Functionality of a barcode scanner

You want to learn how a barcode scanner works

, right? Well, let us first focus on which type of barcode scanner we are dealing with. Many types of barcode scanners are available such as CCD barcode scanners, laser scanners, and so on. First let's see how CCD barcode scanners function.

The CCD barcode scanners do not have any moving parts. CCD means charged-coupled device. There is a light source on the scanner; it helps to illuminate the image when the light source is pointed toward an object or to a barcode. Here, the image is in general a barcode. The moment the barcode gets illuminated, the image formed is read by the barcode scanner.

The question is what is the mechanism by which the barcode scanner is able to read an image? There is a linear photodiode inside the scanner head. The reflected light from the barcode is read by this photodiode. The reflection from the barcode is a digital image which is electronically scanned within the device. During electronic scanning of the image, the bars on the barcode are converted to respective letters or/and numbers.

After the CCD scanner gets connected to a PC or Mac, it starts sending sequence of letters or/and numbers to the computer. There are many ways to make this connection. Using a keyboard wedge is one such method. This is basically a Y connection; one end is connected to the keyboard, the other end is connected to the barcode scanner, and the bottom end of the Y is plugged into the PC; this is where the keyboard would usually be connected. This method is normally used when the PC doesn't have many interfaces. Another connection method is known as "serial" in which there is a long straight cable connecting the barcode scanner to the serial connection port of the PC. At present, the highly popular method is USB as nowadays USB ports are available with almost all PCs as well as Mac's. Simply plug in, and you are done!

Now let's see how laser barcode scanners function. The laser scanner sends out a low-energy beam of light and reads the spacing one by one in an image pattern. The beam moves back and forth with the help of a mobile mirror that causes a blinking effect. Usually, the line that is read is seen moving over the barcode. The fixed mirror inside the scanner then reads the reflection. Analogue and digital (A/D) signals, which match the image pattern, are then generated by the barcode scanner. Then the information is processed by a barcode decoder and finally is sent via the interface for data communications.

Functionality of a barcode scanner

By: Neil Jones

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