{"id":11336,"date":"2015-04-01T09:45:56","date_gmt":"2015-04-01T15:45:56","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.barcodesinc.com\/news\/?p=11336"},"modified":"2019-09-06T13:10:53","modified_gmt":"2019-09-06T19:10:53","slug":"five-things-to-know-before-choosing-an-embedded-data-acquisition-device","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.barcodesinc.com\/news\/five-things-to-know-before-choosing-an-embedded-data-acquisition-device\/","title":{"rendered":"Five Things to Know Before Choosing an Embedded Data Acquisition Device"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Microscan_verification_0\"<\/a>Successful data acquisition for barcode reading or part inspection depends on the ability of the data acquisition device, such as a barcode\u00c2\u00a0reader<\/a> or machine vision camera<\/a>, to function at peak performance within the restrictions of the application. In applications where barcode\u00c2\u00a0reading or machine vision inspection processes are embedded inside of equipment, limited integration space puts a unique set of restrictions\u00c2\u00a0on how a device can be installed, not to mention demands on the size and capabilities of the device itself. Before installation, it is\u00c2\u00a0important to choose a device with optimal specifications to ensure inspections can be done accurately and consistently throughout the life\u00c2\u00a0of the machine. This post outlines the five things an engineer should know before choosing a data acquisition device for embedding\u00c2\u00a0into equipment, including:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Barcode Type and Orientation<\/li>\n
  2. Inspection Requirements<\/li>\n
  3. Application Speed<\/li>\n
  4. Integration Space<\/li>\n
  5. Data Communication Needs<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Automation starts with data. The faster and more accurately\u00c2\u00a0data is communicated to a machine, the faster and more accurately\u00c2\u00a0the machine can perform its automated functions. In\u00c2\u00a0stand-alone machines, data acquisition is often achieved by\u00c2\u00a0integrating compact automated devices like barcode readers\u00c2\u00a0and machine vision cameras, offering companies the tireless\u00c2\u00a0efficiency and precision of machine-based data collection. Unlike\u00c2\u00a0human operators who function at an error rate of around 1 out\u00c2\u00a0of every 300 data string entries, automated devices acquire\u00c2\u00a0data with an error rate of less than 1 in 3,000,000. This level\u00c2\u00a0of accuracy greatly favors barcode reading and inspection for\u00c2\u00a0tasks ranging from logging product and component information,\u00c2\u00a0enabling traceability in production, ensuring data accuracy, and\u00c2\u00a0communicating with equipment to trigger additional automated\u00c2\u00a0processes such as routing, rejecting, and batching.<\/p>\n

    However, as with human operators, if a device cannot meet the\u00c2\u00a0demands for speed, accuracy, and reliability within an application,\u00c2\u00a0the true benefits of automated data acquisition are lost. A\u00c2\u00a0device must the right fit for each application in order to provide\u00c2\u00a0value to the application. In the case of fully-integrated machines,\u00c2\u00a0finding a \u00e2\u20ac\u0153right-fit\u00e2\u20ac\u009d device to embed inside equipment is often\u00c2\u00a0determined by fixed space restrictions and inspection distances\u00c2\u00a0or orientations. In addition, the usefulness of equipment that\u00c2\u00a0performs automated data acquisition depends on the flexibility\u00c2\u00a0and longevity of the automation device inside, so great care\u00c2\u00a0should be taken to choose the right device for every embedded\u00c2\u00a0application from the start.<\/p>\n

    To ensure the long-term performance of equipment integrated\u00c2\u00a0with automated data acquisition systems, engineers should first\u00c2\u00a0fully understand the requirements of the equipment and the application.\u00c2\u00a0Five critical things to know before choosing an embedded\u00c2\u00a0barcode reader or machine vision camera for an application\u00c2\u00a0are: barcode type and orientation, inspection parameters, application\u00c2\u00a0speed, integration space, and data communication needs.<\/p>\n

