AU2019203833B2 - Weighing instrument using a general-purpose computer as the primary display and data entry - Google Patents

Abstract

#$%^&*AU2019203833B220250626.pdf##### ABSTRACT A commercial-transaction weighing instrument (110) subject to W&M legal controls, configured with a weighing platform (12), at least one load cell (16), a controller (120) with weight-processing (122) and communications (124) modules, and software to be implemented on a general-purpose computer with display and data entry capabilities. The general-purpose computer itself is not subject to legal controls. The weight processing module receives data from the at least one load cell and generates output data in the nature of weight and legally-required weighment information. The communications module receives the output data of the weight-processing module and further transmits the data to a general-purpose computer (136). Software implemented on the general-purpose computer has program code for establishing encrypted bidirectional communication with the communications module and to operate as the primary display device for the weighing instrument. Software implemented on the general-purpose computer also has program code for transmitting signals from the general-purpose computer to the communications module in the nature of data or instructions for the weight processing module. 11396031_1 (GHMatters) P111355.AU ABSTRACT 2019203833 31 May 2019 A commercial-transaction weighing instrument (110) subject to W&M legal controls, configured with a weighing platform (12), at least one load cell (16), a controller (120) with weight-processing (122) and communications (124) modules, and software to be implemented on a general-purpose computer with display and data entry capabilities. The general-purpose computer itself is not subject to legal controls. The weight- processing module receives data from the at least one load cell and generates output data in the nature of weight and legally-required weighment information. The communications module receives the output data of the weight-processing module and further transmits the data to a general-purpose computer (136). Software implemented on the general-purpose computer has program code for establishing encrypted bidirectional communication with the communications module and to operate as the primary display device for the weighing instrument. Software implemented on the general-purpose computer also has program code for transmitting signals from the general-purpose computer to the communications module in the nature of data or instructions for the weight processing module. 11396031_1 (GHMatters) P111355.AU ABSTRACT 2019203833 31 May 2019 A commercial-transaction weighing instrument (110) subject to W&M legal controls, configured with a weighing platform (12), at least one load cell (16), a controller (120) with weight-processing (122) and communications (124) modules, and software to be implemented on a general-purpose computer with display and data entry capabilities. The general-purpose computer itself is not subject to legal controls. The weight- processing module receives data from the at least one load cell and generates output data in the nature of weight and legally-required weighment information. The communications module receives the output data of the weight-processing module and further transmits the data to a general-purpose computer (136). Software implemented on the general-purpose computer has program code for establishing encrypted bidirectional communication with the communications module and to operate as the primary display device for the weighing instrument. Software implemented on the general-purpose computer also has program code for transmitting signals from the general-purpose computer to the communications module in the nature of data or instructions for the weight processing module. 11396031_1 (GHMatters) P111355.AU 20 19 20 38 33 3 1 M ay 2 01 92019203833 31 May 2019 110 12 132 WEIGHING PLATFORM 121 GENERAL PURPOSE COMMUNICATIONS 16 COMPUTER LOAD CELL 124 121 DISPLAY 16 LOAD CELL WEIGHT 126 134 ROUTER 136 121 PROCESSING 128 16 122 LOAD CELL DATA-ENTRY 2/2 121 16 138 LOAD CELL 129 CONTROLLER DATA MEMORY 120 133 FIG. 2 2019203833 31 May 2019 110 12 132 WEIGHING PLATFORM 121 GENERAL PURPOSE COMMUNICATIONS 16 COMPUTER LOAD CELL 124 121 DISPLAY 16 LOAD CELL WEIGHT 126 134 ROUTER 136 121 PROCESSING 128 16 122 LOAD CELL DATA-ENTRY 2/2 121 16 138 LOAD CELL 129 CONTROLLER DATA MEMORY 120 133 FIG. 2

Description

2019203833 31 May 2019

2/2

GENERAL PURPOSE DATA-ENTRY COMPUTER

132 DISPLAY

136 138 2019203833

134

COMMUNICATIONS ROUTER CONTROLLER

124 128

120

FIG. 2

126

DATA MEMORY PROCESSING WEIGHT

122

133 110 129

121 121 121 121 PLATFORM WEIGHING PLATFORM WEIGHING LOAD CELL LOAD CELL LOAD CELL LOAD CELL

12

16 16 16 16

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WEIGHING INSTRUMENT WEIGHING INSTRUMENT USING USING AA GENERAL-PURPOSE GENERAL-PURPOSE COMPUTER ASTHE COMPUTER AS THE PRIMARY DISPLAY AND DATA ENTRY PRIMARY DISPLAY AND DATA ENTRY

