Labelling Control Feedback for Systematic Error Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing labeling systems struggle to reliably detect and correct systematic errors in the labeling routine that have a long-term impact on labeling quality, as these errors are not readily identified through automatic sensor data evaluation.

Innovation Solution

Implement a user query routine where a user's level of satisfaction is recorded and compared to a predefined level, triggering a reaction routine to adjust control settings manually or automatically, involving an external control system for comprehensive error detection and correction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If automatic sensor data evaluation is used for monitoring, then real-time error detection is improved, but systematic errors with long-term impact are not reliably detected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveerror detection reliabilityVSAvoidsystematic error information
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where users are periodically prompted to provide feedback about labeling quality and system performance. This user feedback is stored and analyzed to detect systematic errors that automatic sensors miss. The system uses this feedback loop to continuously improve monitoring reliability by combining automatic sensor data with human observation insights.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If user feedback is collected to detect systematic errors, then error detection reliability is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystematic error detectionVSAvoidmonitoring system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements a self-service approach where users directly provide feedback through a simple interface when prompted. The control unit automatically manages storing, analyzing, and acting on this feedback without requiring additional complex monitoring infrastructure. This keeps the system relatively simple while improving reliability through direct user observation input.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If control settings are modified based on user feedback, then labeling quality is improved, but automation level is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelabeling qualityVSAvoidcontrol adjustment automation
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements partial automation where control settings are automatically adjusted based on user feedback, but with the option for manual intervention. The control unit can automatically modify parameters like speed or positioning based on detected systematic errors, while still allowing users to override or fine-tune adjustments. This partial automation approach improves labeling quality while maintaining reasonable automation levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP4244144B1Method for the operation of a labelling system
Publication Date: 2026.02.18 ESPERA WERKE GMBH
  • EP4244144B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4244144B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for operating a labelling system for labelling individual packages, wherein the labelling system comprises a labelling device (1) having functional units and a control assembly (11) which, in a labelling routine, controls the functional units in accordance with a control specification. According to the invention, a user query routine is performed by the control assembly (11), in which user query routine a user is prompted by the user interface (13) to input a state relating to a functional aspect of the labelling system and the state subsequently input by the user is detected by the control assembly (11), and the input state is compared with a predefined state by the control assembly (11) and if the input state deviates from the predefined state a response routine is triggered by the control assembly (11), in which response routine a message regarding the input state is transmitted, by the control assembly (11), to a control system (14) which is external to the labelling system and superordinate to the control assembly (11), and in which response routine the control specification is modified on the basis of the input state.