Bar Code Tech Guide Ka

Practical and effective use of
bar code readers
Chapter 1
Techniques and Correct Usage of Bar Code Reader 3
1. Stationary-type Laser Bar Code Reader 4
2. Stationary-type CCD Bar Code Reader 12
Chapter 2
Bar Code Printer and Bar Code Label 19
Visit our website for other Keyence products at 1. Bar Code Printing Methods 20
Specifications are subject to change without notice. 2. Details of Thermal Printers 25
KEYENCE CORPORATION OF AMERICA 3. Bar Code Verifier 31
Corporate Office
50 Tice Blvd., Woodcliff Lake, NJ 07677, U.S.A.
Boston Office Atlanta Office Michigan Office St. Louis Office Portland Office Appendices 33
Phone:781-453-2244 Fax:781-453-2255 Phone:770-951-1222 Fax:770-951-1958 Phone:734-591-9922 Fax:734-591-1722 Phone:314-275-9174 Fax:314-275-9175 Phone:503-699-0500 Fax:503-699-8400
New Jersey Office
Phone:201-291-4000 Fax:201-291-8860
Tampa Office
Phone:813-998-9886 Fax:813-998-9887
Indianapolis Office
Phone:317-471-3551 Fax:317-471-3550
Texas Office
Phone:972-733-6790 Fax:972-733-6791
Northern California Office
Phone:925-225-1550 Fax:925-225-1440
A. Check Points When a Bar Code Cannot Be Read 34
Pennsylvania Office Cleveland Office Chicago Office Denver Office Los Angeles Office B. Single Scan and Raster Scan 37
Charlotte Office Columbus Office Minneapolis Office Phoenix Office C. Skew, Pitch and Tilt 38
Phone:704-423-0070 Fax:704-423-0066 Phone:614-799-3400 Fax:614-799-3401 Phone:612-449-5163 Fax:612-449-5169 Phone:602-225-2400 Fax:602-225-2425
D. Concept of Maximum Allowable Line Speed 39
©KEYENCE CORPORATION, 2000 BL-KA-HB2-1-1200 Printed in Japan
Vol.2
INDEX
Chapter 1 Techniques and Correct Usage of Bar Code Reader 3

1. Stationary-type Laser Bar Code Reader .................................................................. 4
1-1 Reading principle ................................................................................................................ 4
1-2 Features and correct usage of laser bar code readers ............................................. 5
1-2-1
1-2-2
Setting the mounting angle .............................................................................................. 5
Setting the mounting distance (reading distance) ........................................................... 7
1
1-2-3 Contrast between bars and spaces (PCS) ...................................................................... 9
1-2-4 Difference in reading depending on bar colors .............................................................. 10
1-3 AGC (Auto Gain Control) ................................................................................................. 11
2. Stationary-type CCD Bar Code Reader .................................................................. 12
2-1 Reading principle .............................................................................................................. 12
2-2 Mounting precautions ...................................................................................................... 13
2-3 Features of the CCD bar code reader .......................................................................... 14
2-3-1 Why is the reading distance limited? ............................................................................. 14
2-3-2
2-3-3
Why is the CCD bar code reader not suitable for scanning moving objects? ................
Why is the readable label width small? ..........................................................................
15
16
2
2-3-4 Why is raster scan impossible? ..................................................................................... 16
2-4 Advantages and disadvantages of the laser type and CCD type ......................... 17
Chapter 2 Bar Code Printer and Bar Code Label 19

1. Bar Code Printing Methods
Appendices
........................................................................................... 20
1-1 Printing ................................................................................................................................ 20
1-2 Printing using a printer ................................................................................................... 21
2. Details of Thermal Printers ............................................................................................ 25
2-1 Direct thermal printer and thermal transfer printer .................................................. 25
2-2 Dot density and printable narrow bar width ............................................................... 27
2-3 Selecting labels, ink ribbons and adhesives for the thermal transfer printer ... 28
2-3-1 Type of labels and selection criteria ............................................................................... 28
2-3-2 Type of ink ribbons and selection criteria....................................................................... 29
2-3-3 Type of adhesives and selection criteria ........................................................................ 30
2-4 Thermal label selection for direct thermal printers .................................................. 30
3. Bar Code Verifier ................................................................................................................. 31
Appendices 33
A.Check Points When a Bar Code Cannot Be Read ............................................. 34
B.Single Scan and Raster Scan ....................................................................................... 37
C.Skew, Pitch and Tilt ............................................................................................................ 38
D. Concept of Maximum Allowable Line Speed ....................................................... 39

Horizontal direction (Picket fence scan) ............................................................................. 40
Vertical direction (Ladder step scan) ................................................................................... 44
1
Chapter 1
Techniques and Correct Usage of
Bar Code Reader
1. Stationary-type Laser Bar Code Reader ................. 4
1-1 Reading principle ............................................................ 4
1-2 Features and correct usage of laser bar
code readers .................................................................... 5
1-2-1 Setting the mounting angle ............................................. 5
1-2-2 Setting the mounting distance (reading distance) ........... 7
1-2-3 Contrast between bars and spaces (PCS) ..................... 9
1-2-4 Difference in reading depending on bar colors ............. 10
1-3 AGC (Auto Gain Control) .............................................. 11
2. Stationary-type CCD Bar Code Reader ................. 12
2-1 Reading principle .......................................................... 12
2-2 Mounting precautions .................................................. 13
2-3 Features of the CCD bar code reader ......................... 14
2-3-1 Why is the reading distance limited? ............................ 14
2-3-2 Why is the CCD bar code reader not suitable for
scanning moving objects? ............................................ 15
2-3-3 Why is the readable label width small? ......................... 16
2-3-4 Why is raster scan impossible? .................................... 16
2-4 Advantages and disadvantages of the laser type
and CCD type ................................................................ 17
Chapter 1 Techniques and Correct Usage of Bar Code Reader
1. Stationary-type Laser Bar Code Reader

This section describes the reading principle of the stationary-type laser bar code reader and its correct
usage based on the structure.
1-1 Reading principle

The stationary-type laser bar code reader consists of the components illustrated below: a laser diode, a
polygon mirror, a motor and a light-receiving element. It reads bar codes on the following principle:
1 Polygon mirror
Laser diode Motor
Light-receiving element
(photodiode)
2
3
··· Analog
waveform
1 Laser beams emitted from the laser diode 4

hit the polygon mirror and scan a bar code.
··· Digital
waveform
2 The light-receiving element (photodiode)
receives the light of diffuse reflection from the
bar code.
5
3 The diffuse reflection looks like an analog

waveform as illustrated. ··· Bar code
4 The bar code reader converts the waveform

from analog to digital (A/D conversion).
5 The bar code reader identifies the narrow/wide Decoding

bars and narrow/wide spaces using digital
signals.
6
6 The bar code reader converts the signal combi- “5” “4” Decoded
··· data
nation of the bars and spaces into data accord-
ing to the bar code rules (decoding). It outputs
the decoded data to the external unit through
RS-232C or an equivalent interface.
4
1-2 Features and correct usage of laser bar code readers

