@stevenmbrun
Profile
Registered: 2 years, 7 months ago
Laser barcode scanners
A laser scanner works much the same way as a pen or wand scanner, the main difference is that a laser does the work of the light source, and instead of requiring the user to move the scanner across the barcode to collect the information, a laser scanner has a reciprocating mirror or rotating prism fixed internally which scans the laser beam across the barcodem, back and forth. Therefore the laser scanner can simply be held stationary, and simply pointed at a barcode, and the scanning action is done for you. Just like the pen scanner, the laser scanner also has a photodiode to measure the reflected light intensity. LAser scanners have a far better range than any other scanner, and are able to read barcodes at an angle.
CCD Scanner (Charge-Couple Device)
CCD barcode scanners are different to pen and laser scanners in that they have an array of small lights in the head of the scanner, all lined up in a row. CCD scanners don’t have any internal moving parts, like a laser scanner, but are far more robust and last far longer – their LEDs last about ten times longer than laser diodes. They are also much faster, and can scan as many as 45 scans per second.
Cell Phone Barcode Scanners
Although a cell phone camera which doesn’t have auto-focusing is not the best for reading many barcode formats, they can still be used. 2d barcodes, in fact, are optimized for use with a cell phone and can be read quickly and accurately whether or not an auto-focus is available.
USB Barcode Scanners vs RS-232
These days the RS-232 compatible computer serial port, has been replaced in newer models by USB ports. USB is much faster and uses far lower voltages, with connectors that are much smaller and easier to connect and use. The older RS-232 serial connector was not originally designed with computers in mind, but were mainly accomodated into the computer realm in order that computers could connect to existing equipment, and is still used as a means of connecting to older equipment such as industrial equipment, assembly lines, console ports and cash registers.
In an attempt to modernise their stock of barcode scanners for scanning apps for ipad, many businesses have attempted to convert older RS-232 scanners with USB ports, or connect newer USB scanners with older RS-232 equipment. There are, therefore, a number of adapters on the market, but devices which convert USB to RS-232 don’t always work with all the software on all computers and may even cause a reduction in the bandwidth in conjunction with higher latency.
USB 2D Barcode Scanners
The most popular form of connection for barcode scanners is the USB connector, it is cross compatible with different computer operating systems and far faster and more robust that the earlier connectors. Adapters are available to bring USB usb 2d barcode scanners in line with legacy systems, or introduce older scanners to a USB port. There have been issues reported with many of these adapters, so do your research first before committing to one.
Forums
Topics Started: 0
Replies Created: 0
Forum Role: Participant