Method for operating a labelling apparatus

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating a labelling apparatus (1) for labelling, in particular for price labelling, individual packages (2), the labelling apparatus (1) comprising, as functional units, at least one weighing assembly (3), one dispensing assembly (4), and one printer assembly (6), the functional units being controlled by an operating control system (7) of the labelling apparatus (1) in a labelling routine in accordance with a control specification and on the basis of operating parameters of the functional units, the labelling apparatus (1) having an operator interface (8) by means of which control commands of an operator (9) are received, and the labelling routine being carried out by means of the operating control system (7) on the basis of said control commands, at least one operating-state value of the functional units being determined by means of an evaluation assembly (11) using a sensor device associated with the labelling apparatus (1), and the evaluation assembly (11) being used to monitor the at least one operating-state value and / or the received control commands for fulfilment of a predefined deviation criterion, and a notification routine being carried out when said deviation criterion is fulfilled. According to the invention: the evaluation assembly (11) initiates in the notification routine the output of a recommended action to the operator (9) via the operator interface (8); and the recommended action includes at least one operator action that is to be carried out by the operator (9) and is directed towards the modification of the labelling routine.

Description

[0001] Method for operating a labeling device

[0002] The present invention relates to a method for operating a labeling device according to the preamble of claim 1, an evaluation arrangement 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.

[0003] The labeling device in question is designed for labeling individual packages and, in particular, as a price labeling device. The labeling device has at least one weighing arrangement, one dispensing arrangement, and one printing arrangement as functional units, which are configured for labeling the individual packages in a labeling routine. An operating controller of the labeling device performs the control-related tasks associated with executing the labeling routine and controls the functional units for labeling the individual packages according to a control specification.

[0004] Such a labeling device and a method for operating the labeling device are described, for example, in DE 10 2019 132 710 A1.

[0005] To ensure reliable and accurate labeling, a sensor array is provided to determine operating status values, which are monitored by an evaluation array in the labeling routine. If, for example, an operating status value deviates from an expected value, the operator is alerted by a warning message in a notification routine. The deviation can generally be due to the operating status of the labeling device, external influences, or even operator error.

[0006] One challenge here is that although the operator is alerted to an existing problem through a warning message, the complexity of the labeling device may make it unclear how to resolve the issue. In particular, it may not be readily apparent which functional unit is responsible for the deviation in the operating status value, whether external influences are responsible for the deviation, or whether operating errors have occurred.

[0007] The invention is based on the problem of designing and developing the known method in such a way that user-friendliness is further increased.

[0008] The above problem is solved by the features of the characterising part of claim 1.

[0009] It is important to consider the fundamental fact that the operator is often not always aware of the optimal course of action due to a possible lack of clarity about the cause of the error and the multitude of available options for action.

[0010] In detail, it is proposed that the evaluation arrangement in the notification routine is used to trigger the output of a recommended action to the operator via the operator interface, and that the recommended action contains at least one operator action to be carried out by the operator and aimed at modifying the labeling routine.

[0011] In the particularly preferred embodiment according to claim 2, the operator action contained in the recommended action is directed at resolving the condition that leads to the fulfillment of the deviation criterion. This ensures that the recommended action communicated to the operator serves to optimize the operating state or eliminate a malfunction.

[0012] According to claim 3, the operator action contained in the recommended action relates to changing an operating parameter. This allows the operator to optimize operation in a particularly simple manner. The changed operating parameter can preferably relate to the transport speed of a feed arrangement, the orientation of the transported packages, and, in the embodiment according to claim 4, the control of the printer arrangement and / or a label application arrangement. Particularly preferred is also the consideration of air humidity values ​​according to claim 5, which, in particular, allows an ongoing cleaning process to be detected.

[0013] In addition to using sensor data, the evaluation arrangement in the embodiment according to claim 6 can be configured to check received control commands based on an operating error criterion. This provides particularly easy-to-implement protection against operating errors. The operating error criterion is preferably defined as a function of the operating state value, so that the control commands are checked for possible operating errors depending on the respective operating situation.

