Thursday, February 17, 2011

What are Omni-Directional Barcode Scanners?

Barcodes have applications in many fields. The components of a barcode system include barcode printer, barcode label, barcode scanner, and a database. Symbol barcode and other types of barcode are used in many industries. It is necessary to choose the best components for any application. Zebra printers, Symbol scanners, and others are some of the models of barcode components available in the market.

Different types of barcode scanners are used based on the requirements. Omni-directional barcode scanners are one such type which can be seen in applications in which hands-free scanning is required. These scanners are generally used for point of sale (POS) applications. Most of them are mounted to a counter top or a wall and hence are stationary. However, handheld models are also used.

Laser technology is used in an omni-directional barcode scanner. The scanner consists of a rotating mirror in addition to a bunch of fixed mirrors. As these many mirrors are used, the light from the laser beam gets reflected in different directions. This pattern can be changed constantly. Hence, a barcode can be read from any direction or angle. This is the specific feature and advantage of an omni-directional barcode scanner.

The efficiency of these scanners is very high and can read torn, wrinkled, wet and poorly printed barcodes. Many grocery stores may contain items with improper barcodes. The barcodes may get damaged during shipping. So it is better to use omni-directional barcode scanners at grocery stores. Some scanners are horizontal which can read a barcode from a few centimeters or inches away. These are used at supermarkets. Some scanners can read barcodes from large distance of a few meters and are used at industrial or factory environments. Hence, omni-directional barcode scanners are beneficial for grocery stores as well as other industries.

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