OCR and 2D DataMatrix Specification for:

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1 OCR and 2D DataMatrix Specification for: 2D Datamatrix Label Reader OCR & 2D Datamatrix Standard (Multi-read) Camera System Auto-Multi Reading Camera System Auto-Multi Reading Camera System (Hi-Res) Contents Page 1. Introduction D DataMatrix Label Reader OCR and 2D DataMatrix Standard (Multi-read) Camera System Auto-Multi Reading Camera System Auto-Multi Reading Camera System (Hi-res) Neopost Cameras Field of View (FOV)...9 OCR & 2D Datamatrix Specifications Issue 6 May 2013 Page 1 of 9

2 1. Introduction Although the reading of Barcodes such as 3 of 9 or 2 of 5 interleaved is inherently more secure and reliable than OMR, many customers prefer not to have what may be considered unsightly OMR or barcode labels appearing on their stationery. To overcome this OCR (Optical Character Recognition) or 2D (2 Dimensional) DataMatrix reading systems are offered. 2D DataMatrix requires a special font software to add the label to a customer document but it provides the major advantage of a small label size (approximately 8mm square) with a high packing density, typically allowing 25 alphanumeric characters to be read. OCR reading of a customer number has the added advantage that no specific software or changes to the customer stationery are required. The OCR system simply reads a customer number from the stationery and sends it to the machine. This is then used for grouping (by seeing a change in customer number) and/or data logging. OCR is only limited by the decoding time for the font size and number of characters to be read. Reading of both OCR and 2D DataMatrix is carried out by first taking a CCD camera image of the label and subsequently decoding it. To achieve this a camera is needed with performance characteristics matched to the label type and processing speed required. Additionally, a light source is required to illuminate the label as it is read, and also decoding electronics to turn the label into a data stream suitable for input into the machine. There are 3 different systems offered for this task depending on the label type(s) to be read as follows:- 2D DataMatrix Label Reader OCR and 2D DataMatrix Standard (Multi-read) Camera System Auto-Multi Reading System 2D DataMatrix Reader This unit is a CCD camera with built in light source and built in electronics. The unit will only decode 2D DataMatrix labels but it does not require any additional electronics packages or light sources so is a compact and cost effective reader for 2D DataMatrix. The reader can read on the input or output of the machine. OCR and 2D DataMatrix Standard (Multi-read) Camera System The OCR & 2D Datamatrix Camera System comprises; a CCD camera mounted in the mailing machine in the same way as the standard OMR/Barcode scanner, an LED light bar adjustable for optimum performance and decoding electronics mounted in the base of the machine. The camera system will read OCR & 2D on any of the machines input or output units. The electronics, which comes with this package, can handle 4 different inputs and outputs. Subsequently, although the initial investment is higher for an OCR system, additional reader units are far more economic. All camera systems include an additional 19 monitor mounted to the end station of the inserter sharing the camera set-up and page-to-page read results. OCR & 2D Datamatrix Specifications Issue 6 May 2013 Page 2 of 9

3 Auto-Multi Reading Camera System The Auto-Multi Reading Camera System comprises: A 1900 pixel horizontal resolution CCD camera (providing a larger field of view than the standard Multi-Read). Electro-mechanical positioning of the camera (to position the camera automatically for the label being read). The Auto-Multi Reading Camera System is provided for customers requiring reading of many different jobs with different label types, locations and orientations. The Auto-Multi Reading Camera System reads not only OCR & 2D, but horizontal and vertical OMR & Barcode also. Auto-Multi Reading Camera System (Hi-Res) The Hi-Res version of this system adds the capability to exchange the camera for a Hi-Res version with a narrower field of view. This system is designed specifically for reading the high resolution printing of 2D labels. Data Logging If a customer is changing from OMR to OCR and/or 2D Datamatrix then all the advantages of the data logging system are gained. If a customer has no ability to add OMR, barcode or DataMatrix labels to his stationery then OCR is a solution which offers grouping control along with the data logging features. For full details of Data Logging see Data Logging Specification. OCR & 2D Datamatrix Specifications Issue 6 May 2013 Page 3 of 9

