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If you want to learn about the different types of barcode scanners, this post is for you. As you read on, we will be showing you all the different types of scanning engines available in the world of barcode scanners. Over time, our team has studied wide on the different barcode scanner types. So come along as we explain each of them to you.
Different types of barcode scanners have different capabilities, form factors, features, functionalities, and connectivity options, among other things. Laser scanners are the most widely used, but there are also linear scanners and area imagers. These different types differ in the type of barcodes they can read. Some of these scanners are wireless while some are wired. Some can only read barcodes printed on paper, while some can also read barcodes from OLED and LCD screens.
This article does not contain any product recommendations. If you are interested in purchasing barcode scammers, here’s our buying guide with products.
It is when you know the different types of barcode scanners available that you can identify the suitable type for your business application and needs. We have studied these different types and we will explain them one after the other in the sections that follow.
The Different Hardware Types of Barcode Scanners
There are 4 main barcode scanner types, namely single-line laser, Omni-directional laser, linear imager, and 2D area imager scanners. While laser scanners use laser light, imager scanners use LED lights. Laser scanners shine laser light on barcodes and use the light reflection coming back from the barcodes to read and decode them. Imager scanners, on the other hand, will capture the barcode’s full image and decode it.
As you can see, all barcode scanners shine a light on barcodes to read and decode them. But the type of light and the scanning technology differs from type to type. After capturing the barcode, every other process is pretty the same. They decode the barcode information and send it to the computer, where the barcode’s encoded information is updated into the database.
Let’s take a closer look at these four barcode scanner hardware types:
Laser Barcode Scanners
The most common scanners across diverse industries are laser barcode scanners. To read a barcode, this scanner type shines a red laser light on the barcode. The black line of the barcode absorbs the red light while the white lines reflect light back to the scanner. The scanner receives this reflectance and its sensor uses the reflectance to read and decode the barcode.
Laser barcode readers are the cheapest but their scanning capability is often limited. Laser scanners can only read and decode standard linear (or one-dimensional) barcodes. What’s more, they usually can’t read from a long distance. A standard laser scanner will typically read barcodes from a maximum distance of about one or two feet, depending on what size of barcode you’re scanning.
There are, however, a few laser scanners with an extended range. Some of these scanners can read barcodes from as far as 35 feet away. But only large reflective barcode labels can be read from such a far distance.
Omni-directional Barcode Scanners
Omni-directional barcode scanners use several scanning lines (curved or straight) that shine in various directions. Most Omni-directional scanners use laser light but unlike single-line lasers, Omni-directional scanners produce light patterns that shine in several orientations. As such, they can read barcodes from almost any angle.
Omni-directional scanners project light in a multi-angle arrangement at barcode symbols. At least one light, or more, will cross the barcode symbol no matter how it is oriented. Most of these scanners use one polygonal mirror (which rotates) and several other fixed mirrors, arranged strategically to generate complex scan patterns. With these complex patterns the scanner will read any barcode slid over it in any orientation and direction.
You can use Omni-directional scanners for differing barcode scanning applications. They are suitable for retail applications that require you to read just a few barcodes from a close distance. They are also suitable for industrial applications where you’ll be scanning many barcodes that could sometimes be several meters away.
Omni-directional Scanners Have Special Capabilities
Omni-directional barcode scanners are better than other scanner types at scanning damaged, poorly-printed, torn, dense, and wrinkled barcodes. And unlike single-line lasers, they can read 2D barcodes. They can also capture a barcode in motion, as well as from phone and monitor screens. These features deliver top-notch performance and can help you save lots of time and energy.
Linear Imager Barcode Scanners
Linear imagers also scan 1D barcodes only but they use imaging technology to do so. Unlike laser scanners, they capture the entire barcode imager and analyze it to extract its encoded information. Linear imagers are better at handling damaged and poorly printed barcodes. That’s why many people now prefer to use linear imagers in place of laser scanners.
Linear imagers and laser scanners are equally cheap and share similar read ranges. Nut linear imager barcode scanners are more suitable for applications where a more dynamic scanning experience is required.
2D Area Imager Barcode Scanners
2D imager scanners also use imaging technology to scan and analyze barcodes. They capture the entire barcode image like linear imager scanning machines. But they are more versatile than linear imagers and can read all barcode types. They support 1D and 2D barcodes, as well as stacked codes, and have now become popular in fast-paced industries where barcodes were not being used before.
Another benefit of using area imagers is that they scan barcodes in any orientation. It doesn’t matter whether the barcode is upside down on sideways, the scanner will capture the entire barcode area, analyze the barcode, and decode it. This is a step above the capability of linear imagers and laser barcode scanners, which require you to align the sensor horizontally with the barcode.
2D imagers take more detailed images than linear imagers. That’s why you can read barcodes from any direction. Since there’s less aiming involved, 2D imager scanners are faster and deliver results with more intelligence. What’s more, they can read barcodes from a wide range of surfaces, including paper, plastic, glass, and even phone and monitor screens.
