METHOD FOR OPERATING A LABELING 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, a labeling system for labeling individual packages according to the preamble of claim 13, and a monitoring arrangement for such a labeling system according to the preamble of claim 14.

[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 sensor arrays that acquire sensor data related to the labeling routine. This sensor data is used, for example, to determine the position, orientation, and speed of individual packages and to control and / or verify the application of the labels. Modern labeling systems have a large number of sensors for these arrays, but a significant portion of the acquired sensor data is only used briefly to control the functional units during individual labeling processes within the labeling routine.

[0004] The invention further assumes that the labeling system includes a monitoring arrangement which, during the labeling routine, records the sensor data acquired by the sensor arrangements of the functional units according to a sensor acquisition density predefined for the respective functional unit. The monitoring arrangement is preferably designed as a data logger and, for example, regularly records individual sensor data or values ​​derived from the sensor data. The sensor data acquired by the monitoring arrangement serves, in particular, to provide a history of sensor data for fault analysis, system improvements, to facilitate maintenance, or the like. Due to the large number of available sensors and the associated considerable amount of sensor data, only a selected, small portion of the total acquired sensor data is recorded, particularly at predefined time intervals.The monitoring arrangement records the sensor data determined by the sensor arrangements according to a sensor detection density specified for the respective functional unit.

[0005] The problem here is that a large number of sensor data points, which could be helpful in identifying various sources of error, are not recorded in the monitoring routine to avoid an excessive amount of sensor data. At the same time, systematic errors in the labeling routine, which often have a long-term impact on the quality of the labeling process, are frequently not reliably detected or logged due to the short-term use of sensor data.

[0006] US 8 012 279 B2, US 5 478 422 A and DE 10 2008 032019 A1 disclose methods for operating labeling systems according to the preamble of claim 1, and labeling systems according to the preamble of claim 13.

[0007] 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.

[0008] 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.

[0009] The fundamental consideration is that, on the one hand, the labeling system, due to the sensor arrangements already provided for carrying out the labeling routine, can supply a sufficiently large amount of sensor data to enable thorough monitoring of the labeling system. On the other hand, while systematic errors in the labeling routine are often perceived by the user, the complexity of the labeling system makes it difficult for the user to readily identify the cause of the error.

[0010] Specifically, it is proposed that the monitoring arrangement performs a user query routine 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 transmitted to the monitoring arrangement, that the monitoring arrangement compares the entered level of satisfaction with a predetermined level of satisfaction, and if there is a deviation of the entered level of satisfaction from the predetermined level of satisfaction, executes an internal reaction routine.

[0011] Furthermore, it is proposed that in the internal reaction routine a sensor detection density of at least one functional unit is specified that is changed compared to the previous sensor detection density, in particular increased, and that after the user query routine the labeling routine and the monitoring routine are carried out with the changed sensor detection density specified from the user query routine.

[0012] It was recognized that the user query routine can be used to determine whether there is a possible defect in the labeling routine, whereupon the internal reaction routine is triggered, which causes an adjustment of the monitoring routine.

[0013] Based on the results of the user query routine, the identification of possible causes for the entered level of well-being is facilitated by specifying a modified, in particular increased, sensor detection density for at least one functional unit for the further execution of the monitoring routine. Thus, the sensor data is recorded in response to the deviation from the specified level of well-being, according to the modified sensor detection density, for example, for fault analysis.

[0014] The proposed solution can be implemented easily, as the sensor arrangements already provided on the labeling system can be accessed to carry out the user query routine and to further collect the sensor data.

[0015] The advantageous embodiments according to claims 2 and 3 relate to specifying the modified sensor detection density. In the particularly advantageous embodiment according to claim 4, the sensor detection density of at least one functional unit is modified compared to a predetermined, normal operating sensor detection density.

[0016] Claim 5 relates to an assignment of at least one of the functional units to the level of well-being, whereby the sensor detection density can be specifically changed with respect to the at least one assigned functional unit and thus the acquisition of the sensor data is further optimized.

