Measuring device

Abstract

To provide a metering device that can reduce the power consumption of the communication unit. [Solution] A weighing device 1 comprises a placement section 12 on which an object to be weighed is placed, a weighing unit 11 that outputs a weighing signal corresponding to the load applied to the placement section 12, a communication unit 19, and a controller 20 that receives the weighing signal and controls the communication unit 19. The controller 20 puts the communication unit 19 into a power-consuming communication operation state after an object to be weighed is placed on the placement section 12, calculates the weight value of the object to be weighed based on the weighing signal when the object to be weighed is placed on the placement section 12, determines whether the weight value is within a predetermined weight range, and if it determines that the weight value is within the predetermined weight range, causes the communication unit 19, which was put into a communication operation state, to transmit information regarding the weight of the object to be weighed to an external device 30, and after the communication unit 19 has finished transmitting to the external device 30, puts the communication unit 19 into a power-free communication operation disable state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a weighing device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in production factories that produce foods, etc., and supermarkets, etc., in order to produce a quantitatively filled product in which a weighed object such as agricultural products like potatoes and fruits is filled into a bag or container so as to have a certain amount, a weighing device has been used. In this conventional weighing device, for example, an upper limit value and a lower limit value within an appropriate amount range corresponding to the product are set, the weight of the weighed object placed on the weighing device by an operator is measured, and if the measured weight value of the weighed object is within the appropriate amount range, it is determined as an appropriate amount, if it is less than the lower limit value of the appropriate amount range, it is determined as underweight, and if it exceeds the upper limit value, it is determined as overweight, and the determination result is notified by a lamp or the like.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes an electronic balance configured to preset an upper limit value and a lower limit value of a defined load range, and transfer load data to the outside based on the generation of a data transfer command by an operator only when the load data by a load detection means is within the load range.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] By the way, even in the above conventional weighing device, there may be a case where it includes a communication unit for transmitting weighing data to an external device. In the case of such a weighing device equipped with a communication unit, since the communication unit consumes relatively more power, reduction of the power consumption of the communication unit is desired.

[0006] This invention was made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a metering device that can reduce the power consumption of the communication unit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve the above objective, a weighing device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: a placement section on which an object to be weighed is placed; a weighing unit that outputs a weighing signal corresponding to the load applied to the placement section when an object to be weighed is placed on it; a communication unit that communicates with an external device; and a controller that inputs the weighing signal from the weighing unit at regular time intervals and controls the communication unit, wherein the controller puts the communication unit into a state where it can communicate with power consumption after an object to be weighed is placed on the placement section; calculates the weight value of the object to be weighed based on the weighing signal when an object to be weighed is placed on the placement section; determines whether the weight value is within a predetermined weight range; and, if it determines that the weight value is within a predetermined weight range, causes the communication unit, which was put into a state where it can communicate with power consumption, to transmit information regarding the weight of the object to be weighed to the external device; and after the communication unit has finished transmitting to the external device, puts the communication unit into a state where it cannot communicate with power consumption.

[0008] In this configuration, the controller activates the communication unit to enable communication operations (which consume power) after the object to be weighed is placed on the weighing unit. Based on the weighing signal, it calculates the weight of the object to be weighed, determines whether the weight is within a predetermined weight range, and if it determines that the weight is within the predetermined weight range, it has the communication unit, which was activated to enable communication operations, transmit information about the weight of the object to an external device. After the transmission is complete, it returns the communication unit to a non-power-consuming state where communication operations are disabled. This reduces the power consumption of the communication unit.

[0009] Furthermore, another aspect of the present invention relates to a weighing device comprising: a placement section on which an object to be weighed is placed; a weighing unit that outputs a weighing signal corresponding to the load applied to the placement section when an object to be weighed is placed on it; a communication unit that communicates with an external device; and a controller that receives the weighing signal from the weighing unit at regular time intervals and controls the communication unit, wherein the controller performs a first process to determine whether the fluctuation range of the weighing signal within a predetermined time period falls within a predetermined fluctuation range when an object to be weighed is placed on the placement section, and the fluctuation range of the weighing signal falls within the predetermined fluctuation range If it is determined that the weight is within the range, a second process is performed to calculate the weight of the object to be weighed based on the weighing signal and to determine whether the weight is within a predetermined weight range. If it is determined that the weight is within the predetermined weight range, a third process is performed to put the communication unit into a state where communication operation is possible with power consumption. A fourth process is performed to cause the communication unit, which is in the state where communication operation is possible, to transmit information regarding the weight of the object to be weighed to the external device. After the communication unit has finished transmitting to the external device, a fifth process is performed to put the communication unit into a state where communication operation is not possible with no power consumption.

[0010] In this configuration, the controller, in the first process, determines that the fluctuation range of the weighing signal within a predetermined time period has fallen within a predetermined fluctuation range. In the second process, it calculates the weight of the object to be weighed. If it determines that the weight is within a predetermined weight range, it causes the communication unit to transmit information regarding the weight of the object to be weighed to an external device in the fourth process. Here, when the controller determines in the second process that the weight of the object to be weighed is within a predetermined weight range, it puts the communication unit into a state where it can perform communication operations that consume power in the third process. After the communication unit finishes transmitting to the external device in the fourth process, it puts the communication unit into a state where it cannot perform communication operations that do not consume power in the fifth process, thereby reducing the power consumption of the communication unit.

[0011] In the first process, the predetermined time is a first predetermined time, and the predetermined variation range is a first variation range. The controller, after setting the communication unit to a communication operation-enabled state in the third process, performs a sixth process to determine whether the variation range of the weighing signal within a second predetermined time, which is longer than the first predetermined time, falls within a second variation range, which is narrower than the first variation range. If the controller determines in the sixth process that the variation range of the weighing signal within the second predetermined time falls within the second variation range, it recalculates the weight of the object to be weighed based on the weighing signal and performs a seventh process to determine whether the recalculated weight is within the predetermined weight range. If the controller determines in the seventh process that the recalculated weight is within the predetermined weight range, it may perform the fourth process using the information regarding the recalculated weight as information regarding the weight of the object to be weighed.

