CA2680740C - System and method for alerting an operator - Google Patents
System and method for alerting an operator Download PDFInfo
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- CA2680740C CA2680740C CA2680740A CA2680740A CA2680740C CA 2680740 C CA2680740 C CA 2680740C CA 2680740 A CA2680740 A CA 2680740A CA 2680740 A CA2680740 A CA 2680740A CA 2680740 C CA2680740 C CA 2680740C
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- Prior art keywords
- message
- operator
- command
- remote computer
- area
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Classifications
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- 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
- G01G19/413—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 using electromechanical or electronic computing means
- G01G19/414—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 using electromechanical or electronic computing means using electronic computing means only
- G01G19/4144—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 using electromechanical or electronic computing means using electronic computing means only for controlling weight of goods in commercial establishments, e.g. supermarket, P.O.S. systems
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- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01G—WEIGHING
- G01G23/00—Auxiliary devices for weighing apparatus
- G01G23/18—Indicating devices, e.g. for remote indication; Recording devices; Scales, e.g. graduated
- G01G23/36—Indicating the weight by electrical means, e.g. using photoelectric cells
- G01G23/37—Indicating the weight by electrical means, e.g. using photoelectric cells involving digital counting
- G01G23/3728—Indicating the weight by electrical means, e.g. using photoelectric cells involving digital counting with wireless means
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- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01G—WEIGHING
- G01G23/00—Auxiliary devices for weighing apparatus
- G01G23/18—Indicating devices, e.g. for remote indication; Recording devices; Scales, e.g. graduated
- G01G23/36—Indicating the weight by electrical means, e.g. using photoelectric cells
- G01G23/37—Indicating the weight by electrical means, e.g. using photoelectric cells involving digital counting
- G01G23/3728—Indicating the weight by electrical means, e.g. using photoelectric cells involving digital counting with wireless means
- G01G23/3735—Indicating the weight by electrical means, e.g. using photoelectric cells involving digital counting with wireless means using a digital network
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G06Q20/00—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols
- G06Q20/08—Payment architectures
- G06Q20/20—Point-of-sale [POS] network systems
- G06Q20/208—Input by product or record sensing, e.g. weighing or scanner processing
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- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07G—REGISTERING THE RECEIPT OF CASH, VALUABLES, OR TOKENS
- G07G3/00—Alarm indicators, e.g. bells
Abstract
A system for alerting an operator of a weighing apparatus is described. The weighing apparatus may be capable of displaying a message in a message area to an operator. The message may be displayed in response to a command sent from a remote device.
Description
WO 2008/124275 rt. 1 / UDAutroruz OVA, =
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ALERTING AN OPERATOR
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ALERTING AN OPERATOR
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0002] The exemplary embodiments relate generally to weighing apparatus having a user interface. More specifically, the exemplary embodiments relate to weighing apparatus having at least one operator interface, which may be adapted to display a message to an operator.
[0003] Weighing apparatus are well known. Presently, weighing apparatus are used in a variety of applications. For example, weighing apparatus may be used in retail and industrial applications. One exemplary retail application may be at a grocery store, such as in the grocery's deli, bakery, meat department or produce = department. The weighing apparatus used in these applications may be capable of = weighing a product and displaying the weight, unit price, total price and other information associated with the product. Such weighing apparatus may have a user = interface that may allow the operator to perform one or more actions.
These actions may include printing labels, looking up a price, looking up a PLU, overriding a transaction, voiding a transaction, administering to the weighing apparatus and other=
similar actions.
These actions may include printing labels, looking up a price, looking up a PLU, overriding a transaction, voiding a transaction, administering to the weighing apparatus and other=
similar actions.
[0004] Currently, there is not an effective way of communicating information with operators of the weighing apparatus, for example, employees of a grocery store.
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may also be more likely to be seen since the operator spends a large amount of their time in front of the weighing apparatus and operator display.
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In accordance with one embodiment, there is provided a system for alerting an operator comprising: a weighing apparatus having a platform adapted to receive an object to be weighed, an operator display associated with said platform and a user interface adapted to be presented on said operator display, said user interface having a plurality of areas, at least one of said areas being a message area; and a device connected to said weighing apparatus, said device adapted to send a command to said weighing apparatus and to cause a message to be displayed in said message area.
