A weighing device is provided with an arithmetic processing unit, The level is It has a light-emitting part that emits light from inside when it is turned on, The arithmetic processing unit is comparing the two-axis current outputs generated in the multi-axis acceleration sensor at the installation position of the weighing device with the reference outputs, and detecting an output change generated in the x and / or y directions of the multi-axis acceleration sensor as a tilt generated in the weighing device; The weighing device, wherein the light-emitting unit is configured to be switchable between a first operating mode when the weighing device is installed horizontally and a second operating mode when tilting of the weighing device is detected.

2. The arithmetic processing unit is determining a tilt level of the weighing device from the output change; The weighing device according to claim 1 , wherein the light emitting section gradually changes the light emitting state in the second operating state based on the tilt level.

3. the calculation processing unit determines which of a plurality of consecutive numerical ranges 1, 2, . . . n that determine the tilt level in equations (1) and (2) a change in the x and / or y output of the multi-axis acceleration sensor Xh, Yh belongs to; 3. The weighing device according to claim 2, wherein the light emitting section causes the level to emit light in different light emitting modes corresponding to the numerical ranges to which the output changes Xh and Yh belong. Xh=Xout(θ)-Xout(0) Formula (1) Yh=Yout(θ)-Yout(0) Formula (2) however, Xout(θ): x component output by the multi-axis acceleration sensor at angle θ Yout(θ): y component output by the multi-axis acceleration sensor at angle θ Xout(0): x-component of the reference output of the multi-axis acceleration sensor Yout(0): The y component of the reference output of the multi-axis acceleration sensor

4. The weighing device according to claim 2 , wherein in the second operating state, the calculation processing unit changes a blinking speed of the light emitting unit in a stepwise manner in accordance with a change in the detected tilt level.

5. The weighing device according to claim 2 , wherein in the second operating state, the calculation processing unit changes the lighting intensity of the light emitting unit in a stepwise manner in accordance with a change in the detected tilt level.

6. The light emitting unit has a configuration capable of causing the level to emit light in a plurality of different colors, The weighing device according to claim 2 , wherein in the second operating mode, the arithmetic processing unit causes the light emitting unit to emit light in stepwise different colors in accordance with a change in the detected tilt level.

7. A weighing device having a level having a light-emitting portion that emits light inside when lit, a weight sensor, a multi-axis acceleration sensor that detects acceleration changes in two axes, x and y, by setting x and y on a virtual horizontal plane of the weight sensor and z in a direction perpendicular to the virtual horizontal plane, a memory unit that stores reference outputs of the two axes of the multi-axis acceleration sensor when the weight sensor is placed in a reference position that is horizontal and at a reference temperature, and a calculation processing unit, The arithmetic processing unit is a current output acquisition step of acquiring the current two-axis outputs generated in the multi-axis acceleration sensor at an installation position of the weighing device; an output change acquisition step of comparing the current output with the reference output to acquire an output change occurring in x and / or y of the multi-axis acceleration sensor; a tilt detection step of detecting whether or not tilt has occurred in the weighing device based on the output change; and an installation state notifying step of operating the light-emitting unit in either a first operating mode or a second operating mode based on whether or not tilt is detected.

8. The arithmetic processing unit is In the installation state notification step, the light-emitting unit is operated in a second operation mode; a tilt level determination step of determining a tilt level of the weighing device from the output change; The weighing method according to claim 7, further comprising: a tilt level notification step of causing the light emitting unit to emit light in a different manner for each determined tilt level, the light emitting unit being illuminated in a light emitting manner that gradually changes as the light emitting level increases or decreases.

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