WO2020182110A1 - Method of continuously performing weighing, counting and packaging - Google Patents

Method of continuously performing weighing, counting and packaging Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2020182110A1
WO2020182110A1 PCT/CN2020/078509 CN2020078509W WO2020182110A1 WO 2020182110 A1 WO2020182110 A1 WO 2020182110A1 CN 2020078509 W CN2020078509 W CN 2020078509W WO 2020182110 A1 WO2020182110 A1 WO 2020182110A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
items
weighing
list
controller
counting
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/CN2020/078509
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Qiang Zhang
Yong Yang
Shenjian Qian
Original Assignee
Mettler-Toledo (Changzhou) Measurement Technology Ltd.
Mettler-Toledo (Changzhou) Precision Instruments Ltd.
Mettler-Toledo (Changzhou) Scale & System Ltd.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
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Publication date
Application filed by Mettler-Toledo (Changzhou) Measurement Technology Ltd., Mettler-Toledo (Changzhou) Precision Instruments Ltd., Mettler-Toledo (Changzhou) Scale & System Ltd. filed Critical Mettler-Toledo (Changzhou) Measurement Technology Ltd.
Publication of WO2020182110A1 publication Critical patent/WO2020182110A1/en

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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B1/00—Packaging fluent solid material, e.g. powders, granular or loose fibrous material, loose masses of small articles, in individual containers or receptacles, e.g. bags, sacks, boxes, cartons, cans, or jars
    • B65B1/30—Devices or methods for controlling or determining the quantity or quality or the material fed or filled
    • B65B1/32—Devices or methods for controlling or determining the quantity or quality or the material fed or filled by weighing
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B57/00—Automatic control, checking, warning, or safety devices
    • B65B57/10—Automatic control, checking, warning, or safety devices responsive to absence, presence, abnormal feed, or misplacement of articles or materials to be packaged
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B57/00—Automatic control, checking, warning, or safety devices
    • B65B57/18—Automatic control, checking, warning, or safety devices causing operation of audible or visible alarm signals
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B57/00—Automatic control, checking, warning, or safety devices
    • B65B57/20—Applications of counting devices for controlling the feed of articles
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01G—WEIGHING
    • G01G19/00—Weighing apparatus or methods adapted for special purposes not provided for in the preceding groups
    • G01G19/40—Weighing apparatus or methods adapted for special purposes not provided for in the preceding groups with provisions for indicating, recording, or computing price or other quantities dependent on the weight
    • G01G19/42—Weighing apparatus or methods adapted for special purposes not provided for in the preceding groups with provisions for indicating, recording, or computing price or other quantities dependent on the weight for counting by weighing
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B5/00—Packaging individual articles in containers or receptacles, e.g. bags, sacks, boxes, cartons, cans, jars
    • B65B5/10—Filling containers or receptacles progressively or in stages by introducing successive articles, or layers of articles

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the field of electronic scale weighing, and in particular to a method of continuously performing weighing, counting and packaging.
  • a common method for counting and packaging items is completed by: a worker, with a printed bill of items in hand, scanning a bar code of the corresponding type of items by means of a keypad or a hand-held scanning gun, calling the unit weight of a first type of items pre-stored in a memory, calculating the number of the items on the scale according to the total weight of the items placed on a scale divided by the unit weight, increasing or decreasing the number of the items according to the required target number, pouring the corresponding items into a packaging bag, and then performing the same operation for a second item.
  • the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a method of continuously performing weighing, counting and packaging, in order to overcome the defects of the prior art method for item packaging that is error-prone and cumbersome besides affecting the work efficiency due to the manual operation involved.
  • the above-mentioned technical problem is solved in the present invention by a technical solution involving a method of continuously performing weighing, counting and packaging using a weighing scale comprising a controller, a weighing platform, and a display screen.
  • the method comprising the following steps:
  • step S 4 determining the parameters of the items on the weighing platform and carrying out weighing and counting, and when the parameters of the items on the weighing platform match the parameters of the items in the list else, reporting an error warning on the display screen of the weighing scale thereby prompting an operator for performing a manual check, and returning to step S2;
  • step S 5 determining, after the weighing and counting of the items is completed, whether other types of items need to be weighed and counted, and if so, returning to step S2 to continue to weigh and count the items, else, proceeding to next step S6;
  • step S1 further comprises the following steps:
  • step S 2 specifically comprises: selecting one type of items in the list and placing the items on the weighing platform.
  • step S 3 specifically comprises: using a camera to identify the items on the weighing platform and transmitting identity information of the items to the controller, and at the same time, the weighing platform weighing the items and transmitting the weight information thereof to the controller.