1-2-1 Setting the mounting angle
A laser bar code reader reads bar codes by emitting laser beams at an angle to the label and receiving the
light of diffuse reflection.
As for the KEYENCE laser bar code reader BL-600 Series, you must set it at a skew angle of 15° as shown
in Figure A. 1
Correct Incorrect
Tilt
Specular 15°
reflection Specular reflection
Diffuse reflection
Figure A Figure B
If you mount the bar code reader so that its laser beam is applied perpendicular to the bar code label
(specular reflection mounting) as shown in Figure B, the bar code reader receives excessively strong
reflection (specular reflection or direct reflection) from the bar code label.
If you mount the bar code reader at a skew angle, the whole light beam results in diffuse reflection, allowing
for proper conversion from an analog waveform into a digital waveform as shown in the lower left figure.
However, if you mount it by specular reflection mounting, the some level of the analog waveform is
extremely high, causing improper conversion into a digital waveform. As a result, bar codes cannot be read
with specular reflection mounting.
← Specular reflection
Analog waveform
Digital waveform
When the bar code reader is When the bar code reader is mounted
mounted at a skew angle to receive specular reflection
One Point
To mount a stationary-type bar code reader, mount it so that the laser beam is NOT applied
perpendicular to the bar code label (specular reflection mounting). Normally, tilt the bar
code reader at an angle of 10° to 15°.
The KEYENCE bar code reader BL-700 Series is designed to emit laser beams at a skew angle of 10° as
shown below. Thus, you do not have to mount the unit at an angle.
BL-700 Series
10°
5
<Bar code labels and environments requiring caution>

● Bar code printed on a metal surface or silver base
Bar codes printed on a metal surface, silver base, or those with laminate-coating cause laser beams to
reflect on the mirrored surface and therefore are difficult to read.
If you are using this type of label, be careful when setting the angle of the bar code reader. To obtain stable
readings, you should avoid using such bar codes.
1
Because the laser beams
reflect off the mirror-surface,
basically no diffuse reflection
occurs.
● Where the laser beams scans any metal surface

As shown below, in an environment where a metal surface is exposed and the laser beams scan the
exposed surface, mirror-surface reflections off the metal surface can occur. If the reflected light enters the
bar code reader’s light-receiving unit, a phenomenon similar to specular reflection occurs. This may cause
unstable reading.
It is recommended that you cover the metal surface hit by the laser beams or apply black, flat paint to the
surface. Also check for the presence of any metal screws or nuts.
Metal surface
6
1-2-2 Setting the mounting distance (reading distance)

The reading distance varies depending on the narrow bar width (the narrowest bar width) of the bar code.
The following figure indicates the readable range characteristics of the KEYENCE laser bar code reader
BL-700 Series.
Unit: mm
Bar code type Narrow bar width Reading range Max. readable label width
A CODE39 0.15 205 to 275 210 1

B CODE39 0.19 190 to 300 254
C CODE39 0.25 175 to 325 275
D CODE39 0.5 160 to 370 310
E JAN (1x) 0.33 185 to 320 270
0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400
Reading distance 200

(mm)
230 (Focal distance)
150
100
50
185
215
210
254
270
275
310
0
50
100
(Measurement parameter)
• The KEYENCE standard bar A
code is used. 150
B
• Narrow bar width : Wide bar
E
width = 1 : 2.5
C 200
• Skew : 0°
D Readable label width (mm)
• Pitch : 0°
• Tilt : 0°
In the figure above, you can see that the reading distance varies depending on the narrow bar width of the
bar code. For example, the reading distance is 205 to 275 mm when the narrow bar width is 0.15 mm (A); it
is 160 to 370 mm when the narrow bar width is 0.5 mm (D).
The reason for this is closely related to the laser beam size, known as the laser beam spot diameter that is
emitted onto the bar code. The figure below indicates the change in the distance from the bar code reader
and the laser beam spot diameter.
Focal distance
Bar code
reader
7
The laser bar code reader is designed to offer the smallest laser beam spot diameter at a certain point (with
a lens) in order to read bar codes with a thin, narrow bar width. The distance at which the beam spot
diameter is minimized is called the focal distance (230 mm with the BL-700 and 120 mm with the BL-600).
The small beam spot diameter means that the bar code reader can read a bar code with a thin, narrow bar
width. When the beam spot diameter becomes larger as it moves farther from the focal point, the bar code
reader cannot read a bar code with a thin, narrow bar width. In this way, it can be said that the reading
distance is determined by the laser beam spot diameter.
1
Determine the reading distance considering the following points:
• To read bar codes with a thin, narrow bar width, mount the bar code reader at the focal
One Point distance.
• To read bar codes with a thick, narrow bar width, you can mount the bar code reader at a
position farther than the focal distance.
• To widen the range of the readable distance, use bar codes with a thick, narrow bar
width as much as possible.
• When the bar code reader is mounted at the focal distance, reading is possible
regardless of the width of narrow bars.
<Bar code labels and environments requiring caution>

When the bar code reader is mounted at the focal distance, reading is possible regardless of the width of
narrow bars. It is recommended to normally mount the bar code reader at the focal distance.
However, bar codes with small spots or voids as shown below are sometimes difficult to read at the focal
point. In such a case, mounting the bar code reader farther than the focal distance may help the reading.
Bar codes with many small

spots and voids
This is because the beam spot diameter becomes smallest at the focal point so that even small spots or
voids greatly affect the reading. When the reading distance is longer than the focal distance, the beam spot
becomes larger, allowing the bar code reader to be less affected by the spots or voids.
When the beam spot diameter is

small, it is greatly affected by even
small spots or voids.
When the beam spot diameter is

large, it is less affected by small
spots or voids.
8
1-2-3 Contrast between bars and spaces (PCS)

Bar code readers scan bar codes based on the contrast of diffuse reflection of the emitted laser beams. If
the contrast is clear, the bar code is easy to read. If the contrast is not clear, the bar code is difficult to read.
The contrast of diffuse reflection is measured by PCS (Print Contrast Signal), calculated by the following
formula:
Reflectance of space – Reflectance of bar

PCS =
Reflectance of space 1
When the space is very white and has basically 100% reflectance, or when the bar is very black and has
basically 0% reflectance, the PCS becomes 1. As the PCS moves closer to 1, the bar code becomes easier
to read.
To create easier-to-read bar codes, consider the following points to increase the PCS value as much as
possible:
To obtain a higher PCS value:

• Print bars as dark as possible.
One Point The PCS is low when bars are printed in light colors or when they become faint due to
printer problems.
• Use a white base (space) as much as possible.
When printing bar codes on an object with low reflectance such as corrugated
cardboard, the PCS is low unless a color of low reflectance (black, dark blue, or dark
green) is used for the bar.
9
1-2-4 Difference in reading depending on bar colors

A visible beam semiconductor laser (wavelength: 670 nm) is used for the laser bar code reader. The figure
below shows the reflectance of the target color against the wavelength of the various light sources. For a
visible beam semiconductor laser with a 670 nm wavelength, the reflectance of purple, blue and green is
low and that of yellow, orange and red is high.
Reflectance
%
1 100
Blue Infrared
50
Green
Purple
400 500 600 700 800 900 1000

Reflectance Wavelength (nm)
%
100
Infrared
Yellow
50
Red
Orange
400 500 600 700 800 900 1000

