DE102018105170A1 - Scanning device and method for this - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a scanning device (10) for the automated detection of identification codes of a product with at least one carrier portal (12), with at least one transport element (16), by means of which a product can be transported through the carrier portal (12), with a plurality of different aligned scanning modules (28) for scanning an identification code, which are arranged in and / or on the support portal (12), and with at least one input side of the support portal (12) arranged light barrier (L1) and at least one output side of the support portal (12) arranged light barrier (L2).
Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for the automated detection of identification codes of a product with a scanning device (10).

Description

The present invention relates to a scanning device for automated detection of identification codes of a product and a corresponding method.

From the state of the art, devices are known for the automated processing of identification codes of products, such as barcodes or RFID codes, which enable an automated detection of the products.

Especially in the field of logistics, corresponding scanning devices are already known.

That's how it shows US 6,360,947 B1 an automated scanning device having a scanning tunnel with a laser scanning system. The system has several scanning devices in order to scan packaging surfaces from several directions.

From the US 2009/0090583 A1 Furthermore, a conveyor belt with a scanner can be seen, which also has a plurality of scanning devices to scan products lying on the conveyor belt from several directions and from multiple sides.

From the WO 2012/005659 A1 , the WO 2012/005660 and the WO 2012/005661 Automated checkout counters are known that use spectroscopy sensors.

From the EP 2 386 227 B1 a device for detecting goods and a corresponding method is known, in which case a tunnel is provided, in which an optical detection device for detecting a goods identifying identifier is arranged, the tunnel at least partially covers a transport device, by means of which the goods in the transport direction are eligible.

The DE 10 2007 004 680 A1 relates to a self-operated goods detection station and a method for detecting goods, wherein the goods detection station arranged a boundary device for detecting a goods-specific identification, a belt scale for determining the weight of a commodity, a transport device for transporting the goods from one of the belt weigher associated weighing cell to one in the direction of goods flow front Collection point, an evaluation device for the evaluation of the detected goods specific identification and the detected weight of goods and a control device for controlling the transport device has.

It is the object of the present invention to develop a scanning device and a method of the type mentioned in an advantageous manner, in particular to the effect that this automated detection of identification codes of a product easily and safely.

This object is achieved by a scanning device with the features of claim 1. Thereafter, it is provided that a scanning device for automated detection of identification codes of a product is provided with at least one support portal, with at least one transport element, by means of which a product transported through the support portal can be, with a plurality of differently oriented scanning modules for scanning an identification code, which are arranged in and / or on the carrier portal, and with at least one input side of the carrier portal arranged light barrier and at least one output side of the carrier portal arranged light barrier.

The invention is based on the basic idea of reliably enabling, on the one hand, a scanning of the identification code by means of a plurality of scanning modules, since at least one scanning module can scan a surface of the product provided with an identification code accordingly by providing a plurality of scanning modules and can thus acquire the identification code. The light barrier in front of and behind the carrier portal makes it possible to provide information to the scan modules initially when entering through the carrier portal that now the process for scanning can or should be started. By informing the rear photocell at the gantry exit, the user can be given the information that scanning can be completed and a next product scanned. By providing the light barriers, it is possible to easily and reliably recognize that or whether a product has passed through the carrier portal and has been subjected to a scan.

Furthermore, it may be possible that the support portal is tunnel-like. A tunnel-like design makes it possible to prevent interference from the scanning modules.

It is also conceivable that the support portal has a base frame that is constructed of profile elements. The profile elements may be, for example, commercially available standard profile elements, which allow easy assembly and construction of a base frame. These can be semi-finished products. However, it is also conceivable to use standard industrial elements, such as, for example, profiles from ITEM (so-called ITEM). Profiles) or also by the company Bosch Rexroth. The construction of profile elements enables a simple and at the same time stable construction of a base frame. In order to enable a tunnel-like design of the support portal then appropriate panels can be arranged on the base frame.

