How Barcode Scanner Works? Functions and Types

With the introduction of barcode scanners, it has become much easier for businesses to manage data entry and POS processing. These scanners are used in a myriad of industries including healthcare, retail, manufacturing, education, and so on. From tracking inventory, identifying books edition to making payments or checking flight tickets, barcode scanner is a great tool for accessing data related to a specific product.

Generally, these scanners use light beams for decoding the barcode’s pattern. Once encoded, the information is sent to the computer for further processing. Although they use different types of lasers, cameras, and sensors, but perform the same function of scanning and encoding barcodes.

Keep on reading to learn more about barcode scanners in the article below!

What is a Barcode Scanner?

A barcode scanner helps in capturing and reading the information present inside a barcode. It consists of an illumination system, decoder, and a sensor.

The scanner scans black and white lines present in a barcode by highlighting the code via the red light. After that, it is converted into the data which is forwarded to the computer for information.

What are the Types of Barcode Scanner?

There are different types of barcode scanners that are used for scanning and encoding information available in the barcodes. Here are the types of scanners you can consider:

• Pen Type Scanner: It has a LED light and a photodiode set on the tip which is used for scanning barcodes on different items.
• Laser Barcode Scanner: This type of scanner uses a flashing laser light beam to read the barcodes and capture information.
• CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) Scanner: This type of scanner comes with a row of mini sensors in the front. It generates waveforms which correspond to specific bars and spaces. After that, the data is decoded and sent to the computer.
• Camera-Based Scanner: The camera-based barcode scanner comes with a small camera that captures the barcode image. This image is then scanned in the scanner and the decoded barcode is transferred to the computer system.
• Fixed Barcode Scanners: The fixed scanners are mounted or fixed at the counter and the barcode is passed from it for decoding information.
• 2D Barcode Scanners: These scanners are wireless scanners that work on Bluetooth. It lets you scan barcodes from anywhere without relying on cable connection.

What are the Barcode Scanner Components?

The barcode scanner comprises of three components such as Illumination System, sensors, and the decoder that facilitate the encoding and decoding of information present inside a barcode. Here are details on how these components work-

• Illumination System: This system puts on the light on the required barcodes for reading the codes and preparing the image for relay that will be processed. Other scanners also use cameras or sensors to read barcodes.
• Sensor: The sensor takes the processed image and converts the code present into electrical signals or analog signals.
• The Decoder: The decoder reads the analog signals presented by the sensor and converts into useful information after validating the barcode through the check digit.

How Does Barcode Scanner Work?

Barcode scanner works in the following steps for decoding the barcode data:

Step 1: The scanner sheds the beam lights onto the barcode. However, other scanners also use cameras, sensors, or LED light for scanning.

Step 2: The light will reflect the barcode into the light-detection electronic component, the photoelectric cell.

Step 3: The scanner will move past the barcode and the photoelectric cell creates an on-off pulses pattern related to the barcode black and white stripes.

Step 4: The electronic circuit attached to the scanner then converts the pulses into digits.

Step 5: The digital data generated via scanner is sent to the configured computer system that finally figures out the barcode data.

Barcode Scanner vs Barcode Reader

Both barcode scanner and reader are used to capture and encode different types of barcodes. However, both are different from each other in several aspects as enumerated below:

What are Barcodes Used For?

Barcodes encode information into black and white bars and alphanumeric characters. The barcodes can be used to encode different types of information such as-

• Inventory Tracking: The barcodes are placed on inventory products along with their details to track, manage, and optimize the stock levels.
• Identity Card: Barcoded identity cards are issued to employees and students to provide access to facilities or store their information.
• Books: The barcodes are encoded at the end of different books like novels, children’s books, etc., with an International Standard Serial Number to identify its edition and author.
• Equipment Tracking: Many facilities put a barcode on their equipment to keep track of its details like purchase history, maintenance period, location, expiry date, etc.
• Flight Tickets: Flight tickets come with a barcode that provides the ticket checker with the relevant information related to the tickets and lets passengers enter the airport.
• Digital Payment: Most UPI apps generate a separate UPI ID and a QR code which is a 2D barcode to make and accept payments.

How to Get a Barcode Scanner?

To buy the right barcode scanner, you need to consider a few factors like the type of barcodes you will scan, your budget, product warranty, hardware requirement, and so on.

There are multiple retail outlets where you can buy a barcode scanner. However, you can also explore these scanners available on Techjockey.com at the lowest prices.

What are the Hardwares Required with Barcode Scanner?

You need a POS machine, computer system, USB cable, and a mounting device. The mounting device will help you to fix your hand-held barcode scanner. The USB cable will be used to connect your scanner to the POS machine and computer system for transferring data.

Similarly, the POS machine connected with the barcode scanner will automatically record all the information captured through it related to the barcode.

Conclusion

Most products, be it a book or a biscuit packet, have a barcode that successfully stores all the relevant data related to that product. By scanning these codes via a barcode scanner, you can easily decode the data and use it for product tracking and inventory management.

How Barcode Scanner Works: FAQs