Wavelength (nm)
Visible beam
Reflectance semiconductor Red LED Tungsten
% laser 650 nm 660 nm lamp
100 Semiconductor
He-Ne laser laser 720nm
632.8 nm
Infrared
50 LED
950nm
400 500 600 700 800 900 1000

Wavelength (nm)
As shown above, high-reflective colors — red, yellow and orange — are identified as white (space); low-
reflective colors — blue, green and purple — are identified as black (bar).
In other words, the following can be defined:

Blue bar on white base
Black bar on red base Readable
Purple* bar on yellow base
Red bar on white base

Unreadable
Black bar on blue base
* Reddish purple and pale purple have low reflectance, causing difficulty in reading.
One Point
As shown above, remember that color arrangement is important in creating bar codes.
It is recommended to use a black bar code on a white base to ensure stable readings. You
can also use blackish blue, dark blue or dark green as bar colors.
10
1-3 AGC (Auto Gain Control)

The KEYENCE bar code readers BL-700 Series and BL-600 Series feature AGC (Auto Gain Control). With
this function, they achieve extremely wide reading range and angle characteristics.
AGC operates as follows:

When the reading distance is long, when the reading angle is wide, or when the bar code label has low
PCS, the amplitude of the diffuse reflection received by the bar code reader becomes small.
1
If the amplitude of the received-light waveform is small, AGC controls the laser to enlarge the amplitude to
the optimal level for reading. As a result, bar code labels can be stably read even under unfavorable
reading conditions.
AGC
On the contrary, when the reading distance is short, when the reading angle is narrow, or when the bar
code label has high PCS, the amplitude of the diffuse reflection received by the bar code reader becomes
large.
In such cases, AGC controls the laser to shorten the amplitude to the optimal level for reading, improving
reading stability.
AGC
Because AGC can automatically control the amplitude of the received-light waveform to the optimal level,
the bar code reader offers stable readings under any condition (distance, angle or PCS).
11
2. Stationary-type CCD Bar Code Reader

A bar code reader that uses an LED instead of a laser for the light source and that uses a “CCD image
sensor” for the light-receiving element is called a CCD bar code reader.
This section describes the reading principle and features of the CCD bar code reader.
2-1 Reading principle

The stationary-type CCD bar code reader consists of an “LED for light source”, “a lens” and “a CCD image
1 sensor”. It reads bar codes on the following principle:
CCD image sensor

CCD image sensor
LED for light source Scan
2
1
Lens
··· Analog
waveform
LED irradiation range LED flashes. A/D conversion
4
Light-receiving axis (line)
··· Digital
waveform
Decode
5
“ A” “ B”
1 The LED for the light source radiates light onto a bar code. At this time, the LED flashes in pulses
* When the LED flashes quickly, you may notice that a fast moving object is detected as stopped as in
the case of a photo flash effect. This is advantageous when reading a moving object.
2 The CCD image sensor receives the light of diffuse reflection from the bar code as an image.
* Although the LED radiates light onto a wide range, the reflection received as the image is only the
one reflected from the light-receiving axis (line). The bar code reader cannot read a bar code if it is
not on the light-receiving axis.
3 The bar code reader scans the image data of the bar code on the CCD image sensor from edge to
edge to obtain the analog waveform.
* The obtained waveforms represent the scan rate of the CCD bar code reader. A high scan rate
ensures stable readings.
4 The bar code reader converts the analog waveforms to digital waveforms (A/D conversion).
5 The bar code reader converts the obtained digital waveforms into data according to the bar code rules
(decoding). It outputs the decoded data to the external unit as the readout data through the RS-232C or
an equivalent interface.
12
2-2 Mounting precautions

A laser bar code reader obviously cannot read a bar code if the bar code is not on the laser optical axis.
As shown below, a CCD bar code reader has a linear axis called the “light-receiving axis” which can receive
the light of diffuse reflection. The bar code reader cannot read a bar code if the bar code is within the LED
irradiation range but is not on the light-receiving axis.
1
10°
LED irradiation range LED irradiation range
Light-
receiving
axis
Light-receiving axis
* You cannot visually check the light-receiving axis. To check this, you should
actually run the bar code reader to read a bar code or adjust the axis position
on the drawing.
Similar to a laser bar code reader (see p. 5), the CCD bar code reader cannot read a bar code if the light-
receiving axis is applied at a right angle to the bar code label because of the influence of specular
reflection. The bar code reader should be mounted at a skew angle as shown below.
LED irradiation range
To mount the KEYENCE CCD bar

code reader BL-180 Series, mount it
10°
at an angle of 10°C.
Light-receiving axis
One Point Check the following points to mount a stationary-type CCD bar code reader:
• Mount the bar code reader so that a bar code is on the light-receiving axis.
• Apply the light-receiving axis at a skew angle of 10 to 15° to the target bar code.
13
2-3 Features of the CCD bar code reader

As mentioned in the previous section, the CCD bar code reader should be set at an angle since it has the
specular and diffuse reflection area just as the laser type does. It also follows the same principles in terms
of influence from metal surfaces and differences in reading depending on bar code color.
The differences from the laser type are the following four points:
1 • The reading distance is limited.

• It is not suitable for scanning moving objects (in general).
• The readable label width is small.
• Raster scan is impossible.
The following sections describe each point:
2-3-1 Why is the reading distance limited?

Like a camera, the CCD bar code reader forms the image of the target bar code onto the CCD image
sensor through a lens. Therefore, it is necessary to achieve focus to read the bar code.
The distance at which the focus is attained is called a “focal plane”.
LED
Bar code
CCD
Lens
Focal plane
If the bar code is not placed on the focal plane, the image becomes out of focus and unreadable.
LED
Bar code
CCD
Lens
Out of focus
Focal plane
Because the CCD bar code reader needs to be set at a focal distance, the reading distance is limited.
14
2-3-2 Why is the CCD bar code reader not suitable for scanning moving objects?
The CCD bar code reader scans the bar code by emitting flashing LED light onto the bar code and
receiving the reflection.
1ms
1
LED
Suppose that the LED ON time is 1 ms (1/1000 second). If the bar code moves for 1 ms by a distance of
one narrow bar width, for example 0.25 mm, the images superimpose and cannot be read.
Same phenomenon
as the blurring of a
camera
0.25mm
When the bar code moves by 25 cm per second (0.25 mm/1 ms = 0.25 m/s), the bar code reader cannot
scan it at all. As a result, although the CCD laser bar code reader flashes an LED at high speed, it is not
suitable for moving targets.
For the same reason, a slightly vibrating bar code may not be read.
With the typical CCD bar code readers, the LED ON time is approximately 1 ms at the fastest. Some
readers use an LED without flashing it. It can be said that the flashing interval of an LED determines the
fast-reading ability of the CCD bar code readers.
• The BL-180/185 CCD bar code reader (manufactured by KEYENCE) allows high-speed
One Point
reading because the LED ON time is as short as 200 µs (2/10000 second). It can read
bar codes of CODE39 (7 digits, Narrow bar width: 0.25 mm) that move 80 m/minute.
• The laser bar code reader, for example the BL-600 (500 scans), requires only about 2.5
µs to scan a narrow bar with a width of 0.25 mm. Thus, even if a bar code moves more
or less, there is no difficulty reading the bar code.
15
2-3-3 Why is the readable label width small?

