Remaining quantity visualization device and program

Abstract

This remaining quantity visualization device 1, which visualizes a remaining quantity in an opaque container 3, comprises: a weight detection unit 12 for detecting the weight of the laden opaque container 3; an upper-surface position calculation unit 113 for calculating, from the detected weight, the upper-surface position of the contents of the opaque container 3 for the remaining amount of contents accommodated in the opaque container 3; and a projection unit 20 for projecting an image P1 that corresponds to the calculated upper-surface position L of the contents onto the outer surface of a side wall of the opaque container 3.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to a remaining amount visualization device for visualizing the remaining amount of the contents of an opaque container.

Background Art

[0002] In general, since the contents of a transparent container can be seen from the outside, the remaining amount can be visually confirmed from the outside. However, when containing contents whose properties change due to light, it is necessary to make the container opaque, and the remaining amount cannot be confirmed from the outside.

[0003] Therefore, in Patent Document 1, a transparent outer container is doubly coupled to an opaque inner container to which an airless discharge pump is coupled, and the height of the lower end of a remaining amount display band visible through the outer container changes together with a disk that rises during use, so that the remaining amount of the contents of the inner container can be visually confirmed. A configuration has been proposed.

[0004] Further, in Patent Document 2, in a management system that gives advice on makeup, it is disclosed that the weight is measured, the weight is displayed on a weighing scale, or the numerical value of the remaining amount calculated based on the weight is displayed on an information processing terminal connected to the weighing scale.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005] <o000023>

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, the opaque container described in Patent Document 1 is limited to airless discharge pumps in which an inner tray rises inside, and the configuration is complicated in order to display the remaining contents on the double-walled container side, which may make the double-walled container itself, which is discarded after use, expensive.

[0007] Furthermore, with weight indications using numerical values, as in Patent Document 2, it is difficult to intuitively grasp the remaining amount of contents, unlike with a transparent container.

[0008] Therefore, in view of the above circumstances, the present invention aims to provide a remaining volume visualization device that allows the remaining amount of contents to be visually confirmed with the naked eye, just like with a transparent container, without complicating the container itself, even if it is an opaque container. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] To solve the above problems, one aspect of the present invention is: A device for visualizing the remaining amount in an opaque container, A weight detection unit that detects the weight of the opaque container placed on it, A top surface position calculation unit calculates the top surface position of the contents inside an opaque container based on the detected weight, and The opaque container comprises a projection unit that projects an image corresponding to the calculated upper surface position of the contents onto the outer surface of the side wall of the opaque container. We provide a device for visualizing remaining quantity. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to one embodiment, the remaining amount visualization device allows the remaining amount of contents in an opaque container to be visually confirmed in the same way as in a transparent container, without complicating the container itself. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is an external view showing an example of the remaining amount visualization device of the present invention, in which an opaque container is placed and the remaining amount of contents is projected. [Figure 2]Explanatory drawing showing the sensor position in the remaining amount visualization device of the present invention. [Figure 3] Block diagram of the remaining amount visualization device of the present invention. [Figure 4] Functional block diagram of a part related to the control of the remaining amount visualization device in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] Explanatory drawing of image adjustment of the remaining amount visualization device of the present invention. [Figure 6] In the remaining amount visualization device of the present invention, a diagram showing the remaining amount of the content as a gradation with respect to an opaque container on which it is placed. [Figure 7] In the remaining amount visualization device of the present invention, a diagram showing the remaining amount of the content at the upper surface position corrected with respect to an opaque container on which it is placed. [Figure 8] In the remaining amount visualization device of the present invention, a diagram showing the remaining amount of the content within a specific remaining amount projection area provided on the outer surface of an opaque container. [Figure 9] In the remaining amount visualization device of the present invention, a diagram showing the remaining amount of the content by the shade of a color corresponding to the upper surface position with respect to an opaque container on which it is placed.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following drawings, the same reference numerals are given to the same components, and redundant descriptions may be omitted.

[0013] The present invention relates to a remaining amount visualization device that visualizes the remaining amount of the content of an opaque container.

[0014] <Overall Configuration> The overall configuration of the remaining amount visualization device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4.

