Today, barcode technology is used in every industry, every organization, irrespective of its size. Barcode appears like a picture or image, having a combination of lines and spaces. But, for decoding barcode data we need a barcode scanner.
Barcode scanners are photosensors that read the barcodes and convert them into readable text for reader flexibility. This process appears to be more complex, but barcode scanners can complete it in few seconds time.
Different varieties of barcode scanners
Today, barcode scanners are available in different varieties based on their form and their scanning technologies, many brands are released in to the market like symbol scanners in forms of handheld, mobile, wearable shapes with cordless or wireless technologies.
Wand Barcode Scanners
Wand barcode readers must be swiped over the toal barcode, at a fixed speed and at specific angle. These type of models are especially used in ATMs, to know the product information.
Fixed-Mount Barcode Scanners
Fixed-mount barcode scanners read barcodes, when they are passed through the front screen of the scanner. These types are largely used in work-in-progress applications like transportation, manufacturing industries. Also these type of scanners are used in laboratory, security identification and kiosk applications, which provide services to various customers.
Linear Imager Barcode Scanners
Linear imager barcode scanners are also known as CCD scanners or CCD LR (long range) scanners or full array imagers. This type of barcode scanners are applicable for distance based works, whose workplace is faraway from the scanner.
Laser Barcode Scanners
Laser scanners use a laser beam as the light source and typically employ either a reciprocating mirror or a rotating prism to scan the laser beam back and forth, across the barcode. These barcode scanners are used in various industries for special purposes.
Omnidirectional Barcode Scanners
Omnidirectional barcode scanners can read a barcode from any direction, unlike handheld barcode scnners, which are to be held only in perpendicular direction to the label. Because of this feature, they make the scanning process faster. These are very appropriate to be used in retail outlets, where the sales take place in bulk and also very fast.
2D Barcode Scanners
2D barcode scanners use a combination of technology of digital camera and software for decoding barcode label data. These scanners can read both 1d and 2d barcode labels. Hence, due to this type of technology, versatility and accuracy of these scanners, they are gaining high popularity.