Cross-Reference Cross-Reference toto Related Related Applications Applications

[001] This

[001] This application application is aisnon-provisional a non-provisional application application that that makes makes no of no claim claim of priority. priority. 2019203833

TechnicalField Technical Field

[002]

[002] TheThe invention invention relates relates to ato a weighing weighing instrument instrument used used in in commercial commercial “buy-sell” "buy-sell"

transactions. Such transactions. Suchan an instrument instrument is subject is subject to certification to certification by by a Weights a Weights & Measures & Measures

(W&M) authority.More (W&M) authority. More particularly, particularly, thethe weighing weighing instrument instrument incorporates incorporates the the functionality of functionality of aa general-purpose computer, general-purpose computer, which which is not is not subject subject to legal to legal controls, controls, as as the primary the primarydata dataentry/display entry/displaydevice device that that isiscontrolled controlledbyby software software which which is subject is subject to to legal controls. legal controls.

Background Art Background Art

[003]

[003] Weighing Weighing instruments instruments are are measuring measuring instruments instruments thatdetermine that determinethe themass massof of anan

object by measuring object by measuring thethe effect effect of of gravityonon gravity the the object. object. Because Because of need of the the need for for regularity regularity in in certain certain weights andmeasures, weights and measures, national national andand international international organizations organizations

have establishedstandards have established standards thatthat designate designate the various the various functions functions of a weighing of a weighing

instrument instrument and and how eachoperates. how each operates.

[004]

[004] In In an an exemplary exemplary weighing weighing instrument instrument of the of theart, prior priora art, a weigh weigh platform platform is is associated withatatleast associated with leastone oneload loadcell. cell.These These load load cells cells react react to to a a force force imposed imposed on them on them

by an object by an objecton onthe theweigh weigh platform, platform, including including a force a force imposed imposed byweigh by the the weigh platform platform

itself. itself.InIn a aweighing weighing instrument subjectto instrument subject to W&M W&M control, control, thethe weigh weigh instrument instrument is is configured toindicate configured to indicateany anytampering. tampering. A control A control module module ofweighing of the the weighing instrument instrument is in is in

communication with communication with each each of the of the at least at least one one loadload cells. cells. In the In the prior prior art,art, thethe control control

module has module has a primary a primary data data entry/display entry/display device device associated associated withInit.some with it. In some instances, instances,

the data the data entry entry functionality functionality of of the the primary dataentry/display primary data entry/displaydevice device may may be incorporated be incorporated

into into the the primary display, such primary display, suchasasininaatouch touchscreen screen that that hashas a touch a touch pad pad for data for data entry. entry.

In In a a weighing devicesubject weighing device subject toto W&M W&M control, control, the the primary primary display display and keyboard and keyboard are partare part

of of the the instrument subjecttotocontrol. instrument subject control. InInsome some cases, cases, a secondary a secondary data entry/display data entry/display

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feature is feature is achieved bya apersonal achieved by personal computer computer in secure in secure bi-directional bi-directional communication communication with with the control the control module. module.

[005]

[005] InInthe theknown knownart, art, aa number numberofof peripheral peripheral devices devices may be in may be in communication with communication with

the control the control module, module,either eitherdirectly directly or or through througha apersonal personal computer computer that that is serving is serving as as the the secondary data secondary data entry/display entry/display device. device. These These devices devices include, include, for illustrative for illustrative purposes, purposes, 2019203833

printers, printers, secondary displays,data secondary displays, datastorage storage devices devices and and otherother peripheral peripheral devices, devices, which which

can includepersonal can include personal computers. computers. In current In the the current time,time, a personal a personal computer computer can be a can be a

desktop,aalaptop, desktop, laptop,aanotebook, notebook, a tablet,orora asmartphone. a tablet, smartphone. Due Due to toconfiguration this this configuration there may there be some may be somehardware hardware redundancy redundancy between between the the weighing weighing instrument instrument andand

peripheral devices. peripheral devices.

[006]

[006] An An unresolved unresolved problem problem of the of the prior known knownartprior artprovide is to is to provide a control a control module module for for a a weighing instrument weighing instrument where where the the primary primary data data entry/display entry/display functionality functionality is subsumed is subsumed

into into a a peripheral devicewhile peripheral device whilemaintaining maintaining compliance compliance withwith legal legal W&M W&M controls, controls, so thatso that

hardware redundancyisisreduced. hardware redundancy reduced.

