Weighing scales – Computer – Electrical
Reexamination Certificate
2002-03-13
2004-10-26
Gibson, Randy W. (Department: 2841)
Weighing scales
Computer
Electrical
C701S045000, C180S273000, C280S735000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06809270
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND
The present invention relates to a weighing apparatus for measuring body weight, the weight of an object mounted on a seat of an automobile, or any similarly situated object.
Generally, weighing apparatuses display measured weight at the time when it is measured in an analog or digital manner. In an automobile or similar vehicle, the weight of a passenger sitting on a seat is measured and the expansion of an airbag or similar device is controlled according to the measured weight.
However, although the weight at the time when it is measured can be obtained by such a weighing apparatus, the measurement history does not remain. Therefore, there is a problem in the weighing apparatus because the measured value must be recorded every time it is measured when intending to record the history. Measured values must be recorded manually in the case of, for example, dieting because it is important to record the change of weight. In an automobile, information on the time when a driver other than the usual driver drove the automobile is sometimes required. However, no system which meets such a requirement has yet been put into practical use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a weighing apparatus that provides for a past record of measured weights to be saved for later use.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, a weighing apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a weight sensor; a timepiece; a storage; and an external input-output device. The weighing apparatus is configured so that the storage may store either a value of a measurement by the weight sensor and a time of the measurement when weight is measured or another value of the measurement by the weight sensor and a time of receipt of a storage command when the storage command is received from the external input-output device. The apparatus is also configured to output to the outside the value of the measurement by the weight sensor and the corresponding time when an output command is received from the external input-output device.
Through use of the above-described weighing apparatus, a history of measured values can be easily obtained. A value measured by the weight sensor and a time (including a date) of the measurement are stored in the storage every time weight is measured. The value measured by the weight sensor is stored in storage every time the value measured by the weight sensor becomes equal to or exceeds a predetermined value. Another value measured by the weight sensor and a time of the input of a storage command from the external input-output device are stored in the storage every time the storage command from the external input-output device is inputted. The value measured by the weight sensor and the corresponding time when the value is outputted to the outside when an output command is received from the external input-output device is also stored in storage. With this arrangement, the history of the values previously measured can be easily obtained.
It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not restrictive of the invention as claimed.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4301879 (1981-11-01), Dubow
patent: 4576244 (1986-03-01), Zeigner et al.
patent: 4660662 (1987-04-01), Katz
patent: 4831242 (1989-05-01), Englehardt et al.
patent: 5650930 (1997-07-01), Hagenbuch
patent: 6365846 (2002-04-01), Kono et al.
patent: 6369338 (2002-04-01), Kimura
patent: 6373001 (2002-04-01), Kono et al.
patent: 6462287 (2002-10-01), Mikesell
patent: 6617530 (2003-09-01), Lin
patent: 6649848 (2003-11-01), Kriger
Foley & Lardner
Gibson Randy W.
Takata Corporation
LandOfFree
Weighing apparatus does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Weighing apparatus, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Weighing apparatus will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-3327602