Measuring device, and control program for measuring device

Abstract

To provide a measurement device which can switch an application according to a purpose.SOLUTION: A measurement device 100 includes: measurement means for measuring an article; first display means for generating a first measurement screen for displaying the result of measurement by the measurement means in a first manner and displaying a first measurement screen in a display unit; second display means for generating a second measurement screen for displaying the result of measurement in a second manner and displaying a second measurement screen in the display unit; and selection means for receiving a selection of the one of the first display means and the second display means to be used for display.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a weighing device and a control program for the weighing device.

Background Art

[0002] A weighing device for weighing the weight of goods, their materials, etc. is known.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the electronic weighing device described in Patent Document 1 switches the operation mode, and the use of the weighing device is limited, so it was inconvenient to use.

[0005] Therefore, one object of the present invention is to provide a weighing device capable of switching applications according to the use.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To achieve the above object, a weighing device according to one aspect of the present invention includes weighing means for weighing an article, first display means for generating a first weighing screen for displaying the weighing result by the weighing means in a first mode and displaying the first weighing screen on a display unit, second display means for generating a second weighing screen for displaying the weighing result in a second mode and displaying the second weighing screen on the display unit, and selection means for receiving a selection of whether to display by the first display means or the second display means.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] Hereinafter, the metering device according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. ● Overview of the metering device As shown in FIG. 1, the weighing device 100 is a device for weighing an object to be weighed such as a commodity or its material. The commodity may be, for example, a food such as a ready-to-eat vegetable, or any commodity other than food including screws and the like. The weighing device 100 has a plurality of applications related to weighing and having different display modes, and can select and execute an application. Further, the weighing device 100 can install an application via a data acquisition unit described later.

[0009] As shown in FIG. 1(a), the weighing device 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention mainly includes a weighing table 101, a display unit 102, and an operation unit 103. The weighing table 101 is a member for holding an object to be weighed, for example, a table for placing an object to be weighed. The display unit 102 is a device for displaying a weighing procedure, a weighing result, etc., for example, a display. The operation unit 103 is a device into which a user can input information, for example, a keyboard including a numeric keypad and the like. In the present embodiment, a support column is erected at the rear of the weighing table 101, and the display unit 102 and the operation unit 103 are respectively disposed above the support column.

[0010] FIG. 1(b) is a diagram showing a weighing device 110 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The weighing device 110 mainly includes a weighing table 111 and a display operation device 112. The weighing table 111 is a table for placing an object to be weighed, similar to the first embodiment. The display operation device 112 is, for example, a touch panel display that displays information related to weighing and receives an operation by a user.

[0011] Note that the shape of the measuring device is not limited to the above. Also, the measuring device may be connected, either wired or wirelessly, to a device having another function, or may be integrated. For example, the measuring device may be configured as a label affixing device that prints and affixes a label to be affixed to a product. Further, the measuring device may be configured as a price-tagging device that determines the price of a product together with the measurement, and a packaging device that packages the product together with the measurement. Furthermore, a part of the configuration of the measuring device may be provided in another device connected communicably, and may be configured as a system.

[0012] ● Configuration of the control device FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the measuring device 100 according to the embodiment. As shown in the figure, the measuring device 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 31, a flash memory 32, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 33. The control device 30 is connected to the measuring unit 21, the display operation unit 22, and the data acquisition unit 23 via an interface circuit 35.

[0013] The CPU 31 is a central processing unit, and by reading and executing the program stored in the flash memory 32, it comprehensively controls the operation of the label affixing device 1. The flash memory 32 is an auxiliary storage device of the CPU 31, and stores various types of information used by the CPU 31, including programs. The flash memory 32 can store a plurality of applications. Also, the flash memory 32 can install and store an application acquired via the data acquisition unit 23.

[0014] Furthermore, the flash memory 32 stores a proof transaction availability table (see FIG. 17) that associates the availability for use in applications and proof transactions. The proof transaction availability table stores, in addition to the availability for use in proof transactions, the accuracy grade required by each application. Also, based on the information on whether the metering device 100 has been calibrated and the accuracy grade for which it has been calibrated, the proof transaction availability table stores whether each application can be added. The proof transaction availability table is rewritable and may be updated periodically according to an increase in the types of applications, or at least information regarding the relevant application may be added when an operation to attempt to download the application is performed.

[0015] Furthermore, the flash memory 32 stores image information of a menu screen G100 (see FIG. 3) for selecting and executing an application installed in the metering device 100. On the menu screen G100, an operator for calling the relevant application, such as an icon, can be displayed according to the installed application. Also, there may be a plurality of menu screens G100 stored in the flash memory 32. For example, icons may be displayed on different menu screens according to the type of application, and the displayed menu screen may be switchable by, for example, swiping.

[0016] The RAM 33 is the main memory device of the CPU 31. The RAM 33 is a work area for temporarily calling and processing data. Note that part or all of the information stored in the flash memory 32 in the above description may be stored in the RAM 33.