In addition, it can be provided that the scanning device has at least four vertical side struts, of which each two side struts define a tunnel entrance and two side struts each a tunnel exit. As a result, a simple and stable construction, but also at the same time favorable limitation of the tunnel entrance and tunnel exit is made possible. The side struts can be constructed in particular of the profile elements.

In addition, it can be provided that a scan module is arranged on at least one side strut. In particular, it is conceivable that a scanning module is arranged on each side strut. This makes it possible to scan a relatively large area in the interior of the girder portal. This facilitates the scanning of an identification code as a whole and also ensures it.

The at least one scan module can be arranged and aligned with a 45 ° angle with respect to the plane spanned by two mutually adjacent vertical side struts in the direction of the interior of the support portal. The 45 ° angle is one possible embodiment. It is conceivable in particular that an angle range between 30 ° to 60 °, in particular between 40 ° and 50 ° is selected. For fixation and alignment on the transverse strut or on the support gantry, a correspondingly formed holding plate, e.g. a so-called. 45 ° -Haltblech be provided.

Such an orientation also makes it possible for the scan module to scan the largest possible areas in the interior of the carrier portal.

In addition, it can be provided that each two side struts are connected by at least one transverse strut. In this case, two transverse struts may be present in the entire gantry portal. The cross struts can be arranged and secured at the ends of two side struts. As a result, a stable cross connection between the towering side struts is made possible overall.

It is also conceivable that a scanning module is arranged on at least one transverse strut, preferably on both transverse struts. This can be scanned again from the top. In combination with the scanning devices arranged on the side struts and the scanning now from above through the scanning modules arranged on the transverse struts, it is possible to scan all exposed sides of a product guided through the carrier portal and thus be able to reliably detect an identification code on the product.

The scan module can be arranged and aligned at a 30 ° angle with respect to the plane spanned by two mutually adjacent transverse struts in the direction of the interior of the support portal. It is also conceivable to choose here an angle between 15 ° to 45 °, preferably between 25 ° to 35 °. For fixation and alignment on the transverse strut or on the support gantry, a correspondingly formed holding plate, e.g. a so-called. 30 ° -Haltblech be provided.

Furthermore, it can be provided that a camera for product detection in the area of the support portal is further provided. Thus, a further identification possibility of passed through the carrier portal products is possible. In particular, it can be provided that the camera above the goods, i. in the region of the transverse struts or the upper region, based on the assembled and erected state of the scanning device, is arranged.

It is also conceivable that the number of scan modules is more than 6, for example significantly more than 10, preferably that up to 48 scan modules are provided.

It is also conceivable that no scanners are provided, which in the set-up and mounted state of the scanning device from below, i. Alignment of the transport device, take a scan. This is related to the fact that a product identification would be problematic here and therefore for cost reasons not even tried.

In addition, it can be provided that at least one input module is provided for inputting user inputs. It can be provided in particular that the input module has at least one touch screen. It is conceivable that the scanning process by a touch function on a screen allows and can also be initiated. The customer can thus independently activate the scanning process. In this case, a product feed to the scanning device can be carried out automatically or the user can place the product to be scanned accordingly. The input module and its screen, in particular the touch screen, can also contain information for operating the scan tunnel and the scanning process to be shown. Status displays can also be made here.

It is also conceivable that statements are made here, whether the scan was successful or not. In the case of an error message, it can be displayed via the touch screen or another output means of the input module that a new scan is necessary.

The transport element may be a conveyor belt or conveyor belt. It is also conceivable that corresponding roles, as is customary in the logistics or retail sector, can be used accordingly.

The identification code may be a barcode and / or a QR code or the like. These codes are widely used and allow easy and reliable identification of products.

