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WO2021090081A1 - Weighing scale arrangement - Google Patents

Weighing scale arrangement Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2021090081A1
WO2021090081A1 PCT/IB2020/057959 IB2020057959W WO2021090081A1 WO 2021090081 A1 WO2021090081 A1 WO 2021090081A1 IB 2020057959 W IB2020057959 W IB 2020057959W WO 2021090081 A1 WO2021090081 A1 WO 2021090081A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
scale
arrangement
weight
animation
operator
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/IB2020/057959
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Andre Emile ROODT
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of WO2021090081A1 publication Critical patent/WO2021090081A1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/048—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI]
    • G06F3/0484—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] for the control of specific functions or operations, e.g. selecting or manipulating an object, an image or a displayed text element, setting a parameter value or selecting a range
    • G06F3/04847—Interaction techniques to control parameter settings, e.g. interaction with sliders or dials
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01G—WEIGHING
    • G01G23/00—Auxiliary devices for weighing apparatus
    • G01G23/18—Indicating devices, e.g. for remote indication; Recording devices; Scales, e.g. graduated
    • G01G23/36—Indicating the weight by electrical means, e.g. using photoelectric cells
    • G01G23/37—Indicating the weight by electrical means, e.g. using photoelectric cells involving digital counting
    • G01G23/3707—Indicating the weight by electrical means, e.g. using photoelectric cells involving digital counting using a microprocessor
    • G01G23/3721—Indicating the weight by electrical means, e.g. using photoelectric cells involving digital counting using a microprocessor with particular representation of the result, e.g. graphic
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01G—WEIGHING
    • G01G19/00—Weighing apparatus or methods adapted for special purposes not provided for in the preceding groups
    • G01G19/40—Weighing apparatus or methods adapted for special purposes not provided for in the preceding groups with provisions for indicating, recording, or computing price or other quantities dependent on the weight
    • G01G19/413—Weighing apparatus or methods adapted for special purposes not provided for in the preceding groups with provisions for indicating, recording, or computing price or other quantities dependent on the weight using electromechanical or electronic computing means
    • G01G19/414—Weighing apparatus or methods adapted for special purposes not provided for in the preceding groups with provisions for indicating, recording, or computing price or other quantities dependent on the weight using electromechanical or electronic computing means using electronic computing means only
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B5/00—Visible signalling systems, e.g. personal calling systems, remote indication of seats occupied
    • G08B5/22—Visible signalling systems, e.g. personal calling systems, remote indication of seats occupied using electric transmission; using electromagnetic transmission
    • G08B5/36—Visible signalling systems, e.g. personal calling systems, remote indication of seats occupied using electric transmission; using electromagnetic transmission using visible light sources
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
    • G06T—IMAGE DATA PROCESSING OR GENERATION, IN GENERAL
    • G06T13/00—Animation
    • G06T13/80—2D [Two Dimensional] animation, e.g. using sprites

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a weighing scale arrangement.
  • the present invention relates to a weighing scale arrangement for the agricultural sector in particular for minimizing over target product waste.
  • Weighing scales are devices to measure weight or calculate mass.
  • Spring balances or spring scales measure weight (force) by balancing the force due to gravity against the force on a spring, whereas a balance or pair of scales using a balance beam compares masses by balancing the weight due to the mass of an object against the weight of a known mass or masses.
  • Either type can be calibrated to read in units of force such as newtons, or in units of mass such as kilograms, but the balance or pair of scales using a traditional balance beam to compare masses will read correctly for mass even if moved to a place with a different (non-zero) gravitational field strength (but would then not read correctly if calibrated in units of force), while the spring balance would read correctly in force in a different gravitational field strength (but would not read correctly if calibrated in units of mass).
  • a weighing scale arrangement includes an integrated scale including
  • a led indicator means and/or packaging animation means adapted to provide visual instruction for the operator to perform specific actions.
  • a weighing scale arrangement includes an integrated scale and having led indicator means and/or packaging animation means adapted to provide visual instruction for the operator to perform specific actions.
  • the led indicator means may be multi-colour LED Light indicator.
  • the light indicator may use specific colours and/or flashing patterns to communicate specific weighing scale actions to the operator.
  • the purpose of the light indicator may be to improve performance of the operator at the weighing scale, by removing the need of the operator to monitor specific instructions on the touch user interface.
