Residual 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

Remaining amount visualization device

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

[0002] In a typical transparent container, the contents can be seen from the outside, so the remaining amount can be checked with the naked eye. However, when storing contents that change depending on the light, the container needs to be opaque, making it impossible to check the remaining amount from the outside.

[0003] Therefore, Patent Document 1 proposes a configuration in which a transparent outer container is double-bonded to an opaque inner container to which an airless discharge pump is attached, and the height of the bottom end of the remaining content indicator band visible through the outer container changes as the disk rises with use, making it possible to check the remaining content of the inner container with the naked eye.

[0004] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses a management system that provides advice on makeup, which measures weight, displays the weight on a scale, and displays the remaining amount calculated based on the weight on an information processing terminal connected to the scale.

[0005] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2014-529300 Japanese Patent Publication No. 2006-48160

[0006] However, the opaque containers in Patent Document 1 are limited to those that are compatible with airless discharge pumps in which the inner tray rises inside, and the configuration is complicated to display the remaining amount of contents on the double container side, which means that the double containers themselves, which are discarded after use, may end up being expensive.

[0007] Furthermore, when the weight is displayed numerically as in Patent Document 2, it is difficult to intuitively grasp the remaining amount of the contents, as is the case with a transparent container.

[0008] In view of the above circumstances, the present invention aims to provide a remaining amount visualization device that allows the remaining amount of contents to be confirmed with the naked eye, just like in a transparent container, even in an opaque container, without complicating the container itself.

[0009] In order to solve the above problem, one aspect of the present invention provides a remaining amount visualization device that visualizes the remaining amount in an opaque container, comprising: a weight detection unit that detects the weight of the opaque container placed on it; a top surface position calculation unit that calculates the top surface position of the contents in the opaque container based on the detected weight, and the remaining amount of contents contained in the opaque container; and a projection unit that projects an image corresponding to the calculated top surface position of the contents onto the outer surface of the side wall of the opaque container.

[0010] According to one aspect, the remaining amount visualization device allows the remaining amount of contents to be checked with the naked eye, in the same way as in a transparent container, even in an opaque container, without complicating the container itself.

[0011] 3 is an external view showing an example of a state in which an opaque container is placed and the remaining amount of contents is projected in the remaining amount visualization device of the present invention. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the position of sensors in the remaining amount visualization device of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the remaining amount visualization device of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of the portion related to control of the remaining amount visualization device of FIG. 3. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of image adjustment in the remaining amount visualization device of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the remaining amount of contents in a gradation for an opaque container placed in the remaining amount visualization device of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the remaining amount of contents at a corrected top surface position for an opaque container placed in the remaining amount visualization device of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the remaining amount of contents within a specific remaining amount projection area provided on the outer surface of the opaque container in the remaining amount visualization device of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the remaining amount of contents in an opaque container placed in the remaining amount visualization device of the present invention by using shades of color according to the top surface position.

[0012] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The following describes embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following drawings, the same components are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations may be omitted.

[0013] The present invention relates to a remaining amount visualization device for visualizing the remaining amount of the contents of an opaque container.

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

[0015] Fig. 1 is an external view of the remaining amount visualization device of the present invention, showing a state in which an opaque container is placed and the remaining amount of contents is projected. Fig. 2 is an explanatory diagram 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 content contained in the opaque container 3 not as a numerical value but in a manner that can be intuitively understood in the same way as with a transparent container.

[0017] The container body of the opaque container 3, the remaining amount of which 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 to be placed in the opaque container 3 should contain a substance that is easily affected by light. Examples of contents include, but are not limited to, cosmetics containing vitamins (vitamins A, C, etc.) and their derivatives, as well as medicines and foods that are easily degraded by oxidation.

[0018] Furthermore, the contents contained in the opaque container 3 may be liquids, fluids, pastes, or powders such as cosmetics (basic cosmetics, base makeup cosmetics, point makeup cosmetics), liquid soap, toothpaste, perfume, seasonings, beverages, etc. The following description will be given taking a liquid as an example of the contents.

[0019] The opaque container 3 may be a drip container that is tilted when used, a pump-type dispenser that dispenses sideways, upwards, or downwards, or an upright tube, etc. The storage section of the opaque container 3 may be a typical single-layered container, a double-layered container consisting of an outer container and an inner container, or a triple-layered container in which two containers are stacked inside 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 an opaque container 3 is placed, and a projection unit 20 that indicates a position on the opaque container 3 corresponding to the remaining amount.

