EP4278294A1 - Mobile scanning and processing device for capturing relief matrix codes on flexographic printing plates and associated method - Google Patents

Mobile scanning and processing device for capturing relief matrix codes on flexographic printing plates and associated method

Info

Publication number
EP4278294A1
EP4278294A1 EP22703543.3A EP22703543A EP4278294A1 EP 4278294 A1 EP4278294 A1 EP 4278294A1 EP 22703543 A EP22703543 A EP 22703543A EP 4278294 A1 EP4278294 A1 EP 4278294A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
matrix code
light
processing device
mobile scanning
camera
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP22703543.3A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Martin Kaufmann
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Grey Elephant oHG
Original Assignee
Grey Elephant oHG
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Grey Elephant oHG filed Critical Grey Elephant oHG
Publication of EP4278294A1 publication Critical patent/EP4278294A1/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K7/00—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns
    • G06K7/10—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation
    • G06K7/14—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation using light without selection of wavelength, e.g. sensing reflected white light
    • G06K7/1404—Methods for optical code recognition
    • G06K7/1408—Methods for optical code recognition the method being specifically adapted for the type of code
    • G06K7/1426—Multi-level bar codes
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K7/00—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns
    • G06K7/10—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation
    • G06K7/10544—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation by scanning of the records by radiation in the optical part of the electromagnetic spectrum
    • G06K7/10712—Fixed beam scanning
    • G06K7/10722—Photodetector array or CCD scanning
    • G06K7/10732—Light sources
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K7/00—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns
    • G06K7/10—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation
    • G06K7/10544—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation by scanning of the records by radiation in the optical part of the electromagnetic spectrum
    • G06K7/10712—Fixed beam scanning
    • G06K7/10722—Photodetector array or CCD scanning
    • G06K7/10742—Photodetector array or CCD scanning including a diffuser for diffusing the light from the light source to create substantially uniform illumination of the target record carrier
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K7/00—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns
    • G06K7/10—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation
    • G06K7/10544—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation by scanning of the records by radiation in the optical part of the electromagnetic spectrum
    • G06K7/10821—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation by scanning of the records by radiation in the optical part of the electromagnetic spectrum further details of bar or optical code scanning devices
    • G06K7/10831—Arrangement of optical elements, e.g. lenses, mirrors, prisms
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K7/00—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns
    • G06K7/10—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation
    • G06K7/10544—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation by scanning of the records by radiation in the optical part of the electromagnetic spectrum
    • G06K7/10821—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation by scanning of the records by radiation in the optical part of the electromagnetic spectrum further details of bar or optical code scanning devices
    • G06K7/10881—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation by scanning of the records by radiation in the optical part of the electromagnetic spectrum further details of bar or optical code scanning devices constructional details of hand-held scanners
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K7/00—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns
    • G06K7/10—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation
    • G06K7/14—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation using light without selection of wavelength, e.g. sensing reflected white light
    • G06K7/1404—Methods for optical code recognition
    • G06K7/1408—Methods for optical code recognition the method being specifically adapted for the type of code
    • G06K7/1417—2D bar codes
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03F—PHOTOMECHANICAL PRODUCTION OF TEXTURED OR PATTERNED SURFACES, e.g. FOR PRINTING, FOR PROCESSING OF SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES; MATERIALS THEREFOR; ORIGINALS THEREFOR; APPARATUS SPECIALLY ADAPTED THEREFOR
    • G03F7/00—Photomechanical, e.g. photolithographic, production of textured or patterned surfaces, e.g. printing surfaces; Materials therefor, e.g. comprising photoresists; Apparatus specially adapted therefor
    • G03F7/0012—Processes making use of the tackiness of the photolithographic materials, e.g. for mounting; Packaging for photolithographic material; Packages obtained by processing photolithographic materials
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K19/00—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings
    • G06K19/06—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code
    • G06K19/06009—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code with optically detectable marking
    • G06K19/06046—Constructional details
    • G06K19/06159—Constructional details the marking being relief type, e.g. three-dimensional bar codes engraved in a support

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a mobile scanning and processing device according to the preamble of claim 1 and a method for capturing matrix codes on flexographic printing plates.
  • the invention also relates to a flexographic printing plate with a matrix code.
  • printing plates made of polymer materials are used to produce e.g., labels. Up to ten printing plates are required for one label alone. With several products to be printed, a quantity of several hundred to thousands of plates are needed.
  • a matrix code is an optical element designed to provide a unique reference, e.g., to a computational database entry.
  • a barcode such as that found on receipts, for example, it also requires much less space. This is beneficial for the desired application. For this reason, the decision was made to use the matrix code as a data carrier.
  • a mobile scanning and processing device for capturing two- dimensional matrix codes is known, for example, from the US patent application US 2008/0223934 A1 .
  • a scanner attachment module for mounting on a mobile device is also known from the EP 3079097 A1 .
  • a mobile scanning and processing device for the acquisition of matrix codes formed as relief on flexographic printing plates comprises a light source for emitting light to the matrix code to be detected, a camera to receive the light reflected by the matrix code, and a microprocessor for decoding the matrix code received by the camera, wherein the light emitted by the light source is aligned in parallel in such a way that it causes a reading contrast when it hits the levels of the relief of the matrix code.
  • transparent matrix codes that are formed on a flexographic printing plate as a relief can be captured and processed advantageously.
  • the light is directed in such a way, that it causes a reading contrast, i.e. , a contrast between lighter and darker parts of the matrix code, that is sufficient for detection by the scanning device.
  • the captured image can afterwards be decoded by the microprocessor and transformed in an information that is represented by the matrix code.
  • the light orientation causes a light-dark separation between a printable level and a non-printable level of the flexographic printing plate.
  • This embodiment of the device advantageously uses the different levels of the relief, i.e. , a first level within the printable plane of the printing plate and a second level within the non-printable plane of the printing plate, to create a detection of the transparent matrix code, wherein areas of the matrix code appear darker than other areas and can thus be detected and used for separation of the different parts of the code.
  • the mobile scanning and processing device may advantageously comprise a touch screen to receive a user input. It may also be provided to display a live video image while capturing the matrix code.
