Patent attributes
An apparatus includes a platform or other accessory that is supported by one or more piezoelectric transducers. As items are placed on or removed from the accessory, the piezoelectric transducer generates an electric charge that is representative of a change in weight. An amplifier receives the charge and provides output voltage that can be sampled to determine a weight value. In one implementation the platform may be supported by a transducer assembly comprising a frame and a pair of piezoelectric transducers on opposite sides of the frame. Signals from the pair may be used to compensate for environmental effects on the assembly, such as changes in temperature. The piezoelectric transducers and associated circuitry are extremely energy efficient, consuming little electrical power during operation.
