Method for operating labeling device

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating a labeling device (1) for labeling, in particular price-marking, individual packages (2), the labeling device (1) having at least one weighing assembly (3), a dispensing assembly (4) and a printer assembly (6) as functional units, the functional unit is controlled by an operation control device (7) of the labeling device (1) in a labeling routine according to control specifications and on the basis of operating parameters of the functional unit, and wherein the labeling device (3) has an operator interface (8) by means of which control commands of an operator (9) are received, a labeling routine is executed by means of the operation control device (7) on the basis of the control command, at least one operating state value of the functional unit is determined by means of the evaluation component (11) on the basis of the sensor device associated with the labeling device (1), and wherein at least one operating state value of the functional unit is determined by means of the evaluation component (11). At least one operating state value and / or a received control command are monitored by means of an evaluation component (11) for the fulfillment of a predetermined deviation criterion, and a notification routine is carried out for the fulfillment of the deviation criterion. It is proposed that an action recommendation is prompted to be output to the operator (9) via the operator interface (8) in a notification routine by means of an evaluation component (11), and that the action recommendation contains at least one operator action to be carried out by the operator (9), intended to modify the labeling routine.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a method for operating a labeling device according to the preamble of claim 1, an evaluation component for operating a labeling device according to the preamble of claim 12, and a labeling device for carrying out the proposed method according to claim 13. Background Art

[0002] The labeling device in question is designed for labeling individual packages and is in particular designed as a price marking device. The labeling device has at least one weighing component, a dispensing component and a printer component as functional units, which are set up to label individual packages in a labeling routine. The operation control of the labeling device assumes the control technology tasks associated with the execution of the labeling routine and controls the functional units for labeling the individual packages according to control specifications.

[0003] Such a labeling device and a method for operating a labeling device are described, for example, in DE 10 2019 132 710 A1.

[0004] In order to ensure reliable and accurate labeling, a sensor arrangement is provided for determining operating state values, which are monitored by means of an evaluation arrangement during the labeling routine. For example, if there is a deviation of the operating state value from the expected value, the operator is informed of this by a warning message in the notification routine. Deviations can generally result from the operating state of the labeling device, external influences or even from operator errors.

[0005] The challenge here is that, although the operator is aware of the current problem by means of a notification in the form of a warning message, it may not be clear how to eliminate the state due to the complexity of the labeling device. In particular, it is not easy to see from which functional unit the deviation of the operating state value originates, whether an external influence is responsible for the deviation, or whether there is an erroneous operation. Summary of the invention

[0006] The invention is based on the problem of designing and improving the known method in such a way that the operator-friendliness is further increased.

[0007] This problem is solved by the characterizing features of claim 1 .

[0008] Of importance is the basic consideration that the operator is often not always aware of the best course of action, due to the possibly unclear cause of the error and the large number of available options for action.

[0009] In detail, it is proposed that, by means of the evaluation component, in the notification routine, an action recommendation is caused to be output to the operator via the operator interface, and the action recommendation contains at least one operator action to be performed by the operator, which is intended to modify the labeling routine.

[0010] In a particularly preferred embodiment according to claim 2, the operator action contained in the action recommendation is intended to eliminate the state that leads to the fulfillment of the deviation criterion. In this way, it is ensured that the action recommendation communicated to the operator contributes to optimizing the operating state or eliminating the fault.

[0011] According to claim 3, the operator action contained in the action recommendation involves a change in an operating parameter. As a result, the operation can be optimized in a particularly simple manner by the operator. The changed operating parameters can preferably involve the transport speed of the feed assembly, the orientation of the transported packages, and in the embodiment according to claim 4, the control of the printer assembly and / or the application assembly for the labels.

[0012] Furthermore, the consideration of the humidity value according to claim 5 is particularly preferred, by means of which in particular a running cleaning process can be identified.

