JP7840907B2 - Sensor devices and monitoring systems - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to a sensor device and a monitoring system.

Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for measuring the weight of fruits and vegetables using a spring scale and managing the moisture content of the vegetables based on the change from the initial weight.

Japanese Patent Publication No. 2002-250686

By the way, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 requires periodic on-site visits to check the spring scale readings in order to manage the moisture content of fruits and vegetables, which is time-consuming and costly.

This disclosure aims to provide a technology that enables remote verification of information about the object being measured, taking the above facts into consideration.

The sensor device according to the first aspect of this disclosure comprises a moving body that changes its posture when a spring member from which an object whose moisture content changes is compressed is compressed, and a sensor that detects the change in posture of the moving body and transmits detection information.

In the first embodiment of the sensor device, when the object being measured dries and its moisture content decreases, the object becomes lighter, and the spring member suspending the object compresses. When the spring member compresses, the moving body changes its posture, and the sensor detects this change in posture and transmits detection information. By receiving this transmitted detection information, it becomes possible to remotely check the state of the object being measured (for example, its weight and moisture content). This eliminates the need to periodically visit the site to check the state of the object being measured, reducing time and costs.

A second aspect of the sensor device of this disclosure is a sensor device of the first aspect, wherein the movable body is tiltably supported at one end so as to be on the suspension side of the spring member, and at the other end so as to be on an arm rotatably connected to the suspension end side of the spring member, and the sensor is attached to the movable body and transmits tilt information of the movable body as detection information.

In the second embodiment of the sensor device, one end of the movable body to which the sensor is attached is supported so as to be tiltable towards the suspension side of the spring member, and the other end of the movable body is supported so as to be tiltable by an arm rotatably connected to the suspension end side of the spring member. This stabilizes the change in the movable body's posture due to the expansion and contraction of the spring member. As a result, the accuracy of the tilt information transmitted as detection information from the sensor attached to the movable body is improved.

A third aspect of the sensor device of this disclosure, in the sensor device of the second aspect, comprises a spring member and a case housing the spring, and one end of the movable body is rotatably supported on the upper end of the case.

In the third embodiment of the sensor device, the mobile unit is attached to the case, making the attachment process for the mobile unit easier.

The fourth aspect of the present disclosure is a sensor device according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the sensor has the function of detecting brightness and transmitting illuminance information.

In the fourth embodiment of the sensor device, since the sensor has the function of detecting brightness and transmitting illuminance information, it becomes possible to confirm the surrounding environment (the environment related to brightness) of the object being measured.

The fifth aspect of this disclosure is a sensor device in any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the sensor has the function of detecting temperature and humidity and transmitting temperature and humidity information.

In the sensor device of the fifth embodiment , the sensor has the function of detecting temperature and humidity and transmitting temperature and humidity information, making it possible to check the environment (temperature and humidity environment) around the object to be measured .

A sensor device according to a sixth aspect of this disclosure comprises a spring member from which a measurement target object whose moisture content changes is suspended, a movable body that changes its posture when the spring member is compressed, and a sensor that detects the change in posture of the movable body and transmits detection information.

In the sixth embodiment of the sensor device, when the object being measured dries and its moisture content decreases, the object becomes lighter, and the spring member suspending the object compresses. When the spring member compresses, the moving body changes its posture, and the sensor detects this change in posture and transmits detection information. By receiving this transmitted detection information, it becomes possible to remotely check the state of the object being measured (for example, its weight and moisture content). This eliminates the need to periodically visit the site to check the state of the object being measured, reducing time and costs.

The seventh aspect of this disclosure of the monitoring system comprises a sensor device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, and viewing means for receiving information transmitted from the sensor of the sensor device via a communication network and making the received information viewable on the communication network.

In the seventh embodiment of the monitoring system, information transmitted from the sensor device's sensor becomes viewable on the communication network via a viewing means. That is, it becomes possible to remotely confirm (monitor) the state of the object being measured (for example, the weight or moisture content of the object).

