GB2515029A

GB2515029A - Count-by-weight container identification system

Info

Publication number: GB2515029A
Application number: GB1310329.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: William Wright Hamilton; Duncan Mcphail; Neil James Hunter
Original assignee: CASHMASTER INTERNAT Ltd
Current assignee: CASHMASTER INTERNAT Ltd
Priority date: 2013-06-10
Filing date: 2013-06-10
Publication date: 2014-12-17
Anticipated expiration: 2033-06-10
Also published as: GB201310329D0; GB2515029B; HK1205249A1

Abstract

A count-by-weight system, container 10 and weighing device 100 for the system, and method for operating the system are disclosed. The count-by-weight container is separable from the weighing device and configured to be placed on the weighing device for weighing contents to be counted. The weighing device comprises a reader 21, 22 for detecting and recognizing an identification attribute of the container. The device may include a radio frequency identification (RFID) antenna 21, a radio frequency identification transceiver 22, an internal power supply 31 and/or external power supply, a processor 40 and an operator communication interface 50. The container(s) may include a radio frequency identification transponder or RFID tag 11. An operating program may use a database for storage of information pertaining to individual count-by-weight container(s) for use by the operating program. An operator communication interface comprising a visual display, an audible alert device and an input device.

Description

Count-by-Weight Container Identification System

Field

This invention relates to a count-by-weight system, container and weighing device for the system, and method for operating the system.

Background

Bulk counting of small items that can be individually valuable or cumulatively valuable by count-by-weight technology requires great accuracy if errors are to be avoided.

Generally such small items will be processed in a manufactured-for-purpose count-by-weight container, it is essential that the weight of the count-by-weight container is known and allowed for in the count-by-weight device processor algorithms. In situations where numerous containers are required to be processed on the same count-by-weight device the containers must be manufactured to very tight weight tolerances if calibration of the count-by-weight device is to be avoided before each change of container in use. This makes such containers expensive to manufactura A risk exists that an operator who does not fully comprehend the need for accurate calibration of the count-by-weight device to a specific count-by-weight container can inadvertently utilise a container of unknown tare weight which will result in inaccurate and costly count results.

By way of example: When counting UK 20p coins having a weight of 5g each, on a count-by-weight cash counting machine a negative difference of between 2.Sg and 7.5g in the count-by-weight container tare weight will cause a miscount of -20p and a positive difference of between 2.5g and 7.5g in the count-by-weight container tare weight will cause a miscount of +20p. Any such miscount will occur on every occasion this particular count-by-weight container is used and in a high throughput environment the cumulative result can rapidly become significanL it is not unknown for count-by-weight containers for the same model of a count-by-weight cash counting machine to differ by 10 -12g or more which, if the count-by-weight containers were inadvertently exchanged without re-calibration of the count-by-1.

weight device, would result in an error of at least tOp on each occasion of counting UK 20p coins.

In the case of some count-by-weight devices, such as some count-by-weight cash counting machines, the device will be supplied with a dedicated set of count-by-weight containers that are matched in tare weight. Individual count-by-weight containers within a matched count-by-weight container set will all have the same tare weight but the tare weight of individual count-by-weight containers in one matched set may differ from the tare weight of individual count-by-weight containers in another matched set. In an environment where multiple sets of count-by-weight containers are in use a count-by-weight device will have only been calibrated for use with one particular set of count-by-weight containers. This can, if the tare weight of another set of containers differs, introduce errors when the other set of count-by-weight containers is used on that particular count-by-weight device.

Even if a set of matched containers has been manufactured to high tolerances, any container of the set can over time become damaged due to wear and tear, changing the tare weight and re-introducing inaccuracies.

A single count-by-weight device can be used for counting different types of items which means the operator will be required to manually set or verify the count-by-weight device expected item type each time the type of item to be counted is changed. In a high throughput situation this can waste valuable time.

The present invention aims to address these problems and provide improvements upon the known devices and methods.

Summary of Invention

Aspects and embodiments of the invention are set out in the accompanying claims.

In general terms, one embodiment of a first aspect of the invention can provide a count-by-weight system, comprising: a count-by-weight weighing device; and a count-by-weight container, separable from the weighing device and configured to be placed on the weighing device for weighing contents to be counted, wherein the weighing device comprises a reader for detecting and recognizing an identification attribute of the container.

