scanning barcodes for traceability

[0872287745]

I need to read a barcode on a product at every station as it goes through on a production line. Receiving such data like; date, time, station name,etc. Can labview suport this application? I would be very grateful if you could send me the front panel and block diagram for this application. Would the barcode scanner have to be a 'wedge' type? I was told before that i could use a camera instead of a barcode for my traceability but i don't think you can, can you? Thank you

Karinne Gardiner

[Dennis_Knutson]

A wedge type or USB bar code scanner is the easiest. One with an RS-232 connection will work but they require a bit more coding. A camera will also work but they also require a bit more programming and might be more expensive. I just got a new USB scanner with LED light source for about $100. They act just like regular keyboard input. All you need on a front panel is a string control to get the data. I've attached a picture of the simplest diagram for bar code entry. I program my readers to transmit a CR at the end of each code. The front panel Boolean's key navigation is assigned to the enter key so that the while loop exits when the CR is detected. You can get a lot fancier by doing some validation (i.e. making sure the operator has scanned the right bar code, etc.), but this should get you started.

[Ray.R]

I agree with Dennis,

A wedge or USB is by far the easiest to implement.

What the person may have been referring to when mentionning a "camera" scanner is a CCD barcode scanner which permits scanning of the newer code (square shape instead of bars). I forget the name of the code...

Basically, it is a CCD camera that is used to scan either a barcode or the newer format. They also come in wedge or USB formats.

I'm not sure if we're allowed to "advertise" any non-NI products in this forum, but you may do a search on "IMAGETEAM". Check out the HPP series. I found them to be very dependable and scan almost anything. I've dealt with many makes & models... I bought 4 scanners from I-M.. their best model.. all 4 were defective. 😠

However, barcode scanners are a very practical and simple tool for your automation... Also very impressive when doing a demo.. 😄

R.


PS..

A simple modification on Dennis' code is to verify the length of the string. Stop the loop if it is the right length...Or you can look to see if the code meets certian criteria, format, etc.. That's the fun part.. 😉

Message Edited by JoeLabView on 03-22-2005 12:55 PM