The Barcode Scanner Guide

When most of us think of barcode scanners, regardless of the actual size or shape of the scanner, that little red laser beam always comes to mind. This little red laser beam is a vital part in the functionality of a barcode scanner. This technology is virtually the same that is employed with the pen-type scanners, however instead of the person having to swipe the scanner across the barcode, one may simply “point and shoot” the scanner at the barcode and the reader will register. This is made possible by either a tiny mirror that moves back and forth very quickly or a little prism which rotates continually; each of these methods reflects the laser in a rapid, back and forth motion, which means that instead of the scanner itself having to be moved across the barcode, the scanner can stay in place and the laser sweeps across the barcode by itself.

Laser scanners also utilize a photodiode to measure the light waves that are reflected back into the scanner, and decode the waves into information that we can read. I would venture to say that laser scanners are the single-most common type of scanner out there, mind you that I am talking the technology, and not necessarily the housing, because the laser technology can be used in a variety of of differently shaped scanners.

It is important to note that with laser scanners, certain precautions are to be taken, especially with handheld laser scanners. One should always be careful to avoid shining the laser beam into their eyes. Generally, this isn’t a problem when used by adults in a working environment. But if you are using a laser scanner at home, or around children, it is important to remember that they are not toys.

Laser scanners are considered much more useful, especially in the retail market world. Just think of how time consuming and frustrating it would be to take your cart of groceries up to the checkout counter and have the clerk slowly take each item in hand and swipe the barcode with a pen-type scanner! Instead, with the use of laser technology, we can throw our items onto the conveyor belt and the clerk can virtually take the items and pass them over the glass and into our bags without even missing a beat. (Please note:  they type of scanners at the supermarket are a more advanced version of a basic laser scanner, however they use virtually the same technology, for more information, please click on the page labeled Omni-Directional Laser Scanners) But let us not forget that laser scanners also come in handheld models, which are still quite useful for larger, harder to move items, such as furniture or lumber.