This allows the system, rather than a user, to verify or determine the identity or nature of the container. This means that human error can be avoided, and appropriate calibration of the device can be undertaken efficiently by the system itself, rather than manually.

Preferably, the container comprises a data storage medium, and the identification attribute is contained in the data storage medium. More preferably, the container comprises a radio-frequency identification tag, the tag comprising the data storage medium. The tag may S integral to the container. Suitably, the tag is a passive radio frequency identification transponder.

In an embodiment, the reader comprises a receiver for reading information from the data storage medium. Preferably, the reader comprises a radio receiver for receiving radio-frequency information from the radio-frequency identification tag. More preferably, the reader comprises a radio-frequency antenna and a radio transceiver, adapted to transmit an interrogation signal to the radio-frequency identification tag, and receive information in response.

Preferably, the reader comprises a processor for running an operating program.

In an embodiment, the weighing device comprises an operator communication interface.

Suitably, the tag is programmed with a unique count-by-weight container identification code. Preferably, the tag is programmed with additional information comprising one or more of: tare weight; and type of item to be contained.

In an embodiment, the transceiver is configured to communicate with the processor. 3.

Suitably, the operator communication interface (50) comprises one or more of: a visual display; an audible alert device; and an input device.

In an embodiment, the weighing device comprises a data storage device for storing the operating program, and wherein the data storage device comprises a database configured to store information pertaining to individually identifiable containers, which information comprising one or more of: date of first registration of the container; tare weight of the container; and type of item counted in the container.

One embodiment of a second aspect of the invention can provide a count-by-weight container for a system according to any preceding embodiment, the container separable from a count-by-weight weighing device, and configured to be placed on the weighing device for weighing contents to be counted, wherein the container comprises a data storage medium, storing an identification attribute, the attribute detectable and recognizable by a reader of the weighing device.

One embodiment of a third aspect of the invention can provide a count-by-weight weighing device for a system according to any preceding embodiment, comprising a reader for detecting and recognizing an identification attribute of a count-by-weight container.

One embodiment of a fourth aspect of the invention can provide a method of priming a count-by-weight system for weighing, comprising: placing on a count-by-weight weighing device a count-by-weight container for weighing contents to be counted; detecting and recognizing, using a reader of the weighing device, an identification attribute of the container.

Preferably, the container comprises a data storage medium, and the identification attribute is contained in the data storage medium. More preferably, the container comprises a radio-frequency identification tag (11), the tag comprising the data storage medium, and the method further comprises reading, using a receiver (22) of the reader (21, 22), information from the data storage medium.

Still more preferably, the reader comprises a radio-frequency antenna and a radio transceiver, and the method further comprises: transmitting from the reader an interrogation signal to a radio-frequency identification tag of the container, which tag comprising the data storage medium; and receiving information in response.

Suitably, the method further comprises using an operating program stored on the weighing device to adjust settings of the weighing device and/or reader on change of the container, identification of the changed container, and retrieval of stored information pertaining to the changed container.

In an embodiment, the method further comprises communicating information regarding an installed container to an operator via an operator communication interlace.

Suitably, the method further comprises recognizing, by interrogating the container, when an un-registered container is placed on the weighing device; and generating a prompt for the operator to register the un-registered container on the weighing device using an operating program database; and registering information pertaining to the un-registered container on the database.

Preferably, the method further comprises recording additional information regarding the un-registered container on the database via the operator communication interface.

Suitably, the method further comprises: retrieving from a database a last calibration date for an identified container; comparing the last calibration date with a clock date; and where a given period has elapsed between the last calibration date and a clock date, re-calibrating the identified container on the weighing device, and storing a new calibration date.

Embodiments of other aspects of the invention can provide a media device storing computer program code adapted, when loaded into or run on a count-by-weight weighing device, to cause the computer to become apparatus, or to carry out a method, according to any of the above embodiments.

The above aspects and embodiments may be combined to provide further aspects S and embodiments of the invention.

The above aspects and embodiments can provide the following advantages: 1. Protection from inadvertently conducting counts utilising a count-by-weight container to which the count-by-weight device has not been calibrated is afforded thus ensuring consistent accuracy of count.

2. Protection from conducting counts utilising a count-by-weight container that is not from the matched set of count-by-weight containers dedicated to the count-by-weight device in use is afforded thus ensuring consistent accuracy of count.

