Simplified Machine Vision Verification of 1D and 2D Barcodes

Transcription

1 Simplified Machine Vision Verification of 1D and 2D Barcodes 1

2 Presented by Steven J. King Machine Vision Product Manager at Microscan 2

3 About Microscan Founded in 1982, technology innovator and leader for 30+ years Inventor of laser diode scanners and Data Matrix symbology Focused on Track, Trace & Control solutions Capabilities from barcode reading to precise vision inspection A Spectris company 3

4 The Problem with Unreadable Codes 4

5 5

6 Definitions and Symbology Basics Many Machine Readable Codes for AutoID 1D Bar Codes 2D Symbologies 2D Bar Codes QR Code 6

7 Data Matrix Code A Brief Tutorial Microscan invented the Data Matrix code and placed it in the public domain Data Matrix advantages: Small size - Highest information density Digital encoding Readable in any orientation, scalable Built-in error correction Low contrast requirement 7

8 Why Do Good Codes Go Bad? Every Marking System Degrades Over Time Barcodes NEVER Get Better After Leaving the Marking System Human Error Can Result in Product and Packaging Mix-Ups 8

9 Pain Points and Problems Process Downtime Waste/Scrap Unreadable codes due to poor print quality or damage Loss of Identity or Traceability Upset or Confused Customers Incorrect code or text format/content Regulatory Issues 9

10 Various Marking Applications Print serialized barcodes on labels or product packaging Print product codes on secondary packaging Directly mark parts with identifying code 10

11 Example: Direct Print on Cardboard Cartons Direct printing is economical Symbol quality varies greatly Large retailers fine vendors for no reads 11

12 Example: Printed Labels on Pharmaceuticals 1D and 2D Verification High Mark Contrast Substrate is Controlled Stringent Traceability Requirements Regulations Requiring Verification of Date and Lot Codes (FDA) 12

13 Machine Vision Verification 13

14 Reading vs. Verification Reading tells you only that the code can be read right now by your barcode reader. It may still be unreadable by your customer s reader. Verification tells you not only that you can read a mark, but also how close you are to the edge of readability or if you are heading that way. It ensures that any suitable reader can read. 14

15 Common Methods of Inspection Off line verification Problem in marking method undetected until next sample Scrap and downtime to determine scope of issue Scanner/Imager to confirm code can be read Does not tell how well it can be read Does not analyze the code and provide data Does not allow for trending based triggers Does not alert to a problem until there actually is one. 15

16 What Is Machine Vision Verification? Measuring the quality of a barcode to a published standard Verification results are expressed in grades 4 / A = perfect 0 / F = very poor or unreadable Standards: ISO Printed 2D Codes ISO Printed 1D Codes AIM DPM /ISO Direct Part Marks Machine vision verification is camera-based 16

17 Find out if the marking system is degrading before you have a problem Without verification, thousands of bad parts escape into the process With verification, we prevent bad barcodes from ever being made 17

18 Two Levels of Quality Grading Process Control/ Validation: validate the quality of the applied code/mark to internal quality standards Conformance Verification: verify that the applied code/mark meets ISO or AIM standards 18

19 In-line verification ensures that EVERY product ships with a good quality barcode 19

20 In-Line Verification 20 Grading (0.0 to 4.0) each code at the point of marking Instant feedback on code grade/quality Instant warning of low grade/unreadable codes Able to observe trends Optional logging of grade results and images

21 Action Based on Data Purge Event Define purge trigger/alarm point Printer purge cleans ink jet head 21

22 Before and After a Printer Purge Before After 22

23 Recommended Verification Platforms True verification requires ISO/AIM-compliant light & undistorted image C-Mount lenses preferred Perpendicular mounting to avoid perspective distortion* Shield from ambient light Fixed distance At least 8 pixels per element* A short (<250µs) exposure time for moving symbols * Per the applicable standard 23

24 Configuration Examples Complete verification kits based on application needs Include smart camera, lens, lighting and mounts Barcode Verification Monitoring Interface (VMI) Large Linear 1D codes 1D/2D Glossy Labels Dot Peen DPM 2D codes 24

25 AutoVISION TM Machine Vision Solutions for off-line and in-line grading Verification is a tool in AutoVISION 25

26 What is AutoVISION? Microscan s AutoVISION family includes a flexible line of smart cameras that run the intuitive AutoVISION software, enabling easy implementation of machine vision inspection by users of all skill levels. Machine Vision, Simplified. 26

27 Thank you! Q&A For more information: Demonstration in Hall1 I45 27