    1. Barcode Type and Orientation<\/h3>\n

    Barcode Type<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Knowing the barcode type<\/a> is key to narrowing down the list of\u00c2\u00a0possibilities when it comes to choosing an embedded barcode\u00c2\u00a0reader. Barcode readers may be either laser-based<\/a> or camera based<\/a>.\u00c2\u00a0Laser-based barcode readers \u00e2\u20ac\u201c often referred to as laser\u00c2\u00a0scanners \u00e2\u20ac\u201c shine a laser spot over the dark and light elements\u00c2\u00a0of the barcode, measuring the reflected light from each element\u00c2\u00a0as it returns to the scanner, and use the scanner\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s photo detector\u00c2\u00a0to transform a wave pattern light signal into a code string.\u00c2\u00a0Camera-based barcode readers and machine vision devices\u00c2\u00a0\u00e2\u20ac\u201c often referred to as imagers \u00e2\u20ac\u201c use rows of CCD or CMOS\u00c2\u00a0sensors in a two-dimensional array (the imager\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s built-in camera)\u00c2\u00a0to generate an image of a symbol that is decoded using image\u00c2\u00a0processing.<\/p>\n

    Linear (1D) barcode like UPC<\/a>\u00c2\u00a0or stacked symbols like PDF417<\/a>\u00c2\u00a0can be decoded by both laser scanners and barcode imagers.\u00c2\u00a02D symbols like QR Code<\/a> and Data Matrix<\/a> can only be decoded\u00c2\u00a0by 2D imagers. This makes the choice of embedded barcode\u00c2\u00a0reader clear for applications requiring 2D code reading.<\/p>\n

    However, an engineer has some flexibility when it comes to\u00c2\u00a0choosing an embedded reader for a 1D barcode. Benefits of laser\u00c2\u00a0scanners for reading 1D codes include reliable performance\u00c2\u00a0at a lower price point, faster decode rates (up to 1,000 real-time\u00c2\u00a0decodes per second), longer-distance reading with greater depth\u00c2\u00a0of field, and less complex setup due to the scanner\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s simpler\u00c2\u00a0hardware. Engineers should also consider device flexibility and\u00c2\u00a0scalability when integrating barcode readers or machine vision\u00c2\u00a0cameras into machines that are meant to accommodate applications\u00c2\u00a0for the long term. Camera-based imagers are capable of\u00c2\u00a0reading all code types. As application needs change, more and\u00c2\u00a0more operators are turning to smaller, denser 2D code types to\u00c2\u00a0encode more data into smaller spaces. A 2D barcode imager\u00c2\u00a0or a machine vision camera capable of reading both 1D and\u00c2\u00a02D codes, therefore, gives operators the flexibility to migrate to\u00c2\u00a02D code types if needed in the future. Imagers are also more\u00c2\u00a0suitable for reading badly-damaged codes in applications where\u00c2\u00a0code quality cannot be predicted, using high-performance image\u00c2\u00a0processing algorithms to repair symbol images.<\/p>\n

    Barcode Orientation<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Space restrictions or specific design requirements for integrated\u00c2\u00a0equipment may dictate that barcodes be fed into a machine\u00c2\u00a0at a particular orientation. How a barcode reader or machine\u00c2\u00a0vision camera is oriented in relation to the barcode and the\u00c2\u00a0direction the barcode is traveling are important considerations\u00c2\u00a0when selecting such a device for an application. When choosing\u00c2\u00a0a laser scanner, the scanner must always be oriented such that\u00c2\u00a0the laser scan line is perpendicular to the bars of the barcode.\u00c2\u00a0Additionally, barcodes in motion can be in either \u00e2\u20ac\u0153picket fence\u00e2\u20ac\u009d\u00c2\u00a0(code horizontal, lines vertical) or \u00e2\u20ac\u0153ladder\u00e2\u20ac\u009d (code vertical, lines\u00c2\u00a0horizontal) orientation. Picket fence orientation is generally\u00c2\u00a0recommended over ladder orientation because the scanner has\u00c2\u00a0more time to scan the entire barcode as it passes through the\u00c2\u00a0scan width area.<\/p>\n

