METHOD FOR DISPLAYING A WEIGHING RESULT FROM A SCALE

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for displaying a weighing result of a scale, in particular a shop scale.

[0002] Scales, especially shop scales, are used in retail stores, such as supermarkets, to weigh food items such as cheese, meat, sausage, or similar items displayed in a food counter. Scales can also be installed in self-service areas, such as fruit and vegetables, or in a fresh produce store. In these cases, a compact design is often not possible due to the display devices required to display the weighing results.

[0003] The document DE 10 2008 019 311 A1 describes a method for displaying a weighing result of a scale having an identifier on a mobile display device, in which the mobile display device establishes a secure wireless communication connection with the scale.

[0004] The object of the invention is to provide a way of designing scales as compact as possible.

[0005] This problem is solved by a method for displaying a weighing result from a scale with an identifier on a mobile display device. The mobile display device establishes a secure, particularly encrypted, wireless communication connection with the scale and, after successful connection establishment, displays the scale's identifier. In particular, the identifier is a unique identifier and / or the scale is a scale subject to legal metrology.

[0006] The scale therefore does not need to have its own display device; instead, this is provided by the user, especially the customer, in the form of a mobile display device, such as a mobile phone, especially a smartphone, or tablet, or is borrowed on-site. In principle, however, the scale can still have its own display device. The scale is, in particular, a load sensor or load plate.

[0007] In order to display a weighing result from the scale on the mobile display device, the mobile display device first establishes a secure communication connection with the scale. A secure connection is understood to mean at least an encrypted connection. In particular, a shared connection key can be generated, which is used for mutual authentication and / or encryption of the data exchanged between the two devices. In the case of a Bluetooth connection, particularly when using a PIN, this is also referred to as "pairing." In a network connection, a secure connection is established, for example, using the well-known SSL handshake protocol. A certificate is used to authenticate the scale and a symmetric session key is then generated. The connection establishment can be initiated by either the mobile display device or the scale.

[0008] It is then advantageous if it is also clear to the user that the mobile display device is connected. If there are several scales, as may be the case in a self-service area in a supermarket, for example, it is further advantageous if it is also clear to the user which of the several scales the mobile display device is connected to. It is therefore proposed that the identifier of the connected scale be displayed on the mobile display device. The display can in particular be a display on a touchscreen or display of the mobile display device, e.g. in the form of a number, a symbol or a flashing light that is assigned to the displayed scale.

[0009] According to the invention, in particular after the identifier of the connected scale has been displayed on the mobile display device, a check is carried out automatically, in particular by the scale, as to whether the mobile display device corresponds to a device model approved for displaying the weighing results that meets predetermined requirements. This is particularly advantageous in the case of scales subject to legal metrology, which are subject to legal metrology regulations with regard to the presentation of data subject to legal metrology, e.g. weight and price, in particular with regard to the size, in particular the minimum size, of the presentation of the data subject to legal metrology. To check whether the mobile display device is a device model approved, in particular by the manufacturer of the scale, a memory or database is accessed in which the approved device models are stored.

[0010] If the mobile display device corresponds to an approved device model, it is possible for a weighing result from the connected scale to be displayed on the mobile display device in a calibration-compliant manner, particularly using display parameters assigned to the device model. The technical measures for displaying a weighing result on the mobile display device in compliance with specified requirements or for preventing such a display are within the purview of a specialist in the relevant field.

[0011] If the mobile display device does not correspond to an approved device model, it is preferred if the hardware parameters of the mobile display device, in particular resolution and dot density, are read, in particular by the mobile display device, and based on the hardware parameters it is checked, in particular by the scale, whether a display of the weighing results on the mobile display device that meets the specified requirements is possible.

[0012] It is preferable to determine a zoom factor based on the hardware parameters that allows the weighing results to be displayed in a way that meets the specified requirements. Typically, the zoom factor will have a value greater than 1, but can also have a value less than 1.

[0013] It is also possible – if the mobile display device does not correspond to an approved device model – for a reference image to be displayed on the mobile display device and, based on a comparison of the reference image with an actual measurement, a zoom factor to be determined, enabling the weighing results to be displayed in compliance with the specified requirements. For example, a scale bar or the like can be displayed on the mobile display device, which the user compares with an actual length scale to determine the zoom factor required to display a weighing result, i.e., in particular, a weight and a price, on the mobile display device in a size required by calibration law.

[0014] If a display that satisfies the specified requirements is possible, it is made possible, in particular, for a weighing result from the connected scale to be displayed on the mobile display device in a calibration-safe manner, in particular using display parameters determined on the basis of hardware parameters and / or a zoom factor.

[0015] Preferably, the wireless communication connection is a particularly standardized wireless network connection, in particular a WLAN connection, using a particularly standardized secure network protocol, in particular HTTPS. In principle, however, a Bluetooth connection can also be used, for example, although it will then usually be necessary to interactively confirm the connection when establishing the connection for the first time, which is certainly conceivable, for example, when using preconfigured mobile display devices that can be rented on site.

