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Introduction to Barcode Scanners
What is a Barcode Scanner?
A Barcode Scanner is a device that uses a
laser or other technology to collect and
interpret barcodes on consumer products,
shipping labels and many other items.
Barcode Scanners are used around the world
because they can collect information quickly
and accurately. Barcode Scanners are used
everywhere, from retail checkout counters to
delivery companies to movie and sports
tickets to medical information bracelets.
How does a Barcode Scanner work?
A Barcode Scanner scans the barcode using a
laser or other technology. Before the
information contained in the barcode can be
used, it must be decoded by software which
is either incorporated within the Barcode
Scanner itself or in the form of software on
a desktop, laptop, server, PDA or other
computer. This turns the alternating black
and white bars seen on a product into a
string of letters and/or numbers that can
then be used to look up pricing, inventory
or other information for that product.
Barcode Scanner Characteristics
A Barcode Scanner can use several different
types of scanning technology to scan the
barcode. Barcode Scanner types include:
Laser Barcode Scanner
CCD Barcode Scanner
Imaging Barcode Scanner
Omni-Directional Barcode Scanner
Some barcodes
are more complicated than just black and
white lines, such as two-dimensional
barcodes. These often have a
checkerboard-style pattern and can hold more
data than a regular barcode. For scanning
these barcodes, try the following types of
Barcode Scanner:
2D
Barcode Scanner
PDF417 Barcode Scanner
A Barcode Scanner can use various connection
methods to transmit the data it collects to
a computer. These connection methods
include:
USB
Barcode Scanner
PS2 Keyboard Wedge Barcode Scanner
RS-232 (Serial) Barcode Scanner
RF / Cordless / Wireless Barcode Scanner
Batch Barcode Scanner
Bluetooth Barcode Scanner
A Barcode Scanner can come in many shapes
and sizes, from handheld to
countertop-mounted, based on the
application. Barcode Scanner design types
include:
Handheld Barcode Scanner
Pen / Wand Barcode Scanner
Wearable Barcode Scanner
Fixed Mount Barcode Scanner
Barcode Scanner Types
Laser Barcode Scanner
Barcode
Scanner Type
Laser
Barcode Scanner
A
Laser Barcode Scanner uses a rapidly-moving
laser to shine a particular frequency of
light at the black and white bars of a
barcode. The laser light is reflected off
the barcode and read by a photo diode in the
barcode scanner. The barcode scanner then
interprets the reflection data and decodes
it into useful data. To use a Laser Barcode
Scanner, simply hold it near the barcode
(read distances vary by model) and click the
button or trigger. A Laser Barcode Scanner
is suitable for almost any use, reads
barcodes quickly and is very affordable. The
Symbol LS 2208 is an excellent Laser Barcode
Scanner for any application.
CCD Barcode Scanner
A
CCD Barcode Scanner works much like a Laser
Barcode Scanner, but instead of shining a
laser at the barcode, the CCD Barcode
Scanner measures light reflected from a
series of light-emitting diodes (LEDs). This
technology is older and not as fast as a
Laser Barcode Scanner, but usually costs
less. Some CCD Barcode Scanner models can
read 2D barcodes. To use a CCD Barcode
Scanner, hold it near the barcode (read
distances vary by model) and click the
button or trigger. Choose the Opticon LGP
6125 for CCD scanning.
Imaging Barcode Scanner
An Imaging Barcode Scanner works much like a
camera, taking a picture of the barcode and
then using software to collect the barcode
data from the image. An Imaging Barcode
Scanner is ideal for two-dimensional (2D)
and PDF417 barcodes and generally read
quickly. The Intermec ScanImage 1470 Imager
is suited for a wide spectrum of industries.
Omni-Directional Barcode Scanner
An Omni-Directional Barcode Scanner (also
known as a Projection Barcode Scanner) works
just like a Laser Barcode Scanner with the
addition of several mirrors and other
reflective devices to transform one laser
line into many, all at different angles.
This allows fast reading of barcodes at any
angle, making an Omni-Directional Barcode
Scanner perfect for point of sale
installations, such as at a grocery store.
The Symbol LS 9208 delivers both a
high-performance processor and an innovative
100-line omnidirectional scan pattern for
increased productivity at checkout.
2D Barcode Scanner
A 2D Barcode Scanner can interpret
two-dimensional barcodes, which store data
in two dimensions, rather than in just a
series of black and white bars. 2D barcodes
look like checkerboards or a series of
traditional barcodes stacked atop one
another. 2D Barcode Scanners use both CCD
and Imaging technology to read barcodes. The
PSC PowerScan has been specifically designed
to meet the demands of industrial users.
PDF417 Barcode Scanner
A PDF417 Barcode Scanner is just like a 2D
Barcode Scanner, but also includes the
ability to read PDF417 barcodes, which are a
specific type of 2D barcode. PDF417 Barcode
Scanners use both CCD and Imaging technology
to read barcodes. The Metrologic MS9544
Voyager PDF is capable of decoding
two-dimensional bar codes including PDF417,
PDF417 truncated, and RSS composite.