    Unlike 1D laser scanners, imagers can read barcodes in multiple\u00c2\u00a0orientations, capturing 2D images to acquire symbol data. For\u00c2\u00a0this reason, a 2D barcode imager or machine vision camera is\u00c2\u00a0capable of reading any code regardless of orientation. In applications\u00c2\u00a0where code orientation in relation to the reader cannot be\u00c2\u00a0predicted, an imager may be the preferable choice. Imagers are\u00c2\u00a0also beneficial for embedding in machines that require specific\u00c2\u00a0mounting positions or angles within a defined integration space\u00c2\u00a0that do not always allow scan lines to be perpendicular to the\u00c2\u00a0barcodes entering the machine.<\/p>\n

    Alternately, laser scanners can be equipped with different brackets\u00c2\u00a0to accomplish optimal orientation or to negotiate corners and\u00c2\u00a0other geometric challenges. For example, right-angle brackets\u00c2\u00a0allow the mounting of embedded scanners at 90 degrees relative\u00c2\u00a0to the scan beam. Incorporating right-angle mirrors also\u00c2\u00a0allows readers to be mounted at angles that do not directly face\u00c2\u00a0barcodes, using a mirror to aim the beam from a scanner to a\u00c2\u00a0code or reflect barcode images back to the reader.<\/p>\n

    2.\u00c2\u00a0Inspection Requirements<\/h3>\n

    Applications requiring automated data acquisition beyond simple\u00c2\u00a0barcode reading (such as barcode quality verification; code,\u00c2\u00a0label, or part presence and orientation; product defect detection;\u00c2\u00a0color inspection; and other visual inspection processes), require\u00c2\u00a0the use of machine vision cameras and software. Machine vision\u00c2\u00a0cameras, like 2D barcode imagers, are data acquisition devices\u00c2\u00a0that function by taking images of parts or codes to be inspected.<\/p>\n

    These images are processed by the camera to search for pixel level\u00c2\u00a0variations, using software to compare the acquired data\u00c2\u00a0from the image to an expected result. This comparison results in\u00c2\u00a0images that meet the expected criteria (parts that pass inspection)\u00c2\u00a0and images that do not (parts that fail inspections).<\/p>\n

    The key to acquiring accurate and reliable data for machine vision\u00c2\u00a0inspection, as with barcode imaging, is to obtain a complete,\u00c2\u00a0high-contrast, and high-resolution image for the camera to\u00c2\u00a0process. Application requirements can greatly affect the ability\u00c2\u00a0of machine vision cameras to obtain high-quality images. Certain\u00c2\u00a0environments may require cameras with a greater ability to meet\u00c2\u00a0these criteria. In embedded applications where reducing the mechanical\u00c2\u00a0footprint of device components is important, choosing a\u00c2\u00a0fully-integrated machine vision system (such as a smart camera\u00c2\u00a0engineered with built-in lighting, camera, autofocus, and processor)\u00c2\u00a0allows design engineers to ensure that high-quality images\u00c2\u00a0are captured without the need to plan for and install excess\u00c2\u00a0equipment. Using compact, single-device systems of this type\u00c2\u00a0also means that less hardware needs to be programmed and\u00c2\u00a0configured in case of future application changes. In the case of\u00c2\u00a0machine vision smart cameras, many adjustments can be made\u00c2\u00a0from the system\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s software after integration from outside of the\u00c2\u00a0machine where the camera is embedded.<\/p>\n

    Again, when embedding a device for automated barcode reading\u00c2\u00a0or inspection, it is important to keep in mind the scalability of\u00c2\u00a0an embedded device to meet potentially changing criteria during the life of an application. Since machine vision cameras are capable of both barcode imaging and part inspection, it may\u00c2\u00a0be appropriate to integrate machine vision devices for barcode\u00c2\u00a0reading applications in cases where project scope may expand\u00c2\u00a0to combine barcode reading with additional inspection criteria\u00c2\u00a0such as barcode presence\/absence or placement checks. In\u00c2\u00a0addition, it is important to choose a machine vision camera that\u00c2\u00a0has the flexibility to meet inspection parameters from basic to\u00c2\u00a0advanced. Many smart cameras use software platforms that can\u00c2\u00a0be upgraded via camera firmware updates, without the need for\u00c2\u00a0physical adjustment. This allows machines to meet a range of inspection parameters, from simple to aggressive, if project needs\u00c2\u00a0change in the future. Choosing to integrate a more flexible device\u00c2\u00a0of this type greatly enhances the utility of a machine for meeting\u00c2\u00a0changing application criteria in the long term.<\/p>\n

