Code Reading Device With Rotating Article Platform

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional code reading devices require barcodes to be attached to specific surfaces of articles and oriented correctly to be read, limiting flexibility in barcode placement and orientation, necessitating manual operator intervention to ensure proper alignment.

Innovation Solution

A code reading device with a motion unit that allows articles to swivel and rotate on a placement surface, enabling code reading units to capture barcodes from any surface, including the bottom, regardless of the article's posture, using multiple code reading units with different scanning directions and orientations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a barcode reader is fixed to a side surface of the running path for an article, then the code reading device can read the barcode, but the barcode must be attached to a specific surface and oriented correctly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecode reading reliabilityVSAvoidbarcode placement flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The code reading device is mounted on a movable carrier that can change its position and orientation relative to the article. The carrier includes a movable platform that can translate and rotate, allowing the barcode reader to dynamically adjust its viewing angle and position to read barcodes on any surface of the article, not just side surfaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a fixed two-dimensional reading position to a three-dimensional movable platform that can access all surfaces of the article. The carrier enables the barcode reader to move in multiple dimensions (x, y, z axes and rotation), allowing reading of barcodes attached to top, bottom, side, or any intermediate surface of the article

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the barcode is attached to another surface of the article or the surface to which the barcode is attached does not face the barcode reader, then the code reading device cannot read the barcode

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebarcode surface flexibilityVSAvoidcode reading success rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The movable carrier platform enables dynamic repositioning of the barcode reader to track and read barcodes regardless of which surface they are attached to. The platform can translate and rotate to bring the barcode reader into proper alignment with barcodes on any article surface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The code reading system is designed to universally read barcodes from any surface of the article (top, bottom, sides, or intermediate surfaces). The movable carrier provides multi-functional capability to adapt to various barcode placement positions and article orientations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of manufacture

If a conventional code reading device is used, then the barcode must be attached to the same surfaces of articles, but this requires manual operator intervention to check and correct orientation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebarcode attachment simplicityVSAvoidmanual intervention requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The movable carrier system automatically detects and reads barcodes from any surface without requiring manual operator intervention. The system self-adjusts by moving the carrier platform to position the barcode reader correctly, eliminating the need for operators to check and correct article orientation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 automatic reading of barcodes from arbitrary positions and orientations without manual operator intervention, increasing reading reliability and efficiency by ensuring that barcodes can be read from any surface, including the bottom, regardless of the article's placement posture.

Implementation Method 1

at least one code reading unit that optically reads a code attached to the article

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS10853600B2Code reading device and code reading method

Publication Date: 2020.12.01 ITOH ELECTRIC COMPANY LIMITED

AI summary

A code reading device including: an article placement surface on which an article is placed; at least one code reading unit that optically reads a code attached to the article; and a motion unit that causes the article to swivel and/or rotate on the article placement surface, the code reading device being configured to read the code with the code reading unit while causing the article to swivel and/or rotate on the article placement surface.