KR20050061097A - A digital scale for computer - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a computer (PC) -connected digital scale, the weight scale of the present invention detects the load and converts it into a corresponding electrical signal; An amplification and filtering unit for amplifying and filtering the output of the load sensing means; An analog to digital converter for converting the output of the amplifying and filtering unit into digital; A display unit; A connection port for connecting with a computer; Communication means for communicating with a computer via a connection port in accordance with a communication protocol; A switch that senses a load and provides an on / off signal; Memory; A power management unit to supply power to each unit when the switch is turned on by stabilizing power input through independent power or a connection port; When the switch is turned on and the power is supplied, after performing a predetermined initialization and communicating with a computer through a communication means, in stand-alone mode, the data input from the analog-to-digital converter is processed to calculate a user's weight and display it on the display unit. In addition, it stores in the memory with the time information, and in the program mode includes a control unit for transmitting the data measured in the standalone mode to the computer and the data input from the analog-to-digital converter to the computer.

Description

A digital scale for computer scales

The present invention relates to a digital scale for home use, and more particularly, to a computer (PC) connected digital scale.

Recently, Western diets such as obesity have increased due to the advancement of diet, and as the scale is widely used for health care, each family is equipped with a scale. By the way, the conventional analog scale has a problem that it is inconvenient because the accuracy is low and the scale should be read for reading, and a digital scale (or electronic scale) employing a load cell has been developed to solve this problem.

On the other hand, currently developed and commercially available PC-connected scales can be measured by connecting a device to a computer, running a computer, and executing a dedicated program. However, the task of running a computer and running a dedicated program to measure weight is a cumbersome task from the point of view of a user who has to measure urgently. This procedure is also inconvenient for those who do not know the computer or want to move the device frequently.

The present invention was devised to solve the above problems, and it is possible to measure directly without a computer, and store and manage the measurement date and weight in the device, and when the data is connected to the computer, the data is automatically moved to the database of the computer. Its purpose is to provide a computer-connected digital weight scale that can be stored and that the measured weight is stored in the device so that the difference with the weight immediately before measurement can be checked.

In addition, another object of the present invention is to provide a computer (PC) connected scale that can connect to a computer and store the measurement data in a database and then provide various health-related information and services suitable for the user.

In order to achieve the above object, the apparatus of the present invention includes a load sensing means for detecting a load and converting it into a corresponding electrical signal; An amplification and filtering unit for amplifying and filtering the output of the load sensing means; An analog to digital converter for converting the output of the amplifying and filtering unit into digital; A display unit for displaying a weight value; A connection port for connecting with a computer; Communication means for communicating with a computer via said connection port in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol; A switch that senses a load and provides an on / off signal; A real time clock for providing time information; A memory for storing data; A power management unit to supply power to each unit when the switch is turned on by stabilizing power input through an independent power source or the connection port; When the switch is turned on and the power is supplied, after performing a predetermined initialization and communicating with the computer through the communication means in the stand-alone mode, the display unit after calculating the weight of the user by processing the data input from the analog-to-digital converter And a control unit for storing the data in the memory together with time information, transmitting the data measured in the standalone mode to the computer, and transmitting the data input from the analog-to-digital converter to the computer. It is done.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a block diagram of a computer-connected digital scale according to the present invention, in which the digital scale 200 of the present invention is connected to the computer 100 in a USB manner.

Referring to FIG. 1, the digital scale 200 of the present invention includes a USB port 202, a USB control unit 204, a microprocessor (MCU: 208), a display unit 210, a memory 212, and an RTC 220. , Load cell 222, amplification and filter 224, analog-to-digital converter (ADC: 226), power management unit 228, load sensing switch 230, charging unit 232, battery 234, and crystal oscillator ( 206,214,218).

The load cell 222 detects the magnitude of the load (force) as an electrical signal by measuring the change in resistance of the strain gauge attached to the surface of the sensing unit by detecting the elastic deformation of the load cell detector generated when the load (force) is applied. The load sensor method used here is a self-oscillating or dynamic transducer using a piezo phenomenon, and a non-magnetic oscillating type such as a strain gauge. The most widely used method is a strain gauge type load cell. The strain gauge load cell consists of four strain gages and forms a bridge circuit, and then applies a voltage to detect and output a change in resistance depending on the load.