[0014] In the further preferred embodiments according to claims 8 and 9, the evaluation arrangement monitors the fulfillment of a termination criterion in the notification routine. The operator can be prompted to confirm receipt of the recommended action via the user interface. The termination criterion can be defined by the operator not acknowledging receipt of the recommended action within a specified period of time or not implementing the operator actions.

[0015] The user interface can be configured in a variety of ways, particularly as a mobile device. In the preferred embodiment according to claim 10, the user interface has a portable visual output unit and is configured to visually display the action to be performed by the operator, as described in the recommended action.

[0016] Particularly preferably, according to claim 11, a camera system is provided, which is used to detect objects and in particular components of the labeling device and to display a recommended interaction with the objects. This greatly simplifies the implementation of the recommended action for the operator, especially in the case of very complex recommended actions involving multiple steps. The output unit can be designed as data glasses. According to a further teaching according to claim 12, which has independent significance, an evaluation arrangement for the operation of a labeling device is claimed.

[0017] It is essential that the evaluation arrangement in the notification routine triggers the issuance of a recommended action to the operator via the operator interface, and that the recommended action contains at least one operator action to be performed aimed at modifying the labeling routine. Reference may be made to all explanations of the proposed procedure.

[0018] According to a further teaching according to claim 13, which also has independent significance, a labeling device for carrying out the proposed method is claimed. Reference is made to all statements regarding the proposed method and the proposed evaluation arrangement.

[0019] In the following, the invention is explained in more detail with reference to a drawing which merely represents exemplary embodiments. In the drawing,

[0020] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of the proposed labeling system with a proposed control arrangement and a user interface for carrying out the proposed method and

[0021] Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of the proposed method.

[0022] The invention relates to a method for operating a labeling device 1 for labeling individual packages 2. Fig. 1 shows the labeling device 1, which is designed in particular as a price labeling device, in a schematic representation.

[0023] The labeling device 1 comprises, as functional units, at least one weighing arrangement 3 for determining a weight value of the package 2, a dispensing arrangement 4 for dispensing a label from a material strip 5, and a printer arrangement 6 for printing the label. In an embodiment not shown, the labeling device 1 is provided for partially manual labeling of the packages 2. For example, the package 2 is manually placed on the weighing arrangement 3, with a label printed by the printer arrangement 6 being dispensed by the dispensing arrangement 4. The application of the label to the package 2 is also carried out manually, for example.

[0024] The weighing arrangement 3 serves to determine the weight values ​​of the packages 2. The weighing arrangement 3 has a load cell that determines representative, analog and / or digital weight values ​​for the weight of the package 2. The weight values ​​are determined in particular based on a deformation measurement of a support for the package 2, for example via strain gauges, and / or based on electromagnetic force compensation of the weight of the respective package 2.

[0025] The dispensing arrangement 4 is provided for dispensing the label, which can be designed to be detachable from a material strip 5. A label that can be detachable 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 based, for example, on 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. In particular, labels designed as adhesive labels are used, which already have an adhesive surface by means of which they are detachably attached to the material strip 5. The use of adhesive-free labels, which are only provided with an adhesive surface later or are applied to an adhesive surface on the respective package 2, is also conceivable.

[0026] The printer assembly 6 is provided for printing the label, whereby printing of the label can in principle take place on the material strip 5 and / or after the label has been removed from the material strip 5, as well as before, after, or during application of the label to the respective package 2. Here, and preferably, a printer assembly 6 configured for thermal printing, in particular direct thermal printing or thermal transfer printing, is provided.

[0027] In addition to these functional units, further functional units may be provided, which are also shown in Fig. 1 and will be discussed further below. Likewise, the labeling device 1 may represent part of a labeling system with multiple labeling devices 1.

