Zack Jerry

2D Barcode Scanner: Four Types of Barcode Scanner 

A barcode scanner is a device for electronically reading barcodes and has the fundamental elements of a light source, a lens and a light sensor which translate the optical signals into electrical signals. Just about every barcode scanner contains some kind of decoder circuitry for analyzing a barcode’s image data, which is read by the sensor, and will send the decoded data to the scanner’s output port.

There are a small number of basic barcode scanner types. each type is defined by the method of scanning that the operator has to use. And since barcodes were created for quick data collection, each method relates to the type of manipulation an operator has to do to scan the barcode. There are four basic types of barcode scanner, we will list them below and give a brief description of each.

2D Barcode Scanner: USB

All businesses that use 2d barcode scanners, usb or otherwise, will use them for a range of jobs, for checking inventory, pcking orders, processing returns and all kinds of other tasks. When using a usb 2d barcode scanner with a PC computer installed with an inventory application, the scanner will be recognised by the computer as a USB HID device, and the scanned data will feed directly into the application.

When you scan a 2d barcode with a USB scanner, the iphone document scanning app renders the data as if someone was typing it directly into the appropriate field. Or rather, as if someone were typing it very fast into the appropriate field. Using barcode scanners increases accuracy of data input, and reduces miscounts of inventory.

Over recent years, USB has become the most popular method for connecting scanners to a computer, and with the new USB standard – making it about 4 times faster than the current standard – set to become mainstream in the next year or so, this trend is likely to continue. But because USB readers have been around for a while, and do not deteriorate quickly, many businesses are still using older models, or their computer hardware is yet to be upgraded, here is a brief comparison of USB and the older connection technologies of RS-232 and PS/2, all of which can be found on barcode scanners:

USB Barcode Scanners vs PS/2 Connectors

The PS/2 connector was the first connector to replace the RS-232 serial connector (described below). The 6 pin mini DIN connector was introduced in 1987 as a keyboard and mouse connector, but its use broadened considerably in the 1990s.

USB replaced and improved upon the PS/2 connector in many ways. The PS/2 connection was not designed to be ‘hot-swappable’ – meaning that they should not be plugged in or unplugged while the computer is running. And will not funcion properly if they are. They are also not designed to be plugged in and out very often, as the 6 pins can become damaged, and they have to be aligned correctly, which is not always simple due to their round shaped head.

By comparison, USB connections are much faster, and allow you to plug them in or unplug them at any time without crashing the computer or having to restart. USBs are also far more robust designs, and do not have delicate pins which might be damaged, and are easier and quicker to plug in.