[0016] The mobile display device can include a web browser, and the scale can include a web server. According to a preferred embodiment, the scale's identifier and / or the weighing result is displayed on the mobile display device via a web application, in particular a mobile one. The web application can be executed in a web browser of the mobile display device, in particular using a plug-in or HTML. When using a web application, separate application software is not required.

[0017] If there are multiple scales with which the mobile display device has established a secure wireless communication connection, it is preferable if the identifiers of all scales are displayed on the mobile display device, especially in the form of a list. The user can then select between the individual scales. This is particularly advantageous if there are multiple scales in the operator's vicinity. For example, a list can be offered for interactive selection.

[0018] In principle, the selection can be made manually, for example if the mobile display device has a touchscreen. The selection can then be made by touching the touchscreen at the point where the identifier to be selected is displayed. However, the selection can also be made or supported by technical aids, for example by capturing, in particular photographing and / or scanning, an identifier affixed to the scale to be selected, in particular a barcode. However, the selection can also be made, for example, using near-field communication (NFC). The user brings the mobile display device close enough to the scale to be selected or touches it with the mobile display device so that an identifier for the scale can be transmitted to the mobile display device in the form of NFC data.An identifier can therefore be used to receive an identifier corresponding to or uniquely assigned to the identifier of the scale to be selected from the mobile display device using a means or transmission path separate from the secure wireless communication connection, in particular image processing, such as photography and / or scanning, or short-range data transmission, such as near-field communication, infrared, or Bluetooth. The transmitted identifier can then be compared with the displayed identifiers to select the scale to be selected.

[0019] It is preferred if, after selecting the scale or the identifier, only the scale or the scale assigned to the selected identifier is allowed to display a weighing result on the mobile display device. While the other scales can be connected to the mobile display device, displaying a weighing result for these scales on the display device is not possible. Furthermore, the selection of the scale or the identifier can be changed. If the mobile display device is to be connected to a different scale, this can be done, for example, interactively or by approaching the newly selected scale.

[0020] The weighing result can also be displayed on the mobile display device as a barcode, particularly in a calibration-compliant format. The barcode can then be read directly from the mobile display device at a cash register system, for example, in a supermarket. Alternatively or additionally, the weighing result can also be transmitted from the scale to a cash register system. However, it is also possible to connect a printer to the respective scale, which produces a paper printout of the respective weighing result.

[0021] The invention further relates to a computer program with program code means for carrying out the method explained above when the program is executed on a mobile display device. The computer program is, in particular, a web application or application software for mobile devices, in particular for mobile display devices. The application software can be downloaded to the mobile device, for example, via a WLAN connection or via a telecommunications network and / or the Internet. The application software is executed by the mobile device. The application software is preferably approved by the manufacturer of the scale for displaying the weighing results of the scale.

[0022] Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the subclaims, the further description and the drawing.

[0023] A non-limiting embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the drawing and is described below.

[0024] They show, in schematic representation, Fig. 1 shows a combination of a scale and a mobile display device that are wirelessly connected to each other, Fig. 2 shows a mobile display device that displays the identifier of a connected scale and an associated weighing result, and Fig. 3 shows a flow chart illustrating the method according to the invention.

[0025] In Fig. 1a shop scale 11 is shown, which is set up in a self-service area of a supermarket. The scale 11 is a scale that is subject to legal metrology or is approved for calibration, i.e. a scale that has been tested for compliance with legal metrology regulations. The scale 11 does not have its own display device to show a weighing result, whether with or without a price calculation, on the scale 11. However, the scale 11 has a unique ID assigned to the scale 11, by which the scale 11 can be clearly identified. The ID of the scale 11 is stored electronically in a memory of the scale 11 and is also attached to the outside of the scale 11 so that it is visible to the customer.

[0026] To display a weighing result of the scale 11, a wirelessly connected display device 15 is used, to which the scale 11 is connected via a secure bidirectional connection 13, in particular a WLAN connection. The scale 11 comprises a web server on which a web application is stored, which can be executed in a web browser of the mobile display device 15 of a customer, such as a tablet, using a plug-in and which can be used according to the methods described below in connection with Fig. 3 explained steps S1-S6 enables the display of a weighing result on the display device 15. In particular, the plug-in is a plug-in that is approved by the manufacturer of the scale 11 for displaying the weighing results of the scale 11.

[0027] As from Fig. 3As can be seen, according to step S1, an encrypted communication connection 13 is first established between the mobile display device 15 and the scale 11. After the connection has been successfully established, according to step S2, the ID of the scale 11, in this case XYZ123, is electronically transmitted via the connection 13 to the mobile display device 15 and displayed there. The customer can then determine without a doubt which scale their mobile display device 15 is connected to by comparing the ID displayed on their mobile display device 15 with the ID affixed to the outside of the scale 11.

