Technical Guide

Automation Systems

Code Readers

RFID Systems

Code Readers

Code Readers can read 2D codes or bar codes and are available in installed or hand-held models.

What is a Barcode?

According to the definition by ANSI (American National Standards Institute), a barcode is a display of information in the form of bars (black portions) and spaces (area between the bars) of varying widths.

Barcodes first emerged in the 1970s, and have come to be employed in a variety of different industries and applications, beginning with the fields of distribution and logistics.

There are a number of varieties of barcodes such as the JAN/EAN codes, CODE128 which are used to manage barcodes for POS, and CODE39 which is used extensively in the industrial field ,and NW-7 which is used in distribution.

These barcodes are all governed by ISO/IEC international standards. When the quality of the barcode printing is not good, the data may be read incorrectly, so it is important to take care in printing labels etc.
 

Features of Barcode

• High Flexibility Due to its Widespread Use Internationally
  Indespensible identification system for international transport, POS, etc.
   

• High Speed Processing
  An effective tool for classification processes in high speed production lines etc.
   

• Great Variety of Models
  There are a variety of different readers, including the Pen model, Handy model, Stationary model, CCD model, laser model and camera model etc.
   

• Visible Information
  By printing characters in addition to the barcode, it is possible to confirm information just by looking at it.

Major Types and Application of Barcodes

* Also STF, CODE93, in addition to those above.

Structure of Barcode Label (Example)

What is a 2 Dimensional Code?

Barcodes require a great deal of space to express a lot of information, which means that they are difficult to use on small items and for stock control. For example, in the case of small goods for cell phones, these are generally in such high density packaging that barcode labels won't even fit. Also, since barcodes become difficult to read if they are dirty or damaged, a great deal of care need to be taken to maintain the quality of the printing.

In order to solve these problems, the 2 dimensional code was developed which by expressing information in 2 dimensions, makes it possible to include a lot of information at high density in a small space, and can be read even where the print quality is low or it is dirty. Information management including traceability of all the items is ensured by the fact that the 2 dimensional codes are applied directly to goods and products using direct marking by means of a laser marker etc.

In addition, for 2 dimensional codes as well, ISO/IEC international standards have progressed to the point where they are now applicable globally.

Features of 2 Dimensional Codes

• Very high information density in comparison to barcodes
  The same information can be expressed with 1/10~1/100 as much density as the barcode. Marking in extremely small spaces which was impossible with barcodes is possible.
   

• Large amount of information
  7 KB of information can be held, expressing approx. 7000 characters in number form. Kanji can also be used, making it possible to use as a portable data file.
   

• Protected against dirt and scratches due to error correction functions
  If a code is dirty or damaged, there are functions to restore data from the readable data available, but this is only possible depending on the restoration level setting. As such, in contrast to barcodes, there are no erroneous readings.
  The error correction level can be set at the time of encoding, and a code can be restored from more than 1/2 of the damaged code at its ultimate level.
   

• High flexibility in the angle and direction of reading
  Using a 2 dimensional CCD scanner enables reading data from 360 degrees.
  Since there are no limits on the direction for reading 2 dimensional code, work efficiency can be increased.
   

• Information can be printed directly onto items
  Direct marking on an item by using a laser enables realizing "unite items with their information".

Major Types of 2 Dimensional Codes
 

Structure of 2 Dimensional Code (Example)

Further Information of Code Readers »

 

Recommended Products

	Ultra-small Multi Code Reader     V400-R Multi-code reading that automatically recognizes major paper/label 1D and 2D codes.
	2-Dimensional Code Reader     V400-F For easier, more accurate quality control to meet real-world production site needs.
	Easy-viewing 2-Dimensional Code Reader     V400-H A handy, LCD-equipped Reader capable of reading directly marked codes.