BACKGROUND ART In recent years, westernized diseases, such as obesity and so on, have been increased as a dietary life is advanced. Thus, as a scale has been widely spread, each home has a tendency to buy the scale in order to manage health. However, a conventional analogue weight scale is inconvenient since its precision is deteriorated and a user should read a scale. To resolve these problems, a digital scale (or an electronic scale) that adopts a load cell has been developed.

Meanwhile, in order to measure a user's own weight using a personal computer connection type weight scale that has been come to the market, the user should connect a device to a personal computer to drive the computer and then execute an exclusive program. However, when the user wants to promptly measure a body weight, the above operations are troublesome in the user's position. Further, such a procedure is inconvenient for those who do not know how to operate a computer or want to frequently move the device.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION To solve the problems as mentioned above, therefore, it is an object of the invention to provide a digital scale for computer for directly measuring weight event without a computer, for saving and managing a measured date and a measured body weight in a device and then, when connected to a computer, automatically transmitting the above data into a database of the computer to save the data, and for identifying a difference as compared with the prior measured body weight saved in the device.

Further, it an another object to provide a digital scale for computer for saving a measured data into a database by connecting to a computer and then providing a user with proper various information and services related to health.

To accomplish the above objects, there is provided a computer connection type digital weight scale comprising a load sensing means for sensing a load and converting the sensed load into an electric signal; an amplifying/filtering section for amplifying and filtering the output of the load sensing means; an analogue-digital converter for converting the output of the amplifying/filtering section into a digital; a display section for displaying a body weight value; a connection port for connecting to a computer; a communicating means for communicating with the computer through the connection port according to a predetermined communication protocol; a switch for sensing the load and then providing on/off signal ; a real time clock for providing time information ; a memory for saving data; a power management section for stabilizing power inputted from an independent power source or through the connection port and then supplying each of the sections with the power if the switch is on; and a controller for prosecuting a predetermined initialization if the power is supplied by turning on the switch and then communicating with the computer through the communicating means to identify an operation mode. Thereby, if the operational mode is a single mode, the controller processes the data inputted from the analogue-digital converter to calculate a user's body weight and then not only displays the processed data on the display section, but also saves the processed data in the memory together with the time information, and, if the operational mode is a program mode, the controller transmits the-data measured in the single mode to the computer and transmits the data inputted from the analogue-digital converter to the computer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The above and other objects and features of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a block diagram for showing a constitution of a digital scale for computer according to the invention; Fig. 2 is a view for showing a first use state of a weight scale according to the invention;

Fig. 3 is a view for showing a second use state of a weight scale according to the invention; Fig. 4 is a view for showing a third use state of a weight scale according to the invention; Fig. 5 is a flow diagram for showing an operation of a program of a digital weight scale according to the invention; Fig. 6 is a flow diagram for showing an application program according to the invention; Fig. 7 is a flow diagram for showing in detail a data transmission shown in Fig. 6.

Fig. 8 is a flow diagram for showing an operation of DB function of an application program according to the invention; Fig. 9 is a view for showing an example of a main screen of a program according to the invention; Fig. 10 is a view for showing an example of a body weight measurement screen according to the invention; Fig. 11 is a view for showing an example of a user registration or selection screen according to the invention; Fig. 12 is a view for showing an example of a graph viewing screen according to the invention; Fig. 13 is a view for showing an example of a synthetic result viewing screen according to the invention; Fig. 14 is a view for showing an example of a check report screen according to the invention; Fig. 15 is a view for showing an example of a health information management screen according to the invention; Fig. 16 is a view for showing an example of a meal information screen according to the invention; Fig. 17 is a view for showing an example of an exercise information screen according to the invention; Fig. 18 is a view for showing an example of a blood pressure information screen according to the invention; Fig. 19 is a view for showing an example of a body size screen according to the invention;

Fig. 20 is a view for showing an example of a backup screen according to the invention; Fig. 21 is a view for showing an example of an option selection screen according to the invention; Fig. 22 is a view for showing an example of a level game screen according to the invention; and Fig. 23 is a view for showing an example of a data transmission screen according to the invention.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, a prefered embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1 is a block diagram for showing a constitution of a digital scale for computer according to the invention. Here, a digital weight scale 200 of the invention is connected to a computer 100 by a USB method.

