FR3112632A1 - Device for obtaining marking data, devices, method and corresponding program - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for capturing data written on a label, in the form of a code. According to the invention, such a device comprises: - means for obtaining, from distance sensing means, a first datum representative of a distance separating the distance sensing means from a substantially flat surface, called activation distance; and - a control module comprising means for activating a lighting source of the data capture device to implement the means for activating the lighting source when the activation distance is less than a first previously determined value; - Means for obtaining, from the distance sensing means, a second datum representative of a distance separating the distance sensing means from the substantially flat surface, called sensing distance; and - means for activating an optical shooting sensor, implemented by the control module when the capture distance is less than a second value determined beforehand; and - means for determining, from an image obtained by said optical sensor, the presence of a code; and - means for transmitting, to a control device, data representative of the previously captured code, said means being implemented when the means for determining the presence of the code have delivered a positive result.

Description

Device for obtaining marking data, devices, method and corresponding program

1. Domain

The invention relates to the field of logistics. The invention relates more particularly to the field of obtaining marking data inscribed on labels stuck on pallets present in storage warehouses. More particularly still, the invention relates to a system and a method for obtaining these marking data during manipulations carried out by a forklift operator using a forklift.

2. Prior Art

With the increase in online commerce and the multiplication of exchanges of goods around the world, the management of large quantities of stock has become a crucial issue for the manufacturing industry and the trade industry. More specifically, the management of the logistics chain for the supply and distribution of goods is a real challenge, both commercial and technical. In general, the goods to be marketed are produced in countries very far from the country or continent in which they are marketed. Typically, consumer electronics products are manufactured in Asia and often sold in Europe or the United States.

The journeys made by these products are numerous, from the place of production to the place of consumption. Very often, the products are stored in storage or transit warehouses and they are palletized. The warehouses in which these products are stored are very large. It is therefore necessary to carry out careful management of the products stored there. This requires in particular to scan, on a regular basis, the products stored there, in order to have, in real time, on the one hand information relating to the stock and on the other hand information relating to the storage locations of goods. . The pallets (for handling or shipping, for example of the EUR-EPAL™ type) of products are transported within the warehouse by means of a forklift driven by a forklift driver. The driver performs more or less dangerous missions: routing, storage and destocking. The forklift driver's work may also include pallet building tasks. The forklift driver has an important role in the production chain: he manages the provision of goods and thus avoids disruptions in order preparations, for example.

For these reasons, forklift operators carry out many pallet scanning operations. Pallets are scanned, for example, when they arrive in the warehouse, when they are moved (for example to a storage location), when they are extracted from the storage location, when they leave the warehouse, etc.

To date, there are mainly two types of methods to perform these pallet scans. The first type of method is manual: the driver, equipped with a manual scanning device (of the linear laser technology shower type), manually scans the pallets, possibly when he is seated on the seat of his forklift and during transport and lifting of one or more pallets. This type of method has two major drawbacks. The first drawback is the dangerousness of the manipulations carried out by the forklift operators to carry out these perilous scans: the handling pallet(s) often being relatively far from the scanning handheld, the driver is obliged to extend his arm from the seated position that he occupies the seat of the forklift (see getting up), while remaining in the driving position. Accidents can happen, which is detrimental. In addition, forklift operators still use a PDA to read barcodes on a pallet loaded with products and identify a location code, which represents around 300 scans per day with equipment weighing more than 800g often leading to problems related to musculoskeletal disorders. . The second drawback lies in the loss of time: the pallet scan with this first type of method is long (5 to 7 seconds per pallet), and consequently implies having additional human resources to be able to carry out all the handling operations in a warehouse.

