Glossary · Machine vision
Barcode reading
Also known as: Code reading, Barcode scanning
German: Barcode-Lesung
In machine vision and identification, barcode reading is the automatic decoding of one-dimensional barcodes and two-dimensional codes such as Data Matrix or QR codes, using laser scanners or camera-based code readers.
- Machine vision
In one sentence
Barcode reading automatically decodes 1D barcodes and 2D codes such as Data Matrix or QR with laser scanners or camera-based readers.
Example
A camera-based reader decodes the Data Matrix code lasered on each gear and passes the serial number to the MES for traceability.
How it applies
- Engineering: Code type, size, marking method and reading distance determine the reader. Direct part marks on metal often need special lighting such as dark-field or diffuse light.
- Operation: Read rate and no-read handling matter more than peak performance; the line must decide what happens to parts whose code cannot be read.
- Documentation: The documentation team should document code types, content structure, reader settings and the no-read strategy. Where codes carry product identifiers, keep them consistent with the Traceability concept of the product.
Barcode reading vs. barcode verification
Reading decodes the content. Verification grades the print quality against standards such as ISO/IEC 15415 (2D) or ISO/IEC 15416 (linear) to ensure codes are readable downstream. A code that reads well on one reader may still fail verification.