The eighth aspect of the monitoring system of the seventh aspect of this disclosure includes a monitoring system in which, if the information transmitted from the sensor includes tilt information of the moving object, the viewing means converts the tilt information into the weight of the object being measured and makes it viewable.

In the monitoring system of the eighth embodiment, if the information transmitted from the sensor includes tilt information of a moving object, the tilt information of the moving object is converted into the weight of the object being measured by the viewing means and made viewable. Therefore, it becomes possible to remotely check (monitor) the state (weight) of the object being measured.

The ninth aspect of this disclosure, in the monitoring system of the eighth aspect, includes a feature where the viewing means notifies an external terminal via a communication network of a sudden weight change if the weight of the object being measured, converted from the tilt information, changes beyond a predetermined range within a predetermined time.

In the ninth aspect of the monitoring system, if the weight of the object being measured, converted from the tilt information of the moving object, changes beyond a predetermined range within a specified time, the system notifies an external terminal via the communication network that a sudden weight change has occurred. Therefore, users utilizing the external terminal can understand sudden weight changes of the object being measured even when they do not have access to the communication network.

According to this disclosure, it will be possible to remotely verify information about the object being measured.

This is a perspective view showing a sensor device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure attached to a spring scale. Figure 1 is a perspective view of the sensor device shown. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the state of the sensor when the object to be measured is attached to the sensor device shown. Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the sensor device shown. Figure 1 is a side view showing the sensor device attached to a spring scale. Figure 5 is a side view of the sensor device showing the object to be measured suspended from the spring scale. Figure 6 is a side view of the sensor device showing the object to be measured suspended from the spring scale. Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the electronic equipment that makes up the sensor device. This is a configuration diagram of a monitoring system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

The embodiments for implementing this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Components indicated by the same reference numerals in each drawing are considered to be the same or similar components. Note that redundant descriptions and reference numerals in the embodiments described below may be omitted. Furthermore, the drawings used in the following description are schematic, and the dimensional relationships and ratios of the elements shown in the drawings do not necessarily correspond to reality. Also, the dimensional relationships and ratios of the elements do not necessarily correspond between multiple drawings.

As shown in Figure 1, the sensor device 20 of one embodiment of this disclosure is a device used attached to a spring scale 50. Specifically, the sensor device 20, when attached to the spring scale 50, transmits information regarding the state of the object 100 suspended from the spring scale 50.

(Spring scale 50)
First, let's describe the spring scale 50 to which the sensor device 20 of this embodiment is attached.
As shown in Figure 1, the spring scale 50 to which the sensor device 20 is attached comprises a coil spring (not shown) and a case 54 for housing the coil spring.

As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the case 54 comprises case 54A and case 54B. Case 54B is slidable relative to case 54A. Case 54A is also provided with a hook portion 56 for suspending the spring scale 50, for example, by attaching it to a hook. In this embodiment, the hook portion 56 is, as an example, a U-shaped portion provided on case 54A. When the spring scale 50 is attached to a hook, case 54A is positioned above case 54B. Hereinafter, the hook portion 56 will be referred to as the suspension point of the spring scale 50. Note that when referring to the suspension side of the spring scale 50, it refers to the side of the spring scale 50 with the hook portion 56 in the extension/retraction direction.

As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the case 54B is provided with a hook 58, which is an example of a holding part for holding the object to be measured 100. By hooking the object to be measured 100 (see Figure 6) onto this hook 58, the object to be measured 100 is held by the spring scale 50. Hereafter, the hook 58 will be referred to as the suspension end of the spring scale 50. Note that when referring to the suspension side of the spring scale 50, it refers to the side with the hook 58 in the extension/retraction direction of the spring scale 50.

Furthermore, one end of the coil spring (the end in the direction of expansion and contraction) is connected to case 54A, and the other end of the coil spring (the other end in the direction of expansion and contraction) is connected to case 54B (see, for example, Figure 5). Therefore, when the object to be measured 100 is hooked onto the hook 58, as shown in Figure 6, the coil spring expands, causing case 54B to slide downward relative to case 54A, and the length of case 54 increases. In other words, the spring scale 50 expands. Conversely, when the weight of the object to be measured 100 decreases, as shown in Figure 7, the coil spring contracts, causing case 54B to slide upward relative to case 54A, and the length of case 54 decreases. In other words, the spring scale 50 contracts.