  • the touch screen can be of the kind that is being used for smart mobile phones or other mobile devices, allowing a user to select displayed items on the screen with his finger or a dedicated input device, such as a pencil.
  • the touch screen receiving the user input sends an electrical signal to the microprocessor in order to execute a function that is assigned to the selected item.
  • the touch screen functions like starting or finishing a scanning procedure of a matrix code, adjusting the settings of the device and many others may be initiated.
  • the user may observe the image that is captured by the camera of the device in order to correctly position the device over the matrix code.
  • the mobile scanning and processing device may also comprise a module for wireless network connection.
  • the device is able to forward information concerning the captured and decoded matrix code to a data base and/or download information like scanning orders, device settings, software updates etc.
  • the module may support any wireless data connection method, like e.g., WiFi, ZigBee, Bluetooth etc.
  • the mobile scanning and processing device may also comprise an energy storage device for energy supply, preferably a battery.
  • power supply of the device can be provided e.g., by a high-performance battery, e.g., of the type as it is also used in smartphones.
  • a transformation of the supplied voltage to an appropriate level, for example 24 V may be performed.
  • the mobile scanning and processing device may also comprise an image processor configured to process the image of the matrix code captured by the camera.
  • the image processor may be an integral part of the main microprocessor or may be a separate unit that is specifically adapted for image data processing.
  • the microprocessor may be configured to identify edges of the image of the matrix code and amplify the identified edges.
  • the image processor performs a kind of preprocessing of the captured image.
  • the image processor may be configured to execute commands of an image processing software that is stored in a data storage of the mobile scanning and processing device.
  • the image processor may be configured to identify light-dark-contrasts of the captured image and amplify the areas where dark and light parts of the image meet.
  • the microprocessor of the device may be configured to decode the matrix code to a unique identifier represented by the matrix code, using the identified edges of the image of the matrix code.
  • the information represented by the matrix code can be decoded easily by the micro-processor after receiving the result from the preprocessing procedure.
  • the device comprises focusable optics arranged in front of the camera.
  • the optics may contain one or several lenses and may be configured to adjust the focus of the camera to the matrix code being captured.
  • the optics may be adjusted during manufacturing of the device and fixed to a dedicated focus, e.g., with a fixing screw or similar means. This alternative may be preferred when a static focus can be used for scanning the matrix code.
  • the optics can be adjusted during the scanning procedure, e.g., using an electric actuator that is controlled manually by the user or automatically by the microprocessor of the device in order to focus on the scanned matrix code easily.
  • the device may contain a mirror arrangement after the light source.
  • the mirror arrangement is installed with regard to the light source at such an angle that the light emitted from the light source is being directed in parallel through a front opening of the mobile scanning and processing device.
  • the mirror arrangement uses the mirror arrangement, the light is reflected through the front opening and simultaneously directed in parallel towards the matrix code to be captured with the device.
  • the angle may have a value of 45° but may also have other values depending on the arrangement of the light source and the front opening.
  • the mirror arrangement may advantageously be semi-translucent, and the camera may be mounted behind the mirror arrangement, i.e. on the other side of the mirror arrangement than the front opening of the device, in order to capture light that is being reflected from the matrix code and passed through the mirror arrangement.
  • light is first emitted from the light source, reflected from the mirror arrangement towards the matrix code.
  • the light is reflected by the matrix code in the opposite direction and thus directed back to the mirror arrangement. Since the mirror arrangement is semi-translucent, at least a part of the reflected light passes the mirror arrangement and can be captured by the camera that is mounted behind the mirror.
  • This design advantageously enables the device to simultaneously emit and receive light for the scanning procedure.
  • Semi-translucent in terms of the present invention refers to an optical property of the mirror arrangement.
  • Such optical properties can be index of refraction, reflectivity, wavelength-dependent transmittivity or similar.
  • the optical properties and the wavelength of the emitted light are chosen such that light emitted by the light source hits the mirror arrangement in an angle that allows high reflection of the incident light to the front opening of the device and thus to a matrix code to be scanned.
  • the optical properties of the mirror arrangement are chosen such that light reflected from outside the device, i.e., reflected from the matrix code, has a high transmittivity through the mirror arrangement. This may allow to reduce energy consumption of the device, as the light intensity may be reduced according to the transmittivity and reflectivity properties of the mirror arrangements. The same applies for other optical components, which the light has to pass through.
  • the use of parallel light allows an easier detection of the matrix-code to be scanned.
  • the light is not parallel.
  • the evaluation of the matrix code may require additional computational efforts in order to detect the edges of the matrix code.
  • the device may further comprise an optical arrangement such as a lens and/or mirror arrangement adjusted to compensate for optical distortion or for focusing the device on the matrix code.
  • the wavelength of the emitted light is adjustable to a preferred wavelength-value.
  • the wavelength of the emitted light can be adjusted to a value which is optimal for producing a maximum contrast of the captured matrix code.
  • the optimal value of the wavelength can depend on the color of the printing plate, color and intensity of ambient light and other factors.
  • An example of a light source with an adjustable wavelength value is a multicolor LED light array.
  • a method for capturing a matrix code formed as a relief on a flexographic printing plate comprises sending out light by means of a light source of a mobile scanning and processing device, parallel alignment of the light in such a way that the light alignment causes a reading contrast when it hits the levels of the relief of the matrix code, receiving the light reflected by the matrix code by means of a camera, and decoding the matrix code received by the camera using a microprocessor.
  • this method can be performed with a mobile scanning and processing device of any embodiment described above. Also, the advantages of the described device apply to the method according to the invention.
  • the microprocessor amplifies edges of the captured image of the matrix code automatically by means of an image editing software.
  • the invention also includes a flexographic printing plate with a matrix code formed as a relief, wherein the matrix code has an area between 1 mm 2 and 16mm 2 , a preferred value of the area being between 4 mm 2 and 16 mm 2 .
  • Using the device according to the invention allows capturing a matrix code that is formed as a relief on a flexographic printing plate enabled by generation of a necessary contrast, which is only possible through a special light orientation of the lighting.
  • the workflow of the whole printing process can be streamlined. A responsible employee is able to carry the mobile scanning device with him. This reduces the time required to search for the correct printing plate and to check for correctness.
