Counting Disc Device Linear Illumination Sheet Coding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional sheet counting devices lack flexibility and reliability in processing stacked sheets, particularly in detecting additional information such as coding or markings, which limits their functionality and accuracy in counting and identification processes.

Innovation Solution

A device with a linear illumination section and imaging path is designed to improve the processing of stacked sheets by generating a linear illumination section on the sheets and imaging it in a detection plane, allowing for flexible operation, enhanced error resistance, and the detection of one-dimensional or multidimensional coding for further processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional counting devices only determine distance from sheet edge to printed image, then the device structure remains simple, but the functionality is limited and cannot detect additional information such as coding or markings

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The optical detection system is designed to perform multiple functions: it can detect the distance from sheet edge to printed image for counting, and simultaneously detect one-dimensional or multidimensional codes and markings on the sheets. This multi-functional capability resolves the contradiction by enabling the device to handle various sheet types and detection requirements without requiring separate specialized devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from simple linear distance measurement to two-dimensional or multi-dimensional code detection by implementing an imaging path that captures spatial information across the sheet surface. This dimensional expansion allows the system to recognize patterns, codes, and markings while maintaining the original counting function, thereby increasing versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If conventional devices only perform basic counting, then the device complexity is low, but the error resistance and reliability of the counting process is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveerror resistanceVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where detected codes and markings are processed by control devices to verify sheet identification and counting accuracy. This feedback loop enables error detection and correction, improving reliability by allowing the system to validate results and identify anomalies in the counting process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The device performs preliminary detection of codes and markings before final counting confirmation. By pre-identifying sheet characteristics and codes, the system can prepare verification data in advance, ensuring more reliable counting results and reducing errors in the overall processing workflow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Loss of information

If the device processes only basic sheet counting, then the processing speed is maintained, but additional information such as coding cannot be recorded and made available for further processing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation availabilityVSAvoidoptical system
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The imaging path creates optical copies or images of the sheet surface, codes, and markings, which are then captured and processed digitally. This copying mechanism preserves all visual information from the sheets without requiring physical handling or contact, enabling complete information capture while maintaining processing efficiency through non-contact optical methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

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 device enables accurate detection and processing of sheets with applied codes, improving counting accuracy and flexibility, and providing additional information for higher-level control, enhancing the identification and processing of sheets with various materials and coding features.

Implementation Method 1

a base device (10) to which a vacuum device is connected

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Implementation Method 2

an optical illumination path (30a) for illuminating at least one section of a sheet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection and scattering: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

light reflected and/or scattered by the illuminated sheet section

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight scattering: Scattering

Implementation Method 4

an optical recording path (30b) for recording the light reflected and/or scattered by the illuminated sheet section

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical imaging: Photography

Data Source

PatentEP3267367B1Counting disc device
Publication Date: 2020.05.06 GTS GMBH
  • EP3267367B1 patent drawingFigure 1a
  • EP3267367B1 patent drawingFigure 1b
  • EP3267367B1 patent drawingFigure 1c

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for processing sheets arranged in stack form, comprising a base unit with a vacuum device for providing a vacuum, a light source, and a counting disc rotatably arranged to the base unit and coupled to it vacuum-technically and optically, comprising at least one, in particular a plurality of, circumferential sections, each separated by an opening extending in a radial direction, with each section having a leading and projecting tip or nose in the direction of rotation and a plurality of suction openings arranged on the underside at a trailing end of the respective circumferential section, wherein the device has an optical illumination channel for illuminating at least one section of a sheet of the sheets arranged in stack form and an optical receiving channel for receiving the light reflected and/or scattered by the illuminated sheet section.The device according to the invention is characterized in that the illumination path is designed to generate a linear illumination section on the sheet and the receiving path is designed as an imaging path to image the linear section illuminated on the sheet into a detection plane.