The amplifier AMP and the filter unit 224 amplify the minute load signal output from the load cell 222 and then remove the noise included in the load signal.

An analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 226 converts the amplified and noise-free analog load signal into digital load data and then provides it to the microprocessor 208.

The memory 212 stores various data for operation, and the display unit 210 is composed of seven segments that can display the weight to display the weight and the operation state under the control of the microprocessor 208.

The power management unit 228 supplies power required by the digital scale 200, and supplies power as shown in Table 1 according to the power type and use mode of the digital scale.

  Use division     Battery type       Rechargeable battery   Stand alone mode   Battery powered  Use rechargeable battery power   PC connection stand alone mode   USB Powered  USB power and battery charging   PC connection program mode   USB Powered  USB power and battery charging

Digital scale 200 according to the present invention has a battery type using a battery and a rechargeable battery type using a rechargeable battery according to the power supply type, as shown in Table 1, in the case of a rechargeable battery type battery 234 The charging unit 232 for charging is further provided. In the case of the battery type, the power management unit 228 receives the power of the battery 234 in each mode and supplies the power to each unit. In the PC connection mode, the power management unit 228 receives and stabilizes the USB power supplied through the USB bus. Supply. In the case of the rechargeable battery type, the power management unit 228 receives the power of the rechargeable battery 234 in the standalone mode and supplies the power to each unit. In the PC connection mode, the power manager 228 receives and stabilizes the USB power supplied through the USB bus. In addition to supplying to the unit charges the rechargeable battery 234 through the charging unit 232. At this time, the switch 230 detects that a person climbs on the scaffold of the digital scale 200 and provides the power management unit 228, and the power management unit 228 turns on / off the output power according to the switch signal.

The RTC 220 provides precise timing information according to the 32.768 KHz clock 218, and the USB control unit 204 operates according to the 6 MHz clock 206 while connecting the microprocessor 208 and the computer 100 to the USB protocol. Connect accordingly.

The microprocessor 208 operates according to the 11.0592 MHz clock 214 and communicates with the PC 100 through the USB control unit 204 and executes a predetermined program to execute a predetermined program to measure the user's weight. The weight value of the user is calculated from the sensor data input from the converter 226 and displayed on the display unit 210, and the measurement data of the user is stored in the memory 212 together with the time information provided by the RTC 220.

The computer 100 to which the digital scale 200 of the present invention is connected is connected to the USB port 202 and the USB cable 104 of the digital scale through the USB port 102, and the application program 110 according to the present invention. And a database 120 to provide various functions according to a user's request as described below.

2A is a first use state diagram of the digital scale according to the present invention, FIG. 2B is a second use state diagram of the digital scale according to the present invention, and FIG. 2C is a third use state diagram of the digital scale according to the present invention.

Digital scale 200 according to the present invention is connected to the PC 100 and the USB port (102,202) and the 'alone mode' that can measure the user's weight by operating independently without being connected to the PC (100) 'PC connection only mode' using only USB power, and connected to the PC 100 and the USB port (102, 202) and running a PC application (110) to communicate with the digital scale 200 to provide various services It can be divided into 'PC connection program mode (hereinafter referred to as two-win mode)', and this operation mode is automatically processed depending on the connection status of the USB port and whether the application program is executed.

2A is a diagram illustrating a stand-alone mode of use, in which a computer 100 equipped with an application program and a database and a digital scale 200 including a display unit, a circuit / load cell, a memory, and a battery are not connected to each other. The digital scale 200 is operated by the power of the battery.

2B is a diagram illustrating a PC connection-only mode, in which a computer 100 equipped with an application program and a database and a digital scale 200 including a display unit, a circuit / load cell, a memory, and a battery are connected to each other through a USB port. In the connected state, the application 110 does not execute and the digital scale 200 is operated by the USB power provided by the PC 100.

