Advantages and Disadvantages of Handheld 2D Barcode Scanners By Neil T Jones

There are two main sub-types of handheld 2D Barcode Scanners:
2D and 1D. The sales of 2D Barcode Scanners are increasing at an
astonishing speed. On the other hand, those of the 1D scanner
remain stagnant year after year. Potential users of 2D Barcode
Scanners would most definitely desire to learn about the
advantages that they offer. Read on to find out the many
advantages of 2D Barcode Scanners. The article also points out
some disadvantages of using the same, as both advantages and
disadvantages need to be taken into account before deciding on a
device.

Advantages

The foremost advantage of using a 2D barcode scanner is its
capability to read and decode 2D barcodes. Among the 2d barcodes
currently in use, some are Data Matrix, Aztec, QR Code and Han
Xin. It is possible to store a larger volume of data with 2D
barcodes than with 1D barcodes, in the same or even less
physical area. It is also possible for product manufacturers to
squeeze in thousands of characters in a single 2D barcode.
Moreover, 2D barcodes have the added capability of reading
barcodes omni-directionally. Handheld 2D barcode scanners are
characterized by an image sensor which is used to capture an
image from a particular barcode. Following this, the image is
run through a software decoder program installed inside the
scanner's firmware. This software decoder program is capable of
locating the barcode on the basis of a particular barcode's
unique attributes, irrespective of its orientation.

This unique feature eliminates the need for changing the
position of the scanner with the different positions of the
barcodes. It is not necessary for the barcode scanner to ensure
orientation with the barcode it is to read. This considerably
reduces total reading time and user fatigue.

The technology that runs the image sensor is the same as that
behind the modern digital camera. One major difference between
the two, however, is that 2D barcode scanners deploy a greyscale
imager as opposed to the color imager used in digital cameras.
Owing to the fact that it is an imager, a lot of scanners are
capable of clicking a picture and transmitting it to the
connected computer. There are a lot of uses of this wonderful
feature, including taking snapshots of signatures for delivery
proof, damaged packages, recognizing forms and processing off
scanner images.

2D barcode scanners are the last word in reliability. A 2D
barcode scanner possesses only a single moving part. That is the
trigger switch.

Trigger switches used by scanners are rated at as many as
millions of activations. Failure for this to function is very
rare. This translates to a potential for zero down time for
customers. This leads in turn to improved efficiencies, reduced
level of frustration and decreased cost of ownership. This is
not an all-exhaustive list of advantages offered by 2D barcode
scanners vs. 1D barcode scanners. There are other advantages.
However, 2D barcode scanners are not exactly without
disadvantages. Though the pros clearly outweigh the cons, the
user must be educated about the disadvantages while making a
purchase decision.

Disadvantages

The first disadvantage of 2D barcode scanners is their price.
These scanners deploy the latest technology and are continuously
being modified according to modern technology. Image sensors
with increased number of pixels are being installed, decoding of
algorithms at a higher speed is being made possible,
illumination and aiming patterns are being modified and improved
upon. As a huge amount of investment goes into the 2D barcode
scanners, their prices are a bit higher than 1d barcode
scanners. However, with time, the gap between the prices of the
two types of scanners is decreasing. The prices of all scanners
are such that they are considered to be commodities.

Another drawback of 2D barcode scanners is their working range.
‘Working range' means the point farthest from which a scanner
can read a barcode minus the closest point from which the
scanner can read a barcode. For example, if a scanner can read a
UPC, a barcode, from the closest distance of 2 inches, and it
can read the barcode at the farthest distance of 10 inches. Then
the working range of this particular scanner would then be; 10
in – 2 in = 8 in. On the other hand, a 1d barcode scanner would
be capable of reading the same barcode from the farthest
distance of 18 inches and the closest distance of 1 inch. The
decreased working range of a 2d barcode scanner might prove to
be a hindrance in certain applications.

Text only about the author:

Barcode scanners come in many different types and forms, some
of the base models are quite cheap and perform well, but many
different industries choose a wireless barcode scanner which
allow your employees to have greater freedom and the Symbol
LS4278 scanner allows for this.

About the Author: Barcode scanners come in many different types
and forms, some of the base models are quite cheap and perform
well, but many different industries choose a wireless barcode
scanner which allow your employees to have greater freedom and
the Symbol LS4278 scanner allows for this.

Source: http://www.isnare.com

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