What are the Different Types of Barcode Scanners — Ejobber Limited
Barcodes and barcode scanners are an essential part of our daily lives and any successful business. Scanning systems are important in a variety of industries, including healthcare, retail, grocery, travel, and manufacturing.
What Are Barcodes?
Barcodes are data codes that contain critical data and information about a particular product. Different numbers and letters are encoded using varying lengths and widths of bars and spaces. These codes are vital for accurate inventory management.
What Kind Of Information Can A Barcode Contain?
Character sets are classified into three categories:
• Numeric — only includes numbers (0–9)
• Full ASCII — contains any ASCII character (value 0–127)
- Alpha-numeric — a combination of numbers and alphabetic characters (0–9 and A-Z)
There is no standard format for barcodes. They do, however, have unique features based on how they are created. The following characteristics distinguish different types of barcodes:
• Dimensions
• Linearity
• Capability
• The material used
• Checksum requirement
With so many options available, determining which barcodes will best suit your products, inventory, or assets can be difficult.
Barcode Types
There are two types of barcodes: one-dimensional (1D or linear) and two-dimensional (2D). They are used in a variety of applications and, in some cases, are scanned using various technologies. The layout and amount of data that can be stored in each is the difference between 1D and 2D barcodes, but both can be used effectively in a variety of automatic identification applications.
One-Dimensional (1D) Barcode
One-dimensional (or 1D) barcodes represent data systematically by varying the widths and spacings of parallel lines. These include some of the most well-known and traditional barcode types, such as UPC and EAN codes. Linear barcodes are another name for 1D barcodes.
The length of a one-dimensional barcode is directly proportional to the amount of information it can hold. As a result, users must limit the number of characters in each code to between 8 and 15. 1D barcodes are widely used in enterprise operations to save time and improve the efficiency of inventory workflows.
Universal Product Codes (UPC)
These barcodes, which can be found on nearly every retail product, were originally designed for grocery stores to provide rapid receipt printing and inventory tracking. After obtaining a UPC number, a manufacturer will be assigned a unique company number to use in conjunction with their product numbers.
International Article Number (EAN)
These barcodes, which are considered a superset of the UPC, are used specifically for book traceability by booksellers, libraries, and wholesalers. These 13-digit codes are generated by combining the International Standard Book Numbers (ISBN) for every book tracked. These, like UPCs, are standardized for unique publisher identification.
Two-Dimensional (2D) Barcode
2D barcodes are the next step in barcode technology. 2D barcodes, also known as two-dimensional barcodes, are more complicated. This type of barcode encrypts information both horizontally and vertically by using two-dimensional patterns, shapes, and dots. A 2D barcode can encrypt more characters than a 1D barcode in the same amount of space.
A single 2D barcode can store a significant amount of information and may be easily readable even when printed in small print onto a product. 2D barcodes are used in a variety of industries, including warehousing and manufacturing, as well as healthcare and logistics.
2D barcodes, unlike 1D barcodes, do not require access to an external database to unveil their meaning; rather, the data is kept within the barcode itself. Another advantage of 2D barcodes is that they can encode data from images that can be read by the camera on a smartphone.
1D Barcode Scanning VS 2D Barcode Scanning
1D and 2D barcodes appear very different from the outside. One-dimensional barcodes are made up of black and white lines that resemble zebra print. Black and white dots and shapes form specific patterns in two-dimensional barcodes.
The main distinction between these two types of barcodes is the type of barcode scanner required to read them. As a result, in order to get a clear picture, we need to discuss the various types of barcode scanners in depth.
Barcode Scanners
When you think of barcode scanners, you envision a small device that can assist you in reading the lines on a label, but the mechanism is more complex. These are tools that are specifically designed to capture not only the image of a barcode but also to decode the information and transmit it to a computer. Depending on the scanner model, this transmission is sent via wired or wireless connections.
They enabled businesses to track incoming and outgoing inventory volumes and sales. Barcode scanners have made doing business much simpler and more efficient. Barcode scanners eliminate human error when compared to manual encoding.
Barcode Scanner Types
Scanners for barcodes are made up of a scanner, a decoder (either built-in or external), and a cable that connects the reader to a computer. The scanner reads the barcode and converts it to numbers and letters. The information is then transmitted to a computer and analyzed by a software application.
To help you narrow down your options, we’ll highlight the most common uses for each of the five types of barcode scanners.
