Identification tag reading system

Abstract

A recognition label reading system is used to read an inner box recognition label of at least one inner box contained in an outer box. The recognition label reading system comprises a conveying platform, a top label reading device, a distance measuring device, a lifting platform and a control module. The conveying platform is used to carry the outer box and transport the outer box along a conveying direction. The height of the top label reading device is detected by the distance measuring device, and the control module controls the lifting platform to lift the top label reading device to ensure that the top label reading device can clearly obtain the inner box recognition label. At the same time, by detecting the change in the distance value, the control module can eliminate the interference of the folding upper cover on the lifting height, and accurately control the lifting platform based on the top surface height of the inner box, so that the top label reading device can be lifted to the correct height.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to identification tag reading, and in particular to an identification tag reading system. Background Art

[0002] The product packing operation at the end of the production line needs to record the product barcode of the inner box of each product and the outer box barcode of the outer box separately, so as to bind the barcodes and record them, and properly manage the inventory and logistics.

[0003] The operation mode at the end of the production line is manual operation. That is, the barcodes are read one by one by a handheld reader, and then the outer boxes are sealed and moved to the storage or shipping station.

[0004] The aforementioned manual reading speed is slow and affects the packing efficiency. If the end packaging speed is too slow to keep up with the front-end production speed, the assembly line can only be shut down to stop the front-end output. After digesting the accumulated products, the assembly line production will be restarted, which indirectly affects the actual production efficiency. Summary of the invention

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an identification label reading system, which can detect the height of the top label reading device through a distance measuring device, and lift the top label reading device to ensure that the top label reading device can clearly obtain the inner box identification label. At the same time, by detecting the change in the distance value, the identification label reading system of the present invention can eliminate the interference of the folding upper cover on the lifting height, and truly control the lifting platform based on the top surface height of the inner box, so that the top label reading device can be lifted to the correct height. Therefore, the identification label reading system of the present invention can adapt to the instantaneous changes in the size of the outer box and the inner box.

[0006] In order to achieve the above objective, the present invention provides an identification tag reading system for reading one or more identification tags.

[0007] The identification label reading system includes a conveying platform, a top label reading device, a distance measuring device, a lifting platform and a control module.

[0008] The conveying platform has a feeding end and a discharging end; the conveying platform is used to continuously convey along a conveying direction from the feeding end toward the discharging end; the conveying platform has a first side and a second side, and the first side and the second side are parallel to the conveying direction.

[0009] The top label reading device is used to perform a top label reading operation toward the conveying platform.

[0010] The distance measuring device is used to detect a detection distance value toward the conveying platform.

[0011] The lifting platform is configured corresponding to the first side or the second side; the top label reading device and the distance measuring device are arranged on the lifting platform and are located above the conveying platform; wherein the lifting platform is used to move the top label reading device and the distance measuring device in a height direction, and the height direction is perpendicular to the conveying direction and the horizontal direction.

[0012] The control module is set with a high point distance value, a middle distance interval and a low point distance value, and the high point distance value is greater than the low point distance value, and the middle distance interval is between the high point distance value and the low point distance value; and after receiving a trigger signal, the control module controls the lifting platform to move the top label reading device and the distance measuring device toward the conveying platform, and receives the detection distance value.

[0013] When the detected distance value is greater than the high point distance value, the control module continuously controls the lifting platform to move the top label reading device and the distance measuring device toward the conveying platform; and when the detected distance value changes to the middle distance interval or is less than the low point distance value, the control module counts each time it changes and adds one to the count value; the control module stops the lifting platform when the count value is two, and drives the top label reading device to perform the top label reading operation.

[0014] In at least one embodiment, the identification tag reading system further includes a positioning sensor and a linear actuator; the positioning sensor is arranged on the first side, and the linear actuator is arranged on the second side and corresponds to the positioning sensor; wherein the linear actuator is used to perform linear actuation toward the first side along a horizontal direction perpendicular to the conveying direction and the height direction; and when the positioning sensor is triggered, the positioning sensor generates a trigger signal and transmits it to the control module.

[0015] In at least one embodiment, the identification tag reading system further includes a feed sensor disposed at the feed end for sensing whether an object is located at the feed end; when the feed sensor senses the object, the control module controls the linear actuator to perform linear actuation.

[0016] In at least one embodiment, the identification tag reading system further includes a lateral tag reading device, which is disposed corresponding to the first side and is used to perform a lateral tag reading operation in a horizontal direction toward the second side.

