Method for the operation of a labelling system

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for operating a labeling system for labeling individual packages according to the preamble of claim 1, as known from WO 00 / 06378 A1, a labeling system for labeling individual packages according to the preamble of claim 16, a system with such a labeling system according to the preamble of claim 17 and a computer program according to claim 18.

[0002] The labeling systems discussed here for labeling individual packages have at least one labeling device, which is specifically designed as a price marking device. The labeling device comprises at least a feed unit, a dispensing unit, and an application unit as functional units, which are configured for labeling the individual packages within a labeling routine. The functional units are controlled within the labeling routine by means of a control unit.

[0003] To ensure reliable and accurate labeling, the functional units are equipped with individual sensor arrays that acquire sensor data related to the execution of the labeling routine. A control unit of the labeling system performs the control tasks associated with executing a labeling routine and controls the functional units to label the individual packages according to a control specification. Based on the acquired sensor data, the position, orientation, and speed of the individual packages are determined, and the application of the labels is controlled.

[0004] The problem with the labeling systems in question is that while the sensor data allows for monitoring certain error patterns and error correction within the control of the functional units, systematic errors in the labeling routine that have a long-term impact on labeling quality are often not reliably detected automatically via the sensor data and corrected by adjusting the control.

[0005] The invention is based on the problem of providing a method for operating a labeling system for labeling individual packages, whereby the monitoring of the labeling system is improved.

[0006] The above problem is solved in a method according to the preamble of claim 1 by the features of the characterizing part of claim 1.

[0007] The essential consideration is that systematic errors, which are not readily detected by the automatic evaluation of sensor data, are often recognized by the human user, but due to the complexity of the labeling system, the user is not readily able to identify the immediate cause of the error.

[0008] Specifically, it is proposed that a user query routine be performed by means of the control arrangement, in which a user is prompted via the user interface to enter a level of satisfaction regarding a functional aspect of the labeling system, and that the level of satisfaction entered by the user is then recorded by the control arrangement, that the entered level of satisfaction is compared with a predefined level of satisfaction by means of the control arrangement, and if the entered level of satisfaction deviates from the predefined level of satisfaction, a reaction routine is triggered in which a message about the entered level of satisfaction is transmitted by means of the control arrangement to a control system superior to the control arrangement, which is external to the labeling system, and in which the control setting is modified depending on the entered level of satisfaction.

[0009] It was recognized that the user query routine can easily determine whether a defect exists in the labeling routine. The response routine is then used to adjust the control setting to correct the defect. Based on the results of the user query routine, systematic errors are thus detected with high reliability by involving the user. Within the response routine, the control setting can be adjusted manually and / or automatically to correct the error. For manual adjustments, the user is preferably supported during the troubleshooting process.

[0010] The advantageous embodiments according to claims 2 and 3 relate to the modification of the control setting, which is further defined depending on the input level of condition. In the particularly advantageous embodiment according to claim 4, a speed setting is modified and, in particular, reduced compared to a normal operating speed setting in order to continue the operation of the labeling system as far as possible.

[0011] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the response routine, auxiliary information can be generated for troubleshooting purposes and passed on to the user and / or maintenance personnel, thus significantly facilitating any necessary manual intervention in the labeling system. The automatic generation of a notification, particularly to the manufacturer of the labeling system, according to claim 5, is also advantageous.

[0012] The use of the external control system mentioned above allows, in addition to the inclusion of the affected labeling system according to claim 6, the consideration of sensor data from several labeling systems in the reaction routine, so that the reliability of the reaction routine is improved overall.

[0013] Also preferred is the generation of a forecast for the need for repair and / or maintenance of a functional unit according to claim 7, wherein, based on the input status level, a reaction to an impending problem can be made in advance. Particularly preferred according to claim 8 is a learning routine based on a temporal sequence of user query routines, whereby the large amount of data available, in particular with a multitude of labeling systems, is used for optimizing the reaction routine, especially the forecasting routine.

[0014] In a particularly user-friendly implementation, the user is prompted via the user interface to select their desired level of well-being from a selection of available levels. By representing an ascending scale from low to high well-being through this selection of levels, the input and consideration of the desired level of well-being is simplified. The user can also be easily prompted to input the control parameter, as per claim 9, whereby the cause of the error is further narrowed down in the response routine to assist the user.

[0015] To avoid a false triggering of the reaction routine, a plausibility check of the entered level of well-being is carried out in a preferred embodiment by means of the monitoring arrangement (claim 10).

[0016] Further functional units of the labeling device are defined in claim 11.

[0017] Claims 12 to 15 relate to preferred embodiments of the user query routine.

[0018] According to a further teaching as per claim 16, which has independent significance, the labeling system mentioned above for labeling individual packages, which is configured for carrying out the proposed method, is claimed as such. Reference may be made to all descriptions of the proposed method.

[0019] According to a further teaching as claimed in claim 17, which also has independent significance, a system comprising a labeling system, a control arrangement which, among other things, serves to execute the user query routine within the framework of the proposed method, and the above control system as such is claimed. Reference may be made to the above explanations of the proposed method.

[0020] In an advantageous embodiment, the system includes memory containing program instructions and processors for implementing the control in the proposed procedure.

[0021] According to a further teaching as described in claim 18, which also has independent significance, a computer program comprising program instructions is claimed which causes the processors of the proposed system to carry out the proposed method when the computer program is running on the processors. The computer program can be stored on at least one memory, in particular non-volatile memory. Reference may also be made in this respect to the above descriptions of the proposed method.

[0022] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to a drawing that illustrates only one embodiment. The drawing shows Fig. 1 a schematic representation of the proposed labeling system with a proposed control arrangement for carrying out the proposed procedure and Fig. 2 a flowchart of the proposed procedure.

[0023] The invention relates to a method for operating a labeling system for labeling individual packages. Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows the labeling system in a schematic representation with a labeling device 1, which is designed in particular as a price marking device.

