Microscan has released a new generation of camera-based products for reading linear and 2D bar codes in static or moving applications. Traditional linear bar codes are being replaced by two-dimensional codes which store information along the height as well as the length of the symbol. One type of 2D code is the data matrix symbol - a two-dimensional symbol which encodes the data based on a pattern of black and white cells within the matrix. Data matrix codes have a much higher data capacity than traditional linear bar codes and are much smaller, sometimes just 2mm square. These codes are generally used for marking small items such as printed circuit boards to track progress during manufacture. The information generated from the product tracking system can be used to safeguard against manufacturing errors as well as for test and inspection. Identifying a unit before and after each test stage provides verification that the component passed inspection, information which is extremely important in the case of warranty repairs and product recalls.

Microscan's new system, the Quadrus EZ^TM, combines the ease of use of a laser bar code scanner with the advanced software features of vision technology and is able to read linear or 2D symbols in static or moving applications. Laser bar code scanners are unable to read 2D symbols, which makes a key benefit of the Quadrus EZ its ability to read both types of bar code with the same settings, so two separate readers are not required. The unit can decode moving symbols, regardless of orientation, at speeds of up to 60 reads per second and from distances up to 10 inches away. Improving machine efficiency is essential in today's economic climate and the Quadrus EZ is helping businesses to minimise costly production errors and rework.

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