Microscan MS-96 Vial Reader User manual

MS-96 Vial Reader User’s Guide
EM-20357-1V320
v3.2.0, Feb 2009

Copyright and Disclaimer
Copyright ©2009 by Microscan Systems, Inc.
 S.W. th Street, Renton, WA, U.S.A. 98057
[phone] FAX: [phone]
All rights reserved. The information contained herein is proprietary and is provided solely for the purpose of allowing
customers to operate and/or service Microscan manufactured equipment and is not to be released, reproduced, or used
for any other purpose without written permission of Microscan.
Throughout this manual, trademarked names might be used. Rather than place a trademark (™) symbol at every
occurrence of a trademarked name, we state herein that we are using the names only in an editorial fashion, and to the
benefit of the trademark owner, with no intention of infringement.
Disclaimer
The information and specifications described in this manual are subject to change without notice.
Latest Manual Version and Warranty Information
For the latest version of this manual and warranty information, visit our website at: www.microscan.com.
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v3.2.0, Feb 2009 MS-96 Vial Reader User’s Guide iii
Contents
CHAPTER 1 Before You Begin... 1-1
MS-96 Vial Reader Hardware Components 1-1
Operating System 1-2
Monitor Resolution 1-2
Recommended Tools 1-2
Related Documentation 1-2
CHAPTER 2 Installing Hardware & Software 2-1
Installing Hardware 2-2
Installing the 0300 Framegrabber & Cables 2-2
Connecting Cables 2-4
Installing Software 2-6
Installing Visionscape® and MS-96 Vial Reader Software 2-6
Troubleshooting 2-6
Adjusting the Sensor 2-6
Adjusting the Light Intensity 2-8
Testing the MS-96 Vial Reader 2-9
CHAPTER 3 MS-96 Vial Reader Overview 3-1
Modes 3-2
Vialreader.ini 3-2

Contents
iv MS-96 Vial Reader User’s Guide v3.2.0, Feb 2009
INI File Keys Not Accessible Through the Program 3-4
Modifying a Key 3-5
CHAPTER 4 Menus, Buttons, & Options 4-1
Menus 4-2
Enter Password 4-2
File Menu 4-3
Modify AVP File 4-3
Select Another AVP File 4-9
Save Current AVP Job to File 4-10
Create an Automatically Learned AVP 4-10
Manually Create a New AVP File 4-11
Modify Data File Format 4-14
Modify Image File Format 4-15
Change Data File Folder 4-16
Change Image File Folder 4-17
Configure Menu 4-17
Comm Settings 4-18
Failure Message 4-18
Printer Settings 4-19
Program Timers 4-20
Select Trigger 4-21
About Menu 4-21
Buttons 4-22
Turn Live Video On 4-23
Read Box Data Matrix 4-23
Show Complete Box 4-23
Create Array Text File 4-25
Create One Column File 4-26
Print Label 4-26
Save Images 4-27
View Contrast Values 4-27
Run Once 4-28
Reset Counts 4-28
Quit 4-28
Checkboxes 4-29
Always Create Files 4-29
Always Print A Label 4-29
Pass/Fail Based on the Number of Vials Decoded 4-29
When the Checkbox is Checked 4-29

Contents
v3.2.0, Feb 2009 MS-96 Vial Reader User’s Guide v
When the Checkbox is Not Checked 4-31
Beep On Read 4-32
Fields 4-32
Fail Inspections 4-32
Pass Inspections 4-32
Process Time (ms) 4-33
Total Inspections 4-33
Total Time (ms) 4-33
Text Boxes 4-33
File Base Name 4-33
Number Expected 4-34
Read Complete 4-34
Options 4-34
Rack Density 4-34
APPENDIX A Setting Up the Zebra Printer A-1
APPENDIX B MS-96 Vial Reader ActiveX API B-1
Properties B-2
Methods B-3
Events B-3
Index Index-1

Contents
vi MS-96 Vial Reader User’s Guide v3.2.0, Feb 2009

v3.2.0, Feb 2009 MS-96 Vial Reader User’s Guide 1-1
1
Before You Begin...
1
CHAPTER 1 Before You Begin...
Before you install your MS-96 Vial Reader hardware and software, make sure
you have all of the necessary components. This chapter helps you prepare for a
successful installation.
MS-96 Vial Reader Hardware Components
The MS-96 Vial Reader hardware may be purchased in two configurations:
• The MS-96 Vial Reader with 10 foot cable
• The MS-96 Vial Reader with 25 foot cable
The MS-96 Vial Reader with 10 foot cable consists of the following:
TABLE 1–1. MS-96 Vial Reader w/10 Foot Cable Hardware Components
Qty Part # Description
1 PCI-10020 PCI-0300 Analog Video digitizer
1 286-019603 MS-96 Vial Reader reader head with 10
foot cable
1 030-014700 Camera cable, 10 foot
1 010-015900 I/O cable, 10 foot
1 030-012400 Internal I/O cable

