Measuring device

Abstract

To provide a measurement device which can more accurately measure the weight of a measurement object.SOLUTION: There is provided a measurement device 100 which can be attached to a container 90. The measurement device comprises: a weight sensor 130 for measuring the weight of the container; a control unit 110 which measures the weight of the container with the weight sensor when the measurement device is lifted up and then placed for each container; and a communication antenna 160 for transmitting a measurement result.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technology of a measuring device for measuring the weight of a container.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a measuring device for measuring the weight of a container has been known. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-83610 (Patent Document 1) discloses a weighing scale, an additional device for the weighing scale, and a subdivided storage device with a weighing scale. According to Patent Document 1, a weighing table on which a weighing object to be measured is placed is pushed up by a lifting mechanism to make the sensor in an unloaded state, and zero point adjustment is performed by zero point adjustment means provided in the control unit. After zero point adjustment, the weighing table is lowered by the lifting mechanism and placed on the sensor to measure the weight of the weighing object and display it on a display.

[0003] Also, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-214931 (Patent Document 2) discloses an electronic scale. According to Patent Document 2, fixed columns of two strain gauge type load sensors are fixed to the base of the electronic scale, and a movable column is coupled by a load receiver, and a weighing pan is attached to this load receiver. The creep amounts of these load sensors are measured separately, an addition coefficient is set so as to cancel each creep amount, and the outputs of the respective load sensors are added using the addition coefficient to obtain a weight value. Therefore, after attaching the strain gauge to the overload mechanism of the load sensor, creep correction can be easily performed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a measuring device that can measure the weight of a container more accurately. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one aspect of this invention, a measuring device that can be attached to a container is provided. The measuring device comprises a weight sensor for measuring the weight of the container, a control unit for measuring the weight of the container with the weight sensor when the measuring device together with the container is lifted and then placed back down, and a communication antenna for transmitting the measurement result. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] As described above, the present invention provides a measuring device that can measure the weight of a container more accurately. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is an illustrative diagram showing a measuring device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a side cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the measuring device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the measuring device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a side cross-sectional view showing the lower part of the measuring device and the container, illustrating the first embodiment, where the container and the measuring device are placed on a table or the like, and the container is resting on a support platform. [Figure 5] This is a side cross-sectional view showing the measuring device and the lower part of the container, illustrating the state in which the measuring device is lifted together with the container and the container is separated from the mounting platform, according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] These are a perspective view, a top view, and a side view showing a first example of a protrusion of a measuring device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] These are perspective views, top views, and side views showing a second example of a protrusion of the measuring device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8]This is a flowchart showing the processing of the control unit of the measuring device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] This is an illustrative diagram showing a network system including a measuring device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a side cross-sectional view showing a measuring device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a side view showing the tape according to the third embodiment, and a perspective view showing the container around which the tape is wrapped. [Figure 12] This is a side cross-sectional view showing the lower part of the measuring device and the container, illustrating a state in which the container and the measuring device are placed on a table or the like, and the container is resting on a support stand, according to the third embodiment. [Figure 13] This is a side cross-sectional view showing the measuring device and the lower part of the container, illustrating a state in which the measuring device and the container together are lifted and the container is separated from the mounting platform, according to a third embodiment. This is a plan view of another measuring device. [Figure 14] This is a side cross-sectional view showing the lower part of the measuring device and the container, illustrating a state in which the container and the measuring device are placed on a table or the like, and the container is resting on a support stand, according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 15] This is a side cross-sectional view showing the measuring device and the lower part of the container, illustrating a state in which the measuring device is lifted together with the container and the container is separated from the mounting platform, according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 16] This is a flowchart showing the processing of the control unit of the measuring device according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 17] This is a side cross-sectional view of the measuring device according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 18] This is a side cross-sectional view showing the lower part of the measuring device and the container, illustrating a state in which the container and the measuring device are placed on a table or the like, and the container is resting on a support stand, according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 19] This is a side cross-sectional view showing the measuring device and the lower part of the container, illustrating a state in which the measuring device and the container together are lifted and the container is separated from the mounting platform, according to the fifth embodiment. This is a plan view of another measuring device. [Figure 20]It is a flowchart showing the processing of the control unit of the measuring device according to the fifth embodiment.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed descriptions thereof will not be repeated. <First Embodiment>

[0010] As shown in FIG. 1, the measuring device 100 according to the present embodiment is used by inserting the container 90 from above. The container 90 contains food, drink, seasonings, etc., and for example, the contents can be taken out by opening the lid at the upper end. The measuring device 100 measures the intake amount or usage fee of the target user by measuring the weight of the container 90.