[0015] FIG. 1 is an external view showing a state in which an opaque container is placed and the remaining amount of the content is projected in the remaining amount visualization device of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an explanatory drawing showing the sensor position in the remaining amount visualization device of the present invention.

[0016] The remaining amount visualization device 1 of the present invention is a device that visualizes the remaining amount of the contents stored in the opaque container 3, not in numerical values but intuitively as in the case of a transparent container.

[0017] The container body of the opaque container 3 whose remaining amount is visualized by the remaining amount visualization device 1 of the present invention is made of a light-blocking material. Therefore, for example, the contents stored in the opaque container 3 are preferably those containing substances that are likely to change by light. Examples of the contents include, but are not limited to, cosmetics containing vitamins (such as vitamin A and vitamin C) and their derivatives, pharmaceuticals, foods, etc. that are likely to deteriorate by oxidation.

[0018] Furthermore, the contents stored in the opaque container 3 can be cosmetics (foundation cosmetics, base makeup cosmetics, point makeup cosmetics), liquid soaps, toothpastes, perfumes, seasonings, liquids such as beverages, fluids, pastes, or powders. Hereinafter, the contents will be described by taking a liquid as an example.

[0019] Also, the opaque container 3 can be a dropping container used by tilting, a pump-type dispenser that discharges in the horizontal, upward, or downward directions, or a standing tube, etc. Also, the storage part of the opaque container 3 can be, in addition to a general single container, a double container composed of an outer container and an inner container, or even a triple container in which two containers are stacked and stored in the outer container.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 1, the remaining amount visualization device 1 of the present invention has a mounting table 10 on which the opaque container 3 is placed, and a projection part 20 that indicates a position corresponding to the remaining amount with respect to the opaque container 3.

[0021] The mounting table 10 has a function as a weighing scale capable of measuring the weight of the opaque container 3.

[0022] In this embodiment, the projection unit (irradiation unit) 20 is mounted on the mounting base 10. As shown in Figure 1, the projection unit 20 projects (irradiates) an image corresponding to the upper surface position of the remaining contents onto the outer surface of the side wall 31 of the opaque container 3. In Figure 1, an example is shown in which the projected image (P1) corresponding to the upper surface position of the contents is an image showing a line indicating the position of the actual liquid level (upper surface) (L) of the contents calculated.

[0023] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the mounting platform 10 is equipped with multiple weight sensors 12a, 12b, and 12c for detecting the weight of the opaque container 3, and a type identification unit 13 for identifying the type of opaque container 3 being placed on it. The type identification unit 13 is, for example, an RF reader.

[0024] On the other hand, the bottom surface 32 of the opaque container 3 on which the container is placed is provided with an identifier 35 that can communicate with the type identification unit 13 of the remaining quantity visualization device 1. The identifier 35 is, for example, a small, lightweight passive RF tag (also called RFID (radio frequency identifier), IC tab, or wireless tab), and operates using radio waves or electromagnetic waves via short-range wireless communication as an energy source in response to a call from the type identification unit 13, such as an RFID reader, provided on the remaining quantity visualization device 1. Note that in the opaque container 3, the identifier 35 is not limited to the bottom surface 32, but may also be provided on the side wall 31 or the cap 33.

[0025] Furthermore, the multiple weight sensors 12a, 12b, and 12c of the remaining quantity visualization device 1 measure the weight of the opaque container 3 placed on the mounting base 10. By measuring the weight at multiple different locations, the remaining quantity visualization device 1 can accurately measure the weight of the opaque container 3 and determine its position on the mounting base 10. Based on the position of the opaque container 3 on the mounting base 10, the projected image is adjusted. The adjustment of the projected image will be described later with reference to Figure 5. Although Figure 2 shows an example in which three weight sensors 12a, 12b, and 12c are provided on the mounting base 10, the number of weight sensors provided on the mounting base 10 can be any number, and the more sensors there are, the more accurately the placement position of the opaque container 3 can be determined.

[0026] <Control Configuration> Now, with reference to Figures 3 and 4, the internal configuration of the remaining quantity visualization device 1 will be described. Figure 3 is a block diagram of the remaining quantity visualization device 1 of the present invention. Figure 4 is a functional block diagram of the control portion of the remaining quantity visualization device 1 of Figure 3.