Referring to Fig. 1, the digital weight scale 200 comprises a USB port 202, a USB controller 204, a microprocessor (MCU) 208, a display section 210, a memory 212, an RTC 220, a load cell 222, an amplifier/filter 224, an analogue-digital converter (ADC) 226, a power managing section 228, a load sensing switch 230, an electric charging section 232, a battery 234, and a crystal generators 206,214, 218.

The load cell 222 detects a magnitude of load (force) as an electrical signal by measuring a change of resistance of a strain gauge attached to a surface of a load cell sensing section, that is, an elastic transformation of the load cell sensing section is generated when load (force) is applied. Here, the load sensor may adopt a self- oscillation type or a dynamic converter to which a piezo phenomenon is applied, or a non-self oscillation type such as a strain gauge, wherein a strain gauge type load cell is widely used. The strain gauge type load cell consists of a bridge circuit having four strain gauges. If voltage is applied to the strain gauge type load cell, the load cell senses the change of resistance according to load as voltage and outputs the voltage.

The amplifier/filter amplifies fine load signal outputted from the load cell 222 and then removes a noise of the load signal.

The analogue-digital converter 226 transforms the analogue load signal, which is amplified and has no noise, into a digital load data and then provides it to the microprocessor 208.

The memory 212 saves various data for operation. The display section 210 consists of seven segments for displaying a body weight and displays the body weight and operational status according to the control of the microprocessor 208.

The power managing section 228 supplies a power which the digital weight scale 200 requires, wherein the power is supplied as described in the following Table 1 according to the a power type and an application mode of the digital weight scale.

[Table 1] Application Classification Battery type Charging battery type Single mode Battery power Charging battery power PC connection type USB power and USB power Single mode Charging battery power PC connection type USB power and USB power Program mode Charging battery power The digital weight scale 200 of the invention, as described in the Table 1, is classified into a battery type which uses a battery and a charging battery type which uses chargeable battery, wherein, in the charging battery type, a charging section 232 for charging the battery 234 is further included. In case of the battery type, in the single mode, the power managing section 228 receives a power of the battery 234 and then supplies each of the sections with the power, and, in the PC connection mode, the power managing section 228 receives the USB power supplied through a USB bus, stabilizes the power, and then supplies each of the sections with the stabilized power. In the charging battery type, in the single mode, the power managing section 228 receives a power of the battery 234 and then supplies each of the sections with the power, and, in the PC connection mode, the power managing section 228 receives the USB power supplied through a USB bus, stabilizes the power, and then supplies each of the sections with the stabilized power and charges the charging battery 234 through the charging section 232. If a user stands on a footboard of the digital weight scale 200, the switch 230 senses the user's weight body and then provides the sensed signal to the power managing section 228. The

power managing section 228 turns on/off output power according to the signal of the switch.

The RTC 220 provides precise timing information according to a 32. 768KHz clock 218. Further, the USB controller 204 connects the microprocessor 208 with the computer 100 according to a USB protocol while operating according to a 6MHz clock 206.

The microprocessor 208 communicates with the PC 100 through the USB controller 204 while operating according to a 11.0592MHz clock 214. Further, the microprocessor 208 executes a predetermined program. Then, when the user measures the user's own weight, the microprocessor 208 calculates the user's weight value from the sensed data inputted from the analogue-digital converter 226 and then displays the result thereof on the display section 210. Further, the microprocessor 208 saves the user's measured data together with time information provided by RTC 220 in the memory 212.

The computer 100 to which the digital weight scale 200 is connected is connected through the USB port 102 to a USB port 202 of the digital weight scale by a USB cable 104. Further, the computer 100 loads an application program 110 and a database 120 according to the invention, and provides various functions according to the requirement of the user as will be described hereinafter.

Fig. 2 is a view for showing a first use state of a weight scale according to the invention, Fig. 3 is a view for showing a second use state of a weight scale according to the invention, and Fig. 4 is a view for showing a third use state of a weight scale according to the invention.

