Bar code localization by image processing

Abstract

This paper addresses the problem of bar code recognition by use of image processing. Bar codes are composed of parallel alternating dark-light stripes; hence they also appear as parallel lines connected at some orientation in a binary edge map. The proposed algorithms exploit that feature and use morphology and free angle thresholding for localization. Edge map is formed by Sobel operator and binary subband decomposition separately, and the two methods are compared in terms of time complexity and performance. Detailed discussion of test results are also presented. ©2005 IEEE.