Small 2D reader fits on the production line

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team May 22, 2006

Accu-Sort's MiniCam 2D reader provides fast read rates, quick setup time and a low cost of ownership.

MiniCam is Accu-Sort's smallest 2D reader, with a footprint that easily fits on a production line, yet it is powerful enough to handle sorting or other material handling applications.

The MiniCam provides a wide field of view, integrated LED illumination and flexible connectivity to host systems.

Paired with the AccuVision Decoder for Mid-Range Cameras, MiniCam provides real-time decoding of all industry-standard one-dimensional bar codes and two-dimensional symbologies.

Plug-and-play functionality allows for fast and easy installation and setup.

Replacement takes less than five minutes.

"The new MiniCam, the only camera in its price/performance category, increases productivity and provides a lower cost of ownership compared to lasers", said Mike Bosha, Accu-Sort Product Manager.

"Customers are concerned about higher read rates, quick setup time and the lowest cost of ownership".

"Camera technology delivers a read rate of 99% or greater compared to laser technology's 90-96%".

"Cameras can also consistently read damaged, poorly printed or small aspect ratio codes that cannot be decoded by laser scanners".

With the largest sensor size in its class, MiniCam provides coverage to accommodate a variety of package shapes and sizes on the production line without having to relocate the Accu-Sort MiniCam CMOS camera and decoder/2 camera.

Multiple heads per decoder allow for greater cost savings and flexibility, along with easy multisided reading of packages or product.

MiniCam is a true plug and play device.

It sets up in less than 20 minutes, compared to 60 minutes for laser systems.

The integrated LED illumination eliminates the need for time consuming alignment.

Multiple interfaces (Ethernet TCP/IP, RS232/422 serial ports) allow MiniCam to interface quickly and easily with existing networks.

MiniCam has no external fans or filters and requires maintenance only once a year, compared to two to four times a year for lasers.

It also has a longer life than lasers, reducing the cost of ownership over the product's life.

The AccuVision decoder ships with Accu-Sort's advanced control and diagnostic software, AXCESS for AccuVision Cameras, a web-based application that allows anyone with a computer and an internet browser to set up and configure the decoder.

It operates remotely using a network connection or locally via a keyboard/monitor connected to the decoder.

Ascess saves configuration parameters for both the camera and decoder.

Parameters can also be conveniently stored on a USB memory stick.

When the memory stick is inserted in the decoder, the parameters are automatically downloaded from, or uploaded to, the camera and decoder.

Axcess also provides extensive diagnostic capabilities, image viewing and image analysis tools.

MiniCam is a cost-effective scanning solution for a variety of industries, including parcel/package distribution, retail/wholesale distribution, tyre manufacturing and general manufacturing.

The system is ideal for applications including multisided arrays, package verification and print/label verification".

"As Accu-Sort's newest innovation", Bosha said, "the MiniCam gives camera performance at a laser price".