[0017] In at least one embodiment, the identification tag reading system includes two or more lateral tag reading devices, and each lateral tag reading device has a different height in the height direction.

[0018] In at least one embodiment, the fields of view of the adjacent side tag reading devices partially overlap, and the control module uses one of the side tag reading devices to perform the side tag reading operation.

[0019] In at least one embodiment, the identification tag reading system further includes an auxiliary lifting platform for moving the lateral tag reading device upward or downward in the height direction.

[0020] In at least one embodiment, the control module obtains outer box identification information and inner box identification information respectively according to the top label reading operation and the side label reading operation, and associates the outer box identification information with the inner box identification information.

[0021] In at least one embodiment, the identification tag reading system further includes a discharge sensor disposed at the discharge end for sensing whether an object is located at the discharge end; when the discharge sensor senses the object, the control module controls the lifting platform to rise and reset, and resets the count value.

[0022] In at least one embodiment, the conveying platform includes a frame, a plurality of conveying rollers and a driving motor. The conveying rollers are pivotally connected to the frame and are arranged in sequence and parallel to each other along the conveying direction. The driving motor is disposed on the frame and is directly or indirectly connected to the conveying rollers. The driving motor is used to drive the conveying rollers.

[0023] In at least one embodiment, the distance measuring device is located near the infeed end, and the top label reading device is located near the outfeed end.

[0024] In at least one embodiment, there is a height difference between the top label reading device and the distance measuring device, and the control module corrects an actual distance obtained by the distance measuring device according to the height difference to obtain a detection distance value.

[0025] The beneficial effect of the present invention is that the identification label reading system can detect the height of the top label reading device through the distance measuring device, and lift the top label reading device to ensure that the top label reading device can clearly obtain the inner box identification label. At the same time, by detecting the change in the distance value, the identification label reading system of the present invention can eliminate the interference of the folding upper cover on the lifting height, and truly control the lifting platform based on the top surface height of the inner box, so that the top label reading device can be lifted to the correct height. Therefore, the application of the identification label reading system of the present invention can adapt to the instantaneous changes in the size of the outer box and the inner box.

[0026] The present invention is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, but is not intended to limit the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 It is a three-dimensional diagram of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 2 It is another three-dimensional view of the first embodiment of the present invention, showing an outer box carrying an inner box.

[0029] Figure 3 FIG. 4 is a circuit block diagram of a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 4 It is a three-dimensional diagram of an outer box and an inner box to which the present invention is applied.

[0031] Figure 5 It is a front view of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 6 It is a side view of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 7 FIG. 1 is a side view of some components in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 8 , Fig. 9 , Fig.10 It is a schematic diagram of detecting distance values, high point distance values, middle distance intervals, low point distance values ​​and count values ​​in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Fig.11 FIG. 4 is another front view of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Fig.12 It is a partial stereoscopic diagram of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 13( a ), FIG. 13( b ) and FIG. 13( c ) are schematic diagrams showing the relationship between the change in the detection distance value and the count value in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Fig.14 It is another side view of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 15( a ), FIG. 15 ( b ) and FIG. 15 ( c ) are another schematic diagram of the relationship between the change in the detection distance value and the count value in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 16( a ) and FIG. 16( b ) are another schematic diagram of the relationship between the change in the detection distance value and the count value in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Fig.17 It is another side view of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Fig.18 It is a side view of the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Fig.19 FIG. 4 is another side view of the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Fig. 20 It is a side view of the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Wherein, the reference numerals are:

