DE102020127602A1 - Method and device for marking discrete products - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and a device for marking the price of discrete products, in which target values associated with the product result in an identification applied to a label belonging to the product, and the proper identification of the product can be checked by reading in the identification and determining actual values corresponding to the target values .

Description

The present invention relates to a method and a device for marking discrete products, in particular for price marking. Such products are preferably processed in succession in a product stream in supermarkets or in production plants.

In the industrial weight or price labeling of products, the weight of the product and a resulting product price are first determined, with these values also being referred to below as target product values with which the product “should” be marked. After the values have been determined, the product itself or product packaging is labeled with the product price (and usually also the product weight) in a form that the consumer can read. The marking is usually an imprint on a label that is applied to the goods or to the packaging. "Product" also refers to those goods that are packaged and identified by a label attached to the packaging. The values contained in the marking on the label should be referred to as actual product values in the following, indicating what the label actually "can" tell you.

Based on a measuring device that is subject to mandatory calibration, the price must be determined in a tamper-proof manner and the product must be marked with it. Statutory regulations (e.g. calibration regulations or a pre-packaging regulation) regulate the necessary protection against manipulation against falsification as well as the type and durability of the labeling. Here the agreement of the determined weight or product price (product target value) with the information shown on the label (product actual value) plays a decisive role. Accordingly, when determining the weight, calibrated scales must first be used in order to guarantee that the weight is recorded correctly. The price is calculated using a specified relationship between weight and price (table or formula which derives the associated price depending on the weight). The price calculation is also subject to calibration, but the input or provision of the formula or price table (both hereinafter referred to as “look-up table”) is not.

In the state of the art, the printing unit with which the weight or price is applied to the label is also subject to legal regulations and may require a type approval in order to guarantee that the product target values correspond to the actual product values (the expression " Printed work" can also refer to or include software that generates the print image, which, among other things, also ensures a legally specified minimum font size). The overall system "price labeling unit", including the means for weight determination, price calculation and labeling, should not offer any opportunities for manipulation. Accordingly, the scales, the price calculation unit and the printing unit are subject to calibration and are specified or approved in a preferably joint type approval. If one of these components, for example the printing unit, is to be replaced by a different and possibly more modern component, then there is a considerable time and financial expenditure for the approval of the new set of components.

The object of the invention was therefore to remove the printing unit from the obligation to calibrate and still be able to offer a calibratable pricing unit.

The object is achieved by a method according to claim 1 and a device according to claim 10. Further advantageous embodiments result from the dependent claims.

In the following, a measuring device subject to mandatory calibration is to be understood as a device that is subject to mandatory calibration by the legislature, for which a type approval or a type examination certificate usually has to be obtained. This must be presented for the first calibration and for recalibrations that usually have to be repeated periodically, in order to prove the conformity of the measuring device to be calibrated with the type test specimen from the approval phase and with the legal calibration regulations at the time of the verification.

With the granting of the type approval or the type examination certificate, the device or a process to be operated with it is considered to be verifiable. The invention is based on the idea of temporarily storing the target product values that are subject to legal control and printing them onto the label using a printing unit that is not subject to legal control. In a subsequent verification that is subject to official calibration, it is checked whether the stored product target values match the information on the product label. If this is the case, the product in question can remain in the production process or be processed further, otherwise it has to be ejected. According to the invention, the printed matter that is subject to calibration in the prior art is thereby exempt from the approval requirements. Instead, the mandatory verification is limited to the "actual" information that can actually be found on the label and thus does better justice to the purpose on which the mandatory verification is based.

The term “printed matter” in the context of this application means means with which markings can be applied to a carrier. In particular, this can be a printer that can apply optically perceptible characters to a carrier, for example an adhesive label, with ink or other colorants, or for example by laser engraving. Markings that are recognizable with the help of UV light are also conceivable. Markings that can be scanned mechanically or tactilely (e.g. based on the example of punched cards or Braille) can also be part of the marking, for example by embossing, punching or engraving. However, it is also conceivable to print directly on a product or its packaging, because the carrier can also be the product itself or its packaging or another means to be connected to the product, which can be written with information.

