Feb 9 2009
The image processing system VINSPEC by VITRONIC now makes it possible to inspect and read sealing caps on all sides. Due to the special patented optical system, a single sensor is able to produce a high-resolution image of the complete sealing cap including the lateral circumference. In this case, the costly and time-consuming mechanical turning of the containers is eliminated.
This innovative proprietary development by VITRONIC combines different inspection tasks into one system: it checks cap colors that are specific to certain types, controls the flanging with respect to color and quality, monitors the correct seat of a seal and, if so required, verifies lettering and codes on the outer surface. This makes it possible to effortlessly inspect and identify seals, bottles and ampoules.
The sensor is integrated into the system directly above the conveyor belt. At a throughput of up to 10 items per second, the sensor records an image of the complete seal or cap without having to mechanically turn the container. In this case, the sensor not only records the upper side of the container or seal, but also the circumference. In order to achieve this with a conventional optical system, it would be necessary to install at least two cameras.
One camera would have to be arranged above the conveyor belt and another camera would have to be arranged laterally. In addition, the containers would have to be turned in order to realize this all-around inspection. A computer would then have to calculate and eliminate the overlapping regions in order to obtain a flawless 360° image.
Due to these circumstances, flawless code reading with conventional image processing systems is almost impossible. This complicated and unreliable procedure is eliminated with the utilization of the patented VINSPEC image processing system. This image processing system by VITRONIC can be flexibly utilized. It can be easily integrated into the system and quickly adapted to different items to be inspected. Items with a cap diameter between 10 and 35mm can be inspected without complicated modifications.
All VITRONIC image processing systems can be validated based on the GAMP-qualification packet: basis for quality control in the manufacture of products in the medical and pharmaceutical branch.