Apparatus, system and method for data scanning

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001 ] The present invention is generally relates to scanning of words, marks, code and like, and particularly, but not exclusively, to barcode scanning.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[0002] In warehouses, large malls, industries etc., there are continuous processes such as packaging, delivering, sorting, tracing, tracking, marking, printing and like, of different kinds of items, goods etc. of various shapes, sizes, materials, and like. Sorting, tracing, tracking of such objects is a big task. Due to technology, such tasks are taken care by automated system and methods with minimum manpower involved.

[0003] Use of barcode system is very common for such activities and it plays a major role and there is a probability that the use of barcode will expand in future. Various different varieties of barcode scanners, cameras, optical readers etc. are available which can detect the stationary as well as moving objects on their moving path on conveyor or conveyor roller and like.

[0004] A barcode reader or scanner is an electronic device which scans and reads the barcode and gives the output to the electronic device like computer, mobile and like. The system consists of a light source, a lens and system which convert light sensor translating optical impulses into electrical ones. CCD or CMOS readers use an array of hundreds of tiny light sensors lined up in a row in the head of the reader. Each sensor measures the intensity of the light immediately in front of it. The CCD reader measures emitted ambient light from the bar code.

[0005] Considering the modern technology and the need in logistics and supply chain and other like areas, where mostly systems are automated, the scenario is objects are moving with certain speed. Tracking of these moving objects using the barcode scanning system and method is the requirement of that automated system. In many automated systems, the scenario may be the objects are continuously moving on the conveyor belt or like and along with that these objects may be moving around their own axis in 360°, then in such cases there is a challenge to track the barcode and other details noted on the object. Thus the challenge is to track the data on moving object of any shape and size, which is moving in one direction and along with that the object is moving around its own axis. Another challenge- is that the system and method which is required for tracking of data must be portable, easy to handle, affordable and use only one camera which will substantially reduce the cost, be space effective and handling risk of the instrument. Again the challenge is that the system must take care of any types of object and maintenance cost must be less or no maintenance.

[0006] Patent number CN204203550U by Wang Qiyun titled, "Multi-mirror structure of laser scanner" discloses apparatuses and techniques for barcode scanning where multi-mirror structure of a laser scanner, sent light beams from different directions through arranging the plurality of plane mirrors, thereby forming a plurality of scanning light beams with the direction being different enabling recognition of barcode on products.

[0007] , Patent number US201 1248087 by Kakino Tomonari and Gocho Katsumi titled, "Barcode scanning device and method for producing high density scanning pattern by the same" discloses apparatuses and techniques for barcode scanning where rotatable polygon mirror forms scanning patterns in an object readable area enabling recognition of barcode on products.

[0008] Patent number US2011025814 by Manabu Kato titled,

"Scanning optical apparatus and image forming apparatus using same" which converts plural light beams emitted from corresponding light source units by a light beam conversion unit, defectively scans by a deflection unit, focuses by an imaging optical unit onto corresponding scanned surfaces.

[0009] Patent number JP2002307916A by Tatsuya Haji titled, "Method of reading label of tire", provide a method of reading a label of a tire and allowing miniaturization and cost reduction of a device with simple structure.

[0010] Considering all above state-of-the-art systems, there is no any system and method available which can use low or normal intensity of light; affordable and safe light source, uses single camera with average basic facilities; easy handling features and can manage the high level efficiency of working, capture and scan the data or code on surface of moving objects which are moving with high speed on the platform which may be running on a belt, conveyor or like system, as well as have a capacity to capture the barcode data where the objects are moving around their own axis in 360 ⁰ while passing on the moving belt with high speed.

[0011] The present subject matter relates to the use of system and method which can scan, detect, sort, trace, or track and like the code or data or like, presented on stationary as well as moving objects which may be moving on their path on conveyor or like or may be rotating in 360 ⁰ around their axis in any angle as well as moving forward or backward, vertical or horizontal motion as applicable in individual cases, on their path on conveyor roller or like, using single camera in whole system or assembly. The moving objects rotating around their axis as well as moving on their defined path in . assembly line in a particular defined speed. The system and method uses plurality of reflecting surfaces along with single normal camera and the whole assembly is customizable as per the need of the user depending on the size and shape of the object under consideration.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The principal object of the embodiments herein is to provide customizable, portable, efficient and cost effective system and method for scanning of code, words, mark, images or like on the object which may be stationary and moving on conveyor or like are moving in two directions at a time.■

[0013] It is another object of the invention that it will provide method & system to scan the data of the moving objects which are rotating in 360 ⁰ around their axis.

