Four Cameras to Inspect Label Presence / Date / Lot Code

[Median9]

Hi,

We intend to use Four Color Cameras (Most Probably Firewire) to inspect Correct Label Presence (image attached), Date / Lot Code (most probably a pattern match and not OCR/OCV), Liquid Level, and Cap Presence. The speed on conveyor is 240 Bottles Per minute (Continuous). Since the bottles are rotating, there is no fixed orientation of the Label. Thus, we intend to capture 4 images on each trigger, stitch them together and inspect for proper Date / Lot Code, Correct Label, Level of Liquid and Correct Capping. Proper Liquid level is always above the Label so this should not be a problem.

We need software / hardware recommendations to get the job done cost effectively. For example, can VBAI along with NI EVS-1464RT work for this application or do we need Labview and Vision Development Module? We need to have best price / performance for this application.

Any comments / suggestions shall be highly appreciated.

[muks]

If the bottles are rotated in constant speed, You can use one/two line scan camera kept opposite t each other and not directly opposite but seprated by a distance. Place the camera in such a way that you calculate the rotation of bottle and the place where you will capture one half of the bottle in one camera and the other half in another camera.

[Robert_Eastlund · Accepted solution]

Dear Faisal,

Since VBAI does not include steps for stitching images together, I would suggest developing LabVIEW and the Vision Development Module.  If you are going to use the EVS-1464RT, you will also need a copy of LabVIEW RT.  Note: the Vision Development Module can be purchase as a bundle with LabVIEW RT, see http://sine.ni.com/nips/cds/view/p/lang/en/nid/207699 .

Another way to accomplish your goal of a 360 degree view of the bottle would be to use an Opto Engineering Pericentric lens, see http://www.opto-engineering.com/pericentric-lenses.html.  This would allow you to use one camera.

[muks]

Wow. That will be very helpful in lot of my application. Thanks for the link

[Median9]

Dear Robert,

Thanks for the precise tip. I checke it out. The use of Pericentric lens is very effective on smaller objects. However, the height / diameter of the bottles in our case is a bit large for these lenses to cover the complete label. Thus using 4 cameras with LVRT and VDM might be appropriate in this case.

Sincerely,

[Robert_Eastlund]

Dear Faisal,

If the bottle is too big for the pericentric lens, then a two camera approach as described by Muks or a 4 camera approach would make the most sense with the EVS-1464RT.  I will email you a quotation for a cost effective GigE camera solution for use with the EVS-1464RT.

[muks]

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@Median9 wrote:

Dear Robert,

Thanks for the precise tip. I checke it out. The use of Pericentric lens is very effective on smaller objects. However, the height / diameter of the bottles in our case is a bit large for these lenses to cover the complete label. Thus using 4 cameras with LVRT and VDM might be appropriate in this case.

Sincerely,

---

I am yet to try the lens (I am on the process of ordering one though). What will happen if you increase the working distance to cover the bigger area?

[Robert_Eastlund]

Dear Muks,

There are two versions of the lens.  Each, one for 1/3" format cameras and one for 1/2" format cameras, will cover an object ranging in diameter and height from 20 x 60 to 60 x 20.  The working distance varies from 20 mm to 80 mm.  Its been awhile since I used one of these.  If I remember correctly, pulling the lens further away resulted in in a loss of focus.

[muks]

Thank you(Robert Eastlund) for answering that. That brings us to the diameter of the bottle. Can you(Faisal Mirza) give an approximate value and the camera available?

[+39 0376 263525]

Hi Muks,

What is the diameter and the height of the bottle and the area of inspection? I would like to confirm if the lens will fit the inspection or eventually suggest an alternative solution.

Alena Verameyeva

Opto Engineering, Italy

alena.verameyeva@opto-engineering.com

+39 (0)376 263525