[0017] In a particularly user-friendly design, the user interface prompts the user to select their level of well-being from a selection of available levels. By representing an ascending scale from low to high levels of well-being through this selection, the input and consideration of the level of well-being is simplified.

[0018] The advantageous embodiments according to claims 6 and 7 relate to the modification of the sensor detection density.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the sensor data acquired by means of the monitoring arrangement are stored in the monitoring routine and / or their output is initiated, so that the sensor data acquired according to the changed sensor detection density can be used for later evaluation.

[0020] To avoid incorrect triggering of the internal reaction routine, a plausibility check of the entered level of well-being is carried out in a preferred embodiment using the monitoring arrangement.

[0021] Further functional units of the labeling device, whose sensor data can also be recorded in the monitoring routine, are defined in claim 8.

[0022] Claims 9 to 12 relate to preferred embodiments of the user query routine.

[0023] According to a further teaching as per claim 13, 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.

[0024] According to a further teaching as claimed in claim 14, which also has independent significance, the above monitoring arrangement, which serves to carry out the user query routine within the framework of the proposed method, is claimed as such. Reference may be made to the above explanations of the proposed method.

[0025] In an advantageous embodiment, the monitoring arrangement comprises a memory containing program instructions and at least one processor for implementing the user query routine (claim 15).

[0026] A computer program is further described, comprising program instructions that cause a processor of the proposed monitoring arrangement to execute the user query routine when the computer program is running on the processor. The computer program can be stored in memory, particularly non-volatile memory. Reference is also made to the above explanations regarding the proposed method.

[0027] 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 monitoring arrangement for carrying out the proposed procedure and Fig. 2 a flowchart of the proposed procedure.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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. 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 involves a central control arrangement 11 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.

[0035] The sensor data acquired by the respective sensor arrangements 8, 9, 10 are transmitted to the control arrangement 11 and are initially used to control the functional units in the labeling routine. Each of the sensor arrangements 8, 9, 10 has at least one sensor and preferably a plurality of sensors, which acquire sensor data based, for example, on optical, acoustic, mechanical, and / or electronic measurements. For example, the sensors are configured as temperature sensors and / or humidity sensors.

[0036] 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. Reference may be made to further embodiments of the sensor arrangements and 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.

[0037] The labeling system includes a monitoring arrangement 12. During the labeling routine, the sensor data acquired by the sensor arrangements 8, 9, and 10 of the functional units are recorded in a monitoring routine using the monitoring arrangement 12, according to a sensor detection density specified for the respective functional unit. For further details regarding the design of the monitoring routine, reference may be made to the introductory explanations.

[0038] The term "acquisition" of sensor data by the sensor arrangements 8, 9, 10 refers to any provision of measured values ​​and derived quantities determined by sensor measurements of the respective sensor arrangements 8, 9, 10, which are, for example, transmitted to the control arrangement 11. In contrast, the term "acquisition" of the acquired sensor data by means of the monitoring arrangement 12 refers to the receiving—in the sense of receiving—in particular, the storage, and optionally the processing of sensor data by the monitoring arrangement 12, whereby preferably only a portion of the acquired sensor data is acquired by the monitoring arrangement 12. In principle, the monitoring arrangement 12 acquires the sensor data acquired by the sensor arrangements 8, 9, 10 according to the sensor acquisition density specified for the respective functional unit.

[0039] The sensor acquisition density specifies the amount of sensor data to be acquired by the respective functional unit, with a higher sensor acquisition density corresponding to a larger amount of sensor data to be acquired. The sensor acquisition density specifies which and how many of the acquired sensor data points are acquired by the monitoring arrangement 12. Preferably, only a smaller amount of sensor data is acquired via the sensor acquisition density compared to the total amount of sensor data acquired or acquirable by the sensor arrangements 8, 9, 10. The sensor data amount can be understood here as the size occupied by the sensor data over time on a data storage device, for example in bits, whereby the sensor data can be compressed or uncompressed.