[0027] As shown in Figure 3, the mounting base 10 of the remaining quantity visualization device 1 is equipped with a control unit 11, a weight detection unit 12, a type identification unit 13, a type-specific container database 14, a weight accumulation storage unit 15, a human presence sensor 16, and a power supply 19. Furthermore, the mounting base 10 may also be equipped with a display operation unit 17 and an effect setting operation unit 18.

[0028] The control unit 11 is composed of, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The container type database 14 is composed of non-volatile storage devices such as an internal HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and NVRAM (Non-Volatile Random Access Memory), and the weight-accumulation storage unit 15 is composed of NVRAM and the like.

[0029] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, the control unit 11 is capable of performing the following functions: container characteristic identification unit 111, contents weight calculation unit 112, liquid level position calculation unit 113, container position identification unit 114, liquid level position image adjustment unit 115, and image effect adjustment unit 116. The liquid level position image adjustment unit 115 and the image effect adjustment unit 116 are projection image adjustment units α. The projection unit 20 also has an output image setting unit 21.

[0030] In the control unit 11, the container characteristic identification unit 111 identifies the shape and weight of the opaque container 3 placed on the mounting table 10 by referring to the container type database 14 based on the type of opaque container 3 identified by the type identification unit 13.

[0031] The contents weight calculation unit 112 calculates the weight of the contents by subtracting the weight of the opaque container 3 body, which is identified by the container characteristics identification unit 111, from the weight of the opaque container 3 containing the contents, which is detected by the weight sensors 12a to 12c.

[0032] Then, the liquid level position calculation unit (top position calculation unit) 113 calculates the liquid level of the contents contained in the opaque container 3, i.e., the top position of the remaining amount, based on the calculated weight of the contents and the shape of the opaque container 3 body identified by the container characteristics identification unit 111.

[0033] The container position identification unit 114 estimates the position of the opaque container 3 on the mounting base 10 based on the weight measured by multiple weight sensors 12a to 12c. Specifically, as shown in Figure 2, weight sensors 12a to 12c are provided at both ends and in the center. For example, if the measured values ​​are in the relationship 12b > 12a = 12c, it can be determined that the opaque container 3 is located in the center. If the measured values ​​are 12b > weight sensor 12a ≠ 12c, it is slightly off-center to one side. Also, if the measured values ​​increase in the order 12a > 12b > 12c, it can be determined that the opaque container 3 is closer to the edge than the center, and is located at the left edge.

[0034] The liquid level position image adjustment unit 115 adjusts the image of the top surface position based on the position of the opaque container 3 on the mounting base 10 estimated from multiple weight sensors 12a to 12c.

[0035] In the above example, multiple weight sensors were described under a single plate-like top surface. However, the top surface of the mounting base 10 could be structurally divided (for example, into tiles), and a weight sensor could be placed under each tile. The position on which the opaque container 3 is placed could then be estimated from the position of the tile where the weight sensor detects a change in weight.

[0036] Alternatively, the position where the opaque container 3 is placed may be detected without using a weight sensor. For example, in the mounting platform 10 of the present invention, a touch sensor may be used on the upper surface. A sensor may be provided, and the position where the opaque container 3 is placed may be estimated from the detection status of the touch sensor.

[0037] Furthermore, in the remaining amount visualization device 1 of the present invention, a camera or distance sensor may be provided in the projection unit 20 to estimate the position on which the opaque container 3 is placed, based on the distance from the projection unit 20 to the projected image, or the measurement result from the distance sensor.

[0038] <Image adjustment> Here, we will explain how to adjust the liquid level position (top position) of the projected image using Figure 5. Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram of image adjustment for the remaining amount visualization device 1 of one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] As shown in Figure 5, since the projection unit 20 is attached to the upper end of the mounting base 10, when a horizontal image is projected based on the calculated upper surface position of the contents, as shown in Figure 5(a), the projection will result in the upper surface position being lower on the side closer to the projection unit 20 and higher on the side further away, as shown in Figure 5(c).

[0040] Therefore, the liquid level position image adjustment unit 115 corrects the line indicating the top surface position so that it is horizontal, based on the position and shape of the opaque container 3.

