CN110779609A

CN110779609A - Electronic balance system and electronic balance

Info

Publication number: CN110779609A
Application number: CN201910680730.3A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 加藤昌央
Original assignee: Shimadzu Corp
Current assignee: Shimadzu Corp
Priority date: 2018-07-26
Filing date: 2019-07-26
Publication date: 2020-02-11
Also published as: JP2020016581A

Abstract

The invention provides an electronic balance system and an electronic balance, the electronic balance system comprises an electronic balance (2) and an external device (500), the electronic balance (2) is provided with: a measurement unit (50) for measuring the mass of the object; a setting acquisition unit (302) that acquires the setting of an object; and a communication unit (320) that transmits the measurement result of the object and the measurement condition to the external device (500), wherein the external device (500) comprises: a communication unit (508) that receives the measurement result and the measurement condition transmitted by the communication unit (320); and a storage unit (504) for storing the measurement result received by the communication unit (508) in association with the measurement condition.

Description

Electronic balance system and electronic balance

Technical Field

The invention relates to an electronic balance system and an electronic balance.

Background

Various electronic balances have been proposed previously. The electronic balance can measure the mass of a trace amount of an object or the like. Therefore, the electronic balance has been used in various fields (for example, refer to japanese patent laid-open No. 2017-58220).

Disclosure of Invention

In the electronic balance described in japanese patent application laid-open No. 2017-58220, for example, it is conceivable that the mass of the object to be measured is stored in the electronic balance. However, in such an electronic balance, there are problems as follows: after measuring the mass of the object, the user cannot confirm under which condition the mass of the object was measured.

The present disclosure has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and in one embodiment, discloses an electronic balance system in which a user can confirm a measurement condition of an object even after the mass of the object is measured. In another embodiment, an electronic balance is disclosed that allows a user to confirm measurement conditions of an object even after the mass of the object is measured.

An electronic balance system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes an electronic balance and an external device. The electronic balance has a measuring section for measuring the mass of an object. The electronic balance includes an acquisition unit for acquiring measurement conditions of an object. The electronic balance includes a first transmission unit that transmits a measurement result of the object and a measurement condition to an external device. The external device has a first receiving unit that receives the measurement result and the measurement condition transmitted by the first transmitting unit. The external device has a storage unit for storing the measurement result and the measurement condition received by the first receiving unit in association with each other.

Thus, even after the object is measured, the user can confirm not only the measurement result of the object but also the measurement condition of the object.

In one embodiment, the external device includes a selection receiving unit that receives selection of the measurement condition stored in the storage unit. The external device has a second transmission unit that transmits the selected measurement condition to the electronic balance. The electronic balance has a second receiving unit for receiving the measurement conditions transmitted by the second transmitting unit. A setting unit sets the measurement conditions received by the second receiving unit.

Thus, the user can set a desired measurement condition among the past measurement conditions for the electronic balance.

In one embodiment, the measurement condition includes setting of an electronic balance when measuring the mass of the object.

Thus, even after the object is measured, the user can confirm the setting of the electronic balance when the mass of the object is measured.

In one embodiment, the electronic balance may be mounted with a mounting member for assisting the measurement of the mass of the object. The measurement condition includes information on the mounting member when the mass of the object is measured.

Thus, even after the object is measured, the user can confirm the mounting member mounted on the electronic balance.

In one embodiment, the measurement condition includes at least one of an environment, a date and time, a location, user identification information, and electronic balance identification information of the electronic balance when the mass of the object is measured.

Thus, even after the object is measured, the user can confirm at least one of the environment, date and time, location, user identification information, and electronic balance identification information of the electronic balance at the time of measuring the mass of the object.

In one embodiment, the measurement condition includes a time period from when the electronic balance starts to be energized to when the mass of the object is measured.

Thus, even after the object is measured, the user can confirm the time from the start of energization of the electronic balance to the time when the mass of the object is measured.

In one embodiment, the identification information of the object is input to an electronic balance or an external device. The storage unit stores identification information of the object, measurement results, and measurement conditions in association with each other.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic balance includes a measuring unit that measures a mass of an object. The electronic balance includes an acquisition unit that acquires measurement conditions of the object. The electronic balance includes a transmission unit that transmits a measurement result and a measurement condition of the object to an external device so that the external device stores the measurement result and the measurement condition of the object in association with each other.

According to still another embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic balance includes a measuring unit that measures a mass of an object. The electronic balance includes an acquisition unit that acquires measurement conditions of an object. The electronic balance includes a storage unit for storing measurement results and measurement conditions of the measurement unit in correspondence with each other.

In one embodiment, the electronic balance includes a receiving unit that receives the measurement condition transmitted from the external device. The electronic balance has a setting unit for setting the measurement conditions received by the receiving unit.

In one embodiment, identification information of the object is input to the electronic balance. The transmission unit transmits the identification information of the object, the measurement result of the object, and the measurement condition to an external device so that the external device stores the identification information of the object, the measurement result of the object, and the measurement condition in association with each other.

The above and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention, which is to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings.

Drawings

Fig. 1A and 1B are diagrams for explaining an example of a scene to which the electronic balance of the present embodiment is applied.

Fig. 2 (a) and 2 (B) are external views of the electronic balance, the external device, and the like.

Fig. 3 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of an electronic balance or the like.

Fig. 4 is a diagram for explaining correspondence information.

Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of an electronic balance and the like.

Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen displayed on the display unit.

Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a pop-up screen.

Fig. 8 is a timing diagram of the electronic balance system.

Fig. 9A, 9B, 9C, and 9D are diagrams showing correspondence information of modified examples.

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding portions are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will not be repeated.

[ application example ]

First, the electronic balance of the comparative example will be explained. The electronic balance of the comparative example is not particularly shown. In the electronic balance of the comparative example, when the mass (load) of the object is measured, the measured mass is stored in the electronic balance of the comparative example. The electronic balance of the comparative example can display the stored mass. Thus, after measuring the mass of the object, the user can confirm the measurement result of the object (i.e., the mass of the object).

