JP7767792B2 - Electronic balance - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an electronic balance.

In laboratories and other settings, electronic balances are used to measure the mass (weight) of powder and other objects. These balances are equipped with a windshield surrounding the weighing pan to prevent the effects of convection and other factors in the measurement environment. This windshield is equipped with an openable door (see Patent Document 1). The user opens the windshield door, places the object to be measured on the weighing pan mounting surface of the electronic balance, closes the windshield door, and checks the weighing capacity value on the display to obtain the weight value of the object to be measured.

When a user is performing a weighing operation, it can be difficult to open and close the windshield door by hand. For example, if a user is holding a spatula in their right hand and a reagent bottle in their left hand, both hands are occupied, making it difficult to open and close the windshield door by hand. For this reason, electronic balances that can automatically open and close the windshield door have been proposed (see Patent Document 2 and Non-Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-170176 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-146681

Explorer Series Semi-Microbalances, OHAUS, [Retrieved May 25, 2021], Internet <URL: https://japan.ohaus.com/ja-JP/ExplorerSemi-MicroBalances-18>

In the electronic balance of Patent Document 2, the windshield door is opened and closed by the operation of a drive motor. The operation of this drive motor is initiated, for example, when the user operates an operation key or when a sensor detects that the user has touched a handle attached to the door. In other words, in the electronic balance of Patent Document 2, the door is opened and closed by the drive motor, but the user must touch somewhere on the electronic balance to operate the drive motor.

The electronic balance in Non-Patent Document 1 describes the use of a non-contact sensor that uses infrared light to detect the presence or absence of an object as a switch for opening and closing the windshield door. With this electronic balance, when the windshield door is closed and the user places their hand over the non-contact sensor, the drive motor operates to open the door; and when the door is open and the user places their hand over the non-contact sensor, the drive motor operates to close the door. In other words, with this electronic balance, the user can open and close the windshield door without contact.

With such electronic balances, the door can sometimes open and close without the user's intention. For example, while a user is transferring a sample taken from a reagent bottle with a spatula onto a weighing pan, the user's hand, clothing, reagent bottle, or other object may come close to the non-contact sensor. When this is detected by the non-contact sensor, the drive motor starts operating and the windshield door begins to close, regardless of the user's intention. If the moving door collides with the spatula, the sample will spill into the weighing chamber inside the windshield, contaminating the chamber and wasting the sample.

In the electronic balance described above, it is possible to disable the non-contact sensor function so that the drive motor does not operate even when the non-contact sensor detects an object, but disabling this function requires operating the operation panel.

In addition to opening and closing the draft shield doors, it is also possible to use non-contact sensors to operate other mechanical elements, but in that case, a new non-contact sensor would need to be installed on the electronic balance in addition to the non-contact sensor used to open and close the doors.

The problem that this invention aims to solve is to enable a non-contact sensor to be given a variety of functions in a configuration that uses a non-contact sensor to perform a specific operation of an electronic balance.

The electronic balance according to the present invention, which has been made to solve the above problems, comprises:
a non-contact sensor for detecting an object;
a state identification unit that identifies whether the detection signal of the non-contact sensor corresponds to any one of a plurality of predetermined time patterns;
an operation control unit that controls the operation of a predetermined part of the electronic balance that corresponds to the time pattern identified by the state identification unit;
Equipped with.

In the electronic balance of the present invention, rather than determining whether the non-contact sensor has detected an object, the state identification unit identifies differences in the time patterns of the non-contact sensor's detection signal and associates different operations with each of the multiple different time patterns. This allows a greater number of operations to be associated with each non-contact sensor than in conventional electronic balances, where one operation is associated with each non-contact sensor, thereby providing the non-contact sensor with a wider range of functions. In this case, if a non-contact sensor that continuously outputs a detection signal while detecting an object is used, the detection signal can be divided into multiple time patterns based on the length of the output. Furthermore, if a non-contact sensor that outputs one detection signal each time an object is detected is used, the detection signal can be divided into multiple time patterns based on the number of detection signals output within a given time period. Examples of operations that can be associated with multiple time patterns include opening and closing the windshield door, operating the static eliminator, subtracting a tare weight, and disabling/enabling the non-contact sensor.

The number of non-contact sensors is not limited to one, and may be multiple. When multiple non-contact sensors are used, by combining the multiple time patterns detected by each non-contact sensor, the non-contact sensors can be given more diverse functions than when a single non-contact sensor is used.

1 is a perspective view of an electronic balance according to a first embodiment of the present invention; A schematic plan view of the electronic balance with the top door removed. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a measurement value display screen displayed in the display area of the input display unit of the electronic balance according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen displayed in a display area of an input display unit in the electronic balance according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a main control system of the electronic balance according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a pattern table that stores detection patterns of the non-contact sensor and the corresponding operation details in the electronic balance of the first embodiment. 10 is a timing chart of detection signals corresponding to short and long holding. 5 is a flowchart showing the process of operational control using detection signals from non-contact sensors in the electronic balance of the first embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing another operation control process using a detection signal from a non-contact sensor in the electronic balance of the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a top view of the operation table of the electronic balance according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a schematic diagram of a main control system in an electronic balance according to a second embodiment. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a pattern table that stores detection patterns of the non-contact sensor and the corresponding operation details in the electronic balance of the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating the main control system of an electronic balance according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating the main control system of an electronic balance according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a measurement value display screen displayed in the display area of the input display unit of the electronic balance according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen displayed in the display area of the input display unit of the electronic balance according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of the setting screen displayed in the display area of the input display unit in the electronic balance according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of the setting screen displayed in the display area of the input display unit in the electronic balance according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of the setting screen displayed in the display area of the input display unit in the electronic balance according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of the setting screen displayed in the display area of the input display unit in the electronic balance according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a pattern table that stores detection patterns of the non-contact sensor and the corresponding operation details in the electronic balance of the fourth embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing a part of the process of operational control using detection signals from non-contact sensors in an electronic balance according to a fourth embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing another part of the process of operational control using the detection signal of the non-contact sensor in the electronic balance of the fourth embodiment.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the same or corresponding parts in the drawings are designated by the same reference numerals.

[First embodiment]
<Overall configuration of electronic balance>
1 to 8 are diagrams illustrating an electronic balance 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the electronic balance 1 is used to measure the mass (weight) of an object to be measured (sample), and includes an electronic balance main body 10 consisting of a base 101 and a rear housing 102, an operation console 12 located on the front side of the top surface of the base 101, a weighing pan 11 on which the object to be measured is placed, which is also located on the top surface of the base 101, and a windbreak 20 that surrounds the weighing pan 11. The space surrounded by the windbreak 20 is the weighing chamber.

The weight of the object to be measured placed on the weighing pan 11 is detected by a weighing mechanism 36 (see Figure 4) located inside the base 101. Methods for detecting the weight of the object to be measured include electromagnetic and load cell methods. When the weighing mechanism 36 is electromagnetic, it includes a column, a lever, an electromagnetic coil (force coil), a permanent magnet, and a displacement sensor that detects the displacement of the lever.

The windshield 20 includes a front wall 22, a rear wall 23, a frame 21 that supports the front wall 22 and connects the front wall 22 and the rear wall 23 at their upper ends, and a right door 24, a left door 25, and an upper door 26 that are supported on the frame 21 so as to be openable and closable. The front wall 22, the right door 24, the left door 25, and the upper door 26 are made of a transparent material such as glass. Each of the right door 24, the left door 25, and the upper door 26 is provided with a grip 27. A user can grasp the grip 27 to manually open and close each of the right door 24, the left door 25, and the upper door 26. The right door 24 and the left door 25 are opened and closed by a door opening/closing mechanism (not shown) driven by motors 33 and 34 (see FIG. 4), respectively. The motors 33 and 34 are housed inside the rear housing 102.