• - Es wird ein mit einem Identifikationscode gekennzeichnetes Produkt mit wenigstens einem Transportelement durch eine eingangsseitig eines Scanbereichs mehrerer unterschiedlich ausgerichteter Scanmodule angeordneten Lichtschranke hindurchgeführt;
• - es wird das Produkt in den Scanbereich zur Scannung des Identifikationscodes hingebracht; und
• - wenn wenigstens ein Scanmodul den Identifikationscode scannen konnte, wird das Produkt aus dem Scanbereich heraus durch eine ausgangsseitig des Trägerportals angeordnete Lichtschranke hindurchgeführt oder wenn kein Scanmodul den Identifikationscode scannen konnte, wird der Scanvorgang erneut durchgeführt.

Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for the automated detection of identification codes of a product with a scanning device. The method has at least the following steps:

• A product marked with an identification code is passed with at least one transport element through a light barrier arranged on the input side of a scan area of a plurality of differently oriented scan modules;
• the product is brought into the scanning area for scanning the identification code; and
• if at least one scanning module was able to scan the identification code, the product is passed out of the scanning area through a light barrier arranged on the output side of the carrier portal or if no scanning module was able to scan the identification code, the scanning process is carried out again.

The method may preferably be performed by a scanning device in one of the embodiments described above.

Further details and advantages of the invention will now be explained with reference to an embodiment shown in more detail in the drawings.

• 1 eine Seitenansicht auf eine Scanvorrichtung gemäß erfindungsgemäßer Ausführungsform zur Durchführung des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens;
• 2 eine Draufsicht auf ein Ausführungsbeispiel der Scanvorrichtung gemäß 1;
• 3 eine Frontansicht auf die Scanvorrichtung gemäß 1;
• 4 eine perspektivische Ansicht der Scanvorrichtung gemäß 1;
• 5 eine Frontansicht auf das Trägerportal der Scanvorrichtung gemäß 1;
• 6 eine Draufsicht auf das Trägerportal gemäß 5;
• 7 eine Seitenansicht auf das Trägerportal gemäß 5;
• 8 eine perspektivische Ansicht auf das Trägerportal gemäß 5;
• 9 eine perspektivische Ansicht auf ein 45°-Halteblech für ein Scanmodul der Scanvorrichtung gemäß 1;
• 10 eine Seitenansicht auf das Halteblech gemäß 9;
• 11 eine weitere Seitenansicht auf das Halteblech gemäß 9;
• 12 eine Draufsicht auf das Halteblech gemäß 9;
• 13 eine perspektivische Ansicht auf ein 30°-Halteblech für ein Scanmodul der Scanvorrichtung gemäß 1;
• 14 eine Seitenansicht auf das Halteblech gemäß 13;
• 15 eine weitere Seitenansicht auf das Halteblech gemäß 13; und
• 16 eine Draufsicht auf das Halteblech gemäß 13.

Show it:

• 1 a side view of a scanning device according to the invention embodiment for carrying out the method according to the invention;
• 2 a plan view of an embodiment of the scanning device according to 1 ;
• 3 a front view of the scanning device according to 1 ;
• 4 a perspective view of the scanning device according to 1 ;
• 5 a front view of the support portal of the scanning device according to 1 ;
• 6 a plan view of the carrier portal according to 5 ;
• 7 a side view of the carrier portal according to 5 ;
• 8th a perspective view of the carrier portal according to 5 ;
• 9 a perspective view of a 45 ° -Haltblech for a scan module of the scanning device according to 1 ;
• 10 a side view of the retaining plate according to 9 ;
• 11 another side view of the retaining plate according to 9 ;
• 12 a plan view of the retaining plate according to 9 ;
• 13 a perspective view of a 30 ° -Haltblech for a scan module of the scanning device according to 1 ;
• 14 a side view of the retaining plate according to 13 ;
• 15 another side view of the retaining plate according to 13 ; and
• 16 a plan view of the retaining plate according to 13 ,

1 shows a side view of an embodiment of a scanning device according to the invention 10 ,

The scanning device 10 is a scanning device 10 for the automated capture of identification codes of a product.

The scanning device 10 has a support portal 12 on, this one of a corresponding tunnel-like disguise 14 is wrapped. The carrier portal 12 himself is in the 5 to 8th explained in more detail and shown.