The digital weight scale 200 according to the invention is operated by a single mode which is operated independently without connecting with the PC 100 to measure a user's body weight, a PC connection type single mode which is connected to the PC 100 by the USB ports 102,202, but uses only a USB power, and a PC connection type program mode (hereinafter, called'twin mode') which is connected to the PC 100 by the USB ports 102,202 and executes the application program 110 of the PC to communicate with the digital weight scale 200, thereby providing various services. These operational modes are automatically processed according to the connection state of the USB port and whether the application program is executed or not. Fig. 2 is a view for showing a use state of the single mode. Referring to Fig. 2, the computer 100 having an application program and database is not connected with the digital weight scale 200 having a display section,

a circuit/load cell, a memory, and a battery. The digital weight scale 200 is operated by a power of the battery.

Fig. 3 is a view for showing a use state of the PC connection type single mode. Referring to Fig. 3, the computer 100 having an application program and database is connected with the digital weight scale 200 having a display section, a circuit/load cell, a memory, and a battery through USB ports. The digital weight scale 200 is operated by USB power supplied from the PC 100 without executing the application program 110.

Fig. 4 is a view for showing a use state of the PC connection type program mode. Referring to Fig. 4, the computer 100 having an application program and database is connected with the digital weight scale 200 having a display section, a circuit/load cell, a memory, and a battery through USB ports 102,202. The application program 110 of the PC 100 is executed and then the digital weight scale 200 is operated by USB power supplied from the PC 100 and the digital weight scale 200 and the PC 100 are communicated each other to exchange data. In such a program mode (twin mode), various services can be provided by transferring the prior measured data saved in the digital weight scale 200 to the database 120 of the personal computer, and the present measured data of the digital weight scale 200 can be displayed on screen.

Fig. 5 is a flow diagram for showing an operation of a microprocessor of a digital weight scale of the invention.

Referring to Fig. 5, in the digital weight scale 200, the switch 230 senses whether a user stands on the footboard or not. If the switch 230 senses the user's body weight, the power is on and then the microprocessor 208 prosecutes initialization while the power is provided to each of the sections. (301-303) Then, the digital weight scale 200 is connected to the PC 100 by identifying an operation mode according to the state which is connected with the PC 100 and whether the application program is executed or not. At this time, if the mode is the twin mode for executing the application program 110, the data sensed by the load cell is leaded and the body weight is calculated. Then, the digital weight scale 200 communicates with the application program. 110 to receive a command. The received command is decoded and then the measured body weight value or the saved body weight value is transmitted by the requirement of the application program. Further, time setting and the other control operation are processed. (304-311)

Meanwhile, it the mode is not the twin mode and the load is applied, the body weight is calculated by leading the load cell sensed data. Then, the measured body weight is saved together with the time information in the memory 212 and the just prior body weight is retrieved. Further, the difference between the present body weight and the just prior body weight is displayed on the display section 210 of the digital weight scale. (314-318) At this time, the digital weight scale of the invention can correct gravity according to country by having a function for setting a symbol and a correction value according to country and can set a weight unit (that is, g, kg, lb, oz, and the like) according to country.

Then, it is determined whether the USB power is on or not. If the USB power is on, the above procedures are repeated. However, if there is no USB power, the power is automatically off after delaying several seconds to prevent consumption of battery. (312,313) As such, the digital weight scale 200 provides the difference between the present body weight and the prior body weight, which is very important information in view of the management of body weight. While an ordinary body weight simply shows a present position, the difference between the present body weight and the prior body weight will provide information about how the body weight is changed.

Thus, the user can manage the user's own body weight while identifying the change of the body weight during short period using the information. For example, for the period of the change of the body weight which the user can manage using the just prior body weight, there are before and after a meal for grasping the quantity of meal, before and after sleep for grasping the quantity of metabolism in the state of having almost no quantity of exercise, before and after exercise for grasping the change of the body according to exercise, the period of one day for grasping the quantity of the change during one day, and the like. Thus, the user can get various information according to the application of single information that is the difference between the present body weight and the just prior body weight.

