JP2010048630A - Electronic balance and computer program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To inform a proper correspondence relation between a weight detection unit and a control unit with one-to-one relation. <P>SOLUTION: The electronic balance includes a weight detection unit WU having a load cell 53 (weighing part) and dip switch 204; and a control unit CU separate from the weight detection unit WU and storing a zero point adjustment value and a span adjustment value into a flash ROM 104 (nonvolatile memory) in relation to balance data of amplified and binarized electric signals output by the load cell 53 and calculating and displaying a measured value, based on the balance data by adding compensation based on the adjustment values, on a liquid crystal display 4 (indicator); in which the control unit CU stores a set value of the dip switch 204 into the flash ROM 104 as an initial set value, determines conformance/non-conformance with the initial set value stored in the flash ROM 104 by reading the current set value of the dip switch 204, and alarms when non-conformance is determined between the current set value and the initial set value. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention includes a weight detection unit including a weighing unit such as a load cell, a control unit that calculates a measurement value based on scale data obtained by amplifying an electric signal output from the measurement unit and binarized, and displays the measurement value on a display. , And a computer program installed in the computer of the control unit.

  A measuring unit such as a load cell has an individual difference in the value of an electric signal output according to the received load amount. For this reason, it is necessary to perform zero point adjustment and span adjustment on the scale data obtained by amplifying the electric signal output from the measuring unit and binarizing (see Patent Document 1).

  On the other hand, in an electronic scale in which a weight detection unit including a weighing unit such as a load cell and a control unit that calculates a measured value based on balance data and displays it on a display unit are separated from each other on the control unit side. A weighing value based on the scale data is calculated. For this reason, regarding the zero point adjustment value and the span adjustment value for the zero point adjustment and the span adjustment described above, those adjustment values must be stored on the control unit side. Therefore, the control unit prepares a non-volatile memory such as a flash ROM, stores and saves the zero point adjustment value and the span adjustment value in this non-volatile memory, and performs zero point adjustment and span adjustment for the balance data. It has been conventionally performed to apply.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 07-043197 (see paragraphs 0084, 0089 to 0090, 0133, etc.)

  Depending on facilities such as stores and factories that require an electronic scale, a plurality of electronic scales in which the weight detection unit and the control unit are separate may be introduced. Alternatively, for the convenience of layout change, the connection state between the weight detection unit and the control unit in a plurality of sets of electronic balances that have already been introduced may be once released and then connected again. On the other hand, the weight adjustment unit has a zero point adjustment value and a span adjustment value stored in the nonvolatile memory of the control unit that is separate from the weight detection unit. The detection unit and the control unit always have a one-to-one relationship. However, when a plurality of sets of electronic balances are newly introduced, or when the connection between the weight detection unit and the control unit in a plurality of sets of electronic balances that have already been introduced is interrupted, the weight detection unit and the control unit The correspondence with may break down. In this case, the control unit cannot correctly display the measurement value by the weight detection unit, which is extremely inconvenient.

  The present invention has been made in view of these points, and an object thereof is to notify an operator of the appropriateness of the correspondence between the weight detection unit and the control unit that are in a one-to-one relationship.

  The electronic balance of the present invention has a weighing pan, has a weighing unit that receives a load applied to the weighing pan and outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the load, and has a weight detection unit having a dip switch, A binarization circuit that amplifies an electric signal output from the weighing unit and binarizes it to convert it into scale data, and the weight detection unit is provided separately from the weight detection unit, and has a display unit. It has a non-volatile memory for storing the zero point adjustment value and span adjustment value for the balance data corresponding to the detection unit, and calculates the measurement value based on the balance data corrected by the adjustment value and displays it on the display A control unit having a data processing unit to be operated, wherein the data processing unit (1) stores a setting value of the dip switch as an initial setting value in the nonvolatile memory; and (2) the data A process of reading a current setting value of the DIP switch connected to the processing unit to determine a match / mismatch with an initial setting value stored in the nonvolatile memory; and (3) the current setting value and the And a process of performing a warning notification when it is determined that there is a mismatch with the initial set value.