FIG. 2C is a diagram illustrating the use of the PC-connected program mode, in which a computer 100 on which an application program and a database are mounted, and a digital scale 200 composed of a display unit, a circuit / load cell, a memory, and a battery are connected to each other. In a connected state, the digital scale 200 is operated by the USB power provided by the PC by executing the application 110 of the PC 100 and the digital scale 200 and the PC 100 communicate with each other. Data can be exchanged. In such a program mode (two-win mode), the previous measurement data stored in the digital scale 200 may be moved to the database 120 of the personal computer and used for various services, and the current measurement value of the digital scale 200 is displayed on the screen. I can display it.

3 is a flowchart illustrating operations performed by the microprocessor of the digital scale according to the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 3, the digital scale 200 according to the present invention turns on the power by sensing the switch 230 when the user climbs on the footrest, and accordingly, the microprocessor 208 supplies power to each part. Initialization is performed (301 to 303).

Subsequently, the operation mode is checked according to the connection state with the PC 100 and whether the application is executed. If the application mode is connected to the PC 100 and the application is executed, the load cell detection data is read to calculate the weight and then the application program ( 110) to receive the command. The received command is decoded to transmit a weight measurement value, a stored weight value, or a time setting and other control operation according to a request of an application program (304 to 311).

On the other hand, if the load is applied in a non-twin mode, the load cell detection data is read to calculate the weight, and the measured weight is stored in the memory 212 together with the time information, and the current weight and the previous weight and Is displayed on the display unit 210 of the digital scale (314 to 318). At this time, the digital scale of the present invention is provided with a function of setting a national symbol and a correction value to correct gravity for each country, and to set a weight unit for each country (that is, g, kg, lb, oz, etc.).

Subsequently, if the USB power is turned on to determine whether the USB power is turned on, the above process is repeated, and if the USB power is not turned on, the power is automatically turned off after a delay of several seconds in order to prevent the battery or the battery from being consumed (312,313).

As such, the digital scale 200 according to the present invention provides a difference from the previous weight, which is very important information for weight management. If your normal weight simply indicates your current position, the difference from your previous weight gives you information on how your weight is changing, and you can use it to watch your weight change over a short period of time and manage your weight. . For example, the weight change cycles that can be managed by immediately before weight include: before and after meals (meal volume), before and after bedtime (measuring metabolism in the absence of exercise), before and after exercise (body changes due to exercise), and daily cycle (The amount of change during the day). As such, a simple function of the difference between the last weight and a single function can provide a lot of information depending on the application, and can help more effective weight management and diet.

When operating in the PC-connected program mode, the application 110 helps weight management for users by using various weight management techniques. However, when operating in the stand-alone mode, the computer does not use the functions of the computer with limited display and limited memory. Due to this, most of the functions provided by the application are not available. Therefore, in order to provide the subject with minimal weight analysis information even when operating in a standalone mode, the digital scale of the present invention includes a function of showing a difference from the previous weight. To this end, the digital scale 200 of the present invention stores all data measured when used in a single mode in one memory 212, and finds a value within a 5% range of the currently measured weight from the stored value and Calculate and display the difference of. For example, the difference with the direct weight can be expressed as the difference from the most recent data in the range by finding a previous data record within 3 Kg for the current body weight.

As described above, the digital scale 200 according to the present invention can be used in connection with the PC 100 and can also be used alone to directly check the difference between the user's weight and the previous weight.

4A is a flowchart illustrating an operation of an application program according to the present invention.

Application program 110 according to the present invention is a dedicated software for performing a function according to the present invention, is distributed with the digital scale 200 is installed in the user's PC (100).

Referring to FIG. 4A, when the application program 110 is executed, the connection and communication state with the digital scale 200 is checked (401, 402).

Subsequently, if the digital scale 200 has data (that is, data to be transmitted) measured in the standalone mode or the PC connection alone mode, the data is read from the digital scale 200 and stored in the database 120 (403, 404).

Subsequently, the main screen as shown in FIG. 6 is displayed, and when the user wants to measure the weight by climbing on the scaffold of the digital scale 200, the user is confirmed (405 to 407).

If the guest is not registered, the user receives weight data from the digital scale 200 and proceeds to the measurement. When the measurement is completed, the user checks whether the user is automatically selected. The user is automatically selected (408 to 411). Here, if the user's automatic recognition function using the weight is briefly described, in most cases, the weight is different for each person, and since the weight of one person does not change rapidly, values close to the current weight may be regarded as the weight of the same user. This weight characteristic can be used to automatically distinguish users based on their weight without additional sensors or user interaction. Therefore, the digital scale of the present invention can automatically select a user by weight using a user's automatic recognition function using weight, and the measured values can be automatically classified and stored for each user.