[0024] The labeling device 1 is equipped with a feed arrangement 2 for transporting the respective packages. The feed arrangement 2 is preferably a belt conveyor or a roller conveyor, optionally also at least one robot arm, for moving the respective packages. The feed arrangement 2, here the belt conveyor, preferably has at least one conveyor belt 3 over which the respective packages, which are in the Fig. 1 They are not shown and are transported along a transport direction.

[0025] Furthermore, a dispensing arrangement 4 is provided for dispensing a label that can be detached from a material strip 5. A label that can be detached from a material strip 5 refers in particular to a label whose adhesive surface is detachably attached to a carrier strip that forms the material strip 5 and can be made of, for example, paper and / or plastic. It is also possible for the label to be produced by separating a section from a printable or printed material strip 5, for example by cutting and / or tearing the material strip 5. The proposed method is preferably used for labels designed as adhesive labels that already have an adhesive surface on the material strip 5. The use of adhesive-free labels is also conceivable; these can be provided with an adhesive surface later or applied to an adhesive surface on the respective packaging.

[0026] Furthermore, the labeling device 1, here in a common housing with the dispensing arrangement 4, includes an application arrangement 6 for applying the dispensed label to the respective package. Preferably, the dispensed label is picked up by a punch, which here and preferably is designed as a pendulum punch 7, and applied to the respective package. In particular, the punch has a blowing head for sucking in and blowing off the label. During application, the pendulum punch 7 moves along the transport direction to enable labeling of the package moved by the feed arrangement 2. With the application arrangement 6, the label can be applied to the package by pressing it onto the packaging.Additionally or alternatively, it is conceivable that the label is applied without contact, for example by using a blowing head of the stamp to blow the label onto the package by generating a burst of compressed air directed towards the package.

[0027] The feed arrangement 2, the dispensing arrangement 4, and the application arrangement 6 each form functional units of the labeling device 1. In addition to the functional units already mentioned, further functional units may be provided, as explained in more detail below. Likewise, the labeling system may also have several labeling devices 1, particularly as described here.

[0028] At least one or all of the aforementioned functional units, here and preferably at least the feed arrangement 2, the dispensing arrangement 4 and the application arrangement 6, each have a sensor arrangement 8, 9, 10, via which sensor data can be determined with regard to the execution of a labeling routine.

[0029] The labeling device 1 further comprises a control arrangement 11. In the labeling routine, the functional units are controlled by the control arrangement 11 to label the individual packages according to a control specification. The control arrangement 11 preferably includes control electronics for implementing the control tasks arising within the labeling routine. The control arrangement 11 can be, as also in Fig. 1 In simplified terms, this can be described as a central control arrangement 11 of the labeling system and / or the labeling device 1, which controls all or at least some of the functional units. It is also possible that the control arrangement 11 has several decentralized, communicating control units, with each functional unit preferably having its own control unit.

[0030] The sensor data acquired by the respective sensor arrays 8, 9, and 10 are transmitted to the control array 11 and used to control the functional units in the labeling routine according to the control specification. The control specification includes, among other things, instructions on how the functional units interact based on the available sensor data to execute the labeling routine according to the user's requirements. The control specification can be implemented by the control array 11 in software. In particular, the control specification contains control parameters that can be defined and modified by the user to execute individual or multiple aspects of the labeling routine.

[0031] Each of the sensor arrangements 8, 9, 10 comprises at least one sensor and preferably a plurality of sensors, which determine sensor data based, for example, on optical, acoustic, mechanical and / or electronic measured quantities. For example, the sensors are configured as temperature sensors and / or humidity sensors.

[0032] Preferably, the sensor arrangement 8 of the feed arrangement 2 can include sensors for determining the transport speed and the rotational speed of the drive arrangements driving the conveyor belt 3. The dispensing arrangement 4, for example, includes a sensor arrangement 9 with sensors for determining the speed, length, and current position of the material strip 5. The application arrangement 6, in particular, includes a sensor arrangement 10 for determining the position and orientation of the pendulum stamp 7. For further embodiments of the sensor arrangements and for control parameters, reference may be made to measures known to those skilled in the art for controlling the operation of the functional units of the labeling device 1 in the labeling routine by means of sensors.

[0033] The labeling system preferably includes a monitoring arrangement 12. During the labeling routine, the sensor data acquired by the sensor arrangements 8, 9, 10 of the functional units are recorded by means of the monitoring arrangement 12. The recording of the sensor data serves to log the labeling routine and / or to automatically detect errors in the labeling routine.

[0034] The monitoring arrangement 12 can be integrated into the control arrangement 11. Alternatively, the monitoring arrangement 12 can be implemented as a separate arrangement that communicates with the labeling system. For example, the monitoring arrangement 12 can be designed as an external arrangement that communicates with the labeling system and, in particular, with the sensor arrangements 8, 9, 10 and / or the control arrangement 11 via a communication network.

[0035] The labeling system has a user interface 13, which is preferably equipped with a touchscreen. The user interface 13 allows the user to visualize the control settings, in particular control parameters of the functional units in the labeling routine, and, for example, sensor data or values ​​derived therefrom. The user can also influence the execution of the labeling routine by inputting information via the user interface 13, for example, by at least partially specifying and / or changing the control settings.

[0036] The essential point is that a user query routine is carried out by means of the control arrangement 11, in which a user is prompted via the user interface 13 to enter a level of well-being regarding a functional aspect of the labeling system, and the level of well-being subsequently entered by the user is recorded by the control arrangement 11, and that by means of the control arrangement 11 the entered level of well-being is compared with a predefined level of well-being and, if there is a deviation of the entered level of well-being from the predefined level of well-being, a reaction routine is triggered in which a message about the entered level of well-being is transmitted by means of the control arrangement 11 to a control system 14, which is superior to the control arrangement 11 and external to the labeling system, and in which the control setting is modified depending on the entered level of well-being.