"Label" within the meaning of this application can be the adhesive label mentioned, which is stuck onto the product or its packaging before or after printing, and represents a preferred variant that is presented in more detail in the following description. In a broader sense, however, “label” should be understood to mean any means that can be written with information using the printing unit and that can be physically assigned to a product, such as an RFID chip, for example. This is also designed to record information, albeit in electronic form. According to this expanded understanding of the term “label”, the term “printing unit” or “print” should also be understood in a correspondingly expanded manner, for example in the sense of an electronic unit for writing to an RFID chip or data storage on the RFID label. Accordingly, a "reading system" within the meaning of the invention is designed to read the information applied to the label. The reading system preferably includes a camera, possibly with suitable evaluation means. In a broader sense, however, a reading unit that can read data from an RFID memory or similar storage means can also be part of the reading system. According to the invention, all components and data processing steps located between determining the weight or price and the finished imprint or label can be removed from the calibration requirement. The printing unit, the generation of the print image and the transfer of the print image to the product can be carried out with any uncalibrated modules, which means a high degree of flexibility and freedom for the device manufacturer and its customers.

1. a) Erzeugen wenigstens eines, insbesondere eichpflichtigen, Produkt-Sollwertes mit ersten, eichfähigen Erzeugungsmitteln. Zu den Produkt-Sollwerten gehört insbesondere das Gewicht oder der daraus resultierende Preis. Die Gewichtsermittlung erfolgt in bekannter Weise mit einer eichpflichtigen Waage, und die Ermittlung des zugehörigen Preises erfolgt mithilfe einer ebenfalls eichpflichtigen Preisberechnungseinheit, welche Zugriff auf eine Korrelation zwischen Preis und Gewicht hat. Die Preisberechnungseinheit umfasst dazu eine Datenverarbeitungseinheit, die bevorzugt gegen Manipulation durch eine geeignete Eichverriegelung (z.B. Hardware-Eichschalter oder Software-Audit-Trail-Zähler) geschützt ist.
2. b) Speicherung des wenigstens einen Produkt-Sollwertes mit eichfähigen Speichermitteln. Die Speichermittel dienen dazu, die ermittelten Produkt-Sollwerte kurzfristig zu speichern, um sie für den anschließenden Vergleich mit den Produkt-Istwerten bereitzuhalten. Eine dauerhafte oder Langzeit-Speicherung im Sinne eines Alibispeichers (Data Storage Device DSD oder Longterm-Storage) ist hingegen nicht erforderlich.
3. c) Erzeugen einer aus dem wenigstens einen Produkt-Sollwert abgeleiteten Soll-Kennzeichnung auf einem Etikett, welches mit dem Produkt verbunden oder zu verbinden ist. Hierbei werden die Produkt-Sollwerte verarbeitet und einem nicht eichpflichtigen Druckwerk zugeleitet, welches eine die Produkt-Sollwerte enthaltende Soll-Kennzeichnung auf einem Etikett aufbringt. [In technischer Sicht sind die Produkt-Sollwerte in der Soll-Kennzeichnung des Etiketts enthalten. In eichtechnischer Sicht müsste davon gesprochen werden, dass nach dem Druck auf dem Etikett eine Ist-Kennzeichnung vorhanden ist, für die noch zu überprüfen wäre, ob in ihr enthaltene Angaben bzw. daraus abgeleitete Produkt-Istwerte tatsächlich den Produkt-Sollwerten entsprechen]. Die Soll-Kennzeichnung enthält vorzugsweise eine aus Buchstaben und/oder Zahlen und/oder Sonderzeichen gebildete Darstellung eines Preises mit Betrag und Einheit, beispielsweise „€ 2,99“ oder „$ 4,79“. Weiterhin bevorzugt ist auch ein Produktgewicht in gleicher Weise dargestellt, beispielsweise „30 g e“. Wie vorstehend bereits ausgeführt wurde, kann die Soll-Kennzeichnung auch Produkt-Sollwerte oder sonstige Angaben in codierter Form enthalten, beispielsweise als Barcode oder in elektronischer Form, wenn es sich bei dem Etikett beispielsweise um einen RFID-Chip handelt. Das Beschreiben bzw. Bedrucken des Etiketts geschieht bevorzugt, nachdem das Etikett mit dem Produkt verbunden wurde, um einer Manipulation vorzubeugen. Denkbar ist aber auch, das Etikett zu bedrucken, bevor es mit dem Produkt verbunden wird, sofern manipulationssicher dafür gesorgt ist, dass das Etikett zu einem späteren Zeitpunkt mit dem zugehörigen Produkt verbunden wird.
