DE102016109908A1 - Method of operating a line for weighing goods - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for the operation of a line for weighing goods, in particular food, having a plurality of devices connected in series, which are interconnected by a transport system for the goods, each device is associated with a device-specific parameter set with parameters that for the Carrying out a respective weighing of a respective product to the respective device are required, the parameters associated with the devices may include one or more multiply existing parameters, each contained in a plurality of device-specific parameter sets, the devices are networked to a central location, wherein the parameters are entered, in particular changed, at the central location, and where, for an input of a multiple existing parameter, all devices of the line or several devices to which device-specific parameter sets are assigned, in which the parameter is included, are selectable and the parameter only once with effect for all devices, which are assigned device-specific parameter sets in which the parameter is included, is entered.

Description

The present invention relates to a method relating to the operation of a line for the particular automatic weighing and / or award, in particular price marking, of goods, in particular food, having a plurality of successively connected, in particular independent, devices, which by a transport system, in particular one or more conveyor belts for which goods are interconnected. In this case, each device is assigned a device-specific parameter set with parameters, in particular operating parameters, which are required for carrying out a respective weighing and / or marking of a respective product on the respective device. In particular, the parameters assigned to the devices can comprise one or more parameters which are present in multiple instances and which are contained in a plurality of the device-specific parameter sets.

Such lines are known in principle. The devices of such lines are typically a pricing or checkweigher, one or more labelers each with a printer, an inspection system such as a metal detector, an X-ray inspection system or system, a total printer, and / or a cartoning machine. The parameters are, in particular, goods-specific data, device settings and / or customer-specific data.

If a specific article for a particular customer is to be awarded to such a line, appropriate settings must be made on the devices of the line. For example, such a line may include a plurality of labelers each with printers that may be e.g. in the type of labelers (e.g., top / bottom labellers), the type of printer (direct print / thermal transfer printing), or the type of labels used (size, size, decorative labels). In addition to e.g. For example, the settings of how many labels are to be attached to the article, where these labels are to be applied, or which labels are to be applied are also the print layout, the contents to be printed and indications such as e.g. a PLU number or a best-before date. In addition, for example, a printing speed, a tape speed, a used tray size, a permissible weight range, and the like must be set.

Usually, it will not be necessary for a single device to have all the parameters, as exemplified above, which are required for carrying out a particular weighing and / or labeling of a respective product, but it will generally suffice to if this is the case for a particular subset thereof. However, the operation of a single device of the line may also be based on all the parameters of the line. The parameters assigned to a device are referred to in the present application as a device-specific parameter set.

For example, if the line is changed from the processing of an article to another article or from the processing of an article for one customer to another customer, the aforementioned parameters or information must be adapted accordingly.

The present invention has for its object to avoid errors in a conversion, as mentioned above, and / or in inputs, in particular changes, of parameters as possible.

This object is achieved by a method having the features of claim 1, and in particular by the fact that the devices are networked with a central location and the parameters are entered at the central location, in particular modified or edited.

The input may be a first-time input of a parameter or a change of an existing input. The parameters can be stored, in particular in XML format, and / or sent to the devices. In particular, the central location is an input terminal or a computer, preferably an input terminal or a computer associated with one of the devices of the line, in particular a pricing or checkweigher. In particular, the method may be performed by a computer program executed at the central location, in particular on the aforementioned computer.

According to a preferred embodiment, in particular according to an input mode of the method, all devices of the line or a plurality of devices to which device-specific parameter sets are assigned, in which the parameter is contained, can be selected for an input of a multiple-existing parameter and the parameter can only be used once with effect for all devices to which device-specific parameter sets are assigned, in which the parameter is contained in each case. However, if all devices are selected but one or more devices are not assigned device-specific parameter sets containing the parameter, this is harmless to these devices as the corresponding input is simple can be disregarded. In the method known from the prior art, parameters which are used by a plurality of devices and are thus contained in a plurality of the aforementioned device-specific parameter sets are entered in accordance with multiple inputs. By virtue of the fact that, according to the invention, a multiple-input parameter is entered only once, errors in which the parameter for one device is changed, but not for another device, or in which the parameter for the devices is changed differently, although made the same change be effectively prevented. Incidentally, the time required by the operator to change or check parameters is shortened. The parameters entered according to the input mode of the method may relate to both article maintenance and settings or the configuration of the line or devices of the line.

