Coded Package Reader Cavity Design for Scratch-Free Code Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for reading codes on packages, such as barcodes or QR codes, in food processing apparatuses are inefficient due to difficulties in capturing images, requiring multiple orientations and potentially scratching the code reader, leading to inconvenient and irritating operations for operators.
Innovation Solution
A code reader design featuring a cavity with lateral walls that surround the image capturing device's view angles, an empty transparent hole for code reading, and a light source for improved illumination, ensuring the code is positioned correctly and captured immediately, reducing the need for repositioning and minimizing damage to the reader.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the code reader uses a transparent window for code capture, then the code can be read optically, but the window surface becomes scratched over time making reading more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the transparent window entirely from the code reader design. Instead of having a window that can be scratched, the code reader uses an open cavity structure where the code is captured directly without any transparent barrier between the camera and the code surface.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than protecting the code reader with a transparent window, the patent inverts the approach by making the code reader windowless and using the package code surface itself as the interface. The code is read directly from the package surface without any transparent medium in between.
2Productivity
If the operator manually positions the code in front of the code reader, then the code can be captured, but multiple orientations and repositioning are required which is inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The code reader automatically detects and captures the code without requiring the operator to manually position or orient it. The system uses automatic focus adjustment and image processing to identify and read the code from various angles and distances, making the operator merely need to present the code roughly in the reading zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The code reader incorporates dynamic focus adjustment and adjustable reading angles to adapt to different code positions and orientations. The system can dynamically change its focus distance and capture angle to ensure successful code reading regardless of how the code is presented.
3Ease of operation
If the code reader is exposed to the environment inside the apparatus, then it can read codes easily, but dust and dirtiness affect the image capturing device
Solution Approach 1:
The code reader is divided into separate functional zones: an open reading cavity for code capture and a protected internal chamber for the camera and electronics. The lateral walls create a physical separation that allows the code reading function to remain accessible while protecting the sensitive components from environmental contaminants.
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
The solution allows for intuitive and efficient code capture, protecting the image capturing device from dust and scratches, ensuring consistent and rapid reading of codes, enhancing operator convenience and apparatus performance.
Implementation Method 1
the image of the code is captured and this image is processed by the control unit of the apparatus
Implementation Method 2
a light source for improved illumination
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5A~5B
AI summary
The invention concerns a system (10) of a package (2) containing a product and an apparatus (1) using said product, the apparatus being refilled by the product contained in the package, wherein a code (21) related to the contained product is associated to the package, said code being a two dimension code and said code presenting a predetermined surface Scode, and wherein the apparatus comprises a code reader (11) to read the code associated to the package, said code reader being an image capturing device, said image capturing device being defined by : - a predetermined focal range, - a horizontal angle of view α and a vertical angle of view β, wherein the apparatus comprises a housing structure (16) and a cavity (12) inside the housing structure, wherein the image capturing device is positioned at the back side of the cavity.