All About Barcode Scanners

A barcode scanner, also known as barcode reader, is an electronic device for reading printed barcodes. Like a flatbed scanner, it consists of a light source, a lens and a light sensor translating optical impulses into electrical ones. Additionally, nearly all barcode scanners contain decoder circuitry analyzing the barcode’s image data provided by the sensor and sending the barcode’s content to the scanner’s output port.

The first barcode scanner was utilized commercially thirty (30) years ago. Since then they have proven their value in automating workflow in retail, healthcare, industrial and municipal applications. There are many types of barcode scanners available with a wide range of features. The five categories of barcode scanners begin with Entry Level and Mid Level capabilities. The Entry Level scanners shoot a shorter range and are better for light or medium outlets like boutique retail stores. Mid Level barcode scanners can handle heavier traffic and offer an increased scanning range.

There are five basic kinds of barcode readers — pen wands, slot scanners, Charge-Couple Device ( CCD ) scanners, image scanners, and laser scanners. A pen wand is the simplest barcode reader. It contains no moving parts and is known for its durability and low cost. A slot scanner remains stationary and the item with the bar code on it is pulled by hand through the slot. Slot scanners are typically used to scan bar codes on identification cards. A CCD scanner has a better read-range than the pen wand and is often used in retail sales. An image scanner, also called a camera reader, uses a small video camera to capture an image of the bar code and then uses sophisticated digital image processing techniques to decode the bar code. A laser scanner, either hand-held or stationary, does not have to be close to the bar code in order to do its job. It uses a system of mirrors and lenses to allow the scanner to read the bar code regardless of orientation, and can easily read a bar code up to 24 inches away.