[0037] Control system 14 is, in particular, an external data management arrangement, such as a back-end data management arrangement, which can also be superior to several control arrangements. "Superior" in this context means that control system 14 can transmit commands, and especially the control specifications, to control arrangement 11 or the control arrangements. Control system 14 can also be assigned to another entity, for example, the manufacturer of the labeling system, a maintenance and repair service for the labeling system, or the like. "External" in this context means that control system 14 is configured separately from the labeling system and, in particular, control arrangement 11, and initiates and / or executes processes that take place, at least partially, outside of the labeling system.

[0038] The control device 11 is preferably connected to the control system 14 via a communication network, which serves to transmit the message. The communication network can be wired and / or wireless and can be implemented, for example, at least partially via the internet, a telephone network, a mobile network, and / or a wide area network (WAN). The message is generally representative of the entered state of well-being and at least indicative of a deviation from the specified state of well-being. In particular, the entered state of well-being itself and / or a value derived therefrom is transmitted to the control system 14. As will be explained below, the message can also contain further data relating to the labeling system and preferably at least parts of the sensor data mentioned.

[0039] Fig. 2 shows a schematic sequence of the proposed procedure with the user query routine and the response routine.

[0040] In action 15, a user of the labeling system is prompted via user interface 13 to enter a rating regarding a functional aspect of the labeling system. "Rating" is understood as a subjective quality measure based on a classification of the quality of the work result and / or the process quality in relation to the respective functional aspect.

[0041] In action 16, the user enters the level of well-being using the user interface 13.

[0042] The user's entered level of well-being is recorded in action 17 by control order 11.

[0043] Control order 11 compares the user-entered level of satisfaction in action 18 with a system-defined level of satisfaction. The defined level of satisfaction for the relevant functional aspect is, for example, representative of a normal operating sequence of the labeling routine and indicates that, for instance, the quality of the work result and / or the process quality with respect to the respective functional aspect corresponds to the expected quality. The entered level of satisfaction does not necessarily have to be compared with a single defined level of satisfaction. Rather, the entered level of satisfaction can also be checked to see if it falls within a predefined range of levels of satisfaction.

[0044] In the response routine, in addition to the notification to the control system 14, the control setting is modified depending on the entered level of well-being, whereby the modification can be automatic, for example by the control order 11 and / or the control system 14, or at least partially manual, for example by the control order 11 and / or the control system 14 supporting the user in modifying the control setting.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment, the control setting in the reaction routine is modified depending on whether the input level of well-being falls below or exceeds the specified level of well-being. Thus, falling below the specified level results in a different modification of the control setting than exceeding it.

[0046] In Fig. 2 If the predefined level of well-being falls below the specified threshold, the reaction routine in action 19 is triggered by means of control arrangement 11. Falling below the specified level of well-being indicates, for example, that the quality of the work result and / or the process quality with regard to the respective functional aspect is below the quality expected by the user.

[0047] In contrast, the flowchart after Fig. 2 In action 20, when entering the level of well-being, the predefined level was exceeded, and thus the control arrangement 11 recognized that the quality of the work result and / or the process quality had improved compared to the previous level with regard to the respective functional aspect. The level of well-being predefined by the system in this case is, in particular, the level of well-being that was entered by the user in a previous user query routine and which—expressing the user's dissatisfaction—was lower compared to an optimal level of well-being. For example, following the previous user query routine in which a comparatively low level of well-being was entered, maintenance or repair work was carried out on the labeling device 1, thereby improving the quality of the work result and / or the process quality with regard to the respective functional aspect.The user is now more satisfied and therefore enters a higher level of well-being than specified. Preferably, a reaction routine can also be triggered here using control arrangement 11.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment, the reaction routine determines the degree of deviation between the input level of well-being and the specified level of well-being, and the reaction routine, in particular the modification of the control setting, is performed depending on the degree of deviation. Thus, the reaction routine can take into account how far the current work result deviates from a result perceived as optimal by the user.

[0049] It is further preferred that the status and, in particular, the degree of deviation are checked in the response routine for compliance with a predefined urgency criterion by means of the control arrangement 11 and / or the control system 14. The urgency criterion is a measure indicating that the continued operation of the labeling system can no longer be guaranteed without a modification of the control setting. The response routine is executed depending on whether the urgency criterion is met, whereby different measures are taken if the urgency criterion is met, in particular to protect the labeling system and / or the individual packages against damage, than if the urgency criterion is not met. In the latter case, for example, the modification of the control setting serves only to optimize the labeling routine and / or a notification is generated.

[0050] Furthermore, and preferably, it is provided here, particularly in the event of non-compliance with the urgency criterion, that after the reaction routine the labeling routine is continued with the modified control specification, here for one or more of the functional units, which in Fig. 2 This is represented as action 21. However, if the urgency criterion is met, the further execution of the labeling routine may be omitted or only carried out under further conditions, such as manual triggering of the labeling routine by the user.

[0051] If the control arrangement 11 in action 18 determines that the entered level of well-being corresponds to the specified optimal level, a reaction routine is preferably not triggered. Accordingly, the labeling routine in action 21 can continue to be executed, particularly with an unchanged control setting. It is also conceivable that even if the entered level of well-being corresponds to the specified optimal level, a notification is sent to the control system 14, for example, for documentation purposes.

[0052] It is conceivable that the control setting for all functional units is changed in the reaction routine, for example, by specifying modified control parameters for all functional units. However, the modification of the control setting is used, for example, to selectively adjust the control of the functional unit(s) affected by the functional aspect when the input level of well-being deviates from the specified level of well-being. In one embodiment, an assignment of at least one, and in particular exactly one, of the functional units to the level of well-being is provided based on the relevant functional aspect. The control setting is then modified for the relevant functional aspect, for example, by (only) changing the control parameters of the functional unit affected by the functional aspect.