[0013] In the embodiment according to claim 6, in addition to using the sensor data, the evaluation component can be designed to check the received control commands according to a misoperation criterion. This provides a protection against misoperation that is particularly easy to implement. The misoperation criterion is preferably defined according to an operating state value, so that the control commands are checked for possible misoperation according to the corresponding operating situation.

[0014] In a further preferred embodiment according to claims 8 and 9, the evaluation component monitors the fulfillment of a termination criterion in the notification routine. The operator can be asked to confirm the receipt of the action recommendation by means of the operator interface. The termination criterion can be defined such that the operator does not respond to the receipt of the action recommendation or does not implement the operator action within a preset time period.

[0015] The operator interface can be designed in various ways and in particular as a mobile device. In a preferred embodiment according to claim 10, the operator interface has a portable visual output unit and is configured to visually present the actions described in the action recommendations to be performed by the operator.

[0016] Particularly preferably, according to claim 11, a camera system is provided for detecting objects and in particular parts of the labeling device and for presenting a recommended interaction with the object. This greatly simplifies the implementation of action recommendations for the operator, in particular in the case of very complex action recommendations with a plurality of action steps. The output unit can be designed as data glasses.

[0017] According to the further teaching of claim 12 having independent significance, an evaluation module for operating a labeling device is claimed.

[0018] It is important that the evaluation component causes the output of an action recommendation to the operator via the operator interface during the notification routine and that the action recommendation contains at least one operator action to be performed by the operator in order to modify the labeling routine. Reference is made to all embodiments of the proposed method.

[0019] According to the further teaching of claim 13, which also has an independent meaning, a labeling device for carrying out the proposed method is claimed. Reference is made to all the embodiments concerning the proposed method and the proposed evaluation component. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings which show only an exemplary embodiment. In the drawings:

[0021] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a labeling system according to the suggestion is shown, the labeling system having a control assembly according to the suggestion and an operator interface for performing the method according to the suggestion; and

[0022] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the proposed method is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The invention relates to a method for operating a labeling device 1 for labeling individual packages 2 . Figure 1 A schematic diagram shows a labeling device 1 which is designed in particular as a price marking device.

[0024] The labeling device 1 has as functional units at least one weighing assembly 3 for determining a weight value of the package 2 , a dispensing assembly 4 for dispensing labels from a material strip 5 , and a printer assembly 6 for printing labels.

[0025] In a design not shown, the labeling device 1 is provided for partially manual labeling of the packages 2. For example, the packages 2 are placed manually on the weighing assembly 3, wherein the labels printed by the printer assembly 6 are distributed by means of the dispensing assembly 4. For example, the labels are applied to the packages 2 manually.

[0026] The weighing assembly 3 is used to determine the weight value of the package 2. The weighing assembly 3 has a weighing cell which determines an analog and / or digital weight value representative of the weight of the package 2. The weight value is determined in particular on the basis of the deformation of a support for the package 2, for example via strain gauges, and / or on the basis of electromagnetic force compensation corresponding to the weight of the package 2.

[0027] The dispensing component 4 is provided for dispensing labels, which can be designed to be releasable from the material strip 5. A label releasable from the material strip 5 is in particular a label which is releasably mounted with its adhesive surface on a carrier strip which forms the material strip 5 and can be based on paper and / or plastic, for example. It is also possible that the labels are produced by separating partial sections of the printable or printed material strip 5, for example by cutting and / or tearing the material strip 5. In particular, labels designed as adhesive labels are used, which already have an adhesive surface, by which they are releasably fastened to the material strip 5. It is also conceivable to use adhesive-free labels, which are only provided with an adhesive surface later or are applied to an adhesive surface at the respective packaging 2.

[0028] The printer assembly 6 is provided for printing labels, wherein the printing of labels can in principle take place on the material strip 5 and / or after the labels have been detached from the material strip 5 and before, after or during the application of the labels to the respective packaging 2. Here and preferably, a printer assembly 6 is provided which is set up for thermal printing, in particular direct thermal printing or thermal transfer printing.

