Operating Manual
Document Version 1.1
1 Introduction ............................................................................................... 4
2 Delivery scope ............................................................................................ 4
2.1 Basic configuration ................................................................................ 4
2.2 Optional accessories .............................................................................. 5
2.3 Software options ................................................................................... 5
3 REA VeriCube Version.................................................................................. 6
3.1 REA VeriCube Standard .......................................................................... 6
3.2 REA VeriCube Pharma ............................................................................ 6
4 Commissioning ........................................................................................... 7
4.1 Power supply ........................................................................................ 7
4.2 System requirements............................................................................. 7
4.3 Temperature change.............................................................................. 8
4.4 Connecting ........................................................................................... 9
4.4.1 Own Ethernet port ......................................................................... 10
4.4.2 Network operation ......................................................................... 10
4.4.3 PoE in switch................................................................................. 11
4.4.4 MAC addresses .............................................................................. 11
4.4.5 Firewall and network type ............................................................... 11
4.4.6 Firewall and Network ports ............................................................. 12
4.4.7 Using a gateway ............................................................................ 12
4.4.8 Fixed IP Addresses......................................................................... 12
4.5 Software ............................................................................................ 13
4.5.1 Software installation ...................................................................... 13
4.5.2 Software and device options ........................................................... 14
4.6 Mounting and exchanging the optic module ............................................ 20
5 Operation and transport ............................................................................ 21
6 Correct handling ....................................................................................... 22
6.1 General considerations ......................................................................... 22
6.2 Checklist for measuring........................................................................ 23
7 Operating the device ................................................................................. 25
8 Adjustment and Calibration of the REA VeriCube ........................................... 27
8.1 Level correction .................................................................................. 28
8.2 Reflectance adjustment ........................................................................ 31
8.3 Scale adjustment ................................................................................ 33
9 REA VeriCube calibration ........................................................................... 34
9.1 Admissible device tolerances ................................................................ 36
9.2 Calibration for white and red light ......................................................... 37
10 Synthetic aperture / measuring opening ................................................... 37
11 Execution of the measurements ............................................................... 39
11.1 Positioning of the device .................................................................... 39
11.1.1 Camera downwards ..................................................................... 39
11.1.2 Camera upwards ......................................................................... 40
11.1.3 Camera sideways ........................................................................ 41
11.1.4 Turning the keyboard .................................................................. 42
11.1.5 Testing 3D parts ......................................................................... 42
The REA VeriCube is a measurement device for the quality control of printed matrix
codes and 1D-codes. This is a stationary device, which has to be connected to a PC
via an Ethernet network. The delivered software along with the device driver and the
display of the test reports run on a computer running Microsoft Windows.
In contrast to a scanner for bar codes and matrix codes, REA VeriCube is an optically
operating measurement device. Measurement devices are subject to a regular
adjustment and calibration (monitoring of testing equipment). Adjustment and
calibration (monitoring of testing equipment) can be performed by the operator.
2 Delivery scope
The REA VeriCube in its basic configuration is delivered in cardboard packaging and
fitting foam padding with the following parts:
1 REA VeriCube, measuring device standard with threaded mounting holes for
affixing the client-specific devices or accessories (030.035.100)
or
1 optic module, exchangeable, according to the delivery note (built into the
unit)
1 Plexiglas dust-protection cover built-in in transport (must be replaced with
a glass plate during commissioning)
1 anti-reflective glass plate (08316280) (separately packaged)
1 GigaBit PoE power supply unit (100240V, 30W) (06113003)
1 power cable for the ordered plug standard (Euro, UK, US)
2 network cables, highly flexible, RJ45 CAT5 (08316605)
1 printed operating manual (this document)
1 USB stick with software and documentation (08316300)
1 calibration card, serialized, in a protective envelope (08300907)
1 test report of the reference code of the calibration card, created with the
delivered VeriCube for documenting the delivery status
1 test report of the reference code (req. for test equipment monitoring)
1 white level correction calibration card (protected in new condition with blue
protection foil) in a protective envelope (07601402) (can be cleaned with 3M
Novec 71IPA)
1 field of view cover as a black PVC plate (07601403)
1 field of view cover as a black cloth (07799084)
Optional parts are only included if they have been ordered and are listed separately
on the delivery note. License keys are not necessary. In devices that are already in
operation, optional functions can be activated later by means of license keys.
Camera modules
There are four camera modules. At least one of the four camera modules must be
selected and specified when ordering
Measuring table one measuring table as a table for parts / cans which can neither
be left on the REA VeriCube for measuring nor placed on the REA VeriCube.
When re-orders of internal software options are placed, the delivery consists of an
access code, which must be entered in TranWin32.
The delivery of re-ordered software options consists of a data carrier, a handbook,
and an activation key.
The REA VeriCube, in the standard design, has 13 screws on the upper side. Up to
any two screws, all the others can be removed.
The plate is either in blue or in silver color. The screws have Torx T10 heads.
The screws are there to close the threaded holes. The threaded holes are provided
for fastening the used fixtures when, for example, auxiliaries and other measurement
aids must be affixed to the device. The advantage of this is that frequently made
measurements of identical products can be performed by the device without the
positioning aided by the live image function.
The REA VeriCube in the Pharma design has a closed plate at the top without screw
holes.
This design is intended for use in areas in which it must be possible to clean the
surface easily and quickly.
The power for the VeriCube is supplied via a network cable connected to the device.
This type of power supply is designated as Power over Ethernet (PoE) (power supply
over a network cable). The delivered power supply unit provides power to a
connected device only when the device is designed for a power over Ethernet supply.
