Baby scale

Abstract

To provide a baby scale that allows a user to realize whether the amount of milk fed is within an appropriate range.SOLUTION: A baby scale 100 includes a weighing tray 6 configured to allow a target infant to be placed thereon, a weighing sensor 22 that outputs a weighing signal corresponding to the weight of the target infant placed on the weighing tray 6, a control and calculation unit 30 that calculates a target infant's weight value from the weighing signal, and a memory unit 28. The memory unit 28 has average milk-feeding amount data regarding the correlation between the infant's number of days since birth and average milk-feeding amount, and the average milk-feeding amount data has an appropriate range for average milk-feeding amount. The control and calculation unit 30 calculates a milk-feeding amount value from the difference in the target infant's weight value before and after feeding, reads out the average milk-feeding amount data, and outputs to the user whether the milk-feeding amount value is within the appropriate range for average milk-feeding amount.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a weighing device, and more particularly to a baby scale that measures the weight of an infant before and after breastfeeding to measure the milk intake.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a weighing device used as a baby scale for measuring the weight of an infant is known. The weighing device of Patent Document 1 can measure the weight before breastfeeding and the weight after breastfeeding, and can automatically obtain the milk intake.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the baby scale of Patent Document 1, only the milk intake is shown, and it is not known whether the milk intake is within an appropriate range. In addition, since the appropriate milk intake and the number of breastfeeding times change depending on the number of days since birth, it is difficult for the breastfeeding mother herself to grasp this, and there is a problem that it is difficult for the breastfeeding mother to feel whether an appropriate milk intake is being given.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a baby scale that enables a user to feel whether the milk intake is within an appropriate range.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, a weighing device according to one aspect of the present invention has the following configuration.

[0007] 1. A weighing dish configured to place a target infant thereon, a weighing sensor that outputs a weighing signal corresponding to the weight of the target infant placed on the weighing dish, a control arithmetic unit that calculates a weight value of the target infant from the weighing signal, and a storage unit. The storage unit has average milk intake data regarding the correlation between the number of days since birth of the infant and the average milk intake. An appropriate range of the average milk intake is set in the average milk intake data. The control arithmetic unit calculates a milk intake value from the difference in the weight value of the target infant before and after breastfeeding, reads out the average milk intake data, and outputs to the user whether the milk intake value is within the appropriate range of the average milk intake.

[0008] 2. In the above aspect, it is also preferable to further include a display unit. The control arithmetic unit reads out the average milk intake data, displays it on the display unit as a graph, and plots the milk intake value on the graph to output to the user whether the milk intake value is within the appropriate range of the average milk intake.

[0009] 3. In the aspects 1 and 2 above, it is also preferable to further include an audio output unit. The control arithmetic unit reads out the average milk intake data, determines whether the milk intake value is within the appropriate range of the average milk intake, and outputs the determination result to the user by voice.

[0010] 4. In the aspects 1 to 3 above, it is also preferable to further include an illumination unit. The control arithmetic unit turns on and off the illumination unit to output the determination result to the user.

[0011] 5. In the aspects 1 to 4 above, it is also preferable to further include an input unit that receives an input unit for the date of birth of the target infant, and a clock that measures time. The control arithmetic unit is configured to calculate the number of days since birth of the target infant based on the input date of birth of the target infant.

[0012] 6. In the aspects 2 to 5 above, the memory unit accumulatively stores and memorizes the weight value and the milk feeding amount value of the target infant for each measurement in association with the identification information of the target infant, and preferably plots the milk feeding amount value cumulatively on a graph showing the correlation between the number of days since the birth of the infant and the average milk feeding amount and displays it on the display unit.

[0013] In this specification, the term "infant" refers not only to those under 1 year old as defined in the Maternal and Child Health Law, but also to children who are the subject of measurement of the milk feeding amount.