In accordance with another embodiment, there is provided a method for alerting an operator, comprising: providing a weighing apparatus having an operator display, said operator = display having a user interface, said user interface having a message area; providing a computer connected to said weighing apparatus on a network; sending a command from said device to said weighing apparatus; and displaying a message in said message area in response to said = command. 1 In accordance with another embodiment, there is provided a method for alerting an, operator comprising: providing a retail scale having an operator display, said operator display having a user interface said user interface having a message area; connecting a remote computer to said retail scale on a network; sending a command from said remote computer to said retail scale, said command unrelated to any transaction 'being concurrently processed by said retail scale; displaying a message in said message area of said retail scale in response to said = command, said message being clearable only by a subsequent command from said remote = computer; requiring that an operator acknowledge said message before said message can be cleared from said message area; receiving at said remote computer, confirmation that an operator has acknowledged said message on said retail scale; and upon receipt of said confirmation, sending a subsequent command from said remote computer to said retail scale that turns off said message.
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= In accordance with another embodiment, there is provided a method for alerting an operator, comprising: providing a plurality of retail scales, each scale having an operator display, said operator display having a user interface, said user interface having a message area;
=providing a remote computer connected to said plurality of retail scales on a network; sending a = 2a =
command from said remote computer to at least one of said retail scales, said command unrelated to any transaction being concurrently processed by any retail scale receiving said command;
displaying a message in said message area of each retail scale receiving said command, said message being clearable only by a subsequent command from said remote computer; requiring that an operator acknowledge said message on a given retail scale before said message can be cleared from said message area thereof; receiving at said remote computer, confirmation that an operator has acknowledged said message on a given retail scale; and upon receipt of said confirmation, sending a subsequent command from said remote computer to said given retail scale that turns off said message.
In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a method for alerting an operator, comprising: providing a retail scale having an operator display, said operator display having a user interface, said user interface having a message area; providing a remote computer connected to said retail scale on a network; sending a command from said remote computer to said retail scale, said command unrelated to any transaction being concurrently processed by said retail scale; displaying a message in said message area of said retail scale in response to said command, said message being clearable or alterable only by a subsequent command from said remote computer; requiring that an operator acknowledge said message before said message can be cleared from said message area; upon selection of said message area by an operator, receiving at said remote computer confirmation that an operator has acknowledged said message; activating a timer upon receipt at said remote computer that said message has been acknowledged; and upon expiration of timer operation, automatically sending a subsequent command from said remote computer to said retail scale that affects said message.
2b BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
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= WO
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may also be more likely to be seen since the operator spends a large amount of their time in front of the weighing apparatus and operator display.
=
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In accordance with one embodiment, there is provided a system for alerting an operator comprising: a weighing apparatus having a platform adapted to receive an object to be weighed, an operator display associated with said platform and a user interface adapted to be presented on said operator display, said user interface having a plurality of areas, at least one of said areas being a message area; and a device connected to said weighing apparatus, said device adapted to send a command to said weighing apparatus and to cause a message to be displayed in said message area.
In accordance with another embodiment, there is provided a method for alerting an operator, comprising: providing a weighing apparatus having an operator display, said operator = display having a user interface, said user interface having a message area; providing a computer connected to said weighing apparatus on a network; sending a command from said device to said weighing apparatus; and displaying a message in said message area in response to said = command. 1 In accordance with another embodiment, there is provided a method for alerting an, operator comprising: providing a retail scale having an operator display, said operator display having a user interface said user interface having a message area; connecting a remote computer to said retail scale on a network; sending a command from said remote computer to said retail scale, said command unrelated to any transaction 'being concurrently processed by said retail scale; displaying a message in said message area of said retail scale in response to said = command, said message being clearable only by a subsequent command from said remote = computer; requiring that an operator acknowledge said message before said message can be cleared from said message area; receiving at said remote computer, confirmation that an operator has acknowledged said message on said retail scale; and upon receipt of said confirmation, sending a subsequent command from said remote computer to said retail scale that turns off said message.