Nevertheless, it is recommended never to connect not PoE-enabled power supply
devices to the OUT connection of the power supply unit. A second cable or additional
separate power supply unit is not necessary. The delivered network cables are, apart
from the increased flexibility, standard off-the-shell equipment.
For the device power supply a mains connection in the range of 100 - 240 V AC,
between 50 and 60 Hertz is necessary.
An installation under Windows XP does not function because the software contains
program parts which absolutely need the functions of the newer operating system
version.
The REA VeriCube is connected with one of the two Ethernet cables to the PoE power
supply unit. The socket, which is labeled on the power supply unit with "P+D/OUT",
is intended for the connection with the device. When the other "Data/In" socket is
used, the device does not receive power.
The "Data/In" socket on the PoE power supply unit is connected with the second
network cable and with the computer (directly or indirectly).
The picture shows an example of the connection of the Data-In socket to the network
installation (here shown by the Ethernet switch).
The power supply unit has an IEC socket for connecting to the electric grid. The
mains cable is delivered adapted to the country standard.
The socket type is C14 (IEC-60320). The plug type is C13.
The power supply through the PoE is characterized by the fact that the power supply
unit first checks whether a connected device is designed for a PoE power supply. In
this test period, the device cannot yet be turned on.
As long as the testing takes place, no LED lights up on the Ethernet socket of REA
VeriCube. As soon as the device receives power supply, the left LED lights up (light-
orange)
ATTENTION: REA has a complete device series of code verifiers in its offer.
In all devices, the power supply takes place with the help of PoE power
supply units. The REA VeriCube needs the 30W type POI-3000 (or POI-3002
or POI-3004). The other devices use the 15W type POI-2002. When these
power supply units are interchanged, the REA VeriCube only seems to
function. However, the measurement and the lighting do not function
correctly. Therefore, the power supply units shall not be interchanged.
When there are particularly strict security rules in a company or if the network is
heavily loaded with data traffic, REA recommends using a second Ethernet port of a
PC which is reserved for the REA VeriCube.
On the delivered data carrier, there is a document which describes the network
integration in detail and also designates the used port.
In difficult installations, this document must also be observed.
If any of the program modules or ports is blocked then the application will not work
anymore or show odd behavior.
The REA TranWin32 software is necessary for operation. Only one REA VeriCube can
be used per computer. Other REA Verifiers can be used in this installation except a
second REA VeriCube.
When the system prerequisites are met, the TransWin32 program must be installed.
For this purpose, the "Setup.exe" is launched. Depending on the version, the
TransWin32 installation is offered directly or the TransWin32 button comes first and
then "Install TransWin32".
Administrator rights are required for installation. For normal operation, the normal
user rights are sufficient. When the software for all users is installed, the "All users"
documents folder is used. This general application folder must be available to all
users without administrator rights.
The most secure and complications-free installation variant turns the user account
for the installation into an administrator account. The installation is performed only
for this user and thus only the Documents folder of the logged-in user is used. When
the installation is carried out with "Execute as administrator", the installation is
performed with the administrator account and not with the user account. In this
case, it should be installed for all users and it should be ensured that all users have
read and write rights to the "All users" document folder.
1. Within the TransWin32 menu Tool the installation of the Vericube Network
driver is performed
2. A second Ethernet port is added to the PC and the REA VeriCube is exclusively
connected to this port.
At first comes the selection of the language for the installation process
The installation option ADB Client installs the REA article database software. The
option ScanLink Assistant is an option for installing and using the ScanLink software
for extended analysis and evaluation of ISO standardized data structures.
These two software options should be installed only when these software options are
bought with the REA Verifier.
When the programs for all users are installed, the documents folder "All Users" is
used as a data target folder.
The user needs read and write rights for that folder.
When the programs "...are installed for me only", the data folder of the logged-in
user is used as a data target folder (except when the setup was executed as
administrator; then it is the document folder of the administrator; in this case,
always select "...for all users.")
The restoration of the old configuration is valid only for the REA VeriCube device
type. When an older dataset with calibrated data is available, it is re-imported in the
new installation. The import is only available if while uninstalling a backup of the
configuration and calibration data was created.
The programs are installed in the Programs (or Program Files) folder. X86 shows that
it is a 32bit program and not a 64bit program.
The path C:\ProgramData is the file system for installation and programrelevant
data, which normally remain invisible for the user. This path should be changed only
when there are urgent administrative reasons for that. The actual user data folder is
always in the Documents section of the user or in the one for all users.
If at this point the installation is cancelled, this means that the old version has
already been removed and the new one has not yet been installed.
Afterwards, the software is installed and the process is displayed in the window with
a progress bar.
Depending on the selected installation, the following icons can then be found on the
desktop. In the actual release only the TransWin32 and maybe the REA ADB icon is
there. The other two icons are not required because these programs are started and
stopped automatically together with the TransWin32 program.
With the icon TransWin32, the REA Verifier software is launched. "VeriCube Barcode
Verifier" and "MLV-2D Barcode Verifier" are programs which are launched as device
service (no window, only an icon in the task bar). Both are launched automatically at
the start of TransWin32 and are also closed at the end.
REA ADB is the article database; it is used for management, recording and data
import, which can be used with the REA Verifiers. The program is launched by the
operator when needed. The article database (REA ADB icon) is optional and can only
Four different optic modules can be obtained for the testing of very small or very
large codes. The optic modules are pluggable and can be exchanged by the operator
and without a tool. The different variants with focal length, minimum code size and
field of view size are described in section 2.2. For changing the optic module, the
device must be turned off. The knurled-head screw is loosened and the module can
be removed.