Effects of the Invention

[0014] According to the above aspect, it is possible to provide a baby scale capable of confirming whether the milk feeding amount is within an appropriate range.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015]

Figure 1

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Note that the dimensions of each part in the drawings are drawn appropriately enlarged or reduced for convenience of explanation, and the scale is not necessarily accurate. In the embodiments and modifications, common elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0017] (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a baby scale 100 according to the first embodiment. The baby scale 100 mainly includes, in terms of appearance, a measurement unit main body 2 that houses a weighing sensor, a base 4 that supports the measurement unit main body 2 from below, and a weighing dish 6 that is attached to the upper surface of the measurement unit main body 2.

[0018] The measurement unit main body 2 is formed by assembling and integrating an upper case 2a made of resin having a shape corresponding to a lower case (not shown) made of resin in which two load cells are fixed and having a substantially rectangular shape in plan view, and an input unit 26, a display unit 27, etc., which will be described later.

[0019] The base 4 is provided with a handle 4a for carrying the baby scale 100, a horizontal adjustment screw 4b, and the like. <\

[0020] The weighing dish 6 includes a resin inner dish (not shown) fixed to the upper surface of the measurement unit main body 2 and an upper dish 61 detachably attached to the inner dish. The upper dish 61 is made of resin and serves as a crib on which an infant can be placed lying on its side.

[0021] The external configuration of such a baby scale 100 is equivalent to that disclosed in, for example, Patent Document 2 or the like.

[0022] Figure 2 is a block diagram of the baby scale 100. The baby scale 100 includes a weighing sensor 22 connected to the weighing dish 6, an A / D conversion circuit 24, an input unit 26, a display unit 27, a storage unit 28, a clock 29, and a control arithmetic unit 30. Although not shown, the power supply of the baby scale 100 can selectively use a built-in dry battery or an AC power supply. Alternatively, it may be a built-in rechargeable battery.

[0023] As the weighing sensor 22, for example, a load cell such as a strain gauge type, a capacitance type, or a spring type can be used. A pair of left and right load cells 23 are provided as the weighing sensor 22. The weighing sensor 22 is connected to the A / D conversion circuit 24, generates a weighing signal corresponding to the load applied to the weighing dish 6, and outputs it to the A / D conversion circuit 24.

[0024] The A / D conversion circuit 24 converts the weighing signal input from the weighing sensor 22 into a digital signal and inputs it to the control arithmetic unit 30.

[0025] The input unit 26 is, for example, a key switch and includes a power button, a weight measurement key, a selection key, and the like. Also, the input unit 26 and the display unit 27 may be integrally configured as a touch panel display. In the illustrated example, a key switch and a touch panel display are used in combination. Through the input unit 26, it is possible to input instructions for starting / stopping weighing by the user, selection of whether to measure the milk feeding amount, setting, and the like.

[0026] The display unit 27 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or the like. The display unit 27 displays measurement results and operation guidance under the control of the control arithmetic unit 30. Also, it plots and displays whether the measured milk intake is within the appropriate range for the number of days since birth on a graph.

[0027] The storage unit 28 is a computer-readable storage medium. As the storage unit 28, for example, non-volatile memories such as EEPROM and flash memory can be used. The storage unit 28 stores measurement value (weight) data and milk intake data. Also, the storage unit 28 stores a program and the like for the control arithmetic unit 30 to execute the functions of the baby scale 100.

[0028] Also, the storage unit 28 stores data on the correlation between the number of days since birth of the infant and the milk intake. FIGS. 3(A) and (B) are examples of graphs showing the correlation between the number of days since birth of the infant and the milk intake. FIG. 3(A) is a graph of male infants, and FIG. 3(B) is a graph of female infants. These graphs are created based on statistical data obtained by measuring the daily milk intake of infants of various days since birth. The milk intake shows a normal distribution, and depending on the number of days since birth of the infant, the range from the 3rd percentile to the 97th percentile centered around the median (50th percentile) is defined as the appropriate range. Also, it is known that the general number of breastfeeding times changes according to the number of days since birth of the infant, for example, 8 - 9 times / day at 1 month after birth, 5 - 8 times / day at 2 - 4 months after birth, 5 - 6 times / day at 5 - 6 months after birth, etc. Using this number of breastfeeding times, the data on the correlation between the number of days since birth of the infant and the milk intake for the daily milk intake can be converted into average milk intake data for each breastfeeding. Since the measured milk intake shows a normal distribution, the median can be treated as the average milk intake. Therefore, this data on the correlation between the number of days since birth of the infant and the milk intake is referred to as average milk intake data 40. The average milk intake data 40 is stored separately for males and females, for example, as shown in FIG. 3(C) as an example of male data including the number of breastfeeding times. It may be stored as one data value for a combined male and female value. Also, the appropriate range can be set according to the purpose.