    3. Application Speed<\/h3>\n

    Time is of the essence in automated applications, and time savings\u00c2\u00a0is one of the main reasons for implementing an automated\u00c2\u00a0machine. Automation helps companies do more with less to\u00c2\u00a0increase operational output at a lower cost. Depending on how\u00c2\u00a0fast a machine is expected to run, and how fast a device is expected\u00c2\u00a0to acquire data for automated processes, certain factors\u00c2\u00a0may make one device better-suited for an embedded application\u00c2\u00a0than another.<\/p>\n

    Part of this has to do with differences between laser scanners\u00c2\u00a0and image-based barcode and machine vision cameras. Laser\u00c2\u00a0scanners can be faster at decoding 1D barcodes than imagers -\u00c2\u00a0as fast as 1,000 real-time decodes per second, as noted earlier.\u00c2\u00a0This is because the laser scanner is interpreting fewer elements\u00c2\u00a0when obtaining an encoded data string from a barcode; it is\u00c2\u00a0simply looking at a wave pattern caused by a reflection of light.\u00c2\u00a0Camera-based imagers, on the other hand, must capture and\u00c2\u00a0process complete 2D images, including barcodes, part features,\u00c2\u00a0and any elements surrounding the actual area of interest, and\u00c2\u00a0extract data based on thousands of varying pixel elements within\u00c2\u00a0the image. This means that imagers can be more precise, but\u00c2\u00a0may also have longer decode times depending on the device and\u00c2\u00a0application. Recent advancements in processing technology have\u00c2\u00a0enabled faster processing times, and choosing a high-speed\u00c2\u00a0imager for high-speed applications is critical.<\/p>\n

    The second consideration when choosing a device to optimize\u00c2\u00a0speed performance in embedded applications is data communication\u00c2\u00a0rate. How fast does the reader need to communicate\u00c2\u00a0decoded data or data-dense images to the outside world? While\u00c2\u00a0the data content of a barcode is minimal and easy to transmit\u00c2\u00a0over a slower connection such as RS-232, some imaging and inspection\u00c2\u00a0applications require higher bandwidth than a serial connection\u00c2\u00a0can offer. One common data-intensive task is the recording\u00c2\u00a0of inspection images, which can be saved for the diagnostic\u00c2\u00a0improvement of operations, proof of barcode legibility, or proof of inspection. Devices with high-speed USB or Ethernet interfaces\u00c2\u00a0can easily transmit these images for storage over a high-speed\u00c2\u00a0connection without impacting overall application speeds. When\u00c2\u00a0using Ethernet-based communication, engineers should take into\u00c2\u00a0consideration the protocol that the device will require for embedded\u00c2\u00a0applications. A device can transmit data over Ethernet using\u00c2\u00a0an Ethernet TCP\/IP, EtherNet\/IP, or PROFINET connection or\u00c2\u00a0emulated Ethernet over a USB connection.<\/p>\n

    4. Integration Space<\/h3>\n

    Integration space within turnkey systems is precious real estate.\u00c2\u00a0Every component in a system has its place, but the more\u00c2\u00a0efficiently that space is used, the smaller the footprint of the\u00c2\u00a0overall machine. Many embedded imagers are designed with\u00c2\u00a0constrained and geometrically-complex spatial requirements in\u00c2\u00a0mind. When choosing an embedded device for an application, it\u00c2\u00a0is very important to understand the integration space to find a\u00c2\u00a0device with the proper mechanical envelope and optical envelope\u00c2\u00a0to read each barcode or perform inspections reliably.<\/p>\n