The second type of scan method is based on semi-automation. More specifically, the forklift is equipped with a device that scans the loaded pallets, at the request of the driver, who has, on the forklift, an activation command for this device. The device is a laser scanner, positioned behind the forklift's handling fork, but close enough to it to be able to spread a laser beam widely without obstruction. This type of method has the advantage of not requiring dangerous maneuvers for the driver and provides substantial time savings in handling operations. However, this type of device is very expensive. Indeed, to overcome the scanning difficulties related to the positioning of the labels on the pallets on the one hand, and the positioning of the pallets on the fork of the forklift on the other hand, the scanning system is oversized. The laser beam which is used for the scanner mounted on the central part of the fork of the forklift allows scanning on loan of 1.12 m² (width 0.80m, height 1.40m). This covered area ensures that the laser scanner is able to scan the label if it is on this detection field. However, this type of scanner is very expensive and remains confidential in terms of distribution. In addition, this type of XXL reader is fragile: just like the manual scanner, the laser technology used requires the use of a wide-spread laser beam, this wide spread requiring on the one hand a wide opening on the front of the scanner and a large amplitude lateral displacement of the beam. However, forklifts are commonly subject to very significant operating and loading constraints. It is not uncommon in particular for products to escape from the pallets and fall on the ground, but also on the fork or behind the fork, between the blades of the latter, precisely at the place where this laser scanner is located. , which can lead to its deterioration, and therefore lead to significant maintenance costs.

There is therefore a need to provide a solution that includes the advantages of the automatic solution, but with lower costs and improved maintenance possibilities.

3. Summary of the invention

The invention has been developed keeping these issues in mind. More particularly, the invention relates to a device for capturing data written on a label, in the form of a code. According to the invention, such a device comprises:

- Means for obtaining, from distance sensing means, a first datum representative of a distance separating the distance sensing means from a substantially flat surface, called activation distance; And

- a control module comprising means for activating a lighting source of the data capture device to implement the means for activating the lighting source when the activation distance is less than a first previously determined value;

- means for obtaining, from the distance sensing means, a second datum representative of a distance separating the distance sensing means from the substantially flat surface, called sensing distance; And

- Means for activating an optical shooting sensor, implemented by the control module when the capture distance is less than a second value determined beforehand; And

- means for determining, from an image obtained by said optical sensor, the presence of a code; And

- Means for transmitting, to a control device, data representative of the previously captured code, said means being implemented when the means for determining the presence of the code have delivered a positive result.

Thus, it is possible to scan one or more codes or labels from a pallet in a simple and inexpensive way.

According to a particular characteristic, said optical shooting sensor is in the form of a mobile communication terminal of the smart phone or tablet type.

Thus, the device of the invention is inexpensive and easy to maintain: damage to the optical capture means can be easily repaired, at lower cost.

According to a particular characteristic, the distance sensing means, the activation control module and the optical shooting sensor are integrated within a sensing box, the distance sensing means and the optical shooting sensor of view being positioned on the front face of said capture box.

Thus, it suffices to enclose the various means constituting the device within a capture box, and to leave the necessary openings to allow the implementation of these means, while ensuring perfect maintainability of the device.

According to a particular characteristic, the capture box is intended to be fixed on a load backrest of a fork of a forklift, so that the optical capture means are positioned in a substantially central position, between two beams of the backrest of charge.

Thus, the device of the invention can be placed and removed in a simple and effective manner. Furthermore, the box comprises one or two shoes (soles) for fixing to one or two beams of the load backrest to ensure the stability of the device. The installation is made so that the distance sensing means and the optical means are slightly set back from a plane formed by the beams of the load backrest.

According to a particular characteristic, the capture box comprises means for transmitting data to said control device. Thus, the control device receives, for example using a wireless communication interface, the information coming from the capture device.

According to a particular characteristic, the capture box further comprises said light source, in the form of a lighting panel integrated into the front face of the capture box so that said light source is capable of illuminate the flat surface for the shot taken by the optical pickup means.

Thus, it is easy to achieve illumination of the pallet to be scanned.

According to another aspect, the invention also relates to a data capture system. Such a system includes:

- a data capture device as previously described, and

- a control device, connected to said data capture device via a wireless communication interface;

According to a particular characteristic, said control device comprises a wired communication interface with a user communication device, said wired communication interface, simulating, for said user communication device, the implementation of a data entry.

Thus, the control device can simulate the presence of a keyboard for the user communication device and therefore facilitate the entry of data from the capture device.