  • step S 4 specifically comprises the following steps:
  • step S 42 determining whether the items are the corresponding items in the list, and if so, proceeding to step S 43 , and if not, proceeding to step S 44 ;
  • step S 43 determining whether the number of the items is up to standard, and if so, proceeding to step S 5 , and if not, returning to step S 2 to adjust the number of the items;
  • step S 43 specifically comprising: the controller calling a standard average unit weight value of a unit packaged item which is attached with a bar code and conforms to the items, calculating number of the items currently placed on the weighing platform according to the weight value received from the weighing platform and the standard average unit value, and the display screen automatically prompting whether the calculated number of the items is in conformance with the list.
  • the parameters of the items in step S 4 include item name, weight, number, shape or color.
  • the camera scans the bar codes on the items and takes a picture to obtain information.
  • the list in step S 12 is a paper order
  • the step S 12 further comprises taking a picture of the paper order in real time using a camera, transmitting the picture to the controller, the controller identifying text information from the picture, and automatically generating a production list.
  • the step S 2 further comprises: placing an empty item box on the weighing platform, reading a picture on the weighing platform automatically by a camera and transmitting the picture to the controller, the controller identifying the item box and calling the list, determining the items corresponding to the item box, and transmitting a determination result to the display screen; and the controller further determining whether there is any item in the item box, and if the item box is not empty, issuing a warning through the display screen and informing the operator to empty the item box, and the controller performing automatic taring operation on the item box in an emptied state.
  • the positive and progressive effects of the present invention lie in: the method of continuously performing weighing, counting and packaging according to the present invention simplifies the operation procedure in the prior art, shortens the counting and packaging time, reduces the manual error probability, and improves the work efficiency.
  • the present invention has several advantages such as:
  • IV the method combining weighing and object identification, identifying the type of items and then calculating the weight, and comparing the type of items with the currently required type of items, which can effectively reduce incorrect operations such as mixed items or wrong items and ensure consistency of orders.
  • Fig. 1 is a flow chart for a method of continuously performing weighing, counting and packaging according to the present invention.
  • step S 1 a controller receiving a list, importing the list, and reading parameters of each type of items in the list.
  • step S1 further comprises the following steps:
  • step S 11 determining whether the list is a stored list or a new list, and if the list is a new list, proceeding to step S12, and if the list is a stored list, proceeding to step S13;
  • step S 12 further comprises: where the list is a paper order, using a camera to take a picture in real time, transmitting the picture to the controller, the controller identifying text information from the picture, and automatically generating a production list.
  • step S 2 at least one type of items is placed on a weighing platform.
  • step S 2 as stated specifically comprises: selecting one of the types of items in the list and placing the items on the weighing platform.
  • step S 2 as stated can further specifically comprise: placing an empty item box on the weighing platform, a camera automatically reading a picture on the weighing platform and transmitting the picture to the controller, the controller identifying the item box and calling the list, determining the items corresponding to the item box, and transmitting a determination result to the display screen; and the controller determining whether there is any item in the item box, and if the item box is not empty, the display giving a warning and informing the operator to empty the item box, and the controller performing automatic taring operation on the item box in an emptied state.
  • step S 3 the type of items on the weighing platform is identified.
  • step S 3 as stated specifically comprises: using a camera to identify the items on the weighing platform and transmitting identity information of the items to the controller, and at the same time, the weighing platform weighing the items and transmitting the weight thereof to the controller.
  • the camera scans the bar code on the item and takes a picture to obtain information.
  • step S 4 the parameters of the items are determined and weighing and counting is carried out. If the parameters match the items in the list, the method proceeds to step S 5 . In case the parameter does not match the items in the list, the display screen reports an error warning prompting an operator to perform a manual check, and the method returns to step S 2 .
  • step S 4 further comprises the following steps:
  • step S 42 determining whether the items are the corresponding items in the list, and if so, proceeding to step S 43 , and if not, proceeding to step S 44 ;
  • step S 43 determining whether the number of the items is up to standard, and if so, proceeding to step S 5 , and if not, returning to step S 2 to adjust the number of the items;
  • step S 43 specifically comprises: the controller calling a standard average unit weight value of a unit packaged item, which is attached with a bar code and conforms to the items, calculating the number of the items currently placed on the weighing platform according to the weight value received from the weighing platform and the standard average unit value, and the display screen automatically prompting whether the current number meets the requirements of the list.
  • the parameters of the item in step S 4 as stated can include item name, weight, number, shape or colour.
  • the parameters of the item are not limited to the above examples, but can also be other parameters that can be identified.
  • step S 5 determining, after the weighing and counting of the items is completed, whether other types of items need to be weighed and counted, and if so, returning to step S 2 to continue to weigh and count the items, and if not, proceeding to step S 6 .
  • step S 6 packaging all the items.
