Barcode technology has moved forward dramatically over the last few years. There are now a host of different barcode reading scanners available, which can all read barcodes and analyse the information within the barcode itself.
Some of the different types of barcode readers now available include:
• Pen barcode scanners – These barcode scanners usually contain a photodiode which is fixed at the end of a pen-like device. The photodiode is passed across the length of the barcode and the bars and spaces are read and interpreted by the scanner.
• Laser scanners – These use a laser which reads the barcode by scanning the laser back and forth across the pattern of lines.
• Camera readers – These collect the barcode information by obtaining an image of the barcode and then analysing this image to decode the barcode.
Most scanners are either mounted in a hand-held format or are fixed in a stationary position. Some scanners also feature wireless technology, which enables a user to read the relevant barcode and this information then be sent directly to a computer system for processing.
With barcodes being used with increasing frequency across the UK, it’s no wonder we need new technology to cope with the demands put on barcodes by the general public.