Off-the-shelf label inspection solution

Based on SICK’s InspectorP vision sensor, the all-in-one LabelChecker is the first to be developed using SICK’s AppSpace programming environment. The solution was developed in close co-operation with a SICK customer in the European confectionery industry for use on a high-speed chocolate packing line.

SICK’s LabelChecker is now available to any end user, system integrator or machine builder as a label quality control solution that is ready-to-use and simple-to-adapt. The device is easy to configure and set up via a web server interface without specialist programming and additional software licenses are not necessary.

The device is based on the SICK InspectorP vision camera and provides an integral quality control system in a stand-alone compact device without the need for an additional evaluation unit.

The LabelChecker can be set up to recognise and switch between different label types, with custom settings for each type. Its capabilities encompass Optical Character Recognition and Optical Character Verification in multiple regions and lines, including overlapping characters, as well as dot matrix printed and indented (peened) text. In addition, many standard types of 1D and 2D code can be read and verified including multiple codes in one image and comparison with alphanumeric print. 

The SICK LabelChecker checks for correct label and content. It sends a warning when the label print quality drops below a set value. It can also verify correct label design contents by comparison with pre-learned label images, as well as verifying if the print is correct and complete. It will also compile quality control data.

The SICK LabelChecker harnesses the potential of SICK’s InspectorP vision sensor to deliver a ready-made label reading and quality control system. The SICK InspectorP family offers resolutions between 1 and 4.2 megapixels, with a wide selection of optics from wide angle to long range and integrated illumination in a selection of colours to suit the application.