Page 40 - Concise Encyclopedia of Robotics

Bar Coding
As the allowable bandwidth is increased, the maximum data speed
increases in direct proportion. As the allowable bandwidth is restricted,
the maximum data speed decreases in direct proportion.
BAR CODING
Bar coding is a method of labeling objects. Bar-code labels or tags are
used extensively in retail stores for pricing and identifying merchandise.
A bar-code tag has a characteristic appearance, with parallel lines of
varying width and spacing (see illustration). A laser-equipped device
scans the tag, retrieving the identifying data. The reading device does
not have to be brought right up to the tag; it can work from some dis-
tance away.

Bar coding

Bar-code tags are one method by which objects can be labeled so
that a robot can identify them. This greatly simplifies the recognition
process. For example, every item in a tool set can be tagged using bar-
code stickers, with a unique code for each tool. When a robot’s con-
troller tells the machine that it needs a certain tool, the robot can seek
out the appropriate tag and carry out the movements according to the
program subroutine for that tool. Even if the tool gets misplaced, as
long as it is within the robot’s work envelope or range of motion, it can
easily be found.
See also PASSIVE TRANSPONDER.
BATTERY POWER
See ELECTROCHEMICAL POWER and SOLAR POWER.
BEACON
A beacon is a device used to help robots navigate. Beacons can be catego-
rized as either passive or active.
A mirror is a good example of a passive beacon. It does not produce a
signal of its own; it merely reflects light beams that strike it. The robot
requires a transmitter,such as a flashing lamp or laser beam,and a receiver,

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