[0012] In this configuration, the controller, in the sixth process, determines that the fluctuation range of the weighing signal within a second predetermined time period has fallen within a second fluctuation range, then in the seventh process, recalculates the weight of the object to be weighed. If it determines that this recalculated weight is within a predetermined weight range, the controller, in the fourth process, causes the communication unit to transmit information about the recalculated weight as information about the weight of the object to be weighed to an external device. Here, the controller, after determining in the first process that the fluctuation range of the weighing signal within a first predetermined time period has fallen within a first fluctuation range, calculates the weight of the object to be weighed in the second process. If it determines that this weight is within a predetermined weight range, the controller, in the third process, puts the communication unit into a state where it can perform communication operations that consume power. After the communication unit finishes transmitting to the external device in the fourth process, the controller, in the fifth process, puts the communication unit into a state where it cannot perform communication operations that do not consume power, thereby reducing the power consumption of the communication unit.

[0013] The controller may perform the fourth processing using the information regarding the weight value determined to be within the predetermined weight range in the second processing as information regarding the weight of the object being weighed.

[0014] The controller has two operating modes, a first operating mode and a second operating mode, and is equipped with an operating unit for setting the controller to either the first operating mode or the second operating mode by human operation, and when the controller is set to the first operating mode, it performs the first to fifth processes, and at that time, it is configured to perform the fourth process using the information regarding the weight value that was determined to be within the predetermined weight range in the second process as information regarding the weight of the object to be weighed, and when the controller is set to the second operating mode, it performs the first to fifth processes with the predetermined time in the first process as the first predetermined time and the predetermined fluctuation range as the first fluctuation range, and at that time, In the third process, after the communication unit is put into a communication operation-enabled state, a sixth process is performed to determine whether the fluctuation range of the weighing signal within a second predetermined time, which is longer than the first predetermined time, falls within a second fluctuation range, which is narrower than the first fluctuation range. If the sixth process determines that the fluctuation range of the weighing signal within the second predetermined time falls within the second fluctuation range, a seventh process is performed to recalculate the weight value of the object to be weighed based on the weighing signal and determine whether the recalculated weight value falls within the predetermined weight range. If the seventh process determines that the recalculated weight value falls within the predetermined weight range, the fourth process may be performed using the information regarding the recalculated weight value as information regarding the weight of the object to be weighed.

[0015] The predetermined weight range is a predetermined range of appropriate quantities for the object to be weighed, and the information regarding the weight of the object to be weighed may be the weight value of the object to be weighed. This allows the weight value of the object to be weighed within the appropriate range to be transmitted to an external device.

[0016] The predetermined weight range is a range outside the appropriate weight range of the object to be weighed that is determined in advance, and the information regarding the weight of the object to be weighed may be information indicating that the weight of the object to be weighed is inappropriate and / or the weight value of the object to be weighed. Thereby, information indicating that the weight of the object to be weighed is inappropriate and / or the weight value of the object to be weighed outside the appropriate weight range can be transmitted to an external device.

Advantages of the Invention

[0017] The present invention has the configuration described above, and has the effect of being able to provide a weighing device capable of reducing the power consumption of the communication unit.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an external view showing an example of the weighing device of the present embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the weighing device shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an outline of an operation example in the first operation mode of the normal weighing mode of the weighing device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an outline of an operation example in the second operation mode of the normal weighing mode of the weighing device. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an outline of an operation example in the first operation mode of the inspection mode of the weighing device. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an outline of an operation example in the second operation mode of the inspection mode of the weighing device.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0020] (Embodiment) FIG. 1 is an external view showing an example of the weighing device of the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the weighing device shown in FIG. 1.

[0021] The weighing device 1 can be used when producing a quantitatively filled product of a weighed object composed of a plurality of articles, for example, a packed product such as potatoes or fruits, or in an inspection operation. This weighing device 1 includes a main body 10, a weighing unit 11, a placement unit 12, a controller 20, and the like. The placement unit 12 is a weighing pan on which the weighed object is placed. In FIG. 1, an upper pan scale is illustrated as the weighing device 1, but a platform scale may also be used.

[0022] The weighing unit 11 includes a load cell 13, an amplifier 14, and an A / D converter 15 stored inside the main body 10. The load cell 13 supports the placement unit 12 and outputs an analog weighing signal corresponding to the load applied to the placement unit 12 when the weighed object is placed on the placement unit 12 to the amplifier 14. This weighing signal is amplified by the amplifier 14 and then converted into a digital weighing signal by the A / D converter 15 and output to the controller 20.

[0023] Also, on the front surface of the main body 10, an operation unit 16, a display unit 17, and a determination lamp 18 are provided. The operation unit 16 can perform operations such as starting and stopping the operation of the weighing device 1 (power on / off) and setting the appropriate amount range of the weighed object to be weighed. That is, various operation signals are input to the controller 20 by the operation of the operation unit 16 by an operator or the like.

[0024] The display unit 17 is configured using, for example, a small liquid crystal display, and displays the weight value of the weighed object on the placement unit 12 calculated by the controller 20 and the like. Further, the display unit 17 displays a stable sign M1 when the weighing signal becomes stable.

[0025] The judgment lamp 18 consists of three lamps: an appropriate amount lamp 18a, a low amount lamp 18b, and an over-amount lamp 18c. In this example, the appropriate amount lamp 18a lights up blue, the low amount lamp 18b lights up red, and the over-amount lamp 18c lights up yellow, but this is not limited to this configuration. The judgment lamp 18 may also be composed of a single lamp whose lighting color can be changed according to whether the amount is appropriate, low, or over-amount.

[0026] The main unit 10 is also equipped with a communication unit 19 that communicates wirelessly with an external device 30. The external device 30 is, for example, an information processing device such as a computer. The communication unit 19 is a communication module with a communication chip mounted on a circuit board, and is composed of a communication module that conforms to a communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). In this example, the communication unit 19 is configured to communicate wirelessly with the external device 30, but it may also be configured to communicate via wired connection. The main unit 10 also houses a battery 21 that powers the weighing device 1.

[0027] The controller 20 is composed of, for example, a microcontroller and has an arithmetic unit consisting of a CPU and a memory unit consisting of RAM and ROM. The controller 20 receives the weighing signal from the A / D converter 15 of the weighing unit 11 and the operation signal from the operation unit 16, and controls the display unit 17, the judgment lamp 18 and the communication unit 19. The controller 20 may consist of a single controller that performs centralized control, or it may consist of multiple controllers that cooperate with each other to perform distributed control.

