This article does not contain any product recommendations. If you are interested in purchasing barcode scammers, here\u2019s our buying guide with product<\/a>s.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019s full image and decode it.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n As you can see, all barcode scanners<\/a> 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\u2019s encoded information is updated into the database.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Let\u2019s take a closer look at these four barcode scanner hardware types:<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019s more, they usually can\u2019t 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\u2019re scanning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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<\/a> slid over it in any orientation and direction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019ll be scanning many barcodes that could sometimes be several meters away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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<\/a> and can help you save lots of time and energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019s why many people now prefer to use linear imagers in place of laser scanners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another benefit of using area imagers is that they scan barcodes in any orientation. It doesn\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2D imagers take more detailed images than linear imagers. That\u2019s why you can read barcodes from any direction. Since there\u2019s less aiming involved, 2D imager scanners are faster and deliver results with more intelligence. What\u2019s more, they can read barcodes from a wide range of surfaces, including paper, plastic, glass, and even phone and monitor screens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Different](\"https:\/\/gorillaoutput.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Depositphotos_403462638_s-2019-e1605940825518.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nThe Different Hardware Types of Barcode Scanners<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Laser Barcode Scanners<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Omni-directional Barcode Scanners<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Omni-directional Scanners Have Special Capabilities<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Linear Imager Barcode Scanners<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
2D Area Imager Barcode Scanners<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\u2705 Video – Image-Based Barcode Reader Vs Laser Scanners<\/h4>\n\n\n\n