Because the LED cannot irradiate as wide of an area as the laser type can, the maximum readable width
fully depends on the size of the bar code reader.
Laser type
CCD type
1
2-3-4 Why is raster scan impossible?

The laser type enables raster scan by vibrating laser beams up and down. However, the CCD bar code
reader cannot provide raster scan unless it is designed to vertically move the light-receiving axis. To do this,
a mechanism that vertically moves the parts such as the lens and CCD could be incorporated in the reader,
which would make the reader unit very large and expensive. Accordingly, the advantages of the CCD bar
code reader (good cost performance, compact body) will be lost.
As a result, when reading stopped bar codes with many spots or voids, reliability is slightly reduced.
LED
CCD Lens
However, as the light-receiving axis is slightly less than 1 mm thick, or about 5 times the laser minimum
beam spot diameter (0.2 mm), the CCD bar code reader can average the obtained data and read the bar
codes with spots and voids.
In other words, the CCD bar code reader is less affected by spots and voids than the laser bar code reader.
CCD type Laser type
Light-receiving
Laser beam
axis
Spots and voids can be Even minute spots or

canceled to some voids affect reading.
extent.
16
2-4 Advantages and disadvantages of the laser type and CCD type
The table below summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of the laser type and CCD type. Select the
type that is suitable for your application.
•
Advantage
Long-distance reading available

Disadvantage
1
• Wide readable range
Laser type • Generally larger than the CCD type
• Moving objects can be read.
• Raster scan possible
• Limited reading distance

• Compact size • Not suitable for moving objects
CCD type
• Reasonable price • Narrow readable label width
• Raster scan impossible
17
18
Chapter 2
Bar Code Printer and
Bar Code Label
1. Bar Code Printing Methods ....................................... 20
1-1 Printing .......................................................................... 20
1-2 Printing using a printer ................................................ 21
2. Details of Thermal Printers ......................................... 25
2-1 Direct thermal printer and thermal transfer printer ... 25
2-2 Dot density and printable narrow bar width ............... 27
2-3 Selecting labels, ink ribbons and adhesives
for the thermal transfer printer .................................... 28
2-3-1 Type of labels and selection criteria .............................. 28
2-3-2 Type of ink ribbons and selection criteria ...................... 29
2-3-3 Type of adhesives and selection criteria ....................... 30
2-4 Thermal label selection for direct thermal printers ... 30
3. Bar Code Verifier ............................................................ 31
Chapter 2 Bar Code Printer and Bar Code Label
1. Bar Code Printing Methods

There are many methods for printing bar codes. Each method has advantages, disadvantages and
differences in reading bar codes depending on the printing quality. You should select the printing method
that is best suited for your application. This section describes differences between printing methods, such
as general printing and printing using a printer.
1-1 Printing
Bar codes labeled on sweets and daily goods (EAN/UPC) or labeled on corrugated cardboard (Standard
distribution codes) are printed using the general printing method. This method is useful when creating a
large amount of bar codes with the same data. If you use a printer for such applications, printing will cost
dearly.
There are many printing methods such as letterpress printing, offset printing and garavure printing. This
section does not refer to the differences between these printing methods (because printing is the
responsibility of the printing company), but it does include precautions about printing.
• The printing color of the bar code is usually selected from the colors used in the package. If you do not
select the color carefully, you may create an unreadable bar code. Use a highly-reflective color, such
as white, red, yellow or orange for the base color (spaces and quiet zones). Use a low-reflective color,
such as black, dark blue, blue or green for the bar color.
2 • To reserve the quiet zones (margin), do not enter characters or illustrations in the area.
The quiet zone is

insufficient.
Chocolate
Ingredients
XXX........
• When printing a bar code on corrugated cardboard, special care is required when selecting the print-
ing color. Because the corrugated cardboard itself is colored, use a very low-reflective color, such as
black, blackish blue, dark blue, dark green or dark brown for the bar color.
There are other considerations, such as the variation in bar thickness due to printing. For details, refer to
the “Source marking manual for JAN” and “Marking Manual for Standard Distribution Code” published by the
Distribution System Development Center.
20
1-2 Printing using a printer

■ Dot impact printer
A dot impact printer is often used to print slips and documents and is widely known as a computer printer.
The dot impact printer hits the ink ribbon with the wire to transfer ink to the sheet. Two advantages of this
type of printer are that any type of sheet can be used, even a copy sheet, and the running cost is relatively
low. However, it has a disadvantage of easily bleeding the ink. Therefore, a bar code with a thin, narrow bar
width cannot be printed with a dot impact printer.
When printing bar codes with a dot impact printer, the printed characters become thinner as the ink ribbon
is used up and the gap between the dots become larger as shown below. This deteriorates reading
precision. You should replace the ink ribbon before this occurs.
When the printed

characters become
thin:
2
In some cases, a narrow bar is printed with one dot to create a small bar code. However, as shown below,
unevenness is found in the printed bar even if the printed characters are not thin, which may affect reading
performance. When printing bar codes using a dot impact printer, it is recommended that a narrow bar
width should be printed with at least two dots.
The width of the

printed bar is uneven.
■ Thermal printer
Thermal printers can be divided into two types: thermal transfer printers and a direct thermal printer.
Thermal printers are also described in details from page 25.
• Thermal transfer printer

A thermal transfer printer melts the ink in the ribbon at the thermal head and transfers the ink to the
sheet. Very precise printing is possible even if a narrow bar width is thin. You can select any type of
printing sheet (heat-proof, chemical-proof or solvent-proof) according to the operating environment, and
you can print barcodes at any time and in any amount because the printer does not take a long time
before issuing bar code labels. As a result, a thermal printer is suitable for applications that use an
automatic labeling machine (labeler) to affix a different label to each product in order to manage the
products by the label.
However, the ink ribbon is disposable, increasing the running cost.
• Direct thermal printer

A direct thermal printer uses thermosensitive paper (thermal paper) that changes color when heated.
Because no ink ribbon is required, the printer structure is compact and the running cost is inexpensive.
However, it has a disadvantage of being sensitive to heat and humidity and subject to discoloration over
time. Thus, the direct thermal printer is not suitable in a harsh operating environment or when the printed
bar codes are used for a long time.
21
■ Laser printer
A laser printer is now widely used as a computer printer and is also called a page printer. It forms an image
with laser beams, applies toner to the image and transfers the image to the printing sheet. The advantage
of the laser printer is high-speed, high-quality printing. However, the mechanism is complex and the printing
sheet must go through a long path. As a result, it is not suitable for an application that prints only one sheet
on the production line when required, but it is effective when printing a large amount of bar codes at one
time.
The laser printer is inappropriate for printing a peel-off sticker sheet because the adhesive may remain on
the surface of the printer drum.
■ Industrial ink jet printer