[0028] This controller 20 can, for example, calculate the weight of the object to be weighed on the placement unit 12 based on the weighing signal from the A / D converter 15 of the weighing unit 11, and display the calculated weight on the display unit 17.

[0029] Furthermore, the communication unit 19 is equipped with a terminal for receiving an enable signal from the controller 20. The controller 20 can activate the enable signal to the communication unit 19 to enable communication operation with power consumption, and deactivate the enable signal to disable communication operation without power consumption. Here, the communication operation enabled state is a state in which power is supplied to the communication unit 19, and the communication operation disabled state is a state in which power is not supplied to the communication unit 19.

[0030] The operation of the weighing device 1, configured as described above, will now be explained. The operation of the weighing device 1 is controlled by the controller 20, and all information necessary to operate the weighing device 1 is stored in the memory of the controller 20. In addition, all information stored during operation is also stored in the memory of the controller 20.

[0031] In this weighing device 1, the controller 20 has a normal weighing mode and an inspection mode, and each of these modes has two operating modes. That is, the controller 20 has first and second operating modes in the normal weighing mode and first and second operating modes in the inspection mode. The operating mode of the controller 20 can be set by an operator or other person operating the control unit 16. In addition, in either operating mode, the controller 20 sets an appropriate weight range for the weight of the object to be weighed by operating the control unit 16. This appropriate weight range is defined by a lower limit and an upper limit. In other words, the appropriate weight range is the range that is above the lower limit and below the upper limit. In this example, the range below the lower limit is the underweight range, and the range above the upper limit is the overweight range.

[0032] For example, the controller 20 illuminates the appropriate weight lamp 18a if it determines that the weight of the object to be weighed placed on the placement unit 12 is within the appropriate weight range, the underweight lamp 18b if it determines that it is within the underweight range, and the overweight lamp 18c if it determines that it is within the overweight range. This allows the operator to be notified whether the object to be weighed is within the appropriate weight, underweight, or overweight range. Examples of operation in each operating mode will be described below.

[0033] [Normal weighing mode] In normal weighing mode, the operator places multiple items to be weighed, such as fruit, on the weighing unit 12. When the appropriate amount lamp 18a lights up, indicating that the correct amount has been reached, the operator removes the items from the weighing unit 12 and packs them into bags or containers (weighing operation). By repeating this operation, the production of fixed-quantity packaged products with the correct amount of weighed items is continuously carried out. If the lighted-down lamp 18b or overweight lamp 18c lights up, indicating that the weight is too low or too high, the operator adjusts the weight of the items on the weighing unit 12 by rearranging the items to achieve the correct amount.

[0034] <First operating mode of normal weighing mode> Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of operation in the first operating mode of the normal weighing mode of the weighing device 1. The controller 20 sequentially inputs weighing signals from the weighing unit 11 (A / D converter 15) at regular time intervals, for example, every 0.01 seconds. At the start of operation, the controller 20 has deactivated the enable signal to the communication unit 19, and the communication unit 19 is in a state where it cannot perform communication operations and does not consume power.

[0035] In step S1, the controller 20 determines whether or not an object to be weighed has been placed on the placement unit 12 based on the weighing signal input from the weighing unit 11. This determination is made, for example, by whether or not the weighing signal indicates a weight equal to or greater than a predetermined load detection standard value (e.g., 1 g). That is, the controller 20 determines that an object to be weighed has been placed if the input weighing signal is equal to or greater than the load detection standard value, and determines that no object to be weighed has been placed if the weighing signal is less than the load detection standard value.

[0036] If the controller 20 determines in step S1 that an object to be weighed has been placed on the weighing unit, it then determines whether the weighing signal has stabilized (step S2). Here, it is determined that the weighing signal has stabilized when the fluctuation range of the weighing signal within a predetermined time period falls within a predetermined fluctuation range. When an object to be weighed is placed on the weighing unit 12, the weighing signal repeatedly rises and falls while converging to the weight value (convergent value) of the object to be weighed. At this time, for example, it is determined that the weighing signal has stabilized when the fluctuation range of the weighing signal within 0.5 seconds (within a predetermined time period) falls within a 1g range (within a predetermined fluctuation range).

[0037] Then, when the weighing signal stabilizes, the controller 20 calculates the weight of the object to be weighed (step S3). Here, the weight of the object to be weighed is calculated, for example, as the average value of the weighing signal within a predetermined time when it is determined that the weighing signal has stabilized. Also, when the controller 20 determines in step S2 that the weighing signal has stabilized, it displays a stability sign M1 on the display unit 17 and displays the weight calculated in step S3 on the display unit 17.

[0038] Next, in step S4, the controller 20 determines whether the weight value calculated in step S3 is within the appropriate range. In this example, the controller 20 determines whether the weight value is within the appropriate range, within the underweight range, or within the overweight range. If the controller 20 determines that the weight value is within the underweight range, it lights up the underweight lamp 18b, and if it determines that the weight value is within the overweight range, it lights up the overweight lamp 18c (step S10), and returns to step S2. The operator adjusts the amount of the object to be weighed on the placement unit 12 by observing whether the underweight lamp 18b or overweight lamp 18c is lit. When the weighing signal becomes unstable due to the adjustment of the amount of the object to be weighed on the placement unit 12, the controller 20 turns off the lit underweight lamp 18b or overweight lamp 18c.

[0039] Furthermore, if the controller 20 determines that the weight value calculated in step S3 is within the appropriate range, it lights up the appropriate amount lamp 18a (step S5). At the same time, the controller 20 activates the enable signal to the communication unit 19, thereby enabling the communication unit 19 to perform power-consuming communication operations (step S6).

[0040] Next, in step S7, the controller 20 instructs the communication unit 19 to transmit the weight value of the object to be weighed, calculated in step S3, to the external device 30, and then disables the communication unit 19 by setting the enable signal to the communication unit 19 to an inactive state (step S8).

[0041] Next, the controller 20 determines whether the object to be weighed has been removed from the placement unit 12 based on the weighing signal input from the weighing unit 11 (step S9). The operator confirms that the appropriate amount lamp 18a is lit and removes the object to be weighed from the placement unit 12 and places it in a bag or container. When the weighing signal stabilizes and the weight value based on the weighing signal becomes 0, the controller 20 determines that the object to be weighed has been removed from the placement unit 12 and returns to step S1. At this time, the controller 20 displays the stability sign M1 on the display unit 17 and displays the weight value "0". The operator confirms the weight value "0" displayed on the display unit 17 and performs the next weighing operation.