[0029] In addition to the functional units mentioned above, further functional units may also be provided, which are also Figure 1 Likewise, the labeling device 1 can be part of a labeling system having a plurality of labeling devices 1 .

[0030] The labeling device 1 has an operation control device 7. During a labeling routine, the functional units are controlled by the operation control device 7 according to control specifications and on the basis of operating parameters for labeling the individual packages 2. For this purpose, the operation control device 7 preferably has control electronics for implementing the control tasks that occur within the scope of the labeling routine. Figure 1 As shown in the simplified form, the operation control device 7 can be a central operation control device 7 of the labeling device 1, which controls all or at least some of the functional units. It is also possible that the operation control device 7 has a plurality of decentralized, mutually communicating control units, wherein preferably each functional unit is respectively associated with a control unit. The operation control device 7 can also be realized via a control system external to the functional units (for example an external computer system).

[0031] The labeling routine is at least partially determined by operating parameters. Here and preferably, operating parameters are settings which are preset manually or by the operating control device 7 and determine the course of the labeling routine. The operating parameters here include, on the one hand, control parameters of functional units according to control specifications, such as the printing speed of the printer component 6 or the weighing parameters of the weighing component 3. On the other hand, operating parameters can also be understood as states that are associated with the labeling routine, such as the orientation of the package 2 or the size of the label. Control specifications are generally to be understood as provisions that relate to the operating mode of the labeling device 1 and also describe the relevance of at least one operating parameter.

[0032] The labeling device 1 has an operator interface 8, which is set up for exchanging data between an operator 9 and an operation control device 7. Control commands of the operator 9 are received by means of the operator interface 8. Here and preferably, the operator interface 8 has a touch screen 10. Other components of the operator interface 8 (such as warning lights, speakers, etc.) are also conceivable. Information about the labeling device 1, in particular the set operating parameters and the measured operating state values, are conveyed to the operator 9 via the operator interface 8. As control commands, here and preferably, instructions related to control specifications should be understood, which are particularly intended to trigger, change or end the labeling routine. For example, this can be done by determining or adjusting operating parameters. The control command is entered by the operator 9 in the operator interface 8 and is then transmitted from the operator interface 8 to the operation control device 7, which executes the labeling routine according to the control command.

[0033] An evaluation component 11 of the labeling device 1 is also provided, wherein the evaluation component 11 monitors the operation of the labeling device. The labeling device 1 has a sensor component 12, by means of which operating values ​​associated with the functional units are determined. Sensor units associated with the functional units are summarized here under the term sensor component 12. The sensor data determined by the respective sensor unit are in particular processed and transmitted as operating values ​​to the operation control device 7 and are used in particular to monitor and control the functional units during the labeling routine.

[0034] The operating values ​​are also determined by means of the evaluation component 11. The evaluation component 11 can also receive control commands. Figure 1 As shown in , the evaluation component 11 can be a server for the labeling device 1 at a higher level than the operation control device 7, which performs the evaluation of the operating values ​​described below. Here, the evaluation component 11 is connected to the operation control device 7 and / or the sensor component 12 via a local communication network. However, it is also possible that the operation control component 7 is a component of the evaluation component 11.

[0035] Furthermore, a connection of the evaluation component 11 to a cloud 13 is preferably provided here, which has at least one cloud server 14. It is conceivable that at least some of the tasks occurring at the evaluation component 11 are undertaken by means of the cloud server 14. However, in the embodiment shown, the evaluation of the operating values ​​takes place locally, for example at the labeling device 1.

[0036] By means of the evaluation component 11, at least one operating state value and / or a received control command is monitored for the fulfillment of a preset deviation criterion. The monitoring can be carried out continuously or discontinuously within a preset time interval. The deviation criterion is representative here of the fact that the further operation of the labeling device 1 is affected, is expected to be affected and / or the current operation of the labeling device 1 does not correspond to the expected optimal operating guide. The influence can be any removable influence on the operation of the labeling device 1, such as a blockage in the distribution component 4 or an impermissible temperature at one of the functional units. For example, if the actual output of packages 2 per unit time is below a preset value, if the print quality does not correspond to another preset value, and / or if a large part of the labels are incorrectly applied, there is a non-optimal operation of the labeling device 1. Generally, the notification routine can include any form of notification to the operator 9 by means of the operator interface 8, such as the output of a warning tone or an optical display on the touch screen 10.