  The present invention also defines a computer program that is installed in a computer (data processing unit) of the control unit and causes the computer to execute the processes (1) to (3).

  According to the present invention, when the current setting value of the dip switch connected to the data processing unit does not match the initial setting value stored in the nonvolatile memory, the weight detection unit that has a one-to-one relationship Since the correspondence relationship with the control unit is broken, it is possible to notify the operator of the appropriateness of the correspondence relationship between the weight detection unit and the control unit by performing an alarm notification. It is possible to prevent in advance the use of an incorrect measurement value generated by using the electronic balance while being broken.

  An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of the entire apparatus. The apparatus according to the present embodiment is an application example to an electronic balance ES in which a weight detection unit WU and a control unit CU are separately configured. The control unit CU is configured as a part of the label printer 1.

  A label printer 1 including a control unit CU in part includes a printer mechanism 3 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) inside a housing 2, and a liquid crystal display 4, which is a display with a touch panel TP, is provided above the housing 2. The keyboard 5 is provided on the upper surface of the housing 2. The keyboard 5 is provided with a numeric keypad 5a for inputting numerical values. The touch panel TP and the keyboard 5 constitute an input unit for operating and inputting information. In appearance, the housing 2 is provided with a label issuing port 6 on the front surface thereof.

  In the weight detection unit WU, a flat weighing pan 52 is similarly placed on top of a flat rectangular housing 51. The housing 51 incorporates a load cell 53 (see FIG. 5) as a measuring unit.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram conceptually showing the internal structure of the weight detection unit WU. The load cell 53 built in the weight detection unit WU has a thin portion 54, and a strain gauge SG bridge-connected to the upper surface of the upper thin portion 54 is formed by bonding. The load cell 53 has one end fixed to the base 55 and a load receiving portion 56 on the other end. A scale frame 57 is fixed to the load receiving portion 56. Although not shown in FIG. 2, the scale frame 57 has an X shape when viewed from above, and the weighing pans 52 are placed at the four corners. Therefore, the load cell 53 is provided so that the load receiving portion 56 receives the load from the weighing pan 52 and thereby the thin portion 54 is distorted. When the thin portion 54 is distorted, the resistance value of the strain gauge SG is changed, and an electric signal (current value) corresponding to the load received by the load receiving portion 56 can be taken out.

  FIG. 3 is an overall side view virtually showing the internal structure of the label printer 1. Here, the printer mechanism 3 built in the housing 2 will be described. First, in the housing 2, a sheet holding unit 9 that stores and holds a label sheet 8 in which a plurality of labels L are regularly attached to a long mount 7 at a predetermined interval in a roll shape. Is provided, and a guide path 10 is provided for guiding the label sheet 8 held and pulled out by the sheet holder 9 to a predetermined path. In the middle of the guide path 10, a printing unit 13 composed of a platen 11 and a line thermal head 12 that are opposed to each other with the guide path 10 interposed therebetween, and a label peeling located on the downstream side of the sheet conveyance path from the printing unit 13. A peeling plate 14 as a part is arranged. Further, at the end of the guide path 10, a mount winding mechanism 16 that winds the mount 7 after the label L is peeled off is mounted on the mount winding shaft 15.

  FIG. 4 is an enlarged vertical side view showing the printing unit 13, the peeling plate 14, and the mount winding shaft 15 built in the label printer 1. The printing unit 13 has a unit structure in which the platen 11 and the line thermal head 12 are attached to the head frame 17. That is, the platen 11 is rotatably attached to the head frame 17 so as to be driven to rotate by a drive unit (not shown). The line thermal head 12 is attached to a head bracket 18 that is rotatably attached to the head frame 17. The head bracket 18 holds the line thermal head 12 so that the line thermal head 12 can abut a heating element (not shown) against the platen 11. A plate spring 19 is flexibly attached to the head bracket 18, and the plate spring 19 is pressed by a cam mechanism 20, whereby a heating element (not shown) of the line thermal head 12 is pressed against the platen 11. The head frame 17 is provided with an elastic body 21 for guiding the label paper 8 while removing the slack of the label paper 8 and guide pins 22 for smoothly guiding the label paper 8 between the platen 11 and the line thermal head 12. It has been. The label paper 8 is guided to the guide path 10 by the elastic body 21, the guide pins 22 and the printing unit 13, and is conveyed by the rotation of the platen 11 and the mount winding shaft 15. The platen 11 and the mount winding shaft 15 are rotationally driven by a drive source (not shown) so as to be rotatable forward and backward. Therefore, the elastic body 21, the guide pin 22, the printing unit 13, and the mount winding shaft 15 constitute a paper transport mechanism. The paper transport mechanism is a mechanism for transporting the label paper 8 having the label L attached to the mount 7 along the guide path 10 in the forward and backward directions.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the electrical connection of each part of the weight detection unit WU and the control unit CU built in the label printer 1. Each of the weight detection unit WU and the control unit CU will be described.