The black dust-protection cap on the lens must be removed prior to mounting. For
each optic module type, one calibration dataset is saved. When a given optic module
is used for the first time, the calibration must be performed prior to the
measurement.
ATTENTION: The lens of the optic module is optically measured and is firmly
preset. The alignment shall not be changed and the lens shall not be
mounted on other electronics.
Humidity, cold, heat and mechanical impacts and falls can lead to a situation where
the measuring chamber cover as well as the mechanical and electronic parts can be
damaged or destroyed. If the device still provides measurement results with these
damages, there is a high risk that these results are incorrect or deviate too far from
the correct values.
The device is delivered with a plastic cover and a glass cover, which close the
measuring chamber. The plastic cover serves as dust protection during the storage
and transportation of the REA VeriCube. The glass cover serves as a cover in the
event that the codes to be measured need to be placed on the surface. The glass
cover must always be removed prior to the transportation and then the plastic cover
must be used as protection.
The REA VeriCube is delivered in a case or in a cardboard box with adequate foam
padding. This package should be preserved for possible transportation. If the REA
VeriCube is shipped without the original packaging, it should be packaged with good
padding, so that the device cannot move in the cardboard shipment box.
The REA VeriCube is an optical measurement device with a camera and built-in
lighting. The device should be lifted only by the recessed grips provided for this
purpose. The optic module should never be used as a handle.
Falls and impacts will damage the REA VeriCube
The network cable is locked in the socket. The lock is loosened with a small plastic
lever on the plug for removal. This socket/plug combination is relatively sensitive
mechanically (robust industrial plugs were deliberately not used because they are
very large and require expensive and special cables, which are hard to find). The
cable should not be pulled without releasing the lock. The plug should not be
subjected to any pulling, pressure or other impact forces. Any lateral strains lead to
high risk of damage. The pulling strains can lead to damage or destruction of the
cable and, additionally, of the socket installed in the device.
The following points must always be observed for performing correct measurements:
1. The distance between the code and the device should vary only slightly. The
depth of field is, contingent on the small distance between the lens and the
inspected area, limited to +/- 1 mm.
2. The code should always be positioned centrally in the middle of the field of
view.
4. The automatic determination of the position defines the measuring area for 2D
codes and bar codes. The measuring area in the case of 2D codes is shown by
a superimposed green square and in the case of bar codes, by red
measurement lines. The square must surround the code in parallel to the code
sides.
The measurement lines must cross the bars of the code at an angle of 90.
If this is not the case, the measuring area must be determined manually. (See
section 11.2)
5. When determining the measuring area manually, the parallel alignment or the
90 angle must be observed. When the bar codes are positioned diagonally in
the field of view of the camera (when they are otherwise too wide), the
6. It should not be measured in direct sunlight, under direct (spot) light rays or
close to infrared sources (heat emitters). Ambient light will lead to changes in
the measured results and the sunlight leads to unusable results
7. The test sample must be positioned flat and leveled on the measurement
surface. If this is not observed, there are distortions in the measured picture
level, which lead to incorrect measurement results. The risk is particularly high
in foils and labels, which are processed as rolls. From the device position, the
camera must always record the code in perpendicular and the lighting must
always be at an angle of 45 (only the DPM measurements have
particularities)
9. The synthetic aperture should always be in the range of about 80% of the
module width in order to obtain good decoded results. In case of 2D code
measurements according to ISO/IEC 15415 or DPM (ISO/IEC TR 29158), the
synthetic aperture is automatically determined
10.When there are several codes in the field of view and a code, which is not the
one centered in the middle, is recorded, the codes that are not required must
be covered.
11.The REA VeriCube must be regularly adjusted and has to be controlled with the
help of test equipment monitoring for measurement accuracy (calibrated)(see
sections 8 and 9)
12. Automatic recognition and decoding may recognize the codes incorrectly or
not at all. In such a case, the operator must evaluate whether the result is
valid or not and, if necessary, he should repeat the measurements with
corrected settings or perform them several times.
In some basic functions, the REA VeriCube can be operated with the device buttons
With this button, the device is turned on and off. Since the PoE power
supply must be negotiated with the connected device, there is some
turn-on delay. It ends as soon as the left orange LED on the Ethernet
socket of the device lights up. Prior to that, the device cannot be turned
on.
The F1 button
The F1 button turns on the live picture display so that the code can be
positioned. The live picture has a lower resolution than the
measurement picture, and the brightness is adjusted automatically so
that something becomes visible in the picture. This adjustment of the
brightness can be completely different than the adjustment for the
measurement with calibrated exposure settings.
The F2 button
The F2 button toggles between red and white light illumination.
The F3 button
The F3 button is provided for subsequent extension, e.g. a function, which can be
assigned to the button by the operator.
F2 button LED
The LED shows the type of light used for measurement. It is either white or red.
The terms adjustment and calibration are used in the sense of DIN 1319-1 and
JCGM 200:2012.
The REA VeriCube must be adjusted in regular intervals of between 4 and 12 weeks.
An additional adjustment is necessary if, in the meantime, the ambient and the
lighting conditions change a great deal. The instructions for performing a correct
measurement must be observed particularly closely during calibration (see section
6.2).
The adjustment data of the REA VeriCube are, in contrast to the other REA
Verifiers, saved in the PC not on the device.
Therefore, software installations on other PCs must always be adjusted
again or the adjustment data must be imported from the first PC (see section
12.6).
The REA calibration cards are used for adjustment and calibration.
The following instructions for handling the calibration cards must be observed.
The calibration cards must not be dirty or scratched and their surface should
not be touched.
The card for adjustment of the white level correction is protected in the
delivered condition with a blue plastic foil. It must be removed prior to
adjustment.