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

[0022] In this embodiment, the projection unit (illumination unit) 20 is attached on the mounting table 10. As shown in Fig. 1, the projection unit 20 projects (illuminates) an image corresponding to the top surface position of the remaining amount of the content onto the outer surface of the side wall 31 of the opaque container 3. Note that Fig. 1 shows an example in which the projected image (P1) corresponding to the top surface position of the content is an image showing a line indicating the calculated position of the actual liquid level (top surface) (L) of the content.

[0023] 2, the mounting table 10 is provided with a plurality of weight sensors 12a, 12b, and 12c that detect the weight of the opaque container 3, and a type identification unit 13 that identifies the type of the opaque container 3 that is placed on it. The type identification unit 13 is, for example, an RF reader.

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

[0025] Furthermore, the plurality of weight sensors 12a, 12b, and 12c of the remaining amount visualization device 1 measure the weight of the opaque container 3 placed on the placing table 10. By measuring the weight at a plurality of different positions in the remaining amount visualization device 1, the weight of the opaque container 3 can be accurately measured and the position of the opaque container 3 on the placing table 10 can be grasped. The projected image is then adjusted based on the position of the opaque container 3 on the placing table 10. The adjustment of the projected image will be described later with reference to FIG. 5. Note that while FIG. 2 shows an example in which three weight sensors 12a, 12b, and 12c are provided on the placing table 10, any number of weight sensors may be provided on the placing table 10 as long as they are plural, and the greater the number of sensors, the more accurately the position of the opaque container 3 can be grasped.

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

[0027] 3, the mounting base 10 of the remaining amount visualization device 1 is provided with a control unit 11, a weight detection unit 12, a type identification unit 13, a container type database 14, a weight accumulation storage unit 15, a human presence sensor 16, and a power supply 19. The mounting base 10 may further be provided with a display operation unit 17 and an effect setting operation unit 18.

[0028] The control unit 11 is configured with, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc. The container type database 14 is configured with a non-volatile storage device such as an internal hard disk drive (HDD) or non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM), and the weight accumulation storage unit 15 is configured with NVRAM or the like.

[0029] 4, the control unit 11 is operable to include a container characteristic identification unit 111, a content weight calculation unit 112, a liquid level position calculation unit 113, a container position identification unit 114, a liquid level position image adjustment unit 115, and an image effect adjustment unit 116. The liquid level position image adjustment unit 115 and the image effect adjustment unit 116 are a projection image adjustment unit α. The projection unit 20 is also equipped with 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 placing table 10 by referring to the type-specific container 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 identified by the container characteristic identification unit 111 from the weight of the opaque container 3 containing the contents detected by the weight sensors 12a to 12c.

[0032] Then, the liquid level position calculation unit (top surface position calculation unit) 113 calculates the liquid level of the contents contained in the opaque container 3, i.e., the top surface 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 characteristic identification unit 111.

[0033] The container position identification unit 114 estimates the position of the opaque container 3 on the mounting table 10 based on the weights measured by the multiple weight sensors 12a to 12c. More specifically, in a configuration in which weight sensors 12a to 12c are provided at both ends and in the center as shown in FIG. 2, for example, if the measurement values ​​of weight sensor 12b > 12a = 12c, it is determined that the opaque container 3 is located in the center. If the measurement values ​​of weight sensor 12b > weight sensor 12a ≠ 12c, it is determined that the opaque container 3 is slightly biased to one side from the center. Furthermore, if the measurement values ​​of weight sensors 12a > 12b > 12c increase in the order of weight sensors 12a > 12b > 12c, it is determined that the position of the opaque container 3 is closer to the edge than the center, at the left end, and so on.

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

[0035] In the above example, multiple weight sensors are provided under a single plate-shaped upper surface, but the upper surface of the mounting platform 10 may be structurally divided (for example, into tiles) and a weight sensor may be provided under each tile, and the position where the opaque container 3 is placed may 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, a touch sensor may be provided on the top surface of the placement table 10 of the present invention, 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, and the position where the opaque container 3 is placed may be estimated from the distance from the projection unit 20 to the projected image or the measurement results from the distance sensor.

[0038] <Image Adjustment> A method for adjusting the liquid level position (upper surface position) of the projected image will now be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is an explanatory diagram of image adjustment in the remaining amount visualization device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

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

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

[0041] In detail, the liquid surface 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 table 10, which is based on the measurement values ​​of multiple weight detection units 12a, 12b, and 12c provided on the mounting table 10, as estimated by the container position identification unit 114, and corrects the line of the top surface position based on that distance.

