WO2013016746A1

WO2013016746A1 - Dispensing apparatus, particularly a sanitary dispenser, and network for data communication

Info

Publication number: WO2013016746A1
Application number: PCT/AT2012/000196
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hans Georg Hagleitner
Original assignee: Hans Georg Hagleitner
Priority date: 2011-08-02
Filing date: 2012-07-27
Publication date: 2013-02-07
Also published as: AT511784B1; AT511784A1

Abstract

Dispensing apparatus, particularly a sanitary dispenser (2), comprising at least two of the following three apparatuses: • - reception apparatus (6) for receiving data (D2) transmitted by means of electromagnetic radiation, • - brightness measuring apparatus (6') for measuring the brightness of the ambient light, • - detection apparatus (6") for detecting at least one object which is in proximity to the dispensing apparatus (2), wherein said apparatuses (6, 6', 6") have at least one common sensor (PT) for converting electromagnetic radiation into electrical power.

Description

Dosing device, in particular sanitary dispenser, and network for

data communication

The invention relates to a metering device, in particular a sanitary dispenser, as well as a network for data communication.

Dosing devices are devices for the demand-controlled dispensing of products that are used in toilets, washrooms, in washing devices and / or in the kitchen area. In connection with the toilet and / or washrooms, the dosing devices are, for example, sanitary dispensers for dispensing soap, towels, toilet paper, fragrances and disinfectants. However, the present invention is not limited to any particular type of metering device. There is an increasing demand for metering devices whose parameters, e.g. the dispensing portions, which can be adapted specifically to the particular requirements in a specific environment, and which have an "intelligent" sensor system The state of the art in this context includes, for example, dosing devices which are designed to receive data (see WO 2005 / No. 065509 A1), dosing devices which can measure the brightness of the ambient light (cf US Pat. No. 6,267,297 B1) and dosing devices which have a detection device for detecting an object, for example a human hand (see US Pat. No. 7,896,196 B2) no "holistic" technical teachings for combining such functionalities in a metering device known. The present invention has therefore set itself the task of such a doctrine, which is characterized in particular by a compact, technically simple and inexpensive construction, specify.

This object is achieved by the features of the two independent claims 1 and 16.

A basic idea of the invention thus consists in that the receiving, the brightness measuring and / or the detection device uses at least one common sensor for converting electromagnetic radiation into electrical energy do. In other words, the common sensor acts as a multifunction sensor.

Advantageously, the electromagnetic radiation is visible light and / or infrared radiation.

The common sensor is a phototransistor with a corresponding sensitivity range. Alternatively, a photodiode can also be used. The principle of operation of a photodiode or a phototransistor is the same in principle, except that the phototransistor already has an integrated amplifier circuit for amplifying the measurement signal and therefore reacts somewhat slower than a photodiode.

A particularly flexible embodiment is characterized in that the devices mentioned in claim 1 further comprise at least one common processor and / or common logic, preferably a microcontroller. With the help of this processor or this logic, it is comparatively easy to coordinate said devices with each other or to control by means of specific operating programs. For example, it may be provided that a specific operating program for controlling and controlling the receiving device processes the received data packets immediately after they have been received and, for example, forwards them to a storage device connected to the processor or logic. In addition, the processor or the logic can be helpful here, for example, to use the measurement signal of the brightness measuring device to control the brightness of an optionally present status display, which indicates possible malfunctions of the dosing device. It should be noted that the term "logic" includes, for example, so-called (programmable) "SoC" systems, where "SoC" is an abbreviation of the English term "system on a chip". For the technical realization of the detection device, it can be provided in an advantageous embodiment that the detection device further comprises a light emitting diode, preferably a light emitting diode for emitting infrared radiation. In the course of the description of the figures, it will be described in detail how an object, which is located in the vicinity of the metering device, can be detected by incorporating this infrared light-emitting diode. It will also It is clear that the brightness measuring and the detection device can be active simultaneously in the operating state of the metering device.