In one embodiment, the parameters are stored or stored centrally. The central deposit can be made at the central location where the parameters are entered or at another location, i. the location of the central deposit does not necessarily have to be the same as the central location. Basically, a distributed deposit is possible.

In contrast to the prior art, in which the aforementioned parameters or information for each of the devices are input separately and independently of the other devices, according to the invention, the parameters can be entered at the central location and stored centrally. Through the central entry and the central deposit and the related consolidation of the input the danger can be that with a conversion of the line on another article, on another customer or another change of for the implementation of a respective weighing and / or distinction of a the respective product parameters a corresponding adjustment of a parameter set of one or more devices accidentally omitted, can be reduced.

According to an embodiment of the invention, in particular according to an input mode of the method, for an input of a parameter, also for an input of a multiple-existing parameter, a device can be selected and the parameter with effect for only this device can be entered.

According to another embodiment of the invention, in particular according to an input mode of the method, multiple devices can be selected for input of a multiple existing parameter, which device-specific parameter sets are assigned, in which the parameter is included, in particular all devices, the parameter for Each of these devices must be entered separately and entered for at least one of these devices with effect for only this device. In particular, upon initial input, the parameter is entered for each of the devices. When changing an existing input, the parameter for one, several or all of the selected devices can be changed.

With regard to the greatest possible flexibility in the operation of the line, it is preferred if the method comprises at least two, in particular at least three different input modes, in particular as explained above, from which one can be selected or selected for a respective input , In one embodiment, the last used input mode is preset when a parameter is entered again.

Furthermore, it can be provided that one or more multiply existing parameters can only be entered in an input mode in which several devices are selected, to which device-specific parameter sets are assigned, in which the respective parameter is contained in each case, the parameter only having effect once for all these devices is entered. This is useful, for example, with the "best before date" parameter, which should be used equally by all printers in the line.

According to a preferred embodiment, the method is carried out by a computer program executed at the central location, which is used in the entry of the parameters, in particular in an input mode in which a device is selected and the parameter is entered with effect only for this device, or in an input mode , in which several devices are selected, to which device-specific parameter sets are assigned, in which the parameter is contained in each case, wherein the parameter for each of these devices must be entered separately and for at least one of these devices is entered in each case with effect for only this device, color indicates for which device an input is made, whereby different devices are marked with mutually different colors. The different colors allow an operator of the line to make changes to the parameters of the line to easily see which selected device he is currently making a change to. It can also be provided that a parameter which is changed with effect for all devices of a line, has a separate color coding.

The respective, in particular only once entered multiple existing, parameters can be sent to all devices whose associated device-specific parameter sets contain this parameter, automatically and / or on appropriate request of these devices out. If the parameter is contained only in a device-specific parameter set, it is only sent to the device assigned to this parameter set. The automatic shipping and / or the corresponding request can be made at predetermined times, in particular at periodic intervals.

According to an embodiment of the invention, a respective device-specific parameter set is extracted from stored parameters, in particular the aforementioned centrally stored parameters, and sent automatically and / or upon request to the corresponding device.

Another object of the invention is a computer program with program code means to perform the method described above, when the program is executed on a computer, in particular the central office. About the computer program, the parameters can be entered, in particular changed, and in particular deposited centrally.

Another object of the invention is a computer program product with program code means which are stored on a computer-readable medium to perform the method described above, when the program is executed on a computer, in particular the central office.

