A device for scanning data matrix codes.

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device (1) for scanning a DMC and / or a barcode on a tool shaft. The device comprises a scan camera (3) and a housing (5) in which the scan camera is arranged and aligned. The scan camera is aligned so that it can scan an area in the housing, the alignment of the scan camera (3) defining a scan direction from the scan camera (3) to the shaft of the tool to be scanned, which area defines a scan area. The housing (5) has an opening (7) in a wall extending substantially parallel to the scan direction, the opening being provided so that the shaft of the tool carrying the DMC and / or barcode can be inserted perpendicular to the scan direction into the scan area for scanning.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for scanning a Data Matrix Code (DMC) and a surface treatment method using such an apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Components made of metal or alloy often require surface treatment. This applies, for example, to tools, particularly tools having a cylindrical shaft. A representative example is a shaft tool, particularly a drill.

[0003] A drill can be, for example, re-polished after use. However, for that, it is first necessary to clean its surface. After re-polishing, it is washed again and preferably coated with a hard material layer.

[0004] Normally, different treatments are required for different shaft tools. When these steps / phases are carried out on an industrial scale, there often arises a problem that the number of tools ordered by individual customers is too small to efficiently fill, for example, a cleaning holder and / or a coating holder. This deteriorates the efficiency of cleaning. Therefore, it is desirable to combine different orders from different customers for cleaning. However, in that case, there arises a problem that after cleaning, it is necessary to separate the individual orders from each other again. Without further assistance, this operation is difficult, time-consuming, and inefficient.

[0005] Also, during various treatment steps / phases, a tool may be lost and later discovered. These problems can be addressed by marking a unique code for each individual tool.

[0006] Another possibility is to directly engrave a marker code onto the tool shaft. This can be a known barcode, but a so-called data matrix code (DMC) is also suitable. The present invention provides a solution that accommodates both the barcode approach and the DMC approach. Since the solution is the same for both approaches, the following description of the present invention will mainly use the DMC approach as an example.

[0007] It should be noted that the data matrix code is a two-dimensional data point pattern having a variable rectangular shape, particularly in matrix form. This matrix can contain at least 10x10 and up to 144x144 symbolic elements. The matrix can also be a binary code interpreted, for example, as 0s or 1s, and can contain up to 1,556 bytes.

[0008] Here, the horizontal and vertical edges can represent angles that function as orientations for reading, so-called "finder patterns." On the opposite side, there are preferably alternating black and white square elements that can represent the position and size of the matrix structure. Here, the data storage area is advantageously located within the symbol.

[0009] This machine-readable coding format was developed to allow more data to be placed in a smaller space than one-dimensional codes. Camera scanners can already reliably read small dot patterns of about 2mm x 2mm. For this reason, DMC is suitable for very small products or curved surfaces, where there is little space to mark the product.

[0010] DMC technology makes it possible to assign unique, systematic markings to tools. This allows for the permanent assignment of numerous pieces of information stored in a database, such as item numbers, batch numbers, manufacturing dates, expiration dates, and other important manufacturing data, to workpieces across all machining steps / stages. Therefore, DMC can be used as a unique number assigned to all information within the database.

[0011] Another special advantage is that the code can be directly applied to the object without a label using various printing or embossing processes. This can be done using needle etching, laser etching, inkjet printing, or thermal transfer printing. It is also compatible with a variety of materials, including plastic, paper, and metal. Because a special camera is used to read the DMC, it can be read regardless of its position.

[0012] Furthermore, the error correction when reading the DMC is extremely high due to the redundancy of the information and the error correction algorithm, and it can fully compensate even if the data field is contaminated or damaged by 25% to 30%.

[0013] However, it has the drawback that readability depends on the location of the DMC. This is because, unlike RFID, DMC can only be read when it is visually recognized. A hidden DMC cannot be read by a camera. Furthermore, even if it is visually recognized, DMC can only be read within a certain reading distance.

