Labeling Device Image Shift Correction for Packaging Alignment

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing labeling devices are structurally complex and inefficient in aligning labels with products, often resulting in suboptimal labeling speed due to the need for label shifting mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A device and method utilizing an image recognition system to detect packaging position, generate correction signals for printers, and adjust label placement using various applicators, allowing for precise label alignment without physical label movement, and enabling storage of multiple label layouts for faster printing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a labeler capable of shifting the label according to misalignment is used, then label alignment precision is improved, but device complexity increases and labeling speed decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelabel alignment precisionVSAvoidlabeler structural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of moving the label to align with the product, the invention inverts the approach by keeping the label stationary and moving the printed image on the label to align with the product. The printer shifts the printed image in the X and Y directions based on detected misalignment, eliminating the need for complex label shifting mechanisms while achieving precise alignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the mechanical label shifting system with a digital image shifting system. The printer uses software-controlled image positioning to shift the printed image on the label, substituting mechanical movement with digital/optical adjustment. This reduces mechanical complexity while maintaining alignment precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If a labeler capable of shifting the label according to misalignment is used, then label alignment precision is improved, but labeling speed decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelabel alignment precisionVSAvoidlabeling speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of moving the label to align with the product, the invention inverts the approach by keeping the label stationary and moving the printed image on the label to align with the product. The printer shifts the printed image in the X and Y directions based on detected misalignment, eliminating the need for complex label shifting mechanisms while achieving precise alignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the mechanical label shifting system with a digital image shifting system. The printer uses software-controlled image positioning to shift the printed image on the label, substituting mechanical movement with digital/optical adjustment. This reduces mechanical complexity while maintaining alignment precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Manufacturing precision

If the entire layout is recalculated for each printing process, then positioning accuracy is improved, but printing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprint image positioning accuracyVSAvoidprinting time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The printer stores multiple pre-calculated layout templates in its memory, each representing a different position of the printed image on the label. Instead of recalculating the entire layout for each printing process, the system selects the appropriate pre-prepared layout that corresponds to the detected misalignment, significantly reducing processing time while maintaining positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically selects from multiple static layout templates based on the detected misalignment. The printer has a memory with several label layouts stored, each having a print image shifted by a specific correction value. The correction signal selects the layout that corresponds to or comes close to the desired print image, enabling fast switching between pre-defined configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2535281B1Labelling device

Publication Date: 2014.03.19 BIZERBA GMBH & CO KG

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AI summary

The device (1) has a transport belt (11) for transporting packages. A printer e.g. inkjet printer, prints labels. A label applicator (3) e.g. rotation applicator, applies the printed labels on the packages. An image recognition device (2) recognizes a position of a package to be labeled. The recognition device controls the printer with a correction signal for a print image so that the printer varies a position of the image on the labels corresponding to the signal. The printer displaces the print image around a preset distance in a horizontal and/or vertical direction. An independent claim is also included for a method for labeling packages.