Cognex’s PowerGrid technology takes an "inside-out" approach to reading barcodes, searching for patterns of alternating light and dark modules within the code. According to Cognex, the tool sharply increases read rates in 2D barcode-reading applications where a part’s geometry, poor lighting, occlusion or print-registration errors make it difficult to capture an image of the entire code. PowerGrid can locate and read codes even when they exhibit significant damage to, or complete elimination of, the finder pattern, clocking pattern or quiet zone. Cognex’s PowerGrid technology is now available on the X models of the DataMan 300 series of fixed-mount barcode readers.

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