Checking device for a label, with a detection and processing unit for the detection of the label

Abstract

A checking device for a label, with a processor for the detection of the label and a layout unit for the creation of a layout of the label from layout data, wherein the checking device comprises a data converter device configured in such a way that it generates test data from layout data in memory in order to control the processor. A data converter device for use in a checking device, wherein the data converter device is configured in such a way that it generates test data from layout data in memory for checking the label.

Claims

1. A checking system for recognizing, identifying, transforming, and evaluating, using test data, a label, comprising a processor for the detection of the label and a layout processor for the creation of a layout of the label from layout data, wherein: the checking system also comprises a data converter processor, which is configured in such a way that it generates test data from layout data in memory in order to control the detection processor to detect a label based on new test data, wherein the new test data is generated by converting the layout data, or alternatively, control data, for controlling a printer while avoiding processing of a printed image, wherein the test data includes position, size or kind of at least one of the label or fields of the label, and wherein the detection processor automatically detects a position, size, or kind of a label at a corresponding position on a product or packaging as specified by the test data.

2. The checking system according to claim 1, wherein the processor is configured as an image processor.

3. The checking system according to claim 1, wherein the test data exist as metadata.

4. The checking system of claim 1, wherein the data converter device comprises one of a stand-alone unit, a switched circuit, or an integrated circuit.

5. The checking system according to claim 1, wherein the detection processor automatically detects at least one of the position, size, or kind of a respective field of the label on the product or packaging at the position specified by the test data.

6. A data converter device, comprising: a processor that receives data known upon a layout creation of a label from a checking device; a processor executing a data converter application for transforming said data into test data from layout data in memory to detect a label based on new test data, wherein new test data is generated by converting the data, or alternatively, control data, for controlling a printer while avoiding processing of a printed image; and a processor for transmitting said converted data to an image detection processor, wherein the test data includes position, size, or kind of at least one of the label or fields of the label, and wherein the image detection processor automatically detects a position, size, or kind of a label at a corresponding position on a product or packaging as specified by the test data.

7. The data converter device of claim 6, wherein the data converter device comprises one of a stand-alone unit, a switched circuit, or an integrated circuit.

8. The data converter device of claim 6, wherein the detection processor automatically detects at least one of the position, size, or kind of a respective field of the label on the product or packaging at the position specified by the test data.

9. The data converter device of claim 6, wherein the data converter device is configured in such a way that the test data are transmitted in metadata form.

10. A method for checking a label, comprising the steps of: using layout data for the creation of the label; configuring a data converter device to generate test data using layout data in memory; transforming layout data in memory into test data to detect a label based on new test data wherein the new test data is generated by converting the layout data into the new test data, or alternatively, control data, for controlling a printer while avoiding processing of a printed image; and detecting the label using the test data to control a processor to check the label, wherein the test data includes position, size, or kind of at least one of the label or fields of the label, and wherein the processor automatically checks a label by detecting a position, size, or kind of a label at a corresponding position on a product or packaging as specified by the test data.

11. A method for checking a label of claim 10, wherein the detection processor automatically detects at least one of the position, size, or kind of a respective field of the label on the product or packaging at the position specified by the test data.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The invention is explained in more detail in the following, with reference to an exemplary embodiment illustrated in the drawing.

(2) Shown are:

(3) FIG. 1 a schematic block diagram of a checking device of the invention, and

(4) FIG. 2 a schematic illustration of a label.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(5) The checking device illustrated in FIG. 1 comprises a layout unit 1 for creating a layout of a label, which is transmitted as print data 3 to a printer, which prints the label on a product or a pack. Integrated in the layout unit 1 is a data converter, which converts data known upon layout creation into test data 7 and transmits it to an image processing system 9.

(6) Upon creation of the layout of the label illustrated in FIG. 2, fields differing in kind and position within a label are created and established. Thus a “batch number” field can be given a correspondingly readable field designation 13, whereas the field content 15 is located in the same line immediately to the right of this field designation 13.