[0029] The clock 29 measures the date and time and is, for example, a real-time clock.

[0030] The control arithmetic unit 30 is configured as an electronic circuit including at least one processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and at least one memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a ROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory). The processor reads and executes a program stored in the ROM or the storage unit 28 in the memory to realize the functions of the baby scale 100. However, it is not limited to this, and at least a part of the control arithmetic unit 30 may be configured by an electronic circuit such as a PLD (Programmable Logic Device) such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0031] The control arithmetic unit 30 controls and performs arithmetic processing on the overall operation of the baby scale 100. Specifically, the control arithmetic unit 30 calculates a body weight value based on the measurement signal converted into a digital signal by the A / D conversion circuit 24. Further, it controls and performs arithmetic processing on the operation of the baby scale 100 in the measurement of the milk feeding amount described below. That is, it performs the processing of each step in the milk feeding amount measurement method described below.

[0032] Next, a method for measuring the milk feeding amount using the baby scale 100 will be described. FIGS. 4 and 5 are flowcharts of an example of the operation of measuring the milk feeding amount in the baby scale 100, and FIGS. 6 to 8 show examples of the screens displayed on the display unit 27 along with each step of the operation.

[0033] First, in step S01, when the power-on switch is operated by the user, the baby scale 100 turns on the power and displays an initial display on the display unit 27 as shown in FIG. 6(A).

[0034] Next, in step S02, it is determined whether there is breast milk intake amount value data saved in the past (hereinafter referred to as past data). If there is no past data (No), the process proceeds to step S03, and the baby scale 100 causes the user to input the date of birth of the infant. Specifically, for example, the display unit 27 displays an input screen as shown in FIG. 6(B), and causes the user to input the date of birth of the infant via the input unit 26.

[0035] Next, in step S04, the baby scale 100 refers to the clock 29 and calculates the number of days since birth based on the date of birth input in step S03.

[0036] Next, in step S05, when the user places the infant on the weighing tray 6, the baby scale 100 measures the weight value before breastfeeding (hereinafter referred to as the pre-breastfeeding weight value) M B That is, the baby scale 100 calculates the weight of the infant based on the weighing signal. Also, as shown in FIG. 6(C), the pre-breastfeeding weight value M B is displayed on the display unit 27.

[0037] Next, in step S06, the baby scale 100 causes the user to input whether to breastfeed. Specifically, the display unit 27 displays "Do you want to breastfeed?" and "Yes / No" as shown in FIG. 6(D), and causes the user to make a selection to input.

[0038] In step S06, if breastfeeding is to be performed (Yes), the process proceeds to step S07, and the baby scale 100 stores (saves) the calculated value in step S05 as the pre-breastfeeding weight value M B in the storage unit 28. On the other hand, in step S06, if breastfeeding is not performed (No), in step S14, the display of the value of the pre-breastfeeding weight value M B continues for a predetermined time, and then the process ends.

[0039] Next, after step S07, when the user breastfeeds the baby to be measured (target baby), and after breastfeeding, places the baby on the weighing plate 6 again, in step S08, the baby scale 100 calculates the weight of the baby based on the weighing signal, and obtains the post-breastfeeding weight value (hereinafter referred to as the post-breastfeeding weight value) M A and measures it. FIG. 7(A) shows an example of the display of the post-breastfeeding weight value M A .

[0040] Next, in step S09, the baby scale 100 determines whether the post-breastfeeding weight value M A is greater than the pre-breastfeeding weight value M B .