If the card is damaged or contaminated, it has to be replaced.
The date of the first use must be noted. This date determines the start of the
lifespan of 2 years.
The cards should not be stored unused for more than one year.
No calibration and adjustment can be performed with a photocopy of the
original calibration card because as a result of the copying, the metrical and
reflective properties change significantly. For the same reason, the calibration
card shall not be laminated.
The calibration cards may be cleaned.
The recommended cleaning agent is 3M Novec 71IPA
Calibration and adjustment must be performed in the same manner employed
for measurement. If a mounted glass cover is used for measurement,
calibration and adjustment must also be performed with a mounted glass
cover. When work is conducted without a glass cover, calibration and
adjustment shall also be executed without a glass cover.
The REA VeriCube is delivered with a transparent plastic cover, which covers the
inside space of the camera, as well as with a glass cover.
The plastic cover simply serves as dust protection during storage and transportation.
The glass cover is used for measurement. In this regard, it must generally be
remembered that measurement is performed with a glass cover if a glass cover was
used for adjustment and calibration. If the device is calibrated without a glass cover,
it must also be measured without a glass cover.
Note: In the previous software versions, the Verifier model REA MLV-2D has first
performed the reflectance adjustment (see section 8.2) and then the level correction.
In the meantime, both devices use the same adjustment sequence.
The calibration cards show a black reverse side. This is necessary in order to be able
to perform calibration and adjustment without influence from the reflectance on the
work table (the normal materials let the light penetrate). During the operation of an
adjustment step, the device should not be moved.
For the level correction, the white card with article number 07601401 is used. The
level correction is performed under Configure / Calibrate and adjust device. There
are three tabs for selection and one of them is the level correction. After the REA
VeriCube is placed on the white card, the level correction is started.
The level correction corrects the uneven lighting of the measurement field
(tolerances of the LEDs, construction, optics, etc.).
Level correction adjustment can fail, can give a warning or is successful. If level
correction fails or if there is a warning, the lens of the objective in the optic module
must be cleaned (optics cleaning cloth for glasses and lenses). Then the card must
be cleaned and the level correction must be repeated. If level correction does not
function and a defect in the device can be excluded, a new level correction card must
be provided. This can be checked with a simulated level correction using a new high-
quality photographic paper. If this adjustment is accepted, the card must be
replaced. If not, there is possibly a defect in the device and the device must be
checked at the manufacturer or by an authorized service center and repaired if
necessary.
Reflectance adjustment is performed on the four fields which lie in the "Reflectance
calibration field" field. The four reflection values, which have been entered in the card
in the "Reflectance values target" field, must be tested and possibly entered in the
software if the values there do not match.
During the reflectance adjustment, a progress window appears. The adjustments for
the red and white lighting are always performed one after the other and last for
about 2-3 minutes.
For this purpose, with the help of the live video representation, the data matrix code,
which is designated with Dnom = 0.5, is positioned as precisely as possible in the
middle of the cross hair and perpendicular to the image section. The software has a
setting for the Dnom value in millimeter (mm). The value of 0.500 is the required
setting. The adjustment sets the pixel size automatically in such a way that exactly
the known correct size of the calibration symbol appears in the measurement result.
Following the scale adjustment, the code is automatically measured twice. This
measurement takes place with red light and the other one with white light. The
results must be documented and are used as reference for the subsequent calibration
(=test equipment monitoring).
Calibration (Test equipment monitoring) is a process with which the values measured
by the device are compared with known reference results of a test code. The values
measured by the device shall deviate from the reference values only within the
specified tolerances.
Calibration should be repeated in regular intervals (e.g. monthly). Calibration shows
if the device is misaligned since the last calibration. If results show values out of
tolerance all measurements since the last calibration needs to be checked and re-
evaluated. The amount of deviation is taken into account.
Calibration should be performed at latest before a new adjustment. After adjustment
calibration must always be performed to make sure that adjustment was successful
and values are in tolerance. For calibration the test code (the code designated with
Dnom = 0.5) supplied by REA is measured and the result is documented. A test
report with the REA reference results is only delivered for this code. The test report
with the reference results carries the following stamp:
The two other test symbols are reserved for later expansion. To avoid confusions, the
calibration card has a serial number which is mentioned in the reference test report.
Picture: User comment with the serial number of the calibration card
For this purpose, the extended calibration uses test cards, which are included in the
sale by REA, but are otherwise manufactured fully independently of REA and are
measured with other reference devices (traceable back to national standards).
Calibration using these cards is one step closer at the national standards (N.I.S.T,
PTB, etc) as using the REA calibration cards which are derived from these cards.
The following data must be examined in order to make sure that the correct symbol
with the settings for the test equipment monitoring has been used. Further
measurement data and threshold values, which are shown, in addition, in
the test report in the context, shall be ignored for this testing.
The following table lists the criteria, which must be examined according to ISO/IEC
15426-2.
The values for GN and AN are reported in per cent. The corresponding value to 0.06
is 6% and to 0.02 is 2%.
In the standard ISO/IEC 15426-2, Modulation is specified instead of contrast
uniformity. This is also correct in the sense of the control, but difficult to follow. A
footnote in ISO/IEC 15426-2 states that it is a per cent value. This per cent value
refers to the Contrast Unifomity value specified for the test symbol 5 Black Widow
(see the card with the REA article number 08300911). Contrast uniformity is one
detail value of many used to determine Modulation for the entire symbol.
1
Aperture Synthetic aperture according to the definition of ISO/IEC 15415
2
Rmax Maximum Reflectance according to ISO/IEC 15415
3
Rmin Minimum Reflectance according to ISO/IEC 15415
4
UEC Unused Error Correction defined in ISO/IEC 15415
Together with the calibration card only one reference report created by using red
light is supplied. This report is created at the end of the manufacturing process.
