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WO1997002951A1 - Systeme de scannage d'etiquettes - Google Patents

Systeme de scannage d'etiquettes Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1997002951A1
WO1997002951A1 PCT/US1996/011506 US9611506W WO9702951A1 WO 1997002951 A1 WO1997002951 A1 WO 1997002951A1 US 9611506 W US9611506 W US 9611506W WO 9702951 A1 WO9702951 A1 WO 9702951A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
label
labels
triggering
triggering mark
light
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.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/US1996/011506
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Bruce J. Maliner
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.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
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 Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to US08/981,808 priority Critical patent/US6358353B1/en
Priority to BR9609576A priority patent/BR9609576A/pt
Priority to DK96925288.1T priority patent/DK0837774T3/da
Priority to EP96925288A priority patent/EP0837774B1/fr
Priority to AU65437/96A priority patent/AU6543796A/en
Priority to CA002225541A priority patent/CA2225541C/fr
Priority to DE69638316T priority patent/DE69638316D1/de
Priority to AT96925288T priority patent/ATE494606T1/de
Publication of WO1997002951A1 publication Critical patent/WO1997002951A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65C—LABELLING OR TAGGING MACHINES, APPARATUS, OR PROCESSES
    • B65C9/00—Details of labelling machines or apparatus
    • B65C9/40—Controls; Safety devices
    • B65C9/42—Label feed control
    • B65C9/44—Label feed control by special means responsive to marks on labels or articles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B31—MAKING ARTICLES OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER; WORKING PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
    • B31D—MAKING ARTICLES OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN SUBCLASSES B31B OR B31C
    • B31D1/00—Multiple-step processes for making flat articles ; Making flat articles
    • B31D1/02—Multiple-step processes for making flat articles ; Making flat articles the articles being labels or tags
    • B31D1/027—Multiple-step processes for making flat articles ; Making flat articles the articles being labels or tags involving, marking, printing or coding

