Summary: Barcode scanners are used in several industries to capture and interpret the data present inside a barcode. How does this barcode scanner work? Get more information from the article below!
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!
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.
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:
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-
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.
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:
| Metrics | Barcode Scanners | Barcode Readers |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Used for basic barcode scanning in supermarkets, retail stores, etc. | Used for more advanced scanning such as in logistics, warehouses, etc. |
| Device Type | They are generally handheld devices | They are both hand-held and fixed position devices |
| Accuracy | Less accurate as they are scanned from a single angle. | More accurate as code is scanned from several angles |
| Speed | They are generally slow as they rely on optical recognition | They are faster as they do not rely on optical recognition |
| Angle | Scans the barcode from the front angle | Scans the barcode from multiple angle |
Barcodes encode information into black and white bars and alphanumeric characters. The barcodes can be used to encode different types of information such as-
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.
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.
The barcode reader and scanner utilize a photo sensor for converting the barcode into an electrical signal through measuring its bars and spaces. After that, it translates patterns into various characters which can be read by the computer.
The barcode scanner first puts the light on the barcode to scan it. Once scanned, the barcode is binarized and encoded by the encoder. Lastly, the encoded data in the form of readable information is transmitted to the computer for further procedure.
The barcode reader directs a light beam over the barcode and measures the light’s amount and pattern which is reflected. The scanner then converts this light energy into electrical energy. This energy is then converted into useful data via a decoder and forwarded to the required computer.
Barcodes and QR codes are generated via software. The user needs to decide the data type you need to add in the barcode and select the appropriate barcode format. Once done, the required software will generate unique machine-readable barcode automatically.
Both barcode reader and barcode scanner perform similar scanning functions. However, they both are different in some ways, like scanners are generally handheld devices whereas readers are generally fixed located devices. Similarly, barcode scanner scans the barcode from a single angle whereas barcode reader scans it from multiple angles, and so on.
You can use 5 types of barcode readers to read and decode the barcodes including (charge-coupled device) scanners, laser scanners, slot scanners, image scanner, and pen wands. However, you can choose any of them based on the size and need of your company.
A card reader is used to read information present in debit or credit card via chips. Whereas, a scanner can read the data present on any product, paper, etc., in the form of barcodes.
The optical character reader helps in converting the typed or handwritten documents into machine readable format. Whereas barcode reader scans the barcode to provide the encoded data present in it.
There are three types of barcode scanning methods available to read a barcode including CCD method, laser method, and pen method.
You need to download a barcode scanner application for your device from the play store and app store. Once downloaded, you need to point out the device camera on the barcode, and then the app will automatically provide information present in the barcode.
QR codes comprise of various squares, dots, hexagons, etc, for encoding data. They are best decoded via 2D barcode scanners. However, they cannot be encoded with general 1D barcode scanners.
There is no doubt that remote access technology has proven to be very helpful in… Read More
Introducing Xoriant Corporation, leading player in the era of product development, engineering, and consulting… Read More
The dark web is a part of the internet that isn't indexed by standard search… Read More
A strong sales pipeline is indispensable for the expansion of every business organization. It's simply… Read More
In our earlier blogs, we have already discussed website cookies. Now, we will try to… Read More
Remote desktop software, which is also known as remote access software, allows users to interact… Read More