[0028] Subsequently, according to step S3, it is checked whether the mobile display device 15 corresponds to a device model known to the manufacturer of the scale 11 and approved or qualified by the manufacturer for displaying a weighing result. For such a device model, the manufacturer of the scale 11 has already verified that a display complying with the legal metrology requirements is possible on the device model. If this is the case, the calibration operation between the scale 11 and the mobile display device 15 is approved according to step S4, and a weighing result from the scale 11 can be displayed on the mobile display device 15 together with the ID of the connected scale 11 (see Fig. 2) and, if necessary, transmitted from the scale 11 to a cash register system. The weighing result can also be displayed as a barcode on the mobile display device 15, and the barcode can then be read directly from the mobile display device 15 at a cash register system.

[0029] If, however, the device model is neither known to the manufacturer of the scale 11 nor has it been released or approved by the manufacturer for operation with the scale 11, the hardware parameters of the mobile display device 15 are read according to step S5, and a check is carried out based on the hardware parameters to determine whether the weighing results can be displayed on the mobile display device 15 in accordance with the legal metrology regulations. If this is the case, calibration operation as shown in step S4 is enabled. If this is not the case, calibration operation of the mobile display device 15 with the scale 11 is prevented according to step S6. Weighing results recorded by the scale 11 cannot then be displayed on the mobile display device 15.

[0030] If multiple scales are installed in a self-service area, the identifiers of all scales within communication range of the secure wireless communication connection can be displayed on the mobile display device 15. The customer then selects which of the scales is to be used for calibration operations. Whether calibration operations can actually take place between the selected scale and the mobile display device is determined based on the decisions S3 and S5 explained above. The scale can be selected, for example, by having a barcode on all of the scales that corresponds to or contains the respective ID of the respective scale, and the scale to be selected is selected by scanning the barcode and automatically comparing the scanned scale identification with the IDs received via the secure wireless communication connection.In principle, the selection made can also be changed using the procedure explained.

[0031] The present invention makes it possible, in particular, to display the weighing result of a retail scale on mobile devices carried by the customer in accordance with calibration regulations. List of reference symbols

[0032] 11Scale 13Communication connection 15Mobile display device S1-S6Step

Claims

1. A method for displaying a weighing result of a scale, in particular a store scale, on a mobile display device, the scale having an identifier, in which method the mobile display device establishes a secure, wireless communication connection with the scale and displays the identifier of the scale after successfully establishing the connection, characterized in that an automatic check is made whether the mobile display device corresponds to a device model approved for a display of the weighing results satisfying predefined demands, wherein, to check whether the mobile display device is an approved device model, a memory or a database is accessed in which the approved device models are stored, and wherein - if the mobile display device corresponds to an approved device model - it is made possible that a weighing result of the connected scale is displayed on the mobile display device.

2. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that, if the mobile display device does not correspond to an approved device model, a check is made with reference to the hardware parameters of the mobile display device read out from the mobile display device as to whether a display of the weighing results satisfying the predefined demands is possible on the mobile display device.

3. A method according to claim 2, characterized in that a zoom factor is determined on the basis of the hardware parameters, with which zoom factor a display of the weighing results is possible which satisfies the predefined demands.

4. A method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, if the mobile display device does not correspond to an approved device model, a reference image is displayed on the mobile display device and a zoom factor is determined on the basis of a comparison of the reference image with a real measure, with which zoom factor a display of the weighing results is possible which satisfies the predefined demands.

5. A method according to at least one of the claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, if a display satisfying the predefined demands is possible, it is made possible that a weighing result of the connected scale is displayed on the mobile display device, in particular using display parameters determined with reference to hardware parameters and / or with reference to a zoom factor.

6. A method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the wireless communication connection is a wireless network connection, in particular a WLAN connection, using a secure network protocol, in particular HTTPS.

7. A method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the identifier of the scale and / or the weighing result of the scale is / are displayed via a web application on the mobile display device, with preferably the web application being executed in a web browser of the mobile display device, in particular using a plug-in.

8. A method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, with a plurality of scales with which the mobile display device has established a secure, wireless communication connection, the identifiers of all the scales are displayed on the mobile display device, in particular in the form of a list.

9. A method according to claim 8, characterized in that, for the selection of a scale, an identification corresponding to or uniquely associated with the identifier of the scale to be selected is received by the mobile display device by means of a means separate from the secure, wireless communication connection, in particular image processing or data transmission over a short distance, with preferably the transmitted identification being compared with the displayed identifiers.

10. A method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, after the selection of the scale, it is only made possible for the selected scale to display a weighing result on the mobile display device.

11. A method according to at least one of the claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the selection of the scale is changeable.

12. A method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the weighing result is displayed as a barcode on the mobile display device.

13. A computer program comprising program code means to carry out the method according to any one of the claims 1 to 12 when the program is executed on a mobile display device.