[0041] More specifically, the liquid level position image adjustment unit 115 calculates the distance between the opaque container 3 and the projection unit 20 based on the position of the opaque container 3 on the mounting base 10, which is estimated by the container position identification unit 114 based on the measurement values ​​of the multiple weight detection units 12a, 12b, and 12c provided on the mounting base 10, and corrects the line of the top surface position based on that distance.

[0042] Furthermore, the liquid level position image adjustment unit 115 adjusts the upper surface position line by referring not only to the distance between the opaque container 3 and the projection unit 20, but also to the shape of the opaque container 3 (diameter of the storage area and shape of the side walls) identified by the container characteristic identification unit 111.

[0043] For example, if the container of the opaque container 3 is a cylindrical container with a constant diameter, the projected image is set to be curved like a mountain, with the center being higher and the ends lower, as shown in Figure 5(b).

[0044] Here, if the opaque container 3 is close to the projection unit 20, even at the same upper surface position, the position of the bell-shaped projection image will be higher, and the illuminated area will be larger. Also, if the diameter of the housing part of the opaque container 3 is large, the undulation of the bell-shaped projection image will be greater. Alternatively, if the placement position of the opaque container 3 is shifted laterally relative to the projection unit 20, the position of the peak of the bell-shaped projection image will change laterally.

[0045] In this way, the liquid level position image adjustment unit 115 adjusts the projected image while understanding the positional relationship of the opaque container 3's placement position with respect to the projection unit 20 and the shape of the opaque container 3, thereby projecting an appropriate upper surface position of the remaining contents onto the opaque container 3 on the mounting base 10, as shown in Figure 5(d).

[0046] In Figure 5(d), an example is shown where the top surface position (L) is indicated by filling in the entire area where the actual contents of the calculated contents are contained, as an image (P2) corresponding to the top surface position of the projected contents.

[0047] By projecting in this manner, the remaining amount visualization device of the present invention allows the remaining amount in an opaque container to be intuitively confirmed with the naked eye without complicating the opaque container itself.

[0048] Returning to Figure 3, the projection unit 20 projects an image corresponding to the upper surface position when a person is near the remaining charge visualization device 1, based on the human presence sensor 16 provided on the mounting base 10 of the device. Note that a camera may be used instead of the human presence sensor 16 as the person detection component.

[0049] Furthermore, the mounting base 10 may be provided with a display operation unit 17 that instructs whether to display or hide the top surface position of the contents, in addition to the human presence sensor 16.

[0050] Here, the remaining amount visualization device 1 of the present invention projects an image corresponding to the upper surface position during a specific period. The specific period during which the image is projected is, for example, (1) The period during which the motion sensor 16 detects that a person is nearby (2) For several seconds to several minutes after the display operation unit 17 is operated, (3) After the opaque container 3 is placed on the mounting platform 10, for a few seconds to a few minutes, These are possible.

[0051] Furthermore, the mounting base 10 may be provided with an effect setting operation unit 18. The effect setting operation unit 18 instructs the type of image to be projected, for example, only the lines on the top surface (Figure 1), area filling (Figure 5), special effects (Figures 6 and 7), projection onto a partial remaining amount projection area (Figure 8), or display by color (shading) (Figure 9). The image effect adjustment unit 116 sets the effect of the projected image based on the instructions of the effect setting operation unit 18 or based on the shape of the opaque container 3 on which it is placed.

[0052] The display operation unit 17 and the effect setting operation unit 18 are buttons or touch sensors provided on the top or side surface of the mounting base 10.

[0053] (Another calculation example) In the above calculation, the type of opaque container 3 was identified, and the weight of the contents contained therein was calculated based on the identification result. However, if, for example, the identifier 35 of the opaque container 3 is missing or not attached, the calculation would be performed as follows. The mounting platform 10 is provided with a weight accumulation storage unit 15.

[0054] When the type of opaque container 3 cannot be determined, the top position calculation unit 113 assumes that the container is full when it is first placed, estimates a temporary container shape, and then, based on this estimate, calculates the remaining amount of contents in the opaque container 3 for subsequent detections, predicts and projects an image corresponding to the top position. In this case, the weight accumulation storage unit 15 stores the temporary container shape. Note that, since projection can be more accurate if the type of container is identified, if an identifier 35 exists, the identification of the type of opaque container 3 is prioritized.

