Dot-printed date codes: preserve the spaces between the dots
The source image shows a dark dot-printed date on a bright background under a blue bar light. The important trial is whether the dots and character spaces stay separate across normal print variation, before any OCR success is claimed.
Keep dots separate in the image before evaluating a date reader.
Real camera capture
- Light in sourceLS-BAR-0518 · blue
- EvidenceReal application-lab image
- Imaging kitCamera, lens and fixture proposed
- AcceptanceValidate on representative parts
Explore it in 3D
Camera and available lens CAD are published models. Lens and light envelopes use printed dimensions. The linked station uses its published base size and column height; carriage, brackets, fittings, parts and spacing are illustrative. Confirm load, travel, fasteners and clearances before ordering. Light paths explain the arrangement and do not simulate optical performance. Representative part geometry is illustrative, not reconstructed inspection evidence. The specimen and lighting angle are representative, not dimensions or settings recovered from the source capture.
Lighting application-lab catalog capture
What the camera saw
Cropped from the source test sheet; original test annotations are retained. Captures are not generated or enhanced. Drag a comparison slider, or open any image full size.
The challenge
Dot printing deliberately breaks each character into separate marks. Missing, enlarged or merged dots can change the apparent character.
A legible example does not establish that a reader will handle weak ink, rough surfaces or motion.
How it was solved
The source identifies the blue 237 mm bar for date-code inspection. The published image crop retains one date line without reconstructing or sharpening its dots.
Use the proposed monochrome camera and macro lens to compare print contrast, then tune an OCR or verification process against known date strings. The source does not name its camera or software.
Why it works
- 1
A selected light colour changes the contrast between a particular print and substrate; the supplied blue-light example shows the resulting dark dots against a bright field.
- 2
Lighting colour alone cannot predict performance on another ink. Dot sampling and acceptable character variation still have to be tested.
Lighting application-lab catalog capture
Evidence you can inspect
The retained date line has visible gaps between printed dots and characters.
The source captions the example date-code inspection and identifies its blue bar light.
One source capture, cropped to a date line. No OCR read rate, printed font size, speed, verifier grade or accuracy is supplied.
From image contrast to a production decision
What to validate on your part
- 01
Use known date strings
Include every required character and separator, with weak print, missing dots and dot spread.
- 02
Count pixels across the dots
Confirm the smallest required dot and inter-dot gap at the final field and focus.
- 03
Measure reader outcomes
Record correct reads, no-reads and wrong reads on a separate labelled set at final motion and exposure.
From the demo to your test bench
Parts in this setup
LightTested
LS-BAR-0518
237 x 32 mm Bar light (LS-BAR-0518)
Blue version of the 237 × 38 × 27 mm bar identified in the source date-code example. Its 32 mm emitting width and L = 12 mm + emitting length rule imply a 225 mm emitting length. The RGBW model suffix lists available single-colour variants; this trial selects blue only.
$269.00
In proposed setup
CameraOur pick
MV-CS050-10GM(NPOE)
Hikrobot MV-CS050-10GM(NPOE) 5 MP GigE area scan camera, IMX264, Gen 2 basic version, Mono, Without PoE
5 MP monochrome global-shutter camera proposed for a contrast trial. Confirm field, sampling, exposure and algorithm on the actual application.Not available in the United States. Available for delivery to other countries.
$819.00
In proposed setup
LensOur pick
LS-FFL-1454
16mm, F2.8, 1.1", C-mount, Macro lens (52 mm (-0.25X) to 546 mm (-0.03X)) (LS-FFL-1454)
Proposed 16 mm C-mount macro lens at its printed 0.1x magnification / 152 mm working-distance pair. The proposed 2448 × 2048 sensor with 3.45 µm pixels gives a derived 84.456 × 70.656 mm field; confirm focus, coverage and residual distortion on the real sample.
$319.00
In proposed setup
Camera test stationOur pick
LS-MNT-0097
Camera stand with XZ adjustment and glass tray, height 600 mm (LS-MNT-0097)
600 mm column, 600 × 450 mm breadboard, XZ adjustment, glass tray and two lighting holders as listed. Proposed bench fixture; confirm loads, travel and camera/lens clamps.
$629.00
In proposed setup
"Tested" identifies the part named in the source. "Our pick" is a proposed alternative or supporting part. Confirm colour, optics, controllers, power supplies, cables and mounting before ordering.
The set-up
| Tested light | LS-BAR-0518, blue |
|---|---|
| Source camera / lens | Not specified in the source image caption; proposed parts below |
| Proposed lens point | 0.1x at 152 mm, printed lens pair |
| Derived proposed field | 84.456 × 70.656 mm = sensor dimensions / 0.1x; not a source test field |
| Bar housing (printed) | 237 × 38 × 27 mm |
| Emitting length (derived) | 225 mm from printed L = 12 mm + X rule |
| Mounting (proposed) | LS-MNT-0097; 600 mm column, 600 × 450 mm base, glass tray and two included lighting holders |
Mount the optics with intent
The station is an optical test bench, with its two lighting holders included in the catalog listing. The 3D column and base follow the published height and footprint. Carriages, clamps and part supports are schematic: confirm camera screw pattern, lens support, light fasteners, permissible load and actual travel before ordering.
Complete the electrical system
Select a controller against the exact light voltage, drive mode and power, then confirm camera data/power/I/O cables and a suitable PC. These are not silently added to the proposed optical kit.
Build this system
Start from this setup, adapt it to your part.
The configurator opens with this study's camera, lens, light and station picked. Swap any part, check fit and price, then buy or ask for a quote.
Camera and available lens CAD are published models. Lens and light envelopes use printed dimensions. The linked station uses its published base size and column height; carriage, brackets, fittings, parts and spacing are illustrative. Confirm load, travel, fasteners and clearances before ordering. Light paths explain the arrangement and do not simulate optical performance. Representative part geometry is illustrative, not reconstructed inspection evidence. The specimen and lighting angle are representative, not dimensions or settings recovered from the source capture.
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Make the next trial specific.
Tell us the part size, smallest defect or tolerance, available working distance, material and line speed. Include what a good part and a reject look like.
About this case study: the photos and camera images come from the application laboratory of the maker of the lighting and optics we sell, imaged on the parts shown; your results depend on your part, camera and set-up. This is an application-lab study, not a LumaSpec customer deployment. Source figures are reported results; proposed components require a fresh trial. The 3D scene illustrates the arrangement and does not simulate imaging performance.