Automatic identification and data capture

Under the name Automatic identification and data capture or Automatic Identification ( Auto-ID ) techniques for the identification, data collection, data collection and data transfer are summarized. This includes technologies such as barcode, Smart Label, biometrics, mobile data entry, OCR, RFID, speech recognition, various smart card forms and information support based on free-space optical data transmission ( Free Space Optics ).

Use

Identification

Auto- ID technologies are used for the automatic identification of objects. For the unambiguous identification of unique features to be used for the identification, referred to as an identifier. The most famous example is the supermarket checkout scanner that reads a bar code as an identifier.

For the identification of objects and the given features can be used, provided they are clearly in their combination. Biometric methods can relatively safely identify persons on the basis of the voting pattern of the fingerprint, iris, or facial features.

Data collection

Barcodes and other opto- electronically readable fonts can be used for the transport of data and the identification of objects. It will be encoded information read by machine to link computer systems with the real physical world.

With OCR -A machine readable font has already been developed 1968. With a bar code any type of data and information can be displayed. For the purpose of data transmission such as the barcode font PDF417 ( Portable Data File ) was developed, data can be represented with their symbols.

The encrypted on a bar or in a plain text line data are not exclusively identifiers, but can be normal payload.

Compared with manual input by data typists with input speeds of around 2 characters / second at approximately 1 error 300 characters automatic data collection is virtually error-free at much higher transmission rate. This reduces the cost for both the data acquisition as well as for necessary corrections in data errors.

Data collection

The discussed in the previous section data makes only the processing and storage of data. The automatically collected data sets are aggregated together, manipulated and converted to other data formats. From these data, in turn, information can be obtained that are relevant to business operations or for the control of a supply chain is important.

Data transmission

The data is saved to a structured according to agreed rules. The subsequent interpretation on the receiver side is ensured by the definition of common data types with defined data fields and sizes. Examples are EAN128, Odette and EPC. In order for a protocol is agreed, which can also be electronically exchanged as EDIFACT subset.

Barcode and transponders, such as letters and numbers on paper for humans, a medium that can be stored and transmitted suitable machine on the messages. This is asynchronous communication between the sender of the message, which applies the disk, and the recipient, the reading station.

For logistical applications auto-ID methods exist based on free-space optical data transmission ( Free Space Optics ). In this case, data are transmitted using visible light, which is emitted from LEDs modulated on an information carrier. The transmitted data can be received from the information carrier by means of a photodiode, and displayed on a display. The data presented can be used with other auto-ID technologies such as bar code or matrix code readers, recorded subsequently. Examples: Electronic Shelf Label (ESL ), Ident Over Light

Merging

The boundaries are fluid and often several methods are used simultaneously (eg car keys = key profile and RFID). In cooperative systems such as EAN, the techniques for identification with barcode EAN -13, the data transmission with the protocol EAN128 and the exchange of business data with EANCOM into an integrated system grow together.

Applications

  • Trade Product labeling through European Article Number barcode; since 1 January 2009, the name was worldwide GTIN ( Global Trade Item Number) changed.
  • Automatic and immediate inventory
  • Transportation and Logistics Picking of goods
  • Pick-by -Voice speech recognition
  • Distribution of goods
  • Sort of goods flows
  • Storage, storage space allocation and inventory turnover
  • Package tracking, traceability, tracking and tracing
  • Security Determination of identity through identity cards and other personal identifiers
  • Access control of buildings
  • Theft-deterrent in the form of electronic article surveillance systems
  • Immobilizer with transponder
  • Business data Operating data that are obtained in the production data
  • Automated payments with transfers and checks
  • Forms processing, parking management
  • Other Lending of books in libraries
  • Luggage handling at airports
OCR-A font GS1-128 OFTP Tracing (software)
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