Inspection of optical character recognition and verification made easy

Citation

(2003), "Inspection of optical character recognition and verification made easy", Sensor Review, Vol. 23 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/sr.2003.08723cad.004

Inspection of optical character recognition and verification made easy

Inspection of optical character recognition and verification made easy

Keywords: Machine vision, OCR

The Image Checker A230 Series from Matsushita Electric Works is a cost effective, easy to configure vision inspection system that allows inspection of OCR and OCV applications to be realised with a minimum amount of effort (Plate 4).

Plate 4 The Image Checker A230 series from Matsushita Electric Works

A development of the highly successful A210 Series, the A230 continues with the philosophy of easy configuration together with powerful image processing functionality. The OCR function implements gray scale processing algorithms, allowing the system to recognise characters printed on numerous types of background, whether they are in a dot matrix form, chipped, blurred or even connected. Suitable applications might be found in the food and beverages or pharmaceutical industries, where large volumes of units may require batch codes, label placement or position measurements to be examined.

Using a learning feature based on "Neural Network" technology within the system configuration compensates for variation in character size. Two industry standard fonts, OCR-A and OCR-B dictionaries, are pre-programmed and remove the need for teaching the system if they are being used by the application. Three other dictionaries can be customised to the users needs. A character string read by the system, of up to 128 characters, can be transmitted via an RS232C port to a PLC or PC.

The OCV facility, again using gray scale processing, allows the simple registration of a character template via a user input signal. This important feature allows the machine operator to perform the task of teaching the system a new batch or lot code. The system automatically generates character variations in the form of thick and thin characters, improving the reliability of the system when running the application.

Rotation checkers, lead inspection checkers for the connector and electronic component industries and smart matching are also included in the package. In addition, standard functions from the A210 series are also implemented including image storage, high-speed progressive scan camera support and serial communications compatibility with the leading PLC manufacturers.

For further information, please contact: Ian Purcell, Matsushita Electric Works UK Limited. Tel: +44 (0) 1908 231555; Fax: +44 (0) 1908 231 599; E-mail: Purcell@mew.uk.com