    Mechanical Envelope<\/strong><\/p>\n

    The mechanical envelope is the physical space required to accommodate\u00c2\u00a0an imaging device in relation to the barcode or part\u00c2\u00a0for inspection. Mechanical envelope takes part orientation into\u00c2\u00a0consideration as well as several other spatial requirements,\u00c2\u00a0including mounting, three-dimensional space allotment, and\u00c2\u00a0cable routing. The essential question is: How much physical\u00c2\u00a0space must the imaging device occupy in order to read a code or\u00c2\u00a0inspect a part reliably?<\/p>\n

    When evaluating mounting options for embedded devices, first\u00c2\u00a0take the time to note the characteristics of the barcodes or\u00c2\u00a0parts and their physical substrate. If, for example, barcodes are\u00c2\u00a0on a highly reflective surface, an imager may need to be mounted\u00c2\u00a0with an angled bracket to avoid specular or direct reflection\u00c2\u00a0from the barcodes, which can \u00e2\u20ac\u0153blind\u00e2\u20ac\u009d the camera. Additional\u00c2\u00a0factors to consider are the lighting environment and the level\u00c2\u00a0of contrast between the dark and light elements of a 1D or 2D\u00c2\u00a0code or the pixels of an image. Appropriate lighting plays a critically\u00c2\u00a0important role in any application, ensuring even illumination\u00c2\u00a0for obtaining a consistent wave pattern signal (for laser scanners)\u00c2\u00a0or a clear image (for camera-based barcode imagers or machine\u00c2\u00a0vision cameras). Many data acquisition devices designed\u00c2\u00a0for embedded applications have an integrated light source, such\u00c2\u00a0as built-in LEDs, saving space where external lighting would\u00c2\u00a0otherwise be required.<\/p>\n

    One should also plan for the routing of cables when embedding\u00c2\u00a0a device. Some devices have their communication cables designed\u00c2\u00a0to exit the corner of the housing (as opposed to the back\u00c2\u00a0or side). These cables are commonly called corner-exit cables\u00c2\u00a0and provide engineers with the greatest number of cable routing\u00c2\u00a0options. Corner positioning also conserves space to create the\u00c2\u00a0tightest fit possible, flush against inner surfaces of the machine.\u00c2\u00a0It is important to keep in mind that the bend radius of cabling\u00c2\u00a0should be as large as possible and extreme dynamic flexing\u00c2\u00a0should be avoided in devices for embedded applications.<\/p>\n

    Optical Envelope<\/strong><\/p>\n

    While it is critical that data acquisition devices be compact\u00c2\u00a0enough in size and scale to physically fit the available dimensions\u00c2\u00a0of the integration space, even more important is the space\u00c2\u00a0required for these devices to capture images (data). Simply\u00c2\u00a0because a barcode reader or machine vision camera fits into a\u00c2\u00a0particular space does not guarantee that it can read barcodes\u00c2\u00a0or correctly inspect parts presented to it at any size, orientation,\u00c2\u00a0or distance. The total dimensional space required by a particular\u00c2\u00a0device to decode a symbol or inspect a part at a specified distance\u00c2\u00a0is called its optical envelope (also sometimes called the\u00c2\u00a0\u00e2\u20ac\u0153read\u00e2\u20ac\u009d or \u00e2\u20ac\u0153inspection\u00e2\u20ac\u009d envelope).<\/p>\n

    The challenge when reading barcodes or inspecting parts at\u00c2\u00a0close range is achieving a field of view large enough to span the\u00c2\u00a0entire symbol or large enough to capture an object of interest.<\/p>\n

    Device size, mounting angle, and the distance from the device to the part all comprise the optical envelope and directly affect how\u00c2\u00a0much space must be available within a machine for a specific\u00c2\u00a0device to perform data acquisition tasks with reliability and\u00c2\u00a0repeatability. Since each device\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s optics are slightly different, the\u00c2\u00a0required distance between a device and part will vary from unit\u00c2\u00a0to unit. Devices with smaller optical envelopes have the advantage\u00c2\u00a0of requiring less physical space between the device and the\u00c2\u00a0symbol or part to be inspected, minimizing the overall mechanical\u00c2\u00a0footprint.<\/p>\n