[0014] Furthermore, while DMC allows for low-contrast prints (20% contrast is sufficient), it can be difficult to handle on glossy surfaces, as the light needed for the camera to read may not be reflected properly or may scatter too much. The camera's mounting angle can also have an effect. (See https: / / www.innovating-automation.blog / dmc-vs-rfid / ?lang=de)

[0015] As mentioned above, shaft tools (such as drills) are almost always made of metal or alloy, and therefore have either a glossy or rough surface. As a result, as mentioned above, the light used by the reading camera is not reflected properly or is scattered too much. Therefore, reading DMCs on such substrates usually causes problems. In particular, rounded, usually highly polished surfaces create a band of light above the DMC, making reading difficult or even impossible, especially under uncontrolled lighting conditions. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0016] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to overcome, at least partially, the aforementioned drawbacks of known devices and systems for scanning data matrix codes. In particular, an object of the present invention is to provide a simple and cost-effective solution that enables reliable reading of DMCs on metal surfaces, especially metal surfaces of shaft tools. [Means for solving the problem]

[0017] The problems described above are resolved by the apparatus having the features described in the independent claims of the appended claims, and by the method having the features described in the independent claims. Further features and details of the present invention will become apparent from the respective dependent claims, the description herein, and the accompanying drawings. Features and details described in relation to the apparatus according to the present invention are, needless to say, also applicable in relation to the method according to the present invention, and vice versa in each case, so that they may, or may always, be referenced to each other in relation to the disclosure of individual aspects of the present invention.

[0018] The present invention provides a device for scanning a DMC and / or barcode on the shaft of a tool. The device comprises a scanning camera and a housing in which the scanning camera is positioned and aligned. The scanning camera is positioned and aligned so as to be able to scan an area within the housing. In particular, the alignment of the scanning camera can define the scanning direction from the scanning camera to the tool shaft to be scanned. Also, in particular the area can define the scanning area. According to the present invention, the housing has an opening in a wall extending substantially parallel to the scanning direction, and the opening is provided so that the shaft of a tool having a DMC and / or barcode can be inserted into the scanning area perpendicular to the scanning direction for scanning.

[0019] According to the present invention, it has been confirmed that the housing can minimize interference from unrelated light in a specific manner. In particular, this can be external light, unpolarized light, and stray light.

[0020] The inventors have surprisingly found that removing ambient light (especially unpolarized light) significantly contributes to the accurate and reliable reading of data matrix codes. By using pure polarization, the camera can also identify low-contrast codes with different surface textures. Polarization particularly enhances the clarity of not only contrast differences but also differences in surface texture (such as roughness).

[0021] In the context of the present invention, scanning means, in particular, the acquisition of data encoded in the form of a data matrix code or barcode. According to the present invention, scanning camera means, in particular, a detection element for detecting information encoded in the form of a data matrix code or barcode. The arrangement and alignment of the scanning camera on the housing, which enables the scanning camera to scan an area within the housing, can be ensured, for example, by fixing the scanning camera to the housing, where the components of the scanning camera necessary for scanning are directed into the housing. The scanning camera may be fixed to the housing in a non-removable manner, but the scanning camera may also be fixed to the housing in a removable manner and may have adjustment elements for, for example, precise alignment or adjustment. According to the present invention, scanning direction preferably means the direction in which the components of the scanning camera necessary for scanning are directed to detect the data matrix code or barcode to be scanned. Thus, scanning area means an area that can be captured, in particular, by the scanning camera. A substantially parallel path means, for example, a path that is deviated by 5°, preferably less than 3°, and more specifically less than 1° from a perfectly parallel position.

[0022] The housing according to the present invention can advantageously achieve a number of purposes, particularly the following, and can be configured according to those purposes: • Holding the scan camera or scan head, • Darken the scan area. • To facilitate the positioning of tools within the scanner's reading range. • To provide a means to trigger a scan, and • Position the tool at the optimal focal point.

[0023] The opening of the housing into which the tool is inserted can preferably be located in the lower front region of the housing. In particular, the opening allows the tool to be accurately positioned and aligned within the reading area of the scanner.

