What to Know about Barcode Scanners and Readers

The simple black lines with spaces in between are the identification mark for the product which is labeled with the bar code. These bar codes are read with special instruments known as bar code scanner or bar code reader. These bar code scanners decode the bar code and all the information pertaining to the product comes on the computer screen.

From the earlier times the variety of bar codes reader and scanners are used. The earlier barcode scanner used were called as barcode wands. These wands consist of LED i.e. light emitting diode at their tip and a photo receptor too. The simple process of deciphering the bar code needs much expertise and experience which comes with the regular practice of reading the bar code with the bar code wand. The wand is held like a writing instrument and has no triggering button on it. It has to be moved back and forth so that it can read the bar code accurately.

The other type of bar code scanners are known as bar code CCD scanners which have completely replaced the bar code wands. Their cost is much low as compared to the bar code wand and have outperformed the magic wand. They use advanced technology and have multiple receivers and multiple LEDs. This helps them to scan the whole code in one single exposition so that the code can be read faster and with accuracy.

The latest barcode scanner used in market these days are bar code laser scanners. These are equipped with laser diode at the tip of scanning head. The beam released by the bar code scanner appears as a string of lights or a single powerful red light. If used on a stand, the laser will automatically catch the information the minute a barcode is detected by it. This is helpful in increasing the speed of reading the bar code and the user’s hands remain free.

As the technological advancement is taking place, it has led to the use of two-dimensional barcodes which can store up to 3000 bytes of information in the regular stamp sized bar code. But these bar codes cannot be read by the usual scanners available in the market. They require special readers for decoding. These special bar code scanners are called bar code imagers which are more similar to the digital cameras. They work by clicking a picture of the bar code and then decode it. It then transmits the picture to the host computer which needs the information.

Connecting Computers and Barcode Scanners

Connecting the computer with the bar code scanners is not a difficult task. The Macintosh computers require a USB barcode scanner. The same procedure applies for all the notebook computers which do not have the advantage of keyboard ports. The bar code scanners are connected to PCs with the help of key board wedge which is basically shaped like alphabet Y. It links the computer, the keyboard and the scanner. As soon as the scanner scans the information and passes on to the computer and when the need arises, it can reach the screen by issuing instructions via the keyboard.