According to another aspect, the invention also relates to a method for capturing data written on a label, in the form of a code, method implemented via a system for capturing data written on a label. Such a process includes:

- a step of obtaining, from distance sensing means, a first datum representative of a distance separating the distance sensing means from a substantially flat surface, called activation distance; And

- when the activation distance is less than a first value previously determined, a step of activation, by a control module, of a lighting source of the data capture system;

- a step of obtaining, from distance sensing means, a second datum representative of a distance separating the distance sensing means from the substantially flat surface, called sensing distance; And

- when the capture distance is less than a second value determined beforehand, a step of activation, by the control module, of an optical shooting sensor, delivering at least one image; And

- a step of determining, from said at least one image obtained by said optical sensor, the presence of a code; And

- a step of transmission, to a control device, of data representative of the previously captured code, when the step of determining the presence of the code is positive.

According to a preferred implementation, the various steps of the methods according to the invention are implemented by one or more software or computer programs, comprising software instructions intended to be executed by a data processor of a relay module according to the invention and being designed to control the execution of the various steps of the methods.

Consequently, the invention also relates to a program, capable of being executed by a computer or by a data processor, this program comprising instructions for controlling the execution of the steps of a method as mentioned above.

This program may use any programming language, and be in the form of source code, object code, or intermediate code between source code and object code, such as in partially compiled form, or in any other desirable form.

The invention also relates to an information medium readable by a data processor, and comprising instructions of a program as mentioned above.

The information carrier can be any entity or device capable of storing the program. For example, the medium may include a storage medium, such as a ROM, for example a CD ROM or a microelectronic circuit ROM, or else a magnetic recording medium, for example a mobile medium (memory card) or a Hard disk.

On the other hand, the information carrier can be a transmissible medium such as an electrical or optical signal, which can be conveyed via an electrical or optical cable, by radio or by other means. The program according to the invention can in particular be downloaded from a network of the Internet type.

Alternatively, the information carrier may be an integrated circuit in which the program is incorporated, the circuit being adapted to execute or to be used in the execution of the method in question.

According to one embodiment, the invention is implemented by means of software and/or hardware components. In this context, the term "module" may correspond in this document to a software component, a hardware component or a set of hardware and software components.

A software component corresponds to one or more computer programs, one or more sub-programs of a program, or more generally to any element of a program or software capable of implementing a function or a set of functions, as described below for the module concerned. Such a software component is executed by a data processor of a physical entity (terminal, server, gateway, set-top-box, router, etc.) and is likely to access the hardware resources of this physical entity (memories, recording media, communication bus, electronic input/output cards, user interfaces, etc.).

In the same way, a hardware component corresponds to any element of a hardware assembly capable of implementing a function or a set of functions, according to what is described below for the module concerned. It can be a hardware component that can be programmed or has an integrated processor for executing software, for example an integrated circuit, a smart card, a memory card, an electronic card for executing firmware ( firmware), etc

Each component of the system described above naturally implements its own software modules.

The various embodiments mentioned above can be combined with each other for the implementation of the invention.

4. Figures

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description of a preferred embodiment, given by way of a simple illustrative and non-limiting example, and the appended drawings, among which:

- FIG. 1 describes the general principle of the invention;

- FIG. 2 briefly describes the internal architecture of an exemplary embodiment;

- FIG. 3 illustrates the external architecture of an exemplary embodiment;

- Figure 4 the device of Figure 3 secured to a backsplash.

5. Description of an embodiment

5.1. Reminders

The general principle of the technique described consists of the use of optical capture and processing means to obtain the data present on the different codes (one-dimensional barcodes, two-dimensional barcodes) when loading the pallet on the forklift. The device of the invention is therefore implemented in motion, when the forklift loads the pallet onto the loading fork, through an entrance to the pallet, and this fork progresses into the entrance to the pallet selected by the driver. . Of course, in the context of the invention, the pallet comprises a set of products, arranged on the pallet. Rather than using a very expensive and relatively fragile laser sensor, the general principle is to use a mass market optical sensor associated with a barcode detection application. As the visibility of the information is not guaranteed, the device which is the subject of the invention also comprises additional lighting means. In order not to be permanently activated, the additional lighting means are controlled via a control module, which receives, from an appropriate sensor, data representative of a distance separating the optical sensor a generally flat surface, which represents the surface of a filled and possibly filmed pallet. It is thus possible to locate the label in the image in order to be able to read several stacked pallets (stacked pallets) or read several packages assembled on the same pallet.

