A new dimension in code-reading
Years ago, technicians wrote everything down by hand in notebooks, but today much of this work is automated. 2D codes can offer a better way of capturing, storing and accessing data, believes Richard Laight, director and co-founder of Absolute Vision
Years ago, technicians wrote everything down by hand in notebooks, but today much of this work is automated. 2D codes can offer a better way of capturing, storing and accessing data, believes Richard Laight, director and co-founder of Absolute Vision
The accelerating pace of industry means that many processes in liquid and compound management and chemical manufacturing have been computerised. But there is room for improvement in the area of data management efficiency. Increasing the amount and detail of data that can be included on a label, captured electronically and then used in an organisation's internal software applications, can have positive benefits in terms of efficiency.
damage limitation
Two-dimensional (2D) Datamatrix is a relatively new method of marking code, that can be read, stored and used later. It overcomes many of the limitations of existing 1D barcode technology, particularly the size necessary for encoding sufficient information, and the risk of damage rendering the code illegible and therefore the data useless.
Already adopted in many industries because of its reliability, robustness and readability, the 2D Datamatrix (see inset above right) is a square or sometimes rectangular symbol of varying densities. Error correction capabilities mean that 2D codes can still be read even when damaged; they can also be read if the 2D code has growth or compression in either of its axes.
A recent study carried out by a well-known American university found that the chance of a 'mis-read' on a 2D code was one in 10.5 million reads.
2D codes are being used extensively in situations where a large number of characters need to be contained in a very small space. Imaging and reading of codes from plastic tubes is becoming commonplace in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry, and offers potentially significant cost-savings through improved process efficiency and data exploitation.
Until recently, the test-tube industry has used various methods to keep track of tube samples, sources and progress. Sometimes tubes were not tracked individually - one tube might be kept from a batch, as a sample, but that was the extent of the tracking operation.
One-dimensional barcodes can be sizeable and when used are typically applied on the side of a tube. Imagine an umbrella and the limited amount of information that could fit on its tip. If several umbrellas were placed in a stand, and the information was along the side of the umbrella in the form of a barcode you would be forever taking one out to read it and putting it back. But if the stand were full of umbrellas with a lot of information encapsulated on the tip, each one would be easily readable in situ. A 2D Datamatrix code will fit on the end of a test-tube, rather than down the side.
The second advantage of the 2D code is security and reliability. In an automated liquid management system, tubes are continually taken out of the rack, refilled and replaced. The tubes can become damaged or scratched, which would render a barcode instantly illegible, whereas a 2D code is far more robust, and is readable even when up to 60% of its area is damaged. 2D code can be laser-etched onto the bottom of tubes, and can be applied to polypropylene or glass storage tubes.
tracking samples
Machine vision techniques using specialist hardware and software form the basis of the 2D code-readers that are available on the market today. Digital smart cameras, using highly developed CCD chips, are able to recognise characters correctly, and decipher code, which is then stored and analysed as needed during advanced manufacturing processes. Software directs commands to robotic components used in automated systems.
Information can also be safely stored and shared with external third-party software systems that are often unique to one company. 2D is therefore ideal for tracking samples among collaborators, between different locations, and compound suppliers.
ABgene specialises in the supply of products to the fast-growing biotechnology market and has taken a strategic decision to use 2D code for data management. Absolute Vision has created an exclusive set of three main products, and a number of complementary products that are marketed by ABgene as part of a its 2D Cypher coding system. This comprises encapsulated Datamatrix codes, plastic vials, sealing plugs, cap strips and a high-speed reader system. All the products in the 2D Cypher range read Datamatrix codes that are encapsulated on a range of plastic compound storage tubes manufactured by ABgene.
The 2D Cypher system guarantees a unique error-free code to track rapidly individual, small volume liquid samples in a 96-well format. With more than 3.6 quadrillion (3.6x1015) code combinations available and verification scanning of every vial produced, the system promises an unlimited supply of codes without duplication to satisfy high throughput requirements. ABgene's encapsulated code is fully protected against abrasion and solvents. There is also a human-readable code printed around the Datamatrix.
integrated solutions
Medusa is a new range of 2D code reading products launched by Absolute Vision to provide an inexpensive solution for companies looking to move from 1D to 2D coding. Ease of integration with third party systems is another strength of the system. The company's focus is to bring 2D reading capability within the reach of all industries, and it offers a range of reading solutions from desktop to integrated solutions that work with legacy systems. Absolute Vision is also keen to partner with scientific organisations to develop further software-intensive applications. The whole point about any inspection system is the way you use the information captured. Feedback is the key.