Achieve Near-Perfect Accuracy in Batch Barcode Scanning with Mounted Cameras

In fast-paced industries such as logistics, retail, and manufacturing, efficient and accurate barcode scanning is critical. Dynamsoft’s Batch Barcode Scan solution is designed to scan 100+ barcodes in a batch, aiming for a nearly 100% reading rate. This article discusses the challenges when the scanning environment involves a mounted camera setup, where the camera is fixed in position, and the barcodes move in and out of the field of view.

Let’s explore the three-step process that enables this high level of accuracy.

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Step 1: Mapping Barcode Results from Video Streams

The first step in achieving a near-perfect reading rate is to effectively capture barcode data from video streams. Dynamsoft’s solution is engineered to continuously scan and read barcodes as they move through the camera’s field of view. Batch Barcode Scan leverages the dynamic nature of video to capture multiple frames, increasing the chances of a successful read.

Once the barcodes are read, the solution intelligently maps all results onto a single base frame. This consolidation is crucial, as it provides a unified reference point for further analysis and ensures that each barcode is accounted for only once, reducing the chances of duplicates and omissions.

Step 2: Analyzing for Possible Misses Using Object Detection

Even with advanced video stream scanning, there’s always a possibility that some barcodes might be missed due to factors like poor lighting, fast movement, or occlusion. To mitigate this, the solution employs a series of sophisticated techniques:

  • Color Detection: This technique is particularly useful in environments where each object is largely single-colored, although different objects may have different colors. By analyzing the color contrasts and patterns in the frame, the solution can identify areas where a solid color block is present but a barcode has not been identified.

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  • Layout Analysis: This is especially effective in situations where the spatial arrangement of objects follows a specific pattern. Batch Barcode Scan examines the arrangement of objects in the frame to detect any unusual gaps or alignments that might indicate a missed barcode.

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  • Shape Detection: This technique is ideal for environments where objects have a certain, possibly uniform, shape. The solution looks for geometric shapes for to detect potential objects, helping to spot any that might have been overlooked in the initial scan.

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Additional methods can be employed to detect potentially missed barcodes. For instance, the solution could identify areas where barcodes are located but not fully decoded using its underlying barcode reader SDK. Furthermore, if barcodes are accompanied by text, the system might use Dynamsoft Label Recognition to recognize the text and subsequently determine the barcode’s location.

Step 3: Adjusting the Camera for Missed Barcodes

If the analysis in Step 2 suggests that some barcodes have been missed, the SDK takes proactive measures to capture them. It can instruct the mounted camera to zoom in on specific areas, adjust its focus, or even change its angle to get a better view of the elusive barcodes. Once these adjustments are made, the SDK rescans the area and maps any newly detected barcodes back to the base frame.

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Visual Overview of All Barcodes

Dynamsoft’s Batch Barcode Scan solution provides a visual overview of all mapped results.

The overview is an invaluable tool for operators to identify which barcodes have been successfully detected and which ones have not, enabling manual intervention or further investigation if necessary.

Getting Started

Dynamsoft’s barcode scan solution offers a comprehensive approach to achieving near-perfect reading rates in environments with mounted cameras. By leveraging continuous video stream scanning, sophisticated analysis techniques, and adaptive camera adjustments, it ensures that every possible barcode is captured and accounted for.

Achieving a near 100% read rate with exceptional speed requires a precisely tailored solution. Book a meeting with our solutions experts to explore your use case and expectations in detail.

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