However, after measuring the mass of the object, the user may try to confirm the measurement condition of the object (hereinafter referred to as "measurement condition"). The measurement conditions are, for example, settings of an electronic balance when measuring the mass of the object. The setting of the electronic balance is, for example, a lighting timing (timing) of a stability flag shown in fig. 4 described later. Information related to the setting is also referred to as "setting information".

For example, there are cases where: when the user measures the mass of the object, the user cannot recognize that the measured mass is erroneous, but later (for example, several days later), the user recognizes that the measured mass is erroneous. For example, when a user measures the mass of an object, dissolves the object whose mass has been measured in a liquid, and the concentration of the liquid in which the object is dissolved does not match the acceptable concentration, the mass of the object is erroneous.

As described above, when it is later determined that the mass of the object measured by the user is incorrect, the user cannot confirm the measurement conditions at the time of the measurement in the electronic balance of the comparative example.

Next, the electronic balance of the present embodiment will be explained. Fig. 1A and 1B are diagrams for explaining an example of a scene to which the electronic balance of the present embodiment is applied. Fig. 1A shows a situation in which the user holds a question of the setting of the electronic balance in which the mass of the object a1 is measured.

As shown in fig. 1A, the electronic balance of the present embodiment is connected to an external device. The electronic balance and the external device are connected in a way of mutual communication information.

As shown in fig. 1B, in the electronic balance system of the present embodiment, the measurement result of the object and the setting information corresponding to the measurement result are associated with each other and displayed on the external device as the associated information. By displaying such correspondence information, the user can confirm the setting (setting information) at the time of the measurement when it is later determined that the quality of the object measured by the user is incorrect. By confirming the setting information, the user can perform re-evaluation of the setting information, and the like, and thus future measurement can be performed more accurately.

[ appearance of electronic balance, etc. ]

Fig. 2 (a) and 2 (B) are external views of the electronic balance, the external device, and the like. The electronic balance 2 will be described with reference to fig. 2 (a) and 2 (B).

A weighing chamber 22 is formed in the main body 21 of the electronic balance 2. The spacer member 1 is provided in the weighing chamber 22. The main body 21 includes a main body 211, a back surface 212, and a windshield case 213.

A weighing pan 23 is disposed on the body portion 211. An object whose mass is to be measured is placed on the weighing pan 23. The object is also referred to as a sample.

The rear surface portion 212 is provided upright on the rear surface side of the main body portion 211, and a substrate or the like, for example, is accommodated therein. The damper housing 213 is provided on the front side of the back surface portion 212, and covers the periphery and the upper surface of the weighing pan 23 together with the back surface portion 212, thereby forming the weighing chamber 22. The inner surface of the weighing chamber 22 is formed by the body 211, the back 212, and the damper housing 213. A weighing pan 23 is provided on the upper surface of the body portion 211 constituting the bottom surface 221 of the weighing chamber 22. Thus, by covering the periphery of the weighing pan 23, the external air flow can be blocked.

The partition member 1 is inserted into the weighing chamber 22, and partitions the weighing chamber 22 into two spaces, i.e., an upper space and a lower space, by the partition plate 11. Thereby, the volume of the weighing chamber 22 around the weighing pan 23 can be reduced. Since the smaller the volume of the weighing chamber 22 is, the smaller the air flow in the weighing chamber 22 can be, the electronic balance 2 can accurately measure the mass of the object. On the other hand, the electronic balance 2 can measure the mass of the object accommodated in a larger container as the volume of the weighing chamber 22 is larger.

The main body 211 includes, for example, a measurement unit 50 (see fig. 3 and the like) for measuring the mass of the object, a display unit 30 for displaying the measurement value and the like, and an operation unit 32.

As shown in fig. 2 (B), the display unit 30 displays various information. In the example of fig. 2 (B), measurement value information 322 of the object and a stabilization mark 324 are displayed. In the example of fig. 2 (B), "1.00 mg" is displayed as the measurement value information 322.

The operation unit 32 includes a cross key, a circular button, and the like. The user can set the functions of the electronic balance 2 by operating the operation unit 32.

The electronic balance 2 may be of an electromagnetic type, for example. In the electromagnetic system, electric power (electromagnetic force) is applied to balance the electric power with the mass (gravity) of the object placed on weighing pan 23. The electronic balance 2 detects the value of the current to generate the electromagnetic force at the time of both equalizations. The electronic balance 2 determines the mass of the object based on the value of the current. When the electronic balance 2 is of an electromagnetic type, the measuring unit 50 includes the weighing pan 23, a mechanism for applying the electromagnetic force, a mechanism for determining the mass of the object based on the value of the current, and the like. In addition, other modes of the electronic balance 2 may be, for example, a load cell type or a tuning fork type.

The external device 500 is connected to the electronic balance 2 by a cable 560. In the examples of fig. 2 (a) and 2 (B), the electronic balance 2 and the external device 500 are connected by a wired cable. As a modification, the electronic balance 2 and the external device 500 may be connected wirelessly. The external device 500 is, for example, any one of a Personal Computer (PC), a tablet computer (tablet), a smartphone, and the like.

[ hardware constitution of electronic balance, etc. ]

Fig. 3 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of the electronic balance 2 and the external device 500. As shown in fig. 3, electronic balance 2 and external device 500 are connected by cable 560. The electronic balance 2 includes a Central Processing Unit (CPU) 101 that executes a program, a Read Only Memory (ROM) 102 that stores data in a nonvolatile manner, a Random Access Memory (RAM) 103 that stores data in a volatile manner, a flash Memory 104 that stores data in a nonvolatile manner, a display unit 30, a measurement unit 50, an operation unit 32, a communication unit 310, and the like.

The ROM 102 stores an operating system and various programs executed by the CPU 101, and various information contents and data. The CPU 101 executes various processes based on information stored in the ROM 102. Various information is stored in the RAM 103. Various information (for example, setting information of the electronic balance 2 and the like) is stored in the flash memory 104. The communication unit 310 is an interface for communicating with the external device 500 and the like.

