Claims:1) A smart weighing device, comprising:

i) a frame 1 having an analog weighing unit 3, wherein said analog weighing unit 3 aids in determining weight of an object placed over a plate 4 associated with said unit 3;
ii) an iris door 5 mapped on said plate 4 for conveying said object from said plate 4 onto a digital weighing unit 6, wherein said unit 6 measures weight of said conveyed object;
iii) a microcontroller equipped with said frame 1 is pre-programmed with a tolerance limit for comparing weight of said object measured by said weighing units 3, 6, wherein said controller generates a command to send an alert to a user’s platform via a communication module in case detected limit exceeds a threshold limit;
iv) a packaging unit 7 in association with a sorting belt 8 for wrapping said conveyed object, wherein said belt 8 assists in transferring said conveyed object from said plate 4 into said packaging unit 7;
v) an Artificial Intelligence (AI) camera 2 functionally coupled with said microcontroller mounted on said frame 1 for capturing images of said conveyed object, wherein said controller on processing captured images generates a command for actuating said sorting belt 8 in case said object is unpacked;
vi) a pressure sensor 10 in association with said microcontroller installed on said digital weighing unit 6 for determining pressure applied on said unit 6, wherein said controller on processing sensed signals generates a command for disabling manual functioning of said unit 6 in case determined value exceeds a threshold value; and
vii) a printing unit 9 mapped on said digital weighing unit 6 for printing barcode to be allocated on said packed object.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said analog weight unit is connected to said frame 1 via a spring load unit 11.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein opening and closing of said iris door 5 actuated by a motor on receiving a command from said microcontroller.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said barcode stores information related to said object that includes but not limited to customer’s photo, vendor’s photo, weight of the item, name of the item, date and time stamp and alike.

5) The device as claimed in claim 1 or 5, wherein information to be printed on said barcode is retrieved from a cloud server via said communication module.

6) The device as claimed in claim 1 or 5, wherein said barcode is allocated on said object manually.

7) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a battery is fabricated on said frame 1 for supplying power to said device.
, Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a smart weighing device that measures and affirms the weight of an object and provides barcode for preventing measurement tampering. In addition, the device developed here provides packaging for the object.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Nowadays, while purchasing in grocery stores an individual has to go through a long process of collecting the loose items and put in a cart, weigh the article and packaging of the article which is followed by the payment for the articles and other transactions. All this process is to be performed at a counter.

[0003] In the case of loose items, such as fruit, are handed to an assistant, who then weighs the articles, calculates the weight, seals the package, and writes the price to be paid on the bag. This is a time-consuming activity that necessitates the involvement of manpower.

[0004] Generally, the weighing was performed by the analog scale. However, such scales are less accurate and easy to manipulate. Also, after a certain period of time, the spring attached to this scale starts loosening up which may lead to false measurements. Many vendors placed their weighing scales on metal topped tables and stuck powerful magnets at the bottom of the scales so that the machines showed a higher measure than what was actually weighed. Thus, the different device needs to be developed for proper weighing purpose.

[0005] US4206822A discloses an apparatus for the exact weighing of materials, especially fruit and vegetables, in lots of mixed-size pieces feeds a plurality of pieces to a plurality of scales, carries out the weighing of one or more pieces on single scales, calculates the sum of successive groups of weights read from differently selected scales, and the difference between the wanted draft and each of said sums in order to select the group of weights and hence of scales carrying pieces for a total weight differing from the wanted draft to a predetermined allowed extent, and operates the unloading of the pieces from the selected scales

[0006] US3695371A discloses a hopper is arranged to receive a continuous supply of singulated fruit and is pivotally mounted at one end thereof so that it can be pivoted upwardly to discharge the contents thereof when a predetermined weight of fruit has been accumulated therein. The hopper is pivotally mounted upon a support structure which is, in turn, mounted upon one end of a scale beam. The other end of the scale beam mounts a device which, when actuated, serves to engage the underside of the hopper to pivot it upwardly. Pivotable gate members are provided adjacent the movable end of the hopper to catch and hold a fruit which may follow the last fruit making up said predetermined weight of fruit.

[0007] Conventionally, many weighing devices have been developed for weighing different articles. One such device is a digital balance which is more accurate than the analog scale. However, the reading on such devices is easy to tamper by adjusting the scale to show higher digital readings.

[0008] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there is a need to develop a device that automatically measures and verifies the weight of the object, thereby eliminating the risk of tampering with the measurements.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0010] An object of the present invention is to develop a device that automatically measures the weight of the object, thereby eliminating the manual errors.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that measures the weight of the object and cross verifies by measuring it again in order to avoid risk of miscalculation.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that facilitates barcode which provides information regarding the vendor and customer.