Chapter 1Before You Begin...
1-2 MS-96 Vial Reader User’s Guide v3.2.0, Feb 2009
The MS-96 Vial Reader with 25 foot cable consists of the following:
Operating System
You can use the MS-96 Vial Reader with the following operating systems:
• Windows 2000 SP4
• Windows XP SP2
Monitor Resolution
The screen resolution for your MS-96 Vial Reader system should be set to 1024 x
768.
Recommended Tools
• A screwdriver set
Related Documentation
We suggest that you start with this manual and then refer to the following
manuals that are included on the CD:
• PCI-0300 Analog Video Digitizer User Manual
• Visionscape® User’s Manual
TABLE 1–2. MS-96 Vial Reader w/25 Foot Cable Hardware Components
Qty Part # Description
1 PCI-10020 PCI-0300 Analog video digitizer
1 286-019600 MS-96 Vial Reader reader head with 25
foot cable
1 030-014701 Camera cable, 25 foot
1 030-015901 I/O cable, 25 foot
1 030-012400 Internal I/O cable

v3.2.0, Feb 2009 MS-96 Vial Reader User’s Guide 2-1
2
Installing Hardware &
Software
2
CHAPTER 2 Installing Hardware &
Software
This chapter describes how to install the MS-96 Vial Reader hardware, the
Visionscape® and MS-96 Vial Reader software, and how to troubleshoot the
system.
Specifically, this chapter describes:
• “Installing Hardware” on page 2-2
• “Installing Software” on page 2-6
• “Troubleshooting” on page 2-6

Chapter 2Installing Hardware & Software
2-2 MS-96 Vial Reader User’s Guide v3.2.0, Feb 2009
Installing Hardware
Installing the 0300 Framegrabber & Cables
Use the following procedure to install the framegrabber and cables:
1. Remove the cover of the PC.
2. Locate an open PCI slot.
3. Unscrew a port access cover on the PC.
4. Install the 0300 framegrabber board by aligning the gold fingers and
pressing the module firmly into the slot.
5. Fasten the 0300 framegrabber board with a port access screw
(see Figure 2–1).
6. Unscrew another port access cover on the PC.
7. Insert the internal I/O connector into the open port access cover
(see Figure 2–1).

Installing Hardware
Installing Hardware &
Software
2
v3.2.0, Feb 2009 MS-96 Vial Reader User’s Guide 2-3
FIGURE 2–1. Installing the 0300 and the Internal I/O Connector & Cable
8. Install the camera power connector that is supplied with your board
(see Figure 2–1). Make sure the other end is connected to PC power.
9. Install the internal I/O cable (see Figure 2–1).
10. Replace the cover of the PC.
789
5

Chapter 2Installing Hardware & Software
2-4 MS-96 Vial Reader User’s Guide v3.2.0, Feb 2009
Connecting Cables
Use the following procedure to connect the MS-96 Vial Reader cables:
1. Connect the power cord, network cable (if used), mouse and keyboard to the
PC.
2. Connect one end of the camera cable (P/N 030-014700) to the MS-96 Vial
Reader reader head, as shown in Figure 2–2.
FIGURE 2–2. MS-96 Vial Reader Reader Head — Back Face
3. Connect the 9 pin end of the trigger cable (P/N 010-015900) to the 9 pin
connector on the MS-96 Vial Reader reader head, as shown in Figure 2–2.
3
2

Installing Hardware
Installing Hardware &
Software
2
v3.2.0, Feb 2009 MS-96 Vial Reader User’s Guide 2-5
4. Connect the camera cable (P/N 030-014700) and the other end of the trigger
cable (P/N 010-015900) to the back of the PC, as shown in Figure 2–3.
FIGURE 2–3. PC with Cables Attached
5. Boot the PC. Check for the red light from the sensor in the back left corner
of the MS-96 Vial Reader reader head.
Note: If the red light from the sensor is not on, re-check the connection
between the camera cable and sensor cable on both ends. If this does not turn
on the sensor, check the internal power connection to the 0300 board.

Chapter 2Installing Hardware & Software
2-6 MS-96 Vial Reader User’s Guide v3.2.0, Feb 2009
Installing Software
Installing Visionscape® and MS-96 Vial Reader Software
Use the following procedure to install the Visionscape® V3.7.2 and MS-96 Vial
Reader software:
1. Insert the CD (provided) into a CD drive on the PC or in another PC
accessible via your local intranet.
2. Connect to the CD drive. If the CD drive is local, the web page interface will
be shown automatically. If the CD drive is not local, select SETUP.HTML.
3. From the web page interface, select Visionscape Studio 3.7.2.
4. After the Visionscape® installation is complete, the PC must be rebooted.
When the reboot process is finished, the HTML page should be displayed
again.
5. Select MS-96 Vial Reader 3.2.0 to install the MS-96 Vial Reader program.
You must accept the Microscan End User License Agreement and may
specify an installation location during the installation.
The installation is now complete.
Troubleshooting
This section contains specific information about the following:
• “Adjusting the Sensor” on page 2-6
• “Adjusting the Light Intensity” on page 2-8
• “Testing the MS-96 Vial Reader” on page 2-9
Adjusting the Sensor
Use the following procedure to adjust the sensor:
1. Place a keyed rack of vials atop the MS-96 Vial Reader reader head.
2. Wait for the read to complete.