On the other hand, after the automatic user selection in the guest mode or the registered user, receives the weight data from the digital scale 200 and proceeds to the measurement, if the measurement is completed, calculate the weight to calculate and store the calculated value, As shown in FIG. 7, weight information related information is displayed on the main screen (412 to 416).

If the user selects a DB function after or without measurement, the corresponding DB function is provided according to the procedure shown in FIG. 5 (500).

FIG. 4B is a detailed flowchart of the data transmission shown in FIG. 4A, which illustrates a process of transferring data of the device 200 to the PC 100 and storing the data in the database 120.

Referring to FIG. 4B, if the correct data is received after receiving the measured weight value, the user is automatically recognized and processed. If the correct data is not displayed, an error message is displayed and the data is deleted (421 to 425).

Then, the measured weight value list is displayed on the screen as shown in FIG. 20 and the user command is waited. When a save command is input from the user, the calculated value is calculated and stored, and if the delete command is received, the corresponding data is deleted and the data is restored and checked (426 ~ 430).

5 is a flowchart illustrating an operation sequence of a DB function of an application program according to the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 5, when the application program 110 is executed, a main screen is displayed as illustrated in FIG. 6 (501). In the main screen, there is a display box for displaying the current weight. In the box, the current weight is 0.00kg, the current body mass index is 0.00 kg / m ² , and the current body fat percentage (output index) is 0.00%. At the bottom of the display box is a message window displaying the operation status. On the left side of the display box, there are buttons for user management, dressing and baby weighting, and on the right side of the display box, buttons for selecting various functions, for example, options, graph view, internet connection, health information, data backup, comprehensive There is a measurement result button.

When the user management button is selected on the main screen, a screen for user management appears as shown in FIG. 8. Referring to FIG. 8, the user management screen includes a user information input field and a body information input field, and function buttons such as correction, registration, deletion, confirmation, and cancellation. In the user information input field, a name, gender, age, body type, physical activity amount, and the like may be input, and in the body information input field, a target weight, height, chest circumference, waist circumference, hip circumference, and the like may be input (503 to 507).

When the graph view button is selected on the main screen, as shown in FIG. 9, the weight analysis result of the user is displayed in graph form (508, 509). Referring to FIG. 9, a target weight of a user, a standard weight of a normal person, etc. are displayed numerically on the screen, and a daily maximum weight, a minimum weight, a standard weight, a target weight, etc. are displayed in a graph box. The horizontal axis of the graph is the measurement date and the vertical axis is the weight value. In addition to graphs of changes in weight, other items such as body mass index, obesity, abdominal obesity, and body fat percentage can be selected and viewed in graphs. And the cumulative measurement data is displayed as a graph by dividing the highest weight, the lowest weight, and the target weight, so you can see the range of daily maximum and minimum weight at a glance, and can check their daily weight change to see if they are losing weight. It is easy to see if the trend is increasing.

When the 'Comprehensive Measurement Results' button is selected on the main screen or the graph display screen, as shown in FIG. 10, the Comprehensive Measurement Results screen appears (510, 511). Referring to FIG. 10, the current body weight, total body weight, and change value are displayed, the current body mass index, weekly average value, and monthly average value are displayed. Metabolism, daily energy requirements, etc. are displayed. Here, the basic metabolic rate and daily energy demand can be shown to estimate the user's needs. That is, the user can adjust the food intake. In addition, the criteria for the output indicators are described in detail so that the user can recognize the objectivity and reliability of the output indicators. By showing the average weight of the weekly and monthly, it is possible to know the latest average value, so that the user's current state is compared to the latest value, and when the weight is suddenly lost or increased, the average weight is more accurate. You can check it.