An ink jet printer injects ink from a micro-thin nozzle. This type of printer has a unique feature of printing on
glass and metal as well as paper. Because the ink jet printer can print directly onto the objects moving on
the line, it can print on corrugated cardboard during transportation.
However, the method of injecting ink has poor printing precision and is not suitable for printing bar codes
with a thin, narrow bar width. At least 0.3 mm of narrow bar width is required; otherwise, the bar code
reading may be adversely affected. This type of printer is also subject to ink clogging and regular
maintenance is indispensable. Although the printer unit is expensive, the running cost is low because no
label is required.
2
Industrial ink jet printer
22
■ Laser marker
A laser marker is used in printing the manufacturing data and available limit of chemicals and foods or the
lot number of electronics parts. The laser marker also prints directly onto objects like the industrial ink jet
printer does. Thus, it can print on objects being transported. It features maintenance-free operation, high-
quality printing and practically no running cost.
0
1
0
-9
L
M
Laser marker
2
■ Label printer with a bar code printing function
A label printer is often used to create the spine label for a file. Some label printers have a bar code printing
function. The label printer is useful for quickly printing bar codes on peel-off labels to manage factory or
warehouse equipment.
Shelf B 2-2
Component A
Minimum
stock: 50
KJC40902789850
23
■ Bar code printing software

The easiest way to print bar codes is to use bar code printing software. This software allows you to print bar
codes using any type of printer (general PC printers such as a dot printer or a laser printer). It is useful
when preparing a part number list with bar codes.
Part number list

Bolt A Bolt B Bolt C
VKT35006 VKT35007 VKT35008
Washer A Washer B Washer C
WAH1105A WAH1206B WAH13007C
Screw A Screw B Screw C
*BIS200045 *BIS145861 *BIS753600
Jig A Jig B Jig C
2 JGC30006
Spacer A
JGC30007
Spacer B
JGC30008
Spacer C
*5LQ3864 *5LQ3965 *5LQ4000
■ Bar code generator

You can easily print bar codes by connecting a bar code generator between the PC and the printer and
sending the print order (command) from the PC.
A bar code generator can be installed at low cost because the existing printer can be used as it is.
Bar code
generator
PC Printer
24
2. Details of Thermal Printers

In many cases where bar codes are used in manufacturing or distribution lines, the data determined during
manufacturing or before shipment is printed whenever necessary and then the printed labels are affixed on
the spot. Examples include product serial numbers, date and time of production, product destination or the
number of packages.
The printer that achieves such operation must print quickly, be able to print on peel-off labels, and provide
clear images (to print bar codes). The thermal printer satisfies all the needs above and is the most widely
used. Normally, a bar code printer refers to the thermal printer.
This section describes precautions when using a thermal printer and how to select appropriate labels for
the printer.
2-1 Direct thermal printer and thermal transfer printer

The thermal printer prints by heating the heat element embedded in the printing block called a “thermal
head”. The thermal printers are classified into two types according to the printing method: the direct thermal
printer and the thermal transfer printer.
The “direct thermal printer” uses thermosensitive paper that changes its color when heat is applied.
2
Thermal head
00
36
75
IS
*B
Roll of labels
25
The “thermal transfer printer” uses a thermal-transfer ink ribbon of which ink melts by heat. It prints by
applying heat to the ink ribbon through the thermal head and transferring the ink to the paper.
Ink ribbon
0
Roll of labels
60
53
IS7
*B
Thermal head
Each printer has the following advantages and disadvantages.

2
Direct thermal printer Thermal transfer printer
• Low running cost • By selecting base material, labels can

Advantages
• Compact size be heat-resistant or chemical-resistant.
• Subject to discoloration by heat,

chemicals or rubbing • High running cost
Disadvantages
• Lables cannot be stored for a long • Large size
time due to discoloration
When the labels are subjected to a harsh environment, the thermal transfer printer is used even though the
running cost is high. The direct thermal printer is used when the labels are used for a short period or when
low running cost is required to print a large number of labels, such as labels for foods (sandwiches,
delicatessens) or shipping slips in the distribution industry.
The thermal transfer printer has been the mainstream choice so far. However, usage of the direct thermal
printer has increased recently due to a growing demand for cost reduction.
26
2-2 Dot density and printable narrow bar width

The bar code density (the narrow bar width) that can be printed with a thermal printer is determined by the
dot density of the thermal head.
Unit “dpi” is used to indicate the dot density. It is an abbreviation of “dots per inch” and shows the number of
dots printable in 1 inch (25.4 mm). The 200 dpi printer can print 200 dots in 1 inch, or about 8 dots in 1 mm.
Thus, 1 dot has a width of about 0.125 mm.
The following table shows the minimum narrow bar width of a bar code according to the dpi of a printer.
200 dpi 300 dpi 400 dpi

(8 dot/mm) (12 dot/mm) (16 dot/mm)
1 dot 0.125 mm 0.083 mm 0.0625 mm ← A bar with a one-dot

width cannot be used.
2 dot 0.25 mm 0.167 mm 0.125 mm
3 dot 0.375 mm 0.25 mm 0.1875 mm
4 dot 0.5 mm 0.333 mm 0.25 mm
5 dot 0.625 mm 0.42 mm 0.3715 mm
6 dot 0.75 mm 0.5 mm 0.375 mm 2

7 dot 0.875 mm 0.581 mm 0.438 mm
8 dot 1.0 mm 0.664 mm 0.5 mm
9 dot 1.125 mm 0.747 mm 0.563 mm
Do not print a narrow bar with one dot since the printing quality will become so
poor that the bar may not be read. Be sure to print a narrow bar with at least two
Note dots.
27
2-3 Selecting labels, ink ribbons and adhesives for the thermal transfer printer
To print bar codes with the thermal transfer printer, you should select the type of peel-off labels, ink ribbons
and adhesives according to the use environment.
This section describes the points for selection.
2-3-1 Type of labels and selection criteria

The following materials are used for the peel-off label of the thermal transfer printer.
• Coated paper
This paper-based label has an excellent printing property. It is often used when the bar codes are not
subjected to a harsh environment. The cost is low compared to a film-based label.
• Synthetic paper
Synthetic paper is made by covering a base material of plastic or film with a coating layer of good printing
property in order to ensure easy printing like normal paper.
The use of synthetic paper has increased these days. It has excellent weather-resistance, that is,
resistance to rain or sunlight.
2 • Vinyl chloride film
It has excellent weather-resistance; however, it is not heat-resistant.
• Polyester film (PET)

This film-based label can be used in harsh environments. Its heat-resistance is especially excellent so
that the label can resist up to approx. 150°C.
White pigment is normally mixed into the material to make white labels. There are also silver labels that
are made by aluminum evaporation. However, it is not easy for bar code readers to read silver labels. A
thorough reading check is required before using silver labels.
• Polyamide film
Polyamide film is more heat-resistant than polyester film. It can be used at a temperature up to 300°C. It is
also chemical resistant.
• Ceramic label
When heat is applied, the label component is sintered with a base object, resulting in a strong bond. The
sintered label has excellent heat-resistance, chemical-resistance, and weather-resistant abilities. Ceramic
labels are used in a process that includes a heat treatment, such as the manufacturing process of CRTs,
special glass products, metal components and ceramic products.
28
Use in clean Weather- Chemical

