Different Types of Barcode Reading Technologies

Barcodes are machine-readable characters in the form of black and white bars that are used mainly in business for better operation and management. Barcode systems are used for business purposes mainly for accuracy and simpler processing. This system is preferred most by retailers and business owners because of its reduced number of equipments and faster processing. Barcode reader forms the major equipment in this automated system since it reads and identifies the codes for accurate access. There are different scanning technologies used in barcode systems, some of which are listed below.

Laser Scanners: This is the mostly used barcode scanning technology and it uses laser beam for reading the codes. Because of its greater efficiency, laser scanners are employed in majority of business operations. It seems slightly expensive but gives an excellent performance with reduced maintenance. Accuracy matters a lot when it comes to barcode automation and is excellently satisfied by laser scanners. Another advantage of this scanning technology is that it can capture the images from a longer distance when compared to other scanning technologies.

Projection Barcode Scanners: This type of scanning technology works similar to laser barcode scanning but allows fast reading of barcodes in any direction. A pattern of beams are produced in this system that makes the barcode scanner read codes from any different angles. An excellent advantage of projection barcode scanners also known as Omni-directional scanners is that it can be implemented in simple retail uses to industrial purposes. This automated system has a set of rotating mirrors that provides higher efficiency barcode automation in a faster rate.

Pen/Wand Barcode Scanners: A photodiode placed along with the light source is the feature of this type of barcode reader. Being used in simple applications, the photodiode measures the reflected light intensity and ensures a faster barcode scanning. A pen or wand is used to move across the black and white bars and generates a waveform, which is decoded by the scanner in a better way.

CCD Scanners: Small light sensors are used in this scanning technology to measure light intensity which in turn generates a voltage pattern identical to the barcode pattern. The unique feature that distinguishes CCD barcode readers from other types is that it measures emitted ambient light and not the reflected light.

2D Scanners: Being one of the achievements of recent technology, 2D scanners require a camera for reading barcodes in the form of images. This type of scanning technology reads barcodes faster and decodes it using digital image processing for computers to read. Mobil barcodes are common in trend nowadays because of its operational efficiency, accuracy and advanced technology. Barcode systems implemented in mobile phones are being used today in shopping malls, retail outlets, online ticket booking and many other purposes.