The Barcode Scanner Guide

As our world is becoming more and more technologically advanced, so are our barcode scanners.  The latest in barcode scanner technology, camera type scanners, or 2d imaging scanners, utilize a small video camera to record an image of a barcode and then image is then converted into digital information. These are actually quite similar to LED or CCD barcode scanners in that 2d imaging scanners use hundreds of tiny little light sensors to capture ambient light and then measure it, and decode it. The difference is that instead of a single row of little tiny light sensors, imaging scanners have hundreds of rows of little lights arranged in such a way that an image can be captured.

Camera based barcode readers, or 2D imaging scanners, are rarely used in the supermarkets these days. Chances are that you haven’t heard very much about them. They are capable of scanning very quickly, so fast in fact, that they can also often read barcode labels that have been wrinkled or dirtied. Imaging scanners are commonly used in the mail order business for parcel sorting.

A lot of camera-based barcode scanners are capable of scanning barcode labels which are moving on a conveyor belt at speeds of around 600 fps (feet per second). And depending on the software used in conjunction with an imaging scanner, important diagnostic information can be obtained such as carton spacing, a parcel’s position on the belt, and even changes in lighting or power supply. Many handheld imaging scanners now come in wireless or cordless models, which makes scanning in a warehouse that much easier. The battery life on such scanners is surprisingly efficient.

And again, like most of the technologies used in barcode scanning, camera based based barcode readers (or 2d imaging readers) can be housed in both handheld casing and larger stationary cases. Although there are handheld camera based scanners, there aren’t used nearly as much as the stationary versions which are used in wholesale or retail distribution.

So as you can see, there is a lot to think about in respect to camera based scanners. With more advanced technology comes more device capability. And as always, if you are in the market for a barcode scanner, it is important to think about the circumstances under which you’ll be using your scanner; an industrial, office, or retail environment, hot or cold, etc. some readers now even come in special housings that allow disinfectants to be used on them without damaging the electronics.