Method for operating a weighing device and weighing device

p0001The invention relates to a method for actuating a balance, and a scale with one of the execution of an operation and / or application program serving and to a processor and a memory unit equipped control unit and at least one input device, by means of which the control unit control signals are fed.

p0002The actuation and control of a modern scale, particularly an analytical balance or a precision balance, is preferably carried out are submitted without manual access to functional elements of the scale, by means of an input unit of the control signals to the modules provided for in the balance. For example, carried the opening and closing of the housing parts by means of motors, which are controlled by means of signals that are emitted from the provided with input devices or controls input unit. Each input device or each control case has a sensor that captures the effects and converted into electrical signals.

p0003Like in the <patcit id="pcit0001" dnum="EP0216035B1"><text>European patent EP 216 035 B1 0</text></patcit> described, various sensors can be used, which may optionally be integrated into the balance housing or disposed in a separate housing thereof for controlling a weighing scale. For example, the modules of the balance and the weighing process can be controlled by entering command words into a microphone, by means of a proximity switch, through pressure sensitive buttons and / or by means of arranged in a foot pedal switch. Also possible is the use of a so-called softkeys, which a selected function is assigned.

p0004The <patcit id="pcit0002" dnum="US6246018B1"><text>US 6246018 B1</text></patcit> discloses a balance with a motor-driven windscreen, which has at least one sensor with which the position of individual panes of the windshield is detected. The final position of an open disc can thus be detected and stored. About a learning function, a desired opening constellation is set. Then can be opened anytime by pressing a specific button on the windshield in the set constellation and closed again. The sensors detect the state of "open" or "closed" and when pressing the buttons, the disks are dependent on the state closed or opened accordingly.

p0005From the <patcit id="pcit0003" dnum="DE10134281A1"><text>Offenlegungsschrift DE 101 34 281 A1</text></patcit> is also a balance with an antenna known to be received with the signals from a transponder, which is connected to the object to be weighed. From the transponder data retrieved here may be used to control the balance.

p0006In <nplcit id="ncit0001" npl-type="b"><text>U. Tietze, Ch. Schenk, Halbleiterschaltungstechnik, 11th edition, 1st reprint, Springer Verlag, Berlin 1999, Chapter 23, pages 1221-1223</text></nplcit> Sensors are described, with which different measured variables, such as force, pressure, sound and light intensity detected, and can be converted into electrical signals.

p0007When operating the known scales the user remains the task of each press the correct input devices or controls or sensors during the weighing process. On the part of the balance is therefore to provide the necessary number of input units to input devices or controls or sensors. On the part of the user, however, is the acknowledgment and correct selection of the most extensive input options required.

p0008Particularly with fast running weighing processes therefore occur when operating the scales often unwanted delays in publication.

p0009The present invention is therefore an object to provide a process for advantageous, especially simpler, more flexible and rapid actuation of a balance and operating according to this method scales.

p0010This object is achieved with a method of operating a scale and a scale which have the specified in the independent claims 1 and 8, characteristics. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are indicated in further claims.

p0011The method is used for actuation and control of a scale that one of the processing of an operating and / or application program serving control unit and at least one input device by means of which the control unit control signals can be fed, wherein the control unit controls the output from the input device control signals for controlling one of at least two functional modules, which associates the control unit of the input device in dependence on the operating state of the operating and / or application program is used. The at least one input device is arranged separately from the balance housing in a freely movable input unit.

p0012The assignment of the function modules for the input device to the user one or more times indicated visually, so that the weighing process can be easily controlled. For this purpose has the freely movable input unit on display means, in particular by means of LEDs, which indicate the respective straight assigned function module and / or the freely movable input unit has a small, adapted to the housing of the liquid crystal display on. In particular, the freely movable input unit has an input device with the co-operating acoustic and / or optical feedback device which the user signals, for example, as a visibly placed LED when the input device is operated.

p0013This provides the user confidence that the input device has been triggered, thus increasing the safety of the process.