[0037] What is important here is that the evaluation component 11 causes an output of an action recommendation to the operator 9 via the operator interface 8 in the notification routine 11 and that the action recommendation contains at least one operator action to be performed by the operator 9 in order to modify the labeling routine.

[0038] An action recommendation is an instruction to the operator 9 to behave in a specific way in relation to the labelling routine. The action recommendation may be communicated by a text-based and / or graphic description, in particular as a video or animation, and / or acoustically. An operator action is understood to be any directed physical interaction of the operator 9 with its environment. An operator action may also be understood to be a deliberate omission of an interaction.

[0039] The operator actions contained in the action recommendations are here intended to adjust the labeling routine. This can be done in a variety of ways, for example by adjusting operating parameters, but also by adjusting the labeling device 1 and in particular the functional units, for example by means of maintenance processes, replacement of worn parts and / or refilling of consumable materials such as labels. Likewise, the operator actions can be intended to interact with the direct environment of the labeling device 1, for example with further objects in the space in which the labeling device 1 is operated.

[0040] The action recommendation can contain qualitative and quantitative information about the operator action. Preferably, the action recommendation contains a plurality of operator actions and in particular a recommended sequence of operator actions. It is also conceivable that the action recommendation contains suggestions for a plurality of alternative operator actions, which operator actions are also provided with weights in particular.

[0041] It is preferably provided that the operator action contained in the action recommendation is intended to cancel the fulfillment of the deviation criterion. Thus, the action recommendation may be intended to eliminate the situation or circumstance that led to the fulfillment of the deviation criterion when the operator action is performed by the operator 9. As already discussed, for example, there may be a suboptimal operation of the labeling device 1 but also a disturbing state, which is at least alleviated when the operator action contained in the action recommendation is performed.

[0042] The evaluation component 11 can call up evaluation rules, in which, for example, various such situations or situations and their images are included in the operating state value. The evaluation rules may contain measures that form the basis for recommended operator actions and are derived in particular from experience in operating the labeling device 1. For example, when a disturbance state occurs, the operator action to be performed in the corresponding case can be stored in the evaluation component 11 by an experienced operator 9 after manually performing the elimination of the disturbance state. If such a disturbance state reappears, a less experienced operator 9 can be guided by the action recommendation.

[0043] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a method according to the proposal is shown. The operating state value is determined by means of an evaluation component 11 according to a sensor component 12, which preferably has different sensor types here. Here, the evaluation component 11 is set up to receive and process sensor data. Likewise, the processing of the sensor data can be carried out in the sensor component 12 and / or in the operation control device 7, and the operating state value can be transmitted to the evaluation component 11. Examples for sensor types are optical, acoustic and / or mechanical sensors, in particular, configured as cameras 15, temperature sensors 16, proximity sensors 17, mechanical voltage sensors 18, humidity sensors 19, etc. The available operating state values ​​are monitored by means of the evaluation component 11 according to deviation criteria for the presence of special circumstances. For the satisfaction of the deviation criteria, action recommendations are generated based on the operating state values, in particular according to the evaluation regulations.

[0044] Furthermore, it is preferably provided here that the operator action contained in the action recommendation involves a change in at least one operating parameter.

[0045] The operator 9 is, for example, indicated that a specific operating parameter should be changed, which operating parameter can be input by the operator 9 via the touch screen 10, for example. Preferably, the operating parameter can also be an operating parameter that cannot be directly influenced by means of the operating control device 7. The operator 9 is, for example, indicated to recommend a manual adjustment of one of the functional units and / or the packages 2 or of another device in conjunction with the labeling device 1, for example a supply device for the packages 2.