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= In accordance with another embodiment, there is provided a method for alerting an operator, comprising: providing a plurality of retail scales, each scale having an operator display, said operator display having a user interface, said user interface having a message area;
=providing a remote computer connected to said plurality of retail scales on a network; sending a = 2a =
command from said remote computer to at least one of said retail scales, said command unrelated to any transaction being concurrently processed by any retail scale receiving said command;
displaying a message in said message area of each retail scale receiving said command, said message being clearable only by a subsequent command from said remote computer; requiring that an operator acknowledge said message on a given retail scale before said message can be cleared from said message area thereof; receiving at said remote computer, confirmation that an operator has acknowledged said message on a given retail scale; and upon receipt of said confirmation, sending a subsequent command from said remote computer to said given retail scale that turns off said message.
In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a method for alerting an operator, comprising: providing a retail scale having an operator display, said operator display having a user interface, said user interface having a message area; providing a remote computer connected to said retail scale on a network; sending a command from said remote computer to said retail scale, said command unrelated to any transaction being concurrently processed by said retail scale; displaying a message in said message area of said retail scale in response to said command, said message being clearable or alterable only by a subsequent command from said remote computer; requiring that an operator acknowledge said message before said message can be cleared from said message area; upon selection of said message area by an operator, receiving at said remote computer confirmation that an operator has acknowledged said message; activating a timer upon receipt at said remote computer that said message has been acknowledged; and upon expiration of timer operation, automatically sending a subsequent command from said remote computer to said retail scale that affects said message.
2b BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] In addition to the features mentioned above, other aspects of the exemplary embodiments will be readily apparent from the following descriptions of the drawings, wherein like reference numerals across the several views refer to identical or equivalent features, and wherein:
[0007] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of a weighing apparatus.
[0008] Figure 2 illustrates an exemplary user interface of one exemplary embodiment of a weighing apparatus.
[0009] Figure 3 illustrates a schematic of one exemplary embodiment of a , weighing apparatus connected to a network. =
[0010] Figure 4 illustrates a flow chart of one exemplary embodiment of a method of using the weighing apparatus.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT(S) [00111 Figure 1 illustrates one exemplary embodiment of a weighing apparatus 100. The weighing apparatus 100 may have a force-measuring device (not shown) and platform 102. The force-measuring device may assist in determining the weight of an item that may be placed on the platform 102, as is known in the art. The force-measuring device can be any force-measu. ring device known in the art such as, but not limited to, a load cell. The weighing apparatus 100 may include an operator display 104. The operator display 104 can be integrated into the weighing apparatus 3 :
100 or be a standalone unit. The operator display 104 may generally face the operator of the weighing apparatus. The operator display 104 may be any display known in the art. For example, the operator display 104 can be a VF display, an LCD, a touch screen or any other similar display. The operator display 104 shown in Figure 1 is a touch screen display. If a touch screen display is not used then it should be apparent that the operator display 104 could be coupled to one or more input devices such as, but not limited to, a keyboard, keypad, mouse or other similar input device. The operator display 104 may present a plurality of user interfaces 200, which will be discussed in more detail below. The weighing apparatus 100 may also include a customer display 106. The customer display 106 may generally face the customer. The customer display 106 may also be any display known in the art.
The weighing apparatus 100 may contain a controller 110. The controller 110 may be a programmable device capable of receiving and executing commands. Any controller known in the art may be used in the weighing apparatus 100. For example, the controller 110 may be an integrated processor with memory, a personal computer running a WINDOWS operating system or any other similar configuration.
In one exemplary embodiment, a database 112 may be included in the weighing apparatus 100. The database 112 may store the commands that may be sent to the weighing apparatus 100.
[0012] As stated above, the operator display 104 may present one or more user interfaces 200. The user interfaces 200 may have a plurality of defined areas 202.
One such exemplary user interface 200, such as the FLU transaction interface shown in Figure 2, may have the following defined areas: keypad area 206, page preset area 208, preset tab area 210, weight area 212, FLU area 214, date and time area 216, admin area 218 and message area 220. Other interfaces with other defined areas are also possible. The defined areas 202 may present a subset of data to the operator which may be used in a plurality of functions. For example, the weight area 212 may present the weight of the item being weighed on the platform 102. The message area 220 may display a message to the operator, which may be sent from a remote location.