  • Embodiment I is a diagrammatic representation of Embodiment I:
  • a controller receiving a batch of orders from a production management system is chosen as an example for describing the present method further in detail. Firstly, the controller compares the order number and order content with the order stored locally, and if it is determined to be a new order, an additional record is made, and the current order is stored in the controller. In case the order is found not to be a new order, a previously stored order will be called and an operator will be prompted to follow the procedure.
  • the list of the order includes five items:
  • item II small-sized packaging screws attached with bar codes (4 packs) ;
  • a display screen connected to the controller displays order operations to be completed, such as displaying the currently required item number and picture and other information as well as the number required.
  • the operator first picks up M6 nuts (item I) at will and places the M6 nuts on a weighing platform according to the prompt, and a camera takes a picture of the weighing platform along with the items placed on it in real time and sends the picture to the controller.
  • the weighing platform carries out a weighing operation, a weighed weight value is also sent to the controller, and the controller carries out an object identification operation on a transmitted image.
  • the controller If the controller identifies the item as something other than the M6 nuts, the controller sends an error prompt to the display screen, such that the operator is prompted to check the placed item and empty the weighing platform for a reloading action. If the controller identifies the objects as the specified M6 nuts, a standard average unit weight value of the M6 nuts is retrieved, and according to the weight value received on the weighing platform and the standard average unit weight value, the number of M6 nuts on the current weighing platform is calculated.
  • the display automatically issues a prompt indicating a successful outcome when the calculated number equals the order requirement. If the calculated number is less than or greater than the number in the order requirement, the display screen issues a prompt instructing the operator to perform an adding or removing operation. Additionally, the display also shows the number of items that needs to be added to or removed from the weighing platform.
  • the controller sends a prompt on the display instructing the operator to carry out the operation concerning the next item (such as item II) .
  • the operator picks small-sized packaging screws provided with bar codes as prompted on the display screen.
  • the camera takes a picture of the weighing platform in real time and sends the picture to the controller.
  • the weighing platform carries out a weighing operation, and a weighed weight value is also sent to the controller.
  • the controller processes the transmitted image, reads information about the bar codes, and determines whether the type of items on the scale is the same type of items required for fulfilling the order.
  • the controller issues a prompt on the display instructing the operator to check the item on the scale and perform a reloading operation.
  • the controller calls a standard average unit weight value of the small-sized packaging screws attached with the bar codes that is consistent with the item, and calculates the number of the items on the current weighing platform according to the weight value received on the weighing platform and the standard average unit weight value.
  • the display will automatically prompt whether the calculated number meets the order requirement. In case the calculated number is less than or greater than the number required for the order, the display screen issues a prompt instructing the operator to perform an adding or removing operations. Besides, the display also shows the number of items that needs to be added to or removed from the weighing platform.
  • the controller sends a prompt on the display instructing the operator to carry out the operation concerning the next item (such as item III) .
  • the operator completes the packaging of the remaining L-shaped metal connectors (20 pieces) (item III) , 3-hole plastic plugs (17 pieces) (item IV) and flexible connecting cables including 3-core plugs (3 pieces) (item V) in the list successively.
  • the controller issues an operation completion instruction, which is flashed on the display reminding the operator that the packaging of the current order has been completed and the next batch of operation can be carried out.
  • Embodiment II is a diagrammatic representation of Embodiment II.
  • An operator receiving a production order which is not generated in the system is considered as an example.
  • This order cannot be imported into a controller by a production system, and is mostly handed over to an operator in paper form.
  • This paper order is usually written in a prescribed format.
  • the operator puts the list of the order under a camera, which takes a picture of the weighing platform along with the list in real time and transfers the captured image to the controller.
  • the controller extracts text information from the received image and automatically generates a production order.
  • the controller compares the generated order number and order content with the order stored locally. If it is determined to be a new order, an additional record is created, and the current order is stored in the controller. If it is found to be an existing order, a previously stored order will be retrieved and an operator will be prompted to follow the procedure.
  • the list contains 10 types of items that are to be packed into their respective item boxes, that is, each type of items needs to be packed with its own item box, and the order is not completed until items are finally packed together.
  • the operator puts empty item boxes together on the weighing platform.
  • the camera automatically reads the picture of the weighing platform and sends the picture to the controller.
  • the controller identifies the item boxes from the picture and retrieves previously stored information to determine which type of items should be placed into which item box.
  • the determination results are then flashed on the display to prompt the operator.
  • the controller determines whether the item box is empty. If the item box is not empty, a warning is sent to the display instructing the operator to empty the item box. This is repeated until the controller determines that all the current item boxes are empty item boxes, and then an automatic peeling operation is performed on the item box on the scale, i.e. removing the weight of the current weighing platform. At this point, the display prompts the operator to start placing items into the item boxes.
  • the operator first places the first item into the item box corresponding to the first item, and the camera takes a picture of the weighing platform in real time and sends the picture to the controller.
