Scanning Devices devised a way to power the card reader efficiently, read and write data to the card from the handheld computer and package it in a way that offered convenient and fool-proof operation.

The engineering project required wide-ranging tasks: ergonomic study of intended use, mechanical package design, electronic circuit design and circuit board layout, microcontroller software development, assembly and test processes and more.

The prototype shown here is now in full production.

Palm Clip-on Smartcard Reader

Stanpac (Smithville, Ontario Canada) screenprints on glass refillable bottles for milk, and one way glass for wine, liquor, and food products. One key to success in this competitive manufacturing area is keeping the production running at the proper rate.

Scanning Devices developed monitoring and display systems that report real-time production results throughout the shift for display throughout the plant.

Job entries and setups are easily made in Palm Handhelds. Using their Palms, Stanpac supervisors enter production rates, machine utilization targets and volume goals for each job and shift. At the start of each job or shift, data is quickly loaded to the control system. Once loaded, the supervisor removes the Palm link and the machinery runs, completely secure from any reprogramming or unauthorized adjustment.

Scanning Devices provided display and control systems as well as the companion application on Palm Handhelds.

The real-time data has proven invaluable to Stanpac, improving their utilization and bottom line profits.

Palm Handheld user-inteface for production control

Traditional filling approaches did not achieve accurate fill weight in the time required. Scanning Devices developed a sequenced tare and fill controller based on the 754-series load cell controllers. The custom design took advantage of an existing proven product, customizing it for the specific needs of the packaging situation.

Fill logic and processing now conforms to material flow, allowing ingredient mix to be determined by a host PC. Controllers are installed right on the PC's internal bus. Controllers take their target weight setpoints from the PC and report filling results.

The result is a tightly integrated system that improved both flexibility and performance, organizing and controlling multiple filling stations from a single operator control point.

754P-LC3 Single Channel PC/104 Compliant Loadcell Controller