In case white light is used and white light shall also be calibrated then the process
described in chapter 9.1 is used. The reference is also in this case the report created
by using red light. This simplification is possible because black and white is supposed
to provide the same reflectance values under red and white light. To proof that the
method is working the performance has been checked by using calibrated reflectance
standards (barium sulfate) which provide reflectance value for the visible light range
from 400 to 700nm wavelength.
The synthetic aperture simulates the spot of light of a laser scanner. This takes place
through mathematical filtering of the recorded measurement image. Depending on
the aperture used in the code testing, the measurement results can vary. The
synthetic aperture is always automatically set to 80% of the module width of the
tested 2D matrix codes.
Alternatively, the synthetic aperture can also be set manually
The synthetic aperture forms an optical filter from the picture processing view, which
causes certain blurring. This makes sense for suppressing the smaller and up to the
smallest distortions in the picture, which are not relevant for verification.
The symbols, which show many distortions, can disrupt the automatic determination
of the synthetic aperture. When this is the case, the measurement results oscillate or
there are invalid measurements. In this case, a manual determination of the
Picture: Device positioned sideways with the product in front of the device
Attention: The keyboard is connected to the main electronic using zero force
connectors. It is not allowed to pull at the cable!
In simple cases the fitting of the glass screen is used for a fixture. A part fitting
instead of the glass screen is manufactured and this holds a part exactly in the
correct position. The advantage is the easiness of replacing of such a fixture.
The live video is turned on for the positioning. For this purpose, the F1 button on the
device can be used or the symbol button for the live video on the PC screen.
The measurement area can be set in various ways. Most simply, only the red cross
hair is displayed. The code is moved in the middle of the cross hair and then the
measurement is started. To start the measurement, either the "Scan" button on the
device or the "Evaluation" button in the Windows software can be used.
Pushing the evaluation button stops the live video and starts taking the measuring
image in the full camera resolution. Afterwards, the evaluation is initiated. In a
normal case, the symbology and the code type (1D or 2D) are recognized
automatically.
If the automatic recognition fails, the measurement area must be set manually.
If the function is active, the three corners of the matrix code in the measuring image
are clicked on by the mouse one after the other. This causes a blue square to
appear, with which the measurement area (Region of Interest ROI) for the code is
determined. The thickness of the blue frame is not relevant for the measurement; it
can be changed by turning the PC mouse wheel. Only the outside contour is taken
into account. By changing the blue frame (the size, the precision with which the code
is targeted), the stability of the evaluation can be improved in difficult measurement
cases.
If a bar code is measured, then a red measurement area is set in the image as a bar
at an angle of 90 in relation to the bar code lines. The height of the bar determines
the measurement area through the height of the code.
The measuring width is determined automatically (up to Version 1.0.20.1) Version
1.0.20.1/13914r and later constrains the measuring width to the left and right
position points.
The setting "Automatic recognition of the measurement area" is made with the icon:
The 2D codes are framed automatically. In the case of bar codes, the measurement
lines are determined automatically. In contrast to the mode with the cross hair, the
measurement area is limited to the code size. This reduces the amount of data to be
processed and increases working speed.
Icon.
an image file can be opened. BMP, PNG and JPG formats as well as several others
can be processed. The loaded picture can be evaluated and thus a rough assessment
of the code in the image can be made. The image data read in this way is not
calibrated and no calibration data is included in such images.
In addition, the test reports in TWS format or the images in XML format can be
opened. On the one hand, the contained images can be saved again for
documentation purposes, for example, as BMP or JPG files. On the other hand, there
is a possibility to reevaluate the images. Since the previously set ROI as well as the
calibration data are contained, a full-value evaluation is possible.
The images, which have been loaded and which have been obtained by measuring or
by recording, can be saved (for analytical or documentation purposes)
The images in PNG, BMP and JPG format can be used for documentation purposes.
The images which are saved in XML format contain the calibration data and can,
when opened again, provide a full-value testing evaluation. This is useful for
comparing different software releases or for support purposes.
In a given measurement image (without evaluation, see sections 11.4 and 11.5), a
static reflection measurement is performed
If the mouse pointer points to the measurement point, the point can be changed to
the desired size with the help of the mouse wheel in order to obtain an adequate
measurement section. With the help of the function, the reflection values can be
determined in order to see in advance whether the contrast between the bright and
dark areas (or the color selection between bright or dark) is sufficient. Depending on
the type of the light (white or red), the measurement values can change.
The displayed value of 26.3 is the reflection value that corresponds to the Rmin or
Rmax reflection values. The X and Y data are the pixel positions in the image. D is
the diameter of the simulated light point adjusted by the user. The usual synthetic
apertures (the simulated light point diameter) are between 100m (4mil) up to
500m (20mil). This area is exceeded above or below in exceptional cases only.
the display is changed. The piece of data in percentage shows the magnification. The
value 45.8m/pixel depends on the focal length of the lens used and is set by the
adjustment.
If the mouse pointer is positioned in the image, the image can be displayed smaller
or larger by turning the mouse wheel. It can be magnified to such an extent that the
individual pixels of the camera chip are visible and distinguishable.
Depending on the position of the REA VeriCube, the movement of the image does not
follow what is intuitively expected. For this reason, the image can be rotated with the
help of the green arrow symbols
The left icon presents detailed graphical test report on the PC monitor. This view is
presented for qualified staff with corresponding background knowledge and shows all
obtained test results in every detail, partially in the form of callable sub-windows.