3. Count-by-weight containers can be manufactured to relaxed tolerances on weight and at reduced cost.

4. Once a count-by-weight container unique identification code and tare weight have been registered on a count-by-weight device details of that particular container can be retrieved by the operating program when the container is in use such that calibration of the count-by-weight device will be conducted automatically without operator intervention thus simplifying the process and saving significant time.

5. Additional information pertaining to registered individual count-by-weight containers can be stored in the count-by-weight device processor memory such as the type of items allocated to an individual count-by-weight container.

This means the count-by-weight device program can be arranged to automatically re-configure the count-by-weight device to suit the items being counted without operator intervention thus simplifying the process and saving significant time.

6. Other relevant information pertaining to individual count-by-weight containers can be stored in the count-by-weight device processor memory such as, but not limited to, date of first registration of a count-by-weight container on a count-by-weight device. This information could be utilised, for instance, to prompt the operator to conduct a periodic tare weight check on a pre-determined date-based or usage-based schedule. This would ensure that changes to the tare weight of the count-by-weight container due to damage or wear are identified regularly and any necessary corrections are made to the count-by-weight operating program algorithms thus ensuring continued accuracy of the count-by-weight device.

Brief Description of Figures

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the Figures in which: * Figure 1 -shows the general arrangement of a count-by-weight system that could include a Count-by-weight Container Radio Frequency Identification System', according to an embodiment of the invention; * Figure 2 -shows the general arrangement of a count-by-weight container RFID system internal components, according to an embodiment of the invention; * Figure 3 -shows the general arrangement of a count-by-weight device, according to an embodiment of the invention; * Figure 4 -shows the general arrangement of an operator communication interface, according to an embodiment of the invention; * Figure 5 -shows a process flow chart for the count-by-weight container REID process, according to an embodiment of the invention; and * Figure 6 -shows the inter-relationship of the count-by-weight container RFID process with other count-by-weight processes, according to an embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments of the Invention Embodiments of the current invention propose a count-by-weight system wherein the weighing device has a reader or detector for detecting and recognizing an identification attribute of the container. This allows the system, rather than a user, to verify or determine the identity or nature of the container. Containers can include integrated passive radio frequency identification transponder(s) (passive RFID tag(s)). Such a count-by-weight system could be used, but not exclusively, in a count-by-weight cash counting process.

The identification attribute can be any means sufficient to uniquely identify the container. For example, it could simply be a unique barcode. The identification attribute may be an ID code or dataset, stored on some sort of data storage medium or device on the container, for example an REID tag storing the code or dataset.

The aforementioned passive REID tag(s) may be programmed with unique identification code(s) for the count-by-weight container(s) in which it is/they are installed. The container(s) can be manufactured to more relaxed tolerances on weight.

The count-by-weight device(s) that the count-by-weight container(s) are to be associated with can include integrated RFID antenna(s) and REID transceiver(s) to read the unique identification code of count-by-weight container(s) passive REID tag(s) when a count-by-weight container is placed on the count-by-weight device and transfer the unique count-by-weight container identification code to the count-by-weight device processor.

The RFID transceiver(s) can be configured to draw power from the count-by weight device(s) internal or external power supply and to transfer count-by-weight container information to the count-by-weight device(s) processor.

The count-by-weight device(s) processor can include memory to hold data pertaining to each individually registered, unique count-by-weight container identification code such as count-by-weight container(s) identification code, tare weight, type of items to be processed in individual count-by-weight container(s) and date of last weight check of individual count-by-weight container(s). Such data would be accessed by the count-by-weight device(s) operating system such that operating algorithms may be modified to match the actual count-by-weight container(s) in use or information pertaining to the particular count-by-weight container(s) can be communicated to the operator by means of the count-by-weight device(s) operator commüñication interlace.

The following describes one embodiment of the count-by-weight system architecture: Attention is first drawn to Figure 1 and Figure 2, showing one embodiment of a count-by-weight system including a count-by-weight container radio frequency identification system (200) according to the present invention.

Attention is also drawn to Figure 3, showing the general arrangement of a count-by-weight device (100). Figure 4 shows operator communication interface (50) comprising a visual display (51), audible alert (53) and input device (52). Figure 5 shows a process flow chart outlining the sequence of actions and decisions that comprise the count-by-weight container RFID process that would precede the count- by-weight item count process. Figure 6 shows the inter-relationship of the count-by-weight container RFID process with other count-by-weight processes.