4. d) Erfassen einer auf dem Etikett angebrachten Ist-Kennzeichnung mit einem Lesesystem. Analog zum Beschreiben bzw. Bedrucken geschieht das Erfassen bevorzugt, nachdem das Etikett mit dem Produkt verbunden wurde, um einer Manipulation vorzubeugen. Denkbar ist aber auch, das Etikett bereits auszulesen, bevor es mit dem Produkt verbunden wird, sofern manipulationssicher dafür gesorgt ist, dass das Etikett zu einem späteren Zeitpunkt mit dem zugehörigen Produkt verbunden wird. Zur Erfassung der auf dem Etikett aufgebrachten Kennzeichnung (die in eichtechnischer Sicht zunächst als Ist-Kennzeichnung ohne Bezug zu den Produkt-Sollwerten zu betrachten ist), wird ein Lesesystem verwendet. Bevorzugt umfasst das Lesesystem ein Kamerasystem mit einer Kamera, welche die Kennzeichnung als Bild erfasst (zum Auslesen elektronisch auf dem Etikett gespeicherter Angaben umfasst das Lesesystem entsprechend dazu geeignete Mittel). In einer bevorzugten Version vergehen zwischen dem Druck der Soll-Kennzeichnung auf das Etikett und der Erfassung der Ist-Kennzeichnung mit der Kamera vorzugsweise nur wenige Sekunden oder Sekundenbruchteile. Idealerweise ist die Kamera relativ zum Druckwerk entlang eines Produktförderwegs so positioniert, dass das auf die Verpackung aufgebrachte und bedruckte Etikett unmittelbar stromabwärts des Druckwerks von der Kamera erfasst werden kann. Allerdings kann der räumliche und/oder zeitliche Abstand zwischen den einzelnen Komponenten auch größer gewählt werden, solange die eindeutige Zuordnung zwischen geprüftem Etikett und zugehörigem Produkt sichergestellt ist.
5. e) Erzeugen von Produkt-Istwerten aus der erfassten Ist-Kennzeichnung mit zweiten Erzeugungsmitteln (E2). Aus der von dem Lesesystem aufgenommenen Ist-Kennzeichnung werden durch geeignete Datenverarbeitungsmittel diejenigen Angaben von dem Etikett entnommen und verarbeitet, aus denen die den Produkt-Sollwerten vorgeblich entsprechenden Produkt-Istwerte erzeugt werden können. Basiert das Lesesystem auf einer Kamera, so werden geeignete Bildverarbeitungsmittel dazu verwendet (Alternativ können in elektronischer Form auf einem RFID-Chip gespeicherte Daten mit einer geeigneten RFID-Leseeinheit ausgelesen werden). Eine Bildverarbeitung und Erzeugung der Produkt-Istwerte kann innerhalb des Kamerasystems geschehen, welches dann auch als „Smart-Kamera“ bezeichnet wird. Alternativ kann diese Aufgabe auch eine separate Daten- oder Bildverarbeitungseinheit übernehmen, welche die Bilddaten von der Kamera erhält oder beispielsweise Teil einer Steuerung einer Preisauszeichnungseinheit, insbesondere einer Preisauszeichnungswaage, ist. Entsprechend werden die zweiten Erzeugungsmittel von der Kamera oder der separaten Datenverarbeitungseinheit gebildet. Die zweiten Erzeugungsmittel sind dabei bevorzugt nicht eichpflichtig.
6. f) Vergleich eines oder mehrerer Produkt-Istwerte auf Übereinstimmung mit den entsprechenden Produkt-Sollwerten mittels eichfähiger Prüfmittel und Erzeugung eines vergleichsabhängigen Ergebnissignals. Durch diesen Vergleich wird sichergestellt, dass die zuvor ermittelten Produkt-Sollwerte, insbesondere das Gewicht und/oder der Preis, übereinstimmen mit den auf dem Etikett aufgebrachten Angaben. Die für den Vergleich verwendeten Datenverarbeitungsmittel sind bevorzugt eichpflichtig und können Teil der Steuerung einer Preisauszeichnungseinheit oder eines bevorzugt geeichten Kamerasystems sein. Sollten entsprechende gesetzliche Eichvorschriften für die Prüfmittel bzw. für ihre für den Vergleich verwendeten Datenverarbeitungsmittel nicht bestehen, so wäre es nach einer alternativen Ausführungsform auch denkbar, auf die Eichfähigkeit dieser Prüfmittel zu verzichten. Aus dem Vergleich folgt ein Ergebnissignal, welches die Übereinstimmung der überprüften Daten bestätigt oder verneint. Das Signal kann bspw. als digitales Signal vorliegen und für unterschiedliche Zwecke weiterverarbeitet werden. So könnte ein negatives Vergleichsergebnis dazu führen, dass das betreffende Produkt aus dem Produktstrom ausgeschleust und/oder die Preisauszeichnungseinheit angehalten und/oder ein entsprechendes Signal an eine übergeordnete Steuereinheit übermittelt und/oder eine Auswertung ausgelöst wird, welche die Abweichung der Produkt-Istwerte von den Produkt-Sollwerten durch Anzeige beider Werte in Gegenüberstellung und/oder durch grafische Darstellung anhand der von der Kamera aufgenommenen Ist-Kennzeichnung aufzeigt. Denkbar ist es nach einer weiteren vorteilhaften Ausführungsform außerdem, in Abhängigkeit des Ergebnissignals (vorzugsweise automatisch) den Gerätehersteller zu einer Wartung/Überprüfung oder eine Eichbehörde bzw. Marktüberwachungsbehörde zur Einleitung einer Eichüberprüfung zu veranlassen. Eine geeignete Signalübermittlung an die genannten Stellen kann vorzugsweise automatisch und auch in Begleitung weiterer Daten erfolgen, welche zur Identifizierung der Messeinrichtung dienen.

According to the invention, the mandatory verification of the information applied to the label with the previously determined target product values is carried out with the aid of a reading system which records the identification applied to the label. Using suitable image recognition means or electronic sensors, the calibration-related information in the marking can be determined and converted into actual product values, which can be compared with the product target values using calibratable test equipment. The method according to the invention for verifiable verification of the identification of discrete products comprises at least the following steps:

1. a) Generating at least one product target value, in particular one that is subject to legal verification, with first, calibratable generating means. The product target values include, in particular, the weight or the resulting price. The weight is determined in a known manner using a scale that is subject to legal control, and the associated price is determined using a price calculation unit that is also subject to legal control and has access to a correlation between price and weight. For this purpose, the price calculation unit comprises a data processing unit, which is preferably protected against manipulation by a suitable calibration lock (eg hardware calibration switch or software audit trail counter).
2. b) storage of the at least one desired product value with calibratable storage means. The storage means serve to temporarily store the determined target product values in order to have them ready for the subsequent comparison with the actual product values. However, permanent or long-term storage in the sense of an alibi memory (data storage device DSD or long-term storage) is not required.
3. c) Generating a target identification derived from the at least one product target value on a label which is connected or is to be connected to the product. Here, the product target values are processed and sent to a printing unit that does not require official calibration, which applies a target identification containing the product target values to a label. [Technically, the product target values are included in the label's target designation. From the point of view of calibration technology, it would have to be said that after printing on the label there is an actual marking, for which it would still have to be checked whether the information contained in it or the actual product values derived from it actually correspond to the product target values]. The target identifier preferably contains a representation of a price made up of letters and/or numbers and/or special characters Amount and unit, for example "€2.99" or "$4.79". A product weight is also preferably shown in the same way, for example “30 ge”. As already explained above, the target identifier can also contain product target values or other information in coded form, for example as a barcode or in electronic form if the label is an RFID chip, for example. The label is preferably written or printed after the label has been connected to the product in order to prevent manipulation. However, it is also conceivable to print the label before it is attached to the product, provided that manipulation-proof measures are taken to ensure that the label is attached to the associated product at a later point in time.
4. d) detecting an actual identification attached to the label with a reading system. Similar to writing or printing, the detection preferably takes place after the label has been connected to the product in order to prevent manipulation. However, it is also conceivable to read the label before it is connected to the product, provided that manipulation-proof measures are taken to ensure that the label is connected to the associated product at a later point in time. A reading system is used to record the marking applied to the label (which, from the point of view of calibration technology, is initially to be regarded as the actual marking without reference to the product target values). The reading system preferably includes a camera system with a camera that captures the identification as an image (the reading system includes appropriate means for reading out information stored electronically on the label). In a preferred version, preferably only a few seconds or fractions of a second elapse between the printing of the target identification on the label and the capture of the actual identification with the camera. Ideally, the camera is positioned relative to the printing unit along a product conveying path in such a way that the label applied to the packaging and printed can be captured by the camera immediately downstream of the printing unit. However, the distance in space and/or time between the individual components can also be selected to be greater, as long as the unambiguous association between the checked label and the associated product is ensured.
5. e) Generating actual product values from the recorded actual identification using second generating means (E2). Suitable data processing means are used to extract and process the information from the label from the actual identification recorded by the reading system, from which the actual product values which presumably correspond to the product target values can be generated. If the reading system is based on a camera, suitable image processing means are used for this (alternatively, data stored in electronic form on an RFID chip can be read out with a suitable RFID reading unit). Image processing and generation of the actual product values can take place within the camera system, which is then also referred to as a "smart camera". Alternatively, this task can also be performed by a separate data or image processing unit, which receives the image data from the camera or is, for example, part of a controller for a price marking unit, in particular a price marking scale. Correspondingly, the second generating means are formed by the camera or the separate data processing unit. The second generating means are preferably not subject to calibration.
6. f) Comparison of one or more actual product values for agreement with the corresponding target product values using calibratable test equipment and generation of a comparison-dependent result signal. This comparison ensures that the previously determined target product values, in particular the weight and/or the price, match the information given on the label. The data processing means used for the comparison are preferably subject to calibration and can be part of the control of a pricing unit or a preferably calibrated camera system. If there are no corresponding statutory calibration regulations for the test equipment or for the data processing equipment used for the comparison, it would also be conceivable, according to an alternative embodiment, to dispense with the calibration capability of this test equipment. A result signal follows from the comparison, which confirms or denies the agreement of the checked data. The signal can be available as a digital signal, for example, and can be further processed for different purposes. A negative comparison result could result in the product in question being ejected from the product flow and/or the pricing unit being stopped and/or a corresponding signal being transmitted to a higher-level control unit and/or an evaluation being triggered which shows the deviation of the actual product values from the Product setpoints by displaying both Shows values in comparison and/or by means of a graphic representation based on the actual identification recorded by the camera. According to a further advantageous embodiment, it is also conceivable, depending on the result signal (preferably automatically), to cause the device manufacturer to carry out maintenance/checking or a calibration authority or market surveillance authority to initiate a calibration check. A suitable signal transmission to the points mentioned can preferably take place automatically and also accompanied by further data which serve to identify the measuring device.

