Bar-code recognition system using image processing

Information processing is fast developing in various sectors along with the spread of computer technology. The same goes for the commodity production and distribution industries where the bar-code system is increasingly utilized as one of the most useful tools for recognizing unique information related to each commodity. While handy type bar-code readers are normally used by retail shops where small amounts of diverse products are handled, a system to quickly and automatically read out bar-code data pasted on a continuous flow of products is required for use in production sites or distribution centers where large volumes of products are handled. Demands at site for the functionality and performance level of such systems are quite challenging. For instance, it is impossible to specify the location to paste a bar-code on a round container like a hat box. Cardboard cartons also come in variable sizes in very large quantities. In order to cope with such situations, the bar-code recognition devices have been developed using the most advanced image processing technology in both soft- and hardware. The notable features are as follows: 1) small bar-codes are read from a large sectional area using a multi-camera; 2) individual recognition is achieved without disturbing product flow by high speed parallel processing; 3) the camera is capable of reading objects (bar-codes) from a distance between one to two meters (to allow the facility more flexibility in design); 4) the mainstream bar-codes in the distribution industry such as Code 39 and ITF are supported; and 5) the high level of recognition efficiency and safety