Smart code readers are basically optical sensors based on technology similar to that of machine vision cameras. They are sensors and not cameras because they have a specific application. They are like cameras because they have a matrix (2D) image sensor element, that is, they capture images. An internal lighting element can be added to the device, typically synchronized with the capture.
They are smart because they have electronics and internal programming so that the captured image is processed in the same reader. The user programs them for the task to be carried out by means of a computer, but later it is enough to connect them typically to a PLC to receive the commands and send the actions to be taken by other elements after the (internal) processing of the image. Actually, all code readers are “smart”, there are no “dumb” ones.
There are code readers that also have artificial intelligence (AI) or deep learning to facilitate programming and let them take on more work on their own so that you have less. It is a matter of choosing the necessary model for each application and need. Sometimes a simple reader without lighting will work, but in others one with lighting, autofocus, autoexposure, light control, various corrections, self-learning, etc, will be recommended...
When the reader recognizes a code, it obtains the information that said code stores and acts accordingly, returning a message to the system according to its programming (for example: “have the corresponding driver push the part to the red bucket”, “stop the chain and tell Pepe to go and see what happens, something strange has slipped in," "where the hell is the bottle that should have passed through now?")
These image capture and processing devices are prepared to recognize codes (hence their name, there is little imagination in this sector). The codes can be 1D (the barcodes of everything we buy in the supermarket) or 2D, where the information stored in two dimensions is much higher and allows not only to give information on the specific product but also links, images, texts, etc. …
DPM (Direct Part Marking) or QR codes are included in 2D models.
Code readers are widely used in manufacturing and logistics to obtain product information automatically to simplify processes, increase productivity and prevent human error. All this means that there are fewer production operators, of course. In the 19th century, the workers would have thrown the readers to the river with stones. They also allow traceability to be kept and errors to be detected at the earliest stage of the production or distribution chain.
Smart code reader families:
| | ID2000 | ID3000PRO | ID5000 | ID6000 | ID7000 | IDH |
| Deep learning | no | yes | advanced | advanced | yes | no |
| Features | | Autofocus | - Multi-core
- Deep learning efficiency 3x higher | - Multi-core
- Logistics ready
- Large Depfth of Field | - Linear sensor
- Logistics ready
- FoV upto 1200mm
- Max. conveyor spped 2.5m/s | -Handheld
- LAN or USB port
- Wireless, Buetooth
- With or w/o base |
| Iluminación | yes/no | yes | yes/no | no | yes | |
| Resolution | 0.4-1.6 MP | 1.3-4.2 MP | 4.2-20 MP | 8-20 MP | 8K | 1, 1.3 MP |
| Lens mount | internal, C | internal | internal, C | C | F | internal |
| Focal lengths | 4.7-25 mm | 6-25 mm | 8-25 mm | na | | 6,7 mm |
| Max. decoding rate | 45 code/s | 84 code/s | 90 code/s | 84 code/s | | |
| Max. frame rate | 60 fps | 60 fps | 60 fps | 30 fps | 15 KHz | 50 fps |
We are the distributors of HIK Robotics in Portugal and Spain
Other machine (artificial) vision products that might be of your interest:
Area scan cameras Line scan cameras Smart cameras
Zoom / autofocus cameras Polarized cameras 3D cameras
Board cameras Polyspectral cameras SWIR cameras
Line and pattern lasers LED lighting Industrial PCs
Code readers Filters Lenses (fixed f., zoom, telecentric)
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