Barcode Verification for Packaging Legibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring the presence and legibility of product information on packaging are complex and unreliable, leading to a high probability of unlabelled goods reaching customers, resulting in complaints.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that uses a printing device to apply both product information and a machine-readable identification means, such as a barcode, to packaging, which is then read by an optical device to ensure the information is present and legible, thereby indirectly verifying the presence and readability of the product information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If system operators manually check product information on packaging, then monitoring can be performed, but the complexity of the monitoring method increases and reliability remains low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a machine-readable identification means (barcode) as an intermediary element that is printed together with the product information. This barcode serves as a reliable mediator that automatically verifies whether the printing process successfully applied the product information, replacing unreliable manual checks while maintaining system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/manual checking system with an automated optical reading system. The reading device optically scans the barcode to automatically determine if product information was successfully printed, eliminating the need for manual visual inspection and significantly improving reliability without adding complex monitoring infrastructure.
2Reliability
If manual checking by employees is used, then some monitoring is achieved, but the probability of unlabelled goods reaching customers remains high
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service monitoring where the barcode automatically verifies its own presence and legibility through optical scanning. The printing process creates both the product information and the verification barcode together, allowing the system to self-verify successful application without requiring operator intervention or complex monitoring procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The barcode acts as an intermediary verification mechanism that objectively confirms successful printing. Rather than relying on subjective manual inspection, the optical reading device objectively determines whether the barcode (and thus the product information) is present and legible, significantly improving detection probability while simplifying operation.
3Reliability
If separate identification means is printed in addition to product information, then indirect verification of information presence is achieved, but the printing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the printing of product information and the machine-readable identification means into a single integrated printing operation. Both elements are applied simultaneously by the same printing device in one pass, eliminating the need for separate printing steps and reducing overall process complexity while maintaining reliable verification capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The printing device is designed with multi-functionality, serving both to apply the product information and to create the verification barcode in a single operation. This universal approach allows one device to perform multiple functions without requiring additional specialized equipment, thereby reducing system complexity while achieving reliable indirect verification.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach simplifies the monitoring process, increases reliability, and reduces the likelihood of unlabelled goods reaching customers by leveraging the same printing device for both information and identification, allowing for a high probability that successful printing of the identification means indicates successful printing of the product information.
Implementation Method 1
the reading device comprising an optical reading device
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for checking the presence and/or the legibility of product information on a product, in particular package contents information on a package, comprising the steps of: a) applying the product information (10), in particular package contents information, to the package (12) using a printing device (11); b) applying an identification means (14) using the same printing device (11); and c) sensing the product, in particular the package (12), by means of a reading apparatus (16) in order to establish whether the identification means (14) is present and legible, wherein the identification means (14) comprises a barcode and/or a smartcode, wherein individual bars of the barcode are oriented parallel to a printing direction and the reading apparatus (16) comprises an optical reading apparatus, in particular a barcode and/or smartcode reading apparatus (16), preferably a barcode and/or smartcode scanner.