JPH02190718A - Method and device for weighing - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To measure even plural objects continuously without making them wait in front of a scale instrument by providing the scale instrument, a storage means, an effective data section setting means, and an arithmetic means. CONSTITUTION:The scale instrument is equipped with a scale base for passing objects to be weighed and four load cells 1b arranged so as to bear and support the four corners of the scale base. Further, time-series weighed value data on the objects which are obtained from the storage means 8A and scale instrument are inputted in order. Further, the effective data section setting means 8B specifies an effective data section T1 where only one object is weighed from the input time-series weighed value data. Then the arithmetic means 8E computes the weighed value data in the effective data section T1 to find the stationary weight value of the object. This constitution eliminates the need to make following objects to be measured wait in front of the scale instrument until weighed value data on an object passing on the scale instrument is all inputted completely.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a weighing device capable of measuring a static weight value of an object to be weighed, such as an animal or a vehicle, even while moving on a weighing device.

[Conventional technology]

This type of weighing device is capable of measuring the static weight of an animal such as a cow while walking on the scale, and has been proposed by the applicant for some time. (Japanese Patent Application No. 63-108267).

The weighing device cited here allows a cow to walk on a scale, and sequentially captures and stores time-series weight data of the cow obtained from the scale.

The walking periodicity of this time-series weighing value data is determined from this weighing value data, and a data section in which the cow is completely on the scale is identified. Then, the static weight value of the cow is determined by averaging the time-series weighing value data within this data interval.

In this way, there is no need to keep the cow still on the scale, so there is an advantage that even the static weight of many cows can be measured in a short time.

[Problem to be solved by the invention]

The above-mentioned weighing device captures and stores the time-series weighing value data of the cow, and calculates the static weight value by calculating based on the time-series weighing value data, so it is necessary to continue collecting weighing value data over a certain period of time. There is. Therefore, until the weighing value data of the cows on the scale have been completely collected, it is necessary to keep the following cows waiting in front of the scale so that they do not get on the scale. In this case, even if a subsequent cow gets on the scale while the time-series weighing data of the cows is being taken on the scale, it cannot be determined that the weighing data for two cows has been captured. As a result, a static weight value that is larger than the true static weight value may be obtained.
It may become impossible to measure.

As described above, although it is possible to measure the static weight of a cow by walking it on a scale, it is only possible to measure the static weight value on a one-time basis, and there is a drawback that the advantages cannot be fully utilized. This is basically the same when measuring the static weight value of other measurement objects such as vehicles.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to enable continuous measurement without having to wait in front of a weighing device even if there are a plurality of objects to be measured.

[Means to solve the problem]

In order to achieve the above objects, the present invention is characterized by the following points.

In the first invention, (1) passing an object to be measured over a weighing surface of a weighing device;
Sequentially importing time-series weight value data of the object to be measured obtained from the weighing device, (2) identifying a valid data interval in which only one object to be measured is weighed from the time-series weight value data; (3) The feature is that the static weight value of the object to be weighed is determined from the weighing value data in this valid data interval.

In the second invention, the upper threshold value is set to a value slightly heavier than the predicted maximum static weight value of the object to be weighed, and the lower limit value is set to a value slightly lighter than the predicted minimum static weight value of the measured object. The method is characterized in that a threshold value is used, and an interval in which the weighed value appears within a range between an upper threshold value and a lower threshold value is specified as a valid data interval.

In the third invention, (i) a weighing device that causes an object to be measured to pass over a weighing surface; (2) a storage means that sequentially captures time-series weight value data of the object to be measured obtained from the weighing device; (3) a valid data interval setting means for specifying a valid data interval in which only one object to be weighed is weighed from the imported time-series weight value data; A feature of the weighing device is that it is equipped with a computing means for computing and determining the static weight value of the object to be weighed.

In a fourth invention, the effective data interval setting means includes a first photosensor located on the entrance side of the weighing device and detecting that an object to be weighed has entered the weighing device, and a first photosensor located on the exit side of the weighing device. and a second photosensor for detecting that the object to be weighed has escaped from the weighing device, and is characterized in that it specifies an effective data interval based on information from the first photosensor and the second photosensor. .

[Operations of the first invention and the third invention] The first invention specifies a method for measuring, and the third invention specifies an apparatus for embodying the measuring method. First, pass the object to be measured over the weighing surface,
Time-series weight value data of the object to be measured obtained from the weighing device is sequentially taken in. Next, a valid data section in which only one object to be measured is weighed is identified from the time-series weighing value data. Then, the static weight value of the object to be weighed is determined from the weighing value data in this valid data interval.