[0046] 100: Identification tag reading system

[0047] 110: Side label reading device

[0048] 112: Support frame

[0049] 120: Top label reading device

[0050] 130:Conveying platform

[0051] 131: First side

[0052] 132: Second side

[0053] 133: Feeding end

[0054] 134: Discharge end

[0055] 135:Framework

[0056] 136:Conveyor roller

[0057] 137: Drive motor

[0058] 140: Positioning device

[0059] 142: Positioning sensor

[0060] 144:Linear Actuator

[0061] 150: Lifting platform

[0062] 152: Linear motor device

[0063] 154:Carrying frame

[0064] 160: Distance measuring device

[0065] 170: Control module

[0066] 182: Feeding sensor

[0067] 184: Discharge sensor

[0068] 190: Auxiliary lifting platform

[0069] 200:Outer box

[0070] 200a: Accommodation space

[0071] 210: Outer box identification label

[0072] 211: First side

[0073] 212: Second side

[0074] 213: Top opening

[0075] 214: Folding cover

[0076] 300: Inner box

[0077] 310: Top

[0078] 320: Inner box identification label

[0079] D: Height difference

[0080] HIGH: High point distance value

[0081] GO: Middle distance interval

[0082] LOW: Low point distance value

[0083] SFIS: Production Site Control System

[0084] X: conveying direction

[0085] Y: horizontal direction

[0086] Z: height direction

[0087] Z0: Initial height

[0088] Z1: First distance value

[0089] Z2: Second distance value

[0090] Za: Actual distance

[0091] Zd: Detection distance value DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0092] The term "module" used in the following description refers to an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a microprocessor, a chip or a circuit design that executes one or more software or firmware programs. A module is configured to perform various algorithms, transformations and / or logical processing to generate one or more signals. When a module is implemented in software, the module can be implemented in a memory as a program code that can be read by the chip or circuit design and executed by the program code.

[0093] The structural principle and working principle of the present invention are described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings:

[0094] See also Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 FIG. 1 is a first embodiment of an identification label reading system 100 provided by the present invention, which is used to read an outer box identification label 210 of an outer box 200 and an inner box identification label 320 of at least one inner box 300 contained in the outer box 200 .

[0095] like Figure 2 as well as Figure 4 As shown, the outer box 200 has a accommodating space 200a inside, and the outer box 200 further includes a first side 211 and a second side 212 opposite to each other, a top opening 213 and a plurality of folding covers 214. The accommodating space 200a is located between the first side 211 and the second side 212, and the outer box identification label 210 is located on the first side 211. The top opening 213 is connected to the accommodating space 200a and corresponds to the top edge of the first side 211 and the second side 212. The plurality of folding covers 214 extend from the edge of the top opening 213 and normally maintain a shape perpendicular to the inner box 300. The inner box 300 is accommodated in the accommodating space 200a and has a top surface 310, which corresponds to the top opening 213, and the inner box identification label 320 is located on the top surface 310. Among them, the outer box identification label 210 has outer box identification information, and the inner box identification label 320 has inner box identification information.

[0096] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 As shown, the identification tag reading system 100 includes a conveying platform 130 , a positioning device 140 , at least one lateral tag reading device 110 , a lifting platform 150 , a top tag reading device 120 , a distance measuring device 160 and a control module 170 .

[0097] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 As shown, the conveying platform 130 has an inlet end 133 and an outlet end 134. The conveying platform 130 is used to continuously convey along a conveying direction X from the inlet end 133 toward the outlet end 134. The conveying platform 130 has a first side 131 and a second side 132, and the first side 131 and the second side 132 are parallel to the conveying direction X. The aforementioned "first" and "second" are only used to distinguish between the two sides 131 and 132. The conveying platform 130 is used to carry the outer box 200 and transport the outer box 200 along the conveying direction X.

[0098] like Figure 2 , Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 As shown, during the process of conveying the outer box 200, the first side 211 of the outer box 200 corresponds to the first side edge 131, and the second side 212 corresponds to the second side edge 132. The top opening 213 of the outer box 200 opens upwards, and the top surface 310 of the inner box 300 is exposed.

[0099] The identification tag reading system 100 further includes an infeed sensor 182 and an outfeed sensor 184. The infeed sensor 182 is disposed at the infeed end 133, and the outfeed sensor 184 is disposed at the outfeed end 134. The infeed sensor 182 is used to sense whether an object, such as the outer box 200, is located at the infeed end 133, and the outfeed sensor 184 is used to sense whether an object, such as the outer box 200, is located at the outfeed end 134. In a specific embodiment, the infeed sensor 182 and the outfeed sensor 184 can be optical sensors, ultrasonic sensors, micro switches, or any sensors that can be triggered by the outer box 200 in a contact or non-contact manner.

[0100] like Figure 1 As shown, in a specific embodiment, the conveying platform 130 includes a frame 135, a plurality of conveying rollers 136 and a driving motor 137. The frame 135 is used to provide a carrying area arranged along the conveying direction X. The plurality of conveying rollers 136 are pivotally connected to the frame 135 and are arranged in sequence and parallel to each other along the conveying direction X. The driving motor 137 is disposed on the frame 135 and is directly or indirectly connected to the conveying rollers 136. The conveying rollers 136 are used to carry the outer box 200. The control module 170 can control the driving motor 137 to start, so that the driving motor 137 continuously rotates to drive the conveying rollers 136 to convey the outer box 200 from the feeding end 133 to the discharging end 134 along the conveying direction X. The combination of the frame 135, the plurality of conveying rollers 136 and the driving motor 137 is only an example of the conveying platform 130, and other conveying mechanisms with linear transmission functions are not excluded. In addition, the conveying platform 130 is not necessarily controlled by the control module 170 , and the conveying platform 130 can be activated by an independent switch device, and the conveying platform 130 can be transported at a constant speed after activation.