p0014With the at least one input device, therefore, a plurality of functional modules can be controlled; Hardware and / or software modules that are used for example for the opening and closing of the doors of the weighing chamber, the zeros of the balance, the taring or the printing of the measurement results. Here, the currently required in the weighing process function module of this input device is assigned. The attention of the user can therefore be confined completely or to a large extent on the operator input device. In preferred embodiments, however, may from the input device and information from the weighing process, for example, the material to be weighed corresponding data are recorded.

p0015In an advantageous embodiment, the scale has a further input unit with operating elements, such as a display and control unit, on. This is especially with regard to a flexible utilization of a scale useful if you want to work with her, for example, both according to the present invention operating input devices, as well as in a conventional manner.

p0016If the immediate user intervention is needed in a measurement process, however, he does not have the option of a further input unit, such as a display and control unit of the scale to use, he can freely movable input unit at a suitable place, possibly even within the weighing chamber position to the weighing process convenient to control, for example, with a hand or finger movement. The user can therefore work with his hands in a so-called glove box or flow box and control the weighing process without interruption quickly and easily.

p0017The particular advantage of operation of the balance via an input device using the sequence, for example, an application program is in a simplified and therefore more economical handling of the balance.

p0018It is further possible that the freely movable input unit can be connected simultaneously to a set of scales and a further device. For example, a scale and an associated conveying apparatus with a freely movable input unit are connected, which may also have two input devices, one of which is used to control the scale and the other to control the conveyor.

p0019In principle, the freely movable input unit therefore may be a very simple or even an intelligent terminal. In the simplest embodiment the freely movable input unit includes a switch which is connected via a cable to an input of the scale. In more complex embodiments processor controlled and provided with network modules, multi-channel input units can be realized, which are provided with a display unit.

p0020The control elements are, for example, function keys, which are integrated into a further input unit, a keyboard arranged in a housing or a touch-sensitive liquid crystal display.

p0021At least one input device is arranged in the housing of the balance or in the housing of said further input unit, or separated from the balance in the housing of the wireless or wire-connected freely movable input unit.

p0022The executable by means of the input device scale functions are preferably identical to the weighing functions, which can be triggered by means of the controls of the further input unit. By appropriate selection of the process steps of the weighing process, it is therefore possible that the process control is performed exclusively by means of the at least one input device.

p0023Provided that the input device is integrated with the operating elements in a housing of the further input unit, resulting lower production costs. The use of a wireless or wired, freely movable input unit in which the input devices are integrated, however, allows the remote control of the balance, so that disturbing influences on the measurement method, which can result from manipulation of the scale, are avoided. Further, the user can select an arbitrary position, is controlled by the out of the weighing process. For example, the user can control the weighing process while, away from the balance, at his workplace. Such wireless or wired input unit is freely movable and transported in a simple manner. They can also be placed at different locations using a support, for example on the wall or on the working document. Thus, a wireless or wired, floating unit improved ergonomics and increased flexibility is the use of the balance

p0024After an example with a processor and a memory module provided freely movable input unit by wire or was connected wirelessly to the scale or an optional additional input unit or an interface box, stored by the controller preferably in the freely movable input unit data concerning the freely movable input unit and / read or relating to the users of the freely movable input unit, so that the existing of the scale and the two input units system can be configured correctly. Provided on the freely movable input unit such as a microphone is provided as an input device, the control unit activates a voice control serving adapter module, are converted by means of which audio signals to digital instructions that can be used for control of the associated functional module.

p0025In a further preferred embodiment, the control unit and the freely movable input unit network modules, for example, according to the Bluetooth standards working network modules, can be with whom discovered the questions put by the freely movable input unit available services and used by connecting. These so-called Saiutation- and service discovery methods that allow the automatic connection of a component to a network and the required reconfiguration of the network, are described in US Patent Laid<patcit id="pcit0004" dnum="US20020120750A1"><text>US 2002/0120750 A1</text></patcit>Described.