The operation console 12 is provided with a power switch 14, an input display unit 35, and two non-contact sensors 31 and 32. These two non-contact sensors 31 and 32 are located on the left and right sides of the input display unit 35, respectively, and detect objects such as a hand, shown by an imaginary line in Figure 2, without contact. Hereinafter, non-contact sensor 31 will be referred to as the "right non-contact sensor 31," and non-contact sensor 32 will be referred to as the "left non-contact sensor 32."

The right non-contact sensor 31 and the left non-contact sensor 32 are both reflective photosensors that detect objects when light of a specific wavelength emitted from a light-emitting element is reflected off the object and enters a light-receiving element. Both the right non-contact sensor 31 and the left non-contact sensor 32 continuously output a detection signal while light reflected from the object enters the light-receiving element. The photosensor may be, but is not limited to, an infrared sensor that uses infrared light as the specific wavelength of light. Alternatively, a pyroelectric infrared sensor that detects infrared light emitted by the user may be used as the non-contact sensor instead of a photosensor.

The input display unit 35 consists of a touch panel that combines an LCD panel and a touchpad, and includes a display area 351 where measurement values and setting items are displayed, and an operation area 352 where images representing operation keys and operation buttons are displayed. Figures 3A and 3B show examples of screens displayed in the display area 351, with Figure 3A being the measurement value display screen displayed when measuring a sample, and Figure 3B being the setting screen where setting items related to the non-contact sensor are displayed. The measurement value display screen and setting screen correspond to the first display screen and second display screen, respectively, of the present invention.

<Configuration of the electronic balance control system>
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the control system of the electronic balance 1. The control unit 30 controls the operation of the electronic balance 1 and is connected to the static eliminator 13, weighing mechanism 36, right non-contact sensor 31, left non-contact sensor 32, motors 33 and 34, power switch 14, and input display unit 35. The control unit 30 can also be connected to an external device such as a printer via a communication unit 308. The control unit 30 includes a calculation processing unit (CPU) 301, a memory unit 302, and functional blocks such as a weighing unit 303, a display control unit 304, a door opening/closing control unit 305, a state identification unit 306, a pattern memory unit 307, and a communication unit 308. The functions of each block included in the control unit 30 are realized by the calculation processing unit 301 executing a control program (software) stored in the memory unit 302.

The weighing unit 303 calculates the weight of the object placed on the weighing pan 11 based on the detection signal of the displacement sensor input from the weighing mechanism 36. The display control unit 304 displays a predetermined display screen on the input display unit 35 based on operation signals from the power switch 14, the operation keys in the operation area 352, etc. The door opening/closing control unit 305 drives the motors 33 and 34 to open and close the right door 24 and the left door 25. The pattern storage unit 307 stores a pattern table that stores the time patterns detected by the right non-contact sensor 31 and the left non-contact sensor 32 (hereinafter, "time patterns " will be simply referred to as "patterns," and the time patterns detected by the non-contact sensors will be referred to as "detection patterns") and the corresponding operation details of the electronic balance 1. The state identification unit 306 identifies the detection patterns of the detection signals based on the detection signals input from the right non-contact sensor 31 and the left non-contact sensor 32. The control unit 30 reads out from the pattern table the operation content associated with the detection pattern identified by the state identification unit 306, and executes the operation through the weighing unit 303, the display control unit 304, the door opening/closing control unit 305, etc. Therefore, in this embodiment, the control unit 30, the weighing unit 303, the display control unit 304, and the door opening/closing control unit 305 correspond to the operation control unit.

<Pattern table>
Fig. 5 shows an example of a pattern table stored in the pattern storage unit 307. The pattern table in Fig. 5 shows that six types of detection patterns (patterns 1 to 6) are set according to the length of time (detection signal input time) during which detection signals are continuously input to the control unit 30 from each of the right non-contact sensor 31 and the left non-contact sensor 32, and that a predetermined action is associated with each of the five types of detection patterns except for pattern 6 (i.e., no action is currently set to be associated with pattern 6).

In the pattern table, "Right Sensor" and "Left Sensor" represent the right non-contact sensor 31 and the left non-contact sensor 32, respectively. "Short" indicates that the detection signal was input for less than three seconds (i.e., a "short wave" of the hand was held over the right non-contact sensor 31 or the left non-contact sensor 32 for a short period of time). "Long" indicates that the detection signal was input for three seconds or more (i.e., a "long wave" of the hand was held over the right non-contact sensor 31 or the left non-contact sensor 32 for a long period of time). "None" indicates that no detection signal was input (no hand was held over the right non-contact sensor 31 or the left non-contact sensor 32). For example, pattern 1 indicates that a "short wave" was held over the right non-contact sensor 31, resulting in a detection signal being input to the control unit 30 only from the right non-contact sensor 31, and that the input time was less than three seconds. Pattern 5 indicates that a "long wave" is performed on both the right non-contact sensor 31 and the left non-contact sensor 32, resulting in detection signals being input from the right non-contact sensor 31 and the left non-contact sensor 32 to the control unit 30 at approximately the same time, and the input duration for each is 3 seconds or longer. Here, "approximately the same time" means that the time periods during which detection signals are input from both the right non-contact sensor 31 and the left non-contact sensor 32 to the control unit 30 overlap; the input of the detection signals from the right non-contact sensor 31 and the left non-contact sensor 32 does not have to be synchronized.

Figure 6 shows a timing chart of the detection signals input to the control unit 30 during short-wave and long-wave hand-holding. The state identification unit 306 determines that the hand-holding is "short" when the time it takes for the detection signal to change from "L" level to "H" level and then return to "L" level (the time indicated by the downward arrow) is within three seconds, and determines that the hand-holding is "long" when the level of the detection signal is "H" three seconds after the detection signal changes from "L" level to "H" level.

In the initial state, a default pattern table is stored in the pattern storage unit 307, but by operating the operation keys, operation buttons, etc. while the settings screen is displayed on the input display unit 35, it is possible to change the contents of the detection pattern or add/delete/change the operations associated with the detection pattern. Changing the contents of the detection pattern means, for example, changing the lower limit of the input time corresponding to "long hold" or the upper limit of the input time corresponding to "short hold." After the detection pattern or operations have been changed, the pattern table is overwritten and saved in the pattern storage unit 307.

In a configuration in which a personal computer equipped with a display and input operation means such as a mouse and keyboard is connected to the control unit 30 via the communication unit 308, the user may be able to operate the input operation means to change or add detection patterns and operation contents associated with the detection patterns.
In addition, in this embodiment, the detection signals are divided into six types of detection patterns based on the length of time that the detection signals of each of the right non-contact sensor 31 and the left non-contact sensor 32 are input, and whether or not a detection signal is input. However, the detection signals may also be divided into multiple types of detection patterns based on the number of times that detection signals are input to the control unit 30 from each of the right non-contact sensor 31 and the left non-contact sensor 32 within a specified time period.

<Processing 1 based on detection signal of non-contact sensor>
Next, the processing procedure of the control unit 30 when causing the electronic balance 1 to perform a predetermined operation using the right non-contact sensor 31 and the left non-contact sensor 32 will be described with reference to Figure 7. The flowchart in Figure 7 starts when a detection signal from either the right non-contact sensor 31 or the left non-contact sensor 32 is input to the control unit 30, and the processing of each step is carried out by the functional units shown in Figure 4.

