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[H53]Hand Held Barcode Scanners

by Deric M., Der

Barcode scanners are electronic devices that were designed for printed barcodes. Just like a flatbed scanner, a barcode scanner has a light source and a light sensor that translates optical impulses into electric ones. In most cases, barcode scanners have a decoder circuitry that analyzes the barcode's image data provided by the sensor and sending the barcode's content to the scanner's output port.

As far as the scanning methods are concerned, these are differentiated by the amount of the operator manipulation necessary:

?Semi-automatic handheld readers ? the operator need not swipe but must at least put the reader near the label;

?Fix-mount readers ? designed for automatic reading. The reading is done laterally passing the label over the reader. For this, no operator is required, however the position of the code target must coincide with the imagining capability of the reader;

?Pen type readers ? the operator swipes the pen over the code;

?Reader gates for automatic scanning ? for this, the position of the code must be just under the gate for a very short time thus enabling the scanner sweep to capture the code target properly.

There are different technologies used for barcode scanners, the most important ones are:

?Pen type readers ? use a light source and a photodiode that are situated next to each other in the tip of a wand or pen. In order to read a bar code, the tip of the pen moves across the bars in a steady motion. The above mentioned photodiode is designed for measuring the intensity of the light reflected back from the light source and generates a waveform which is used for measuring the widths of the bars and spaces in the bar code.

?Laser scanners ? they work just like the pen type readers with a single exception: they use a laser beam as the light source and usually employ either a rotating prism or a reciprocating mirror in order to scan the laser beam back and forth across the entire bar code. Just like in pen type readers, a laser scanner uses a photodiode for measuring the intensity of the light reflected back from the bar code.

?CCD readers ? use an array of hundreds of small-sized sensors that are lined up forming a row in the reader's head. Each of the sensors can be considered to be a single photodiode that is designed for measuring the intensity of the light immediately in front of it. The main difference between a CCD reader and laser scanners or pen type readers is that the CCD reader is measuring the emitted ambient light from the bar code in comparison with the other two which are measuring the reflected light from a specific frequency originating from the scanner itself.

?Camera-based scanners ? are considered the newest type of bar code readers available on the market. They use a small-sized video camera for capturing an image from a bar code. The reader afterwards uses sophisticated digital image processing methods for decoding the bar code. Video cameras use the exact same CCD technology as in a CCD bar code reader with a little difference; instead of having a single row of sensors, a video camera has literally hundreds of rows of sensors arranged in a 2D array in order to generate an image.

All things considered, barcode scanners/readers have greatly evolved since they were first introduced. They are now very easy to implement and use and hopefully will become more affordable in the future.

Barcode scanners are electronic devices that reads unique codes imprinted on a special sticker. It basically is composed of a light source, light sensors and lens. The light sensor translates the optical impulses to the electrical ones. The machine has a decoder circuitry that analyzes the image data provided from the sensor. Data will then be sent to the scanner's output port.

Each commercial item is given a unique code. It could be a combination of letters, numbers and/or other characters. This is then imprinted on special stickers or labels which the barcode scanner could read.

There are many types of barcode scanners available in the market today. It differs from how it works (method), the type of technology and the housing type. The methods of scanning are distinguished from the amount of manipulation that the operator has.

There is a pen type, semi-automatic handheld, fix-mount for automatic scanning and reader gates type for automatic scanning. The pen type scanners are used by swiping over the code to the pen. Semi-automatic handheld scanners are held very close to the label. In fix-mount scanners, the target must coincide with the scanner's imaging capability. The label will be passed over the scanner. In the reader gates for automatic scanning, the code is under the gate for scanning purposes.

We could differentiate the three in further detail. The pen type scanners have light source and photodiode. In this type, there is a steady move of the tip of the pen to the bars. This is done in steady motion. The laser type functions the same as the pen type. The only difference is that the first one works with a laser beam.

CCD readers are often referred as LED scanners. This scanner uses light sensors. Camera Based Readers use 2D imaging. This uses small video camera to be able to capture the bar code image. Omni Directional Scanning use pattern of beams so the scanner can read barcodes.

The housing types of barcodes include handheld scanner, Pen Scanner, Stationary Scanner, Fixed position scanner, PDA Scanner and Automatic Reader.

The major role or use of barcode scanner is to capture the data in the printed material. The data is then transmitted to the computer system to translate this information and save it to a database. All scanners are compatible with different computers.

The wireless barcode scanner was recently introduced. This is the most modern innovation so far. It is more expensive since it is a fairly new product, yet very portable and handy to many businesses. It makes it easier to use without cords. It can be taken anywhere without limitations.

Stockrooms are usually very big and the ceilings are very high. The employees could easily bring this machine with them without having to drag a long uncoiled wire, or without thinking of where the nearest power outlet is.

There are also two types of wireless barcode scanners: the cordless and the Bluetooth. The cordless barcode scanners are just like the cordless phones. They function even without a wire. The Bluetooth barcode scanner is a different one. This type of scanner works by receiving frequencies on air. It could easily transfer data also in computers or any device with Bluetooth USB ports.

Wireless or traditional, these barcode scanners have revolutionized the operation system of many businesses. It made dealings, record keepings, inventories and sales more reliant and effective. It also greatly reduced cases of pilferage, theft or stealing.

Article Source : Small Things In Life

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Both Deric M. & David H. Urmann are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

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