The second icon shows the evaluation as it would appear as a printout (long
printout). Some details can be better seen listed one after the other than in the
graphical view.
The third icon shows a short view. This view provides all testing results in a
compressed form, which can be used by the trained routine personnel.
In the settings (Configure / Options / View), the default view is set. This appears as
first view after verification. The icons and the corresponding menu change the view
on demand without changing the default setup.
In the graphical view of a given test report, the following icons are available:
Binarization
With this icon, everything in the image which is evaluated as dark is highlighted in
yellow. This makes it possible to recognize the places where shadings or too bold /
Edge grid
With the help of the edge grid, the reconstructed grid matrix is displayed. In this
way, it can be recognized where the matrix cells lie and whether the symbol has
been recognized correctly. The symbols with irregular brightness or with distortions
(for example, through rounding) are subject to the risk that the matrix is
inadequately recognized. With the help of this highlighting, it can be checked very
quickly as to whether the recognized matrix corresponds to the actual code picture.
If there are large deviations, this is an indication of invalid erroneous measurement,
which must be repeated.
Center grid
In this grid representation, the lines cross in the middle of the matrix cells. Apart
from that, the function and the meaning are the same as in the edge grid.
The light margin (also called a white field, bright field or quiet zone) is indicated by
the aid of this icon. This is in order to be able to easily recognize whether this area
contains spots or other disorders which should not be there (homogeneous white in
positive symbols or homogeneous black in negative symbols is necessary)
Details measurement
With this icon, the details measurement is turned on. A red point appears in the
measured image, whose diameter shows the size of the synthetic aperture. The point
can be moved with the mouse to different places of the code. The display then
provides information about the code word number, bit number, reflection values and
modulation values at the selected location.
The middle points of the matrix cells are highlighted with green dots
Warnings
With this button, all matrix cells (when active) are marked yellow, which, in relation
to the modulation and the contrast measurement values, are close to the limit
between two grades. The more such modules appear, the higher is the risk for a
given measurement result to oscillate between two classes.
Error indication
All matrix cells which can be handled by the error correction are highlighted with red
dots. This always occurs when a given matrix cell is recognized as dark instead of
bright or vice versa. Depending on the symbology and code size, the error correction
can recognize these errors and facilitate the correct decoding to a certain limit. When
the capacity is exhausted, it is attempted to obtain a result with a non-standard
decoding (error: Reference decode failed). If this also does not help, no further
decoding is possible.
In this section, the essential REA VeriCube configurations are described. This
configuration is performed with the help of the Windows software TransWin32. The
detailed description of TransWin32 is in a separate operating manual.
12.1 Evaluation
The presetting for the evaluation is done in the menu Configure / Evaluation.
The important setting is "selected grade". For this purpose, the desired minimum
quality in the area of the grade Sufficient (Grade 1), Satisfactory (Grade 2), Good
(Grade 3) or Very good (Grade 4) is determined according to the respective test
standard. A measurement result which has achieved, for example, Grade 2 the
grade Satisfactory, is thus evaluated in the previously selected Grade 1 as "Passed"
and in the selected Grade 3 as "Failed".
The bar code evaluation (1D) permits the choice between the ISO/IEC 15416 and
ANSI X3.182 evaluation (this ANSI standard has been withdrawn in the meantime).
The evaluation and the measurement result do not change depending on the setting
The matrix code evaluation (2D) permits the choice between the method according
to ISO/IEC 15415 for printed codes, for example on labels, or the DPM method
according to ISO/IEC TR 29158, which is used, for example, for etched codes, dot
peen marking or lasered on metal (DPM is optional).
(Note: The REA VeriCube only has lighting from 45. This illumination type can only
be used for certain DPM codes.)
The symbology selection determines which of the symbologies and with which
respective properties they are verified. The selection and the properties are
determined by the respective use.
Only symbologies which have also been activated in the pre-settings can be
tested and evaluated. All other non-activated symbologies are evaluated
with a "Not decoded" error message and cannot be recognized and
evaluated!
The settings for evaluation, symbology selection, minimum quality and aperture
setting are comprehensive. Many routine users are overstrained by this. For this
reason, complete settings can be stored into profiles. (Configure / Others / Manage
profile)
About 30 profiles can be defined. In practical use (e.g. production), a user selects the
matching profile for a production job. Selection and activation of a profile sets a
complete device configuration within one step.
Together with the profile selection, password protection (or extended user
management) can also be used. With password protection, no settings can be
changed. The task-related selection of the settings profile and the entry of the order
number are excluded.
The test reports can be easily identified with the help of the entry of the order
number. The order number is entered under Configure / order number or by using
the appropriate icon in the icon bar. In the Configure / Options setting the order
number behavior is defined. This setting causes the window for inquiring the order
number to appear automatically before and after any measurement, allowing the
user can confirm or change the order number. The intention is to prevent users to
forget the entry of new order numbers.
Under Configure / Options / File Saving, it can be specified that this entry of the
order number automatically extends the file name of the test report as a prefix and
thus appears in the file name. This function is valid for both manual and automatic
saving. In addition the configuration has a setting which causes that each order
number creates a subfolder in which reports are stored into.
If a test report is converted to a PDF document through a PDF Writer, the generated
file name (including the automatic numbering) is transferred to the PDF program.
Thus, if the order number is used consistently, manual entry of file names is not
necessary for saving and creating PDF documents.
Saving measuring reports as PDF files can be configured to work in a quiet mode.
This means that no user dialog appears while creating the PDF file. For this function
is a PDF writer program of an external manufacturers required which allows a quiet
mode setup. Measuring reports are in this case always available as PDF files without
any action required to be done by the routine user.