The product actual values and product target values can also include a product identification, which is used to distinguish one product from another product. The product identification can be used to clearly log products with a negative result signal and to further process or eject the products correctly. It is particularly relevant to check the target price of the product, calculated as a function of weight, against the actual price printed on the label, preferably in conjunction with the target weight or actual weight that is also calculated and printed. However, other product target values can also be checked according to the invention as an alternative or in addition. These can be values that relate, for example, to a volume, a dimension (length, width, height), a number of pieces, certain product dimensions or other information or properties that are assigned to a product. The dimensions can be recorded, for example, with a preferably calibrated multi-dimensional measuring instrument (MDMI).

According to a further advantageous embodiment, it is conceivable to record an individual product identification attached to the product and to include it in the target identification, preferably in a form of representation that differs from the product identification. For example, a product number could be converted into a barcode or an RFID tag could be converted into a form that could be read optically without technical aids, which should appear as a product target value or simply as an additional tag on the product label. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable to use a date, a time, a hash code, a random value or other means of cryptography that are included in the product identification and/or a product target value. This enables an internal system check of the product identification with the associated information on the label, for example to check whether a product actually has the associated label. Product identification could also be used to uniquely log products with a positive or negative result signal.

In particular, according to a further embodiment, it should be possible to include at least one target product value in a coded form (i.e. in a form that cannot be read by a person without technical aids) in the target identification. This can be a barcode, for example. This makes it even more difficult to manipulate the label, since technical means, such as the second generating means, are required to decrypt the code.

It is also conceivable to form a further product target value (Q _I ) from one or more product target values (A _I ). For example, a target price (Qs), which represents a second product target value, is assigned from the target product weight (first product target value, As) determined using the scales that are subject to official calibration via the look-up table described above. The look-up table itself is not subject to calibration. If the target weight (As) and the target price (Qs) are included in the target label and an actual weight (A _I ) and an actual price (Q _I ) are generated from the label recorded by the reading system, then, according to the invention, the target weight (As) can be compared with the actual weight (A _I ) and the target price (Qs) with the actual price (Q _I ). These are pairs of values of the "target-actual" type, specifically (A _S -A _I or Q _S -Q _I ). In addition or as an alternative, as a plausibility check, the actual weight developed from the actual labeling (A _I ) could be assigned a price as a "test value" (Q _P ) using the look-up table, which corresponds both to the determined actual price Q _I ( pair of values of the type "actual test", Q _I - Q _P ) and the target price (pair of values of the type "target test", Q _S - Q _P ). In this case, the look-up table is preferably used via a data processing unit that is subject to calibration. The look-up table is to be understood in such a way that an associated second value that is uniquely dependent on the predetermined value can be calculated or assigned from a predetermined value via a relationship contained therein. In this case, the second value can be determined by specifying the first value, and the first value can be determined by specifying the second value—correspondingly by backward calculation or reverse assignment.