  • the touch user interface may be a LCD display screen.
  • the light indicator may be used to compliment the LCD display screen, or can function independently without a LCD display.
  • the packaging animation means may include the following animations: (a) Where a packing specification has target and maximum permitted weight, a container is displayed that is animated to display the approximate fill. This provides a visual feedback in colour to the packer/operator to quickly pack to the specified target.
  • the weighing scale arrangement may be adapted to operate for standalone use or be part of networked production setup that is connected to other scales.
  • the weighing scale arrangement may be provided in a network mode.
  • each scale may use a unique identification address and each scale may detect its own identity duplication.
  • the configuration for weighing and display may be performed on the scale with the touch user interface or may be sent from a networked master controller.
  • the scale may display weight, accumulating totals and may calculate average over target weight.
  • the number or berries or bunches that must be added or removed to meet the target may be calculated from configuration data and current weight measurement.
  • Colour graphical display consisting of icons and animation may indicate the proximity of current mass to the target weight and number of bunches or berries that must be added or removed.
  • the graphical display of icons and graphical animation sequences may guide the packer or checker to reduce the over target product waste.
  • the mass may only be counted and accumulated, after it was removed from the scale, and if it falls within the pre-set configuration values, and remained stationary for a pre determined time.
  • the scale may automatically report counted units and accumulating totals to the master controller.
  • the scale may continuously receive leader board and rank information and display it to packer to encourage better performance.
  • Accumulating totals, counts and configuration may be stored on the scale and is available after a power cycle.
  • the scale may have seamless offline / online switchover without data loss in event of the master controller being offline or not available.
  • Counts and totals may be stored on the scale and will resume normal reporting when connection is restored.
  • the master controller may expose a Scale Application Programming Interface (Scale API) that is used to configure the scales, setup the production, control the production, and provide real-time scale and production data.
  • Scale API Scale Application Programming Interface
  • the master controller may connect via the internet to a cloud hosted service and provides real-time data and control of the production.
  • each scale may be unique addressed that allows an internet user with authenticated security access to view or control a scale, setup and production data.
  • Figure 1 a schematic layout of a weighing scale arrangement according to the invention showing the multi-coloured ED and the LCD display and bezel;
  • Figure 2 a screen print of led indicator means according to the invention and showing that the product can be removed
  • Figure 3 a screen print of led indicator means according to the invention and showing that the weight of the product is over the maximum weight permitted for the packing specification
  • Figure 4 a screen print of led indicator means according to the invention and showing that the weight of the product on the platform is too similar to previous unit and that slightly more product must be added or removed;
  • Figure 5 a screen print of led indicator means according to the invention and showing that the operator must perform on screen action;
  • Figure 6 a screen print of led indicator means according to the invention and showing that the system is being configured
  • Figure 7 a screen print of the packaging animation means according to the invention indicating that the container is empty (the packing specification permits 500g to 550g);
  • Figure 8 a screen print of the packaging animation means according to the invention indicating that the container is partially filled representing the progress;
  • Figure 9 a screen print of the packaging animation means according to the invention indicating that the container is partially filled representing the progress and just below the target weight;
  • Figure 10 a screen print of the packaging animation means according to the invention indicating that the container is filled within specification. After it remains stable for pre-set time, it will display the Tick mark as per next example. Once weight exceeds specification target, the animation does not display above the top of the container;
  • Figure 11 a screen print of the packaging animation means according to the invention indicating that the container is filled within specification and platform has remained stable and that container can be removed.
  • Figure 12 a screen print of the packaging animation means according to the invention indicating that the container is filled beyond permitted specification maximum and that the product must be removed from until the display turns green again;
  • Figure 13 a screen print of the packaging animation means according to the invention indicating that the container is filled too similar to previous unit, and filled weight should be changed until display turns green again.
  • a weighing scale arrangement includes an integrated scale including
  • a led indicator means and/or packaging animation means adapted to provide visual instruction for the operator to perform specific actions.
  • the invention also extends to a weighing scale arrangement includes an integrated scale and having led indicator means and/or packaging animation means adapted to provide visual instruction for the operator to perform specific actions.
  • the led indicator is a multi-colour LED Light indicator.
  • the light indicator uses specific colours and/or flashing patterns to communicate specific weighing scale actions to the operator.