Summary Summary

[007] According

[007] According toaspect to an an aspect ofpresent of the the present invention, invention, there there is provided is provided an instrument an instrument

for weighing for anobject weighing an objectininaacommercial commercial transaction, transaction, calibrated calibrated and and subject subject to legal to legal

controls, controls, comprising: comprising: aaweighing weighing platform, platform, sized sized andand adapted adapted to receive to receive the object; the object; at at least least one loadcell one load cell on on which whichthe theweighing weighing platform platform bears; bears; a controller, a controller, comprising: comprising: a a weight-processing weight-processing module, module, in communication in communication withofeach with each of the the at atone least least one load loadtocells cells to receive outputsignals receive output signalstherefrom therefromandand to to generate generate weight weight and weighment and weighment information information

output data; and output data; anda acommunications communications module module in bi-directional in bi-directional communication communication with the with the

weightprocessing weight processing module module to receive to receive weight weight output output signals signals and legally and legally required required

weighment weighment information information therefrom therefrom and and to to transmit transmit data data or or instructions instructions thereto, thereto, the the communications module communications module further further in bi-directional in bi-directional encrypted encrypted communication communication with a with a

general purpose general purpose computer computer thatthat is not is not subject subject to legal to legal controls controls to receive to receive datadata therefrom therefrom

and to transmit and to transmitdata datathereto; thereto;and andsoftware, software, implemented implemented on oron or externally externally hostedhosted for thefor the

general-purpose computer, general-purpose computer, the the software software having having program program code code for: for: establishing establishing

encrypted bidirectionalcommunication encrypted bidirectional communicationwithwith the the communications communications module; module; transmitting transmitting

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signals fromthe signals from thegeneral-purpose general-purpose computer computer tocommunications to the the communications module module in in the nature the nature

of of data or instructions data or instructions for for the the weight processingmodule; weight processing module; receiving receiving the the weight weight and and

weighmentinformation weighment information output output data data from from the the communications module;and communications module; anddisplaying displaying the the weight and weight weighmentinformation and weighment information output output data data on on the the general-purpose general-purpose computer as aa computer as

primary display. primary display. 2019203833

[008]

[008] InInan anembodiment, embodiment,thethe controller has controller has aa weight-processing weight-processing module moduleand anda a communications module.TheThe communications module. weight-processing weight-processing module module is incommunication is in communication with with each each

of of the the at at least least one one load cells to load cells to receive receive output signalstherefrom output signals therefromand and to to generate generate weight weight

and weighmentinformation and weighment information output output data data from from those those output output signals. signals.The Thecommunications communications

module module isisin in bi-directional bi-directional communication with communication with thethe weight weight processing processing modulemodule to receive to receive

weightoutput weight outputsignals signalsand and legallyrequired legally required weighment weighment information information from from the the weight- weight-

processing module. processing module. It also It also transmits transmits data data or instructions or instructions to the to the weight-processing weight-processing

module. module.

[009]

[009] InInan anembodiment, embodiment, separate separate from from thethe communication communication with with thethe weight- weight-

processing module, processing module, thethe communications communications modulemodule is in bi-directional is in bi-directional encrypted encrypted

communication with communication with thethe general-purpose general-purpose computer, computer, which which is is not subject not subject to legalto legal

controls. controls.

[010]

[010] InInan anembodiment, embodiment,thethe softwareimplemented software implemented on on thethe general-purpose general-purpose computer computer

has program has program code code for,for, among among otherother things, things, establish establish encrypted encrypted bidirectional bidirectional

communication with communication with thethe communications communications module,module, transmittransmit signals signals from the from the general- general-

purpose computer purpose computer to the to the communications communications module module in the of in the nature nature of data data or or instructions instructions

for the for the weight processingmodule, weight processing module, receive receive the the weight weight and weighment and weighment information information output output data data from from the the communications module;and communications module; anddisplay display the the weight weight and and weighment weighment

information outputdata information output dataononthethe general-purpose general-purpose computer computer as a primary as a primary display. display.

[011]

[011] InInsome some embodiments, embodiments, the the weigh weigh platform platform is is arranged arranged asas a a truckweigh truck weighstation station with aa plurality with plurality ofofload load cells cellsreceiving receivingthe the weight weight of of the the weigh platformand weigh platform andthe theobject object onon

the platform. the platform. Other Otherapplications applications of of the the inventive inventive concept concept are are found found in industrial in industrial

weighingtransactions, weighing transactions,asas wellasas well in in other other situationsinvolving situations involving W&M W&M regulation. regulation.

[012]

[012] The The embodiments embodiments of the of the inventive inventive concept concept may may utilizemany utilize manytypes typesofofgeneral- general- purpose computers,including purpose computers, including personal personal computers, computers, such as notebook such as notebook computers, computers,laptop laptop

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computers, tablet computers, computers, tablet computers, and and smart smart phones. phones.