It is even conceivable, for example, to transfer only a first of two target values (target price or target weight) linked via a look-up table to the target label and to read out its associated first actual value and combine these two first values according to the invention to compare. For the not in the target If the second target product value transferred to the labeling is then no check of a “target/actual” value pair is possible, but at least a plausibility check in the manner described above: from the first product value that is transmitted and available as actual values (for example target price Bs with the associated actual Price B _I ) can be determined with the help of the look-up table, the respectively associated other value (in this case the weight Q _P ) as a test value and then with the associated second product target value Q _S stored in the memory (as a "target - Check" value pair). In this way it can be determined, at least indirectly, whether the correct look-up table was used. Conversely, of course, instead of the price, only the target weight As could be included in the target marking in order to determine a price Q _P as a test value from the associated actual weight A _I using the look-up table and use it for comparison purposes.

For example, instead of printing the weight, the price per kilo and the product price, the aforementioned plausibility check allows only two or even just one of these details to be printed on the label. This reduces the possible size of the label, while the plausibility check can also ensure that the other values are correctly assigned.

Of course, both of the target values linked to one another via a look-up table can also be transferred to the target identification. Optionally, both or only one associated actual value can then be formed and/or a test value can be formed from one or both actual values via the look-up table and compared with the associated setpoint value. Of course, other product target values (which are not linked to one another via a look-up table, for example) can also be transferred to the target label and, if necessary, converted into associated actual values and evaluated.

The method according to the invention relates in particular to automatic price marking scales, but is also suitable for non-automatic scales in the same way.

A device according to the invention is designed to carry out one or more of the aforementioned methods and comprises at least the features according to claim 10. The device is preferably a price labeling unit, comprising first generating means E1, second generating means E2, a printing unit R, storage means S and testing means V. Expediently a controller is also provided which is partially or fully calibratable and can control the individual components of the device in order to identify a product in a manner according to the invention. The controller can also be designed to control other components (displays, conveyor belts, product switches, signal transmitters, etc.).

The device can be a pricing unit, which preferably includes a scale and is then also referred to as a pricing scale. Alternatively, it is also conceivable to design a scale that is subject to verification separately and to connect it to the price labeling unit or its controller via a link that is subject to verification.

• 1: ein Preisauszeichnungssystem nach dem Stand der Technik;
• 2: ein Etikett mit Produktdaten, und
• 3: ein erfindungsgemäßes Preisauszeichnungssystem.

In the following, an embodiment of the invention will be explained in a schematic manner with reference to the figures. while showing

• 1 : a prior art price labeling system;
• 2 : a label with product data, and
• 3 : a price marking system according to the invention.

1 shows a schematic representation of the conventional functioning of a price marking system according to the prior art. A product P is to be provided with a label M in order to identify the product with product-specific data, which includes in particular the product price and preferably also the product weight. For this purpose, the product P is weighed with a scale W, from which a weight value A _S results as the desired product value, which should appear on the label M in the example shown. A further target product value Bs, namely the product price, which is also to appear on the label M, is assigned to the product weight by means of a data processing unit via a look-up table L. A label M is provided with an imprint via a printing unit R, from which the product weight and the product price can be read. The label print created in this way and applied to the product identifies the product P with the product price and the product weight. The imprint can also contain other information that is not relevant for calibration.

In order to ensure that the product P is marked with the correct weight and, in particular, the correct sales price, the entire system consisting of scales W, price calculation and printing unit R is subject to mandatory calibration, which is indicated by a dashed frame surrounding these components in 1 should be indicated.

The label M to be affixed to the product P is exemplified in 2 shown in more detail. The label M serves as a carrier for an identification, which also includes the product price and the Pro should contain duct weight. After it has been printed on the label, the marking is considered to be the actual marking D _I . The prefix "Is-" indicates that this is the labeling actually applied. The target marking Ds must be distinguished from this. The prefix "Soll-" indicates that this is the intended marking with which the product P is to be marked. Analogously, a "product target value" (As, Bs) designates a value with which the product is to be marked, while a product actual value (A _I , B _I ) is the value that can actually be taken from the print on the label . Correspondingly, the actual identifier D _I on the label M in contains 2 the two actual product values A _I and B _I for the product weight and the product price. In practical operation, it can be assumed that the target values correspond to the actual values, but this must be checked using calibrated means. In the prior art, this is ensured by the obligation to calibrate for the entire system of scales W, price calculation and printing unit R. According to the present invention, however, this agreement is to be ensured without subjecting the printing unit to the obligation to calibrate, as can be seen from FIG 3 results.

Analogous to 1 a product target value As for the weight is determined there using the scale W again, and by accessing a look-up table L, a product price is determined with a unit for price calculation as product target value Bs. The scale W and the unit for Price calculation apply here as the first means of production E1. One or more additional product target values Qs can also be determined. The desired product values determined in this way are temporarily stored with storage means S in order to be available for a subsequent comparison. In comparison to the prior art, the obligation to calibrate is limited to the first generation means E1 and the storage means S, whereas the printed matter R should be exempt from the obligation to calibrate. This is indicated by the in 3 dashed frames around the mentioned components.