[0017] The metering unit 21 is a functional unit that acquires the weight of an object to be measured placed on the weighing platform 101. The display operation unit 22 is a functional unit that causes the display unit 102 to display information regarding metering and receives input information to the operation unit 103.

[0018] The data acquisition unit 23 is a functional unit that acquires data from the outside of the measuring device. The data acquisition unit 23 acquires data, for example, by performing a wireless connection using an Internet line or the like. Further, the data acquisition unit 23 may acquire data via a port capable of wired connection, such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) port or a serial port. The measuring device 100 acquires and executes an application related to measurement via the data acquisition unit 23, and displays the measurement result on the display unit 102 in a display mode according to the application. Note that the measuring device 100 may be capable of acquiring and executing applications for any purpose, not limited to applications related to measurement.

[0019] The addition of an application can be performed, for example, by the same operation as that of a smartphone, and the user can add it by an operation with which they are familiar. Specifically, by executing an application acquisition application pre-installed in the measuring device 100, it is possible to search for, identify, and acquire the application to be added. Further, a new application may be acquirable by inquiring a site of the manufacturer or seller of the measuring device 100 or the like via an Internet browser from the measuring device 100.

[0020] Also, the charging method for using the application is arbitrary. For example, when purchasing the metering device 100, all of the price of the device itself and the fees for subsequent downloads may be paid. Also, separate from the device fee, a fee may be determined for each application, and a fee may be incurred each time a download is made. In this case, for example, an invoice may be sent from the manufacturer or the like after the download. Furthermore, in a fixed-fee system, so-called subscription method, a fee is incurred and billed per certain period. Furthermore, as a metered system, a fee per metering count or a fee per measured weight is determined, and in some cases, a fee is billed at regular intervals according to the metering count or weight. In these cases, in addition to the data acquisition unit, a communication processing unit for transmitting data to an external device or the like may be appropriately provided, and information regarding the incurred costs may be made transmissible to an external device or the like.

[0021] ● Examples of Applications Operating on the Metering Device Here, examples of the applications operating on the metering device 100 and the screens displayed on the display unit 102 by the applications will be described. ● Menu Screen As shown in FIG. 3, a menu screen G100 for receiving selection of an application to be executed (hereinafter also referred to as an "app") is displayed on the display unit 102. In the figure, a cake formulation app icon B100, a quantity check app icon B200, a fixed filling app icon B300, and a pricing app icon B400 are arranged in this order from the left. By selecting each of the icons B100 to B400, the cake formulation app, the quantity check app, the fixed filling app, and the pricing app are executed, respectively. Note that the selection operation of the icon may be arbitrary, such as pressing, tapping, or touching the touch panel on the screen, or cursor operation using a mouse or keyboard, depending on the mode of the operation unit 103 or the like.

[0022] The application is a program that displays the measurement results obtained by the measurement unit 21 of the measuring device 100 and the numerical values calculated by an appropriate calculation formula based on these measurement results on the display unit 102 in various display modes. The application generates a measurement screen that displays the measurement results and the calculated numerical values in a mode defined in advance for each application, and causes the display unit 102 to display it. The application is an example of a display means. Also, the application displays the information input from the operation unit 103 and the information appropriately acquired from the data acquisition unit on the display unit 102. The type of information to be displayed and the display mode vary depending on the application. In addition, in each application described hereinafter, a screen on which the measurement result or the numerical value calculated based on the measurement result is displayed is an example of the measurement screen displayed by the application.

[0023] The application includes, for example, a transaction certification application that passes the inspection as a "specific measuring instrument" defined in the measurement method and can be used for measurement in transactions or certifications as a so-called "certified scale", and a non-certification transaction application that measures for purposes that do not require passing the inspection. In the present embodiment, the valuation application is a transaction certification application, and the cake formulation application, the quantity check application, and the quantitative filling application are non-certification transaction applications. That is, by selecting the application, the measuring device 100 can switch between the function as a certified scale and the function as a scale without inspection and be used. According to this configuration, since one measuring device 100 can be used for multiple purposes, space can be saved. Also, when installing a non-certification transaction application after passing the inspection, it can be used without undergoing another inspection. That is, it is possible to save the costs and time required for inspection and is convenient.

[0024] In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the icons B100 to B400 are displayed on the same menu screen G100. However, the display unit 102 may display a plurality of menu screens that can be switched to each other by, for example, a swipe operation or the like, and at least a part of the icons B100 to B400 may be arranged on different menu screens. Specifically, the icon B400 for starting the transaction certification application and the icons B100 to B300 for starting the applications other than the certification transaction may be arranged on different menu screens. According to this configuration, it is possible to prevent the user from accidentally using the application other than the certification transaction for transaction certification. Note that the display mode of the icon is not limited to this, and on one menu screen, the icon B400 of the transaction certification application and the icons B100 to B300 of the applications other than the certification transaction may be displayed in a distinguishable manner, such as surrounding them respectively.