✅ Video – Image-Based Barcode Reader Vs Laser Scanners
This video contains a head-to-head comparison of laser scanners vs imager scanners. You will see a live demo of how they function differently and what you can do with them. The video is short and straight to the point.
Different Barcode Scanner Types by Hardware Design
Barcode scanners have different hardware design types. Handheld scanners are the most popular hardware design types. It is the type used by grocery and retail stores, but there are several other hardware design types. These include in-counter scanners, presentation scanners, wearable scanners, fixed-mount scanners, pen wands, and so on.
Hardware design is also referred to as “the form factor” of a barcode scanner. After identifying the hardware type (laser or imager) that’s suitable for your scanning application, the next thing is to consider the scanner’s form factor. Each of these design types has peculiar advantages for different applications. As such, the hardware design type you need depends on your application and scanning needs.
The 8 main types of barcode scanners by hardware design are as follows:
Handheld Scanners
Handheld scanners are the most popular scanner type. They usually have a simple design and are easy to use. Some people call them scanner guns because users have to aim the scanner at barcodes like a gun and pull its trigger.
Handheld scanners come in both wired and wireless forms. You can carry the wireless scanners around with you for a more flexible, mobile scanning. We will discuss further on this later. Most handheld scanner models also offer the option of hands-free operation by mounting the scanner on a stand.
Presentation Scanners
Presentation scanners are made to stay on counter-tops rather than being held in the hand. They are hands-free scanners that don’t require triggering for barcode scanning. Unlike presentation scanners, handheld scanners whose scanning areas are smaller are called single aimers. But since presentation scanners are hands-free, they have wider scanning areas.
This scanner type is common at check-out counters at retail stores. Their wide areas make aiming less stressful and allow for fast scanning. You can scan hundreds of barcodes in one second when you set the scanner in automatic scanning mode.
In-counter Scanners
In-counter scanners share some similarities with presentation scanners. They are also hands-free and you only have to present barcodes in the scanner’s line of view. But rather than sitting on counter-top, in-counter scanners are usually embedded into counter-tops.
In-counter scanners are common fixtures at stores where customers check out by themselves. The customers only have to present the code in the printer’s line of view, so they are super easy to use. In-counter scanner models can easily integrate into POS systems.
Fixed-Mount Scanners
Fixed scanners are somewhat more specialized than other barcode scanner types. They are specifically designed for easy integration into larger automated systems. You should buy a fixed scanner if you are looking for a barcode scanner that you can mount in your kiosk or on conveyor lines. They have no button or trigger that you have to press to scan.
Fixed-mount scanners can read barcodes at very high speeds without any human intervention. They are usually on standby mode for automatic scanning. But some models require you to trigger the scanner by an external sensor or controller.
Wearable Scanners
Wearable barcode scanners are also called back-of-hand scanners. To use them, you would have to wear the scanner on your arm, finger, or hand. Some wearable scanners are attached to small boxes that you can wear on the back of your hand. And some others are like rings that you can wear on your finger.
Wearable scanners keep the scanner conveniently close to you at all times. Unlike handheld scanners, wearable scanners allow you to use your hand more freely while you take the scanner around for mobile scanning.
Some wearable scanners have the auto-scan or continuous scanning mode that requires no trigger. But some require you to activate scanning by pressing a trigger. Some even allow you to activate the scanner using voice technology.
Mobile Computer Scanners
Mobile computer scanners are more versatile than basic scanners. They provide total freedom because both the scanner and PC are within the same mobile device. Unlike other scanner types that need a connection to transfer scanned barcodes to the database on a PC, the database is hosted on the scanner’s mobile computer. They are, therefore, ideal for barcode applications, such as asset tracking and inventory management, where true mobility is required.
When you’re using a mobile computer scanner, you can move freely around your large warehouse or store without concerns about transmission distance. They have a large internal memory where you can store information. They also have the capacity to communicate with other computers or inventory systems via cellular (WAN) and Wi-Fi networks.
Slot Scanners
Slot scanners are also typically stationary or fixed. To scan a barcode with them, you would have to pull or swipe the barcoded item through the scanner’s slot. Slot scanners are often used to read barcodes on security cards, which are often used as access keys, or identification cards.
Pen Wands
Pen wands are the cheapest type of scanner on the market. They are also very durable because they don’t have any moving parts. But you may need some time to master how to use them. They require direct touch with barcodes, and you would have to hold them at a certain angle to pick the barcode data. Most pen wands also require you to move the pen over barcodes at a given speed.
Different Barcode Scanner Types by Connectivity
You can divide barcode scanners into two main categories by connectivity options – wired and wireless scanners. Wired scanners make use of a USB cord to connect with computers. Wireless scanners, on the other hand, connect with computers via Bluetooth technology or radio wave frequency (2.4GHz frequency).
The central tool in a barcode system is the software that hosts and organizes your data. So to use any barcode system, you need to install a software program on your computer. This means that every scanner needs to connect with a computer. The only exceptions to this are mobile computer barcode scanners.
Aside from mobile computer scanners, you need a computer system to transmit data from the barcode scanner into the database software on your computer. This connection can happen in three ways – via a USB cable, 2.4GHz frequency, or Bluetooth technology. In the sections that follow, we will take a closer look at these three barcode scanner types.