Another object of the invention is a line for weighing and / the award of goods, especially food, which has several successively connected, in particular independent, devices which are interconnected by a transport system for the goods, each device associated with a device-specific parameter set with parameters is that required for carrying out a respective weighing and / or award of a respective product to the respective device, wherein the parameters associated with the devices may include one or more multiply existing parameters, each contained in a plurality of device-specific parameter sets, the Devices are networked with a central location, and wherein the line is adapted to the parameters are entered at the central location, where for input of a multi-parameter present all devices of the line or multiple devices, which device specific are assigned to these parameter sets, in which the parameter is contained in each case, are selected and the parameter is only once with effect for all devices, which are assigned to device-specific parameter sets in which the parameter is included, is entered.

Another object of the invention is a plurality of successively connected, in particular independent, devices of a line for weighing and / or award of goods, especially food, networked central office, the devices are connected by a transport system for the goods, each device a device-specific parameter set is associated with parameters that are required for the implementation of a respective weighing and / or award of a respective product to the respective device, the parameters associated with the devices may include one or more multiple existing parameters, each in several of the device-specific parameter sets are included, and wherein the central point is adapted to the parameters are entered at the central location, wherein for an input of a multiple existing parameter all devices of the line or multiple devices, the device-specific param etersätze are assigned, in which the parameter is contained in each case, are selectable and the parameter only once with effect for all devices, which are assigned device-specific parameter sets in which the parameter is included, is entered.

Further developments of the line according to the invention and / or the central point according to the invention result in an analogous manner from the developments of the method according to the invention described above.

Non-limiting embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and will be described below. They show, in each case in a schematic representation,

1 a line for weighing and labeling goods,

2 a display for selecting an input mode for inputting parameters required for weighing and labeling goods, and

3 an indication of a special input mode for entering parameters.

In 1 is a line 11 for weighing and labeling of goods, especially food. The line 11 includes in the example shown a conveyor belt scale 13 , a first printer labeller system 15 , a second printer labeller system 17 and an optical inspection system 19 , each independently are operable. The individual devices 13 . 15 . 17 . 19 are via one or more conveyor belts 21 interconnected, the conveying direction by an arrow 27 is shown.

It is necessary to line up 11 or the individual devices 13 . 15 . 17 . 19 the line 11 all parameters and / or information as explained at the beginning of this application and which are required for a respective weighing and labeling of a respective product, to be specified by each device 13 . 15 . 17 . 19 a device-specific parameter set is associated with parameters that are necessary for carrying out a weighing and labeling a product on the respective device 13 . 15 . 17 . 19 required are. To enter the parameters, in particular change previously entered parameters, is a central point 23 provided, which is preferably an input terminal or a computer of the conveyor belt scale 13 on which a corresponding computer program is executed. The entered parameters are entered centrally, in particular edited. The entered parameters are central in the computer 23 or decentralized in the respective devices 13 . 15 . 17 . 19 saved.

The computer 23 is part of the conveyor belt scale 13 with this and by the way also with the other devices 15 . 17 . 19 the line 11 networked, so that the centrally stored parameters to the devices 13 . 15 . 17 . 19 can be distributed, taking to a particular device 13 . 15 . 17 . 19 only the parameters of the respective device-specific parameter set are transmitted. The parameters are preferably in XML format, which has a particular suitability for the platform and implementation-independent exchange of data. The centrally stored parameters can, in particular in the form of respective extracted parameter sets, to the devices 13 . 15 . 17 . 19 be sent either automatically or upon request.

For entering the parameters, three different input modes are available, from which you can select each one for the input of a parameter. In 2 a corresponding selection display is shown.

In a first input mode, a device is selected for input of a parameter and the parameter is entered with effect only for this device. A parameter common to all devices 13 . 15 . 17 . 19 the line 11 is relevant, ie a parameter which is contained in all device-specific parameter sets becomes only once in a second input mode, but with effect for all devices 13 . 15 . 17 . 19 the line 11 entered. A parameter common to several or all devices 13 . 15 . 17 . 19 the line 11 is relevant, but can also be entered in a third input mode so that it for each of the devices 13 . 15 . 17 . 19 must be entered separately, with the respective input only for the selected device 13 . 15 . 17 . 19 applies.