In addition, a transport element in the form of a conveyor belt 16 provided that on a corresponding, lined support frame 18 is arranged.

Like this further from the 5 to 8th it can be seen, is the carrier portal 12 on a base frame 20 built up.

The costume 14 is not shown here.

There are four vertical side struts 22 provided as well as in the upper area cross struts 24 ,

In the bottom third referred to the assembled state, the base frame 20 further lower cross struts 26 on.

Two side struts each 22 limit the tunnel entrance 14a and two side struts each 22 limit the tunnel exit 14b (see also 1 to 4 ).

At each side strut 22 is a scan module 28 arranged.

The scan modules 28 are here at a 45 ° angle (cf. 6 and 8th ) Based on the two adjacent vertical side struts 22 spanned level towards the heart I of the porch portal 12 arranged and aligned.

This orientation is achieved by means of 45 ° holding plates 29 , each end of the scan modules 28 are arranged reaches (see this 6 as well as the 9 to 12 ).

The 45 ° retaining plate 29 is closer in the 9 to 12 shown.

The 45 ° retaining plate 29 has a basic body 29a and a rectangular recess 29b on.

The rectangular recess 29b is relative to the center axis of the 45 ° holding plate 29 rotated by 45 ° to realize the 45 ° orientation.

At the two edges 29c and 29d the recess 29b are fastening straps 29e bent up, to be attached to the side strut 22 are provided.

In every fastening strap 29e is a hole 29f provided, which serves to receive a fastening bolt or a screw, which then in the side strut 22 can be screwed.

In the central area of the retaining plate 29 is a hole 29g provided, which can serve to receive a fastening pins, bolts or a screw, which in turn is connected to the scan module or is attached thereto. The scanning module can then be attached to this mounting pin, bolt or screw 28 to be turned around.

A segment long hole 29h is spaced from the bore 29g intended. This segment long hole has a circular path whose center is the center of the hole 29g equivalent. This can be a fine adjustment and rotation of the mounted scan module 28 respectively.

Next is at the cross struts 24 one more scan module each 28 arranged.

The scan modules 28 are designed a whole identical.

It is always at the tunnel entrance 14a and at the tunnel exit 14b a scan module 28 arranged.

On the side is a main switch 30 provided with which the scanning device 10 in operation and can be put out of operation.

The main switch 30 is also in the 1 to 4 correspondingly visible.

The scan modules 28 at the cross struts 24 in the area of the tunnel entrance 14a or tunnel exit 14b are arranged are at a 30 ° angle relative to the through the two mutually adjacent crossbars 24 spanned level towards the heart I of the porch portal 12 arranged and aligned.

This alignment is achieved by means of 30 ° holding plates 33 , each end of the scan modules 28 are arranged reaches (see this 8th as well as the 13 to 16 ).

The 30 ° retaining plate 33 is closer in the 13 to 16 shown.

The 30 ° retaining plate 33 has a basic body 33a as well as an angular recess 33b on.

At one edge 33c and 33d the recess 33b is a fastening strap 33e bent up, to be attached to the cross strut 24 is provided.

The recess 33b is aligned so that the edge 33c and 33d as well as the orientation of the body 33a allow a 30 ° tilt of the body when the edge 33d when Stop edge against eg the cross strut 24 is used. Thus, a 30 ° orientation of the 30 ° holding plate is realized.

In the fastening strap 33e is a hole 33f provided for receiving a fastening bolt or a screw, which then in the crossbar 24 can be screwed.

In the central area of the retaining plate 33 is a hole 33g provided, which can serve to receive a fastening pins, bolts or a screw, which in turn is connected to the scan module or is attached thereto. The scanning module can then be attached to this mounting pin, bolt or screw 28 to be turned around.

A circular track long hole 33h is spaced from the bore 33g intended. This circular path long hole has a circular path, the center of which is the center of the bore 33g equivalent. This can be a fine adjustment and rotation of the mounted scan module 28 respectively.