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

[0043] For example, if the container portion of the opaque container 3 is a cylindrical container with a constant thickness, the projected image is set to have a convex shape with the center higher and the ends lower at the top surface position, as shown in FIG. 5(b).

[0044] Here, if the opaque container 3 is close to the projection unit 20, the position of the arched shape of the projected image will be higher and the irradiation area will be larger even if the top surface position is the same. Also, if the diameter of the container part of the opaque container 3 is large, the undulations of the arched shape of the projected image will be larger. Alternatively, if the placement position of the opaque container 3 is shifted laterally with respect to the projection unit 20, the position of the peak of the arched shape of the projected image will change laterally.

[0045] In this way, the liquid surface position image adjustment unit 115 adjusts the projected image while understanding the positional relationship of the opaque container 3's placement position relative to the projection unit 20 and the shape of the opaque container 3, so that the appropriate top surface position of the remaining contents can be projected onto the opaque container 3 on the placement table 10, as shown in Figure 5 (d).

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

[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 making the opaque container itself more complicated.

[0048] 3, a human presence sensor 16 provided on the mounting base 10 of the remaining amount visualization device 1 causes the projection unit 20 to project an image corresponding to the upper surface position when a person is near the remaining amount visualization device 1. Note that instead of the human presence sensor 16, a camera may be used as a member for detecting a person.

[0049] In addition to the human sensor 16, the platform 10 may be provided with a display operation unit 17 for instructing whether to display or hide the top surface position of the contents.

[0050] The remaining amount visualization device 1 of the present invention projects an image corresponding to the upper surface position for a specific period of time. The specific period for projecting the image may be, for example, (1) a period during which the human presence sensor 16 detects that a person is nearby, (2) a period of several seconds to several minutes after the display operation unit 17 is operated, or (3) a period of several seconds to several minutes after the opaque container 3 is placed on the placement base 10.

[0051] Furthermore, the mounting base 10 may be provided with an effect setting operation unit 18. The effect setting operation unit 18 specifies the type of image to be projected, such as a line only at the top surface (FIG. 1), a filled area (FIG. 5), special effects (FIGS. 6 and 7), projection into a partial remaining projection area (FIG. 8), or a color (shade) display (FIG. 9). The image effect adjustment unit 116 sets the effect of the image to be projected based on the instruction from the effect setting operation unit 18 or the shape of the opaque container 3 placed thereon.

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

[0053] (Another Calculation Example) In the above calculation, the type of opaque container 3 is identified, and the weight of the contained contents is calculated based on the identification result. However, if, for example, the identifier 35 of the opaque container 3 has come off or is not attached, the calculation can be performed, for example, as follows. The mounting table 10 is provided with a weight accumulation memory unit 15.

[0054] When the type of opaque container 3 cannot be identified, the top surface position calculation unit 113 assumes that the opaque container 3 is full when it is first placed, and estimates a provisional container shape. Based on this estimation, the remaining amount of content contained in the opaque container 3 is calculated in subsequent detections, and an image corresponding to the top surface position is predicted and projected. In this case, the provisional container shape is stored in the weight accumulation storage unit 15. Note that, because identifying the type of container allows for more accurate projection, if an identifier 35 is present, identification of the type of opaque container 3 is performed with priority.

[0055] In the above, Figure 1 shows an example of a projection image that indicates a line representing the calculated actual liquid surface position of the contents as an image corresponding to the top surface position of the contents, and Figure 5 shows an example of a projection image that fills in the entire area in which the calculated actual contents are contained, but the image that corresponds to the top surface position is not limited to the above.

[0056] (Projection Variation 1) Fig. 6 is a diagram showing the remaining amount using gradation in the remaining amount visualization device of the present invention. In Fig. 6, an image P3 with gradation is projected over the entire range in which the actual contents of the calculated contents are contained, so as to emphasize the top surface position L. The gradation of the projected image shown in Fig. 6 is an example of an image that emphasizes the line indicating the top surface position.

[0057] (Modification 2 of Projection) In the remaining amount visualization device 1 of the present invention, the projected top surface position of the image corresponding to the top surface position of the content does not have to coincide with the actual position of the liquid surface.

[0058] Figure 7 shows the remaining amount at a corrected position for an 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-walled container in which the storage section of the inner container is a shrinkable bag 36 that shrinks with use, the shrinkable bag 36 will shrink even as the contents decrease with use, and the top surface height of the contents will not decrease in proportion to the remaining amount. Even in this case, by projecting the top surface 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 based on the weight, even if it differs from the actual top surface of the contents.