First, the control unit 30 determines whether the right non-contact sensor 31 and the left non-contact sensor 32 have been disabled (step 101). If they have been disabled, the process ends (Yes in step 101). Here, "disabled" means that even if a detection signal is input from the right non-contact sensor 31 or the left non-contact sensor 32 to the control unit 30, the detection signal is disabled. On the other hand, if the right non-contact sensor 31 and the left non-contact sensor 32 have not been disabled (No in step 101), then it is determined whether the input detection signal is from either the right non-contact sensor 31 or the left non-contact sensor 32, or both (steps 102 and 103).

If the detection signals are from both the right non-contact sensor 31 and the left non-contact sensor 32 (Yes in both steps 102 and 103), it is determined whether the time during which the detection signals were input to the control unit 30 from these right non-contact sensors 31 and left non-contact sensors 32 is 3 seconds or longer. If both are 3 seconds or longer (Yes in step 104), the display control unit 304 switches the screen displayed in the display area 351 of the input display unit 35 (step 105). For example, if the measurement value display screen (Figure 3A) is displayed in the display area 351, it switches it to the setting screen (Figure 3B), and conversely, if the setting screen is displayed, it switches it to the measurement value display screen.

As shown in Figure 3B, the settings screen displays the details of patterns 1 to 4, which are stored in the pattern table and correspond to the detected pattern. In this example, the details of the operation of pattern 5 (i.e., screen switching) are not displayed.

By looking at this settings screen, the user can determine which parts of the electronic balance will operate when certain actions are performed on the right non-contact sensor 31 and left non-contact sensor 32, and whether the actions associated with the detection patterns have been changed by another user. On the settings screen, the right non-contact sensor 31 and left non-contact sensor 32 are labeled "right touchless sensor" and "left touchless sensor," respectively, and actions with detection signal input times of less than 3 seconds and 3 seconds or more are labeled "short" and "long," respectively. Furthermore, the "right door open/close key," "disable key," "0/T key," and "PRINT key" indicate that they are associated with the opening and closing of the right door 24, the disable setting of the right non-contact sensor 31 and left non-contact sensor 32, the zero point setting/tare operation, and the printing operation, respectively.

On the other hand, if detection signals are input to the control unit 30 from both the right non-contact sensor 31 and the left non-contact sensor 32, and the input time of at least one of the detection signals is less than 3 seconds (i.e., pattern 6 or a detection pattern not set in the pattern table), the control unit 30 ends the process without doing anything (No in step 104).

If the detection signal input to the control unit 30 is only from the right non-contact sensor 31 (Yes in step 102, No in step 103), it is determined whether the input time of the detection signal is less than 3 seconds. If it is less than 3 seconds (Yes in step 106), the door opening/closing control unit 305 executes the opening/closing operation of the right door 24 (step 107, pattern 1). Specifically, if the right door 24 is closed, the door opening/closing control unit 305 rotates the motor 33 in the forward direction to open the right door 24, and if the right door 24 is open, the door opening/closing control unit 305 rotates the motor 33 in the reverse direction to close the right door 24. Whether the right door 24 is in the closed or open state can be determined, for example, by providing a door opening/closing detection sensor in the door opening/closing mechanism and based on the detection signal from that sensor.

Furthermore, if the input time of the detection signal from the right non-contact sensor 31 is 3 seconds or longer (No in step 106), the control unit 30 disables the right non-contact sensor 31 and the left non-contact sensor 32 (step 108, pattern 2). As a result, the right non-contact sensor 31 and the left non-contact sensor 32 are disabled, and even if the detection signal input to the control unit 30 from the right non-contact sensor 31 or the left non-contact sensor 32 thereafter corresponds to one of the five detection patterns set in the pattern table, the control unit 30 will not execute the operation assigned to that detection pattern (corresponding to the processing in step 101). In this embodiment, the disable setting of the right non-contact sensor 31 and the left non-contact sensor 32 is canceled by touching the display area 351 of the input display unit 35 for a predetermined time (e.g., 5 seconds or longer).

If the detection signal input to the control unit 30 is only from the left non-contact sensor 32 (No in step 102), it is determined whether the input time of the detection signal is less than 3 seconds. If it is less than 3 seconds (Yes in step 109, pattern 3), the control unit 30 causes the weighing unit 303 to execute a zero-point setting/tare operation (step 110). "Zero-point setting/tare" refers to the operation of displaying the measurement result of only the weight of the sample, minus the weight of the tare, on the measurement value display screen when a sample is weighed in a tare such as a drug packaging paper or weighing tray. When a tare is placed on the weighing pan 11 and the tare operation is performed, the value displayed on the measurement value display screen is reset to "0." Then, when the tare-placed sample is placed on the weighing pan 11, the measurement value of only the weight of the sample is displayed on the measurement value display screen.

On the other hand, if the input time of the detection signal from the non-contact sensor 32 is 3 seconds or longer (No in step 109, pattern 4), the control unit 30 sends a print command to the printer via the communication unit 308. As a result, the content displayed in the display area 351 of the input display unit 35 is output from the printer (step 111).

<Measuring operation>
Next, the operation when a user places a sample placed in a weighing tray into the weighing chamber through the right door 24 and weighs the sample will be described.
With the right door 24 closed, the user holds their hand over the right non-contact sensor 31 on the right side for a short period of time (less than 3 seconds) (pattern 1). This causes the door opening/closing control unit 305 to drive the motor 33 and open the right door 24. Next, the user places a weighing tray on the weighing pan 11 and holds their hand over the left non-contact sensor 32 for a short period of time (less than 3 seconds) (pattern 3). This causes the weighing unit 303 to perform a tare operation, and the weighing value display screen in the display area of the input display unit 35 displays "0" as the weighing value. Next, the user removes the weighing tray from the weighing pan 11, places a sample thereon, places it back on the weighing pan 11, and then holds their hand over the right non-contact sensor 31 for a short period of time (less than 3 seconds). This causes the door opening/closing control unit 305 to drive the motor 33 and close the right door 24.

The weighing unit 303 also calculates the weight of the sample alone by subtracting the weight of the weighing tray from the total weight of the weighing tray and sample placed on the weighing pan 11. As a result, the measured value of the sample weight is displayed on the measurement value display screen in the display area of the input display unit 35. In this state, if the user holds their hand over the non-contact sensor 32 on the left side for a long period of time, such as 3 seconds or more, the contents of the measurement value display screen are output from the printer.

Furthermore, if the user holds their hand over the right non-contact sensor 31 for three seconds or more after the right door 24 is opened, the right non-contact sensor 31 and left non-contact sensor 32 will be disabled. This prevents the right door 24 of the electronic balance 1 from closing or other operations assigned to the detection pattern from being executed, even if the user accidentally brings a part of their body, clothing, reagent bottle, etc. close to the right non-contact sensor 31 and/or left non-contact sensor 32 while placing a weighing tray or sample on the weighing pan.

<Processing 2 based on detection signal of non-contact sensor>
8 shows a flowchart for switching between the invalid and valid settings of the right non-contact sensor 31 and the left non-contact sensor 32 using the right non-contact sensor 31 and the left non-contact sensor 32. Here, it is assumed that the "invalid/valid switching" operation is associated with pattern 2 in the pattern table shown in FIG. 5. As with the flowchart of FIG. 7, this flowchart also starts when a detection signal from either the right non-contact sensor 31 or the left non-contact sensor 32 is input to the control unit 30.

