What is important to know about barcode scanners

Barcode scanners are compact devices designed to read information from product labels, decode and transfer it to a computer, cash machine, POS-terminal. At the moment, almost all manufactured barcode scanners are capable of reading the most popular code formats, including EAN-13 (EAN-8), UPC A, UPC E, ITF, Code 39, Code 128, ISBN, etc.

Barcode scanners are classified according to the following criteria:

By reading distance:

contact (read the code from a distance of 1-2 cm);

contactless (read the code from a distance of 10 to 80 cm, depending on the model). Non-contact scanners provide more convenient work but are more expensive.

Reading method:

LED CCD scanners;

laser.

CCD scanners illuminate the surface area containing the barcode using LEDs and read the image onto a special CCD matrix;

Laser scanners illuminate the barcode with a narrow beam of laser light-emitting diode, which unfolds with the help of a rotating mirror. Laser scanners are only non-contact (determined by technology features) and have a higher range than CCD scanners.

CCD scanners have higher mechanical strength (due to no moving parts) and better performance in reading damaged (poorly printed) codes.

By installation method:

stationary.

A handheld scanner is a portable device that is connected via a cord to a computer, cash register or other device - a data receiver. To read the code, the scanner is brought to the object marked with a barcode.

The stationary scanner is mounted on a fixed base. Barcoded items are brought (fed by a conveyor) to the scanner, which reads the barcode and transmits information to the cash register (or computer) via an interface cable.

In table. 3.2 presents the characteristics of barcode scanners, various designs.

Table 3.2

Characteristics of barcode scanners

	Handheld LED (CCD, CCD) barcode scanners Technologically the simplest of the variety of such devices. The use of LEDs as a source of illumination of the readable code provides high reliability and impact resistance, however, reduces the reading range to several centimeters. The need for a close location of the readable code from the optical system of the scanner gives the second name similar devices- contact barcode scanners. For the same reason, the ability to read low-contrast and low-quality barcodes from CCD scanners is somewhat higher.
	Handheld Laser Barcode Scanners Semiconductor lasers are used as the illumination source. The range and reading speed of such scanners is the highest of all types. There is no need to bring the scanner directly to the barcode, a bright strip of illumination allows you to read the necessary information at a distance of several tens of centimeters.
	Stationary (multi-plane) barcode scanners A grid of scanning planes is formed (hence the name - a multi-plane scanner), which makes it possible not to orient the barcode in a certain way relative to the scanner, as is done when working with other types of scanners. This gives a big performance gain in situations where a stream of barcodes is being scanned. For example, in retail.
	2D barcode scanners (2D scanners) In addition to all common one-dimensional (linear) barcodes, two-dimensional (2D) barcodes are also read. Two-dimensional barcodes, compared to linear ones, allow you to place several times more information on a similar or even smaller area. Also, some models of 2D scanners have the advantages of multi-plane laser scanners - they read a barcode from any angle.
	Wireless barcode scanners The read and decoded information is transmitted to the computer via a radio channel. Most often, the Bluetooth protocol is used. The stand acts as a transceiver, which, at the same time, is also a charger for the batteries built into the scanner. The transmission distance depends on specific model. Freedom of movement within range and the absence of tangled wires are indisputable advantages.
	Slot Barcode Readers Devices most often used in access control systems. The scanning module is located in the slot through which the carrier with the barcode is passed.

A barcode scanner is a device for reading data from a barcode on a product package and further transferring the received information to a cash register, computer or POS system. Barcode scanners come in a variety of specifications. They may differ in reading speed and range, resolution, interface for connecting to a computer (USB, RS-232, KBW), type of use (stationary or manual). You can buy a barcode scanner in our online store. We offer a wide range of devices various types: LED, laser, as well as imager scanners at prices that compare favorably with the average market prices. Our company has been selling barcode scanners for many years, and has already won the trust of customers. Do you want to buy a barcode scanner at a price without dealer markups? Contact us! We'll help you choose the right model for your business. There is no universal method for selecting a scanner for reading barcodes, so it is necessary to formulate the tasks that it will have to perform as accurately as possible. You can buy a barcode scanner, the price of which will pleasantly surprise you, in our online store.