[013]

[013] In In some some embodiments, embodiments, the software the software establishes establishes the bidirectional the bidirectional

communication between communication between the controller, the controller, especially especially a wireless a wireless router router therein, therein, and the and the

general-purpose computer general-purpose computer through through a wireless a wireless protocol protocol such such as asorWi-Fi Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Bluetooth.

[014]

[014] InInthe theembodiments, embodiments, theweight the weightand andweighment weighment output output data data received received byby the the 2019203833

general-purpose general-purpose computer computer through through the software the software implemented implemented thereonall thereon include include all legally- legally- required data,including required data, includingthe theweight weightbeing being measured, measured, the units the units of measure of measure of the of the weight weight

being measured, being measured, thethe weight weight mode, mode, whether whether gross gross or net,or net, the the center center of zeroof zero indication, indication,

the weight the weightcapacity capacityofofthe theweighing weighing instrument; instrument; and and the the increment increment size associated size associated with with the weight the weightcapacity. capacity.

[015]

[015] Typically, the Typically, the software software implemented onthe implemented on the general-purpose general-purposecomputer computeruses usesa a unique identifier of unique identifier of the the controller controller to toestablish establish the the bidirectional bidirectionalcommunication therewith. communication therewith.

[016]

[016] InInsome some embodiments, embodiments, the the software software permits permits thethe general-purpose general-purpose computer computer to to establish bidirectional communication establish bidirectional with communication with more more than than one controller one controller at a at a time. time.

Brief Brief Description Description of of the the Drawings Drawings

[017] A better

[017] A better understanding understanding ofinventive of the the inventive concept concept will will be be obtained obtained by reference by reference to to the embodiments the embodiments disclosed disclosed in the in the detailed detailed description description and drawings, and drawings, identical identical parts parts are are identified identified by by identical identical reference numeralsandand reference numerals wherein: wherein:

FIGURE 1 is FIGURE 1 is a schematic a schematic illustration illustration of of a weighing a weighing instrument instrument of prior of the the prior art art

FIGURE 2 is FIGURE 2 is a schematic a schematic illustration illustration of of an an embodiment embodiment of a weighing of a weighing

instrument utilizing the instrument utilizing the inventive concept. inventive concept.

Detailed Detailed Description of the Description of the Embodiments Embodiments

[018]

[018] FIGURE FIGURE 1 illustratesschematically 1 illustrates schematicallyaa weighing weighing instrument instrument 10 10 for for commercial commercial

transactionsasasknown transactions knownin in thethe prior prior art.TheThe art. weighing weighing instrument instrument 10a has 10 has a weighing weighing

platform 12, aa plurality platform 12, plurality of of load load cells cells16 16 associated withweighing associated with weighing platform, platform, a weight a weight

processing and processing and communications communications modulemodule 20, in 20, in communication communication withcells, with the load the load a cells, a

data entry device data entry deviceand anda a primary primary display. display. Additionally Additionally a personal a personal computer computer 30, with 30, with

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keyboard and keyboard and display, display, maymay alsoalso be connected be connected to theto the weighing weighing instrument instrument as a as a peripheral device. peripheral device.

[019]

[019] TheThe weighing weighing platform platform 12 performs 12 performs the functions the functions of mechanical of mechanical and electrical and electrical

connecting elements for connecting elements for the the weighing weighing instrument instrument10. 10.The Theconnections connectionsbetween between

components components cancan be achieved be achieved with physical with physical wires wires or wireless or wireless telecommunication, telecommunication, but are but are 2019203833

typically done typically with physical done with physicalwires. wires.The The weighing weighing platform platform 12,which 12, on on which the object the object to be to be weighedisispositioned, weighed positioned,isisassociated associated with with at at least least one one load load cell cell 16,16, each each of which of which is is acted onbybythe acted on thegravity gravityforce forceexerted exertedbyby thethe object object being being weighed weighed (as well (as well asweight as the the weight of of the the weighing platform).Each weighing platform). Each loadload cellcell 16 provides 16 provides an output an output signal, signal, whichwhich may bemay be

an analogoutput an analog outputsignal, signal,or, or,ifif the the load cell includes load cell an analog-to-digital includes an analog-to-digital converter, converter,aa digital digitaloutput output signal. signal. If Ifthe theoutput output signal signal is isanalog, analog, the the weight processingand weight processing and communications module communications module 20 perform 20 will will perform the analog-to-digital the analog-to-digital conversion. conversion. The weight The weight

processing and processing and communications communications modulemodule 20 isresponsible 20 is also also responsible fordata for basic basic data processing, secondary processing, secondary data data processing, processing, and providing and providing an interface an interface to peripheral to peripheral devicesdevices

for the for the weighing instrument.All weighing instrument. Allofofthese thesedevices devicesareare calibrated calibrated andand sealed, sealed, subject subject to to legal legal controls, controls, in in the the prior priorart artweighing weighing instrument 10. instrument 10.

