Unwrapping labels, but unwrapping tablets and capsules?

3-D image unwrapping has multiple applications from programming software games to verification of pharmaceutical packaging. Within the pharmaceutical industry, 3-D image unwrapping is commonly used for label verification on containers. In some industries, label verification on containers is achieved through multiple image acquisition by numerous cameras or through single image acquisition by one camera. However, this unwrapping technology also has direct applications for verification of 3-D objects such as tablets and capsules.

Current tablet and capsule inspection on a conveyor involves numerous cameras that are installed at different locations on the line. The captured images of different portions of the tablets or capsules are then used to analyze the overall surface integrity. The main problem with this type of inspection is that if a defect is detected in one image, the product’s acceptability is based on the analysis results from only that image. Furthermore, the analysis results from the images are not compared to or added to the other inspection results. That is to say, each portion of the tablet or capsule is analyzed and accepted or rejected independently, and therefore, an accurate, overall analysis of the product is never achieved.

However, unwrapping tablet and capsule images allow for fast overall images to be generated in one shot. Multiple cameras are also used but they are installed at one location on the line. The cameras acquire images of sections of the tablet or capsule and then the system generates an overall 2-D complete image. This “one shot” complete image permits the overall shape of the tablet or capsule to be analyzed quickly and because of the one complete image, the tablet’s or capsule’s color and texture can also be analyzed at the same time.

How advantageous is this one shot method?

The major advantage of unwrapping is that it allows for a much more accurate analysis of the overall surface quality of the tablets and capsules. Therefore, false detection rates are kept to a minimum and high flaw detection is maintained at a maximum.

In addition, another advantage that unwrapping brings, is that OCV inspection of all the print on the tablet or capsules can be carried out all at once; this is just not feasible on multiple partial tablet and capsule images. The advantages don’t end there, tracking of “bad” tablets or capsules is less complex since errors are only detected in one image at one location on the line.

Therefore, the Optel Vision Real Time 3-D Mapping Tool provides an efficient an accurate way to inspect tablets and capsules on today’s high speed lines.