[0024] In particular, the housing can prevent scattered light from the surroundings from passing through the detector of the scanner. Thereby, interference can be minimized, especially.

[0025] Preferably, the opening of the housing into which the tool is inserted has a size and depth such that, after the tool is inserted into the housing, the DMC attached to the tool is substantially automatically and accurately positioned in the reading area and the focal area of the scanner, enabling rapid and effective reading.

[0026] Advantageously, in relation to simple fixation and the possibility of ensuring optimal alignment of the scan camera with respect to the scan area or the object to be scanned, the housing according to the invention can have fixing elements and / or adjustment elements for fixing and / or adjusting the scan camera. Preferably, the fixing element can create a form - fit or force - fit connection and can be configured, for example, in the form of a screw connection or a clamp connection. Alternatively, fixation via magnetic fixing elements is also conceivable. Furthermore, the adjustment elements provided here can, in particular, translate the scan camera in the x, y, and z directions and, optionally, also rotate it about a rotation axis.

[0027] Preferably, in order to prevent the entry of interfering light, especially stray light, into the scan area, the housing according to the invention can have a darkening element for darkening the scan area. Preferably, the darkening element has the form of a darkening plate for shielding light. In particular, the darkening plate is arranged perpendicular to the housing wall having the opening and can help to clearly define the scan area in a closed housing.

[0028] More advantageously, to further minimize the intrusion of interfering light, an aperture boundary element may be positioned above the aperture to limit the aperture. Preferably, the aperture boundary element is in the form of a flexible material and has a slot for inserting the shaft of a tool. In particular, the flexible material is formed within the aperture boundary element and the slot is positioned within the aperture boundary element. This allows the flexible material to at least partially surround the shaft when it is inserted, thereby minimizing the size of the aperture.

[0029] Advantageously, regarding a constructively simple and cost-effective way to ensure rapid and accurate alignment of the tool shaft in the scan area, the opening may be configured such that when the shaft is inserted into the scan area, it abuts against the boundary of the opening, thereby preventing the shaft from moving further upstream toward the camera. In this regard, upstream may mean that a portion of the shaft, particularly one located within the housing, may move toward the scan camera. This leads to misalignment of the shaft perpendicular to the scan direction, degrading scan quality.

[0030] Advantageously, the opening in the housing described above may be formed in a V-shape extending upward. On the opposite side of the V-shaped opening, a similar V-shaped recess may be provided in the housing. In this way, a shaft tool having a cylindrical shaft may be positioned adjacent to the V-shape. This automatically centers the shaft so that a portion of the shaft surface is automatically positioned within the scanner's reading area. According to this embodiment, the user only needs to ensure that the DMC is facing upward.

[0031] The upper region of the V-shape can be flattened so that it is not necessary to adjust the angle α of the V-shape for each given radius. This allows for perfect alignment of a wide range of radii with a single opening, especially (not to mention only within the maximum reading range). If the range is insufficient, the angle α can be re-determined using the formula α = arcsin(r / (x+r)) and the distance x (distance between the tool and the reading device).

[0032] To ensure the most precise timing possible for executing the scanning process, elements for triggering the scanning process can be provided in the scanning area. These elements are preferably configured to trigger the scanning process when the shaft is inserted into the scanning area. Advantageously, the elements for triggering the scanning process may be configured to trigger the scanning process only when the shaft is fully inserted into the scanning area, thereby ensuring that information is acquired by the scanning process.

[0033] Advantageously, with regard to the possibility of detecting the insertion of a shaft into an opening in this object, particularly with respect to reliability and automation, the above elements may be equipped with an optical barrier, and the scanning process may be triggered by interfering with the light beam of the optical barrier.

[0034] Advantageously, a polarizing filter may be provided to filter out unpolarized light in order to enable particularly reliable detection of information via the scanning camera. Here, the polarizing filter is preferably positioned between the scanning camera and the opening of the housing, and in particular, directly above the opening. Within the scope of the present invention, it has been recognized that unpolarized light in particular interferes with reliable recognition of data matrix codes or barcodes.