[0059] 7 also shows a case where the opaque container 3 is an airless double container and the inner container shrinks, but the above example is just one example, and in a double container, the bottom of the inner container rises with use, so the top surface position hardly changes. Even in this case, by projecting the top surface position calculated from the weight onto the side wall 34 of the outer container 30, the user can intuitively grasp the remaining amount of content based on the weight, even if it differs from the actual top surface position of the content.

[0060] Alternatively, if the contents are a highly viscous fluid, the contents may adhere to the inner wall of the container, and the actual top surface of the contents may differ from the calculated top surface position. In this case, by projecting the calculated top surface position, the remaining amount based on weight can be determined 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 calculated actual top surface position of the contents, the user can be made aware of the remaining amount by displaying an image showing a line representing the top surface position of the contents estimated from the detected weight.

[0062] 8 is a diagram showing the remaining amount of contents in a specific remaining amount projection area provided on the outer surface of a placed opaque container in the remaining amount visualization device of the present invention. In this modification, as in modification 2, the top surface position projected as an image corresponding to the top surface position of the projected contents in the remaining amount visualization device 1 of the present invention does not coincide with the actual position of the liquid surface.

[0063] If the container to be placed is shaped like an opaque container 3B with a bulge in the center of the side or a shape that narrows toward the bottom, when the amount of content remaining becomes small as shown in Figure 8(a), if the upper surface position (liquid level position) L of the remaining content is projected as it is, it will be in the shadow of the container itself and will be difficult to see.

[0064] Therefore, as shown in Figure 8 (b), in this modified example, the image P5 corresponding to the top 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 the remaining amount in this manner, even if the remaining amount is low in an opaque container with an unusual shape, the remaining amount can be displayed without reducing visibility.

[0066] 8(b) has been described as an example in which the remaining amount image displayed in the remaining amount projection area D is an image that fills in an area corresponding to the remaining amount ratio in the container, but a line corresponding to the top surface position corresponding to the remaining amount in the container may be displayed along the vertical length of the remaining amount projection area D as shown in FIG. 1. Furthermore, when displaying the line corresponding to the top surface position in the remaining amount projection area D, a gradation may be added as shown in FIG. 6. In either case, the projected image is an image that indicates a position in the remaining amount projection area D that corresponds to the ratio of the remaining amount to the full amount (FULL) of the opaque container 3B.

[0067] In this example, the position and size of the remaining 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. The outer surface of the opaque container on which the remaining amount projection area D is formed may be only the side wall of the container body, or both the side wall 31B of the container body and the cap 33B as shown in FIG. 8( b), or only the cap.

[0068] (Projection Variation 4) In the above Figures 1, 5, 6, 7, and 8, an image including a line corresponding to the calculated top surface position of the contents is 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 the remaining amount of the contents of an opaque container placed on it, expressed by a color shade 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 projected image is changed according to the position of the top surface of the contents. For example, when the remaining amount of contents is large and the top surface position La is high as shown in Fig. 9(a), a dark-colored image P6 is projected onto the entire side wall 31 of the opaque container 3 as shown in Fig. 9(b). On the other hand, when the remaining amount of contents is small and the top surface position Lb is low as shown in Fig. 9(c), a light-colored image P7 is projected onto the entire side wall 31 of the opaque container 3 as shown in Fig. 9(d).

[0070] By displaying the remaining amount in this manner, the remaining amount can be intuitively grasped even from a distance from the opaque container. While Fig. 9 shows an example of displaying the remaining amount using shading, other examples of displaying the remaining amount using colors include blue for a lot, yellow for about half the amount, and red for little remaining, or the remaining amount may be displayed in stages, such as blue, or a gradation of colors with small color differences. When displaying the remaining amount using patterns, various methods may be used, such as changing facial expressions or displaying different patterns depending on the remaining amount.

[0071] Furthermore, in the remaining amount 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 the human presence sensor 16 detects the approach of a user, projection can be performed using the projection method shown in Figure 1, 5, 6, 7, or 8, and when the user operates the device from a distance using a smartphone or the like, projection can be performed using the projection method shown in Figure 9.

[0072] In this way, the remaining amount visualization device of the present invention does not limit the type of container, i.e., does not limit the method of removing the contents, and does not complicate the container itself, allowing the remaining amount in an opaque container to be intuitively confirmed with the naked eye.

[0073] (Projection Variation 5) In the above example, the object projected by the remaining amount visualization device 1 of the present invention is a still image, but the object projected by the projection unit 20 may be a moving image. If it is an image, for example, the projected liquid surface can be made to appear to be swaying, or the position before and after use can be indicated by movement.

