Date and expiry codes
Check use-by, best-before or expiry text against the expected format and production recipe.
Print, mark and code verification
OCR and OCV code inspection systems
Automatically read or verify date codes, batch numbers, lot codes, serial marks and machine-readable codes before the product leaves the line.
Application-led imaging Proved with the real product, defect and line conditions.Direct answer
What is OCR and OCV inspection?
OCR reads characters when the content may vary; OCV compares printed characters with an expected value. A production system can combine either method with barcode or Data Matrix decoding, print-presence checks, product tracking and an automatic reject response.
Typical inspection scope
What the system can check.
Every check is confirmed against the real product, defect set, line speed and production environment before final specification.
Batch, lot and serial marks
Read or verify variable alphanumeric strings printed, etched, moulded or scribed on the product.
Barcode and Data Matrix
Decode 1D or 2D symbols and compare the returned value with the job, product or database record.
Print presence and position
Confirm the code exists in the correct print area before attempting to read or verify it.
Legibility and print quality
Detect missing, weak, joined or damaged characters where the agreed image criteria make them visible.
Result logging and rejection
Send pass/fail data to the PLC, retain selected images and remove the correct failed product.
Application engineering
What determines a dependable result?
Prove the image
Print contrast, font and character size, surface curvature, reflections, product movement, code position, line speed and the full range of acceptable print variation.
Connect the decision
The result can be tied to a product recipe or identifier, passed to a PLC or production database, and used to reject, divert, stop or alert. Storage requirements for good images, failed images and decoded strings are agreed during specification.
State the limits
A camera cannot recover information that is not optically present. Embossed, low-contrast, reflective or distorted marks may need specialised lighting, more resolution or a different viewing angle. We test real good and failed samples before fixing the method.
Relevant systems and sectors
Build the application around the result.
Use these related pages to compare the inspection methods and production environments that may form part of the project.
Related applications
Explore connected applications.
Questions, answered
OCR, OCV & code inspection FAQs
What is the difference between OCR and OCV?
OCR reads characters and returns the recognised text. OCV verifies that visible characters match an expected string, pattern or production value.
Can a vision system inspect date and batch codes?
Yes, subject to print quality, contrast, character size, surface shape and line presentation. The system can check presence, position, format and, where required, the actual value.
Can the same camera verify a barcode and printed text?
Often, yes. Resolution and viewing conditions must support both tasks, and the decoded values can be compared with each other or with the current product recipe.
What samples are needed for an OCR or OCV trial?
Provide representative good print, known failure modes, all fonts and product variants, expected line speed and examples from the weakest acceptable print condition.