There is also a camera 32 intended.

The camera 32 serves for product detection in the area of the gantry portal 12 inside I of the porch portal 12 ,

Not shown in more detail is the input module for entering user input. The input module may be a touch screen.

The identification codes on the on the conveyor belt 16 Products to be placed on can be barcodes and / or QR codes or the like.

Furthermore, the scanning device 10 at least one first light barrier in the area of the entrance area L1 and in the area of the tunnel exit 14b a second photocell L2 on.

The function of the scanning device 10 can be described as follows:

On the conveyor belt 16 can in the area in front of the tunnel entrance 14a Products are launched.

This can also be done outside the business hours of a retailer.

Here customers can be granted access to the store under certain conditions, for example, by prior registration or the like and in combination with the appropriate access card.

When passing through the carrier portal 12 First, a detection of the product on the conveyor belt 16 through the photocell L1 in the area of the tunnel entrance 14a ,

This detects that the scanning process must be started.

It is also conceivable to enable the scanning process by means of a touch function on a screen, for example a touchscreen, which the customer independently activates. It is also conceivable that even the mere placing of the product on the conveyor belt 16 is already sufficient to start the scanning process.

By passing through the conveyor belt 16 through the girder portal 12 the product is scanned from all sides, which are clearly visible. The arrangement in 45 ° offset or 30 ° offset of the scan modules 28 serves to maximize the area inside I of the porch portal 12 to enable.

After successful registration, the product leaves the carrier portal 12 through the tunnel exit 14b out and through the photocell L2 detected.

This allows detection that the scan has completed successfully.

Through the scanning device 10 Now, information can be output to the customer that the next product can be scanned. It is also conceivable, however, that in the case of unsuccessful scanning, the scanning process must be carried out again. For this purpose, for example, the conveyor belt 16 Run backwards so that the product reruns again and again through the girder portal 12 must be passed.

The desk 30 can also be designed as emergency stop.

A scan of ID codes, for example 1D, 2D or barcodes or QR codes is conceivable.

It is further conceivable that the scanning device 10 can also have a corresponding image database for products and the associated barcodes.

An additional capture of the product can be done with the camera 32 respectively. Through the camera 32 It is also possible to separately perform a corresponding image recognition again if necessary.

It is also conceivable that several rectangular color bars 34 are intended for a color identification as soon as the scanning process starts.

These color bars 34 For example, red or green lights or blinks when new goods can be placed in the tunnel.

In connection with the disguise 14 the scanning device 10 as they are in the 1 to 4 is shown, it is possible that the enclosure can be made of wood or other material, such as metal or stainless steel or aluminum or the like.

It is also conceivable to use plastic here.

The inventive method is used with the scanning device 10 carried out as follows.

In a first step, a product is placed on the conveyor belt 16 launched.

For example, this may be outside the normal business hours of a retail store. In principle, however, this so-called self-checkout procedure can take place at any time. It is particularly advantageous that sales personnel do not necessarily have to be present.

It is then in a second step, the product identified with an identification code with the conveyor belt 16 through the input-side photoelectric barrier L1 passed.

Then the conveyor belt moves 16 the product into the scan area of the scan modules 28 (ie the area that is essentially inside I of the porch portal 12 where the scan of the exposed surfaces of the product with the scan modules 28 he follows. This step is the step of scanning the identification code.

If at least one scan module 28 could scan the identification code, the product is out of the scanning area through the output side of the carrier portal 12 arranged light barrier L2 passed.

If no scan module 28 scan the identification code, scanning will be performed again.

This is also displayed to the user by the scanning device, e.g. via the touch screen, a display and / or a band announcement.

Basically, several types of products can be placed on the conveyor belt.

In particular, several sizes and also types of packaging can be scanned by means of the scanning device.

An alignment of the products on the conveyor belt 16 not necessary.

