A method and system for identifying products on a conveying device

Abstract

The present invention discloses a method and a system for reading products on a conveying device, which solve the technical problems of easy omission and misreading of the reading unit in the prior art. The method includes: step 1) generating induction information by sensing a preset magnetic mark on the product; step 2) receiving the induction information to generate a trigger instruction; step 3) receiving the trigger instruction to start identifying a preset identification code on the product. The system includes: a control unit, a magnetic sensing unit, and a reading unit; the magnetic sensing unit is used for sensing a preset magnetic mark on the product; the reading unit is used for identifying a preset identification code on the product; the magnetic sensing unit starts the reading unit. The present invention starts the reading unit through a magnetic mark, which is not affected by the positions between products, and can effectively avoid reading omission and reading error.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for reading products on a conveying device, which is used for reading identification codes on product packaging boxes. The present invention also relates to a system for reading products on a conveying device. Background Art

[0002] In the field of liquid beverage packaging, the "one package, one code" technology is used to trace products. First, the packaging material company forms a coil with multiple continuous packaging units. Each unit is used to form a separate package and each packaging unit is printed with a unique identification code. The identification code can be a barcode or a QR code, which is used to trace the production information of the product, such as production date, production batch number, etc.

[0003] The coils are transported to beverage filling companies (such as dairy companies and juice companies) for filling. After filling, they are sealed, cut and formed into products. The product packaging includes brick packages, diamond packages and other types. The products are discharged onto the conveying mechanism and pass through the electric eyes set next to the conveying mechanism in turn. When the electric eyes recognize that there are products passing by, they control the opening of the reading unit, and then the reading unit recognizes the identification code on the product. The types of electric eyes mainly include inductive proximity sensors, capacitive proximity sensors, and photoelectric sensors.

[0004] The problem with the prior art is that, on the conveying mechanism, when two or more products are pasted together to form connected packages or blocked packages, the electric eye cannot accurately identify the number of products passing through, and therefore cannot accurately control the opening and reading of the reading unit, resulting in the production information being unable to be accurately associated with the identification code or being associated incorrectly, and consumers being unable to obtain real production information. Summary of the invention

[0005] In view of the above problems existing in the prior art, the present invention provides a method for reading products on a conveying device, which activates the reading unit through a magnetic mark and is not affected by the position of the products, thereby effectively avoiding reading omissions and reading errors.

[0006] The present invention also provides a system for reading products on conveying equipment, which can read products with magnetic marks and identification codes, is not affected by the positions of the products, and can effectively avoid reading omissions and reading errors.

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, the technical solution of the present invention is achieved as follows:

[0008] The present invention provides a method for reading products on a conveying device, wherein an identification code and a magnetic mark are preset on the product to be read, and the method comprises:

[0009] Step 1) sensing the magnetic mark on the product to generate sensing information, and sending the sensing information;

[0010] Step 2) Receive the induction information to generate a trigger instruction, and send the trigger instruction;

[0011] Step 3) Receive the trigger instruction to start identifying the identification code on the product.

[0012] Preferably, the magnetic mark is printed on the packaging material of the product with magnetic ink, or printed on one side of the product packaging, or on two opposite sides.

[0013] Preferably, the magnetic mark is printed in a matrix or printed as spots with a specific shape and size.

[0014] Preferably, the surface of the magnetic mark is covered with printing blocking ink, and the color of the blocking ink is the same as the background color of the product packaging.

[0015] Preferably, the surface of the magnetic mark is covered with printing the identification code.

[0016] Preferably, the surface of the magnetic mark is covered with printing blocking ink, and then the identification code is printed on the surface of the blocking ink, and the color of the blocking ink is the same as the background color of the product packaging.

[0017] Preferably, other marks are etched on the surface of the magnetic mark by laser.

[0018] Preferably, product information different from the identification code is stored in the magnetic mark, and one or several of production information, shipping information or logistics information are stored.

[0019] The present invention also provides a system for reading products on a conveying device, the system includes a control unit, a magnetic sensing unit and a reading unit, and the magnetic sensing unit and the reading unit are respectively connected to the control unit;

[0020] The magnetic sensing unit is arranged in cooperation with the conveying path of the conveying device and the preset position of the magnetic mark on the product, and is used for sensing the magnetic mark on the product;

[0021] The reading unit is arranged in cooperation with the conveying path of the conveying device and the preset position of the identification code on the product, and is used for identifying the identification code on the product;

[0022] The magnetic sensing unit starts the reading unit.