[0042] In Figure 3, step S2 corresponds to the first process, steps S3 and S4 to the second process, step S6 to the third process, step S7 to the fourth process, and step S8 to the fifth process.

[0043] In the operation example shown in Figure 3, the controller 20, in step S2 (first process), determines that the fluctuation range of the weighing signal within a predetermined time period has fallen within a predetermined fluctuation range. In steps S3 and S4 (second process), it calculates the weight value of the object to be weighed. If it determines that the weight value is within an appropriate range (within a predetermined weight range), it causes the communication unit 19 to transmit the weight value of the object to be weighed (information regarding the weight of the object to be weighed) to the external device 30 in step S7 (fourth process). Here, when the controller 20 determines in step S4 (second process) that the weight value of the object to be weighed is within an appropriate range, it puts the communication unit 19 into a state where it can perform communication operations that consume power in step S6 (third process). After the communication unit 19 has finished transmitting the weight value of the object to be weighed to the external device 30 in step S7 (fourth process), it puts the communication unit 19 into a state where it cannot perform communication operations that does not consume power in step S8 (fifth process), thereby reducing the power consumption of the communication unit 19.

[0044] In the example shown in Figure 3, the controller 20 causes the communication unit 19 to transmit the weight value of the object being weighed to the external device 30 in step S7 without the operator performing a transmission operation. However, for example, a transmission button could be provided on the operation unit 16, allowing the operator to press the transmission button. In this case, the controller 20 performs step S7 only after the transmission button has been pressed and step S6 has been completed.

[0045] Furthermore, in the example operation shown in Figure 3, step S4 determines that the weight of the object to be weighed is within the appropriate range, and step S6 sets the communication unit 19 to a state where communication operations with power consumption are possible. However, this is not limited to this. In other words, the controller 20 may perform step S6 after step S1 determines that the object to be weighed has been placed on the placement unit 12, but before step S7. For example, the controller 20 may perform step S6 when step S1 determines that the object to be weighed has been placed on the placement unit 12. Even in this case, the power consumption of the communication unit 19 can be reduced by setting the communication unit 19 to a state where communication operations are not possible with no power consumption in step S8 after the communication unit 19 has finished transmitting the weight of the object to be weighed to the external device 30.

[0046] <Second operating mode of normal weighing mode> Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of operation in the second operating mode of the normal weighing mode of the weighing device 1. Similar to the first operating mode, the controller 20 sequentially inputs weighing signals from the weighing unit 11 (A / D converter 15) at regular time intervals, for example, every 0.01 seconds. At the start of operation, the controller 20 has deactivated the enable signal to the communication unit 19, and the communication unit 19 is in a state where it cannot perform communication operations and does not consume power.

[0047] In step S21, similar to step S1 in Figure 3, the controller 20 determines whether or not an object to be weighed has been placed on the placement unit 12 based on the weighing signal input from the weighing unit 11.

[0048] If the controller 20 determines in step S21 that an object to be weighed has been placed on it, it determines whether the weighing signal has entered a first stable state (step S22). Here, it is determined that the weighing signal has entered a first stable state when the fluctuation range of the weighing signal within a first predetermined time period falls within a first fluctuation range. For example, if the fluctuation range of the weighing signal within 0.2 seconds (within the first predetermined time period) falls within a 2g range (within the first fluctuation range), it is determined that the weighing signal has entered a first stable state.

[0049] Then, when the weighing signal reaches a first stable state, the controller 20 calculates the weight of the object to be weighed (step S23). Here, the weight of the object to be weighed is calculated, for example, as the average value of the weighing signal within a first predetermined time period when it is determined that the weighing signal has reached a first stable state.

[0050] Next, in step S24, the controller 20 determines whether the weight value calculated in step S23 is within the appropriate range. If the weight value is not within the appropriate range, the controller 20 proceeds to step S26.

[0051] Furthermore, in step S24, if the controller 20 determines that the weight value calculated in step S23 is within the appropriate range, it activates the enable signal to the communication unit 19, thereby enabling the communication unit 19 to perform power-consuming communication operations (step S25).

[0052] Next, the controller 20 determines whether the metering signal has entered a second stable state (step S26). Here, it is determined that the metering signal has entered a second stable state when the fluctuation range of the metering signal within a second predetermined time period falls within the second fluctuation range. For example, if the fluctuation range of the metering signal within 0.5 seconds (within the second predetermined time period) falls within a 1g range (within the second fluctuation range), it is determined that the metering signal has entered a second stable state. The determination method in step S26 is the same as the determination method in step S2 in Figure 3. The determination in step S22, which is performed before step S26, is a provisional determination of the stable state of the metering signal, while step S26 determines whether the metering signal is in a more stable state compared to step S22. In other words, the first stable state in step S22 is a state in which the metering signal is less stable (a state in which the degree of convergence to the converged value is lower) than the second stable state in step S26.

[0053] Here, if in step S24 the controller 20 determines that the weight value is not within the appropriate range and proceeds to step S26, after it is determined that the weighing signal has entered the second stable state, and before step S30 described later, the enable signal to the communication unit 19 is activated, thereby enabling the communication unit 19 to perform communication operations that consume power.

[0054] Then, when the weighing signal reaches a second stable state, the controller 20 calculates the weight of the object to be weighed (step S27). Here, the weight of the object to be weighed is calculated, for example, as the average value of the weighing signal within a second predetermined time period when it is determined that the weighing signal has reached a second stable state. Also, when the controller 20 determines in step S26 that the weighing signal has reached a stable state, it displays a stable sign M1 on the display unit 17 and displays the weight calculated in step S27 on the display unit 17.

[0055] Next, in step S28, the controller 20 determines whether the weight value calculated in step S27 is within the appropriate range. In this example, the controller 20 determines whether the weight value is within the appropriate range, within the light range, or within the overweight range. If the controller 20 determines that the weight value is within the light range, it lights up the light lamp 18b, and if it determines that the weight value is within the overweight range, it lights up the overweight lamp 18c (step S33). Subsequently, if the enable signal to the communication unit 19 is active, that is, if the communication unit 19 is in a state where it can communicate, the controller 20 deactivates the enable signal to disable the communication unit 19 (step S34), and returns to step S22.

