BARCODE SCANNERS
Lines of different widths and sizes representing data,
that when read determine what the scanned object is. Barcodes are
often used to help organize and index information or prices about an object.
A barcode reader works by directing a beam of light
across the bar code and
measuring the amount of light that is reflected back i.e. The dark bars on a
barcode reflect less light than the white spaces between them. The scanner
converts the light energy into electrical energy, which is then converted into
data by the decoder and forwarded to a computer.
There
are two types of barcodes – linear and 2D.
Linear barcode:
The
most visually recognizable, the UPC (Universal Product Code), is a linear barcode made up of
two parts: the barcode and the 12-digit UPC number. The first six numbers of
the barcode is the manufacturer’s identification number. The next five digits
represent the item’s number. The last number is called a check digit which
enables the scanner to determine if the barcode was scanned correctly or not.
2D barcode:
A
linear barcode typically holds any type of text information. In contrast,
a 2D barcode is more complex and can include more information in the code:
price, quantity, web address or image. A linear barcode scanner can’t read a 2D
barcode; requiring the use of an image scanner for reading the information
embedded in a 2D barcode.
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