  • the purpose of the light indicator is to improve performance of the operator at the weighing scale, by removing the need of the operator to monitor specific instructions on the touch user interface.
  • the touch user interface can be a LCD display screen.
  • the light indicator is used to compliment the LCD display screen, or can function independently without a LCD display.
  • Blue flashing System is starting up - Blue static: System is being configured, normally by authorized personnel
  • Weight is over the maximum weight permitted for the packing specification. Some product must be removed until colour green is displayed.
  • Operator/Packer has been assigned to, or was removed from working at scale. Either via manual assignment or with electronic card system.
  • the packaging animation means includes the following animations:
  • a container is displayed that is animated to display the approximate fill. This provides a visual feedback in colour to the packer/operator to quickly pack to the specified target.
  • the animation fills from weight to complete green to indicate the target weight has been reached. - When the weight has stabilized and is ready to be removed, a tick mark within a circle overlaying the container animation is displayed.
  • the animation will display yellow/orange when the weight is too similar to the previous packed unit. Slightly more product must be added or removed until the animation turns green again.
  • the weighing scale arrangement is adapted to operate for standalone use or be part of networked production setup that is connected to other scales.
  • the weighing scale arrangement can be provided in a network mode.
  • each scale uses a unique identification address and each scale may detect its own identity duplication.
  • the configuration for weighing and display is performed on the scale with the touch user interface or may be sent from a networked master controller.
  • the scale displays weight, accumulating totals and may calculate average over target weight.
  • the number or berries or bunches that must be added or removed to meet the target is calculated from configuration data and current weight measurement.
  • Colour graphical display consisting of icons and animation indicates the proximity of current mass to the target weight and number of bunches or berries that must be added or removed.
  • the graphical display of icons and graphical animation sequences guides the packer or checker to reduce the over target product waste.
  • the mass is only be counted and accumulated, after it was removed from the scale, and if it falls within the pre-set configuration values, and remained stationary for a pre determined time.
  • the scale In network mode, the scale automatically reports counted units and accumulating totals to the master controller.
  • the scale continuously receives leader board and rank information and display it to packer to encourage better performance.
  • the scale In network mode, the scale has seamless offline / online switchover without data loss in event of the master controller being offline or not available.
  • Counts and totals are stored on the scale and will resume normal reporting when connection is restored.
  • the master controller exposes a Scale Application Programming Interface (Scale API) that is used to configure the scales, setup the production, control the production, and provide real-time scale and production data.
  • Scale API Scale Application Programming Interface
  • the master controller connects via the internet to a cloud hosted service and provides real-time data and control of the production.
  • each scale is unique addressed that allows an internet user with authenticated security access to view or control a scale, setup and production data.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mathematical Physics (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Computer Hardware Design (AREA)
  • Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • Packages (AREA)

Abstract

The invention discloses a weighing scale arrangement, which includes an integrated scale and having led indicator means and/or packaging animation means adapted to provide visual instruction for an operator to perform specific actions. The integrated scale includes an embedded microprocessor; a graphical display; a touch user interface; a load cell; a load cell conditioning adapted for weighing fruit in bunches or berries to a specified target weight; and the led indicator means and/or packaging animation means adapted to provide visual instruction for the operator to perform specific actions. The led indicator means is a multi-colour LED Light indicator. The light indicator uses specific colours and/or flashing patterns to communicate specific weighing scale actions to the operator.

Description

WEIGHING SCALE ARRANGEMENT
FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention relates to a weighing scale arrangement.
More particularly, the present invention relates to a weighing scale arrangement for the agricultural sector in particular for minimizing over target product waste.
BACKGROUND TO INVENTION
Weighing scales (or weigh scales or scales) are devices to measure weight or calculate mass. Spring balances or spring scales measure weight (force) by balancing the force due to gravity against the force on a spring, whereas a balance or pair of scales using a balance beam compares masses by balancing the weight due to the mass of an object against the weight of a known mass or masses. Either type can be calibrated to read in units of force such as newtons, or in units of mass such as kilograms, but the balance or pair of scales using a traditional balance beam to compare masses will read correctly for mass even if moved to a place with a different (non-zero) gravitational field strength (but would then not read correctly if calibrated in units of force), while the spring balance would read correctly in force in a different gravitational field strength (but would not read correctly if calibrated in units of mass).