[0013] As shown in Figure 3, the weighing apparatus 100 may be connected to a network 300, such as a LAN, WAN or the Internet, for communicating with computers 302, servers 304 and/or weighing apparatus 306 connected to the network 300. The computers 302 may also be handheld devices, such as, but not limited to, PDAs, cell phones and similar devices. The computers 302, servers and/or weighing apparatus 306 may be wired or wirelessly connected to the network 300. The network 300 may include weighing apparatus, computers and servers that may be disposed in a single department, multiple departments, a single store, multiple stores, or an entire company. The network 300 may allow a central location to send messages to thousands of weighing apparatus 100 around the world in a single command. In one exemplary embodiment, a database may be connected to the network for storing the commands and messages.
[0014] As illustrated in Figure 4, during normal operation of the weighing apparatus, the message area 220 may be blank. A command may be sent to the weighing apparatus 100. Upon receiving the command, a message 222 may be displayed in the message area 220. The command may be sent over the network 300 from a computer 302, a server, 304 or another weighing apparatus 306. The message may be any message, for example, a simple text string, a message alerting the operator that pricing has changed, a product has been recalled and/or a product has been added or deleted, a message directing the operator to an intranet posting for further information or any other similar message. The message may be displayed for a predetermined period of time, until another command is sent to turn off the message, until another command is sent to display a new message and/or until the message is cleared by the operator by pressing a button or similar operation. The message may be set to be displayed at a single weighing apparatus, all weighing apparatus or a subset of the weighing apparatus. The subset may be selected from a list of all of the weighing apparatus in a store or company, or the subset may be grouped by department and a single, a subset or all departments may be selected.
[0015] In another exemplary embodiment, the command may also include a task that may be required to be performed before the message may be cleared. For example, the message may be to remove all of a certain product from the shelves.
Once the operator accomplishes the task, the operator may clear the message.
Information, such as the message, the person clearing the message and the time the message is cleared may be entered into the database for tracking purposes. The command may also include an alert for changing prices. The alert may be selected and a batch mode run to change the prices.
[0016] In yet another exemplary embodiment, the message area 220 or message 222 may be selected and another action may be performed. For example, the operator could select the message area or message using the touch screen or other input device, like a mouse, keyboard or keypad. In response to selecting the area or message, the weighing apparatus may run a macro, launch an application, such as a =
web browser, and/or display another message area with additional text or tasks.
Each of these steps may be entered into the database for tracking.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT(S) [00111 Figure 1 illustrates one exemplary embodiment of a weighing apparatus 100. The weighing apparatus 100 may have a force-measuring device (not shown) and platform 102. The force-measuring device may assist in determining the weight of an item that may be placed on the platform 102, as is known in the art. The force-measuring device can be any force-measu. ring device known in the art such as, but not limited to, a load cell. The weighing apparatus 100 may include an operator display 104. The operator display 104 can be integrated into the weighing apparatus 3 :
100 or be a standalone unit. The operator display 104 may generally face the operator of the weighing apparatus. The operator display 104 may be any display known in the art. For example, the operator display 104 can be a VF display, an LCD, a touch screen or any other similar display. The operator display 104 shown in Figure 1 is a touch screen display. If a touch screen display is not used then it should be apparent that the operator display 104 could be coupled to one or more input devices such as, but not limited to, a keyboard, keypad, mouse or other similar input device. The operator display 104 may present a plurality of user interfaces 200, which will be discussed in more detail below. The weighing apparatus 100 may also include a customer display 106. The customer display 106 may generally face the customer. The customer display 106 may also be any display known in the art.
The weighing apparatus 100 may contain a controller 110. The controller 110 may be a programmable device capable of receiving and executing commands. Any controller known in the art may be used in the weighing apparatus 100. For example, the controller 110 may be an integrated processor with memory, a personal computer running a WINDOWS operating system or any other similar configuration.
In one exemplary embodiment, a database 112 may be included in the weighing apparatus 100. The database 112 may store the commands that may be sent to the weighing apparatus 100.