[020] This

[020] This primary primary datadata entry/display entry/display device device 20 needs 20 needs to be to be able toable to provide provide a variety a variety

of of data to an data to operatorofofthe an operator theweighing weighing system system 10. 10. These These include include at least at least the following: the following:

the weight the weightbeing beingmeasured, measured,the the units units of measure of measure of that of that weight, weight, the weight the weight mode mode (either (either gross or net), gross or net), the center of the center of zero zero indication, indication, the the weight weightcapacity capacityofofthe theweighing weighing instrument, andthe instrument, and theincrement increment size size associated associated withwith the weight the weight capacity. capacity. In some In some

weighinginstruments, weighing instruments, multiple multiple ranges ranges of capacity of capacity are are ableable toselected to be be selected by by the the operator. In these operator. In theseweighing weighing instruments, instruments, thethe primary primary datadata entry/display entry/display device device is able is able to to indicate whichother indicate which othercapacities capacitiesand and increments increments are are available, available, as well as well as which as which capacity capacity

and increment and increment isiscurrently currentlyininuse. use.

[021]

[021] FIGURE FIGURE 2 illustratesschematically 2 illustrates schematicallyaa weighing weighing instrument instrument embodiment embodiment 110 110 that that

embodies embodies thethe inventive inventive concept. concept. In this In this instance, instance, the the weighing weighing platform platform 12 is 12 is depicted depicted

as as aa "black “black box" box”because becauseit it comprises comprises the the samesame mechanical mechanical and electrical and electrical elements elements

known known ininthe theart artand anddescribed described above above withwith regard regard to Fig.1, to Fig.1, although although the plurality the plurality of load of load

cells cells 16 16 are shownwithin are shown withinthe theweighing weighing platform platform 12. 12. In the In the inventive inventive concept, concept, the prior the prior

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art art weight processingand weight processing and communication communication modulemodule is replaced is replaced by a controller by a controller 120, which 120, which

is is calibrated calibrated and sealedsubject and sealed subjecttotolegal legalcontrols, controls,asasisis the theweighing weighing platform platform 12.12. The The

controller controller 120 is depicted 120 is asbeing depicted as beingwithout without a a primary primary data data entry/display entry/display device device and and

particularly particularly as as being without aadisplay being without displayorordata dataentry entrycapability capabilityononthe thebody bodyof of thethe controller. controller. That functionality has That functionality hasbeen beenshifted shiftedininthe theinventive inventiveconcept. concept.The The controller controller 2019203833

120 comprises aa weight 120 comprises weight processing processing module module122 122and anda acommunications communications module module 124. 124.

Therespective The respectivemodules modules 122,122, 124 124 arebi-directional are in in bi-directional communication communication throughthrough

connection 126,which connection 126, which is is totallycontained totally contained within within thethe calibrated calibrated andand sealed sealed controller. controller.

The weight-processing The weight-processing module module122 122isis also also in in communication, through hard-wired communication, through hard-wired

communication communication lines lines 121, 121, with with each each of the of the loadload cells cells 16. 16. Communications Communications module module 124 124 comprises comprises atatleast leastone one means means 128 128 for receiving for receiving and transmitting and transmitting data, data, wirelessly wirelessly or or throughphysical through physicalwires, wires,totoa aremote remote device, device, preferably preferably a general-purpose a general-purpose computer computer 132. 132. In In some embodiments, some embodiments, this this means means 128 128 for for wirelessly wirelessly receiving receiving and transmitting and transmitting can be can be

a a wireless router for wireless router for using using aa Wi-Fi Wi-Fiwireless wirelessprotocol; protocol;ininother otherembodiments, embodiments, the means the means

can usea aBLUETOOTH can use BLUETOOTH wireless wireless protocol. protocol. Still other Still other wireless wireless protocols protocols will bewill be known known

and will be and will readily able be readily to be able to incorporatedinto be incorporated intothe thecommunications communications module module 124. 124. The bi-The bi-

directional communication directional communication between the communications between the means communications means 128128 andand thethe general- general-

purpose computer132 purpose computer 132isis represented represented by by two-headed two-headedarrow arrow134. 134.The Theweighing weighing instrument 110isischaracterized instrument 110 characterizedby by thethe absence absence of a of a physical physical display display and/or and/or data entry data entry

feature on feature onthe thecontroller controller 120, 120,which whichwas was present present in the in the prior prior art. art.

