What Kind Of Rays Are Used In A Barcode Reader?

Most establishments that sell products and services use barcode scanners when processing payments.

Barcode scanners are one of the most common and important machines used in doing business today. 

Did you know that different scanners use different types of light rays?

It is important to understand the components of a barcode scanner especially the type of light rays it uses so you can understand how it works so you can provide proper care and maintenance.

Infrared Radiation

Infrared rays are electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths longer than those of visible light.

They are commonly used in barcode scanners as they are easy and convenient to use. Following is some of the features:

  • Easier readability by illumination. This means there is no need to flash bright red or white lights for the imager to read the code. It is not distracting nor annoying for users and customers.
  • It compensates for unpleasant and uncertain ambient lighting. Barcode scanners that use infrared rays do not need good lighting because it uses its own infrared source to flood the item being scanned with enough light so the code can be read by the imager. It does not matter if the room is dark or well-lit. The barcode scanner will work either way. Scanning will work no matter what the lighting situation of the room is.
  • It controls the illumination of the barcode. Establishments that use barcode scanners with infrared rays are usually equipped with infrared pass-through windows that will ignore other light variance. This means you have more control over how the subject being scanned will be illuminated as it appears on the imager.

Laser

Laser or moving beam scanners uses laser rays to read the code on the items.

It works by having a constantly moving beal element like a revolving polygon oscillating mirrors, holograms, or Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS).

Most laser scanners have a scan rate of at least 40 seconds. Most laser scanners today scan items in an instant.

It is fast and reliable and is very popular with grocery stores and shopping centres.

Led Lights

LED lights are used by CCD scanners also known as charged coupled device or non-laser imaging/illumination.

The reading head is equipped with hundreds of tiny light sensors and a and LED-based illumination source.

The LED-based illumination scanners were inspired by the new digital photography industry.

This is a more efficient and very affordable option for barcode scanners.

As a result, LED scanners are gaining more and more popularity today and are expected to become an industry-standard in the years to come.

As business owners, you must make sure operations run quickly and smoothly by providing the latest and most effective technology the industry has to offer.

Technology innovation helps lessen the workload of your personnel and reduce human errors.

Technology is there to help and assist your business so you can reduce labour costs and avoid unnecessary mistakes. 

Always keep an open mind when it comes to new innovation. Educate yourself and adapt to change.

Know your company’s strength and areas of improvement. Use technology to elevate your products and services. 

When choosing the right barcode scanners for your business, it’s important to consult with a professional so they can help you get the right machine for your needs.

If you would like to know more about the best stocktake software and how the right set of software and point of sale systems could help you, give us a call.

We are the market leader when it comes to the development of customised and packaged solutions.

This includes Inventory Management, Portable Barcode Readers, Supply Chain Management, Time and Attendance and Asset Tracking to name but a few.

ASP Microcomputers is here to help you run your operations in a smooth and convenient manner by providing you with the right equipment for your company needs.

Contact us so we can sit down and discuss your goals, needs, and business structure.

Armed with this information, we can help determine exactly what equipment you need to achieve success.

Please call us today on 03 9578 7600 or 1800 061 642 or contact us through our website.