Solving: Optical Character Recognition for Bar Codes

Barcode Reading goes to a new level in Pharmaceutical Packaging

Microscan’s partner, Industrielle Sensorsysteme Wichmann (ISW) GmbH has been decoding Data Matrix symbols, reading text with Optical Character Recognition (OCR), or performing product inspection with machine vision with high-performance, turnkey automation solutions for over 20 years. We wanted to feature this Microscan Vision Select Partner, as they integrate with Microscan barcode reading and machine vision technology, enabling product tracking, traceability, and quality control improvement. These advanced processes allow companies to reduce waste, increase production speed, and ensure quality products through automation.

Requirement:

Ensure ampoule label strips are produced with proper dimensions and fill levels.

By using automated image processing capabilities of machine vision technology, ISW and Microscan are able to replace manual, error-prone human inspection of ampoule strips.

The Solution

Non-contact inspection and measurement is essential in many areas, but it is also difficult to achieve with manual processes and human operators. In image processing, a camera system replaces error-prone human operators and functions continuously at a consistently high level of quality and precision. The image processing system shown here measures ampoule strips and monitors the content and processing of the product. The automation of this inspection process ensures high quality and minimizes costs resulting from production defects.

The blow, fill, and seal process produces transparent strips of five ampoules each. The function of the image processing system is to determine the dimensions of the ampoule strips, to monitor the fill level of the sodium chloride solution contained therein, and to inspect the form of the ampoule neck and the opening. The various image processing tests ensure that ampoules sent to the customer will have a consistent level of quality. Malfunctions in subsequent processing steps are significantly reduced because damaged ampoule strips are ejected by a pressurized air system directly after the image processing station. The system is controlled by an

Microscan Gigabit Ethernet Cameras Provide Ampoule Inspection in the Pharmaceutical Industry

A turnkey inspection system from ISW eliminates defects in the production of ampoule strips for the pharmaceutical industry.

ISW and Microscan have solved this with turnkey hardware/software system using ISW machine vision inspection software interface and Microscan Gigabit Ethernet (GigE) cameras. 

Result:

Ensured quality of ampoule strips and reduced production defects lead to cost savings. See how PaladinID helps clinics, labs and testing facilities label ampoules efficiently.

As ampoules enter the system, an HMI screen displays the machine vision software interface and results of the inspection.

About Microscan:
Founded in 1982, Microscan has a strong history of technology innovation including the invention of the first laser diode barcode scanner and the 2D symbology Data Matrix. In 2008, Microscan acquired the Siemens Machine Vision division. Today, Microscan remains a technology leader in automatic identification and machine vision with extensive solutions for ID tracking, traceability and inspection.  www.microscan.com