[0025] In addition, the screen mode for selecting the application to be executed is not limited to the above, and may be, for example, a list display or the like.

[0026] ● Display screen of the cake formulation application The cake formulation application is an application for measuring each of a plurality of materials required for making a cake. FIG. 4 is the top screen G110 of the cake formulation application that is displayed when the cake formulation application icon B100 is selected on the menu screen G100. On the top screen G110, a weight display column G111, a zero / stable / tare lamp column G112, a tare button B113, a zero reset button B114, a recipe selection column G115, and a comment column G116 are displayed.

[0027] In the weight display column G111, the current weight is displayed. When tare is on, the net weight is displayed. The zero / stable / tare lamp column G112 indicates whether zero reset has been performed, whether the scale is stable, or whether tare is on, respectively. The tare button B113, when selected, subtracts the weight of the tare and is displayed in the weight display column G111. The zero reset button B114 is a button for zero resetting the weighing platform 101 when selected.

[0028] The recipe selection column G115 is a column for selecting the cake to be made. By selecting a cake, in subsequent screens, materials can be weighed while referring to the amounts required for making the cake. Note that the types of cakes to be made can be added via the data acquisition unit 23. The comment column 116 displays comments such as guidance on the next operation or instructions from the administrator as appropriate.

[0029] When "shortcake" is selected in the recipe selection column G115, the screen transitions to the weighing screen G120 shown in Fig. 5(a). As shown in the figure, on the weighing screen G120, there are displayed a cake display column G121 for displaying the type of cake for which materials are to be weighed, and a production quantity column G122 for displaying the quantity planned to be made. The production quantity column G122 is a pull-down menu, allowing the quantity to be selected.

[0030] Also, on the weighing screen G120, there are displayed a work progress column G123 for displaying the work progress, material columns G124a and G124b for displaying the images, names, and target weights, etc. of the materials to be weighed, and a material list column G125 in which information on other materials to be blended in the cake is listed. The figure is an example of a screen for weighing eggs. The work progress column G123 is a column indicating the progress of work with respect to the specified number of items to be made. The material list column G125 displays materials by category, and the cake can be properly made by weighing them in order from the top. Also, the required weights of the respective materials displayed in the material list column G125 are displayed according to the number of items to be made.

[0031] Furthermore, on the measurement screen G120, a target value column G126 showing the target value, upper limit value, and lower limit value, and an indicator G127 visually showing the relationship between the target value and the measurement result are displayed. The values of the target value, upper limit value, and lower limit value are information included in the recipe. The indicator G127 is a display that visually shows the measurement result based on the target value, upper limit value, and lower limit value. In the present embodiment, a plurality of substantially square shapes are arranged in parallel in a row to form a bar, and the colors lit in the left part, central part, and right part are different, but this mode is not limited thereto. Also, the indicator G127 shows the difference from the target value stepwise or continuously by the length of the bar where the light is on. According to this configuration, it is possible to sensuously grasp the adjustment to the appropriate range by the expansion and contraction of the lit bar, and it is easy to measure within the appropriate range.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 5(b), when the measurement result is less than the lower limit value, the measurement result is displayed in the weight display column G111, and the bar below the character "under" at the left end lights up in the indicator G127. Also, since the measurement result is close to the appropriate range, a message to that effect is notified in the comment column G116, and a display of "Approaching the target value. Please add little by little." is made to guide the amount to be input.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 6(a), when the measurement result exceeds the upper limit value, the measurement result is displayed in the weight display column G111, and the bar extends to below the character "over" at the right end in the indicator G127. Also, a message to that effect is displayed in the comment column G116.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 6(b), when the measurement result is between the lower limit value and the upper limit value, that is, within the appropriate range, the bar extends to below the character "appropriate range", and the confirmation button B128 lights up and becomes selectable. A message indicating that it is within the appropriate range is notified in the comment column G116, and a guide to select the confirmation button B128 is displayed.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 7(a), when the confirmation button B128 is selected, the process transitions to the weighing screen G120 for weighing the next material. In this figure, granulated sugar is the material to be weighed. Also, this figure shows the state where the weighed material remains on the scale, and in the comment field G116, a guide is displayed to remove the object to be weighed on the weighing platform from the scale once for the next weighing.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 7(b), when the weighing of all materials is completed, a pop-up screen G130 indicating the completion of the work is displayed. Also, on the pop-up screen G130, buttons for accepting the selection of returning to the previous screen or starting the work again are displayed.

[0037] ● Display screen of the quantity check app The quantity check app is an app that estimates the number of objects to be weighed based on the weighing result. The quantity check app first obtains the weight and variation per object to be weighed through sampling processing, and estimates the quantity based on this result. According to this app, products such as screws, which are manufactured with substantially uniform weight variation within a predetermined range, can be counted simply by placing them on the weighing device.