The object 100 whose weight is measured by the spring scale 50 is a substance whose moisture content changes. Specifically, the object 100 is a substance whose moisture content decreases upon drying. Examples of objects 100 include food ingredients that become dry goods upon drying (fresh produce, fruits, seafood, etc.) and resin products before drying. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, the object 100 is an example of a persimmon, but this disclosure is not limited to this configuration. Note that persimmons become dried persimmons (dried goods) upon drying. Also, when multiple objects are bundled together and hooked onto the spring scale 50, the multiple objects are collectively referred to as the object 100 (see Figure 6).

(Sensor device 20)
The sensor device 20 comprises a bracket 22 and a sensor 40.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the bracket 22 is a component for attaching the sensor 40 to the spring scale 50. The bracket 22 in this embodiment comprises a first connecting portion 24, a sensor mounting portion 26, an arm 28, and a second connecting portion 30.

As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the first connecting portion 24 is the part of the bracket 22 that is attached to the suspension side of the spring scale 50. In this embodiment, the first connecting portion 24 is attached to the end (also called the upper end) of the case 54A on the hooking portion 56 side.

As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the sensor mounting portion 26 is a part of the bracket 22 that changes its orientation when the spring scale 50 is compressed, and is the part to which the sensor 40 is attached. Specifically, one end of the sensor mounting portion 26 is supported so as to be tiltable towards the suspension side of the spring scale 50, and the other end is supported so as to be tiltable by the arm 28. More specifically, one end of the sensor mounting portion 26 is rotatably supported by a first connecting portion 24 attached to the case 54A of the spring scale 50, and is supported so as to be tiltable towards the suspension side of the spring scale 50 via this first connecting portion 24. Note that the sensor mounting portion 26 is an example of a movable body in this disclosure.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the arm 28 is the part of the bracket 22 that connects the sensor mounting portion 26 and the second connecting portion 30. Specifically, one end of the arm 28 (also called the upper end) tiltably supports the other end of the sensor mounting portion 26. The other end of the arm 28 is rotatably connected to the suspension end of the spring scale 50. More specifically, the other end of the arm 28 is rotatably connected to the second connecting portion 30, which is attached to the case 54B of the spring scale 50, and is rotatably connected to the suspension end of the spring scale 50 via this second connecting portion 30.

As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the second connecting portion 30 is the part attached to the bracket 22 on the suspension end side of the spring scale 50. In this embodiment, the second connecting portion 30 is attached to the end (also called the lower end) of the case 54B on the hook 58 side. This second connecting portion 30 moves together with the hook 58 in the extension and retraction direction of the spring scale 50.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the sensor 40 is attached to the sensor mounting portion 26 of the bracket 22. Specifically, it is attached to a flat portion (see Figure 4) formed on the surface of the sensor mounting portion 26. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, the sensor 40 is attached to the sensor mounting portion 26 using a screw member, but other methods are acceptable as long as the sensor 40 can be attached to the sensor mounting portion 26. For example, the sensor 40 may be bonded to the sensor mounting portion 26, or multiple elastic claws may be provided on the sensor mounting portion 26, and the sensor may be fixed to the sensor mounting portion 26 by these elastic claws. The planar shape of the sensor 40 in this embodiment is approximately rectangular as an example, but it is not limited to this configuration.

The sensor 40 has the function of detecting changes in the orientation of the sensor mounting section 26 and transmitting detection information. Specifically, the sensor 40 is a sensor capable of detecting tilt relative to the horizontal, and when attached to the sensor mounting section 26, it transmits tilt information (also called angle information) of the sensor mounting section 26 as detection information.