  • the weighing platform carries out a weighing operation and the weighed value is also sent to the controller.
  • the controller carries out an object identification operation on a transmitted image. If the identified object does not correspond with the first item, the controller sends an error prompt to the display screen, so that the operator is prompted to check the item on the weighing platform and remove the identified item. In case the identified object matches with the first item, a standard average unit weight value of the first item is called, and according to the weight value received on the weighing platform and the standard average unit weight value, the number of the first item on the current weighing platform is calculated.
  • the display automatically prompts whether the current number meets the order requirement. If it is less than or greater than the number required for the order, the display screen prompts the operator to continue with the adding or removing operations, and flash the number that needs to be added or removed.
  • the controller sends a prompt instruction to the display to move to the operation of the next item until the production of all items in the order is completed.
  • the controller While picking the item, if the operator accidentally drops the required item into a non-specified item box, or drops the non-required item into any item box, the controller compares the case with the previous state of the system and the state required for the order according to the real-time picture information sent by the camera so as to determine whether the current operation is incorrect, and so sends an identification operation alarm to the display screen instructing the operator to check. If the first item is to be placed in a specified item box, but the operator accidentally drops the first item into a non-specified item box during the picking process, and the operator does not notice this and is ready to continue to the next operation.
  • the controller compares real-time pictures, order completion status and information required for the order, that is, the controller determines that the operation of the first item in the specified item box is still not completed, but it is detected that other item boxes are loaded with items, an error may be automatically reported to the display in order to remind the operator to perform a check.
  • the method of continuously performing weighing, counting and packaging according to the present invention simplifies the operation procedure, shortens counting and packaging time, reduces the manual error probability, and improves work efficiency.
  • the present invention has several advantages such as:
  • IV the method combining weighing and object identification, identifying the type of items and then calculating the weight, and comparing the type of items with the currently required type of items, which can effectively reduce incorrect operations such as mixed items or wrong items and ensure the consistency of orders.

Abstract

The present invention provides a method of continuously performing weighing, counting and packaging using a weighing scale, which comprises a controller, a weighing platform, and a display screen. The method comprising steps for reading parameters of each type of items in the list, identifying the items on the weighing platform and determining parameters of the items and carrying out weighing and counting before packaging. The method also involves reporting an error in case of a parameter mismatch and drawing the attention of an operator for performing a manual check. The present method simplifies the operation, shortens the counting and packaging time, reduces the error, and improves work efficiency.

Description

METHOD OF CONTINUOUSLY PERFORMING WEIGHING, COUNTING AND PACKAGING BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to the field of electronic scale weighing, and in particular to a method of continuously performing weighing, counting and packaging.
2. Background Art
In the field of electronic scale weighing, a common method for counting and packaging items is completed by: a worker, with a printed bill of items in hand, scanning a bar code of the corresponding type of items by means of a keypad or a hand-held scanning gun, calling the unit weight of a first type of items pre-stored in a memory, calculating the number of the items on the scale according to the total weight of the items placed on a scale divided by the unit weight, increasing or decreasing the number of the items according to the required target number, pouring the corresponding items into a packaging bag, and then performing the same operation for a second item.
If n different items are needed for packaging in one procedure, the above actions need to be repeated n times, which makes the operation cumbersome and time consuming. It is necessary to place corresponding items in order, and such a manual operation is error-prone, and seriously affects work efficiency.
In view of the aforementioned drawbacks, those skilled in the art are committed to developing a method of continuously performing weighing, counting and packaging that is capable of overcoming the shortcomings in the prior art.
SUMMARY
The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a method of continuously performing weighing, counting and packaging, in order to overcome the defects of the prior art method for item packaging that is error-prone and cumbersome besides affecting the work efficiency due to the manual operation involved.