[0055] In Figure 1 above, an example of a projection image is shown that represents the position of the actual liquid level of the calculated contents, as an image corresponding to the top surface position of the contents. In Figure 5, an example of a projection image is shown that fills the entire area where the actual contents of the calculated contents are contained. However, the image corresponding to the top surface position is not limited to the above.

[0056] (Variation of projection 1) Figure 6 shows a diagram of the remaining amount in the remaining amount visualization device of the present invention, using a gradient. In Figure 6, a gradient image P3 is projected over the entire area where the actual contents of the calculated contents are contained, emphasizing the top surface position L. The gradient of the projected image shown in Figure 6 is an example of an image that emphasizes the line indicating the top surface position.

[0057] (Modified projection 2) In the remaining volume visualization device 1 of the present invention, the upper surface position of the projected contents does not necessarily have to coincide with the actual liquid level position, as this corresponds to the upper surface position of the projected contents.

[0058] Figure 7 shows the remaining amount at a corrected position relative to the opaque container 3A in the remaining amount visualization device 1 of the present invention. As shown in Figure 7, if the opaque container 3A is an airless double container and the inner container's storage area is a shrinkable bag 36 that shrinks with use, the top height of the contents does not decrease in proportion to the remaining amount because the shrinkable bag 36 shrinks even if the contents decrease with use. Even in this case, by projecting the top position calculated from the weight onto the side wall 34 of the outer container 30, the user can intuitively grasp the remaining amount of contents in accordance with the weight, even if it differs from the actual top height of the contents.

[0059] Furthermore, Figure 7 also shows a case where the opaque container 3 is an airless double-walled container and the inner container shrinks. However, the above example is just one example, and in a double-walled container, if the bottom of the inner container rises with use, the top position hardly changes. Even in that case, by projecting the top position calculated from the weight onto the side wall 34 of the outer container 30, the user can intuitively grasp the remaining amount of contents in accordance with the weight, even if it differs from the actual top position of the contents.

[0060] Alternatively, if the contents are a highly viscous fluid, the contents may adhere to the inner wall of the container, resulting in the actual top surface of the contents differing from the calculated top surface position. In such cases, by projecting the calculated top surface position, the remaining amount can be determined based on weight, even if it differs from the actual top surface of the contents.

[0061] In this way, even if the image corresponding to the top surface position projected by the projection unit 20 differs from the actual top surface position of the contents calculated, the user can be made aware of the remaining amount by displaying an image showing a line indicating the top surface position of the contents estimated from the detected weight.

[0062] (Variation of projection 3) Figure 8 shows the remaining amount of contents in the remaining amount visualization device of the present invention, within a specific remaining amount projection area provided on the outer surface of the opaque container on which it is placed. In this modified example, as in Modification Example 2, in the remaining amount visualization device 1 of the present invention, the upper surface position projected as an image corresponding to the upper surface position of the contents to be projected does not coincide with the actual liquid level position.

[0063] If the container on which the object is placed has a shape like opaque container 3B with a bulge in the middle of the side, or a shape that narrows towards the bottom, as shown in Figure 8(a), when the amount of contents remaining decreases, projecting the remaining amount at the same position as the top surface (liquid level) L will result in the container itself casting a shadow, making it difficult to see.

[0064] Therefore, as shown in Figure 8(b), in this modified example, the image P5 corresponding to the upper surface position projected by the projection unit 20 displays an image R that fills in an area corresponding to the remaining amount ratio within the remaining amount projection area D formed by projection onto the outer surface of the opaque container 3B.

[0065] By displaying it in this way, even when the remaining amount is low in an opaque container with an unusual shape, the remaining amount can be displayed without a decrease in visibility.

[0066] In Figure 8(b), an example is shown where the remaining amount image displayed within the remaining amount projection area D is an image that fills in an area corresponding to the percentage of remaining amount in the container. However, as shown in Figure 1, a line corresponding to the top surface position corresponding to the remaining amount in the container may also be displayed along the vertical length of the remaining amount projection area D. Furthermore, when displaying the line corresponding to the top surface position within the remaining amount projection area D, a gradient may be applied as shown in Figure 6. In either case, the projected image will be an image that indicates the position corresponding to the percentage of remaining amount relative to the full amount (FULL) of the opaque container 3B within the remaining amount projection area D.