Label type Heat-resistance Cost
room resistance resistance
Coated paper ✕ ✕ ✕ ✕ Low
Synthetic Ο Ο
✕ ✕
paper
Vinyl chloride Ο Ο
✕ ✕
film
Ο
Polyester film Ο Ο Ο
(150° C max.)
Ο
Polyamide film Ο Ο Ο
(300° C max.)
Ο
Ceramic label — Ο Ο
(250 to 1000° C max.) High
* The film labels can be used in clean rooms because they do not produce dust when being torn. However,
to use such labels in clean rooms, the film must be applied on a dust-free paper base.
* Weather-resistance means resistance to rain or sunlight.
* For details of cost, contact label dealers. 2
2-3-2 Type of ink ribbons and selection criteria
The ink ribbons fall into two broad categories: wax type and resin type.
The “wax type” is an excellent ink ribbon because the ink melts with a subtle rise in temperature.
The “resin type” is abrasion-resistant (resistant to rubbing) and melts at a higher temperature so that it is
heat-resistant. However, some resin type ink ribbons are not compatible with the thermal head or the labels
to be used. It is necessary to contact the manufacturer of the ink ribbon before using it.
Wax type Resin type
Transfer properties Ο ∆
Abrasion-resistance × Ο
Heat-resistance × Ο
Waterproof Ο Ο
Weather-resistance Ο Ο
Cost Low High
29
2-3-3 Type of adhesives and selection criteria

The following issues should be considered when selecting adhesives.
• Are the labels attached to the products permanent (strong adhesion) or removed later (weak adhe-
sion)?
• What kind of environment are the labels used in? (waterproof, heat-resistant, attached to frozen foods,
etc.)
• What kind of object are the labels attached to? (plastic, soft package, etc.)
• How are the labels attached? (automatically attached with a labeler or attached manually)
• You should check these conditions and ask the label manufacturer for the optimal adhesive.
At present, there is increasing use of removable adhesives that allow labels to be removed and attached
repeatedly, mainly in distribution and production control processes.
2-4 Thermal label selection for direct thermal printers

To print bar codes with the direct thermal printer, it is necessary to select a thermal label. Unlike the labels
2 for the thermal transfer printer, thermal labels have poor heat-resistance, no chemical-resistance and are
subject to discoloration over time.
However, the running cost is lower than that of the heat transfer printer. If bar codes are used only for a
short period and are not used at a high temperature or under a splash of chemicals, you can use thermal
labels.
At present, some thermal labels have a heat-resistance of up to 100°C. As technology advances, the direct
thermal printer may become the mainstream in the future.
30
3. Bar Code Verifier

Overview
The bar code verifier is “a device that verifies bar codes”. Thus, it is designed to check the quality of printed
bar codes. Recently, bar codes have been becoming popular in various fields. The same bar code labels
are often read in several places. For example, EAN/UPC, the bar code used for sweets or shampoos, is
found in various retail stores. This means that one bar code label is read with several types of bar code
readers. If there is a difference in performance between bar code readers, one bar code reader can read a
certain bar code label but another cannot read the same bar code. To avoid such a problem and ensure
that all bar code readers read all bar code labels, it is necessary to check the quality of bar codes according
to the bar code specifications. This check is done by the bar code verifier.
Items to be checked
The bar code verifier checks the following items:
Narrow bar
Narrow space 1. Width of bars/spaces
Wide bar 2. Width of quiet zones (right and left margins)
Wide space 3. Ratio between the narrow bar width and wide bar
width
4. Thickness/thinness of bars/spaces
5. Reflectance, PCS and MRD of bars/spaces
Reflectance of space – Reflectance of bar

PCS =
Reflectance of space
* PCS and MRD are the values that represent
the readability of bar codes.
MRD = (Reflectance of space) – (Reflectance of bar)
The items above are the criteria used to evaluate whether or not the bar code complies with bar code
specifications.
It is often misunderstood that bar code readers can read a bar code when its stripes are clear to the human
eye. In reality, they cannot. It is said that fifty percent of bar code reader reading errors are caused by poor
bar code labels. When creating bar code labels, it is important to use the bar code verifier to find the cause
of reading errors before a problem arises.
31
32
Appendices
A. Check Points When a Bar Code Cannot

Be Read .............................................................................. 34
B. Single Scan and Raster Scan .................................... 37
C. Skew, Pitch and Tilt ....................................................... 38
D. Concept of Maximum Allowable Line Speed ...... 39
Horizontal direction (Picket fence scan) ............................ 40
Vertical direction (Ladder step scan) ................................. 44
Appendices
A. Check Points When a Bar Code Cannot Be Read

If your bar code reader cannot read a bar code, check the following points:
Bar code label condition Quiet zone
● Does the bar code have narrow quiet zones (margins)?

The quiet zone should have a width at least 10 times the
narrow bar width (the width of the narrowest bar) on both sides
of the bar code.
● Does the bar code have a lot of spots or voids?

The bar code reading may be affected by many spots or voids.
● Is the ratio between the narrow bar (space) and wide bar Narrow bar
(space) within the range of 1:2 to 1:3? Wide space
If the ratio is less than 1:2 in particular, the bar code reader
cannot differentiate between narrow bars and wide bars,
resulting in poor reading.
Narrow space
● Are the bars thicker than specified? Wide bar
If the printed bars are thicker than specified, the following
problems may arise: The narrow
space is too
thin.
• Thicker bars mean thinner spaces. If the spaces are too thin,
your bar code reader may not be able to detect them.
• Normally, the amount of excessive thickness is the same for The ratio between the narrow bar
and wide bar is less than 1:2.
both narrow bars and wide bars. Therefore, although you set
the ratio between the narrow bar and wide bar to 1:2, the
Appendices
ratio of printed bars may be less than 1:2 due to the thick-
ness.
● Are the bars thinner than specified?

The narrow
If the printed bars are thinner than specified, the following
bar is too
problems may arise: thin.
• If the bars are too thin, your bar code reader may not be
able to detect them.
The ratio between the narrow bar
• Thinner bars mean thicker spaces. As a result, as in the and wide bar is less than 1:2.
case of “Are the bars thicker than specified?”, although you
set the ratio between the narrow bar and wide bar to 1:2, the
ratio of printed bars may be less than 1:2 due to the thicker
spaces.
● Is the bar code color appropriate?

Color is very important when creating bar code labels.
Be sure to use black or cold colors (blue, green or bluish
purple) to print bars, and use white or warm colors (red, yellow
or orange) to print spaces.
Refer to page 10 for details.
● Is the bar code label silver or glossy with laminate-coating?

If the bar code label is silver or has laminate-coating, the laser beam reflected on the label surface may
cause specular reflection and prevent proper reading.
Refer to page 6 for details.
34
Appendices
Bar code reader setting

● Is the bar code type correctly set?
There are many bar code types such as CODE39, ITF, CODABAR, EAN/UPC, CODE128, CODE93, or
COOP 2of5. Set the bar code reader to read the correct bar code type. Otherwise, the reading is disa-
bled.
● Is the number of digits set correctly?
● Does the bar code reader scan the bar code with the setting “to check the check digit” although
no check digit is appended to the code?
● Is the bar code reader set to a special reading mode (label orientation mode, etc.)?
The mounting condition of the bar code reader
● Is the distance between the bar code reader and the bar code label correct?
Each bar code reader model has an optimal reading distance/range respectively. Refer to the user’s
manual of your bar code reader.
● Is the bar code reader mounted at the proper angle?