Meanwhile, when the 'check report check' button is clicked on the comprehensive measurement result screen, basic body information and end body measurement information are output as shown in FIG. 11 (512 and 513). Referring to FIG. 11, basic body information and end body measurement information are displayed on a screen, and body information such as height, current weight, target weight, waist circumference, hip circumference, chest circumference, etc. of the user is displayed on the basic body information field. , Body measurement information, current body weight, direct weight, change value, standard weight, optimal weight, weekly average value, monthly average value, body fat percentage, body mass index, body fat mass, muscle mass, body mass, obesity, abdominal obesity, etc. A bar graph is displayed showing the results. In this way, it is easy to understand the comprehensive measurement results through the check report at a glance, and it analyzes the titration value and standard value and informs the present adjustment target value. Therefore, it is possible to try to control the weight by presenting the first thing to the user.

If you select the 'health information management' button on the main screen, as shown in Figure 12, the health information management screen appears, the health information management screen displays weight information, meal information, exercise information, blood pressure pulse information, body size information items If the item is selected, the corresponding information is displayed (514 to 516).

When the 'meal information' item is selected on the health information management screen of FIG. 12, a screen for inputting or viewing meal information appears as shown in FIG. 13, and when the 'view chart' item is selected, meal information is displayed in a graph form.

When the 'exercise information' item is selected on the health information management screen of FIG. 12, a screen for entering or viewing exercise information appears as shown in FIG. 14, and when the 'show chart' item is selected on the exercise information screen, the exercise information is displayed. Show in graph form. In particular, if the pedometer is used to support the exercise management, quantitative analysis is possible and can be a database as a numerical value.

If the blood pressure pulse information button is selected on the health information management screen of FIG. 12, blood pressure pulse information is displayed as shown in FIG. 15.

When the 'body size information' button is selected on the health information management screen of FIG. 12, the body size screen is displayed as shown in FIG. 16. The body size management screen displays the input date, height, chest, chest, lower back, hips, tummy, arms, thighs, calves, ankles, wrists, and heads. Information such as minimum blood pressure, pulse rate, and weight is displayed.

As described above, according to the present invention, the change in the body size can be managed in the health information and can be confirmed in a graph, so that the development status of the growing children or adolescents can be analyzed, and the necessary nutrients can be selected and applied while watching the body growth trend. In addition, you can manage your blood pressure pulse in the health information and check the change in graphs to calculate or refer to the correlation between your own health and blood pressure, check the health status of patients or the elderly, and keep steady blood pressure and pulse rate. Can be derived to measure.

If "Data Backup" is selected on the main menu screen, a data backup screen is displayed as shown in FIG. 17 (517 and 518). Referring to FIG. 17, the backup screen displays the message "Database backup / restore tool. Please check the option!", Option setting for selecting a backup destination (floppy disk or hard disk), backup button, and restore button. do. The web ID (ID) and password fields are displayed for backup and restore over the web, and export and import data for one person can be sent or imported. Select the backup type in such a backup screen, enter the password and if the match is the same backup (519 ~ 522).

If the 'option' button is selected on the main menu screen, as shown in FIG. 18, option screens for setting options are displayed (523, 524). Referring to FIG. 18, the option selection screen includes a user selection option and an automatic shutdown mode selection, special guest data deletion, and end body device data import option.

19 is an example of a level information screen according to the present invention. An application using the digital scale of the present invention can provide interest through a level game. In other words, in the event that it is difficult to continuously measure the weight, such as children, characterize the weight measurement to induce interest and continuously measure. Level games can rally with each other on the Internet or at home, which can be of interest to children on a diet.

If it is determined whether to terminate the program and selects finish, the time of the device 200 is set to the time of the computer system 100 and the program is terminated while displaying the termination message (525 to 527). As described above, the apparatus of the present invention adjusts the time of the device to the time of the system so that the device is easily aligned with the database, and thus the measurement order can be more accurately confirmed.

As described above, the digital scale of the present invention can measure weight independently without a separate power supply device such as a power cord or an adapter even when not connected to a computer in a standalone mode, and does not need to move with a computer, thus moving the device. It is easy. Also, when using rechargeable batteries, USB power is used, so no additional adapters are required, and no expendable battery costs are required.

The data measured in the standalone mode can be stored in the device so that the data is not lost and the data stored in the program mode can be imported into the program. You can see the difference between.

In addition, the digital scale of the present invention is equipped with an automatic user recognition function can automatically recognize who is currently measuring based on the weight information even if several people using a single device, stored in the device Even when the weight data is transmitted to the computer, the user is automatically recognized for each weight so that only the weight of the user can be classified and stored.