  First, the weight detection unit WU will be described. The weight detection unit WU includes an amplifier circuit 201 that amplifies an output signal (current) taken out from the strain gauge SG of the load cell 53, and an analog-digital converter (ADC) that binarizes the analog signal output from the amplifier circuit 201. ) 202. The amplifier circuit 201 and the analog-digital converter 202 constitute a binarization circuit 203 that amplifies the electric signal (current) output from the load cell 53 and binarizes it to convert it into scale data. The output terminal of the analog-digital converter 202 is connected to an I / O 106 of a CPU 102 described later that the control unit CU has. The weight detection unit WU also includes a dip switch 204. The dip switch 204 can manually set several bits of information using, for example, a minus driver. Similarly to the output terminal of the analog-digital converter 202, the output terminal of the dip switch 204 is also connected to an I / O 106 of a CPU 102 described later that the control unit CU has.

  Next, the control unit CU will be described. The control unit CU built in the label printer 1 is provided with a microcomputer 101 as a data processing unit, and the microcomputer 101 drives and controls each unit. The microcomputer 101 includes a flash ROM 104 as a non-volatile memory that stores in advance fixed information such as a BIOS and a program for controlling each unit via the bus line 103, and a variety of information. Is rewritable and is connected to a RAM 105 that functions as a work area or the like. Therefore, the microcomputer 101 constitutes an information processing unit having a firmware configuration for executing information processing.

  As described above, the analog / digital converter 202 and the DIP switch 204 of the weight detection unit WU are connected to the I / O 106 of the CPU 102. This connection is performed by an intermittent connection by the connector CT between the weight detection unit WU and the control unit CU.

  In FIG. 5, the CPU 102, the flash ROM 104, and the RAM 105 are displayed as a single component. However, the CPU 102, the flash ROM 104, and the RAM 105 may be divided into a plurality of solids. In particular, the component displayed as the RAM 105 includes at least a chip used as a work area and a chip constituting an image memory.

  A printer control circuit 107 that drives and controls the printer mechanism unit 3, a liquid crystal display 4, a touch panel TP, and a keyboard 5 are connected to the microcomputer 101 via a bus line 103. The video controller (not shown) for the liquid crystal display 4 and the input controller (not shown) for the touch panel and keyboard 5 are connected to the bus line 103. Therefore, the microcomputer 101 transmits print data according to the image data generated in the image memory of the RAM 105 to the printer control circuit 107 together with the print control signal, and executes a print operation corresponding to the print data to the printer mechanism unit 3. Let Further, the microcomputer 101 captures input signals from the touch panel TP and the keyboard 5 and temporarily stores them in the RAM 105. Further, the microcomputer 101 outputs a drive control signal to the video controller and causes the liquid crystal display 4 to display an image corresponding to the image data.

  A network card 108 is also connected to the microcomputer 101 via the bus line 103. The network card 108 connects the microcomputer 101 to a network (not shown) and realizes data transmission / reception with an external device.

  Prior to its use, the label printer 1 acquires a PLU file 301 and a message file 302 including data to be printed on the label L, and stores them in the RAM 105. These PLU file 301 and message file 302 are acquired from an external device via the network card 108. The PLU file 301 manages various data such as the product name (text data), the unit price (numerical data), the expiration date (numerical data), etc. in association with the product number which is the product code. The message file 302 manages message data (text data) related to a product storage method and additives in association with product numbers that are product codes.