The advantage of this way of entering the parameters will be explained with reference to the example described below. For example, in line 11 on the first printer 15 Labels for a first customer and on the second printer 17 Labels are printed for a second customer. The goods run in the form of packaged food via the conveyor belt scale 13 , and the goods are assigned to the first or second customer depending on their weight. For example, heavy packs are assigned to the first customer and light packs to the second customer. Accordingly, depending on weight, labels intended for the first or the second customer are applied to the packages. There are print parameters available for the two printers 15 . 17 have to be set differently. For example, the first printer must be 15 print the name of the first customer on the labels, the second printer 17 however, the name of the second customer. The print parameter "expiration date" is the same for both printers 15 . 17 equal.

Entering the expiration date always affects the whole line 11 (In particular, the optical inspection system 19 to check the readability and correctness of the expiration date), ie both printers 15 and 17 because the goods always have the same expiration date, regardless of whether they come with a label from the first printer 15 or with a label from the second printer 17 be provided. Such input is then preferably made in the aforementioned second input mode. If, on the other hand, the font of the information to be printed on is to be changed, for example for the first customer, only the corresponding parameter of the printer needs to be changed 15 be changed. For this, the first input mode can be used.

In third input mode can make various changes to both printers 15 . 17 be entered simultaneously. It is advantageous if the selected devices 15 . 17 and one or more parameters P1, P2, P3 to be changed in the form of a table ( 3 ) and corresponding input cells 25 for the respective parameter in mutually different colors (not shown). Incidentally, a color representation is also advantageous, at least in the first input mode, in which only one device is selected. In all cases, it can be quickly recognized on the basis of the respective color for which device a parameter input, in particular parameter change, is made.

By the present invention, a possible error-free operation of a line for weighing and labeling of goods can be ensured.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

11

 line

13

 Belt weigher

15

 Printer / labeller

17

 Printer / labeller

19

 inspection system

21

 conveyor belt

23

 operating terminal

25

 input cell

27

 conveying direction

Claims (15)

