Weighing Apparatus Controller Mobile Label Printing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing weighing apparatuses in retail settings require user contact for selecting item types, which can compromise hygiene and increase wear, and existing solutions do not effectively reduce user interaction or improve efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A controller for a weighing apparatus that communicates apparatus identification data to a mobile device via short-range wireless protocols, allowing the mobile device to receive weight data and item identification information to generate and print machine-readable labels, reducing direct user contact and enhancing system efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If user contact with the weighing apparatus is required for selecting item types, then the weighing apparatus can provide accurate item identification, but hygiene is compromised and wear on the apparatus increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveitem identification accuracyVSAvoidhygiene compromise and wear

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a mobile device as an intermediary between the user and the weighing apparatus. The mobile device displays a user interface for item selection and communicates with the weighing apparatus wirelessly, eliminating the need for direct user contact with the apparatus while maintaining accurate item identification capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical touch screen interface with a wireless communication system. The mobile device communicates item selection data to the weighing apparatus through wireless protocols, substituting the mechanical contact-based interface with a contactless electronic communication system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If a touch screen interface is used for item selection, then the weighing apparatus is easy to operate, but user contact increases leading to hygiene issues and increased wear

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser interface usabilityVSAvoidhygiene compromise and wear

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile device serves as an intermediary that provides the user interface functionality. Users interact with the weighing apparatus indirectly through their mobile device, maintaining ease of operation while eliminating direct contact with the weighing apparatus itself

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile device performs multiple functions: it displays the user interface for item selection, captures user input, and communicates with the weighing apparatus. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a dedicated touch screen on the weighing apparatus while maintaining usability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If the weighing apparatus processes all data locally, then the system is simple and fast, but it requires continuous power consumption and cannot leverage mobile device capabilities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelabel generation speedVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the data processing functionality between the mobile device and the weighing apparatus. The mobile device handles user interface and initial data processing, while the weighing apparatus processes weight data and generates labels. This division of labor optimizes productivity by leveraging the computational capabilities of both devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses wireless communication to transfer data between devices. The mobile device receives weight data from the weighing apparatus and uses this information to generate and display labels, copying the label generation function to the mobile device to reduce continuous power consumption at the weighing apparatus

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentEP3967992B1Controller for weighing apparatus

Publication Date: 2024.01.03 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC

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AI summary

There is provided a weighing apparatus (100), a controller for the weighing apparatus (110), and a computer-implemented method of controlling the weighing apparatus. The controller (110) comprises an output configured to communicate apparatus identification data to a mobile device (300). The controller (110) comprises an input configured to receive weight data from a scale (120) associated with the weighing apparatus (100), the weight data being indicative of a weight of goods on the scale (120), and to receive item identification information associated with the goods from the mobile device (300). The controller comprises one or more processors configured to determine label data in dependence on the weight data and the item identification information; and output a control signal to control a printing device (140) associated with the weighing apparatus to print a machine readable label in dependence on the determined label data. Thus, a user may utilise the mobile device (300) to control the weighing apparatus (100) to print a label in a manner such that direct user contact with the weighing apparatus is reduced.