It is an object of the invention to suggest a novel weighing scale arrangement. SUMMARY OF INVENTION
According to the invention, a weighing scale arrangement, includes an integrated scale including
(a) an embedded microprocessor;
(b) a graphical display;
(c) a touch user interface;
(d) a load cell;
(e) a load cell conditioning adapted for weighing fruit in bunches or berries to a specified target weight; and
(f) a led indicator means and/or packaging animation means adapted to provide visual instruction for the operator to perform specific actions.
Also according to the invention, a weighing scale arrangement includes an integrated scale and having led indicator means and/or packaging animation means adapted to provide visual instruction for the operator to perform specific actions.
The led indicator means may be multi-colour LED Light indicator.
The light indicator may use specific colours and/or flashing patterns to communicate specific weighing scale actions to the operator.
The purpose of the light indicator may be to improve performance of the operator at the weighing scale, by removing the need of the operator to monitor specific instructions on the touch user interface.
The touch user interface may be a LCD display screen. The light indicator may be used to compliment the LCD display screen, or can function independently without a LCD display.
Specific colours may be utilized in following manner:
(a) Blue flashing: System is starting up
(b) Blue static: System is being configured, normally by authorized personnel
(c) Light green: Weight on platform is below specified target weight, and more product must be added
(d) Green static: Weight is on target, and must remain stable for predefined time
(e) Green flashing: The product can be removed from platform
(f) Yellow/Orange static: The weight on platform is too similar to previous unit. Slightly more product must be added or removed. (This is to mitigate cheating by placing same container back onto scale.)
(g) Red static: Weight is over the maximum weight permitted for the packing specification. Some product must be removed until colour green is displayed.
(h) Magenta static: Operator/Packer must perform on screen action.
(i) Magenta flashing: Operator/Packer has been assigned to, or was removed from working at scale. Either via manual assignment or with electronic card system.
(j) Red flashing: The system is busy shutting down. Do not disconnect power until flashing red switches off.
The packaging animation means may include the following animations: (a) Where a packing specification has target and maximum permitted weight, a container is displayed that is animated to display the approximate fill. This provides a visual feedback in colour to the packer/operator to quickly pack to the specified target.
(b) The animation fills from weight to complete green to indicate the target weight has been reached.
(c) When the weight has stabilized and is ready to be removed, a tick mark within a circle overlaying the container animation is displayed.
(d) The animation will display red if the weight exceeds the maximum permitted weight.
(e) The animation will display yellow/orange when the weight is too similar to the previous packed unit. Slightly more product must be added or removed until the animation turns green again.
The weighing scale arrangement may be adapted to operate for standalone use or be part of networked production setup that is connected to other scales.
The weighing scale arrangement may be provided in a network mode.
In the network mode, each scale may use a unique identification address and each scale may detect its own identity duplication.
The configuration for weighing and display may be performed on the scale with the touch user interface or may be sent from a networked master controller.
The scale may display weight, accumulating totals and may calculate average over target weight. The number or berries or bunches that must be added or removed to meet the target may be calculated from configuration data and current weight measurement.
Colour graphical display consisting of icons and animation may indicate the proximity of current mass to the target weight and number of bunches or berries that must be added or removed.
The graphical display of icons and graphical animation sequences may guide the packer or checker to reduce the over target product waste.
The mass may only be counted and accumulated, after it was removed from the scale, and if it falls within the pre-set configuration values, and remained stationary for a pre determined time.
In network mode, the scale may automatically report counted units and accumulating totals to the master controller.
In network mode, the scale may continuously receive leader board and rank information and display it to packer to encourage better performance.
Accumulating totals, counts and configuration may be stored on the scale and is available after a power cycle.
In network mode, the scale may have seamless offline / online switchover without data loss in event of the master controller being offline or not available.
Counts and totals may be stored on the scale and will resume normal reporting when connection is restored. The master controller may expose a Scale Application Programming Interface (Scale API) that is used to configure the scales, setup the production, control the production, and provide real-time scale and production data.
Multiple operators with different roles may connect to the master controller Scale API and display relevant setup and production data according to their specific role.
The master controller may connect via the internet to a cloud hosted service and provides real-time data and control of the production.
With cloud hosted scale service, each scale may be unique addressed that allows an internet user with authenticated security access to view or control a scale, setup and production data.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings.