[0101] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 As shown, the positioning device 140 includes a positioning sensor 142 and a linear actuator 144. The positioning sensor 142 is disposed on the first side 131, and the linear actuator 144 is disposed on the second side 132 and is configured corresponding to the positioning sensor 142. The positioning sensor 142 and the linear actuator 144 are substantially configured corresponding to the feeding end 133, that is, the positions of the positioning sensor 142 and the linear actuator 144 are close to the feeding end 133 and away from the discharging end 134.

[0102] like Figure 5 as well as Figure 6As shown, the linear actuator 144 is used to perform linear actuation along a horizontal direction Y perpendicular to the conveying direction X and the height direction Z toward the first side 131. Therefore, when the linear actuator 144 performs linear actuation, it can contact the second side 212 of the outer box 200 and push the outer box 200. When the outer box 200 triggers the positioning sensor 142, especially the first side 211 triggers the positioning sensor 142, the positioning sensor 142 generates a trigger signal and transmits it to the control module 170. The positioning device 140 is used to make the first side 211 of the outer box 200 flush with the first side 131 of the conveying platform 130, fix the distance between the first side 211 and the lateral label reading device 110 in the horizontal direction Y, so as to facilitate the subsequent label reading operation of the lateral label reading device 110. In a specific embodiment, the linear actuator 144 is a pneumatic cylinder device, but other devices that can perform linear actuation are not excluded. The positioning sensor 142 may be a contact sensor, such as a micro switch, which is triggered when touched by an object. The positioning sensor 142 may also be a non-contact sensor, which is triggered when an object approaches a threshold distance.

[0103] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 As shown, the lateral label reading device 110 is configured corresponding to the first side 131. The lateral label reading device 110 is used to perform a label reading operation toward the second side 132 in the horizontal direction Y. The field of view (FOV) of the lateral label reading device 110 is approximately located above the conveying platform 130 to read the outer box identification label 210 located on the first side 211 of the outer box 200.

[0104] In the horizontal direction Y, the distance between the lateral label reader 110 and the first side 131 substantially matches the focusing distance of the lateral label reader 110 , so that the lateral label reader 110 can correctly read the outer box identification label 210 located on the first side 211 .

[0105] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 As shown, in the first embodiment, the identification label reading system 100 further includes a support frame 112 connected to the frame 135 and disposed corresponding to the first side 131. The side label reading device 110 is disposed on the support frame 112 to maintain the side label reading device 110 at a fixed height so that the outer box identification label 210 is located in the field of view of the side label reading device 110.

[0106] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 5as well as Figure 6 As shown, the lifting platform 150 is configured corresponding to the first side 131 or the second side 132. The lifting platform 150 can be fixed to the frame 135, or it can be an independent installation. The top label reading device 120 and the distance measuring device 160 are arranged on the lifting platform 150, and are located above the conveying platform 130. The lifting platform 150 is used to move the top label reading device 120 and the distance measuring device 160 simultaneously in the height direction Z, so that the top label reading device 120 and the distance measuring device 160 move upward away from or downward toward the conveying platform 130. The top label reading device 120 is normally located at an initial height Z0. The aforementioned height direction Z is perpendicular to the conveying direction X and the horizontal direction Y. The aforementioned distance measuring device can be a laser rangefinder or an acoustic wave rangefinder.

[0107] like Figure 7 As shown, the top label reading device 120 is used to perform a top label reading operation toward the conveying platform 130. Therefore, when the outer box 200 moves below the top label reading device 120, the top label reading device 120 can read the inner box identification label 320 located on the top surface 310 of the inner box 300. The distance measuring device 160 is used to detect a detection distance value Zd toward the lifting platform 150.

