Scale Guard Module Off-Weigh Platter Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Data readers equipped with scales often inaccurately measure weights when items overlap the edge of the scale or rest partially on the counter, leading to overcharging or undercharging customers due to the inability to detect such off-scale conditions effectively.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a scale guard module that uses non-light-beam-based methods, such as ultrasonic, radiofrequency, or light beam technologies to detect whether an item extends between the weigh platter and another surface, comparing acquired data to reference data to determine if an item is off-scale, and alerting the user or disabling the weighing function if necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a traditional scale is used without off-scale detection, then the device complexity is low, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inaccurate weight measurements when items overhang the scale
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary off-scale detection system consisting of light sources, light sensors, and control circuits that act as a mediator between the item being weighed and the weighing mechanism. This detection system monitors whether items are properly positioned on the scale before measurement, preventing inaccurate measurements without requiring fundamental changes to the scale's core weighing mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of item positioning before the actual weighing process begins. The light sources and sensors continuously monitor the presence and position of items on the scale platform, and the control system prepares to either enable or disable weighing based on this preliminary assessment, ensuring measurement accuracy is maintained.
2Measurement precision
If off-scale detection systems are implemented, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the off-scale detection system to serve multiple functions: detecting item presence, determining item position, controlling weighing enablement/disabling, and providing user feedback through displays or alarms. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems for each function, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical detection methods with optical detection using light sources and light sensors. This substitution simplifies the detection mechanism while improving reliability and precision, as optical systems can detect item position accurately without physical contact or complex mechanical linkages.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If light beam methods are used for off-scale detection, then detection capability improves, but the system becomes vulnerable to light interference and requires precise alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical patterns or codes placed on the scale platform that serve as reference copies for detection. The light sources illuminate these patterns, and the light sensors detect the reflected or transmitted light patterns to determine item position. This copying approach provides robust detection that is less sensitive to variations in lighting conditions or minor misalignments, as the system is detecting the presence or absence of the known pattern rather than relying on absolute light intensity.
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
This solution significantly reduces weighing errors by accurately detecting off-scale conditions, ensuring precise weight measurements and preventing customer overcharging or undercharging by alerting operators or halting the weighing process until items are properly positioned.
Implementation Method 1
transmit an ultrasonic wave toward the weigh platter edge
Implementation Method 2
transmit a radiofrequency signal and monitor a radiofrequency antenna for alterations of the radiofrequency signal
Implementation Method 3
transmit a light beam along the weigh platter edge
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for reducing erroneous weighing of items (530, 830, 1230, 1710, 2400, 3011, 3211, 3264) by detecting items extending beyond a peripheral edge of a weigh platter (110, 3020, 3020a, 3120, 3240) associated with a data reader (180, 190). For example, in response to a weigh request a scale guard module (210) acquires data indicative of whether an item extends between the weigh platter and another surface (160), compares the acquired data to reference data, and based on the comparison, determines whether an item extends off the weigh platter and thus on to another surface. The scale guard module may utilize non-electromagnetic compression waves (520, 650), radio waves (820), a portion of a data reader's scan field to scan a set of patterns (1500, 1700, 1900, 2000) extending along at least one edge of the weigh platter, an imaging based scanner (2300) to capture an image of at least one edge (2330) of the weigh platter, a light beam extending along at least one edge of the weigh platter with or without a light guide (3030, 3130, 3190) disposed in the weigh platter, a plane of light (3263) extending along at least one edge of the weigh platter, or any combination thereof.