The external device 500 includes a CPU 601 that executes a program, a ROM 602 that stores data in a nonvolatile manner, a RAM603 that stores data in a volatile manner, a flash memory 604 that stores data in a nonvolatile manner, a display unit 510, a selection receiving unit 502, a communication unit 508, and the like.

[ function settable in electronic balance ]

Next, functions that can be set by the user in the electronic balance 2 will be described. The user can set various functions to the electronic balance 2 by operating the operation unit 32. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing examples of various settings. An example of the function of the present embodiment is shown in the column of the measurement condition (setting information) in fig. 4.

The functions of the present embodiment include stability marking, stability/responsiveness, zero tracking, and units.

The stabilization mark is the stabilization mark 324 shown in fig. 2 (B). The stable marker 324 is the word "OK". When the electronic balance 2 determines that the measurement of the object is completed, the stabilization flag 324 is turned on. In other words, the steady mark 324 is a mark for presenting the measurement value information 322 displayed when the steady mark 324 is lit, to the user.

The conditions for determining whether or not the stabilization flag 324 can be lit include, for example, the measurement time t and the measurement width r. In general, the measurement value changes immediately after the user places the object on the weighing pan 23. If the measurement value falls within the measurement width r within the measurement time t, the stabilization flag 324 is turned on. The user can set the measurement time t and the measurement width r.

For example, when the user desires to immediately turn on the stabilization flag 324, at least one of increasing the measurement width r and shortening the measurement time t may be performed. When the user desires to accurately measure the mass of the object, at least one of the measurement width r may be reduced and the measurement time t may be extended. In the example of fig. 4, it is shown that the measurement time is set to t1 and the measurement width is set to r 1.

The stability and responsiveness function means a performance in which a measured value does not change even if there is a slight load change on an object. For example, load changes are generated by some disturbances. Some disturbances are due to wind or vibration etc. On the other hand, responsiveness indicates performance that sensitively reacts to a slight load change on an object. Stability and responsiveness are trade-off relationships. For example, the stability and the responsiveness are each represented by a numerical value, and the total value of the numerical value of the stability and the numerical value of the responsiveness is a predetermined value. In the example of fig. 4, the total value is set to "5", and the stability is set to "4" and the responsiveness is set to "1" according to the user.

Further, the user can set which mode is a mode for improving the stability, i.e., the "earthquake-resistant mode" or the "weighing mode" in which the responsiveness is prioritized.

The zero-tracking function cancels a slight deviation of the zero point when the measured value information 322 indicates 0.00 mg. By the cancellation, in the display of 0.00mg, even if some disturbance occurs, the display of the measurement value information 322 maintains the initial value (for example, "0 g"). In this way, when the zero tracking function is turned ON (ON), the display of the measurement value information 322 is maintained at "0 g" in the display of 0.00 mg. When the zero tracking function is turned OFF, the display of the measurement value information 322 is slightly changed due to disturbance or the like in a no-load state.

For example, when the user desires to measure the mass of the small object, the zero-tracking function may be turned off. On the other hand, when the user desires to measure the mass of a normal object, the zero-tracking function may be turned on.

The unit function is a function indicating a unit of display of the measurement value information 322. The user may set a desired unit according to the mass of the object. Examples of the unit include mg, g, and kg.

The setting of the function is not limited to the setting shown in fig. 4, and the user may set another function.

[ functional constitution examples of electronic balance, etc. ]

Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the electronic balance 2 and the like. Referring to fig. 5, the electronic balance 2 includes a display unit 30, an operation unit 32, a measurement unit 50, a communication unit 310, and a control unit 320. The control unit 320 includes a setting acquisition unit 302, a setting unit 304, a measurement value acquisition unit 306, and a change prohibition unit 319. The control unit 320 includes the CPU 101, the ROM 102, the RAM103, and the like.

The external device 500 includes a selection receiving unit 502, a storage unit 504, a communication unit 508, a display unit 510, and a control unit 520. The control unit 520 includes an extraction unit 506 and a change prohibition unit 519. The control unit 520 includes a CPU 601, a ROM 602, a RAM603, and the like. The storage section 504 corresponds to the flash memory 104 of fig. 3.

The user places object a on weighing pan 23 to measure the mass. The measured value acquisition unit 306 acquires the quality of the object a at the time of the lighting stabilization mark 324. The measurement value is transmitted to the display unit 30 and the communication unit 310. The display unit 30 displays the transmitted measurement value in the form of measurement value information 322.

The user can set various settings for the electronic balance 2 by operating the operation unit 32 (see fig. 4). The setting unit 304 performs a setting specified by a user operation on the electronic balance 2.

When the stabilization flag 324 related to the measurement of the mass of the object a placed on the scale pan 23 is lit, the setting acquisition unit 302 acquires setting information indicating the setting of the function designated by the user. That is, when the measured value acquisition unit 306 acquires the mass of the object a (that is, when the mass of the object a is specified), the setting acquisition unit 302 can acquire the setting information of the electronic balance 2 at the time of measuring the mass of the object a. In the example of fig. 4, the setting information is information indicating the measurement time and measurement width of the steady flag, the numerical value of the stability and responsiveness, whether or not the zero-tracking function is ON, and the type of the unit.

The communication unit 310 transmits the measurement value of the object acquired by the measurement value acquisition unit 306 and setting information indicating the setting of the electronic balance 2 when measuring the mass of the object to the external device 500 based on the control of the control unit 320. In this way, the communication unit 310 transmits the measurement result (mass) of the object and the measurement condition (setting information) to the external device 500 as the first transmission unit.

The transmission opportunity of the measurement result (mass) of the transmission target object and the measurement condition (setting information) is when the measurement value acquisition unit 306 finishes acquiring the measurement value. The end of the acquisition of the measurement values by the measurement value acquisition unit 306 is, for example, when the stabilization flag 324 is turned on.

Therefore, the flow of the following processing is performed: the measurement of the mass of the object a is started (the object a is placed on the scale 23), the lighting stabilization flag 324, the measurement value acquisition unit 306 acquires the mass, the setting acquisition unit 302 acquires the setting information, and the acquired mass and the acquired setting information are transmitted.

