Label-affixing device, success / failure assessment method, and success / failure assessment program

Abstract

Provided is a label-affixing device (2) for affixing a label to the outer peripheral surface of a blood collection tube (BC) that serves as an example of a transparent cylindrical container, wherein: a reflection-type optical sensor (22) has a light projector for projecting a light beam to the blood collection tube (BC), and a light receiver for receiving reflected light of the light beam projected from the light projector; and a processor (24) detects a first time point at which reception of the reflected light by the light receiver starts and a second time point at which reception of the reflected light by the light receiver ends while rotating the blood collection tube (BC) to which the light beam is projected from the light projector, and assesses whether affixing of the label has succeeded or failed on the basis of the first time point and the second time point.

Description

Label Affixing Device, Success / Failure Judgment Method, and Success / Failure Judgment Program

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a label affixing device, a success / failure judgment method, and a success / failure judgment program.

[0002] There is known a label affixing device that affixes a label peeled from a sheet-like backing paper onto the outer peripheral surface of a cylindrical container such as a blood collection tube. Labels are continuously affixed to the sheet-like backing paper at regular intervals. The label affixing device peels off a part of the leading edge of the label from the sheet-like backing paper and affixes the label onto the outer peripheral surface of the rotating cylindrical container along the outer peripheral surface of the container from the leading edge of the label while peeling the label from the backing paper.

[0003] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2012-194779, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2009-216633, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2018-091693

[0004] Depending on the state of the label or the like, the label may not be correctly affixed to the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical container.

[0005] Therefore, the present disclosure proposes a technique capable of accurately determining whether the label has been affixed successfully.

[0006] The label affixing device of the present disclosure is a label affixing device that affixes a label onto the outer peripheral surface of a transparent cylindrical container, and includes a reflection type optical sensor and a processor. The reflection type optical sensor includes a light projector that projects a light beam onto the container and a light receiver that receives the reflected light of the light beam. The processor detects a first time point at which reception of the reflected light by the light receiver starts and a second time point at which reception of the reflected light by the light receiver ends while rotating the container onto which the light beam is projected from the light projector. Then, the processor determines whether the label has been affixed successfully based on the first time point and the second time point.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to accurately determine whether the label has been affixed successfully. [[ID=2,3]]

[0008] Figure showing an example of the appearance of the blood collection tube preparation device of Embodiment 1 of this disclosure. Figure showing an example of the appearance of the blood collection tube preparation device of Embodiment 1 of this disclosure. Figure showing an example of the configuration of the blood collection tube preparation device of Embodiment 1 of this disclosure. Figure showing an example of label application of Embodiment 1 of this disclosure. Figure showing an example of label application of Embodiment 1 of this disclosure. Figure showing an example of label application of Embodiment 1 of this disclosure. Figure flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure in the label application device of Embodiment 1 of this disclosure. Figure showing a second example of determining whether label application is successful or not of Embodiment 1 of this disclosure. Figure showing a third example of determining whether label application is successful or not of Embodiment 1 of this disclosure. Figure showing a fourth example of determining whether label application is successful or not of Embodiment 1 of this disclosure. Figure showing a fifth example of determining whether label application is successful or not of Embodiment 1 of this disclosure. Figure flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure in the label application device of Embodiment 2 of this disclosure.

[0009] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, the same parts or processes will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations may be omitted.

[0010] In the following, cylindrical containers made of transparent material will be subject to labeling, and a blood collection tube will be used as an example of a cylindrical container subject to labeling.

[0011] [Example 1] <Appearance of the blood collection tube preparation device> Figures 1 and 2 show an example of the appearance of the blood collection tube preparation device of Example 1 of the present disclosure. In Figures 1 and 2, the blood collection tube preparation device 1 has openable and closable covers CV1, CV2, and CV3. Figure 1 shows the appearance when the covers CV1, CV2, and CV3 are closed, and Figure 2 shows the appearance when the covers CV1, CV2, and CV3 are open.