[022]

[022] The The general-purpose general-purpose computer computer 132132 is enabled is enabled by by thethe existence existence ofofsoftware software code, code, implemented onboth implemented on boththe the general-purpose general-purposecomputer computerand andononthe thecommunications communications module 124, as module 124, as will will be bedescribed describedbelow. below. The The general-purpose computer132 general-purpose computer 132has hasaa display 136and display 136 anda adata data entry entry 138, 138, but, but, in in some some instances, instances, display display and entry and data data entry may bemay be

accomplished accomplished by by thethe same same feature feature of general-purpose of the the general-purpose computer, computer, as with aas with a touch- touch-

screen. screen. However, the general-purpose However, the computer132 general-purpose computer 132should should bebe broadlyunderstood broadly understoodtoto

range in scope range in scopefrom from a tower-type a tower-type personal personal computer computer havinghaving a display a display device and device and

keyboard thatare keyboard that areseparate separate from from a central a central processing processing unit unit (CPU)(CPU) to a laptop to a laptop computer, computer, a a desktopcomputer, desktop computer, a notebook a notebook computer computer that relies that relies upon internet upon internet connectivity, connectivity, a tablet a tablet

device where device where the the display display screen screen doubles doubles as a as a touch touch screenscreen forentry for data data and entry a and a

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smartphone. smartphone. DueDue to the to the use use of software, of the the software, the inventive the inventive concept concept should should be applicable be applicable

to new to new types types of of general-purpose general-purpose computers 132, as computers 132, as these these are are developed. developed. When the When the

communicationsmodule communications module 124 124 is isconnected connected withsuch with sucha ageneral generalpurpose purposecomputer computer 132, 132,

through communications through means communications means 128128 viavia wirelessororhard-wired wireless hard-wiredcommunications communications protocol, protocol, as shownbyby as shown arrow arrow 134, 134, the the datadata entry entry capability capability and and display display capability capability of the of the 2019203833

generalpurpose general purpose computer computer effectively effectively become become a primary a primary keyboard keyboard andfor and display display the for the weighinginstrument weighing instrument 110, 110, with with thethe difference difference being being thatthat a given a given weighing weighing systemsystem may be may be connected connected atat differenttimes different timeswith withdifferent differentgeneral generalpurpose purpose computers computers and, and, at at least least as as importantly, importantly,a asingle general single purpose general computer purpose computermay may be be connected connected to to more more than than one one

weighinginstrument. weighing instrument. Expressed Expressed somewhat somewhat differently, differently, a single a single general-purpose general-purpose

computer 132 computer 132 cancan be used, be used, either either concurrently concurrently or serially, or serially, withwith moremore than than one weighing one weighing

instrument instrument 110 110 and morethan and more than one onegeneral general purpose-computer purpose-computer132 132 can can bebe used used witha a with

particular particular weighing instrument. weighing instrument.

[023] These

[023] These objects objects are achieved are achieved specifically specifically by theby the software software installed installed on the on the general- general-

purpose computer purpose computer 132 132 and and oncontroller on the the controller 120, 120, but specifically but specifically oncommunications on the the communications module 124 module 124 in in a a manner manner thatthat doesdoes not cause not cause any conflict any conflict withweights with the the weights and and measures (W&M) measures (W&M) regulations.The regulations. Thesoftware softwareononthe thegeneral-purpose general-purposecomputer computer 132 132 and and

on the communications on the communications module module 124 co-act 124 co-act to convert to convert inputa from input from a user user of of the general- the general-

purpose computer purpose computer 132 132 intointo a digital a digital data data transmission transmission to communications to the the communications module module

124. Thesoftware 124. The software also also converts converts output output information information received received by theby the communications communications

module 124 module 124 from from thethe weight weight processing processing module module 122 for122 for transmission transmission to the general- to the general-

purpose computer purpose computer 132.132. Preferably, Preferably, all software all software needed needed to the to place place thereceived data data received by by the general-purpose the general-purpose computer computer 132 ainto 132 into a display display format format that that is is properly properly sized sized and and compatible withthe compatible with thedevice deviceis is residentonon resident thethe general-purpose general-purpose computer. computer. For example, For example,

the display the displaysize sizeand andformat formatcan canbebeadjusted. adjusted.Because Because the thegeneral-purpose general-purpose computer computer