Count-by-weight container (10) comprises a container formed from plastic, cardboard, wood or glass to suit the type of count-by-weight device (100) it is to be used on and the type of items to be counted. The count-by-weight container (10) acts as the receptacle in which multiple similar items would be placed for counting by the count-by-weight device (100). Alternatively the count-by-weight container (10) can be any receptacle suitable for holding the items to be counted and that is suitable for placing on the count-by-weight device (100).

Incorporated in, or alternatively attached too, the count-by-weight container (10) is a passive radio frequency identification transponder (passive RFID tag) (1 1). In the case of count-by-weight container(s) (10) manufactured for purpose and formed from plastic the passive REID tag (11) can be incorporated in the plastic count-by-weight container (10) moulding. In the case of count-by-weight container(s) (10) manufactured for purpose and formed from materials other than plastic the passive RFID tag (11) can be attached to the count-by-weight container (10) by adhesive, screws, bolts or rivets. In the case of suitable count-by-weight container(s) (10) not manufactured for purpose the passive RFID tag (11) can be attached to the count-by-weight container (10) by adhesive, screws, bolts or rivets. In such cases the passive RFID tag (11) would normally, but not exclusively, be provided with an adhesive backing for the purpose of attachment.

Count-by-weight container(s) (10) passive RFID tag(s) (11) associated with manufactured for purpose count-by-weight container(s) (10) would1 at least, be programmed during manufacture with a unique count-by-weight container (10) identification code. Count-by-weight container(s) (10) passive REID tag(s) (11) provided for attachment to other suitable receptacles to be used as count-by-weight container(s) (10) would be provided, at least, pie-programmed with a unique count-by-weight container (10) identification code.

Included in the count-by-weight device (100) are: a radio frequency identification antenna (RFID antenna) (21) located such that it is able to read the radio frequency of a count-by-weight container (10) passive REID tag (11) when that particular count-by-weight container (10) is placed on the count-by-weight device (100) and a radio frequency identification transceiver (RHO transceiver) (22) connected to the RFID antenna (21)to collect information stored on the passive RFID tag (11), if one exists, of the count-by-weight container (10) that has been placed on the count-by-weight device (100) and to communicate to the count-by-weight device (100) processor (40) the existence or not of a count-by-weight container (10) passive REID tag (11) and, if one exists, the information existing on the passive REID tag (11) pertaining to the count-by-weight container (10) that has been placed on the count-by-weight device (100).

The RFID transceiver (22) derives its power from the count-by-weight device (100) internal power supply (31) or count-by-weight device (100) external power supply (32). In an alternative arrangement the RFID transceiver (22) can derive its power from a dedicated power supply (not illustrated).

The count-by-weight device (100) processor (40) is configured to include a database (42, not illustrated) for storage of count-by-weight container(s) (10) unique identification code(s) and related count-by-weight container(s) (10) information including, but not exclusively the count-by-weight container(s) (10) tare weight(s).

The count-by-weight device (100) processor (40) includes an operating program (41, not illustrated) configured to recognise when any weight has been placed on the count-by-weight device (100).

The count-by-weight device (100) processor (40) includes an operating program (41, not illustrated) configured to identify, when a weight is placed on the count-by-weight device (100), if a readable passive RFID tag (11) exists and interrogate the count-by-weight device (100) processor (40) database (42, not illustrated) to ascertain if a record relating to the unique count-by-weight container (10) identification code identified exists in the count-by-weight device (100) processor (40) database (42, not illustrated). If such a record exists in the count-by-weight device (100) processor (40) database (42, not illustrated), to communicate information retrieved from the readable passive RFID tag (11) and count-by-weight device (100) processor (40) database (42, not illustrated) record pertaining to the associated count-by-weight container (10) that has been identified as being placed on the count-by-weight device (100) to the count-by-weight device (100) processor (40) operating program (41, not illustrated). If such a record does not exist in the count-by-weight device (100) processor (40) database (42, not illustrated), to communicate non-existence of a count-by-weight device (100) processor (40) database (42, not illustrated) record and information retrieved from the readable passive RFID tag (11) for the count-by-weight container (10) that has been identified as being placed on the count-by-weight device (100) to the count-by-weight device (100) processor (40) operating program (41, not illustrated).