[0011] The overall configuration of the measuring device 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. The measuring device 100 according to the present embodiment mainly includes a lower base 101, a mounting table 102, a control unit 110, a load cell 130 for weight measurement, a wireless communication module 160, a six-axis sensor 170, a proximity sensor 180, and a battery 190.

[0012] The lower base 101 is formed in a substantially U shape in a side cross-sectional view. The lower base 101 mounts the following various members.

[0013] Inside the lower base 101, a mounting table 102 for placing the container 90 from above is arranged. A load cell 130 is arranged below the mounting table 102. The load cell 130 measures the weight of the container 90 placed on the mounting table 102 and inputs it to the control unit 110.

[0014] The control unit 110 includes a processor 111, memory 112, a clock, a timer, and the like. The processor 111 controls each part of the measuring device 100 by executing a program stored in memory 112. Memory 112 stores the control program, measurement results from the load cell 130, measurement date and time, identification information, and so on.

[0015] The wireless communication module 160 sends and receives data to and from routers, carrier networks, the internet, and external servers, etc., in accordance with instructions from the control unit 110.

[0016] The 6-axis sensor 170 measures acceleration and angular velocity in each direction and inputs the measurement results to the control unit 110. Based on the signals from the 6-axis sensor 170, the control unit 110 detects the attitude, tilt, vibration, and shaking of the measuring device 100 and uses these as triggers to execute various processes.

[0017] The proximity sensor 180 inputs the result of determining whether or not there is an object directly above the mounting base 102 by irradiating infrared light or a laser or detecting reflected light to the control unit 110. Based on the data from the proximity sensor 180, the control unit 110 can recognize whether or not the container 90 is in contact with the upper surface of the mounting base 102.

[0018] In this embodiment in particular, as shown in Figure 4, a protrusion 103 facing inward is formed on the inner surface of the lower base 101. A recess 92 is also formed on the outer surface of the container 90 at a position opposite to the protrusion 103 when the container 90 is in contact with the mounting base 102.

[0019] As a result, as shown in Figure 4, when the user lifts the container 90, the bottom surface of the container 90 separates from the mounting base 102, and the lower end of the protrusion 103 catches on the lower end of the recess 92, causing the measuring device 100 to lift up together with it. In other words, the measuring device 100 moves while hanging from the container 90, without the weight of the container 90 resting on the mounting base 102.

[0020] In this embodiment, the control unit 110 performs zero-point correction of the load cell 130 while the weight of the container 90 is not supported by the mounting base 102.

[0021] Subsequently, when the user places the measuring device 100, container 90 and all, on a desk or table, the lower end of the recess 92 of container 90 separates from the lower end of the protrusion 103 of measuring device 100, and the bottom surface of container 90 comes into contact with the mounting base 102. In other words, the weight of container 90 is supported by the mounting base 102. In this embodiment, the weight of container 90 is measured in this state, and the measurement result is uploaded to a server 200 or the like.

[0022] The relationship between the protrusion 103 on the inner surface of the lower base 101 and the recess 92 on the outer surface of the container 90 is not particularly limited.

[0023] For example, as shown in Figure 6, rib-shaped protrusions 103 can be provided around the inner surface of the lower base 101. In this case, it is preferable to form recesses 92 around the outer surface of the container 90 at positions opposite to the protrusions 103.

[0024] Alternatively, as shown in Figure 7, multiple protrusions 103 can be provided on the inner surface of the lower base 101. In this case, multiple recesses 92 may be formed at positions opposite each of the multiple protrusions 103, or groove-shaped recesses 92 may be formed around the outer surface of the container 90 at a height opposite the protrusions 103.