4 2. 2D DataMatrix Reader Fig 1. A typical 2D DataMatrix label containing the text string Test for Chris Figure 1 shows a typical 2D label. It can be seen from this that a very small label can be used for a large amount of data. 2D DataMatrix Label specification Label position: Cell size: Label Size (typ* 2 ): Label Dimensions (max* 2 ): 1000/1200 Character Capacity: Clear area: Input: Output: Print Quality (minimum): Print Quality (preferred): Print drift: Colour backgrounds: 7mm (min) from any edge of page* 15mil (0.38mm) edge dimension for each cell 22 x 22 cells 0.5 (12.7mm) square 25 alpha/numeric characters for Neopost Standard BCR. 41 alpha/numeric characters for Job number control On an input device the clear area around the label must be greater than 8mm. On an input device the clear area around the label must be greater than 10mm. 300dpi 600dpi +/- 2.5mm (maximum) White (other colours subject to test) *Notes. 1. Readers of this type take time to decode, approximately 40ms. If the label is positioned near to the end of the document to be read (bearing in mind the orientation for processing) then some degradation in machine speed may be noticed. Consult technical support when designing your documents for this type of reader. 2. The cell size and label size (number of cells) combine to produce the Label Dimensions. The 2D DataMatrix reader is fitted in place of the existing OMR/Barcode reader for the machine. The reader can be positioned for either top or bottom read and can be used in conjunction with a standard OMR/barcode reader. On an output device the reader can see the label through the window. However, this is subject to test as different window types may cause optical degradation. OCR & 2D Datamatrix Specifications Issue 6 May 2013 Page 4 of 9

5 3. OCR and 2D DataMatrix Standard (Multi-read) Camera System The system reads either OCR or 2D on the input and/or output document. For OCR, the system has the ability to learn specific font types and print styles which are then saved with the job s configuration. Note: all OCR reading is subject to test. OCR and 2D DataMatrix Label specification Label position: 7mm (min) from any edge of page* Clear area: Input: On an input device the clear area around the label must be greater than 10mm. Output: On an output device the clear area around the label must be greater than 10mm. Print Quality (minimum): 300dpi Print Quality (preferred): 600dpi Print drift: +/- 2.5mm (maximum). Colour backgrounds: White (other colours subject to test). OCR Label Specification for this system Character type: Character size: Font and size: Number of characters:* Input: Output: Alphanumeric in OCR A, OCR B (other font types are readable dependent on the font size, print quality and consistency and are subject to test). From 8 point upward (subject to test). Any font (12 point suggested) and characterspacing combination that allows a gap between characters so that the camera can discern individual characters for recognition. 12 numeric characters 8 alphanumeric characters 15 numeric characters 11 alphanumeric characters 2D DataMatrix Label specification for this system Cell size: 15mil (0.38mm) edge dimension for each cell Label Size (typ): 22 x 22 cells Label Dimensions (max): 0.5 (12.7mm) square Label Data Capacity: 25 Alpha/numeric characters (Neopost Std BCS) 41 Alpha/numeric characters (Job Number Control) Additional Character Capacity: Greater label capacity can be achieved as a special requirement and is subject to design and test. (Please contact Technical Support for more information). *Note. Readers of this type take time to decode, approximately 40ms. If the label is positioned near to the end of the document to be read (bearing in mind the orientation for processing) then some degradation in machine speed may be noticed. Decoding time is increased for the number of characters used. Character sets greater than those specified can be read but may affect the machine s speed performance. Consult technical support when designing your documents for this type of reader. OCR & 2D Datamatrix Specifications Issue 6 May 2013 Page 5 of 9

6 4. Auto Multi-reading Camera System This system is specifically designed to read ALL label types in any location and any orientation. This includes: OMR: Horizontal and Vertical. Special OMR: Including: Narrow marks (less than 8mm), broken lines (dashes) and characters (not lines). Barcode: 3 of 9, Codabar, 2 of 5I, Code 128 & UPC_A. OCR: Subject to test. 2D: Datamatrix Auto Multi-reading Camera System is available only on an Accumulator and for Top Reading only. The field of view used for reading allows a label size of approximately 100mm in the longest axis of the label. Providing the label length falls within this 100mm and complies with the following specification, then the label type will be able to be read. OMR Label Position: Clear Area: Line Thickness: Line Density: Line Length: Pitch: Label Length: Nearest part 5mm (min.) from any edge of paper. 20mm (min.) before first mark. 20mm (min.) after last mark. 5mm (min.) either side of marks. 0.25mm (min.) 80% solid (min.), ie. breaks in lines must be less than 20% of the total line length. 4mm (min.) Note: Lines narrower than 6mm are subject to test. 3mm (min.) Any uniform pitch. 100mm (max.) First to last line. Barcode Label Position: Clear Area: Line Thickness: Ratio: Line Density: Line Length: Label Length: Nearest part 5mm (min.) from any edge of paper. 5mm (min.) before first mark. 5mm (min.) after last mark. 5mm (min.) either side of marks. 0.25mm (min.) 2.5:1 (min.) thick to thin. 80% solid (min.), ie. breaks in lines must be less than 20% of the total line length. 5mm (min.) 92mm (max.) OCR & 2D Datamatrix Specifications Issue 6 May 2013 Page 6 of 9