● Pen or Wand barcode scanner
● Wireless barcode scanner
● Laser barcode scanner
● Image Scanner
● CCD barcode scanners
Pen Or A Wand Barcode Scanner
Wand Barcode Scanners are the least expensive and most basic type of Barcode Scanner. Wand Barcode Scanners are the most durable type of barcode scanner due to their simple design. They can be sealed against dust and other environmental hazards.
These barcode readers are like small pens. At the tip of the pen-style barcode reader are an LED light and a photodiode. When the user moves the tip over a barcode, the LED light illuminates the black and white bars. The photodiode detects light reflection and determines the width and color of each bar.
This information enables a digital reading of the barcode, and the data is sent to another unit for processing.
Reasons to Buy A Pen Barcode Scanner
Pen barcode scanners should be purchased because they are:
● Inexpensive
● Durable
● Suitable for a single user
● Suitable for low-volume scanning applications.
● Compact size
● Lightweight
A Pen Wand is a simple barcode reader with no moving parts that is known for its durability and low cost. At a certain angle, it must remain in direct contact with the bar code. These are the least expensive barcode scanners in the UK.
Pen OR Wand Barcode Scanner Limitations
A pen wand can be difficult to use because it must remain in direct contact with the barcode, be held at a specific angle, and be moved over the barcode at specific speeds.
Wireless Barcodes Scanners
A wireless barcode scanner is ideal for areas that require movement, such as a warehouse. Because the conditions in such areas are harsh, cables and wires can cause problems. These wireless scanners are ideal for scanning large and heavy items that cannot be easily moved. Wireless USB barcode scanners are a dependable and efficient type of wireless barcode scanner.
It is designed to be lightweight, user-friendly, and functional. The wireless USB barcode scanner must be plugged into a USB port, to function. A barcode scanner with a square may use to operate the wireless USB barcode scanner.
Some Android devices and square stand/ register on iPad support wireless USB barcode scanners. Using a barcode scanner with a square is popular in all types of businesses. These square barcode scanners will work with your square system without a doubt. In the case of Android devices, they must be running Android 5.0 and support host mode or USB. Motorola and Honeywell are the most dependable manufacturers for a wireless barcode scanner in the UK.
Reasons To Purchase A Wireless Barcode Scanner:
A handheld barcode scanner comes with the following benefits.
Wireless Independence:
There are no wires to tether you in wireless Bluetooth barcode scanners with Bluetooth connectivity. You don’t have to stay in one place or get tangled up when moving from one side of the room to the other.
Inventory Access from Anywhere:
A live barcode scanner combined with Bluetooth connectivity connects users to scanned inventory via a wireless connection to the records you manage.
Increased Durability:
Because wireless scanners are ideal for environments where data collection requires movement, they are often built to last. Accidents happen, and when you’re not tied to your computer, your chances of dropping it increase.
Savings of Cost and Time:
Using wireless scanners can increase worker efficiency, reduce labor costs, and help improve a company’s bottom line. Instead of bringing items to a centralized location for scanning, workers can go to the items wherever they are stored. Workers move quickly from one item to the next when scanning, allowing them to complete the job more quickly. This cuts down on the number of hours needed to track inventory. Zebra DS2208-HC and Honeywell Voyager Extreme Performance are few affordable handheld barcode scanners in the UK.
Simple Scanning:
Bulky or difficult-to-reach items will no longer be a hindrance if a wire isn’t tying you down. Big packages are easy to maneuver around without wires in order to find the barcode for scanning.
Limitations Of Wireless Barcode Scanners:
Handheld barcode scanners may not be appropriate for all applications. Here are some of their drawbacks:
Reading Zone
These items will not work well when scanning items that are far away, such as 20 feet high up in warehouse storage. You’d be better off using another scanner that can scan at a distance.
Hands Are Not Free
These scanners, as the name implies, must be held in one’s hand. Employees are limited to having only one hand free at all times, which can slow productivity.
Scanning Quality
Because a handheld scanner is much smaller in size, its resolution is reduced to some extent. Their scan quality is noticeably lower when compared to other types of document scanners. Furthermore, only a small portion of the paper is scanned through it.
Laser Scanners:
One of the more advanced barcodes reading tools is the laser scanner. The laser in this type of scanner acts as a light source that reflects through a series of mirrors or prisms to read the barcode. This type of barcode reader can be handheld or fixed. It is not necessary to be close to the barcodes in order to read them.
This type of barcode scanner reads barcodes using mirrors and lenses and can be used up to 24 inches away. Long-range models can read barcodes up to 30 feet away. It can also read barcodes regardless of their orientation. Laser scanners can scan at speeds of up to 500 scans per second.
