CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

|0001| The following application claims priority under 35 U.S.C, § 1 19(e) to copending IIS, Provisional Patent Application Serial No, 62/216,853 filed September 10, 2015 S iit!sd CAPAOTiVE TOUChSCMEN .¾*¾7 ^' 5 ^! C4 oi oJTiA:/ A¾ ⁾ METHOD. 1 k above-identified application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for ail purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[00821 The present disclosure relates generally to a capacltive touchscreen smart scale and, more specifically, to capacltive touchscreen smart screen sca le system and method of operation to measure a weight of an object in an economical, convenient, and accessible way.

BACKGROUND

[0003 J Software applications that claim to turn a mobile computing device into s digital scale are plentiful, However, these scale applications often suffer from inherent complexities, inaccuracies, and hazards to the mobile computing device, h many eases, these scale applications cannot provide an accurate measure of a w eight of an object because they do not utilize properties of a capacidve touchscreen associated with the mobile computing device.

SUMMARY

£0004] . lite present disclosure relates to a eapaemve screen smart scale and. more specifically, to capacltive smart screen scale system and method of operation relating to measuring g weight of ass object using a eapaeitive touchscreen. The eapaeitive screen smart scale provides n economical, convenient, and accessible way to weigh and/or verify a weight of an object, such as a food ot another good.

[©005| One example embodiment of the present disclosure includes a method for determining a weight of an object. The method can Include steps and/or acts that are executed by a system comprising a processor. A pattern of at least two touch points indicating that a weight table is on a eapaeitive touch screen can be determined. The weight table comprising the at least two touch points can be calibrated on the eapaeitive touch screen with so weight thereon, A weight of an object on the weight table can be determined by determining a difference between calibrated values (e.g,, diameters or pressures) of the at least two touch points and weighted values of the at least two touch points with the object present on the weight table. The determined difference can correspond to the weight of the object,

[©006) Another example embodiment of the present disclosure includes a eapaeitive screen smart scale system to determine g weight of an object. The system includes a non- transitory memory storing computer-executable instructions; and a processor configured to facilitate execution of the computer-executable instructions to at least: determine a patsem of the at least two touch points that indicates the weight table is on the eapaeitive loach screen; calibrate the weight table comprising the si least two touch pomts on a eapaeitive touch screen with no object on the weight table; and determine a weight of an object on the weight tabic by determining a difference between calibrated values {e,g. diameters or pressures) of the at least two touch points and weighted values of the at least t wo touch points with the object present on the weight table. The determined difference can correspond to the weight of the object BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The foregoing and other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent to ne skilled in the art to which the present disclosure relates upon consideration of the following description of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals, nless otherwise described refer to like pans throughout the drawings and in which:

[0008] FIG. 1 is an example of a capacitive smart screen scale system in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0009] FIG, 2 is a perspective view of a first example weight table for use in the capacitive smart scale system of FIG, J ;

[0010] FIG, 3 is a top perspective view of a first example weight table for use in the capacitive smart scale system of FIG, 1 ;

[0011] FIG, 4 is a bottom perspective view of a first example weight table for use In the capacitive smart scale system of FIG. 1;

[0012] FIG, 5 is a top perspective view of a first example weight table in use with a mobile computing device w accordance with the present disclosure;

[0013] FIG. 6 Is a top right perspective view of a first example weight table in use with a mobile computing device in accordance with the present disclosure;

[001 ] FIG. 7 is a top left perspective view of a first example weight table in use with a mobile computing device in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0015] FIG. S is a top front perspective view of a first example weight table in use measuring a weight of an object with & mobile computing device in accordance with the present disclosure; |O0!#] FIG. 9 is a top right perspective vie of a first example weight table in am measuring a weight of an object with a mobile computing device in accordance with t e present disclosure;

[0017] FIG. 10 Is a top left perspective view of a first example weight table in use measuring a weight of an object with a mobile computing device in accordance with the present disclosure:

f0OlS| FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of a second example weight table for use in the capserdve smart scale system of FIG, I ;

[00191 FIG, 12 is a bottom perspective view of a second example weight table for use in the capacitive smart scale sys em of FIG. 1 ;

[00201 FIG. 13 is a top iefl perspective view of a second example weight table in use with mobile computing device in accordance with the resent disclosure;