[0056] The determination of the first stable state in step S22 is a provisional determination of the stable state of the weighing signal, and the weight value calculated in step S23 is a provisional weight value. On the other hand, the determination of the second stable state in step S26 is a definitive determination of the stable state of the weighing signal, and the weight value calculated in step S27 is a definitive weight value. Therefore, the provisional weight value calculated in step S23 and the definitive weight value calculated in step S27 may differ, and the determination result in step S24 and the determination result in step S28 may differ. For example, even if it is determined in step S24 that the weight value is within the appropriate range and the communication unit 19 is set to a communication-operable state in step S25, it may be determined in step S28 that the weight value is not within the appropriate range. In this case, the communication unit 19 is set to a communication-disabled state in step S34.

[0057] The operator observes the illumination of the weighing lamp 18b or the overweight lamp 18c in step S33, adjusts the amount of object to be weighed on the mounting unit 12, and when the amount of object to be weighed on the mounting unit 12 is adjusted and the weighing signal is no longer in the second stable state, the controller 20 turns off the illuminated weighing lamp 18b or the overweight lamp 18c.

[0058] Furthermore, if the controller 20 determines that the weight value calculated in step S27 is within the appropriate range, it lights up the appropriate amount lamp 18a (step S29). Subsequently, in step S30, the controller 20 instructs the communication unit 19 to transmit the weight value of the object to be weighed calculated in step S27 to the external device 30, and then disables the communication unit 19 by setting the enable signal to the communication unit 19 to an inactive state (step S31). As mentioned above, the determination result in step S24 and the determination result in step S28 may differ, so if the communication unit 19 is in a communication-disabled state during the processing in step S30, the controller 20 enables the communication unit 19 and then instructs the communication unit 19 to transmit the weight value of the object to be weighed to the external device 30.

[0059] Next, the controller 20 determines whether the object to be weighed has been removed from the placement unit 12 based on the weighing signal input from the weighing unit 11 (step S32). The operator confirms that the appropriate amount lamp 18a is lit, removes the object to be weighed from the placement unit 12, and places it in a bag or container. When the weighing signal stabilizes and the weight value based on the weighing signal becomes 0, the controller 20 determines that the object to be weighed has been removed from the placement unit 12 and returns to step S21. At this time, the controller 20 displays the stability sign M1 on the display unit 17 and displays the weight value "0". The operator confirms the weight value "0" displayed on the display unit 17 and performs the next weighing operation.

[0060] In Figure 4, step S22 corresponds to the first process, steps S23 and S24 to the second process, step S25 to the third process, step S26 to the sixth process, steps S27 and S28 to the seventh process, step S30 to the fourth process, and step S31 to the fifth process.

[0061] In the example shown in Figure 4, the controller 20 determines in step S26 (sixth process) that the fluctuation range of the weighing signal within a second predetermined time period has fallen within the second fluctuation range, then calculates the weight value of the object to be weighed (final weight value) in steps S27 and S28 (seventh process). If it determines that the calculated final weight value is within the appropriate range (predetermined weight range), then in step S30 (fourth process), it causes the communication unit 19 to transmit the final weight value (information regarding the weight of the object to be weighed) to the external device 30. Here, the controller 20 determines in step S22 (first process) that the fluctuation range of the weighing signal within a first predetermined time period has fallen within a first fluctuation range, then calculates the weight value (provisional weight value) of the object to be weighed in steps S23 and S24 (second process). If it determines that the weight value is within an appropriate range (within a predetermined weight range), it puts the communication unit 19 into a state where it can perform communication operations with power consumption in step S25 (third process). After the communication unit 19 has finished transmitting the final weight value to the external device 30 in step S30 (fourth process), it puts the communication unit 19 into a state where it cannot perform communication operations without power consumption in step S31 (fifth process), thereby reducing the power consumption of the communication unit 19.

[0062] In this operational example in Figure 4, a provisional weight value is calculated before calculating the final weight value, and if this provisional weight value is within the appropriate range, the communication unit 19 is put into a state where communication is possible. Therefore, compared to the operational example in Figure 3, the start of the transmission operation of the communication unit 19 in step S30 can be accelerated.

[0063] In the example shown in Figure 4, the controller 20 causes the communication unit 19 to transmit the weight value of the object being weighed to the external device 30 in step S30 without the operator performing a transmission operation. However, for example, a transmission button could be provided on the operation unit 16, allowing the operator to press the transmission button. In this case, the controller 20 performs step S30 only after the transmission button has been pressed and after determining in step S28 that the weight value is within the appropriate range.

[0064] In the first and second operating modes of the above-described normal weighing mode, an information processing device such as a computer is used as the external device 30, and the weight values ​​of the products to be weighed are transmitted to the external device 30, thereby enabling the management of the weight values ​​of the products produced by the external device 30. Alternatively, the external device 30 may be a printer having a communication unit that can communicate with the communication unit 19. In this case, the printer is placed near the weighing device 1, and the printer is configured to immediately print the weight value of the product to be weighed when it receives the weight value transmitted from the communication unit 19, allowing the operator to perform the weighing work while checking the printed weight value.

[0065] [Inspection Mode] In inspection mode, the operator places the weighing items, such as packaged fruits, onto the weighing unit 12. When the appropriate weight lamp 18a illuminates, indicating the appropriate weight (good items), the operator removes the weighing items (defective items) from the weighing unit 12 and stores them in the good items case. When the underweight lamp 18b or overweight lamp 18c illuminates, indicating an unsuitable weight (underweight or overweight), the operator removes the weighing items (defective items) from the weighing unit 12 and stores them in the defective items case. In this embodiment, an external device 30 also provides notification of unsuitable weights to ensure the operator can reliably sort out defective items. In this case, the external device 30 can be a warning light, a buzzer, or the like. The following description will use the example where the external device 30 is a warning light located near the weighing device 1.

[0066] <First operating mode of inspection mode> Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of operation in the first operating mode of the inspection mode of the weighing device 1. Similar to the first operating mode of the normal weighing mode, the controller 20 sequentially inputs weighing signals from the weighing unit 11 (A / D converter 15) at regular time intervals, for example, every 0.01 seconds. Also, at the start of operation, the controller 20 has deactivated the enable signal to the communication unit 19, and the communication unit 19 is in a state where it cannot perform communication operations and does not consume power.