[0025] The method of attaching the lower part of the container 90 to the inside of the lower base 101, that is, the method of lowering the recess 92 of the container to the position of the protrusion 103 of the lower base 101, is not particularly limited. For example, the walls of the container 90 and the lower base 101 may be made of an elastic material such as resin, and the user may push the lower part of the container 90 into the lower base 101 by bending the walls of the container 90 and the lower base 101.

[0026] The following describes the information processing for measuring the weight of the container 90 by the processor 111 according to this embodiment. The processor 111 executes the process shown in Figure 8 according to the program in the memory 112.

[0027] First, the load cell 130, the wireless communication module 160, and the proximity sensor 180 are in sleep mode.

[0028] If the processor 111 detects vibration or movement of the measuring device 100 based on the signal from the 6-axis sensor 170 (if YES in step S104), it activates the load cell 130 (step S106), the wireless communication module 160 (step S108), and the proximity sensor 180 (step S110).

[0029] The processor 111 determines whether the measurement from the load cell 130 is less than a first predetermined value (step S112). Preferably, this first predetermined value is 1 / 3 or less of the weight of the empty container 90. In other words, if YES, the processor 111 determines that the container 90 may have been lifted and separated from the mounting base 102.

[0030] If the measurement value of the load cell 130 becomes smaller than a first predetermined value (if the result is YES in step S112), the processor 111 uses the proximity sensor 180 to determine whether or not a gap has formed between the container 90 and the mounting base 102 (step S114). In other words, if the result is YES, the processor 111 determines that there is a high probability that the container 90 has been lifted together with the measuring device 100.

[0031] If the processor 111 determines that there is a gap between the container 90 and the mounting base 102 (if the answer is YES in step S114), it determines whether the measuring device 100 is horizontal based on the measurement values ​​from the 6-axis sensor 170 (step S116). In other words, if the answer is YES, the processor 111 determines that accurate zero-point correction is possible.

[0032] If the measuring device 100 is horizontal (if the answer is YES in step S116), the processor 111 zeros the load cell 130 (step S118).

[0033] The processor 111 determines whether the measurement value of the load cell 130 is greater than a second predetermined value which is greater than a first predetermined value (step S120). In other words, if the answer is YES, the processor 111 determines that the weight of the container 90 is placed on the support stand 102, such as when the measuring device 100 is placed on a table. The second predetermined value is preferably 2 / 3 or more of the weight of an empty container 90.

[0034] If the measurement value from the load cell 130 is greater than a second predetermined value (if the answer is YES in step S120), the processor 111 determines whether the measuring device 100 is horizontal based on the measurement value from the 6-axis sensor 170 (step S122). In other words, if the answer is YES, the processor 111 determines that accurate measurement of the container 90 is possible.

[0035] The processor 111 acquires the measurement value from the load cell 130 (step S124) and uploads the measurement value, along with the measurement date and time and identification information of the measuring device 100, to the server via the wireless communication module 160 (step S132). In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 9, the measuring device 100 exchanges data with the server 200 on the cloud via the router 400 or the internet. The wireless communication module 160 of the measuring device 100 may also exchange data with communication terminals 300 such as smartphones, tablets, and personal computers using wireless LAN (Wi-Fi) communication via the router 400 or the internet, or using Bluetooth communication. This allows the user, their family, and the server 200 to recognize whether they are consuming too much salt, too much sugar, or taking any prescribed medications.

[0036] The processor 111 may upload the measurement data to the server 200 after each measurement, or it may store a predetermined number of measurement data in the memory 112 and upload them all at once to the server 200, or it may store measurement data for a predetermined period in the memory 112 and upload them all at once to the server 200. Alternatively, the processor 111 may be configured to store the measurement data in the memory 112 when communication fails. <Second Embodiment>

[0037] In the above embodiment, the protrusion 103 of the lower base 101 was positioned within the recess 92 of the container 90. However, the configuration is not limited to this. In other words, the configuration in which the lower base 101 is lifted together with the container 90 is not limited.

