Packaging vision system

The Multivac Vision System (MVS) can be used for both controlling packaging robots and quality control.

Integrated into the packaging machine or as a standalone device, the Multivac Vision System is an image acquisition and image evaluation system optimised for the particular hygienic and technical requirements in the packaging industry. The system is designed for quality control at high speeds, which allows it to be integrated into a wide spectrum of automated packaging lines.

It consists of an operating terminal, image processing software, an image acquisition unit and a lighting unit. The MVS can be integrated into the packaging machine or operated as a standalone device. In the first case, the MVS is controlled using the machine’s operating terminal and in the second case, using the MVS’s own terminal.

The system records both natural surfaces and homogeneous surfaces of (printed) films and papers precisely and reliably. The evaluated information can be used to control further processes with Multivac control modules, such as Multivac Line Control.

The system is designed for both visual object recognition and object quality inspection. Object recognition includes both recognising the object’s position and rotational position as well as classifying the object according to patterns, colours, surfaces and positions.

The quality inspection includes determining if a package is even present and if it is complete or completely filled or loaded.

Furthermore, the MVS can check if the contents, label, etc are in the correct position and if certain pack-specific elements are present or are in the correct form.

A typical application for the MVS is determining the position and the rotational position of the objects to be picked for a pick-and-place handling system and then transferring this information to the pick-and-place robot control. No matter whether the information has to do with product placement in trays or with cartoning, the vision system provides the robot control with reliable information so that the products can be placed precisely, even if their structure and geometry varies.

Another important application area for the MVS is final pack inspection. The packages are inspected for complete contents and for correct labelling and positioning of the label or the bar code, which is printed directly on the film. All packages that do not meet the requirements of a defined tolerance range are recognised and rejected.