Barcode Scanners

A rich lineup of code readers that support an ultra-wide field of view, and ultra-long reading depth. These products allow for stable inline reading of barcodes and 2D codes at high-speeds in the logistics and manufacturing industries. The lineup includes a fully automatic tuning type that requires no external lighting so that anyone can easily install, operate, and monitor the readers from nearly anywhere.

Products Lineup

SR-X series - AI-Powered Code Reader

The SR-X Series of AI-powered code readers has a compact design - 72% smaller than our conventional models - while still providing high-performance reading for a wide variety of codes. The AI and latest decoding algorithms provide stable reading between processes, tracking changes in codes that occur from one process to the next. It is also possible to link code readers between processes for improved reading performance. With these connections, the operating status and current settings of readers on the same network can be viewed together in a list. Automatic focus adjustment and fully automatic tuning make setup easy with the press of a button.

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SR-5000 series - Logistics Code Reader

The SR-5000 Series logistics code reader offers an ultra-wide field of view, ultra-long depth of field, and high-speed reading, resulting in easy installation and operation in logistics environments for reliable capture of codes on fast-moving packages. Stable reading is ensured even when packages of different shapes and sizes are on the same line moving at high speeds, regardless of where the barcode labels are found on the packages. These readers eliminate the need to prepare to align the packages to one side of the conveyor, thereby contributing to reduced costs and a lower risk of malfunction thanks to the simplified conveyor system. While multiple readers were conventionally necessary for reading one side, simply installing one SR-5000 Series reader per side makes it possible to read the codes on labels affixed on the top and sides of packages of different sizes and varying locations. This is possible thanks to the ultra-wide field of view and deep depth of field of the SR-5000 Series.

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SR-2000 series - 1D/2D Code Reader

Obtain a wider field of view and greater depth of field at a longer range. Work as fast as the targets can move. No experience is required to master the SR-2000 Series. Just install the reader for vastly improved reading range and achieve even better reading stability.

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SR-1000 series - Autofocus 1D and 2D Code Reader

Reading the most difficult 1D and 2D codes is made simple though the introduction of new features including automatic tuning, autofocus, and built-in polarisation. Best-in-class performance is paired with built-in I/O and field network functionality, including EtherNet/IP® and Profinet, to allow for easy integration with any system.

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SR-700 series - Ultra-compact 1D and 2D Code Reader

Offers high performance and high speed code reading in a compact body to easily integrate into existing systems. Setup is simple so even new users will readily understand.

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BL-1300 series - Ultra-Compact Digital Barcode Reader

KEYENCE's new BL-1300 Series (3Hi-Digital) models. The first models in this class to use parallel digital processing technology.

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SR-750 series - High Performance Compact 1D and 2D Code Reader

Provides high quality reading performance of 1D and 2D codes. Built-in code corrective algorithms mean reliable reading, even when code quality changes due to printing or marking variances.

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BL-700 series - Long Range Laser Barcode Reader

Long range, 700 scans/sec., laser type barcode readers with Windows® setup software, offers a reading range of up to 47inches.(1200mm)

BL-600 series - Ultra-Compact Laser Barcode Reader

Half the size, twice the range of other Barcode Readers in its class, built-in PMI function for real time monitoring and reading performance reporting.

BL-180 series - CCD Barcode Reader

LED/CCD type barcode readers using a compact, space-saving design for mounting flexibility and OEM applications.

A barcode scanner is a device that reads barcodes. Typical barcode scanners include laser barcode scanners and CCD barcode readers. Laser barcode scanners emit a laser beam on an oscillating mirror to scan the barcode. The narrow and wide bars, as well as the spaces, are detected and decoded. CCD barcode readers emit light onto the barcode and generate an image from the diffused reflection using the CCD. The image is decoded and output as information.
A 2D code reader extracts a 2D code from the captured image and decodes it. The captured greyscale image is binarised. A code is extracted and decoded to output information. Codes may not be readable depending on the lighting/camera conditions or settings, as well as glossy surfaces or the marking condition on the target. For inline installations, lighting-integrated type barcode scanners that can automatically adjust the image capturing conditions are effective.
Handheld barcode scanners are designed to allow operators to hold them in their hands to scan codes. Wireless models with fast, stable scanning performance are effective for improving work efficiency.

Benefits of Barcode Scanners

Barcode scanners can be installed on production lines or logistics sites to get package or product information automatically. While significantly improving the efficiency of package and product management, barcode scanners can also support traceability. Traceability can prevent shipping mistakes and product mix-ups.

Because barcode scanners can read barcodes and 2D codes on packages and products being transported on a logistics or production line, they can eliminate the time and labour spent on visual checks. Barcode scanners and 2D code readers that have good scanning speed, reading distance, wide field of view, large depth of field and distortion corrections for variations in code position and angle can stably read codes on objects of different sizes and shapes on the conveyor. Installing such code readers eliminates the need for extra mechanisms for aligning and positioning targets, thereby helping simplify the system and reducing maintenance costs.