[0108] In a specific embodiment, in the height direction Z, the top label reading device 120 and the distance measuring device 160 are substantially located at the same height, and the distance measuring device 160 is located close to the feeding end 133 and the top label reading device 120 is located close to the discharging end 134; at this time, the actual distance Za detected by the distance measuring device 160 is the detection distance value Zd. In different embodiments, there is a height difference D between the top label reading device 120 and the distance measuring device 160, and the control module 170 uses the height difference D to correct the actual distance Za detected by the distance measuring device 160 to obtain the detection distance value Zd, so that the detection distance value Zd can be used for the focusing operation of the top label reading device 120.

[0109] like Figure 7 As shown, in a specific embodiment, the lifting platform 150 may include a linear motor device 152 and a carrier 154. The linear motor device 152 is disposed on the first side 131 or the second side 132, the carrier 154 is connected to the linear motor device 152, and the top label reading device 120 and the distance measuring device 160 are simultaneously disposed on the carrier 154. The carrier 154 is moved in the height direction Z by the linear output of the linear motor device 152, so as to change the distance between the top label reading device 120 and the distance measuring device 160 and the conveying platform 130. In different embodiments, the linear motor device 152 may be replaced by a pneumatic cylinder, a lead screw assembly, a gear and rack combination, or other devices capable of linear actuation.

[0110] like Figure 3 As shown, the control module 170 is electrically connected to the side label reading device 110, the top label reading device 120, the conveying platform 130, the positioning device 140, the lifting platform 150, the distance measuring device 160, the infeed sensor 182 and the outfeed sensor 184. The control operation performed by the control module 170 is specifically described as follows.

[0111] like Figure 8 As shown, a high point distance value HIGH, a middle distance interval GO and a low point distance value LOW are set in the control module 170. The high point distance value HIGH is greater than the low point distance value LOW, and the middle distance interval GO is between the high point distance value HIGH and the low point distance value LOW.

[0112] like Figure 7 As shown, after the identification label reading system 100 is started, the control module 170 will first control the lifting platform 150 to rise to the maximum height so that the top label reading device 120 is located at the initial height Z0. At the same time, the conveying platform 130 starts to carry out the conveying operation. When there is no outer box 200 on the conveying platform 130, the detection distance value Zd obtained by the distance measuring device 160 is the initial height Z0, that is, the distance between the top label reading device 120 and the conveying platform 130. A reading distance range of the top label reading device 120 is between a first distance value Z1 and a second distance value Z2, and the first distance value Z1 is greater than the second distance value Z2. The distance between the top label reading device 120 and the top surface 310 of the inner box 300 must fall between the first distance value Z1 and the second distance value Z2, so that the top label reading device 120 can correctly read the inner box identification label 320.

[0113] like Figure 3 as well as Fig.11As shown, the conveying platform 130 continues to convey in the conveying direction X. When the outer box 200 is moved to the feeding end 133 of the conveying platform 130 for conveying, the feeding sensor 182 senses that the object (i.e., the outer box 200) is located at the feeding end 133 of the conveying platform 130. At this time, the control module 170 controls the linear actuator 144 to actuate, so that the linear actuator 144 pushes the outer box 200 from the second side 212 of the outer box 200. When the positioning sensor 142 contacts the first side 211, the positioning sensor 142 sends a trigger signal to the control module 170, and the control module 170 controls the linear actuator 144 to stop actuating. At the same time, the control module 170 controls the lifting platform 150 to move the top label reading device 120 and the distance measuring device 160 toward the conveying platform 130, and receives the detection distance value Zd. At this time, the first side surface 211 of the outer box 200 is substantially flush with the first side edge 131, so that the side label reading device 110 maintains an appropriate distance from the first side surface 211, and the outer box identification label 210 can be read and transmitted to the control module 170. The outer box identification label 210 can be, but is not limited to, a sticker or a printed pattern with a two-dimensional barcode, corresponding to an outer box identification information, and is used to indicate a product type information of each inner box 300.

[0114] like Figure 6 as well as Fig. 9 As shown, when the detection distance value Zd is greater than the high point distance value HIGH, the control module 170 ignores the detection distance value Zd and continues to control the lifting platform 150 to move the top label reading device 120 and the distance measuring device 160 toward the conveying platform 130 .

[0115] like Fig.10 as well as Fig.11 As shown, when the detected distance value Zd changes to the middle distance interval or is less than the low point distance value, the control module 170 counts up by 1 each time the detected distance value Zd changes. When the count value is 2, the control module stops and locks the lifting platform 150, and drives the top label reading device 120 to perform the top label reading operation.