[0013] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a device that is user friendly and easy to assemble.

[0014] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The present invention relates to a smart weighing device that automatically measures the weight of an object without human involvement, thus eliminating manual errors and efforts.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a smart weighing device, comprising, a frame having an analog weighing unit, wherein the analog weighing unit aids in determining weight of an object placed over a plate associated with the unit, the analog weight unit is attached to the frame via a spring load unit, an iris door placed on the plate to convey the object from the plate onto a digital weighing unit, wherein the unit measures weight of the conveyed object, opening and closing of the iris door actuated by a motor on receiving a command from the microcontroller, a microcontroller integrated with the frame is pre-programmed with a tolerance limit to compare weight of the object measured by the weighing units, wherein the controller generates a command for sending an alert to a user’s platform via a communication module in case detected limit exceeds a threshold limit, a packaging unit in accordance with a sorting belt to wrap the conveyed object, wherein the belt assist in transferring the conveyed object from the plate into the packaging unit, an Artificial Intelligence (AI) camera integrated with the microcontroller installed on the frame to capture images of the conveyed object, wherein the controller on processing captured images generates a command to actuate the sorting belt in case the object is unpacked.

[0017] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a pressure sensor in combination with the microcontroller mounted on the digital weighing unit to determine pressure applied on the unit, wherein the controller on processing sensed signals generates a command to disable manual functioning of the unit in case determined value exceeds a threshold value, and a printing unit placed on the digital weighing unit to print barcode to be allocated on the packed object, the barcode stores information related to the object that includes but not limited to customer’s photo, vendor’s photo, weight of the item, name of the item, date and time stamp and alike, information to be printed on the barcode is retrieved from a cloud server via the communication module, the barcode is allocated on the object manually, a battery is contrived on the frame to supply power to the device.

[0018] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a smart weighing device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0021] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises,” and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.

[0022] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

[0023] The present invention relates to a smart weighing device that determines the weight of an object and then verifies it by measuring it again to eliminate the possibility of a measurement error. The device used herein disables the measuring unit in order to avoid any kind of manipulations.
[0024] Referring to Figure 1, a smart weighing device comprises of a frame 1 having an analog weighing unit 3, a spring load unit 11, an iris door 5 placed on the plate 4, a microcontroller integrated with the frame 1, a packaging unit 7 in accordance with a sorting belt 8 an Artificial Intelligence (AI) camera 2 integrated with the microcontroller, a pressure sensor 10 in combination with the microcontroller mounted on the digital weighing unit 6, a printing unit 9 placed on the digital weighing unit 6, a battery is contrived on the frame 1.

[0025] The frame 1 is developed in a manner for measuring the weight of the object. The object used herein may include but not limited to fruits, vegetables, beverages and alike. The frame 1 used herein is a C-shaped frame. One end of the frame 1 is connected with the analog weighing unit 3.

[0026] The analog weighing unit 3 is connected with the plate 4, where the object is placed over the plate 4. The analog weighing unit 3 used herein aids in determining weight of an object. The analog weighing unit 3 is connected to the frame 1 via a spring load unit 11.

[0027] The spring load unit 11 used herein aids in bearing the weight of the object after incorporating the object on the unit 3. The weight of the object exerts force on the unit 3 which is connected to the spring load unit 11. The weight sent to the microcontroller is directly proportional to the force exerted by the object on the analog weighing unit 3.

[0028] Additionally, the iris door 5 is placed at the bottom of the plate 4. The iris door 5 comprises of a lower body, multiple blades, upper body and a gear. The blades travel in a straight line back and forth which is perpendicular to the angle bisectors that initiates the opening and closing of the door 5. The door 5 forms an opening according to convey the object from the plate 4 onto a digital weighing unit 6.

[0029] The number of blades utilized herein may be chosen from a minimum limit of four. The blades are made in a manner to form an isosceles triangle, wherein the lengths of two sides of the blades are equal but different from the third side. The motor is connected to the blades that facilitate the opening and closing of the blades. The motor is actuated on the interaction of electric and magnetic field.

[0030] The motor is selected from a variety of motors such as DC (Direct Current) motor and hydraulic motor etc. The motor is actuated by the microcontroller 5 after the analog weighing unit 3 weighed the object. The motor enables the opening and closing of the iris door 5 in order to covey the object on the digital weighing unit 6.

[0031] The digital weighing unit 6 is incorporated at the other end of the frame 1. The digital weighing unit 6 used herein measures the weight of the conveyed object in order to verify the weight with the analog weighing unit 3. The digital weighing unit 6 comprises of a digital circuit that is pre-calibrated to check the weight.