The above-mentioned technical problem is solved in the present invention by a technical solution involving a method of continuously performing weighing, counting  and packaging using a weighing scale comprising a controller, a weighing platform, and a display screen. The method comprising the following steps:
S 1. receiving a list by the controller of the weighing scale, importing the list, and reading parameters of each type of items in the list;
S 2. placing at least one type of items on the weighing platform;
S 3. identifying the items on the weighing platform;
S 4. determining the parameters of the items on the weighing platform and carrying out weighing and counting, and when the parameters of the items on the weighing platform match the parameters of the items in the list else, reporting an error warning on the display screen of the weighing scale thereby prompting an operator for performing a manual check, and returning to step S2;
S 5. determining, after the weighing and counting of the items is completed, whether other types of items need to be weighed and counted, and if so, returning to step S2 to continue to weigh and count the items, else, proceeding to next step S6; and
S 6. packaging all the items that are weighed and counted.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, step S1 further comprises the following steps:
S 11. determining whether the list is a stored list or a new list; and 
S 12. if the list is a new list, the controller making an additional record and storing the list in the controller; or 
S 13. if the list is a stored list, the controller calling the stored list; and 
S 14. prompting the operator to follow the procedure.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, step S 2 specifically comprises: selecting one type of items in the list and placing the items on the weighing platform.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, step S 3 specifically comprises: using a camera to identify the items on the weighing platform and transmitting identity information of the items to the controller, and at the same time, the weighing platform weighing the items and transmitting the weight information thereof to the controller.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, step S 4 specifically comprises the following steps:
S 41. the controller receiving the transmitted information;
S 42. determining whether the items are the corresponding items in the list, and if so, proceeding to step S 43, and if not, proceeding to step S 44;
S 43. determining whether the number of the items is up to standard, and if so, proceeding to step S 5, and if not, returning to step S 2 to adjust the number of the items; and 
S 44. the controller sending an error prompt to the display screen, and the operator checking the placed items and emptying the weighing platform for reloading.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, step S 43 specifically comprising: the controller calling a standard average unit weight value of a unit packaged item which is attached with a bar code and conforms to the items, calculating number of the items currently placed on the weighing platform according to the weight value received from the weighing platform and the standard average unit value, and the display screen automatically prompting whether the calculated number of the items is in conformance with the list.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the parameters of the items in step S 4 include item name, weight, number, shape or color.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the camera scans the bar codes on the items and takes a picture to obtain information.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the list in step S 12 is a paper order, and the step S 12 further comprises taking a picture of the paper order in real time using a camera, transmitting the picture to the controller, the controller identifying text information from the picture, and automatically generating a production list.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the step S 2 further comprises: placing an empty item box on the weighing platform, reading a picture on the weighing platform automatically by a camera and transmitting the picture to the controller, the controller identifying the item box and calling the list, determining the items corresponding to the item box, and transmitting a determination result to the display screen; and the controller further determining whether there is any item in the item box,  and if the item box is not empty, issuing a warning through the display screen and informing the operator to empty the item box, and the controller performing automatic taring operation on the item box in an emptied state.
The positive and progressive effects of the present invention lie in: the method of continuously performing weighing, counting and packaging according to the present invention simplifies the operation procedure in the prior art, shortens the counting and packaging time, reduces the manual error probability, and improves the work efficiency. The present invention has several advantages such as:
I. being capable of pre-storing a packaging list of all items, and only calling the corresponding list when packaging is needed, thereby avoiding repetitive input operations;
II. being capable of using a camera to identify the current items, and comparing the type of items with the types of items required in the packaging list to determine whether the type of items on the scale is consistent with the required type of items, which can effectively reduce the manual error probability and the operational efficiency;
III. being capable of calculating the number of the items by the total weight and the average unit weight, and reducing repetitive operation of manual counting one by one, which can effectively improve the efficiency; and 
IV. the method combining weighing and object identification, identifying the type of items and then calculating the weight, and comparing the type of items with the currently required type of items, which can effectively reduce incorrect operations such as mixed items or wrong items and ensure consistency of orders.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The above-mentioned and other features, properties and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, and the same reference numerals in the figures denote the same features throughout, in which:
Fig. 1is a flow chart for a method of continuously performing weighing, counting and packaging according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
To make the above objects, features and advantages of the present invention more obvious and easier to understand, the present invention will be further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawing and particular embodiments.
Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawing. Reference will now be made in detail to preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawing. The same reference numerals used in the figure denote identical or similar parts wherever possible.
Furthermore, although the terms used in the present invention are selected from well-known common terms, some of the terms mentioned in the description of the present invention may have been selected by the applicant according to his or her determination, and the detailed meaning thereof is described in the relevant section described herein.
Furthermore, the present invention must be understood, not simply by the actual terms used but also by the meanings encompassed by each term.
Disclosed is a method of continuously performing weighing, counting and packaging, the method comprising:
step S 1. a controller receiving a list, importing the list, and reading parameters of each type of items in the list.
Preferably, step S1 further comprises the following steps:
S 11. determining whether the list is a stored list or a new list, and if the list is a new list, proceeding to step S12, and if the list is a stored list, proceeding to step S13;
S 12. the controller making an additional record and storing the list in the controller;
S 13. the controller calling the stored list; and 
S 14. prompting an operator to follow the procedure.
Among the above steps, step S 12 further comprises: where the list is a paper order, using a camera to take a picture in real time, transmitting the picture to the controller, the controller identifying text information from the picture, and automatically generating a production list.
In step S 2, at least one type of items is placed on a weighing platform.
Preferably, step S 2 as stated specifically comprises: selecting one of the types of items in the list and placing the items on the weighing platform.