The desired product values As, Bs, Qs are output as part of a desired identification Ds to a printing unit R that is not subject to calibration, in order to print the label M with this desired identification Ds. The label M can already be applied to the product P at this point in time or applied to it immediately after printing. The product P then has a label M with an identifier assigned according to the explanations 2 is to be designated as the actual identifier D _I and contains information A _I , B _I , Q _I which, as actual product values, should correspond to the product weight and the product price.

Since the printing unit R is to be exempt from the obligation to calibrate, it must be ensured that the target values As, Bs, Qs determined for the imprint are actually correctly contained in the actual identification D _I . For this purpose, the actual identifier D _I is recorded using a reading system F, which is designed as a camera K in the present case. The image captured by the camera K is fed to second generation means E2, which use image processing means to extract the actual product values A _I , B _I , Q _I from the actual identifier D _I and convert them into a form in which they can be combined with the im Storage S stored target product values As, Bs, Qs can be compared. For this purpose, the actual product values A _I , B _I , Q _I are supplied to test equipment V that is subject to calibration. This can be a data processing unit that _compares the target product values As, Bs, Qs that are intended for the imprint and are held ready in the memory S and the actual product values A _I , B _I , Q _I automatically performs for one or more of these values.

Depending on the result of the comparison, the data processing unit generates a positive or negative result signal for further processing, which is not shown in the figures. The result signal can be used to eject a product that has been incorrectly marked, for example, from the product flow.

A plausibility check of the information applied to the label M can be carried out in the following way: A first target product value As, which is used with the aid of the look-up table L to generate a second target product value Qs, is shared in the usual way stored in the storage means S with the target product value Qs. Furthermore, in the manner described above, the first desired product value As is included in the desired identifier Ds and converted into an associated actual product value A _I using the second generating means E2. In addition to the inventive comparison of the product target value A _S with the actual product value A _I , an associated test value Q _P can also be generated from the actual product value A _I using the look-up table L in the same way as for the first Product target value As has led to the associated product target value Q _S . The pair of values (Q _S - Q _P ), with the product setpoint Q _S stored in the memory S and the test value Q _P generated analogously thereto, can then be checked for a match, for example using the test equipment V that is subject to official calibration. If the one from the first product If the second product setpoint Qs derived from the second product setpoint As is also included in the setpoint identifier and converted into an actual value Q _I , there is also the option of also checking the pair of values (Q _I - Q _P ) for agreement, again preferably with the help of the test equipment V.

reference list

AI, BI

Product Actuals

AS, BS

Product Setpoints

TUE

actual identification

DS

Target marking

E1, E2

first generating means, second generating means

f

reading system

K

camera system

L

look-up table

M

label

P

product

R

printing unit

T

Price labeling scale

QI

product actual value

QP

test value

qs

product setpoint

S

storage means

V

test equipment

W

scale

Claims (13)