[0012] As stated above, the operator display 104 may present one or more user interfaces 200. The user interfaces 200 may have a plurality of defined areas 202.
One such exemplary user interface 200, such as the FLU transaction interface shown in Figure 2, may have the following defined areas: keypad area 206, page preset area 208, preset tab area 210, weight area 212, FLU area 214, date and time area 216, admin area 218 and message area 220. Other interfaces with other defined areas are also possible. The defined areas 202 may present a subset of data to the operator which may be used in a plurality of functions. For example, the weight area 212 may present the weight of the item being weighed on the platform 102. The message area 220 may display a message to the operator, which may be sent from a remote location.
[0013] As shown in Figure 3, the weighing apparatus 100 may be connected to a network 300, such as a LAN, WAN or the Internet, for communicating with computers 302, servers 304 and/or weighing apparatus 306 connected to the network 300. The computers 302 may also be handheld devices, such as, but not limited to, PDAs, cell phones and similar devices. The computers 302, servers and/or weighing apparatus 306 may be wired or wirelessly connected to the network 300. The network 300 may include weighing apparatus, computers and servers that may be disposed in a single department, multiple departments, a single store, multiple stores, or an entire company. The network 300 may allow a central location to send messages to thousands of weighing apparatus 100 around the world in a single command. In one exemplary embodiment, a database may be connected to the network for storing the commands and messages.
[0014] As illustrated in Figure 4, during normal operation of the weighing apparatus, the message area 220 may be blank. A command may be sent to the weighing apparatus 100. Upon receiving the command, a message 222 may be displayed in the message area 220. The command may be sent over the network 300 from a computer 302, a server, 304 or another weighing apparatus 306. The message may be any message, for example, a simple text string, a message alerting the operator that pricing has changed, a product has been recalled and/or a product has been added or deleted, a message directing the operator to an intranet posting for further information or any other similar message. The message may be displayed for a predetermined period of time, until another command is sent to turn off the message, until another command is sent to display a new message and/or until the message is cleared by the operator by pressing a button or similar operation. The message may be set to be displayed at a single weighing apparatus, all weighing apparatus or a subset of the weighing apparatus. The subset may be selected from a list of all of the weighing apparatus in a store or company, or the subset may be grouped by department and a single, a subset or all departments may be selected.
[0015] In another exemplary embodiment, the command may also include a task that may be required to be performed before the message may be cleared. For example, the message may be to remove all of a certain product from the shelves.
Once the operator accomplishes the task, the operator may clear the message.
Information, such as the message, the person clearing the message and the time the message is cleared may be entered into the database for tracking purposes. The command may also include an alert for changing prices. The alert may be selected and a batch mode run to change the prices.
[0016] In yet another exemplary embodiment, the message area 220 or message 222 may be selected and another action may be performed. For example, the operator could select the message area or message using the touch screen or other input device, like a mouse, keyboard or keypad. In response to selecting the area or message, the weighing apparatus may run a macro, launch an application, such as a =
web browser, and/or display another message area with additional text or tasks.
Each of these steps may be entered into the database for tracking.
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Claims (20)
1. A method for alerting an, operator comprising:
providing a retail scale having an operator display, said operator display having a user interface said user interface having a message area;
connecting a remote computer to said retail scale on a network;
sending a command from said remote computer to said retail scale, said command unrelated to any transaction being concurrently processed by said retail scale;
displaying a message in said message area of said retail scale in response to said command, said message being clearable only by a subsequent command from said remote computer;
requiring that an operator acknowledge said message before said message can be cleared from said message area;
receiving at said remote computer, confirmation that an operator has acknowledged said message on said retail scale; and upon receipt of said confirmation, sending a subsequent command from said remote computer to said retail scale that turns off said message.
