Barcode scanners are those electronic devices required to read the information stored in barcodes. They can come as hand held devices or stationary desktops and can be connected to computers through special compatible ports. Barcode scanner is consist of decoder and code reader, as both are vital for showing the stored information.
The very first barcode scanner, which came into the market was quite simple, uncomplicated and cheap with a fixed light and photo sensor. The ones available in the market today are a marked contrast to such as they integrate laser scanning technology and polygonal mirrors. Laser scanners are sharp to read the barcode from any angle and are very quick.
VARIETIES OF BARCODES
The different varieties of barcode include hands-free, hand-held, laser, wearable, rugged and digital scan engines. The simplest and most portable ones are the pen-wand scanners. However, the only limiting aspect with pen-wand scanners is that they require coming in direct contact with the barcode and need to place a particular angle and for reading the barcode in question.
These days, one comes across digital cameras, which have the resolution needed to capture single as well as dimensional barcodes. The different types of barcode scanners include the following:
- Imager Scanner – This barcode scanner can take an image of the barcode have no movable parts and is more rugged.
- LED Scanner – This is also known as the CCD Scanners. Instead of being the light source, the CCD is the photo-imaging sensor.
- 2D Imager Scanner – This has the technology to capture 2D image of the barcode and could scan 2D barcodes such as Datamax, together with the linear barcode found oftentimes.
- Laser Scanner – These type of barcode scanners have a long scanning distance and are quite expensive.
- PDA Scanner – These are PDAs, which come along with an in-built barcode reader
- Stationary Scanner – These scanners are wall-mounted or fixed on a table. It can scan a barcode, which is passed beside them or under them.
- Wireless Barcode Scanners – These type of scanners are small. It has a handle and a trigger button to begin the light source.
- Fixed Position Scanner – This type of scanner is good for industrial purposes. The barcodes are produced to make a unique identity throughout the process for logistical and manufacturing process. These are utilized on packed boxes or cartons for pallets, which have to still go through some procedures and reach another location.
- Mobile Barcode Scanners – These type of scanners are the latest technological innovation and make use of colors as well as 2D code format known as mCode, for scanning barcodes of different types.
- Pen or Wand Scanner – This kind of scanner needs to be swiped across the barcode to read it.
With such a wide variety of barcode items available in the market today, make sure that you purchase the right scanner for your application. Bear in mind those different types of scanners work in different working environments. Select the barcode scanner based on your industry and requirements.
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