Systems and methods for weigh scale perimeter monitoring for scanner-scales
First Claim
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1. A system for reducing erroneous weighing of an item on a weigh platter of a scanner-scale, comprisinga light source disposed in or on a housing of the scanner-scale for producing a light beam;
- a detector for receiving the light beam, the detector disposed in or on the housing, wherein the light beam is directed along an optical path extending (a) from the light source, (b) along a path proximate an upper side edge of the weigh platter, and (c) to the detector,a light pipe disposed in the housing and extending along and/or through the weigh platter, wherein the light pipe provides at least a portion of the optical path for the light beam between the light source and the detector,wherein the detector is operative for detecting an interruption of the light beam due to an item encroaching upon or overhanging an edge of the weigh platter.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Systems and methods for reducing erroneous weighing of items such as by detecting items extending beyond a periphery of a weigh platter whereby in one configuration, the system employs a light guide for routing a light beam to a detector operative to detect interruption of the beam due to an item encroaching upon or overhanging an edge of the platter. In another configuration, the scale includes a perimeter gap between the platter outer edge and scanner housing frame or checkout counter, a light beam directed angularly upward through the gap is partially obstructed by the frame and platter whereby light exits the gap forming a light plane, wherein an object placed on the platter extending across the gap intersects the light plane thus scattering light rays, some of which are sensed by a detector. Various indicators for alerting the operator of off-scale detection are also described.
57 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A system for reducing erroneous weighing of an item on a weigh platter of a scanner-scale, comprising
a light source disposed in or on a housing of the scanner-scale for producing a light beam; -
a detector for receiving the light beam, the detector disposed in or on the housing, wherein the light beam is directed along an optical path extending (a) from the light source, (b) along a path proximate an upper side edge of the weigh platter, and (c) to the detector, a light pipe disposed in the housing and extending along and/or through the weigh platter, wherein the light pipe provides at least a portion of the optical path for the light beam between the light source and the detector, wherein the detector is operative for detecting an interruption of the light beam due to an item encroaching upon or overhanging an edge of the weigh platter. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method of reducing erroneous weighing of items on a scale at a checkout system, comprising the steps of
directing a light beam from a light source in a light path along at least one side edge of a weigh platter of the scale and to a detector; -
over at least a portion of the light path, routing the light beam within a light pipe disposed in or along the weigh platter; detecting an interruption of the light beam due to an item overhanging an edge of the weigh platter. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18)
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19. A method of reducing erroneous weighing of items on a scale at a checkout system, comprising the steps of
directing a light beam from a light source in a light path along at least one side edge of a weigh platter of the scale and to a detector; -
over at least a portion of the light path, routing the light beam within a light guide disposed in or along the weigh platter; routing the light beam through a hole or window in the weigh platter; detecting an interruption of the light beam due to an item overhanging an edge of the weigh platter.
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20. A system comprising
a scanner-scale including a housing having a lower housing section and an upper housing section joined to form a generally L-shape and a weigh platter disposed in the lower section, the weigh platter being supported by at least one load cell; - and
a system for reducing erroneous weighing of an item on the weigh platter of the scanner-scale, comprising a light source disposed in or on a housing of the scanner-scale for producing a light beam; a detector for receiving the light beam, the detector disposed in or on the housing, wherein the light beam is directed along an optical path extending (a) from the light source, (b) along a path proximate an upper side edge of the weigh platter, and (c) to the detector, alight guide disposed in the housing and extending along and/or through the weigh platter, wherein the light guide is disposed in and provides at least a portion of the optical path for light beam between the light source and the detector, wherein the detector is operative for detecting an interruption of the light beam due to an item encroaching upon or overhanging an edge of the weigh platter, wherein the light source and the detector are disposed in or on the upper housing section and on a same side of the weigh platter.
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Specification
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Current AssigneeDatalogic Adc, Inc. (Datalogic S.p.A.)
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Original AssigneeDatalogic Adc, Inc. (Datalogic S.p.A.)
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InventorsMcQueen, Alexander M., O'Donnell, Patrick M.
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Primary Examiner(s)TRAIL, ALLYSON NEEL
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Application NumberUS13/153,281Publication NumberTime in Patent Office872 DaysField of Search235/454, 235/375, 235/383, 235/385, 235/462.08, 235/462.43US Class Current235/454CPC Class CodesG01G 19/00 Weighing apparatus or metho...G01G 19/4144 for controlling weight of g...G01G 19/52 Weighing apparatus combined...G01G 23/18 Indicating devices, e.g. fo...