To explain the operation of the sensor 40, as shown in Figure 6, when the object to be measured 100 is hooked onto the hook 58 of the spring scale 50, the spring scale 50 extends, and the posture of the sensor mounting part 26 changes. That is, the sensor mounting part 26 tilts. Along with the tilt of the sensor mounting part 26, the sensor 40 attached to the sensor mounting part 26 also tilts, and the sensor 40 transmits tilt information with respect to the horizontal direction. The sensor 40 in this embodiment detects the tilt of the sensor 40 and transmits it periodically. That is, the sensor 40 transmits tilt information periodically whether it is in a horizontal state or tilted relative to the horizontal. When the sensor 40 is in a horizontal state, for example, information that the angle with respect to the horizontal is zero is transmitted.
Then, as the weight of the object being measured 100 decreases, the spring scale 50 compresses, as shown in Figure 7, and the posture of the sensor mounting section 26 changes. That is, the sensor mounting section 26 tilts back to a horizontal position. Along with the tilt of the sensor mounting section 26, the sensor 40 attached to the sensor mounting section 26 also tilts, and the sensor 40 transmits tilt information in the horizontal direction.

The sensor 40 of this embodiment, as shown in Figure 8, includes a tilt detection unit 42 that detects tilt relative to the horizontal, a transmission unit 44 that wirelessly transmits the tilt information detected by the tilt detection unit 42 to an external source, and a power supply unit 46 that supplies power to the tilt detection unit 42 and the transmission unit 44. The power supply unit 46 may be configured using, for example, a storage battery or a solar power generation device.

Furthermore, the sensor 40 may have a function to detect brightness and transmit illuminance information, or a function to detect temperature and humidity and transmit temperature and humidity information. By including a brightness detection unit (not shown), the sensor 40 has the function of detecting brightness. Power is supplied to this brightness detection unit from the power supply unit 46. The illuminance information detected by the brightness detection unit is transmitted externally by the transmission unit 44. Also, by including a temperature and humidity detection unit (not shown), the sensor 40 has the function of detecting temperature and humidity. Power is supplied to this temperature and humidity detection unit from the power supply unit 46. The temperature and humidity information detected by the temperature and humidity detection unit is transmitted externally by the transmission unit 44.

Next, a monitoring system 70 using the sensor device 20 of this embodiment will be described.
As shown in Figure 9, the monitoring system 70 of this embodiment is a system that receives information transmitted from the sensor device 20 and makes the received information viewable by users on a communication network.

The monitoring system 70 includes a sensor device 20 and a server 80 as an example of a viewing means.

As described above, the sensor device 20 periodically transmits tilt information from the sensor 40.

Server 80 is a cloud server that receives tilt information (signals) transmitted from sensor 40 via the communication network and makes the received tilt information viewable on the communication network.

The server 80 comprises a transmitting/receiving unit 82, a storage unit 84, and a processing unit 86. The transmitting/receiving unit 82 is the part that performs information transmission and reception. In this embodiment, the transmitting/receiving unit 82 receives information transmitted from the sensor device 20 via the communication network and transmits notifications to the user's external terminal 90 via the communication network.

The memory unit 84 is the part that stores the received information. For example, the memory unit 84 stores tilt information, illuminance information, temperature and humidity information, etc., transmitted from the sensor 40.
Furthermore, the memory unit 84 stores the tilt information of the sensor 40 and the weight of the object to be measured 100 in association with each other. For example, if the tilt information (angle information) of the sensor 40 is 45 degrees, the weight of the object to be measured 100 is stored as 5 kg in the memory unit 84 in association with the tilt information.

If the information transmitted from the sensor 40 includes tilt information, the calculation unit 86 converts the tilt information into the weight of the object to be measured 100 and makes it viewable. Specifically, for example, if the tilt information received from the sensor 40 is 45 degrees, the calculation unit 86 accesses the storage unit 84, reads the weight of the object to be measured 100 associated with 45 degrees, and displays it on the external terminal 90 used by the user. That is, the user can view the state of the object to be measured 100 over the communication network line using the external terminal 90. In this embodiment, the calculation unit 86 converts the tilt information from the sensor 40 into weight and makes it viewable, but this disclosure is not limited to this configuration. The calculation unit 86 may record the weight (initial weight) at the time the object to be measured 100 is attached to the spring scale 50 (start of measurement), subtract the weight of the object to be measured 100 (dry weight), which is updated periodically, from this initial weight to determine the moisture content of the object to be measured 100, and display the moisture content along with the dry weight. The external terminal 90 is not particularly limited to any device capable of accessing the communication network. Examples include smartphones, tablets, and laptop computers.