If the laser beam of the bar code reader is set at a right angle to the bar code label (the angle resulting in
Appendices
specular reflection), the reading will not be stable. Be sure to mount the bar code reader at an angle of
10 to 15°.
Countermeasure
Laser beam
15°
Reflection
Mount the reader at a skew angle.
● Does any extraneous light (the light from a photoelectric sensor, sun or fluorescent lamp) enter
the light-receiving section of the bar code reader?
If the reading result changes between the conditions where the potential source of the extraneous light
(the transmitter of a photoelectric sensor or the fluorescent lamp) is covered or not covered, the bar code
reader is affected by the light. In such a case, change the position of the photoelectric sensor or provide
a light-shielding plate to interrupt the extraneous light.
Change the position of the sensor.

Interrupt the extraneous light
with a light-shielding plate.
Countermeasure
Photoelectric sensor
35
Appendices
● Does the laser beam hit any metal surface around the bar code label?
If the laser beam scans a glossy object such as a metal surface (including mounting screws and nuts),
the bar code reader receives a very strong reflection and cannot read the bar code. You should cover the
metal surface or apply black, flat paint to the surface.
Countermeasure
Metal surface
Apply black tape to prevent strong

reflection from the metal surface.
● Is the moving speed of the line too fast?

KEYENCE bar code readers feature the Test mode, which allows you to easily judge whether your bar
code reader is available at the current line moving speed.
Appendices
● Are the optical paths for both the laser beam and the reflection provided sufficiently?
Be especially careful when you mount the bar code reader in a tight space.
Shielding object
Countermeasure
Bar code Bar code
Reflection
Change the position of the shielding object so

that a sufficient optical path is provided.
Other
● Are the timing inputs properly provided to the bar code reader?
The timing input is the signal for making the bar code reader start reading (laser emission).
● Is the supplied voltage to the bar code reader within the range of specifications? Does the operat-
ing environment satisfy the specifications?
Refer to the manual of your bar code reader.
36
Appendices
B. Single Scan and Raster Scan

Differences between single scan and raster scan
With the single scan type reader, a laser beam scans a single line on a bar code. If the bar code has stains
(spots) or a lack of print (voids), the reading is disabled.
The raster scan type reader scans several lines as illustrated below. Even when there are stains (spots) or a
lack of print (voids), scanning several lines increases the probability of accurate reading and prevents
reading errors.
If the bar code printing quality is poor, raster scan is recommended.
Single scan Raster scan Stain (spot)
Laser beam
Lack of print (Void)
Suitable applications of the single scan and raster scan

Select the single scan or raster scan according to the bar code label orientation and whether or not the
target is moving or halting while the scan is performed.
Horizontal direction (Picket fence scan)
Appendices
● The raster scan type is recommended for reading bar codes while
the object is stopped. It enhances reading stability.
● The raster scan type is also recommended for reading bar codes
while the object is moving. However, the response is slightly
inferior compared to the single scan type.
Vertical direction (Ladder step scan)
● The raster scan type is recommended for reading bar codes while
the object is stopped.
● The single scan type is recommended for reading bar codes while
the object is moving. Because the laser beam scans along the
direction of bar code height, the single scan type offers the same
results as the raster scan type does.
37
Appendices
C. Skew, Pitch and Tilt

The skew, pitch and tilt represent angles between the bar code label and the bar code reader (laser beam).
These values generally indicate the performance of the bar code reader.
When using a bar code reader on a conveyor line, the workpiece position may change due to vibration. This
causes the bar code labels to be oriented randomly. Therefore, these angles should be considered carefully.
The allowable range of these angles varies depending on the quality of bar code labels. It is recommended
that you conduct sufficient tests on the actual production line.
• Skew
Skew
Skew is the angle of deviation of the bar code label when a
workpiece is rotated around the axis parallel to the bar code
length. Skew represents the allowable angle of the workpiece
when the bar code reader is used to scan vertically on a
conveyor line.
Pitch • Pitch
Pitch is the angle of deviation of the bar code label when a
workpiece is rotated around the axis parallel to the bar code
height. Pitch represents the allowable angle of the workpiece
when the bar code reader is used to scan horizontally on a
conveyor line.
Appendices
• Tilt
Tilt
Tilt is the angle of deviation of the bar code label when a
workpiece is rotated around the axis perpendicular to the bar
code surface. Tilt represents the deviation of the bar code label
position, or the deviation of the workpiece position when bar
codes are read from the top.
When the skew angle between the laser beam and bar code label is 90° (±5°), the bar code
reader cannot read the bar code. This angle is called a specular reflection area. The bar
Note code reader reads bar codes by emitting a laser beam at an angle to the bar code and
receiving the diffuse reflection. Therefore, when the laser beam strikes the bar code label
perpendicularly, an extremely intense light beam is returned into the bar code reader,
disabling the recognition of bar codes.
38
Appendices
D. Concept of Maximum Allowable Line Speed

This section describes how to determine the maximum line speed with which a stationary type laser bar
code reader can read bar codes. However, the speed determined here is only a calculated value. Conduct
substantial reading tests before actual introduction.
One Point
Basic concept
A bar code must exist while laser beams are scanning.
In other words, a bar code can be moved as long as laser beams are scanning.
Movable distance
Maximum line speed =
Scan time
To determine the maximum allowable line speed, you should check the following parameters:
1. Bar code size (length and height)

Bar code length
Bar code * Bar code length includes quiet zones (margins).

height
2. Label flow direction (horizontal or vertical) Vertical direction

Horizontal direction
Appendices
3. Bar code quality (easy to read or not)
• Easy-to-read bar code (clear bar code with a black bar in a white space)
→ Available at fast line speed
• Hard-to-read bar code (bar code of low quality such as those printed on corrugated cardboard)
→ Available only at slow line speed
The following explains how to calculate the maximum allowable line speed assuming an easy-to-read bar
code is used.
39
Appendices
Horizontal direction (Picket fence scan)

Scan width
Bar code length One Point Horizontal scan:
Movable distance
= (Scan width) – (Bar code length)
■ BL-700/740/780
• Movable distance of the BL-700: 275 mm – (Bar code length)
(When the reading distance is 295 mm and the narrow bar
width is 0.25 mm)
• Scan time of the BL-700: 8.6 ms
Since the BL-700 performs 700 scans/second, the time required for one
scan is 1.43 ms.
If the decoding match count is set to “2”, the required scan time is
calculated as:
1.43 ms x 2 + 1.43 ms + 1.43 ms x 3 * = Approx. 8.6 ms
(Error) (AGC adjustment time)*
Appendices

width is 0.5 mm)
scan is 1.43 ms.
calculated as:
1.43 ms x 2 + 1.43 ms + 1.43 ms x 3 * = Approx. 8.6 ms
40
Appendices

width is 1.0 mm)
scan is 1.43 ms.
calculated as:
1.43 ms x 2 + 1.43 ms + 1.43 ms x 3 = Approx. 8.6 ms
As a result, the maximum line speed for each model can be determined as follows:
275 mm – (Bar code length)
Maximum line speed for BL-700 = (m/s)
8.6 ms
* When the reading distance is 295 mm and the narrow bar width is 0.25 mm.

