Multi-load cell force sensing apparatus
AssigneeWeigh-Tronix, Inc.
InventorsThomas H. Johnson, Gene L. Justice, Michael W. Lundgreen
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A multi-load cell force sensing apparatus includes a plurality of load cells supporting an operating surface and a controller which determines the position, as well as the magnitude, of an applied force relative to the operating surface. Impulse forces may be distinguished from static forces, thereby enabling the apparatus to function as a user input device whereby a user may request the apparatus to perform functions by pressing or touching a specified location on the operating surface.
Claims34
A force sensing apparatus, comprising:
- an operating surface for receiving an applied force, the applied force having a position relative to the operating surface and a magnitude;
- a plurality of load cells, each load cell receiving at least a portion of the applied force on the operating surface and providing a force value representative thereof;
- means for determininq both the magnitude of the applied force and the position of the applied force on the operating surface based on the force values generated by load cells;
- and
- means for outputting a first signal corresponding the magnitude of the applied force and a second signal corresponding to the position of the applied force.
A scale, comprising:
- a platter having an operating surface defined thereon for receiving an applied force, the applied force having a position relative to the operating surface and a magnitude;
- a plurality of load cells supporting the platter, each load cell providing a force value representative of at least a portion of the applied force;
- and
- a controller, coupled to receive the force values from the load cells, the controller including:
- means for determining both the magnitude of the applied force and the position of the applied force on the operating surface based on the force value of each of the load cells;
- and
- impulse sensing means for detecting an impulse force applied to the platter and for determining the position of the impulse force on the platter.
A method of operating a multi-load cell scale having a platter supported by a plurality of load cells, the method comprising the steps of:
- (a) sensing the weight of an object placed on the platter;
- (b) determining the position of a user impulse applied to the platter;
- and
- (c) performing a predetermined function in response to a user impulse received in a predetermined area of the platter.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.