[0038] When the quantity check app icon B200 is selected on the menu screen G100, the quantity check app is launched. As shown in FIG. 8(a), the quantity check app displays the sampling screen G200. Note that the sampling screen G200 may be displayed when the quantity check app is launched, or may be displayed by a separate operation. Also, when the weight and variation per object to be weighed are already known, the sampling process can be skipped by numerical input or data call.

[0039] The sampling screen G200 displays an instruction column G201 that instructs the user on sampling operations, a zero / stability / tare lamp column G202, a weight display column G203, a tare button B204, a zero reset button B205, a comment column G206, and an OK button B207, etc. In the instruction column G201, instructions are displayed to place one object to be weighed on the weighing unit and select the OK button B207. The zero / stability / tare lamp column G202, the weight display column G203, the tare button B204, the zero reset button B205, and the comment column G206 have the same functions as the zero / stability / tare lamp column G112, the weight display column G111, the tare button B113, the zero reset button B114, and the comment column G116 in the cake formulation application, respectively.

[0040] When the OK button G207 is pressed on the sampling screen G200, the screen transitions to the second sampling screen G210 shown in Fig. 8(b). The second sampling screen G210 displays a unit mass and an estimated quantity display column G211 that displays the estimated number of objects to be weighed. In this figure, the unit mass is displayed on the premise that one object to be weighed is placed. In the instruction column G201, instructions are displayed to place an additional 10 or fewer objects to be weighed on the weighing device together with the weighing result of one object and select the OK button B207. Also, at the top of the second sampling screen G210, a progress bar G212 indicating the progress of the sampling process is displayed. As the sampling process progresses, the progress bar G212 changes color from left to right and is displayed such that the bar extends. According to this configuration, it is easy to visually grasp the progress of the sampling process.

[0041] Fig. 9(a) shows the state of the second sampling screen G210 when three objects to be measured are placed. The quantity check application estimates the number of objects placed on the weighing device based on the weighing result of one object and displays it in the estimated quantity display field G211. Fig. 9(b) shows the state of the screen displayed after the confirmation button B207 is selected on the screen of Fig. 9(a). In the instruction field G201, an instruction to place 20 or fewer objects to be measured and select the confirmation button B207 is displayed. The displays shown in Figs. 9(a) and (b) are repeated multiple times to obtain the average and variation of the weights of the objects to be measured.

[0042] Fig. 10 shows the state of the result screen G220 after the sampling process is completed. In the progress bar G212, the bar extends to the right end within the bar. In the instruction field G201, the unit mass of the object to be measured (displayed as "goods" in the figure) and the degree of variation are displayed. The degree of variation is a statement defined stepwise based on the variance value of the weight of the object to be measured, and is expressed in words such as "less", "more", "small", "large", etc., making it easier to understand intuitively. The degree of variation is constantly displayed during counting by the lighting of an icon of "less variation" or "more variation" in the estimated quantity display field G211.

[0043] Also, the number of objects that can be counted at one time, that is, the safe number, is calculated according to the variation and displayed in the instruction field G201. This is because when there is a large variation, counting errors may occur when counting a large number of objects to be measured.

[0044] Fig. 11 shows the weighing screen G230 displayed when the counting process is performed. In the instruction field G201, an instruction to place the objects to be counted is displayed. In the center of the weighing screen G230, an addable quantity column G231 for displaying the addable quantity is displayed. The addable quantity is the number obtained by subtracting the current estimated quantity from the safe number.

[0045] Note that since the above-described quantity check app and cake formulation app are apps outside of certified transactions, an icon G500 indicating this fact is always displayed in the upper left corner of the weighing screen G230. According to this display, it is possible to immediately grasp during weighing that the app is outside of certified transactions, preventing the app from being mistakenly used for certified transactions. This configuration is the same for the fixed quantity filling app.

[0046] ● Display screen of the fixed quantity filling app The fixed quantity filling app is an app for filling a packaging container or the like with a weighed object having a weight within a predetermined range. The fixed quantity filling app measures the weight of the weighed object input, for example, when the type of container, the range of the input weight of the weighed object, and its selling price have been determined in advance. In this example, it is assumed that the weighed object is mixed vegetables and is sold packed in a plurality of types of packaging containers such as S size, M size, and L size.

[0047] When the fixed quantity filling app icon B300 is selected on the menu screen G100 of FIG. 3, the fixed quantity filling screen G300 shown in FIG. 12(a) is displayed on the display unit 102 by the fixed quantity filling app. A weight display column G303, a zero / stable / tare lamp column G312, a tare button B313, a zero reset button B314, a comment column G306, a category selection column G307, etc. are displayed. The weight display column G303, the zero / stable / tare lamp column G312, the tare button B313, the zero reset button B314, and the comment column G306 have the same functions as the weight display column G111, the zero / stable / tare lamp column G112, the tare button B113, the zero reset button B114, and the comment column G116 in the cake formulation app, respectively. The category selection column G307 displays the names and images of selectable categories of the weighed object in a selectable manner. Also, the category selection column G307 can display a plurality of categories by an appropriate operation such as a swipe operation.

