Implementing a barcoding system can be a huge benefit to your business.Several types of barcode scanners are available in the market, varying in the methods of scanning and the technologies they use to read and decode the barcodes.
First, there are four methods of scanning implemented in barcode scanners: the pen-type, semi-automatic, fixed-mounted, and gate readers. Both the pen-type and the semi-automatic scanners need an operator to function. In using the pen-type reader, the pen needs to be swiped directly over the barcode for it to capture the image. This may seem inconvenient, but pen readers are still widely used today because of their portability and durability. The semi-automatic readers are handheld but can also be mounted easily. This is the commonly used scanner during inventory. It works like the pen-type scanner, but it does not require contact or swiping to get the image; the reader only needs to be pointed in front of the label.
The better choices for barcode systems of large-scale businesses are the fixed-mounted and the gate readers as they can automatically read barcodes and, thus, speed up the process. For the fixed-mount scanners, the item just needs to be directed on top of the device's image-capturing component, and it automatically reads and decodes the barcode. This type of scanner is common in the barcode systems of supermarkets. Gate readers, on the other hand, just need the items to be placed under the reader for a short time to allow for processing. These are perfect for assembly lines and conveyor belts.
Secondly, regarding technologies applied in scanning and decoding, there are also several options available. First is the one used in a pen or wand scanners. This uses a light source and photodiodes to capture and decode barcode labels. It works by directing light in front of the barcode labels and then measuring the amount of light reflected back to the pen.
The photodiode generates a wave-like pattern, and the pattern is used by the scanner's decoder to decipher the code. In the same manner, a laser reader also uses photodiodes to decipher the code. The difference lies in the source of light they use; the laser reader uses a laser beam. Also, the laser scanner has a rotating prism that keeps the beam moving back and forth through the barcode, thus, eliminating the need to swipe the scanner over the label.
The CCD (charge-coupled device), meanwhile, uses the emitted light from the barcode themselves to generate a pattern. It uses hundreds of tiny light sensors on its reader that measures the light from the barcode, and the voltage that results from the emission is what creates the pattern. Large field-of-view readers and video camera readers, on the other hand, use cameras to capture the barcode image and then an image-processing program to decode it. This is the newest type of technology used in barcode systems regarding barcode scanning.
The most common barcode scanners in barcode systems of various industries, however, still use the omnidirectional scanners. This is the most complex type of technology, but it is also the one that delivers the best result as it can read un-flattened, torn, skewed, and even faded barcodes. To do this, it uses several scanning lines in varying angles and directions as well as a rotating polygonal mirror and several other stationary mirrors. Visit site to know more.