providing a retail scale having an operator display, said operator display having a user interface said user interface having a message area;
connecting a remote computer to said retail scale on a network;
sending a command from said remote computer to said retail scale, said command unrelated to any transaction being concurrently processed by said retail scale;
displaying a message in said message area of said retail scale in response to said command, said message being clearable only by a subsequent command from said remote computer;
requiring that an operator acknowledge said message before said message can be cleared from said message area;
receiving at said remote computer, confirmation that an operator has acknowledged said message on said retail scale; and upon receipt of said confirmation, sending a subsequent command from said remote computer to said retail scale that turns off said message.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein selecting said message in said message area displays a larger message.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein the content of said message is selected from the group consisting of a price change alert, a product recall alert, and a product deletion alert.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein said message informs an operator of a task that must be performed, and the operator must confirm completion of said task before said subsequent command that turns off said message will be sent.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein said message directs an operator to an intranet or Internet site to provide more information related to said message.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein confirmation of said message is accomplished by an action selected from the group consisting of touching said message area of said user interface, selecting said message area of said user interface using a mouse, selecting said message area of said user interface using a keyboard, and selecting said message area of said user interface using a keypad.
7. The method of claim 1 further comprising: associating a database with said retail scale, said database adapted to store information related to said message.
8. The method of claim 1 wherein selecting said message area launches a software application or macro.
9. A method for alerting an operator, comprising:
providing a plurality of retail scales, each scale having an operator display, said operator display having a user interface, said user interface having a message area;
providing a remote computer connected to said plurality of retail scales on a network;
sending a command from said remote computer to at least one of said retail scales, said command unrelated to any transaction being concurrently processed by any retail scale receiving said command;
displaying a message in said message area of each retail scale receiving said command, said message being clearable only by a subsequent command from said remote computer;
requiring that an operator acknowledge said message on a given retail scale before said message can be cleared from said message area thereof;
receiving at said remote computer, confirmation that an operator has acknowledged said message on a given retail scale; and upon receipt of said confirmation, sending a subsequent command from said remote computer to said given retail scale that turns off said message.
providing a plurality of retail scales, each scale having an operator display, said operator display having a user interface, said user interface having a message area;
providing a remote computer connected to said plurality of retail scales on a network;
sending a command from said remote computer to at least one of said retail scales, said command unrelated to any transaction being concurrently processed by any retail scale receiving said command;
displaying a message in said message area of each retail scale receiving said command, said message being clearable only by a subsequent command from said remote computer;
requiring that an operator acknowledge said message on a given retail scale before said message can be cleared from said message area thereof;
receiving at said remote computer, confirmation that an operator has acknowledged said message on a given retail scale; and upon receipt of said confirmation, sending a subsequent command from said remote computer to said given retail scale that turns off said message.
10. The method of claim 9 wherein the content of said message is selected from the group consisting of a price change alert, a product recall alert, and a product deletion alert.
11. The method of claim 9 wherein said message informs an operator of a task that must be performed, and the operator must confirm completion of said task before said subsequent command that turns off said message will be sent.
12. The method of claim 9 wherein said message directs an operator to an intranet or Internet site to provide more information related to said message.
13. The method of claim 9 wherein selecting said message area launches a software application or macro.
14. The method of claim 13 further comprising: displaying a larger message in response to selecting said message area.
15. The method of claim 9 further comprising: storing information related to said message in a database.
16. The method of claim 9 wherein a command is sent to only a subset of a total number of retail scales to which said remote computer is connected.
17. The method of claim 9 wherein confirmation of said message is accomplished by an action selected from the group consisting of touching said message area of said user interface, selecting said message area of said user interface using a mouse, selecting said message area of said user interface using a keyboard, and selecting said message area of said user interface using a keypad.
18. The method of claim 9, further comprising a time delay between acknowledgment of said message and the sending of said subsequent command from said computer that turns off said message on said retail scale.