[Operation of the second invention] The following effects are added to the first invention.

In other words, when identifying the valid data interval, the upper threshold value is set to a value that is slightly heavier than the predicted maximum static weight of the object to be weighed, and a value that is slightly lighter than the predicted minimum static weight of the object to be weighed. Let the value be the lower threshold. Then, within the range between the upper limit threshold and the lower limit threshold, a section in which the weighed value appears is specified as a valid data section.

[Function of the fourth invention] Intrusion of the object to be measured into the weighing device is detected by the first photosensor located on the entrance side of the weighing device. Further, a second photosensor located on the exit side of the weigher detects that the object to be weighed has escaped from the weigher. Then, the valid data section is specified based on the information from the first photosensor and the second photosensor.

[Effects of the first invention and the third invention] Even when a plurality of objects to be weighed pass over the scale in a continuous state, the objects to be weighed do not pass over the scale alone, even if temporarily. If there is enough time, it is possible to identify a valid data section in which only one object to be weighed is weighed from the captured time-series weighing value data. therefore,
There is no need to wait for subsequent weighing objects in front of the scale until the weighing data of the weighing object passing over the scale has been taken. It can be measured.

[Effect of the second invention] By internally processing the imported time-series weighing value data, the valid data interval is specified and the static weight value of the object to be weighed is determined. Clearly abnormal weighing values (such as when two animals are stacked or when they are not properly mounted) can be easily eliminated. Moreover, a sensor or the like for detecting that the object to be measured is being weighed singly by the scale becomes unnecessary.

This is particularly effective when the static weight values of the objects to be weighed are close to each other, or when it is difficult to detect individual objects using a sensor such as a photo sensor.

[Effect of the fourth invention] An effective data section is specified based on information from the first and second photosensors provided on the inlet side and the outlet side of the weighing device,
Since the static weight value of the object to be weighed is determined, internal processing of the captured time-series weighing value data becomes easy. This is effective in the case of walking animals, etc., where the time-series weighing value data has a large fluctuation value, or in the case where the static weight value of the object to be weighed is disparate.

[First Embodiment] Hereinafter, a case where the weighing device of the present invention is applied to measuring the weight of a cow will be described as an example.

As shown in Figures 8 and 9, while the cow is walking on the scale (1) in the walking path where the cow is accustomed to walking, such as between the livestock pen and the pasture, We installed a weighing device that can measure the static weight of the cow.

The weighing device has a weighing device (1) as its main part. A guide path (R1) is connected to the entrance side of the weighing machine (1) for guiding cattle one by one to the weighing machine (1), and a guideway (R1) is connected to the exit side for guiding cattle one by one to the weighing machine (1). Connect the evacuation path (R2) to the location. In addition, an antenna (2) for transmitting and receiving tags is provided on the side of the weighing device (1), and a measuring device (3) having a measurement processing unit (H) is located at a location slightly away from the weighing device (1). ) has been established. Note that the fences (4) installed on both sides of the cow walking route are for horizontally restricting one cow to walk along the route.

The weighing device (1) includes a weighing platform (1a) and a weighing platform (1).
It is equipped with four load cells (lb) arranged so as to receive and support the four corners of a). The weighing platform (LA) is designed so that one cow can walk while fully on top of it.
It is set at 3m, which is slightly longer than the body length. A rubber mat (lc) is placed on the top surface of the weighing platform (la) to reduce the impact when the cow puts her foot down. Further, the output signal of each load cell (1b) is outputted as weighed value data to the measurement processing section (H) and added.

A tag (5) for communicating with the tag transmitting/receiving antenna (2) is hung from the neck of each cow.

This tag (5) stores a unique number for sorting each cow. When the cow walks on the weighing platform (LA) and the tag (5) and the tag transmitting/receiving antenna (2) come within communication distance, the tag transmitting/receiving antenna (2) responds to the tag (5). A request signal is transmitted, and the cow identification number stored in the tag (5) is transmitted to the tag transmitting/receiving antenna (
2) and output to the measurement processing section (H) via the controller (6). That is, the measurement processing unit (H) specifies one cow among the plurality of cows, and measures the static weight value of the walking cow together with the specific information.

As shown in FIG. 1, the measurement processing section (H) includes an input means (7) for receiving and receiving electrical signals as time-series weighing value data sent from the load cell (lb), It consists of a central control unit (8) that sequentially takes in and stores series weighing value data and determines a static weight value, and an output means (9) that outputs the determined static weight value.