  In such a configuration, the label printer 1 generates label data of an item whose weight is measured by the weight detection unit WU in the control unit CU, and drives and controls the printer mechanism unit 3 based on the generated label data. A sales label can be created by printing on the label L of the paper 8 based on the label data. The produced sales label is issued from the label issuing port 6 and can be affixed to an item weighed by the weight detection unit WU.

  FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the correspondence between the weight detection unit WU and the control unit CU (label printer 1). Here, it is assumed that a plurality of electronic balances ES in which the weight detection unit WU and the control unit CU are combined are provided. 6 is a combination of the weight detection unit WU1 and the control unit CU1, and the electronic balance ES2 is a combination of the weight detection unit WU2 and the control unit CU2.

  Here, the load cell 53 has an individual difference in the electric signal value (current value) of the strain gauge SG output according to the received load amount. Therefore, as described above, it is necessary to perform zero point adjustment and span adjustment on the balance data obtained by amplifying the electric signal output from the load cell 53 by the amplifier circuit 201 and binarizing by the analog-digital converter 202. It is. The electronic balance ES according to the present embodiment has a structure in which a measurement value based on the balance data is calculated on the control unit CU side, and the zero point adjustment value and the span adjustment value for the zero point adjustment and the span adjustment are supplied to the control unit. It must be stored on the CU side. Therefore, the control unit CU stores the zero point adjustment value X and the span adjustment value Y of the corresponding weight detection unit WU in the flash ROM 104. For this reason, in the electronic balance ES, the weight detection unit WU and the control unit CU are in a one-to-one relationship and cannot be switched and connected. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the weight detection unit WU1 and the control unit CU1 constitute a set of electronic balances ES1, and the weight detection unit WU2 and the control unit CU2 constitute a set of electronic balances ES2. The weight detection unit WU1 and the control unit CU2 cannot be combined, or the weight detection unit WU2 and the control unit CU1 cannot be combined.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, in order to prevent such inappropriate replacement from occurring in advance, a set value Z that becomes the ID of the weight detection unit WU is set in the dip switch 204 provided in the weight detection unit WU. Set it. In the flash ROM 104 of the control unit CU, the same numerical value as the setting value Z of the dip switch 204 serving as the ID of the weight detection unit WU to which the control unit CU corresponds is set and stored as the initial setting value Z. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the setting value Z1 is set in the DIP switch 204 of the weight detection unit WU1, and the initial setting value Z1 is set and stored in the flash ROM 104 of the control unit CU1 corresponding thereto. Similarly, a setting value Z2 is set in the DIP switch 204 of the weight detection unit WU2, and an initial setting value Z2 is set and stored in the flash ROM 104 of the control unit CU2 corresponding thereto.

  Thus, when the electronic balance ES is initially installed or when the weight detection unit WU that has been connected once due to a layout change or the like is disconnected from the control unit CU (label printer 1) and reconnected, the weight detection unit WU dip By determining whether or not the set value Z set in the switch 204 matches the initial set value Z set and stored in the flash ROM 104 of the control unit CU, the matching state of both can be easily determined.

  Here, the setting storage process of the initial setting value Z to the flash ROM 104 in the control unit CU will be described. Here, another example is shown in FIG. 7 and FIG.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of processing for setting and storing the initial set value (ID of the weight detection unit) in the flash ROM 104 of the control unit CU. The control unit CU of the label printer 1 starts up a computer program (software) for initial setting value setting stored in the flash ROM 104 after power-on (step S11). Such software activation can be executed by definition on the BIOS stored in the flash ROM 104, for example.