The count-by-weight device (100) processor (40) includes an operating program (41, not illustrated) configured to process information retrieved from the readable passive RFID tag (11) and count-by-weight device (100) processor (40) database (42, not illustrated) record pertaining to the associated count-by-weight container (10) that has been identified as being placed on the count-by-weight device (100) and communicate the processed information and raw information to the operator via the count-by-weight device (100) operator communication interface (50) visual display (51) and/or audible alert (53) for information only, to prompt an operator action or to prompt operator input via the operator communication interlace (50) input device (52).

In an alternative arrangement a dedicated processor can be provided for storage and processing of information relating to count-by-weight container(s) (10) for onward communication to the count-by-weight device (100) processor (40) or communication with the operator via the count-by-weight device (100) operator communication interface (50).

The count-by-weight container RFID processes: Attention is now drawn to Figure 5 showing the count-by-weight container radio frequency identification system process.

Attention is also drawn to Figure 6 showing the inter-relationship between the count- by-weight container radio frequency identification system process and other count-by-weight processes.

The count-by-weight container RFID process is initiated by the recognition by the count-by-weight device (100) processor (40) operating program (41, not illustrated) that a weight has been placed on the count-by-weight device (100).

The count-by-weight container RFID process: Initiation of the count-by-weight container RFID process causes the count-by-weight device (100) processor (40) operating program (41, not illustrated) to attempt to read the applied count-by-weight container (10) passive RFID tag (11) via the count-by-weight device (100) RFID antenna (21) and RFID transceiver (22).

If the count-by-weight container (10) passive RFID tag (11) is unreadable the count-by-weight device (100) processor (40) operating program (41, not illustrated) will initiate the Unrecognised Container Sub-process'.

If the count-by-weight container (10) passive RFID tag (11) is readable the count-by-weight device (100) processor (40) operating program (41, not illustrated) will check if the count-by-weight container (10) unique identification code is registered in the count-by-weight device (100) processor (40) database (42, not illustrated).

If the count-by-weight container (10) unique identification code is not registered in the count-by-weight device (100) processor (40) database (42, not illustrated) the count-by-weight device (100) processor (40) operating program (41, not illustrated) will initiate the Unregistered Container Sub-process'.

If the count-by-weight container (10) unique identification code is registered in the count-by-weight device (100) processor (40) database (42, not illustrated) the count-by-weight device (100) processor (40) operating program (41, not illustrated) will check the related record in the count-by-weight device (100) processor (40) database (42, not illustrated) to ascertain if a container recalibration is scheduled for the count-by-weight container (10).

If a container recalibration is scheduled for the count-by-weight container (10) the count-by-weight device (100) processor (40) operating program (41, not illustrated) will initiate the Container Recalibration Sub-process'.

If a container recalibration is not scheduled for the count-by-weight container (10) the count-by-weight device (100) processor (40) operating program (41, not illustrated) will check the related record in the count-by-weight device (100) processor (40) database (42, not illustrated) to ascertain if a particular item type is registered against the count-by-weight container (10).

If a particular item type is registered against the count-by-weight container (10) the count-by-weight device (100) processor (40) operating program (41, not illustrated) will select the registered item type and initiate the count-by-weight device (100) processor (40) operating program (41, not illustrated) count process.

If a particular item type is not registered against the count-by-weight container (10) the count-by-weight device (100) processor (40) operating program (41, not illustrated) wilt prompt the operator via the count-by-weight device (100) visual display (51) and/or audible alert (53) to manually select an item type for the count being conducted using the count-by-weight device (100) input device (52). Once an item type has been selected by the operator the count-by-weight device (100) processor (40) operating program (41, not illustrated) will initiate the count-by-weight device (100) processor (40) operating program (41, not illustrated) count process.

The Unrecognised Container Sub-process: The Unrecognised Container Sub-process is initiated by the recognition by the count- by-weight container RFID process that a weight has been placed on the count-by-weight device (100) but the count-by-weight container (10) passive RFID tag (11) is unreadable or a count-by-weight container (10) is not present.

Initiation of the Unrecognised Container Sub-process causes the count-by-weight device (100) processor (40) operating program (41, not illustrated) to alert the operator via the count-by-weight device (100) visual display (51) and/or audible alert (53) to manually select whether item type for the count being conducted is or is not container based using the count-by-weight device (100) input device (52).