Furthermore, the question is answered, whereby it can be determined whether the common sensor is used to receive data, to measure the brightness of the ambient light and / or to detect an object. In a nutshell, essentially two solutions are available for this purpose: On the one hand, it is conceivable that the receiving device can be activated by actuation of a mechanical component of the metering device, such as e.g. by opening a possibly existing cover and / or by pressing at least one command transmitter, preferably a button, can be activated. At the same time, this would deactivate the other or the other devices. On the other hand, it can be provided that the receiving, the brightness measuring and / or the detection device are active at predetermined time intervals in the operating state of the metering device.

With regard to the data transmitted by means of electromagnetic radiation, it should be noted that these are specific parameters of the metering device, such as e.g. can be counter readings, serial and / or identification numbers and / or names. It should also be noted that the data is preferably coded according to a coding method in which one bit consists of three signal units, the first third of the signal always being "high", the third third always being "low" and indicating the second third whether it is a zero bit or a one bit. Two particularly preferred embodiments are that the metering device, the following two devices:

Receiving device for receiving data transmitted by means of electromagnetic radiation, and

Brightness measuring device for measuring the brightness of the ambient light, or the following three devices:

Receiving device for receiving data transmitted by means of electromagnetic radiation,

- Brightness measuring device for measuring the brightness of the ambient light, and - Detection device for detecting at least one object which is located in the vicinity of the metering device,

includes. Protection is also desired for a network for data communication, this network comprising at least one data communication device and at least one dosing device according to the invention. Advantageously, the data communication device comprises at least one transmitting device for transmitting data.

In the smallest embodiment, the network according to the invention consists of a metering device and a data communication device. Optionally, it can be achieved by the inclusion of a computer, e.g. in the form of a PC, a notebook, a smartphone or a so-called "mobile device." For this purpose, it is expedient if the data communication device has at least one interface for data communication with a computer, preferably a USB, a serial, a WLAN, a LAN or BLUETOOTH interface.

Ideally, the data communication device is mobile. In this case, for example, a person who is entrusted anyway with the maintenance of the dosing devices or the cleaning of the toilet and / or laundry, take over in a simple manner also any data communication tasks by carrying the data communication device and carry out the data communication in the proximity of the metering device stops.

Further details and advantages of the present invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the description of the figures with reference to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings. 1 shows a schematic overview of the network for

Data communication,

FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation of the components of the dosing device and the data communication device which are essential in connection with the invention, FIG. a greatly simplified schematic representation of the essential electronic components of the receiving, the brightness measuring or the detection device of the metering device,

a schematic representation of the timing of the status display of the metering device, the data exchanges with the data communication device, the measurement of the brightness of the ambient light and the detection of an object that is in the vicinity of the metering device,

a schematic representation of the two-phase marking code, a schematic representation of the bit format of the encoding method, which is used in the transmission of the data from the data communication device to the metering device,

a schematic representation of the network protocol used to transmit the data

a section of a schematic cross-sectional view of the metering device together with a schematic plan view of the data communication device and

a section of a schematically illustrated perspective view of the metering device.

