Optimizing Processes with RFID and Auto ID, 2009

3 Optical codes
ing of certain parameters, e.g. a necessary tool change for a pin
marker.
3.5 Reading systems and their properties
3.5.1 Components of a data matrix reading system
Code reading systems include the following components:
• Camera unit consisting of a lens, sensor, and image capturing unit
• Lighting
• Controller unit, consisting of process and communication
interfaces
• Housing and physical connection technology.
Depending on the task, these elements can vary widely with regard to
their construction form and integration. You can see this immediately
when comparing stationary code reading systems and manual
reading systems. However, you can also find very small reading systems
among the fixed mounting systems (stationary code reading
systems), where fix-focus lenses, some LEDs such as lighting, and the
entire image capturing and processing unit as well as a communication
interface are integrated into the housing. There are modular systems
at the other end of the scale that can be supplemented flexibly
with matching lighting and lenses and offer various communication
interfaces. Whereas some of the devices are mainly suitable for uncomplicated,
high-contrast applications, the other products are used
in the area of demanding direct marking, e.g. in the automotive and
aviation industries.
3.5.2 Stationary reading systems
The use of stationary reading systems enables fully automatic data
collection without constant monitoring or operation by a person.
These fixed installed reading systems are used in several form factors:
As PC-based image processing systems, intelligent cameras with
a compact design, or with a remote camera head. We still must distinguish
between the image processing systems that support the reading
of matrix codes as a side function and pure code reading systems
with a SW user interface that is exclusively optimized for the parame-
48