Abstract: Disclosed is a computing scale system utilizing an integrated circuit microcomputer for computing the value of a product being weighed and for controlling the operation of a label printer associated therewith. The microcomputer operates with 4-bit words, and there is provided a multiplexing network for multiplexing weight, price, and status information into the microcomputer. Weight readings are made by a bank of photosensors, which read the position of a chart moveable in response to weight on the scale platter. Means are provided for performing a parity check on the data read by the weight photocells, and the data so read is converted from Gray code to BCD code by a table lookup routine. The scale system may print labels having weight and computed value, zero weight and fixed value, or weight and fixed value. The scale has both selectable price and weight dead zone capability with adjustable range. There is a motion detection routine employing a variable settling time.

Abstract: A computing weighing scale is disclosed wherein a single multi-digit numerical indicator is driven in real time by the scale microcomputer to display, sequentially, weight of the article, price per unit weight, and total price or value of the article. The indicators are part of a display which also includes function words identifying the nature of the information to the scale operator and customer. The scale also includes weight code generating mechanism, a keyboard for entering numerical information, and the micro-computer.The single multi-digit indicator can also display tare weight, which is entered via the keyboard when there is no weight on the platter. If tare is entered and subsequent weight on the platter is less than entered tare, the calculating function is inhibited. If platter motion is detected with weight on the platter, the display will reset to the weight indicating condition and then sequence to show again price per unit weight (if entered) and total price.

Abstract: A commodity identification key carrying apertures arranged in rows and columns for organization of commodity identification, parity checking, and clock control information, provision for manually controlled reading of the commodity identification information into storage, provision for repeatedly reading the commodity information out of storage and repeatedly checking the parity thereof, and provision for controlling the printing of a machine readable bar code representative of a commodity identification.