002J I FIG. 14 is a top right perspective view of a second example eight table in use with a mobile computing device in accordance wit the present disclosure;

f0022| FIG, 15 is a top left perspective view of a second e ample weight table fa use measuring a weight of an object with a mobile computing device in ccordance with the present disclosure;

[1)023 FIG. 16 is a left side elevation view of a second example weight table in use measuring a weight of a object with a isobile computing device in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0024] FIG. I ? is a block diagram of an example mobile computing device thai can be used in the capacitive sma scale system of FIG, 1 ;

[0025] FIG. U is s process flo diagram of a capacitive smart scale method in accordance with another example embodiment of the present disclosure; 10026] FIG. 1 Is a process flow diagram of another capacitive smart scsle method is accordance with a further example embodiment of the present disclosure;

f ^' §027f FIG. 20 is front elevation view of an example of a capacitive smart screen scale systens In accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure ;

(002S FIG. 21 Is a front perspective view of a capacitive smart screen scale system of FiG. 20 in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure; and f 0 )29 j FiG. 22 is a top plan view of a capacitive smart screen scale system of FIG . 20 and 21 in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure.

|0030| Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggeraied relative to other elements to help to Improve understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure.

ί 01)311 The apparatus and method components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

10 )321 Referring now to the figures wherein like numbered features shown therein refer to like elements throughout unless otherwise noted. The present disclosure relates generally to a capacitive screen smart scale and, more specifically, to capacitive smart screen scale system and method of operation relating to measuring a weight of a substance using a capacitive touchscreen. The capacitive screen smart scale provides an economical, convenient and accessible way to weigh and or verify weights of foods and other goods. 10033] Illustrated in FIG. ί Is n illustration of a capacitive smart screes scale system 10 in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure. The system i 0 can use a capsdt!ve touchscreen 12 of a mobile computing device 14 so determine an a roxi ate weight of an object 20 OR a weight iable 16. The mobile computing device 14 can be a smart phone, a tablet PC device, a laptop computing device, or any other device that processes an input from a capacitive touchscreen 12, in one example, the capacitive touchscreen 2 can be purely capacitive. When an electrical conductor touches Che purely capacitive touchscreen, a voltage drop is crested a the location where the screen is touched by the electrical conductor when a small electrical charge is transferred to the elecirieal conductor to complete the circuit, hi another example, the capacitive touchscreen 12 can employ a capacitive pressure sensitive touchscreen. For example, die capacitive pressure sensitive touch screen can . use infrared light to discern the force applied by an electrical conductor against the screen. In both examples, software in the mobile computing device 14 processes information determ ned at the location of the contact.

|0 34] As in the illustrated example embodiment of FIG. 1 , a weight table 16 can make contact the eapsei ive touchscreen 12 at two or more touch points 3 H ¾. I ce weight table 16 can be constructed of a molded frame 22 (e.g., Including a plastic material) in a shape that can receive the object 20 to be weighed. Extending from a lower surface 1 of the molded frame 22 are ai least two semicircular members l ib- 18,, that each can include the conductive touch point ! !¾ ₅ respectively. The members 18)-1 8 _n can be arranged in a geometric pattern based on the shape of the molded frame 22, Although only two conductive touch points !9r i¾ are necessary for the mobile computing device 1 4 to determine weight a greater number of members 18 and corresponding touch points 1 can lead to a higher accuracy determination (e.g., due to a more even distribution of weight). [0035] In one example eiabodimen^ the frame 22 com rises an upper surface 13 for supporting n object and/or a structure. In one example embodiment, the upper surface 13 is substantially planar. In this example embodiment, the upper surface 13 extends along a first plane see FIG. 2). I another example embodiment, the conductive touch points 19 _r I ¾ are co-planar. In this example embodiment, the conductive touch points !9rl¾ are co-planar along a second lsjnc 21 that is parallel to the first plane 1 1 (see for example FIG. 16 ^' ).