8.6 ms

8.6 ms
Appendices
* Since the BL-700 Series features AGC (Auto Gain Control), a maximum of three scans is required for
AGC adjustment (to obtain optimal sensitivity). However, the minimum required scan time is 4.3 ms when
AGC is adjusted at the first scan.
■ BL-600/600H/650H

width is 0.25 mm)
• Scan time of the BL-600: 12 ms
scan is 2 ms.
calculated as:
2 ms x 2 + 2 ms + 2 ms x 3 = Approx. 12 ms
41
Appendices
• Movable distance of the BL-600HA: 90 mm – (Bar code length)

width is 0.125 mm)
• Scan time of the BL-600HA: 12 ms
Since the BL-600HA performs 500 scans/second, the time required for one
scan is 2 ms.
calculated as:
• Movable distance of the BL-650HA: 100 mm – (Bar code length)

width is 0.125 mm)
• Scan time of the BL-650HA: 12 ms
Since the BL-600HA performs 500 scans/second, the time required for one
scan is 2 ms.
calculated as:
Appendices
As a result, the maximum line speed for each model can be determined as follows:
12 ms

Maximum line speed for BL-600HA = (m/s)
12 ms

Maximum line speed for BL-650HA = (m/s)
12 ms
* When the reading distance is 75 mm and the narrow bar width is 0.125mm.
* Since the BL-600 Series features AGC (Auto Gain Control), a maximum of three scans is required for
AGC adjustment (to obtain optimal sensitivity).
42
Appendices
The calculated scan time is the maximum speed.

There is a good possibility that the calculated scan time is insufficient depending on the bar
code quality.
Note
For stable reading, at least 10 scans are required. Thus, the minimum scan time is
calculated as follows:
BL-700/740/780: Approx. 20 ms
BL-600/600HA/650HA: Approx. 28 ms
For horizontal scanning, setting a longer reading distance widens the scan width and
ensures availability for faster line speed. However, since the readable scan width may
change depending on the narrow bar width and quality of bar codes, you should perform
the reading test using the actual bar code reader.
Appendices
43
Appendices
Vertical direction (Ladder step scan)
One Point
Bar code height Vertical scan:
Movable distance = Bar code height
■ BL-700/740/780:
Bar code height
Maximum line speed =
8.6 ms
■ BL-600/600HA/650HA
Bar code height
Maximum line speed = 12 ms
The calculated scan time is the maximum speed.

There is a good possibility that the calculated scan time is insufficient depending on the bar
code quality.
Note
Appendices
For stable reading, at least 10 scans are required. Thus, the minimum scan time is
calculated as follows:
BL-700/740/780: Approx. 20 ms
BL-600/600HA/650HA: Approx. 28 ms
44
Practical and effective use of
bar code readers
Chapter 1
Techniques and Correct Usage of Bar Code Reader 3
1. Stationary-type Laser Bar Code Reader 4
2. Stationary-type CCD Bar Code Reader 12
Chapter 2
Bar Code Printer and Bar Code Label 19
Visit our website for other Keyence products at 1. Bar Code Printing Methods 20
Specifications are subject to change without notice. 2. Details of Thermal Printers 25
KEYENCE CORPORATION OF AMERICA 3. Bar Code Verifier 31
Corporate Office
50 Tice Blvd., Woodcliff Lake, NJ 07677, U.S.A.
Boston Office Atlanta Office Michigan Office St. Louis Office Portland Office Appendices 33
New Jersey Office
Phone:201-291-4000 Fax:201-291-8860
Tampa Office
Phone:813-998-9886 Fax:813-998-9887
Indianapolis Office
Phone:317-471-3551 Fax:317-471-3550
Texas Office
Phone:972-733-6790 Fax:972-733-6791
Northern California Office
Phone:925-225-1550 Fax:925-225-1440
A. Check Points When a Bar Code Cannot Be Read 34
Pennsylvania Office Cleveland Office Chicago Office Denver Office Los Angeles Office B. Single Scan and Raster Scan 37
Charlotte Office Columbus Office Minneapolis Office Phoenix Office C. Skew, Pitch and Tilt 38
Phone:704-423-0070 Fax:704-423-0066 Phone:614-799-3400 Fax:614-799-3401 Phone:612-449-5163 Fax:612-449-5169 Phone:602-225-2400 Fax:602-225-2425
D. Concept of Maximum Allowable Line Speed 39
©KEYENCE CORPORATION, 2000 BL-KA-HB2-1-1200 Printed in Japan
Vol.2

Bar Code Tech Guide Ka

Загружено:

Сведения о документе

Оригинальное название

Авторское право

Доступные форматы

Поделиться этим документом

Поделиться или встроить документ

Параметры публикации

Этот документ был вам полезен?

Это неприемлемый материал?

Авторское право:

Доступные форматы

Bar Code Tech Guide Ka

Загружено:

Авторское право:

Доступные форматы

Practical and effective use of

bar code readers

Chapter 1 Techniques and Correct Usage of Bar Code Reader 3

Chapter 2 Bar Code Printer and Bar Code Label 19

D. Concept of Maximum Allowable Line Speed ....................................................... 39

1. Stationary-type Laser Bar Code Reader

1-1 Reading principle

Laser diode Motor

1 Laser beams emitted from the laser diode 4

3 The diffuse reflection looks like an analog

4 The bar code reader converts the waveform

5 The bar code reader identifies the narrow/wide Decoding

1-2 Features and correct usage of laser bar code readers

<Bar code labels and environments requiring caution>

● Where the laser beams scans any metal surface

1-2-2 Setting the mounting distance (reading distance)

A CODE39 0.15 205 to 275 210 1

C CODE39 0.25 175 to 325 275

D CODE39 0.5 160 to 370 310

E JAN (1x) 0.33 185 to 320 270

0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400

Reading distance 200

<Bar code labels and environments requiring caution>

Bar codes with many small

When the beam spot diameter is

When the beam spot diameter is

1-2-3 Contrast between bars and spaces (PCS)

Reflectance of space – Reflectance of bar

To obtain a higher PCS value:

1-2-4 Difference in reading depending on bar colors

400 500 600 700 800 900 1000

400 500 600 700 800 900 1000

400 500 600 700 800 900 1000

In other words, the following can be defined:

Red bar on white base

1-3 AGC (Auto Gain Control)

AGC operates as follows:

2. Stationary-type CCD Bar Code Reader

2-1 Reading principle

CCD image sensor

LED for light source Scan

LED irradiation range LED flashes. A/D conversion

2-2 Mounting precautions

LED irradiation range

To mount the KEYENCE CCD bar

2-3 Features of the CCD bar code reader

1 • The reading distance is limited.

The following sections describe each point:

2-3-1 Why is the reading distance limited?

2-3-3 Why is the readable label width small?

2-3-4 Why is raster scan impossible?

CCD type Laser type

Spots and voids can be Even minute spots or

Long-distance reading available

• Limited reading distance

1. Bar Code Printing Methods

The quiet zone is

1-2 Printing using a printer

When the printed

The width of the

• Thermal transfer printer

• Direct thermal printer

■ Industrial ink jet printer

BIS200045 BIS145861 *BIS753600

5LQ3864 5LQ3965 *5LQ4000