[0040] 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 via a network with the labeling system and, in particular, with the sensor arrangements 8, 9, 10 and / or the control arrangement 11.

[0041] The labeling system has a user interface 13, which is preferably equipped with a touchscreen. System parameters of the functional units in the labeling routine, as well as sensor data or derived values, can be visualized for a user of the labeling system via the user interface 13. The user can also influence the execution of the labeling routine, for example, by entering data via the user interface 13.

[0042] The essential point is that a user query routine is carried out by means of the monitoring arrangement 12, in which a user is prompted by means of the user interface 13 of the labeling system to enter a level of well-being concerning a functional aspect of the labeling system and the level of well-being entered by the user is then transmitted to the monitoring arrangement 12, and that the monitoring arrangement 12 compares the entered level of well-being with a predefined level of well-being and, in the event of a deviation of the entered level of well-being from the predefined level of well-being, carries out an internal reaction routine.

[0043] Fig. 2 This shows a schematic sequence of the proposed procedure with the user query routine as well as the subsequent labeling routine and monitoring routine with various actions that can be performed.

[0044] In action 14, 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.

[0045] In action 15, the user enters the level of well-being using the user interface 13.

[0046] The user's entered level of well-being is transmitted to monitoring order 12 in action 16.

[0047] Using monitoring procedure 12, the user-entered level of satisfaction is compared in action 17 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 regard 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 whether it lies within a defined range of levels of satisfaction.Furthermore, it is essential that the internal reaction routine carried out by the monitoring arrangement 12 specifies a sensor detection density of at least one functional unit that is changed compared to the previous sensor detection density, in particular increased or decreased.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment, the internal reaction routine specifies the modified, in particular increased or decreased, sensor detection density of at least one functional unit depending on whether the input level of well-being falls below or exceeds the specified level of well-being.

[0049] In Fig. 2 If the predefined level of well-being falls below the specified threshold, the internal reaction routine is triggered by means of monitoring arrangement 12 in action 18. For example, falling below the specified level of well-being indicates 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.

[0050] Preferably, in the internal reaction routine, an increased sensor detection density of at least one functional unit is specified in response to a fall below the specified level of well-being, compared to the previous sensor detection density, so that a larger amount of sensor data is recorded for the respective functional unit by the monitoring routine after the user query routine.

[0051] In contrast, the flowchart after Fig. 2 In action 19, when entering the level of well-being, the predefined level was exceeded, and thus the monitoring system 12 recognized that there was an improvement in the quality of the work result and / or improved process quality 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 preceding user query routine, in which a comparatively low level of satisfaction 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 satisfaction than initially specified. Preferably, an internal reaction routine can also be triggered here by means of the monitoring arrangement 12, wherein the sensor detection density of at least one functional unit is redefined and, in particular, reduced based on the entered level of satisfaction.

[0052] In a preferred embodiment, the internal reaction routine determines the degree of deviation between the input level of well-being and the predetermined level of well-being, and the internal reaction routine specifies the modified, for example, increased or decreased, sensor detection density of at least one functional unit depending on the degree of deviation. Preferably, the internal reaction routine specifies the sensor detection density of at least one functional unit based on the input level of well-being such that a higher sensor detection density is specified for a lower level of well-being and / or a lower sensor detection density is specified for a higher level of well-being.

[0053] In particular, if the input level of well-being falls below the specified threshold, the sensor detection density of the assigned functional unit is increased compared to a specified, normal operating sensor detection density. The specified, normal operating sensor detection density is understood to be a sensor detection density that corresponds to a typical storage of sensor data for fault analysis, system improvements, to facilitate maintenance, or similar purposes.

