Vision technologies from Bell and Howell

Transcription

1 Vision technologies from Bell and Howell

2 Contents Contents JETVision Overview....2 JETVision Applications....3 Where Can JETVision Be Used?....4 How Does JETVision Work?....6 JETVision General Capabilities....7 Item Track Operations...9 Verification Operations Postal Operations Matching Operations Imaging Operations Printer Control Operations Print Quality Operations JETVision Family of Products

3 JETVision Overview JETVision Applications JETVision Overview JETVision Applications JETVision uses powerful technology that incorporates the most comprehensive selection of machine vision modules, ranging from simple operations to very complex integrity and quality-control systems. These systems use superior symbol recognition technology to read one- and two-dimensional barcodes, as well as image patterns and fontindependent OCR symbologies. With JETVision you can read, decode and manage information on printers, finishing equipment, sorters, manual operations and countless other production areas. This means that your business can immediately start: JETVision is designed to meet your needs today, and easily upgrade if your needs change in the future. JETVision is available in single or multicamera packages, with or without material transport, and is ideally suited for a wide variety of applications, including: High-speed reading to control assembly, tracking and personalization, including the full range of 1D, 2D, OCR and postal symbologies, including the Intelligent Mail barcode Quality inspection and audit reports for satisfying Six Sigma and other regulatory requirements Matching of items for security and personalization applications JETVision Overview Ensuring process integrity Improving process quality Monitoring and tracking operation productivity Working smarter and saving money! Read-and-print applications across a wide range of commercial ink-jet printers Stock and print quality validation Connectivity to centralized ADF systems including built-in IQ Software Suite support Reduction of rejections and penalties from poor postal quality File-based processing Production tracking and reporting And more JETVision Applications JETVision Express WebVision JETVision Slim JETVision graphical user interface 2 3

4 Where Can JETVision Be Used? Where Can JETVision Be Used? Where Can JETVision Be Used? JETVision offers an affordable option for monitoring and tracking processes by easily integrating with existing business systems. When the JETVision product line was designed, we kept in mind various points in the production environment where users would most benefit from quality and integrity tracking: MISSING GRAPHIC Add mailpiece integrity and local item tracking to every piece of equipment including Pitney Bowes inserters or equipment from Kern, Buhrs, Gunther and other manufacturers Production and tabletop finishing systems Production printers Ink-jet printing modules Plastic card manufacturing systems Where Can JETVision Be Used? Card personalization systems Cutters and folders Labelers Parcel and packaging systems Binding equipment Add multiple quality checks directly to the manufacturing line Read and print applications on ink-jet printers such as Buskro, Kodak, and more Where Can JETVision Be Used? Add postal quality and integrity checking to high-speed pressure sealers Increase machine control and mailpiece tracking capabilities for standard base finishing equipment 4 5

5 How Does JETVision Work? JETVision General Capabilities How Does JETVision Work? JETVision General Capabilities How Does JETVision Work? JETVision uses high-speed vision technology to read and decode information on an item regardless of whether it is a letter, postcard, flat, box, label, or any other medium with data to be read. For reading and application flexibility, each JETVision system can support multiple cameras to meet your application needs. Using JETVision in a multi-camera configuration, you can capture multiple images (see example shown below). Each camera captures and provides information in real time, and all of the information is simultaneously processed on a single JETVision system. Multiple cameras can be located for reading throughout a system input channel, in-station, back-end for applications such as postage indicia verification, ink-jet read and print, matching and print quality inspection. Every JETVision system comes with tools to easily start reading and using information from production operations for dynamic reporting and analysis of the integrity, quality and efficiency of every item, job, operator or machine. Standard capabilities with every JETVision system include: Support for all industry-standard symbologies, including: 1D symbologies Code 128, Code 39, Interleaved 2 of 5, BC412, Codabar, UPC Versions A&E, EAN-13, Multibank OMR 2D symbologies 2D Data Matrix, Maxicode, PDF 417, Micro PDF 417, QR Code OCR symbologies Omni-font OCR, OCR A and B, Images, MICR Postal symbologies POSTNET, PLANET, Intelligent Mail barcode Custom feature detection library JETVision General Capabilities Support for all industry-standard symbologies 6 7

