Multi-code reading on shipping cases

Need

The codes inside the case sit at different heights and angles and carton edges cast shadows; the code of an upside-down or tilted carton is not visible. All twelve codes must be decoded in one pass and merged with the case label into a single record.

Solution approach

Two readers in the portal cover the case area as front and rear halves and strobe together on the photo-sensor trigger; diffuse light reduces the shadows of carton edges. In every image all codes are searched at once, decoded codes are counted and duplicates discarded. The side reader reads the case label; the carton codes are linked to this case code to form the traceability (aggregation) record.

Process steps

1. 01

   Infeed

   The open case approaches the reader frame on the roller conveyor.

2. 02

   Acquire

   The photo-sensor sees the case and both top readers are triggered together.

3. 03

   Multi-read

   The twelve carton codes inside the case are decoded and counted in one shot.

4. 04

   Case label

   The side reader reads the case label; carton codes are linked to the case code.

5. 05

   Decide

   The number of codes read is compared with the expected carton count.