[0046] In the action recommendation, the operator 9 can be indicated in a simple design which operating parameter should be adjusted, wherein the actual quantitative adjustment - for example, optimization of the value - is performed by the operator 9 himself. In addition, however, quantitative instructions for operating parameters can also be given to the operator 9 (for example, operating parameters should be increased / decreased, optimal value ranges and / or optimal values ​​are proposed, etc.). It is also possible to submit suggestions for adjusting operating parameters to the operator 9, who should only confirm or reject the suggestion.

[0047] As already discussed, action recommendations may be based on specific circumstances, such as upon evaluation of instructions, that are known to be causes for disturbances or suboptimal operation.

[0048] In the embodiment shown and preferred in this respect, the labeling device 1 has a feed assembly 20 for transporting the packages 2. The feed assembly 20 is preferably a belt conveyor or roller conveyor, and optionally at least one robot arm, in order to move the respective packages 2. The feed assembly 20 (here a belt conveyor) here and preferably has at least one conveyor belt 21, on which the respective packages 2 are transported in the transport direction.

[0049] Preferably, the weighing assembly 3 is designed as a dynamic weighing assembly 3, which determines the weight value of the moved package 2 and thus enables the continuous operation of the labeling device 1. Figure 1 In the embodiment, the weighing assembly 3 is correspondingly arranged at the feeding assembly 20. Likewise, the printer assembly 6 and / or the additional printer assembly 22 can be arranged at the feeding assembly 20 and, for example, print the moved packages 2, in particular the labels applied to the packages 2.

[0050] The operating parameter to be changed may relate to the transport speed of the feed assembly 20. For example, if the operating status value indicates a low load rate of the functional unit, the recommended operator action may indicate an increase in the transport speed. In the case of an excessive load rate that can be identified by the operating status value (which becomes apparent, for example, due to temperature increase and / or incorrect labeling), the recommended operator action may include reducing the transport speed. In addition, an excessive feed speed can be identified based on the weight value of the weighing assembly 3, which may, for example, lead to mechanical vibrations and / or overlapping weight values ​​of adjacent packages 2.

[0051] The weight value can also be used to identify further causes for the disturbance. For example, environmental conditions (such as air currents or vibrations) can lead to vibrations that are transmitted to the weighing assembly 3. If, for example, the vibrations are not associated with the labeling device 1 itself based on the operating state value, which is checked in particular based on the time correlation of the weight value with at least one other operating state value, the operator 9 can be instructed in the action recommendation to adjust the environmental conditions.

[0052] Likewise, the operator action may involve a change in the spatial orientation of the package 2. One reason for incorrect labeling may lie in an inaccurate orientation of the package 2 relative to the feed assembly 20, or in an incorrect feed (lateral instead of longitudinal, etc.). The operator action may then be intended, for example, to adjust an orientation device for the package 2, not shown here, and / or the feed speed of a conveying device for the package 2.

[0053] In another embodiment, it is provided that the operating parameter to be changed relates to the control of the printer component 6 .

[0054] In the event of a printed image error, the operator 9 is instructed to take appropriate measures to adjust the operation of the printer assembly 6. For example, the operator action may be directed to moving the print template or using an alternative print template so that the erroneous point of the thermal sheet of the printer assembly 6 is no longer used or is used to a lesser extent.

[0055] In the illustrated and preferred design, the labeling device 1 has an application component 23 for applying a label to the corresponding package 2, wherein the operating parameter to be changed relates to the control of the application component 23. The application component 23 can be arranged in a common housing together with the distribution component 4 as another functional unit. Preferably, the distributed label is received by a die 24 (which is preferably designed as a swing die here) and applied to the corresponding package 2. In particular, the die 24 has a nozzle 25 for sucking and blowing out the label. During application, the swing die performs a movement along the transport direction here in order to achieve labeling of the package 2 moved by means of the feed component 20. With the application component 23, the label can be applied to the package 2 in a contact manner by pressing the label onto the package 2. In addition or alternatively, it is conceivable that the label is applied contactlessly, for example in such a way that the nozzle 25 of the die 24 blows the label onto the package 2 by generating a compressed air jet directed toward the package 2.