If the item type for the count being conducted is not container based the count-by-weight device (100) processor (40) operating program (41, not illustrated) will initiate the count-by-weight device (100) processor (40) operating program (41, not illustrated) count process.

If the item type for the count being conducted is container based the count-by-weight device (100) processor (40) operating program (41, not illustrated) will check if the count-by-weight device (100) processor (40) operating program (41, not illustrated) is configured to allow the use of non-RFID containers.

If the count-by-weight device (100) processor (40) operating program (41, not illustrated) is not configured to allow the use of non-RFID containers the count-by-weight device (100) processor (40) operating program (41, not illustrated) will alert the operator, via the count-by-weight device (100) visual display (51) and/or audible alert (53), that the count-by-weight device (100) count process has been stopped, that the container is invalid and direct the operator to use an appropriate count-by-weight container (10) and restart the count-by-weight device (100) count process.

If the count-by-weight device (100) processor (40) operating program (41, not illustrated) is configured to allow the use of non-RFID containers the count-by-weight device (100) processor (40) operating program (41, not illustrated) will check if the use of a non-RFID container has been previously approved for use in the current count mode.

If the use of a non-RFID container has been previously approved for use in the current count mode the count-by-weight device (100) processor (40) operating program (41, not illustrated) will prompt the operator via the count-by-weight device (100) visual display (51) to manually select an item type for the count being conducted using the count-by-weight device (100) input device (52). Once an item type has been selected by the operator the count-by-weight device (100) processor (40) operating program (41, not illustrated) will initiate the count-by-weight device (100) processor (40) operating program (41, not illustrated) count process.

If the non-RFID container has not been previously approved for use in the current count mode the count-by-weight device (100) processor (40) operating program (41, not illustrated) will alert the operator via the count-by-weight device (100) visual display (51) and/or audible alert (53) that the non-RFID container must be calibrated and initiate the count-by-weight device (100) processor (40) operating program (42, not illustrated) calibration process. Once the count-by-weight device (100) processor (40) operating program (42, not illustrated) calibration process has been conducted the count-by-weight device (100) processor (40) operating program (41, not illustrated) will initiate the count-by-weight device (100) processor (40) operating program (41, not illustrated) count process.

Unregistered Container Sub-process: The Unregistered Container Sub-process is initiated by the recognition by the count- by-weight container RFID process that a weight has been placed on the count-by-weight device (100) and the count-by-weight container (10) passive RFID tag (11) is readable but the count-by-weight container (10) unique identification code is not registered in the count-by-weight device (100) processor (40) database (42, not illustrated).

Initiation of the Unregistered Container Sub-process causes the count-by-weight device (100) processor (40) operating program (41, not illustrated) to check if the count-by-weight container (10) passive REID tag (11) has a readable tare weight.

If the count-by-weight container (10) passive RFID tag (11)does not have a readable tare weight the count-by-weight device (100) processor (40) operating program (41, not illustrated) will alert the operator via the count-by-weight device (100) visual display (51) and/or audible alert (53) that the count-by-weight container (10) is to be calibrated and initiate the count-by-weight device (100) processor (40) operating program (42, not illustrated) calibration process. Once the count-by-weight device (100) processor (40) operating program (42, not illustrated) calibration process has been conducted the count-by-weight device (100) processor (40) operating program (41, not illustrated) will record the count-by-weight container (10) unique identification code, tare weight and date of calibration in the count-by-weight device (100) processor (40) database (41, not illustrated).

If the count-by-weight container (10) passive REID tag (11) does have a readable tare weight the count-by-weight device (100) processor (40) operating program (41, not illustrated) will record the count-by-weight container (10) unique identification code, tare weight and date of registration in the count-by-weight device (100) processor (40) database (41, not illustrated).

Once the count-by-weight container (10) information has been recorded in the count- by-weight device (100) processor (40) database (41, not illustrated) the count-by-weight device (100) processor (40) operating program (41, not illustrated) will ask the operator via the count-by-weight device (100) visual display (51) if the count-by- weight container (10) is to have an associated item type registered in the count-by-weight device (100) processor (40) database (41, not illustrated).

If the count-by-weight container (1 0) is not to have an associated item type registered in the count-by-weight device (100) processor (40) database (41, not illustrated) the count-by-weight device (100) processor (40) operating program (41, not illustrated) will prompt the operator via the count-by-weight device (100) visual display (51) to manually select an item type for the count being conducted using the count-by-weight device (100) input device (52). Once an item type has been selected by the operator the count-by-weight device (100) processor (40) operating program (41, not illustrated) will initiate the count-by-weight device (100) processor (40) operating program (41, not illustrated) count process.

