What is Barcode Reader?

A barcode reader is an optical scanner and handheld or stationary input device, also known as a price scanner or point-of-sale (POS). It is an input device because it brings information from outside to the computer. It captures and reads the information in a barcode using a scanner. The Barcode reader has a screen to display results; due to this barcode reader is considered an input/output device. The Barcode was first invented in 1948 by Norman J Woodland and Bernard Silver from Drexel University.

In India, the Barcode for the Aadhar card was designed by Suma Prakash. In the supermarket, the Barcode is used to load the details and information of the product into a database.  They are used in retail stores as part of the purchase process and in warehouses also. Barcode technology is used for handling business activities and measuring items. There are various types of barcode scanners available in the market. The barcode reader works as a human eye.

Working of barcode reader:

A barcode scanner consists of a scanner, a decoder (either built-in or external)

and a cable, which is used to connect the reader to the computer. The barcode reader works on the principle when a beam of light is directed on the barcode and then measures the amount of light reflected and the pattern it makes.

The scanner has a light source that converts the optical signals into electrical signals, and it is converted into data by the decoder and data is forwarded to a computer. Then the decoder decodes the data and sends the data to a computer. The decoder analyses the image data provided by the scanner and send it to the computer. It also translates the bar and space content. The decoder unit is present in the scanner's handle.

Benefits of Barcode reader:

Barcodes were introduced to save time on sales transactions.

1. Accurate: For data processing, the Barcode is far better than manually-entered data; humans may cause an error, but the machine does not.

2. Data is immediately available: Due to its processing speed, information about product is available in real-time.

3. Handled efficiently: Employees need a little learning to know how to use it due to the simplicity of the barcode reader.

4. Low-cost implementation: Installing and generating barcodes is easy and quick.  

5. Wireless scanners: There are many wireless barcode scanners available in the market, with the help of them we can move anywhere we want.

6. Eliminates human error: By using barcode scanners, we can eliminate the error caused by a human due to the wrong encoding of data.

7. Time-saving: With the help of it, we can quickly calculate the items. Barcode contains all the information that automatically logs into the computer, saving time and effort. 

Disadvantages of barcode reader:

1. Barcode readers are expensive devices that small businesses need help to afford.

2. They are prone to Physical damage like other devices.

3. When a barcode needs repairing, it is very costly, so it's better to replace it.

4. Barcode sticker gets damaged easily and causes problems while scanning.

5. Barcode readers have limitations in that they can scan only a limited amount of data and information.

6. Hackers can hack barcodes easily.

Subcategories of a barcode scanner:

Handheld:  This is the most popular type of scanner available in both corded and cordless models.

Presentation: They are the type of scanner that allows users to scan multiple times. It is also known as a multi-plane or on-counter scanner.

In-counter: It is very similar to a presentation scanner, but it sits inside the counter instead on the top.

Mobile computers: It contains both the functions of a barcode scanner and a PC.

Fixed-mount: A hands-free scanner reads the Barcode using a scanner when the items pass through it.

Wearable: These scanners can be worn on the hands, fingers or arms.

Types of Barcode reader

There are different types of Barcode scanners:

1. Pen-Type Readers- These consists of a photodiode and a light source. The Photodiode is inbuilt, whereas the light source is near the pen's tip. While reading code, one needs to hold the pen and move its end on the code at a uniform speed. A waveform is formed to measure the bars' width and the spaces between two bars. Information is then decoded and entered into the computer system.

2. Laser scanners- The light source in a laser scanner is a laser beam. They doesn't need to be close to the barcodes for reading. It consists of mirrors and lenses for reading barcodes and can be used up to 24 inches away. It can perform 500 scans per second.

3. CCD scanner: Charged Coupled Device (CCD) scanner is also known as LED scanners. They are very similar to the digital camera as they have one row that captures the digital image of the Barcode. Their scanning rate is fast but has limited read ranges of less than 3 inches compared to laser scanners. They are more affordable than other types of scanners.

4. Image scanner: It is also known as a camera reader. It consists of a small camera used to capture an image of the Barcode and a digital imaging processor that reads bar codes. It can read barcodes from 9 inches away. 

5. Slot scanner: A stationary barcode scanner reads a barcode on the product when it is pulled by hand. They are used to scan identification cards and cards that are swiped.

6. WIFI- dependent Scanners- This type of scanner requires WIFI(LAN). The device will not work without an internet connection.

7. Anti-Microbial Barcode Scanners: They have built-in anti-microbial agents to avoid spreading viruses and infectious bacteria. They are high-performance scanners. They are used in hygiene-sensitive applications, such as in the medical field.

8. Bluetooth Barcode Scanners: They are wireless scanners that depend upon Bluetooth technology. The scanner can scan data from anywhere at any time without cable connections.  

9. Fixed Barcode Scanners: These scanners are permanently placed on any equipment or surface, and the items with barcodes are scanned past the monitor.

10. 2D Scanners: These scanners can scan 2D barcodes and QR codes.

Ways to keep Barcode reader accurate

1. We can keep getting accurate results through the Barcode by keeping it clean and away from dirt.

2. Make sure the barcodes are printed or not.

3. Ensure the barcode size is correct as per the scanner.

4. Barcode should be of high quality.

Barcodes are just practical and user-friendly devices to store data. The data can be changed, stored or tracked in many ways to keep business efficient and organized. We can implement and install it by ourselves.