    The size of the optical envelope is calculated by the length of\u00c2\u00a0the data acquisition device, the read angle, and the distance\u00c2\u00a0between the device and the barcode or part. The length of the\u00c2\u00a0device is easily determined by measuring the actual physical size\u00c2\u00a0of the device hardware. For barcodes, the read angle is important\u00c2\u00a0because it directly determines the width of the reader\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s field\u00c2\u00a0of view (what the reader can \u00e2\u20ac\u0153see\u00e2\u20ac\u009d). The optical envelope also\u00c2\u00a0includes the required distance between the front of the device\u00c2\u00a0and the barcode or part. Again, since each device has different optical characteristics, this distance will vary. Field of view and\u00c2\u00a0read distance can typically be found in a document detailing a\u00c2\u00a0device\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s technical specifications.<\/p>\n

    In barcode reading, it is also important to take into account the\u00c2\u00a0density (or width of the narrowest element) of the barcode. Typically\u00c2\u00a0the higher the density of the barcode, the shorter the read\u00c2\u00a0distance. For instance, if a barcode reader needs to read both a\u00c2\u00a010 mil and a 5 mil barcode at the same distance, the reader will\u00c2\u00a0need to have an optical envelope that allows the reader to \u00e2\u20ac\u0153see\u00e2\u20ac\u009d\u00c2\u00a0the 5 mil barcode in high enough resolution given read distance.<\/p>\n

    An additional optical component is the device\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s focal range.\u00c2\u00a0Camera-based devices may be equipped with built-in autofocus\u00c2\u00a0technology that ensures reliable inspection and decoding regardless\u00c2\u00a0of distance from the part. If read or inspection distances\u00c2\u00a0change, autofocus imagers can be adjusted from outside the\u00c2\u00a0machine using configuration software to ensure the best possible\u00c2\u00a0image quality for decoding and inspection.<\/p>\n

    5. Data Communication Needs<\/h3>\n

    The final thing to know about an application before choosing an\u00c2\u00a0embedded device for data acquisition is: how will the system\u00c2\u00a0communicate with the device, and how will the device communicate\u00c2\u00a0data back to the system? Communication specifications\u00c2\u00a0can determine the physical space occupied by the device and\u00c2\u00a0its accessories, the speed at which an embedded device must\u00c2\u00a0perform, the type of connectivity to the system, and the software\u00c2\u00a0used to set up and control the device. These characteristics can\u00c2\u00a0be determined by a device\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s electrical functionality and software\u00c2\u00a0interface.<\/p>\n

    Electrical Functionality<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Power requirements, connectivity, inputs\/outputs, and trigger\u00c2\u00a0methods all comprise the electrical considerations of embedding\u00c2\u00a0a data acquisition device. Many devices are designed with\u00c2\u00a0low power requirements in order to reduce the drain on the host\u00c2\u00a0instrument. Communication and connectivity options range from\u00c2\u00a0high-speed USB and Ethernet to RS-232.<\/p>\n

    While power requirements are fairly standard, triggering methods\u00c2\u00a0can vary greatly. Triggering allows an operator to tell a device\u00c2\u00a0when to expect a part or barcode to enter the field of view, or\u00c2\u00a0how many scans or images to take of each object. There are two\u00c2\u00a0kinds of triggers: discrete (external) triggers and serial triggers.\u00c2\u00a0The decision about which type of trigger to use is typically based\u00c2\u00a0on preference: programming versus wiring. Discrete triggers are\u00c2\u00a0separate sensors, often called object detectors, which can be\u00c2\u00a0wired directly into a barcode reader or machine vision camera.\u00c2\u00a0Discrete triggers require less programming than serial triggers.\u00c2\u00a0Serial triggers are sent from an external device, such as a PLC or\u00c2\u00a0host PC, which tells the reader or camera to look for a barcode\u00c2\u00a0or perform an inspection. Serial triggers are quite often used in\u00c2\u00a0embedded applications to provide more control over an embedded\u00c2\u00a0device from outside the machine.<\/p>\n