[0041] In step S09, if the post-breastfeeding weight value M A is greater than the pre-breastfeeding weight value M B (Yes), it proceeds to step S10, determines that the post-breastfeeding weight value M A has been measured, and the baby scale 100 subtracts the pre-breastfeeding weight value M A from the post-breastfeeding weight value M B to calculate the milk intake value BF, and displays it on the display unit 27 (FIG. 7(B)). For example, in the illustrated example, the pre-breastfeeding weight value M B is 4.00 kg, and the post-breastfeeding weight value M A is 4.06 kg, so the difference of 0.06 kg (60 g) is the milk intake value BF

[0042] On the other hand, in step S09, if the post-breastfeeding weight value M A is less than or equal to the pre-breastfeeding weight value M B (No), it proceeds to step S15, displays an error message on the display unit 27 (FIG. 7(C)), and ends the process

[0043] Next, after the display of the milk intake value BF in step S10, in step S11, the baby scale 100 reads out the average milk intake data 40 stored in the storage unit 28

[0044] Next, in step S12, based on the average milk intake data 40, the baby scale draws a milk intake graph showing the correlation between the number of days since birth and the milk intake per feeding, and plots (the x-mark indicated by symbol P) the current milk intake value BF determined in step S10 on the milk intake graph based on the average milk intake data 40, and displays it on the display unit 27 (Fig. 7(D)). Note that since the unit of the average milk intake is volume (ml), it is converted as 1 g = 1 ml. In the illustrated example, an example of a milk intake graph for a male baby is shown. The milk intake graph is configured to be switchable between male and female displays. For this purpose, a male / female switch button 51 is displayed on the screen. When the male / female switch button 51 is pressed, the milk intake graph for a female baby is displayed. In the state where the graph is switched and the milk intake graph for a female baby is displayed, the mark of the male / female switch button 51 changes from a female mark to a male mark. Also, when displaying, the display ranges of the horizontal axis and the vertical axis may be appropriately adjusted according to the size of the screen. Also, the unit of the number of days since birth may be displayed after conversion between days and months according to the display range. For example, the graph in Fig. 7(D) may be enlarged and displayed as shown in Fig. 8(A).

[0045] Then, in step S13, the date of birth, the weight value of the infant measured this time (pre-feeding weight value M B ), the current milk intake value BF, and the graph on which the current milk intake value BF is plotted are associated with the measurement date and time as the current data and stored in the storage unit 28 to end the process. The current data is used as past milk intake data (past data) in subsequent measurements.

[0046] Next, in step S02, if there is past data (Yes), the process proceeds to step S21 via the zygote A. In steps S21 to S26, S32, and S33, similar to steps S06 to S10 and S14, the baby scale 100 measures the weight of the infant before and after feeding, calculates the milk intake, and displays it on the display unit 27.

[0047] Next, in step S27, the baby scale 100 reads the past data stored in the storage unit 28, that is, the weight value of the infant measured in the past (pre-breastfeeding weight value M B ), breastfeeding amount value BF, the date of birth of the infant, and a graph plotting the breastfeeding amount value BF, etc.

[0048] Next, in step S28, the baby scale 100 plots the current breastfeeding amount value BF calculated in step S26 on the graph based on the past data read in step S27, and displays the plotted graph on the display unit 27 (Fig. 8(B)). At this time, a one-day display switching button 52 for switching between the graph for one breastfeeding amount and the graph for the daily breastfeeding amount is displayed on the display unit 27.

[0049] When the user finishes breastfeeding for a day and wants to check whether the breastfeeding amount for today is within an appropriate range, the user presses this one-day display switching button 52. Fig. 8(C) shows the graph for the daily breastfeeding amount displayed on the display unit 27. On the display screen of the graph for the daily breastfeeding amount (Fig. 8(C)), a one-time display switching button 53 for returning to the display screen of the graph for the average breastfeeding amount per time (Fig. 8(B)) is switched and displayed on the one-day display switching button 52.