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a labelling system and in particular to a roll fed labelling process in which labels are scanned and cut in registration prior to their application to a bottle or other container.
  • labels are scanned by an electronic scanner designed to detect a change in coloration between a triggering mark and the adjacent label graphics.
  • an electronic scanner designed to detect a change in coloration between a triggering mark and the adjacent label graphics.
  • there must be sufficient opacity of the triggering mark color sufficient contrast between the triggering mark color and the adjacent graphics and sufficient spacing between the triggering mark and the adjacent graphics to that the scanning equipment does not confuse the one for the other.
  • Bottlers experience considerable downtime resulting from problems associated with the conventional scanning system. This is partially due to the increased use of more complex graphics and more frequent packaging changes, which require realignment and adjustment of the scanning equipment.
  • the use of stylized, distinctly designed, bottles often requires small labels because of the contours of the bottle, thereby reducing the spacing available between a triggering mark and adjacent graphics.
  • the increased use of promotional banners across the label to announce special offers and promotions require sharp contrasts with the remainder of the label thereby potentially interfering with the ability of conventional scanning equipment to distinguish the triggering mark from the graphics or confusing the banner or a portion thereof for the triggering mark.
  • a further object is to provide such a scanning system and label that requires a nominal change to existing labeling equipment and can be readily adapted to existing bottling lines.
  • the label roll is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation of a first frequency, for example modulated ultra ⁇ violet light which causes the triggering mark to emit correspondingly modulated radiation of a different frequency, such as visible light.
  • the detection of the modulated visible light is thus independent of the relationship between the triggering mark and surrounding graphics so that no color change is required to produce a sharp contrast to set off the triggering mark from the remainder of the label.
  • a cutting assembly is activated to separate an individual label from the roll.
  • the modulation is at a modulation frequency which is outside the frequency of visible light and may be in the kilohertz range, conveniently about 33 kHz.
  • a modulation frequency which is outside the frequency of visible light and may be in the kilohertz range, conveniently about 33 kHz.
  • the signal to noise ratio i.e. the amount of light reflected from the triggering mark as compared to light reflected from neighbouring parts of the label, will be increased by increasing the amount of luminophor material in the triggering mark.
  • the fluorescent optical brightening material is very expensive so it is desirable to minimize the amount used.
  • the sensor may not be able to detect it against the background "noise" or interference. The problem is exacerbated where, as is usual, the rolls of labels are produced by an independent supplier and it is left to the bottler to adjust sensitivity levels to suit the different labels and compensate for different colors and color combinations.
  • a method of producing labels for applying to containers in the manner defined in the first aspect includes the steps of producing a roll of said labels with said triggering marks each registered to a label, scanning the roll of labels using radiation at a first frequency, for example UV light, and obtaining a measure of the amount of radiation at a second frequency, for example visible light, emitted by a said triggering mark in response to irradiation by the radiation at the first frequency; comparing the measured radiation with a reference level representing a maximum level of radiation at the different frequency emitted by colored parts of the label when irradiated by said radiation at the first frequency and, if the radiation from the triggering mark does not exceed said maximum by a predetermined margin, increasing the amount of luminophor material in the triggering mark.
  • the reference level may be derived by measuring such radiation, e.g. visible light, emitted by selected colored portions of the label when irradiated by said radiation at the first frequency.
  • the colored portions selected may be those which will subsequently be scanned by the sensor.
  • Figure 1 is a plan view of a series of labels on a roll containing triggering marks in accordance with the present invention
  • Figure 2 is an enlarged plan view of two adjacent label repeats from the roll
  • Figure 3 is a schematic representation of a typical label structure used for soft drink bottles.
  • Figure 4 is a schematic view of a bottle labelling system in accordance with the present invention.
  • a typical label may include graphics indicating the brand, flavor, logo etc. and a banner announcing a special price or promotion. Labels are commonly printed in multi ⁇ colors for enhanced eye-appeal to the consumer.
  • the individual labels are separated from each other by a line 26 that is registered to a triggering mark 28.
  • the triggering mark 28 may be on the cut line 26 or a fixed distance from the cut line. In either case, the triggering mark serves to activate a cutting mechanism to separate a single label from the roll as will be described.
  • the cut line 26 may be a visible line, actually separating the graphics of the individual labels from one another, or simply the line at which the roll is to be cut but not bearing any particular distinguishing characteristic. That is, the graphics of labels 12a and 12b may simply run into each other on the roll across the interface between the labels.
  • mark 28 is formed with a luminophor ink, i.e. an ink which includes a fluorescent optical brightening agent.
  • fluorescent optical brightening agents are available commercially under the trade name UVITEX OB from the Ciba Additives division of Ciba-Geigy, Hawthorne, New York and under the trade name BLANKOPHOR SOL from Bayer Corporation, Industrial Chemicals Division.
  • the fluorescent optical brightening agents, and hence the luminophor inks have the property of reflecting invisible UV light as longer wave length visible light.
  • the UV light is modulated at a particular frequency and sensors which contain spectral filters and respond only to visible light modulated to the particular frequency serve to detect the triggering mark.