Laser scanners are designed to read linear 1D barcodes from a distance of six inches to two feet. Infrared rays are electromagnetic radiation with longer wavelengths than visible light. They are commonly used in barcode scanners because they are simple to use.
Laser scanners have multiple internal glass or plastic parts that move with each scan, making them more prone to breakage than image scanners. Aside from the laser, barcode scanners of this type work in the same way that pen readers do.
Reasons To Use A Laser Barcode Scanner
Increased Productivity:
Barcode systems reduce personnel costs and training time. They enable the immediate implementation of any pricing changes entered into a company’s database.
Error Minimization:
Errors in transcription and recognition are no longer tolerated. For every thousand keystrokes, manual entry via a keyboard, for example, produces ten errors. Laser barcode scanning has only one error out of every 10,000 scans.
Intelligence in Business:
When barcode data is integrated into decision support and planning systems, it gives management the increased awareness of product availability and inventory movement that is required for sound decisions and strategic planning.
Asset Administration:
Barcodes are at the heart of any effective asset management and theft prevention system. They are the foundation for improved security and asset tracking across a wide range of industries when properly implemented and managed.
Limitations of Laser Scanners
One of the most significant limitations of laser scanners is that they cannot read 2D codes, which are becoming increasingly common. Laser scanners also struggle with poorly printed, distorted, low-contrast, or damaged 1D barcodes. Because the atmosphere for code reading is rarely perfect, the number of misreads and no-reads is frequently excessive.
Moving parts in laser scanners can break, resulting in additional time and cost required to repair or replace.
Image Scanner:
Laser scanners that project a beam across the barcode and use reflected light to generate an electrical signal for decoding have traditionally been used to read 1D barcodes. Despite the fact that these scanners are mature and effective, several inherent disadvantages have prompted a shift to image-based readers with 2D sensors. The imager barcode scanner captures and analyzes a picture of the barcode.
Image-based barcode readers capture a picture of 1D and 2D barcodes using an area array sensor similar to those found in digital cameras. The code is then located and decoded by a microprocessor running special image-processing software before being distributed across a network.
In general, image-based code reading consists of four steps:
● Take a sharp, high-resolution image.
● Locate codes of any size or orientation.
● Extract 1D signals along with the codes that have been found.
● Identify and decode those signals.
Image barcode scanners are the ideal solution for anyone looking to future-proof their scanning options, including smartphone reading, and improve overall scanning performance.
Reasons To Buy An Image Barcode Scanner
The most advanced image-based barcode readers on the market today have overcome technical and economic barriers. Which makes them a more appealing alternative to industrial laser scanners on the factory floor. In practice, the latest generation of image-based barcode readers outperform lasers in the following areas:
Performance Of The Read Rate
The read rate is calculated by dividing the number of barcodes read by the number attempted. As image-based readers see the entire barcode rather than just a single line, they can use advanced algorithms to overcome quiet zone violations and other code damage issues that can happen when using laser scanners. Furthermore, image-based barcode readers can read codes that lasers cannot see by using light sources.
Fewer Errors
Because camera-based barcode scanners use image analysis technologies, they have a significant advantage over traditional laser scanners. Teams that use camera-based scanners discover far fewer errors because cameras instantly convert the image to grayscale and improve its quality.
Read Omnidirectional Codes
Within a single view, an image-based barcode reader can read barcodes in any orientation. Multiple laser scanners, on the other hand, are frequently required to be configured together to read barcodes in applications where orientation is not repeatable. Image-based barcode readers can locate and read barcodes from any angle or orientation.
Affordable
When you think about it, the fact that all of this processing and image identification is built into $150 smartphones is truly astounding. A laser scanner is typically 4–5 times the price of a standard smartphone with a ruggedized case.
Companies that invest in this camera-driven smartphone approach, have done the math and determined that they will still come out ahead, even if they have to replace a device 3–4 times.
Image-based barcode readers can provide barcode quality feedback in cases where a barcode verifier is not required to comply with international quality standards. Issues with code modulation or contrast can be identified and corrected immediately by monitoring barcode quality feedback, avoiding performance dips or chargebacks.
Important Factors To Consider To Achieve Optimal Results
When it comes to camera/image-based barcode scanners, the following factors must be considered:
Image Quality
Resolution is one of the most important factors to consider when selecting an image or camera-based scanner. The number of individual pixels in an image is referred to as its resolution.
Lenses
A lens of an image-based barcode scanner is critical for acquiring a good image of the code. The most recent readers include autofocus or liquid lens technology, which enables the reader to adjust to changes in working distances.