  • Using the device according to the invention results in several advantages for the printing companies. Using the correct printing plates reduces the scrap and thus reduces material requirements. In the same way, product throughput times can be shortened, while the product output can be increased in the same period. Thus, production costs can be lowered, and the ecological footprint can be improved.
  • Figure 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a flexographic printing plate with a matrix code
  • Figure 2 shows an exemplary embodiment of a mobile scanning and processing device
  • Figure 3 shows a schematic internal view of the mobile scanning and processing device
  • Figure 4 shows in a schematic way a detailed view of the light path for scanning and capturing a matrix code.
  • FIG 1 a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of a flexographic printing plate 10 is shown.
  • the printing plate 10 is made of a flexible and highly transparent material like a polymer and comprises a first area 11 containing items 12 to be printed on a surface, e.g., a label.
  • the items can include, for example, objects and/or letters.
  • the printing plate 10 also comprises a second area 13 containing auxiliary items like identification tags that are used to identify the printing plate 10.
  • Such a tag may comprise the form of a matrix code 14 that is applied as a relief on the surface of the printing plate 10.
  • the matrix code 14 can be of the size of about 1 mm 2 to 16 mm 2 , while in a preferred embodiment, the size is about 4 mm 2 ), and be formed, for example, as a Datamatrix code, a QR code, or a barcode to represent identification information about the printing plate 10. In other embodiments of the invention, other codings may be used.
  • an image of the matrix code 14 is to be captured and processed by a scanning device. Due to the printing plate 10 being highly transparent, the specific matrix code 14 cannot be captured by known code scanners which are only able to capture plain codes with a high dark-light contrast.
  • a mobile scanning and processing device 20 in the following also referred to as “scanner”, is shown from a front view, that is capable of capturing and processing a relief-like matrix code on transparent flexographic printing plates.
  • the scanner 20 comprises a housing 21 enclosing a touch screen 22.
  • the touch screen 22 may for example be configured to display a couple of items 23 that represent apps that are configured to execute different functionalities of the scanner 20. Examples of such functionalities are starting and finishing a scanning procedure, adjusting operational settings of the scanner 20, displaying specific scanning orders to be performed by the user of the scanner etc.
  • a part 24 of the touch screen 22 can also be used for displaying a live camera image 27 of the scanned matrix code that is being captured during a scanning procedure.
  • One side - preferably an upper side - of the scanner 20 comprises a distancing tube 25, that is provided for contacting the printing plate around the matrix code during a scanning procedure.
  • the distancing tube 25 helps to ensure that the correct distance between the matrix code and the optics of the scanner 20 are kept during the scanning procedure and may help to position the scanner 20 in the correct angle above the matrix code.
  • the housing 21 of the scanner 20 provides a power interface 26 for plugging in a power cable in order to charge an electrical power storage of the scanner (not shown in figure 1 ).
  • FIG 3 a schematic view of the interior of the scanner 20 is shown.
  • the scanner 20 contains a power storage, for example a rechargeable battery 30, electrically connected to the power interface 26.
  • the battery 31 is also electrically connected to the remaining components (jointly referred to as 31 ) of the scanner 20 in order to supply electrical power to them and thereby ensuring permanent battery operation of the scanner 20.
  • the scanner 20 comprises a microprocessor 32, a communication unit 33, a combined unit 34 containing a light source and a mirror arrangement, as explained in detail below, a camera 35 and a transparent protective plate 36.
  • the scanner may also contain more components than those shown in figure 3 when needed.
  • the microprocessor 32 may be coupled with a data storage containing a firmware that, when executed by the microprocessor, causes the microprocessor 32 to control the scanner 20 to scan and process images of a matrix code on a printing plate.
  • the microprocessor contains a driving unit for sending and receiving data with the touch screen 22 as shown in figure 1 .
  • the microprocessor 32 controls the light source 41 , which in the shown embodiment is included in the combined unit 34, to emit light (indicated with arrows) when the scanner 20 is in the scanning mode.
  • the user - via the microprocessor - can adapt the wavelength of the emitted light by directly controlling the output parameters of the light source 41 (e.g., an LED light array).
  • the light is directed towards a front opening 37 in the distancing tube 25 by a semi- translucent mirror arrangement 40. Therefore, the mirror arrangement 40 is mounted with an angle in order to direct the emitted light in parallel towards the front opening 37.
  • the distancing tube 25 is protected against dust by the protection plate 36.
  • the protection plate as shown in the embodiment is mounted inclined in the distancing tube 25. That way, disturbing reflections of the emitted light can be reduced or omitted. In other embodiments, the protection plate may be absent or arranged in a different way.
  • the matrix code 14, which will be positioned ahead of the front opening 37, reflects the light back into the distancing tube 25. The parallel direction of the light thereby causes a dark-light-contrast on the upper and lower levels of the transparent matrix code.
  • the reflected light (see arrows) is at least partly passing the semi- translucent mirror arrangement 40 and is captured by the camera 35.
  • the camera 35 may contain adjustable optics 38 and an image sensor 39.
  • the captured image of the matrix code 14 is then preprocessed (e.g., by an image processor that may be a single unit or part of the microprocessor 32), wherein edges of the matrix code may be amplified, and then decoded by the microprocessor 32.
  • the information represented by the matrix code 14 can be displayed on the touch screen to the user of the scanner 20 and/or transmitted to an external computer (not shown) with the communication unit 33, which may support any kind of wireless communication method and protocol, e.g., WiFi, Bluetooth, ZigBee.
  • the mobile scanning and processing device 20 is intended to be operative for a long period of time (at least one working day) without mains power supply, to be easy to carry and operate by a user, and intended to capture and process a relief-like matrix codes 14 with a common size range between minimum size of 1 x 1 mm and maximum size of 4 x 4 mm, and most preferably 2 x 2 mm, on flexographic printing plates which can be used in the printing industry.
  • This is inter alia achieved by optimization and parallelization of lighting, with an integrated microprocessor 32 and wireless network connection possibility, input and output possibility via touchscreen 22, and optimized power supply. While smaller or bigger matrix codes are uncommon, the concept of the present invention applies analogously also to other sizes and is not limited to the given size ranges.