[0048] When a category of the object to be measured is selected in the category selection field G307, the process transitions to the object to be measured selection screen G320 shown in Fig. 12(b). On the object to be measured selection screen G320, the types of objects to be measured included in the selected category are displayed as images and text. In this figure, an example is shown when "assorted vegetables" is selected in the category selection field G307. Also, among the major item "assorted vegetables", the minor items "assorted vegetables" and "salad" are included. Note that the types of minor items, as well as the names and images of the objects to be measured, can display a greater number of objects to be measured by appropriate operations such as vertical and horizontal swipe operations, respectively.

[0049] In addition, information indicating the category and type of the object to be measured is acquired together with the installation of the application, and can also be downloaded via the data acquisition unit 23 after the installation of the application. According to this configuration, objects to be measured that can be measured can be added later, which is highly convenient. Also, the downloaded data of the object to be measured includes, in addition to the category, name, and image to which it belongs, the size of the selectable packaging container, and information on the target value, upper limit value, and lower limit value of the object to be measured required for each size.

[0050] Fig. 13(a) shows a measurement screen G330 that is displayed when "fried chicken" is selected on the object to be measured selection screen G320. On the measurement screen G330, an object to be measured display field G321 that displays the type of the object to be measured and a creation quantity field G322 that displays the quantity to be created are displayed. The creation quantity field G322 is a pull-down menu, and the quantity can be selected.

[0051] Also, on the measurement screen G330, a work progress bar G323 that displays the work progress, a target value bar G326 that indicates the target value, upper limit value, and lower limit value, and an indicator G327 that visually shows the relationship between the target value and the measurement result are displayed. The indicator G327 is a display that visually shows the measurement result based on the target value, upper limit value, and lower limit value, and is the same as the indicator G127. According to this configuration, it is possible to sensuously grasp the adjustment to the appropriate range by the expansion and contraction of the lit bar, and it is easy to measure within the appropriate range.

[0052] The target value, upper limit value, and lower limit value are information included in the total vegetable data. Also, the target value, upper limit value, and lower limit value are stored in association with the size of the packaging container. When the size of the packaging container is specified by the radio button G331 for specifying the size of the packaging container on the weighing screen G330, the target value, upper limit value, and lower limit value associated with the size are displayed in the target value field G326. According to this configuration, the object to be weighed can be appropriately weighed according to the container size of the product to be created. Also, since the target value, etc. are automatically set by specifying the size, it is convenient for the user who inputs the object to be weighed.

[0053] In addition, on the weighing screen G330, a confirmation button B328 etc. are further displayed.

[0054] As shown in Fig. 13(b), when the input amount of the object to be weighed is within the appropriate range, the indicator G327 indicates "appropriate range" and the fact is displayed in the comment field G316. Also, the confirmation button B328 lights up and becomes selectable. When the confirmation button B328 is selected, the screen shown in Fig. 14(a) is transitioned to, and in the comment field G316, a guidance is displayed to drop the object to be weighed from the weighing device for the next weighing.

[0055] When all weighings are completed and the work progress reaches 100%, the pop-up screen G340 shown in Fig. 14(b) is displayed, and it is possible to select whether to return to the previous screen or start the work again.

[0056] ● Display screen of the value assignment application The pricing application is an application that calculates an amount according to the measured weight and is an example of a certification citation application. When the pricing application icon B400 is selected on the menu screen G100, the pricing application starts. The pricing application displays the weighing screen G400 shown in FIG. 15 on the display unit 102. On the weighing screen G400, for example, a weight display column G401 showing the weight of the object to be weighed, an object-to-be-weighed display column G402, a unit price column G403, a total amount column G404, a print button B405, etc. are displayed. The unit price column G403 displays the amount per predetermined weight, that is, the unit price, determined according to the type of the object to be weighed. When the setting of the object to be weighed is changed, the display of the unit price is also changed according to the set object to be weighed. According to this configuration, even when pricing multiple types of objects to be weighed, it is easy to change the object to be weighed. The total amount column G404 displays the amount calculated by multiplying the weight by the unit price. When the weighing device has a printing device or is connected to a printing device, when the print button B405 is selected, at least a label or a slip on which the total amount is displayed is printed.

[0057] ●Function Blocks of the Control Device The weighing device 100 includes an arithmetic device such as a CPU 31 and a storage device such as a RAM 33 and a ROM (Read Only Memory), and thereby includes at least a selection unit, a prohibition unit, an application startup unit, a certification transaction determination unit, a determination display unit, a requirement determination unit, and an end unit as software resources.