[0116] like Figure 7 As shown, before the outer box 200 reaches below the distance measuring device 160, the detection distance value Zd is actually the distance between the distance measuring device 160 and the conveying platform 130. At this time, the detection distance value Zd is greater than the high point distance value HIGH, so the control module 170 ignores the detection distance value Zd.

[0117] like Figure 6 as well as Fig.12As shown, the distance measuring device 160 will first detect the top edge of the folding upper cover 214. At this time, the detection distance value Zd obtained by the distance measuring device 160 is actually the distance value between the top label reading device 120 and the top edge of the folding upper cover 214 in the height direction Z, rather than the distance between the top label reading device 120 and the top surface 310 of the inner box 300 in the height direction Z. At this time, there are three conditions for the change of the detection distance value Zd.

[0118] The following is an explanation with specific data. However, these data are only examples and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present invention. In the height direction Z, the distance between the distance measuring device 160 and the conveying platform 130 is approximately 80 to 100 cm, and the height of the folding upper cover 214 is approximately 20 cm. In the conveying direction X, the distance from the positioning sensor 142 to the distance measuring device 160 is approximately 20 to 30 cm, and the distance from the distance measuring device 160 to the top label reading device 120 is approximately 20 to 30 cm. The conveying speed of the conveying platform 130 is set to 10 cm / s, and the descending speed of the lifting platform 150 in the height direction Z is 10 cm / s. By positioning the sensor 142, the distance measuring device 160 and the top label reading device 120, and coordinating the speeds of the conveying platform 130 and the lifting platform 150, the distance measuring device 160 can be adapted to the box heights of outer boxes 200 of different sizes without colliding with the folding upper cover 214 in the height direction Z, and can also prevent the distance measuring device 160 or the top label reading device 120 from being too close to the top label (inner box identification label 320), thereby preventing the top label reading device 120 from being unable to focus.

[0119] Assuming that the reading distance range of the top label reading device 120 is between 35 and 37 cm (Z1=37 cm, Z2=35 cm), the high point distance value can be set to 37 cm, the middle distance range to 36 to 37 cm, and the low point distance value to 36 cm.

[0120] like Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 13( a ), the first condition is that when the distance measuring device 160 detects the top edge of the folding upper cover 214 , the detection distance value Zd is still greater than the high point distance value HIGH (Zd>37 cm). At this time, the control module 170 ignores the detection distance value Zd and continues to control the lifting platform 150 to move the top label reading device 120 and the distance measuring device 160 downward toward the conveying platform 130 .

[0121] like Fig.14As shown in FIG. 13( b ), the distance measuring device 160 then detects the top surface 310 of the inner box 300, causing the detection distance value Zd to instantly increase by 20 cm (the height of the folding upper cover 214). As the lifting platform 150 descends, the detection distance value Zd continues to decrease. When the detection distance value Zd changes from being greater than the high point distance value HIGH (Zd>37 cm) to the middle distance interval GO (36 cm≦Zd≦37 cm), the control module 170 counts up by one, and the count value is one at this time.

[0122] As shown in FIG. 13( c ), the lifting platform 150 continues to descend, and the detection distance value Zd also continues to decrease. When the detection distance value Zd changes from the middle distance interval GO (36 cm≦Zd≦37 cm) to the low point distance value LOW (Zd<36 cm), the control module 170 counts up again, and the count value is now two. At this time, the control module 170 locks the lifting platform 150 and drives the top label reading device 120 to perform the top label reading operation.

[0123] like Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 15( a ), the second condition is that when the distance measuring device 160 detects the top edge of the foldable upper cover 214 , the detected distance value Zd has fallen into the middle distance interval GO (36 cm≦Zd≦37 cm) or is less than the low point distance value LOW (Zd<36 cm). At this time, the control module 170 counts up by one and continuously controls the lifting platform 150 to move the top label reading device 120 and the distance measuring device 160 downward toward the conveying platform 130 .

[0124] like Fig.14 As shown in FIG. 15( b ), the distance measuring device 160 then detects the top surface 310 of the inner box 300 , causing the detection distance value Zd to instantly increase by 20 cm and again become greater than the high point distance value (Zd>37 cm).

[0125] As shown in FIG. 15( c ), as the lifting platform 150 descends, the detection distance value Zd changes from being greater than the high point distance value HIGH (Zd>37 cm) to the middle distance interval GO (36 cm≦Zd≦37 cm), and the control module 170 counts up again, and the count value is now 2. At this time, the control module 170 locks the lifting platform 150 and drives the top label reading device 120 to perform the top label reading operation.