A lined and wrapped pallet is a pallet, usually made of pine, on which a set of products has been placed. So that these products are stable on the pallet, it is possible to film it, that is to say to surround it with plastic film, allowing to obtain a certain solidarity of the products which have been placed on the pallet. . The assembly is referred to as a “filmed pallet” by those skilled in the art. The “wrapping” (action of wrapping the pallet in plastic film) is carried out either manually or automatically depending on the product production line. When the stacking of the products on the pallet is finished, an identification label is affixed to it (at least on one side of the rectangular parallelepiped made up of the pallet and the products placed on it. Ideally, each side of the pallet has an identification tag, in order to facilitate the operations of the forklift operators. From the point of view of the invention, it is therefore considered that a pallet is a rectangular parallelepiped, and that one face, generally flat, of this rectangular parallelepiped is visible from the device that is the subject of the present technique From this point of view, the postulate at the base of the invention is not different from that taken for the existing automatic devices based on laser capture.

Be that as it may, the device of the invention has a sensor making it possible to evaluate the distance separating a flat surface from the optical sensor. When this distance is less than or equal to a first predetermined distance (due to the progression of the fork of the lift truck), the control module activates the additional lighting in order to present improved shooting conditions. This aspect is important because the inventors have found that the lighting conditions are not necessarily adequate in all the places in which the scan of the pallet must be carried out.

Secondly, still using the distance measuring means, a second distance is evaluated. This second distance, capture, corresponds to the focusing distance of the optical sensor. It ensures, given the position of the device of the invention on the fork of the forklift, that the shot will have sufficient sharpness to obtain a good quality image. When this second distance is reached (due to the progression of the lifting forks of the forklift on an entry of the pallet), the control module transmits, to the optical capture and processing means, a command to shoot and decoding.

Cleverly, the optical capture and processing means are "general public" means of the communication terminal type (smartphone) or even action camera, on-board camera, digital camera, digital tablet or equivalent devices, which offers, in addition of the advantages provided by the device, two important advantages: on the one hand, it is easy and inexpensive to replace the optical capture and processing device in the event of breakage or malfunction because they are abundant on the market and very inexpensive . On the other hand, it is possible to directly use the intrinsic code "decoding" capacities (one dimension, two dimensions, etc.) of these devices without additional computer development, further reducing the cost of the device of the invention ( the decoding application developed for the implementation of the invention can be installed indistinctly for the majority of types of terminals). An additional advantage is to allow the manufacturer to have terminals that suit his IT architecture (for example in terms of choice of supplier of this type of terminal, but also in terms of securing the information system). Finally, a last advantage provided by this type of device is to allow capture and decoding of several codes, which is not necessarily possible with other technologies or very expensive.

Thirdly, the image obtained by the optical sensor is decoded (i.e. a code search step and a step of decoding the information contained in these codes are carried out) and the information obtained is transmitted to a processing module (the processing essentially depends on the business application, outside the scope of this technique.

Fourthly, once the data has been transmitted, the device is switched off, in particular the additional lighting is switched off, as is the optical capture and processing device.

There is presented, in relation to FIG. 1, a method for capturing data written on a label, in the form of a code, according to the invention, method implemented by means of a data capture device listed on a label. Such a process includes:

- a step of obtaining (i10), from distance sensing means, a first datum representative of a distance separating the distance sensing means from a substantially flat surface, called activation distance (d1 ); And

- when the activation distance (d1) is less than a first previously determined value (DD1), an activation step (i20), by a control module, of a lighting source of the data capture system ;

- a step of obtaining (i30), from distance sensing means, a second datum representative of a distance separating the distance sensing means from the substantially flat surface, called sensing distance (d2); And

- when the capture distance is less than a second previously determined value (DD2), an activation step (i40), by the control module, of an optical shooting sensor, delivering at least one image (Img ); And

- a step of determining (i50), from said at least one image (img), the presence of a code (Cde); And

- a step of transmitting (i60), to a control device, data representative (DATA) of the code (Cde) previously picked up, when the step of determining the presence of the code is positive.