[0050] Here, in step S29, the baby scale 100 determines whether the one-day display switching button 52 has been pressed. When the one-day display switching button 52 is pressed by the user (Yes), in step S30, the baby scale 100 accumulates the breastfeeding amount values on the same day among the past data stored in association with the date of birth in the storage unit 28 to calculate the daily breastfeeding amount. Then, the cumulative breastfeeding amount value for today is plotted on the graph of the average daily breastfeeding amount on the display unit 27 (the white star mark in Fig. 8(C)). Fig. 8(C) shows a state where the daily breastfeeding amounts for the past three days are plotted (the same black star marks), and today, the daily breastfeeding amount for the fourth day is plotted. By repeating this daily, the graph of the measured daily breastfeeding amount can be drawn on the graph of the average daily breastfeeding amount.

[0051] Next, in step S31, the baby scale 100 measures the pre-feeding weight value M B , the milk feeding amount value BF, and the daily milk feeding amount value BF D in association with the measurement date and time, stores them in the storage unit 28 as the current milk feeding amount data (current data), and ends the process.

[0052] As described above, in this embodiment, the baby scale 100 includes average milk feeding amount data 40, that is, data on the correlation between the number of days since the birth of the infant and the milk feeding amount. It measures the weight of the infant to be measured before and after milk feeding, calculates the current milk feeding amount from the difference, and outputs to the user whether the current milk feeding amount is within an appropriate range. Specifically, based on the average milk feeding amount data 40, a graph indicating the appropriate range is generated, the milk feeding amount data measured this time is plotted on the graph, and it is configured to be displayed on the display unit 27. As a result, the user can visually grasp whether the current milk feeding amount is within an appropriate range. In particular, in the initial stage of milk feeding, the lactating woman is also unfamiliar. Even if she is informed numerically of the appropriate milk feeding amount and its range, it is difficult to get a sense of whether it is within the appropriate range. In this embodiment, since it can be visually grasped, the mental burden on the user is reduced.

[0053] Also, in the baby scale 100 according to this embodiment, each milk feeding amount is stored, and at the end of the milk feeding for one day, the milk feeding amount value for one day (hereinafter referred to as the daily milk feeding amount value) BF D is calculated and configured to be plotted on the graph of the average daily milk feeding amount. Therefore, the user can visually grasp whether the milk feeding amount for one day is an appropriate amount. Also, by continuously accumulating this, a graph in which the milk feeding amounts for one day are continuously plotted can be created. As a result, the user can visually confirm whether the daily milk feeding amounts are appropriate and objectively grasp the growth of the infant.

[0054] Note that the input of the date of birth and the calculation of the number of days since birth in steps S03 and S04 may be performed at any stage of the processing in steps S03 to S11 as long as it is before the milk feeding amount plotting.

[0055] In addition, in this embodiment, the average milk feeding amount data for males and females are used to be configured such that the display can be changed interchangeably. However, at the time of inputting the date of birth, as a configuration for inputting the gender, the average milk feeding amount data 40 for male infants in the case of male infants and for female infants in the case of female infants may be used for display.

[0056] <Second Embodiment> FIG. 9 is a block diagram of the configuration of the baby scale 200 according to the second embodiment. The baby scale 200 has a configuration substantially the same as that of the baby scale 100, but further includes an audio output unit 71 and an illumination unit 72, and is different in that it includes a control arithmetic unit 230 instead of the control arithmetic unit 30.

[0057] The control arithmetic unit 230 has a mechanical configuration equivalent to that of the control arithmetic unit 30. However, while the control arithmetic unit 30 graphs the correlation between the average milk feeding amount and the number of days since birth, plots the measured milk feeding amount, and displays it on the display unit 27 for output to the user, the control arithmetic unit 230 compares the average milk feeding amount with the measured milk feeding amount and outputs to the user in the form of an audio message, a melody, etc. according to the comparison result.