[0126] As shown in FIG. 16( a ) and FIG. 16( b ), the third situation is that when the distance measuring device 160 detects the top edge of the folding upper cover 214 , the distance measuring device 160 is very close to the top edge of the folding upper cover 214 , for example, only a few centimeters away, so that the detection distance value Zd is less than the low point distance value LOW (Zd<36 cm), and the control module 170 counts plus one at this time. Next, the distance measuring device 160 detects the top surface 310 of the inner box 300 , and the detection distance value Zd instantly increases by 20 cm and just falls into the middle distance interval GO (36 cm≦Zd≦37 cm). When the detection distance value Zd changes between the middle distance interval GO and the low point distance value LOW, the control module 170 counts plus one again, and the count value is two at this time. At this time, the control module 170 locks the lifting platform 150 and drives the top label reading device 120 to perform the top label reading operation.

[0127] At this time, the control module 170 still continues to control the conveying platform 130 to convey the outer box 200 along the conveying direction X. When the top surface 310 of the inner box 300 reaches below the top label reading device 120, the distance between the top surface 310 and the top label reading device 120 may be between the first distance value Z1 and the second distance value Z2, so that the top label reading device 120 can focus on the top surface 310, and obtain the image of the inner box identification label 320, and transmit it to the control module 170. The inner box identification label 320 may be a sticker or a printed pattern with a two-dimensional barcode, corresponding to an inner box identification information, and used to indicate a product serial number information of each inner box 300. The aforementioned two-dimensional barcode may be replaced by other images with identification features.

[0128] like Figure 3 As shown, the side label reading device 110 and the top label reading device 120 can be camera lenses, which respectively obtain images of the top surface 310 and the first side surface 211 in the top label reading operation and the side label reading operation, and transmit them to the control module 170, so that the control module 170 can analyze the outer box identification label 210 and the inner box identification label 320, and obtain the outer box identification information and the inner box identification information respectively. Alternatively, the side label reading device 110 and the top label reading device 120 can be barcode readers, which can directly analyze the outer box identification information and the inner box identification information when scanning the outer box identification label 210 and the inner box identification label 320, and transmit them to the control module 170. The control module 170 associates the outer box identification information and the inner box identification information, and can integrate these information and transmit them to a production site control system (Shop Floor Information System, SFIS) for storage to establish a shipping product record.

[0129] like Figure 3 as well as Fig.17As shown, the conveying platform 130 continuously conveys the outer box 200 toward the discharge end 134. When the discharge sensor 184 senses that the object (i.e., the outer box 200) is located at the discharge end 134 of the conveying platform 130, the control module 170 controls the lifting platform 150 to rise and reset to the maximum height, so that the top label reading device 120 is located at the initial height Z0; the control module 170 resets the count value. The outer box 200 that has been scanned continues to be conveyed to the next workstation for subsequent operations such as folding and sealing.

[0130] See also Fig.18 as well as Fig.19 As shown, an identification label reading system 100 provided in the second embodiment of the present invention is shown. The identification label reading system 100 of the second embodiment includes two or more lateral label reading devices 110, which are respectively arranged on a support frame 112. Each lateral label reading device 110 has a different height in the height direction Z, so that the field of view of each lateral label reading device 110 covers a different height range, and the fields of view of adjacent lateral label reading devices 110 partially overlap. Therefore, the identification label reading system 100 provided in the second embodiment can read the outer box identification label 210 within a larger height range to adapt to the height change of the outer box identification label 210. The control module 170 performs the lateral label reading operation with multiple lateral label reading devices 110.

[0131] See also Fig. 20 , an identification label reading system 100 provided in the third embodiment of the present invention is shown. The identification label reading system 100 of the third embodiment further comprises an auxiliary lifting platform 190, which is disposed on the support frame 112, and the lateral label reading device 110 is disposed on the auxiliary lifting platform 190, and is indirectly disposed on the support frame 112. The auxiliary lifting platform 190 is used to move the lateral label reading device 110 upward or downward in the height direction Z, and change the height of the lateral label reading device 110 to match the outer box identification labels 210 with different heights.

[0132] In the embodiment of the present invention, the identification label reading system 100 can lift the top label reading device 120 through the detection of the distance measuring device 160 to ensure that the top label reading device 120 can clearly obtain the inner box identification label 320. At the same time, by detecting the change of the distance value Zd, the identification label reading system 100 of the present invention can eliminate the interference of the folding cover 214 on the lifting height, and control the lifting platform 150 based on the height of the top surface 310 of the inner box 300, so that the top label reading device 120 can be lifted to the correct height. Therefore, the identification label reading system 100 of the present invention can adapt to the instantaneous size changes of the outer box 200 and the inner box 300.