If the count-by-weight container (10) is to have an associated item type registered in the count-by-weight device (100) processor (40) database (41, not illustrated) the count-by-weight device (100) processor(40) operating program (41, not illustrated) will request the operator via the count-by-weight device (100) visual display (51) to enter the relevant item type information via the count-by-weight device (100) input device (52). Once the operator has input the relevant item type information the count-by-weight device (100) processor (40) operating program (41, not illustrated) will append the item type information to the relevant record in the count-by-weight device (100) processor (40) database (41, not illustrated).

Once the type information has been appended to the relevant record in the count-by-weight device (100) processor (40) database (41, not illustrated) the count-by-weight device (100) processor (40) operating program (41, not illustrated) will select the registered item type and initiate the count-by-weight device (100) processor (40) operating program (41, not illustrated) count process.

The Container Recalibration Sub-process: The Container Recalibration Sub-process is initiated by the recognition by the count- by-weight container RFID process that a weight has been placed on the count-by-weight device (100) and the count-by-weight container (10) passive RFID tag (11) is readable and the count-by-weight container (10) unique identification code is registered in the count-by-weight device (100) processor (40) database (42, not illustrated) but the count-by-weight container (10) is scheduled for a container recalibration.

Initiation of the Container Recalibration Sub-process causes the count-by-weight device (100) processor (40) operating program (41, not illustrated) to alert the operator via the count-by-weight device (100) visual display (51) and/or audible alert (53) that the count-by-weight container (10) is due recalibration and initiates the count-by-weight device (100) processor (40) operating program (42, not illustrated) calibration process.

Once the count-by-weight device (100) processor (40) operating program (42. not illustrated) calibration process has been conducted the count-by-weight device (100) processor (40) operating program (41, not illustrated) will update the relevant record in the count-by-weight device (100) processor (40) database (41, not illustrated) with the current count-by-weight container (10) tare weight and the date of recalibration.

Once the count-by-weight device (100) processor (40) operating program (41, not illustrated) has updated the relevant record in the count-by-weight device (100) processor (40) database (41, not illustrated) with the current count-by-weight container (10) information the count-by-weight device (100) processor (40) operating program (41, not illustrated) will check the related record in the count-by-weight device (100) processor (40) database (42, not illustrated) to ascertain if a particular item type is registered against the count-by-weight container (10).

If a particular item type is not registered against the count-by-weight container (10) the count-by-weight device (100) processor (40) operating program (41, not illustrated) will prompt the operator via the count-by-weight device (100) visual display (51) to manually select an item type for the count being conducted using the count-by-weight device (100) input device (52). Once an item type has been selected by the operator the count-by-weight device (100) processor (40) operating program (41, not illustrated) will initiate the count-by-weight device (100) processor (40) operating program (41, not illustrated) count process.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention has been described by way of example only, and that a variety of alternative approaches may be adopted without departing from the scope of the invention.

For example, the weighing device of the system may comprise any reader or detector device sufficient to identify the container. For example, the reader may simply be a barcode reader, each container having a unique barcode. For embodiments in which some sort of data storage medium or device is incorporated into each container, this storage medium may be any type of storage device sufficient to store information uniquely identifying the container. For example, the container may incorporate a magnetic stripe or similar feature, which can be read by a magnetic reader on the device. The container may have a chip which can either be read by a reader having electronic terminals engaging the chip on contact when the container is placed on the device, or by a contactless radio communication with the device.

