Code reading and vision system upgrade

Data Matrix and Optical Code Reading solutions specialist Absolute Vision has announced a software upgrade to its DataMouse Pro code reader in line with ISO requirements.

Absolute Vision, a specialist developer of Data Matrix and Optical Code Reading solutions, announced a software upgrade to its proven DataMouse Pro code reader in line with the International organisation for Standardization (ISO) requirements.

In October 2006, the ISO announced the publication of ISO/15434.3, Transfer Syntax for High Capacity ADC Media, which establishes '12' as the approved Format Code for Text Element Identifiers.

Charlie Plain-Jones, European Sales Manager of Absolute Vision , explained: "The ISO has ratified the US Department of Defense's (DoD) pre- and post-amble syntax for its Item Unique Identification (IUID) system.

Until recently, the DoD used a temporary 'DD' character format to incorporate the civil aviation industry's Spec 2000 syntax so as to strengthen its own UID standard.

This legacy character format has been replaced by the ISO's new '12' syntax, causing software codes around the world to be re-written.

Item Unique Identification (IUID) codes are currently a requirement on almost all equipment purchased by the US Department of Defense.

Although the UID initiative is being led by the US DoD, Absolute Vision foresees that UID is set to become an international standard that will affect all suppliers, not just of aerospace parts but automotive as well.

Charlie Plain-Jones said: "Now that the new syntax has been ratified internationally by ISO, we need to move forward to ensure that all marking machines and code-readers, including those already in use by customers, can recognise it, especially when parsing data for on-screen display purposes.

Richard Laight, business development manager of Absolute Vision, added: "The DataMouse Pro upgrade will give end-users complete peace of mind that they will be able to read both the older style marks and the latest ones that incorporate this new standard.

The DataMouse Pro is a compact, hand-held code-reader that reads a wide range of marks, on both low contrast surfaces eg rubber and plastics, and where there is a high level of shine or reflection eg steel, alloys and titanium.

It is primarily used for 'on-the-spot' checking of information encoded on parts used during manufacturing, e.g in aerospace and automotive industries.

The reader combines the benefit of controllable lighting with a complete exclusion of ambient light effects to deliver exceptional reading performance.

It requires no external power source and is ideal for lap-top applications.

Part traceability is the means to distinguish any item from any other item, similar or not, anywhere in the world.

UID is the US DoD's military development of the original Spec 2000 part identification format, which was the first truly global standard for the traceability of serialised civil aircraft parts.

Spec 2000 defines an identification format for individual parts based upon the Data Matrix code.

UID harmonises it with other, pre-existing formats to achieve a comprehensive means of identifying all assets individually.

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