Posts Tagged ‘Barcode 2d Scanner Photo’
Barcode 2d Scanner
Barcode 2d Scanner
Barcode 2d Scanner
Hand held barcode scanners are available in two main categories. 2D and 1D. 2D barcode scanner sales are growing at an impressive rate. 1D scanner sales are fairly flat year over year. The question that many potential buyers of 2D barcode scanners ask is, “what are the main advantages of using a 2D barcode scanner over a 1D barcode scanner?” This article discusses just some of the many advantages. There are some disadvantages that need to be considered when making a decision.
Advantages
The most important advantage of using a 2D barcode scanner is the ability to read and decode 2D barcodes. Data Matrix, Aztec, QR Code and Han Xin are examples of 2D barcodes being used today. 2D barcodes are capable of holding much more data than 1D barcodes in the same or less physical space. Product manufacturers can put hundreds or even thousands of characters in a single 2D barcode.
Having the ability to read barcodes omni-directionally is another big advantage of using a 2D barcode scanner. All hand held 2D barcode scanners use an image sensor to capture an image of the barcode. That image is then run through a software decoder program that resides in the scanner’s firmware. The software decoder program has the ability to locate the barcode based on each barcode’s unique characteristics, no matter what the orientation of the barcode is. This system allows the user to hold the scanner in the same position for every barcode read no matter the position of the barcode. The scanner does not have to be oriented to line up with the barcode being read. User fatigue and overall read times are greatly reduced.
The image sensor uses the same technology as today’s digital cameras. The one main difference is that 2D barcode scanners use a grayscale imager as opposed to a color imager. Because it is an imager, many scanners have the capability of taking a picture and sending that picture to the computer that it is connected to. Taking pictures of signatures for proof of delivery, damaged packages, forms recognition and off scanner image processing are just a few of the applications that are being utilized with the images from 2D barcode scanners.
Reliability is another big advantage of 2D barcode scanners. There is only one moving part in a 2D barcode scanner. The trigger switch. All scanners use trigger switches rated at millions of activations. Rarely will there be a failure in the field. No failures means no down time for customers which results in higher efficiencies, less frustration and lower total cost of ownership.
These are just some of the advantages of using a 2D barcode scanner instead of a 1D barcode scanner. There are more advantages not listed here. There are also some disadvantages. Typically the advantages outweigh the disadvantages, but the disadvantages do need to be taken into consideration when making a decision.
Disadvantages
Price. 2D barcode scanners are a fairly new technology and continually evolving. Image sensors with more pixels, faster decode algorithms, improved illumination and aiming patterns are all being tweaked and improved. Because of all these investments in the technology, the price of 2D barcode scanners is higher than 1D barcode scanners. But that price gap is quickly diminishing. All scanners are approaching the price point where they are considered a commodity.
Working range of 2D barcode scanners is a second disadvantage. Working range is defined as the furthest point away from the scanner a barcode can be read minus the closest point a barcode can be read. For example: A UPC-A barcode can be read at a far distance of 10 inches away from the scanner. That same barcode can be read at a near distance of 2 inches away from the scanner. 10 inches minus 2 inches equals 8 inches of working range. 1D barcode scanners could read that same barcode at a far distance of 18 inches and a near distance of 1 inch. That lesser working range can be a problem in some applications.
By Bill Field
Article Source: ezinearticles.com
barcode scanner search terms:
Barcode 2d Scanner Photo
Barcode 2d Scanner Photo
The hand held 2D bar code scanner has been around for quite some time and as the years go by the sales of this product increases at an impressive rate. While the 2D scanners hit the roof, the 1D scanner barely make an appearance on the sales book. So you must be wondering now, what’s the 2D bar code scanner all about right? Here are some of its many benefits that would show you why it does so well in the market.
The first and main advantage of this product is that it’s the only scanner that can read a 2D code which is important to have in times of today because as technology advances, more and more items use the 2D bar code. A few examples of this 2D codes are Data Matrix, Aztec, QR Code and Han Xin, they are widely used in various industries which makes the 2D scanner a hit today. The reason why people prefer using 2D over 1D bar codes is because within the same space, the 2D ones can contain way more information than ever thought possible. It makes it easier for product manufactures as it helps them advance in their business.
Besides that, every hand held 2D bar code captures the image of the bar code using an image sensor which makes it have the ability to read them omni-directionally. After the scanner senses the image, it is then sent to the decoder program which is a special software that is installed in the 2D scanner’s firmware. From there on forth, the scanner decodes the bar and the information is retrieved, there is no need to line the scanner along with the position of the unique characters because the image sensor can pick up the characteristics of the code image in any position. This greatly reduces the user’s energy level used because the user can hold the scanner in one position at all times and not go through the trouble of lining it up with the various positions of the bar codes on the items. In addition to that, this scanner has a high reliability rate which gives users a worry free work environment since it’s very rare for the scanner to have a faulty part. The only moving part of this product is the trigger switch and even that is as secure as ever, giving you a comfortable hold as well.
While the 2D scanner has too many advantages, like all other products it also has its downfalls. The biggest downfall of this item is that while it’s amazing with technology and advantages, nothing comes without a price. The 2D scanner is very costly because it’s constantly evolving and there’s still room for improvement in every part of the technology used to invent this item. It’s definitely more expensive than the 1D scanner but with all the added benefits and the role it plays in today’s world, it can be considered an investment and a commodity.
In conclusion, the 2D scanner is quite a big jump from the 1D scanner with so many advantages and improvements. However, although there is a disadvantage to it, it is worth having because it makes everything simpler and can help your business since eventually, everything will be coded in 2D.
By Rowena Fernandez
Article Source: ezinearticles.com