Procedure concerning the operation of a line ( 11 ) for the weighing of goods, in particular foodstuffs containing several devices connected in 13 . 15 . 17 . 19 ), which by a transport system ( 21 ) for the goods, each device ( 13 . 15 . 17 . 19 ) a device-specific parameter set is associated with parameters that are suitable for carrying out a respective weighing of a respective product on the respective device ( 13 . 15 . 17 . 19 ), whereby the equipment ( 13 . 15 . 17 . 19 ) parameters may include one or more multiply existing parameters, each contained in a plurality of the device-specific parameter sets, wherein the devices ( 13 . 15 . 17 . 19 ) with a central location ( 23 ), the parameters at the central location ( 23 ), in particular, and, for an input of a multiply existing parameter, all devices ( 13 . 15 . 17 . 19 ) the line ( 11 ) or multiple devices ( 13 . 15 . 17 . 19 ), to which device-specific parameter sets are assigned, in which the parameter is contained in each case, are selectable, and the parameter only once with effect for all devices ( 13 . 15 . 17 . 19 ), to which device-specific parameter sets are assigned, in which the parameter is contained in each case, is entered. Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that the parameters, in particular at the central point ( 23 ), deposited centrally. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that for an input of a parameter a device ( 13 . 15 . 17 . 19 ) and the parameter is effective for only this device ( 13 . 15 . 17 . 19 ) is entered. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that for inputting a multiple-parameter present several devices ( 13 . 15 . 17 . 19 ), to which device-specific parameter sets are assigned, in which the parameter is contained in each case, wherein the parameter for each of these devices ( 13 . 15 . 17 . 19 ) must be entered separately and for at least one of these devices ( 13 . 15 . 17 . 19 ) in each case with effect only for this device ( 13 . 15 . 17 . 19 ) is entered. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the method comprises at least two, in particular at least three different input modes, from which one is selected for a respective input. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one or more multiply existing parameters can only be entered in an input mode in which several devices ( 13 . 15 . 17 . 19 ), to which device-specific parameter sets are assigned, in which the respective parameter is respectively contained, the parameter being used only once with effect for all these devices ( 13 . 15 . 17 . 19 ) is entered. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the method of one at the central point ( 23 ) computer program is executed, which in the input of the parameters, in particular in an input mode according to claim 3 or claim 4, color-coded, for which device an input is made, whereby different devices ( 13 . 15 . 17 . 19 ) are marked with different colors. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the respective parameter to all devices ( 13 . 15 . 17 . 19 ), whose associated device-specific parameter sets contain this parameter, automatically and / or upon request of these devices ( 13 . 15 . 17 . 19 ) is sent out. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a respective device-specific parameter set is extracted from stored parameters and automatically and / or upon appropriate request to the corresponding device ( 13 . 15 . 17 . 19 ). Computer program with program code means for performing the method at least according to one of Claims 1 to 9, when the program is run on a computer. A computer program product having program code means stored on a computer readable medium for carrying out the method of at least one of claims 1 to 9 when the program is run on a computer. Line ( 11 ) for the weighing of goods, in particular foodstuffs containing several devices connected in 13 . 15 . 17 . 19 ), which by a transport system ( 21 ) for the goods, each device ( 13 . 15 . 17 . 19 ) a device-specific parameter set is associated with parameters that are suitable for carrying out a respective weighing of a respective product on the respective device ( 13 . 15 . 17 . 19 ), whereby the equipment ( 13 . 15 . 17 . 19 ) parameters may include one or more multiply existing parameters, each contained in a plurality of the device-specific parameter sets, wherein the devices ( 13 . 15 . 17 . 19 ) with a central location ( 23 ) and the line ( 11 ) is designed so that the parameters at the central point ( 23 ), whereby all devices ( 13 . 15 . 17 . 19 ) the line ( 11 ) or multiple devices ( 13 . 15 . 17 . 19 ), to which device-specific parameter sets are assigned, in which the parameter is contained in each case, are selectable, and the parameter only once with effect for all devices ( 13 . 15 . 17 . 19 ), to which device-specific parameter sets are assigned, in which the parameter is contained in each case, is entered. Line ( 11 ) according to claim 12, characterized in that the line ( 11 ) is designed so that the parameters, in particular at the central location ( 23 ), deposited centrally. With several devices connected in series ( 13 . 15 . 17 . 19 ) of a line ( 11 ) for the weighing of goods, in particular food, networked central office ( 23 ), whereby the devices ( 13 . 15 . 17 . 19 ) by a transport system ( 21 ) for the goods, each device ( 13 . 15 . 17 . 19 ) a device-specific parameter set is associated with parameters that are suitable for carrying out a respective weighing of a respective product on the respective device ( 13 . 15 . 17 . 19 ), whereby the equipment ( 13 . 15 . 17 . 19 ) associated parameters may include one or more multiply existing parameters, which are each contained in several of the device-specific parameter sets, and wherein the central point ( 23 ) is designed so that the parameters at the central point ( 23 ), whereby all devices ( 13 . 15 . 17 . 19 ) the line ( 11 ) or multiple devices ( 13 . 15 . 17 . 19 ), to which device-specific parameter sets are assigned, in which the parameter is contained in each case, are selectable, and the parameter only once with effect for all devices ( 13 . 15 . 17 . 19 ), to which device-specific parameter sets are assigned, in which the parameter is contained in each case, is entered. Central office ( 23 ) according to claim 14, characterized in that the central point ( 23 ) is designed so that the parameters, in particular at the central location ( 23 ), deposited centrally.

Images