Barcodes and barcode scanners have long been used for decades for quick, easy and error-free data collection.
Now, with modern wireless Bluetooth scanners, and their compatibility mobile devices like Android and iOS, barcode scanning is easier than ever.
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&#; What is your scan environment? Office, warehouse, outdoors?
&#; What type of barcodes will you be scanning? 1D or 2D or both?
&#; Do you need scan barcodes from a screen, i.e. scan a barcode displayed on a mobile screen?
&#; What is your use case? Inventory, attendance or event, book scouting?
&#; What quality of barcodes will be scanned?
&#; What material might be overlaying or protecting the barcode (e.g. glass or plastic badge covers)?
There are 3 popular types of barcode scanners: Laser, CCD Linear Imagers, and 2D Area Imagers.
We have outlined the advantages and disadvantages of all 3 types.
The laser barcode scanner is the most common and the most popular. The laser scanner operates by emitting a red diode laser that reflects back the barcode for processing. Bluetooth laser barcode scanners are small and easy to use. Due to their portability, they are the perfect solution for inventory, attendance, or retail arbitrage.
Advantages:
&#; Fast: Laser scanners can decode extremely fast. For example, the Scanfob® Scanner can decode 100 scans per second. A camera scanner can&#;t compare! See video.
&#; Accurate: Laser scanners scan most 1D barcodes with ease. Just point and scan for quick results.
&#; Powerful: Unlike a CCD scanner, laser scanners can read large barcodes and from longer distances. Some laser scanners can read barcodes from over 50 feet away.
&#; Ambient Light: Because a laser scanner functions by reflecting light back, high ambient light (such as direct sunlight) may cause difficulties when trying to scan.
&#; Laser Limitations: Most laser barcode scanners cannot read barcodes from a computer or mobile device display. Furthermore, if the barcode is damaged, faded or too small in scale, the laser barcode scanner may not be able to capture the scan.
2. CCD Barcode Scanners (Linear Imagers)
CCD (Charged Coupling Device) barcode scanners use an imaging engine to take a picture of the barcode and then decode the characters. CCD barcode scanners are &#;linear imagers&#; meaning that you will still see a red focus line when triggering the scan.
&#; Durable: CCD scanners have no internal moving parts so they are typically a bit more durable than a laser scanner.
&#; More economical: CCD scanners, on average, are usually less costly than other barcode scanners.
&#; Scan In Direct Sunlight & On Device Screens: Essentially, a CCD scanner is &#;taking a picture&#; of the barcode. Due to this scanning process, CCD scanners are able to operate in bright sunlight. Most CCD scanners are also able to read scans off a computer or other devices screens.
Disadvantages:
&#; Barcode Size Limitations: CCD scanners are unable to read barcodes that are wider than the imager line.
&#; Scan Distance Limitations: Most CCD scanners are only able to read barcodes from a few inches away.
3. 2D Area Imagers
2D imagers capture an image field and then decode the result. Due to 2D imagers having a wider scope or area than other barcode scanners, a 2D imager can read virtually any 1D or 2D barcode including: QR codes, Data Matrix, and PDF417. 2D imagers are the most powerful of the 3 barcode scanners and are ideal for individuals needing rapid scanning action, such as those at an event or working in outdoor environments.
Advantages:
&#; Versatility: A 2D barcode scanner can scan virtually every barcode symbology.
&#; Powerful: 2D scanners, because of their image capture processing, can read barcodes from nearly every surface type including computer or mobile device screens, and even scan through glass surfaces. Their decoding ability also allows for the user to successfully read heavily damaged barcodes.
Disadvantages:
&#; Price: 2D barcode scanners are typically more expensive than linear imagers or laser barcode scanners.
