If a barcode is stamped out of position, the Operator will be alerted immediately, before coating. This speeds up throughput and improves quality control.
Description 
The Barcode Inspection tool from k-Space confirms the number, location, and dimensions of laser-etched barcodes on each glass panel before coating, ensuring better product quality and reducing stoppages.
Details
- Designed to work with virtually any glass or solar panel size or type.
- The tool uses a two-camera system to confirm the barcode/SubID etched on each panel.
- First, it uses pictures of the corner of the glass and the barcode to determine its exact location. Next, it uses optical character recognition (OCR) to identify the characters in the SubID. Finally, it reads the OCR and barcode, and makes sure they match.
- The system uses two off-the-shelf cameras.
- Each camera is surrounded by a protective enclosure mounted to the frame.
Benefits 
- If a barcode is stamped out of position, the Operator will be alerted immediately, before coating.
- Detailed measurement and timing information of panels is provided.
- Provides percentage match between the barcode and the target image.
- Shows percentage yield, the number of panels that have passed out of the last 100 panels, and the number that have passed out of the total panel count.
Capabilities 
- Confirms the barcode number, location and dimensions stamped on each panel before coating.
- Lets operator easily mark dimensional tolerances, scan direction, and image calibration settings.
- Start and stop image capture and panel analysis function.
- Real-time analysis and post-process data analysis.
- k-Space barcode capabilities also include the ability to reconstruct and read skewed or defective barcodes, including in high production environments.
Software
- The kSA Barcode Inspection tool software is installed on a separate computer dedicated to the detection system.
- Includes fully customizable user interface.
- Capable of acquiring data from a live source or a saved data file.
- Capable of filtering or smoothing data using a variety of statistical methods and parameters.
- Able to write to SQL databases and files for off-line analysis with statistical software tools, including SAS.
- Two different operational modes: Admin and Operator.
Technology 
- Mako Mono PoE cameras (recommended), each with 8mm UC series fixed focal-length lenses that capture the images of the Sub ID and the edge of the glass panel.
- Mini line lights that illuminate the areas being imaged.
- Photo eye to detect panels as they approach and to trigger the cameras to capture the images.
- The photo eye also triggers the system to start and stop data collection. The photo eye is mounted between the two cameras, and one line light is mounted behind each camera.
- Includes k-Space proprietary operator software and analysis tools.