Further, the opportunity of transmitting the quality and setting information may be another opportunity. For example, the transmission opportunity of the mass and setting information may be execution of a transmission operation to the electronic balance 2 from the user. The transmission operation is, for example, an operation of an end button indicating an end of measurement of the mass of the object.

The communication unit 508 of the external device 500 receives the measurement result and the measurement condition transmitted by the communication unit 310 as a first reception unit. The measurement result and the measurement condition received by the communication unit 508 are stored in the storage unit 504.

An example of the storage data stored in the storage unit 504 will be described with reference to fig. 4. In the example of fig. 4, an object a1, an object a2, an object A3, and an object a4 are stored as objects. The measurement result (the mass of the object) and the measurement condition (setting information) are associated with the object a1, the object a2, the object A3, and the object a4, respectively.

For example, in the example of fig. 4, the object a1 corresponds to the mass M1 as the measurement result. As the measurement conditions (setting information), the object a1 had a measurement time t1, a measurement width r1, a stability of 4, a responsiveness of 1, an ON zero tracking function, and a unit of mg corresponding to the presence of the stabilization mark.

The measurement results (mass) of each of object a2, object A3, and object a4 as other objects correspond to M2, M3, and M4. The measurement conditions for each of object a2, object A3, and object a4 are abbreviated as "…" in fig. 4, but specific information (parameters) is actually defined.

In this way, the object name, the measurement result, and the measurement condition (setting condition) correspond to each other. The three pieces of information corresponding thereto (i.e., the object name, the measurement result, and the measurement conditions (setting conditions)) are also collectively referred to as "corresponding information".

Furthermore, table creation software is downloaded in advance in the external device 500. When the measurement result and the measurement condition are transmitted from the electronic balance 2, the control unit 520 of the external device 500 activates the table creation software, and the measurement result and the measurement condition are displayed in association with each other in predetermined cells in the table. The specified unit may be specified by a user, for example. In the case of, for example, an adjacent cell corresponding to the cell on which the measurement result and the measurement condition are displayed, the user inputs the name of the object to be measured using the operation unit. When the user completes the input, a storage operation is performed to store the name of the object, the measurement result, and the measurement condition in the storage unit 504 in association with each other. The storage operation is, for example, an operation of clicking a storage button displayed on the display unit 510 with a mouse.

The user may input the name of the object to the external device 500 in advance before measuring the object. In this case, after the electronic balance 2 transmits the measurement result and the measurement condition to the external device 500, the user performs a storage operation for storing the measurement result, the measurement condition, and a name of the object, which is input in advance, in association with the storage unit 504.

The user may input the name of the object to the electronic balance 2 in advance before measuring the object. In this case, after the electronic balance 2 transmits the measurement result, the measurement condition, and the name of the object to the external device 500, the user performs a storing operation for storing the transmitted name of the object, the measurement result, and the measurement condition in the storage unit 504 in association with each other.

As a modification, the object name may be identification Information (ID) of the object, rather than a specific name. The identification information of the object is, for example, sample number 1, sample number 2,. or the like. In addition, the sample number may be a test body number.

As a modification, the following configuration may be adopted: the user inputs a specific name of the object or identification information of the object (hereinafter referred to as "specific name of the object or the like") to the electronic balance 2. The electronic balance 2 having such a configuration transmits the specific name of the object, etc. to the external device 500 together with the measurement result and the setting information.

When the external device 500 receives the measurement result, the setting information, the specific name of the object, and the like, these three pieces of information are stored in the storage unit 504 in the form of object information.

The change prohibition unit 519 executes a change prohibition process of prohibiting a change of the correspondence information stored in the storage unit 504. The change prohibition unit 519 executes the change prohibition processing, and can prohibit the change of the correspondence information regardless of the operation of the external device 500 by the user, for example. In other words, by executing the change prohibition processing by the change prohibition unit 519, falsification, deletion, and the like of the corresponding information can be prohibited (prevented) regardless of the operation by the user.

An example of the change prohibition processing will be described. For example, the change prohibition unit 519 may be set to disable the change of the correspondence information first. The change prohibition unit 519 may be configured not to give an access right to the corresponding information to any user.

The electronic balance system 100 can set the function indicated by the setting information among the correspondence information stored in the storage portion 504 to the electronic balance 2. The setting method will be described below.

The control unit 520 of the external device 500 displays the correspondence information stored in the storage unit 504 on the display unit 510 by a predetermined display operation from the user. The display operation is an operation of clicking a display button displayed on the display unit 510 with a mouse or the like, for example.

Fig. 6 shows an example of a display screen displayed on the display unit 510. In the example of fig. 6, display unit 510 displays the correspondence information in display area 510A of display unit 510 so as to be visually recognizable by the user. As shown in fig. 6, the display unit 510 of the external device 500 displays the corresponding information. For example, even if the user cannot visually confirm that the measured mass is incorrect at the time point when the user measures the mass of the object, the user can confirm the measurement condition at the time of the measurement based on the display of the correspondence information when the user later (for example, several days later) finds that the measured mass is incorrect.

Further, pointer 530 is also displayed on display unit 510. The user can move the pointer 530 by operating the mouse. The user moves the pointer 530 to the area of the setting information to be set for the electronic balance 2, and clicks the mouse. Here, the user desires to set setting information of the object a1 for the electronic balance 2. In this case, any point in the area where the correspondence information on the object a1 is displayed is designated by the pointer 530, and the mouse is clicked. Thereby, the control unit 520 displays the pop-up screen in the center of the display unit 510 so as to overlap the corresponding information.

Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the pop-up screen 540. In the example of fig. 7, since the correspondence information on the object a1 is specified by the user, a screen for the user to confirm whether or not the setting information included in the correspondence information is set in the electronic balance 2 is displayed as the pop-up screen 540.

In the pop-up screen 540 of fig. 7, as setting information 542, a measurement time t1 for the stability flag, a measurement width r1, 4 for stability and responsiveness, 1 for responsiveness, ON for the zero tracking function, and mg in units are displayed. Further, "do these settings with the electronic balance? "YES button 550 and NO button 552.

