JP2697802B2 - Dynamic measuring device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a weighing platform, storage means for sequentially taking in and storing time-series data of weighing values when an object to be weighed passes on the weighing platform, and the weighing device based on the time-series data. The present invention relates to a dynamic weighing device provided with a calculating means for calculating a static weight of a target and a determining means for determining whether or not the calculated static weight of the calculating means is appropriate data.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As such a dynamic measuring device, there is, for example, a bovine measuring device. When a cow to be weighed walks on a weighing platform, a temporal change in a weighing value obtained from the weighing platform exhibits a complex waveform that changes in accordance with the walking cycle of the cow. Therefore, the time series data of the weighed values is once taken in and stored in the storage means, and the calculation means calculates the maximum value of the cow and calculates the average value of the cow based on the time series data. By the way, in such a dynamic weighing device, when continuously weighing a plurality of weighing objects, it is necessary to determine whether or not the calculated static weight is appropriate data. That is, it is a determination as to whether or not the calculated static weight is obtained when only one weighing object is present and is completely on the weighing platform. The calculated rest weight when only the forefoot or hindpaw of the head cow is on the weighing platform is not appropriate data and must be excluded. Conventionally, in such a dynamic weighing device, the determining means for determining whether or not the calculated static weight is appropriate data is, for example, in the case of a cow, a plurality of static weight values calculated when the last weighing was performed in a predetermined group. The appropriate data range is set on the basis of the maximum value and the minimum value, and if the calculated static weight is within the set appropriate data range, the calculated static weight is determined as appropriate data.

[0003]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional dynamic weighing device, since there are cows of various weights in a predetermined group, it was calculated when weighing was last performed in the predetermined group. The appropriate data range set based on the maximum value and the minimum value among the plurality of static weight values is a relatively wide range. Therefore, for example, when two cows ride on the weighing platform with two cows overlapping, or when only the front leg or the rear leg of one cow is on the weighing platform, the calculated static weight may be determined as appropriate data. There was a problem. On the other hand, such a problem can be avoided by collecting cattle having a relatively small difference in weight as a group, but there is a problem that the management of the group is complicated. The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to solve the above-described conventional problems at once, and to accurately measure the weight of a weighing target even when the weight of each weighing target varies widely. It is to provide a dynamic weighing device that can be used.

[0004]

According to a first characteristic configuration of the dynamic weighing device according to the present invention, transmitting means for starting the individual identification information is attached to the object to be weighed, and individual identification transmitted from the transmitting means is provided. Receiving means for receiving information when the measurement target is at a predetermined position on the weighing platform, and individual data storage means for storing the static weight of the measurement object as individual data in association with the individual identification information. Provided, wherein the determination means is configured to calculate the static weight calculated by the calculation means,
If the individual data stored in the individual data storage unit is within a range set based on individual data corresponding to the individual identification information received by the receiving unit, the calculated static weight is determined to be appropriate data. The point is that it is configured as follows.

[0005] A second characteristic configuration is that the individual data storage means is configured such that the individual data stored in the individual data storage means is updated with the calculated static weight determined as appropriate data by the determination means. In that it is.

[0006]

According to the first characteristic configuration, the receiving means receives the individual identification information of the weighing object at a predetermined position on the weighing platform,
The determining means is a range in which the calculated static weight calculated by the calculating means is set based on the individual data corresponding to the individual identification information received by the receiving means among the individual data stored in the individual data storing means. If it is within, the calculated static weight is determined to be appropriate data. That is, an appropriate data range is set based on the individual data of the static weight of the weighing object at a predetermined position on the weighing platform, and the calculated static weight calculated by the calculating means is calculated based on the set appropriate data range. Whether it is appropriate or not can be determined.

According to the second characteristic configuration, the individual data of the object to be weighed stored in the individual data storage means corresponding to the individual identification information of the object to be weighed is calculated by the arithmetic means, and is transmitted to the discriminating means. Is updated to the calculated static weight determined to be appropriate. That is, the individual data of the weighing object stored in the individual data storage means can be used as the latest static weight of the weighing object.

[0008]

According to the first characteristic configuration, it is possible to determine whether or not the calculated static weight is appropriate based on the individual data of the static weight of the weighing object itself. When there are multiple weighing objects on the weighing platform, such as when there are other weighing objects on the weighing platform, or when the entire weighing object is not on the weighing platform, the calculated static weight is appropriate. The problem of discrimination as data can be solved. In addition, even if the weight of each weighing object varies widely, it is possible to reliably determine whether the calculated static weight is appropriate or not. Can be eliminated. As a result, it has become possible to provide a dynamic weighing device capable of accurately weighing the weight of the weighing target even if the weight of each weighing target varies widely.