  The activated software causes the CPU 102 to access the address at which the initial setting value of the flash ROM 104 is stored, and determines whether or not the initial setting value = NULL (step S12). If the CPU 102 determines that the initial setting value is not NULL (N in step S12), that is, if the initial setting value is stored in the flash ROM 104, the processing ends. On the other hand, when the CPU 102 determines that the initial setting value = NULL (Y in step S12), that is, when the initial setting value is not stored in the flash ROM 104, the CPU 102 accesses the weight detection unit WU. Then, a process for reading the status (set value Z) of the dip switch 204 is executed (step S13). If the status (set value Z) of the DIP switch 204 is read, the read set value Z is set and stored as the initial set value Z of the flash ROM 104 (step S14). Accordingly, the ID of the corresponding weight detection unit WU is stored in the flash ROM 104 as the initial setting value Z. Thereafter, the process ends.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing another example of processing for setting and storing the initial setting value (weight detection unit ID) in the flash ROM 104 of the control unit CU. The control unit CU of the label printer 1 activates a computer program (software) for setting initial setting values stored in the flash ROM 104 after power is turned on (step S21). Such software activation can be executed by definition on the BIOS stored in the flash ROM 104, for example.

  The activated software causes the CPU 102 to access the address at which the initial setting value of the flash ROM 104 is stored, and determines whether or not the initial setting value = NULL (step S22). If the CPU 102 determines that the initial setting value is not NULL (N in step S22), that is, if the initial setting value is stored in the flash ROM 104, the processing ends. On the other hand, when the CPU 102 determines that the initial setting value = NULL (Y in step S22), that is, when the initial setting value is not stored in the flash ROM 104, the CPU 102 displays the initial setting value input screen A on the liquid crystal display. This is displayed on the display 4 (step S23).

  The input screen A for initial setting is illustrated in the flowchart of FIG. The input screen A displays an initial setting value input field A1 based on the numeric value of the numeric keypad 5a provided on the keyboard 5, and a confirmation button A2. The confirmation button A2 is displayed as an object that can be touch-designated by the touch panel TP. Therefore, the operator inputs a numerical value that is the same as the set value Z set in the DIP switch 204 of the weight detection unit WU using the numeric keypad 5a. Thereby, CPU102 displays the numerical value by which the numerical value was input in input column A1, and uses for an operator's visual confirmation. Thereafter, the operator touches the confirmation button A2 using the touch panel TP.

  Then, the CPU 102 determines input confirmation of the numerical value input in the input field A1 (Y in step S24), and sets and stores the input numerical value as the initial setting value Z of the flash ROM 104 (step S25). Accordingly, the ID of the corresponding weight detection unit WU is stored in the flash ROM 104 as the initial setting value Z. Thereafter, the process ends.

  Next, the dip of the weight detection unit WU2 at the time of initial installation of the electronic balance ES or when the connection between the weight detection unit WU and the control unit CU (label printer 1) connected once due to layout change or the like is released and reconnected. A process for determining whether or not the set value Z set in the switch 204 matches the initial set value Z set and stored in the flash ROM 104 of the control unit CU2 will be described. The flowchart of FIG. 9 is used.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a process for confirming the correspondence between the weight detection unit WU and the control unit CU (label printer 1), which is executed when the weight detection unit WU is connected to the control unit CU. The control unit CU of the label printer 1 activates a computer program (software) for checking the correspondence between the weight detection unit WU stored in the flash ROM 104 and the control unit CU (label printer 1) after the power is turned on (step). S101). Such software activation can be executed by definition on the BIOS stored in the flash ROM 104, for example.

  The activated software accesses the currently connected weight detection unit WU, and executes a process of reading the status (setting value Z) of the dip switch 204 (step S102). If the status (set value Z) of the DIP switch 204 is read, the read set value Z is temporarily stored in the work area of the RAM 105, and it is determined whether or not the initial set value Z set and stored in the flash ROM 104 matches. (Step S103). As a result, whether the ID of the currently connected weight detection unit WU is correct, that is, whether the ID of the weight detection unit WU corresponding to its own control unit CU stored as the initial setting value Z in the flash ROM 104 is obtained. Whether it is determined. When determining that the ID of the weight detection unit WU is correct (Y in step S103), the CPU 102 ends the process as it is. On the other hand, if the CPU 102 determines that the ID of the weight detection unit WU is not correct (N in step S103), the CPU 102 displays a warning message for prompting the operator to confirm the ID number on the liquid crystal display 4 (step S104). Warning notification is performed.