When the user operates the mouse to move the pointer 530 to the yes button 550 and click the mouse, the communication unit 508 transmits the setting information indicated by the setting information 542 to the electronic balance 2 under the control of the control unit 520.

In this manner, the selection receiving unit 502 receives the selection of the measurement condition (setting information) from the user from the correspondence information (see fig. 6 and 7) displayed on the display unit 510. The communication unit 508 transmits the selected setting conditions (setting information) to the electronic balance 2 as a second transmission unit.

Further, the user operates the mouse to move the pointer 530 to the no button 552, and after clicking the mouse, the state returns to the state where the pop-up screen 540 is erased, that is, the state of fig. 6.

The communication unit 310 receives the transmitted setting conditions (setting information) as a second receiving unit. The setting unit 304 performs setting based on the received setting information on the electronic balance 2. In the example of fig. 7, the setting unit 304 performs setting based on the setting information corresponding to the object a1 for the electronic balance 2.

Further, the change prohibition unit 319 prohibits the user from changing the setting of the setting unit 304. The setting is based on the setting information transmitted from the external device 500. The change prohibition processing is executed by the change prohibition portion 319, and for example, the change of the setting can be prohibited regardless of the operation of the electronic balance 2 by the user. In other words, by executing the change prohibition processing by the change prohibition unit 319, falsification, deletion, and the like of the corresponding information can be prohibited (prevented) regardless of the operation by the user.

An example of the change prohibition processing will be described. For example, the change prohibition unit 319 may be set so that the setting cannot be changed first. The change prohibition unit 319 may be configured not to give the access authority to the settings of the electronic balance 2 to any user. In this way, the electronic balance 2 can prohibit the user from changing the setting based on the setting information transmitted from the external device 500.

In addition, the user can change the setting caused by the direct operation of the electronic balance 2 by the user. For example, the setting of the electronic balance 2 caused by the operation of the external device 500 corresponds to the unchangeable information (e.g., a unchangeable flag) related to the setting. The non-changeable flag is information indicating that a change by an operation of a user cannot be realized (prohibited). Therefore, it is possible to provide: based on the unchangeable information, the user cannot change the setting of the electronic balance 2 caused by the operation to the external device 500. On the other hand, the unchangeable information (for example, a changeable flag) does not correspond to the setting of the electronic balance 2 caused by the operation of the electronic balance 2. Therefore, it is possible to provide: by not storing the unchangeable information in the electronic balance 2, the user can change the setting of the electronic balance 2 caused by the operation of the electronic balance 2.

[ timing diagram of electronic balance System ]

Fig. 8 is a timing chart of the electronic balance system 100 of the present embodiment. Referring to fig. 8, in step S2, control unit 320 determines whether or not an object is placed on weighing pan 23. In step S2, control unit 320 waits until it determines that an object is placed on weighing pan 23 (no in step S2). If, in step S2, control unit 320 determines that an object is placed on weighing pan 23 (yes in step S2), the process of control unit 320 proceeds to step S4.

In step S4, the control unit 320 determines whether or not the measurement value of the object falls within the measurement range within the measurement time. In step S4, the control unit 320 waits until it is determined that the measurement value of the object falls within the measurement range within the measurement time (no in step S4). If, in step S4, the controller 320 determines that the measurement value of the object falls within the measurement range within the measurement time (yes in step S4), the process of the controller 320 proceeds to step S6.

In step S6, control unit 320 turns on stabilization flag 324. Next, in step S7, the measured value acquisition unit 306 acquires a measured value (the mass of the object). Next, in step S8, the setting acquisition unit 302 acquires setting information. Next, in step S10, the communication unit 310 transmits the measurement value and the setting information to the external device 500.

Next, in step S12, the communication unit 508 receives the measurement value and the setting information. Next, in step S14, control unit 520 stores the received measurement value and setting information in the form of correspondence information (see fig. 4).

In fig. 8, the three-point lead line described below in step S10 and step S14 indicates that an arbitrary period has elapsed.

In step S16, control unit 520 determines whether or not selection of the setting information is accepted from the setting information displayed on display unit 510 (see fig. 6 and 7). In step S16, control unit 520 waits until it determines that selection of setting information has been received (see fig. 6 and 7). If the control unit 520 determines in step S16 that the selection of the setting information (see fig. 6 and 7) has been received (yes in step S16), the process proceeds to step S18.

In step S18, the communication unit 508 transmits the selected setting information to the electronic balance 2. In step S20, the communication unit 310 receives the transmitted setting information. Next, in step S22, the setting unit 304 performs setting based on the received setting information on the electronic balance 2.

[ main effects of the electronic balance System and the electronic balance ]

(1) In the electronic balance system 100 of the present embodiment, the external device 500 stores the measurement values in the form of correspondence information in correspondence with the measurement conditions (setting information). The user can confirm not only the measurement result of the object but also the measurement condition of the object by displaying the correspondence information on the display unit 510 of the external device 500.

For example, there are cases where: when the user measures the mass of the object, the user cannot recognize that the measured mass is erroneous, but later (for example, several days later), the user recognizes that the measured mass is erroneous. Even in this case, the user can confirm the setting information by displaying the correspondence information as shown in fig. 6. By confirming the setting information, the user can follow up the cause of the measured quality error, and can perform re-evaluation of the setting information, etc., so that the quality of the target object can be more accurately measured in the future.

In addition, for example, when the measurement result or the like is a result that is not preferable to the user, there are cases where: it is considered that the user wants to change any one of the measurement result and the measurement condition stored in the external device 500. In this way, depending on the type of the object (for example, in the case of drug preparation), when the measurement result and the measurement condition are changed, there is a case where social adverse effects are caused.

Therefore, the change prohibition unit 519 prohibits the change of the correspondence information stored in the storage unit 504 regardless of the operation of the external device 500 by the user. Thus, even when the user wants to change any one of the measurement result and the measurement condition, any one of the measurement result and the measurement condition cannot be changed.