[0054] Preferably, if the specified level of well-being is exceeded by the entered level of well-being, the sensor detection density of the assigned functional unit is reduced compared to the specified, normal operating sensor detection density, so that a smaller amount of sensor data is recorded for the respective functional unit by the monitoring routine after the user query routine in order to save resources.

[0055] Furthermore, it is essential that after the user query routine, the labeling routine continues with adapted system parameters of one or more of the functional units, which in Fig. 2 is represented as action 20.

[0056] During the labeling routine, the monitoring routine continues in action 21 with the modified sensor acquisition density specified by the user query routine. Accordingly, as the labeling routine continues, sensor data is acquired via the monitoring routine with a sensor acquisition density adapted to the result of the user query routine.

[0057] If the monitoring arrangement 12 in action 17 determines that the entered well-being level corresponds to the specified optimal well-being level, an internal reaction routine is preferably not triggered. Accordingly, the labeling routine in action 20 can continue unchanged, and the monitoring routine in action 21 is carried out with an unchanged sensor detection density, in particular the normal operating sensor detection density.

[0058] It is conceivable that the sensor detection density is changed for all functional units. However, the monitoring routine is used, for example, to provide an increased amount of sensor data specifically for the functional unit(s) affected by the functional aspect when the input level of well-being deviates from the predefined level. 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 modified, and in particular increased, sensor detection density is accordingly specified for the at least one, and in particular exactly one, functional unit assigned to the input level of well-being.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 internal 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 monitoring arrangement 12, 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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 sensor detection density can therefore be specified in the internal response routine in a particularly simple way based on the input level of well-being, whereby, for example, the changed sensor detection density is determined from the level of well-being represented by the numerical value using a mathematical function. Preferably, in the internal response routine, the sensor detection density of the associated functional unit is specified based on the input level of well-being in such a way that a higher sensor detection density is specified for a lower level of well-being, or vice versa.

[0061] The sensor detection density can be modified in various ways within the internal response routine. In one embodiment, the sensor detection density of the respective functional unit is adjusted based on the input status level by specifying a modified time rate for the sensor data acquired by the sensor arrangement 8, 9, 10 and / or the sensor data acquired by the monitoring arrangement 12. The time rate of the sensor data acquired by the sensor arrangement 8, 9, 10 refers to the specific times, and in particular the predefined time intervals, at which the sensor data is acquired by the sensor arrangement 8, 9, 10. Similarly, the time rate of the sensor data acquired by the monitoring arrangement 12 refers to the specific times, and in particular the predefined time intervals, at which the sensor data is acquired by the monitoring arrangement 12.Increasing sensor detection density can be achieved by using closer time intervals and, in particular, shorter time intervals. Conversely, decreasing sensor detection density can be achieved by using more widely spaced time intervals and, in particular, longer time intervals.

[0062] Similarly, the sensor detection density of the assigned functional unit can be predefined based on the entered level of well-being by specifying the number of activated sensors. For example, sensor arrays might contain 8, 9, or 10 sensors, which are not strictly necessary for controlling the labeling routine, or at least not required temporarily. The sensor detection density can be increased by activating these additional sensors and using them to collect further sensor data. Likewise, the selection of activated sensors for sensor arrays 8, 9, or 10 of the assigned functional unit can be predefined. For example, to change the sensor detection density, specific sensors related to the functional aspect affected by the level of well-being are activated.