Which barcode scanner to buy

LED has such advantages as acceptable price and reliability of operation, which is ensured by the absence of moving elements in the reading mechanism. Such barcode readers have a short reading range, so the barcode must be brought directly to the scanner.
Laser has a high range and readout speed. Also benefits of this type scanners is a large assortment of models in a wide price range. You will not find such a variety of functions and additional options in any other type of scanner. It is easiest to choose a model that suits your business needs precisely among this type of device.
The imager is representative latest generation scanners. When developing the imager scanner, the most modern technologies digital photographic equipment that allow reading a barcode of any type: linear, two-dimensional, composite. These scanners consist only of advantages - they are reliable, durable, have high speed and reading range.

Today, a barcode scanner is an integral part of the cash register in a modern store. The most popular area of application for barcode scanners is retail, and they are also widely used in logistics, delivery, transport, medicine, banks, manufacturing and many other areas of activity.

Before you buy a barcode reader, you need to decide on the tasks that it will perform, as well as the cost that you are willing to pay for it. Our company offers only best devices. Models are available from renowned manufacturers such as Honeywell (Metrologic), Datalogic, Intermec, Motorola (Symbol), and many more. These are high quality and reliable scanners. The range of these manufacturers is so wide that it allows you to choose a scanner to solve any problem. If you have any difficulties with choosing a suitable barcode scanner, please contact us by phone. We will be happy to help you choose the best barcode scanner for you, which you can buy by ordering delivery or picking up the goods at your own expense. If you are looking for a barcode reader, the price and characteristics of which would suit you completely, please contact our online store.

Modern trade is a well-established system that regulates the relationship between buyers, sellers and the tax office.

Irreplaceable assistance in organizing trade relations is provided by a variety of commercial equipment:, receipt printers,.

One of the representatives of commercial equipment is a barcode scanner. With its help, the process of processing information about the product and its accounting is accelerated.

The barcode is graphic image, which does not carry any data for the naked human eye, but with the help of special devices you can get full information about the origin and destination of the goods.

There are many systems bar coding (data matrix, MaxiCode, PDF417, QR, etc.), each of them has found its application.

The main purpose of barcodes is the automatic identification of goods, because each bar code is the one and only in the whole world.

How barcode scanners work

Do you need to weigh the trolley? Description of suitable equipment for this link.

Handheld barcode scanner. Scope of the scanner: small shops, pharmacies, libraries, post offices, etc.

Equipment features: high-strength and durable scanning element (LIM technology), audible scanning confirmation, compatible with operating systems computers, scanning takes less than 30 ms, the presence of flash memory, the ability to configure the scanner (stationary or manual).

Specifications:

laser scanning type;
scanning speed - 100 rays per second;
maximum scanning distance - 430 mm;
reads all linear barcodes;
operating temperature - from 0 to 500С;
operating air humidity - from 5 to 95%;
price - 6 000 rubles.

A manual or stationary barcode scanner will help you keep accurate records of goods or inventory. A wide range of equipment will allow you to choose a device equipped with all the necessary functions for trading of any scale.

Classmates

All modern scanners are classified according to the method of operation and the type of reader (optical module).

By way of operation:

manual
stationary

By type of optical module:

LED (CCD)
laser
imager (photo)

Besides, scanners are also divided according to secondary classifiers: according to the principle of reading (linear, multi-plane); location on the operator's table (horizontal, vertical, built-in); connection interface; readable symbols, etc.

Handheld LED (CCD) Scanners

CCD scanners have a built-in LED matrix, which illuminates the barcode and receives its reflection. LED scanners are divided into two types: contact and non-contact.

Contact scanners are characterized by a small scanning field width (up to 80 mm) and short distance(from 0 to 2 cm), but at the same time they have a low cost. Non-contact scanners have the characteristics of not expensive handheld laser scanners(large reading distance up to 30 cm, large area of barcode illumination).

When reading a barcode LED scanner key factors to consider:

scan field width;
reading distance;
tilt angle;
curvilinearity of the surface quality of the barcode.

CCD scanners have a number of advantages - low cost, high reading speed, high reliability (no moving mechanical parts). The disadvantages include the small width of the scanning field and the reading distance, as well as the low quality and reliability of reading, both from ordinary and from curved planes. In addition, a common disadvantage linear manual (LED, laser and imager) scanners is the need for a rigid positioning of the scanner relative to the barcode. Ray scanner must necessarily cross all lines of the barcode.

All CCD scanners have a built-in decoder that allows you to read most linear as well as stack codes, and support various connection interfaces (keyboard break - KBW, USB, RS232, IBM46xx, OCIA, light pen emulation). Greatest Application CCD scanners are found in retail, in small stores where there is no need to provide a large throughput.