[0036] The conductive touch points J 9<-19 _r , contact the capacitive touchscreen 12 arranged in the geometric pattern {see for example different geometrical patterns 23a, 23b, and 123). As long as the geometric pattern is known, the conductive touch points \ 9\-\ can contact the capacitive touchscreen 12 at any location on the capacitive touchscreen. The at least two members 18i-lS _R or the at least two conductive touch points 39H¾ are made of a conductive material The conductive material can also be soft and/or flexible. For example, the conductive material can include a 50-70 Shore A d urometer polymeric or silicone material,

[0037] One example embodiment of a weight table 36 is shown in FIGS. 2-30. In FIGS. 2-10. the weight table 16 includes five members I Sa-18e that are arranged in a circular geometric pattern 23a based on a circular shape of the molded frame 22. FIGS. 2-4 show different views of the weight table. In one example embodiment the five members !8a~! 8e are equidistant ίϊ-om a central point 21 of the weight table 16a and are equally spaced relative to each other. FIGS. 5-7 show different views the weight table 16a with conductive surfaces of members 18 contacting the capacitive touchscreen 12a of a mobi le computing device 34a. FIGS. 8-20 show different views of an object 20a placed on the weigh* table 36a for weighing. In this example, the object 20a is a bowl of rocks.

[0038] in a second example of a weight table 16 shown in FIGS, 1 146, thirteen members 38 can be arranged in a geometric pattern 23b of a square ith two diagonals of the molded frame 22, FIGS, 1 M2 show different views of the weight table 16b. FIGS. 13-1 show different views the weight table 16 with conductive surfaces 19 of members 18 contacting the eapaeitlve touchscreen 12b of a mobile computing device lib. FIGS. 15-16 show different views of an object 20b placed on the weight table ! 6b for weighing. In this Instance, the object 20b is a race car toy, la this example embodiment, a first touch point 1 a is centrally located relative to the weight table 16b. Further, in this example embodiment, the thirteen members 18 are arranged about the first member 18a thai Is centrally located relative to the other thirteen members,

[00391 Referring again to FIG. 1, whets the goods or an object 20 is placed on the weight table 16, the weight 31 of the object 20 can be determined and displayed by the mobile computing device 14 ( ee for example FIG, 6). The object 20 can have a weight 31 of any value, for example, the weight may be expressed in ounces, pounds, and grams. As n example, a weight 31 of the object 20 can be determined when the object weighs between 1 oz and 20 lbs. The weight 3 ] can be determined based on values 33 of the members 18H¾ or the touch points I9i~l%. A difference between a value 33 whets the weight 31 is placed on the weight table 16 and the value when the weight table 16 either does not have a weight or has a known weight (determined during a tarin or calibration process) is determined to be proportional to the weight of the object 20. In some examples, the calibration process can take into account the geographic location in which the calibration is being done. For example, the calibration can take Into account various environmental factors present at a given geographic location (e.g., temperature, humidity, etc.) to comprise a more accurate calibration than would be done absent such information.

[004C | In some examples ( g., with a purely eapaeitlve touchscreen), the value 33 can be a diameter, or a change in diameter (see for example da-dj in FIGS. 15A-1 SC) of the conductive touch points 19j-19». The weight table 16 can first be calibrated without the object 20 ih reon, and diamete s I ?H ?r= (see also FIGS. J5A-1 5C) of the touch points I 9 _r 1% are determined by the mobile computing device 14. Then, -with the object 20 on the weight table 16, the diameters 17¾-17« of the touch points ! 9 _r ! 9 _n a.re displaced (or enlarged) and the new diameters d _¾ are calculated or measured again. The presence of the object 20 makes the diameters 17rl7„ of the touch points 19i-l% expand from d¾ (no weight or little weight from the table 16} to d¾ (with a weighted object on the table). The difference between the expanded dismsters (with the object 20 <¾) and the calibrated diameters 17H 7 _« (without the object d$) correlates to the weight of the object 20 which is calculated by a processor 32 of the mobile device 14, I ne mobile computing device 1 can determine the weight of the object 20 based on the change in the diameters. In one example esbodin ent, the mobile computing device 14 includes the processor 32 and a look-up table that includes a change in a touch point's diame er value (for example summin the total diameter change dj-d)} table that corresponds to a weight 31 of the good, eventually displayed on the touchscreen 12.