[0023] Preferably, there are two groups of the magnetic sensing units, which are respectively arranged on both sides of the conveying device.

[0024] Preferably, the magnetic sensing unit and the reading unit are on the same vertical plane, or the magnetic sensing unit is upstream of the reading unit.

[0025] Preferably, the magnetic sensing unit and the reading unit are on the same horizontal plane, and the magnetic sensing unit is located upstream of the reading unit.

[0026] Preferably, the magnetic sensing unit includes a group, and is disposed adjacent to the reading unit on the same side or different sides of the conveying device.

[0027] Preferably, the magnetic sensing unit and the reading unit are on the same vertical plane.

[0028] Preferably, the magnetic sensing unit and the reading unit are on the same horizontal plane, and the magnetic sensing unit is located upstream of the reading unit.

[0029] Preferably, the magnetic sensing unit includes a magnetic proximity sensor, the reading unit includes a camera, or the reading unit includes a bar code / QR code scanner.

[0030] Preferably, the magnetic sensing unit senses a magnetic mark on the product and sends the sensed information to the control unit;

[0031] After receiving the sensed information, the control unit sends a trigger instruction to the reading unit;

[0032] The reading unit starts to identify the identification code on the product according to the trigger instruction.

[0033] The reading method and reading system adopting the above technical means have the following advantages:

[0034] The reading method of the present invention prints a magnetic mark on the product, senses the magnetic mark on the product to generate sensed information, receives the sensed information to generate a trigger instruction, and receives the trigger instruction to start identifying the identification code on the product. Thereby, accidents such as the reading unit missing or misreading the identification code caused by continuous packaging are avoided.

[0035] The magnetic mark can also be used to store product information, such as storing one or several of production information, shipping information or logistics information. Such a design increases the amount of product information on the product packaging.

[0036] The reading system of the present invention replaces the photoelectric eye with a magnetic sensing unit. When the product passes by, it will be recognized by the magnetic sensing unit, and the reading unit will be turned on, avoiding accidents such as the reading unit missing or misreading the identification code caused by continuous packaging.

[0037] The reading system of the present invention has higher reliability compared with the prior art, can improve the accuracy of product data information, and enhance the user experience. Description of the Drawings

[0038] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the usage state of the reading system in Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 2 is the front view of the usage state of the reading system in Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 3 is the structural block diagram of the reading system of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 4 is the left view of the liquid beverage package;

[0042] Figure 5 is the right view of the liquid beverage package;

[0043] Figure 6 is the schematic diagram of the matrix mode magnetic mark;

[0044] Figure 7 is the schematic diagram of the dot pattern magnetic mark;

[0045] Figure 8 is the exploded view of the combination of the magnetic mark and the blocking ink;

[0046] Figure 9 is the exploded view of the combination of the magnetic mark and the identification code;

[0047] Figure 10 is the exploded view of the combination of the magnetic mark, the blocking ink and the identification code;

[0048] Figure 11 is the exploded view of the combination of the magnetic mark and other marks;

[0049] Figure 12 is the usage state diagram of the reading system in Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0050] In the figure: 1. Reading system; 1-1. Magnetic sensing unit; 1-2. Control unit; 1-3. Reading unit;

[0051] 2. Conveying device;

[0052] 3. Product; 3-1. Magnetic mark; 3-2. Identification code; 3-3. Blocking ink; 3-4. Other marks. Detailed implementation manners

[0053] To make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention clearer, the following will further describe the embodiments of the present invention in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0054] Embodiment 1

[0055] Embodiment 1 of the present invention provides a method for reading a product on a conveying device, referring to Figure 4 ,Figure 5 As shown, an identification code 3-2 and a magnetic mark 3-1 are preset on the product 3 to be identified. The identification code 3-2 and / or the magnetic mark 3-1 can be pre-printed on the packaging material of the product 3. After the product 3 is formed, the identification code 3-2 and / or the magnetic mark 3-1 are usually located on the side of the packaging of the product 3 or on the top of the packaging. The side that can preset the magnetic mark 3-1 and the identification code 3-2 is limited by the orientation of the product 3 on the conveying device, and it cannot be the opposite side between adjacent products 3. It can only be the side parallel to the conveying direction. According to the configuration of current common conveying devices, generally it is the front and back of the product 3.

[0056] Alternatively, the identification code 3-2 and / or the magnetic mark 3-1 can be printed on the packaging after the product 3 is formed.

[0057] The identification code 3-2 can be a bar code or a two-dimensional code, which is used to trace the production information of the product 3, such as the production date, production batch number, etc.