As light type (color of the lighting), red light with 660nm wavelength and white light
with 4000K can be selected. The normal setting for the direction of the lighting is
the 45 quadripartite group. In certain cases, a one-sided lighting can be used.
However, in the ISO/IEC 15415 mode, these cases are not calibrated and thus they
can only be reasonably used in DPM mode.
For testing purposes or for in-depth analyses, the adjustment can be turned off. As
soon as the check mark next to "Use adjustment" is removed, the manual exposure
setting is active.
In addition, the aperture can also be changed here. In a normal case, the aperture
will stay at the automatic setting. In this case, the aperture is set at 80% of the
module width. For all application specifications the aperture is used according to the
appropriate specification (e.g. GS1 specifications or PPN specifications).
The aperture entry takes place in the "mil" measurement unit. Mil means milli-
inches. One inch is equal to 25.4 mm. Milli means 1/1000. Therefore, 1 mil is 25.4
m (corresponds to 0.0254mm). The typical apertures, such as 6 mil or 10 mil,
correspond to 0.15mm or 0.25 mm.
The calibration and service data can be saved by using Configure / Others / Collect
device data. The calibration data can be re-imported on another PC with the
TransWin32 installation for a REA VeriCube device. In this way, a new calibration can
be avoided if one device is used alternately at different PCs.
The service data is required for support, bug fixing and device failure analysis.
The import of the data can be executed with the "Configure / Others/ Import
Vericube device data" menu item.
The setting "TransWin32 User " is a pure text replacement for the names of the
respectively logged-in Windows users. If the user is not entered in the TransWin32
setting, the user name of the Windows user account appears in the printed test
report. If there is an entry, this setting is always included as user in the test reports.
In a next software version, this menu item will be moved into the "User and
password" dialog box.
The setting can be accessed under "Configure / Others / User and Password Setting".
In the displayed setting, the simple password protection is active. In this mode, all
settings, except for the profile selection, are inaccessible for the user without a
password.
The user management must first be activated before becoming effective. It can be
temporarily deactivated at any time or completely turned off by deleting all users
(see below).
The name of the logged-in user is stored in a log file. The following actions are stored
in the log file:
Calibration
Creating a new user, deleting a user
- User management through the service program (relevant for users of REA
Check ER and REA ScanCheck 3 without a TransWin32 license)
The actual user management dialog and also the subsequent work procedure are the
same in both cases. The ways to access the user management dialog are different. In
the TransWin32 software, the user management is accessed through the "Configure -
> Others -> User and password setting ..." menu item. The service program is
started either as a separate program or from TranWin32 under the "Tools" menu. In
the service program, the "tab" "Profile and User Management" is selected. The
desired device is selected with the search function of the device. With the "User
Management..." button, the user dialog is accessed.
Picture: Selection of the setting "Protection of the device configuration with User ID
and Password"
When neither user nor password has been assigned, the dialog is confirmed with OK.
A dialog appears with the password prompt of the preset administrator (Admin
default). If a user has already been created, the dialog for user management can be
started directly with the "User Management" button.
A unique name is assigned as user name. The password is entered below. The user
type selection list determines whether the new user is an "Administrator" or a
"Normal User". The Administrator has all rights. The "Normal User" can essentially
perform measurements and select predefined profiles.
Attention: The first user that is entered must have administrator rights. As a
result, the Admin default becomes invisible, i.e. it does not appear anymore
in the list of the users.
The Admin default user disappears after the creation of further user accounts.
With "Delete Users", all users can be removed except the logged-in user.
After the end of the creation of users, the administrator must log out. This is done in
the main display with the Log Out button.
If the device is started with active user management, the user ID is always
requested first (selection from the list of user names), together with the password
belonging to it. Depending on the selection, the use as administrator or as normal
user is possible.
After logging in, the REA device is ready for measurement, or if an administrator has
logged in, it is ready for measurement and configuration.
User management icon or through the menu Configure / Others / User and password
setting
The data in parenthesis (here (ww) ) shows that the logged-in user has the name
"ww".
When an administrator calls up the user management, the full dialog appears:
In this manual, solely the device servicing and the configuration are described. The
testing results, their meaning and the search for errors in the case of too poor results
are not contained in this manual. The measurement results and their interpretation
are introduced in the REA training document.
Network error
Prior to a further search for errors, the cables must be checked as well as the
network sockets on the REA device. If the locking mechanism on the plug is broken,
the contact is poor. If the socket on the device is defective, because, for example,
someone has got stuck on the cable, the contact is also poor, sporadically available
or completely absent. In these cases, a corresponding repair or replacement of the
cable is necessary.
Same addresses
The PC and the REA Verifier device have identical network addresses (IP addresses).
They must be different, in the same sense that two houses cannot be on the same
address at the same place.
Adapter 1
Address: 192.168.111.11
Mask: 255.255.255.0
Adapter 2
Address: 192.168.111.12
Mask: 255.255.255.0
Both network adapters (network cards, including WLAN) work in the same network.
The REA Verifier on adapter 1 sends the data to the PC and the PC can send back the
data through 1 or 2. If adapter 2 was chosen, the data no longer comes to the REA
Verifier as it is connected to adapter 1. In this case, as an example, adapter 1 should
be set to 192.168.113.11 and the REA device to 192.168.113.12. The Adaptor 2
setting remains to be unchanged. With this setting, adapters 1 and 2 are logically
separated.
