Trio of launches from Absolute Vision

Absolute Vision, a UK-based developer of 2D data matrix code reading and machine vision solutions, premiered three new readers: the BioMeridian BioScan 96 Compact, the BioMeridian BioScan 384 Pro and the BioMeridian MIR.

The 96 Compact, approximately the size of an A5 sheet of paper, is said by the company to be a cost-effective, entry-level product, ideal as a desktop unit for reading racks of tubes at high-speed, and features built-in scanner technology.

The 384 Pro has been upgraded to feature blue lighting, as this specifically improves the quality of reading with blue racks, which have recently been introduced by The Automation Partnership, but also allows code reading with any colour rack.

The MIR (medical instrument reader) has also been upgraded to offer improved lighting, and now comes in IP65-rated stainless steel housing.

2D data matrix represents a step beyond the capabilities of the traditional 1D linear barcode, working in binary rather than analogue terms, with its robustness and versatility leading to its uptake in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. A square or rectangular array of dots or cells that stores information in, as its name suggests, two dimensions, it creates a code by, fundamentally, 'joining the dots'. This means that it can be printed on surfaces of almost any colour or shape, including glass and metal, (linear barcodes cannot as they rely on the contrast between the white background and black vertical strips to allow a code to be read), and can hold more information than a linear code, but in a much smaller space. All 2D codes are also encrypted with an error correction code (ECC), which allows recognition of codes that are up to 24% damaged.