According to the second characteristic configuration, it is possible to determine whether or not the calculated static weight is appropriate based on the latest static weight of the object to be weighed. Weight increase due to the growth of
It has become possible to provide a dynamic weighing device capable of accurately measuring the weight of the object to be weighed even if the weight of the individual to be weighed varies widely.

[0010]

Next, an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a cow weighing device will be described with reference to the drawings.

As shown in FIG. 1, the weighing device according to the present embodiment calculates the static weight of a cow based on the load data obtained from the weighing platform 1 when the cow to be weighed walks on the weighing platform 1. Hereinafter, simply referred to as weight). A fence 2 is provided on both sides of the weighing table 1 and the passages before and after the weighing table 1, and a terminal device 3 is erected outside the fence 2.

As shown in FIG. 2, the terminal device 3 has a key panel 3a for instructing start and stop of weighing and the like, and a digital display for displaying and outputting the weighing result (the individual number of the cow and its weight). 3b, and a printer 3c for printing out the measurement result. Further, a weighing processing unit H that manages the calculation of the weight of the cow based on the load data from the weighing platform 1 and communication with an external information device is also provided inside the terminal device 3.

As shown in FIG. 1, a transmitting means T for transmitting individual identification information (individual number) of the cow is attached to the ankle of the left rear leg of the cow. The transmitting means T includes a memory for storing the individual number and a bidirectional RF wireless communication means. Then, wireless communication is performed with the measurement processing unit H via a receiving unit to be described later, and the individual number of the cow to be measured is given to the measurement processing unit H. In addition, using the above-mentioned key panel 3a,
The operator can also manually input the individual number.

The weighing platform 1 is, as shown in a plan view in FIG.
It has a base plate 1a made of FRP attached to an iron frame and four load cells 1b arranged at four corners thereof. Base plate 1
The load applied to a is detected as the total value of the outputs of the four load cells 1b. The outputs of the four load cells 1b are supplied to the measurement processing unit H as analog voltages, and the signals are processed by the measurement processing unit H.

In the vicinity of the entrance of the weighing platform 1, an antenna 4 is provided as receiving means for receiving the individual number transmitted from the transmitting means T when the cow is at a predetermined position on the weighing platform 1. I have. The antenna 4 is a flat rectangular antenna wound in a loop shape, and the inside of the fence 2 on the left side (the side of the leg on which the transmitting means T is attached) in the traveling direction of the cow, It is attached to be in the direction of travel. The directivity is strong in the thickness direction, that is, in the left-right direction with respect to the traveling direction of the cow. Therefore,
The directivity of the transmitting means T attached to the cow's ankle is also attached to the cow so as to be stronger left and right with respect to the traveling direction.

As shown in FIG. 4, the weighing processing section H includes a data input means 5 and an arithmetic processing means 6. The data input means 5 includes an amplifier 5a for amplifying a voltage signal, which is a weighing value from the weighing platform 1, and a low-pass filter 5 for smoothing the output.
b, an A / D converter 5c that quantizes the smoothed voltage signal at a predetermined sampling time. A / D converter 5c
The time series data (hereinafter referred to as weighing data) of the weighing value output from is input to the arithmetic processing means 6.

The arithmetic processing means 6 is constituted by using a microcomputer, and a storage means 6a for sequentially taking in and storing the weighing data, an arithmetic means 6b for calculating the weight of the cow from the weighing data, and a calculation weight of the arithmetic means 6b. A determination means 6c for determining whether or not the data is appropriate is provided, and individual data storage means 6d for storing the weight of the cow as individual data in association with the individual number of the cow.

The measurement processing section H is provided with a serial interface 7 and an input / output circuit 8. The serial interface 7 controls communication with an external information device DE (computer) that manages history data and total data for each individual cow, and communication with the transmitting means T via the antenna 4 and its RF circuit 9. The input / output circuit 8 controls an interface with the key panel 3a, the digital display 3b, and the printer 3c.

Communication between the measurement processing unit H (the arithmetic processing means 6) and the transmitting means T attached to the cow is performed as follows. First, an RF signal including a response request signal is transmitted from the antenna 4.
Radio waves are output. When the transmitting means T attached to the cow approaches the antenna 4, power is supplied by this RF radio wave and the cow becomes active. Then, in response to the response request signal, the stored information, that is, the individual number of the cow to which the transmitting means T is attached is transmitted as RF radio waves. This signal is received by the antenna 4 and transmitted to the arithmetic processing means 6 via the RF circuit 9 and the serial interface 7.