7 OCR Label Position: Nearest part 7mm (min.) from any edge of paper. Clear Area: 15mm (min.) Print Quality: 600dpi (preferable) Print drift: +/- 2.5mm (max.) Colour Background: White (other colours subject to test). Character Type: Alphanumeric in OCR A, OCR B (other font types are readable dependent on the font size, print quality and consistency and are subject to test). Character Size: 12 point recommended. Font and character spacing will also be a factor in dictating if reading is possible or not. No. of characters: 25 Alphanumeric. 41 Numeric. 2D Datamatrix Label Position: Nearest part 5mm (min.) from any edge of paper. Clear Area: 5mm (min.) Cell Size: 15 mil (0.38mm) edge dimensions of each cell Label Size*: Unlimited (square). Label Dimensions*: Unlimited (square). Label Data Capacity*: Unlimited (filtered in camera system). Label Data Capacity transferred to Inserter*: 41 Alphanumeric characters (the 41 characters are filtered by the camera system from the original unlimited label capacity). Print Quality: Print Errors: 600dpi (min.) Gaps: Gaps of greater than 50% of any small cell may cause bad reading. Edge breaks: Breaks in the continuous edge lines (on 2 side of a 2D label) of greater than 50% of a cell width may cause reading errors. Speckles/Dots: Speckles or dots deposited amongst the white squares of the label may cause reading errors. Greying: Background greying (caused by smudging or set-off) may cause reading errors. All print errors are the responsibility of the customer. *Reading systems of this type take time to decode more complex labels. Subsequently, the larger the label data capacity the longer it will take to decode. Labels with data capacity exceeding 41 alphanumeric characters may cause the inserter to slow down operation and output. OCR & 2D Datamatrix Specifications Issue 6 May 2013 Page 7 of 9

8 5. Auto Multi-reading Camera System (Hi-Res) The Hi-Res version of this system provides a modified camera/lens combination that reduces the field of view to 30mm. The usable area has been specifically designed to work with high resolution printing of 2D labels where the small square cell size is 10 mil (0.25mm). The Hi-Res version can be supplied as the standard camera/lens application if 2D label reading is the only function required, or as an optional extra that can be switched over when the specific label reading function is required. 2D Datamatrix (Hi-Res) Label Position: Nearest part 5mm (min.) from any edge of paper. Clear Area: 5mm (min.) Cell Size: 10 mil (0.25mm) edge dimensions of each cell. Label Size*: 44 x 44 square. Label Dimensions*: 0.5 (12.7mm) square. Label Data Capacity*: 214 Alphanumeric characters Label Data Capacity transferred to Inserter*: 41 Alphanumeric characters (the 41 characters are filtered by the camera system from the original label capacity). Print Quality: Print Errors: 600dpi (min.) Gaps: Gaps of greater than 50% of any small cell may cause bad reading. Edge breaks: Breaks in the continuous edge lines (on 2 side of a 2D label) of greater than 50% of a cell width may cause reading errors. Speckles/Dots: Speckles or dots deposited amongst the white squares of the label may cause reading errors. Greying: Background greying (caused by smudging or set-off) may cause reading errors. All print errors are the responsibility of the customer. *Reading systems of this type take time to decode more complex labels. Subsequently, the larger the label data capacity the longer it will take to decode. Labels with data capacity exceeding 41 alphanumeric characters may cause the inserter to slow down operation and output. OCR & 2D Datamatrix Specifications Issue 6 May 2013 Page 8 of 9

9 6. Neopost Cameras Field of View (FOV) Neopost Camera Name Std. Multi Read Std. Multi Read Auto Multi Read Auto Multi Read (Hi- Res)With hi-res lens E-0607-A only Location NISL Part Numbers Approx. Field of View (FOV) (In direction of paper travel) Codes Supported Max code size (BCR/OCR) (In direction of paper travel) Input E 45 x 45mm 2D, OCR* 30mm Output C 70 x 45mm 2D, OCR* 50mm Input G 120x 80mm 2D, OCR, BCR, OMR 92mm Input F 30 x 30mm 2D 20mm Multi-read cameras can read small BCR (but not originally designed to do so due to the size limitations of the codes that can be reliably read). The information provided here is a guide only. Any application that is approaching the limits of the specification will require verifying by IPSS. OCR & 2D Datamatrix Specifications Issue 6 May 2013 Page 9 of 9