[0067] In this example, the position and size of the residual amount projection area D formed by projection onto the opaque container can be adjusted as appropriate depending on the shape, size, or settings of the container. Furthermore, the outer surface of the opaque container on which the residual amount projection area D is formed may be only the side wall of the container body, or it may be both the side wall 31B of the container body and the cap 33B as shown in Figure 8(b), or it may be only the cap.

[0068] (Modification of projection 4) In Figures 1, 5, 6, 7, and 8 above, an image including a line corresponding to the top surface position of the calculated contents was projected to show the remaining amount in the container. However, in the remaining amount visualization device of the present invention, the image corresponding to the top surface position does not need to include a line. Figure 9 is a diagram showing how the remaining amount of contents in the opaque container placed on it is represented by the intensity of color corresponding to the top surface position in the remaining amount visualization device of the present invention.

[0069] In this example, the color (shade, pattern) of the projection image is changed to correspond to the upper surface position of the contents. For example, as shown in Figure 9(a), when the amount of contents remaining is large and the upper surface position La is high, a dark-colored image P6 is projected onto the entire side wall 31 of the opaque container 3, as shown in Figure 9(b). On the other hand, as shown in Figure 9(c), when the amount of contents remaining is small and the upper surface position Lb is low, a light-colored image P7 is projected onto the entire side wall 31 of the opaque container 3, as shown in Figure 9(d).

[0070] This display allows users to intuitively grasp the remaining amount even from a distance, even with an opaque container. Figure 9 shows an example of displaying the remaining amount using shades of gray, but other examples of color display include using blue for a large amount, yellow for about half, red for a low amount, etc., or gradually changing the color representing the remaining amount using colors with small color differences, like a gradient. Furthermore, when displaying with patterns, various methods can be used, such as expressing it with changes in facial expression or displaying different patterns depending on the remaining amount.

[0071] Furthermore, in the remaining quantity visualization device 1 of the present invention, the method of projection onto the same opaque container 3 can be changed at any time. For example, when a human presence sensor 16 detects the approach of a user, projection can be performed using the projection method shown in Figures 1, 5, 6, 7, or 8, and when operated remotely using a smartphone or the like, projection can be performed using the projection method shown in Figure 9, and so on.

[0072] Thus, the remaining amount visualization device of the present invention does not limit the type of container, that is, it does not limit the method of removing the contents, and does not complicate the container itself, allowing the remaining amount of an opaque container to be intuitively confirmed with the naked eye.

[0073] (5 variations of projection) In the above example, the object projected by the remaining amount visualization device 1 of the present invention was described as a still image, but the projection unit 20 may project a moving image. If it is a moving image, for example, it can be shown as if the liquid surface is rippling, or the position before and after use can be shown by movement.

[0074] (Modified example 1 of the remaining quantity visualization device) In the above example, the projection unit 20 is described as being provided on the mounting base 10. However, in the remaining amount visualization device 1 of the present invention, the projection unit 20 may be integrally provided inside the mounting base 10. In that case, a projection hole is provided on the upper surface of the mounting base 10, and the image is projected onto the opaque container 3 from the projection hole.

[0075] (Modified example 2 of the remaining quantity visualization device) Furthermore, in the remaining quantity visualization device 1 of the present invention, the projection unit may be provided separately from the mounting base. In that case, the projection unit is capable of short-range communication with the mounting base, and the position of the projection unit is not limited to below the opaque container, but may be to the side or above. The projection image set inside the mounting base is transmitted to the projection unit via communication, and an image corresponding to the top surface position is projected onto the opaque container on the mounting base 10 from below, to the side, or above. In this case, the projection image is adjusted so that the top surface of the image on the side of the opaque container is horizontal, taking into account the distance from each position to the opaque container.

[0076] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the embodiments of the present invention as described in the claims.