[0012] <Configuration of the blood collection tube preparation device> Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example configuration of the blood collection tube preparation device of Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. In Figure 3, the blood collection tube preparation device 1 includes a label application device 2, blood collection tube supply units SU1 to SU6, blood collection tube dispensing units EJ1 to EJ6, blood collection tube transport unit 11, blood collection tube guides 12 and 14, a label winding unit 13, and a removal tray 15. Each of the blood collection tube supply units SU1 to SU6 is capable of storing multiple blood collection tubes BC. Each of the blood collection tube dispensing units EJ1 to EJ6 is provided at the lowest supply port of each of the blood collection tube supply units SU1 to SU6. Each of the blood collection tube dispensing units EJ1 to EJ6 is provided with a recess into which a blood collection tube BC fits, and as the blood collection tube dispensing units EJ1 to EJ6 rotate, the blood collection tube BC fitted into the recess falls into the blood collection tube transport unit 11. In the following, the blood collection tube supply units SU1 to SU6 will be collectively referred to as "blood collection tube supply unit SU," and the blood collection tube dispensing units EJ1 to EJ6 will be collectively referred to as "blood collection tube dispensing unit EJ."

[0013] Furthermore, in Figure 3, the label application device 2 includes a processor 24, a memory 25, rollers RO1 to RO7, an optical sensor 22, and a print head 23. The optical sensor 22 is a reflective optical sensor having a light emitter 22T and a light receiver 22R.

[0014] Examples of processors 24 include CPUs (Central Processing Units), DSPs (Digital Signal Processors), FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays), and LSIs (Large Scale Integrated Circuits). Examples of memory 25 include RAMs (Random Access Memory), ROMs (Read Only Memory), and flash memory.

[0015] The label application device 2 applies the printed label to the rotating blood collection tube BC by wrapping it around it. The operator sets the continuous paper CP1 on roller RO1. On the continuous paper CP1, labels are continuously applied to a sheet-like backing at regular intervals.

[0016] <Operation of the blood collection tube preparation device> First, the blood collection tube dispensing unit EJ, which is located in the blood collection tube supply unit SU designated by the operator from among the blood collection tube supply units SU1 to SU6, dispenses the blood collection tube BC from the blood collection tube supply unit SU and drops it into the blood collection tube transport unit 11.

[0017] The blood collection tube transport unit 11, carrying the blood collection tube BC, moves up to the blood collection tube guide 12 and drops the blood collection tube BC onto the blood collection tube guide 12. The blood collection tube BC that has fallen onto the blood collection tube guide 12 rolls down the blood collection tube guide 12 and is set into the label wrapping unit 13.

[0018] The label wrapping unit 13 wraps the printed label from the print head 23 around the blood collection tube BC and attaches it, then releases the labeled blood collection tube BC towards the blood collection tube guide 14. The blood collection tube BC released towards the blood collection tube guide 14 rolls down the guide 14 and falls into the removal tray 15, where it is discharged.

[0019] The label application device 2 has a motor MT1 (not shown) that rotates rollers RO1 to RO7 (Figure 3). In the label application device 2, the continuous paper CP1 set on roller RO1 is transported in the +X direction through roller RO2, the print head 23, and roller RO3. At the positions of roller RO4, the optical sensor 22, and roller RO5 (i.e., the position of the label winding section 13), the transport direction is reversed to the -X direction, and it passes through roller RO6 and is wound onto roller RO7 for collection. Therefore, rollers RO1, RO3, and RO6 rotate counterclockwise, and rollers RO2, RO4, RO5, and RO7 rotate clockwise. Only the backing paper after the label has been peeled off is wound onto roller RO7 for collection. The processor 24 drives the motor MT1, causing rollers RO1 to RO7 to rotate and the continuous paper CP1 to be transported.