In order to receive the individual number from the transmitting means T in a state where the cow is surely on the weighing platform 1, that is, in a state where all four legs of the cow are on the weighing platform 1, A communicable area between the transmission means 4 and the transmission means T is set.

Hereinafter, a change over time of the weighing value (the voltage after being smoothed by the low-pass filter 5b) output from the weighing platform 1 when the cow walks on the weighing platform 1 will be described.

First, the change over time of the weighing value output from the weighing platform 1 when only one cow walks on the weighing platform 1 is as shown in FIG. In the figure, in period a, only the forefoot of the cow is on the weighing platform 1, during period b, the entire weight of the cow is on the weighing platform 1, and in period c, only the rear foot of the cow is on the weighing platform 1. Indicates the state of riding. A period t indicates a period during which the antenna 4 receives the individual number from the transmitting means T.

Next, the change over time of the weighed value when two cows successively walk on the weighing platform 1 will be described. FIG.
Shows a state in which the other cow starts riding on the weighing table 1 on the entrance side during the period t during which the antenna 4 receives the individual number from the transmitting means T of one cow. , Period d indicates a period in which two cows are on the weighing platform 1. FIG.
Shows a state in which one cow receives the individual number from the transmitting means T of another cow while the other cow is riding on the exit side of the weighing platform 1. In the figure, the period d is two cows. Shows a period in which a cow is on the weighing platform 1.

Next, an algorithm for calculating the weight of the cow based on the weighing data from the weighing platform 1 and determining whether or not the calculated weight is appropriate data by the determining means 6c will be described.

The voltages corresponding to the weighing values shown in FIGS. 5 to 7 are quantized by the A / D converter 5c and input to the arithmetic processing means 6 as weighing data, as described above. When the weighing data exceeds the set value K which is slightly larger than the value of the weighing platform 1a solely by its own weight, the arithmetic processing means 6 determines that the cow has started riding on the weighing platform 1 and stores the weighing data in the storage means 6a. Start.

The following processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

In the processing from step S2 to step S6, the operation means 6b in the operation processing means 6
Has identified the three maximum values from the change in the weighing data based on the fact that has received the individual number from the transmitting means T,
If the number of identified maximum values reaches three, the range from the first maximum value to the third maximum value is set as a valid data section.
For example, in FIG. 5, when the maximum value P ₃ is identified, it maximum value stored so far reached three _{(P 1, P 2, P} 3) so, the effective data interval T ₁ is in FIG. It is determined as follows. Then, the average value W of the weighing data in the valid data section T is obtained, and this is set as the calculated weight W of the cow. In FIG. 6, the maximum values P ₄ , P ₅ , and P ₆ are identified, and the valid data section T ₂ is determined as shown in the figure. In FIG. 7, the maximum values P ₇ , P ₈ , and P ₉ are identified, and the valid data section T ₃ is defined as shown in FIG.

If the antenna 4 does not receive the individual number from the transmitting means T before the maximum value reaches three as shown in the processing from step S11 to step S12, a weighing error message is generated. Display 3b
Or to the printer 3c.

As shown in the processing in step S7, the discriminating means 6c extracts individual data corresponding to the individual number received by the antenna 4 from the individual data stored in the individual data storage means 6d.

Then, as shown in step S8, the discriminating means 6c sets an appropriate data range based on the individual data extracted in step S7, and determines whether the calculated weight W is within the set appropriate data range. It is determined whether or not. That is, the lower limit value W _LO of the set appropriate data range is a value obtained by subtracting a set value (for example, 50 kg) from the extracted individual data, and the upper limit value W _UP is a value obtained by adding a set value to the extracted individual data. The calculated weight W is within the set appropriate data range (W _LO ≦
It is determined whether or not (W ≦ W _UP ).

The above-mentioned set value (for example, 50 kg) is determined in consideration of the total amount of forage and the amount of drinking water per day, for example, when the cow is weighed once a day.

If the calculation result W is within the proper setting data range, as shown in the processing from step S9 to step S10, the calculation result W is stored in the individual data storage means 6d corresponding to the individual number received by the antenna 4. The individual data is updated to the calculated weight W, and the calculated weight W is output to the digital display 3b and the printer 3c as appropriate data. If it is out of the setting appropriate data range, step S13
The weighing error message is output to the digital display 3b or the printer 3c as shown in the processing of (1).