[0058] The audio output unit 71 is, for example, a speaker, and outputs information to the user or the infant by at least one of voice and melody according to the control of the control arithmetic unit 230. The illumination unit 72 includes a light emitting element such as an LED, for example, and is an illumination device whose lighting and extinguishing are controlled by the control arithmetic unit 230. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, it is provided at the upper end of the upper plate 61 and is configured to be lit and extinguished during the output by the above voice and melody. The illumination unit 72 is not essential, and a configuration including only the audio output unit 71 may be used. Further, for example, the display unit 27 configured as a liquid crystal display may perform the same function as the illumination unit 72.

[0059] FIG. 10 is an example of the flow of milk feeding amount measurement using the baby scale 200.

[0060] First, in step S101, when the power-on switch is operated by the user, the baby scale 200 turns on the power and displays an initial display on the display unit 27 in the same manner as in step S01.

[0061] Next, in steps S102 to S109, in the same manner as in steps S03 to S10, the date of birth of the baby to be measured is input, the number of days since birth is calculated, the weight values before and after breastfeeding are measured, and the breastfeeding amount value BF is calculated. Also, in steps S113 and 114, in the same manner as in steps S14 and S15, the weight value before breastfeeding is displayed or an error display is performed.

[0062] Next, in step S110, the baby scale 200 reads out the average breastfeeding amount data 40.

[0063] Next, in step S111, the baby scale 200 compares the calculated breastfeeding amount value BF with the average breastfeeding amount data 40 and determines whether the calculated breastfeeding amount value BF is within the appropriate range.

[0064] In step S111, if the breastfeeding amount value BF is within the appropriate range (Yes), the process proceeds to step S112, and the baby scale 200 controls the voice output unit 71 to output voice messages such as "You drank a lot. Well done" and "Good, keep it up" and a melody as shown in FIG. 11, and notifies the user that it is within the appropriate range, and ends the process. Although not essential, when outputting by the voice output unit 71, in addition to the voice message and melody, the lighting unit 72 may be configured to turn on and off in accordance with the melody, for example.

[0065] On the one hand, in step S111, if the breastfeeding amount value BF is out of the appropriate range (No), the process proceeds to step S115, and the baby scale 200 controls the voice output unit 71 to output a message notifying that it is out of the appropriate range and how much more breastfeeding is required to reach the appropriate range, such as "There are still ●● ml left!" or "Do your best next time!", and then ends the process. Therefore, in step S112, the baby scale 200 calculates the difference between the calculated breastfeeding amount value BF and the appropriate breastfeeding amount (specifically, the median value of the breastfeeding amount, or the upper or lower limit value of the appropriate breastfeeding amount) on the day of birth of the infant being measured, according to the message to be output. When outputting by the voice output unit 71, in addition to voice messages and melodies, the lighting unit 72 may, for example, turn on and off in accordance with the melody. Also, in steps S112 and S115, the same message may be displayed on the display unit 27 simultaneously with the voice output.

[0066] In this way, in the present embodiment, the baby scale 200 is configured to determine whether the breastfeeding amount value BF is within the appropriate range and output the result as voice. By configuring it in this way, the breastfeeding person can grasp that the breastfeeding amount is appropriate without any special operations or attention. Also, by notifying not only with simple numerical or character displays, but also with voice, melodies, and the turning on and off of the lighting unit 72, even inexperienced breastfeeding persons can easily grasp whether the breastfeeding amount is appropriate. In addition, it can give the user a sense of security and allow the user to actually feel the growth of the infant.

[0067] (Modification of the Second Embodiment) FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a baby scale 200A according to a modification of the baby scale 200 according to the second embodiment. The configuration of the baby scale 200A is generally the same as that of the baby scale 200. However, the baby scale 200A is different in that the storage unit 28 includes average breastfeeding amount data 40A per 1 kg of body weight instead of the average breastfeeding amount data 40.

[0068] The average milk intake data per 1 kg of body weight 40 is statistical data obtained by measuring the milk intake of a large number of infants at each number of days since birth as a value per 1 kg of body weight. In the baby scale 200A, the average milk intake data 40A per 1 kg of body weight is used to achieve the same functions as the baby scale 200.

