Quality control is an essential element in any industry, ensuring that products comply with quality standards and consumer expectations. A robust quality control system not only guarantees customer satisfaction, but also improves operational efficiency and reduces the costs associated with faulty products or market recalls. Over the course of this post which we have prepared at E2M COUTH, we will discuss box inspection and its importance in different sectors, such as food, pharmaceuticals and the industrial sector, in order to maintain product quality and integrity at all times.
Over recent years, artificial vision has positioned itself as one of the greatest innovations in terms of quality control, above all with regard to box and container inspection. At E2M COUTH we have systems such as Visiobox, an artificial vision inspector for box control, which works by means of algorithms for image processing and automatic learning, allowing it to detect defects and inconsistencies with unprecedented precision and speed.
What is artificial vision?
Artificial vision could be defined as a branch within artificial intelligence, focused on allowing devices to interpret and understand the visual world, similar to the way that people do, but with greater precision. This is done with the use of cameras, image processing algorithms and automatic learning, so as to identify, analyse and process images or sequences of images, in order to reach decisions or perform processes, including product rejection.
How artificial vision works
Before discussing container and box inspection in greater depth, we will explain how artificial vision works:
- Image capture: This uses cameras, which have the task of capturing images of the objects to be inspected.
- Image processing: The images that are captured go through pre-processing to improve quality and facilitate system analysis. This may include eliminating noise, improving contrast and standardising brightness.
- Segmentation: The pre-processed images are segmented to identify and isolate regions of interest, such as defects, specific components or particular characteristics of the objects.
- Analysis: Image processing and automatic learning algorithms are then applied to analyse the segmented regions. These algorithms are capable of recognising patterns, forms, colours, textures and other relevant attributes.
- Decision: Following the analysis process, the system reaches automatic decisions, such as accepting or rejecting a product.
- Feedback and control: In some systems, the results of the analysis can be used to adjust production process parameters in real time, improving efficiency and quality.
Industries that benefit from artificial vision inspection
There are many industries that benefit from artificial vision box inspection:
Drinks
The drinks industry faces many challenges in terms of production and quality. It is vital to provide safe, high-quality, perfectly presented products in order to maintain consumer trust and regulatory compliance. Here we indicate a number of the requirements that artificial vision container inspection can fulfil:
- Filling consistency: It is very important for each bottle or can to contain the precise amount of product specified.
- Cap integrity: You have to ensure that the containers are properly sealed to avoid contamination.
- Labelling precision: Labels must be properly aligned and free of error to comply with the regulations and avoid identification problems.
- Box control: Products must be properly grouped to ensure no containers are missing from the boxes.
Food
In the food industry, safety and quality are particularly important points given the strict regulations and consumer expectations. Food products must be safe for consumption, and of high quality to maintain the brand’s reputation. These are the most important points where container inspection takes on the role of ensuring quality:
- Container integrity: This is responsible for ensuring that the containers are perfectly sealed, to avoid contamination and extend the product’s shelf life.
- Visual quality: Consistent aesthetic presentation must also be maintained to attract consumers and comply with brand standards.
Container inspection systems in the food sector are also vital in ensuring that labels are properly positioned and are legible; any that are defective or not in proper condition must always be rejected.
Chemicals
The chemicals industry likewise requires a good packaging inspection system to ensure quality as far as the consumer. As these are products which may give rise to certain hazards, they require painstaking control in this regard. We indicate here the critical points where these systems need to intervene:
- Safety: Guarantee that containers are properly sealed to prevent leaks.
- Regulatory compliance: Ensure that chemical products are properly labelled with safety information and regulatory compliance.
- Product integrity: Check that the products cannot be contaminated, and maintain their integrity throughout their useful life.
Visiobox: The E2M COUTH artificial vision box inspection system
Our E2M COUTH Visiobox system is an innovative solution of crucial importance in the industrial inspection sector, designed to check and inspect boxes of bottles. Its importance lies in various fundamental aspects which significantly improve the efficiency and quality of packaging processes and quality control in various industries.
This device works to ensure the presence and absence of containers and their caps, a fundamental task to avoid problems during product distribution and consumption. The capacity to detect if any bottle or cap is missing helps companies prevent costly errors and guarantees that the end product reaches the consumer in optimal condition.
Visiobox is capable of identifying foreign objects inside boxes, which is vital in order to maintain safety and quality at all times, thanks to this box inspection system. Bear in mind that the early detection of undesired elements in containers helps to avoid possible contamination and legal problems, thereby protecting your company and consumers.