For example, when only one cow walks on the weighing platform 1 as shown in FIG. 5, the weighing data of the effective data section T _{1 is} the weighing data of only the cow whose antenna 4 has received the individual number. Therefore, it is determined that the calculated weight W is within the set appropriate data range. On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, when two cows walking passes over weigh pan 1 continuously, the weighing data is valid data interval T ₂ or T _3, the antenna 4 receives the individual number Since the weighing data of the cows other than the cows overlapped, the calculated weight W is determined to be outside the set appropriate data range.

As described above, by judging whether or not the calculated static weight is within the set appropriate data range, when two cows are on the weighing platform with two cows overlapping, only one cow's forefoot or rear foot is used. Avoids the problem of determining the calculated static weight when the device is on the weighing platform as appropriate data.

Next, another embodiment will be described.

In the above embodiment, between the antenna 4 as the receiving means and the transmitting means T so that the individual number from the transmitting means T can be received in a state where all the four legs of the cow are on the weighing platform 1. Although the case where the communicable area is set has been described as an example, the antenna 4 may be replaced with the antenna 4 so that the individual number from the transmitting means T of the cow on the weighing platform 1 can be received next.
The communicable area between the transmitter and the transmitting means T may be set to a narrow area near the entrance of the weighing platform 1. In this case, until the antenna 4 receives the individual number from the transmitting means T of the next cow, the static weight is calculated as the weighing data of the cow with the individual number received before, and the calculation is performed. It is determined whether the stationary weight is appropriate data.

In the above embodiment, each time a weighing target is weighed, the individual data stored in the individual data storage unit 6d of the weighing target is automatically calculated with the calculated static weight determined by the determination unit 6c to be appropriate data. Although the case of updating to the above is exemplified, instead of this, the individual data storage unit 6d
May be updated periodically (for example, every six months) from the outside.

In the above embodiment, the case where the antenna 4 as the receiving means is installed on the side wall surface of the walking path of the cow, that is, inside the fence 2, but instead, for example, it is installed on the floor surface. Is also good. In this case, since the directivity of the antenna increases in the vertical direction, the transmitting means T is attached to the cow's leg so that the directivity of the transmitting means T also increases in the vertical direction.

The above embodiment is a cow weighing device,
The present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to various walking animals, and also to dynamic weighing devices such as vehicles.

In the claims, reference numerals are provided for convenience of comparison with the drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the configuration shown in the attached drawings.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of a cow weighing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of a terminal portion of the weighing device.

FIG. 3 is a plan view (partially perspective view) of a weighing platform portion of the weighing device.

FIG. 4 is a circuit block diagram of a weighing processing unit of the weighing device and its peripherals;

FIG. 5 is a graph showing a change over time of a weighing value and a reception timing of individual identification information.

FIG. 6 is a graph showing a change over time of a weighed value and a reception timing of individual identification information.

FIG. 7 is a graph showing a change over time of a weighing value and a reception timing of individual identification information.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a process of calculating a static weight and a process of determining whether or not the weight is within an appropriate data range by an arithmetic processing unit of the weighing device

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 weighing table 4 receiving means 6a storage means 6b calculating means 6c discriminating means 6d individual data storing means T transmitting means

Claims (2)

(57) [Claims] 1. A weighing platform (1); storage means (6a) for sequentially taking and storing time-series data of weighing values when a weighing object passes on the weighing platform (1); A dynamic weighing apparatus provided with a calculating means (6b) for calculating the static weight of the object to be weighed and a determining means (6c) for determining whether the calculated static weight of the calculating means (6b) is appropriate data. Transmitting means (T) for starting the individual identification information is attached to the object to be weighed, and the individual identification information transmitted from the transmitting means (T) is transmitted to the weighing table (1) by the object to be weighed. Receiving means (4) for receiving when at a predetermined position; and individual data storage means (6d) for storing the static weight of the object to be weighed as individual data in association with the individual identification information.
And the determination means (6c) determines that the receiving means (4) determines that the calculated static weight of the calculation means (6b) is one of the individual data stored in the individual data storage means (6d). A dynamic weighing device configured to determine the calculated static weight as appropriate data within a range set based on individual data corresponding to the received individual identification information. 2. The individual data storage unit (6) so that the individual data stored in the individual data storage unit (6d) is updated with the calculated static weight determined by the determination unit (6c) as appropriate data. The dynamic weighing device according to claim 1, wherein 6d) is configured.