The device that is the subject of the present technique has many advantages. In addition to its low cost compared to competing devices and its maintainability, we can also mention the fact that the device allows, in addition to its original functions (i.e. the scanning of pallets and storage) to automatically record and archive images of the pallets, thanks to the means of optical capture. This function provides proof of the condition of the pallets upon receipt to ensure effective quality control. Which was not possible with the old systems. Therefore, the "cheating" of poor quality pallets can be drastically reduced. The combination of data obtained (code scan, palette images and timestamp) can then be used to forge a signature of support and attest to the veracity of the information provided to a customer or supplier.

Another advantage also lies in the fact that the device makes it possible to carry out warehouse inventories more quickly: a forklift operator on an equipped forklift can read all the pallet and location codes of a row of racks, from bottom to top or vice versa and use an appropriate application to fill in an “inventory” file. As a result, the time spent carrying out an inventory with the device of the invention is reduced and therefore the inventory is less expensive. Compared to drone systems or pallet-mounted systems manipulated by a forklift operator with industrial cameras, the device of the invention does not need to be removed from the forklift and is therefore much simpler than these existing systems. which remain complicated to implement and very expensive.

5.2. Description of an example of realization

An exemplary embodiment of the internal electronic architecture of the device of the invention is presented below, in which the means of optical capture and processing are embodied by a mobile communication terminal of the smartphone type.

Figure 2 explains the internal electronic architecture of the device of the invention in this embodiment. It comprises a first assembly (Ens1) comprising at least one light (E1, E2), a first control module (MC1), distance sensing means (CD), a second control (MC2) and input means optical (e.g. smartphone SM). It also comprises a second assembly (Ens2) comprising a geolocation module (UWB), a local network manager (MC3), an input converter (MC4). In this exemplary embodiment, advantage is taken of a set of components which are connected, within the device of the invention via a communication network. More particularly, in this exemplary embodiment, the communication network is a wireless network of Wifi and/or Bluetooth type. Such an implementation within the device is clever in that it allows modularity and easy maintenance of the device and its components, and therefore greatly reduces costs. In addition, the device is powered by the forklift (using a suitable CONV converter) and also has its own backup power supply (battery Batt).

More particularly, in this example embodiment:

- MC1: is an Arduino type Wifi microcontroller (model used ESP32). MC1 manages the remote cell and system startup when powered on. MC1 is also in charge of starting and shutting down MC2 properly. MC1 also registers the level of ambient light via a photoresistor.

- MC2: is a RASPBERRY-type microcomputer, whose operating system is “Linux™”, and which, in this example, allows the “Android” smartphone to be controlled via “Android Debug Bridge (ADB)” type commands ; MC2 manages the startup of the smarpthone, and its extinction once the power supply is cut; MC2 is also in charge of powering down the entire device once the power is cut off.

- As the device is installed on an industrial truck, it is powered by the forklift's battery, either 24V or 48V, which can be cut off at any time. It is for this reason that the device must detect the power cut and then switch to the battery (Batt) to then turn off the elements properly one by one.

- The device could be driven alone by the MC2 module; in this example, the choice was made to add the MC1 module for faster nominal operation. However the functions of MC1 can be completely integrated into the MC2 modules.

The mode of operation, for these elements of the first set (Ens1), is globally as follows: MC1, which manages distance sensing means (CD), transmits commands to MC2, according to the distance detected as explained previously, then depending on these commands, MC2 itself controls the triggering of the bar code reading application via ABD commands via the USB port of the smartphone (Note that the commands to the smartphone can also be transmitted in WiFi or Bluetooth, but this leads to an additional latency time that the inventors have decided to eliminate – elimination of a command transiting via MC3). MC2 also controls the triggering of lighting according to the level of luminosity transmitted by MC1. MC1 also communicates directly with MC3 to transmit geolocation commands (geolocation performed via the UWB module). As detailed below, geolocation starts when a pallet is present on the forks of the truck and geolocation stops when the pallet comes out of the forks. Thus, it is possible, at any time, to determine the position of the pallet in the warehouse.