  Thus, when the current setting value Z of the dip switch 204 of the weight detection unit WU connected to the microcomputer 101 of the control unit CU does not match the initial setting value Z stored in the flash ROM 104, a pair of Since the correspondence relationship between the weight detection unit WU and the control unit CU that should be in one relationship is broken, an alarm notification is performed. As a result, the operator can be informed of the appropriateness of the correspondence between the weight detection unit WU and the control unit CU, and an incorrect measurement value generated by using the electronic balance ES while the correspondence between the weight detection unit WU and the control unit CU is broken is used. Can be prevented in advance.

1 is an external perspective view of an entire apparatus showing an embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows notionally the internal structure of a weight detection unit. It is the whole side view which shows the internal structure of a label printer virtually. It is a vertical side view which expands and shows the printing part incorporated in the label printer, a peeling plate, and a mount winding shaft. It is a block diagram which shows the electrical connection of a weight detection unit and a control unit. It is a schematic diagram which shows the correspondence of a weight detection unit and a control unit (label printer). It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process which sets and memorize | stores an initial setting value (ID of a weight detection unit) in flash ROM of a control unit. It is a flowchart which shows another example of the process which sets and memorize | stores an initial setting value (ID of a weight detection unit) in flash ROM of a control unit. It is a flowchart which shows the process which confirms the correspondence of both performed at the time of a connection of a weight detection unit and a control unit (label printer).

Explanation of symbols

  4 ... Liquid crystal display (display), 5a ... Numeric keypad, 52 ... Weighing pan, 53 ... Load cell (weighing unit), 101 ... Microcomputer (data processing unit), 104 ... Flash ROM (nonvolatile memory), 203 ... Binary Circuit 204, DIP switch, CU ... control unit, WU ... weight detection unit

Claims (6)

A weight detection unit having a weighing pan, having a weighing unit that receives a load applied to the weighing pan and outputs an electric signal corresponding to the load, and having a dip switch;
A binarizing circuit that amplifies the electric signal output from the weighing unit and binarizes it to convert it into scale data;
A non-volatile memory provided separately from the weight detection unit, having a display, and storing a zero point adjustment value and a span adjustment value for the scale data corresponding to each weight detection unit, A control unit having a data processing unit that calculates a measurement value based on the scale data corrected by the adjustment value and displays on the display unit;
With
The data processing unit
Storing the setting value of the DIP switch in the nonvolatile memory as an initial setting value;
A process of reading a current setting value of the dip switch connected to the data processing unit and determining a match / mismatch with an initial setting value stored in the nonvolatile memory;
Processing for notifying a warning when determining a mismatch between the current set value and the initial set value;
Run the electronic scale.   The electronic scale according to claim 1, wherein the data processing unit executes a process of reading a setting value of the DIP switch connected to the data processing unit and storing the setting value in the nonvolatile memory as an initial setting value. The control unit has a numeric keypad that can be entered,
The data processing unit executes a process of storing a value set by the numeric keypad as an initial setting value in the nonvolatile memory.
The electronic balance according to claim 1.   The electronic scale according to claim 3, wherein the data processing unit displays an input field of an initial setting value based on a numeric value of the numeric keypad on the display.   The electronic scale according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the data processing unit executes a process of storing an initial setting value only when an initial setting value is not stored in the nonvolatile memory. It has a weighing pan, has a weighing unit that receives a load applied to the weighing pan and outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the load, and is provided separately from the weight detection unit having a dip switch. A non-volatile memory for storing a zero point adjustment value and a span adjustment value for the scale data binarized by amplifying the electric signal output from the weighing unit corresponding to each of the weight detection units, Installed in the computer of the control unit having a computer that calculates a weight value based on the scale data corrected with those adjustment values and displays on the display,
Storing the setting value of the DIP switch in the nonvolatile memory as an initial setting value;
A process of reading a current setting value of the dip switch connected to the data processing unit and determining a match / mismatch with an initial setting value stored in the nonvolatile memory;
Processing for notifying a warning when determining a mismatch between the current set value and the initial set value;
A machine-readable computer program that executes

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