Machine Vision

OCR (Character Reading)

Industrial character reading differs markedly from document OCR: variable surfaces, engraving and laser marking, moving products, harsh lighting.

Character reading is common in industry: verifying expiry dates, lot numbers, serial numbers and part codes. Characters may be engraved in metal, laser-marked on plastic or ink-jet printed; contrast may be low and surfaces glossy.

With the right lighting (low-angle bar light, dome) and deep-learning OCR models we reach reading rates above 99% on surfaces where standard readers fail. The reading is matched against the order in ERP; a mismatch stops the line.

From our applications

Results we obtained on real images; click to enlarge.

Highlights

Engraved and laser-marked characters
Date / lot verification
Deep-learning OCR
ERP matching

Application areas

Pharma & cosmetics
Food packaging
Automotive part codes
Cable & pipe marking

3D simulation

3D Configurator

Explore this solution in 3D

Open the sample cell we prepared for this solution in the configurator; adapt the components to your line and watch the simulation.

Inline Camera Inspection Station

A photoelectric sensor triggers each part; a smart camera under a ring light checks presence/completeness, label/OCR and barcodes while a laser sensor measures height. Faulty parts are pushed into a bin by a pneumatic pusher, good parts flow to the end of the line.

decision time: < 50 ms
inline inspection: 100%

Open this cell in the 3D configurator