PostNet Bar Code Verification System

The PostNet Verification System (PNVS) was designed to monitor bindery lines that are equipped with inkjet addressing systems.  The PNVS reads every PostNet bar code that passes to determine if the bar code is a machine readable bar code.  Verifying the PostNet code serves two purposes.  The most important purpose is that the PNVS makes sure that no rejectable product enters the USPS mail stream and subjects the mailer to non qualifying discount rate class issues.  Secondly, images of actual production labels can be monitored visually for print quality with the available vision system software.  With this Windows based application, both the last product produced and the last project rejected can be viewed by the operator simultaneously.  The vision system also keeps a error log to assist in production performance tracking.

Features:

• Designed to yield a fail safe 100% quality assurance level.

• Compact and rugged industrial design.

• Modular design for easy setup and production changes.

• Operator designed setup for fast production changes.

• Production tested to insure reliability, maximize ease of use and minimize operator error.

Benefits:

• 100% verification that the product produced is machine readable .

• Reduced Postal penalties for based on entry of product with unreadable bar codes into the mail stream.

• Real-time alert (light stack, audible or line stop) when a mismatch or other system error occurs.

• Monitor inkjet print quality without having to "pull" books from the line.

• Maintenance free design.

• Compact size enables easy retrofit and line integration on most  production line equipment.

System Components:

• Control System NEMA housing  (L 11.0" x W 9.0" x H 6.0") containing:
     - Control Module (CM)
     - 110 VAC power supply
     - 5 VDC power source for the CM
     - 24 VDC power source for the BCR
     - Relay isolated Good / Bad normally open contact closure output
     - Bar Code scanner input
     - Product detect input
     - PDA connector to enable programming of the CM

• PostNet bar code scanner (BCR).  (L 5.0"x W 2.0" x H 2.5")

• Product detect (PD)

• Cables (C)

Basic functional specs:

• The PNVS's function is to attempt to read the PostNet bar code on products that pass under the reader and provide a control output to the Binder Line Controller (BLC) or designated line device.  If the bar code cannot be read, the PNVS will initiate a “bad” signal output to the BLC.  Otherwise, the PNVS output will we be held in a “good” state.

• The CM handles the communications between the BLC and the BCR.  There should be little or no operator intervention required to configure or setup the CM once it has been installed and connected to the bindery line controller I/O module or line device.

• The BCR will read every PostNet bar code that passes by based upon a trigger by the PD.  Some minor initial adjustments to the BCR maybe necessary to compensate for the quality of the bar code being printed.

• The PD will need to be mounted to the production line in such a way as to enable its location to be adjusted forward or backward for the proper triggering of the BCR.  The location of the PD will only need to be changed when the print location changes.

Control Module description:

The Control Module handles the entire process control between the BLC or line device and the BCR. The module requires no setup or configuration other than its physical connections to the system components.  There is an interface for an optional PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) should custom controls, setup functions and etc. be requested at a later date.  The CM is a self-contained unit that is mounted in the NEMA enclosure.

 Bar Code Reader description:

 The BCR selected is a industrial grade self contained fixed position high speed 2D unit.  The BCR will need to have bracketry for mounting at each location on the bindery line where the PostNet bar code is to be read.  The BCR will manage the data collection for the verification process.  The BCS will be configured to read the PostNet bar code in this application but it can be alternatively used to read a wide range of 1D and 2D bar codes.  The BCR will be delivered as follows

• 1x Bar Code Reader

PNVS solution elements:

• 1 x Control Module and NEMA housing

• 1 x Control system software license

• 1x Bar Code Scanner

• 1 x Control Module to Bar Code Scanner cable

• 1 x Product Detector to Control Module cable

• Warranty is 12 months on any IPSTI developed components

• Manufacturer’s warranty on any outsourced components

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