code scanners
the barcode . The level of reflection is measured and translated into a digital signal readout . Laser barcode scanners can be part of a handheld unit or mounted in a scanning unit .
Charge Coupled Device , or CCD Also known as an LED reader , a CCD scanner has hundreds of small LED lights in a long row . They are shot directly onto the code , where a sensor measures the voltage of ambient light that is in front of every light bulb .
How barcode scanners work Today ’ s barcode readers have come a long way since their parent device was created in the middle of the 20th century . Instead of patiently waiting for the dashes and dots to be read and converted into numbers , modern day scanners can read the white and black zebra lines quickly , and then feed that data to a checkout terminal or computer . The product ’ s barcode is easily identified using a product database .
Here ' s an example of how a scanner can read a barcode using the basic binary patterns on-off , with the black line a one and each white line a zero :
1 . The scanner ’ s head shines a laser light or LED light onto the barcode .
2 . The light reflects off the barcode to a photoelectric cell , which is an electronic component that detects light . The black areas reflect small amounts of light , while the white lines reflect the most .
3 . As you move the scanner across the barcode , the photoelectric cell generates an on-off pulse pattern that corresponds with the barcode ’ s white and black stripes .
4 . The scanner ’ s electronic circuit converts the pulses into zeros and ones , ( binary numbers ), which are sent to a computer .
How barcodes changed the world Who would have guessed that on one summer day in 1974 when a pack of gum was scanned , history was being made and would change the way information is processed ? Barcodes and barcode scanners have had a universal impact , and today , almost 50 % of smartphone users in the United States have a barcode scanner app on their device . Without barcodes and barcode scanners , shipping companies couldn ’ t guarantee overnight delivery and people with diabetes couldn ’ t calibrate their glucose meters . However , the benefits of barcodes and readers extend beyond these uses . They also :
• Boost operational efficiency : barcodes and barcode scanners allow for a more accurate and faster reading of data and information . Work can move along quickly , and be tracked accurately .
• Decrease errors : data entry and clerical errors can cost a company a lot of excess money and cause problems . By using barcodes and scanners , businesses can easily reduce extra freight costs and track down problems a lot quicker .
• Save time : depending on the situation , the time savings can be quite significant . For instance , taking inventory before scanners might take a large crew of 25 employees working over a weekend at a business . With the newer technology , the same task takes about five hours with only four employees . n
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