[0053] The user is prompted, for example, to enter a rating regarding a predetermined functional aspect (e.g., the quality of the label application), whereby at least one functional unit is assigned to this predetermined functional aspect (e.g., the application arrangement 4). The assignment to a functional unit results in particular from the causality of the respective functional unit's operation for the work result associated with the rating and / or from the causality of the respective functional unit's operation for the process quality associated with the rating. Preferably, the assignment of the entered rating to at least one, and in particular exactly one, of the functional units is predetermined from the outset, i.e., before the user query routine begins, according to a defined assignment rule.However, it is also conceivable that only in the reaction routine is an assignment of the entered level of well-being to at least one, in particular exactly one, of the functional units carried out by means of the control arrangement 11 and / or by means of the control system 14, preferably also on the basis of a defined assignment rule, for example if the level of well-being is entered by the user in a free input.

[0054] In a further embodiment, the labeling system has several functional units for at least one labeling function, for example, several application assemblies. In the reaction routine, the control specification for the relevant functional aspect can be modified such that the labeling function is taken over by another functional unit within the labeling routine. Taking over the labeling function here means that another functional unit performs at least one aspect of the labeling function that was previously performed by another functional unit. For example, the application of the labels, which is carried out by a first application assembly before the reaction routine, is carried out partially or completely by a second application assembly after the reaction routine.

[0055] Multiple functional resources can also be provided for at least one labeling function. Functional resources here refer to the basic materials required to execute the labeling routine, such as material strips, printer ink, adhesives, or the like. In the reaction routine, the control specification for the relevant functional aspect is modified so that the labeling routine is executed using a different functional resource. For example, an alternative material strip might be used by modifying the control specification.

[0056] Preferably, the control setting includes a speed setting, which can be, in particular, a setting for the speed of individual packages and / or a setting regarding cyclic or continuous operation of the labeling device. The setting for the speed of individual packages can, for example, relate to the feed rate of the feed arrangement 2. The setting regarding cyclic or continuous operation can specify whether cyclic operation takes place and / or at what rate. For example, the speed setting can specify time intervals in which the labeling routine is carried out and / or individual aspects of the labeling routine are carried out.

[0057] The speed setting is preferably modified within the reaction routine. If the input level falls below the specified level, the speed setting can be reduced compared to a normal operating speed setting, preferably while maintaining a minimum speed setting. Reducing the speed setting often improves the labeling routine results. The minimum speed setting preferably represents a minimum requirement for the throughput of the labeling system and is, for example, representative of a predetermined minimum number of labeled individual packages within a specified time period.

[0058] If the input level of functionality exceeds the predefined functionality level, the speed can be increased compared to the normal operating speed, thus achieving higher productivity of the labeling system. Preferably, if the input level of functionality falls below a minimum threshold, the labeling device is automatically stopped. This minimum threshold represents a level below which a loss of quality would be unacceptable to the user.

[0059] Preferably, the control setting is modified at least partially by means of the control system 14 and transmitted to the control order 11 via the communication network. A modification of the control setting can also be requested by means of the control system 14. Preferably, in the response routine, auxiliary information, in particular auxiliary information relating to the use of a tool and / or a spare part, is generated by means of the control system 14 based on the entered status level, in particular based on the assignment of the relevant functional aspect, and the auxiliary information is output to maintenance personnel for the labeling system via the user interface 13 and / or by means of the control system 14.The control system 14 thus initiates a modification of the control directive by issuing the auxiliary information, and the user and / or maintenance personnel preferably carry out a repair, maintenance, and / or servicing based on this auxiliary information. The user's and / or maintenance personnel's actions can be carried out in a targeted manner using the auxiliary information.

[0060] The control arrangement 11 can generate a notification, in particular an email notification, to a manufacturer of the labeling system in the response routine, depending on the entered level of well-being. The notification is specifically representative of the entered level of well-being. Preferably, the notification is selected from a set of predefined notifications depending on the entered level of well-being. For example, each level of well-being is assigned a predefined notification, and the notification corresponding to the entered level of well-being is selected.

[0061] Preferably, the modification of the control setting depends on the sensor data relating to the labeling routine, which are determined by the sensor arrangements 8, 9, and 10. The control arrangement 11 and / or the control system 14 can thus perform an evaluation of the sensor data based on the input status level. In particular, in comparison to fault monitoring performed by the monitoring arrangement 12, alternative sensor data and / or a larger volume of sensor data are evaluated. In addition to evaluating the current sensor data, the modification of the control setting by the control system 14 can preferably be specified based on previous sensor data stored in the control system 14 in order to improve fault detection and / or fault correction.

[0062] A further improvement to the reaction routine results from the fact that the modification of the control setting by means of the control system 14 is determined based on sensor data relating to the labeling routine from several labeling systems. Preferably, the labeling systems are assigned to at least two different entities, in particular different users and / or manufacturers. The modification of the control setting can thus be based on a comparatively large amount of data and also on a large number of independently operating labeling systems.

[0063] Preferably, a forecasting routine is performed in the reaction routine using the control system 14, in which a forecast is generated for the need for repair and / or maintenance of a functional unit. Based on the input status level, it is thus estimated whether and, in particular, when an impairment of at least one of the functional units is to be expected. The forecast can be generated using a predefined forecasting model, depending on the input status level and, preferably, on further parameters explained below. Preferably, the forecast is output, for example, via the user interface 13 and / or via the auxiliary information, especially if the forecast meets a predefined output criterion.

[0064] A learning routine can be performed using the control system 14, which serves in particular to generate the forecast. In the learning routine, the control setting is modified depending on a temporal sequence of mood levels entered in user query routines. Preferably, the temporal sequence includes at least one mood level entered after a reaction routine, so that the user's assessment of the reaction routine's effect is taken into account in the learning routine. Preferably, the modification of the control setting in the learning routine is changed such that, in the event of a deviation of the entered mood level from the specified mood level, the probability of adhering to the specified mood level in a subsequent user query routine is increased.

[0065] In the exemplary case where the result of the majority of temporal sequences in user query routines is negative, for example, due to frequent, consecutive input of levels of well-being that deviate from the predefined level, the design of the response routine is clearly unsatisfactory. Consequently, the design of the response routine in the learning routine is preferably modified in such a way as to increase the probability of adhering to the predefined level of well-being in a subsequent user query routine. Artificial intelligence methods can be used within the learning routine for this purpose.