[0056] Deviation criteria may relate to incorrect application of the label, such as insufficient fixing, incorrect orientation and / or position of the applied label and lack of labeling of the package 2, and / or collision of the application assembly 23, in particular the die 24, with the package 2. For example, the operating parameters to be changed may relate to the movement of the die 24, in particular the speed of the die 24, the height of the spray head 25 relative to the feed assembly 20, the triggering time of the movement of the die 24, the pressure used when spraying with compressed air through the spray head 25, etc.

[0057] Here, and preferably, it is provided that the sensor arrangement 12 has at least one humidity sensor 19 and that the deviation criterion relates to the humidity value determined by the humidity sensor 19. For example, an increase in humidity can result from an unisolated manual cleaning process. For example, it can be communicated to the operator 9 in an action recommendation that the housing of a specific functional component should be opened and / or dried before continuing operation. Likewise, for example, during operation of the labeling device 1, an impermissible cleaning process can be detected by means of the humidity sensor 19 and a corresponding indication can be output to the operator 9: cleaning should be stopped.

[0058] Furthermore, it is preferably provided here that the deviation criterion includes an incorrect operation criterion related to the received control command. For example, the received control command contradicts the operation optimization determined by means of the evaluation unit or may lead to an operation of the labeling device 1, which leads to increased wear or even damage to the labeling device 1. Preferably, the incorrect operation criterion is defined according to at least one operating state value, so that a possible incorrect operation is indicated to the operator 9 according to the current situation. It can also be indicated to the operator 9 that for the respectively input control command, it is recommended to adjust further operating parameters and in particular input further control commands for optimal operation.

[0059] Preferably, it is provided that within the framework of the notification routine, the operator 9 is asked to make an operator input at the operator interface 8, with which the operator 9 preferably confirms the knowledge of the action recommendation. For example, the confirmation can be made by operating a switch surface at the operator interface 8 or by acoustic feedback (for example by emitting a confirmation sound).

[0060] Furthermore, it is preferably provided here that the fulfillment of the abort criterion is monitored in the notification routine and an emergency routine is executed with the aid of the evaluation component 11 in response to the fulfillment of the abort criterion, preferably the emergency routine comprising a change of the labeling routine automatically performed with the aid of the evaluation component 11, further preferably the change of the labeling routine comprises the manipulation of at least one of the interruption functional units by the evaluation component 11.

[0061] Accordingly, an automatic reaction can be carried out by the evaluation component 11, in particular when the operator 9 does not react or reacts incorrectly to a situation that leads to the fulfillment of a deviation criterion. For example, the evaluation component 11 can change operating parameters by communicating with the operation control device 7. In particular, the termination criterion is representative of this, namely that damage to the labeling device 1, damage to the package 2 and / or danger to the operator 9 is imminent.

[0062] Furthermore, it is preferably provided here that the termination criterion is at least partially defined by the absence of operator input within a preset time interval and / or the termination criterion is at least partially defined by the absence of at least one operator action contained in the action recommendation within a preset optimization time interval.

[0063] The optimization time interval can be a variable determined in advance by the operator 9. However, the optimization time interval can also be determined by the evaluation component 11, in particular as a function of an operating state value.

[0064] Furthermore, it is preferably provided here that the operator interface 8 has a mobile visual output unit 26 and that the operator actions contained in the action recommendations are visually presented by means of the output unit 26 .

[0065] The mobile visual output unit 26 is an electronic device with at least one visual presentation unit of information, such as a display. The mobile visual output unit 26 can be connected directly or indirectly to the evaluation unit by means of a wireless communication connection. The presentation of the operator's actions can be performed statically and in motion (for example in an animation).

