Capsule Marking with Seam Detection for Clear Laser Codes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing capsule marking devices struggle with efficiently performing marking with high visibility when a seam on the capsule surface overlaps the marking region, leading to potential visibility issues.
Innovation Solution
A capsule marking device that includes a conveying unit, imaging units, and a control unit to selectively separate capsules with seams larger than a predetermined size from the conveyance path, and form marking patterns without overlapping seams, using CO2 laser light for marking and polarized illumination for clear imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If marking is performed on capsules with seams in the marking region, then productivity is maintained, but marking visibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary imaging and seam detection before marking. The control unit identifies capsules with seams in the marking region in advance, and selectively separates only those capsules before the marking process, allowing continuous marking of suitable capsules without interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The separating unit extracts problematic capsules (those with seams in the marking region) from the main conveyance flow. This allows the marking unit to continuously process suitable capsules while defective capsules are removed, maintaining overall productivity while ensuring marking visibility quality.
2Manufacturing precision
If capsules with seams are separated from the conveyance path, then marking visibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging unit serves multiple functions: it captures images for positioning the marking region, detects seams in the marking region, and provides data for quality inspection after marking. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary that processes imaging data, determines seam presence and positioning, controls the separating unit, and manages the marking unit. This centralized control logic integrates multiple functions without requiring complex mechanical interconnections.
3Manufacturing precision
If imaging and seam detection are performed before marking, then marking precision is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging, seam detection, and marking processes are performed continuously as capsules move along the conveyance path. The system processes multiple capsules in sequence without stopping the conveyance, and only separates capsules that require exclusion, maintaining continuous flow and minimizing processing time.
Solution Approach 2:
Imaging and seam detection are performed in advance during the conveyance before marking. This preliminary action allows the system to prepare marking parameters and identify capsules needing separation, enabling smooth continuous marking without repositioning or reprocessing.
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
Enables efficient and high-visibility marking on capsules by avoiding seams, ensuring clear and precise marking patterns.
Implementation Method 1
The marking unit preferably performs marking by emitting CO2 laser light.
Implementation Method 2
a first polarizing plate that is disposed between the ring light and the conveyance path; and a second polarizing plate that is disposed between the camera and the conveyance path, and has a polarizing axis orthogonal to a polarizing axis of the first polarizing plate.
Data Source
AI summary
A capsule marking device 1 includes: a conveying unit 2 that conveys a capsule C along a conveyance path 2a; a first imaging unit 30 that captures an image of the capsule C being conveyed, to obtain first imaging data; a marking unit 40 that performs marking on the capsule C being conveyed; and a control unit that sets a marking region on the capsule C on the basis of the first imaging data, and forms a marking pattern in the marking region by controlling the operation of the marking unit 40. The capsule marking device 1 further includes a separating unit 60 that selectively separates the capsule C being conveyed from the conveyance path 2a, and the control unit controls the operation of the separating unit 60 to separate the capsule C having a seam with a size equal to or larger than a predetermined reference size in the marking region in the first imaging data without forming a marking pattern.