[0067] In step S41, similar to step S1 in Figure 3, the controller 20 determines whether or not the object to be weighed has been placed on the placement unit 12 based on the weighing signal input from the weighing unit 11.

[0068] If the controller 20 determines in step S41 that an object to be weighed has been placed on it, it determines whether the weighing signal has reached a stable state in the same manner as in step S2 of Figure 3 (step S42).

[0069] Then, when the weighing signal stabilizes, the controller 20 calculates the weight of the object to be weighed in the same manner as in step S3 of Figure 3 (step S43). Also, when the controller 20 determines in step S42 that the weighing signal has stabilized, it displays a stability sign M1 on the display unit 17 and displays the weight calculated in step S43 on the display unit 17.

[0070] Next, in step S44, the controller 20 determines whether the weight value calculated in step S43 is within the underweight range or the overweight range (within the predetermined weight range). The predetermined weight range consists of the underweight range and the overweight range. In this example, in step S44, the controller 20 determines whether the weight value is within the underweight range, the overweight range, or the appropriate range. If the controller 20 determines that the weight value is within the appropriate range, it lights up the appropriate lamp 18a (step S50) and proceeds to step S49.

[0071] Furthermore, if the controller 20 determines that the weight value calculated in step S43 is within the light range, it lights up the light lamp 18b, and if it determines that the weight value is within the overweight range, it lights up the overweight lamp 18c (step S45). At the same time, the controller 20 activates the enable signal to the communication unit 19, thereby enabling the communication unit 19 to perform power-consuming communication operations (step S46).

[0072] Next, in step S47, the controller 20 instructs the communication unit 19 to send an abnormal signal as defective product information to the external device 30, and then disables the communication unit 19 by setting the enable signal to the communication unit 19 to an inactive state (step S48). The warning light, which is the external device 30, lights up for a predetermined time after receiving the abnormal signal.

[0073] Next, the controller 20 determines whether the object to be weighed has been removed from the placement unit 12 based on the weighing signal input from the weighing unit 11 (step S49). If the operator confirms that the appropriate weight lamp 18a is lit, they remove the object to be weighed from the placement unit 12 and place it in the good product case. If the operator confirms that the light lamp 18b or the overweight lamp 18c is lit, or that the warning light of the external device 30 is lit, they remove the object to be weighed from the placement unit 12 and place it in the defective product case. When the weighing signal stabilizes and the weight value based on the weighing signal becomes 0, the controller 20 determines that the object to be weighed has been removed from the placement unit 12 and returns to step S41. At this time, the controller 20 displays the stability sign M1 and the weight value "0" on the display unit 17. The operator confirms the weight value "0" displayed on the display unit 17 and proceeds with the next inspection.

[0074] In Figure 5, step S42 corresponds to the first process, steps S43 and S44 to the second process, step S46 to the third process, step S47 to the fourth process, and step S48 to the fifth process.

[0075] In the operation example shown in Figure 5, the controller 20, in step S42 (first process), determines that the fluctuation range of the weighing signal within a predetermined time period has fallen within a predetermined fluctuation range. In steps S43 and S44 (second process), it calculates the weight value of the object to be weighed. If it determines that the weight value is within the range of underweight or overweight (within the predetermined weight range), it causes the communication unit 19 to transmit defective product information (information regarding the weight of the object to be weighed) to the external device 30 in step S47 (fourth process). Here, when the controller 20 determines in step S44 (second process) that the weight value of the object to be weighed is within the range of underweight or overweight, it puts the communication unit 19 into a state where it can communicate with power consumption in step S46 (third process). After the communication unit 19 has finished transmitting the defective product information to the external device 30 in step S47 (fourth process), it puts the communication unit 19 into a state where it cannot communicate with power consumption in step S48 (fifth process), thereby reducing the power consumption of the communication unit 19.

[0076] Furthermore, in the example of operation in Figure 5, step S44 determines that the weight of the object to be weighed is within the range of being underweight or overweight, and step S46 sets the communication unit 19 to a state where communication is possible with power consumption. However, this is not limited to this. In other words, the controller 20 may perform step S46 after step S41 determines that the object to be weighed has been placed on the placement unit 12, but before step S47. For example, the controller 20 may perform step S46 when step S41 determines that the object to be weighed has been placed on the placement unit 12. Even in this case, the power consumption of the communication unit 19 can be reduced to some extent by setting the communication unit 19 to a state where communication is not possible with no power consumption in step S48 after the communication unit 19 has finished transmitting defective product information to the external device 30.

[0077] <Second operating mode of inspection mode> Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of operation in the second operating mode of the inspection mode of the weighing device 1. Similar to the first operating mode of the normal weighing mode, the controller 20 sequentially inputs weighing signals from the weighing unit 11 (A / D converter 15) at regular time intervals, for example, every 0.01 seconds. At the start of operation, the controller 20 has deactivated the enable signal to the communication unit 19, and the communication unit 19 is in a state where it cannot perform communication operations and does not consume power.

[0078] In step S61, similar to step S1 in Figure 3, the controller 20 determines whether or not an object to be weighed has been placed on the placement unit 12 based on the weighing signal input from the weighing unit 11.

[0079] If the controller 20 determines in step S61 that an object to be weighed has been placed on it, it determines whether the weighing signal has entered a first stable state (step S62). Here, it is determined that the weighing signal has entered a first stable state when the fluctuation range of the weighing signal within a first predetermined time period falls within a first fluctuation range. For example, if the fluctuation range of the weighing signal within 0.2 seconds (within the first predetermined time period) falls within a 2g range (within the first fluctuation range), it is determined that the weighing signal has entered a first stable state.

[0080] Then, when the weighing signal reaches a first stable state, the controller 20 calculates the weight of the object to be weighed (step S63). Here, the weight of the object to be weighed is calculated, for example, as the average value of the weighing signal within a first predetermined time period when it is determined that the weighing signal has reached the first stable state.

[0081] Next, in step S64, the controller 20 determines whether the weight value calculated in step S63 is within the underweight range or the overweight range (within the predetermined weight range). If the weight value is not within the underweight range or the overweight range, the process proceeds to step S66. The predetermined weight range consists of the underweight range and the overweight range.

[0082] If the controller 20 determines that the weight value calculated in step S63 is within the light range or the overweight range, it activates the enable signal to the communication unit 19, thereby enabling the communication unit 19 to perform power-consuming communication operations (step S65).