Fig. 1 shows a schematic overview of the preferred embodiment of the network 1 for data communication. The network 1 comprises (viewed from left to right) a metering device 2, which is a device for dispensing soap, towel, toilet paper, perfume or disinfectant, a data communication device 3 which is designed to be mobile and a computer 9, which is a PC, a notebook, a smartphone or a so-called "mobile device." Data can be transmitted in both directions of communication between the dosing device 2 and the data communication device 3, ie bidirectional data communication is possible In the drawing, this is symbolized by arrows and diagrammatically indicated wavefronts by means of visible light L. Typically, the distance A is for them Data communication between the metering device 2 and the data communication device 3 a few centimeters. Technically, the data communication is made possible by the fact that both the dosing device 2 and the data communication device 3 each have a transmitting device 4 or 5 for transmitting data and a receiving device 6 or 7 for receiving data, the essential components or the functioning thereof Transmitting or receiving devices 4, 5, 6 and 7 are explained in detail with reference to the following figures. The data communication device 3 and the computer 9 can also exchange bidirectional data. For this purpose, the data communication device 3 has an interface 8 which is customarily used by a person skilled in the art for this purpose, for example a USB, a serial, a WLAN, a LAN or a BLUETOOTH interface. It should generally be noted that the data transmitted in the network 1 between the dosing device 2 and the data communication device 3 or between the data communication device 3 and the computer 9, for example counter readings, serial and / or identification numbers, names, Error messages, production data and / or information about the voltage state of batteries is. FIG. 2 schematically shows the components of the dosing device 2 and the data communication device 3 which are essential in connection with the invention. The receiving devices 6 and 7 each comprise a receiving component PT and PD for converting visible light L into electrical energy, and the transmitting devices 4 and 5 comprise transmitting components LED1, LED2, LED3a and LED3b for converting electrical energy into visible light L. In the case of Dosing device 2 is the receiving component to a phototransistor PT, in the case of the data communication device 3 to a photodiode PD. The principle of operation of a photodiode PD or a phototransistor PT is the same in principle, except that the phototransistor PT already has an integrated amplifier circuit for amplifying the measurement signal. This means that the signal of the photodiode PD usually has to be amplified. Therefore, the data communication device 3 consequently has a corresponding amplifier device 10. The phototransistor PT is designed so that its sensitivity to infrared radiation is greatest, but also visible light L can convert into electrical energy. In contrast, the photodiode PD has a narrower sensitivity and converts substantially only visible light L into electrical energy.

The transmitting components LED1, LED2, LED3a and LED3b, which are components of the transmitting devices 4 and 5, are light-emitting diodes which emit visible light L. It should be noted that in the preferred embodiment both the transmitting device 4 of the metering device 2 and the transmitting device 5 of the data communication device 3 each comprise two light-emitting diodes LED1 and LED2 or LED3a and LED3b. In the case of the metering device 2, the reason for this is that the transmitting device 4 fulfills a dual function. In addition to sending data, it also serves as a status indicator. By means of this status indication, e.g. are displayed, if the donated Good the metering device 2 must be refilled or a battery needs to be renewed. In such cases, the status indicator lights red. If there are no faults and the dosing device 2 is ready for operation at any time, the status indicator lights up green. In the simplest case, this two-color status display can be realized technically in that the transmitting device 4 comprises both a red LED LED1 and a green LED2 LED. Alternatively, it may of course also include a two-color LED instead. In the case of the data communication device 3, the reason why the transmitting device 5 comprises two light-emitting diodes LED3a and LED3b (which are two identical light emitting diodes) is that in this way the signal strength for the transmission of data from the data communication device 3 can increase to the metering device 2.

The receiving components PT and PD for converting visible light L into electrical energy or the transmitting components LED1, LED2, LED3a and LED3b for converting electrical energy into visible light L are electrically both in the case of the metering device 2 and in the case of the data communication device 3 a central processor pC1 or pC2, more specifically connected to a microcontroller. This combination of the receiving or transmitting components with the microcontrollers μ (ϋ1 and μ02 represent the transmitting and receiving devices 4, 5, 6 and 7, which should be indicated in the drawing with the aid of the four smaller curly brackets Microcontroller μ01 and μ02 is to prepare the data packets intended for the communication or evaluate. Depending on the type of microcontroller C1 and pC2, different operating programs for data processing are stored either directly on the microcontrollers or in memory devices 22 and 11 connected to the microcontrollers.

