BarcodeBarcode ReadersReaders

What are they?What are they?

Barcode readers are used to scan the image of Barcode readers are used to scan the image of a barcode and then be able to supply a number a barcode and then be able to supply a number of details pertaining to a particular product or of details pertaining to a particular product or item by which the barcode is featureditem by which the barcode is featured

How they WorkHow they Work They operate by reflecting light off the barcode imageThey operate by reflecting light off the barcode image Sensors are used to detect amount of reflected lightSensors are used to detect amount of reflected light Most make use of a decoder which arranges data into a character Most make use of a decoder which arranges data into a character

representation that imitates the keyboard (in terms of letters, representation that imitates the keyboard (in terms of letters, numbers etc) – eliminating the need for a dedicated software numbers etc) – eliminating the need for a dedicated software interface between computer and keyboard interface between computer and keyboard

Examples include Barcode Wands which use single LEDs to Examples include Barcode Wands which use single LEDs to illuminate a portion of the barcode. Barcode scanners based on illuminate a portion of the barcode. Barcode scanners based on charge couple devices (CCDs) which contain a single row of charge couple devices (CCDs) which contain a single row of photocells which each (photocell) transforms light into different photocells which each (photocell) transforms light into different levels of electrical current – these are then converted into levels of electrical current – these are then converted into binary between 0 and 255binary between 0 and 255

Advantages/DisadvantagesAdvantages/Disadvantages

Advantages:Advantages:1.1. Fairly user friendly (point and scan)Fairly user friendly (point and scan)

2.2. Eliminates need for dedicated software between Eliminates need for dedicated software between computer and keyboardcomputer and keyboard