  • the scanning process itself is an optoelectronic method during which light is emitted towards the matrix code 14 and an image is created from the reflection, which can be captured by the camera 35 and processed automatically by the microprocessor 32.
  • the scanning process is designed to take a couple of seconds. In a preferred embodiment, the scanning process is designed to take less than two seconds. Scanning speed may be improved by correctly adjusting the scanning device over the matrix code and by correctly aligning the optical components relative to the matrix code.
  • the material of the printing plate carrying the matrix code 14 commonly is highly transparent. Thus, its reflectivity is greatly reduced compared to other (nontransparent) materials. Since, according to a further requirement, the matrix code 14 used in production should not be (or at least only hardly be) recognizable in the printed label, for the matrix code a size of 1 x 1 mm was defined as the mini-mum dimension and 4 x 4 mm as the maximum dimension, which must not be exceeded. This resulted inter alia in the following requirements for the mobile scanning and processing device 20: The scanner must contain a light source 41 (preferably emitting light with a customized wavelength spectrum). A mirror arrangement 40 may support in optimizing alignment of the emitted light to create a reading contrast on the flexographic printing plate.
  • a light source 41 preferably emitting light with a customized wavelength spectrum
  • the scanner preferably needs to contain sufficient power supply in the form of a battery 30 and a transformation option to supply the light source 41 with sufficient power. Therefore, the mobile scanning and processing device 20 uses a light source 41 together with a mirror arrangement 40 to create a light orientation which produces a light-dark separation between the two levels, the printable and non-printable level, of a flexographic printing plate.
  • the image taken is processed by the image processor (which may be part of the microprocessor 32 or a stand-alone unit) to such an extent that the matrix code 14 can be decoded by a software that is executed by the microprocessor 32.
  • the power supply of the mobile scanning and processing device 20 is provided by a (high-performance) battery, e.g., of the type as it is also used in smartphones.
  • a transformation of the supplied voltage to 24 V may be required.
  • the light rays are emitted by the light source 41 , deflected by the special mirror arrangement 40 towards the matrix code and the reflected light is received by optics 38 and sensor means 39 of the camera 34 (e.g., a CMOS camera) and processed in the integrated microprocessor 32.
  • the data is output via an integrated touchscreen 32, which is also a control element for the user.
  • the device By combining the components used, it may be possible to limit the total weight of the device to approx. 800g. Thus, the device is comparable in weight to a commercially available smartphone. In terms of compactness, it is therefore easy to handle for the user. Using the described components, operation of the device can be ensured for the duration of an average working day. Thus, the requirements for mobile use and the previously mentioned further requirements can be met.
  • the employee can constantly carry the device with him.
  • the user scans the matrix code applied to the flexographic printing plate.
  • the device optically adjusts to the size of the matrix code and gives direct feedback via the display of the touchscreen.
  • the scanner may be in data connection to a database via the communication unit 33, there is immediate feedback on the correctness of the selected printing plate by comparing the result of the scanning process with the previously entered elements on the database side. By means of additional visual inspection by the employee, any errors that may have occurred can be corrected immediately.
  • the printing plate can then be inserted directly into the printing machine and the printing process can be started.
  • a kind of ”4-eye principle is ensured for quality control, unnecessary ways and working steps of the user can be avoided, and the error rate can be reduced.
  • the mobile scanning and processing device 20 for flexographic printing plates may contain a large energy source for long service life (e.g., more than eight hours in continuous operation), which enables a long-term mobile use.
  • Optics and the lighting system of the scanner are customized for mobile use, wherein the optics may be focusable.
  • User input and data output can be performed via a touch screen.
  • the unique identification of flexographic printing plates can be ensured by scanning and decoding the matrix code, which can be miniaturized down to ⁇ i ' ⁇ mm2.
  • the matrix code can be generated in the printing plate manufacturing process as a relief on the printing plate in non-printing areas of the flexographic printing plate. Since the relief of the matrix code does not provide a sufficient light-dark contrast for technical evaluation under normal lighting conditions, a high reading contrast is created via parallel light orientation of the illumination, wherein the lighting creates a high- contrast image of the relief-like code.
  • the illuminated image of the matrix code is captured by means of a camera, wherein a live video image on the display of the touch screen is used by the user to align the scanner.
  • An integrated image editing software that is executed by the microprocessor amplifies the edges of the captured image. Even during the preview of the live video image, a decoding software captures the matrix code and returns the decoded result of the code to the processing software.

Abstract

The invention relates to a mobile scanning and processing device (20) for the acquisition of matrix codes (14) formed as relief on flexographic printing plates (10) wherein the device comprises a light source (41) for emitting light to the matrix code (14) to be captured, a camera (35) to receive the light reflected by the matrix code (14), and a microprocessor (32) for decoding the matrix code (14) captured by the camera (35). In order to provide a possibility to capture matrix codes (14) on transparent flexographic printing plates, the light emitted by the light source (41) is aligned in parallel in such a way that it causes a reading contrast when it hits the levels of the relief of the matrix code (14).

Description

MOBILE SCANNING AND PROCESSING DEVICE FOR CAPTURING RELIEF MATRIX CODES ON FLEXOGRAPHIC
PRINTING PLATES AND ASSOCIATED METHOD
DESCRIPTION
The invention relates to a mobile scanning and processing device according to the preamble of claim 1 and a method for capturing matrix codes on flexographic printing plates. The invention also relates to a flexographic printing plate with a matrix code.
In the printing industry, printing plates made of polymer materials (so-called “flexographic printing plates”) are used to produce e.g., labels. Up to ten printing plates are required for one label alone. With several products to be printed, a quantity of several hundred to thousands of plates are needed.
Due to the high quantity, the risk of mixing-up the printing plates is very high in production. So far, this activity has been carried out manually by professional technicians, but still leads to relatively high error rates. This results in a relatively high share of multiple productions due to errors, which is reflected in increased production costs. This has been the basis of the idea of minimizing this error rate in a technical way, wherein printing plates are labeled with a unique matrix code for identification.