[0058] The identification method includes the following steps:

[0059] Step 1) Sense the magnetic mark 3-1 on the product 3 to generate sensed information and send the sensed information;

[0060] Step 2) Receive the sensed information to generate a trigger instruction and send the trigger instruction;

[0061] Step 3) Receive the trigger instruction to start identifying the identification code 3-2 on the product 3.

[0062] The following combines Figure 1 、 Figure 2 The shown identification system 1 to make a specific description of the identification method.

[0063] The identification system 1 is arranged in cooperation with the conveying device 2. The identification system 1 includes a control unit 1-2, a magnetic sensing unit 1-1 and an identification unit 1-3. The magnetic sensing unit 1-1 and the identification unit 1-3 are respectively connected to the control unit 1-2;

[0064] The magnetic sensing unit 1-1 senses the magnetic mark 3-1 on the product 3 and sends the sensed information to the control unit 1-2;

[0065] The control unit 1-2 sends a trigger instruction to the identification unit 1-3 after receiving the sensed information;

[0066] The identification unit 1-3 identifies the identification code 3-2 on the product 3 according to the trigger instruction.

[0067] Since the magnetic marker 3-1 triggers the magnetic sensing unit 1-1 to generate an induction signal first, which has a reminder effect on the reading unit 1-3, regardless of the spacing of the product 3 on the conveying device 2, the reading unit 1-3 can read the product 3 in a timely and accurate manner, avoiding reading omissions and reading errors.

[0068] The induction principle of the magnetic marker 3-1 is different from that of optical and electrical induction principles, and has more reliable sensitivity.

[0069] The magnetic marker 3-1 is printed on one side of the package of the product 3, or on two opposite sides, using magnetic ink. Figure 4 、 Figure 5 As shown in [reference], magnetic markers 3-1 are printed on both sides of the product 3, which can improve the induction accuracy of the magnetic sensing unit 1-1.

[0070] The identification code 3-2 can be printed on only one side of the package of the product 3, such as the left side as shown in [reference], or on both the left and right sides of the package of the product 3. The identification code 3-2 can also be located on the top of the package. Figure 4 As shown in [reference], the left side, or it can be printed on both the left and right sides of the package of the product 3. The identification code 3-2 can also be located on the top of the package.

[0071] More generally, the identification code 3-2 and / or the magnetic marker 3-1 can be set on the packaging material during the production of the packaging material.

[0072] The magnetic ink contains magnetizable particles, such as iron tetroxide (Fe3O4) and iron oxide (Fe2O3). It is very easy to achieve magnetic alignment after being treated by a magnetic field and obtain a high residual magnetism.

[0073] As Figure 6 shown, the magnetic marker 3-1 can be printed in a matrix, and each unit in the matrix can be assigned a positive, negative, or zero magnetic charge. Figure 6 In [reference] is a 6*6 matrix, and other numbers of matrices can also be used. The inside of the matrix can be used in different areas to store different information.

[0074] Or as Figure 7 shown, the magnetic marker 3-1 can be printed into spots with specific shapes and sizes. Figure 7 a is a circular spot, Figure 7 b is an oval spot, Figure 7 c is a square spot, Figure 7 d is a rectangular spot. The magnetic field patterns of spots with different shapes and sizes are different.

[0075] Since the color of the magnetic ink is usually black, printing it on the package of the product 3 may affect the appearance of the product 3. Therefore, the following methods are taken to solve this problem. Refer to Figures 8 - 11 as shown in [reference], Figures 8 - 11 The arrows in [reference] indicate the printing order of different layers.

[0076] As shown Figure 8 in the figure, the surface of the magnetic marker 3-1 is covered with printed blocking ink 3-3. The color of the blocking ink 3-3 is the same as the background color of the packaging of the product 3, usually white ink or other light-colored inks. Such a design can prevent the magnetic marker 3-1 from affecting the printing of the surface pattern of the product.

[0077] As shown Figure 9 in the figure, the surface of the magnetic marker 3-1 is covered with printed identification code 3-2. Such a design can save the surface space of the product 3. For example, the identification code 3-2 can be printed with white ink, with the magnetic marker 3-1 as the bottom layer, thus forming a bar code or a two-dimensional code.

[0078] As shown Figure 10 in the figure, the surface of the magnetic marker 3-1 is covered with printed blocking ink 3-3, and then the identification code 3-2 is printed on the surface of the blocking ink 3-3.