[0069] Since the milk intake varies depending on the physique (body weight) even on the same day of birth, the appropriate range of milk intake fluctuates even on the same day of birth. By using the average milk intake data 40 as the data per unit body weight, a comparison with the appropriate range can be made among infants with the same physique as the infant being measured. This enables the user to confirm whether the milk intake is appropriate without being overly nervous.

[0070] (Common modification example) The functions according to the first to third embodiments may be implemented as independent functions on separate baby scales, or may be configured to be executable in combination on the same baby scale. Also, for the first and second embodiments described above, the following modifications can be made. These modifications may be incorporated into each embodiment either in combination or individually.

[0071] (1) Further, instead of calculating the number of days since birth based on the date of birth entered by the user in steps S03 and S04, the baby scale 100 may be configured to accept direct input of the number of days since birth. Also, when inputting the number of days since birth, it is preferable that any of the number of days, months, or years can be input.

[0072] (2) When storing the milk intake data in the storage unit 28, it may be configured to register it in association with ID information (identification information), and then when using the baby scale next time, by inputting the ID information, it may be configured to read out the past data associated with the ID information. By doing so, it becomes possible to share and use the baby scale among multiple users.

[0073] (3) The baby scale is provided with an external interface to enable connection of an external storage unit such as a USB flash memory. When the external storage unit is connected to the baby scale via the external interface, the ID information in (2) is associated with the external storage unit. When the external storage unit is connected again, it may be configured to automatically input the associated ID information into the baby scale. By doing so, it becomes possible to read the previous data without the user having to input the ID information etc.

[0074] As described above, the preferred embodiments and modifications of the present invention have been described. However, it is possible to modify and combine these based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art, and such forms are also included in the scope of the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0075] 6: weighing pan 22: weighing sensor 26: input unit 27: display unit 28: storage unit 29: clock 30: control arithmetic unit 40: average feeding amount data 71: voice output unit 72: lighting unit [[ID=3P1]]100: baby scale 200: baby scale 230: control arithmetic unit

Claims

1. A weighing dish configured to place a target infant thereon, a weighing sensor that outputs a weighing signal corresponding to the weight of the target infant placed on the weighing dish, a control arithmetic unit that calculates a weight value of the target infant from the weighing signal, and a storage unit, wherein the storage unit has average milk feeding amount data regarding the correlation between the number of days since the infant's birth and the average milk feeding amount, and an appropriate range of the average milk feeding amount is set in the average milk feeding amount data The control arithmetic unit calculates a milk feeding amount value from the difference in the weight values of the target infant before and after milk feeding, reads out the average milk feeding amount data, and outputs to the user whether the milk feeding amount value is within the appropriate range of the average milk feeding amount. A baby scale characterized by this.

2. Further comprising a display unit, The control arithmetic unit reads out the average milk feeding amount data, displays it on the display unit as a graph, and plots the milk feeding amount value on the graph to output to the user whether the milk feeding amount value is within the appropriate range of the average milk feeding amount. The baby scale according to Claim 1, characterized by this.

3. Further comprising an audio output unit, The control arithmetic unit reads out the average milk feeding amount data, determines whether the milk feeding amount value is within the appropriate range of the average milk feeding amount, and outputs the determination result to the user by voice. The baby scale according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized by this.

4. Further comprising an illumination unit, The control arithmetic unit turns on and off the illumination unit to output the determination result to the user. The baby scale according to Claim 3, characterized by this.

5. An input unit that receives an input unit for the date of birth of the target infant, and further comprising a clock that measures time, The control arithmetic unit is configured to calculate the number of days since the birth of the target infant based on the input date of birth of the target infant. The baby scale according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized by this.

6. The storage unit accumulatively stores the weight value and the milk feeding amount value of the target infant in association with the identification information of the target infant for each weighing, and accumulatively plots the milk feeding amount value on a graph showing the correlation between the number of days since the infant's birth and the average milk feeding amount and displays it on the display unit. The baby scale according to Claim 2, characterized by this.

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