A matrix code is an optical element designed to provide a unique reference, e.g., to a computational database entry. In contrast to a barcode such as that found on receipts, for example, it also requires much less space. This is beneficial for the desired application. For this reason, the decision was made to use the matrix code as a data carrier. However, there are no mobile solutions for reading codes of any kind on flexographic printing plates.
As an example, a mobile scanning and processing device for capturing two- dimensional matrix codes is known, for example, from the US patent application US 2008/0223934 A1 . A scanner attachment module for mounting on a mobile device is also known from the EP 3079097 A1 .
For the acquisition of matrix codes on flexographic printing plates, the known devices show some disadvantages. Unique computer-aided identification of any kind can only be generated by means of a universal alphanumeric code, that can be represented by a matrix code that is applied on the printing plate. However, flexographic printing plates used in the printing industry are highly translucent. Thus, graphic elements on a printing plate are created as relief in the manufacturing process and therefor the matrix code is applied to the printing plate as a relief. In addition, the code must be inextricably connected to the printing plate but must not appear in the later print image and must therefore be very small, e.g., must not exceed the maximum size of 16mm2.
All available mobile scanners require a light-dark reading contrast for capturing matrix codes. The relief on the printing plate does not offer this light-dark contrast due to the highly transparent material of the flexographic printing plate.
Starting from a mobile scanning and processing device of the known type, it is an object of the invention to provide a way and a device to capture matrix codes on flexographic printing plates.
This object is achieved by a mobile scanning and processing device according to claim 1 , a method according to claim 13 and a flexographic printing plate according to claim 15. Advantageous embodiments are given in the respective dependent claims.
According to one aspect of the invention, a mobile scanning and processing device for the acquisition of matrix codes formed as relief on flexographic printing plates comprises a light source for emitting light to the matrix code to be detected, a camera to receive the light reflected by the matrix code, and a microprocessor for decoding the matrix code received by the camera, wherein the light emitted by the light source is aligned in parallel in such a way that it causes a reading contrast when it hits the levels of the relief of the matrix code.
Thus, using the mobile scanning and processing device according to the first aspect of the invention, transparent matrix codes, that are formed on a flexographic printing plate as a relief can be captured and processed advantageously. The light is directed in such a way, that it causes a reading contrast, i.e. , a contrast between lighter and darker parts of the matrix code, that is sufficient for detection by the scanning device. The captured image can afterwards be decoded by the microprocessor and transformed in an information that is represented by the matrix code. According to an advantageous embodiment of the mobile scanning and processing device, the light orientation causes a light-dark separation between a printable level and a non-printable level of the flexographic printing plate.
This embodiment of the device advantageously uses the different levels of the relief, i.e. , a first level within the printable plane of the printing plate and a second level within the non-printable plane of the printing plate, to create a detection of the transparent matrix code, wherein areas of the matrix code appear darker than other areas and can thus be detected and used for separation of the different parts of the code.
The mobile scanning and processing device may advantageously comprise a touch screen to receive a user input. It may also be provided to display a live video image while capturing the matrix code. The touch screen can be of the kind that is being used for smart mobile phones or other mobile devices, allowing a user to select displayed items on the screen with his finger or a dedicated input device, such as a pencil. The touch screen receiving the user input sends an electrical signal to the microprocessor in order to execute a function that is assigned to the selected item. Thus, using the touch screen functions like starting or finishing a scanning procedure of a matrix code, adjusting the settings of the device and many others may be initiated. During the scanning action, the user may observe the image that is captured by the camera of the device in order to correctly position the device over the matrix code.
The mobile scanning and processing device may also comprise a module for wireless network connection. Using this network connection module, the device is able to forward information concerning the captured and decoded matrix code to a data base and/or download information like scanning orders, device settings, software updates etc. The module may support any wireless data connection method, like e.g., WiFi, ZigBee, Bluetooth etc.
The mobile scanning and processing device may also comprise an energy storage device for energy supply, preferably a battery. Thus, power supply of the device can be provided e.g., by a high-performance battery, e.g., of the type as it is also used in smartphones. In order for the light source to be sufficiently operational, a transformation of the supplied voltage to an appropriate level, for example 24 V, may be performed. The mobile scanning and processing device may also comprise an image processor configured to process the image of the matrix code captured by the camera. The image processor may be an integral part of the main microprocessor or may be a separate unit that is specifically adapted for image data processing. In particular, the microprocessor may be configured to identify edges of the image of the matrix code and amplify the identified edges. In this context, the image processor performs a kind of preprocessing of the captured image. For this purpose, the image processor may be configured to execute commands of an image processing software that is stored in a data storage of the mobile scanning and processing device. For detecting and amplifying the edges of the image of the matrix code, the image processor may be configured to identify light-dark-contrasts of the captured image and amplify the areas where dark and light parts of the image meet. In particular, the microprocessor of the device may be configured to decode the matrix code to a unique identifier represented by the matrix code, using the identified edges of the image of the matrix code. Thus, the information represented by the matrix code can be decoded easily by the micro-processor after receiving the result from the preprocessing procedure.
According to a further advantageous embodiment of the mobile scanning and processing device, the device comprises focusable optics arranged in front of the camera. The optics may contain one or several lenses and may be configured to adjust the focus of the camera to the matrix code being captured. According to one alternative, the optics may be adjusted during manufacturing of the device and fixed to a dedicated focus, e.g., with a fixing screw or similar means. This alternative may be preferred when a static focus can be used for scanning the matrix code. According to another alternative, the optics can be adjusted during the scanning procedure, e.g., using an electric actuator that is controlled manually by the user or automatically by the microprocessor of the device in order to focus on the scanned matrix code easily.
According to a further advantageous embodiment of the mobile scanning and processing device, the device may contain a mirror arrangement after the light source. The mirror arrangement is installed with regard to the light source at such an angle that the light emitted from the light source is being directed in parallel through a front opening of the mobile scanning and processing device. Using the mirror arrangement, the light is reflected through the front opening and simultaneously directed in parallel towards the matrix code to be captured with the device. The angle may have a value of 45° but may also have other values depending on the arrangement of the light source and the front opening.
In this context, the mirror arrangement may advantageously be semi-translucent, and the camera may be mounted behind the mirror arrangement, i.e. on the other side of the mirror arrangement than the front opening of the device, in order to capture light that is being reflected from the matrix code and passed through the mirror arrangement.