[0079] As shown Figure 11 in the figure, other marks 3-4 are etched on the surface of the magnetic marker 3-1 by laser. The other marks 3-4 can be marks such as trademarks, and such a design also improves the appearance of the magnetic marker 3-1 to a certain extent.

[0080] Product information different from the identification code 3-2 can also be stored in the magnetic marker 3-1, storing one or several of production information, shipping information or logistics information, and such a design increases the amount of product information on the packaging of the product 3.

[0081] Embodiment 2

[0082] As shown Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 3 in the figure is Embodiment 2 of the present invention. This embodiment provides a system for reading a product on a conveying device. The reading system 1 includes a control unit 1-2, a magnetic sensing unit 1-1 and a reading unit 1-3. The magnetic sensing unit 1-1 and the reading unit 1-3 are respectively connected to the control unit 1-2.

[0083] The magnetic sensing unit 1-1, the reading unit 1-3 and the control unit 1-2 are connected by signal lines for transmitting induction signals and control signals.

[0084] The magnetic sensing unit 1-1 is arranged in cooperation with the conveying path of the conveying device 2 and the specific position of the magnetic marker 3-1 on the product 3. Specifically, the magnetic sensing unit 1-1 can be arranged on the side of the conveying device 2 for sensing the magnetic marker 3-1 on the product 3 and sending the sensing information to the control unit 1-2.

[0085] After receiving the induction information, the control unit 1-2 sends a trigger instruction to the reading unit 1-3.

[0086] The reading unit 1-3 is arranged in coordination with the conveying path of the conveying device 2 and the specific position of the identification code 3-2 on the product 3. Specifically, the reading unit 1-3 can be arranged on the side of the conveying device 2 to identify the identification code 3-2 on the product 3 according to the trigger instruction.

[0087] In this embodiment, the magnetic sensing unit 1-1 includes two groups, which are respectively arranged on both sides of the conveying device 2. As Figure 2 shown, magnetic marks 3-1 are provided on two opposite sides of the product 3, and the magnetic marks 3-1 and the identification code 3-2 do not overlap. The vertical plane where the magnetic sensing unit 1-1 is located is perpendicular to the conveying direction of the conveying device 2 ( Figure 1 as indicated by the arrow in), and the reading unit 1-3 can also be located on this vertical plane, so that the time difference between the induction time point of the magnetic sensing unit 1-1 and the reading time point of the reading unit 1-3 will be very short.

[0088] Or the reading unit 1-3 is located downstream of the magnetic sensing unit 1-1, and there is a preset distance between the reading unit 1-3 and the magnetic sensing unit 1-1. In this way, an obvious time difference is generated between the induction time point of the magnetic sensing unit 1-1 and the reading time point of the reading unit 1-3, and the reading time point of the reading unit 1-3 can be set to the preset time t.

[0089] The following formula can be used to calculate the preset time t:

[0090] t = t1 + s1 / v

[0091] where t1 is the time point when the magnetic sensing unit 1-1 is triggered, s1 is the component of the distance between the reading unit 1-3 and the magnetic sensing unit 1-1 in the product moving direction, and v is the conveying speed of the conveying device 2.

[0092] By setting two groups of magnetic sensing units 1-1, no matter which group of magnetic sensing units 1-1 first feedbacks the induction information, it will play the same role and finally activate the reading unit 1-3, thus further improving the reliability of the reading system 1.

[0093] If magnetic marks 3-1 are provided on two opposite sides of the product 3, and the magnetic marks 3-1 on the same side as the identification code 3-2 overlap with the identification code 3-2, at this time, the magnetic sensing unit 1-1 and the reading unit 1-3 can be arranged adjacent to each other on one side of the identification code 3-2 and located on the same horizontal plane.

[0094] Only one group of magnetic sensing units 1-1 can also be set, and it can be on the same side or different sides of the reading unit 1-3. For example, cancelFigure 2 For the magnetic sensing unit 1-1 on the left or right side in the middle, correspondingly, the magnetic mark 3-1 can be printed on one side of the package of the product 3 using magnetic ink.

[0095] The magnetic sensing unit 1-1 includes a magnetic proximity sensor, the reading unit 1-3 includes a camera, or the reading unit 1-3 includes a bar code / QR code scanner. The control unit 1-2 may include a single-chip microcomputer.

[0096] Embodiment 3

[0097] As Figure 12 shown in Embodiment 3 of the present invention, different from Embodiment 2, in this embodiment, only one set of magnetic sensing units 1-1 is provided in the reading system 1, and they are arranged adjacent to the reading unit 1-3 on the same side of the conveying device 2.