As for the second set (Set2), the components are as follows:

- MC3: is an Arduino type Wifi microcontroller (model used ESP32); MC3 plays, in this configuration, the role of WIFI access point in the system, it therefore receives information on the detection distance of the pallet via the MC1 module and the data from the barcodes read via the smartphones; The MC2 module also connects to it to become part of the network.

- MC4 is an ARDUINO MICRO or TEENSY type microcontroller to convert the data received into HID type data (keyboard emulation). The data received and processed by MC3 is transmitted to MC4. MC4 receives data from MC3. When this data corresponds to that of a bar code, it is transmitted to a control device (Dcli) (present for the driver in the forklift, for example of the tablet type, managing a business application) in keyboard emulation mode ; when the data corresponds to a cell distance (indicating that the pallet is completely retracted into the forks) then MC4 commands UWB to start geolocation; when the data corresponds to a cell distance (indicating that the pallet is completely out of the forks), then MC4 commands UWB to stop the geolocation.

- UWB is in this example an Ultra Wide Band geolocation card; The purpose of this card is, for example, to detect a platform number that the truck crosses when loading or unloading trailers or other location needs; the choice of Ultra Wide Band technology makes it possible to obtain precise and very fast measurements (up to 10 measurements per second) compared to Bluetooth technology for example.

More precisely, when MC4 orders UWB to start geolocation, UWB transmits the distance at which it is located from the anchors. An anchor is also a fixed UWB map, whose position is known for a given configuration (for example a loading or unloading dock). An anchor is for example positioned every four quays. The MC4 modules thus receive distances between the UWB module and all the anchors it detects. Several methods of geolocation are then possible. An immediate method, adapted to a loading/unloading dock location context, consists of classifying the anchors from the closest to the furthest. When MC4 calculates that the distance between UWB and the two closest anchors is equal to plus or minus 2% close to the actual predetermined distance between each anchor, then MC4 determines the number of the quay according to the distance at which it is of these two anchors. This dock number is transmitted to the client tablet (DCli) in keyboard emulation mode to fill in the correct field in the business application.

In other words, the exchanges between the modules of the device are as follows:

- The distance detection cell transmits the distance to MC1.

- MC1 transmits the instructions according to each distance to MC2 via the serial port (in wired mode) and also transmits these instructions to MC3 which communicates to it via the serial port with UWB to obtain the position.

- Once instructions have been received from MC1, MC2 controls the smartphone on triggering reading and also manages the battery charge (Batt) to avoid a permanent charge which could quickly wear it out. MC2 also controls the lighting. Depending on the ambient luminosity which is detected by a photoresistor, MC2 adjusts the power of the lighting, if necessary.

- When reading one or more codes (one-dimensional bars, two-dimensional bars, QR code, etc.), the decoded data from the smartphone is transmitted from the smartphone to MC3 in WIFI, which in turn transmits them in wired mode (serial port to MC4), which in turn transmits them to the tablet in wired mode (USB HID Keyboard; Simulation of a simple barcode scanner or keyboard).

- When the device is in loading mode or checking the removal of the pallets before loading, MC4 requests the position from UWB and transmits it to the tablet in wired mode (USB HID Keyboard; Simulation of a simple bar code scanner or keyboard ).

Of course, what is described here is an exemplary embodiment. It is quite conceivable (and envisaged) that all or part of the modules be combined or joined in a single and same control module, which is able to perform the functions inherent in each module, as previously described. In particular, this control module could take the form of a software module, for example installed on a dedicated controller card, which would manage all the procedures implemented, in particular those described above.

The Ens1 assembly (also called the capture device) can be positioned on the backrest, as explained below, while the Ens2 assembly (also called the control device) can be positioned in the lift truck and connected to a tablet of a management solution provider for warehouse managers. This distinction into two sets has an advantage in this embodiment: Set 1 is made of impact-resistant materials (for example metal) and can be fixed to the backsplash. Conversely, the Ens2 assembly, including in particular the geolocation device, is inserted into a plastic assembly, “wired” connected to the solution provider's tablet, in order to simulate the presence of an input keyboard. The wireless network is established between the set Ens1 and the set Ens2, as explained previously to carry out a data transmission in a “local” network specific to the device of the invention.

