Hand Held 2D Barcode Scanner - Advantages and Disadvantages

Hand held barcode scanners are available in twopackages, forms recognition and off scanner
main categories. 2D and 1D. 2D barcode scannerimage processing are just a few of the
sales are growing at an impressive rate. 1Dapplications that are being utilized with the images
scanner sales are fairly flat year over year. Thefrom 2D barcode scanners.
question that many potential buyers of 2DReliability is another big advantage of 2D barcode
barcode scanners ask is, "what are the mainscanners. There is only one moving part in a 2D
advantages of using a 2D barcode scanner over abarcode scanner. The trigger switch. All scanners
1D barcode scanner?" This article discusses justuse trigger switches rated at millions of
some of the many advantages. There are someactivations. Rarely will there be a failure in the field.
disadvantages that need to be considered whenNo failures means no down time for customers
making a decision.which results in higher efficiencies, less frustration
Advantagesand lower total cost of ownership.
The most important advantage of using a 2DThese are just some of the advantages of using
barcode scanner is the ability to read and decodea 2D barcode scanner instead of a 1D barcode
2D barcodes. Data Matrix, Aztec, QR Code andscanner. There are more advantages not listed
Han Xin are examples of 2D barcodes being usedhere. There are also some disadvantages.
today. 2D barcodes are capable of holding muchTypically the advantages outweigh the
more data than 1D barcodes in the same or lessdisadvantages, but the disadvantages do need to
physical space. Product manufacturers can putbe taken into consideration when making a
hundreds or even thousands of characters in adecision.
single 2D barcode.Disadvantages
Having the ability to read barcodesPrice. 2D barcode scanners are a fairly new
omni-directionally is another big advantage of usingtechnology and continually evolving. Image sensors
a 2D barcode scanner. All hand held 2D barcodewith more pixels, faster decode algorithms,
scanners use an image sensor to capture animproved illumination and aiming patterns are all
image of the barcode. That image is then runbeing tweaked and improved. Because of all these
through a software decoder program that residesinvestments in the technology, the price of 2D
in the scanner's firmware. The software decoderbarcode scanners is higher than 1D barcode
program has the ability to locate the barcodescanners. But that price gap is quickly diminishing.
based on each barcode's unique characteristics, noAll scanners are approaching the price point where
matter what the orientation of the barcode is.they are considered a commodity.
This system allows the user to hold the scannerWorking range of 2D barcode scanners is a
in the same position for every barcode read nosecond disadvantage. Working range is defined as
matter the position of the barcode. The scannerthe furthest point away from the scanner a
does not have to be oriented to line up with thebarcode can be read minus the closest point a
barcode being read. User fatigue and overall readbarcode can be read. For example: A UPC-A
times are greatly reduced.barcode can be read at a far distance of 10
The image sensor uses the same technology asinches away from the scanner. That same
today's digital cameras. The one main difference isbarcode can be read at a near distance of 2
that 2D barcode scanners use a grayscale imagerinches away from the scanner. 10 inches minus 2
as opposed to a color imager. Because it is aninches equals 8 inches of working range. 1D
imager, many scanners have the capability ofbarcode scanners could read that same barcode
taking a picture and sending that picture to theat a far distance of 18 inches and a near distance
computer that it is connected to. Taking picturesof 1 inch. That lesser working range can be a
of signatures for proof of delivery, damagedproblem in some applications.