Alternatively, when multiple items are weighed at the same time, step S 2 as stated can further specifically comprise: placing an empty item box on the weighing platform, a camera automatically reading a picture on the weighing platform and transmitting the picture to the controller, the controller identifying the item box and calling the list, determining the items corresponding to the item box, and transmitting a determination result to the display screen; and the controller determining whether there is any item in the item box, and if the item box is not empty, the display giving a warning and informing the operator to empty the item box, and the controller performing automatic taring operation on the item box in an emptied state.
In step S 3, the type of items on the weighing platform is identified.
Preferably, step S 3 as stated specifically comprises: using a camera to identify the items on the weighing platform and transmitting identity information of the items to the controller, and at the same time, the weighing platform weighing the items and transmitting the weight thereof to the controller. The camera scans the bar code on the item and takes a picture to obtain information.
In step S 4, the parameters of the items are determined and weighing and counting is carried out. If the parameters match the items in the list, the method proceeds to step S 5. In case the parameter does not match the items in the list, the display screen reports an error warning prompting an operator to perform a manual check, and the method returns to step S 2.
Preferably, step S 4 further comprises the following steps:
S 41. the controller receiving the transmitted information;
S 42. determining whether the items are the corresponding items in the list, and if so, proceeding to step S 43, and if not, proceeding to step S 44;
S 43. determining whether the number of the items is up to standard, and if so, proceeding to step S 5, and if not, returning to step S 2 to adjust the number of the items; and
S 44. the controller sending an error prompt to the display screen, the operator checking the placed item and emptying the weighing platform for reloading.
Furthermore, step S 43 specifically comprises: the controller calling a standard average unit weight value of a unit packaged item, which is attached with a bar code and conforms to the items, calculating the number of the items currently placed on the weighing platform according to the weight value received from the weighing platform and the standard average unit value, and the display screen automatically prompting whether the current number meets the requirements of the list.
Furthermore, the parameters of the item in step S 4 as stated can include item name, weight, number, shape or colour. Of course, this is merely exemplary herein, and the parameters of the item are not limited to the above examples, but can also be other parameters that can be identified.
In step S 5, determining, after the weighing and counting of the items is completed, whether other types of items need to be weighed and counted, and if so, returning to step S 2 to continue to weigh and count the items, and if not, proceeding to step S 6.
In step S 6, packaging all the items.
According to the description of the above method steps, the present invention is further described below in detail in conjunction with examples.
Embodiment I:
A controller receiving a batch of orders from a production management system is chosen as an example for describing the present method further in detail. Firstly, the controller compares the order number and order content with the order stored locally, and if it is determined to be a new order, an additional record is made, and the current order is stored in the controller. In case the order is found not to be a new order, a previously stored order will be called and an operator will be prompted to follow the procedure.
In the following example, the list of the order includes five items:
item I: M6 nuts (10 pieces) ;
item II: small-sized packaging screws attached with bar codes (4 packs) ;
item III: L-shaped metal connectors (20 pieces) ;
item IV: 3-hole plastic plugs (17 pieces) ; and
item V: flexible connecting cables including 3-core plugs (3 pieces) .
A display screen connected to the controller displays order operations to be completed, such as displaying the currently required item number and picture and other information as well as the number required. The operator first picks up M6 nuts (item I) at will and places the M6 nuts on a weighing platform according to the prompt, and a camera takes a picture of the weighing platform along with the items placed on it in real time and sends the picture to the controller. At the same time, the weighing platform carries out a weighing operation, a weighed weight value is also sent to the controller, and the controller carries out an object identification operation on a transmitted image.
If the controller identifies the item as something other than the M6 nuts, the controller sends an error prompt to the display screen, such that the operator is prompted to check the placed item and empty the weighing platform for a reloading action. If the controller identifies the objects as the specified M6 nuts, a standard average unit weight value of the M6 nuts is retrieved, and according to the weight value received on the weighing platform and the standard average unit weight value, the number of M6 nuts on the current weighing platform is calculated.
The display automatically issues a prompt indicating a successful outcome when the calculated number equals the order requirement. If the calculated number is less than or greater than the number in the order requirement, the display screen issues a prompt instructing the operator to perform an adding or removing operation. Additionally, the display also shows the number of items that needs to be added to or removed from the weighing platform.
This process is repeated until the order requirement is fully met. After this point, the controller sends a prompt on the display instructing the operator to carry out the operation concerning the next item (such as item II) .
In the process of weighing and counting of item II, the operator picks small-sized packaging screws provided with bar codes as prompted on the display screen. The camera takes a picture of the weighing platform in real time and sends the picture to the controller. At the same time, the weighing platform carries out a weighing operation, and a weighed weight value is also sent to the controller. The controller processes the transmitted image, reads information about the bar codes, and determines whether the type of items on the scale is the same type of items required for fulfilling the order.
