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This device called the barcode scanner has many names given to it. It can be called a barcode reader, or a price reader or a point of sale scanner, etc. as per the convenience of the person. This instrument can be either stationary or it can be mobile. It is a kind of an input device that is used to read the information that is in a barcode. The components of a barcode scanner are a reader, decoder which can be either externally attached or can be in built; it also has a cable that can be used to link the computer with the barcode scanner. This is done so that the scanner can translate into the numbers or the letters that can be understood by the instrument. For this there should be particular software which should be installed on the computer so that the data can be given to the computer and the required result can be received out of it. This device has to connect to the computer with the help of a port, a keyboard, or a wedge which is an interface device. It works when a direct ray of light is passed through the black and white bar code, after which the amount of rays is reflected back. Presently 5 types of barcode reads are available in the market; they are the pen style scanners, slot style scanner, CCD or charge couple device scanner, the image readers, and the laser scanner. 1) The most basic kind of a barcode reader is the pen style barcode reader; it is also the simplest because of its functions. It is absolutely immobile and is respected in the market for its reliability and lesser cost. It can be little difficult to use the device as it has to be kept in the direct contact with the black and white code, and has to be held at a particular angle, so as to read the code information. 2) This is also a stationary kind of a barcode reader. It has to be kept still and the barcode has to be passé by hand across the slot, to be able to read it. These kinds of barcode scanners are generally used in office spaces to recognize ID cards. 3) These kinds of scanners have a better reading range than that of the above mentioned scanners. Generally a CCD reader is in the shape of a gun, and it has to be kept more than inch away from the barcode. 4) Another kind of a barcode scanner is an image reader; this can also be called a barcode scanner. It employs a small camera to click the image of the code. After which it converts the image data into understandable. 5) The last kind of barcode scanner is the laser scanner, this can either be mobile or it can be stationary. This is a little advance as it does not have to be placed very close to the bar code to perform its task of scanning. Summary A barcode reader is a device that can scan the barcode labels that are stuck or attached on the products that are been kept in a retail store. It makes the work of a retailer quite simple and also very convenient. Author Mr. Priyankar Baid is the owner of the website www.smesauda.com, at the site one can buy all the items that are related to the POS system, instruments such as billing machine, barcode printer, etc.
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