Date:10/10/2011
Barcodes comprises of information related to different products which have been already Bar-coded by means of a unique Barcode symbols. A Barcode Scanner can see the same product information and decode it into a form which is recognizable and readable by humans. Let’s have an in-depth knowledge about Bar-coding now.
To understand how a barcode scanner works, we have to explore the different parts of the device. In short & crisp, there are three basic functional parts of any Bar Code Scanner. These are:
· Illumination system
· Sensor / converter
· Decoder
Simple Working Mechanism:
· What happens in the Illumination System?
-Barcode Scanners begin by illuminating the code with red light.
· What does a Sensor or Converter do?
Function1: The Sensor or Converter detects the reflected light from the Illumination System. Function2: Then it generates an analog signal with varying voltage. (This varying voltage represents the intensity of the reflection.)
· How does a Decoder work?
The converter changes the analog signal to a digital signal which is fed to the Decoder.
Function1: The Decoder interprets the digital signal.
Function2: By simple calculation it confirms and validates that the barcode is decipherable. Function3: It converts the signal into ASCII text and sends it to the computer, to which the scanner is attached.
All these elements help to identify the Barcode data and shift the same to the computer. Therefore the computer must contain a Barcode Scanning Application, which can easily assist in understanding the transferred data and also to convert that into readable language.
There are lots of Barcode Scanners available these days. These can be broadly categorized into:
· Image based scanners
· Laser Based Scanners
- Image Scanners contain a camera embedded in to the scanner, whereas Laser Based Scanners employ mirrors and lenses.
-In Image-Based Scanners, the camera takes images of the barcode and decodes it using complex image systems. In Laser Based Scanner, the lenses and mirrors are primarily used to decipher the bar code.
- Overall Laser Based Scanner is lot more long lasting and productive than Image-Based Scanners.
The technology used in different Barcode Scanners can vary depending on the illumination method. But the output will always remain the same- comprising of a voltage wave form with peaks for the white spaces, and troughs for the black spaces.
Though a lot goes behind the working of the whole process but eventually, the system of bar-coding makes operations much easier and faster. Also, many Barcode Scanner Manufacturers are coming up with latest designs from time to time in tine with the evolving needs of the companies.
