Container identification with lateral code reading

Requirement:

Solution:

Reliable identification in tray conveyor systems

Requirement:

Tray conveyor technology is an essential component of modern intralogistics systems. A wide variety of products, such as envelopes, packages, cans or cartons, are transported on the trays. However, the trays’ low height leaves only limited space for labeling. For this reason, barcodes are often applied to the sides in a so-called “picket fence” arrangement or, increasingly, as compact 2D-codes. To ensure a smooth material flow, these codes must be reliably detected despite the small labeling areas and varying product sizes. A high-performance identification solution is therefore crucial to ensure safe object tracking, high process speeds, and maximum transparency along the entire conveyor line.

Solution:

The DCR 300i was specifically developed to meet the requirements of modern tray conveyor systems and reliably detects both 1D- and 2D-codes. Thanks to its compact design and integrated polarization filter, the camera-based code reader can be easily integrated onto or between closely spaced conveyor lines, even in constrained spaces. The powerful image processing, combined with optimized reading gate control, ensures fast and reliable decoding even at high conveyor speeds. As a result, the DCR 300i ensures safe identification of trays and their transported goods, supporting a smooth material flow in modern intralogistics systems.

Reading inkjet barcodes printed directly on cardboard boxes 

Requirement:

In many intralogistics applications, cardboard boxes are transported directly on the conveyor system without additional transport aids. To reduce costs and simplify the labeling process, they are often identified by inkjet codes printed directly onto the cardboard box instead of separate barcode labels. However, the widely varying print and material properties pose particular challenges for code detection. Differences in the cardboard surface, varying card colors, as well as differing degrees of ink bleed can significantly affect code quality and contrast. However, for reliable material flow control, the applied 1D- and 2D-codes must be read reliably and consistently to ensure a high level of process reliability and system availability.

Solution:

The DCR 300i was developed specifically for demanding identification tasks in intralogistics and is also capable of reliably reading inkjet codes printed directly on cardboard boxes. Even with fluctuating contrasts, smudged ink, or varying cardboard surfaces, the patented exposure control within the reading gate ensures optimal image quality. In combination with decoding algorithms specifically optimized for directly printed barcodes, the DCR 300i delivers outstanding reading performance and ensures reliable identification even under difficult conditions. This stabilizes processes, reduces no-reads, and ensures high system availability.

Barcode reading at a downwards angle in carton and container conveyor systems

Requirement:

On conveyor systems, container orientation often changes, so side-on code reading is not always possible. In these cases, identification must be performed from the front or back at a steep downward reading angle. The resulting unfavorable reading conditions place high demands on the reading technology, as 1D- and 2D-codes must be reliably detected even from difficult angles.

Solution:

The DCR 300i handles this challenge with ease. Regardless of whether the barcode is arranged in a picket-fence or ladder pattern on the container’s front or rear side, the camera-based technology enables reliable detection even at very steep reading angles. The optimally designed reading field, intelligent exposure control, and powerful decoding algorithms ensure high reading performance even under demanding conditions. As a result, the DCR 300i can be flexibly integrated into a wide variety of system configurations and ensures reliable identification without manual reworking – for maximum process safety and a smooth material flow.

Angled barcode reading from the side in carton and container conveyor systems

Requirement:

In many intralogistics applications, barcodes are arranged in a ladder or picket fence pattern on the front or rear side of cardboard boxes and containers. To ensure reliable identification, these codes must be captured accurately while the objects pass through the reading station, sometimes at high speed. Often, only a side view of the conveyor line is available.

Solution:

The DCR 300i enables reliable code capture even from oblique side angles. Thanks to its camera-based technology, barcodes are reliably identified regardless of their orientation – whether in ladder or picket fence arrangements. Combined with long-range optics, the DCR 300i offers highly flexible reader positioning and enables reliable detection even at greater working distances. This simplifies integration into existing conveyor systems and ensures a high reading rate across a wide variety of applications.

Reading codes on pallet feet in pallet conveyor systems

Requirement:

In pallet conveyor systems, pallets are often identified using a barcode label attached to a pallet foot. As supply chains become increasingly digitalized, QR codes printed directly onto EPAL pallets are also expected to become more common. The label is located on the right front pallet foot as standard, and must be reliably detected even under challenging environmental conditions.

Solution:

The DCR 300i offers a high-performance solution for the reliable identification of pallets and detects both traditional 1D barcodes and modern 2D-codes reliably and quickly. Optimized reading field curves, combined with patented exposure control, ensure consistently optimal image quality and stable decoding across the entire detection range. As a result, the DCR 300i ensures a high reading rate, maximum process reliability, and a smooth material flow in modern pallet conveyor systems.