[0028] The labeling device 1 has an operating controller 7. In a labeling routine, the functional units are controlled by the operating controller 7 according to a control specification and on the basis of operating parameters for labeling the individual packages 2. For this purpose, the operating controller 7 preferably has control electronics for implementing the control tasks arising within the scope of the labeling routine. The operating controller 7 can, as also shown in simplified form in Fig. 1, be a central operating controller 7 of the labeling device 1, which controls all or at least some of the functional units. It is also possible for the operating controller 7 to have several decentralized, mutually communicating control units, wherein preferably each functional unit is assigned a control unit.The operational control 7 can also be implemented via a control system external to the functional units, for example an external computer system.

[0029] The labeling routine is at least partially determined by operating parameters. An operating parameter here is preferably a setting that is specified manually or by the operating controller 7 and determines the sequence of the labeling routine. The operating parameters include, on the one hand, control parameters of the functional units according to the control specification, such as the printing speed of the printer arrangement 6 or weighing parameters of the weighing arrangement 3. On the other hand, the operating parameters can also be understood to include conditions related to the labeling routine, such as the orientation of the packages 2 or the size of the labels. The control specification is generally understood to mean a rule that relates to the operation of the labeling device 1 and that also reflects the dependence on the at least one operating parameter.The labeling device 1 has a user interface 8 configured for exchanging data between the operator 9 and the operating control system 7. Control commands from the operator 9 are received via the user interface 8. The user interface 8 preferably comprises a touchscreen 10. Further components of the user interface 8, such as a warning light, a loudspeaker, or the like, are also conceivable. Information about the labeling device 1, in particular the set operating parameters and the measured operating status values, is conveyed to the operator 9 via the user interface 8. Control commands are understood to be instructions relating to the control specification, which are specifically designed to initiate, modify, or terminate the labeling routine. This can be achieved, for example, by specifying or adjusting an operating parameter.The control commands are entered by the operator 9 in the operator interface 8 and then transmitted from the operator interface 8 to the operating control 7, which carries out the labeling routine based on the control commands.

[0030] An evaluation arrangement 11 of the labeling device 1 is also provided, wherein the evaluation arrangement 11 monitors the operation of the labeling device 1. The labeling device 1 has a sensor arrangement 12, by means of which operating values ​​assigned to the functional units are determined. Here, the term "sensor arrangement 12" refers to the sensor units assigned to the functional units. The sensor data determined by the respective sensor units are processed and transmitted as operating values ​​to the operating control 7 and are used in particular to monitor and control the functional units in the labeling routine.

[0031] The operating values ​​are also determined by the evaluation device 11. The evaluation device 11 can also receive the control commands. As shown in Fig. 1, the evaluation device 11 can, for example, be a server for the labeling device 1 that is higher-level than the operating controller 7 and performs an evaluation of the operating values ​​as described below. Here, the evaluation device 11 is connected to the operating controller 7 and / or the sensor device 12 via a local communications network. However, it is also possible for the operating controller 7 to be a component of the evaluation device 11.

[0032] Furthermore, a connection of the evaluation arrangement 11 to a cloud 13 is preferably provided, which has at least one cloud server 14. It is conceivable that at least some of the tasks occurring at the evaluation arrangement 11 are performed by the cloud server 14. In the illustrated embodiment, however, an evaluation of the operating values ​​is carried out, for example, locally on the labeling device 1.

[0033] By means of the evaluation arrangement 11, the at least one operating state value and / or the received control commands are monitored for compliance with a predefined deviation criterion. Monitoring can be performed continuously or discontinuously at predefined time intervals. The deviation criterion is representative of whether the continued operation of the labeling device 1 is impaired, is likely to be impaired, and / or that the current operation of the labeling device 1 does not correspond to an expected, optimal operating regime. An impairment can be any remediable impairment of the operation of the labeling device 1, such as a jam in the dispensing arrangement 4 or an impermissible temperature in one of the functional units.Suboptimal operation of the labeling device 1 occurs, for example, when the actual throughput of packages 2 per unit of time is below a specified value, when the print quality does not meet another specified value, and / or when a significant portion of the labels are applied incorrectly. In general, the notification routine can include any form of notification to the operator 9 via the operator interface 8, such as an audible warning or a visual display on the touchscreen 10.