In addition, the digital scale of the present invention may be equipped with a function for setting a national symbol and a correction value to correct gravity for each country, and set a weight unit for each country.

1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a computer-connected scale according to the present invention;

Figure 2a is a first state of use of the scale according to the invention,

Figure 2b is a second state of use of the scale according to the invention,

Figure 2c is a third state of use of the scale according to the invention,

3 is an operation flowchart of a program of a digital scale according to the present invention;

4A is a flowchart illustrating operations of an application program according to the present invention;

4b is a detailed flowchart of data transmission shown in FIG. 4a;

5 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a DB function of an application program according to the present invention;

6 is an example of a main screen of a program according to the present invention;

7 is an example of a weight measurement screen according to the present invention;

8 is an example of a user registration or selection screen according to the present invention;

9 is an example of a graph view screen according to the present invention;

10 is an example of a comprehensive result view screen according to the present invention;

11 is an example of a check report screen according to the present invention;

12 is an example of a health information management screen according to the present invention;

13 is an example of a meal information screen according to the present invention;

14 is an example of an exercise information screen according to the present invention;

15 is an example of a blood pressure information screen according to the present invention;

16 is an example of a body size screen according to the present invention;

17 is an example of a data backup screen according to the present invention;

18 is an example of an option selection screen according to the present invention;

19 is an example of a level game screen according to the present invention.

20 is an example of a data transmission screen according to the present invention.

* Explanation of symbols for main parts of the drawings

100: Computer 102,202: USB Port

110: Application 120: Database

200: digital scale 204: USB control unit

208: microprocessor 210: display unit

212: memory 220: RTC

222: load cell 224: amplification and filter

226: analog-to-digital converter 228: power management unit

230: switch 232: live part

234: battery 206,214,218: oscillator

Claims (8)

Load sensing means for detecting a load and converting the load into a corresponding electrical signal; An amplification and filtering unit for amplifying and filtering the output of the load sensing means; An analog to digital converter for converting the output of the amplifying and filtering unit into digital; A display unit for displaying a weight value; A connection port for connecting with a computer; Communication means for communicating with a computer via said connection port in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol; A switch that senses a load and provides an on / off signal; A real time clock for providing time information; A memory for storing data; A power management unit to supply power to each unit when the switch is turned on by stabilizing power input through an independent power source or the connection port; And When the switch is turned on and the power is supplied, after performing a predetermined initialization and communicating with the computer through the communication means in the stand-alone mode, the data input from the analog-to-digital converter is processed to calculate the weight of the user and then the display unit And a control unit which displays and stores the time information in the memory and transmits the data measured in the standalone mode to the computer, and transmits the data input from the analog-to-digital converter to the computer. Computer-connected digital scales. The digital scale of claim 1, wherein the digital scale A computer-connected digital scale that automatically changes the mode of the device and prepares the measurement by automatically detecting the connection between a computer, running an application of a computer, and a battery operation mode without a user's manual operation. The computer of claim 1, wherein the computer is When the program is executed, the connection status with the digital scale is checked, when the digital scale is connected and data to be transmitted is detected, the data is stored and the main screen is provided, and when the weight data is received from the digital scale, the weight value is received. Computing and displaying on the main screen, and provides the corresponding database function according to the user's selection, computer-connected digital scale. The computer-connected digital scale according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the connection port is a USB port and the communication means is a USB controller. The digital scale according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the digital scale A computer-connected digital scale, characterized by retrieving previous measurement data within a predetermined range from the current body weight and recognizing it as data of the same user, and calculating and displaying a difference from the whole body of the data recognized as the same user. The digital scale according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the digital scale Comprising country-specific symbols and correction value setting function, it is possible to correct the country-specific gravity, the computer-connected digital scale, characterized in that the weight unit can be set for each country. The digital scale according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the digital scale And the time information of the digital scale is synchronized with the time information of the computer system at the end of the program mode. The digital scale according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the digital scale The independent power source is a dry battery or a rechargeable battery, and the computer-connected digital scale further comprising a charging unit for charging the battery when the rechargeable battery is used.