Laser scanners there are manual or stationary, in addition, they are divided according to the principle of reading into linear (one scanning line) and multiplanar (several scanning lines).

Handheld Line Laser Scanners.

Optical module of laser hand scanners based on a laser diode. Scan laser beam scanner provided by a swinging mirror that reflects the beam of a laser diode and directs it to the barcode along a certain trajectory.

Line laser scanners possess high quality, speed and long reading distance (up to 10 meters) of the barcode. The main disadvantage of this type scanners is low reliability. This is due to the presence of moving parts in the optical module, which are subject to external mechanical influences (strong impacts, falls from great heights, etc.). Besides, scanner must be rigidly positioned relative to the barcode in order to read it. Scanners have a built-in decoder that allows you to read most linear as well as stack codes, and support various connection interfaces (keyboard break - KBW, USB, RS232, IBM46xx, OCIA, light pen emulation).

Laser scanners are used in almost all industries: wholesale and retail trade, transport and logistics, warehouses and distribution centers, pharmaceuticals and banking, industry and manufacturing, etc.

Largely multi-plane scanners are stationary with a horizontal or vertical arrangement of the scanning plane. In addition, there is a separate type of multi-plane stationary scanners – biooptic scanners, which have two scanning planes (vertical and horizontal).

difference omnidirectional scanners from others - the presence of several scanning lines, the number of which can reach up to 20 for horizontal or vertical scanners, and up to 68 for biooptical scanners. Multi-plane scanning scheme provides a dense field of illumination, while there is no need for rigid positioning scanner regarding the barcode. It is enough just to bring the goods with a barcode in front of the scanner at a distance of up to 25 cm and the barcode will be read, which increases the productivity of cashiers and the throughput of cash points, reduces the number of queues of customers in the store.

Optical module laser multiplane scanners built on the basis of a laser diode, a set of mirrors, a motor with a mirror prism and a decoder.

A laser diode (VLD) emits a laser beam (primarily in the red visible spectrum) that strikes a rotating mirror prism. Due to the rotation of the engine and reflection from the mirror prism, the beam changes direction along a certain trajectory. The reflection of the beam from the set of mirrors of the optical block forms several scanning lines (scanning plane). When a barcode is on one of the scan lines, part of the laser beam is reflected from the bars and spaces back to the mirror prism and hits the focusing lens, which focuses the beam on the photodetector. The optical signal is then converted into an electrical signal, amplified and digitized. The decoder then decodes the data contained in the signal and sends it to the information system via an interface board.

Multi-plane laser scanners have a built-in decoder that allows you to read most line codes, and support various connection interfaces (keyboard break - KBW, USB, RS232, IBM46xx, OCIA, light pen emulation).

Main application multi-plane scanners found in wholesale and retail trade in small format stores, in super- and hypermarkets.

Linear imager scanners

The most modern technology for reading a linear barcode today. It combines the advantages of LED and laser technologies - barcode reading from a long distance and the absence of moving parts in the design. Thanks to a wide and well-focused illumination and no mechanical limitations line imager scanner captures a wider bandwidth barcode and handles low-contrast and corrupted codes better than others, has a faster read speed and a more robust design.

Peculiarities:

Reading the code at a distance of up to 2 meters - full compliance with the standard reading distance laser scanner.
Scanning speed - from 270 to 450 scans / sec, which is much faster LED and laser scanner.
High reliability and mechanical strength (no moving parts).

Linear photo scanners are used in almost all industries: wholesale and retail trade, transport and logistics, warehouses and distribution centers, pharmaceuticals and banking, industry and manufacturing, etc.

Matrix imager scanners.

Reading 2D codes This is a new generation scanners, which are based on photo scanning technology and use miniature digital cameras as an optical module.

Unlike CCD and laser technologies, matrix imager technology is based on the fact that a barcode is initially considered not as information actually encoded in strokes and spaces between them, but as an image, a picture that can, for example, be photographed. A powerful processor and advanced recognition and decoding algorithms process the image photographed by the mini camera, thanks to which the possibilities matrix photo scanners far exceed the capabilities of conventional LED and laser scanners, while having the cost of a high-quality laser scanner. photo scanner can read "ordinary" linear, two-dimensional, composite barcodes, read several barcodes with one pull of the trigger, read a barcode regardless of its orientation relative to the illumination beam. images. Matrix imager scanner has the ability to capture and process signatures, photographing. In addition, the absence of moving parts ensures high reliability of the scanner.