[0074] (First Modification of Remaining Amount Visualization Device) In the above example, the projection unit 20 is provided on the mounting base 10, but in the remaining amount visualization device 1 of the present invention, the projection unit 20 may be provided integrally inside the mounting base 10. In this case, a projection hole is provided on the top surface of the mounting base 10, and projection is performed onto the opaque container 3 through the projection hole.

[0075] (Variation 2 of Remaining Amount Visualization Device) Furthermore, in the remaining amount visualization device 1 of the present invention, the projection unit may be provided away from the mounting base. In this 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 also be to the side or above. Then, 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 taking into account the distance from each position to the opaque container so that the top surface of the image on the side surface of the opaque container is horizontal.

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

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

[0078] 1 Remaining amount visualization device 3, 3A, 3B Opaque container 31, 31B Side wall 10 Placement platform 11 Control unit 12 (12a, 12b, 12c) Weight sensor (weight detection unit) 13 Type identification unit 14 Type-specific container database 15 Weight accumulation memory unit 16 Human presence sensor 17 Display operation unit 18 Effect setting operation unit 19 Power supply 20 Projection unit 111 Container characteristic identification unit 112 Content weight calculation unit 113 Liquid level position calculation unit (top surface position calculation unit) 114 Container position identification unit 115 Liquid level position image adjustment unit 116 Image effect adjustment unit α Projected image adjustment unit L, La, Lb Liquid level position (top surface position) P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6, P7 Image (projected image) D Remaining amount projection area R Image to fill the area corresponding to the remaining amount

Claims

1. A weight acquisition unit that acquires information indicating the weight of an opaque container, an output unit that outputs information for irradiating an image corresponding to the upper surface position of the contents accommodated in the opaque container, which is calculated based on the weight of the opaque container, to a projection unit configured to be able to project an image on the outer surface of the side wall of the opaque container; A remaining amount visualization device comprising the above.

2. A weight detection unit that detects the weight of the opaque container to be placed, an upper surface position calculation unit that calculates the upper surface position of the contents in the opaque container of the remaining amount of the contents from the detected weight, the projection unit; further comprising the weight acquisition unit acquires information indicating the weight of the opaque container from the weight detection unit, the output unit outputs information for irradiating the projection unit with an image corresponding to the upper surface position calculated by the upper surface position calculation unit; The remaining amount visualization device according to Claim 1.

3. having a mounting table on which the opaque container is placed, the weight detection unit and the upper surface position calculation unit are mounted on the mounting table The remaining amount visualization device according to Claim 2.

4. the projection unit is attached on the mounting table, having a projection image adjustment unit that adjusts so that a line indicating the upper surface position becomes horizontal based on the shape of the opaque container The remaining amount visualization device according to Claim 3.

5. a plurality of weight detection units are provided on the mounting table, the projection image adjustment unit grasps the position of the opaque container on the mounting table based on the detection results of the plurality of 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 corresponding to the upper surface position projected by the projection unit is an image showing a line of the actual upper surface position of the calculated contents. The remaining amount visualization device according to any one of Claims 2 to 5.

7. The image corresponding to the upper surface position irradiated by the projection unit includes an image that emphasizes a 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 an image showing a position corresponding to the ratio of the remaining amount to the full amount of the opaque container within a remaining amount projection area formed by projection on the outer surface 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 irradiated by the projection unit is an image expressed in a color corresponding to the upper surface position on the outer surface of the opaque container. 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. The remaining amount visualization device according to any one of claims 2 to 5.

11. Equipped with a human presence sensor, During the period when the human presence sensor senses that there is 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. Having a type identification unit that identifies the type of the opaque container to be placed, The upper surface position calculation unit subtracts the weight of the container body of the identified opaque container from the detected weight to calculate the remaining amount of the contents contained in the opaque container. The remaining amount visualization device according to any one of claims 2 to 5.

13. When the type of the opaque container cannot be determined, the upper surface position calculation unit Assumes a temporary container shape with the time when the undetermined opaque container is first placed being full, calculates the remaining amount of the contents contained in the opaque container based on this assumption in subsequent detections, predicts an image corresponding to the upper surface position, and projects it. 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 that outputs information for irradiating a projection unit configured to be able to project an image corresponding to the upper surface position of the contents contained in the opaque container, which is calculated based on the weight of the opaque container, onto the outer surface of the side wall of the opaque container. A program for causing it to function.