[0014] It is another object of the invention that it will provide method & system to scan the data on the surface of the moving objects that are moving forward or backward on their path on conveyor roller or like.

[0015] It is another object of the invention that it will provide method & system to scan the data of the moving objects on their defined path in assembly line in particular defined speed for a particular process. [0016] It is further an object of the invention to provide a barcode scanning method & system which will use relatively low cost camera with normal general specifications without the use of highly sophisticated specialized lens for parallel vision.

[0017] It is further an object of the invention to provide a barcode scanning method & system which will use only single camera as against prevailing, barcode scanning methods wherein two or more than two cameras are used thereby increasing the cost, cabling, power consumption, space requirements and complexity of the barcode scanning process.

[0018] It is further an object of the invention to provide a barcode scanning method & system which use plurality of reflective surfaces.

[0019] It is further an object of the invention to provide a barcode scanning method & system which uses reflective surfaces in such a way that it will cover or capture the complete field of view.

[0020] It is another object of the invention that it will provide method & system for scanning objects as well as tracking, tracing , serialization, marking and sorting of the objects.

[0021 ] It is an object of the invention that it will provide method & system for inspection of text or image pattern or barcode and like.

[0022] It is an object of the invention to provide a barcode scanning method & system which use very affordable light source, LED.

[0023] It is an object of the invention to provide a barcode scanning method & system which is unique in its design in a way to use LED for bright illumination.

[0024] It is further an object of the invention to provide a barcode scanning method & system which will use plurality of LEDs.

[0025] It is another object of the invention to provide barcode scanning method & system which will be available for various purposes and for detection of objects of various sizes and shapes.

[0026] It is further an object of the invention to provide a barcode scanning method & system which uses automated system and method which will capture the data, consolidate the same and present the readable consolidated data. [0027] It is further an object of the invention to provide a barcode scanning method & system which uses automated system and suitable electronic system and method like personal computer to store the consolidated data, analyze the data and made available for various purposes.

SUMMARY

[0028] Accordingly, the embodiments herein provide an economic, customizable, portable system and method for scanning of code, words, marks, images or like on two or more directional moving object, as horizontal or vertical or like direction as applicable for a particular process as defined and the other is around the axis of the object in any angle. Thus the system and method can scan any/all surfaces of the moving object. The system may be used anywhere to scan code, words, marks, images or like for various purposes like serialization, tracking, tracing, marking, printing and like. The system and method uses very affordable light source, plurality of LEDs, which is unique in its design and which will use relatively low cost camera with normal general specifications to capture the data, using high speed photography, uses plurality of reflective surfaces in strategic position which define the path of light, the reflecting surfaces may require replacements due to ageing which is natural process or depending on the position or location of an apparatus such as if the apparatus is exposed more to dust and like the performance of reflective surface may affect and need replacement. In an embodiment, the barcode scanning method & system suggested is available for various purposes and in various sizes and shapes and is customizable as per requirement of the user. In an embodiment, the method and system also provide scanning of objects as well as sorting, tracking, tracing, marking, printing and like of the moving objects. In an embodiment, the method and system provide scanning of objects which are moving in two directions and the data may be written and or embarked or like on any surface of object including all sides, or top or bottom provided that these sides are exposed to camera.

[0029] Before undertaking the detailed description of the invention below, it may be advantageous to set forth definitions of certain words and phrases used throughout this patent document: the terms "include" and "comprise," as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without limitation; the term "or," is inclusive, meaning and/or; the phrases "associated with" and "associated therewith," as well as derivatives thereof, may mean to include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have, have a property of, or the like; and the term "controller" means any device, system or part thereof that controls at least one operation, such a device may be implemented in hardware, firmware or software, or some combination of at least two of the same. It should be noted that the functionality associated with any particular controller may be centralized or distributed, whether locally or remotely. Definitions for certain words and phrases are provided throughout this patent document, those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that in many, if not most instances, such definitions apply to prior, as well as future uses of such defined words and phrases.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] For a more complete understanding of structure, operation, and methodology of the present invention and the objects and advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like numbers designate like objects, and in which:

[0031 ] Fig 1 shows the back view of the system showing the

schematic representation of various parts.

[0032] Fig 2 gives the photographic view of the back view of the system representation of various parts

[0033] Fig 3 gives the photographic view of the front view of the system.

[0034] Fig 4 shows the top view of the system

[0035] Fig 5 shows the flash light used in the system

[0036] Fig 6 is the holding arrangement for the flash light used in the system.

[0037] Fig 7 is the top view of the flash light [0038] Fig 8 is the outer side of the flash light with holding arrangement attached to it.