[0083] Next, the controller 20 determines whether the metering signal has entered a second stable state (step S66). Here, it is determined that the metering signal has entered a second stable state when the fluctuation range of the metering signal within a second predetermined time period falls within the second fluctuation range. For example, if the fluctuation range of the metering signal within 0.5 seconds (within the second predetermined time period) falls within a 1g range (within the second fluctuation range), it is determined that the metering signal has entered a second stable state. The determination method in step S66 is the same as the determination method in step S2 in Figure 3 and step S42 in Figure 5. The determination in step S62, which is performed before step S66, is a provisional determination of the stable state of the metering signal, while step S66 determines whether the metering signal is in a more stable state compared to step S62. In other words, the first stable state in step S62 is a state in which the metering signal is less stable (a state in which the degree of convergence to the converged value is lower) than the second stable state in step S66.

[0084] Here, in step S64, if the controller 20 determines that the weight value is not within the underweight or overweight range and proceeds to step S66, after determining that the weighing signal has entered the second stable state, and before step S70 described later, the enable signal to the communication unit 19 is activated, thereby enabling the communication unit 19 to perform communication operations that consume power.

[0085] Then, when the weighing signal reaches a second stable state, the controller 20 calculates the weight of the object to be weighed (step S67). Here, the weight of the object to be weighed is calculated, for example, as the average value of the weighing signal within a second predetermined time period when it is determined that the weighing signal has reached a second stable state. Also, when the controller 20 determines in step S66 that the weighing signal has reached a stable state, it displays a stable sign M1 on the display unit 17 and displays the weight calculated in step S67 on the display unit 17.

[0086] Next, in step S68, the controller 20 determines whether the weight value calculated in step S67 is within the underweight range or the overweight range. In this example, the controller 20 determines whether the weight value is within the underweight range, the overweight range, or the appropriate range. If the controller 20 determines that the weight value is within the appropriate range, it lights up the appropriate lamp 18a (step S73). Subsequently, if the enable signal to the communication unit 19 is active, that is, if the communication unit 19 is in a state where it can communicate, the controller 20 deactivates the enable signal to disable the communication unit 19 (step S74) and proceeds to step S72.

[0087] The determination of the first stable state in step S62 is a provisional determination of the stable state of the weighing signal, and the weight value calculated in step S63 is a provisional weight value. On the other hand, the determination of the second stable state in step S66 is a definitive determination of the stable state of the weighing signal, and the weight value calculated in step S67 is a definitive weight value. Therefore, the provisional weight value calculated in step S63 and the definitive weight value calculated in step S67 may differ, and the determination result in step S64 and the determination result in step S68 may differ. For example, even if it is determined in step S64 that the weight value is within the range of being underweight or overweight, and the communication unit 19 is set to a state where communication is possible in step S65, it may be determined in step S68 that the weight value is not within the range of being underweight or overweight (i.e., within the appropriate range), in which case the communication unit 19 is set to a state where communication is not possible in step S74.

[0088] Furthermore, if the controller 20 determines that the weight value calculated in step S67 is within the light range, it lights up the light lamp 18b, and if it determines that the weight value is within the overweight range, it lights up the overweight lamp 18c (step S69).

[0089] Next, in step S70, the controller 20 instructs the communication unit 19 to send an abnormal signal as defective product information to the external device 30, and then disables the communication unit 19 by setting the enable signal to the communication unit 19 to an inactive state (step S71). The warning light, which is the external device 30, lights up for a predetermined time when it receives the abnormal signal. As mentioned above, the judgment result in step S64 and the judgment result in step S68 may differ, so if the communication unit 19 is in a communication-disabled state during the processing in step S70, the controller 20 enables the communication unit 19 to communicate and then instructs the communication unit 19 to send defective product information (abnormal signal) to the external device 30.

[0090] Next, the controller 20 determines whether the object to be weighed has been removed from the placement unit 12 based on the weighing signal input from the weighing unit 11 (step S72). If the operator confirms that the appropriate weight lamp 18a is lit, they remove the object to be weighed from the placement unit 12 and place it in the good product case. If the operator confirms that the light lamp 18b or the overweight lamp 18c is lit, or that the warning light of the external device 30 is lit, they remove the object to be weighed from the placement unit 12 and place it in the defective product case. When the weighing signal stabilizes and the weight value based on the weighing signal becomes 0, the controller 20 determines that the object to be weighed has been removed from the placement unit 12 and returns to step S41. At this time, the controller 20 displays the stability sign M1 and the weight value "0" on the display unit 17. The operator confirms the weight value "0" displayed on the display unit 17 and proceeds with the next inspection.

[0091] In Figure 6, step S62 corresponds to the first process, steps S63 and S64 to the second process, step S65 to the third process, step S66 to the sixth process, steps S67 and S68 to the seventh process, step S70 to the fourth process, and step S71 to the fifth process.

[0092] In the example of operation shown in Figure 6, the controller 20 determines in step S66 (sixth process) that the fluctuation range of the weighing signal within a second predetermined time period has fallen within the second fluctuation range, then calculates the weight value (final weight value) of the object to be weighed in steps S67 and S68 (seventh process). If it determines that the calculated final weight value is within the range of underweight or overweight (within the predetermined weight range), then in step S70 (fourth process), it causes the communication unit 19 to transmit defective product information (information regarding the weight of the object to be weighed) to the external device 30. Here, the controller 20 determines in step S62 (first process) that the fluctuation range of the weighing signal within a first predetermined time period has fallen within a first fluctuation range, then calculates the weight value (provisional weight value) of the object to be weighed in steps S63 and S64 (second process). If it determines that the weight value is within the range of underweight or overweight (within the predetermined weight range), it puts the communication unit 19 into a state where it can perform communication operations with power consumption in step S65 (third process). After the communication unit 19 has finished transmitting defective product information to the external device 30 in step S70 (fourth process), it puts the communication unit 19 into a state where it cannot perform communication operations without power consumption in step S71 (fifth process), thereby reducing the power consumption of the communication unit 19.

[0093] In the example shown in Figure 6, a provisional weight value is calculated before calculating the final weight value. If this provisional weight value is within the range of being underweight or overweight, the communication unit 19 is put into a state where it can communicate. Compared to the example shown in Figure 5, this allows the start of the transmission operation of the communication unit 19 in step S70 to be expedited.