Method for calibratable verification of a product identification of a discrete product (P) using calibratable product target values (As, Bs...) as a content component of the product identification, in particular as a method for implementation with a price labeling scale (T) that is subject to official calibration, comprising the following steps: a) Generating at least one product target value (As, Bs, Qs...), in particular one subject to legal verification, with first generation means (E1) capable of being verified; b) storage of the at least one desired product value (As, Bs, Qs ...) with calibratable storage means (S); c) Generating a target marking (Ds) derived from the at least one product target value (A _S , B _S ...) on a label (M), which is connected or to be connected to the product (P), the label (M) is designed to record the target identification (Ds) in an optically or electronically or mechanically readable form; d) detecting an actual identification (D _I ) applied to the label (M) with a reading system (F), in particular a camera system (K) or an RFID reading unit; e) generating at least one actual product value (A _I , B _I , Q _I ) from the detected actual identifier (D _I ) with second generating means (E2); f) Comparison of one or more actual product values (A _I , B _I , Q _I ...) for agreement with the corresponding product target values (As, Bs, Qs ...) using calibratable test equipment (V) and generation of a comparison-dependent one result signal. procedure after claim 1 , characterized in that the product weight and/or the product price and/or a price calculation factor and/or a product identification belong to the at least one desired product value (As, Bs, Qs...). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the calibratable testing means (V) are part of a smart camera or a controller for the camera system or a price marking unit, in particular a price marking scale (T). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one product target value (As, Bs, Qs ...) and the at least one actual product value (A _I , B _I , Q _I ...) of Product target price (Bs) and the actual product price (B _I ) belongs, the comparison being aimed at the agreement of the two prices (B _S , B _I ). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a plausibility check is carried out a) by using the first generating means (E1) a ₁ ) both a first product target value (A _S ) a ₂ ) and by means of a given relation from the first product target value (As), a second product target value (Qs) is determined, b) the first and/or the second product target value (As, Qs) being stored with the storage means (S), and wherein at least the first Product target value (A _S ) or additionally also the second product target value (Qs) is contained in the target identifier (Ds), and c) by using the second generating means (E2) from the actual identifier (D _I ). first actual product value (A _I ) or additionally also a second actual product value (Q _I ) is generated, and d) by determining a test value (Q _P ) from the actual product value (A _I ) using the given relation, and e) setting at least one pair of values ( _{Qs -QI} , _{Qs -QP} , _{QI -QP} ) to match immunity is tested. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a plausibility check is carried out i) by using the first generating means (E1) i ₁ ) both a target product weight and a first target product value (Q _S ) i ₂ ) as well as by means of a given relation (in particular a look-up table) from the first product target value (Qs) as a product target price, a second product target value (Bs) is determined, and ii) wherein at least the second product target value (Bs) or additionally also the first product target value (Qs) in the target identification (Ds), and iii) where from the actual identification (D _I ) an actual product price as the second actual product value ( B _I ) or additionally also an actual product weight is generated as the first actual product value (Q _I ), and iv) a test value (Q _P ) being generated from the actual product price (B _I ) by means of the given relation, and v ) wherein at least one pair of values (Qs-Q _I , Q _S -Q _P , Q _I -Q _P ) relating to the product weight is checked for agreement. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the target identification (Ds) contains a representation of a price with amount and unit formed from letters and/or numbers and/or special characters, from which representation when generating the actual product values an actual product price (Q _I ) is generated. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a product price or product weight is formed by a number and a currency unit or weight unit, and wherein the number and the unit each represent a separate target product value (As, Bs). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the result signal is used to eject a product (P) from a production process and/or to output an error message and/or to stop a production machine, in particular a price marking scale (T). Price labeling unit subject to legal control, in particular price labeling scales, for verifiable verification of a product labeling of discrete products (P) with product target values (A _S , B _S ...), which should be part of the content of the product labeling of the product (P), comprising a) first, verifiable generating means (E1) for generating at least one desired product value (As, Bs...); b) calibratable storage means (S) for storing the desired product values (As, B _S ...); c) a reading system, in particular a camera (K) or an RFID reading unit for reading in an actual identifier (DI) applied to a label (M); d) second generating means (E2) for generating actual product values (A _I , B _I ...) from the actual identifier (D _I ); e) calibratable test equipment (V) for comparing one or more product actual values (A _I , B _I ...) with the corresponding product target values (A _S , B _S ...). Price labeling unit subject to calibration according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the price labeling unit is designed for a plausibility check by a) using the first generating means (E1) a ₁ ) both a first product target value (A _S ) a ₂ ) and by means of a given A second product target value (Q _S ) can be determined from the first product target value (A _S ), b) the first and/or the second product target value (As, Qs) being storable with the storage means (S), and wherein at least the first target product value (As) or additionally also the second target product value (Qs) can be included in the target identifier (Ds), and b) by using the second generating means (E2) from the actual identifier ( D _I ) a first actual product value (A _I ) or additionally a second actual product value (Q _I ) can be generated, and c) a test value (Q _P ) from the actual product value (A _I ) using the given relation is producible, and d) by little at least one pair of values (Q _S -Q _{I ,} Q _S -Q _P , Q _I -Q _P ) can be checked for agreement. Price labeling unit subject to calibration according to one of the two preceding claims, characterized in that the price labeling unit is designed for a plausibility check, i) by using the first generating means (E1) i ₁ ) both a target product weight and a first target product value (Q _S ) i ₂ ) and by means of a given relation (in particular a look-up table) a second product target value (Bs) can be determined from the first product target value (Qs) as the product target price, ii) wherein at least the first product target value ( Qs) or additionally the second target product value (Bs) can also be recorded in the target marking (Ds), and iii) from the actual marking (D _I ) an actual product price as the second actual product value (B _I ) or an actual product weight can also be generated as the first actual product value (Q _I ), and iv) it being possible to generate a test value (Q _P ) from the actual product price (B _I ) using the given relation, and v) it being possible for at least a the pair of values (Qs-Q _I , Q _S -Q _P , Q _I -Q _P ) relating to the product weight can be checked for agreement. Legal for trade price labeling unit according to one of the Claims 10 - 12 , thereby characterized in that the reading system, in particular a camera (K), comprises the second generating means (E2).

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