[0066] Furthermore, it is preferably provided here that the output unit 26 has a camera unit for detecting image data, wherein the output unit 26 is set up to visually present an interaction with at least one object detected in the image data, in particular a component of the labeling device 1, which is included in a recommendation for an action as an operator action, preferably, the output unit 26 is designed as data glasses.

[0067] Preferably, the output unit 26 is used to visually highlight surrounding objects. Here and preferably, however, surrounding objects are components belonging to the labeling device 1, in particular functional units of the labeling device 1. The processing of the image data necessary for this can be carried out with the aid of a data processing system (e.g. a microprocessor) associated with the mobile visual output unit 26. However, it is also possible that the image data are sent to the evaluation component 11 and processed by the evaluation component. The processing of the image data can be carried out in various ways here, for example via heuristic or machine learning models, in particular machine learning models that can be associated with convolutional neural networks or other deep learning. The output unit 26 can be used to provide augmented reality (Augmented Reality), which is used here to support the operator 9 when making action recommendations.

[0068] An interaction here can include any physical influence on surrounding objects, in particular any physical influence on functional units of the labeling device 1. It is thus conceivable that the output unit 26 reproduces the opening of a closure element of the application assembly 23 or the removal of a foreign body.

[0069] The data glasses are here a portable computer which adds information to the field of vision of the operator 9. For this purpose, the data glasses have a display, in particular a transparent one, on which the relevant information is projected. This can be done, for example, by means of a spherical mirror or by a waveguide.

[0070] Also proposed is an evaluation component 11 for operating a labeling device 1 for labeling individual packages 2, in particular for price marking, wherein the labeling device 1 has at least one weighing component 3, a dispensing component 4 and a printer component 6 as functional units, wherein the functional unit is controlled by an operation control device 7 of the labeling device 1 in a labeling routine according to control specifications and on the basis of operating parameters of the functional unit, wherein the labeling device 1 has an operator interface 8, by means of which control commands of an operator 9 are received, and the labeling routine is executed by means of the operation control device 7 according to the control commands, wherein the evaluation component 11 determines at least one operating status value of the functional unit based on a sensor device associated with the labeling device 1, and wherein the evaluation component 11 monitors at least one operating status value and / or a received control command for the satisfaction of a preset deviation standard, and prompts a notification routine for the satisfaction of the deviation standard.

[0071] Furthermore, it is preferably provided here that the evaluation component 11 causes the output of an action recommendation to the operator 9 via the operator interface 8 in the notification routine, and the action recommendation contains at least one operator action to be performed by the operator 9 for modifying the labeling routine.

[0072] Reference is made to all embodiments with regard to the method according to the proposal.

[0073] Preferably, the evaluation component 11 is also configured to control, during a labeling routine, functional units for labeling individual packages 2. In this respect, the evaluation component 11 can include the operational control device 7 already described.

[0074] A labeling device 1 is provided for carrying out the proposed method. Reference is made to all the embodiments concerning the proposed method and the proposed evaluation component 11 .

[0075] As a further object of independent significance, a computer program product is also disclosed, which has commands which, when executed on a computer of an evaluation component 11 of a labeling system, cause the evaluation component 11 to carry out the method according to the proposal.

[0076] The computer program product is preferably stored on an electronic memory. Particularly preferably, the evaluation component 11 has a memory in which the commands of the computer program product are stored and at least one processor for executing the program instructions, wherein the memory and the commands are configured to operate the labeling system together with the processor for carrying out the proposed method.

[0077] The memory preferably has a non-volatile memory for program instructions, such as a flash memory, an EEPROM memory, a magnetic memory and / or an optical memory. The memory can also be equipped with a working memory, preferably a working memory with random access memory (RAM) or the like. The processor preferably has a microprocessor, a digital signal processor and / or an application-specific integrated circuit.