[0039] Fig. 9 is the screen shot captured by the automated electronic system used in the complete assembly

[0040] Fig. 10 is the representation of the consolidated image of the area covered by the reflecting surfaces used in strategic position in the system

[0041 ] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and may have not been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figure may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Throughout the drawings, it should be noted that like reference numbers are used to depict the same or similar elements, features, and structures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

[0042] In the following description, for the purposes of explanation and not limitation, specific details are set forth such as particular architectures, interfaces, techniques, etc. in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced in other embodiments that depart from these specific details. That is, those skilled in the art will be able to devise various arrangements which, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the invention and are included within its spirit and scope. In some instances, detailed descriptions of well-known devices, objects, and methods are omitted so as not to obscure the description of the present invention with unnecessary detail. All statements herein reciting principles, aspects and embodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in the future, i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure

[0043] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.

[0044] Fig 1 shows the back view of the system showing the schematic representation of various parts. As shown in the figure, 101 is the arrangement made for mounting the camera. 108 is the camera with general specifications. 102 is the lens. 103 is the mounting surface for reflective surfaces. 104 is the reflective surface. There can be one or more reflective surfaces depending on the size and shape of the object. 105 is the stand for reflective surface. 106 is the illumination arrangement. 107 is the conveyor.

[0045] Fig 2 gives the photographic view of the back view of the system. As shown in the figure, 201 is the motor to move the assembly vertically and adjust it according to the need. 102 is the camera lens. 203 is the assembly frame. 106 is the illumination. 107 is the conveyor. 207 is the conveyor frame. 208 is the stand for resting of the whole apparatus.

[0046] Fig 3 gives the photographic view of the front view of the system. As shown in this, 106 is the illumination. 301 is the object moving on the conveyor. 207 is the conveyor frame.

[0047] Fig 4 shows the top view of the system.106 is the illumination. 107 is the conveyor. 104 is the reflective surface. This arrangement can be customized as per the need of the user. Thus there can be minimal one illumination arrangement and minimal one reflective surface. Depending on the size of the object, 301 , the assembly can be customized. [0048] Fig 5 shows the flash light used in the system. This is the illumination arrangement. 501 is the LED mounting assembly. 502 are LEDs. Fig 6 is the holding arrangement for the flash light used in the system. Fig 7 is the top view of the flash light where 501 is the LED mounting assembly and 502 are the LEDs.

[0049] Fig 8 is the outer side of the flash light with holding arrangement attached to it, where 501 is the LED mounting assembly and 502 are the LEDs.

[0050] Fig. 9 is the screen shot captured by the automated electronic system used in the complete assembly. Fig. 10 is the representation of the consolidated image of the area covered by the reflecting surfaces used in the strategic position in the system.

[0051 ] The whole apparatus is made up of the suitable durable material. Only one camera is used to read the text or image on the object which is moving on the conveyor in any direction as horizontal or vertical, backward or forward, rotating around its axis in 360°

[0052] The size and number of the reflective surfaces are dependent on the size of the object and is customizable. With the help of motor, 201 , the assembly can be adjusted vertically. The motor type and its movement is dependent on the camera and is customizable as per the need. At any given time, in the whole assembly, there will be only one camera which is generally fixed on the top position as indicated in the figure, but can be positioned anywhere, depending on the type of the object. This single camera used inspects the whole surface of the object which may be stationary or moving in two directions as in the certain direction and also moving around its axis. Use of single camera makes this apparatus very handy, portable, economic and hence affordable. This portable apparatus reads all surfaces of any kind of object and then passes the information to electronic device which analyses the details which can be used for various purposes as tracking, sorting, serialization processing, tracing, and like.

[0053] This apparatus requires very less or no maintenance. Reflecting surfaces can be replaced easily as and when required. Strategic position of reflective surface helps the user to get the required effect. [0054) For illumination, normal LEDs are used as shown in the figure. This illumination helps to give clear picture of the image or text on the moving object. LED mounting arrangement is held in the position by LED mounting assembly and this whole LED mounting assembly is replaceable.

[0055] When the particular object of which all surfaces are to be scanned is moving on the conveyor then at that movement which may be vertical or horizontal, backward or forward, and around the axis of the object, then in such scenario the rays from the surface of the object pass through one or many reflecting surfaces and reaches to the camera. Camera captures the series of images and passes these images to electronic device like personal computer. This computer based on the algorithm, analyses the images and gives the clear consolidated image for further use.

[0056] By this system and method, surface area of any kind of object which may be of any shape and size can be read and analyzed for further usage. The system is completely customizable and portable. As there is is only one camera, it reduces the cost making the system affordable and easy to handle and maintain.