VISION SOLUTIONS
Machine vision applications and projects
ADVANCED INSPECTION OF PRINTED LABELS AND CODES
Verification of labels and printed codes is a crucial task in the food industry, as it ensures the quality and safety of products distributed in the market. To carry out this task, we use advanced inspection of labels and printed codes, a technology based on vision and artificial intelligence. The reading techniques we use for inspection include OCR, Deep OCR and OCV.
OCR (Optical Character Recognition) is a reading technique that uses machine vision to recognise and read characters in an image. OCR is able to read characters of different fonts and sizes, making it an effective technique for reading labels and codes printed on products or packaging.
Deep OCR, on the other hand, is a more advanced OCR technique that uses deep neural networks for reading and recognising characters in an image. This technique is able to recognise characters in different fonts and sizes, even in situations where the image quality is low or the lighting is poor.
OCV (Optical Character Verification) is another technique used in advanced inspection of printed labels and codes, which is used to verify the quality of characters printed on an image. OCV is able to detect and verify the quality of the printed characters, such as height, width, shape and orientation. This allows for greater accuracy in reading and verifying labels and codes printed on products or packaging.
The combination of these techniques allows for greater accuracy and reliability in reading and verifying labels and codes.
INTEGRATION WITH CUSTOMER PRODUCTION SYSTEMS
At INNDEO&INSPECTRA we integrate advanced printed code reading technology with client-side production systems, such as ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) and MES (Manufacturing Execution System), to improve efficiency and accuracy in supply chain management and product production.
In the case of integration with the ERP system, data read by advanced scanning technology, such as barcode or QR, can be automatically transferred to the company’s ERP system. This allows product-related information such as serial number, production date and location to be automatically synchronised with the ERP system without the need for manual data entry. This significantly reduces the time and possibility of manual data entry errors.
On the other hand, in the integration with the MES system, the advanced reading technology can be used to collect information about production processes and machine performance. The data read by the advanced reading technology can be automatically transferred to the MES system, allowing information related to production processes, such as cycle time, idle time and machine performance, to be automatically synchronised with the MES system without the need for manual data entry. This provides greater visibility and control over production processes, enabling the company to identify areas for improvement and take corrective action in a timely manner.
Therefore, the integration of advanced print code reading with these systems allows for greater automation and synchronisation of information related to products and production processes.
INSPECTRA COMPACT VISION SOLUTIONS
At INNDEO&INSPECTRA we have compact vision solutions for basic applications that require less processing power than inspection equipment, and which, due to their small size, can be installed in areas with limited space. These solutions are customised for each specific application, with a high degree of adaptation to both the product and the lines of each client.
Our extensive experience in the development and installation of machinery and artificial vision systems for the food industry allows us to offer the most advanced features of this type of compact inspection solutions:
- Compact machine vision systems easily expandable and adaptable to the customer’s lines
- IP69 food grade hygienic stainless steel design.
- Communication with the customer’s production systems
- Connection to external signalling and warning systems: beacons, indicator lights, sirens, etc.
- Remote connection to the equipment from any PC
- Automatic sending of alarms (e-mail) after detection of defects, foreign bodies or pre-established inspection indicators.
- Visualisation and recording of images with detected defects and traceability.
Examples of detection:
Basic product anomaly detection and product presence/absence or unit count detection
Simple product anomaly detection, presence/absence detection and unit counting are critical processes in the food industry that can be automated using these compact solutions to ensure quality and efficiency in production.
As for the detection of basic anomalies in products, it can involve the identification of defects from products such as fruit, vegetables or meat, among others, to anomalies in the size, shape or colour of the products.
Regarding the presence/absence detection of products, it is a process that can also be carried out through the use of compact cameras that implement artificial intelligence. For example, the detection of the presence/absence of chopsticks on a sushi tray.
And finally, unit counting involves the identification of the number of units of a product, such as counting the number of units in a box of chocolates.
INSPECTRA Compact Vision solutions are the most suitable alternative to automate these simple but crucial detection tasks in the production process.
Detection of presence/absence of labels and printed codes
The detection of absence/presence of printed codes and labels on product is another application of machine vision technology that enables accurate and efficient detection of the presence or absence of printed labels and codes on products.
INSPECTRA Compact Vision solutions can be installed in different parts of the production line to capture images of products as they pass through the line. Image processing technology analyses the captured images to detect the presence or absence of printed labels and codes. This detection technique is highly efficient and accurate, as the cameras can be programmed to detect labels and codes of different sizes, shapes and colours.
The detection of absence/presence of printed codes and labels on product using smart cameras is particularly important in the food industry to ensure traceability and food safety. Machine vision technology allows products to be accurately identified and tracked throughout the supply chain, which is essential for traceability and regulatory compliance.
Detection of foreign bodies in mixers and mincers
Compact vision solutions can offer advantages for inspections in hard-to-reach areas such as grinders or mixers. Colour-distinguishable foreign body inspection for these applications requires low processing power, thus offering effective inspection against the accidental introduction of plastics or other objects into the product masses.