[0063] Furthermore, the sensor detection density of the assigned functional unit can be specified based on the entered state of well-being by defining the information density of the sensor data acquired by the sensor array 8, 9, 10, thereby modifying the information density of the sensor data. In this way, a processing mode for the processing of the sensor data performed by the sensor array 8, 9, 10 can be defined. The sensor array 8, 9, 10 is configured to process the acquired sensor data, for example, through preprocessing and / or (pre-)evaluation of the sensor data. Examples of this include determining a temporal progression of sensor data and determining time-dependent quantities from the sensor data. The processing mode specifies whether and in what form processing by the sensor array 8, 9, 10 takes place.To increase sensor acquisition density, the information density of the sensor data can be increased. This can be achieved by changing the processing mode to include additional processing of the sensor data, for example, by providing sensor data with a temporal reference and / or averaged sensor data from sensor array 8, 9, 10. Conversely, the information density of the sensor data can be reduced by omitting any processing of the sensor data, so that, for example, only raw sensor data is acquired during the monitoring routine. In the case of a comparatively low information density of the sensor data, for example, only the values ​​for a physical quantity, e.g., pressure, are determined by sensor array 8, 9, 10.as part of the monitoring routine, whereas in the case of a comparatively high information density of the sensor data, for example, the values ​​for the physical quantity, e.g., the pressure, are additionally or alternatively determined by the sensor arrangement 8, 9, 10 in a time-related form and / or in averaged form, or are recorded as part of the monitoring routine.

[0064] After the user enters a level of well-being, in a preferred embodiment, the user is prompted in the internal response routine, via the user interface 13, to manually specify the sensor detection density of at least one functional unit. For example, the user can influence by input the amount by which the sensor detection density should be increased or decreased. It is also conceivable that the user can specifically influence the change in sensor detection density and, for example, activate and / or deactivate individual sensors of the functional units via the user interface 13.Preferably, at least one of the functional units is assigned to the entered level of well-being based on the relevant functional aspect, and the assignment is output to the user via the user interface 13, so that the user is given an indication of which functional unit(s) may be the cause of the deviation from the specified level of well-being.

[0065] In a further preferred embodiment, the sensor data acquired by the monitoring arrangement 12 are stored in the monitoring routine, and in particular stored in the monitoring arrangement 12 itself. "Stored" the acquired sensor data means that the acquired sensor data is saved by the monitoring arrangement 12 on a non-volatile data storage device. The data storage device can be part of the monitoring arrangement 12. It is also conceivable that the monitoring arrangement 12 initiates an output of the acquired sensor data, for example to an external data management system, which in particular performs the storage of the acquired sensor data.

[0066] In a preferred embodiment, if the entered level of well-being deviates from the predetermined level of well-being, the monitoring arrangement 12 performs a plausibility check of the entered level of well-being with regard to the presence of at least one predetermined plausibility criterion. An internal reaction routine is triggered only if the plausibility check is successful. A suitable definition of the plausibility criterion allows for the detection of an incorrect entry of the level of well-being during the plausibility check.

[0067] 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 during the labeling routine. 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] Another example of a functional unit that can be used within the proposed method is a movement arrangement for the printing assembly, which in particular adjusts the printing 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 to the respective label.

[0074] 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.

[0075] In a further embodiment, the input of the well-being level 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 here 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 and / or the monitoring unit 12 via a network, for example, a local network, a mobile network, and / or the internet.

[0076] 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 control arrangement 11, 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 monitoring arrangement 12 for 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 carried out at times with a high demand for process analysis. Likewise, the user query routine can be triggered manually by the user via the user interface 13.

[0077] 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 refers in particular to 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] It is also possible that, within the hierarchy of queries, a part of a functional unit is assigned to a level of well-being.

[0081] For example, if the print quality falls below the specified level of satisfactoryness, the printer arrangement 22, and in particular the printhead of the printer arrangement 22, can be assigned to this input level of satisfactoryness. This assignment can be taken into account in the modified sensor detection density, preferably by acquiring the sensor data of the sensors that allow conclusions to be drawn about the function of the printhead with an increased sensor detection density.

[0082] 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, and the sensor detection densities of both functional units can be changed in the internal response routine.

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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, several functional aspects or all functional aspects from a displayed selection of functional aspects.

[0085] 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).

[0086] 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.

