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Systems and methods for reducing weighing errors associated with partially off-scale items

  • US 9,347,819 B2
  • Filed: 10/07/2013
  • Issued: 05/24/2016
  • Est. Priority Date: 12/09/2008
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A system for reducing weighing errors of an item being weighed on a weigh platter of a scale associated with a data reader installed in a checkout counter surface or other fixed object, the system comprising:

  • a scale including a weigh platter with a horizontal top surface adjacent the checkout counter surface or other fixed object, the horizontal top surface of the weigh platter including a lateral edge that is adjacent an edge of the checkout counter surface or other fixed object, the scale operative for measuring weight of an item placed upon the weigh platter;

    a data reader configured to detect a change in light reflected off a portion of the horizontal top surface of the weight platter proximate the lateral edge of the top surface of the weigh platter; and

    a controller coupled to the data reader, the controller configured (1) to determine whether an item rests partially on the checkout counter or other fixed object and partially on the weigh platter based on whether the item blocks a portion of the light that would otherwise reflect off of said portion of the horizontal top surface proximate the lateral edge and (2) to halt weighing operation upon such determining.

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