Application of Digital Inspection in Labeling Systems Peng Lu Yajuan Shi Advisor: Dr. Jeremy Li Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Bridgeport Abstract This poster presents the application of digital inspection in automation & high speed carton labeling systems. As the superstar among various types of digital inspection, photoelectric sensing technology will be applied for precisely detecting the emergence of carton in the conveyor as well as the placement of label. For reliable detection, it’s essential for correct choice of photoelectric sensors. The working principle and typical application of four photoelectric sensing modes will be introduced. Incorporating the suitable mounting position of sensors with the right selection on photoelectric sensing modes, the efficiency of digital inspection will be enhanced significantly in carton labeling system. Fundamentals of Photoelectric Sensing Beam Break Sensing – Opposed Mode Beam Break Sensing – Retro Reflective Mode Beam Break Sensing – Divergent Mode Beam Break Sensing – Convergent Mode Pros: Durable Detect small object Detect opaque object Accurately part counting Impervious to surface reflectivity Pros: Detection of object moving at high speed Detection of large objective Easy to install Cons: Not available for detection of small object Not available for detection of shiny material Application: Cardboard Box Detection Cons: Difficult to mount Not detect clear material Application: Sorting Letters Pros: Detection of clear material Convenience, easy to install Detection of shiny radius objects Detection of small and large object Pros: Detection of object when background light suppress is required Counting radiuses objects Detection of very small object Application: Can Edge Detection Application: Lead Frame Detection Cons: Detect small object at close range Higher cost for unit Side sensitivity Cons: Highest cost for unit Excessive sensitivity Carton Labeling System Layout The first pair of opposed mode sensor detect carton. If yes, signal to label applicator Put label to the carton and flow it to the next station The second pair of opposed mode sensor detect carton. If yes, signal to the control box and activate the stopper Carton stopped and label placement inspected by three convergent mode sensors Stoppers retreat and carton flows continuously If label placement tilted, ejector works and rejects the defective carton Product Flow Direction Products Flow Direction Opposed Mode Sensor Convergent Mode Sensor Ejector Label Placement Inspection Stopper Cylinder Future Possible Improvement Conclusion When an inspection application requires more sophisticated data acquisition than that provided by a traditional photoelectric sensor, many application engineers will choose a vision system. Through it, they can obtain image-based data and identify label orientation, part presence and arrangement, and other features. Based on the digital inspection methods designed for the automation and high-speed carton labeling system, these methods could be developed and applied in various industries like pharmaceutical, food beverage, and cosmetic for more reliable and efficient products labeling.