Troubleshooting
Installing Hardware &
Software
2
v3.2.0, Feb 2009 MS-96 Vial Reader User’s Guide 2-7
3. Push the rack to the front right corner.
4. Notice the screw and two LEDs on the back of the MS-96 Vial Reader reader
head, as shown in Figure 2–4.
FIGURE 2–4. MS-96 Vial Reader Reader Head
5. Adjust the screw until the yellow sensor light is on and blinking slowly.
6. Rotate the rack 180°. The sensor should not trigger a read.
7. Push the rack of vials to the back left corner. The sensor should not trigger a
read.
8. If either of these two conditions trigger a read, adjust the sensor until the
yellow light is not lit. Repeat this procedure starting at step 1.

Chapter 2Installing Hardware & Software
2-8 MS-96 Vial Reader User’s Guide v3.2.0, Feb 2009
Adjusting the Light Intensity
The light intensity may be adjusted by rotating the screw accessible from the
back of the MS-96 Vial Reader reader head.
Use the following procedure to adjust the light intensity:
1. With the MS-96 Vial Reader software running, enter the password.
2. Click on the Turn Live Video On button to turn on live video.
3. Place a rack on the MS-96 Vial Reader reader head.
4. To reduce the light intensity, rotate the light adjustment screw
counter-clockwise (see Figure 2–5).
5. To increase the light intensity, rotate the light adjustment screw
clockwise (see Figure 2–5).
FIGURE 2–5. Light Adjustment Screw
6. When the matrices are clearly visible, turn live video off (by clicking on the
Turn Live Video Off button).
7. Remove and replace the rack on the MS-96 Vial Reader reader head to
trigger a cycle.
8. Click on the Show Complete Box button.
9. Check the Contrast Values Enabled checkbox.
–For light on dark matrices, the contrast should be between 75 and 100.
–For dark on light matrices, the contrast should be between 25 and 45.
Light Adjustment Screw

Troubleshooting
Installing Hardware &
Software
2
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Testing the MS-96 Vial Reader
Use the following procedure to test the MS-96 Vial Reader:
1. With the PC booted, and the MS-96 Vial Reader running, place a rack of
vials atop the MS-96 Vial Reader reader head. The red LEDs should
illuminate. When the read is complete, remove the rack of vials.
2. Push the rack of vials to each of the four corners, pressing the Run Once
button after each move.
3. Trigger the read using the hardware trigger.
4. Ensure that the system reads all the vials under all of these conditions.

Chapter 2Installing Hardware & Software
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v3.2.0, Feb 2009 MS-96 Vial Reader User’s Guide 3-1
3
MS-96 Vial Reader
Overview
3
CHAPTER 3 MS-96 Vial Reader Overview
The MS-96 Vial Reader Data Matrix reading system collects images from a rack
of either 24 or 96 pipettes and provides a text array of string values that can be
output to a text file or retrieved through ActiveX calls.
The program starts a Visionscape® AVP backplane to determine whether or not
an acceptable framegrabber exists, connects to the framegrabber, opens the
previously saved AVP file, and awaits a trigger. The trigger is user configurable
to be either the sensor on the top of the MS-96 Vial Reader reader head, the
completion of a bar code read from a reader attached to a serial port of the PC
running the software, or an input through ActiveX. After a trigger is received, the
LED lights illuminate the bottom of the rack, images are taken, images are
processed to determine the contents of the Data Matrix codes, the lights are
turned off, and the results are ready for display and transmission.

Chapter 3MS-96 Vial Reader Overview
3-2 MS-96 Vial Reader User’s Guide v3.2.0, Feb 2009
Modes
You can operate the MS-96 Vial Reader in one of two modes:
• Supervisor — This mode enables menus and buttons that are not enabled in
Operator mode. You can create, modify, and save AVP files. You can modify
formats for data files and image files. You can also adjust settings for
communications and printing.
• Operator — In this mode, you can read vials, and save information to a text
file, but you cannot adjust settings. The following menus and buttons are
disabled:
–File menu
– Configure menu
– Run Once button
– Save Images button
– Turn Live Video On/Off button
Vialreader.ini
An example of the vialreader.ini file is shown below:
[Password]
ProgrammersPassword=password
[Form_Defaults]
AlwaysCreateFile=False
AlwaysPrint=False
BeepOnRead=False
BoxDisplayViewTop=True
CheckNumber=True
DataFileDir=C:\Program Files\VialReader\Data
DisableOverwriteWarningMessage=False
DisablePasswordMode=False
FailureMessage=Decode Failure
FilenameBaseDefault=
HideUI=False
ImageFileDir=C:\Program Files\VialReader\Images