[0094] In the first and second operating modes of the inspection mode described above, the external device 30 is configured as a warning light placed near the weighing device 1, and by illuminating the warning light, the operator can reliably sort out defective products (items weighed with an inappropriate weight).

[0095] In the first and second operating modes of the inspection mode described above, a warning light was used as an example of the external device 30, and information indicating that the weight of the weighed object is inappropriate (an abnormal signal) was used as an example of defective product information, but this is not limited to this. For example, an information processing device such as a computer may be used as the external device 30, and the weight value of the weighed object may be transmitted as defective product information. Alternatively, in addition to the weight value of the weighed object, information indicating that the weight of the weighed object is inappropriate may be transmitted as defective product information. Here, the information indicating that the weight of the weighed object is inappropriate may be information indicating whether it is underweight or overweight.

[0096] In this embodiment, the weighing device 1 was described as having a configuration in which the controller 20 has four operating modes: first and second operating modes in normal weighing mode and first and second operating modes in inspection mode. However, it may also be configured to have one to three operating modes.

[0097] From the above description, many improvements and other embodiments of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the above description should be interpreted as illustrative only and is provided for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the best mode of carrying out the invention. The details of its structure and / or function can be substantially modified without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Industrial applicability]

[0098] This invention is useful as a metering device, etc., that can reduce the power consumption of the communication unit. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0099] 1 Weighing device 11 Measuring part 12 Mounting section 16 Control section 19 Communications Department 20 Controllers 30 External device

Claims

1. A weighing device comprising: a placement section on which an object to be weighed is placed; a weighing unit that outputs a weighing signal corresponding to the load applied to the placement section when an object to be weighed is placed on it; a communication unit that communicates with an external device; and a controller that receives the weighing signal from the weighing unit at regular time intervals and controls the communication unit, The controller is, After the object to be weighed is placed on the mounting section, the communication unit is put into a state where it can perform communication operations that consume power. When the object to be weighed is placed on the mounting section, the weight value of the object to be weighed is calculated based on the weighing signal, and it is determined whether the weight value is within a predetermined weight range. When it is determined that the weight value is within a predetermined weight range, the communication unit, which has been put into a communication operation state, transmits information regarding the weight of the object to be weighed to the external device. After the communication unit has finished transmitting to the external device, it puts the communication unit into a state where it cannot perform communication operations and does not consume power. Weighing device.

2. A weighing device comprising: a placement section on which an object to be weighed is placed; a weighing unit that outputs a weighing signal corresponding to the load applied to the placement section when an object to be weighed is placed on it; a communication unit that communicates with an external device; and a controller that receives the weighing signal from the weighing unit at regular time intervals and controls the communication unit, The controller is, When the object to be weighed is placed on the mounting section, a first process is performed to determine whether the fluctuation range of the weighing signal within a predetermined time period falls within a predetermined fluctuation range. When it is determined that the fluctuation range of the weighing signal has fallen within the predetermined fluctuation range, a second process is performed to calculate the weight value of the object to be weighed based on the weighing signal and to determine whether the weight value is within the predetermined weight range. If it is determined that the weight value is within the predetermined weight range, a third process is performed to put the communication unit into a state where it can perform communication operations that consume power. A fourth process is performed in which the communication unit, which has been put into a communication-operation-enabled state, transmits information regarding the weight of the object to be weighed to the external device. After the communication unit has finished transmitting to the external device, a fifth process is performed to put the communication unit into a state where it cannot perform communication operations and does not consume power. Weighing device.

3. The predetermined time in the first process is the first predetermined time, and the predetermined variation range is the first variation range. The controller is, In the third process, after the communication unit is put into a state where communication operation is possible, a sixth process is performed to determine whether the fluctuation range of the metering signal within a second predetermined time period that is longer than the first predetermined time period has fallen within a second fluctuation range that is narrower than the first fluctuation range. In the sixth process, if it is determined that the fluctuation range of the weighing signal within the second predetermined time period has fallen within the second fluctuation range, a seventh process is performed in which the weight value of the object to be weighed is recalculated based on the weighing signal, and it is determined whether or not the recalculated weight value falls within the predetermined weight range. If, in the seventh process, it is determined that the recalculated weight value is within the predetermined weight range, the information regarding the recalculated weight value is used as information regarding the weight of the object being weighed in the fourth process. The weighing device according to claim 2.

4. The controller is, The information regarding the weight value determined to be within the predetermined weight range in the second process is used as information regarding the weight of the object to be weighed in the fourth process. The weighing device according to claim 2.

5. The controller has two operating modes, consisting of a first operating mode and a second operating mode. The controller is equipped with an operating unit for setting the controller to either the first operating mode or the second operating mode by human operation. When the controller is set to the first operating mode, The system is configured to perform the first to fifth processes, and in the process, to perform the fourth process using the information regarding the weight value that was determined to be within the predetermined weight range in the second process as information regarding the weight of the object to be weighed. When the controller is set to the second operating mode, The predetermined time in the first process is set as the first predetermined time, and the predetermined variation range is set as the first variation range when the first to fifth processes are performed, and at that time, In the third process, after the communication unit is put into a state where communication operation is possible, a sixth process is performed to determine whether the fluctuation range of the metering signal within a second predetermined time period that is longer than the first predetermined time period has fallen within a second fluctuation range that is narrower than the first fluctuation range. In the sixth process, if it is determined that the fluctuation range of the weighing signal within the second predetermined time period has fallen within the second fluctuation range, a seventh process is performed in which the weight value of the object to be weighed is recalculated based on the weighing signal, and it is determined whether or not the recalculated weight value falls within the predetermined weight range. If, in the seventh process, it is determined that the recalculated weight value is within the predetermined weight range, the information regarding the recalculated weight value is used as information regarding the weight of the object being weighed in the fourth process. The weighing device according to claim 2.

6. The aforementioned predetermined weight range is an appropriate range defined by a predetermined lower limit and upper limit for the object to be measured. The information relating to the weight of the object to be measured is the weight value of the object to be measured. A weighing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The aforementioned predetermined weight range is a range other than the appropriate weight range defined by the predetermined lower and upper limits of the object to be measured. The information relating to the weight of the object to be measured is information indicating that the weight of the object to be measured is an unsuitable amount and / or the weight value of the object to be measured. A weighing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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