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How do barcode readers work?
A barcode reader or barcode scanner is an electronic device for the conversion of a printed or etched barcode back into useful information.
There are many types of barcode scanner, the most common are...
CCD In these units the barcode image is read by using a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), which is essentially a digital camera with only a single line of the image read in at one time. This image is then decoded by a microprocessor and relayed back to the computer. CCD barcode readers are generally shaped as a handheld device which is gripped with the head facing downward.
Wand or Pen A wand barcode reader is shaped like a normal pen although in reality they are generally fatter. The barcode image is read by wiping the pen along the barcode which is illuminated by an LED inside the wand. This reflected light is then read by means of an optical sensor and decoded by a microprocessor.
Laser A laser barcode reader uses a rotating or vibrating mirror and a laser diode to form a line along the barcode. The light reflected is then read by an optical sensor as in a wand reader and decoded by a microprocessor and relayed back to a computer in real time.
Related products at www.barcodereaders.com
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