While, upon the PC connection type program mode, the application program 110 assists the user's body weight management using various body weight managing methods, upon the single mode, since the function of the computer cannot be used, most of functions provided by the application program cannot be used due to the limited display and memory. Thus, even upon the single mode, in order to provide the user with the least information about body weight analysis, the digital weight

scale has a function for showing the difference between the present body weight and the just prior body weight. To do this, in the digital weight scale 200, all the data measured upon the single mode is saved one memory 212. Then, the value within the range of 5 % of the present measured body weight is retrieved from the saved value and then the difference between the retrieved body weight and the just prior body weight is calculated, thereby to be displayed. For example, if the prior data which is within the range of 3Kg of the present body weight is retrieved, the difference between the present body weight and the just prior body weight may be displayed as the difference between the most recent data of the retrieved data and the just prior body weight.

As such, according to the digital weight scale 200 of the invention, the user can use the digital weight scale 200 by connecting it with the PC 100. Further, the user can promptly identify the difference between the user's own body weight and the just prior body weight even upon the single mode of the digital weight scale 200.

Fig. 6 is a flow diagram for showing an operation of an application program according to the invention.

The application program 110 according to the invention serves as an exclusive program for executing a function according to the invention, and is distributed together with the digital weight scale 200 to be installed in the user's PC 100.

Referring to Fig. 6, if the application program 110 is executed, the status of the connection and communication with the digital weight scale 200 is identified.

(401,402) Then, if the digital weight scale 200 has data measured in the single mode or the PC connection type single mode, that is, data to be transmitted, the data is read from the digital weight scale 200 and then is saved in the database 120. (403,404) Then, a main screen, as shown in Fig. 9, is displayed. When the user stands on a footboard of the digital weight scale 200 and wants to measure the user's own weight, the user is identified. (405-407) If the user is a guest who is not registered, the measurement is proceeded after receiving the body weight data from the digital weight scale 200. If the measurement is finished, it is identified whether user automatic selection is set or

not. Then, if the user automatic selection is set, the user is recognized by the user's own body weight value so that the user is automatically selected. (408-411) Here, referring to the user automatic recognition function using the body weight, since, in the most of case, the body weight is different according to each person and the body weight of a person is not changed suddenly, the values which is approximate to the present body weight may be considered as the body weight of the same user. If using this body weight characteristic, the users may be automatically classified according to the body weight without additional sensor and manipulation of the user. Thus, the digital weight scale can automatically selects a user by the user's own body weight using the user automatic recognition function, and can automatically classify the measured value according to the user and then save it.

Meanwhile, if the user automatic selection is processed in the guest mode or if the user is the registered user, the measurement is proceeded and the digital weight scale 200 transmits the body weight data. Then, if the measurement is finished, the weight of the user's clothes is calculated and then the calculated output is calculated and saved. Then, as shown in Fig. 10, information about the body weight is displayed on the main screen. (412-416) If the user selects DB function after measuring the body weight or without measuring it, the relevant DB function is provided according to procedures shown in Fig. 8. (500) Fig. 7 is a detailed flow diagram of data transmission shown in Fig. 6, wherein the process for transmitting data of the device 200 to the PC 100 and then saving it in the database 120 is illustrated.

Referring to Fig. 7, after receiving the measured body weight value, if the value is a correct data, a user is automatically recognized and processed. However, if the value is not correct data, an error message is displayed and then the data is deleted. (421-425) Then, the list of the measured weight value, as shown in Fig. 23, is displayed on screen, and then the input of the user's command is required. If the user inputs a save command, the output value is calculated and then is saved. If the user inputs a deletion command, the relevant data is deleted. Then, after identifying whether the relevant data will be restored or not, if the data will be restored, it is returned to the above user command step. (426-430)

Fig. 8 is a flow diagram for showing an operational process of DB function of an application program of the invention.

Referring to Fig. 8, if the application program 110 is executed, the main screen, as shown in Fig. 9, is displayed. (501) There is an indication box for indicating the present measured body weight in a central portion of the main screen, wherein, a present measured body weight 0. 00kg, a present body mass index 0. 00kg/m2, and a present body fat ratio (a calculating index) 0.00% are displayed in the indication box. There is a message window for displaying the operational status on a lower portion of the indication box. Further, there are a user management button, a measuring with clothes on button, and a baby's body weight measuring button on a left portion of the indication box, and there are buttons for selecting various functions such as option, graph viewing, internet connection, health information, data backup, synthetic measured result, and the like on a right portion of the indication box.