In some cases, a manager and a measuring person who measures the mass of the object based on an instruction from the manager are present at a site where the object is measured by the electronic balance system 100. In such a field, a manager may want to manage the measurement results and measurement conditions in a unified manner. Further, the user includes at least one of a manager and a measurer.

The manager may also store the measurement results and the measurement conditions (previous correspondence information) in the electronic balance 2. However, if the past correspondence information is to be stored in the electronic balance 2, a storage unit having a very large storage area is required in the electronic balance 2, which increases the cost of the electronic balance 2. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the past correspondence information is stored in the external device 500. Thus, the manager can collectively manage the past correspondence information without increasing the cost of the electronic balance 2.

In addition, with regard to management of the correspondence information, the user may strictly control access to the correspondence information. When the control is to be strictly controlled as described above, for example, it is conceivable to provide account information (such as a user ID and a password) for performing user authentication for each user. Further, it is also conceivable for the administrator or the like to store account information for each user in the electronic balance 2. However, if the past correspondence information is to be stored in the electronic balance 2, a storage unit having a very large storage area is required in the electronic balance 2, which increases the cost of the electronic balance 2. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the past correspondence information and the account information related to the correspondence information are also stored in the external device 500. This makes it possible to strictly control access to the corresponding information without increasing the cost of the electronic balance 2.

(2) In the electronic balance system 100, the user can select the measurement conditions (setting information) among the correspondence information stored in the storage unit 504 (see fig. 6 and 7). The selected measurement conditions are sent to the electronic balance 2. The setting unit 304 of the electronic balance 2 performs setting based on the measurement conditions (setting information).

For example, the administrator may want to measure the object based on desired settings. The manager selects setting information indicating desired settings and transmits the setting information to the electronic balance 2. The electronic balance 2 performs setting based on the setting information. The measurer measures the mass of the object using the electronic balance 2 having been set as described above. If the manager uses the electronic balance system 100 in such a flow, the manager can cause the measurer to perform measurement based on the setting desired by the manager.

In addition, the manager can visually recognize not only the setting information but also the object corresponding to the setting information and the quality of the object. Therefore, when the manager wants to obtain the same measurement result as the object and the mass of the object in the past correspondence information, the manager may select the setting information of the object. For example, when the measurement result and the measurement condition relating to the object a2 in fig. 6 are stored as the past correspondence information, the user desires to measure the mass of the object a 2. In this case, the user may select the setting information of the object a 2. Thus, the user can measure the mass of the object again with the same setting as that of the object whose mass was measured in the past.

(3) In addition, with regard to the electronic balance 2, the setting based on the setting information transmitted from the external device 500 is not changed regardless of the operation of the electronic balance 2 by the user (e.g., a measurer) by the processing of the change prohibition unit 319. Therefore, for example, it is possible to prevent the settings of the electronic balance 2 from being changed due to an erroneous operation of the electronic balance 2 by a measurer.

(4) The measurement condition information of the present embodiment includes the setting of the electronic balance when measuring the mass of the object (see fig. 4 and the like). Therefore, even after the object is measured, the user can confirm the setting of the electronic balance when the mass of the object is measured.

[ modified examples ]

While the embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments. The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and applications can be made. Modifications and the like applicable to the present invention will be described below.

(1) In the present embodiment, the setting of the electronic balance 2 is exemplified as the measurement conditions. Other examples of the measurement conditions will be described below. Fig. 9A, 9B, 9C, and 9D are diagrams illustrating other measurement conditions. Hereinafter, the information indicating the measurement conditions is referred to as "measurement condition information" as needed. Fig. 9A, 9B, 9C, and 9D show measurement condition information corresponding to the object a 1. Actually, the measurement condition information also corresponds to other objects (for example, object a2, object A3, and object a 4).

(1-1) the measurement condition information may include an environment in which the mass of the object is measured. Hereinafter, the information indicating the environment is also referred to as environment information. The environmental information of fig. 9A includes temperature information, humidity information, and air pressure information.

In the example of fig. 9A, the mass of the object a1 is M1, the temperature at the time of measuring the mass is T1, the humidity at the time of measuring the mass is H1, and the air pressure at the time of measuring the mass is G1.

In addition, when the electronic balance 2 includes at least one sensor of the temperature sensor, the humidity sensor, and the air pressure sensor, the electronic balance 2 transmits the environmental information (parameter) acquired by the at least one sensor to the external device 500 in step S12 (see fig. 8). The temperature sensor detects the temperature around the electronic balance 2. The humidity sensor detects the humidity around the electronic balance 2. The air pressure sensor detects the air pressure around the electronic balance 2.

The external device 500 associates the measurement result transmitted in step S12 with the environmental information and stores the result as shown in fig. 9A.

In addition, as for the sensors not provided in the electronic balance 2, the user may input the environmental information measured by the sensors from the external device 500. For example, when the electronic balance 2 does not include an air pressure sensor but attempts to store the air pressure in the external device 500 in the form of correspondence information, the user visually recognizes the air pressure detected by the air pressure sensor. The user may input the air pressure to be visually recognized after the measurement of the object is completed.

The external device 500 does not store all of the environmental information (temperature information, humidity information, and atmospheric pressure information), and the external device 500 may store environmental information that affects the measurement of the object by the electronic balance 2, for example.

For example, the electronic balance 2 affects measurement of the object due to a change in temperature. An example of an electronic balance that affects the measurement of an object due to a change in temperature is an electromagnetic electronic balance.

For example, when the user cannot recognize that the measured mass is erroneous, but the user subsequently (for example, several days later) recognizes that the measured mass is erroneous, the user may try to confirm the temperature (a parameter that affects the measurement of the object) at the time of the measurement. When the user wants to confirm the temperature at the time of measurement, the temperature at the time of measurement can be confirmed by visually confirming the correspondence information. Therefore, the user can follow up the cause of the measured quality error, and can perform re-evaluation of the setting information and the like. In step S12 (refer to fig. 8), the electronic balance 2 transmits the environmental information (parameter) acquired by the at least one sensor to the external device 500.

(1-2) the measurement condition information may include information related to measurement of the mass of the object. The related information in fig. 9B includes the user name, the measurement location, the measurement date and time, and the electronic balance ID for measurement when the mass of the object is measured.

