subject: Understanding a Barcode Scanner [print this page] Understanding a Barcode Scanner Understanding a Barcode Scanner
In understanding how barcode scanner operates, it is therefore relevant to know how barcodes are made and translated.
All barcodes are unique and that they have symbols that are defined as a series of bars in a barcode. The way to tell the difference of the code is by the height, width and spacing of the bars. A strip of bar represents a particular, character, number or alphanumeric character or depending on the symbology used in making the barcode.
Bar codes have in them from a start and end bar that denotes the start and end point of the barcode. Most of the time, an additional bar is present which is called the checksum bar. The purpose of this bar is to distinguish if the barcode is correct which in turn verifies the accuracy of the barcode.
The photosensors of the barcode scanner has the ability to read the barcodes and translate them to electrical pulses. Now, a particular strip is equal to a character, right? The barcode has the software that can convert the electrical pulses to legible text which is then reflected on the monitor. This process is very fast and takes about a few milliseconds.
These days, there are a lot of barcode scanners and models that you can use. However, their usage depends largely on the type of industry that you belong to as well as the environment that you have.
One of the most popular types is the wireless scanner since they allow you to connect to a wireless terminal thereby allowing to transmit data wirelessly as long as you are within the radius of the range. They are often used in warehousing which allows staffs to scan a barcode on big items in awkward position and angles thereby giving you a lot of freedom.
The simple barcode has become a major area of company, virtually any enterprise utilizes bar codes but they employ them in lots of ways, should you want to employ a bar code process within your firm you will discover a number of vital pieces of gear you are going to require. Wireless barcode scanners or handheld computers like the MC75 which can be among the best choices you may make.
