The invention relates to a method and apparatus for collecting
master data. The device comprises: a scale, a camera for recording an image of the object, an evaluation unit with a
volume determination unit for determining the volume of the object, a
starter unit which automatically determines a
start time for recording the
master data relating to the object volume when the object is placed on the scale, a memory for storing the recorded
master data, an output unit for outputting the master data, the
starter unit being designed to determine the
start time from the recorded image of the camera, and the
starter unit having an
image evaluation unit for this purpose, and the
image evaluation unit being designed to carry out an object classification by means of which, in addition to the object, extraneous objects are also recognized as permissible or impermissible extraneous objects.