If selecting the user management button on the main screen, the screen for user's management, as shown in Fig. 11, is displayed. Referring to Fig. 11, the user management screen has user's information input columns and body information input columns. Further, there are function buttons such as correction, registration, deletion, confirmation, cancellation, and the like on the user management screen. In the user's information input columns, a name, a gender, an age, a body shape, activity quantity of body, and the like may be inputted. In the body information input columns, a goal body weight, a height, a chest size, a waist size, a hip size, and the like may be inputted. (503-507) If selecting the graph viewing button on the main screen, the relevant user's weight analysis result, as shown in Fig. 12, is displayed in a graphic shape. (508,509) Referring to Fig. 12, a user's goal body weight, a normal person's standard body weight, and the like is displayed in figures on the screen, and the maximum body weight per day, the minimum body weight per day, a standard body weight, a goal body weight, and the like, are displayed in a graphic shape on a graph box. While a horizontal axis of the graph indicates a measuring date, a vertical axis indicates a body weight value. Further, the other items, such as a body mass index, the obesity level, abdominal obesity level, a body fat ratio, and the like, may be selected and viewed in a graphic shape, including a graph for showing the change of a body weight. Further, the measured data which is accumulated is classified into the maximum body weight, the minimum body weight, and the goal body weight to

allow the user to view them in a graphic shape. Thus, since the user can view the range of the maximum and minimum body weight per day at a look, and identify the variation of the user's own weight per day, the user can easily identify whether the body weight has a tendency to increase or to decrease.

If selecting the'Synthetic Measurement Result'button on the main screen or the graph display screen, the synthetic measurement result screen, as shown in Fig.

13, is displayed. (510,511) Referring to Fig. 13, the present body weight, the just prior body weight, and the change value between the present body weight and the just prior body weight are displayed. Further, the present body mass index, a weekly mean value and a monthly mean value are displayed. Further, the body fat rate, the body fat quantity, a muscles quantity, the level of an abdominal fatness, a body water quantity, a proper body weight, the obesity level, basal metabolism, energy demand a day, and the like, are displayed. Here, the user estimates the required quantity of the user's own body through the basal metabolism and the energy demand a day. That is, this allows the user to adjust food intake. Further, since the criterion about an output index is explained in detail, this allows the user to recognize the objectivity and reliability about the output index. Further, since this shows the weekly and monthly mean body weight, the user can know the latest mean value. As a result, the user can identify how is the present condition in comparison with the latest value. Thus, in case that the user's weight is suddenly increased or decreased, the user can identify the more exact latest body weight using the mean value.

Meanwhile, if a'Check Report Identification'button is clicked on the synthetic measurement result screen, a basic body information and a device measurement information, as shown in Fig. 14, are outputted. (512,513) Referring to Fig. 14, the basic body information and the device measurement information are displayed on the screen. Here, the basic body information columns is provided with a height, a present body weight, a goal body weight, a waist size, a hip size, a chest size, and so on. Further, the device measurement information columns is provided with a present body weight, a just prior body weight, a change value, a standard body weight, a proper body weight, a weekly mean value, a monthly mean value, a body fat ration, a body mass index, a body fat quantity, a muscles quantity, a body water quantity, the obesity level, the level of an abdominal fatness, and the like, and a bar graph for indicating the analysis result. As such, this allows the user to identify the synthetic measurement result at a look with the aid of the graph through the check report so that the user may easily understand the result. Further, this analyzes the

proper value and the standard value to allows the user to know the present adjusting goal value and the like. Thus, this presents the matters that the user should preferentially do so that the user may make an effort for controlling the body weight.

If the'Health Information Management'button is selected on the main screen, a health information management screen, as shown in Fig. 15, is displayed. There are body weight information, meal information, exercise information, blood pressure and pulse information, and body size information on the health information management screen. (514-516) If a'Meal Information'item is selected on the health information management screen in Fig. 15, a screen for inputting or viewing the meal information, as shown in Fig. 16, is displayed. Further, if selecting a'Chart-Viewing'item, the meal information is displayed in a graphic shape.