[0058] The selection unit is a function unit that accepts a selection of which of the plurality of applications installed in the weighing device 100 to start and which weighing screen of weighing to display. The selection unit accepts the selection of an icon by the operation unit 103 in a state where the menu screen G100 (see FIG. 3) is displayed on the display unit 102. Further, instead of selecting an icon, the selection unit may be configured to accept a swipe operation and switch to another application. Further, in a configuration where a plurality of applications can be started simultaneously in the metering device 100, it may be possible to accept a swipe operation and switch to another running application, or when a predetermined operation is triggered, the screens of the running applications are arranged and displayed, and an operation of selecting any one of them may be accepted. According to such a configuration that allows easy transition between running applications, a plurality of metering functions can be used in parallel, thereby improving convenience.

[0059] The prohibition unit is a functional unit that, when the selection unit accepts a switching operation of the application displayed during the execution of the application, determines whether the metering screen can be displayed by the other application and prohibits the display of the metering screen by the other application under predetermined conditions. Further, the prohibition unit may invalidate the reception operation of the switching operation itself, or may notify an error when accepting the switching operation. For example, when the metering by the running application has started, that is, when the metering value is displayed on the metering screen, the prohibition unit prohibits the display of the metering screen by the other application. According to this configuration, it is possible to prevent the operator from being confused by accidentally starting another application during the operation.

[0060] The application startup unit is a functional unit that starts the application selected by the selection unit.

[0061] The proof transaction determination unit, which is an example of the determination unit, is a functional unit that determines whether the application selected by the selection unit is an application that can use the information on the metering screen for proof transactions. The determination display unit refers to the proof transaction availability table (see FIG. 17) stored in the storage device, and differentiates the display modes between an application that can be used for proof transactions, that is, an application for transaction proof, and an application that cannot be used for proof transactions, that is, an application outside proof transactions. In addition, in this description, "certification transaction" has been described as including a certification act and a transaction act. However, the present invention only needs to include at least one of the certification act and the transaction act. The certification transaction availability table includes at least one of the availability for certification and the availability for transaction. The certification transaction determination unit determines whether it can be used for certification or whether it can be used for transaction. The determination display unit may vary the display mode among the certification transaction application, the transaction application that can only be used for transactions, the certification application that can only be used for certification, and the application outside the certification transaction.

[0062] For example, the determination display unit may display a message that alerts only one of the transaction certification application and the application outside the certification transaction at startup. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 16, when an icon of an application outside the certification transaction is selected on the menu screen G100, a pop-up screen G600 indicating that it is an "application outside certification / transaction" is displayed, and it may be possible to select whether to return to the previous screen or start the application.

[0063] Also, the determination display unit may make a display that distinguishes whether it is a certification transaction application on the screen displayed during the execution of the application. For example, each application outside the certification transaction may display an icon of "outside transaction certification" on each screen to be displayed on the display unit 102 as another example of the determination display means. In the examples of FIGS. 4 to 14, a substantially rectangular icon G500 outside the transaction certification is displayed in the upper left part of the screen. According to this configuration, it is clear whether the measurement result can be used for the certification transaction even during the measurement.

[0064] The requirement determination unit is a functional unit that compares the control requirements including the availability of the certification transaction or the accuracy grade required for the metering device 100 for controlling the application installed through the data acquisition unit 23 with the availability of the certification transaction or the accuracy grade of the metering device 100. The requirement determination unit performs the above comparison when an installation instruction for the application is input, at the start of downloading the application, or after the download is completed and before performing the process in an executable manner.

[0065] The requirement determination unit refers to the certification transaction availability table shown in FIG. 17 and obtains the availability of using certification transactions and the accuracy grade of the application to be installed. In the example of this figure, when the application to be installed is an application outside the certification transaction, the application can be executed regardless of whether the certification transaction of the metering device 100 is available. When the application to be installed is an application for certification transactions and the metering device 100 is a device capable of certification transactions and its accuracy grade is equal to or higher than the accuracy grade required by the application to be installed, the application can be executed. For example, when the metering device 100 is a scale for certification transactions and has the ability of accuracy grade 3, the "pricing" application can be downloaded and executed, but the "pharmacy preparation" application cannot be executed.

[0066] The above example is based on the premise that the accuracy grade that the metering device 100 can achieve is determined to a certain extent depending on the hardware configuration. However, when it is expected that the accuracy grade of the metering device 100 can be improved by updating the arithmetic unit in the application processing or control device, etc., not limited to the above example, an application that requires a grade exceeding the accuracy grade of the metering device 100 may also be made executable. At this time, an operation necessary to execute the application, for example, a display prompting the update of the arithmetic unit, may be performed. Also, for example, when the availability for each application is changed by updating the arithmetic unit, the certification transaction availability table may be rewritten. Also, when the metering device 100 newly obtains the verification defined in the metering law or obtains a different accuracy grade, the certification transaction availability table may be rewritten.