[0087] According to a further teaching, which has independent significance, the labeling system described above for labeling individual packages is claimed as such. 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 the respective packages, with a dispensing arrangement 4 for dispensing a label detachable from a strip of material 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 device 1 has a control arrangement 11 which, in a labeling routine, controls the functional units for labeling the individual packages, and wherein the labeling system has a monitoring arrangement 12.which during the labeling routine in a monitoring routine records the sensor data determined by the sensor arrangements 8, 9, 10 of the at least one functional unit according to a sensor detection density specified for the respective functional unit, and wherein the labeling system has a user interface 13.

[0088] It is essential that the labeling system is configured to carry out the proposed procedure. In particular, the control unit 11 is configured to control the functional units for executing the labeling routine. Preferably, the monitoring unit 12 is configured to execute the monitoring routine and the proposed user query routine. Reference may be made to all descriptions of the proposed procedure.

[0089] According to a further teaching, which also has independent significance, a monitoring arrangement 12 for a proposed labeling system is claimed as such, wherein the monitoring arrangement 12 is configured to carry out a monitoring routine during a labeling routine of a labeling device 1 of the labeling system, wherein the monitoring arrangement 12 in the monitoring routine records the sensor data determined by the sensor arrangements 8, 9, 10 of the at least one functional unit according to a sensor detection density specified for the respective functional unit, and wherein the monitoring arrangement 12 is configured to be connected to a user interface 13 of the labeling system for control purposes.

[0090] Crucially, the monitoring device 12 performs a user query routine in which a user is prompted via the user interface 13 of the labeling system to enter a status level regarding a functional aspect of the labeling system. The status level entered by the user is then transmitted to the monitoring device 12. The monitoring device 12 compares the entered status level with a predefined status level and, if the entered status level deviates from the predefined status level, executes an internal reaction routine in which a modified, in particular increased, sensor detection density is specified for at least one functional unit compared to the previous sensor detection density. Reference may also be made to the explanations regarding the monitoring routine and the internal reaction routine within the framework of the proposed procedure.The previously described, proposed labeling system preferably includes the proposed monitoring arrangement 12.

[0091] Particularly preferably, the monitoring arrangement 12 comprises a memory 28 with program instructions and at least one processor 29 for executing the program instructions, wherein the memory 28 and the program instructions are configured, together with the processor 29, to control the monitoring arrangement 12 for carrying out the user query routine and, in particular, the monitoring routine.

[0092] The memory 28 preferably comprises non-volatile memory for the program instructions, for example, flash memory, EEPROM memory, magnetic memory, and / or optical memory. The memory 28 may further be equipped with main memory, preferably random access memory (RAM) or the like. The processor 29 preferably comprises a microprocessor, a digital signal processor, and / or an application-specific integrated circuit.

[0093] Furthermore, a computer program is described that includes program instructions which cause a processor 29 of the proposed monitoring arrangement 12 to execute the user query routine and, in particular, the monitoring routine when the computer program is running on the processor 29. Reference may also be made to the above descriptions of 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 labeling system for labeling individual packs, the labeling system comprising a labeling device (1), in particular price labeling device, the labeling 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, at least one of these functional units or all of these functional units in each case comprising a sensor assembly (8, 9, 10), the labeling device (1) comprising a control assembly (11), which in a labeling routine controls the functional units for the purpose of labeling the individual packs, the labeling system comprising a monitoring assembly (12), which during the labeling routine, in a monitoring routine, captures the sensor data determined by the sensor assemblies (8, 9, 10) of the at least one functional unit in accordance with a sensor capture density predefined for the respective functional unit, and the labeling system comprising a user interface (13), characterized in that a user query routine is carried out by means of the monitoring assembly (12), 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 labeling system and the state thereupon input by the user is communicated to the monitoring assembly (12), in that the monitoring assembly (12) compares the input state with a predefined state and, in the event of a deviation of the input state from the predefined state, carries out an internal reaction routine in which, by comparison with the previous sensor capture density, a changed, in particular increased, sensor capture density of at least one functional unit is predefined, and in that, following the user query routine, the labeling routine and the monitoring routine are carried out using the changed sensor capture density predefined from the user query routine.

2. Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that in the internal reaction routine the predefinition of the changed, in particular increased, sensor capture density of at least one functional unit is performed depending on whether the input state falls below or exceeds the predefined state.

3. Method according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that in the internal reaction routine a degree of the deviation of the input state from the predefined state is determined and in that in the internal reaction routine the predefinition of the changed, in particular increased, sensor capture density of at least one functional unit is performed depending on the degree of the deviation, preferably in that in the internal reaction routine the sensor capture density of at least one functional unit is predefined on the basis of the input state in such a way that a higher sensor capture density is predefined with a lower state.

4. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the event of the input state falling below the predefined state, the sensor capture density of at least one functional unit is increased by comparison with a predefined sensor capture density appertaining to normal operation and / or in that in the event of the input state exceeding the predefined state, the sensor capture density of at least one functional unit is decreased by comparison with the predefined sensor capture density appertaining to normal operation.

5. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that an assignment of at least one of the functional units to the state is provided on the basis of the relevant functional aspect or, in the internal reaction routine, at least one of the functional units is assigned to the input state by means of the monitoring assembly (12), and in that the changed, in particular increased, sensor capture density is predefined for the at least one assigned functional unit.

6. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor capture density of at least one functional unit is predefined on the basis of the input state by the temporal rate of the determined sensor data, the temporal rate of the captured sensor data, the number of activated sensors, the selection of the activated sensors of the sensor assembly (8, 9, 10) of at least one functional unit and / or the information density of the determined sensor data being predefined.

7. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the internal reaction routine the user, by means of the user interface (13), is requested to manually predefine the sensor capture density of at least one functional unit.

8. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the labeling 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.

9. Method according to any 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, and / or in that the state is input by means of a user interface embodied as a mobile device.

10. Method according to any 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 labeling system, by means of the monitoring assembly (12).

11. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the user query routine 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 labeling system.

12. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the user query routine 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.

13. Labeling system for labeling individual packs, the labeling system comprising a labeling device (1), in particular price labeling device, the labeling 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, at least one of these functional units or all of these functional units in each case comprising a sensor assembly (8, 9, 10), the labeling device (1) comprising a control assembly (11), which in a labeling routine controls the functional units for the purpose of labeling the individual packs, the labeling system comprising a monitoring assembly (12), which during the labeling routine, in a monitoring routine, captures the sensor data determined by the sensor assemblies (8, 9, 10) of the at least one functional unit in accordance with a sensor capture density predefined for the respective functional unit, and the labeling system comprising a user interface (13), characterized in that the labeling system is configured for carrying out a method according to any of Claims 1 to 12.

14. Monitoring assembly for a labeling system according to Claim 13, which monitoring assembly is configured for carrying out a monitoring routine during a labeling routine of a labeling device (1) of the labeling system, the monitoring assembly, in the monitoring routine, capturing the sensor data determined by the sensor assemblies (8, 9, 10) of the at least one functional unit in accordance with a sensor capture density predefined for the respective functional unit, and the monitoring assembly being configured to be connected to a user interface (13) of the labeling system in terms of control engineering, characterized in that the monitoring assembly (12) carries out a user query routine in which a user, by means of the user interface (13) of the labeling system, is requested to input a state relating to a functional aspect of the labeling system and the state thereupon input by the user is communicated to the monitoring assembly (12), in that the monitoring assembly (12) compares the input state with a predefined state and, in the event of a deviation of the input state from the predefined state, carries out an internal reaction routine in which, by comparison with the previous sensor capture density, a changed, in particular increased, sensor capture density of at least one functional unit is predefined.

15. Monitoring assembly according to Claim 14, characterized in that the monitoring assembly comprises a memory (28) having program instructions and at least one processor (29) for executing the program instructions, and in that the memory (28) and the program instructions are configured, together with the processor (29), to control the monitoring assembly for carrying out the user query routine and the internal reaction routine.