[0066] To improve the learning process, the control parameters are preferably modified based on the specific control parameters of the labeling device, sensor data relating to the individual packages, and / or environmental parameters of the labeling system. By considering these control parameters, the specific requirements of each labeling system can be taken into account. Environmental parameters are defined as those relevant to the boundary conditions of the labeling process, in particular temperature, humidity, and / or airborne contaminant levels. Airborne contaminant levels can indicate a corrosive environment for the labeling device.

[0067] In a preferred, particularly user-friendly embodiment, the user is prompted in the user query routine, via the user interface 13, to select the level of well-being from a collection of selectable levels of well-being. This provides a particularly intuitive input of the level of well-being.

[0068] In one embodiment, the selection of mood levels can represent an ascending scale from low to high. A low mood level expresses low user satisfaction, and a high mood level expresses high user satisfaction. The mood level can, for example, be represented by a numerical value, where a low value represents low mood and a high value represents high mood. The user is prompted in the user input routine to enter their mood level by selecting from the scale.The control setting can therefore be modified in a particularly simple way in the reaction routine based on the entered level of well-being, whereby, for example, control parameters are determined from the level of well-being represented by the numerical value via a mathematical function.

[0069] After the user enters a desired level of well-being, in a preferred embodiment, the user is prompted in the response routine, via the user interface 13, to manually modify the control setting, in particular the control parameters of at least one functional unit. For example, the user can influence by input the amount by which the speed setting should be increased or decreased. Preferably, at least one of the functional units is assigned to the entered level of well-being based on the relevant functional aspect, and this assignment is displayed to the user via the user interface 13, thus indicating to the user which functional unit(s) could be responsible for the deviation from the specified level of well-being. Accordingly, the user can already be given a recommendation as to which control parameters should be modified.

[0070] In a preferred embodiment, if the entered level of well-being deviates from the predetermined level of well-being, the control arrangement 11 and / or the control system 14 perform a plausibility check of the entered level of well-being with regard to the presence of at least one predetermined plausibility criterion. A reaction routine is triggered only if the plausibility check is successful. A suitable definition of the plausibility criterion allows for the detection of incorrect input of the level of well-being during the plausibility check.

[0071] In preferred embodiments, the labeling device 1 comprises one or more further functional units, each equipped with a sensor arrangement and controlled by the control arrangement 11 in the labeling routine according to the control specification. Regarding the application of these further functional unit(s) and sensor arrangement(s) in the proposed method, reference is made to the preceding descriptions of the functional units feed arrangement 2, dispensing arrangement 4, and application arrangement 6.

[0072] A printer arrangement 22 is particularly preferred for printing on the label that is detachable from or has been detached from the material strip 5. Printing of the label can, in principle, take place on the material strip 5 and / or after the label has been detached from the material strip 5 and before the label is applied to the respective package. Here, and preferably, a printer arrangement 22 configured for thermal printing is provided. The printer arrangement 22 is preferably part of the dispensing arrangement 4 and prints the labels before they are dispensed, in particular at an outlet and / or a dispensing edge of the dispensing arrangement 4. The printer arrangement 22 includes, for example, its own sensor arrangement with one or more sensors for monitoring the thermal printer and / or a camera for determining the printed image produced on the labels and / or for image recognition, for example, for barcode recognition.

[0073] In a preferred embodiment, a label transport arrangement 23 is provided as a further functional unit of the labeling device 1 for transporting the label from the dispensing arrangement 4 to the printer arrangement 22 and / or to the application arrangement 6. The label transport arrangement 23 comprises, for example, a conveyor belt, in particular an endless belt, which transports labels from a receiving area, where the label is taken from the dispensing arrangement 4, to a delivery area, where the label is fed to the printer arrangement 22 or the application arrangement 6. The label transport arrangement 23 also comprises, for example, its own sensor arrangement with one or more sensors for determining the speed of the conveyor belt and / or the position and / or orientation of the labels on the conveyor belt.In this case, the label printed by the printer arrangement 22 is dispensed and fed to the pendulum stamp 7 of the application arrangement 6 by means of the label transport arrangement 23, the application arrangement 6 applying the label to a first side of the respective package.

[0074] Here, and preferably, a further dispenser and printer assembly 24 is provided. The labels provided by the further dispenser and printer assembly 24 are applied by a further application assembly 25 to a second side of the respective package, which here is opposite the first side.

[0075] Here, and according to a further embodiment, a weighing arrangement 26 is provided as a further functional unit of the labeling device 1 for weighing the respective package. The weighing arrangement 26 is configured to determine the weight of individual packages and transmits the determined weight to the control arrangement 11, so that, for example, the label can be printed with an individual weight indication and / or individual price indication.

[0076] In a preferred embodiment, a package recognition arrangement 27 is provided as a further functional unit of the labeling device 1. The package recognition arrangement 27 has a sensor arrangement which is configured to provide sensor data for determining the shape, type, orientation and / or position of the package. For this purpose, the package recognition arrangement 27 has, for example, at least one camera and preferably at least one 3D camera.

[0077] Another example of a functional unit that can be used within the proposed method is a movement arrangement for the printer assembly, which in particular adjusts the printer assembly transversely to the transport direction of the feed assembly 2. A further functional unit can be an alignment arrangement for the packages, for example, a centering device for the packages on the feed assembly 2. According to a further embodiment, a label pressure arrangement is provided, for example, a label pressure roller, which acts after and / or during the application of the respective label.

[0078] According to a further preferred embodiment of the proposed method, the input of the level of well-being is carried out by means of an input arrangement and an output arrangement of the user interface 13. The input arrangement preferably comprises at least one keyboard, touchscreen, mouse, and microphone. The output arrangement preferably comprises at least one screen, touchscreen, speaker, and printer.