Lighting
Lighting is also an important factor in achieving a good code image. A lighting technique entails a light source and its positioning concerning the code and the reader.
CCD Barcode Scanners
CCD (charge-coupled device) barcode scanners/readers are also known as linear image barcode scanners/readers. This technology arranges tiny light sensors in a single file within the CCD scanner. These lights detect the ambient light emitted by the barcode. These CCD barcode scanners are built to withstand harsh working conditions.
Barcode scanners with Charge Coupled Devices (CCD) have a row of miniature sensors at the front of the reader. The CCD scanner generates waveforms that correspond to specific bars and spaces, which are decoded within the scanner and then transmitted to the computer system. Unlike laser and pen scanners, which measure the frequencies of reflected light within the scanner, CCD scanners measure the ambient light emitted by the barcode.
For indoor use, a Charged Coupled Device barcode scanner is an excellent choice. CCD scan engine technology is the most affordable type of barcode scanner available today. CCD scanners, like digital cameras, have hundreds of tiny LED lights arranged in a single long row that capture a digital image of the barcode. They typically have high scan rates but limited read ranges when compared to laser or image scanners.
The Advantages Of CCD Scanners Over Laser Scanners
CCD Scanners do not have any moving parts. Oscillating mirrors in lasers are prone to wear and mechanical failure. LEDs are used to illuminate CCD scanners. LEDs have a ten-fold lifespan compared to laser diodes. Their illumination level is suitable for direct viewing, so no safety precautions are required.
Laser beams have some inherent dangers if safety precautions for direct viewing are not followed; CCD barcode scanners do not have this limitation. A CCD scanner is also less expensive than a laser barcode scanner, and it has a higher, faster scanning rate than laser scanners.
In general, charge-coupled device barcode scanners are smaller, lighter, and less expensive than laser scanners. CCD scanners can scan at 45 scans per second or faster, which is comparable to laser scanners.
CCD Barcode Scanner Disadvantages
The drawback of using this type of barcode scanner is that it can only read barcodes the width of its face size.
Buying guide of Barcode Scanner
Do you want to buy a barcode scanner? There are numerous options and several manufacturers that are offering the best barcode scanners for sale at reasonable price, but selecting the best one is critical for your company’s productivity. Industrial areas, retail stores, healthcare facilities, and warehousing are just a few examples of the application of barcode scanners.
There are different types of POS with barcode scanners for specific work environments, such as harsh weather. Others are intended for balanced conditions and process data more quickly. This is why it is critical to understand the features and functions of different barcode scanners. You must choose what is best for your company’s practices.
Formfactor
The majority of us are familiar with the basic gun-style and in-counter scanners used in retail and grocery stores. There are five main scanning form factors, and each has advantages depending on your application and how you intend to use the scanner.
Portable Barcode Scanners
Handheld scanners, which are available in both corded and cordless versions, are the most commonly used type of scanner. Handheld scanners are simple to use: just wrap the scanner around the gripping handle, point it at a barcode, and press the button. Scanners in this form are by far the most common.
Presentation Scanners
Presentation scanners are counter-top scanners with a large scanning area. To begin scanning, you do not need to pick up a presentation scanner or pull a trigger. Simply hold the barcode in front of the scanner. These types of scanners are commonly used in retail and grocery stores because they allow for quick scanning.
Fixed Scanners
These scanners are linked to a larger automated system and are used to scan barcodes in a specific location, such as a conveyor belt or a kiosk.
Mobile Computer
While mobile computers do more than basic scanners, they also provide complete freedom because the PC and scanner are combined into a single device.
Connectivity
Corded or cordless barcode scanners are the forms when to classify them on the basis of connectivity. The applications for which your scanners will be used determine which type is required.
Corded Barcode Scanners
Every scanner must communicate with a PC in order to transmit barcode data into the software that you are using. corded barcode scanners These are still the most common scanner types, and they normally communicate with a PC via a USB connection. These scanners are simple to set up and operate, and they are the least expensive option.
Cordless Barcode Scanners
Cords are no longer required due to Bluetooth technology, which allows cordless handheld units to transmit data wirelessly over long distances. The base station is then connected to your computer via a cable. Your PC does not need wireless support because the cradle and scanner handle everything.
Scanner Power
The physical durability of a barcode scanner is an important factor to consider when selecting one over another. Can the scanner in question withstand significant abuse and continue to function normally, or will the rigors of your workplace necessitate costly repairs and replacements down the road?