p0026The user can therefore use a preferred, for example, suitable for communication with various laboratory devices freely movable input unit that can be connected automatically to a scale.

p0027The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to drawings. They show:<dl id="dl0001"><dt>figure 1</dt><dd>controllable in the form of a display and control unit 5 by means of another input unit Scale 1, with a provided in a housing 2 weighing room 3, which is automatically Open and closable by sliding 4</dd><dt>figure 2</dt><dd>a multi-operating elements 10 and two input devices 20, 20 'provided further input unit in the form of a display and control unit 5 of the scale 1,</dd><dt>figure 3</dt><dd>the scale of 1 <figref idrefs="f0001">figure 1</figref> with a freely movable input unit 50,</dd><dt>figure 4</dt><dd>provided for in the scale 1 control unit 6, which processes and functional modules 71, 72 emitted by the further input unit 5 and three freely movable input unit 50 control signals, ... in accordance with controls, and</dd><dt>figure 5</dt><dd>An ad hoc network comprising a plurality of scales 1, 1 ', other input units 5 and freely movable input units 50th</dd></dl>

p0028<figref idrefs="f0001">figure 1</figref> is a means of another input unit 5, for example, a display and control unit, controllable scale 1 with a provided in a housing 2 weighing compartment 3 which can be automatically opened and closed by sliding doors. 4

p0029<figref idrefs="f0001">figure 2</figref> shows in plan view the of the balance 1 associated other input unit 5, which comprises a housing 55, in which a plurality of operating elements 10 and two input devices 20, 20 'as well as a display module, such as a liquid crystal display 30, with two sectors 31, 32, light-emitting diodes 21, ..., 26 and a speaker 33 are arranged. The light emitting diodes 21, ..., 26 are preferably below a respective input device 20, 20 ', respectively with one another in a strip 28, 28' placed at the outer edge of the further input unit in the form of a display and control unit. 5 The width of the strip 28, 28 'by way of derogation fail of the representation even lower and be limited to the width darzustellender symbols, wherein the respective light-emitting diodes 21, ..., 26 below it, the symbols by bright, can be arranged.

p0030By means of the control elements 10, which can for example be realized in the form of mechanical, electronic or opto-electronic switches, can the balance 1. Press and control in a known manner.

p0031Using the <→ 0 ←> and <→ T ←> mean that the "zeros" and "Tare" feasible. Using the <DOOR> and <PRINT> are the door operator controllable and measuring results be transmitted to a printer. Furthermore, the scale 1 and the feasible with their measuring method with the keys <SETUP> and <SET> are configurable or programmable. In addition, user data can be stored by means of the key <USER> in the balance. 1

p0032The scale functions "zeros", "Tare", "Door Drive" and "Print" but also with each of the two input devices 20, 20 ', which are formed for example as a mechanical, electronic or opto-electronic switches, realized. In a preferred embodiment, the input devices 20, 20 'designed as infrared or ultrasonic proximity switch. As provided for in the scale 1 control unit 6 (see<figref idrefs="f0002">figure 4</figref>) Arranged on the basis of operating and / or application program 61 of the scale 1, preferably each of the two input devices 20, 20 ', a scale function or a corresponding function module 71, 72, ... to, by means of which the appropriate level function is executed. Under an operating program is a program to understand that ensures the operation and control of the functional modules of the scale 1 and ultimately the standard operation of the scale 1 and an application program, a program or a program group, with a certain predetermined or configurable weighing process using the functional modules can be executed.

p0033The input devices 20, 20 'assignable scale function "zeros", "Tare", "Door Drive", "Print" and an arbitrary scale function "F" are below the input devices 20, 20' on the respective strips 28, 28 'is selected, optionally symbolized, and by means of associated light emitting diodes 21, ..., 25 signaled. Such placement in the edge region of the further input unit in the form of a display and control unit 5 is particularly advantageous because the signaling is here easily recognizable and as an optical signal in a noisy environment is quite noticeable.

