Freewill-Mars Tohken provides hardware and software for automatic recognition systems as solutions in accordance with the business situations of clients. This article introduces character recognition (OCR) services that utilize the know-how of building automatic recognition systems such as barcodes/two-dimensional codes/Near Field Communication Automatic Identification Technology (RFID).

Drastic reduction of human errors with character check/character recognition (OCR)!

Utilizing our know-how in building automatic recognition systems, we provide character recognition (OCR) services that can be used at manufacturing sites. The equipment is very simple. A scanner is installed on the existing production line, and the serial number/lot number/production date and other data from the flowing product to be read as images and stored as text information. Through the scanner, the machine automatically performs the work that humans recognize visually and input one-by-one manually. For production management systems, character recognition (OCR) and shape recognition (pattern matching) technologies are becoming indispensable.

▲2D code fixed type scanner (MVF-500) equipped with character recognition (OCR) and shape recognition (pattern matching) functions

Benefits of introducing character recognition (OCR)

■ Prevention of human error

Misrecognition, misinput and omission can be prevented by automating work that used to be done manually, such as character recognition, distinction and management. For example, a camera can be used to acquire weighing data from an old weighing instrument without an external interface.

■ Solid information management system

By dealing with codes which have many characters, such as product codes, as digital information, troubles can be prevented beforehand, and past information can be tracked quickly.

■ Able to manage simultaneously with barcodes and 2D codes

With our scanner, barcodes and printed letters such as lot numbers/production codes can be read at the same time.

■ Reduction of labor and cost

To prevent defective products, thorough inspections are necessary, which takes time and effort with human power. An accurate inspection and labor cost reduction can be realized at the same time by utilizing image processing.

▲ Character recognition (OCR) function: Reading printings of characters such as expiration date, lot number, and production codes becomes possible.

▲ (Left) Automatically detects the area to be scanned. Also responds to a rotation of characters. (Right) Automatically detects character recognition areas from 2D code.

Barcode reading + character recognition (OCR) are possible

One unit of our scanner can read barcodes and printed characters such as lot numbers and production codes simultaneously. We can realize an automatic recognition solution that anyone can operate, by combining the acquired information with our own special software. This service has been in full swing since last year in Thailand. Since the introduction, we have received comments such as "The man-hours required for input has been significantly reduced" and "Label printing errors were noticed before shipment which prevented erroneous delivery."

In light of future full digitalization, we support from a feasible small start

Although the wave of visualization and digitalization is coming, due to the sluggish economy, it is not uncommon to hear “we want to change but cannot change from the current equipment” from production sites in Thailand and the ASEAN region. In response to these problems and worries, we provide a specific and feasible total service in one stop considering future full digitalization. We can support overall production management of the client. For example, we can support everything from selecting a camera, installing it, collecting data, and performing analysis using our special software. A character recognition service that can be started easily. As the first step toward visualization and automation, why not try it?

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