1. Barcode Readers

2. What are they? Barcode readers are used to scan the image of a barcode and then be able to supply a number of details pertaining to a particular product or item by which the barcode is featured Barcode readers are used to scan the image of a barcode and then be able to supply a number of details pertaining to a particular product or item by which the barcode is featured

3. How they Work They operate by reflecting light off the barcode image They operate by reflecting light off the barcode image Sensors are used to detect amount of reflected light Sensors are used to detect amount of reflected light Most make use of a decoder which arranges data into a character representation that imitates the keyboard (in terms of letters, numbers etc) – eliminating the need for a dedicated software interface between computer and keyboard Most make use of a decoder which arranges data into a character representation that imitates the keyboard (in terms of letters, numbers etc) – eliminating the need for a dedicated software interface between computer and keyboard Examples include Barcode Wands which use single LEDs to illuminate a portion of the barcode. Barcode scanners based on charge couple devices (CCDs) which contain a single row of photocells which each (photocell) transforms light into different levels of electrical current – these are then converted into binary between 0 and 255 Examples include Barcode Wands which use single LEDs to illuminate a portion of the barcode. Barcode scanners based on charge couple devices (CCDs) which contain a single row of photocells which each (photocell) transforms light into different levels of electrical current – these are then converted into binary between 0 and 255

4. Advantages/Disadvantages Advantages: Advantages: 1. Fairly user friendly (point and scan) 2. Eliminates need for dedicated software between computer and keyboard