[0098] The magnetic sensing unit 1-1 and the reading unit 1-3 can be located on the same horizontal plane, corresponding to the case where the magnetic mark 3-1 and the identification code 3-2 are on the same horizontal plane or superimposed together, but the magnetic sensing unit 1-1 needs to be located upstream. The magnetic sensing unit 1-1 and the reading unit 1-3 can also be located on the same vertical plane, corresponding to the case where the magnetic mark 3-1 and the identification code 3-2 are on the same vertical plane, and the magnetic sensing unit 1-1 can be located above or below the reading unit 1-3. When there are both horizontal distance and height distance between the magnetic mark 3-1 and the identification code 3-2, the relative position between the magnetic sensing unit 1-1 and the reading unit 1-3 is not restricted by the above position relationship.

[0099] The reading system 1 in this embodiment can read Figure 9 the combination of the magnetic mark 3-1 and the identification code 3-2 as shown, and can also read Figure 10 the combination of the magnetic mark 3-1, the masking ink 3-3 and the identification code 3-2 as shown.

[0100] According to the needs of system design, the magnetic sensing unit 1-1 and the reading unit 1-3 can also be arranged on opposite sides of the conveying device 2.

[0101] In this embodiment, the other structures of the reading system 1 are the same as those in Embodiment 2, and will not be described repeatedly here.

[0102] The above is only the specific implementation manner of the present invention. Under the above teaching of the present invention, those skilled in the art can make other improvements or deformations on the basis of the above embodiments. Those skilled in the art should understand that the above specific description is only to better explain the purpose of the present invention, and the protection scope of the present invention should be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A method for reading products on a conveying device, wherein an identification code and a magnetic mark are preset on the product to be read, characterized in that The method includes: Step 1) Sense the magnetic mark on the product to generate sensed information and send the sensed information; Step 2) Receive the sensed information to generate a trigger instruction and send the trigger instruction; Step 3) Receive the trigger instruction to start identifying the identification code on the product; Product information different from the identification code is stored in the magnetic mark, and one or several of production information, shipping information or logistics information are stored; The magnetic mark and the identification code are superimposed. On one side of the product where the identification code is provided, the magnetic sensing unit and the reading unit for identifying the identification code are adjacently arranged on the same horizontal plane, and the magnetic sensing unit is located upstream of the reading unit.

2. The method for reading products on a conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The magnetic mark is printed on the packaging material of the product before product forming by magnetic ink, or printed on one side of the product packaging after product forming, or on two opposite sides.

3. The method for reading a product on a conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The magnetic mark is printed in a matrix or printed into spots with a specific shape and size.

4. The method for reading a product on a conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The surface of the magnetic mark is covered with printed masking ink, and the color of the masking ink is the same as the background color of the product packaging.

5. The method for reading a product on a conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The identification code is printed on the surface of the magnetic mark.

6. The method for reading a product on a conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The surface of the magnetic mark is covered with printed masking ink, and then the identification code is printed on the surface of the masking ink, and the color of the masking ink is the same as the background color of the product packaging.

7. A system for reading products on a conveying device, characterized in that, The system includes a control unit, a magnetic sensing unit and a reading unit, and the magnetic sensing unit and the reading unit are respectively connected to the control unit; The magnetic sensing unit is arranged in accordance with the conveying path of the conveying device and the preset position of the magnetic mark on the product, and is used for sensing the preset magnetic mark on the product and sending the sensed information to the control unit; The control unit sends a trigger instruction to the reading unit after receiving the sensed information; The reading unit is arranged in accordance with the conveying path of the conveying device and the preset position of the identification code on the product, and is used for starting to identify the preset identification code on the product according to the trigger instruction; Product information different from the identification code is stored in the magnetic mark, and one or several of production information, shipping information or logistics information are stored; The magnetic mark and the identification code are superimposed. On one side of the product where the identification code is provided, the magnetic sensing unit and the reading unit for identifying the identification code are adjacently arranged on the same horizontal plane, and the magnetic sensing unit is located upstream of the reading unit.

8. The system for reading products on a conveying device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The magnetic sensing unit includes two groups, which are respectively arranged on both sides of the conveying device.

9. The system for reading products on a conveying device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The magnetic sensing unit includes one group, which is adjacently arranged on the same side of the conveying device as the reading unit.

10. The system for reading products on a conveying device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The magnetic sensing unit includes a magnetic proximity sensor, the reading unit includes a camera, or the reading unit includes a bar code / QR code scanner.

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