Electronic Scale Locking via EDP Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic scales used in applications like mixing paints are vulnerable to unauthorized use and theft due to easy accessibility, which hinders secure workflow and quality assurance.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating activatable switching means or program parts in the digital signal processing unit that lock the scale unless it is communicating with a higher-level EDP system, with the locked state stored in non-volatile memory, ensuring the scale remains unusable during breaks or theft, and can only be unlocked with a password or specific signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the scale is made easily accessible for speedy workflow, then productivity is improved, but the risk of unauthorized use and theft increases
Solution Approach 1:
The scale is pre-configured with a locking mechanism that automatically activates when not communicating with the EDP system. The control unit stores locking parameters in non-volatile memory, preparing the scale in advance to prevent unauthorized use during breaks or theft attempts, while maintaining easy accessibility during authorized operations
Solution Approach 2:
The scale continuously monitors its communication status with the EDP system and automatically adjusts its operational state based on this feedback. When communication is detected, the scale unlocks for use; when communication stops, it automatically locks, creating a dynamic security system that responds to real-time conditions
2Reliability
If the scale is locked to prevent unauthorized use, then security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is dynamic rather than static - it automatically transitions between locked and unlocked states based on communication with the EDP system. During authorized operations, the scale is easily accessible; during breaks or unauthorized attempts, it automatically locks, providing security without permanently hindering legitimate use
Solution Approach 2:
The scale autonomously manages its own locking and unlocking without requiring manual intervention. The control unit automatically detects communication status and activates the locking mechanism accordingly, eliminating the need for operators to manually lock or unlock the scale while maintaining both security and ease of operation
3Reliability
If the locking activation is stored in non-volatile memory, then reliability against power failure is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it manages the weighing operations, controls the display, communicates with the EDP system, and stores locking parameters in its non-volatile memory. By making the control unit multi-functional, the patent avoids adding separate dedicated memory components, thereby maintaining reliability against power failures without significantly increasing device complexity
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to electronic scales (1) comprising a display unit (9), at least one control button (11...14), a digital signal processing unit (5) and a digital interface (7) to a higher-order EDP system (15). According to the invention, the digital signal processing unit (5) has activatable switching means or programme parts for locking the scales, said means or parts only releasing the display of the weighing result for as long as the higher-order EDP system (15) communicates with the scales (1) and locking the display for the remainder of the time. The activation of the switching means or programme parts for the locking process is stored in a failsafe memory (21).