• Variable Data
  
• Symbols, Icons & Logos
  
• 4 lines x 20 Characters
  
• Reading Under 90° Angle
  
• Code Reading
  
  • Pharma Binary Code
    
  • Code 39
    
  • Interleaved 2/5
    
  • EAN/UPC
    
• Control of Print Marks
  
• Short Evaluation Period
  
• 4ms per character
  
• 40ms per barcode
  
  • Teach--In Function or Manual Input of Reference
    
• Format / Product Database
  
• CFR 21 Part II Option

Description

The intelligent camera system is designed for the fast and safe reading of printed characters, logos and icons, as well as for controlling of Pharma Binary Code, Code 39, Interleaved 2/5 and EAN/UPC barcodes plus additional print marks.

Applications

Reading on different packaging materials is possible, eg:

• Tubes
  
• Cans
  
• Vignettes
  
• Leaflets
  
• Labels

The most important faults of stamp, hot stamp block, thermal transfer, laser or ink-jet printers can be monitored. The system has a training function for specific characters and therefore provides a very broad tolerance range.

Character sets and reading window positions, once taught in, can be stored and reused as "fonts" and "formats". Up to 4 lines (windows) with up to 20 characters per line can be controlled. An additional window is available for code control. The windows can be positioned perpendicular ro each other.

Presences of printing colours and marks can also be monitored.

Operation

Automatic teach-in is possible by a simple push-button step. In additions, manual input can be done via mini-keypad, laptop or LAN.

A manual trigger is integrated.

The camera system can be networked together with other code reading units from ALS. The Datamatrix camera is addessable without restrictions.

Fault Analysis

The camera reads all characters within the interested area of the label. The result of the reading process is compared with the reference text, eg. label number, expiry date, batch number etc entered at the beginning of a batch or at the start of the production. The label is released only if correspondence is detected. Statistics including fault analysis are recordable.

Fault Recognition

• Reversed characters
  
• Smeared characters
  
• Eroded characters
  
• Contact between characters
  
• Missing characters

System Components

The small camera head includes all essential parts, including illumination, optics and video unit, in a compact housing that meets GMP standards. Therefore the camera can be installed even in areas with restricted space.

The control unit is separated from the camera head and also has a very small foot-print.

Interfaces to the camera system include: the operator terminal with flat LCD monitor and keyboard, additonal code reader input.

Technical Data

OCR/OCV

• Characters & figures
  
• Icons, logos, symbols
  
• Control of print marks
  
• Up to 4 lines of text
  
• Up to 20 characters per line
  
• 90 degree angle between lines
  
• Eval period 4ms/character
  
• Reading distance 50-150mm

Code Reading

• Pharma binary code
  
• Code 39
  
• Interleaved 2/5
  
• EAN/UPC
  
• Eval period 40ms/code
  
• Reading distance 50 - 150mm

Illumination

• 48 super bright white LEDs

Input/Output

• Power supply
  
• 2 inputs 24V DC for:
  
  • trigger
    
  • confirmation
    
• 2 outputs 24V DC for:
  
  • OK pulse/ECC level
    
  • system active
    
• Digital interface RS232
  
• Display output SVGA analog

Power Supply

• +24V DC current ca. 250mA

Dimensions

• Camera head WxHxD 60x61x40mm (with cable outlet H = 79mm)
  
• Camera connector cable Standard = 1.5m
  
• Camera control unit WxHxD 160x67x80mm

Technical data is subject to change.