[0034] What is essential now is that the evaluation arrangement 11 in the notification routine initiates the output of a recommended action to the operator 9 via the operator interface 8, and that the recommended action contains at least one operator action to be carried out by the operator 9 and directed at modifying the labeling routine. The recommended action is an instruction to the operator 9 to behave in a specific manner relevant to the labeling routine. The recommended action can be conveyed by a text-based and / or visual description, in particular as a video or animation, and / or aurally. An operator action is understood to mean any directed, physical interaction of the operator 9 with his environment. An operator action can also be understood to mean the deliberate omission of an interaction.

[0035] The operator action contained in the recommended action is directed at adapting the labeling routine. This can be done in a variety of ways, for example, by adjusting the operating parameters, but also by adapting the labeling device 1 and, in particular, the functional units, for example, by means of a maintenance process, the replacement of a wear component, and / or the refilling of a consumable such as labels. The operator action can also be directed at interacting with the immediate surroundings of the labeling device 1, for example, with other objects in the room in which the labeling device 1 is operated.

[0036] The recommended action can contain qualitative and quantitative information about the operator action. The recommended action preferably contains several operator actions and, in particular, a recommended sequence of operator actions. It is also conceivable for the recommended action to contain a suggestion for several alternative operator actions, each of which is also assigned a weighting.

[0037] Preferably, the operator action contained in the recommended action is aimed at eliminating the fulfillment of the deviation criterion. Consequently, the recommended action can be aimed at eliminating the situation or circumstances that led to the fulfillment of the deviation criterion when the operator 9 carries out the operator action. As already mentioned, for example, suboptimal operation of the labeling device 1 or a malfunction may exist, which is at least mitigated by carrying out the operator actions contained in the recommended action. The evaluation arrangement 11 can hereby rely on an evaluation rule in which, for example, various such situations or circumstances and their representation in the operating state values ​​are included.The evaluation specification may contain measures that form the basis for the recommended operator actions and are based, in particular, on experience with the operation of labeling devices 1. For example, if a malfunction occurs, the operator actions to be performed in the respective situation can be stored in the evaluation system 11 by an experienced operator 9 after the malfunction has been manually rectified. If such a malfunction occurs again, a less experienced operator 9 can be instructed based on the recommended action.

[0038] Fig. 2 shows a schematic diagram of the proposed method. The operating state values ​​are determined by means of the evaluation arrangement 11 based on the sensor arrangement 12, which here and preferably has various sensor types. The evaluation arrangement 11 is configured to receive and process sensor data. The sensor data can also be processed in the sensor arrangement 12 and / or in the operating control 7, and operating state values ​​can be forwarded to the evaluation arrangement 11. Examples of sensor types are optical, acoustic, and / or mechanical sensors, in particular cameras 15, temperature sensors 16, proximity sensors 17, mechanical stress sensors 18, humidity sensors 19, or the like. The available operating state values ​​are monitored by the evaluation arrangement 11 based on the deviation criterion for the presence of an exceptional situation.If the deviation criterion is met, the recommended action is generated based on the operating status values, in particular based on the evaluation rule.

[0039] Furthermore, it is preferably provided here that the operator action contained in the recommended action relates to the change of at least one operating parameter. The operator 9 is informed, for example, that a specific operating parameter needs to be changed, which can be entered, for example, by the operator 9 via the touchscreen 10. Preferably, the operating parameter can also be an operating parameter that cannot be directly influenced by the operating control 7. For example, the operator 9 is informed that a manual adjustment of one of the functional units and / or the packages 2, or also of another device associated with the labeling device 1, for example a feed device for the packages 2, is recommended.

