DigiKey Barcode Scanning does not work sometimes #1281
Description
First of all, thank you for implementing the feature to add parts by scanning the DigiKey Data Matrix. This will greatly help us add our existing stock to PartDB.
Nevertheless, we encountered some difficulties when scanning different DigiKey Data Matrix codes.
Description of the problem:
We scanned various DigiKey part bags with attached labels and Data Matrix codes. DigiKey ships parts in different types of bags, such as plain white plastic bags that need to be ripped open, with the Data Matrix printed directly onto the plastic; transparent plastic bags with a blue tint and a glued paper label containing the Data Matrix; and large plain white plastic bags used for reel shipments.
When scanning the transparent plastic bags, the Data Matrix is recognized and everything works fine. When scanning the large plain white bags for reel shipments, everything works fine as well. Unfortunately, when scanning the smaller plain white bags, the Data Matrix is not recognized. We believe that the Data Matrix codes on the smaller plain white bags are not recognized because they appear to be printed more boldly than on the other bags.
Tried solutions:
We have already tested different lighting conditions and ensured that the Data Matrix is not obscured by any reflections. Additionally, we tested with an iPhone 12 and a Google Pixel 10.
Furthermore, we tried scanning the different Data Matrix codes with other decoders and encountered the same problem: the codes printed on the plain white plastic bags were not recognized. It seems that many decoders have difficulty decoding these specific printed Data Matrix codes. However, the Data Matrix scanner provided by Inlite Research successfully decodes the problematic barcodes. This decoder is available at: https://online-barcode-reader.inliteresearch.com/
The following data matrices work:
The following do not work (but are successfully decoded with the Inlite decoder):