[0035] Advantageously, positioning elements may be provided to position the tool within the opening to ensure optimal alignment of the tool to be scanned within the opening. The positioning elements preferably have the form of a recess for at least partial insertion of the tool. In particular, the recess is located in the wall of the housing on the opposite side of the opening.

[0036] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for surface-treating multiple substrates. In this case, the method includes the steps of: marking each substrate to be treated belonging to a first set with a DMC and / or barcode; marking each substrate to be treated belonging to a second set with a DMC and / or barcode that does not correspond to the marking on the substrates of the first set; supplying the substrates of the first set and the substrates of the second set to a substrate holder; performing a common surface treatment on the substrates in the holder; and sorting the substrates that have been surface-treated according to the substrates of the first set and the substrates of the second set. The sorting is performed by scanning the DMC and / or barcodes in the apparatus described above.

[0037] For simple and rapid information exchange, cloud-based data exchange may also be offered. Here, preferably, data encoded via DMC is first supplied to the cloud by the customer, and then the data can be retrieved from the cloud by the manufacturer via scanning of the DMC.

[0038] Advantageously, in terms of the exchange of useful information, in addition to indicating the customer's address, at least the orders placed by the manufacturer can also be encoded in the DMC.

[0039] Furthermore, in terms of sharing useful information, manufacturer data and tracking data regarding the progress of orders can be shared with customers via the cloud.

[0040] Furthermore, with respect to the rapid, reliable, and controllable sorting of different substrates, the first set of substrates may be collected in first sorting containers that are marked with a DMC and / or barcode after being marked, and the second set of substrates may be collected in second sorting containers that are marked with a DMC and / or barcode after being marked.

[0041] Furthermore, with respect to the most economical redistribution and transport of the substrates, the first and second containers can be transport containers. Also, the surface-treated substrates can be sorted into their respective assigned containers.

[0042] Furthermore, for advantageous use of this method, the surface treatment may include surface coatings, particularly PVD and / or CVD coatings.

[0043] Furthermore, regarding the advantageous use of this method, the base material may also be a tool, particularly a tool having a shaft. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0044] Further advantages, features, and details of the present invention will become apparent from the following description detailing embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this regard, the appended claims and features described herein may be essential to the invention individually or in any combination. [Figure 1] This figure shows a shaft tool (in this case, a drill) with a DMC (Drill Mechanism). [Figure 2] This figure shows a plastic washing basket with DMC (Diamond-Molded Carbide). [Figure 3] This figure schematically shows the structure of the apparatus according to the present invention for scanning DMC. [Figure 4] This figure shows the open housing of the device according to the present invention. [Figure 5] This figure shows sequences of surface treatment methods for various substrates. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0045] First, a specially assigned DMC is marked on each tool using laser marking. Figure 1 shows drills marked in correspondence. Then, the customer measures the tool, such as the shaft diameter, length, and functional diameter. The customer enters the measurement data into the ERP system and assigns it to the DMC. Now, for the first time, the DMC on the shaft needs to be identified via scanning.

[0046] Next, for example, the cutting edge can be resharpened. The tool is then transferred to a cleaning basket (which also serves as a transport device) and linked to each other at a data level. Figure 2 shows such a cleaning basket with a DMC. Here, the cleaning basket and the drill can undergo coating. In this embodiment, information about the order, drill, and DMC is placed in the cloud. Here, the data is reconstructed so that the dataset corresponds to the data structure of the coater. Simultaneously, the cleaning basket containing the drill is sent to the coater.

[0047] When the coater receives the basket, they can scan the DMC on the basket and download the data assigned to the tool set from the cloud. By reorganizing and combining other orders (e.g., orders from other customers), more jigs can be used, thus optimizing the production flow.

[0048] Once the production process is complete, the shipping department needs to restore the customer's original delivery status. Therefore, each drill is scanned and identified using the device according to the present invention ("scan box").

