Secure Mobile Display of Weighing Results for Compact Scales
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing scales, particularly in retail environments, face challenges in achieving a compact design due to the need for display devices to show weighing results, especially when subject to legal metrology regulations.
Innovation Solution
A method that utilizes a mobile display device, such as a smartphone or tablet, to securely communicate with a scale via encrypted connections like Bluetooth or WLAN, displaying the scale's identifier and weighing results while ensuring compliance with legal metrology requirements through approved device models or adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a display device is integrated into the scale, then weighing results can be displayed, but the scale size increases and compact design is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The display function is extracted from the scale and relocated to the user's mobile device. The scale only transmits weighing data wirelessly, while the mobile device handles all display functions including showing weighing results, unit conversion, and pricing information. This separation allows the scale to maintain a compact design without sacrificing display capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device serves multiple functions: it acts as the display screen for weighing results, a calculator for pricing, a communication interface for data transmission, and a user interface for interactions. By leveraging the universal capabilities of mobile devices, the scale system achieves multiple functions without adding components to the scale itself.
2Adaptability or versatility
If wireless communication is implemented without encryption, then device compatibility is improved, but data security and authentication are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Authentication and encryption setup are performed in advance before actual weighing data transmission. The scale and mobile device establish secure connections, exchange authentication credentials, and configure encryption parameters before the user needs to use the scale. This preliminary security setup ensures both security and smooth operation during actual use.
Solution Approach 2:
A secure communication protocol acts as an intermediary layer between the scale and mobile device. This protocol handles authentication, encryption, and data transmission, allowing devices from different manufacturers to communicate securely through standardized security mechanisms while maintaining both compatibility and security.
3Device complexity
If scale identifier is not displayed on mobile device, then connection establishment is simpler, but user awareness of connected scale is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides immediate feedback to the user by displaying the scale identifier on the mobile device after connection establishment. This feedback confirms to the user which scale they are connected to, preventing confusion in environments with multiple scales. The identifier display serves as visual confirmation that enhances user awareness without significantly complicating the connection process.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for displaying the weighing result of a scale, in particular a shop scale, which comprises an identification, on a mobile display device. In said method, the mobile display device establishes a secure wireless communication link to the scale and displays the identification of the scale once the link has been successfully established.