[0079] In a further embodiment, the input of the level of well-being can be carried out using a user interface 13 designed as a mobile device, which can be provided on the labeling system in addition to or as an alternative to a stationary user interface 13. A mobile device in this context refers in particular to a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a laptop, a wearable computer, and the like. The mobile device can communicate with the control unit 11 via a network, for example, a local network, a mobile network, and / or the internet.

[0080] The execution of the user query routine can be triggered in a time-controlled manner, particularly cyclically, whereby, for example, fixed time intervals and / or times specified in a schedule are provided for the user query routine. Additionally or alternatively, the user query routine can be triggered by the control arrangement 11 and / or the control system 14, for example, upon fulfillment of a predefined error criterion by the sensor signals. The error criterion can represent a deviation of the sensor signals from a normal operating state of the labeling system. The execution of the user query routine can also be triggered by a predefined user action.For example, the user query routine is triggered by the control arrangement 11 and / or the control system 14 in response to maintenance of the labeling system, a rebuild of at least parts of the labeling system, and / or a repair of the labeling system, so that a query of the status is performed at times with a high demand for process analysis. The user query routine can also be triggered manually by the user via the user interface 13.

[0081] In a further preferred embodiment, the user is prompted in the user query routine to enter their level of satisfaction with a functional aspect relating to the printed image of the labels. In particular, this functional aspect relates to the brightness, contrast, print quality, and / or the orientation of the printed image on the labels, thereby enabling the functional aspect to be assigned to at least one functional unit, especially the printer assembly 22. Print quality is understood to mean, in particular, the accuracy of the reproduction of a print template by the printed image and / or the number of printing errors. In a further embodiment, the functional aspect relates to the application of the labels to the respective packages, in particular the orientation, position, and / or adhesion of the labels.According to another embodiment, the functional aspect relates to the productivity of the labeling system and, for example, the number of labels applied over a given time interval.

[0082] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the user prompts the user to enter several levels of well-being via a hierarchy of queries in the user query routine, wherein at least one higher-level query is assigned to at least one lower-level query in the hierarchy. The "hierarchy of queries" can thus be understood as a predefined set of questions for a sequence of queries, whereby the selection of a subsequent query is determined, in particular, by the user's input on at least one previously posed query. The hierarchy of queries allows, on the one hand, a sequence of frequently asked queries relevant to the respective labeling system to be implemented. On the other hand, a targeted sequence of queries can further narrow down the underlying cause of a deviation from the predefined level of well-being.

[0083] Preferably, at least one functional unit is assigned to each entered level of satisfaction based on a hierarchy of queries. For example, the user query routine first asks for the level of satisfaction regarding print quality. If, for example, the entered level of satisfaction falls below the predefined level, subsequent queries can be made regarding the level of satisfaction concerning brightness, contrast, print quality, and / or the orientation of the printed image on the labels. The assignment of at least one functional unit can be determined based on the entered levels of satisfaction.

[0084] It is also possible that, within the hierarchy of queries, a part of a functional unit is assigned to a level of well-being.

[0085] For example, if the print quality falls below the specified level of satisfaction, the printer arrangement 22 and in particular the printhead of the printer arrangement 22 can be assigned to this entered level of satisfaction.

[0086] A single status level can also be assigned to multiple functional units. For example, if there is a deviation from the specified status level for the orientation of the printed image on the labels, the printer arrangement 22 and the label transport arrangement 23 can be assigned to the status level.

[0087] In another embodiment, the hierarchy of queries in the user query routine is predetermined based on a previously entered level of well-being. For example, further levels of well-being are queried first regarding those functional aspects whose levels of well-being in a previously executed user query routine differed from the respective predefined level of well-being.

[0088] To increase user-friendliness, the user may be prompted in the user query routine to enter a level of well-being or multiple levels of well-being regarding one functional aspect, multiple functional aspects or all functional aspects from a displayed selection of functional aspects.

[0089] To improve user-friendliness, in one embodiment, the user query routine for entering the level of well-being displays, and in particular visualizes, a list of selectable levels of well-being based on an arrangement of selection fields via the user interface 13. Preferably, the selection fields are visualized via the user interface by means of an arrangement along a straight line, a circle, or a part of a circle, in particular a semicircle. The selection fields are displayed accordingly on a screen for easy identification by the user.The selection fields of the arrangement can be visualized with different colors to increase user-friendliness (for example, from red for a low level of well-being to green for a high level of well-being) and / or visualized with different labels (for example, with numerical values, labels and / or symbols such as smileys or the like).

[0090] In the user input routine, the level of well-being can be entered via the user interface 13 by tapping a selection field, for example on a touchscreen. Alternatively, the level of well-being can be entered by moving a selection field, for example using drag-and-drop functionality. Preferably, input is possible by moving a selection slider, where the user, for example, moves a slider along a scale for the level of well-being. Furthermore, free text input and / or voice input of the level of well-being are also conceivable.

[0091] According to another doctrine, which has independent significance, the labeling system described above is claimed as such for labeling individual packages.The labeling system comprises a labeling device 1, in particular a price marking device, wherein the labeling device 1 is equipped as functional units with a feed arrangement 2 for transporting respective packages, with a dispensing arrangement 4 for dispensing a label detachable from a material strip 5 and with an application arrangement 6 for applying the dispensed label to the respective package, wherein at least one or all of these functional units each have a sensor arrangement 8, 9, 10, wherein the labeling system has a control arrangement 11 which, in a labeling routine, controls the functional units for labeling the individual packages according to a control specification, and wherein the labeling system has a user interface 13.

[0092] It is essential that the labeling system is configured to carry out the proposed procedure. Specifically, the control unit 11 is configured to control the functional units for executing the labeling routine, to perform the proposed user query routine, and to transmit a message about the entered status level to a higher-level control system 14, which is external to the labeling system. The control unit 11 is accordingly configured to be connected to a control system 14 for transmission, for example, by having a network interface. Reference is made to all explanations regarding the proposed procedure.