[0020] <Labeling> Among the blood collection tubes stored in the blood collection tube supply unit SU, there are blood collection tubes BC that already have labels attached at the time of storage in the blood collection tube supply unit SU, and blood collection tubes BC that do not have labels attached at the time of storage in the blood collection tube supply unit SU. Hereinafter, labels that are already attached to blood collection tubes BC at the time of storage in the blood collection tube supply unit SU will be referred to as "pre-labeled PL," and blood collection tubes BC that are stored in the blood collection tube supply unit SU with pre-labeled PL attached will be referred to as "pre-labeled blood collection tubes BCX." Also below, blood collection tubes BC that are stored in the blood collection tube supply unit SU without labels attached will be referred to as "unpre-labeled blood collection tubes BCY." Also below, labels that are peeled from the backing paper and attached to the blood collection tubes BC by the labeling device 2 will be referred to as "after-labeled AL." Also below, pre-labeled blood collection tubes BCX and unpre-labeled blood collection tubes BCY will be collectively referred to as "blood collection tubes BC."

[0021] Figures 4, 5, and 6 show an example of label application according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure. Figures 4, 5, and 6 show how afterlabeling AL is applied to a pre-labeled blood collection tube BCX.

[0022] In Figure 4, the pre-labeled blood collection tube BCX already has the pre-label PL attached when it is stored in the blood collection tube supply unit SU. The cylindrical pre-labeled blood collection tube BCX set in the label winding unit 13 rotates counterclockwise around a central axis RA that penetrates the longitudinal direction of the pre-labeled blood collection tube BCX, and the after-label AL is attached to its outer surface. When the after-label AL is attached to the outer surface of the pre-labeled blood collection tube BCX, the processor 24 aligns the front end of the after-label AL with the front end of the pre-label PL and attaches the after-label AL so as to overlap and cover the pre-label PL.

[0023] The front end of the pre-labeled PL is detected using the optical sensor 22. The blood collection tube BC is made of a transparent material, while the optical sensor 22 is a reflective optical sensor. Therefore, the light ray L projected from the light emitter 22T onto the pre-labeled blood collection tube BCX, which rotates counterclockwise, is transmitted where there is no pre-labeled PL. However, as the pre-labeled blood collection tube BCX rotates, when the front end of the pre-labeled PL comes onto the light ray L, it is reflected by the pre-labeled PL towards the optical sensor 22, and the reflected light RL of the light ray L reaches the light receiver 22R and is received by the light receiver 22R. Therefore, when the after-label AL is attached, the processor 24 detects the position on the outer surface of the pre-labeled blood collection tube BCX where the light ray L changes from transmission to reflection as the front end position of the pre-labeled PL.

[0024] In the following, the position where the light ray L projected onto the blood collection tube BC changes from transmission to reflection during the rotation of the blood collection tube BC (i.e., the position where the reception of reflected light RL by the photodetector 22R begins during the rotation of the blood collection tube BC) may be referred to as the "reflection start position." Also, in the following, the point in time when the light ray L projected onto the blood collection tube BC changes from transmission to reflection during the rotation of the blood collection tube BC (i.e., the point in time when the reception of reflected light RL by the photodetector 22R begins during the rotation of the blood collection tube BC) may be referred to as the "reflection start point." Also, in the following, the point in time when the light ray L projected onto the blood collection tube BC changes from reflection to transmission during the rotation of the blood collection tube BC (i.e., the point in time when the reception of reflected light RL by the photodetector 22R ends during the rotation of the blood collection tube BC) may be referred to as the "reflection end point."

[0025] Figures 5 and 6 show examples of successful application of after-labeling AL to pre-labeled blood collection tubes (BCX). Figure 6 is an unfolded view of Figure 5.

