A barcode scanner (which may also be referred to as a barcode reader) is a piece of electronic equipment that can read printed barcodes. Barcodes are used to manage and track a wide variety of items, ranging from grocery store items to cars to insects such as bees. A barcode scanner uses a lens, light source and photo conductor to translate optical impulses to electrical impulses.

Main Types of Barcode Scanners

Fixed Position: A fixed position barcode scanner is used by distributors and manufacturers. This type of barcode scanner can be used on a conveyor to automatically process cartons or pallets as they pass by the scanner.

Barcode Scanner

Handheld: A handheld barcode scanner is one of two types of scanners that are most commonly seen. Clerks in stores use this gun shaped scanner to checkout items being bought customers.

Stationary: This is the second most commonly used type of barcode scanner. A stationary barcode scanner can be mounted on a wall or on a table. An example of a wall-mounted barcode scanner is the Price Check stations that can be found in stores, while an example of a table-mounted barcode scanner is the scanner grocery store clerks slide your items over when you checkout.

Technology used in Barcode Scanners

Video Cameras: Video cameras are the newest technology used in barcode scanners. Once the video camera obtains an image of a bar code, it decodes the image through digital image processing.

Laser Scanners: Through the use of a laser beam, barcode scanners using laser scanners measure how much of the light they emit is reflected off of a barcode in order to decode it.

LED Scanners: By employing several hundred light sensors, LED scanners within barcode scanners can decode barcodes by measuring the amount of ambient light they emit.