[0093] According to another teaching, which is also of independent importance, a system is claimed as such comprising a control arrangement 11 for a labeling system and a control system 14 that is superior to the control arrangement 11 and externally configured to the labeling system, wherein the control arrangement 11 is configured to control the functional units of the labeling system in a labeling routine for labeling the individual packages according to a control specification, and wherein the control arrangement 11 is configured to be connected to a user interface 13 of the labeling system in terms of control technology.

[0094] Crucially, the control unit 11 performs a user query routine in which a user is prompted via the user interface 13 to enter a level of satisfaction regarding a functional aspect of the labeling system. The level of satisfaction entered by the user is then recorded by the control unit 11. The control unit 11 compares the entered level of satisfaction with a predefined level of satisfaction and, if the entered level of satisfaction deviates from the predefined level of satisfaction, triggers a reaction routine in which the control unit 11 transmits a message about the entered level of satisfaction to the control system 14, and in which the control setting is modified depending on the entered level of satisfaction. Reference may also be made to the explanations regarding the proposed procedure in this respect.The previously described, proposed labeling system preferably includes the control arrangement 11 of the system.

[0095] Particularly preferably, the control arrangement 11 and the control system 14 each have a memory 28, 29 with program instructions and at least one processor 30, 31 for executing the program instructions, wherein the memory 28, 29 and the program instructions are configured, together with the processors 30, 31, to control the system for carrying out the proposed procedure.

[0096] The memory 28, 29 preferably comprises non-volatile memory for the program instructions, for example, flash memory, EEPROM memory, magnetic memory, and / or optical memory. The memory 28, 29 may further be equipped with main memory, preferably random access memory (RAM) or the like. The processor 30, 31 preferably comprises a microprocessor, a digital signal processor, and / or an application-specific integrated circuit.

[0097] Furthermore, according to another teaching, which is also of independent significance, a computer program comprising program instructions that cause the processors 30, 31 of the proposed system to execute the proposed method when the computer program is running on the processors 30, 31, is claimed as such. Reference may also be made to the above statements regarding the proposed method in this respect. The computer program is preferably stored as a computer program product on non-volatile memory.

Claims

1. Method for operating a labelling system for labelling individual packs, the labelling system comprising a labelling device (1), in particular a price labelling device, the labelling device (1) being equipped with a feed assembly (2) for transporting respective packs, with a dispensing assembly (4) for dispensing a label detachable from a material strip (5) and with an application assembly (6) for applying the dispensed label to the respective pack as functional units for providing a respective labelling function, at least one of these functional units or all of these functional units in each case comprising a sensor assembly (8, 9, 10) for determining sensor data relating to the labelling routine, the labelling system comprising a control assembly (11), which in a labelling routine controls the functional units for the purpose of labelling the individual packs in accordance with a control specification, and the labelling system comprising a user interface (13), characterized in that a user query routine is carried out by means of the control assembly (11), in which user query routine a user, by means of the user interface (13), is requested to input a state relating to a functional aspect of the labelling system and the state thereupon input by the user is captured by the control assembly (11), and in that the input state is compared by means of the control assembly (11) with a predefined state and, in the event of a deviation of the input state from the predefined state, a reaction routine is initiated by means of the control assembly (11), in which reaction routine a message relating to the input state is communicated by means of the control assembly (11) to a control system (14) which is configured as external to the labelling system and is superordinate to the control assembly (11), and in which reaction routine the control specification is modified on the basis of the input state.

2. Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that, in the reaction routine, the control specification is modified depending on whether the input state falls below or exceeds the predefined state, preferably in that, in the reaction routine, by means of the control assembly (11) and / or by means of the control system (14), a degree of the deviation of the input state from the predefined state is determined and in that the reaction routine, in particular the modification of the control specification, is performed depending on the degree of the deviation, further preferably in that the input state, in particular the degree of the deviation, is checked by means of the control assembly (11) and / or by means of the control system (14) in the reaction routine for satisfaction of a predefined urgency criterion, and in that the reaction routine is carried out depending on the satisfaction of the urgency criterion.

3. Method according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that an assignment of at least one of the functional units to the state on the basis of the functional aspect concerned is provided, or at least one of the functional units is assigned to the input state by means of the control assembly (11) and / or by means of the control system (14) in the reaction routine, and in that the control specification is modified for the functional aspect concerned, preferably in that the labelling system comprises a plurality of functional units for at least one labelling function, and in that the control specification is modified in the reaction routine for the functional aspect concerned in such a way that the functional aspect is taken over by a further functional unit in the labelling routine, and / or in that a plurality of functional resources are provided for at least one labelling function, and in that the control specification is modified in the reaction routine for the functional aspect concerned in such a way that the labelling routine is carried out using an alternative functional resource.

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control specification - comprises a speed specification, in particular a specification for the speed of the individual packs and / or a specification relating to cyclic or continuous operation of the labelling device, for the labelling routine, and in that the speed specification is modified in the reaction routine, preferably in that, if the input state falls below the predefined state, the speed specification is reduced compared with a predefined speed specification appertaining to normal operation, further preferably while maintaining a predefined minimum speed specification, and / or in that, if the input state exceeds the predefined state, the speed specification is increased compared with the predefined speed specification appertaining to normal operation, further preferably in that, if the input state falls below a predefined minimum state, an emergency stop of the labelling device is carried out, and / or - is modified at least partially by means of the control system (14) and / or a modification of the control specification is requested by means of the control system (14), preferably in that help information, in particular help information relating to the use of a tool and / or a replacement part, is generated in the reaction routine by means of the control system (14) on the basis of the input state, in particular on the basis of the assignment of the functional aspect concerned, and in that the help information is output via the user interface (13) and / or by means of the control system (14) to maintenance personnel for the labelling system.

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in the reaction routine, the control assembly (11) generates a notification, in particular an email notification, to a manufacturer of the labelling system depending on the input state, preferably in that the notification is selected from a compilation of predefined notifications depending on the input state.