In the example of fig. 9B, with respect to the object a1, the mass is M1, the user name (user identification information) is N1, the measurement place is P1, the measurement date and time is D1, and the electronic balance ID (electronic balance identification information) for measurement is C1.

Next, a method of acquiring the electronic balance system 100 of the related information will be described. First, a user name will be described. For example, when the user uses the electronic balance system 100, the external device 500 inputs account information for user authentication to the external device 500. The external device 500 acquires the user identification information from the inputted account information.

Next, the location information will be described. The electronic balance 2 has a Global Positioning System (GPS) function, and the electronic balance 2 can acquire location information (e.g., information indicating longitude and latitude). In step S12 (see fig. 8), the electronic balance 2 transmits location information to the external device 500.

The external device 500 may have a function of searching for a measurement location from the IP address of the external device 500. In addition, the user can input the measurement location to the external device 500.

Next, the date and time information will be described. The electronic balance 2 has a timer function, and the electronic balance 2 can acquire date and time information when an object is measured. In step S12 (see fig. 8), the electronic balance 2 transmits date and time information to the external device 500.

The external device 500 may have a timer function to acquire date and time information of the object to be measured.

Next, the electronic balance identification information will be explained. The electronic balance 2 stores electronic balance identification information for identifying the electronic balance 2 in a predetermined storage area (for example, ROM 102). In step S12 (see fig. 8), the electronic balance 2 transmits electronic balance identification information to the external device 500.

The related information shown in fig. 9B is stored as the correspondence information by the external device 500, and when the user cannot recognize that the measured quality is erroneous, but the user finds that the measured quality is erroneous later (for example, several days later), the user can confirm the information indicated by the related information.

(1-3) in addition, the electronic balance 2 may use various auxiliary members. The auxiliary member is a member for assisting the mass of the object to be measured. The auxiliary member may be used while being attached to the electronic balance 2, or may be used without being attached to the electronic balance 2.

The auxiliary member includes, for example, a fixing member (not particularly shown), a windshield case 213 (see fig. 2 a and 2B), an ionizer (not particularly shown), a box, and a hook.

For example, there are cases where: since a container (bag box) for storing an object to be measured has a special shape or the like, the user cannot place the container on the weighing pan 23. The special-shaped container is, for example, a test tube. The fixing member is a member for fixedly mounting the container having the special shape on the weighing pan 23. The fixing member information related to the fixing member is information indicating whether or not the fixing member is used and a type of the fixing member when the fixing member is used.

As described in fig. 2 a and 2B, the damper housing 213 is a housing that prevents external air from flowing into the object (wind). Inside the damper housing 213, the volume inside the damper housing 213 can be changed by interposing the partition plate 11. The windshield case information related to the windshield case is information indicating whether or not the windshield case is used and whether or not the partition is present when the windshield case is used.

The ionizer is a static electricity removing device for removing static electricity of the weighing chamber 22 inside the windshield housing 213. The ionizer information related to the ionizer is whether the ionizer is used or not, and information indicating the setting of the ionizer when the ionizer is used.

The bag is a container for accommodating the object. The pack information related to the pack is information indicating the quality of the pack.

Next, the hook will be explained. For example, the hook may be used when a user cannot place a container (a box) containing an object to be measured on the weighing pan 23 due to the container having a special shape or the like. The hook is used in an electronic balance or the like in which a through hole is provided in the electronic balance 2 from the position of the weighing pan 23. The electronic balance 2 using the hook is used by being placed on a mounting table provided with a through hole. The hook is suspended through the through hole of the electronic balance 2 and the through hole of the mounting table. By attaching an object to be measured to the hook, the mass of the object can be measured without directly placing the object on the weighing pan 23. The hook information related to the hook is information indicating whether or not the hook is used.

In the example of fig. 9C, information indicating that no fixing member is used as the fixing member information corresponds to the object a 1. The information indicating that the windshield case is used as the windshield case information and that no partition is present corresponds to the object a 1. Information indicating that no ionizer is used as ionizer information corresponds to the object a 1. Information indicating that the pack has a mass of N1(g) as pack information corresponds to the object a 1. Information indicating that a hook is not used as the hook information corresponds to the object a 1.

The auxiliary member information shown in fig. 9C is stored in the form of correspondence information by the external device 500, and when the user cannot recognize that the measured quality is erroneous, but the user recognizes that the measured quality is erroneous later (for example, several days later), the user can confirm the information indicated by the auxiliary member information.

(1-4) the measurement condition information may also include energization time information. The energization time information is information indicating an energization time. The energization time is typically a time from "when the power supply to the electronic balance is started" to "when the mass of the object is measured". The term "when power supply to the electronic balance is started" means, for example, when a power switch (not shown) of the electronic balance is turned ON. The term "measuring the mass of the object" means, for example, lighting the stabilization mark 324 when measuring the mass of the object. Further, "when measuring the mass of the object" may be a case where an operation of an end button indicating the end of measurement of the mass of the object is performed.

In general, when the energization time of the electronic balance 2 is short, the mass of the object may not be accurately measured due to, for example, unstable control of the electronic balance 2. Accordingly, the external device 500 stores the power-on time in the form of corresponding information. Thus, when the user cannot recognize that the measured quality is incorrect, but subsequently recognizes that the measured quality is incorrect, the user can confirm how much the power-on time is by visually confirming the power-on time information.

The electronic balance 2 has a timer function, and starts counting time when the power switch is turned ON, and acquires a time from the start time to a time when the stability flag 324 is turned ON as the energization time. The electronic balance 2 transmits the energization time information to the external device 500 in step S12 (see fig. 8).

In addition, at least one of the four setting information described in the present embodiment, the three environment information described in fig. 9, the four related information, the five auxiliary member information, and the one energization time information may be used as the measurement condition information.

(2) In the present embodiment, the following is explained: the external device 500 stores the correspondence information transmitted from the electronic balance 2 in the storage portion 504, and the user selects the measurement condition information included in the stored correspondence information and transmits the selected information to the electronic balance 2.

