Back to Basics: Introduction to Industrial Barcode Reading 1 Agenda . What is a barcode? . History . 1-D codes . Types and terminology . 2-D codes . Types and terminology . Marking Methods . Laser Scanning . Image-Based Reading . Hardware and Software . Communication . How to select a reader 2 2 | © 2014 Cognex Corporation What is barcode reading? . A barcode is a machine readable representation of data related to the object it is attached to. A barcode reader is used to read these codes in order to track the object throughout its lifecycle. 3 3 | © 2014 Cognex Corporation Where are barcodes used? . The first product to ever be scanned was in 1974. By the 1980s, scanning for retail became worldwide. Today, codes can be both 1-D and 2-D. Where can I find barcodes? 4 4 | © 2014 Cognex Corporation Where are barcodes used? Food Medical & Packaging Pharmaceutical Automotive Aerospace Electronics 5 5 | © 2014 Cognex Corporation 1-D Barcodes Different types Industry terminology Common uses 6 6 | © 2014 Cognex Corporation Common 1-D Barcode Types UPC-A Code 39 Code 128 Interleaved 2 of 5 Codabar Pharmacode 7 7 | © 2014 Cognex Corporation Linear Barcode Terminology . Quiet Zone . Guard Pattern . Narrow Bar Width 8 8 | © 2014 Cognex Corporation 2-D Barcodes Different types Industry terminology Marking methods Common uses 9 9 | © 2014 Cognex Corporation Common 2-D Codes DataMatrix QR-Code Aztec Code MaxiCode 10 10 | © 2014 Cognex Corporation 2-D Code Terminology . 24 square and 6 rectangular formats . 3,116 numeric or 2,335 alphanumeric characters . Cell presence/absence check tolerates poor printing . Error correction improves read rates . Scalable . Reading accuracy . 1 misread error in 10.5 million scans Requires an image-based ID reader to decode 11 11 | © 2014 Cognex Corporation Printing Methods: Printed Codes 1-D and 2-D Printed Codes . Inkjet . Labels . Most basic . Cost effective . Less flexible, pre-determined code data 12 12 | © 2014 Cognex Corporation Marking Methods: DPM 2-D Direct Part Marking (DPM) . Dot Peen . Chemically Etched . Laser Marked 13 13 | © 2014 Cognex Corporation Question? Which code type does your facility use? 1) 1-D Barcodes 2) 2-D Codes 3) Both 4) Neither 5) Unsure 14 14 | © 2014 Cognex Corporation Laser Scanner Technology What is it? How does it work? Benefits Limitations 15 15 | © 2014 Cognex Corporation Laser Scanning Technology Barcode Light Detector Signal Digitized Signal 16 16 | © 2014 Cognex Corporation Benefits of Laser Scanners Cost . No image processor . Uses oscillating mirrors Speed . Fast scan rates, some up to 1300 scan/sec Decoding at long distances . 6 to 24 inches away . Long range can do multiple feet away Most common and longest in use 17 17 | © 2014 Cognex Corporation Limitations of Laser Scanners Hard to scan barcodes . Poorly printed . Defective / damaged . Low contrast . Specular reflections . Narrow-heighted Unidirectional scanning . No omnidirectional (360°) or at least orthogonal (0° and 90°) reading . Mounting and positioning constraints Moving parts are subject to failure Cannot read 2-D codes 18 18 | © 2014 Cognex Corporation Image-Based Barcode Reader Technology What is it? How does it work? Pixels per module Image formation Benefits Limitations 19 19 | © 2014 Cognex Corporation Imager-Based Barcode Reader Technology 20 20 | © 2014 Cognex Corporation What is the measurement PPM? (Pixels per Module) How many pixels on the sensor for each module, at a focal distance. Example: Definition: 752 Pixels One Module Sensor 480 Pixels Lens Working Distance 78 mm 12x12 Code 5mm x 5mm 50 mm 21 21 | © 2014 Cognex Corporation Image-Based Barcode Reader Simple Set Up: Hardware Code size Mounting/reading distance Lens options . Liquid lens technology . C-Mount, S-Mount lens Lighting . Stable 22 22 | © 2014 Cognex Corporation Image-Based Barcode Readers: Liquid Lens Technology 23 23 | © 2014 Cognex Corporation Image-Based Barcode Readers: Image Formation Lighting . Dark ink, light background—simple direct illumination . DPM require more advanced lighting techniques . Reader should have ideal focus settings . Lens advisor: S-Mount, C-Mount, Liquid lens Diffuse Dome: Bright Field Lighting: Highly reflective & curved surface High contrast labels & DPM parts Dark Field Lighting: Dot Peen & laser DPM DPM reading 24 24 | © 2014 Cognex Corporation Image-Based Barcode Reader Simple Set Up: Software 25 25 | © 2014 Cognex Corporation Benefits of Image-Based Barcode Reader Technology No Moving Parts . Solid state device . Longer life than laser scanners High Read Rates . Can read damaged/ properly marked codes . Omnidirectional reading Image Feedback . Store No-Read images . Find out why a code does not read 26 26 | © 2014 Cognex Corporation Limitations of Image-Based Technology Cost . In the past, imager processors were very expensive Speed . Older readers can be slow due to less advanced processors Can be difficult to setup . Software needed for some system . Good image for processing 27 27 | © 2014 Cognex Corporation Question? Which type of reader are you currently using? 1) Laser based 2) Image based 3) Both 4) Neither 28 28 | © 2014 Cognex Corporation Communication Protocols Ethernet TCP/IP RS-232 USB Keyboard-Mode Discrete I/O FTP 29 29 | © 2014 Cognex Corporation Integrating your Barcode Reader PLC Integration . Ethernet/IP : Allen Bradley Add On Profile . PROFINET : Siemens . MC Protocol: Mitsubishi . Modbus TCP : Schneider Electric Storing Data to a Database . Oracle . SAP: Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Discrete I/O 30 30 | © 2014 Cognex Corporation What Industrial Protocol does your facility use? 1) Ethernet/IP 2) Modbus 3) PROFINET 4) MC Protocol 5) Other 6) Unknown 31 31 | © 2014 Cognex Corporation What should you consider when selecting a Barcode Reader? Read rates . Best algorithms to decode 1-D and 99.9% 2-D codes . Reduce No-Reads and misreads Durability/Life of reader VS. Solid state device, no moving parts Ease of setup . User friendly software Communication . Need a reader that supports your facilities protocol 32 32 | © 2014 Cognex Corporation Read Rates Best-in-class algorithms Ability to read some of the hardest codes • Codes on cardboard • Codes marked with a marker • Poor factory lighting 33 33 | © 2014 Cognex Corporation Read Rates Best-in-class algorithms . DPM Codes • Shiny material . Poor quality codes • Small • Low contrast codes 34 34 | © 2014 Cognex Corporation Cognex Readers Durability/ Life of Reader . Solid state readers, no moving parts Ease of Setup . Easy tuning in software and hardware . Liquid Lens technology Communication . Supports popular industrial protocols and communication protocols Cognex Products . Full line of handheld and fixed-mount readers . Different price & performance options 35 35 | © 2014 Cognex Corporation QUESTIONS? 36 36 | © 2014 Cognex Corporation Questions 1. What is the ROI advantage of image-based barcode readers over laser scanners? 2. How does a facility transition from laser scanners to image-based barcode readers? 3. I have 2-D DPM codes and 1-D barcodes. Do I need 2 different types of barcode readers in my facility? 37 37 | © 2014 Cognex Corporation .