[0133] Of course, the present invention may have many other embodiments. Without departing from the spirit and essence of the present invention, those skilled in the art may make various corresponding changes and modifications based on the present invention, but these corresponding changes and modifications should all fall within the scope of protection of the claims attached to the present invention.

Claims

1. An identification tag reading system for reading one or more identification tags, characterized in that: The identification tag reading system comprises: A conveying platform having a feeding end and a discharging end; the conveying platform is used to continuously convey objects from the feeding end toward the discharging end along a conveying direction; the conveying platform has a first side and a second side, and the first side and the second side are parallel to the conveying direction; the object comprises an outer box and an inner box accommodated in the outer box, and the outer box has a plurality of folding upper covers perpendicular to the inner box; a top label reading device for performing a top label reading operation toward the conveying platform; a distance measuring device, used for detecting a detection distance value toward the conveying platform; a lifting platform, arranged corresponding to the first side or the second side; the top label reading device and the distance measuring device are arranged on the lifting platform and are located above the conveying platform; wherein the lifting platform is used to move the top label reading device and the distance measuring device in a height direction, and the height direction is perpendicular to the conveying direction; and A control module is set with a high point distance value, a middle distance interval and a low point distance value, and the high point distance value is greater than the low point distance value, and the middle distance interval is between the high point distance value and the low point distance value; and after receiving a trigger signal, the control module controls the lifting platform to move the top label reading device and the distance measuring device toward the conveying platform, and receives the detection distance value; A discharge sensor is disposed at the discharge end and is used to sense whether an object is located at the discharge end; Wherein, when the detection distance value is greater than the high point distance value, the control module continuously controls the lifting platform to move the top label reading device and the distance measuring device toward the conveying platform; and When the detection distance value changes to the middle distance interval or is less than one of the low point distance values, the control module counts each time the interval changes and adds one to the count value; the control module stops the lifting platform when the count value is two, and drives the top label reading device to perform the top label reading operation; when the discharge sensor senses the object, the control module controls the lifting platform to rise and reset, and resets the count value.

2. The identification tag reading system according to claim 1, characterized in that: It further includes a positioning sensor and a linear actuator; the positioning sensor is arranged on the first side, and the linear actuator is arranged on the second side and corresponds to the positioning sensor; wherein the linear actuator is used to perform linear actuation toward the first side along a horizontal direction perpendicular to the conveying direction and the height direction; and when the positioning sensor is triggered, the positioning sensor generates the trigger signal and transmits it to the control module.

3. The identification tag reading system according to claim 2, characterized in that: It further comprises a feeding sensor, which is arranged at the feeding end and is used for sensing whether an object is located at the feeding end; when the feeding sensor senses the object, the control module controls the linear actuator to perform linear actuation.

4. The identification tag reading system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The invention further comprises a lateral label reading device, which is arranged corresponding to the first side edge and is used for performing a lateral label reading operation in the horizontal direction toward the second side edge.

5. The identification tag reading system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The identification tag reading system includes two or more lateral tag reading devices, and each of the lateral tag reading devices has a different height in the height direction.

6. The identification tag reading system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The fields of view of the adjacent side tag reading devices partially overlap, and the control module uses one of the side tag reading devices to perform the side tag reading operation.

7. The identification tag reading system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The invention further comprises an auxiliary lifting platform for moving the lateral label reading device upward or downward in the height direction.

8. The identification tag reading system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The control module obtains outer box identification information and inner box identification information respectively according to the top label reading operation and the side label reading operation, and associates the outer box identification information with the inner box identification information.

9. The identification tag reading system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The conveying platform includes a frame, a plurality of conveying rollers and a driving motor. The conveying rollers are pivotally connected to the frame and arranged in parallel with each other in sequence along the conveying direction. The driving motor is arranged on the frame and directly or indirectly connected to the conveying rollers. The driving motor is used to drive the conveying rollers.

10. The identification tag reading system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The distance measuring device is located close to the feeding end, and the top label reading device is located close to the discharging end.

11. The identification tag reading system according to claim 1, characterized in that: There is a height difference between the top label reading device and the distance measuring device. The control module corrects an actual distance obtained by the distance measuring device according to the height difference to obtain the detection distance value.

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