Questions & Answers

Is it possible to accurately inspect very large labels?

Situation

Optel Vision was approached by a pharmaceutical process manufacturer that wanted label inspection of their large container labels. All information printed on these labels needed to be completely verified all at once. The problem was that the labels were so large, they extended beyond a single camera’s field of view. In addition, there were spatial constraints on the line, which only allowed for camera installation at one location.

Solution

Optel Vision’s new Image Stitching Tool provided the solution. This specifically designed tool stitches images together that are generated via interlinked or intralinked cameras. Interlinked camera images are generated from several cameras that are installed at the same location. These images are then stitched together to produce one very large, high resolution image. From this high resolution image, complete verification of all information on the labels is then possible. All verifications are also carried out in one shot so extensive product tracking from various inspection points is not required.

The system was quickly installed and Optel Vision Stitching Tool provided the necessary base so that all inspection requirements were easily met.

Optel Vision also has developed the intralinked camera method for stitching images. This method is used when a high resolution image is required, but to keep costs under control, lower resolution cameras are used. Cameras are installed in a sequential order along a line. The images generated through these intralinked, low resolution cameras, are stitched together to produce an overall high resolution image. This method is ideal for inspecting blister packages and unit-dose lidding.