Further, if an'Exercise Information'item is selected on the health information management screen in Fig. 15, a screen for inputting or viewing the exercise information, as shown in Fig. 17, is displayed. Here, if selecting a'Chart- Viewing'item on the exercise information screen, the exercise information is displayed in a graphic shape. Particularly, in case of using a pedometer to assist an exercise management, quantitative analysis is possible, thereby saving the numerical values into the database.

If a'Blood Pressure and Pulse Information'button is selected on the health information management screen in Fig. 15, the blood pressure and pulse information, as shown in Fig. 18, is displayed.

If a'Body Size Information'button is selected on the health information management screen in Fig. 15, a body size screen, as shown in Fig. 19, is displayed.

The body size management screen is provided with the input information, such as an input date, a height, the upper part of a chest, the lower part of a chest, a waist, a hip, an abdomen, an arm, a thigh, a calf, an ankle, a wrist, a head, and the like. The blood pressure and pulse screen is provided with information, such as the maximum blood pressure per input date, the minimum blood pressure per input date, a pulse per input date, a body weight per input date, and the like.

As such, according to the invention, the change of the body size can be managed and can be identified by a graph from the health information. Thus, the development status of a growing child or juvenile can be analyzed and a necessary nutrient can be selected and applied while observing the change of a body growth. Further, the blood pressure and pulse can be managed and be identified by

a graph from the health information. Thus, the mutual relationship between the user's own heath and the blood pressure can be calculated and be referred. Further, the health status for a patient or an old and infirm person can be identified. Further, the continuous measurement of the blood pressure and pulse can be induced.

If the'Data Backup'is selected on the main menu screen, a data backup screen, as shown in Fig. 20, is displayed. (517,518) Referring to Fig. 20, a guide message such as"This is a database backup/recovery tool. Please, identify an option!", an option setting for selecting a backup object (floppy disk or hard disk), a backup button, and a recovery button are displayed on the backup screen. Further, an input columns for inputting a web ID and a secret number is displayed for the purpose of backup and recovery to a web on the backup screen. Further, a one- person data sending/fetching for sending or fetching the data of one person is displayed on the backup screen. In such a backup screen, the kind of backup is selected and then the secret number is inputted. If the secret number is identified, the relevant backup is prosecuted. (519-522) If selecting the'Option'button on the main screen, the option screen for setting an option, as shown in Fig. 21, is displayed. (523,524) Referring to Fig. 21, the option selection screen is provided with a user selection option, an automatic end mode selection option, a special guest data deletion option, a device data fetching option, and the like.

Fig. 22 is a view for showing an example of level information screen according to the invention. An application program using the digital weight scale of the invention provides an interest through a level game. That is, in order to prepare for a case that it is hard for children to continuously measure his/her own body weight, if characterizing the body weight measurement to arise interest, the children can continuously measure the body weight. Since the children can hold a rally on the Internet or home with the level game, the children who are on a diet can take a interest.

If determining whether the program is finished or not and then selecting an end of the program, the time of the device 200 is set as the time of the computer system 100 and then the program is finished while an end message is displayed. (525 - 527) As such, according to the invention, since the time of the device is always set as the time of the system, the alignment with the database is easily prosecuted, and thus the order of the measurement can be more precisely identified.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY From the foregoing, the digital weight scale of the invention can independently measure the body weight without special power devices such as a power cord, an adapter, and the like, even when the digital weight scale is not connected to the computer in the single mode. Further, in case of using the charging battery, since the USB power is used, additional adapter is not required, and cost for a battery, which is consumption goods, is not incurred.

Further, since data measured in the single mode can be saved in the device, the data is not lost. Further, since the program can fetch data saved upon the operation of the program mode, the data is easily utilized. Further, since data is saved even in the single mode, the difference between the present body weight and the just prior body weight can be identified.

Further, the digital weight scale of the invention has a user automatic recognition function, thereby automatically recognizing those who measure the body weight based on the body weight information even when several persons use one device.

Further, the digital weight scale of the invention has a function for setting a symbol and correction value according to country, thereby correcting gravity according to country and setting gravity unit according to country.