19. A method for alerting an operator, comprising:
providing a retail scale having an operator display, said operator display having a user interface, said user interface having a message area;
providing a remote computer connected to said retail scale on a network;
sending a command from said remote computer to said retail scale, said command unrelated to any transaction being concurrently processed by said retail scale;
displaying a message in said message area of said retail scale in response to said command, said message being clearable or alterable only by a subsequent command from said remote computer;
requiring that an operator acknowledge said message before said message can be cleared from said message area; upon selection of said message area by an operator, receiving at said remote computer confirmation that an operator has acknowledged said message;
activating a timer upon receipt at said remote computer that said message has been acknowledged; and upon expiration of timer operation, automatically sending a subsequent command from said remote computer to said retail scale that affects said message.
providing a retail scale having an operator display, said operator display having a user interface, said user interface having a message area;
providing a remote computer connected to said retail scale on a network;
sending a command from said remote computer to said retail scale, said command unrelated to any transaction being concurrently processed by said retail scale;
displaying a message in said message area of said retail scale in response to said command, said message being clearable or alterable only by a subsequent command from said remote computer;
requiring that an operator acknowledge said message before said message can be cleared from said message area; upon selection of said message area by an operator, receiving at said remote computer confirmation that an operator has acknowledged said message;
activating a timer upon receipt at said remote computer that said message has been acknowledged; and upon expiration of timer operation, automatically sending a subsequent command from said remote computer to said retail scale that affects said message.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein the effect of said subsequent command is selected from the group consisting of turning off said message, turning off said message and displaying a new message in its place, and placing said message in a state wherein said message may be cleared by an operator.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US11/696,392 | 2007-04-04 | ||
| US11/696,392 US7612302B2 (en) | 2007-04-04 | 2007-04-04 | System and method for alerting an operator |
| PCT/US2008/057862 WO2008124275A2 (en) | 2007-04-04 | 2008-03-21 | System and method for alerting an operator |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2680740A1 CA2680740A1 (en) | 2008-10-16 |
| CA2680740C true CA2680740C (en) | 2014-06-10 |
Family
ID=39825972
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2680740A Active CA2680740C (en) | 2007-04-04 | 2008-03-21 | System and method for alerting an operator |
Country Status (5)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US7612302B2 (en) |
| EP (1) | EP2165290A4 (en) |
| CN (1) | CN101809591A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2680740C (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2008124275A2 (en) |
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| US7886230B2 (en) * | 2006-12-04 | 2011-02-08 | Premark Feg L.L.C. | Scale with automatic offline indication and related method |
| US7875813B2 (en) * | 2007-04-04 | 2011-01-25 | Mettler-Toledo, Inc. | Programmable weighing scale that tracks completion time for a process step for multiple concurrent processes |
| US8336045B2 (en) * | 2007-11-29 | 2012-12-18 | Mettler-Toledo, LLC | Integration of an external software application(s) with a scale software application |
| DE102008009115A1 (en) * | 2008-02-14 | 2009-08-20 | Bizerba Gmbh & Co Kg | Scale and method for its configuration |
| US8304668B2 (en) * | 2009-01-22 | 2012-11-06 | Premark Feg L.L.C. | Scale with kiosk ordering interface system and method |
| US8816223B2 (en) | 2009-11-17 | 2014-08-26 | Restaurant Accuracy Systems, Llc | Fry station with integral portion weight sensing system and method |
| US20130275236A1 (en) * | 2012-04-13 | 2013-10-17 | Sealed Air Corporation (Us) | Fresh Departments Management System |
| US9377345B2 (en) | 2013-09-11 | 2016-06-28 | Illinois Tool Works Inc. | Food product scale |
| US10331969B2 (en) * | 2016-10-28 | 2019-06-25 | Ncr Corporation | Image processing for scale zero validation |