132 nevercommunicates 132 never communicates directly directly with with software software onweight-processing on the the weight-processing module 122, module 122,

wherethe where thelegally-relevant legally-relevantsoftware software resides, resides, it itisisunable unabletotoaffect affectthe thesoftware softwareonon thethe

weight-processing weight-processing module. module. This This protects protects the legally-relevant the legally-relevant software software from from being being altered. Anotherfeature altered. Another featuredisclosed disclosed in in Fig. Fig. 2 2 isisa adata data memory memory 133 is 133 that thatinisdirect in direct communication, communication, as as shown shown by bi-directional by bi-directional arrowarrow 129, the 129, with withsoftware the software on the on the weight- weight-

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processing module processing module 122, 122, to comply to comply with with W&M requirements W&M requirements tomodifications to log all log all modifications that that are made.These are made. These provisions provisions ensure ensure that that the weight the weight and other and other information information exchanged exchanged

between thegeneral-purpose between the general-purpose computer computer 132 132 and theand the controller controller 120 are 120 are legitimate. legitimate.

[024] Attention

[024] Attention is is nownow directed directed to the to the software software product product that enables that enables the control the control

module module totooperate operate without without a dedicated a dedicated primary primary data data entry/display entry/display device. device. In one In one 2019203833

embodiment of the embodiment of the inventive inventive concept, concept, the the current current version version of software of the the software is maintained is maintained

on on a a secured website and secured website and may maybe bedownloaded downloadedby by a userthrough a user throughaccess access totothe thewebsite website using using a a web browser. This web browser. This download downloadmay maybebe totothe thegeneral-purpose general-purposecomputer computer 132 132

selected bythe selected by theuser. user.Once Once installed installed on on a user’s a user's general-purpose general-purpose computer computer 132, the132, the

software canestablish software can establishcontact contact with with a specific a specific controller120, controller 120, preferably preferably using using a unique a unique

identifier identifierassigned to the assigned to the controller. Sincethe controller. Since thesoftware software is is maintained maintained on aon a secured secured

websiteassociated website associated with with thethe vendor vendor of the of the weighing weighing systems, systems, any updates any updates in the in the software software would would be be available available when when made, by download made, by downloadtotoaa user. user. In In one embodimentofof one embodiment

the inventive the inventive concept, concept,the thesoftware software product product maymay be available be available in a in a single single workstation workstation

version and version anda amultiple multipleworkstation workstation version. version.

[025]

[025] In In thethe claims claims which which follow follow and and in preceding in the the preceding description description of theof the invention, invention,

except where except where the the context context requires requires otherwise otherwise due due to to express express language language or necessary or necessary

implication, implication, the the word “comprise” word "comprise" oror variationssuch variations such as as “comprises” "comprises" or “comprising” or "comprising" is is used in an used in aninclusive inclusivesense, sense,i.e. i.e. to to specify specify the the presence presenceof of the the stated stated features features butbut notnot to to

preclude thepresence preclude the presenceor or addition addition of of further further features features in in various various embodiments embodiments of theof the

invention. invention.

[026]

[026] It It isisto tobebeunderstood understood that, that, if ifany any priorart prior artpublication publicationisisreferred referredtotoherein, herein,such such reference doesnotnot reference does constitute constitute anan admission admission thatthat the the publication publication forms forms a part a part of the of the

common general common general knowledge knowledge in thein thein art, art,Australia in Australia or other or any any other country. country.

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CLAIMS CLAIMS 1. 1. Aninstrument An instrumentfor forweighing weighingan an object object incommercial in a a commercial transaction, transaction, calibrated calibrated and and

subject to legal subject to legal controls, controls, comprising: comprising:

a a weighing platform,sized weighing platform, sizedand and adapted adapted to receive to receive the object; the object;

at at least least one load cell one load cell on whichthe on which theweighing weighing platform platform bears; bears; 2019203833

a a controller, controller, comprising: comprising:

a a weight-processing module, weight-processing module, in communication in communication withofeach with each of the the at at least least

one loadcells one load cells to to receive receiveoutput outputsignals signalstherefrom therefromandand to generate to generate weight weight and and

weighment weighment information information output output data; data; and and a a communications module communications module in bi-directional in bi-directional communication communication with with the the weight weight

processing module processing module to to receive receive weight weight output output signals signals and legally and legally required required

weighment weighment information information therefrom therefrom and and to to transmit transmit data data or or instructions instructions thereto, thereto, the the communications module communications module further further in bi-directional in bi-directional encrypted encrypted communication communication with a with a

general purpose general purpose computer computer that that is not is not subject subject to legal to legal controls controls to receive to receive datadata

therefromand therefrom andtototransmit transmitdata data thereto; thereto; andand