[0040] In a simple embodiment, the recommended action can inform the operator 9 which operating parameter needs to be adjusted, with the actual quantitative adjustment—for example, optimizing a numerical value—being performed by the operator 9 themselves. However, the operator 9 can also be given a quantitative indication for the operating parameter (for example, that the operating parameter needs to be increased / reduced, that an optimal value range and / or an optimal value is suggested, or the like). A suggestion for adjusting an operating parameter can also be presented to the operator 9, which the operator 9 is simply required to confirm or reject.

[0041] As already mentioned, the recommended course of action can, for example, be based on the evaluation specification on specific situations that are known to be the cause of a malfunction or suboptimal operation.

[0042] In the illustrated and thus preferred embodiment, the labeling device 1 has a feed arrangement 20 for transporting the packages 2. The feed arrangement 20 is preferably a belt conveyor or a roller conveyor, optionally also at least one robot arm, for moving the respective packages 2. The feed arrangement 20, here the belt conveyor, here and preferably has at least one conveyor belt 21, via which the respective packages 2 are transported along a transport direction. The weighing arrangement 3 is preferably designed as a dynamic weighing arrangement 3, which determines the weight values ​​of moving packages 2 and thus enables the continuous operation of the labeling device 1. In Fig. 1, the weighing arrangement 3 is provided accordingly on the feed arrangement 20.Likewise, the printer arrangement 6 and / or an additional printer arrangement 22 can be provided on the feed arrangement 20 and, for example, print the moving package 2, in particular the label applied to the package 2.

[0043] The operating parameter to be changed can relate to the transport speed of the feed arrangement 20. For example, the recommended operator action can indicate an increase in the transport speed if the operating status values ​​indicate low utilization of the functional units. If the operating status values ​​indicate excessive utilization, which is evident, for example, due to increased temperature and / or faulty labeling, the recommended operator action can include a reduction in the transport speed. Furthermore, an excessive feed speed can be detected based on weight values ​​of the weighing arrangement 3, which can lead, for example, to mechanical vibrations and / or the overlapping of weight values ​​of adjacent packages 2.

[0044] The weight values ​​can also be used to identify other causes of malfunctions. For example, ambient conditions, such as drafts or vibrations, can lead to vibrations being transmitted to the weighing assembly 3. If, for example, the vibrations cannot be attributed to the labeling device 1 itself based on the operating state values, which is verified in particular by correlating the time dependence of the weight values ​​with at least one other operating state value, the operator 9 can be advised to adjust the ambient conditions in the recommended course of action.

[0045] The operator action can also involve changing the spatial orientation of the packs 2. A cause of faulty labeling can be an inaccurate alignment of the packs 2 relative to the feed arrangement 20 or even an incorrect feed (transverse instead of longitudinal, or the like). The operator action can then, for example, be directed towards adjusting the feed speed, an alignment arrangement for the packs 2 (not shown here), and / or a feed device for the packs 2.

[0046] In a further embodiment, it is provided that the operating parameter to be changed relates to the control of the printer arrangement 6.

[0047] In the event of a faulty print image, the operator 9 is advised of suitable measures to adjust the operation of the printer assembly 6. The operator action may, for example, be directed to shifting the print template or using an alternative print template so that faulty dots on the thermal strip of the printer assembly 6 are no longer used or are used to a lesser extent.

[0048] In the illustrated and thus preferred embodiment, the labeling device 1 has an application arrangement 23 for applying the label to the respective package 2, wherein the operating parameter to be changed relates to the control of the application arrangement 23. The application arrangement 23 can be provided in a common housing with the dispensing arrangement 4 as a further functional unit. Preferably, the dispensed label is picked up by a stamp 24, which here is preferably designed as a pendulum stamp, and applied to the respective package 2. In particular, the stamp 24 has a blow head 25 for sucking on and blowing off the label. During application, the pendulum stamp performs a movement along the transport direction in order to enable labeling of the package 2 moved by the feed arrangement 20.With the application arrangement 23, the label can be applied by pressing it onto the package 2. Additionally or alternatively, it is conceivable for the label to be applied contactlessly, for example, by the blow head 25 of the plunger 24 blowing the label onto the package 2 by generating a blast of compressed air directed toward the package 2.

[0049] The deviation criterion may relate to faulty application of the labels, for example, inadequate fixation, faulty orientation and / or position of the applied labels, as well as a failure to label packages 2, and / or collisions of the application arrangement 23, in particular the punch 24, with packages 2. The operating parameter to be changed may, for example, relate to the movement of the punch 24, in particular the speed of the punch 24, the height of the blow head 25 relative to the feed arrangement 20, the triggering time of the movement of the punch 24, the pressure used by the blow head 25 during the compressed air blast, or the like.

[0050] 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 air humidity values ​​determined via the humidity sensor 19. For example, increased air humidity can be due to an incomplete manual cleaning process. The recommended course of action can, for example, convey to the operator 9 that a housing of a specific functional arrangement must be opened and / or dried before operation can be continued. Likewise, for example, an impermissible cleaning process during operation of the labeling device 1 can be detected by means of the humidity sensor 19, and a corresponding message can be issued to the operator 9 that cleaning should be omitted.

[0051] Furthermore, it is preferably provided here that the deviation criterion contains an operating error criterion relating to the received control commands. For example, a received control command contradicts an optimization of operation determined by the evaluation unit or can lead to operation of the labeling device 1 that results in increased wear or even damage to the labeling device 1. Preferably, the operating error criterion is defined as a function of the at least one operating state value, so that the operator 9 is informed of a possible operating error depending on the current situation. The operator 9 can also be informed that, with the respective control command entered, an adjustment of further operating parameters and, in particular, the input of further control commands is recommended for optimal operation.

[0052] Preferably, the notification routine prompts the operator 9 to make an operator input at the operator interface 8, preferably requiring the operator 9 to confirm acknowledgement of the recommended action with the operator input. Confirmation can be provided, for example, by pressing a button on the operator interface 8 or by providing audible feedback, such as speaking a confirmation.

[0053] Furthermore, it is preferably provided here that the fulfillment of an abort criterion is monitored in the notification routine and that an emergency routine is carried out by means of the evaluation arrangement 11 upon fulfillment of the abort criterion, preferably that the emergency routine comprises a modification of the labeling routine carried out automatically by means of the evaluation arrangement 11, further preferably that the modification of the labeling routine comprises the interruption of the control of at least one of the functional units by the evaluation arrangement 11.

[0054] Accordingly, an automatic reaction can be initiated by the evaluation system 11, particularly if the operator 9 fails to respond to the situation leading to the fulfillment of the deviation criterion or responds incorrectly. The evaluation system 11 can, for example, modify operating parameters through communication with the operating control system 7. The termination criterion is particularly representative of the risk of damage to the labeling device 1, damage to packages 2, and / or danger to the operator 9.

[0055] Furthermore, it is preferably provided here that the termination criterion is defined at least partially by the fact that the operator input is missing within a predetermined time interval, and / or that the termination criterion is defined at least partially by the fact that at least one operator action contained in the recommended action is missing within a predetermined optimization time interval.

[0056] The optimization time interval can be a value that can be predefined by the operator 9. However, the optimization time interval can also be determined by the evaluation arrangement 11, in particular depending on the operating state values. Furthermore, it is preferably provided here that the operator interface 8 has a mobile visual output unit 26, and that the operator action contained in the recommended action is visually displayed by means of the output unit 26.

[0057] A mobile visual output unit 26 is an electronic device that has at least one visual representation of information, for example, a display. The mobile visual output unit 26 can be connected directly or indirectly to the evaluation unit via a wireless communication link. The representation of the operator action can be static or moving, for example, in an animation.

[0058] Furthermore, it is preferably provided here that the output unit 26 has a camera unit for capturing image data, wherein the output unit 26 is configured to visually display an interaction contained in the recommended action as an operator action with at least one object captured in the image data, in particular a component of the labeling device 1, preferably that the output unit 26 is designed as data glasses.

[0059] The output unit 26 preferably serves to visually highlight environmental objects. Here, however, the environmental objects preferably refer to the components belonging to the labeling device 1, in particular the functional units of the labeling device 1. The processing of the image data required for this purpose can be carried out by means of a data processing system assigned to the mobile visual output unit 26, such as a microprocessor. However, it is also possible for the image data to be sent to the evaluation arrangement 11 and processed by it. The image data can be processed in a variety of ways, for example using a heuristic or a machine learning model, in particular a convolutional neural network or another machine learning model associated with deep learning.The output unit 26 can serve to provide augmented reality, in this case to assist the operator 9 in implementing the recommended action. The interaction can include any physical influence on the surrounding object, in particular on the functional units of the labeling device 1. Thus, it is conceivable that the output unit 26 represents the opening of a closure element of the application arrangement 23 or the removal of a foreign body.

[0060] In this case, data glasses are wearable computers that add information to the operator's field of vision. For this purpose, the data glasses have a display, particularly a transparent one, onto which the information in question is projected. This can be done, for example, using a spherical mirror or a waveguide.

[0061] Also proposed is an evaluation arrangement 11 for the operation of a labelling device 1 for labelling, in particular for pricing, individual packages 2, wherein the labelling device 1 has at least one weighing arrangement 3, a dispensing arrangement 4 and a printer arrangement 6 as functional units, wherein the functional units are controlled by an operating control 7 of the labelling device 1 in a labelling routine according to a control specification and on the basis of operating parameters of the functional units, wherein the labelling device 1 has a user interface 8 by means of which control commands from an operator 9 are received and the labelling routine is carried out by means of the operating control 7 based on the control commands, wherein the evaluation arrangement 11 determines at least one operating state value of the functional units using a sensor device assigned to the labelling device 1,and wherein the evaluation arrangement 11 monitors the at least one operating state value and / or the received control commands for fulfillment of a predetermined deviation criterion and initiates a notification routine upon fulfillment of the deviation criterion.

[0062] Furthermore, it is preferably provided here that the evaluation device 11, in the notification routine, initiates the output of a recommended action to the operator 9 via the operator interface 8, and that the recommended action contains at least one operator action to be performed by the operator 9 aimed at modifying the labeling routine. Reference is made to all explanations of the proposed method.

[0063] Preferably, the evaluation arrangement 11 is also configured to control the functional units for labeling the individual packages 2 in a labeling routine. In this respect, the evaluation arrangement 11 can contain the previously described operating control 7.

[0064] A labeling device 1 is proposed for implementing the proposed method. Reference is made to all explanations of the proposed method and the proposed evaluation device 11.

[0065] Also disclosed as a further subject matter having independent significance is a computer program product with instructions which, when executed on a computer of an evaluation arrangement 11 of a labelling system, cause the evaluation arrangement 11 to carry out the proposed method.

[0066] The computer program product is preferably stored in an electronic memory. Particularly preferably, the evaluation arrangement 11 comprises a memory in which the instructions of the computer program product are stored, and at least one processor for executing the program instructions. The memory and the instructions are configured, together with the processor, to control the labeling system for carrying out the proposed method.

[0067] The memory preferably comprises a non-volatile memory for the program instructions, for example, a flash memory, an EEPROM memory, a magnetic memory, and / or an optical memory. The memory may further be equipped with a working memory, preferably a random access memory (RAM) or the like. The processor preferably comprises a microprocessor, a digital signal processor, and / or an application-specific integrated circuit.

Claims

Patent claims 1. A method for operating a labeling device (1) for labeling, in particular for pricing, individual packages (2), wherein the labeling device (1) has at least one weighing arrangement (3), a dispensing arrangement (4) and a printer arrangement (6) as functional units, wherein the functional units are controlled by an operating control (7) of the labeling device (1) in a labeling routine according to a control specification and on the basis of operating parameters of the functional units, wherein the labeling device (1) has a user interface (8) by means of which control commands from an operator (9) are received and the labeling routine is carried out by means of the operating control (7) based on the control commands, wherein at least one operating state value of the functional units is determined by means of an evaluation arrangement (11) based on a sensor device assigned to the labeling device (1),and wherein the at least one operating state value and / or the received control commands are monitored for compliance with a predetermined deviation criterion by means of the evaluation arrangement (11), and a notification routine is executed upon compliance with the deviation criterion, characterized in that the output of a recommended action to the operator (9) via the operator interface (8) is initiated in the notification routine by means of the evaluation arrangement (11), and that the recommended action contains at least one operator action to be carried out by the operator (9) and directed towards modifying the labeling routine.

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the operator action contained in the recommended action is aimed at canceling the fulfillment of the deviation criterion.

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the operator action contained in the recommended action concerns the change of at least one operating parameter, preferably that the labeling device (1) has a feed arrangement (20) for transporting the packages (2) and that the operating parameter to be changed relates to the transport speed of the feed arrangement (20), and / or that the operator action relates to changing the spatial orientation of the packages (2).

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

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor arrangement (12) has at least one humidity sensor (19) and that the deviation criterion relates to air humidity values ​​determined via the humidity sensor (19).

6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the deviation criterion contains an operating error criterion which relates to the received control commands, preferably that the operating error criterion is defined as a function of the at least one operating state value.

7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operator (9) is requested, as part of the notification routine, to make an operator input at the operator interface (8), preferably that the operator (9) confirms acknowledgment of the recommended action with the operator input.

8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the notification routine the fulfillment of a termination criterion is monitored and that by means of the evaluation arrangement (11) an emergency routine is carried out upon fulfillment of the termination criterion, preferably that the emergency routine comprises a modification of the labeling routine carried out automatically by means of the evaluation arrangement (11), further preferably that the modification of the labeling routine involves the interruption of the control at least one of the functional units is covered by the evaluation arrangement (11).

9. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the termination criterion is at least partially defined by the fact that the operator input is missing within a predetermined time interval, and / or that the termination criterion is at least partially defined by the fact that at least one operator action contained in the recommended action is missing within a predetermined optimization time interval.

10. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operator interface (8) has a mobile visual output unit (26), and that the operator action contained in the recommended action is visually displayed by means of the output unit (26).

11. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the output unit (26) has a camera unit for capturing image data, wherein the output unit (26) is configured to visually display an interaction contained in the recommended action as an operator action with at least one object captured in the image data, in particular a component of the labeling device (1), preferably in that the output unit (26) is designed as data glasses.

12. Evaluation arrangement for the operation of a labelling device (1) for labelling, in particular for pricing, individual packages (2), wherein the labelling device (1) has at least one weighing arrangement (3), a dispensing arrangement (4) and a printer arrangement (6) as functional units, wherein the functional units are controlled by an operating control (7) of the labelling device (1) in a labelling routine according to a control specification and on the basis of operating parameters of the functional units, wherein the labelling device (1) has an operator interface (8) by means of which control commands from an operator (9) are received and the labelling routine is carried out by means of the operating control (7) based on the control commands, wherein the evaluation arrangement (11) determines at least one operating state value of the functional units using a sensor device assigned to the labeling device (1), and wherein the evaluation arrangement (11) monitors the at least one operating state value and / or the received control commands for fulfillment of a predetermined deviation criterion and initiates a notification routine upon fulfillment of the deviation criterion, characterized in that the evaluation arrangement (11) in the notification routine initiates the output of a recommended action to the operator (9) via the operator interface (8), and that the recommended action contains at least one operator action to be carried out by the operator (9) and directed at modifying the labeling routine.

13. Labeling device for carrying out the method according to one of claims 1 to 11.

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