According to this embodiment, light is first emitted from the light source, reflected from the mirror arrangement towards the matrix code. The light is reflected by the matrix code in the opposite direction and thus directed back to the mirror arrangement. Since the mirror arrangement is semi-translucent, at least a part of the reflected light passes the mirror arrangement and can be captured by the camera that is mounted behind the mirror. This design advantageously enables the device to simultaneously emit and receive light for the scanning procedure.
Semi-translucent in terms of the present invention refers to an optical property of the mirror arrangement. Such optical properties can be index of refraction, reflectivity, wavelength-dependent transmittivity or similar. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the optical properties and the wavelength of the emitted light are chosen such that light emitted by the light source hits the mirror arrangement in an angle that allows high reflection of the incident light to the front opening of the device and thus to a matrix code to be scanned. Further, the optical properties of the mirror arrangement are chosen such that light reflected from outside the device, i.e., reflected from the matrix code, has a high transmittivity through the mirror arrangement. This may allow to reduce energy consumption of the device, as the light intensity may be reduced according to the transmittivity and reflectivity properties of the mirror arrangements. The same applies for other optical components, which the light has to pass through.
It should be noted that the use of parallel light allows an easier detection of the matrix-code to be scanned. In at least one embodiment of the invention, the light is not parallel. In such embodiments, the evaluation of the matrix code may require additional computational efforts in order to detect the edges of the matrix code. In some embodiments of the present invention, the device may further comprise an optical arrangement such as a lens and/or mirror arrangement adjusted to compensate for optical distortion or for focusing the device on the matrix code.
According to a further advantageous embodiment, the wavelength of the emitted light is adjustable to a preferred wavelength-value. Thus, the wavelength of the emitted light can be adjusted to a value which is optimal for producing a maximum contrast of the captured matrix code. The optimal value of the wavelength can depend on the color of the printing plate, color and intensity of ambient light and other factors. An example of a light source with an adjustable wavelength value is a multicolor LED light array.
According to another aspect of the invention, a method for capturing a matrix code formed as a relief on a flexographic printing plate is disclosed, wherein the method comprises sending out light by means of a light source of a mobile scanning and processing device, parallel alignment of the light in such a way that the light alignment causes a reading contrast when it hits the levels of the relief of the matrix code, receiving the light reflected by the matrix code by means of a camera, and decoding the matrix code received by the camera using a microprocessor.
Specifically, this method can be performed with a mobile scanning and processing device of any embodiment described above. Also, the advantages of the described device apply to the method according to the invention.
According to an advantageous embodiment of the method, the microprocessor amplifies edges of the captured image of the matrix code automatically by means of an image editing software.
Finally, according to another aspect, the invention also includes a flexographic printing plate with a matrix code formed as a relief, wherein the matrix code has an area between 1 mm2 and 16mm2, a preferred value of the area being between 4 mm2 and 16 mm2.
Using the device according to the invention allows capturing a matrix code that is formed as a relief on a flexographic printing plate enabled by generation of a necessary contrast, which is only possible through a special light orientation of the lighting. In addition, the workflow of the whole printing process can be streamlined. A responsible employee is able to carry the mobile scanning device with him. This reduces the time required to search for the correct printing plate and to check for correctness. Using the device according to the invention results in several advantages for the printing companies. Using the correct printing plates reduces the scrap and thus reduces material requirements. In the same way, product throughput times can be shortened, while the product output can be increased in the same period. Thus, production costs can be lowered, and the ecological footprint can be improved.
In the following, an exemplary embodiment of the invention is described with the help of figures 1 - 3. In this context
Figure 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a flexographic printing plate with a matrix code;
Figure 2 shows an exemplary embodiment of a mobile scanning and processing device;
Figure 3 shows a schematic internal view of the mobile scanning and processing device; and
Figure 4 shows in a schematic way a detailed view of the light path for scanning and capturing a matrix code.
In figure 1 , a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of a flexographic printing plate 10 is shown. The printing plate 10 is made of a flexible and highly transparent material like a polymer and comprises a first area 11 containing items 12 to be printed on a surface, e.g., a label. The items can include, for example, objects and/or letters. The printing plate 10 also comprises a second area 13 containing auxiliary items like identification tags that are used to identify the printing plate 10. Such a tag may comprise the form of a matrix code 14 that is applied as a relief on the surface of the printing plate 10. The matrix code 14 can be of the size of about 1 mm2 to 16 mm2, while in a preferred embodiment, the size is about 4 mm2), and be formed, for example, as a Datamatrix code, a QR code, or a barcode to represent identification information about the printing plate 10. In other embodiments of the invention, other codings may be used. For decoding the information, an image of the matrix code 14 is to be captured and processed by a scanning device. Due to the printing plate 10 being highly transparent, the specific matrix code 14 cannot be captured by known code scanners which are only able to capture plain codes with a high dark-light contrast.
Referring now to figure 2, a mobile scanning and processing device 20, in the following also referred to as “scanner”, is shown from a front view, that is capable of capturing and processing a relief-like matrix code on transparent flexographic printing plates. The scanner 20 comprises a housing 21 enclosing a touch screen 22. The touch screen 22 may for example be configured to display a couple of items 23 that represent apps that are configured to execute different functionalities of the scanner 20. Examples of such functionalities are starting and finishing a scanning procedure, adjusting operational settings of the scanner 20, displaying specific scanning orders to be performed by the user of the scanner etc. A part 24 of the touch screen 22 can also be used for displaying a live camera image 27 of the scanned matrix code that is being captured during a scanning procedure. One side - preferably an upper side - of the scanner 20 comprises a distancing tube 25, that is provided for contacting the printing plate around the matrix code during a scanning procedure. The distancing tube 25 helps to ensure that the correct distance between the matrix code and the optics of the scanner 20 are kept during the scanning procedure and may help to position the scanner 20 in the correct angle above the matrix code. In addition, the housing 21 of the scanner 20 provides a power interface 26 for plugging in a power cable in order to charge an electrical power storage of the scanner (not shown in figure 1 ).