Wired Barcode Scanners
The first barcode scanners were corded (or wired) barcode scanners that connect directly to computers via a USB cable. And until now, they are the most commonly used barcode scanner type. Many new models also offer exclusive terminal connections, including PS/2 and Serial (RS232) connections.
Wired scanners are typically cheaper than comparable wireless barcode scanners. They are also super easy to integrate. All you need to do is plug the cable into your computer’s USB port and your scanner is fully set up and ready to work.
2.4 GHz Wireless Scanners
2.4GHz wireless barcode scanners, as their name implies, connect to PCs via the 2.4GHz radio wave frequency. They work just like wired scanners but instead of having a USB cable, they have a wireless USB plug (or receiver) that you will insert into your PC’s USB port. This receiver functions as the base station of the scanner.
2.4GHz scanners do not connect wirelessly to the computer in the real sense of a wireless connection. Instead, they connect wirelessly to the receiver, which is plugged into the computer. So the scanner communicates wirelessly with the receiver, and the receiver transmits data to the computer. This means that your computer needs no wireless support to connect with a 2.4GHz wireless scanner.
This type of scanner has grown in popularity and has made barcode scanning available to industries that deal with large items. It’s difficult to bring each of these large items to the scanner, but with wireless technology, you can take the scanner to each item to scan their barcodes. What’s more, you can scan barcodes over a long distance, as long as the scanner’s transmission range would allow.
Bluetooth Wireless Scanners
Bluetooth scanners are the most widely used type of wireless scanners because of their versatility. Bluetooth scanners are compatible with computers, as well as mobile devices. Unlike 2.4GHz scanners, you can connect a Bluetooth barcode scanner with tablets and mobile phones, so long as the device is Bluetooth-enabled. Bluetooth scanners, however, have a shorter transmission range than 2.4GHz wireless barcode scanners.
Bluetooth barcode scanners have an average transmission range of about 33 feet. But some specialized Bluetooth units can transmit from 200 feet distance. Conversely, the transmission range of a 2.4GHz wireless can is usually between 100-400 feet on average.
What’s more, Bluetooth scanners offer advanced features that you wouldn’t find on wired scanners. Some of these features include direct pairing and batch memory mode.
Direct Pairing
Direct pairing means that you don’t need any cradle or external base station to connect the scanner to your computer. All you have to do is pair the scanner’s Bluetooth with your PC’s.
Batch Memory
Batch memory, on the other hand, means you can scan barcodes from any distance even when the scanner is not within its transmission range. The scanner will store the barcodes and then transmit them in batches to the computer when a connection is established. Some 2.4GHz scanners have this feature too.
Related Questions
How Do I Choose A Barcode Scanner?
Three major factors should determine the type of barcode scanner you will choose – the type of barcodes you’re scanning, the scanning environment, and the distance from which you’ll scan the barcodes. You should pick a hardware type that can accurately read the barcodes you work with. Then, decide on hardware design based on your scanning environment. Lastly, the scanning distance should determine the connection type you’ll choose.
If you are scanning 2D barcodes, you should use a 2D imager. But single-line laser scanners are good enough if you only work 1D barcodes. Linear barcode scanners, with wireless capabilities, are ideal for reading 1D barcodes from a long distance.
What Is The Most Common Barcode Symbol?
The most common barcode symbol is the UPC (Universal Product Code). UPC is a 1D barcode used mostly on retail product labels. It is the type that you see in grocery stores. UPC symbology can encode 12 numeric digits. They can’t encode alphabets or symbols.
GS1 US, the organization that oversees information standards in America, issues the first 6 digits on UPCs. These six digits are followed by another five digits, which the manufacturer issues. The last digit is a check digit that helps validate the barcode.
What Is the Difference Between A 1D and 2D Barcode?
1D barcodes, such as UPCs, use lines and spaces of variable widths to encode information. 1D codes can only hold about 8-15 characters. Conversely, 2D barcodes, such as QR code, PDF417, and Data Matrix, use variable patterns, like squares, dots, hexagons, and other common shapes to code information. This structure enables 2D barcodes to hold as many as 2,000 characters, or even more. What’s more, 2D barcodes occupy far less space than 1D barcodes for the same amount of data.
1D barcodes only hold alphanumeric information, but 2D barcodes do much more. They can encode voice, website addresses, images, and other forms of binary information. That means that you can use the information in 2D barcodes without being connected to any database. An item with a 2D label can carry large data along with it; much more than what a 1D barcode can offer.
Conclusion
There are so many options of barcode scanners available on the market today. So it’s very important to know what you need before you go shopping for barcode scanners. Ultimately, your scanning application and business needs would determine your choice. Also, check for special and advanced features that may interest you when you are checking different scanner models.
If you still can’t decide, you can check out our buying guides on barcode scanners. We have one on the best barcode scanner for small businesses, and another on the best wireless barcode scanner for inventory. We also have a buying guide on the best automatic barcode scanner. You will find the recommendations, reviews, and buying guides them helpful.