The input means (7) includes an amplifier (7A) for amplifying the analog electrical signal from the load cell (1b), a low-pass filter (7B) for smoothing the output of the amplifier, and a smoothed signal at a predetermined sampling time. and an A/D converter (7C) for quantization.

The central control device (8) includes a memory (8) as a storage means for storing time series data of sampled weight values.
A), the lower threshold value (W, ., .1) and the upper threshold value (Wu, .e1) are determined from the stored time-series weighing value data.
), the first valid data interval setting means (8
B), a gait periodicity evaluation means (8C) that calculates the gait periodicity from time-series data within the first valid data section (T1), and a gait periodicity evaluation means (8C) that calculates the gait periodicity from the time series data within the first valid data section (T1); ) from the time-series weighing value data.
a second valid data interval setting means (8D) for setting a valid data interval (T2); and the second valid data interval (T1).
and calculation means (8E) for calculating the static weight value of the walking animal from the time-series weighing value data, and these are configured with a microcomputer as the main part. The lower threshold (W + 1.1) is set to a value that is slightly lighter than the expected minimum static weight of the cow to be weighed, and the upper threshold (W ppsr) is set to a value slightly heavier than the expected maximum static weight of the cow to be weighed.

The output means (9) is a CRT (9A) that displays the read unique number of the cow and the calculated static weight value of the cow.
and a printer (9B) that prints them. Further, the escape path (R2) is provided with a switching gate (G) for switching the course of the cow after weighing depending on whether or not weighing is possible.

Next, the operation of each part when weighing cattle at appropriate intervals using the weighing device configured as described above will be explained. However, only one cow is to be measured, and the case where a large number of cows are continuously weighed will be explained later.

Now, when the cow guided by the guideway (R1) passes through the entrance gate and gets on the weighing platform (LA), the analog electrical signals from the four load cells (LB) are summed up and sent to the measurement processing section (H). Output to. The signal output from this amplifier (7A) (see Figure 2) is filtered through a low-pass filter (7A).
B) to remove harmonic components (see Figure 3),
Further, the signal is quantized by an A/D converter (7C) at a predetermined sampling time. Here, FIG. 4 shows an enlarged view of the main part of the signal in FIG. 3.

When the quantized weighing value data (hereinafter simply referred to as weighing value data) exceeds a set value (K1) that is slightly larger than the weight of the weighing platform (la), the cow begins to ride on the weighing platform (1a). The time-series weighing value data is sequentially stored in the memory (8A) as a sampling series, and when the time-series weighing value data falls below the set value (K1), it is assumed that the cow has gotten off the weighing platform (1a). , the loading of the weighed value data is completed. The time-series weighing value data stored in this memory bar 8A) becomes the sample weighing value data.

From the sample weight data, the lower threshold value (W, . . .
6. ) and the upper threshold (W, p, .1) is the first valid data interval (T1).
It is set by the valid data section setting means (8B).

Then, from the weighing value data group within this first valid data section (T1), the maximum value is determined by the gait periodicity evaluation means (8C):
Wmax is calculated. The value of 90% of this maximum value is set as a threshold value (K1), and the weighing value data group (the entire weight of the cow is surely placed on the weighing platform (1a)) has a value greater than or equal to this threshold value (K1). (considered as a group of weighed value data) is obtained, and from this data group, the longest continuous data group is obtained.Furthermore, gait periodicity evaluation means (8C)
The existence of a local maximum value is checked from the continuous data group. As shown in FIG. 4, the first data section (T1
), there are six local maximum values Wl to W6 that satisfy this condition.

Then, the second valid data interval setting means (8D) sets a second valid data interval (T1) with the starting point at the time when the first local maximum value Wl appears and the ending point at the time when the sixth local maximum value W6 appears. Ru.

The weighing value data within the second valid data interval (T1) set in this way is averaged by the calculating means (8E), and the substantial static weight value of the cow walking on the weighing platform (la) is calculated. Calculated. By the way, how many walking cycles of mountains to include in the setting of the second valid data section (Tri) is determined by
It can be set in advance depending on the type of walking animal, the natural frequency of the weighing device (1), etc.

What is important here is that the continuous data group serving as the calculation element is heavier than the minimum static weight value of the cow predicted by the first valid data interval setting means (8B), and lighter than the maximum static weight value of the cow. This is the point where it is conditional.

Next, the basic method and operation of each part when continuously weighing cattle using the above-mentioned weighing device will be explained.