Furthermore, the calculation unit 86 may make the illuminance information viewable if it is included in the information transmitted from the sensor 40, or it may make the temperature and humidity information viewable if it is included in the information transmitted from the sensor 40. In addition, the calculation unit 86 may make the illuminance information and temperature and humidity information viewable if they are included in the information transmitted from the sensor 40.

Furthermore, if the weight of the object being measured 100, converted from the tilt information, changes beyond a predetermined range within a specified time, the server 80 notifies the external terminal 90 via the communication network that a sudden weight change has occurred. For example, if the object being measured 100 detaches from the spring scale 50, the tilt of the sensor 40 suddenly returns to its original position (returns to a horizontal state). In this case, because the weight calculated from the tilt information of the sensor 40 changes rapidly, the transmitting/receiving unit 82 notifies the external terminal 90 via the communication network, for example, of an error occurring.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.
In the sensor device 20 of this embodiment, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, when the object to be measured 100 dries out and its moisture content decreases, the object to be measured 100 becomes lighter, and the spring scale 50 suspending the object to be measured 100 compresses. When the spring scale 50 compresses, the sensor mounting part 26 changes its posture, and the sensor 40 detects the change in the posture of the sensor mounting part 26 and transmits detection information. By receiving this transmitted detection information, it becomes possible to remotely check the state of the object to be measured 100 (for example, the weight and moisture content of the object to be measured 100). This eliminates the need to periodically go to the site to check the state of the object to be measured 100, thereby reducing time and costs.

Furthermore, in the sensor device 20 of this embodiment, one end of the sensor mounting portion 26 to which the sensor 40 is attached is supported so as to be tiltable toward the suspension side of the spring scale 50, and the other end of the sensor mounting portion 26 is supported so as to be tiltable by an arm 28 that is rotatably connected to the suspension end side of the spring scale 50. This stabilizes the change in posture of the sensor mounting portion 26 due to the expansion and contraction of the spring scale 50. As a result, the accuracy of the tilt information transmitted as detection information from the sensor 40 attached to the sensor mounting portion 26 is improved.

Furthermore, in the sensor device 20 of this embodiment, one end of the sensor mounting portion 26 is attached to the case 54A via the first connecting portion 24, which simplifies the installation of the sensor mounting portion 26.

Furthermore, in the sensor device 20 of this embodiment, since the sensor mounting part 26 is attached to the spring scale 50, the weight of the object to be measured 100 can be visually confirmed on-site.

Furthermore, in the sensor device 20 of this embodiment, if the sensor 40 has the function of detecting brightness and transmitting illuminance information, it becomes possible to confirm the surrounding environment (the environment related to brightness) of the object to be measured 100.

Furthermore, in the sensor device 20 of this embodiment, if the sensor 40 has the function of detecting temperature and humidity and transmitting temperature and humidity information, it becomes possible to check the surrounding environment (temperature and humidity environment) of the object being measured.

Furthermore, in the monitoring system 70 of this embodiment, the server 80 makes the information transmitted from the sensor 40 of the sensor device 20 viewable on the communication network. That is, it becomes possible to remotely check (monitor) the state of the object to be measured 100 (for example, the weight and moisture content of the object to be measured 100).

Furthermore, in the monitoring system 70 of this embodiment, if the information transmitted from the sensor 40 includes tilt information, the server 80 converts the tilt information into the weight of the object being measured 100, making it viewable. Therefore, it becomes possible to remotely check (monitor) the state (weight) of the object being measured 100.