p0034The assignment has occurred or the change took the assignment of a scale function by means of another light-emitting diode 26 and / or acoustic, are signaled by means of the loudspeaker 33rd In particular, however 26 indicates the light-emitting diode "conf" acknowledgment of a function module 71, 72, ... triggering actuation of an input device 20, 20 '. It is conceivable in this context that the response to a realignment different from in which you acknowledge a one functional module 71, 72, ... triggering actuation of the input device 20, 20 'fails, for example, even by simple, or flashes repeatedly, or through various flashing frequencies.

p0035The application program 61 of the scale 1 shall specify the process flow corresponding allocation of the weighing functions.

p0036A method to be carried out measurement relates to the example in the <patcit id="pcit0005" dnum="EP0216035B1"><text>EP 216 035 B1 0</text></patcit>, Dispensing a selected column weighing sample 1 described. For this example, is the door to the weighing chamber 4 3 several times to open and close. The "door drive" is therefore preferred the left input device 20 assigned.

p0037The right input device 20 'can be used by appropriate assignment as confirmation key by function is determined by the operating and / or application program 61 for the freely selectable scale function "F" <RETURN> or <OK>.

p0038The user can therefore actuate the door operator as often as necessary for the dosing with the left input device 20, and then by releasing the right input device 20 signal 'the conclusion of the dispensing process, so that the control unit 6 then the assignment of the scale functions to the input devices 20, 20 'new may determine. For example, then the right input device 20 'from the application program associated with the "print" function, so that the measurement results can be printed, without the user's hand from the right input device 20' must move.

p0039During the entire duration of the assignment of a function module 71, 72, ..., in the above-described case of the door drive, that lights up in the left lateral strips 28, the light emitting diode 21. In the right lateral strips 28 'illuminates the light emitting diode 25 of the arbitrary scale function "F "for which the <RETURN> has been set or <OK> function. After changing the assignment of the right input device 20 'by this is reassigned the "Print" function, turns off the light emitting diode 25 and the LED 22 is activated. The LEDs 26 Acknowledge respectively carried out pressing the appropriate input device 20, 20 ', for example by flashing briefly. In this way, the user gets the security of scheduled Abarbeitens the program run.

p0040As in <figref idrefs="f0001">figure 2</figref> demonstrated an assigned scale function can be displayed one or more times. The left in the example above input device 20 assigned function "Door Drive" is displayed by means of light-emitting diode 21st However, it can also additionally or alternatively be indicated by illumination of the corresponding of the control element 10 and / or by the lower sector 32 of the display unit 30th

p0041<figref idrefs="f0002">figure 3</figref> shows the weighing machine 1 with a freely movable input unit 50 in its housing 505, an input device 20 'as well as associated display means, liquid crystal display 301, and as with the further input unit 5 of <figref idrefs="f0001">figure 2</figref> six light-emitting diodes 21, ..., 26 are arranged, with which the user has an associated scale function and the acknowledgment of the release of the input device, and possibly also the changes in the assignment of a scale function can be displayed or signaled. This input unit 50 is freely movable. Therefore, it can be placed exactly at the place where it is needed. Where appropriate, they can be fixed at a corresponding location in a holder. This flexibility contributes make ergonomic specific account.

p0042This mobile floating input unit 50, which can be connected by an electric cable or wirelessly, for example via radio with the balance 1 can be operated from the balance 1, for example, at the desk of the user. In the illustrated embodiment, the liquid crystal display 301 thus serves to display necessary instructions or of measurement results, so that the weighing process is almost exclusively controlled by means of freely movable input unit 50th Another input device in the form of a display and control unit 5 in this case is therefore not absolutely necessary. If the scale is 1 provided with a machine or robot, the user can therefore perform a series of measurements, without having to go near the scale. 1

p0043An input device 20, 20 ', 20' regardless of whether it is located in a further input unit in the form of a display and operating unit 5 or in a freely movable input unit 50, in particular, together with the light emitting diodes 21, ..., 25 for the scale functions and the light emitting diode 26 for acknowledging an operational unit.