First, the control unit 30 determines whether the input detection signal is from either the right non-contact sensor 31, the left non-contact sensor 32, or both (steps 102 and 103). If the input detection signal is from the non-contact sensor 32 only (No in step 102), it determines whether the right non-contact sensor 31 and the left non-contact sensor 32 have been disabled. If they have been disabled, the process ends (Yes in step 201). If they have not been disabled (No in step 201), the same process as steps 109 to 111 in the flowchart of Figure 7 is executed.

Furthermore, if the input detection signals are from both the right non-contact sensor 31 and the left non-contact sensor 32 (Yes in step 102, Yes in step 103), it is determined whether the right non-contact sensor 31 and the left non-contact sensor 32 have been disabled. If they have been disabled, the process is terminated (Yes in step 202); if they have not been disabled (No in step 202), the same process as steps 104 and 105 in the flowchart of Figure 7 is executed.

On the other hand, if the input detection signal is from only the right non-contact sensor 31 (Yes in step 102, No in step 103), it is determined whether the input time of the detection signal is less than 3 seconds. If it is less than 3 seconds (Yes in step 106), it is determined whether the right non-contact sensor 31 and the left non-contact sensor 32 are disabled. If they are disabled, the process ends (Yes in step 203). If they are not disabled (No in step 203), the door opening/closing control unit 305 is instructed to open or close the right door 24 (step 107). Furthermore, if the input time of the detection signal is not less than 3 seconds (No in step 106), the right non-contact sensor 31 and the left non-contact sensor 32 are switched between disabled and enabled (step 204). That is, if they are disabled, they are enabled; if they are not disabled, they are disabled. Therefore, in this case, the user can disable and enable the right non-contact sensor 31 and the left non-contact sensor 32 themselves using the non-contact sensors themselves, without touching any part of the electronic balance 1.

In this embodiment, rather than determining whether or not the detection signals from the right non-contact sensor 31 and the left non-contact sensor 32 have been input to the control unit 30, the state identification unit 306 identifies six detection patterns that combine the presence or absence of input of the detection signals from the right non-contact sensor 31 and the left non-contact sensor 32 and the differences in the input time, and then executes a predetermined operation assigned to each detection pattern based on the identification result. Therefore, it is possible to execute more operations using the right non-contact sensor 31 and the left non-contact sensor 32 than the number of non-contact sensors (two in this example).

Second Embodiment
9 to 11 are diagrams for explaining an electronic balance according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Parts that are the same as or correspond to those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.
As shown in Figure 9, in the electronic balance 1 of this embodiment, light-emitting diode (LED) lights 137, 138 are attached to the console 12 at positions adjacent to the right non-contact sensor 31 and the left non-contact sensor 32, respectively (below the right non-contact sensor 31 and the left non-contact sensor 32 in Figure 9). These LED lights 137, 138 are used to indicate whether the right non-contact sensor 31 and the left non-contact sensor 32 have been disabled, and correspond to the notification means of the present invention. As shown in Figure 10, the LED lights 137, 138 are connected to the control unit 30, and are turned on and off by the control unit 30.

Figure 11 shows a pattern table stored in the pattern storage unit 307. In this embodiment, the opening and closing operations of the right door 24 and the left door 25 are associated with detection patterns (patterns 1 and 3) in which the input time of one of the detection signals from the right non-contact sensor 31 and the left non-contact sensor 32 is less than 3 seconds. Furthermore, the invalid/valid setting switching operation of the right non-contact sensor 31 and the invalid/valid setting switching operation of the left non-contact sensor 32 are associated with detection patterns (patterns 2 and 4) in which the input time of one of the detection signals from the right non-contact sensor 31 and the left non-contact sensor 32 is 3 seconds or longer. Furthermore, the screen switching operation is associated with a detection pattern (pattern 5) in which the right non-contact sensor 31 and the left non-contact sensor 32 input detection signals to the control unit 30 almost simultaneously and the input time of these detection signals is 3 seconds or longer.

When the state identification unit 306 identifies that the detection pattern of the detection signals from the right non-contact sensor 31 and the left non-contact sensor 32 is pattern 2, the control unit 30 switches the right non-contact sensor 31 between enabled and disabled. When the right non-contact sensor 31 is enabled, the control unit 30 turns on the LED light 137, and when the right non-contact sensor 31 is disabled, the control unit 30 turns off the LED light 137. Similarly, when the state identification unit 306 identifies that the detection pattern of the detection signals from the right non-contact sensor 31 and the left non-contact sensor 32 is pattern 4, when the left non-contact sensor 32 is enabled, the control unit 30 turns on the LED light 138, and when the non-contact sensor 32 is disabled, the control unit 30 turns off the LED light 138.

With this configuration, the user can open and close the right door 24 and the left door 25 using the right non-contact sensor 31 and the left non-contact sensor 32, respectively, and can independently switch between enabled and disabled settings for the right non-contact sensor 31 and the left non-contact sensor 32. Furthermore, the user can determine the enabled and disabled settings for the adjacent right non-contact sensor 31 and left non-contact sensor 32 by checking the lit status of the LED lights 137 and 138.

Here, the LED lights 137, 138 are switched on/off depending on the enabled/disabled setting status of the right non-contact sensor 31 and/or left non-contact sensor 32. However, the color of the LED lights may be changed, for example, by turning the LED lights blue when the right non-contact sensor 31 and/or left non-contact sensor 32 are enabled and turning the LED lights red when they are disabled.

In addition, when the right non-contact sensor 31 and/or the left non-contact sensor 32 are disabled, for example, characters or symbols indicating this may be displayed in the display area 351 of the input display unit 35. Furthermore, a speaker may be provided to emit a warning sound when the right non-contact sensor 31 and/or the left non-contact sensor 32 are switched between disabled and enabled.

[Third embodiment]
Fig. 12 is a diagram for explaining a third embodiment of the present invention, showing the main control system of the electronic balance of this embodiment. Parts corresponding to those in the block diagram of the first embodiment shown in Fig. 4 are given the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations will be omitted.

The electronic balance 1 of this embodiment is equipped with a microphone 139 for vocally instructing the control unit 30 to perform a specific operation, and the control unit 30 has a voice analysis unit 309 that analyzes the voice input through the microphone 139. In addition to the pattern table described above, the pattern storage unit 307 also stores a voice pattern table (not shown) that indicates the relationship between voice patterns and the associated operation contents.

When voice is input to the control unit 30 through the microphone 139, the voice analysis unit 309 analyzes whether the voice corresponds to a preset voice pattern and inputs the analysis result to the state identification unit 306. The state identification unit 306 compares the analyzed voice pattern with voice patterns stored in the voice pattern table and reads out the operation content associated with that voice pattern. The voice pattern table contains relatively simple phrases representing operation content such as "invalidate," "invalidate cancel," and "power off" as voice patterns, each of which is associated with the disable operation, disable cancel operation, and power off operation of the right non-contact sensor 31 and left non-contact sensor 32.

For example, if the user inputs the word "Mukou" (out of sight) through the microphone 139 and the state identification unit 306 identifies the voice pattern "Mukou" from the analysis results of the voice by the voice analysis unit 309, the control unit 30 disables the right non-contact sensor 31 and the left non-contact sensor 32.

This embodiment uses a microphone as a non-contact sensor, and even with this configuration, the user can cause the electronic balance 1 to perform a specified operation without touching the electronic balance 1's operation console 12 or performing any input operations.

[Fourth embodiment]
13 to 17 are diagrams illustrating an electronic balance according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 shows the main control system of the electronic balance according to the fourth embodiment. Parts that are the same as or correspond to those of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 4 are given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions are omitted. In the electronic balance 1 according to this embodiment, the control unit 30 includes a setting change processing unit 310 in addition to the functional blocks included in the control unit 30 according to the first embodiment. Details of the setting change processing unit 310 will be described later. Furthermore, the display control unit 304 controls the display of a screen specific to the fourth embodiment in the display area 351, as described below.