It should also be noted that not only the transmitting device 4 of the metering device 2 fulfills a multiple function, but also the receiving device 6 of the metering device 2 serves several purposes: it functions not only as a device for receiving data transmitted by means of electromagnetic radiation but also as a brightness measuring device 6 '. for measuring the brightness of the ambient light. In the case of a dispensing device 2 for dispensing soap or a disinfectant, this device is also also used as a detection device 6 "for detecting at least one object which is located in the vicinity of the dispensing device 2, ie for detecting the hand of a human Multiple functions of the transmitting and receiving device 4 and 6 of the metering device 2 will be explained in detail with reference to Figures 3 and 4.

In addition to the components already mentioned (reception component PD, transmission components LED3a and LED3b, microcontroller iC2 and memory device 11), the data communication device 3 further comprises a display device 12 for visualizing data, a visual status display device 13, an acoustic signaling device 14 (buzzer), a real-time clock device 15 as well as a power supply device 16, which comprises a plurality of batteries, as well as the already addressed in connection with FIG. 1 interface 8 for data communication with a computer 9. The metering device 2 also includes several components, such as a motor, sensors, adjustment elements that are commonly used in the prior art to allow the delivery of a sanitary product. These components, which are summarized in the drawing by the reference symbol P, will not be discussed in more detail here, since they do not serve the understanding of the present invention and are already known to a person skilled in the art.

The electronic basic structure of the receiving device 6, the brightness measuring device 6 'or the The main component is a phototransistor PT, which converts visible light and infrared radiation into an analog electrical signal and forwards this signal to a microcontroller C1 for further processing Phototransistor PT forms a voltage divider together with resistor R2, resistor R2 being connected to the positive voltage supply V + and the emitter of phototransistor PT to pin 12 of microcontroller μ01. The fact that the pin is not permanently connected to the ground GND makes it possible to deactivate the circuit in the periods when it is not needed and thus to save energy Phototransistor PT , the conductivity through the phototransistor increases, which decreases the voltage at the tap of the voltage divider connected to pin 4 of the microcontroller C1. Conversely, the voltage increases as the intensity of the light or infrared radiation decreases. It is therefore an inverting behavior. If this circuit is now used as receiving device 6 for receiving data transmitted by means of electromagnetic radiation, the analog signal of the phototransistor PT is read in at pin 4 of the microcontroller μ01 and sampled in a specific time interval. In this case, sudden increases (positive and negative edges) of this analog value are detected and the time intervals between these increases are converted into a bit pattern (data).

If the described circuit is used as a brightness measuring device 6 'for measuring the brightness of the ambient light, the signal of the phototransistor PT at pin 4 of the microcontroller pC1 is in turn read in and processed. A special feature is that an average value is determined over several measurements in order to filter out possible disturbances. The brightness value of the ambient light detected in this way can subsequently be used to regulate, for example, the brightness of the status display of the dosing device already mentioned in connection with FIG. 2. This brightness control of the status display is important, for example in hospital rooms, to disturb a patient, staying in the hospital room to avoid at night by flashing the status indicator.

As explained above, the phototransistor PT may finally also be part of a detection device 6 "for detecting at least one object, for example a human hand. <br/> <br/> For technical realization of this detection device 6", the electronic circuit further comprises a light-emitting diode LED4 which emits infrared radiation. An object in the vicinity of the metering device can then be detected as follows:

1. The brightness of the ambient light is measured (in the manner described above).

2. The infrared LED4 is switched on.

3. A new measurement of the brightness of the ambient light is performed.

4. The infrared LED4 is switched off again.

5. The two measured values are compared with each other.

If there is now an object in the vicinity of the metering device or in the vicinity of the phototransistor PT, the two measured values deviate from one another, since part of the infrared radiation is reflected back at the object. This deviation of the measured values is greater, the smaller the distance of the object to the phototransistor PT. If the difference in the measured values exceeds a predetermined limit value, then the dosing device "knows" that an object is in its vicinity, and this information can subsequently be used to activate the dispensing mode.