The products can through the scan modules 28 be automatically scanned in passing or passing by.

The component or product size or product size can for example be in the range between 20x20x5mm up to 800x400x400mm.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

scanning device

12

support portal

14

paneling

14a

tunnel entrance

14b

tunnel exit

16

Transport element, conveyor belt

18

supporting frame

20

base frame

22

side strut

24

crossmember

26

lower crossbar

28

scan module

29

Halteblech

29a

body

29b

recess

29c

edge

29d

edge

29e

mounting tab

29f

drilling

29g

drilling

29h

Orbital slot

30

main switch

32

camera

33

Halteblech

33a

body

33b

recess

33c

edge

33d

edge

33e

mounting tab

33f

drilling

33g

drilling

33h

Orbital slot

34

color bars

I

Heart of the porch portal

L1

first photocell

L2

second photocell

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US 6360947 B1 [0004]
• US 2009/0090583 A1 [0005]
• WO 2012/005659 A1 [0006]
• WO 2012/005660 [0006]
• WO 2012/005661 [0006]
• EP 2386227 B1 [0007]
• DE 102007004680 A1 [0008]

Claims (15)

Scanning device (10) for automated detection of identification codes of a product with at least one carrier portal (12), with at least one transport element (16), by means of which a product can be transported through the carrier portal (12), with a plurality of differently oriented scanning modules (28) for scanning an identification code, which are arranged in and / or on the support portal (12), and with at least one light barrier (L1) arranged on the input side of the support portal (12) and with at least one light barrier (L2) arranged on the output side of the support portal (12). Scanning device (10) after Claim 1 , characterized in that the carrier portal (12) is tunnel-shaped. Scanning device (10) after Claim 1 or Claim 2 , characterized in that the carrier portal (12) has a base frame (20), which is constructed of profile elements. Scanning device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the scanning device (10) has at least four vertical side struts (22), of which two side struts (22) a tunnel entrance (14a) and two side struts (22) a tunnel exit (14b) limit. Scanning device (10) after Claim 4 , characterized in that a scanning module (28) is arranged on at least one side strut (22), in particular wherein a scanning module (28) is arranged on each side strut (22). Scanning device (10) after Claim 4 or Claim 5 , characterized in that at least one scanning module (28) with a 45 ° angle relative to the plane defined by two adjacent vertical side struts (22) plane in the direction of the interior (I) of the support portal (12) is arranged. Scanning device (10) according to one of Claims 4 to 6 , Characterized in that two side struts (22) are connected by at least one transverse strut (24), in particular at least two transverse struts (24) are present and / or wherein the cross member (s) (24) at the ends of two side bars (22 ) are arranged and fixed. Scanning device (10) after Claim 7 , characterized in that a scanning module (28) is arranged on at least one transverse strut (24). Scanning device (10) after Claim 8 , characterized in that the scanning module (28) with a 30 ° angle relative to the plane defined by two mutually adjacent transverse struts (24) plane in the direction of the interior (I) of the support portal (12) is arranged and aligned. Scanning device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one camera (32) for product detection in the region of the support portal (12) is provided. Scanning device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one input module for inputting user input is provided, in particular wherein the input module has at least one touch screen. Scanning device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transport element is a conveyor belt (16). Scanning device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the identification code is a barcode and / or QR code or the like. Method for the automated detection of identification codes of a product with a scanning device (10) with at least the following steps: - A product marked with an identification code is passed through at least one transport element (16) through a light barrier (L1) arranged on the input side of a scanning region of a plurality of differently aligned scanning modules (28); the product is brought into the scanning area for scanning the identification code; and if at least one scanning module (28) was able to scan the identification code, the product is led out of the scanning area through a light barrier (L2) arranged on the output side of the carrier portal (12) or if no scanning module (28) was able to scan the identification code, the scanning process is repeated carried out. Method according to Claim 14 , characterized in that the method comprises a scanning device (10) according to one of the Claims 1 to 13 is carried out.

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