Figure 14 shows an example of what is displayed in the display area 351 of the electronic balance of the fourth embodiment. Figure 14A is the measurement value display screen displayed when weighing a sample, and Figures 14B and 14C are both examples of setting screens that are displayed when changing the settings for the operation of each part of the electronic balance. The measurement value display screen is the same as that in the first embodiment (Figure 3A). There are multiple setting screens available in addition to the examples shown in Figures 14B and 14C, and the display can be switched between these multiple screens by operating the right non-contact sensor 31 and left non-contact sensor 32, as described below.

Setting items are set hierarchically on the settings screen. The first hierarchical level provides five setting items: "Measurement Mode Selection," "Measurement Mode-Specific Settings," "General Measurement Settings," "System Settings," and "History Display." (However, "History Display" does not actually have any settings that the user sets; it only displays the specified information.) Five first-hierarchical icons 411 corresponding to these five setting items are displayed vertically on the left edge of the display area 351. As described below, one of these five setting items is selected by operating the right non-contact sensor 31 and the left non-contact sensor 32. Figure 14B shows the state in which "Measurement Mode Selection," the topmost of the first-hierarchical icons 411, has been selected by the first selection cursor 421. Figure 14C shows the state in which "System Settings," the fourth-highest of the first-hierarchical icons 411, has been selected by the first selection cursor 421.

The second level offers multiple setting options for each item selected on the first level. Figure 14B shows five options within the "Measurement Mode Selection" menu on the first level: "General Measurement," "Count Measurement," "Percentage Measurement," "Average Measurement," and "Solid Specific Gravity Measurement." Of these, "Count Measurement" is highlighted by the second selection cursor 422. Note that "General Measurement" displays the measurement value directly on the measurement value display screen; "Count Measurement" displays the number of pieces obtained by dividing the measurement value by the separately input unit mass of the sample; "Percentage Measurement" displays the mass percentage obtained by dividing the measurement value by the separately input reference mass; "Average Measurement" displays the time average of the measurement value when measuring the weight of a small, moving animal; and "Solid Specific Gravity Measurement" weighs the sample in both air and liquid, then calculates and displays the specific gravity of the sample. As described below, the right non-contact sensor 31 and left non-contact sensor 32 are operated to move the second selection cursor 422 and select an option, allowing the selected operation to be performed. If "Number Measurement" or "Percent Measurement" is selected, a third-level setting item for inputting the sample's unit value and reference mass is also displayed in display area 351 (not shown). The ">" symbol displayed on the right edge of display area 351 in Figure 14B indicates that a third level is available below the second-level item listed to its left.

Figure 14C shows five options within "System Settings" on the first level: "Environment Settings," "Print Settings," "Memory Save Settings," "Communication Settings," and "Calibration/Inspection," with "Environment Settings" highlighted by the second selection cursor 422. Each of these five options has a setting item available on the third level.

When "Environment Settings" is selected in Figure 14C, an image showing the third-level setting items shown in Figure 14D is displayed. In this image, the five second-level setting items are displayed only as second-level icons 412, with the second selection cursor 422 positioned over the icon corresponding to "Environment Settings" among the five second-level icons 412. As described below, by operating the right non-contact sensor 31, the cursor (third selection cursor 423) can be positioned over one of these third-level setting items and a selection operation performed, and the fourth-level setting items shown in Figure 14E will be displayed. The setting items shown in Figure 14E will be described in more detail later.

In this embodiment, the number of items that can be displayed simultaneously in the display area 351 is five, but this number may be four or less, or six or more. Furthermore, the number of items that can be displayed simultaneously in the display area 351 may be set to five (or another number), and other items may be displayed by moving the second selection cursor 422 further down from the bottommost item.

Next, with reference to FIG. 15 , a method for setting various functions of the electronic balance 1 by operating the right non-contact sensor 31 and the left non-contact sensor 32 will be described. FIG. 15 shows an example of a pattern table stored in the pattern storage unit 307. In this embodiment, even if the same operation is performed on the right non-contact sensor 31 and/or the left non-contact sensor 32 when the weight value display screen is displayed and when the setting screen is displayed, the operations performed by each part of the electronic balance in response to the operation are different. Therefore, FIG. 15 shows the operations of each part of the electronic balance separately when these two screens are displayed. Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described below, some of the settings for the operations of each part corresponding to the operation of the right non-contact sensor 31 and the left non-contact sensor 32 when the weight value display screen is displayed can be changed by operating the setting screen. Therefore, the behavior of the electronic balance when only one of the right sensor (right non-contact sensor 31) and the left sensor (left non-contact sensor 32) is held over the screen for a short time or a long time, as shown as patterns 1 to 4 in Figure 15 when the weight value display screen is displayed, is shown as an example. The behavior when the right sensor and the left sensor are held over the screen for a long time at the same time (pattern 5 in Figure 15) is fixed to switching between the weight value display screen and the setting screen, regardless of whether the weight value display screen or the setting screen is displayed, and cannot be changed. Furthermore, the operations (patterns 1 to 5) when the setting screen is displayed cannot be changed either.

14A is displayed, if the user simultaneously holds the right non-contact sensor 31 and the left non-contact sensor 32 over the screen (pattern 5, which corresponds to the "first detection pattern" described below), the state identification unit 306 will identify the pattern that has been operated based on the detection signals input from the right non-contact sensor 31 and the left non-contact sensor 32. In response to this, the display control unit 304 will switch the screen displayed in the display area 351 from the measurement value display screen to the setting screen.

In the initial state on the settings screen, the "Measurement mode selection" icon among the first-level icons 411 is selected by the first selection cursor 421 as the first level, and the options within "Measurement mode selection" - "General measurement," "Number measurement," "Percentage measurement," "Average measurement," and "Solid specific gravity measurement" - are displayed to the right of the first-level icon 411 (Figure 14B. However, at this stage, the second selection cursor 422 is not displayed).

When setting an item in the first hierarchical level other than measurement mode selection, the user briefly waves the right non-contact sensor 31 once (pattern 1), which moves the first selection cursor 421 to the icon one level below among the first hierarchical icons 411. If the right non-contact sensor 31 is briefly waved multiple times, the first selection cursor 421 moves to the next icon below by the same number of times. For example, if the right non-contact sensor 31 is briefly waved three times from the initial state, the display shown in Figure 14C will appear. If the first selection cursor 421 reaches the bottom icon, which is the last option, and then the right non-contact sensor 31 is briefly waved once more, the first selection cursor 421 moves to the topmost icon.

After selecting one of the items on the first level using the above operations, if the user performs a long wave operation (pattern 2) over the right non-contact sensor 31, the state identification unit 306 identifies the pattern that was operated based on the detection signal input from the right non-contact sensor 31. This confirms the selection on the first level, and the selection proceeds to the selection of options on the second level.

The display control unit 304 displays the second selection cursor 422 on the topmost of the five options displayed to the right of the first-level icon 411 in the display area 351 ("General Measurement" in Figure 14B). In this state, each time the user briefly waves the right non-contact sensor 31 once (pattern 1), the second selection cursor 422 moves to the next option below (Figure 14B shows the state in which the second selection cursor 422 has moved to "Quantity Measurement"). If the user then briefly waves the right non-contact sensor 31 once more after the second selection cursor 422 has moved to the bottommost option, the second selection cursor 422 moves to the topmost option.