  • sensors are made, for example, by SICK Optic-Electronics, Inc. of Eden Prairie, MN.
  • a preferred sensor has a light source emitting light with a wavelength of about 365 nanometers and applies the modulation simply by interrupting the light source at the specified frequency of about 33 kilohertz.
  • a suitable filter at the sensor output has a corresponding selection frequency of 33 kHz. so that the sensor is substantially insensitive to light from other sources which does not have the modulation.
  • the present invention makes use of such inks and such sensors in the manner described.
  • the roll of labels 10 is printed in the usual manner except that the triggering marks 12 are printed with luminophor ink.
  • the triggering mark 12 may comprise a line extending across the entire width of the label, merely comprise a block as shown, or comprise any relatively small portion of the label graphics. The latter is preferred since the cost of the luminophor ink is approximately 10 times that of conventional ink so that a substantial cost advantage can be achieved by minimizing the area of the label printed with the luminophor ink.
  • the location of the triggering mark with respect to the edge of the individual label is immaterial so long as the distance is known.
  • the color of the triggering mark is immaterial and thus the triggering mark may be transparent or pigmented to invisibly blend into the adjacent graphics.
  • the graphics adjacent to the triggering mark need not contrast with the triggering mark (as in conventionally printed rollfed labels) and thus the graphics can extend right up to the very edge of the label and even across the interface between adjacent labels.
  • the label application system of the present invention is depicted in Figure 4.
  • a roll of labels 10 is fed through idler rolls 30 past a luminescence sensor 32.
  • the sensor 32 contains a modulated UV light source as well as a spectral filter element that filters out light at wavelengths other than those emitted by the luminophor ink, such that the sensor 32 will generally respond only to the emitted visible light reflected off the triggering mark of a label.
  • the light source emits light in the UV range, i.e. 365 nanometers. Modulation is applied to the light from the UV light source, conveniently by interrupting the light at a rate of 33 kHz. The corresponding visible light emitted by the triggering mark will be in the visible range, but will still include the 33 kHz. modulation.
  • the luminescence sensor 32 detects the light reflected from the label roll and uses a filter to detect the 33 kHz. modulation, rejecting visible light from other sources which also is reflected from the label roll but not modulated at 33 kHz. In particular, the sensor 32 will reject light from certain colors in the graphics, such as some yellows and greens, which may tend to fluoresce and emit light at much the same frequency as the triggering mark.
  • the detection of the triggering mark is used to control a cutter assembly 34 consisting of a blade 38 and rotor 36.
  • the blade 38 is controlled by the sensor 32 to move toward the rotor to cut the lagging end of the leading label 12, thereby separating it from the remainder of roll 10.
  • the separated label is transported by rotor 38 to a vacuum pick off 40 that holds a label in place as it rotates to move the label 12 past a glue applicator 42.
  • the glued label is then rotated by the vacuum pick off to align with filled bottles, where the vacuum is released and the label 12 is transferred to a passing bottle 44.
  • Modulating the UV light reduces interference from ambient light reflecting off the label and/or the triggering mark.
  • one or more of the colors used in the label will be slightly fluorescent so that, as the color is scanned by the sensor 32, it too will emit modulated visible light.
  • the amount of brightening agent in the ink used for the triggering mark is carefully controlled to ensure that the modulated visible light from the triggering mark, when scanned, is always significantly greater than that from any of the background colors.
  • the amount of brightening agent is controlled with reference to the sensitivity of the sensor 32 as well as emission levels of the various colors.
  • the sensitivity of the sensor 32 is set at a level which is just low enough to ensure that it will not respond to modulated visible light of a predetermined level, which is arranged to be greater than that from any of the colors to be used in the labels. This level can be determined by measuring various colors.
  • At least one label is scanned using a test sensor similar to sensor 32 but with a digital readout of detected light levels.
  • the test sensor may be a model LUT 1-5 by the above-mentioned SICK Optic-Electronics, Inc.
  • Each color which subsequently will lie in the path scanned by the sensor 32 is scanned by the UV light source and the amount of corresponding visible light is measured to ensure that it is less than the above ⁇ mentioned predetermined level of modulated visible light.
  • the triggering mark also is scanned using the UV light source and the amount of corresponding visible light measured to ensure that it is greater than a reference level and hence exceeds, by a predetermined margin, the maximum of the background light levels measured for the label colors.
  • the margin will be a ratio of three or more to one.
  • the reference level might be determined with reference to the predetermined level for the sensor 32. If the amount of modulated visible light from the triggering mark is insufficient, more brightening agent is added to the ink, following which the measurements may be repeated.
  • sample labels may be tested in the manner described above to ensure that the ratio between light levels for the triggering mark and the background colors is maintained.
  • the amount of brightening agent may be increased to obtain the required margin.
  • the roll of labels may be rejected. There is no need to change the sensitivity of sensor 32, even when the labels are changed, providing each roll of labels provides the required light emission levels.
  • the present invention advantageously improves the application of labels to containers, especially bottles, using high speed machinery.
  • the sensor is substantially oblivious to all of the graphics of the label other than the luminescent triggering mark, and the registration of the labels may be very closely controlled.
  • the graphics can be designed without any concern for the triggering mark. That is, there need not be any sharp change between the colors of the triggering mark and adjacent graphics in order to provide the contrast necessary to set off the triggering mark for the detector.

