The all-rounder for reading and comparing plain text

May 8, 2014
Waldkirch/Düsseldorf

The main strength of the new LECTOR®620 OCR is its reading of printed plain text and simultaneous identification of all conventional 1D and 2D codes. The camera-based code reader’s simple commissioning and suitability for differing types of font, which can also be taught-in during running machine operation, are impressive. The stationary and dynamic detection of numbers, letters, symbols and codes is highly reliable, even with critical print quality, thanks to intelligent decoding algorithms. The most frequent areas of use for the LECTOR®620 OCR include reading use-by dates and batch numbers on food and pharmaceutical packages, identifying data matrix codes in particular, and monitoring the feeding-in of packaging and blanks to packaging machines.


The compact LECTOR®620 OCR is the ideal solution for reading and comparing plain text in packaging applications. Thanks to its integrated red and blue illumination, the LECTOR®620 OCR ensures optimum lighting of the reading field at all times, regardless of the contrast. The code reader permits the detection of plain text letters, symbols and numbers at distances of between 30 mm and 300 mm. This is possible both whilst stationary and at speeds of up to 4.0 m/s. The integrated text-finder ensures that plain text can be reliably read or compared even with printing tolerances on the packaging.

Integrated web server and Teach-in Wizard support simple commissioning
Whether the comparison or reading of plain text, or code identification – the uncomplicated handling of the LECTOR®620 OCR during commissioning is impressive. The teach-in of texts takes place in Teach Mode, supported by a user-friendly wizard function. No special software is required for teaching-in (or training-in) letters, symbols and numbers because the code reader also has an integrated web server. In addition, fonts can be rapidly copied from one device to as many other devices as required (via PC or MicroSD card) for applications in which several code readers carry out the same task.

Designed for flexibility and availability
During operation, the LECTOR®620 OCR can autonomously adjust reading parameters such as illumination or contrast settings. New fonts and font weights can also be taught-in while machines are running. As a result, the code reader can automatically be adjusted, for example, to changing contrast differences or font types (e.g. italics) without impairing machine availability. This flexibility is accompanied by very dependable reading reliability – achieved through the use of intelligent decoding algorithms, with which the quality of the code reading can also be evaluated. This helps users understand any problem that may occur and correct it themselves, even without expert knowledge.

LECTOR®620 OCR – the latest addition to the LECTOR®620 product family
The LECTOR®620 OCR is the youngest member of SICK’s camera-based LECTOR®620 family of code readers. The differing variants solve different tasks and meet a variety of automation requirements: ECO, with the basic functions, as a reasonably priced variant; High Speed for applications at enhanced speeds of up to 6 m/s; DPM Plus as an optimum solution for directly marked codes; and the Professional that covers the most common code reading applications and is thus the universal solution for rapid implementation of a wide variety of tasks. The 2D code readers from SICK offer excellent connectivity to match their good performance: Ethernet (TCP/IP), EtherCat, Ethernet/IP, PROFIBUS, PROFINET, CAN-Bus, RS 232, digital I/Os, USB – various data interfaces are integrated in the particular devices of the LECTOR®620 product family or enabled via appropriate fieldbus gateways.

Plain text detection with the LECTOR®620 OCR – the ideal solution for maximum possible process reliability and availability.