[0038] For example, as shown in Figure 10, a protrusion 103 may be formed on the upper end of the inner circumferential surface of the lower base 101, or a protrusion 93 may be formed on the lower end of the outer circumferential surface of the container 90. This also makes it less likely for the container 90 to tilt relative to the lower base 101.

[0039] In this embodiment as well, the user may fit the container 90 and the lower base 101 together by bending the walls of the container 90 and the lower base 101, or the upper and lower parts of the lower base 101 may be configured to be detachably attached by a screw structure. For example, the user can set the container 90 with the upper part of the lower base 101 removed, and then attach the upper part of the lower base 101 to the lower part of the lower base 101 by a screw structure or other structure. <Third Embodiment>

[0040] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the container 90 may not have pre-formed recesses 92 or protrusions 93. In such cases, as shown in Figure 11, a tape 80 with a protrusion 83 formed thereon as a stopper may be used. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 12, the user wraps the tape 80 around the lower part of the outer circumference of a commercially available PET bottle or glass bottle, and then fits the lower part of the container 90 into the measuring device 100. Then, as shown in Figure 13, when the user lifts the container 90, the protrusion 83 of the tape 80 catches on the protrusion 103 of the lower base 101, causing the measuring device 100 itself to lift up.

[0041] In this embodiment as well, the user may fit the container 90 and the lower base 101 together by bending the walls of the container 90 and the lower base 101, or the upper and lower parts of the lower base 101 may be detachably attached by a screw structure. The user can then set the container 90 with the upper part of the lower base 101 removed, and then attach the upper part of the lower base 101 to the lower part of the lower base 101 by a screw structure or other structure. <Fourth Embodiment>

[0042] In the above embodiment, the zero point correction of the load cell 130 was performed with the container 90 lifted, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Figures 14 and 15, when the container 90 is lifted, a stopper 105 for supporting the bottom surface of the container 90 may pop out, and the zero point correction of the load cell 130 may be performed while the container 90 is being supported by the stopper 105.

[0043] More specifically, in this embodiment, the processor 111 executes the process shown in Figure 16 according to the program in the memory 112. The process from step S104 to step S114 is the same as in the above embodiment, so it will not be described again here.

[0044] If the processor 111 determines that there is a gap between the container 90 and the mounting base 102 (if the answer is YES in step S114), it turns on the switch 106 to cause the stopper 105 to pop out toward the inside of the lower base 101 (step S215). This holds the container 90 away from the mounting base 102.

[0045] The processor 111 determines whether the measuring device 100 is horizontal based on the measurements from the 6-axis sensor 170 (step S116). In other words, if the answer is YES, the processor 111 determines that accurate zero-point correction is possible.

[0046] If the measuring device 100 is horizontal (if the answer is YES in step S116), the processor 111 zeros the load cell 130 (step S118). After zeroing, the processor 111 retracts the stopper 105 (step S219). As a result, the container 90 descends. The processing from step S120 onward is the same as in the above embodiment, so it will not be explained again here.

[0047] Furthermore, if the processor 111 detects vibration or movement of the measuring device 100 based on the signal from the 6-axis sensor 170 (if the answer is YES in step S104), it may execute the processing from step S215 onwards. Alternatively, if the measured value of the load cell 130 becomes smaller than a first predetermined value (if the answer is YES in step S112), the processor 111 may execute the processing from step S215 onwards. <Fifth Embodiment>

[0048] Furthermore, the configuration for holding the container 90 in a suspended state above the mounting base 102 is not limited to this form. As shown in Figure 17, the lower base 101 may be divided into an upper member 1012 and a lower member 1011, and the container 90 may be fixed to the upper member 1012. Alternatively, the upper member 1012 and the lower member 1011 may be held in a separated state.