In the drawings there is shown in:
Figure 1 : a schematic layout of a weighing scale arrangement according to the invention showing the multi-coloured ED and the LCD display and bezel;
Figure 2: a screen print of led indicator means according to the invention and showing that the product can be removed; Figure 3: a screen print of led indicator means according to the invention and showing that the weight of the product is over the maximum weight permitted for the packing specification;
Figure 4: a screen print of led indicator means according to the invention and showing that the weight of the product on the platform is too similar to previous unit and that slightly more product must be added or removed;
Figure 5: a screen print of led indicator means according to the invention and showing that the operator must perform on screen action;
Figure 6: a screen print of led indicator means according to the invention and showing that the system is being configured;
Figure 7: a screen print of the packaging animation means according to the invention indicating that the container is empty (the packing specification permits 500g to 550g);
Figure 8: a screen print of the packaging animation means according to the invention indicating that the container is partially filled representing the progress;
Figure 9: a screen print of the packaging animation means according to the invention indicating that the container is partially filled representing the progress and just below the target weight;
Figure 10: a screen print of the packaging animation means according to the invention indicating that the container is filled within specification. After it remains stable for pre-set time, it will display the Tick mark as per next example. Once weight exceeds specification target, the animation does not display above the top of the container;
Figure 11 : a screen print of the packaging animation means according to the invention indicating that the container is filled within specification and platform has remained stable and that container can be removed.
Figure 12: a screen print of the packaging animation means according to the invention indicating that the container is filled beyond permitted specification maximum and that the product must be removed from until the display turns green again; and
Figure 13: a screen print of the packaging animation means according to the invention indicating that the container is filled too similar to previous unit, and filled weight should be changed until display turns green again.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING
Referring to the drawing, there is shown a weighing scale arrangement in accordance with invention.
According to the invention, a weighing scale arrangement, includes an integrated scale including
(a) an embedded microprocessor;
(b) a graphical display; (c) a touch user interface;
(d) a load cell;
(e) a load cell conditioning adapted for weighing fruit in bunches or berries to a specified target weight; and
(f) a led indicator means and/or packaging animation means adapted to provide visual instruction for the operator to perform specific actions.
The invention also extends to a weighing scale arrangement includes an integrated scale and having led indicator means and/or packaging animation means adapted to provide visual instruction for the operator to perform specific actions.
The led indicator is a multi-colour LED Light indicator.
The light indicator uses specific colours and/or flashing patterns to communicate specific weighing scale actions to the operator.
The purpose of the light indicator is to improve performance of the operator at the weighing scale, by removing the need of the operator to monitor specific instructions on the touch user interface.
The touch user interface can be a LCD display screen.
The light indicator is used to compliment the LCD display screen, or can function independently without a LCD display.
Specific colours can be utilized in following manner:
Blue flashing: System is starting up - Blue static: System is being configured, normally by authorized personnel
- Light green: Weight on platform is below specified target weight, and more product must be added
- Green static: Weight is on target, and must remain stable for predefined time
- Green flashing: The product can be removed from platform
- Yellow/Orange static: The weight on platform is too similar to previous unit. Slightly more product must be added or removed. (This is to mitigate cheating by placing same container back onto scale.)
- Red static: Weight is over the maximum weight permitted for the packing specification. Some product must be removed until colour green is displayed.
- Magenta static: Operator/Packer must perform on screen action.
- Magenta flashing: Operator/Packer has been assigned to, or was removed from working at scale. Either via manual assignment or with electronic card system.
- Red flashing: The system is busy shutting down. Do not disconnect power until flashing red switches off.
The packaging animation means includes the following animations:
- Where a packing specification has target and maximum permitted weight, a container is displayed that is animated to display the approximate fill. This provides a visual feedback in colour to the packer/operator to quickly pack to the specified target.
- The animation fills from weight to complete green to indicate the target weight has been reached. - When the weight has stabilized and is ready to be removed, a tick mark within a circle overlaying the container animation is displayed.
- The animation will display red if the weight exceeds the maximum permitted weight.
- The animation will display yellow/orange when the weight is too similar to the previous packed unit. Slightly more product must be added or removed until the animation turns green again.
The weighing scale arrangement is adapted to operate for standalone use or be part of networked production setup that is connected to other scales.