(7) Under the “batch number” on the top left is arranged an “expiration date” field with a field designation 17 and a field content 19 located in the same line immediately to the right thereof.

(8) As can be discerned in FIG. 2, in the case of the “batch number” and “expiration date” fields plain text characters are used for the field designations 13, 17 (letters and symbols) and for the field content (numbers).

(9) A serial number 21 arranged in the bottom center of the label can also be read directly and easily without decoding by consumers or users, for example.

(10) On the other hand there is a coded field (henceforth designated as barcode 11) in the right-hand area of the label, which can only be read out with suitable decoding means (scanner with decoding software).

(11) In addition, the position of the label on its future place of use can also be established in the layout unit 1.

(12) These data, i.e., the position (and also the type and size) of the label on the product or packaging as well as the positions and kinds (plain text, coded, length of the field, font size, font style, etc.) of the fields 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, and 11 are input in a converter, which is preferably integrated as an application in the layout unit.

(13) The converter transforms the aforementioned data/formats into test data 7, according to which test steps of the image processing system are executed or the execution thereof is controlled.

(14) Because the test data are automatically created and available in the image processing system, a time-consuming adjustment and/or teach-in of the image processing system can thus be avoided.

(15) In contrast to conventional systems, which only create test data for rapid processing by means of manual input and/or teach-in, with the system and method of the invention any change in labelling and/or product/packaging (type, geometry, material, spatial position) can be taken into account faster (automatically). A repeated (manual) teach-in of the image processing system is dispensed with.

(16) The use of histogram methods and difference images without teach-in, however, is not sufficient for the rapid printing on products or packs desired in a production line. In contrast, the invention enables the necessary individual checking of the print areas and a precise positioning as well as repositioning of individual test areas.

(17) The system and the method of the invention are not limited to the exemplary embodiment described here. Their applicability relates to all applications in which the labelling of a product or packaging and the checking thereof for correct readability is required. As part of the quality assurance that is now standard practice for product labelling as well, the use of the invention for the labelling of everything from specialty products (medical technology, military products, etc.) to everyday products (food packaging) is conceivable.

(18) Regardless of the case of application of the invention, the advantages described in the following are also achievable.

(19) By making current new test data and print data available, a common automatic switch-over of the printer system and the camera system/detection unit can be effected by the system of the invention. The downtimes that would otherwise be necessary for a readjustment are thus eliminated.

(20) The creation of test data by means of a (data) converter renders an adaptation to different detection systems and printer systems easy. Corresponding individual specification data of a detection system or printer system can be manually input or called up from a database for this. In an advantageous manner, an independence from the target system (printer and detection system) is made possible by the invention. In particular, fonts used in the creation of the label layout according to the invention can be made available to the detection and processing unit in a simple and expedient manner.

(21) Because preferably all of the test data and settings of the detection system are automatically calculated from the layout/print data and automatically transmitted to the image processing system, a detection system (in particular an image processing system) is initialized and the entire device (for printing and detecting and processing, e.g., track & trace) is ready to operate only a short while after the print layout creation is complete.

(22) With the system and method of the invention, advantageously test criteria such as: Code reading Printing corresponds to defaults? Compare vectorized printer defaults to the printed image Check nozzle-outs (detect inkjet clogs, for example) Missing print areas (detect incorrect field positions, for example) Check for empty spaces (for example additional print, larger “satellites” (spatters), smears, etc.)  can easily be fulfilled.

(23) The system and method of the invention thus enables maximum detection quality with minimal effort for setting up the detection and processing unit and/or the printer system. Owing to the automation and elimination of manual and in some cases repeated input of production data, the likelihood of errors can also be reduced. Plus material wear is minimized. Rather than separate data storage, the invention advantageously enables central data storage in only one layout.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

(24) 1 Layout unit with integrated data converter 3 Print data 5 Printer 7 Test data 9 Image processing system 11 Barcode 13 “Batch” field designation 15 Field content of 13 17 “Expiration date” field designation 19 Field content of 17 21 Serial number