| Bar Code Scanner | | | | A pen-wand scanner is moved over the bar |
| Barcode scanners are light emitting hand | | | | to read it. General purpose scanners are |
| held devices use to read barcodes. The | | | | generally used at checkout counters and |
| device is attached to computer or laptop | | | | hospitals and are also used to process |
| which stores coded message by the length | | | | identification documents. Certain other |
| and width of the bars and spaces that | | | | kinds of scanners, like rugged scanners, |
| are printed in pattern. It has a code | | | | are generally used in harsh or extreme |
| reader and decoder. The barcode scanners | | | | conditions. |
| are on everything right from the | | | | The image scanner and laser scanner of |
| groceries to auto parts. It is the | | | | the barcode scanner are the one with |
| biggest asset to run a business. | | | | distinguishing features. The image |
| We have been using barcode scanners for | | | | scanner has a camera in it that captures |
| many years and more advanced technology | | | | the barcode images. These bar code |
| is being introduced to us every year. | | | | images are then processed by |
| They are available in different | | | | sophisticated image techniques to decode |
| varieties like the hands free, hand | | | | the barcode. Generally most of the image |
| held, rugged, wearable, scan engines, | | | | scanners scan barcode data from a |
| laser or digital. The simplest device | | | | distance of five to ten inches away. In |
| is the Pen-wand scanners which have to | | | | laser scanner lenses are used to read |
| be kept in direct contact with the | | | | the bar codes. The application of the |
| barcode and to be held at précis angle. | | | | laser scanner helps in reading the |
| To read the bars you need to move the | | | | barcode placed at any angle. The more |
| pen-wand scanner over it. The general | | | | advanced technology of laser scanner |
| purpose scanner as the name indicates is | | | | reads the barcode from the distance of |
| used for general purposes, to process | | | | 24 inches. Modern laser scanners have |
| identification documents and checkout | | | | outwit the capacity of laser scanner by |
| counters and hospitals. Other kinds of | | | | reading the data from the distance of 30 |
| scanners are used in harsh conditions | | | | feet. |
| like rugged scanners. | | | | Both the scanners are efficient in their |
| Barcode scanners are available in many | | | | own way but still have pros and cons in |
| different varieties. They can be hand | | | | their use. The laser scanner being more |
| held and hands free, wearable, and | | | | advanced is more expensive but the |
| rugged, scan engines, laser or digital. | | | | lenses of such scanners are more prone |
| Pen-wand scanners are perhaps the | | | | to wear and tear. Whereas the image |
| simplest types of such devices. They | | | | based scanner is less expensive but |
| have to be kept in direct contact with | | | | lacks internal movable parts making it |
| the barcode and held at a precise angle. | | | | less resistant to drops or knocks. |