{0041 j in other examples (e.g., with a pressure sensitive capacitive touch screen), the value ears be a pressure caused by the conductive touch points Ϊ9ι~ ϊ %, The weight table 16 ears first be calibrated without the object 20 thereon, and the press ures caused by the touch points J ;-!¾ determined by the mobile com uting device 14, Then, with the object 20 on the weight table 16, the pressures caused by the touch points ! 9 ₃ -!9„ can be determined again. I ne presence of the object 20 causes the touch points 19r 19 to exert more pressure on the capacitive touchscreen 12. The difference between the greater pressure exertion (with the object 20) and the calibrated pressure (without the object) correlates to the weight of the object 20, Again, the mobile computing device 14 and its processor executed by internal soft are or firmware can determine the weight of the object 20 based on this change in pressure exerted. [0§42j As shown In FIG. 17, an example of the mobile computing device 14 can have a capaoitive touchscreen 12 that provides inputs 37. For example, the inputs 37 are created by the presence of the conductive touch points 19j--1 _n on the capaciiive touchscreen 12. The inputs 37 can be generated by one or more sensors (e.g., sensor 1 sensor N cat; detect and localize a change In voltage and/or pressure due to the touch points 1 H ¾). The mobile computing device 14 can also include a no -transitory memory 26 storing computer- executable instructions to determine a weight based on the inputs and a processor 32 that executes the computer-executable instructions to determine the weight based on the Inputs. The non-transitory memory 26 can also store data, including calibration data 28 and weighing data 30 (see FIG. 17). The calibration data 2S can include a look-up table created for different known numbers/positiorss/sizc of the conductive vouch points 1 H ¾. The weighing data 30 can include conversion factors that can be be used to convert a value difference so a weight of an object 20.

100431 One example of a method that can be executed by the mobile computing device 14 of FIG, 17 is shown in FIG. 18, The method starts at element S3. At element 84, a pattern of touch points 19 _r I 9 _i; cars be determined Indicating the presence of the weighs table 16 on the capacltive touchscreen 12. At element ihe weight table 16 can be calibrated with no weight (or a known weight) thereon. This calibration can be stored in a look up table 87. As an example, the calibrated values for each touch point 19·-ί9 _β can be summed together and stored in the look up table stored in the calibration data 28, At element 88, a weight of an object 20 on the weight table 16 cars be d&tmni d. The determination of the weight can be based on a difference between a calibrated value and a weighted value. For exasKple, the value 31 can be a diameter value and/or a pressure value. 7¾e weight 33 can be determined based on the difference based on a conversion factor stored in the weighting data 30. The method ends at element 90. [004 | Another example of a method that can be executed by the mobile computing device 14 of FIG, 1 ? is shown in FIG. 1 . The method starts at element 42. At element 44, it is determined whether touch points 19 l¾ (of a weight table 16} are delected, if the touch points ! 9<-!¾ detected, the method proceeds to elemen 46 where a pattern is determi ed, if touch points 19 _r 1 ¾ are not detected, additional scans for touch points are initiated until detection occurs. The determined pattern can indicate location or a scale of the -weight table 16 on the capacitlve touchscreen 12, For the touch points Wrl on the eapasitive touchscreen 12, at element 48, it can be determined if ail values (diameters and/or pressures) ?! of the touch points 19 1% are the same.

[00451 If the values 31 are not the same, then the weight table 16 is determined to be off balance. As an example, an alert can be provided by the mobile computing device 14 thai the weight table 16 is off balance. In another example, as element 50, the mobile computing device 14 can perform a compensation for the off balance weight table 16, When the weight table 16 is determined to be balanced or compensated for the imbalance, the method proceeds to element 52. At element 52, an approximate weight of as object 20 can be determined. For example, weighted values of the touch points 19 1 ¾ (e.g., diameters and/or pressures) can be determined ith the object 20 on the weight table 16. These values can be reconciled wiifa the calibrated values for the weight table 16, 7¾e calibrated values can come, for example, from a table in the calibration data 28. An approximate weight of the object 20 can be determined based on a conversion factor stored in the weighing data 30. The method can end at element 54.

| 046| FIGS. 20-22 areexamples of a eapaciiive smart screen scale system 100 constructed in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure. The capaeitive smart screen scale system 1 0 includes an elevated surface 102 for supporting the load ^S TT (see arrows) of the objeet(s) 20 to be weighed. The elevated surface 102 is then coupled to a single semicircular mem er I I K that includes a single touch point 120 having the geometry 125. The member 1 18 is a pliable material such as silicons that changes diametrical shape based oa weight of the objects) 20. One such example of pliable materia! includes silicone. In another example embodiment, the member 1 18 comprises the pliable material encompassing a deform&bie material including air, sand, a viscous solution, a gel, a syrup, ··¾· in th s example embodiment, the density and deibnisabl!lfy of the deformab!s material is known and utilized to correlate the diameter change <fc~dj to a weight of the object 20 and start with an unweighted diameter d, as small as ,5mm a id will grow in sfee to d _¾ when weighted to a larger and analyzed sis; by the device 14.