[0077] This international application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-200946, filed on 10 December 2021, and the entire contents of Patent Application No. 2021-200946 are incorporated herein by reference. [Explanation of symbols]

[0078] 1. Remaining quantity visualization device 3,3A,3B Opaque container 31,31B side wall 10 Mounting platform 11 Control Unit 12 (12a, 12b, 12c) Weight sensor (weight detection unit) 13. Type identification section 14 Types of Container Database 15 Weight accumulation storage section 16 motion sensors 17 Display operation section 18 Effect setting operation unit 19 Power supply 20 Projection section 111 Container characteristics identification department 112 Contents weight calculation section 113 Liquid level position calculation unit (top position calculation unit) 114 Container location identification part 115 Liquid level position image adjustment unit 116 Image effect adjustment section α Projection Image Adjustment Unit L,La,Lb Liquid level position (top position) P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6, P7 Images (Projected Images) D. Projection area of ​​remaining amount Image where the area corresponding to the remaining percentage of R is filled.

Claims

1. A weight acquisition unit that acquires information indicating the weight of an opaque container, An output unit outputs information for projecting an image onto the outer surface of the side wall of the opaque container, which is configured to project an image onto the outer surface of the side wall of the opaque container, based on the weight of the opaque container, corresponding to the upper surface position of the contents contained in the opaque container. A device that visualizes the remaining amount of something.

2. A weight detection unit that detects the weight of the opaque container placed on it, A top surface position calculation unit calculates the top surface position of the contents inside the opaque container based on the detected weight, and The projection section and, Furthermore, The weight acquisition unit acquires information indicating the weight of the opaque container from the weight detection unit, The output unit outputs information for projecting an image corresponding to the upper surface position calculated by the upper surface position calculation unit onto the projection unit. The remaining amount visualization device according to claim 1.

3. The opaque container has a mounting platform on which it is placed, The weight detection unit and the upper surface position calculation unit are mounted on the base described above. The remaining amount visualization device according to claim 2.

4. The projection unit is mounted on the stand described above. The projected image adjustment unit adjusts the line indicating the top surface position to be horizontal based on the shape of the opaque container. The remaining amount visualization device according to claim 3.

5. Multiple weight detection units are provided on the aforementioned mounting platform. The projection image adjustment unit determines the position of the opaque container on the aforementioned stand based on the detection results of the multiple weight detection units, and corrects the line based on the distance between the opaque container and the projection unit. The remaining amount visualization device according to claim 4.

6. The image projected by the projection unit, corresponding to the top surface position, is an image showing the calculated line representing the actual top surface position of the contents. The remaining amount visualization device according to any one of claims 2 to 5.

7. The image corresponding to the upper surface position projected by the projection unit includes an image that emphasizes the line indicating the upper surface position. The remaining amount visualization device according to any one of claims 2 to 5.

8. The image corresponding to the upper surface position projected by the projection unit is This image shows a position within the remaining volume projection area formed by projection onto the outer surface of the opaque container, corresponding to the ratio of the remaining volume to the full volume of the opaque container. The remaining amount visualization device according to any one of claims 2 to 5.

9. The image corresponding to the upper surface position projected by the projection unit is The image is represented on the outer surface of the opaque container by a color corresponding to the position of the top surface. The remaining amount visualization device according to any one of claims 2 to 5.

10. The projection unit projects an image corresponding to the upper surface position during a specific period of time. The remaining amount visualization device according to any one of claims 2 to 5.

11. Equipped with a human motion sensor, During the period when the motion sensor detects the presence of a person near the remaining amount visualization device, an image corresponding to the upper surface position is projected. The remaining amount visualization device according to claim 10.

12. It has a type identification unit that identifies the type of opaque container to be placed on it, The top surface position calculation unit calculates the remaining amount of contents contained in the opaque container by subtracting the weight of the container body of the identified opaque container from the detected weight. The remaining amount visualization device according to any one of claims 2 to 5.

13. When the type of opaque container cannot be determined, the upper surface position calculation unit, When an unidentifiable opaque container is first placed on the system, it is considered full. A provisional container shape is estimated, and in subsequent detections, the remaining amount of contents in the opaque container is calculated based on this estimate. An image corresponding to the top surface position is then predicted and projected. The remaining amount visualization device according to any one of claims 2 to 5.

14. A computer, A weight acquisition unit that acquires information indicating the weight of an opaque container, An output unit outputs information for projecting an image onto the outer surface of the side wall of the opaque container, which is configured to project an image onto the outer surface of the side wall of the opaque container, based on the weight of the opaque container, corresponding to the upper surface position of the contents contained in the opaque container. A program that makes something work.

Images