Example
Device:
Address: 192.168.1.12
Mask: 255.255.255.0
PC
Address: 192.168.2.13
Mask: 255.255.255.0
Speed
The REA VeriCube has a network connection with max. speed of 1 Gbit/s. If the REA
device is connected directly to a PC with a 100Mbit/s network interface, the speed is
automatically restricted to 100Mbit/s. If the REA device and the PC are connected
through an Ethernet switch with a speed of 1Gbit/s and the PC can, as before,
process max. 100Mbit/s., no automatic speed adaptation takes place because the
Ethernet switch connects to the PC with 100Mbit/s and the REA VeriCube with 1Gb/s.
In this case, the REA VeriCube sends the data 10 times faster than what the PC
network interface can process.
Connection interruptions
Connection interruptions can happen when the REA Verifier is integrated together
with the PC in a company network. A high network load can lead to communication
errors which are displayed as network errors or sensor errors. In this case, a second
network card, which is used for the REA VeriCube only, should be installed in the PC.
In some cases, problems might arise if the network adaptor is built with components
of the manufacturer Realtek. In this case, a second network card, which works with
the chip set of another manufacturer, can help.
Version 1.0.20.1/13915r and later offers under Tools / Install or Uninstall VeriCube
Network driver an installation of a network filter driver. This driver improves
communication reliability.
If both, the computer and the REA VeriCube are connected to an Ethernet switch
with 100Mbit/s as highest speed communication errors can happen. In such a case
always a 1Gbit/s Ethernet switch shall be used.
Sensor error
Firewall
The majority of computers use firewall software which, during day-to-day operation,
protects the data from theft by outside parties or from the installation of undesired
software from outside. This function is mandatory for all computers which are
connected to the Internet.
The REA VeriCube works through the network. The firewall must permit the data
packages of the device to pass through. In particular, in very strictly administrated
networks, the firewall is often set up so restrictively so that no communication is
possible. The firewall must allow the GigE Vision network traffic based on UDP to
pass.
This document and the information and specifications contained in this document are
the property of REA Elektronik GmbH. It contains step-by-step instructions, with
which the handling of the described product can be learned, and it serves as support
for the commissioning and operation of a product manufactured by REA Elektronik
GmbH.
This documentation as a whole and its parts are protected by copyright. All rights,
also those of the translation, reprinting and reproduction of the entire document or
parts of it, are reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced in any form
(photocopy, microfilm or by another method) without prior written authorization by
REA Elektronik GmbH, also not for training purposes.
Although this documentation was prepared with great care, some specifications can
be incomplete and there may be errors. REA Elektronik does not accept any
responsibility for damages which can result from possible incorrect data.
REA Elektronik is constantly making efforts to improve its products and reserves the
right to change, without prior notice, the information and the specifications contained
in this document.
15 Software update
The most current released version is available for free download on the Internet from
the support sites at the following address:
http://www.rea-verifier.de
The access to the support area of the REA Verifier website is obtained by entering the
following access data:
http://support.rea-verifier.de
User name:REA_Verifier
Password: REA-C36754
All product names introduced in this document, which are known to REA as
protected, are designated with the following marks.
Certificate of conformity
The bar code verifier REA VeriCube is a device which fulfills the requirements of
these standards for minimum functionality (mandatory) and for optional
functions.
These standards contain definitions of the reference testing symbols. The conformity
is verified with these reference testing symbols.
August 2015
Conformity confirmation
for the
calibration and testing card of REA VeriCube
The level corrections and the calibration fields of the calibration card as well as the
test codes applied were tested with a REA reference device. The corresponding
reference test report is delivered together with the respective serialized card with
reference to the serial number.
The REA reference testing device has been tested and configured with primary
calibration standards according to ISO/IEC 15426-1 and ISO/IEC 15426-2.
The primary calibration standards were obtained from the company Applied Image
INC., USA. The contrast values were set on the basis of the corresponding primary
calibration standards according to ISO 7724/2 for contrast values. The metric
calibration is based on determining the size of the respective codes of the relevant
primary calibration standards.
The measurement precision of the REA VeriCube must be regularly verified (see
section 9).
.
August 2015
REA Elektronik GmbH D-64367 Mhltal
EU - Declaration of conformity
Declaration of conformity
Declaration of conformity
a) Optic module 8 mm focal length for data matrix codes from 0.25 mm module
size
Field of view 114 x 76 mm, pixel size 0.044
mm
b) Optic module 12 mm focal length for data matrix codes from 0.19 mm module
size
Field of view 85 x 63.5 mm pixel size 0.033
mm
c) Optic module 16 mm focal length for data matrix codes from 0.15 mm module
size
Field of view 63.5 x 47.5 mm pixel size 0.025
mm
d) Optic module 25 mm focal length for data matrix codes from 0.09 mm module
size
Field of view 37.5 x 27.7 mm pixel size
0.015mm
Object illumination sources 12 x red light LED, wavelength 660 nm
12 x white light LED color temperature 4000K
can be selected on an individual basis
and combined
Optional symbologies 2/5 3 bars, 2/5 5 bars, 2/5 IATA, 2/5 baggage,
2/5 DHL Express (freight post code), Code39
full ASCII, Code 93, MSI, Plessey, Code
128UPU, Code 39UPU, Code 39HIBC, Code
128HIBC, Codabar Monarch (18), LAETUS
Pharmacode, LAETUS MiniPharmaCode
Housing protection class IP 20 when the glass cover or the plastic cover
is slid in.
REA Elektronik GmbH guarantees that the product delivered by REA is free from
material and manufacturing defects. This warranty is valid for the period of time
specified in the order confirmation. The warranty claims become null and void if the
device is not installed, handled and used according to the instructions in the
delivered documentation.
Return shipments for repair must always take place by using the following filled-out
form
http://www.rea-verifier.de/service/Verifier-Service-Checkliste_2D_E%202.pdf
.