[0032] The weight measured by the analog and digital weighing units 3, 6 are sent to the microcontroller for further processing. The microcontroller used herein is already pre-programmed with the tolerance limit. The tolerance limit is the acceptable limits or range in measurement that is tolerated by the user while weighing.

[0033] In case the detected limit exceeds a threshold limit, then the microcontroller generates a command for sending an alert to a user’s platform via a communication module. The user’s platform used herein may include but not limited to the laptop, PC, mobile and alike.

[0034] The microcontroller used herein is preferably an ATmega2560 microcontroller. The Arduino MEGA 2560 is designed for inventions that require more I/O lines, more sketch memory and more RAM. With 54 digital I/O pins, 16 analog inputs and a larger space for the sketch. The Arduino Mega provides the flexibility of working with more memory space and processing the power that allows it to work with a number of sensors at once.

[0035] Moreover, the packaging unit 7 is assembled with the frame 1. The packaging unit 7 used herein wraps the conveyed object in order to avoid any kind of contamination. The conveyed object is transferred from the plate 4 into the packaging unit 7 via the sorting belt 8.

[0036] The sorting belt 8 is rotated with the help of two rollers that are actuated with the help of an electric motor. An induced electric current in the motor reacts to the rotating magnetic field and produces a force on the motor, which results in torque used to turn the motor shaft. This torque must be transferred from the motor to the sorting belt 8 in order to move it.

[0037] Herein, AC induction motors are used which are ideal for sorting systems that operate continuously in one direction. For sorting systems where the load must be held in place or for vertical applications, there are a wide range of AC motors with power-off activated electromagnetic brake.

[0038] The sorting belt 8 systematically carries the object that is attached over the surface of sorting belt 8 in a controlled and defined manner. Sorting belts 8 are a true energy saver, designed to increase the efficiency of the device. The sorting belt 8 works by using at least two pulleys which are motorized and loop over a thick and durable material.

[0039] When motorized pulleys are operated with the same speed and spin in the same direction, the belt 8 moves between the two pulleys. The number of pulleys in the sorting belts 8 alters according to the distance and duration. The main objective of sorting belt 8 is to move he object from one side of sorting belt 8 to the other side of the sorting belt 8 with less effort. The lightweight belting of the sorting belt 8 is designed for diverse application.

[0040] The Artificial Intelligence (AI) camera 2 is placed on the frame 1. The camera 2 used herein captures images and videos of the conveyed object. The AI camera 2 performs image processing tasks in order to retrieve desired data. The image processing is done in various steps. At first pre-processing of the captured image is done, pre-processing of the image is done to improve the data of the image by suppressing the unwanted distortions and also enhancing some image features that are essential for further processing.

[0041] Once the image is pre-processed a morphological processing is done. In morphological processing the useful image or component of the image that is useful is extracted. The extracted images are sent to the microcontroller for further processing. On processing the extracted images the microcontroller generates a command for actuating the sorting belt 8 in case the object is unpacked.

[0042] Additionally, the pressure sensor 10 is placed on the digital weighing unit 6. The sensor 10 works on the basis of strain gauge output, when the sensor 10 detects some pressure on it by the force applied by an entity. After detecting the pressure the strain gauge output is deflected and the change in the pressure is observed. Herein, the sensor 10 detects the pressure generated by the force applied by the object on the digital weighing unit 6 in order to confirm the presence of the object on the digital weighing unit 6.

[0043] After successful detection of the object, the detection unit transmits a signal further to the microcontroller. The controller on processing sensed signals generates a command for disabling manual functioning of the unit 6 in case determined value exceeds a threshold value in order to restrict any change in balance while weighing.

[0044] The printing unit 9 is incorporated on the digital weighing unit 6. The printing unit 9 used herein prints a barcode to be allocated on the packed object. The barcode stores information related to the object that includes but not limited to the customer’s photo, vendor’s photo, the weight of the item, name of the item, date and time stamp and alike. The information to be printed on the barcode is retrieved from a cloud server via the communication module. The barcode is allocated on the object manually

[0045] The device is installed with a battery for supplying power to the components of the device. The battery used herein is preferably a rechargeable battery that is selected from but not limited to lead acid battery, Ni-Cd battery, NiMH battery, Li-ion battery and alike. The rechargeable battery has voltage range from 1 V to 1.5 V preferably of battery size A.

[0046] According to an alternative embodiment, a robotic gripper may be installed for placing the printed QR code on the packed object, thereby reducing the time and effort consumed and manual error.

[0047] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention.