With the OPC120 Series code readers, Pepperl+Fuchs offers stationary readers for detecting and decoding 1-D and 2-D codes, such as barcodes and Data Matrix codes. The housing may be only 70 mm wide, 70 mm high, and 54 mm deep, but contains a CMOS imager, an LED flash, and a control interface. The code reader is capable of reading the majority of code symbologies that are currently in use and is available in two versions. The OPC120W design comes at an attractive price and can be used in many standard tasks that have normal reading speed requirements. By contrast, the OPC120P is the "high-end" design, reaching high reading speeds of 100 readings/s or tape speeds of up to 10 m/s.
The polarization filter technology prevents faulty readings. This technology eliminates harmful reflections and enables more reliable readings to be taken, even if codes are located on highly reflective surfaces such as metals, plastics, and printed circuit boards, or on film.
The large reading distance range of 70 to 180 mm makes a significant contribution to the efficiency and flexibility of the vision sensor. It is capable of reading codes on reflective surfaces and at different distances without mechanical refocusing or parameter changes being required. There is no need for auxiliary side lighting or adjustable lenses, as are commonly required when using other readers in challenging situations.
As well as detecting 1-D and 2-D codes, the code readers are able to check for the presence of variable textures and static graphics. The presence detection function ensures that variable structures-such as use-by dates and dates of manufacture-really are located at a pre-defined point, e.g. on food packaging. Logo detection allows non-variable features-such as company logos-to be detected and checked. The reader is able to read long codes by means of multiple image capture if it is confronted with codes that do not fit in one image. The device automatically combines up to six consecutive images so that it can easily decode extremely long codes or those on round objects.