USB Barcode Scanner
A USB Barcode Scanner uses the computer's
USB (Universal Serial Bus) connection to
transmit data from the barcode scanner to
the computer. USB is a fast, easy-to-use
connection which uses the computer's own
power supply to power the barcode scanner.
Through the use of a USB hub, many USB
peripherals can be connected to the same
computer at the same time. The HHP ImageTeam
4800 is the first USB scanner powered by
Adaptus imaging technology.
PS2 Keyboard Wedge Barcode Scanner
A PS2 Keyboard Wedge Barcode Scanner
connects to the keyboard port on a computer.
When a barcode is scanned, the data appears
on the screen just as though it had been
entered via the keyboard. Keyboard Wedge
Barcode Scanners come with a 'Y' connector
which allows the keyboard and the scanner to
be connected and used at the same time. This
is a very simple and easy-to-install type of
Barcode Scanner, but it does not allow any
modification or re-ordering of the barcode's
data before displaying it on the screen. The
Metrologic MS9520 Voyager can be used as
both a handheld and fixed projection scanner
with its keyboard wedge interface.
RS232 Serial Barcode Scanner
A RS232 Serial Barcode Scanner connects to
the computer's serial port and sends its
information to the screen or to any program.
A Serial Barcode Scanner is more complex
than a Keyboard Wedge Barcode Scanner, but
much more versatile: barcode data can be
edited, re-ordered or otherwise changed
before it is displayed, allowing
customization of applications collecting and
using barcode data. The PSC QS6000 Plus
serial scanner has a high first pass read
rate and the best speed-to-read of any
scanner in its class.
Wireless Barcode Scanner
A Wireless Barcode Scanner (also known as an
RF Barcode Scanner or a Cordless Barcode
Scanner) operate on wireless frequencies
like a cordless phone. A Wireless Barcode
Scanner transmits scanned data to a base
station which is connected to the computer.
The base station also doubles as a battery
charger for the scanner. Wireless Barcode
Scanner models vary by transmission range
and by battery life, and are ideal for
warehouses and retail stores. The Intermec
Sabre 1552 has a cordless design to
eliminates cables for safer and more
reliable scanning.
Batch Barcode Scanner
A Batch Barcode Scanner work much like a
Wireless Barcode Scanner: A base station is
connected to a computer, while the scanner
can move freely without wires. The
difference is in transmission: A Batch
Barcode Scanner scans barcodes and stores
the data until it is returned to its cradle.
A Batch Barcode Scanner is excellent for
store inventory processes. The Symbol P360
batch scanner allows collection of up to
53,000 bar codes while lasting up to 12
hours on a single charge.
Bluetooth Barcode Scanner
A Bluetooth Barcode Scanner is very similar
to a Wireless Barcode Scanner but uses
Bluetooth technology to transmit its data.
The Bluetooth interface has a shorter range
than other wireless technologies but is
found in many small devices such as cell
phones and PDAs. This makes the Bluetooth
Barcode Scanner flexible since it can
interact with a much wider array of devices.
The Metrologic MS9535 Voyager BT
communicates with its own base station or
with other Bluetooth-equipped devices such
as PCs, laptops and barcode printers.
Handheld Barcode Scanner
A Handheld Barcode Scanner has a formed
handle that allows comfortable use for long
periods of time. Retail, Warehouse and other
applications benefit the most from user
comfort since employees must use the scanner
daily. This is the most typical type of
Barcode Scanner and can be found in many
different styles and shapes. The Microscan
MS-Q Quadrus combines the power of
Microscan's popular smart camera Quadrus EZ
into a portable handheld device.
Pen Barcode Scanner
A Pen Barcode Scanner (also known as a Wand
Barcode Scanner) is the simplest type of
barcode scanner. The tip of the Pen Barcode
Scanner contains a light source and a photo
diode. The pen is dragged across the barcode
evenly and steadily and interprets the data.
Since the tip must be in contact with the
barcode and the motion steady, scans are not
as quick as with a Laser or CCD Barcode
Scanner. At the same time, the lack of
moving parts means this type of scanner can
withstand harsh conditions and can be made
very small, making it good for portable
devices. The PSC Wand features a sealed,
self-cleaning ruby tip for long life and low
drag, plus special optics for reliable
barcode reading.
Wearable Barcode Scanner
A Wearable Barcode Scanner fits on the hand
or finger to provide ergonomic benefits to
the user. Wearable Barcode Scanner models
are usually wireless and can be found at
sporting events and theatrical performances
for scanning tickets, plus anywhere the user
benefits from having two hands free without
having to pick up the scanner to use it. The
Symbol WSS 1040 leaves the user's hands
totally free for handling packages,
products, inventory or materials.
Fixed Mount Barcode Scanner
A Fixed Mount Barcode Scanner is installed
at a predetermined position and used by
dragging items over or past it. Grocery and
Retail checkout lanes use fixed mount
scanners to speed scanning of customer
purchases: only the item must be moved,
allowing users to move heavy objects without
having to handle the scanner as well. A
Fixed Mount Barcode Scanner is ideal for
assembly lines or in shipping facilities -
when items move past on a conveyor they are
scanned automatically, without requiring a
manual presence. The Microscan MS-710 is
ideal for fast-moving barcode label
scanning.
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