Landscapes

  • Labeling Devices (AREA)
  • Facsimile Scanning Arrangements (AREA)
  • Apparatus For Radiation Diagnosis (AREA)
  • Mechanical Optical Scanning Systems (AREA)
  • Investigating, Analyzing Materials By Fluorescence Or Luminescence (AREA)
  • Printers Characterized By Their Purpose (AREA)
  • Radar Systems Or Details Thereof (AREA)
  • Weting (AREA)
  • Cleaning Or Drying Semiconductors (AREA)
  • Semiconductor Memories (AREA)

Abstract

Système d'étiquetage alimenté par rouleau et étiquettes associées. Une étiquette (12) comprend une marque-repère (28) tracée au moyen d'une encre luminophore, c'est-à-dire contenant un agent d'avivage optique fluorescent, où une lumière ultraviolette se réfléchit sous forme de lumière visible. Une source de lumière ultraviolette modulée est dirigée sur l'étiquette. La lumière visible modulée réfléchie est détectée et sert à déclencher un mécanisme de coupe qui sépare l'étiquette du rouleau. La marque-repère ne contraste pas nécessairement de façon visible avec la partie imprimée de l'étiquette et peut se trouver en dehors du spectre visible. Lors de la production d'un rouleau d'étiquettes, il est possible de contrôler la quantité d'agent d'avivage en vérifiant la luminescence de la marque-repère par rapport à un niveau de référence pouvant être déterminé en fonction de la luminescence maximale d'autres parties de l'étiquette.
PCT/US1996/011506 1995-07-07 1996-07-08 Systeme de scannage d'etiquettes Ceased WO1997002951A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (8)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US08/981,808 US6358353B1 (en) 1996-07-08 1996-07-08 Label scanning system
BR9609576A BR9609576A (pt) 1995-07-07 1996-07-08 Sistema explorador de etiqueta
DK96925288.1T DK0837774T3 (da) 1995-07-07 1996-07-08 Etiket-scanningssystem
EP96925288A EP0837774B1 (fr) 1995-07-07 1996-07-08 Systeme de scannage d'etiquettes
AU65437/96A AU6543796A (en) 1995-07-07 1996-07-08 Label scanning system
CA002225541A CA2225541C (fr) 1995-07-07 1996-07-08 Systeme de scannage d'etiquettes
DE69638316T DE69638316D1 (de) 1995-07-07 1996-07-08 Etikettenabtastsystem
AT96925288T ATE494606T1 (de) 1995-07-07 1996-07-08 Etikettenabtastsystem

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US49956695A 1995-07-07 1995-07-07
US08/499,566 1995-07-07

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1997002951A1 true WO1997002951A1 (fr) 1997-01-30

Family

ID=23985755

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US1996/011506 Ceased WO1997002951A1 (fr) 1995-07-07 1996-07-08 Systeme de scannage d'etiquettes

Country Status (11)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0837774B1 (fr)
AT (1) ATE494606T1 (fr)
AU (1) AU6543796A (fr)
BR (1) BR9609576A (fr)
CA (1) CA2225541C (fr)
DE (1) DE69638316D1 (fr)
DK (1) DK0837774T3 (fr)
ES (1) ES2357186T3 (fr)
MX (1) MX9800001A (fr)
PT (1) PT837774E (fr)
WO (1) WO1997002951A1 (fr)