But what determines whether the phototransistor PT is used to receive data, to measure the brightness of the ambient light, or to detect an object? For this purpose, several comments are made: Since the first step for detecting an object is anyway to measure the brightness of the ambient light, it is possible to operate the brightness measuring device 6 'and the detection device 6 "simultaneously in the operating state of the dosing device 6 is achieved in a preferred embodiment in that a cover 17 of the metering device opened and / or at least one command generator 18, preferably a button, which is located on the metering device, is actuated. The cover 17 and the button 18 can be seen in Fig. 8, which will be described below. A further preferred embodiment is characterized in that the receiving device 6, the brightness measuring device 6 'and the detection device 6 "are automatically active at predetermined time intervals in the operating state of the metering device and do not have to be activated by actuating a mechanical component of the metering device.

How such a timing of the status display of the metering device, the data communication between the metering device and the data communication device, the measurement of the brightness of the ambient light and the detection of an object that is located in the vicinity of the metering may look like, is shown schematically in FIG shown. The time axis extending from left to right is provided with the reference symbol t. Events that are exactly superimposed in the drawing take place simultaneously. As a guide dashed lines are shown. As already mentioned, the two light-emitting diodes LED1 and LED2 arranged on the dosing device serve to indicate the status of the dosing device in the colors red and green. For this purpose, one of the two light-emitting diodes LED1 or LED2 (depending on whether there is a malfunction) is switched on at periodic intervals ΔΤ1 for a period of time ΔΤ4. The time interval ΔΤ1 is in the second, the time interval ΔΤ4 in the millisecond range, so that the status of the metering device for a person who is in its vicinity, can be seen by a red or green flashing.

It has also been stated that the two LEDs LED and LED2 are also used in addition to the status display to send data D1 to a data communication device. This is achieved by "hiding" the data D1 in the form of a rapid succession of comparatively short pulses of light in the status indication flashing of the two LEDs LED1 and LED2 The pulse duration of the data bits is in the microsecond range, thus the data bits for the human eye due to its inertia are not recognizable. The data D1 is preferably sent at the end of a status light signal (in the time window ΔΤ7). If there is an operational data communication device in the vicinity of the metering device, the photodiode PD or the amplifier circuit of the data communication device in electrical contact with it is put into standby mode by a start signal preceding the actual data D1 and the data reception of the data D1 in the time window ΔΤ7 allows.

Preferably, in the time window ΔΤ8, ie immediately after receiving the data D1 from the dosing device, data D2 is sent in the reverse direction with the aid of the LEDs LED3a and LED3b from the data communication device to the dosing device. This immediate succession of the "data sending" and "receiving data" events has the advantage that the phototransistor PT of the metering device is automatically placed ready to receive the data D2 immediately after the end of the status light signal, and not specifically by a specific event must be activated.

Relative to these three events (display the status of the dosing device, send data D1 and receive data D2), the measurement of the brightness of the ambient light (in the time window ΔΤ5) or the detection of an object (in the time window ΔΤ6) takes place at specific time intervals ΔΤ2 and ΔΤ3 the manner described in connection with FIG. 3 instead.

A particular feature is that the data D1 and D2 transmitted in the two directions of communication - that is, the data from the dosing device to the data communication device and in the reverse direction - are coded according to different coding methods. In general, a code is understood to mean a rule for converting data for its transmission. In connection with the present invention, different coding methods are available, wherein the data D1 transmitted from the dosing device to the at least one data communication device is preferably coded according to a coding method C2, the so-called two-phase marking code C1 and the data D2 transmitted from the data communication device to the dosing device , which is based on a bit format, which also in the so-called "KEELOQ PWM TRANSMISSION "format of the company Microchip Technology Inc. The two-phase marking code C1 is explained schematically with reference to FIG. 5a and the coding method C2 with reference to FIG. 5b: the two-phase marking code C1 (better known under the name" Biphase mark "). Code ") is comparable to the differential Manchester code, but differs in a different phase position of the encoded data stream: It is an additional time shift of the uncoded data signal by half a bit cell time necessary to the Biphase Mark code in the differential To transfer Manchester code. For each bit of data, two states are transmitted. At the beginning of a bit, in contrast to the Manchester code, a change of state is always made. After that the coding differs as follows: At a one the state changes in the middle of the bit and at a zero the state remains the same until the end of the bit. In the upper line of Fig. 5a, the clock signal C1a is shown schematically. The middle row shows an exemplary sequence of data C1b to be transmitted, and the bottom row shows the coded data signal C1c.