[0026] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, an after-label AL with label length AW0 is affixed to the outer surface of a cylindrical pre-labeled blood collection tube BCX with circumference length TW, over a pre-label PL with label length PW0. Generally, the label length AW0 of the after-label AL is greater than the label length PW0 of the pre-label PL. Also, generally, the width of the after-label AL (length in the Y direction in Figure 4) is greater than the width of the pre-label PL (length in the Y direction in Figure 4). Therefore, if the application of the after-label AL is successful, the entire surface of the pre-label PL is covered by the after-label AL. Hereafter, the label length of the pre-label PL may be referred to as the "pre-label length," and the label length of the after-label AL may be referred to as the "after-label length." The after-label length AW0 is pre-stored in memory 25. The diameter of the blood collection tube BC (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "tube diameter Φ") is also pre-stored in memory 25.

[0027] <Processing Procedure in Labeling Apparatus> Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure in the labeling apparatus of Embodiment 1 of this disclosure. The flowchart shown in Figure 7 starts when the blood collection tube BC is set in the label wrapping section 13.

[0028] First, in step S100, the processor 24 determines whether or not a pre-labeled PL is attached to the blood collection tube BC (i.e., whether the blood collection tube BC is a pre-labeled blood collection tube BCX or an unlabeled blood collection tube BCY). If the processor 24 detects a reflection start position on the blood collection tube BC, it determines that a pre-labeled PL is attached to the blood collection tube BC. On the other hand, if the processor 24 does not detect a reflection start position on the blood collection tube BC, it determines that a pre-labeled PL is not attached to the blood collection tube BC. If the blood collection tube BC is a pre-labeled blood collection tube BCX (step S100: Yes), the process proceeds to step S105. If the blood collection tube BC is an unlabeled blood collection tube BCY (step S100: No), the process proceeds to step S115 without performing steps S105 and S110.

[0029] In step S105, the processor 24 detects the reflection start position detected in the blood collection tube BC in step S100 as the front end position of the pre-label PL.

[0030] Next, in step S110, the processor 24 measures the pre-label length PW0. For example, the processor 24 measures the first elapsed time ET1 from the start of reflection to the end of reflection while the pre-labeled blood collection tube BCX is rotated once, and measures the pre-label length PW0 by multiplying the rotation speed RS of the blood collection tube BC by the first elapsed time ET1. After the processing in step S110, the process proceeds to step S115.

[0031] In step S115, the processor 24 attaches the after-label AL to the blood collection tube BC. If the blood collection tube BC is a pre-labeled blood collection tube BCX, the processor 24 attaches the after-label AL to the pre-labeled blood collection tube BCX in the manner described above, such that the front end of the after-label AL aligns with the front end of the pre-label PL.

[0032] After processing in step S115, the process proceeds to step S120 or step S125. If blood collection tube BC is a pre-labeled blood collection tube BCX, after processing in step S115, the process proceeds to step S120. On the other hand, if blood collection tube BC is an unlabeled blood collection tube BCY, after processing in step S115, the process in step S120 is skipped, and the process proceeds to step S125.

[0033] In step S120, the processor 24 determines whether the pre-label length PW0 approximates the after-label length AW0.

[0034] For example, the processor 24 determines that the pre-label length PW0 approximates the after-label length AW0 if the pre-label length PW0 is within ±5% of the after-label length AW0, while determining that the pre-label length PW0 does not approximate the after-label length AW0 if the pre-label length PW0 is not within ±5% of the after-label length AW0.

[0035] If it is determined that the pre-label length PW0 is approximately equal to the after-label length AW0 (step S120: Yes), the processing steps S125, S130, and S135 are not performed, and the processing procedure shown in Figure 7 is terminated.

[0036] On the other hand, if it is determined that the pre-label length PW0 does not approximate the after-label length AW0 (step S120: No), the process proceeds to step S125.

[0037] In this way, the processor 24 determines whether or not to perform the processing in steps S125, S130, and S135 based on the comparison result of the pre-label length PW0 and the after-label length AW0.

[0038] In step S125, the processor 24 measures the total length of the label attached to the blood collection tube BC (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "attachment length LW1"). For example, the processor 24 measures the second elapsed time ET2 from the start of reflection to the end of reflection while the blood collection tube BC is rotated once after the after-label AL is attached, and measures the attachment length LW1 by multiplying the rotation speed RS of the blood collection tube BC by the second elapsed time ET2.

