Off-Platter Detection in POS Weighing for Accurate Pricing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing weigh platters at point-of-sale stations struggle with inaccurate weight measurements due to produce or products sitting partially off the platter, leading to incorrect pricing.
Innovation Solution
A barcode reading and weighing apparatus equipped with an off-platter detection assembly that modifies weight measurements or alerts when an item is not fully on the platter, communicating this information to a POS system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the scale continuously measures weight, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to off-platter items causing incorrect readings
Solution Approach 1:
A camera is introduced as an intermediary device to detect whether items are properly positioned on the weigh platter. The camera captures images and sends them to a processor that determines if the item is off-platter, allowing the scale to then adjust its measurement or provide an indication accordingly. This intermediary detection system enables continuous weighing while maintaining accuracy by filtering out incorrect measurements.
2Ease of operation
If the scale provides continuous weight readings, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to incorrect pricing from off-platter items
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by having the camera continuously monitor item placement and provide information back to the processor. When an off-platter condition is detected, the system provides an indication (such as a visual or audible alert) to the user, allowing them to correct the placement before final pricing occurs. This feedback loop maintains ease of operation while ensuring pricing reliability.
3Device complexity
If no off-platter detection is implemented, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to detect incorrect placement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical detection systems with an optical system using a camera and image processing. Instead of using mechanical sensors or complex physical structures to detect off-platter items, the system uses digital imaging and computational analysis, which achieves comparable or superior detection capability with less mechanical complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Ensures accurate weight measurement by adjusting or disabling the scale and providing alerts when items are not fully on the platter, thereby preventing incorrect pricing.
Implementation Method 1
a light emission assembly having a light source, the light emission assembly configured to emit a light away from a proximal edge of the surface; and a light detection assembly having a light sensor, the light detection assembly configured to detect at least a portion of the light reflected towards the proximal edge
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to methods and apparatus for identifying off-platter weighing conditions in barcode reading and weighing systems. The system includes a weigh platter with a scale to measure item weight and an off-platter detection assembly to determine if a portion of the item extends off the platter. It features a communication interface to connect with a POS system and a processor that processes inputs from the platter and detection assembly. If an item is not fully on the platter, the system adjusts the weight reading to indicate this condition and communicates the modified weight to the POS system.