Some barcode scanners and 2D code readers can fit into a variety of worksites and operation lines. Selecting a compact code reader that does not require lighting or other external equipment can drastically increase the flexibility of an installation.

There are various barcode scanners that you can choose from, including compact models with integrated high-performance lighting and barcode scanners with excellent laser angle characteristics. There are even code readers that are only half the size of a typical business card and can be installed inside the equipment. Code readers that provide both easy installation and rapid scanning of fast-moving codes can be used to reduce reading errors in conveyor lines and provide code-based management without affecting cycle time.

Some barcode scanners feature simple, smart settings and operations. Barcode scanners and 2D code readers that can instantly find optimal reading conditions can significantly shorten the time taken not only for installation but also for product changeovers on the operating line. A barcode scanner that is easily configured minimises the time and effort to prepare for the operation.

For this reason, barcode scanners that can adjust to the optimal scanning settings either using buttons on the unit or easy operations from a computer are attracting attention. For barcode scanners that use a camera, focusing on codes during operation, the exposure time setting, polarised lighting control and image correction are all key components for successful reading. It is recommended to choose barcode scanners that can, once the basic setup is completed, automatically adjust camera conditions and image processing such as optimal position correction and binarisation without needing the operator to have specialised imaging knowledge.

Barcode Scanners Case Studies

Scanning packages at random orientations

At logistics worksites, cardboard boxes often do not move down the line neatly. Typically, the orientation of these boxes and the positions of their barcodes are random. Gate-type barcode reader configurations are the solution to this problem and can read the barcodes on randomly flowing boxes without mistakes. This operation is also called tunnel scanning. Barcodes can be scanned over a wide area, and if there is a barcode on any of the five surfaces (excluding the bottom), that barcode can be read without problems. This eliminates the need to have workers stand along the line and adjust the positions of the cardboard boxes, greatly contributing to reduced labour requirements.

Reading on a line with cardboard boxes of mixed sizes

In large logistics centres, warehouses and delivery centres, a wide variety of cardboard boxes in different sizes are handled every day. Conventional barcode readers have difficulty with stable detection due to problems involving the field of view, depth, vibration and speed. Currently if there are cardboard boxes with different sizes, multiple barcode readers must be installed to handle this situation. There is some frustration because this involves extra costs and slows down processing for data verification.
Recently, there have also been wide field of view and long depth of field types of barcode readers as well as methods to implement stable reading with fewer barcode readers regardless of the sizes of the boxes and the locations of the barcodes.

Reading using multiple barcode readers

Multiple barcode readers are used when it is difficult to scan boxes with a single barcode reader, such as when there are barcodes affixed to multiple surfaces and when there are different box sizes. To automate barcode reading, the optimal barcode reader installation must be selected according to where labels are affixed, the number of labels and the shape of the box. For example, two-surface reading involves scanning the top and one side of the box. Three-surface reading involves scanning the top and both sides of the box. Five-surface reading (scan tunnels) involves scanning all surfaces except the bottom. Lastly, six-surface reading involves scanning all sides of the box, including the bottom. However, the more barcode readers that are used, the greater the installation costs and the more significant the required data verification efforts will be, so it is important to select the most suitable method for the packages.

Frequently Asked Questions About Barcode Scanners

The barcode scanner may be installed perpendicular to the labels. If a barcode scanner is installed perpendicularly, even the bars of the barcode will reflect strong light (specular reflection) which the barcode scanner identifies as spaces, thereby making the barcode scanner unable to read the labels.

It is because the emitted laser does not reflect diffusely from such barcodes. Specular reflections tend to occur when laser light shines on barcodes with glossy surfaces. Because diffuse reflections hardly occur in this situation, it is difficult to read such barcodes.

The quiet zone may be insufficient on the barcode labels. Metal surfaces do not reflect light diffusely, and therefore the barcode reader identifies the metal surface as black. In this case the margin, or quiet zone in barcode terminology, is insufficient which makes it difficult to read the barcode.

Ambient lighting may be affecting the barcode reader. If there is natural light coming in from a window, indoor lighting, or ambient light from an electronic sensor nearby, this is the same issue as when the barcode reader is exposed to specular reflection. The result is that reading becomes unstable.

Possible causes are:
• Insufficient quiet zone: Margin around 2D code is too small
• Background affects reading: Code is surrounded by a black frame
• No quiet zone: Code is printed on the edge of the label

Are the finder patterns (the corner cut-out symbols) damaged? The barcode scanner first finds the finder patterns, and then recognises the 2D code for reading. QR codes have three finder patterns in three corners while micro QR codes have one in a single corner. The finder patterns are used for position detection. If any of these finder patterns are damaged, the barcode scanner cannot detect the position of the 2D code and as a result fails to read the code.

The combination of colours may be creating a low contrast. A 2D code reader reads the code by referring to the contrast between the marked parts and the background. If the combination of colours has a low contrast between the marking colour and the background colour, the 2D code reader cannot read the code.

Are the version and the marking size of the 2D code appropriate?
Also, any curvature may cause the cell (marking part) position to shift from its original position, an issue that can cause problems with reading.