5.3. Description of the external architecture

An example of implementation of the device of the invention (Ds) is described in relation to FIGS. 3 and 4. In this exemplary embodiment, the device of the invention makes it possible both to integrate perfectly with the load backrests placed on the forks of the handling trucks. Remember that a load backrest (also called a load backrest) is a protective steel grid mounted on an industrial truck to cushion a pallet when it is picked up by the fork. One function of this backsplash is to "wedge", in a way, the palette and its contents. A problem with the semi-automatic systems of the prior art (laser-based) is that these load backrests can interrupt the laser beam, and therefore limit the possibilities of scanning codes present on the pallet.

Thus, in a basic version, the device (Ds) is in the form of a rectangular parallelepiped with dimensions of 500 mm (width) x 180 mm (height) x 30 mm (depth). The front face comprises, in the upper central part, an opening (O1), making it possible to house the optical sensor (for example the optical sensor of the smartphone). This opening O1 can be circular or rectangular and is adapted according to the communication terminal. In view of this opening, inside the device, a housing is provided to be able to embed the smartphone. A cover can be provided to secure the smartphone. In the lower central part, a double opening is made (O2). This double opening is used to position the distance detection means, which in this embodiment is in the form of a double ultrasonic cell. Other distance sensing technologies can be considered. The advantage of this type of sensor is its good quality/price ratio and the accuracy of the distance provided. On either side of these two openings O1 and O2, lighting panels (E1, E2) are integrated. They come in the form of LED panels, with sufficient power to allow effective lighting of all types of bar code symbologies: the lighting is selected in particular to ensure good shooting, even in minimum light conditions. In addition, on the left side and/or the right side of the front face, fixing means are integrated (EF1). These fixing means (EF1) make it possible to fix the device (Ds) to one of the bars of the load backrest, either on the left or on the right so that on the one hand the lighting (E1, E2) is not obstructed by one of the bars of the load backrest and on the other hand that the optical sensor benefits from a central position behind the load backrest. The fixing means can be in the form of soles, brackets or any suitable means. Figure 4 explains the fixing position of the device of the invention, in an example of presentation. Screws or any other appropriate means can be used to allow fixing, using the bracket, to the load backrest. The installation is made so that the distance sensing means and the optical means are slightly set back from a plane formed by the beams of the load backrest

In a complementary manner, the device has, on the rear face and/or on the upper face, a maintenance opening making it possible in particular to position or remove an appropriate communication terminal, possibly accompanied by a protective shell. The interior of the device, meanwhile, is compartmentalized to dispose of all the necessary equipment, and in particular, a battery, a converter and the control module(s), depending on the embodiments. The advantage of this configuration is that with the proposed system, it is not necessary to modify the backsplash. A standard backsplash can be used, with the device's attachment means. Here again, the invention stands out from competing devices, in particular based on laser scanning, which, in order to have a wider scanning field, necessarily require mechanical modification of the load backrests to have good integration, which does not is not at all the case with the solution of the invention.

5.4. Description of implementation of the device of the invention

The device of the invention is implemented in two distinct situations, corresponding respectively to an entry of a pallet in stock and an exit of a pallet from stock.

Receipt then storage of a pallet (entry into stock)

When a pallet is picked up by a forklift, as soon as the forks enter it, the distance cell triggers the reading application at 1200mm then at 1100mm the lighting for easier reading. As soon as the code(s) have been read, the Android application installed on the smartphone transmits the data either via WIFI or Bluetooth on the radio reception module, or directly via Bluetooth on the customer tablet (customer business application). Once the pallet has reached a distance of 500mm, the lighting and the reading are stopped.

When storing the pallet in the rack slot, once the pallet has been deposited when the forks come out, the cell triggers the slot code reading phase once it reaches 1200mm. The smartphone camera zooms in on the lower part of the image to decode the location tag and transmit the data again via the Wifi/BT reception module or directly via Bluetooth on the client tablet (client business application).