[0067] In addition, the requirement determination unit may store whether each application can be added in a proof transaction availability table in advance. In this case, when attempting to install an application, etc., the requirement determination unit refers to the column of whether addition is possible to determine whether the application can be added. When the metering device does not meet the control requirements, the requirement determination means prohibits the execution of the application in the metering device. The requirement determination unit may prevent execution by prohibiting the download of the application itself, or may permit the download but prohibit installation or execution after installation. The result of whether the application can be added is displayed on the display unit 102 in an appropriate manner. According to this configuration, only applications that can be appropriately used can be surely made executable from the viewpoints of proof transactions and accuracy grades, so inappropriate use such as executing a proof transaction application on a metering device that cannot be used for proof transactions can be prevented.

[0068] Note that the application to be installed is a display means for displaying the measurement result obtained by the measurement unit 21 of the metering device 100 in a predetermined display mode, and the application itself does not perform the calculation process of the measured value. If the application to be installed performs the calculation process of the measured value, even when installing an application for proof transactions of the same grade, it is necessary to obtain a retest each time it is installed, which is troublesome. On the other hand, according to the configuration in which only the measurement unit 21 performs the calculation process of the measured value and the installed application performs the display process, it is not necessary to obtain a retest when installing the application. Therefore, according to this configuration, it is simple to add an application for proof transactions. Note that the technical idea of the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and the application may perform part of the calculation process of the measured value.

[0069] The end part is a functional part that ends the measurement screen displayed by the running application. When the end button B600 displayed on each measurement screen in FIGS. 4 to 15 is selected, the end part ends the screen display. At this time, the end part may delete the information during the operation and end the execution of the application, or may store at least a part of the information during the operation and leave the application in a suspended state. The end part may be able to select whether to end the application or leave it in a suspended state and input it. The end part determines whether another application is running. If no other application is running, it transitions to the menu screen in FIG. 3. When another application is running, the end part displays a selection screen on which the running applications can be collectively confirmed. Note that the configuration for the end part to receive operations is not limited to the end button B600, and the display of each measurement screen, the end of the application, and the suspension of the application may be possible by a predetermined operation defined in advance.

[0070] ● Processing flow for determining whether an app can be added Using FIG. 18, an example of a processing flow for determining whether an application can be added to the measuring device 100 will be described. First, the verification status of the measuring device 100, that is, the presence or absence of verification and the accuracy grade, is acquired (S1). Also, the control requirements of the application to be installed are acquired (S2). Steps S1 and S2 may be in any order and may be performed simultaneously.

[0071] Next, it is determined whether the accuracy grade assigned to the measuring device 100 is equal to or higher than the control requirements of the application (S3). Note that this determination may be made with reference to the transaction certification availability table shown in FIG. 17. When the accuracy grade of the measuring device 100 is equal to or higher than the control requirements of the application, addition of the application is permitted (S4). When the accuracy grade of the measuring device 100 is less than the control requirements of the application, that is, when the control requirements are not satisfied, addition of the application is prohibited (S5). In steps S4 and S5, the determination result may be notified to the user, for example, by displaying it on the display unit.

[0072] Further, the weighing device 100 may incorporate or externally connect a label printer. In this case, since the weighing results required for each application are different, the printed content and print format of the output label also depend on the application. Also, the label used for the label printer is not of the type with pre-prepared standard-sized labels, and the continuous paper type is ideal. In the case of continuous paper, the length can be freely determined according to the printed content, and labels of that length can be issued, so the degree of freedom is increased compared to standard labels. In the weighing device of the present application that can be used in combination with multiple applications, the continuous paper type label is highly effective. That is, a label printer using a continuous paper type label may print labels of different lengths for each application. Many so-called backing-free labels are of the continuous paper type.

[0073] In the compounding application, a label can be printed each time the weighing of each material is completed, and the work progress can be left together with that material. In the quantity check application, the product name, quantity, weight at that time, unit weight, and the upper limit with little variation, that is, the safe number (56 in the case of FIG. 10), etc. can be printed as the weighing result.

[0074] In the fixed filling application, together with character information such as the product name to be fixed filled, the approximate content volume, and the price of the fixed filling bag (in the case of fixed filling, the price is determined based on the bag size used regardless of the weighing result), these character information are barcoded and printed on the label. By printing a barcode that can be read by a POS register or the like, it can be directly sold in the store. Since it is necessary to print information that can be read by the POS, the convenience is enhanced if the store system (so-called store controller) with a POS register installed, the weighing device, and the label printer are network-connected.

[0075] Even in the case of the valuation application, by being connected to a store system such as a supermarket as described above, convenience can be improved. By using information such as product names and price per weight obtained from these systems, the price can be calculated together with the weighing result and printed on a label.