6 JETVision General Capabilities Item Track Operations The Statement Reader operation enables reading and decoding of symbol information, with real-time data usage and communication to a system s controller. Item Track Operations For companies processing bills and statements there is an increasing level of scrutiny and tighter regulations for ensuring that confidential customer data is being securely managed. Satisfying these requirements requires integration of automated control systems for inspection and management into production processes. These same tools and techniques are also being used by companies processing personalized marketing communications who need to ensure that the right components are being brought together in a final package. JETVision General Capabilities Dozens of dynamic reports can be generated for analysis and reporting on item and job status. Report data can also be output in industry-standard formats for input into third-party reporting tools, or users can define their own output format for other uses. In addition, users can even define which data to output, which MISSING GRAPHIC format to output to, and which network or FTP location to save the data file. Every JETVision is IQ-enabled! Each system has secure connectivity to the IQ Software Suite for centralized management and reporting of job, system, item and operator information. With JETVision you can collect data from virtually any system manufactured by any vendor, and immediately start enjoying centralized management of one or more systems. Item Verify Module Securely track and manage every communication piece processed The JETVision Item Verify solution is used to track and validate the status of the items while they are being processed on a production system. The solution acts as an additional level of integrity validation that is designed to be tightly integrated with the machine tracking system. By adding additional levels of control and management, we create a check-andbalance solution that eliminates any single point of failure. The solution provides the ability to view item status in real time, reconcile or edit the final item status, and export an augmented item list complete with final status information and machine details. Item Track Operations MISSING GRAPHIC 8 9

7 Verification Operations Verification Operations Verification Operations We created a combination of software modules that provide all the services you need to ensure that every item processed has been properly handled. Each of these capabilities can be purchased independently. However, based on customer feedback, we offer the following module packaging: Sequence Verify Module Identify out-of-sequence jobs This module verifies that each item is processed in a sequential order and that any missing items are accounted for. Supports both increasing and decreasing order Supports file-based sequencing Supports automated report generation of every piece in a job Verification Operations Address Verify Module Ensure an address has not been masked The Address Verify operation confirms that all mailpieces have an address, eliminating the mailing of non-addressed documents. This operation supports: Detection of postal codes (including IMb ) Detection of non-valid ZIP Codes Automated report generation Advanced support for address and delivery point validation Format Verify Module Confirm use of the correct graphics and stock The Format Verify operation ensures that selected items are correctly loaded and processed by operators for each job. It is also useful for checking that the right graphics are embedded in a variable-data document. It also recognizes special characters used for identifying postal breaks and late pulls. Verification Operations 10 11

8 Postal Operations Postal Operations Postal Operations Postal Operations Postal discount rules and changes cause concern for many mailers. Catching errors before they get to the postal authority can prevent substantial operational costs and penalties. To help mailers avoid mistakes, we have a number of operations specific to postal tasks. Postal Verification Module Ensure every mailpiece will satisfy MERLIN barcode test standards performed by the USPS The USPS allows substantial discounts to mailers who prepare their mailings in a highly automated format. These work-share discounts provide the incentive for maintaining the greatest levels of automation. To do this, printed address information must follow a consistent format and specification. Verification of this consistency provides both the mailers and the USPS with an efficient production process. The JETVision Postal Verification module provides a vast collection of individual tools and technologies all designed to test the quality and postal processing efficiency of the mailpiece. Unlike other vendors systems, these tools use the similar testing criteria and procedures as the current MERLIN program running in the USPS. The Postal Verification module performs the following postal checks: Postal Break Module Identify mailing breaks by applying marks on select mailpieces The system reads a pre-printed symbol on an envelope and then activates an envelope marker to mark the outside of an envelope with the Postal Break operation. This mark can indicate a postal code break or represent a break in material that requires special handling by the operator. Indicia Verify Module Verify a meter mark or stamp has been applied This operation is selected when there is a desire to validate that each document contains a postal meter stamp or indicia. This operation: Supports both mechanical and digital meter heads Supports pre-printed permit mail Postal Operations Code readability Symbol contrast Dimensioning and positioning tools Code and address block positioning Package dimensioning Bar and space dimensioning Skew, pitch and tilt dimensioning 12 13

9 Matching Operations Matching Operations Matching Operations The more complicated the assembly process gets, and as the requirements for piece-level integrity grow, it becomes necessary to make sure each component of an item is correctly brought together and assembled. With JETVision you can easily perform quality checks in any phase of the process from entry into a system, to splitting and folding, to insertion and late print by an ink-jet printer and validate the quality and integrity of every piece. Direct Match Example Read Area 1 Read Area 2 Michael Michael James James Anthony Anthony Susan Susan Matching Module Read and match multiple pieces of information to verify every item is assembled with full integrity Matching Operations This operation is selected when there is a need to assemble multiple items and verify that each item belongs with the correct package. As data is read at the primary position, the Matching operation uses it to compare and validate that multiple pieces of data read on a single item or information read in multiple locations match. InDirect Match Example Read Area 1 Read Area 2 Mike Michael Jim James Tony Anthony Sue Susan Matching Operations If the match is not valid, the system is instructed to fault and stop for the operator to take corrective action, or the item can be diverted later in the process with a complete audit trail. The Matching operation: Detailed matching reports are available and allow you to drill down to review the details of every matched and mismatched set. You are even able to drill down to specific images of each mismatched piece. Supports all symbologies Supports multiple input devices Supports file inputs Supports automated report generation MISSING GRAPHIC 14 15

