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 Barracuda
This Project was submitted to Parallax by John Twomey.
The machine is called a 'Barracuda' - its application is seen here in a Fish Processing industry. It is basically a P.C. based GUI application (.NET) with a touch screen. It is connected to a central network based database where all product variables are updated / inserted in an office environment. As orders come in electronically they update the database and so a live order is created. Similarly as new raw materials come in (unprocessed fish in this example) the data is electronically scanned into the database and added to a raw materials stock and transport data, temp, time are also logged (incidentally these too are gathered via a basic stamp controller). This data entry or goods in process also contains data about the fish - its catch area, date time, fishing vessel etc. As the fish passes through the plant the database is appended with all relevant details about the process. The fish finally comes to the print and apply station which attaches labels  to the product's packaging.
The Barracuda has an inbuilt:
- Under conveyor Scanner
- Handheld Barcode Scanner
- Product Label Printer with print and apply
- Batch/Case Label Printer
- Reject Flap to reject un-scanned or incorrect products
 When the product comes to the Barracuda - the operator scans in (via hand held) the product type and the batch number from the crate. If all is in order the P.C. starts the machine and work is placed on the conveyor for print and apply. When the product passes along - a scanner under the conveyor scans the rear of the pack and if the result is not Unique (has not been through before) or not a match to the selected product type a reject flap lifts and dumps the product.
All the hardware is controlled by the Basic Stamp via RS232 - it is a seamless continuous communication between the .Net application and the basic stamp at 9600 Baud and has had absolutely no issues since implementation - the machine was built in house including the controller P.C.B. which has opto-coupled inputs and Outputs on board regulator. There is no auxiliary serial buffering or RS232 drive stages - the machine has completed over 5million products and continues to run faultlessly. Note the simplicity of the code!
A link to pre-implementation testing:
video.google.com (not hosted by Parallax)
The Basic Stamp was chosen for 'speed to market' - we have designed  and developed many bespoke machines in the past but have found that the Parallax Products offer great time saving in terms of product development and new employee training.
For more information contact: john@neotech.ie |
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