Retail Scale Strip Light State Indication for Easier Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Weighing scales often have complex and unintuitive user interfaces that make it difficult for operators to interact with and understand the technical state of the device.
Innovation Solution
A retail weighing scale with a housing containing a load cell and a strip light that is actuated based on the state of a state machine, using different lighting patterns to indicate various technical states such as target weight, paper supply, software updates, and operator verification, simplifying interaction through visual cues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a complex menu interface is used to display technical state information, then comprehensive information can be provided, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses different colors of LED lights (red, yellow, green) to indicate different technical states of the weighing scale. This allows comprehensive information about device status to be conveyed through simple color changes, eliminating the need for complex text menus and improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic lighting patterns including flashing and blinking LED lights to represent different states. For example, flashing lights indicate warnings or alerts, while steady lights indicate normal operation. This periodic action provides clear, intuitive information without requiring complex interfaces.
2Loss of information
If multiple menu levels are used to display information, then detailed information can be accessed, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the technical state information into distinct visual categories represented by different colored lights and lighting patterns. Each color or pattern type represents a specific state category (normal operation, warning, error, etc.), allowing detailed information to be displayed without creating complex menu structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/menu-based information display system with an optical system using LED lights. This substitution eliminates the need for multiple menu levels and complex interface navigation, reducing device complexity while maintaining comprehensive information display capabilities.
3Ease of operation
If visual indicators are added to show technical state, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a universal LED lighting system that serves multiple functions: indicating technical states, providing operational feedback, and guiding user actions. This multi-functional approach improves ease of operation while minimizing the increase in device complexity by consolidating multiple indication functions into a single visual system.
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
The solution provides a straightforward way for operators to understand the technical state of the scale, guiding them through tasks like reaching a target weight or counting items, and ensuring safe operation by indicating overload or software updates.
Implementation Method 1
The deformation portion has a strain gauge for measuring a weight acting on the platter
Implementation Method 2
A strip light is attached to an external wall of the housing substantially all around the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A weighing scale has a housing accommodating a load cell, having fixed, deformation, movable portions. The fixed portion is connected to the housing, and the movable portion bears a spider having a platter. The deformation portion has a strain gauge measuring a weight acting on the platter. A strip light is attached to an external wall of the housing. A state machine of a controller depicts states of the weighing scale. The controller either: applies a voltage to the strip light in a pulsed manner when the state machine is in a first state, and applies a voltage to the strip light constantly in a second state; or applies a voltage to a third group of LED lamps of the strip light constantly in the first state, and applies a voltage to a second group of LED lamps of the strip light constantly in the second state.