Know About Different Laser Bar Code Reader Technologies

Laser Bar Code Reader ensures better business process performance through efficient and accurate automatic product identification. Several barcode technologies have been developed to help track inventory tracking, control inventory movement, improve operational efficiency, increase employee productivity, and more. Various types of barcode technology in healthcare, hospitality, retail, manufacturing, distribution, warehousing, etc.

Laser Bar Code Reader Technology

Deciding which barcode reader technology to use depends on the type of barcode to be scanned, the environment in which it will be used, and the type of connection required (ie USB, serial, or keyboard).

Pen Reader

Pen Laser Bar Code Reader, also known as sticky barcode readers, consist of a light source and a photodiode placed next to each other at the tip of the pen. As the pen passes through the barcode, the photodiode measures the intensity of the light reflected from the surface. The resulting waveform represents the exact width of the bars and distances in the barcode. The dark colors of the bands absorb the light, while the white areas reflect it, creating a specific wave pattern. 

This voltage waveform is then converted by the pen reader for quick retrieval of product information. Since barcode readers are manually scanned via barcodes, they are not limited to displaying a barcode. It requires the user to pass the stick across the barcode at a constant speed and a certain angle. Pen readers are not the most efficient scanners, but they are small, very durable, and economical. Pen barcode reader for small-size desktop applications.

Laser Bar Code Reader

Laser Bar Code Reader provides more accurate barcode readings because a laser beam is used instead of a light source. An oscillating mirror or rotating prism is used to move the laser beam back and forth across the barcode. The brightness and clarity of the laser beam ensure accurate barcode reading and greater accuracy. Laser scanners can read barcodes from greater distances and are ideal for applications that require reading barcodes under strong light.

CCD Reader

CCD (Charging Dual Device) readers, also known as linear imaging Laser Bar Code Reader, consist of an array of small light sensors that measure the intensity of the light in front of them. Line graphs can effectively read barcodes from inches to feet. They are stronger and designed to withstand harsh working conditions. Linear imaging equipment is used in a variety of areas including retail, distribution, shipping, receiving, and inventory.

Camera-Based Reader

The latest Laser Bar Code Reader technologies are camera-based barcode readers or 2D imaging scanners. They take an image of the barcode with a small camera and then process the image using advanced digital image processing techniques to decode the barcode. The reader forms images using sensors arranged in hundreds of rows. 2D barcode scanners can even retrieve wrinkled or damaged information from barcode labels. These scanners can read barcodes that move at faster speeds, such as cartons on conveyor belts. 2D barcode scanners read barcodes in all directions, so barcodes can be oriented in any direction. Some 2D barcode readers can also take pictures and digital signatures.

Omni-Directional Barcode Scanner

Omni-Directional barcode scanners spread the laser beam in all directions, allowing barcodes to be read from every possible angle. A rotating mirror and a set of fixed mirrors are used in omnidirectional barcode scanners to generate the pattern of the laser beam. These scanners have higher barcode scanning capabilities, ranging from a few inches to a few feet. Omnidirectional Laser Bar Code Reader can be used in retail environments where barcodes must be read from a distance of inches or in industries where barcodes are read from a distance of several feet in harsh conditions. It can likewise peruse standardized identifications in the event that they are torn, badly creased, or harmed.

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Phone Camera

The barcode scanning app is now available for some phones with cameras. Certain 2D barcodes, such as QR and Data Matrix codes, are optimized for mobile phone scanning. Although the technology is still in its infancy, it opens up a wide range of opportunities for possible applications. Currently, barcode scanning applications are available for iPhones and a few mobile phones using Google's Android platform. A large portion of these applications is planned as shopping instruments. 

They use barcode numbers to search many sites like Amazon and Google for product information, price comparisons, and customer reviews. Some even use GPS in their phone to locate the nearest store in stock. Mobile phone barcode scanning can be used for a variety of other purposes, such as providing access to valid ticket holders in venues, personal finance, inventory reporting, asset tracking, shopping, and more. Laser Bar Code Reader technology should be selected based on the specific application of each business. Barcode readers should be fast, easy to use, and durable enough to withstand working conditions, whether in an office, retail store, factory, warehouse, off-the-job site, or in a vehicle.