Weigh Platter Off-Platter Detection via Optical Reflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Weigh platters in barcode readers often fail to accurately measure objects that extend off the platter, leading to incorrect weight measurements and pricing due to variations in shape and size.
Innovation Solution
The integration of an off-platter detection assembly within the weigh platter assembly, which includes a light emission and detection system and a controller, allows for the detection of objects extending beyond the platter's edges by measuring the time-of-flight or signal strength of emitted light, preventing incorrect weight recording and providing alerts when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a weigh platter is used to measure weight, then weight measurement function is provided, but measurement precision deteriorates when objects extend off the platter
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of object position using the light emission assembly and light sensor before weight measurement. The controller detects whether the object extends off the platter edge by measuring light reflection characteristics, and only allows weight measurement to proceed when the object is properly positioned on the platter, preventing inaccurate measurements from being recorded
Solution Approach 2:
The light emission assembly and light sensor act as an intermediary detection system between the object and the weight measurement system. This optical detection mechanism provides additional information about object position and extent, enabling the controller to make informed decisions about whether to record the weight measurement, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and adaptability to various object shapes
2Measurement precision
If off-platter detection assembly is added, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light emission assembly and light sensor are integrated into the existing weigh platter assembly structure, serving dual purposes: the light emission assembly illuminates the platter surface and the light sensor detects reflections from objects on the platter. This multi-functional approach enables off-platter detection without requiring a completely separate detection system, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while still improving measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The off-platter detection functionality is merged with the existing weigh platter assembly by integrating the light emission assembly and light sensor into the same housing structure. The controller is also integrated into the existing system, combining the weight measurement and off-platter detection functions in a single unified assembly, thus minimizing the increase in overall device 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
This solution ensures accurate weight measurements by preventing the recording of weights when objects are partially or fully off the platter, reducing errors and ensuring correct pricing.
Implementation Method 1
The controller is configured to measure a time-of-flight (TOF) of reflected light, which comprises the time the one or more pulses of light are emitted by the light emission assembly to the time the at least a portion of the one or more pulses of light are reflected back to the light detection assembly and detected by the light sensor
Implementation Method 2
A light emission assembly having a light source is configured to emit a light away from the proximal edge. A light detection assembly has a light sensor and is configured to detect at least a portion of the light reflected towards the proximal edge
Data Source
AI summary
A weigh platter assembly includes a weigh platter having a proximal edge and a lateral edge and an off-platter detection assembly. The off-platter detection assembly has an assembly field-of-view (field-of-view) extending from the proximal edge and constrained to have an assembly central field-of-view axis substantially parallel to the lateral edge and at least one lateral boundary substantially adjacent to the lateral edge. A light emission assembly has a light source and emits a light away from the proximal edge. A light detection assembly has a light sensor and detects at least a portion of the light reflected towards the proximal edge. A controller allows the measured weight to be recorded in response to a first value from the light detection assembly and prevents the measured weight from being recorded and/or provides an alert in response to a second value from the light detection assembly.