The artificial vision box inspection system can also be used to add additional inspections. You will be able to verify printed logos, ensuring that labels and markings are properly positioned and are visible, a vital element for your corporate image.
Types of inspection performed by artificial vision systems
Inspection systems for control in different sectors perform different types of inspection:
Code inspection and traceability
Code inspection and traceability is very important to ensure the proper identification and tracking of products throughout the supply chain. Artificial vision systems are capable of reading and checking barcodes, QR and other types of code, ensuring that products can be traced from source to the point of sale.
This is a fundamental aspect of inventory management, fraud prevention and compliance with legal regulations. One example of its importance can be seen in the pharmaceutical industry, where traceability is vital to avoid the distribution of counterfeit medicines.
Box inspection
Box inspection by artificial vision focuses on evaluating the physical conditions of the packaging boxes. This type of inspection checks such aspects as structural integrity, presence of damage, dents or deformation, as well as checking the proper adhesion of tapes and labels. Ensuring that boxes are in good condition is essential to protect the contents during transportation and storage, and to maintain a positive brand image in the eyes of customers. Visiobox is the system responsible for inspecting boxes and ensuring product quality.
Label inspection and verification
Proper label placement and legibility is hugely important for product presentation and to convey essential information to the consumer. Artificial vision checks that the labels are placed in the correct position and are legible. This includes checking the text, barcodes, expiry dates and other graphical elements. A labelling error could lead to product recalls and a loss of consumer trust.
Content inspection and verification
Artificial vision is used to check that each container holds the right quantity of product, ensuring precise filling. This type of inspection is vital in industries such as food and pharmaceuticals, where variations in quantity could affect product quality and customer satisfaction. It likewise helps to comply with regulations and avoid legal problems connected with product weights and measures.
Inspection of caps and seals
To ensure that products are properly sealed, artificial vision systems inspect container caps and seals. This includes detecting faulty seals, poorly positioned or missing caps… It is vital to perform these inspections effectively in order to maintain product safety and avoid contamination. A well-sealed container likewise prevents spillage and loss during transportation.
Tray inspection
Another of the tasks performed by this system is tray inspection, to ensure product quality and safety. The system’s image processing algorithms allow it to spot defects, check for the presence and position of products, and ensure that each tray fulfils the established standards.
The inspection may include detection of contaminants, checking for proper labelling and evaluation of appropriate sealing. Such systems improve production efficiency by reducing the need for manual inspections, minimising human error and ensuring product quality consistency. They also provide data in real time, which can be used to optimise processes and reach informed decisions.
Inspection of plastic containers and shrink-wrapping
Plastic containers and shrink-wrapped products are inspected to detect defects such as cracks, deformation, air bubbles and faulty seals. Artificial vision can identify these problems with a high degree of precision, ensuring that only products which fulfil quality standards reach the consumer. This inspection is particularly important in food and pharmaceutical products, where container defects may compromise content safety.
Quality control and classification
Artificial vision systems fulfil an important role in quality control and product classification on the basis of compliance with the established standards. This process includes the evaluation of visual aspects and the detection of defects that could affect product functionality or appearance.
Automating quality control improves consistency and reduces the costs associated with rejected faulty products. In manufacturing industry, this results in greater customer satisfaction and production process optimisation.
The benefits of artificial vision box and container inspection
Artificial vision box and container inspection systems such as those provided by E2M COUTH offer numerous benefits:
- High precision and consistency: Artificial vision systems are capable of detecting defects with greater precision and consistency than the human eye. This ensures that each product complies with the established quality standards, minimising the risk of faulty products reaching the consumer.
- Increased production efficiency: Inspection automation makes the process faster and more efficient. Artificial vision systems can operate at much higher speeds than human inspectors, which results in greater output without compromising quality.
- Reduced human error: Manual inspection is subject to human variability and fatigue, which may give rise to error. Artificial vision eliminates these factors, ensuring constant and precise inspection at all times throughout operations.
- Improved traceability: Artificial vision systems can be integrated with traceability systems, allowing for detailed tracking of each box or container from production to distribution. This makes it easier to identify problems and to implement process improvements.
- Cost savings: Although the initial investment in artificial vision systems may be significant, in the long term it results in cost savings. Reduced wastage, minimised re-working and improved operational efficiency all help to make the company more profitable.
Inspection systems for containers, boxes and other production line elements are a key point in any industry to ensure quality, integrity and brand image. At E2M COUTH we have the very best artificial vision solutions to ensure the utmost quality in every product.
Any questions about our systems? Need more information? Get in touch and we will be delighted to help.