[0049] For example, as shown in Figure 18, the upper part of the lower member 1011 is housed in the lower part of the upper member 1012. A pin 107 that can slide in the left-right direction is attached to the upper part of the lower member 1011, and a hole is formed in the lower part of the upper member 1012 through which the pin 107 can pass. Then, as shown in Figure 19, as the user lifts the container 90, the upper member 1012 lifts up, and when the pin 107 of the lower member 1011 aligns with the position of the hole, the pin 107 pops out of the hole, and the upper member 1012 is fixed in a position away from the lower member 1011. When the zero point correction of the load cell 130 is completed, the pin 107 is housed using a switch 106 or a solenoid coil, and the upper member 1012 descends relative to the lower member 1011.

[0050] In this embodiment, the processor 111 executes the process shown in Figure 20 according to the program in the memory 112.

[0051] First, the load cell 130, the wireless communication module 160, and the proximity sensor 180 are in sleep mode.

[0052] If the processor 111 detects vibration or movement of the measuring device 100 based on the signal from the 6-axis sensor 170 (if YES in step S104), it activates the load cell 130 (step S106) and the wireless communication module 160 (step S108).

[0053] When the processor 111 detects that pin 107 has popped out (if the answer is YES in step S314), it determines whether the measuring device 100 is horizontal based on the measurement from the 6-axis sensor 170 (step S116). In other words, if the answer is YES, the processor 111 determines that accurate zero-point correction is possible.

[0054] If the measuring device 100 is horizontal (if the answer is YES in step S116), the processor 111 zeros the load cell 130 (step S118). After zeroing, the processor 111 retracts the pin 107 using a solenoid or the like (step S319). As a result, the upper member 1012 and the container 90 descend. The processing from step S120 onward is the same as in the above embodiment, so it will not be explained again here. <Summary>

[0055] In the above embodiment, a measuring device that can be attached to a container is provided. The measuring device comprises a weight sensor for measuring the weight of the container, a control unit for measuring the weight of the container with the weight sensor when the measuring device together with the container is lifted and then placed down again, and a communication antenna for transmitting the measurement result.

[0056] Preferably, the control unit zeros the weight sensor while the container is being lifted.

[0057] Preferably, the measuring device is configured such that a gap is created between the container and the weight sensor while the container is being lifted.

[0058] Preferably, the measuring device further comprises a configuration for holding the container at a position away from the weight sensor.

[0059] Preferably, the measuring device further includes an attitude sensor for measuring the orientation of the measuring device. Based on the measurement value from the attitude sensor, the control unit zeros the weight sensor when the measuring device is horizontal.

[0060] Preferably, the measuring device further includes an attitude sensor for measuring the orientation of the measuring device. The control unit puts the weight sensor and communication antenna into sleep mode after transmitting the measurement results, and activates the weight sensor and communication antenna when it detects vibration or movement based on the measurement value of the attitude sensor.

[0061] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended to be included. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0062] 80: Tape 83: Convex part 90: Container 92: Recess 93: Convex part 100: Measuring device 101: Lower base 1011: Lower member 1012: Upper member 102: Mounting platform 103: Convex part 105: Stopper 106: Switch 107: Pin 110: Control Unit 111: Processor 112: Memory 130: Load cell 160: Wireless communication module 170: 6-axis sensor 180: Proximity sensor 190: Battery 200: Server 300: Communication terminal 400: Router

Claims

1. A measuring device that can be attached to a container, A weight sensor for measuring the weight of the container, A control unit for measuring the weight of the container with the weight sensor when the measuring device is lifted up together with the container and then placed back down, It includes a communication antenna for transmitting measurement results, The control unit is a measuring device that zero-corrects the weight sensor while the container is being lifted.

2. A measuring device that can be attached to a container, A weight sensor for measuring the weight of the container, A control unit for measuring the weight of the container with the weight sensor when the measuring device is lifted up together with the container and then placed back down, It includes a communication antenna for transmitting measurement results, A measuring device configured such that a gap is created between the container and the weight sensor while the container is being lifted.

3. The measuring device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a configuration for holding the container at a position away from the weight sensor.

4. The device further comprises a posture sensor for measuring the posture of the measuring device, The measuring device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit zeros the weight sensor when the measuring device becomes horizontal based on the measurement value of the attitude sensor.

Images