In continuous weighing, multiple cows are weighed very closely together on the weighing platform (one
a) one after another, a phenomenon occurs in which the weighed value data taken in does not fall below the weighing end threshold (K1). In other words, even though one cow is completely on the weighing platform (1a), the hind legs of the preceding cow may remain on the weighing platform (la), or the front legs of the following cow may already be on the weighing platform (la). ). For this reason, as shown in FIG. 5, weighing value data is synthesized with weighing value data of a plurality of cows with time differences, and various states are mixed in the weighing value data.

The table in FIG. 6 is a table in which the column weighing value data in FIG. 5 is divided into sections and meanings are assigned to each section. Incidentally, COW written in FIG. 6 means a cow.

In this way, from among the weighing value data taken in, a section that includes only the weighing value data of the target cow, in other words, a data section in which only one cow is completely on the weighing platform (1a) is identified and cut out. This requires solid-state data separation technology. In this measuring device, the identification of the data interval by this solid data separation technology is performed by the first data interval setting means (8C) and the second data interval setting means (8D).
).

Now, suppose that the same weighing device as described above is used to continuously weigh cattle, and time-series weighing value data as shown in FIG. 7 is obtained. Since the mountain on the left side of the graph in FIG. 7 has the same shape as the graph in FIG. 3, it can be seen that it is the weighed value data for one cow. In other words, from the time one cow puts its front feet on the weighing platform (1a) until its hind legs get off the weighing platform (la), no other cows
This shows that he did not put his foot on point a).

This is equivalent to weighing one cow individually. a
, b are set as the first valid data interval ('rt), and only the interval marked ■ with walking periodicity is set as the second valid data interval (T2).

Furthermore, it can be seen that the multiple mountains on the right side are time-series weighing value data for multiple cows.

The interval of cldSel fs g is the first valid data interval (
T1), among which there are gait periodic ■, ■,
The section (2) is set as the second valid data section (T1). Since the sections d and f have no walking periodicity, they are truncated without being set as the second valid data section (T1). From these facts, it can be seen that the mountain on the right contains weighing value data for three cows. The static weight values of the three cows are obtained by calculating the weighing value data of the second effective data interval ('rt) corresponding to the intervals ■, ■, ■ using the method described above.

[Second Example] Next, the first effective data section (
A case will be described in which T1) is specified using two photosensors. In short, as shown in Fig. 1θ, first and second transmissive photosensors (PI) located at a height near the chest of the cow are placed on the inlet and outlet sides of the weighing device (1).
One or more (PO) are provided, and the first and second photosensors (p+) and (P0) are used to sequentially count the number of cows walking on the weighing platform (la), and the numbers are compared with the weighed value data. The first valid data interval (T1)
is set.

The first and second photosensors (p+) and (p0) are set to be turned on when light is interrupted. These first
・The output of the second fat sensor (P1) and (P0) is 5PI
The first example is N, 5Pout and applied to the previous example.
Figure 1. The time from when the cow starts getting on the weighing platform (LA) until it completely gets off is the 5PIN UP Edge and 5PO
CII C caught between UT's DOWN Edge! , C
a, corresponds to section C4. However, there is no corresponding DOWN edge at the end of the section C1. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is assumed that the DOWN edge is located in the center of the section C1. By the way, CII C2+C
The section where the section 3t C- overlaps is a section where a plurality of cows are riding on the weighing platform (1a) in some form.

Therefore, these intervals are the intervals CI+Ct, Ca
, must be excluded from C4. The sections S+, St, Ss, and S4 thus obtained become the first valid data section ('r1). This first valid data interval ('ri)
The second valid data interval (T1
) is set. ■ Becomes the second valid data interval (T1)
It can be seen that the intervals , ■, and ■ coincide with the intervals ■, ■, and ■, which is the second valid data interval (T2) shown in FIG.

Note that although a photosensor is particularly used in this embodiment, it is also possible to use other object detection sensors such as a sonic sensor or an infrared sensor instead.

[Third Example] Next, the first effective data section (
A case will be described in which T1) is identified using a tag and a photosensor. As shown in Figure 12, tag (5)
For example, something hung around the neck of a cow is used. On the other hand, the controller (6) of the antenna (2) that receives radio waves from the tag (5) is equipped with a function of emitting a detection signal of a certain level when the reception strength exceeds a predetermined value. This predetermined value is determined so that the reception strength when the cow approaches the weighing platform (la) almost matches the reception intensity when the cow is completely on the weighing platform (1a). Photo sensor (P0
) is the same type as the second photosensor (P.) on the exit side.

