Cognex Corp.'s IDMax is a data-matrix code-reading software solution designed for Direct Part Mark Identification (DPMI), an emerging segment of the industrial identification market. DPMI involves directly marking parts with permanent two-dimensional data matrix codes, then reading those codes quickly and reliably during the production process, according to Cognex, a global supplier of machine vision systems. The company says the solution was designed to read distorted or poorly marked codes. "DPMI is a challenging application, requiring fast and reliable reading of data matrix codes marked directly on the toughest surfaces, such as metal, glass, ceramic and plastic," says Justin Testa, senior vice president of ID products for Cognex. "These codes can become distorted due to the manufacturing process, and many are poorly marked with missing or inconsistent features. IDMax tolerates these distortions and achieves the high read rates that are vital to the success of any part-tracking application." The IDMax code-reading software is available on industrial-grade Cognex In-Sight vision sensors. In addition to reading data matrix codes, In-Sight vision sensors can read 1D barcodes, RSS/Composite symbologies and a list of industry standard codes. The sensors also include image processing and analysis tools.