Inspector Model D4000

Dual mode portable bar code verifier

This presentation includes bar code basics

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We design and manufacture the world's most complete line of bar code verification equipment

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BAR CODES Are the World’s Least Expensive and Most Reliable

Method of Entering Data

Bar codes are increasingly being used in critical applications where there is no backup

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Bar Code 101

• Two basic bar code variables• Light/dark• Narrow/wide

• Five basic bar code parameters• Layout• Ratio or edge-edge• Element dimensions/deviations• Reflectance/print contrast• Spots and voids

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Light / Dark

Virtually all bar codes are read using reflected and monochromatic light

Diffuse light is scattered randomly Specular Specular light does not scatter (mirror) Scanners sense diffuse light High & low reflectance differentiates

elements - “bars and spaces”

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Narrow / Wide

Elements are different widths Ratio type codes contain two widths

Code 39, I 2 of 5, Codabar Edge-edge codes contain four widths

Code 128, UPC, EAN, UCC/EAN 128 Width of narrow element = X dimension

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Layout

1 = human readable 2 = proper size quiet zone 3 = correct data encoded in symbol

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Ratio

1 = narrow element width 2 = wide element width Ratio = avg. wide element width

/ avg. narrow element width 2:1 to 3.2:1 normal

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Element Dimensions / Deviations

1 = narrow element 2 = wide element 3 = element width tolerance 4 = tolerance added to narrow

element 5 = tolerance subtracted from

wide element 4, 5 not easily recognized as

narrow or wide

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Reflectance / Print Contrast

1 = bar; Low reflectance 2 = space; High reflectance 3 = highest reflectance in symbol, L 4 = lowest reflectance in symbol; D Symbol contrast = L-D PCS = (L-D)/L Scanners must see a significant

difference in reflectance for reliable performance

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Spots and Voids

1 = bar with void inside 2 = space with spot inside 3 = signal distorted by void 4 = signal distorted by spot 5 = signal with no distortion Distorted signals can result in

no read, poor read rate or data error

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What Is Verification?

A specification or parametric check of a bar code symbol

Objective: predict or ensure readability

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What Is Scanning?

Decoding bar codes

Objective: dig data out of noise

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Why Not Use A Scanner To Verify?

• A scanner is designed to read “bad” codes

• In open systems “bad” means different things (all designs are different)

• Codes do not get better in shipment• The “better” the scanner you use, the less

likely it is your customer will be able to read the code

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What Types Of Verification Methods Are Available?

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Verification Methods

• Traditional method

• ANSI method

• Film master (N/A for D4000)

• Data validation

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Traditional Method

• Objective; Determine how well the symbol is printed• No regard for scanner type• Micrometer, optical comparator history

• Major parameters analyzed;• Avg. bar deviation• Print contrast signal• Absolute element widths (optional)

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Traditional Method

Major applications; Print setup Less expensive portable models Absolute measurements for high speed

systems Augmentation for explaining ANSI method

grade values On-line verification strategy

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ANSI Method

• Objective; Predict how well any type of scanner incorporating a particular optical configuration (aperture/wavelength) will read this symbol• Overall symbol grade is indicator• B/06/660 or 3.2/06/660

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ANSI Method

• All quality parameters derived from scan profile

• Lowest of parameter grades = overall symbol grade

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ANSI Method

Most documented and traceable verification method

Quality parameters analyzed Symbol contrast Modulation Defects Decodability Reference decode Rmin/Rmax Minimum edge contrast

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ANSI Method

• Multiple scan averaging is recommended• This provides more

information on area of symbol

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ANSI Method

• Major applications;• Most compatible with symbols printed on flat surfaces• UPC/EAN and AIM specifications recommend it

• Method of Choice for large ISO9000 companies (NIST Traceability)

• Choice for compliance labeling• Excellent on-line evaluation process

– Can detect any print method failure (traditional!)

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Data Validation

Ensure proper data format UCC/EAN AI formats HIBC mod 43 check digit

Ensure data match for specific content Destination on shipping label Product ID

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D4000 Modes of Operation

• Laser mode

• ANSI mode

• Mode set by scanner type installed

• The modes provide different types of analyses

• The modes provide different types of pass/fail criteria

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D4000 Laser Mode

Traditional parameters flag errors Ave. bar deviation Quiet zone Ratio

ANSI Decodability can flag error User programmable threshold (B - F)

Easy point and shoot

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Laser Mode - CR1 Scanner

• More accurate analyses than original scanner

• Analyzes wide range of code size including high density codes with 5 mil (.127 mm) X dimension

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Laser Mode - CR1 Scanner (Cont.)

Scanning instructions on scanner

Adjust scan distance so beam width is minimum of twice the width of bar code

2 inch (51 mm) minimum scan distance

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D4000 ANSI Mode

ANSI overall symbol grade flags errors Fail threshold user programmable (B-F) Ensure proper aperture/wavelength is set Calibration required for reflectance calculations

Traditional parameters used for reference Avg. bar deviation is a trend indicator for

Decodability

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D4000 ANSI MODE (Cont.)

Manual scanning Scan 8 - 12 IPS

(smooth) Begin and end scan

outside of quiet zone Multiple scan average

desired Scan in both

directions

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D4000 Data Validation

Mandatory modulo check digits Code 128, UCC/EAN 128, UPC/EAN

UCC/EAN data format checks UCC/EAN AI format checks Comparison mode (laser mode only)

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D4000 Operation HintsEnter & Select Keys

Press ENTER and SELECT at any time simultaneously to enter main menu

Except when actively calibrating or printing a scan profile (ANSI mode)

Press SELECT to move cursor or change a choice

Press ENTER to enable that selection You may scan at any time in any place in the

main menu

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D4000 Operation HintsAnalysis Screens

Initial screen indicates pass/fail analysis and decoded data

Press SELECT to scroll data LEDs indicate avg. bar deviation

Individual screens accessible for detailed analysis information

Press ENTER to access detailed screens First screen accessed is “remembered” Press ENTER to return to initial screen

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D4000 Operation HintsStorage Buffer

% Full displayed when storage enabled Buffer cleared by pressing ENTER with

cursor on % full message

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D4000 Operation HintsANSI Mode Interpretations

Ref decode = F on multiple scan average analysis indicates at least one scan failed ref decode (A-F averaged in multiple scan analysis grade)

Large (> 35%) defect calculation may indicate a bad quiet zone

Decodability set to 00% in a single scan indicates a global threshold failure

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World Leader in Quality Assurance and Data Validation of Printed Symbols

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