An RFID pair used in embodiments of the invention may be an active reader, passive tag arrangement, as noted above, in which the reader interrogates the tag, and in which power to the tag is provided from the reader for a time sufficient for the tag to transmit the information needed. Alternatively the pair can be a passive reader, active tag type, in which the reader receives signals from an active tag in or on the container, the tag being a transmitter and being maintained by an internal battery.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A count-by-weight system (200), comprising: a count-by-weight weighing device (100); and a count-by-weight container (10), separable from the weighing device and configured to be placed on the weighing device for weighing contents to be counted, wherein the weighing device comprises a reader (21; 22) for detecting and recognizing an identification attribute of the container.
2. A system according to Claim 1, wherein the container comprises a data storage medium, and the identification attribute is contained in the data storage medium.
3. A system according to Claim 2, wherein the container comprises a radio-frequency identification tag (11), the tag comprising the data storage medium.
4. A system according to Claim 3, wherein the tag is integral to the container.
5. A system according to Claim 3 or Claim 4, wherein the tag is a passive radio frequency identification transponder.
6. A system according to any of the Claims 2 to 5, wherein the reader comprises a receiver (22) for reading information from the data storage medium.
7. A system according to Claim 6 as dependent on Claims 3 to 5, wherein the reader comprises a radio receiver (22) for receiving radio-frequency information from the radio-frequency identification tag.
8. A system according Claim 7, wherein the reader comprises a radio-frequency antenna (21) and a radio transceiver (22), adapted to transmit an interrogation signal to the radio-frequency identification tag, and receive information in response.
9. A system according to any preceding claim wherein the reader comprises a processor (40) for running an operating program.
10. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the weighing device S comprises an operator communication interface (50).
11. A system according to any of the Claims 3 to 10, wherein the tag is programmed with a unique count-by-weight container identification code
12. A system according to Claim 11, wherein the tag is programmed with additional information comprising one or more of: tare weight; and type of item to be contained.
13. A system according to any of the Claims 9 to 12 as dependent on Claim 8, wherein the transceiver (22) is configured to communicate with the processor (40).
14. A system according to any of the Claims 10 to 13, wherein the operator communication interface (50) comprises one or more of: a visual display (51); an audible alert device (53); and an input device (52).
15. A system according to any of the Claims 9 to 14, wherein the weighing device comprises a data storage device for storing the operating program, and wherein the data storage device comprises a database (42) configured to store information pertaining to individually identifiable containers (10), which information comprising one or more of: date of first registration of the container (10); tare weight of the container (10); and type of item counted in the container (10).
16. A count-by-weight container for a system according to any preceding claim, the container separable from a count-by-weight weighing device, and configured to be placed on the weighing device for weighing contents to be counted; wherein the container comprises a data storage medium, storing an identification attribute, the attribute detectable and recognizable by a reader of the weighing device.
17. A count-by-weight weighing device for a system according to any preceding claim, comprising a reader (21, 22) for detecting and recognizing an identification attribute of a count-by-weight container.
18. A method of priming a count-by-weight system for weighing, comprising: placing on a count-by-weight weighing device (100) a count-by-weight container (10) for weighing contents to be counted; detecting and recognizing, using a reader (21, 22) of the weighing device, an identification attribute of the container.
19. A method according to Claim 18, wherein the container comprises a data storage medium, and the identification attribute is contained in the data storage medium.
20. A method according to Claim 19, wherein the container comprises a radio-frequency identification tag (11), the tag comprising the data storage medium, the method comprising reading, using a receiver (22) of the reader (21, 22), information from the data storage medium.
21. A method according to Claim 20, wherein the reader comprises a radio-frequency antenna (21) and a radio transceiver (22), the method comprising: transmitting from the reader an interrogation signal to a radio-frequency identification tag of the container, which tag comprising the data storage medium; and receiving information in response.
22. A method according to any of the Claims 18 to 21, further comprising using an operating program (41) stored on the weighing device to adjust settings of the weighing device and/or reader on change of the container (10), identification of the changed container, and retrieval of stored information pertaining to the changed container.
23. A method according to any of the Claims 18 to 22, further comprising communicating information regarding an installed container (10) to an operator via an operator communication interface (50).
24. A method according to any of the Claims 18 to 23, further comprising recognizing, by interrogating the container (10), when an un-registered container (10) is placed on the weighing device (100); and generating a prompt for the operator to register the un-registered container (10) on the weighing device (100) using an operating program database; and registering information pertaining to the un-registered container on the database.
25. A method according to Claim 24, further comprising recording additional information regarding the un-registered container (10) on the database via the operator communication interface (50).
26. A method accordin to any of the Claims 18 to 25, further comprising: retrieving from a database a last calibration date for an identified container; comparing the last calibration date with a clock date; and where a given period has elapsed between the last calibration date and a clock date, re-calibrating the identified container on the weighing device, and storing a new calibration date.iC A media device storing computer program code adapted, when loaded into or run on a count-by-weight weighing device, to cause the computer to become apparatus, orto carry out a method, according to any of the Claims 1 to 15 and 17 to