The weighing scale arrangement can be provided in a network mode.
In the network mode, each scale uses a unique identification address and each scale may detect its own identity duplication.
The configuration for weighing and display is performed on the scale with the touch user interface or may be sent from a networked master controller.
The scale displays weight, accumulating totals and may calculate average over target weight.
The number or berries or bunches that must be added or removed to meet the target is calculated from configuration data and current weight measurement.
Colour graphical display consisting of icons and animation indicates the proximity of current mass to the target weight and number of bunches or berries that must be added or removed. The graphical display of icons and graphical animation sequences guides the packer or checker to reduce the over target product waste.
The mass is only be counted and accumulated, after it was removed from the scale, and if it falls within the pre-set configuration values, and remained stationary for a pre determined time.
In network mode, the scale automatically reports counted units and accumulating totals to the master controller.
In network mode, the scale continuously receives leader board and rank information and display it to packer to encourage better performance.
Accumulating totals, counts and configuration is stored on the scale and is available after a power cycle.
In network mode, the scale has seamless offline / online switchover without data loss in event of the master controller being offline or not available.
Counts and totals are stored on the scale and will resume normal reporting when connection is restored.
The master controller exposes a Scale Application Programming Interface (Scale API) that is used to configure the scales, setup the production, control the production, and provide real-time scale and production data.
Multiple operators with different roles connect to the master controller Scale API and display relevant setup and production data according to their specific role. The master controller connects via the internet to a cloud hosted service and provides real-time data and control of the production.
With cloud hosted scale service, each scale is unique addressed that allows an internet user with authenticated security access to view or control a scale, setup and production data.

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS
1. A weighing scale arrangement, which includes an integrated scale and having led indicator means and/or packaging animation means adapted to provide visual instruction for an operator to perform specific actions.
2. A weighing scale arrangement as claimed in claim 1 , in which the integrated scale includes
(a) an embedded microprocessor;
(b) a graphical display;
(c) a touch user interface;
(d) a load cell;
(e) a load cell conditioning adapted for weighing fruit in bunches or berries to a specified target weight; and
(f) the led indicator means and/or packaging animation means adapted to provide visual instruction for the operator to perform specific actions.
3. An arrangement as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, in which the led indicator means is a multi-colour LED Light indicator.
4. An arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the light indicator uses specific colours and/or flashing patterns to communicate specific weighing scale actions to the operator.
5. An arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the purpose of the light indicator is to improve performance of the operator at the weighing scale, by removing the need of the operator to monitor specific instructions on the touch user interface.
6. An arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the touch user interface is a LCD display screen.
7. An arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the light indicator is adapted to be used to compliment the LCD display screen, or can function independently without a LCD display.
8. An arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which specific colours are utilized in following manner:
(a) Blue flashing: System is starting up; and/or
(b) Blue static: System is being configured, normally by authorized personnel; and/or
(c) Light green: Weight on platform is below specified target weight, and more product must be added; and/or
(d) Green static: Weight is on target, and must remain stable for predefined time; and/or
(e) Green flashing: The product can be removed from platform; and/or
(f) Yellow/Orange static: The weight on platform is too similar to previous unit. Slightly more product must be added or removed. (This is to mitigate cheating by placing same container back onto scale); and/or
(g) Red static: Weight is over the maximum weight permitted for the packing specification. Some product must be removed until colour green is displayed; and/or
(h) Magenta static: Operator/Packer must perform on screen action; and/or (i) Magenta flashing: Operator/Packer has been assigned to, or was removed from working at scale. Either via manual assignment or with electronic card system; and/or
(j) Red flashing: The system is busy shutting down. Do not disconnect power until flashing red switches off.
9. An arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the packaging animation means includes the following animations:
(a) Where a packing specification has target and maximum permitted weight, a container is displayed that is animated to display the approximate fill - this provides a visual feedback in colour to the packer/operator to quickly pack to the specified target; and/or
(b) The animation fills from weight to complete green to indicate the target weight has been reached; and/or
(c) When the weight has stabilized and is ready to be removed, a tick mark within a circle overlaying the container animation is displayed; and/or
(d) The animation will display red if the weight exceeds the maximum permitted weight; and/or
(e) The animation will display yellow/orange when the weight is too similar to the previous packed unit - slightly more product must be added or removed until the animation turns green again; and/or
10. An arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, which is adapted to operate for standalone use or be part of networked production setup that is connected to other scales.