In case the item on the scale is different than the item required in the list or the bar code of the item cannot be identified, the controller issues a prompt on the display instructing the operator to check the item on the scale and perform a reloading operation. In case the item identified by the controller is the same item required in the list, the controller calls a standard average unit weight value of the small-sized packaging screws attached with the bar codes that is consistent with the item, and calculates the number of the items on the current weighing platform according to the weight value received on the weighing platform and the standard average unit weight value.
The display will automatically prompt whether the calculated number meets the order requirement. In case the calculated number is less than or greater than the number required for the order, the display screen issues a prompt instructing the operator to perform an adding or removing operations. Besides, the display also shows the number of items that needs to be added to or removed from the weighing platform.
This process is repeated until the order requirement is fully met. After this point, the controller sends a prompt on the display instructing the operator to carry out the operation concerning the next item (such as item III) .
Following the prompts on the display, the operator completes the packaging of the remaining L-shaped metal connectors (20 pieces) (item III) , 3-hole plastic plugs (17 pieces) (item IV) and flexible connecting cables including 3-core plugs (3 pieces) (item V) in the list successively. The controller issues an operation completion instruction, which is flashed on the display reminding the operator that the packaging of the current order has been completed and the next batch of operation can be carried out.
Embodiment II:
An operator receiving a production order which is not generated in the system is considered as an example. This order cannot be imported into a controller by a production system, and is mostly handed over to an operator in paper form. This paper order is usually written in a prescribed format.
Firstly, the operator puts the list of the order under a camera, which takes a picture of the weighing platform along with the list in real time and transfers the captured image to the controller. The controller extracts text information from the received image and automatically generates a production order.
The controller compares the generated order number and order content with the order stored locally. If it is determined to be a new order, an additional record is created, and the current order is stored in the controller. If it is found to be an existing order, a previously stored order will be retrieved and an operator will be prompted to follow the procedure.
In the following example, the list contains 10 types of items that are to be packed into their respective item boxes, that is, each type of items needs to be packed with its own item box, and the order is not completed until items are finally packed together.
Firstly, the operator puts empty item boxes together on the weighing platform. The camera automatically reads the picture of the weighing platform and sends the picture to the controller. The controller identifies the item boxes from the picture and retrieves previously stored information to determine which type of items should be placed into which item box.
The determination results are then flashed on the display to prompt the operator. At the same time, the controller determines whether the item box is empty. If the item box is not empty, a warning is sent to the display instructing the operator to empty the item box. This is repeated until the controller determines that all the current item boxes are empty item boxes, and then an automatic peeling operation is performed on the item box on the scale, i.e. removing the weight of the current weighing platform. At this point, the display prompts the operator to start placing items into the item boxes.
Secondly, according to the warning, the operator first places the first item into the item box corresponding to the first item, and the camera takes a picture of the weighing platform in real time and sends the picture to the controller. At the same time, the weighing platform carries out a weighing operation and the weighed value is also sent to the controller.
The controller carries out an object identification operation on a transmitted image. If the identified object does not correspond with the first item, the controller sends an error prompt to the display screen, so that the operator is prompted to check the item on the weighing platform and remove the identified item. In case the identified object matches with the first item, a standard average unit weight value of the first item is called, and according to the weight value received on the weighing platform and the standard average unit weight value, the number of the first item on the current weighing platform is calculated. The display automatically prompts whether the current number meets the order requirement. If it is less than or greater than the number required for  the order, the display screen prompts the operator to continue with the adding or removing operations, and flash the number that needs to be added or removed.
This is repeated until the order requirement is met. After this point, the controller sends a prompt instruction to the display to move to the operation of the next item until the production of all items in the order is completed.
While picking the item, if the operator accidentally drops the required item into a non-specified item box, or drops the non-required item into any item box, the controller compares the case with the previous state of the system and the state required for the order according to the real-time picture information sent by the camera so as to determine whether the current operation is incorrect, and so sends an identification operation alarm to the display screen instructing the operator to check. If the first item is to be placed in a specified item box, but the operator accidentally drops the first item into a non-specified item box during the picking process, and the operator does not notice this and is ready to continue to the next operation.
At this point, the controller compares real-time pictures, order completion status and information required for the order, that is, the controller determines that the operation of the first item in the specified item box is still not completed, but it is detected that other item boxes are loaded with items, an error may be automatically reported to the display in order to remind the operator to perform a check.