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Laser
A laser scan engine shoots a laser beam toward a mirror. The mirror moves, which causes the laser to sweep across the barcode in a straight line. A diode measures the level of reflection and translates it into a digital signal. Laser scan engines only read one-dimensional (1D) barcodes.Linear Imager
A linear imager scan engine, also known as a charged coupled device (CCD) or an LED scanner, takes a picture of a barcode by aligning hundreds of tiny LED lights in a row and shooting light directly onto the barcode. A sensor measures the voltage of the light directly in front of each lightbulb. Like laser scan engines, linear imagers only read 1D barcodes. However because they take a digital image of the barcode, they can read poorly printed and damaged barcodes better than lasers.2D Area Imager
A 2D area imager scan engine also captures digital images. But unlike a linear imager, a 2D scan engine reads both 1D and 2D barcodes by flashing light onto multiple rows of tiny lightbulbs. Another advantage of 2D scan engines is that they are omnidirectional, meaning they can read barcodes from any angle. This makes them faster and more accurate than laser and linear imagers.barcode scan engines
Scan Engine
Description
Use
Ideal for
Laser
The most popular type of barcode scanner
Uses a laser beam to read the difference in the spaces between a barcode&#;s vertical
lines
Rapidly toggles
mirrors
back and forth to produce the thin red laser lineOnly reads linear (1D or one-dimensional)
barcodes
Works best when precise scanning is necessary
Easily targets a laser line
Comes in three basic configurations: moving beam (single line),
rastering
(lines that cover an area), and omnidirectionalEnvironments with low lighting
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Scanning at distances greater than two feet
INDUSTRIES
Almost any environment, especially retail
Linear Imager
Also known as a c
harged coupled device (CCD)
and a LED scanner
Doesn&#;t use lasers to read
barcodes
; instead takes a digital image (picture) of the barcodeReads linear (1D or one-dimensional)
barcodes
; some models read stacked 2D barcodes and composite symbolsMore durable than laser scanners
Scanning at distances up to two feet away
Reading
barcodes
under a reflective surface such as plastic wrapReading poorly printed or damaged barcodes
INDUSTRIES
Retail
Shipping
Receiving
Inventory
2D Area Imager
Also known as
a 2D
or digital imagerUses a combination of digital camera technology and software to capture
barcodes
Functions like a digital camera; bounces a burst of light off of the barcode and back into the lens
Reads both linear (1D) and 2D barcodes
Can read barcodes from any angle (omnidirectional)
Captures digital images such as signatures and documents with printed fonts
Processes
barcodes
faster and more accurate than laser and linear imager scan enginesScanning hard-to-reach images from any direction and distance
Reading poorly printed or damaged
barcodes
Organizations that need versatility and want to future-proof their operations
INDUSTRIES
Most any
industry including
those that specifically use 2D barcodes, such as the USPS
There are three primary barcode scan engines: laser linear imager , and 2D area imager . Each works differently to accommodate the needs of specific environments and industries.A laser scan engine shoots a laser beam toward a mirror. The mirror moves, which causes the laser to sweep across the barcode in a straight line. A diode measures the level of reflection and translates it into a digital signal. Laser scan engines only read one-dimensional (1D) barcodes.A linear imager scan engine, also known as a charged coupled device (CCD) or an LED scanner, takes a picture of a barcode by aligning hundreds of tiny LED lights in a row and shooting light directly onto the barcode. A sensor measures the voltage of the light directly in front of each lightbulb. Like laser scan engines, linear imagers only read 1D barcodes. However because they take a digital image of the barcode, they can read poorly printed and damaged barcodes better than lasers.A 2D area imager scan engine also captures digital images. But unlike a linear imager, a 2D scan engine reads both 1D and 2D barcodes by flashing light onto multiple rows of tiny lightbulbs. Another advantage of 2D scan engines is that they are omnidirectional, meaning they can read barcodes from any angle. This makes them faster and more accurate than laser and linear imagers.The following table provides a quick overview of each barcode scan engine.Laser, linear imager, and 2D area imager scan engines are found in both barcode scanners and mobile computers. There are several types of barcode scanners including handheld, mobile computers, presentation, in-counter, and fixed-mount. Learn more about barcode scanner types. Mobile computers also come in a variety of styles including handheld, wearable, vehicle-mounted, and tablets. Learn more about mobile computer types . System ID offers a wide range of scanners and mobile computers by name brands such as Symbol Motorola, Datalogic, Honeywell, Intermec, and Wasp. For help selecting a scanning device, an advisor at 1.855.484..
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