6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the modification of the control specification is dependent on the sensor data relating to the labelling routine, preferably in that the modification of the control specification is dependent on temporally preceding sensor data stored in the control system (14) and / or current sensor data, preferably in that the modification of the control specification by means of the control system (14) is predefined depending on sensor data relating to the labelling routine from a plurality of labelling systems, preferably in that the labelling systems are assigned to at least two different entities, in particular different users and / or manufacturers.

7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a forecast routine is carried out in the reaction routine by means of the control system (14), in which forecast routine a forecast is generated for the need for a repair and / or maintenance of a functional unit.

8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, by means of the control system (14), a learning routine is carried out in which, depending on a temporal sequence of states input in user query routines, preferably depending on at least one state input subsequent to a reaction routine, the modification of the control specification is carried out, preferably in that the modification of the control specification is carried out in the learning routine in such a way that, in the event of a deviation of the input state from the predefined state, the probability of maintaining the predefined state in a subsequent user query routine is increased, further preferably in that, in the learning routine, the modification of the control specification is carried out in the respective user query routine further depending on the respective control specifications of the labelling device, on sensor data relating to the individual packs and / or on environmental parameters of the labelling system, in particular temperature, humidity and / or impurity content of the air.

9. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in the reaction routine, the user is requested by means of the user interface (13) to modify the control specification manually for at least one functional unit.

10. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in the event of a deviation of the input state from the predefined state, a plausibility check of the input state with regard to the presence of at least one predetermined plausibility criterion is carried out by means of the control assembly (11) and / or by means of the control system (14) and a reaction routine is initiated only in the event of a successful plausibility check.

11. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the labelling device (1) comprises a printer assembly (22) for printing on the label detachable or detached from the material strip (5), a label transport assembly (23) for transporting the label from the dispensing assembly (4) to the printer assembly (22) and / or to the application assembly (6), a weighing assembly (26) for weighing the respective pack and / or a pack recognition assembly (27) as a further functional unit or as further functional units having a respective sensor assembly.

12. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the state is input by means of an input assembly and an output assembly of the user interface (13), preferably in that the input assembly comprises at least one from keyboard, touchscreen, mouse and microphone and / or the output assembly comprises at least one from screen, touchscreen, loudspeaker and printer.

13. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the state is input by means of a user interface embodied as a mobile device.

14. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that carrying out the user query routine is initiated in a time-controlled manner, in particular cyclically, and / or in that carrying out the user query routine is initiated in response to a predefined user action, in particular maintenance, renovation and / or repair of the labelling system, by means of the control assembly (11).

15. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in the user query routine, - the user is requested by means of the user interface (13) to select the state from a compilation of selectable states, preferably in that the compilation of selectable states represents a rising scale from a low to a high state, and / or - the user is requested to input the state relating to a functional aspect which relates to the printed image of the labels, in particular the brightness, the contrast, a print quality and / or the alignment of the printed image on the labels, which relates to the application of the labels, in particular the alignment, position and adhesion of the labels on the respective packs, and / or which relates to the productivity of the labelling system, and / or - the user is requested to input a plurality of states by way of a hierarchy of queries, at least one subordinate query being assigned to at least one superordinate query in the hierarchy of queries, preferably in that firstly the at least one superordinate query is effected and in the event of a deviation of the input state from the predefined state in the superordinate query the at least one subordinate query is effected, further preferably in that the hierarchy of queries in the user query routine is predefined on the basis of a previously input state, and / or - the user is requested to input one state or a plurality of states regarding one functional aspect, a plurality of functional aspects or all functional aspects from an indicated selection of functional aspects, and / or - for the purpose of inputting the state, the compilation of selectable states is output on the basis of an arrangement of selection fields by means of the user interface (13), preferably in that the selection fields are visualized by way of an arrangement along a straight line, a circle or a semicircle by means of the user interface (13), and / or in that the selection fields of the arrangement are visualized with different colours and / or identifications, and / or the state is input by means of the user interface (13) on the basis of tapping a selection field, shifting a selection field and / or a selection controller, a free text input and / or a voice indication.

16. Labelling system for labelling individual packs, the labelling system comprising a labelling device (1), in particular a price labelling device, the labelling device (1) being equipped with a feed assembly (2) for transporting respective packs, with a dispensing assembly (4) for dispensing a label detachable from a material strip (5) and with an application assembly (6) for applying the dispensed label to the respective pack as functional units for providing a respective labelling function, at least one of these functional units or all of these functional units in each case comprising a sensor assembly (8, 9, 10) for determining sensor data relating to the labelling routine, the labelling system comprising a control assembly (11), which in a labelling routine controls the functional units for the purpose of labelling the individual packs in accordance with a control specification, and the labelling system comprising a user interface (13), characterized in that the labelling system is configured for carrying out a method according to one of Claims 1 to 15.

17. System having a labelling system according to Claim 16 and having a control system (14) which is configured as external to the labelling system and is superordinate to the control assembly (11) of the labelling system, the control assembly (11) being configured for controlling the functional units of the labelling system for labelling the individual packs in a labelling routine in accordance with a control specification, and the control assembly (11) being configured to be connected to a user interface (13) of the labelling system in terms of control engineering, characterized in that the control assembly (11) carries out a user query routine in which a user, by means of the user interface (13), is requested to input a state relating to a functional aspect of the labelling system and the state thereupon input by the user is captured by the control assembly (11), in that the control assembly (11) compares the input state with a predefined state and, in the event of a deviation of the input state from the predefined state, initiates a reaction routine in which the control assembly (11) communicates a message relating to the input state to the control system (14), and in which the control specification is modified depending on the input state, preferably in that the control assembly (11) and the control system (14) comprise in each case a memory (28, 29) having program instructions and in each case at least one processor (30, 31) for executing the program instructions, and in that the memories (28, 29) and the program instructions are configured, together with the processors (30, 31), to control the system for carrying out a method according to one of Claims 1 to 15.

18. Computer program comprising program instructions which cause the processors (30, 31) of a system according to Claim 17 to carry out a method according to one of Claims 1 to 15 when the computer program runs on the processors (30, 31).