    Additional factors to consider are what the device will need to\u00c2\u00a0do with the acquired data. Devices for embedded data acquisition\u00c2\u00a0can often be designed to perform basic external electrical\u00c2\u00a0functions such as communicating with an auxiliary device, driving\u00c2\u00a0a relay that trips a gate or a light stack, or sounding an alarm\u00c2\u00a0for an unreadable code or rejected part. These factors must all\u00c2\u00a0be considered when determining the electrical functionality of a\u00c2\u00a0device for embedded operation.<\/p>\n

    Software Interface<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Once the hardware setup for the data acquisition device is\u00c2\u00a0defined, the engineer should determine the type of software\u00c2\u00a0interface needed to control the device and to achieve optimal\u00c2\u00a0data output. Barcode readers and machine vision cameras today\u00c2\u00a0are capable of more than just interpreting images and outputting\u00c2\u00a0data. Instead, these devices function like independent computers\u00c2\u00a0with their own algorithms and processors, reducing the\u00c2\u00a0amount of programming required on the device to process data\u00c2\u00a0and putting the power in the hands of the operator to control the\u00c2\u00a0imager from outside the machine. Technologies such as embedded\u00c2\u00a0web servers allow seamless connectivity to databases or\u00c2\u00a0other systems on a network. A smart camera can also be set\u00c2\u00a0up via software to make decisions based on inspection data,\u00c2\u00a0such as triggering an event or shutting down a process. Software\u00c2\u00a0for data communication should be able to initialize the device,\u00c2\u00a0check its status, and create a real-time communication protocol\u00c2\u00a0between the device, the machine, and the outside world.<\/p>\n

    Other Considerations<\/h3>\n

    The environment in which a device will operate should also be\u00c2\u00a0evaluated. Additional factors, such as heat, vibration, ambient\u00c2\u00a0lighting, electrical noise, and dust or water exposure can all\u00c2\u00a0affect the device\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s performance. To avoid inspection problems,\u00c2\u00a0it is important to ensure that the housing of the device meets\u00c2\u00a0the necessary industrial rating to protect it from environmental\u00c2\u00a0conditions. Such conditions can also have an effect on the quality\u00c2\u00a0of the barcodes or parts themselves. For example, changes in\u00c2\u00a0temperature can cause condensation to form on a code or part,\u00c2\u00a0distorting its appearance and ability to be decoded or inspected.\u00c2\u00a0High-performance camera-based imagers are better at reading\u00c2\u00a0codes damaged by extreme conditions, but care should also be\u00c2\u00a0taken in choosing the correct printing or labeling method for the\u00c2\u00a0barcode itself.<\/p>\n

    Conclusion<\/h3>\n

    Understanding an application\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s requirements is critical in choosing\u00c2\u00a0the best device for successful data acquisition. By planning\u00c2\u00a0for application specifications early in the design process, and by\u00c2\u00a0incorporating those specifications into the design, engineers can\u00c2\u00a0dramatically increase the reliability and accuracy of their data\u00c2\u00a0acquisition processes for the life of their machines. The correct\u00c2\u00a0embedded barcode reader or machine vision camera provides\u00c2\u00a0the flexibility to meet expanding requirements without the need\u00c2\u00a0for future design adjustments, significantly lowering the cost of ownership for the life of the entire system.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    Successful data acquisition for barcode reading or part inspection depends on the ability of the data acquisition device, such as a barcode\u00c2\u00a0reader or machine vision camera, to function at peak performance within the restrictions of the application. In applications where barcode\u00c2\u00a0reading or machine vision inspection processes are embedded inside of equipment, limited integration space puts […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[56,96],"tags":[712,1287,1288,271,301,288,48,1161],"yoast_head":"\nFive Things to Know Before Choosing an Embedded Data Acquisition Device - Barcoding News<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.barcodesinc.com\/news\/five-things-to-know-before-choosing-an-embedded-data-acquisition-device\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Five Things to Know Before Choosing an Embedded Data Acquisition Device - Barcoding News\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Successful data acquisition for barcode reading or part inspection depends on the ability of the data acquisition device, such as a barcode\u00c2\u00a0reader or machine vision camera, to function at peak performance within the restrictions of the application. 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