Maxwell AutoScan

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AutoScan and automatic routing in Maxwell are powerful features which make it easy for busy press room operators to scan verification targets and have them automatically routed to the correct Maxwell tracks. With automatic routing setup in the system, and the ColorShuttle software in AutoScan mode, all a user has to do is feed a target into the iSis sheet reader. The software handles the measurement and the uploading of the data into the appropriate Maxwell track.

The Autoscan button is in the bottom right corner of the Maxwell client program.

Contents

AutoScan

AutoScan is the automated scanning of color targets into Maxwell. When ColorShuttle is put into AutoScan mode, the X-Rite iSis instrument is initialized and put into "standby mode" where the scanning head is moved into the detection position and flashes its light periodically, awaiting target insertion. It will return to this state after measuring and grading a target, allowing for virtually hands-free operation until cancelled by the user.

An example of a bar code readable by an iSis chart reader.

When a target is inserted into the iSis, its barcode is read and decoded in a pre scan phase. At that time ColorShuttle determines the target's Target ID and obtains from Maxwell:

If the bar code contains appropriate information for automatically routing the target, AutoRouting follows.

AutoRouting

AutoRouting is the automatic determination of where in Maxwell's device & track hierarchy a target's measurements should be delivered. If required, it also includes the automatic bonding and setup of a track in ColorShuttle, making it appear in the left menu. By determining where measurements belong, ColorShuttle also can gather the relevant data for grading and reporting on the measurements.

Several different parameters can be encoded into a target's bar code:

When a routing code is found in the bar code, ColorShuttle will search the Maxwell tracks (it has the permission to access) for a matching routing code. When it successfully finds a matching track, ColorShuttle downloads the following information:

  • the track's reference set, including the color aim, metrics & tolerances
  • the track's reporting label (or full page report if desired) and graphics
  • any other data required

ColorShuttle caches the information so measuring is not interrupted if it is unable to communicate with Maxwell. Measurements are also cached and will be uploaded to Maxwell when communication is restored.

Setup

Enter the routing code in the Track Details pane of Maxwell.

A number of components need to be in place for AutoScan and AutoRouting to perform properly:

Target and Routing Code setup

Routing code

A unique routing code is required for each track that is to accept measurements. We will issue codes initially, in the future they will be able to be set by the account administrator.

Bar coded targets

The routing code and other information are to be encoded into each target's bar code. We will perform this encoding initially, in the future a utility will be available to enable manual and automated encoding of bar codes and imposing onto target image files.

In Maxwell

Track configuration

Enter routing codes into the Track Details pane of the tracks. Look for the Routing Code field and ensure they are entered exactly as given.

Target reference upload

CHROMiX will perform this operation.

Target scan definition upload

CHROMiX will perform this operation.

In ColorShuttle

Client User configuration

AutoScanning requires ColorShuttle to have permission to bond to Maxwell tracks. This is accomplished via a special Maxwell user account for ColorShuttle alone. We will supply you with the account information and ensure it is configure properly in Maxwell. To enter it into ColorShuttle, select "ColorShuttle" in the left menu and click the "Bond Maxwell Client" button.
Select and setup a label or report printer. Even if you do not plan on printing reports, a label/report printer should be set up for correct operation.

Use

Ongoing administration

Routing codes can be moved between tracks as desired. We strongly recommend removing routing codes from the old track before entering them into a new track to avoid duplication. If duplicate routing codes are found by ColorShuttle, it will select the first track found by the software and the data will be routed there. There is no guarantee which track it might be - so avoid duplicates.






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