After using the above operations to position the second selection cursor 422 over the option to be selected, the user holds the right non-contact sensor 31 over the option once (pattern 2, corresponding to the "second detection pattern" described below). The state identification unit 306 identifies the pattern operated based on the detection signal input from the right non-contact sensor 31. If the selected option does not have a third hierarchical level set (for example, "General Measurement" in Figure 14B), the selection is confirmed, and the setting change processing unit 310 sets the electronic balance operation set for the confirmed option. On the other hand, if the option selected in the second hierarchical level has a third hierarchical level set, the display control unit 304 displays the third hierarchical level options and the third selection cursor 423 (Figure 14D). An option in the third hierarchical level can then be selected using the same method as the operation performed in the second hierarchical level. The same applies if a fourth or subsequent hierarchical level exists.

After completing a selection for an option on the second level or higher, you can move the second selection cursor 422 to another option by briefly holding the right non-contact sensor 31, and then select that other option by holding the right non-contact sensor 31 for a long time, thereby making settings for that other option. Furthermore, after completing a selection for an option, or when moving to a higher level (from the second level to the first level, from the third level to the second level, etc.) to change the option you are selecting, you can move to the next higher level by briefly holding the left non-contact sensor 32 once.

After completing the settings for all desired options, hold the right non-contact sensor 31 and left non-contact sensor 32 simultaneously for a long time (pattern 5, first detection pattern). The state identification unit 306 identifies the pattern operated based on the detection signals input from the right non-contact sensor 31 and left non-contact sensor 32, and based on this, the display control unit 304 switches the screen displayed in the display area 351 from the settings screen to the measurement value display screen. This completes the setting operation and makes it possible to weigh the sample.

In the fourth embodiment, the operation of the right non-contact sensor 31 and left non-contact sensor 32 can also be set as one of the settings for each part of the electronic balance that is performed using non-contact sensors. When setting the operation of these non-contact sensors, the right non-contact sensor 31 (and also the left non-contact sensor 32, if necessary) is operated using the method described above, and the fourth level screen shown in Figure 14E is displayed by selecting "System Settings" (the fourth icon from the top of the first level icons 411) on the first level, "Environment Settings" on the second level, and "Touchless Function Assignment" (Figure 14D) on the third level.

This fourth-level screen provides four setting items: "Right Touchless Sensor (Short)," "Right Touchless Sensor (Long)," "Left Touchless Sensor (Short)," and "Left Touchless Sensor (Long)." These setting items configure the behavior of the components of the electronic balance 1 when the right touchless sensor is held short, when the right touchless sensor is held long, when the left touchless sensor is held short, and when the left touchless sensor is held long. By holding the right non-contact sensor 31 short (pattern 1) to select one of these four setting items (for example, "Right Touchless Sensor (Short)"), and then holding the right non-contact sensor 31 long (pattern 2), the fifth-level screen 3515 is superimposed on a portion of the fourth-level screen, as shown in Figure 14F.

The fifth-level screen 3515 displays five options: "Door Open/Close Key (Right)," "PRINT Key," "O/T Key," "ION Key," and "None." Here, "Door Open/Close Key (Right)" is displayed on the fifth level when "Right Touchless Sensor (Short)" or "Right Touchless Sensor (Long)" is selected on the fourth level. If "Left Touchless Sensor (Short)" or "Left Touchless Sensor (Long)" is selected on the fourth level, "Door Open/Close Key (Left)" is selected on the fifth level instead of "Door Open/Close Key (Right)." The "PRINT Key" is used to print data, the "O/T Key" to tare, and the "ION Key" to turn the static eliminator 13 on and off. "None" means that no action is performed when the non-contact sensor selected on the fourth level is operated.

While this fifth-level screen 3515 is displayed, by briefly waving the right touchless sensor (pattern 1) a predetermined number of times, the fifth-level cursor 425 is aligned with the function to be assigned to the operation of the contactless sensor selected in the fourth level (e.g., "Right Touchless Sensor (Short)"), and then the right contactless sensor 31 is long-waved (pattern 2). This assigns the function to which the fifth-level cursor 425 is aligned to the operation of the contactless sensor selected in the fourth level. After performing the same process for all of the contactless sensor operations to which you want to assign a function, by simultaneously long-waveing the right contactless sensor 31 and left contactless sensor 32 (pattern 5), the screen displayed in the display area 351 switches from the settings screen to the measurement value display screen, and the settings operation is completed.

The operation of the electronic balance of the fourth embodiment described above is executed according to the flowcharts shown in Figures 16 and 17. Before explaining the details of these flowcharts, the relationship between Figures 16 and 17 will be explained. When the determination in step 104 of the flowchart in Figure 16 is "YES," the process proceeds to the beginning of the flowchart in Figure 17. When the determination in step 304 of the flowchart in Figure 17 is "YES," the process proceeds to step 102 of the flowchart in Figure 16 after executing step 305 .

When operation begins, the process is performed according to the flowchart in FIG. 16. The flowchart in FIG. 16 performs the same operations as the electronic balance of the first embodiment shown in the flowchart in FIG. 8, except for the differences described below. Therefore, explanations of operations other than these differences will be omitted. The first difference is that, as described above, when the balance is held over both the right non-contact sensor 31 and the left non-contact sensor 32 simultaneously in step 104, the process transitions to the flowchart in FIG. 17. The second difference is that, whereas the electronic balance operations assigned to steps 105, 107, 110, and 111 are fixed (unchangeable) in the first embodiment, in the fourth embodiment they can be changed by the user operating the right non-contact sensor 31 and the left non-contact sensor 32, as described above. Note that the operations shown as differences above may be combined with the operations of the first embodiment shown in the flowchart in FIG. 7 or the operations of the second or third embodiment.

When the process moves from step 104 to the flowchart in Figure 17, the display control unit 304 first switches the screen displayed in the display area 351 from the measurement value display screen to the setting screen (step 301). Next, the status identification unit 306 checks whether a detection signal has been input from the right non-contact sensor 31 (step 302). If the result is Yes (input present), the status identification unit 306 further checks whether a detection signal has been input from the left non-contact sensor 32 (step 303).

If the result of step 302 is Yes and the result of step 303 is Yes, it is further determined whether or not the detection signals from both the right non-contact sensor 31 and the left non-contact sensor 32 have been input for a predetermined period of time or longer (step 304). If the result of this determination is YES, both the right non-contact sensor 31 and the left non-contact sensor 32 have been held up for a long period of time, so the display control unit 304 switches the screen displayed in the display area 351 from the setting screen to the measurement value display screen (step 305), and returns to step 102 of the flowchart in Fig. 16. On the other hand, if the result of the determination of step 304 is No, an operation of holding up both the right non-contact sensor 31 and the left non-contact sensor 32, to which no function is assigned when the setting screen is displayed, has been performed, so the operation is ignored and the process returns to step 302.

If the result of step 302 is Yes and the result of step 303 is No, i.e., if a detection signal is input from the right non-contact sensor 31 but not from the left non-contact sensor 32, it is determined whether a detection signal from the right non-contact sensor 31 has been input for a predetermined period of time or longer (step 306). If the result of this determination is No, this indicates that the right non-contact sensor 31 is being held short, so the display control unit 304 executes an operation to move the cursor displayed on the current screen to the next option down (step 307) and returns to step 302. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step 306 is Yes, this indicates that the right non-contact sensor 31 is being held long, so the setting change processing unit 310 determines whether a lower-level screen exists for the item currently selected by the cursor (step 308). If the result of the determination in step 308 is Yes, the display control unit 304 executes an operation to display an image one level down (step 309) and returns to step 302. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step 308 is NO, the item currently selected by the cursor is set as the operation of a specific component of the electronic balance (step 310), and the process returns to step 302.