However, the user may be allowed to input measurement condition information to the external device 500. The user can also transmit desired measurement condition information among the input measurement condition information to the electronic balance 2 by performing a selection operation as shown in fig. 6 and 7. Further, the user may input the name of the object whose mass is to be measured together with the measurement condition information. In this case, the measurement condition information and the object name are stored in association with each other.

For example, the administrator inputs the measurement condition information to the external device 500 on the day before the measurement day of the object, and transmits the input measurement condition information to the electronic balance 2. The electronic balance 2 receives the transmitted measurement condition information, and then performs setting based on the measurement condition.

Then, on the day of the measurement of the object, the measurer measures the object using the electronic balance 2 in which the measurement conditions desired by the manager are set. According to this configuration, the measurement can be performed by the manager using the electronic balance 2 under the measurement conditions desired by the manager (the measurement conditions input by the manager), without being limited to the measurement conditions in the past. Therefore, the convenience of the user (manager) can be improved.

That is, the electronic balance system of the present modification includes an electronic balance and an external device. The electronic balance includes a measuring unit for measuring the mass of an object. The external device includes: a storage unit for storing measurement conditions of the object; a selection accepting unit that accepts selection of the measurement condition stored in the storage unit; and a transmission unit that transmits the selected measurement condition to the electronic balance. The electronic balance further has: a receiving unit configured to receive the measurement condition transmitted by the transmitting unit; and a setting unit that sets the measurement condition received by the receiving unit.

(3) In the present embodiment, the following is explained: the correspondence information is stored in the storage unit 504 of the external device 500. However, the correspondence information may be stored in a storage unit (not shown) of the electronic balance 2. In such a configuration, the user can display the corresponding information (see fig. 4) on the display unit 30 of the electronic balance 2. Thus, the user can confirm the corresponding information. The electronic balance 2 receives a selection of a measurement condition (for example, setting information) from the user among the displayed correspondence information. The electronic balance 2 is set based on the selected setting information. Even in the electronic balance and the electronic balance system having such a configuration, the same effects as those of the electronic balance and the electronic balance system according to the present embodiment can be obtained.

(4) The following is explained: the external device 500 of the present embodiment is an information processing device such as a PC, a smart phone, or a tablet computer. However, the external device 500 may be other devices. For example, the other device may be a storage device externally connected to the electronic balance 2. The storage device may be, for example, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) memory. The electronic balance 2 causes the corresponding information to be stored in the USB memory. When the user visually recognizes the correspondence information, the USB memory storing the correspondence information is connected to another information processing apparatus (for example, a PC). The control unit of the information processing apparatus reads out the corresponding information from the connected USB memory and displays the information on the display unit. Even in the electronic balance and the electronic balance system having such a configuration, the same effects as those of the electronic balance and the electronic balance system according to the present embodiment can be obtained.

The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the scope of the claims, rather than the description, and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are intended to be embraced therein. Further, the configurations illustrated in the present embodiment and the configurations illustrated in the modifications may be appropriately combined.

Claims

1. An electronic balance system is characterized by comprising an electronic balance and an external device,

the electronic balance has:

a measuring section for measuring the mass of the object;

an acquisition unit that acquires measurement conditions of the object; and

a first transmission unit that transmits the measurement result of the object and the measurement condition to the external device, and transmits the measurement result and the measurement condition to the external device

The external device has:

a first receiving unit configured to receive the measurement result and the measurement condition transmitted by the first transmitting unit; and

and a storage unit configured to store the measurement result received by the first receiving unit and the measurement condition in association with each other.

2. The electronic balance system according to claim 1, wherein the external device has:

a selection accepting unit that accepts selection of the measurement condition stored in the storage unit; and

a second transmission unit for transmitting the selected measurement condition to the electronic balance, and

the electronic balance has:

a second receiving unit that receives the measurement condition transmitted by the second transmitting unit; and

and a setting unit that sets the measurement condition received by the second receiving unit.

3. The electronic balance system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the measurement condition includes a setting of the electronic balance when measuring the mass of the object.

4. The electronic balance system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the electronic balance is mountable with a mounting member to assist in determining the mass of the object,

the measurement condition includes information on the mounting member when measuring the mass of the object.

5. The electronic balance system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the measurement condition includes at least one of an environment, a date and time, a place, user identification information, and electronic balance identification information of the electronic balance (2) when the mass of the object is measured.

6. The electronic balance system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the measurement condition includes a time from when the electronic balance starts to be energized to when the mass of the object is measured.

7. The electronic balance system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein identification information of the object is input to the electronic balance or the external device, and the storage unit stores the identification information of the object, the measurement result, and the measurement condition in correspondence with each other.

8. An electronic balance, comprising:

a measuring section for measuring the mass of the object;

an acquisition unit that acquires measurement conditions of the object; and

and a transmission unit that transmits the measurement result of the object and the measurement condition to an external device so that the external device stores the measurement result of the object and the measurement condition in association with each other.

9. An electronic balance, comprising:

a measuring section for measuring the mass of the object;

an acquisition unit that acquires measurement conditions of the object; and

and a storage unit for storing the measurement result of the measurement unit and the measurement condition in association with each other.

10. The electronic balance according to claim 8, wherein there is:

a receiving unit configured to receive the measurement condition transmitted from the external device; and

and a setting unit that sets the measurement condition received by the receiving unit.

11. The electronic balance according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the measurement condition includes a setting of the electronic balance when measuring the mass of the object.

12. The electronic balance according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the electronic balance is mountable with a mounting member to assist in determining the mass of the object,

13. The electronic balance according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the measurement condition includes at least one of an environment, a date and time, a place, user identification information, and electronic balance identification information of the electronic balance when the mass of the object is measured.

14. The electronic balance according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the measurement condition includes a time from when energization of the electronic balance is started to when the mass of the object is measured.

15. The electronic balance according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein identification information of the object is input to the electronic balance, and the transmitting unit transmits the identification information of the object, the measurement result of the object, and the measurement condition to the external device so that the external device stores the identification information of the object, the measurement result of the object, and the measurement condition in association with each other.