Fig. 5b is an illustration of the bit format of the encoding method C2 used in the transmission of the data from the data communication device to the dosing device. In this case, one bit consists of three signal units E. The first third of the signal (the first signal unit ) is always "high", the third third is always "low", only the difference in the second third of the signal indicates whether it is a zero bit or a one bit: is the second third "high" if it is a zero bit, it is "low" coded to a one bit.

As already indicated above, the data D1 and D2 are not transmitted in isolation, but are integrated into a predetermined network protocol N whose main components are shown schematically in FIG. First, a start signal N1 is transmitted, with the aid of which - in the case of the data transmission from the metering device to the data communication device - the photodiode or the amplifier circuit of the data communication device is put into operational readiness. This targeted activation of the amplifier circuit serves to reduce the power consumption of the data communication device. To the Start signal N1 is then transmitted with some important information N2 designated by the term "header data", followed by status bytes N3, the actual data D1 and D2 and a checksum N4, in principle these components are N1, N2, N3 and N4 of the network protocol N are known to a person skilled in the field of information technology and / or telecommunications and therefore need not be explained in detail It should be noted that this network protocol N is used in a similar form for both directions of communication.

FIG. 7 shows a section of a schematic cross-sectional representation of the dosing device 2 relevant to understanding the invention, together with a schematic top view of the data communication device 3. The central element for the technical realization of the data communication, the status display, the brightness measuring device and the detection device is a circuit board 20, on which essentially the electronic circuit shown in FIG. 3 and the two light-emitting diodes LED1 and LED2 are arranged. This board 20 is located inside the metering device 2, which is covered by the cover 17 to the outside. Below the two light-emitting diodes LED1 and LED2, which serve (as described) for the transmission of data or the status display, a light ring 19 is arranged, which distributes the rather punctiform emitted light homogeneously to a wider area.

Visible to the outside in the data communication device 3 - seen from above - are the two light-emitting diodes LED 3a and LED 3b, which are used to transmit data, and the photodiode PD, which is used to receive data. Further visible is a battery compartment 16, in which the batteries for powering the data communication device 3 are arranged, a USB interface 8, via which the data communication device 3 can exchange data with a computer, a visual status display device 13 and a power button 21.

Finally, FIG. 8 shows a detail of a schematically illustrated perspective view of a metering device 2 from obliquely below, in which case the metering device 2 is a device for dispensing soap. The soap outlet opening is provided with the reference numeral 23. Concentric with this outlet opening of the light ring 19 is arranged, the Status display of soap dispenser 2 is used. Furthermore, a button 18, which is also used to activate the receiving device, the phototransistor PT and the infrared LED LED4 can be seen on the underside of the soap dispenser 2.

List of Reference Numerals: Network C1b Data Signal

Dosing device C1c Coded data signal

Data communication device C2 bit format of a

encoding method

Transmitter C2a zero bit

metering

Transmitter of C2b one-bit

Data communication apparatus

Receiving device of the D1 data sent from the metering device metering device

'Brightness measuring device D2 data sent by the

Data communication device "Detection device E Signal unit

Receiving device of the GND ground

Data communication apparatus

Interface L visible light

Computer LED1 green LED on the

metering

0 amplifier device LED2 red LED on the dosing device 1 storage device of the LED3a, LEDs on the data communication device LED3b data communication device2 display device LED4 infrared LED on the

