Arden Software (Stockport, UK) has unveiled an enhanced product to inspect the quality of Braille on packaging. The global software company, which specializes in CAD and CAM software for the print and packaging industry, is now supplying DotScan technology to the packaging sector. The Arden Group of companies has supplied its original DotScan machinery for the past six years, but Arden Software has now supported the development of new features within the machinery, bringing an enhanced version of the product to the market. The technology measures the height and position of Braille dots on packaging to ensure that they comply with the highest quality standards. Enhanced features include the addition of an ultra-high-resolution camera and advanced 3D measurement technology, that’s used to scan the individual Braille dots.
Simon Usher, DotScan Specialist at Arden Software, added: “Our enhanced DotScan technology guarantees speed, accuracy and peace of mind for packaging manufacturers. The innovative 3D measurement technology not only determines the presence and position of Braille characters, but also provides a complete visual analysis, highlighting in clear detail where any quality errors may have occurred.”
DotScan machines provide a comprehensive Braille review that checks for presence, height, accuracy, composition and language of braille dots. It uses a shape-from-shading technique to inspect samples in less than two seconds, virtually eliminating the risk of error when compared to visual or mechanical inspections. The advanced system can inspect Braille printing on folding boxes and embossing dies and is extremely effective – from artwork proof to finished carton. It can also compare Braille quality in PDF files or simple text in 18 languages.
“Arden Software is proud to bring this enhanced DotScan technology into our product portfolio for the packaging sector,” said Matthew Hewitt, Arden Software Business Development Manager. “This technology is trusted among the pharmaceutical and healthcare packaging industries where Braille on packaging is mandatory, and there’s no room for error. It’s also becoming increasingly in demand among other packaging producers who are keen to become more inclusive and accessible to people who are visually impaired. Traditional methods of Braille inspection can be time consuming and costly, and just one tiny fault in the manufacturing process can have dangerous consequences for the visually impaired. But with DotScan, manufacturers can be confident of the highest quality control and eliminate the chance of incorrectly embossed cartons from ever reaching the consumer,” he added.