Systems and methods of alternate operation for a scanner-scale having an item overhang detection system

A method of operating a scanner-scale comprising the steps of passing items through a read zone over a weigh platter of the scanner-scale;

• providing the scanner-scale with an item overhang detection system, wherein the overhang detection system is operable for providing an output upon sensing that an item overhangs beyond an edge of the weigh platter;
• during weighing operation, using the output from the item overhang detection system to reduce erroneous weighing upon sensing that an item overhangs beyond an edge of the weigh platter;
• using output from the item overhang detection system as a control input for controlling a double-read prevention scheme.

A scanner-scale system for passing items to be read through a read zone of the scanner-scale, comprising

• a weigh platter;
• an item overhang detection system operable for providing an output upon sensing that an item overhangs beyond an edge of the weigh platter,
• wherein the overhang detection system is operable to both (1) reduce erroneous weighing upon sensing that an item overhangs beyond an edge of the weigh platter and (2) initiate an alternate function of the scanner-scale independent of weighing operation.

A scanner-scale system for passing items to be read through a read zone of the scanner-scale, comprising

• a weigh platter;
• overhang detection means for sensing that an item overhangs beyond an edge of the weigh platter;
• a controller operable to both (1) reduce erroneous weighing upon the overhang detection means sensing that an item overhangs beyond an edge of the weigh platter and (2) initiate an alternate function of the scanner-scale independent of weighing operation.