metering

3 status indicator pC1 microcontroller of the

metering

4 acoustic signal transmitter C2 microcontroller the

Data Communication Device 5 Real Time Clock Device N Network Protocol

6 Power supply device N1 start signal

7 Cover N2 header data

8 Commander N3 status

9 light ring N4 checksum 20 board P peripheral devices

21 Power on PD photodiode

22 storage device of the PT phototransistor

metering

23 soap outlet R1, R2 resistors

A distance t time

C1 two-phase mark code ΔΤ1 - ΔΤ8 time intervals

C1a clock signal V + positive power supply

Claims

claims:

1. Metering device, in particular sanitary dispenser, (2) comprising at least two of the following three devices:

- Receiving device (6) for receiving data transmitted by electromagnetic radiation (D2),

- Brightness measuring device (6 ') for measuring the brightness of

Ambient light

- Detection device (6 ") for detecting at least one object that is in the vicinity of the metering device (2),

said devices (6, 6 ', 6 ") having at least one common sensor (PT) for converting electromagnetic radiation into electrical energy.

2. dosing device (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that it is in the metering device (2) is a sanitary dispenser for dispensing soap, towel, toilet paper, fragrance or disinfectant.

3. dosing device (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it is at least one object to be detected is a human hand.

4. dosing device (2) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized

in that the electromagnetic radiation is visible light (L) and / or infrared radiation.

5. metering device (2) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized

characterized in that the common sensor is a

Phototransistor (PT) acts.

6. dosing device (2) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized

characterized in that said devices (6, 6 ', 6 ") comprise at least one common processor and / or logic (μ01),

preferably a microcontroller.

7. dosing device (2) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized

characterized in that the metering device (2) at least one

Storage device (22).

8. metering device (2) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized

in that the dosing device (2) comprises at least one status indicator (LED1, LED2, 19) and that the brightness of the at least one status indicator (LED1, LED2, 19) is determined by means of the measuring signal

Brightness measuring device (6 ') is adjustable.

9. dosing device (2) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized

in that the detection device (6 ") comprises a light-emitting diode (LED4), preferably a light-emitting diode for emitting infrared radiation.

10. dosing device (2) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized

characterized in that the brightness measuring device (6 ') and the

Detection device (6 ") in the operating state of the metering device (2) are simultaneously active.

11. dosing device (2) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized

characterized in that the metering device (2) comprises a cover (17) and that the receiving device (6) by opening the cover (17) and / or by actuation of at least one commander (18), preferably a button on the metering device (2) is activatable.

12. dosing device (2) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized

characterized in that the receiving device (6), the

Brightness measuring device (6 ') and / or the detection device (6 ") in the operating state of the metering device (2) at predetermined time intervals (ΔΤ1, ΔΤ2, ΔΤ3) are active.

13. dosing device (2) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized

in that the data (D2) transmitted by means of electromagnetic radiation (L) are specific parameters of the metering device (2).

14. dosing device (2) according to claim 13, characterized in that it is at the specific parameters to meter readings, series and / or

Identification numbers and / or names.

15. metering device (2) according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized

in that the data (D2) are coded according to a coding method (C2) in which one bit consists of three signal units (E), the first third of the signal always being "high", the third third being always "low" and the second third indicates whether it is a zero bit or a one bit.

16. Network (1) for data communication, characterized in that the network (1) comprises at least one data communication device (3) and at least one metering device (2) according to one of claims 1 to 15.

17. Network (1) according to claim 16, characterized in that the at least one data communication device (3) comprises at least one transmitting device (5) for transmitting data (D2).

18. Network (1) according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that the at least one data communication device (3) is designed to be mobile.

19. network (1) according to any one of claims 16 to 18, characterized in that the at least one data communication device (3) at least one interface (8) for data communication with a computer (9),

preferably a USB, a serial, a WLAN, a LAN or a BLUETOOTH interface.