Order preparation (out of stock)

When a pallet is picked up by a forklift, as soon as the forks enter it, the distance cell triggers the reading application at 1200mm then at 1100mm the lighting for easier reading. As soon as the code(s) have been read, the Android application installed on the smartphone transmits the data either via WIFI or Bluetooth on the radio reception module, or directly via Bluetooth on the customer tablet (customer business application).

Once the pallet has reached a distance of 500mm, the lighting and the reading are stopped.

Upon arrival in the dedicated area for depositing the pallet on its location before loading, as soon as the forks of the trolley withdraw the pallet, the geolocation device directly sends the position to obtain a check between the expected location and that detected .

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When a pallet is picked up by a forklift, as soon as the forks enter it, the distance cell triggers the reading application at 1200mm then at 1100mm the lighting for easier reading. As soon as the code(s) have been read, the Android application installed on the smartphone sends the data either via WIFI or Bluetooth to the radio reception module, or directly via Bluetooth to the client tablet. Once the pallet has reached a distance of 500mm, the lighting and the reading are stopped. As the trolley passes through the platform door, its number is transmitted directly to the tablet (customer business application) for validation.

Claims (10)

Device for capturing data written on a label, in the form of a code, device characterized in that it comprises:
- Means for obtaining, from distance sensing means, a first datum representative of a distance separating the distance sensing means from a substantially flat surface, called activation distance; And
- a control module comprising means for activating a lighting source of the data capture device to implement the means for activating the lighting source when the activation distance is less than a first previously determined value;
- Means for obtaining, from the distance sensing means, a second datum representative of a distance separating the distance sensing means from the substantially flat surface, called sensing distance; And
- Means for activating an optical shooting sensor, implemented by the control module when the sensing distance is less than a second value determined beforehand; And
- Means for determining, from an image obtained by said optical sensor, the presence of a code; And
- Means for transmitting, to a control device, data representative of the previously captured code, said means being implemented when the means for determining the presence of the code have delivered a positive result. Capture device, according to claim 1, characterized in that said optical capture sensor is in the form of a mobile communication terminal of the smart phone or tablet type. Capture device, according to claim 1, characterized in that the distance sensing means, the activation control module and the optical shooting sensor are integrated within a sensing box, the sensing means distance and the optical shooting sensor being positioned on the front face of said capture box. Capture device, according to claim 3, characterized in that the capture box is intended to be fixed on a load backrest of a fork of a lift truck, so that the optical capture means are positioned in a position substantially center, between two load backrest beams. Capture device, according to claim 3, characterized in that the capture box comprises means for transmitting data to said control device. Capture device, according to claim 3, characterized in that the capture box further comprises said light source, being in the form of a lighting panel integrated into the front face of the capture box so that said light source is capable of illuminating the flat surface for the shot taken by the optical pickup means. Data capture system, system characterized in that it comprises:
- a data capture device according to one of claims 1 to 6, and
- A control device, connected to said data capture device via a wireless communication interface; Data capture system, according to claim 7, characterized in that said control device comprises a wired communication interface with a user communication device, said wired communication interface, simulating, for said user communication device , the implementation of a data entry keyboard. Method for capturing data written on a label, in the form of a code, method implemented via a system for capturing data written on a label, method characterized in that it comprises:
- a step of obtaining, from distance sensing means, a first datum representative of a distance separating the distance sensing means from a substantially planar surface, called activation distance; And
- when the activation distance is less than a first previously determined value, a step of activation, by a control module, of a lighting source of the data capture system;
- a step of obtaining, from distance sensing means, a second datum representative of a distance separating the distance sensing means from the substantially flat surface, called sensing distance; And
- when the sensing distance is less than a second value determined beforehand, a step of activation, by the control module, of an optical shooting sensor, delivering at least one image; And
- a step of determining, from said at least one image obtained by said optical sensor, the presence of a code; And
- A step of transmitting, to a control device, data representative of the previously captured code, when the step of determining the presence of the code is positive. Computer program product downloadable from a communication network and/or stored on a computer-readable medium and/or executable by a microprocessor, characterized in that it comprises program code instructions for the execution of a data processing cryptography according to claim 9, when executed on a computer