[0076] Also, in any application, the timing of printing the label can be freely set. For example, when an article is placed on the weighing unit and it is determined that the weighing value has stabilized and the label printing button is displayed, the operator can print an arbitrary label by pressing the button. Alternatively, when it is determined that the weighing value has stabilized and label printing is possible, control for automatically printing the label can also be performed. According to this configuration, operations such as pressing a button by the operator are not required, and convenience is further enhanced.

[0077] As described above, the weighing device according to the present invention can have different display modes for each application, and can also have a printing mode and printing control according to each application.

[0078] Note that the technical idea of the weighing device according to the present invention is not limited to the above-described configuration, and is also applicable to other devices having a weighing function. For example, it is also applicable to a label pasting device that prints and pastes a label to be attached to a product, a weighing and pricing device that determines the price of a product together with weighing, and a packaging device that packages a product together with weighing.

[0079] ●Summary of Embodiment

[0080] The present invention relates to a weighing device and a control program for the weighing device.

[0081] A weighing device for weighing the weight of a product, its material, etc. is known.

[0082] As a prior art document, there is Japanese Patent No. 5847141. However, the electronic weighing device described in Patent Document 1 switches operation modes, and since the use of the weighing device is limited, it was inconvenient to use.

[0083] Therefore, one object of the present invention is to provide a weighing device capable of switching applications according to usage.

[0084] To achieve the above object, a weighing device according to one aspect of the present invention includes weighing means for weighing an article, first display means for generating a first weighing screen for displaying the weighing result by the weighing means in a first mode and causing the first weighing screen to be displayed on a display unit, second display means for generating a second weighing screen for displaying the weighing result in a second mode and causing the second weighing screen to be displayed on the display unit, and selection means for receiving a selection as to which of the first display means and the second display means is to be used for display.

[0085] The weighing device may further include storage means for storing for each of the display means whether the information on the weighing screen can be used for certification, determination means for determining whether the information on the weighing screen can be used for certification based on the selection result by the selection means and the information stored in the storage means, and determination display means for displaying the determination result by the determination means.

[0086] The weighing device may further include storage means for storing for each of the display means whether the information on the weighing screen can be used for a transaction, determination means for determining whether the information on the weighing screen can be used for a transaction based on the selection result by the selection means and the information stored in the storage means, and determination display means for displaying the determination result by the determination means.

[0087] The weighing device may further include a data acquisition unit for acquiring third display means for displaying the weighing result by the weighing means on the display unit in a third mode.

[0088] The weighing device may further include requirement determination means for comparing requirements required for the weighing device for control of the third display means, and the requirement determination means may prohibit execution of the third display means in the weighing device when the weighing device does not satisfy the requirements.

[0089] It may further include an end means for ending the weighing screen selected by the selection means.

[0090] It may further include a prohibiting means for prohibiting the display of the weighing screen by the first display means or the second display means.

[0091] To achieve the above object, a control program for a weighing device according to an aspect of the present invention includes a weighing command for weighing an article, generates a first weighing screen for displaying the weighing result obtained by the weighing command in a first mode, and causes a display unit to display the first weighing screen; a second weighing screen for displaying the weighing result in a second mode, and causes the display unit to display the second weighing screen; and a selection command for receiving a selection of whether to display the weighing screen by the first display command or the second display command, and causes a computer to execute them. The computer program can be provided by downloading via a network such as the Internet, or can be provided by recording on various computer-readable recording media such as a CD-ROM.

[0092] A weighing device capable of switching applications according to the use can be provided.

Explanation of reference numerals

[0093] 100 Weighing device 102 Display unit G100 Menu screen G120 Weighing screen of cake formulation application G230 Weighing screen of quantity check application G330 Weighing screen of fixed quantity filling application G400 Weighing screen of pricing application

Claims

1. Measuring means for measuring an article, First display means for generating a first measurement screen that displays the measurement result by the measuring means in a first mode and causing the display unit to display the first measurement screen, Second display means for generating a second measurement screen that displays the measurement result in a second mode and causing the display unit to display the second measurement screen, Download means for making the first display means and the second display means downloadable to the device, Selection means for receiving a selection as to which of the first display means and the second display means downloaded by the download means is to display the measurement screen, Comprising, The first display means displays that the information on the first measurement screen cannot be used for transactions. A weighing device.

2. The weighing device according to claim 1, wherein the selection means receives a selection for the display of a plurality of display means having different weighing applications, downloaded by the download means, which are arranged side by side in a selectable manner.

3. A weighing command for weighing an article, A first display command for generating a first measurement screen that displays the measurement result obtained by the weighing command in a first mode and causing the display unit to display the first measurement screen, A second display command for generating a second measurement screen that displays the measurement result in a second mode and causing the display unit to display the second measurement screen, A download command for making the first display command and the second display command executable and downloadable to the device, A selection command for receiving a selection as to which of the first display command and the second display command downloaded by the download command is to display the measurement screen, Causing a computer to execute, In the first display command, it is displayed that the information on the first measurement screen cannot be used for transactions. A control program for a weighing device.

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