[0647] The elevated surface 102 is suspended by a plurality of legs 122 that bow upon the addition of the goods 20 arid allow the single touch point 120 to depress and deform on, or apply pressure to, the screen underneath. The plurality of legs 122 are supported by a weight table base 124. In the illustrated example euibodlmenh the single touch point 120 is centrally located relative to the weight table base 124, hi one embodiment, the mobile computing device 14 accounts for the weight table base 124 during the calibration, such that the change In the pressure or diameter of the single semicircular member i ts is measured when weight 33 is applied to the elevated surlace 102, In another embodiment, the weight table base 124 is configured to rest upon non-touch portions of the mobile confuting device 14, Such that the single touch point 120 Is the sole contact between the touch screen and the weight table Id. Thus, system 100 makes contact (or provides a single pressure point) to the capseitive touchscreen 12 at the single touch point 120.

[0048] The eapacitive smart screen scale system 10» and more specifically the weight table 16, allows a weighing functionality to be enacted on mobile com uting devices 14 that lack pressure sensing capabilities. Further, the weight table I d provides a safe mechanism that functions with mobile computing devices 14 that have ressure sensing capabilities. The weight table 16 functions using pressure sensing hardware methods thai are common in mobile computing devices J (e.g., screen deformation detection, pressure sensing gaskets, barometer etc.).

10049] Additionally in one example embodiment, software and/or furow&re in the mobile computing device 14 detects that the weight table is is placed on the touchscreen 12 of the mobile computing device, and prohibits weighing functions when she presence of the ei ht table 16 is not detected (by for example, recognizing the patterns provided by t e weight tabic on the screen). T us, such designs advantageously prohibit users from weighing objects 20 using methods that are m saie &r a given mobile computing device (e.g.. weighing objects that can cause damage to the mobile computing device). IK an exam le embodiment, the software detects the weight tabic 16 based upon detection of unique positions of the members 18, deformation and/or pressure applied by the touch points 1 8 of the members in contact with the touchscreen, or the pattern, the number, sod/or orientation of the members.

|005θ ^' | In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments have been described. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and change;; can be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure ax set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of present teachings.

1005 1 1¾c benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and am elements) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not t be construed &s a critical, required, or essentia! features or elements of any or all the claims. Hie disclosure is defined solely by the appended claims including any amendments made during tire pendency of this application and ail equivalents of those claims as I sued, [(10521 Moreover in this document, relational terms suoJh as first arid second, top and bottom, and the l ke may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or im l ing any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms "comprises," ''compri i g," "has", "having," "includes", "including," "contains", "containing" or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover s non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes, contains a list of elements does not include only those elements but may Include other elements nor expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, aniefo, or apparatus. An element proceeded by "comprises ...a", ^{i S} l as ...a", ^includes ...a ^" , "contains ...a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the rocess meth d, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes, conta ns ibe element The terms " " and ^:' W are defined as one or rnore unless explicitly stated otherwise herein. The terms "substantially", "essentially".. "'approximately ⁵⁵ , "about" or any other version thereof, are defined as being close to as understood by one of ordinary skill in the an. In one non-limiting embodiment the terms are defined to be within for example 10%, in another possible embodiment within 5%, in another possible embodiment within 1 %, and in another possible embodiment within 0.5%. Th e term "coupled" as used herein is defined as connected or in contact either temporarily or permanently, although not necessarily directly and not necessarily mechanically. A device or structure that Is "configured" in a certain wa Is configured In at least tha way, hut may also be configured in ways that are not listed.

[0953] To the extent that the materials for any of the foregoing embodiments ot components thereof are not specified, It is to be appreciated that suitable materials would be known by one of ordinary skill In the art for the intended purposes. [01)54] The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It Is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or l mit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, it can be seen that various features are grouped together is various embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is nor to be interpreted as reflecting an intention iliat the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimed subject matter,