Claims

1. A method for operating a labeling device (1) for labeling individual packages (2), in particular for marking prices, wherein: The labeling device (1) has at least one weighing component (3), a dispensing component (4) and a printer component (6) as functional units. wherein the functional unit is controlled by an operation control device (7) of the labeling device (1) in a labeling routine according to control specifications and on the basis of operating parameters of the functional unit, wherein the labeling device (1) has an operator interface (8), by means of which control commands of an operator (9) are received, and by means of the operation control device (7) the labeling routine is executed according to the control commands, wherein at least one operating state value of the functional unit is determined by means of an evaluation component (11) based on a sensor device associated with the labeling device (1), and wherein the at least one operating state value and / or the received control command is monitored for the fulfillment of a preset deviation criterion by means of the evaluation component (11), and a notification routine is implemented for the fulfillment of the deviation criterion, Characterized in that, by means of the evaluation component (11), in the notification routine, an action recommendation is output to the operator (9) via the operator interface (8), and the action recommendation contains at least one operator action to be performed by the operator (9) for modifying the labeling routine.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The operator actions included in the action recommendations are intended to cancel the satisfaction of the deviation criteria.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The operator action included in the action recommendation involves a change in at least one operating parameter, preferably, the labeling device (1) has a feed component (20) for transporting the package (2), and the operating parameter to be changed involves a transport speed of the feed component (20), and / or the operator action involves a change in the spatial orientation of the package (2).

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that The operating parameter to be changed relates to the control of the printer component (6), and / or the labeling device (1) has an application component (23) for applying the label to the corresponding package (2), and the operating parameter to be changed relates to the control of the application component (23).

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The sensor arrangement (12) has at least one humidity sensor (19), and the deviation criterion relates to a humidity value determined by the humidity sensor (19).

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The deviation criterion comprises an erroneous operation criterion related to the received control command, preferably, the erroneous operation criterion is defined according to the at least one operating state value.

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that Within the framework of the notification routine, the operator (9) is requested to make an operator input at the operator interface (8), preferably with which the operator (9) confirms awareness of the action recommendation.

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that In the notification routine, the fulfillment of a suspension criterion is monitored, and an emergency routine is executed with the aid of the evaluation component (11) in response to the fulfillment of the suspension criterion. Preferably, the emergency routine includes a modification of the labeling routine automatically performed with the aid of the evaluation component (11). Further preferably, the modification of the labeling routine includes interrupting the control of at least one of the functional units by the evaluation component (11).

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The abort criterion is at least partially defined by the absence of the operator input within a preset time interval and / or the abort criterion is at least partially defined by the absence of at least one operator action included in the action recommendation within a preset optimization time interval.

10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The operator interface (8) has a mobile visual output unit (26) and visually presents the operator actions contained in the action recommendation by means of the output unit (26).

11. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The output unit (26) has a camera unit for detecting image data, wherein the output device (26) is configured to visually present an interaction with at least one object detected in the image data, in particular a component of the labeling device (1), which is included in a recommendation for an action as an operator action, preferably, the output unit (26) is designed as data glasses.

12. An evaluation component for operating a labeling device (1) for labeling individual packages (2), in particular for marking prices, wherein: The labeling device (1) has at least one weighing component (3), a dispensing component (4) and a printer component (6) as functional units. wherein the functional unit is controlled by an operation control device (7) of the labeling device (1) in a labeling routine according to control specifications and on the basis of operating parameters of the functional unit, wherein the labeling device (1) has an operator interface (8), by means of which control commands of an operator (9) are received, and by means of the operation control device (7) the labeling routine is executed according to the control commands, The evaluation component (11) determines at least one operating state value of the functional unit based on a sensor device associated with the labeling device (1). and wherein the evaluation component (11) monitors the at least one operating state value and / or the received control command for the fulfillment of a preset deviation criterion and causes a notification routine for the fulfillment of the deviation criterion, Characterized in that the evaluation component (11) causes, in the notification routine, the output of an action recommendation to the operator (9) via the operator interface (8), and that the action recommendation contains at least one operator action to be performed by the operator (9) for modifying the labeling routine.

13. A labeling device for carrying out the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

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