p0044In the <figref idrefs="f0002">figure 3</figref> shown freely movable input unit 50 may also be used for simultaneous control of first and second level 1, 1 '. The visits or assignments of functional modules 71, 72, ... by the respective control unit 6, 6 'of the two scales 1, 1' are processed sequentially. By means of the additional light-emitting diodes 27, 29 is displayed to the user, which should be the two scales 1, 1 'being operated.

p0045<figref idrefs="f0002">figure 4</figref> shows modules 61, ..., 67 provided for in the scale 1 controller 6 and controlled by the control unit 6 functional modules 71, 72, 73, ..., which is driven as hardware modules via an interface module 67 or as software modules within the control unit 6 may be implemented.

p0046Another input device in the form of a display and operating unit 5 is here a wired connection via a further interface module 66 to the control unit. 6 About such an interface module 66, one or more freely movable input units 50 can be connected by wire.

p0047For the wireless connection of one or more freely movable input unit 50, a communication can be pulled over radio or infrared into consideration. Preferably, however, a working by the Bluetooth standards network module 65 is provided, which allows intelligent network entities residing within radio range, switch to a network together.

p0048The Bluetooth method allows, as described in US Patent Laid <patcit id="pcit0006" dnum="US20020120750A1"><text>US 2002/0120750 A1</text></patcit> described to determine the services of standing at the touch of network devices based on Salutation- and service discovery procedures and to configure the network accordingly. Accordingly, the control unit recognizes 6, for example a provided with a corresponding network card 65 printer and uses its printing services, having made the necessary configuration procedures for printing out measurement results. Likewise, the control unit recognizes the 6 information services and input functions of the freely movable input unit 50 and sends, to perform the necessary configuration procedures for assigned weighing functions, queries to the freely movable input unit 50 or receives appropriate signals. The input devices 20, 20 ', 20' therefore fulfill the function of sensors 6 supply the control unit required for the implementation of the weighing process information. As mentioned above, this information can be supplied by the user or optionally sampled from process units, from the material to be weighed or read , for example by means of a code reader, which is also "comes as a possible input device 20, 20 ', 20 in question.

p0049To edit the "provided by the input devices 20, 20 ', 20 signals such as a proximity sensor or a microphone for voice input, etc., the appropriate adapter modules 64 are for each sensor type provided. Optionally, analog voice signals of the user are to convert into digital control information or digital decode signals or it is a query switch position periodically.

p0050<figref idrefs="f0003">figure 5</figref> shows an ad hoc network comprising a plurality of scales 1, 1 ', other input units 5 and freely movable input unit 50. ad hoc networks or mobile ad hoc networks (MANET) are local area networks (LANs) which compounds typically only temporarily, be created, for example, for a session in the present applications, for example for carrying out only one measurement series.

p0051The scales 1, 1 'can only be operated with the additional input unit in the form of a display and control unit 5, for example, to carry out certain measurements. If it considers the user to be necessary, it may have a freely movable input unit 50, activated by switching on the operating voltage. According to the Bluetooth method will now be received by the freely movable input unit 50 so-called INQUIRY messages by means of which the control unit 6 of the balance 1 determines whether more Bluetooth units are within range. therefore their address data retoumiert from floating input unit 50, from which the control unit 6 checks whether a connection should be recorded. The controller 6 can exclude non-system units and record only desired network units Contact. This can already be excluded by the unwanted units in the INQUIRY messages send the code to be inserted. The user can therefore determine by specifying an address list, which network devices are integrated into the ad hoc network. Agent PAGE messages, the control unit 6 then contact the relevant network unit and, where this is not already the Address apparent query the services provided by the network unit. Subsequently, the control unit 6 to reconfigure the enlarged balances system, so that the services of the network unit can be used (see<patcit id="pcit0007" dnum="US20020120750A1"><text>US 2002/0120750 A1</text></patcit>, Columns 1 and 2).