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2001060629A1 (fr) * 2000-02-16 2001-08-23 Beiersdorf Ag Utilisation de luminophores pour l'application de reperes de direction, notamment sur des tubes, des contenants ou des couvercles
EP1533236A1 (fr) * 2003-11-21 2005-05-25 Joe & Samia Management Inc. Etiquetage de produits
EP2078605A1 (fr) * 2008-01-14 2009-07-15 Giro GH S.A. Bande de matériau plastique enroulable
WO2009095846A1 (fr) * 2008-01-30 2009-08-06 Oy M. Haloila Ab Appareil, procédé et pellicule pour pellicule d'emballage

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2888570A (en) 1955-04-26 1959-05-26 Ohio Commw Eng Co Apparatus for controlling machines and processes
US3536550A (en) 1966-01-28 1970-10-27 New Jersey Machine Corp Method of and apparatus for printing and feeding labels in a continuous web,and for verifying and cutting individual labels therefrom for application to articles
US3594933A (en) * 1969-04-01 1971-07-27 Spectronics Corp Identification device
US4428672A (en) * 1980-10-17 1984-01-31 Brent Chemicals International Limited Variable threshold workpiece examination
US4467207A (en) 1980-07-07 1984-08-21 Automated Packaging Systems, Inc. Non-migrating control indicia for a plastic web or sheet article
US5091006A (en) * 1988-11-07 1992-02-25 Pitney Bowes Inc. Solution fluorescent inks

Family Cites Families (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3955502A (en) * 1966-01-28 1976-05-11 Njm, Inc. Method of printing labels

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2888570A (en) 1955-04-26 1959-05-26 Ohio Commw Eng Co Apparatus for controlling machines and processes
US3536550A (en) 1966-01-28 1970-10-27 New Jersey Machine Corp Method of and apparatus for printing and feeding labels in a continuous web,and for verifying and cutting individual labels therefrom for application to articles
US3594933A (en) * 1969-04-01 1971-07-27 Spectronics Corp Identification device
US4467207A (en) 1980-07-07 1984-08-21 Automated Packaging Systems, Inc. Non-migrating control indicia for a plastic web or sheet article
US4428672A (en) * 1980-10-17 1984-01-31 Brent Chemicals International Limited Variable threshold workpiece examination
US5091006A (en) * 1988-11-07 1992-02-25 Pitney Bowes Inc. Solution fluorescent inks

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2001060629A1 (fr) * 2000-02-16 2001-08-23 Beiersdorf Ag Utilisation de luminophores pour l'application de reperes de direction, notamment sur des tubes, des contenants ou des couvercles
EP1533236A1 (fr) * 2003-11-21 2005-05-25 Joe & Samia Management Inc. Etiquetage de produits
US7153378B2 (en) 2003-11-21 2006-12-26 Joe & Samia Management Inc. Product labelling
EP2078605A1 (fr) * 2008-01-14 2009-07-15 Giro GH S.A. Bande de matériau plastique enroulable
WO2009095846A1 (fr) * 2008-01-30 2009-08-06 Oy M. Haloila Ab Appareil, procédé et pellicule pour pellicule d'emballage

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DK0837774T3 (da) 2011-04-18
ATE494606T1 (de) 2011-01-15
PT837774E (pt) 2011-02-07
ES2357186T3 (es) 2011-04-19
DE69638316D1 (de) 2011-02-17
BR9609576A (pt) 1999-08-17
AU6543796A (en) 1997-02-10
CA2225541A1 (fr) 1997-01-30
EP0837774A4 (fr) 1999-07-14
MX9800001A (es) 1998-11-30
EP0837774A1 (fr) 1998-04-29
CA2225541C (fr) 2002-12-24
EP0837774B1 (fr) 2011-01-05

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