Posted to News on 8th Jun 2009, 13:52
360-degree inspection of static components with single camera
Vitronic's Vinspec image processing system makes it possible to inspect and seal, caps and similar components on all sides, including reading text or codes. Due to a special patented optical system, a single sensor is able to produce a high-resolution image of the complete component, including the lateral circumference. Using Vinspec eliminates the need for costly and time-consuming mechanical turning of the product or component being inspected.
This innovative proprietary development by Vitronic combines different inspection tasks into one system: it checks colours and quality features, checks for the correct assembly of components and, if required, verifies lettering and codes on the outer surface. This makes it possible to effortlessly inspect and identify seals, bottles, ampoules and other round components.
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 component without having to turn the container. In this case, the sensor not only records the upper side of the component 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 would have to be arranged above the conveyor belt and another would have to be mounted to the side. In addition, the containers would have to be turned in order to implement all-around inspection. A computer would then have to calculate and eliminate the overlapping regions in order to obtain a flawless 360-degree image. Due to these circumstances, flawless code reading with conventional image processing systems is said to be almost impossible.
This complicated and unreliable procedure is eliminated with the patented Vinspec image processing system. This can be integrated easily and quickly adapted to different items to be inspected. Items with a 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.
