We\’ve all heard of barcode scanners. If you haven\’t, allow me to fill you in. Also known as barcode readers, barcode scanners are machines that read the barcode on most products sold in stores; like a digital price tag. Similar to your standard flatbed scanner (like an average copy machine), barcode readers consist of a lense, light and a sensor that converts optical current into an electrical one. Once the current has been converted, it is then decoded by the scanner so that the computer can read it. It\’s as easy as that!

Unless you are in the retail business, you may be unaware of the many different types of barcode readers there are. There is much confusion about the types of scanners out there, but don\’t worry, I will break it down for you. Generally speaking, barcode scanners can be broken down into four different groups, according to the technology used: Pen scanners, Laser scanners (inluding omni-directional scanners), LED scanners, & Camera scanners. However, if you\’re like me, you are probably more interested in categorizing by the housing type; i.e. pen scanners, handheld scanners, fixed scanners, etc.

Pen readers are small and pen-like and are swiped over the barcode in one, smooth motion. Handheld readers are the most common and are simply held in front of the barcode. And fixed readers, or stationary readers, are usually bigger, and are fixed in place so that the barcode is swiped over it, such as the scanners at the checkout stand at your local supermarket.

As for the guts of a barcode scanner, they vary according to the main purpose of the scanner. I won\’t get into the technical details, as this article is meant to inform readers and consumers of the various barcode scanners out there and the basic variations. Some scanners use photodiodes and light to decode the bars (such as pen scanners), others use lasers (very common with handheld or stationary scanners), and others use LED lights. There are more variations, but these are the most common.

Although this isn\’t a definitive resource for information regarding barcode scanners, it is a simple overview for consumers. I hope to give you a better understanding of the different kinds of scanners and what they\’re used for. And for those of you that are wondering, the phrases \”barcode scanner\” and \”barcode reader\” are used synonymously. So, remember that and good luck with all of your barcode scanning endeavors.

Want to find out more about barcode scanners, then visit Derek Mattos\’s site on how to choose the best barcode reader for your needs.