If the result of step 302 is No, it is determined whether a detection signal from the left non-contact sensor 32 has been input for a predetermined period of time or longer (step 311). If the result of this determination is No, it means that the left non-contact sensor 32 is being held up for a short time. At this time, the display control unit 304 determines whether there is an image in a higher hierarchical level than the currently displayed image (step 312), and if Yes, it displays the image in the next higher hierarchical level (step 313) and returns to step 302. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step 312 is No, it returns directly to step 302. Also, if the result of the determination in step 311 is Yes, it means that a long-hold operation of the left non-contact sensor 32, which has no function assigned when the setting screen is displayed, is being performed, so this operation is ignored and the process returns to step 302.

As described above, when an operation other than holding both the right non-contact sensor 31 and the left non-contact sensor 32 for a long time is performed, a predetermined process is performed and then the process returns to step 302 to wait for the next operation to be performed on the non-contact sensors. When both the right non-contact sensor 31 and the left non-contact sensor 32 are held for a long time, the process switches from the setting screen to the measurement value display screen (step 305) and then proceeds to step 102 in the flowchart of Figure 16, thereby allowing each operation assigned to the combination of the right non-contact sensor 31 and the left non-contact sensor 32 to be performed.

The electronic balance of the fourth embodiment can use non-contact sensors to not only open and close the door, but also to set the operation of specific parts of the electronic balance. This eliminates the need to provide a separate non-contact sensor for setting operations in addition to the non-contact sensor for opening and closing the door, reducing the installation space for the non-contact sensors and reducing costs. Furthermore, since there is no need to touch the electronic balance with one's hands during setting operations, the electronic balance can be prevented from becoming soiled by chemicals or other substances on the user's hands. Furthermore, even if one of multiple users is infected with an infectious disease, the infection can be prevented from contacting other users via the electronic balance. Furthermore, users can operate the non-contact sensor to set the operation settings of the non-contact sensor itself.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the present invention.

For example, while the above-described embodiments have been described using an electronic balance equipped with multiple non-contact sensors as an example, the number of non-contact sensors may be one. For example, patterns 1 and 2 shown in the pattern table in Figure 5 are detection patterns for the detection signal of only the right non-contact sensor 31. As is clear from this, even with a single non-contact sensor, multiple detection patterns and associated operations can be set.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, it was determined whether the time (period) that a hand was held over each of the right non-contact sensor 31 and the left non-contact sensor 32 was short or long. However, if a predetermined action is assigned to the holding of a hand over the right non-contact sensor 31 and/or the left non-contact sensor 32, it is not necessary to determine whether the hand was held over for a short or long time. In this case, the state identification unit 306 executes the predetermined action assigned to the non-contact sensor 31 or the non-contact sensor 32 by detecting the rising edge of a detection signal, for example, as shown in FIG. 6.

[Aspects]
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the exemplary embodiments described above are examples of the following aspects.

(Section 1)
a non-contact sensor for detecting an object;
a state identification unit that identifies whether the detection signal of the non-contact sensor corresponds to any one of a plurality of predetermined time patterns;
an operation control unit that controls the operation of a predetermined part of the electronic balance that corresponds to the time pattern identified by the state identification unit;
Equipped with .

In the electronic balance of paragraph 1, the detection signal from the non-contact sensor is sent to a state identification unit, which identifies which of several predetermined time patterns the time pattern corresponds to. The state identification unit detects the time pattern based on the detection signal sent from the non-contact sensor and identifies which of several predetermined time patterns the time pattern corresponds to. Examples of time patterns include classification of detection signals based on the time it takes the non-contact sensor to output a detection signal (the time the detection signal is input to the state identification unit) or the number of times the detection signal is output within a specified time (number of inputs). Therefore, the electronic balance of paragraph 1 uses an appropriate type of non-contact sensor depending on the content of the time pattern. In other words, if the time pattern is based on differences in the output time of the detection signal, a non-contact sensor that continues to output a detection signal while an object is detected is used. If the time pattern is based on the number of times the detection signal is output, a non-contact sensor that outputs a detection signal each time an object is detected is used.

The operation control unit causes a specific part of the electronic balance to perform an operation associated with each time pattern, depending on the identification result of the state identification unit. Therefore, the electronic balance of paragraph 1 can perform more operations based on the detection signals of the non-contact sensors than the number of non-contact sensors. In this case, the number of non-contact sensors may be one, or two or more. If there are multiple non-contact sensors, the detected time pattern can include not only time patterns made up of the detection signals of individual non-contact sensors, but also time patterns made up of combinations of the detection signals of multiple non-contact sensors.

(2) In the electronic balance of paragraph 1,
The state identification unit may identify which of the predetermined plurality of time patterns exists based on at least one of the time from the rising edge to the falling edge of the detection signal of the non-contact sensor, the time from the falling edge to the rising edge, the time from the rising edge, and the time from the falling edge.

In the electronic balance described in paragraph 2, the detection signal output from the non-contact sensor can have different time patterns depending on, for example, the length of time the user holds their hand over the non-contact sensor, the number of times they hold their hand over, or a combination of these. Examples of non-contact sensors that output detection signals with different time patterns depending on the length of time the user holds their hand over the non-contact sensor or the number of times they hold their hand over the non-contact sensor include reflective photosensors and pyroelectric infrared sensors.

(3) In the case of an electronic balance as defined in paragraph 1 or 2,
The weighing device further includes a windshield having an openable door surrounding the weighing pan, and a motor for driving the door to open and close.
The predetermined portion of the movement associated with the time pattern can be the movement of the motor.

In the electronic balance described in paragraph 3, the door opening and closing operation, which is one of the operations required when weighing samples, can be performed using a non-contact sensor.

(4) In the case of any of the electronic balances described in paragraphs 1 to 3,
a display control unit that can switch between a first display screen that displays the measurement value of the sample and a second display screen that displays the plurality of time patterns and the operation details of the predetermined parts that correspond to each of the plurality of time patterns,
The operation of a predetermined part associated with the time pattern can be the operation of the display control unit.

In the electronic balance of paragraph 4, the display unit that displays the sample weight value can display a second display screen that shows the operation details associated with the time pattern of the detection signal from the non-contact sensor, allowing the details to be confirmed.

(5) In the electronic balance of any one of paragraphs 1 to 3,
a display control unit that can switch between a measurement value display screen that displays the measurement value of the sample and a setting screen that displays items for setting the operation of a predetermined part of the electronic balance on a display unit, and that controls the display control unit to switch between the measurement value display screen and the setting screen when the state identification unit identifies a predetermined first time pattern from among the plurality of time patterns;
and a setting change processing unit that executes a process to change the setting of the operation of the predetermined part when the state identification unit identifies a predetermined second time pattern from among the plurality of time patterns while the setting screen is displayed on the display unit.

In the electronic balance of paragraph 5, when the user performs a predetermined first operation (an operation different from the operation performed when opening and closing the door) on the non-contact sensor, causing the state identification unit to identify a first time pattern (a time pattern different from the time pattern performed when opening and closing the door), the display control unit switches the screen displayed on the display unit between the measurement value display screen and the setting screen. With the setting screen displayed as a result of this operation, when the user then performs a predetermined second operation (an operation different from the operation performed when opening and closing the door and the first operation) on the non-contact sensor, causing the state identification unit to identify a second time pattern (a time pattern different from the time pattern performed when opening and closing the door and the first time pattern), the setting change processing unit executes processing to change the operation settings of a predetermined part of the electronic balance (the predetermined part here is not limited to a part operated by the non-contact sensor).

