Remote crane bar code system

A system for remotely scanning objects comprising:

• an imaging system positioned remotely from said objects and arranged to image said objects, said imaging system having an adjustable lens for magnifying said image;
• an interface for displaying an image of said objects and adapted for receiving a location input for an identification tag attached to a desired object based on a location in said image;
• and
• a processor connected to said imaging system and said interface;
• wherein said processor uses said location input to orient said imaging system towards said tag, commands said adjustable lens to magnify said tag, and reads information identifying characteristics of said desired object provided by said tag.

A method for aligning a tag in an image, said tag being affixed to an object and having indicia thereon, said method comprising the steps of:

• obtaining an image of said object having at least a portion of said tag visible in said image;
• arranging at least one sensor on said image;
• identifying at least one marking on said tag using said at least one sensor, said at least one marking indicative of the position of said tag in said image, and indicative of a respective region of interest in said image corresponding to at least a portion of indicia on said tag, each of said respective regions of interest intersecting one of said at least one sensor;
• computing an average position of said at least one marking to determine a deviation of said average position from a preferred position;
• and
• aligning said tag in said image according to said deviation.