[0049] Figure 3 schematically shows the structure of the scanning device 1. The structure includes a camera 3 used as a scanner, a housing 5, and an opening 7. An optical barrier 9 is placed inside the housing. When this optical barrier 9 is blocked by the insertion of a shaft tool, the scanning process is triggered. External light from the surroundings is largely blocked by the housing 5.

[0050] Figure 4 shows housing 5 with the front panel removed to allow viewing of the interior. The removed front panel is shown from two viewpoints. The lower part of the open housing 5 is also shown in close-up. Housing 5 was fabricated using a 3D printer.

[0051] Once the original order is reorganized, the coated tools can be shipped to the customer and / or end customer.

Claims

1. A device (1) for scanning DMC and / or barcodes on the shaft of a tool, Scan camera (3), The housing (5) in which the scan camera is positioned and aligned, Equipped with, The scan camera is positioned and aligned to scan an area within the housing, and the alignment of the scan camera (3) defines the scanning direction from the scan camera (3) to the shaft of the tool to be scanned, and the scan area is defined by that area. The housing (5) has an opening (7) in a wall extending substantially parallel to the scanning direction, the opening being provided so that the shaft of the tool having a DMC and / or barcode can be inserted into the scanning area perpendicular to the scanning direction for scanning. Device.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing (5) has fixing elements and / or adjustment elements for fixing and / or adjusting the scan camera (3).

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the housing (5) has a darkening element for darkening the scan area by shielding it from external light, and the darkening element is made of a darkening plate.

4. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein an opening boundary element is disposed within the housing (5) above the opening (7) with respect to the scanning direction, and the opening boundary element is made of a flexible material having a slot for inserting the shaft of the tool.

5. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a polarizing filter for filtering out unpolarized light is disposed between the scan camera and the opening (7) of the housing (5).

6. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a positioning element for positioning the tool is provided within the opening (7), and the positioning element has a recess provided in the wall of the housing (5) on the opposite side of the opening (7) and substantially parallel to the scanning direction.

7. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the opening (7) is configured such that when the shaft is inserted into the scanning area, the shaft comes into contact with the boundary of the opening, thereby preventing the shaft from moving further upstream toward the camera.

8. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the opening (7) of the housing (5) is configured to extend upward in a V-shape, and a similar V-shaped recess is provided in the housing on the opposite side of the V-shaped opening, thereby centering the tool within the opening (7).

9. The apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that a portion of the V-shaped opening is flat.

10. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that an element (9) for triggering a scan process is provided in the scan region, and the element is configured such that the scan process is triggered when the shaft is inserted into the scan region.

11. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the element (9) comprises a light barrier, and the scanning process is triggered by interfering with the light beam of the light barrier.

12. A method for surface treatment of a plurality of base materials belonging to a first set of base materials and a second set of base materials, wherein the base material is a tool having a shaft, The steps include marking each substrate belonging to the first set of substrates with a DMC and / or barcode, The steps include marking each substrate belonging to the second set of substrates with a DMC or barcode that does not correspond to the marking of the substrates of the first set, The steps include supplying the substrates of the first set and the substrates of the second set to the substrate holder, The steps include performing a common surface treatment on the substrates within the holder, A step of sorting the surface-treated substrates according to the first set of substrates and the second set of substrates by scanning the DMC or the barcode in the apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, including, method.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that a cloud-based data exchange is provided, the data encoded via the DMC is first supplied to the cloud by the customer, and the data is then retrieved from the cloud by the manufacturer via scanning of the DMC.

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, in addition to indicating the customer's address, at least the order placed by the manufacturer is encoded in the DMC.

15. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the manufacturer shares data and tracking data regarding the progress of orders with the customer on a cloud-based basis.

16. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that the substrates of the first set are collected in a first allocation container that is marked with a DMC or barcode after being marked, and the substrates of the second set are collected in a second allocation container that is marked with a DMC or barcode after being marked.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that the first and second allocation containers are transport containers, and the surface-treated substrates are sorted into their respective allocation containers.

18. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 17, characterized in that the surface treatment includes PVD or CVD coating.

19. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 18, characterized in that the base material is a tool having a shaft.

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