Setting items displayed on the settings screen and changed by the setting change processing unit include, for example, measurement mode settings (general measurement, counting, percentage measurement, average measurement, etc.), measurement settings (tare settings, unit switching, etc.), environmental settings (date and time settings, LED light brightness, whether or not the buzzer sounds when the non-contact sensor is operated, etc.), print settings, etc.

With the electronic balance of paragraph 5, non-contact sensors can be used to open and close the door, as well as to set the operation of certain parts of the electronic balance. This eliminates the need to provide a separate non-contact sensor for setting operations in addition to the non-contact sensor for opening and closing the door, reducing the installation space for the non-contact sensors and reducing costs. Furthermore, because there is no need to touch the electronic balance with one's hands during setting operations, the electronic balance can be prevented from becoming soiled with chemicals or the like that may be on the user's hands, and even if one of multiple users is infected with an infectious disease, contact infection of other users via the electronic balance can be prevented.

In the electronic balance described in paragraph 5, the non-contact sensor may be used only for setting the operation, without being used for the operation of the electronic balance (other than setting the operation of certain parts), such as opening and closing the door.

(Item 6) In the electronic balance of Item 5, the operation of the specified part that executes the process of changing the settings in the setting change processing unit is the operation of the non-contact sensor.

In the electronic balance described in paragraph 6, the user can operate the non-contact sensor to set the operation settings of the non-contact sensor itself.

For example, if an electronic balance has two non-contact sensors, a first non-contact sensor and a second non-contact sensor, the user can perform six operations: (1) short-wave the first non-contact sensor, (2) long-wave the first non-contact sensor, (3) short-wave the second non-contact sensor, (4) long-wave the second non-contact sensor, (5) long-wave the first and second non-contact sensors simultaneously, and (6) short-wave the first and second non-contact sensors simultaneously. One of these six operations (e.g., (5)) is designated the first operation, and the other is designated the second operation. By performing the first operation, a setting screen is displayed, and then by performing the second operation, the user can set the assignment of operations corresponding to the four operations other than the first and second operations out of the six operations.

(7) In any of the electronic balances described in paragraphs 1 to 6,
The apparatus may include a storage unit that stores a pattern table in which the plurality of time patterns and predetermined portions of motion associated with each time pattern are stored.

With the electronic balance described in Section 7, the detected time pattern can be easily associated with the operation of a specific part.

(8) In any of the electronic balances described in paragraphs 1 to 7,
The operation of a predetermined portion associated with the time pattern may be an operation for invalidating the detection signal of the non-contact sensor.

In the electronic balance of paragraph 8, a non-contact sensor can be used to disable the detection signal of the non-contact sensor, preventing certain parts of the electronic balance from operating inadvertently. In this case, the non-contact sensor whose detection signal is disabled and the non-contact sensor used to disable the detection signal may be the same or different.

(Clause 9) In any of the electronic balances described in clauses 1 to 7,
The operation of the predetermined portion associated with the time pattern may be an operation of switching the detection signal of the non-contact sensor between an invalid state and an valid state.

In the electronic balance of paragraph 9, the non-contact sensor can be used to not only disable but also enable the detection signal of the non-contact sensor. In this case, the time pattern for enabling the detection signal and the time pattern for disabling it may be the same or different.

(10) In the electronic balance of paragraph 8 or 9,
Furthermore, the device may include a notification means for notifying that the detection signal of the non-contact sensor is in a disabled state.

In the electronic balance of paragraph 10, the user can easily know whether the current detection signal of the non-contact sensor is valid or invalid (i.e., whether the non-contact sensor can be used or not) based on the content of the notification provided by the notification means.

1...Electronic balance 10...Electronic balance main body 11...Weighing pan 12...Operation console 13...Static neutralizer 14...Power switch 137, 138...LED light 139...Microphone 20...Windshield 21...Frame 22...Front wall 23...Rear wall 24...Right door 25...Left door 26...Upper door 27...Grip 30...Control unit 301...Calculation processing unit 302...Memory unit 303...Weighing unit 304...Display control unit 305...Door opening/closing control unit 306...Status identification unit 307...Pattern memory unit 308...Communication unit
309...Speech analysis unit
310: Setting change processing unit
31 ...Right non-contact sensor 32...Left non-contact sensors 33, 34...Motor 35...Input display unit 351...Display area 3515...Fifth layer screen 352...Operation area 36...Weighing mechanism 411...First layer icon 412...Second layer icon 421...First selection cursor 422...Second selection cursor 423...Third selection cursor 425...Fifth layer cursor

Claims (13)

a non-contact sensor for detecting an object;
a state identification unit that identifies whether the detection signal of the non-contact sensor has one of a plurality of predetermined time patterns;
an operation control unit that controls the operation of a predetermined part of the electronic balance that corresponds to the time pattern identified by the state identification unit. 2. The electronic balance according to claim 1,
The electronic balance is configured such that the state identification unit identifies which of the predetermined plurality of time patterns exists based on at least one of the time from the rising edge to the falling edge of the detection signal of the non-contact sensor, the time from the falling edge to the rising edge, the time from the rising edge, and the time from the falling edge. 3. The electronic balance according to claim 1,
The weighing device further includes a windshield having an openable door surrounding the weighing pan, and a motor for driving the door to open and close.
An electronic balance, wherein the predetermined portion of operation associated with the time pattern is the operation of the motor. 4. The electronic balance according to claim 1,
a display control unit that can switch between a first display screen that displays the measurement value of the sample and a second display screen that displays the plurality of time patterns and the operation details of the predetermined parts that correspond to each of the plurality of time patterns,
An electronic balance, wherein the operation of the predetermined part associated with the time pattern is the operation of the display control unit. The electronic balance according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising:
a display control unit that can switch between a measurement value display screen that displays the measurement value of the sample and a setting screen that displays items for setting the operation of a predetermined part of the electronic balance on the display unit, and that controls switching between the measurement value display screen and the setting screen when the state identification unit identifies a predetermined first time pattern from among the plurality of time patterns;
and a setting change processing unit that executes processing to change the setting of the operation of the predetermined part when the state identification unit identifies a predetermined second time pattern from among the plurality of time patterns while the setting screen is displayed on the display unit. 6. The electronic balance according to claim 5,
An electronic balance, wherein the operation of the predetermined part that executes processing to change the settings in a setting change processing unit is the operation of the non-contact sensor. 7. The electronic balance according to claim 1,
The electronic balance further comprises a storage unit that stores a pattern table in which the plurality of time patterns and the operations of predetermined portions associated with each time pattern are stored. 8. The electronic balance according to claim 1,
An electronic balance, wherein the operation of the predetermined portion associated with the time pattern is an operation for invalidating the detection signal of the non-contact sensor. 8. The electronic balance according to claim 1,
An electronic balance, wherein the operation of the predetermined part associated with the time pattern is an operation of switching the detection signal of the non-contact sensor between a disabled state and an enabled state. 10. The electronic balance according to claim 8 or 9,
An electronic balance comprising a notification means for notifying that the detection signal of the non-contact sensor is in a disabled state. 11. The electronic balance according to claim 1,
An electronic balance, wherein the plurality of time patterns have different lengths of output time of the detection signal. 11. The electronic balance according to claim 1,
An electronic balance, wherein the plurality of time patterns differ in the number of detection signals output within a predetermined time. 11. The electronic balance according to claim 1,
A plurality of the non-contact sensors are provided,
An electronic balance, wherein the plurality of time patterns are a combination of a plurality of time patterns detected by the plurality of non-contact sensors, respectively.