Barcodes Scanner Functionality

By Author: john taylor
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Barcode Software creates and prints numerous customized barcodes to attach to various products in markets. These barcode symbols are scanned by barcode scanner to read out information printed on barcodes attached to inventory items.

Introduction to Barcode Scanner

Barcode Scanner is immobile and electronic device used to read barcodes information and convert them into digital code in the form of ASCII or EBCDIC characters. Barcode Scanners decode the information printed on barcodes attached with products to fetch data in meaningful form and get required details like product name, product id, product price, quantity, company name, supplier name and other important information concerning objects.

How to read information printed on barcodes using Barcode Scanner?

Barcode Scanner also referred as Barcode Reader scans data printed on barcodes in the following manner:

Barcode Scanner consists of three main components including the illumination system, the sensor/converter and the decoder.

1. Illumination system
2. Sensor/Converter
3. Decoder

The process of scanning starts ...
... when a red beam of light is illuminated on the code. Sensor observes the reflected light from the illumination system and produces an analog signal. This analog signal having a variety of voltages corresponds to lack of intensity of reflection. The converter transforms the analog signal into digital signal which is transferred to the decoder. The decoder interprets the digital signal and performs mathematical computations in a very accurate manner. Decoder verifies whether barcode is comprehensible or not, changes them into ASCII text, apply text formatting and send it to the computer system to which the scanner is attached.

Categorization of Barcode Scanner

Barcode Scanners can be classified into various scanners on the basis of their scanning methods like pen type scanners, laser barcode scanners, omni-directional barcode scanners, CCD scanners, 2-dimensioal scanners and many more.

1. Pen Type Scanners

Pen type scanners or wand scanners comprise of a photodiode placing adjacent to a source of light. Photodiode quantifies reflected light intensity when the scanner swipes across the barcode in a steady motion. They are economical, small in size and very robust to be applied for desktop applications.

2. Laser Barcode Scanners

In laser barcode scanners, a laser beam is implemented as a light source to read information printed on barcodes. An oscillating mirror or a rotating prism is used that is responsible for moving laser beam in backward and forward direction crosswise the barcode.

3. Omni-directional barcode scanners

Omni-directional barcode scanners exercise laser beam and a collection of permanent or revolving mirrors and scan barcodes information in any direction. Omni-directional barcode scanners are designed for retail business and inventory applications.

4. CCD Scanners

Charged Coupled Device Scanners determines light intensity through use of small light sensors. Several sensors are put together in a row to build up a voltage pattern matching to the pattern in the barcode.

5. 2D Scanners

2D scanners employ a tiny camera to capture barcode image and read information printed on barcodes. 2D scanners give rapid data access and can read linear barcodes like UPC or 2-dimensional barcodes like PDF 417 omni-directionally.

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