Referring now to figure 3, a schematic view of the interior of the scanner 20 is shown. In particular, figure 2 shows the scanner 20 after opening the housing 21 from the top of the device. In the figures 2 and 3, the same reference numbers are applied to identical or corresponding elements. According to the embodiment of figure 2, the scanner 20 contains a power storage, for example a rechargeable battery 30, electrically connected to the power interface 26. The battery 31 is also electrically connected to the remaining components (jointly referred to as 31 ) of the scanner 20 in order to supply electrical power to them and thereby ensuring permanent battery operation of the scanner 20. In particular, the scanner 20 comprises a microprocessor 32, a communication unit 33, a combined unit 34 containing a light source and a mirror arrangement, as explained in detail below, a camera 35 and a transparent protective plate 36. The scanner may also contain more components than those shown in figure 3 when needed. The microprocessor 32 may be coupled with a data storage containing a firmware that, when executed by the microprocessor, causes the microprocessor 32 to control the scanner 20 to scan and process images of a matrix code on a printing plate. For user interaction, the microprocessor contains a driving unit for sending and receiving data with the touch screen 22 as shown in figure 1 .
The scanning and processing procedure will now be explained with the help of figures 3 and 4. Corresponding or identical components are again shown with the same reference numbers. The microprocessor 32 controls the light source 41 , which in the shown embodiment is included in the combined unit 34, to emit light (indicated with arrows) when the scanner 20 is in the scanning mode. Optionally, the user - via the microprocessor - can adapt the wavelength of the emitted light by directly controlling the output parameters of the light source 41 (e.g., an LED light array). The light is directed towards a front opening 37 in the distancing tube 25 by a semi- translucent mirror arrangement 40. Therefore, the mirror arrangement 40 is mounted with an angle in order to direct the emitted light in parallel towards the front opening 37.
The distancing tube 25 is protected against dust by the protection plate 36. The protection plate as shown in the embodiment is mounted inclined in the distancing tube 25. That way, disturbing reflections of the emitted light can be reduced or omitted. In other embodiments, the protection plate may be absent or arranged in a different way. The matrix code 14, which will be positioned ahead of the front opening 37, reflects the light back into the distancing tube 25. The parallel direction of the light thereby causes a dark-light-contrast on the upper and lower levels of the transparent matrix code. The reflected light (see arrows) is at least partly passing the semi- translucent mirror arrangement 40 and is captured by the camera 35. For this purpose, the camera 35 may contain adjustable optics 38 and an image sensor 39.
The captured image of the matrix code 14 is then preprocessed (e.g., by an image processor that may be a single unit or part of the microprocessor 32), wherein edges of the matrix code may be amplified, and then decoded by the microprocessor 32. After decoding, the information represented by the matrix code 14 can be displayed on the touch screen to the user of the scanner 20 and/or transmitted to an external computer (not shown) with the communication unit 33, which may support any kind of wireless communication method and protocol, e.g., WiFi, Bluetooth, ZigBee. In summary, the mobile scanning and processing device 20, for example, is intended to be operative for a long period of time (at least one working day) without mains power supply, to be easy to carry and operate by a user, and intended to capture and process a relief-like matrix codes 14 with a common size range between minimum size of 1 x 1 mm and maximum size of 4 x 4 mm, and most preferably 2 x 2 mm, on flexographic printing plates which can be used in the printing industry. This is inter alia achieved by optimization and parallelization of lighting, with an integrated microprocessor 32 and wireless network connection possibility, input and output possibility via touchscreen 22, and optimized power supply. While smaller or bigger matrix codes are uncommon, the concept of the present invention applies analogously also to other sizes and is not limited to the given size ranges.
The scanning process itself is an optoelectronic method during which light is emitted towards the matrix code 14 and an image is created from the reflection, which can be captured by the camera 35 and processed automatically by the microprocessor 32.
The scanning process is designed to take a couple of seconds. In a preferred embodiment, the scanning process is designed to take less than two seconds. Scanning speed may be improved by correctly adjusting the scanning device over the matrix code and by correctly aligning the optical components relative to the matrix code.
The material of the printing plate carrying the matrix code 14 commonly is highly transparent. Thus, its reflectivity is greatly reduced compared to other (nontransparent) materials. Since, according to a further requirement, the matrix code 14 used in production should not be (or at least only hardly be) recognizable in the printed label, for the matrix code a size of 1 x 1 mm was defined as the mini-mum dimension and 4 x 4 mm as the maximum dimension, which must not be exceeded. This resulted inter alia in the following requirements for the mobile scanning and processing device 20: The scanner must contain a light source 41 (preferably emitting light with a customized wavelength spectrum). A mirror arrangement 40 may support in optimizing alignment of the emitted light to create a reading contrast on the flexographic printing plate. The scanner preferably needs to contain sufficient power supply in the form of a battery 30 and a transformation option to supply the light source 41 with sufficient power. Therefore, the mobile scanning and processing device 20 uses a light source 41 together with a mirror arrangement 40 to create a light orientation which produces a light-dark separation between the two levels, the printable and non-printable level, of a flexographic printing plate. The image taken is processed by the image processor (which may be part of the microprocessor 32 or a stand-alone unit) to such an extent that the matrix code 14 can be decoded by a software that is executed by the microprocessor 32.
The power supply of the mobile scanning and processing device 20 is provided by a (high-performance) battery, e.g., of the type as it is also used in smartphones. In order for the light source 41 to be operational, a transformation of the supplied voltage to 24 V may be required. The light rays are emitted by the light source 41 , deflected by the special mirror arrangement 40 towards the matrix code and the reflected light is received by optics 38 and sensor means 39 of the camera 34 (e.g., a CMOS camera) and processed in the integrated microprocessor 32. The data is output via an integrated touchscreen 32, which is also a control element for the user.
By combining the components used, it may be possible to limit the total weight of the device to approx. 800g. Thus, the device is comparable in weight to a commercially available smartphone. In terms of compactness, it is therefore easy to handle for the user. Using the described components, operation of the device can be ensured for the duration of an average working day. Thus, the requirements for mobile use and the previously mentioned further requirements can be met.
Due to its small weight, the employee can constantly carry the device with him. To identify and select a flexographic printing plate, the user scans the matrix code applied to the flexographic printing plate. The device optically adjusts to the size of the matrix code and gives direct feedback via the display of the touchscreen.