11. An arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, which is provided in a network mode.
12. An arrangement as claimed in claim 11 , in which when in the network mode, each scale uses a unique identification address and each scale detects its own identity duplication.
13. An arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which configuration for weighing and display are performed on the scale with the touch user interface or may be sent from a networked master controller.
14. An arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the scale displays weight, accumulating totals and calculates average over target weight.
15. An arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the number or berries or bunches that must be added or removed to meet the target are calculated from configuration data and current weight measurement.
16. An arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which colour graphical display consisting of icons and animation indicates the proximity of current mass to the target weight and number of bunches or berries that must be added or removed.
17. An arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which graphical display of icons and graphical animation sequences guide the packer or checker to reduce the over target product waste.
18. An arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which mass is only counted and accumulated, after it was removed from the scale, and if it falls within the pre-set configuration values, and remained stationary for a pre determined time.
19. An arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, which when in network mode, the scale automatically reports counted units and accumulating totals to the master controller.
20. An arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which when in network mode, the scale continuously receives leader board and rank information and display it to packer to encourage better performance.
21. An arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which accumulating totals, counts and configuration are stored on the scale and is available after a power cycle.
22. An arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, which when in network mode, the scale has seamless offline / online switchover without data loss in event of the master controller being offline or not available.
23. An arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which counts and totals are stored on the scale and will resume normal reporting when connection is restored.
24. An arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the master controller exposes a Scale Application Programming Interface (Scale API) that is used to configure the scales, setup the production, control the production, and provide real-time scale and production data.
25. An arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which multiple operators with different roles connect to the master controller Scale API and display relevant setup and production data according to their specific role.
26. An arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the master controller connects via the internet to a cloud hosted service and provides real-time data and control of the production.
27. An arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which with cloud hosted scale service, each scale has to be uniquely addressed that allows an internet user with authenticated security access to view or control a scale, setup and production data.
28. A weighing scale arrangement substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any of the accompanying drawings.
29. A method of weighing, which includes operating a weighing scale arrangement, which includes an integrated scale and having led indicator means and/or packaging animation means adapted to provide visual instruction for an operator to perform specific actions.
30. A method of weighing substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any of the accompanying drawings.
PCT/IB2020/057959 2019-11-07 2020-08-26 Weighing scale arrangement Ceased WO2021090081A1 (en)

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ZA2019/07383 2019-11-07
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Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1083418A2 (en) * 1999-09-07 2001-03-14 Cybratech (1998) Ltd. Configurable electronic component for a scale
US7872201B1 (en) * 2007-07-31 2011-01-18 Edlund Company, Llc System and method for programming a weighing scale using a key signal to enter a programming mode
US20110099504A1 (en) * 2006-12-04 2011-04-28 Monnier Carla A Scale with automatic offline indication and related method
US20120193407A1 (en) * 2011-02-02 2012-08-02 Metrologic Instruments, Inc Pos-based code symbol reading system with integrated scale base and system housing having an improved produce weight capturing surface design
AU2015100512A4 (en) * 2015-04-17 2015-05-21 Novopak Pty Ltd A Weighing Scale and Method of Use
US20190186986A1 (en) * 2017-12-18 2019-06-20 Clove Technologies Llc Weight-based kitchen assistant

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1083418A2 (en) * 1999-09-07 2001-03-14 Cybratech (1998) Ltd. Configurable electronic component for a scale
US20110099504A1 (en) * 2006-12-04 2011-04-28 Monnier Carla A Scale with automatic offline indication and related method
US7872201B1 (en) * 2007-07-31 2011-01-18 Edlund Company, Llc System and method for programming a weighing scale using a key signal to enter a programming mode
US20120193407A1 (en) * 2011-02-02 2012-08-02 Metrologic Instruments, Inc Pos-based code symbol reading system with integrated scale base and system housing having an improved produce weight capturing surface design
AU2015100512A4 (en) * 2015-04-17 2015-05-21 Novopak Pty Ltd A Weighing Scale and Method of Use
US20190186986A1 (en) * 2017-12-18 2019-06-20 Clove Technologies Llc Weight-based kitchen assistant

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