Integrated label printer and barcode reader, and related systems and methods
AssigneeAmazon Technologies, Inc.
InventorsBenny Tran, Feng Liu
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A labeling device includes a printer configured to print labels each having a barcode on a print side of the label opposite an adhesive side of the label. The printer is also configured to direct each printed label in a direction of travel. The device includes a label applicator located downstream of the printer with respect to the direction of travel. The device also includes a barcode scanner that is located downstream of the printer with respect to the direction of travel and is configured to scan the barcode of each label before the label applicator presses the label against the package.
Claims20
An integrated barcode printing and scanning mechanism, comprising:
- a printer configured to print labels each having a barcode on a print side of the label and a layer of adhesive on an adhesive side of the label opposite the print side, wherein the barcode printing and scanning mechanism is configured to direct each printed label in a direction of travel;
- a tamp head assembly having a tamp head that is configured to press the label against a package while the package resides in a package labeling zone adjacent the tamp head so that the adhesive side adheres to the package and the print side is visible from an exterior of the package;
- and
- a barcode scanner located downstream of the printer and facing the print side of each label, wherein the barcode scanner is configured to scan the barcode of each label prior to each label being pressed against the package by the tamp head, wherein the barcode scanner is configured to transmit scan data to a processor in communication with the barcode scanner for verifying the barcode on each label.
A labeling device, comprising:
- a printer configured to print labels each having a barcode on a print side of the label opposite an adhesive side of the label, wherein the printer is configured to direct each printed label in a direction of travel;
- a label applicator located downstream of the printer with respect to the direction of travel;
- and
- a barcode scanner located downstream of the printer with respect to the direction of travel, wherein the barcode scanner is configured to scan the barcode of each label before the label applicator presses the label against a package.
A method of verifying barcodes on printed labels intended for affixation to packages, the method comprising:
- printing a plurality of labels with a printer, each printed label of the plurality of labels having a barcode on a print side of the label and a layer of adhesive on an adhesive side of the label opposite the print side;
- directing each label from the printer in a direction of travel toward a label applicator;
- scanning the barcode on each label with a barcode scanner so as to generate scan data for verifying the accuracy of the printed barcode;
- and
- after the scanning step, advancing a tamp head of the label applicator against each label verified accurate, thereby pressing each verified label against an associated package.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.