Benefits and Challenges of a Vision Inspection System for Clinical Trial Labels

Jørgen Læssøe

 JLI Vision A/S
Poppelgaardvej 9, DK-2860 Søborg, Denmark
Tel: +45 3966 0809 Fax: +45 3956 0812

Biography

Jørgen Læssøe has developed vision systems since 1980.

In 1985 he formed his own company JLI vision.

JLI today employs 13 engineers solely involved in development of turnkey vision systems. The company relies on subcontractors for marketing, fabrication and assembly, keeping the core vision engineering as the only activity.

This company is engaged in vision technology for steelworks, glassworks and medical device production. The vision systems are delivered as turn key installations with validation, training and on line support.

JLI exports more than 60%, the main markets being Japan and United Kingdom. JLI cooperates with many international companies in the form of joint ventures or long term development contracts.

Abstract

Manual inspection and verification of labels used for clinical trials is a time consuming process and can sometimes result in errors leading to questionable conclusions for the product being tested. 

Manual inspection focuses on checking the text, barcode and numbers on every label that is used in the trial, including the variable parts that are unique. Sometimes the text is in a foreign language which can make it even more difficult.

This paper presents a universal solution that is able to automatically and thoroughly inspect labels and detect errors. The solution more or less eliminates the human factor and makes the inspection robust and consistent. The solution presented is independent of the printed language and font used on the label. The system is also capable of reading any barcode.

Any variable part of the label, both text and barcode, can be cross referenced and checked according to a database containing a list of print jobs.

The solution can be used for any label independent of form or colour, and will accept any perforation.

Experiences from systems in operation will be examined.