| USD820132S1 (en) * | 2017-01-23 | 2018-06-12 | Mettler-Toledo (Changzhou) Measurement Technology Co., Ltd. | Electronic scale |
| EP3370043A1 (en) * | 2017-03-02 | 2018-09-05 | Mettler-Toledo (Albstadt) GmbH | Weighing scale with a touchscreen display incorporated in the load receiver platform surface |
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| US4430639A (en) * | 1981-05-21 | 1984-02-07 | Benvar Associates, C/O Dale Bennett | Visual message intercommunication unit and system |
| US4584648A (en) | 1983-09-14 | 1986-04-22 | Pitney Bowes Inc. | Post office window system with programmable prompts |
| JP3213669B2 (en) * | 1994-05-30 | 2001-10-02 | 東芝テック株式会社 | Checkout system |
| US5504675A (en) | 1994-12-22 | 1996-04-02 | International Business Machines Corporation | Method and apparatus for automatic selection and presentation of sales promotion programs |
| CA2202409C (en) * | 1997-04-11 | 1998-04-07 | Carl W. Millard | Howgozit airspeed indicator system |
| US6609223B1 (en) * | 1999-04-06 | 2003-08-19 | Kencast, Inc. | Method for packet-level fec encoding, in which on a source packet-by-source packet basis, the error correction contributions of a source packet to a plurality of wildcard packets are computed, and the source packet is transmitted thereafter |
| US6636888B1 (en) * | 1999-06-15 | 2003-10-21 | Microsoft Corporation | Scheduling presentation broadcasts in an integrated network environment |
| US6408279B1 (en) * | 1999-06-28 | 2002-06-18 | Ncr Corporation | Method and apparatus for operating a self-service checkout terminal and a remote supervisor terminal of a retail system |
| US6296185B1 (en) * | 1999-11-02 | 2001-10-02 | Ncr Corporation | Apparatus and method for operating a checkout system having a display monitor which displays both transaction information and customer-specific messages during a checkout transaction |
| US6540137B1 (en) * | 1999-11-02 | 2003-04-01 | Ncr Corporation | Apparatus and method for operating a checkout system which has a number of payment devices for tendering payment during an assisted checkout transaction |
| US6390363B1 (en) * | 1999-11-02 | 2002-05-21 | Ncr Corporation | Apparatus and method for operating convertible checkout system which has a customer side and a personnel side |
| US6189790B1 (en) | 1999-12-22 | 2001-02-20 | Ncr Corporation | Method and apparatus for displaying instructional messages during operation of a self-service checkout terminal |
| US10127518B2 (en) * | 2000-05-25 | 2018-11-13 | Redbox Automated Retail, Llc | System and kiosk for commerce of optical media through multiple locations |
| US6884946B2 (en) | 2002-03-05 | 2005-04-26 | Premark Feg L.L.C. | Scale for weighing and determining a price of an item |
| FI115190B (en) * | 2003-01-21 | 2005-03-15 | Nokia Corp | Method for triggering a location dependent function, system and device |
| US6960730B2 (en) * | 2003-02-28 | 2005-11-01 | Pelstar, L.L.C. | Downloadable digital rate calculating scale |
| US6864436B1 (en) * | 2003-03-20 | 2005-03-08 | Wireless electronic scale | |
| US6982388B2 (en) | 2003-04-25 | 2006-01-03 | Premark Feg L.L.C. | Food product scale with customer voice prompting and related methods |
| US6917297B2 (en) * | 2003-06-05 | 2005-07-12 | International Business Machines Corporation | System and method for advance warning of severe weather for general aviation aircraft |
| US7597254B2 (en) * | 2004-08-20 | 2009-10-06 | Premark Feg L.L.C. | Scale with automatic identification of specials and other price and product changes |
| US8175656B2 (en) * | 2006-02-24 | 2012-05-08 | Qualcomm Incorporated | System and method of displaying incoming communication alerts at a wireless device |
| US20080061139A1 (en) * | 2006-09-07 | 2008-03-13 | Ncr Corporation | Self-checkout terminal including scale with remote reset |
-
2007
- 2007-04-04 US US11/696,392 patent/US7612302B2/en active Active
-
2008
- 2008-03-21 CA CA2680740A patent/CA2680740C/en active Active
- 2008-03-21 EP EP08732674A patent/EP2165290A4/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2008-03-21 CN CN200880011134.6A patent/CN101809591A/en active Pending
- 2008-03-21 WO PCT/US2008/057862 patent/WO2008124275A2/en active Application Filing
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| WO2008124275A2 (en) | 2008-10-16 |
| CA2680740A1 (en) | 2008-10-16 |
| WO2008124275A4 (en) | 2009-04-30 |
| US7612302B2 (en) | 2009-11-03 |
| EP2165290A2 (en) | 2010-03-24 |
| EP2165290A4 (en) | 2011-03-23 |
| CN101809591A (en) | 2010-08-18 |
| WO2008124275A3 (en) | 2009-02-26 |
| US20080245581A1 (en) | 2008-10-09 |
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