software, implemented software, implemented on externally on or or externally hosted hosted for the for the general-purpose general-purpose computer, computer,

the software the softwarehaving havingprogram program codecode for: for:

establishing encryptedbidirectional establishing encrypted bidirectionalcommunication communicationwith with the the

communications module; communications module;

transmitting signals from transmitting signals fromthe thegeneral-purpose general-purpose computer computer to theto the

communications module communications module in nature in the the nature of data of data or instructions or instructions for weight for the the weight processing processing module; module;

receiving the weight receiving the weightand andweighment weighment information information output output datathe data from from the communications module;and communications module; and displaying the weight displaying the weightand and weighment weighment information information output output data data on theon the

general-purpose computer general-purpose computer as a as a primary primary display. display.

2. 2. Theweighing The weighing instrument instrument of claim of claim 1, wherein 1, wherein the weighing the weighing platform platform is arranged is arranged as as a a truck truck weigh station. weigh station.

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Claims (14)

1. 2019203833 29 May 2025
2. 10 10
3. 3. 3. The weighing The weighing instrument instrument of claim of claim 1 or1 2, or wherein 2, wherein the the general-purpose general-purpose computer computer

   is is aa personal computer. personal computer.
4. 4. 4. Theweighing The weighing instrument instrument of claim of claim 1 or1 2, or wherein 2, wherein the the general-purpose general-purpose computer computer

   is is aa smart phone. smart phone. 2019203833
5. 5. 5. The weighing The weighing instrument instrument of claim of claim 1 or1 2, or wherein 2, wherein the the general-purpose general-purpose computer computer

   is is aa tablet tabletcomputer. computer.
6. 6. 6. The weighing The weighing instrument instrument of claim of claim 3, wherein 3, wherein the personal the personal computer computer is a notebook is a notebook

   computer. computer.
7. 7. 7. The weighing The weighing instrument instrument of claim of claim 3, wherein 3, wherein the personal the personal computer computer is a laptop is a laptop

   computer. computer.
8. 8. 8. The weighing The weighing instrument instrument of claim of claim 3, wherein 3, wherein the personal the personal computer computer is a desktop is a desktop

   computer. computer.
9. 9. 9. The weighing The weighing instrument instrument of any of any one one of the of the previous previous claims, claims, wherein wherein the software the software

   establishes thebidirectional establishes the bidirectional communication communication between between the controller the controller andgeneral- and the the general- purpose computer purpose computer through through a Wi-Fi a Wi-Fi wireless wireless protocol. protocol.
10. 10. 10. TheThe weighing weighing instrument instrument of any of any one of one of claims claims 1 to 8, 1wherein to 8, wherein the software the software

    establishes thebidirectional establishes the bidirectional communication communication between between the controller the controller andgeneral- and the the general- purpose computer purpose computer through through a Bluetooth a Bluetooth wireless wireless protocol. protocol.
11. 11. 11. TheThe weighing weighing instrument instrument of of any any one one ofof theprevious the previousclaims, claims, wherein wherein the the weight weight

    and weighmentoutput and weighment outputdata datareceived received by by the the general-purpose computerthrough general-purpose computer throughthe the software software implemented thereoncomprise: implemented thereon comprise: the weight the weight being being measured; measured;

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    the units of the units of measure measure ofofthe theweight weight being being measured; measured;

    the weight the weightmode, mode, whether whether gross gross or net; or net;

    the center of the center of zero zero indication; indication; the weight the weightcapacity capacityofofweighing weighing instrument; instrument; andand

    the increment the incrementsize sizeassociated associated with with thethe weight weight capacity. capacity. 2019203833
12. 12. 12. TheThe weighing weighing instrument instrument of of any any one one ofofthe theprevious previousclaims, claims, wherein wherein the the software software

    implemented implemented on on thethe general-purpose general-purpose computer computer uses aidentifier uses a unique unique identifier of the controller of the controller

    to establish to the bidirectional establish the bidirectional communication therewith. communication therewith.
13. 13. 13. TheThe weighing weighing instrument instrument of claim of claim 12, wherein 12, wherein the software the software permits permits the the general- general- purpose computer purpose computer to establish to establish bidirectional bidirectional communication communication withthan with more more than one one

    controller ata atime. controller at time.
14. 14. 14. TheThe weighing weighing instrument instrument of of any any one one ofofthe theprevious previousclaims, claims, wherein wherein the the communications module communications module uses uses a wireless a wireless router router for thefor the bi-directional bi-directional encrypted encrypted

    communication withthe communication with the general general purpose computer. purpose computer.

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