In this way, the detection signal from the controller (6) is as shown in FIG. Similar to the output of the first photosensor (P1), the output of the photosensor (P1) will be similar to the output of the second photosensor (P.) in FIG. Here, the UP edge of the detection signal from the controller (6) indicates that one cow has started to get on the weighing platform (1a), and the DOWN edge indicates that one cow has completely got on the weighing platform (1a). will be shown. Therefore, the reception intensity from the tag (5) and the photosensor (P0)
With the output of , it is possible to set the first valid data interval (T1) in the same manner as in the second embodiment. In addition, even if the reception strength from the tag (5) is used to detect the time when the cow starts to get off the weighing platform (LA) or the time when the cow completely gets off, the first valid data interval (T1) is set. You can obtain useful information when doing so.

Above, we have explained three examples of techniques for separating individual data, but if these are implemented in combination, more information can be obtained when separating individual data, so solid data can be separated more reliably. [Another Example] In this example, the sampling data included in the second effective data interval (T2) is simply averaged. In order to perform this, a moving average calculation method can be adopted.

In this case, for example, a moving average value may be calculated using a window function such as a Hamming window as necessary over the second effective data interval (T2), using a multiple of the obtained walking cycle as the averaging time. .

The weighing device according to the present invention can be applied to measuring the weight of small animals such as chickens as well as large animals such as cows and pigs, and can also be applied to measuring the weight of vehicles.

In addition, various changes can be made to the specific configuration of each part necessary for carrying out the present invention.

Note that although reference numerals are written in the claims section for convenience of reference to the drawings, the present invention is not limited to the structure of the accompanying drawings by these entries.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

The drawings show an embodiment of the measuring method and apparatus according to the present invention, in which FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the measuring device, FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a signal output from an amplifier, and FIG. Fig. 4 is a partially enlarged view of Fig. 3; Fig. 5 is a diagram showing time-series weight data when a plurality of cows pass through the scale in succession; Figure 6 is a table explaining the condition of cows in each section of Figure 5, and Figure 7 is a table explaining the condition of the cows in each section of Figure 5.
8 is an overall side view of the measuring device; FIG. 9 is an overall plan view of the measuring device; FIG. 10 is a side view showing the mounting position of the photosensor in the second embodiment; FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the output of the photosensor and time-series weighing value data in the second embodiment, and FIG. 12 is a plan view showing the mounting positions of the antenna and the photosensor in the third embodiment. (1)...Weighing instrument, (1a)...Weighing surface, (8A)...Storage means, (8B)...
... Valid data section setting means, (8E) ... Calculating means, (T1) ... Valid data section, (Pl
)...First photosensor, (p0)...
- 1st photosensor, (W,, □1)...Upper threshold, (W,.,.1)...Lower limit threshold.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. (1) The object to be measured is placed on the weighing surface (1) of the weighing device (1).
a) passing over the top and sequentially capturing time-series weight value data of the object to be measured obtained from the scale (1); (2) only one object to be measured is weighed from the time-series weight data; (3) A weighing method in which a valid data interval (T_1) is identified, and (3) a static weight value of an object to be weighed is determined from weighing value data in this valid data interval (T_1). 2. Set the upper limit threshold value (W_u_p_p_e_) to a value that is slightly heavier than the predicted maximum static weight value of the object to be weighed, and set the predicted lower limit threshold value to a value that is slightly lighter than the minimum static weight value of the measured object. The threshold value (W_l_o_w_e_r) and the upper threshold value (W_l_o_w_e_r).
___u_p_p_e_r) and the lower threshold (W_l_o
2. The weighing method according to claim 1, wherein an interval in which the weighed value appears is specified as a valid data interval (T_1) within a range between _w_e_r). 3. (1) A weighing device (1) that allows an object to be measured to pass over a weighing surface (1a); (2) Time-series weighing value data of the object to be measured obtained from the weighing device (1); (3) valid data interval setting means (8B) for specifying a valid data interval (T_1) in which only one object to be weighed is weighed from the loaded time-series weight value data; ); and (4) a calculation means (8E) for calculating the weighing value data in this valid data section (T_1) to obtain the static weight value of the object to be weighed. 4. The valid data interval setting means (8B) is located on the entrance side of the weighing device (1), and the object to be weighed is located on the weighing device (1).
The first photosensor (P_1) detects that the
and a second photosensor (P_0) located on the exit side of the weighing device (1) and detecting that the object to be weighed has escaped from the weighing device (1), and a first photosensor (P_1).
4. The measuring device according to claim 3, wherein the valid data section (T_1) is specified based on the information of the first photosensor (P_0) and the second photosensor (P_0).