p0052The control unit 6 is therefore most easily find the Address of the freely movable input unit 50, which sensors are used in order then the required adapter modules to implement 64th Of course it is also possible a freely movable input unit 50 for two scales 1, 1 'to be used, which with their visits to each their address with post so that the user can be shown on the freely movable input unit 50, which scales 1 or 1' he currently serves. In<figref idrefs="f0003">figure 5</figref> has shown that the freely movable input unit 50 to perform such tasks a processor 602, a storage unit 603, its own operating program 601, a network module 605 and interface modules 606, 607, with which wired connections to the at least one input device 20, 20 ', You can create 20 "and to scale. 1

p0053The inventive weighing machine 1 has been described in a preferred embodiment shown. Based on the inventive teaching, however, more professional designs are feasible. In particular, various technologies for connecting the freely movable input unit 50 with the scale 1 are applicable. Further, on the other input unit 5, for example, a display and control unit, or the freely movable input unit 50, and / or on the housing 2 of the balance 1, one or more input devices 20, 20 ', 20 "provided by the input information are provided with sensors which operate according to different principles (see<nplcit id="ncit0002" npl-type="s"><text>U. Tietze, Ch. Schenk, Halbleiterschaltungstechnik, 11th edition, 1st reprint, Springer Verlag, Berlin 1999, Chapter 23, pages 1221-1223</text></nplcit>).

p0054In complex systems, the operating and application procedures can be individually adapted to the user.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

p0055<dl id="dl0002" compact="compact"><dt>1, 1 '</dt><dd>balances</dd><dt>10</dt><dd>control element</dd><dt>2</dt><dd>scale housing</dd><dt>20, 20 ', 20 "</dt><dd>input devices</dd><dt>21, ..., 25</dt><dd>LEDs for scale functions</dd><dt>26</dt><dd>LEDs for the acknowledgment of an assignment</dd><dt>27, 29</dt><dd>LEDs for scale selection</dd><dt>28, 28 '</dt><dd>strip</dd><dt>3</dt><dd>Weighing space</dd><dt>30</dt><dd>Liquid crystal display of the further input unit in the form of a display and control unit 5</dd><dt>301</dt><dd>Liquid crystal display of the freely movable input unit 50</dd><dt>31</dt><dd>first sector of the liquid crystal display 30</dd><dt>32</dt><dd>second sector of the liquid crystal display 30</dd><dt>33</dt><dd>speaker</dd><dt>4</dt><dd>Doors for locking the weighing compartment 3</dd><dt>5</dt><dd>additional input unit in the form of a display and control unit</dd><dt>50</dt><dd>freely movable input unit</dd><dt>55</dt><dd>Housing the further input unit in the form of a display and control unit 5</dd><dt>505</dt><dd>Housing the freely movable input unit 50</dd><dt>6</dt><dd>Control unit of the weighing machine 1</dd><dt>601</dt><dd>Operating program of the freely movable input unit 50</dd><dt>602</dt><dd>Processor of the freely movable input unit 50</dd><dt>603</dt><dd>Memory module of the freely movable input unit 50</dd><dt>605</dt><dd>Network module of the freely movable input unit 50</dd><dt>606, 607</dt><dd>Interface Modules of the freely movable input unit 50</dd><dt>61</dt><dd>Operation and / or application program of the control unit 6</dd><dt>62</dt><dd>Processor of the control unit 6</dd><dt>63</dt><dd>Memory module of the control unit 6</dd><dt>64</dt><dd>Adapter modules of the control unit 6</dd><dt>65</dt><dd>Network module of the control unit 6</dd><dt>66, 67</dt><dd>Interface modules of the control unit 6</dd><dt>71, 72, ...</dt><dd>function modules</dd></dl>