Cognex image-based barcode reader designed to outperform laser scanners

January 4th 2011. Cognex Corporation (NASDAQ: CGNX) today announced the revolutionary new DataMan® 500 image-based barcode reader. DataMan 500 is designed to achieve higher read rates, offer improved on-line visualization and have higher reliability than laser scanners currently in use in the logistics, postal and retail distribution markets.

Using Cognex IDMax® superior code reading software, DataMan 500 achieves higher read rates by reading the 1D barcodes that laser readers cannot read, including damaged, distorted, blurred, scratched, low height and low contrast codes. DataMan 500 processes images at up to 1,000 frames per second and can read codes in any orientation, 2D codes such as Data Matrix and QR, and multiple codes in the same image.

DataMan 500 is easier to use than a laser scanner and allows users to see what the reader sees, either live on a monitor, or by using image archiving for later review. DataMan 500 has no moving parts and is designed to be more reliable than laser scanners.

“Nothing like this has ever been seen before in an image-based barcode reader”, said Carl Gerst, Business Unit Manager for ID Products. “Our proprietary imaging and software technology allowed us to create a product that can outperform laser scanners, is easy to use and we believe will transform the market for barcode reading.”

DataMan 500 offers a wide range of additional benefits including auto-trigger, auto-focus and “no read” feedback. The base unit will support both standard C-Mount lenses as well as variable focus options. The auto-focus is achieved using liquid lens technology, which provides maximum operating range flexibility for even the highest speed applications. This proven new technology, already integrated into Cognex industrial readers, is fast and reliable and offers good optical quality with low power consumption.

Key to successful implementation of any barcode reading application is ease-of-use and the integration tools available. DataMan 500 has been designed to be as easy to use as a laser scanner. In addition, the “no read” feedback and visualization features make validating the code reading setup very straightforward and allow any reading issues to be quickly diagnosed and corrected.

To simplify the installation, DataMan 500 combines Ethernet communication and power delivery in a single cable using Power over Ethernet (PoE). DataMan 500 also supports RS-232 and multiple I/O points for integration into legacy systems.

DataMan 500 offers the benefits of image-based readers with the ease-of-use and cost of today’s laser scanners. For more information about the DataMan 500 reader, visit www.cognex.com/DataMan500.

About Cognex
Cognex Corporation designs, develops, manufactures and markets machine vision and industrial ID systems, or devices that can "see." Cognex vision and ID systems are used around the world for a wide range of inspection, identification and guidance applications throughout the manufacturing and distribution process. Cognex is the world's leader in the machine vision and industrial ID industries, having shipped more than 500,000 systems, representing over $2.5 billion in cumulative revenue, since the company's founding in 1981. Headquartered in Natick, Massachusetts, USA, Cognex has regional offices and distributors located throughout North America, Europe, Asia, Japan and Latin America. For details, visit Cognex on-line at http://www.cognex.com.