Scanning The World!

Barcode scanners are not new - the first barcode patent was granted in 1952. Most people associate barcodes with supermarket checkouts but the technology is used in many areas and has many applications.

There is actually more than one type of barcode but the one we’re most familiar with is the sequence of wide and narrow black lines. This is the UPC (Universal Product Code) and it was first used in supermarkets.

The UCC (Uniform Code Council) is in charge of UPCs. Each manufacturer pays a yearly fee for its own 12-digit UPC number. The first six numbers are the manufacturer’s identification number. The next five numbers are used for product identification and the last number is a check sum used by the barcode scanner to make sure the number has been read correctly. The manufacturer is responsible for ensuring that the same code is not used on more than one item.

2D or not 2D

2D barcodes are a more recent development. They typically look like a blue square filled with random dots. Whereas a normal barcode may be able to store a couple of dozen characters at most, a 2D code can store anything up to two-thousand characters. UPS use 2D codes to encode destination information.

The most popular 2D barcodes are MaxiCode, PDF-417 and DataMatrix.

When a barcode scanner scans a code, it uses a sensor to convert the black and white lines to numbers. If the check sum doesn’t add up, the scanner discards the data and tries again. Most scanners use a light source that can be seen by the human eye to assist in guiding the scanner to the code label.

Scanner Types

There are many types of barcode reader or scanner. Most supermarkets have scanners built in to the desk so the checkout assistant only has to move the barcode of the area in front of them.

Many shops, particularly DIY stores, use handheld scanners because of the added flexibility. Assistants can scan large items in floor trolleys and bulky and heavy items where the barcode is not easy to access.

In environments even more rugged that DIY checkouts you can use a portable or cordless scanner. This offers freedom of movement in outdoor locations and provides additional safety as there are no cables to snag.

Magic Wand

The original barcode scanner was a pen or wand. It’s one of the cheapest scanners and still as many uses today. It requires the wand to be in contact with the code and is ideal for scanning barcodes that are close together. It’s widely used in medical and laboratory environments.

Laser scanners are probably the most common type of scanner and used in many situations from supermarkets to warehouses

Other types of scanner include CCD (Couple Charged Device) which used the technology found in video cameras. The code is captured as a single image. CCD scanners are rugged and cost-effective.

After scanning a code, it has to be deciphered and acted upon which is where barcode software comes in. Most barcode software is designed for specific applications such as pricing and stock control but there is software for both PCs and Macs that allow you to create and print your own barcodes and scan them with low-cost equipment.

Although we may only think of barcodes being used in supermarkets and stores, they are used in many areas for stock control and enable companies to manage inventory, sales and purchasing with great efficiency.