In summary, the method of continuously performing weighing, counting and packaging according to the present invention simplifies the operation procedure, shortens counting and packaging time, reduces the manual error probability, and improves work efficiency. The present invention has several advantages such as:
I. being capable of pre-storing a packaging list of all items, and only calling the corresponding list when packaging is needed, thereby avoiding repetitive input operations;
II. being capable of using a camera to identify the current item, and comparing the type of items with the type of items required in the packaging list to determine whether the type of items on the scale is consistent with the required type of items, which can effectively reduce the manual error probability and the operation efficiency;
III. being capable of calculating the number of the items by the total weight and the average unit weight, and reducing repetitive operation of manual counting one by one, which can effectively improve the efficiency; and 
IV. the method combining weighing and object identification, identifying the type of items and then calculating the weight, and comparing the type of items with the currently required type of items, which can effectively reduce incorrect operations such as mixed items or wrong items and ensure the consistency of orders.
While the particular embodiments of the present invention have been described above, a person skilled in the art should understand that these are merely illustrative, and that the scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the appended claims. Various alterations or modifications to these embodiments can be made by a person skilled in the art without departing from the principle and essence of the present invention; however, these alterations and modifications all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims (10)

  1. A method of continuously performing weighing, counting and packaging using a weighing scale, the weighing scale comprising a controller, a weighing platform, and a display screen, wherein the method comprising the steps of:
    S 1. receiving a list by the controller of the weighing scale, importing the list, and reading parameters of each type of items in the list;
    S 2. placing at least one type of items on the weighing platform;
    S 3. identifying the items on the weighing platform;
    S 4. determining parameters of the items on the weighing platform and carrying out weighing and counting, and when the parameters of the items on the weighing platform match the parameters of the items in the list, proceeding to next step S 5, else, reporting an error warning on the display screen of the weighing scale thereby prompting an operator for performing a manual check, and returning to step S 2;
    S 5. determining, after the weighing and counting of the items is completed, whether other types of items need to be weighed and counted, and if so, returning to step S 2 to continue to weigh and count the items, else, proceeding to next step S 6; and
    S 6. packaging all the items that are weighed and counted.
  2. The method of continuously performing weighing, counting and packaging as claimed in claim 1, wherein step S 1 further comprises the following steps:
    S 11. determining whether the list is a stored list or a new list; and
    S 12. if the list is a new list, the controller making an additional record and storing the list in the controller; or
    S 13. if the list is a stored list, the controller calling the stored list; and
    S 14. prompting the operator to follow the procedure.
  3. The method of continuously performing weighing, counting and packaging as claimed in claim 2, wherein the step S 2 specifically comprises: selecting one type of the items in the list and placing the items on the weighing platform.
  4. The method of continuously performing weighing, counting and packaging as claimed in claim 3, wherein the step S 3 specifically comprises: using a camera to identify the items on the weighing platform and transmitting identity information of the items to the controller, and at the same time, the weighing platform weighing the items and transmitting weight information thereof to the controller.
  5. The method of continuously performing weighing, counting and packaging as claimed in claim 4, wherein step S 4 specifically comprises the following steps:
    S 41. the controller receiving the transmitted information;
    S 42. determining whether the items are the corresponding items in the list, and if so, proceeding to step S 43, and if not, proceeding to step S 44;
    S 43. determining whether the number of the items is up to standard, and if so, proceeding to step S 5, and if not, returning to step S 2 to adjust the number of the items; and
    S 44. the controller sending an error prompt to the display screen, and the operator checking the placed item and emptying the weighing platform for reloading.
  6. The method of continuously performing weighing, counting and packaging as claimed in claim 5, wherein step S 43 specifically comprising: the controller calling a standard average unit weight value of a unit packaged item which is attached with a bar code and conforms to the items, calculating number of the items currently placed on the weighing platform according to the weight value received from the weighing platform and the standard average unit value, and the display screen automatically prompting whether the calculated number of the items is in conformance with the list.
  7. The method of continuously performing weighing, counting and packaging as claimed in claim 1, wherein the parameters of the items in step S 4 include item name, weight, number, shape or colour.
  8. The method of continuously performing weighing, counting and packaging as claimed in claim 4, wherein the camera scans the bar codes on the items and takes a picture to obtain information.
  9. The method of continuously performing weighing, counting and packaging as claimed in claim 2, wherein the list in step S 12 is a paper order, and the step S 12 further comprises taking a picture of the paper order in real time using a camera, transmitting the picture to  the controller, the controller identifying text information from the picture, and automatically generating a production list.
  10. The method of continuously performing weighing, counting and packaging as claimed in claim 1, wherein step S 2 further comprises: placing an empty item box on the weighing platform, reading a picture on the weighing platform automatically by a camera and transmitting the picture to the controller, the controller identifying the item box and calling the list, determining the items corresponding to the item box, and transmitting a determination result to the display screen; and the controller further determining whether there is any item in the item box, and if the item box is not empty, issuing a warning through the display screen and informing the operator to empty the item box, and the controller performing automatic taring operation on the item box in an emptied state.
PCT/CN2020/078509 2019-03-14 2020-03-10 Method of continuously performing weighing, counting and packaging WO2020182110A1 (en)

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