[0039] Next, in step S130, the processor 24 determines whether the application of the after-label AL was successful. The processor 24 determines that the application of the after-label AL was successful if the application length LW1 is within a predetermined range, while determining that the application of the after-label AL was unsuccessful if the application length LW1 is not within a predetermined range.

[0040] For example, the processor 24 determines that the application of the after-label AL was successful if the application length LW1 is within ±5% of the after-label length AW0, while determining that the application of the after-label AL was unsuccessful if the application length LW1 is not within ±5% of the after-label length AW0.

[0041] If it is determined that the application of the after-label AL was successful (step S130: Yes), the processing procedure shown in Figure 7 ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the application of the after-label AL failed (step S130: No), the process proceeds to step S135.

[0042] In step S135, the processor 24 outputs a warning indicating that the attachment of the after-label AL has failed (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a "failure warning"). For example, the processor 24 causes an error message of the failure warning to be displayed on a touch panel (not shown) of the blood collection tube preparation device 1. After the processing of step S135, the processing procedure shown in FIG. 7 ends.

[0043] <Determination of Success or Failure of Attachment of After-Label> Hereinafter, first, second, third, fourth, and fifth determination examples for determining the success or failure of the attachment of the after-label AL will be described. The first determination example will be described with reference to FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a second determination example of the success or failure of label attachment according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a third determination example of the success or failure of label attachment according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a fourth determination example of the success or failure of label attachment according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a fifth determination example of the success or failure of label attachment according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIGS. 8, 9, 10, and 11 are development views of the blood collection tube BCX with a pre-label. Hereinafter, as an example, a case where the threshold value used for determining the success or failure of attachment is ±5% of the after-label length AW0 will be described. Further, hereinafter, as an example, a case where the pre-label length PW0 is 75% of the after-label length AW0 will be described.

[0044] <First Determination Example (FIG. 6)> In the attachment state shown in FIG. 6, the processor 24 measures the after-label length AW0 as the attachment length LW1. Therefore, in the attachment state shown in FIG. 6, the processor 24 determines that the attachment of the after-label AL has been successful.

[0045] <Second Determination Example (FIG. 8)> The attachment state shown in FIG. 8 indicates a case where the after-label AL could not be attached. In the attachment state shown in FIG. 8, the processor 24 measures the pre-label length PW0 as the attachment length LW1. Since the pre-label length PW0 is less than -5% of the after-label length AW0, in the attachment state shown in FIG. 8, the processor 24 determines that the attachment of the after-label AL has failed.

[0046] <Third Judgment Example (FIG. 9)> The pasted state shown in FIG. 9 indicates a case where the after-label AL could be pasted, but the front end of the after-label AL does not coincide with the front end of the pre-label PL. In the pasted state shown in FIG. 9, the total length "AW0 + PW1" of the after-label length AW0 and a part of the length PW1 of the pre-label PL is measured as the pasted length LW1 by the processor 24. Since the total length "AW0 + PW1" is greater than +5% of the after-label length AW0, in the pasted state shown in FIG. 9, the processor 24 determines that the pasting of the after-label AL has failed.

[0047] <Fourth Judgment Example (FIG. 10)> The pasted state shown in FIG. 10 indicates a case where the after-label AL could be pasted, but the after-label AL is pasted obliquely. In the pasted state shown in FIG. 10, a length AW1 greater than the after-label length AW0 is measured as the pasted length LW1 by the processor 24. Since the length AW1 is greater than +5% of the after-label length AW0, in the pasted state shown in FIG. 10, the processor 24 determines that the pasting of the after-label AL has failed.

[0048] <Fifth Judgment Example (FIG. 11)> The pasted state shown in FIG. 11 indicates a case where the after-label AL could be pasted, but the after-label AL is pasted obliquely. In the pasted state shown in FIG. 10, the pre-label length PW0 is measured as the pasted length LW1 by the processor 24. Since the pre-label length PW0 is less than -5% of the after-label length AW0, in the pasted state shown in FIG. 11, the processor 24 determines that the pasting of the after-label AL has failed.