Since the scanner may be in data connection to a database via the communication unit 33, there is immediate feedback on the correctness of the selected printing plate by comparing the result of the scanning process with the previously entered elements on the database side. By means of additional visual inspection by the employee, any errors that may have occurred can be corrected immediately. The printing plate can then be inserted directly into the printing machine and the printing process can be started. By using the scanner, a kind of ”4-eye principle" is ensured for quality control, unnecessary ways and working steps of the user can be avoided, and the error rate can be reduced.
In summary, the mobile scanning and processing device 20 for flexographic printing plates may contain a large energy source for long service life (e.g., more than eight hours in continuous operation), which enables a long-term mobile use. Optics and the lighting system of the scanner are customized for mobile use, wherein the optics may be focusable. User input and data output can be performed via a touch screen.
The unique identification of flexographic printing plates can be ensured by scanning and decoding the matrix code, which can be miniaturized down to ~i'\ mm2. The matrix code can be generated in the printing plate manufacturing process as a relief on the printing plate in non-printing areas of the flexographic printing plate. Since the relief of the matrix code does not provide a sufficient light-dark contrast for technical evaluation under normal lighting conditions, a high reading contrast is created via parallel light orientation of the illumination, wherein the lighting creates a high- contrast image of the relief-like code. The illuminated image of the matrix code is captured by means of a camera, wherein a live video image on the display of the touch screen is used by the user to align the scanner. An integrated image editing software that is executed by the microprocessor amplifies the edges of the captured image. Even during the preview of the live video image, a decoding software captures the matrix code and returns the decoded result of the code to the processing software.

Claims

1 . A mobile scanning and processing device (20) for the acquisition of matrix codes (14) formed as relief on flexographic printing plates (10) comprising:
- a light source (41 ) for emitting light to the matrix code (14) to be captured,
- a camera (35) to receive the light reflected by the matrix code (14); and
- a microprocessor (32) for decoding the matrix code (14) captured by the camera (35); characterized in that
- the light emitted by the light source (41 ) is aligned in parallel in such a way that it causes a reading contrast when it hits the levels of the relief of the matrix code (14).
2. A mobile scanning and processing device (20) according to claim 1 , characterized in that
- the light orientation causes a light-dark separation between a printable level and a non-printable level of the flexographic printing plate (10).
3. A mobile scanning and processing device (20) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by
- a touch screen (22) configured to receive a user input and preview a live video image while capturing the matrix code (14).
4. A mobile scanning and processing device (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by
- a communication module (33) for wireless network connection.
5. A mobile scanning and processing device (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by
- an energy storage device for energy supply, preferably a battery (30).
6. A mobile scanning and processing device (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by
- an image processor configured to process the image of the matrix code (14) captured by the camera (35).
7. A mobile scanning and processing device (20) according to claim 6, characterized by
- the image processor being configured to identify edges of the image of the matrix code (14) and amplify the identified edges.
8. A mobile scanning and processing device (20) according to claim 7, characterized by
- the microprocessor (32), using the identified edges of the image of the matrix code (14), being configured to decode the matrix code (14) to a unique identifier represented by the matrix code (14).
9. A mobile scanning and processing device (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by
- focusable optics (38) arranged in front of a sensor (39) of the camera (35).
10. A mobile scanning and processing device (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by
- a mirror arrangement (40) after the light source (41 ), which is installed with regard to the light source (41 ) at such an angle that the emitted light is being directed in parallel through a front opening (37) of the mobile scanning and processing device (20).
11 . A mobile scanning and processing (20) device according to claim 10, characterized by
- the mirror arrangement (40) being semi-translucent; and
- the camera (35) being mounted behind the mirror arrangement (40) in order to capture light that is being reflected from the matrix code (14) and passed through the mirror arrangement (40).
12. A mobile scanning and processing device (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by
- the wavelength of the emitted light being adjustable to a preferred wavelengthrange.
13. A method for capturing a matrix code (14) formed as a relief on a flexographic printing plate (10), the method comprising the following steps:
- sending out light by means of a light source (41 ) of a mobile scanning and processing device (20);
- parallel alignment of the light in such a way that the light causes a reading contrast when it hits the levels of the relief of the matrix code (14);
- receiving the light reflected by the matrix code (14) by means of a camera (35); and - decoding the matrix code (14) captured by the camera (35) using a microprocessor (32).
14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that
- the microprocessor (32) amplifying edges of the captured image of the matrix code (14) automatically by means of an image editing software.
15. Flexographic printing plate (10) with a matrix code formed as a relief, wherein the matrix code has an area between 1mm2 and 16mm2.
EP22703543.3A 2021-01-12 2022-01-12 Mobile scanning and processing device for capturing relief matrix codes on flexographic printing plates and associated method Pending EP4278294A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102021000095.1A DE102021000095A1 (en) 2021-01-12 2021-01-12 Mobile device for capturing and processing 2-D matrix codes on flexographic printing plates
PCT/EP2022/050553 WO2022152755A1 (en) 2021-01-12 2022-01-12 Mobile scanning and processing device for capturing relief matrix codes on flexographic printing plates and associated method

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US8915444B2 (en) 2007-03-13 2014-12-23 Hand Held Products, Inc. Imaging module having lead frame supported light source or sources
US9928392B2 (en) * 2014-06-13 2018-03-27 The Code Corporation Barcode-reading system that obtains ranging data via targeting illumination
GB201502500D0 (en) * 2015-02-13 2015-04-01 Sofmat Ltd Tool, device, apparatus and method
EP3079097B1 (en) 2015-04-08 2018-08-22 Cognex Corporation Optical accessory for attachment to mobile device
US20180129920A1 (en) 2016-10-26 2018-05-10 Graham C. Henry System and Method for Associating Data With a Firearm
EP4027200A1 (en) * 2017-12-08 2022-07-13 Flint Group Germany GmbH Method for characterising a relief precursor for forming a relief structure
US11724533B2 (en) * 2018-04-06 2023-08-15 Esko-Graphics Imaging Gmbh System and process for persistent marking of flexo plates and plates marked therewith

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