Furthermore, in the monitoring system 70 of this embodiment, if the weight of the object being measured, converted from the tilt information, changes beyond a predetermined range within a predetermined time, the system notifies the external terminal 90 via the communication network that a sudden weight change has occurred. Therefore, users utilizing the external terminal 90 can understand the sudden weight change of the object being measured 100 even when they are not accessing the communication network.

(Other embodiments)
The sensor device 20 in the above-described embodiment comprises a bracket 22 and a sensor 40, but this disclosure is not limited to this configuration. For example, the sensor device 20 may comprise a bracket 22, a sensor 40, and a spring scale 50. In this case as well, the same effects and advantages as in the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

In the sensor device 20 of the embodiment described above, the bracket 22 is attached to the spring scale 50, but this disclosure is not limited to this configuration. For example, instead of the spring scale 50, the first connecting part 24 may be connected to the suspension end side of the coil spring, and the second connecting part 30 may be connected to the suspension end side. Alternatively, the first connecting part 24 may be connected to the suspension end side of the case 54 without markings that houses the coil spring, and the second connecting part 30 may be connected to the suspension end side. In this case as well, the state of the object to be measured 100 can be remotely confirmed by transmitting tilt information from the sensor 40.

In the sensor device 20 of the aforementioned embodiment, tilt information is transmitted wirelessly from the sensor 40, but this disclosure is not limited to this configuration. The sensor 40 may also transmit tilt information via a wired connection. Even in this case, the state of the object to be measured 100 can be remotely confirmed by the transmission of tilt information from the sensor 40.

In the monitoring system 70 of the aforementioned embodiment, notification is sent to the external terminal 90 when there is a sudden change in weight. However, the system may also be configured to send a notification to the external terminal 90 when the temperature information exceeds a predetermined temperature.

The above describes one embodiment of this disclosure. However, this disclosure is not limited to the above, and it is of course possible to implement it in various modified forms without departing from its spirit.

20 Sensor device 26 Sensor mounting section (example of a mobile body)
28 Arm 40 Sensor 50 Spring scale (an example of a spring component)
54 Case 70 Monitoring System 80 Server (Example of viewing method)
90 External terminal 100 Object to be measured

Claims (8)

A moving body that changes its posture when the spring member from which the object to be measured, whose moisture content changes, is suspended compresses,
A sensor that detects the change in the attitude state of the moving object and transmits detection information,
Equipped with ,
The movable body is supported at one end so as to be tiltable toward the suspension side of the spring member, and at the other end so as to be tiltable toward an arm that is rotatably connected toward the suspension end side of the spring member.
The sensor is a sensor device fixed to the moving body and transmitting tilt information of the moving body . The spring member comprises a coil spring and a case for housing the coil spring.
The sensor device according to claim 1 , wherein one end of the movable body is rotatably supported on the upper end of the case. The sensor device according to claim 1, wherein the sensor has the function of detecting brightness and transmitting illuminance information. The sensor device according to claim 1, wherein the sensor has the function of detecting temperature and humidity and transmitting temperature and humidity information. A spring member from which an object whose moisture content changes is suspended,
A moving body that changes its posture when the aforementioned spring member is compressed,
A sensor that detects the change in the attitude state of the moving object and transmits detection information,
Equipped with ,
The movable body is supported at one end so as to be tiltable toward the suspension side of the spring member, and at the other end so as to be tiltable toward an arm that is rotatably connected toward the suspension end side of the spring member.
The sensor is a sensor device fixed to the moving body and transmitting tilt information of the moving body . A sensor device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 ,
A viewing means that receives information transmitted from the sensor of the aforementioned sensor device via a communication network and makes the received information viewable on the communication network,
A monitoring system equipped with the following features. The monitoring system according to claim 6 , wherein the viewing means converts the tilt information of the moving object into the weight of the object to be measured and makes it viewable when the information transmitted from the sensor device includes tilt information of the moving object. The monitoring system according to claim 7, wherein the viewing means notifies an external terminal via a communication network that a sudden change in weight has occurred if the weight of the object to be measured, converted from the tilt information, changes beyond a predetermined range within a predetermined time.