[0049] The above is the description of Example 1.

[0050] [Example 2] Hereinafter, the differences from Example 1 will be described.

[0051] <Processing Procedure in the Label Pasting Device> FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure in the label pasting device of Example 2 of the present disclosure. The flowchart shown in FIG. 12 starts when the blood collection tube BC is set in the label winding unit 13.

[0052] Since the processes in steps S100, S105, S110, S115, S120, and S135 in Figure 12 are the same as in Example 1 (Figure 7), the explanation of the processes in steps S100, S105, S110, S115, S120, and S135 will be omitted below.

[0053] Following the processing in step S110, in step S200, the processor 24 measures the circumference TW of the blood collection tube BC. For example, the processor 24 measures the third elapsed time ET3 from the start of the first reflection to the start of the next reflection while the pre-labeled blood collection tube BCX is rotated twice, and measures the circumference TW of the blood collection tube BC by multiplying the rotation speed RS of the blood collection tube BC by the third elapsed time ET3. After the processing in step S200, the process proceeds to step S115.

[0054] After processing in step S115, the process proceeds to step S120 or step S205. If blood collection tube BC is a pre-labeled blood collection tube BCX, after processing in step S115, the process proceeds to step S120. On the other hand, if blood collection tube BC is an unlabeled blood collection tube BCY, after processing in step S115, the process in step S120 is skipped, and the process proceeds to step S205.

[0055] If it is determined in step S120 that the pre-label length PW0 is approximately equal to the after-label length AW0 (step S120: Yes), the processing in steps S205, S210, and S135 is not performed, and the processing procedure shown in Figure 12 is terminated.

[0056] On the other hand, if it is determined that the pre-label length PW0 does not approximate the after-label length AW0 (step S120: No), the process proceeds to step S205.

[0057] In step S205, the processor 24 measures the length of the portion of the blood collection tube BC that is not labeled (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "unlabeled length LW2"). ​​For example, the processor 24 measures the fourth elapsed time ET4 from the end of reflection to the start of reflection while rotating the blood collection tube BC after the after-label AL has been attached, and measures the unlabeled length LW2 by multiplying the rotation speed RS of the blood collection tube BC by the fourth elapsed time ET4.

[0058] Next, in step S210, the processor 24 determines whether the application of the after-label AL was successful. The processor 24 determines that the application of the after-label AL was successful if the unapplied length LW2 is within a predetermined range. On the other hand, the processor 24 determines that the application of the after-label AL was unsuccessful if the unapplied length LW2 is not within a predetermined range.

[0059] For example, the processor 24 determines that the application of the after-label AL was successful if the unattached length LW2 is within ±5% of "TW-AW", which is the value obtained by subtracting the after-label length AW from the circumference length TW. On the other hand, if the unattached length LW2 is not within ±5% of "TW-AW", it determines that the application of the after-label AL was unsuccessful. In this way, the processor 24 sets a predetermined range for the unattached length LW2 using the value obtained by subtracting the after-label length AW from the circumference length TW.

[0060] Here, if blood collection tube BC is a pre-labeled blood collection tube BCX, the processor 24 uses the circumference length TW measured in step S200 to perform the processing in step S210. On the other hand, if blood collection tube BC is an unlabeled blood collection tube BCY, the processor 24 calculates the circumference length TW from the tube diameter Φ stored in memory 25 beforehand, and uses the circumference length TW calculated from the tube diameter Φ to perform the processing in step S210.

[0061] If it is determined that the application of the after-label AL was successful (step S210: Yes), the processing procedure shown in Figure 12 ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the application of the after-label AL failed (step S210: No), the process proceeds to step S135.

[0062] The above describes Example 2.