10 Imaging Operations Printer Control Operations Imaging Operations Printer Control Operations Open, non-proprietary and industry-standard architecture are just a few of the requirements that IT groups and system designers are requiring for any system that manages data. JETVision was designed with these requirements in mind and enables easy integration with third-party systems, with data and file sharing in many industry-standard formats. Personalization projects, where the goal is to make communication pieces more relevant and easier to use, have many possible solutions. Manufacturers can change their legacy systems, invest in a composition solution such as Bell and Howell Compose software, or use an in-line inkjet printer to add items such as: JETVision can be used as a stand-alone solution or integrated in-line with a system. Report data can be viewed locally or distributed for use by other systems. Whatever your needs are for managing data, JETVision is the right choice! Dynamic or fixed graphics, text or logos Barcodes Time/date stamp Number generator numeric or barcode Imaging Operations Image Output Module Provide images of captured items The Image Output operation provides images for use in archive and other storage solutions. JETVision has a self-contained server and can buffer data in the event that networks or storage servers become unavailable. Incorporating an in-line print system with the ability to add personalized information is now easier than ever with JETVision. The flexibility to install JETVision practically anywhere in a production process or on a machine and read information from an item while looking up the new information to add makes JETVision a great vehicle to add personalized messages to any communication piece. Read and Print Control Module Print a personalized address or message JETVision can read a unique identifier, such as a barcode, OCR number, name or address on an item and look up the matching message from a data file in real time. This information is passed to an in-line print system, and JETVision continues to track the piece throughout the production process. In fact, JETVision can even be used to check the quality of every in-line print to make sure that the final piece will pass all production standards. Printer Control Operations Information read in real time can be interfaced to many different print controllers, like Buskro, HP, Kodak, Impeka and others

11 Print Quality Operations Print Quality Operations Print Quality Operations Whether your business handles high-volume transactional documents, transpromotional documents or direct mail, print quality is critical to the performance of your business. The extraordinary processing power of JETVision allows it to capture amazing detail at full production speeds while simultaneously analyzing every document for a multitude of quality checks, including: Print Alignment Check that items printed on the document or envelope are in the correct location This operation is used when the location of a printed item is critical. JETVision measures the horizontal and vertical dimensions of an item from a defined anchor point. If the dimensions drift out of the tolerance range, the system warns the operator to take action. ANSI grading of barcodes Verification of print alignment and quality Verification of color print Streak and Void Detection Ensure that all print heads are operating normally to ensure the highest-quality output Print Quality Operations Barcode Grading Real-time barcode grading ensures that barcodes meet reading and equipment standards Frequently inferior barcode quality isn t identified until after a job is complete and higher-cost reprinting is required. JETVision provides grading of barcodes in real-time against ANSI standards for oneand two-dimensional barcodes (including IMb) alerting the operator as soon as barcodes drift out of the tolerance range. Acceptable threshold tolerances can be set to balance required quality and needed throughput. High-speed printheads can be prone to clogging or jamming open, resulting in quality issues. This operation checks for streaks, smears or voids, and operators are alerted when output drifts outside of acceptable quality thresholds. With real-time analysis of full documents or specific areas of interest, any variances of quality can be instantly detected, and costly errors can be minimized. Color Matching Confirm that color does not drift Maintaining consistent color output that matches the defined specification is critical to mail operations. The JETVision Color Matching module matches output to a defined color sample and provides a warning to the operator when the color drifts beyond the defined threshold. Print Quality Operations 18 19

12 JETVision Family of Products Notes JETVision Family of Products JETVision Family of Products JETVision Express Designed for the self-installer, JETVision Express includes all of the advanced vision capabilities of other JETVision systems, but is packaged in a smaller footprint that is easy to install on nearly any system. JETVision Express is often added to a legacy or thirdparty system and offers the flexibility to support one to four cameras for applications ranging from simple to complex. JETVision Slim JETVision Slim uses imaging technology that can capture information from one or more areas anywhere in a 6 - or 12 - wide view. The solution includes a moving transport and is typically attached to a system (new or legacy) by a Bell and Howell installation expert. JETVision Slim offers the flexibility to support #10 and 6 x 9 envelopes and flats for top or bottom reading. Web Vision Copy TBD Notes 20 21

13 P.O. Box 14986, Research Triangle Park, NC (800) For more information, visit: bellhowell.net 2013 Bell and Howell, LLC. All rights reserved. Bell and Howell, the Bell and Howell logo, JETVision and IQ Software Suite are trademarks or registered trademarks of Bell and Howell, LLC. United States Postal Service, Intelligent Mail, IMb, POSTNET, PLANET, ZIP Code, USPS and MERLIN are trademarks or registered trademarks of the United States Postal Service. All other marks are the property of their respective owners. Specifications are subject to change without notice. Actual performance results may vary. BH_SOFT_BOOK_1000_20_FEB_2013