The presentation and in-counter scanners you see in retail outlets and grocery stores are designed to withstand the treatment that is expected in such settings. As a result, such devices can generally be relied on to perform as intended for the duration of their operating time. For more demanding environments, such as warehouses, factories, and construction sites, a device with greater built-in ruggedness is required.
A handheld scanner in a warehouse or factory setting could easily be dropped on the floor regularly. In such an environment, a regular handheld barcode reader may not last long. A more rugged model with a rubberized exterior, on the other hand, could easily withstand drops of at least 60 cm with no effect on performance.
Your Workspace’s Lighting Conditions
Do you work in a warehouse with low light levels or in a brightly lit environment? A barcode scanner with a lower brightness is appropriate for a low-light environment. However, if you intend to use the device in bright sunlight or a bright warehouse, you will require a higher brightness level.
Regardless of the lighting conditions in your warehouse, request a demo in those conditions from your vendor. You’ll want to make sure the scanner can read barcodes in your environment.
Portability
When choosing a barcode scanner, portability is crucial. Consider the type of environment in which the scanner will be used. Assume the scanner will be traveling and going out into the field. What are some essential characteristics? You may want a scanner that is long-lasting, water-resistant, and portable, as well as one that can be used in extreme temperatures. If the scanner is used in retail, it may not need to be portable or withstand harsh conditions. Barcode scanners are designed for a variety of working environments, and it is critical to consider which type you have when selecting a scanner.
Ruggedness
Ruggedness is always something to consider, regardless of the environment in which you’ll be using your scanner. The environment is important, but you should also consider how the scanner will be used. You may be working in a standard environment, but if the scanners are mistreated, a more rugged option will help you save time and money in the long run.
The distinctions between a ruggedized and standard model are quite striking. Rugged units are completely dust-proof and can withstand repeated 6ft drops on concrete. They can withstand severe mistreatment with a rubberized case. Some of them can even be used as hammers without issue!
GPS
If you have items that need to be moved to different storage locations, a barcode scanner with GPS capabilities can help. The GPS will pinpoint the item’s location and record the closest storage location to that item as you scan. When you scan industrial equipment into a warehouse, for example, the scanner detects the location and enters it into your inventory system. This ensures that you always know where your belongings are. GPS location scanning is an excellent choice for costly or shared equipment.
Is It Possible For Two Items To Have The Same Barcode?
Two items with the same barcode can be of the same product type and manufactured by the same company. This is also true if the retailer decides to include their barcode on the items. In other words, if you create a barcode with a specific set of information that applies to two items, the two items can share the same barcode.
Who Was The Inventor Of Barcodes?
In 1948, two Drexel University students named Norman J Woodland and Bernard Silver invented the first barcode, which looked like a bullseye. They were eager to address the issues confronting the supermarket industry, which desperately needed a better method of inventory management and customer check-out.
How Much Does A Barcode Scanner Cost?
A basic barcode system will typically cost less than $1000 to fully setup and install. This will include the hardware, as well as a printer for creating barcode labels and the software required to track everything.
Can I Generate My Own Barcode?
The majority of barcode generators are free. As a result, for less than $100, you can build a system to generate your own barcodes. If you do not want to sell your products through large retailers who may require GS1, UPC, or EAN barcodes, this is the place to get them.
What Is The Distinction Between RFID And Barcode?
RFID scanners can read multiple codes at once, whereas barcode scanners require a line of sight to scan each code individually. RFID systems are more expensive and complex to set up than barcodes.
What Do Barcode Scanners Scan?
A barcode scanner, in general, “scans” the black and white elements of a barcode by illuminating it with a red light, which is then converted into matching text. The signal is interpreted by the decoder, which then validates the barcode with the check digit and converts it to text.
What Is The Distinction Between A Barcode Scanner And A Barcode Reader?
In general, there is no distinction between a Barcode Reader and a Barcode Scanner. Some people refer to a barcode reader as a barcode scanner, the two are interchangeable.
What Type Of Laser Is Used As A Barcode Reader?
Infrared rays are electromagnetic radiation with longer wavelengths than visible light. They are commonly used in barcode scanners because they are simple to use.
What Is The Distinction Between A Barcode And A QR Code?
Whereas a barcode only contains information in one direction, a QR code contains information in both directions, hence the name “2-dimensional code.” A QR code contains a hundred times more information than a barcode due to this structural difference.
Conclusion
Barcodes contain vital information about your product. To read these data, you must use a reliable, dependable, and accurate scanning device. Scanner capabilities and functionalities, as well as connection type, differ between barcode scanners. It will be easier to make a decision if you know how you will use the scanner and what features you require.