[0063] [Example 3] All or part of the processes described above in the labeling device 2 may be implemented by having the processor 24 execute a program corresponding to each process. For example, the program corresponding to each process described above may be stored in memory 25, and the program may be read from memory 25 and executed by the processor 24. Alternatively, the program may be stored in a program server connected to the labeling device 2 via a network and downloaded from the program server to the labeling device 2 and executed, or it may be stored in a recording medium readable by the labeling device 2 and read from that recording medium and executed. Recording media readable by the labeling device 2 include, for example, portable storage media such as memory cards, USB memory, SD cards, flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, CD-ROMs, and DVDs.

[0064] The above describes Example 3.

[0065] As described above, the labeling device of this disclosure (labeling device 2 in the embodiment) is a labeling device for attaching a label to the outer surface of a transparent cylindrical container (blood collection tube BC in the embodiment), and comprises a reflective light sensor (light sensor 22 in the embodiment) and a processor (processor 24 in the embodiment). The reflective light sensor comprises a light projector (light projector 22T in the embodiment) that projects a light ray onto the container and a light receiver (light receiver 22R in the embodiment) that receives the reflected light from the light projector. The processor rotates the container from which the light ray is projected from the light projector and detects a first time point in time when the receiver begins to receive the reflected light and a second time point in time when the receiver ends to receive the reflected light. The processor then determines whether the label has been successfully attached based on the first and second time points.

[0066] This allows for accurate determination of whether the label has been successfully applied.

[0067] 2 Labeling device 22 Optical sensor 24 Processor

Claims

1. A labeling device for affixing a first label to the outer surface of a transparent cylindrical container, comprising: a light projector that projects a light ray onto the container; a reflective light sensor having a light receiver that receives reflected light from the light ray; and a processor, wherein the processor rotates the container from which the light ray is projected from the light projector, detecting a first time point when the receiver begins to receive the reflected light and a second time point when the receiver ends to receive the reflected light, and determining whether the first label has been successfully affixed based on the first and second time points.

2. The labeling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processor determines that the application of the first label was successful if the first length, which corresponds to the time from the first time point to the second time point, is within a predetermined range, and determines that the application of the first label was unsuccessful if the first length is not within the predetermined range.

3. The labeling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processor determines that the application of the first label was successful if the second length, which corresponds to the time from the second time point to the first time point, is within a predetermined range, and determines that the application of the first label was unsuccessful if the second length is not within the predetermined range.

4. The labeling apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the processor measures the circumference of the container using a second label already affixed to the container before the first label is affixed to the container, and sets the predetermined range using the value obtained by subtracting the length of the first label from the circumference.

5. The labeling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processor outputs a warning when it determines that the application of the first label has failed.

6. The labeling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processor detects the front end of a second label already affixed to the container based on the first time point before the first label is affixed to the container, and affixes the first label to the container by aligning the front end of the first label with the front end of the second label and overlapping it with the second label.

7. The labeling apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the processor measures the length of the second label based on the first and second time points before the first label is affixed to the container, and determines whether or not to perform the success or failure determination based on the result of comparing the length of the second label with the length of the first label.

8. A success / failure determination method used in a label application device for applying a label to the outer surface of a transparent cylindrical container, comprising: a light emitter of a reflective light sensor projecting a light ray onto the container; a light receiver of the reflective light sensor receiving the reflected light ray; a processor rotating the container from which the light ray is projected from the light emitter, detecting a first time point when the receiver begins to receive the reflected light and a second time point when the receiver ends to receive the reflected light; and determining the success or failure of the label application based on the first and second time points.

9. A label application device comprising a reflective light sensor having a light projector that projects a light ray onto a transparent cylindrical container and a light receiver that receives the reflected light of the light ray, wherein the label application device applies a label to the outer surface of the container, and the success or failure determination program used in the label application device, wherein the program causes a processor to perform a process to determine the success or failure of the label application based on the first and second time points, while rotating the container from which the light ray is projected from the light projector, by detecting a first time point when the receiver begins to receive the reflected light and a second time point when the receiver ends to receive the reflected light, and the first and second time points.

Images