WD-1 Barcode Wedge Decoder

A barcode reader is also referred to as a price scanner or point-of-sale ( POS ) scanner. It is a stationary input or hand-held device that finds application to capture and read information contained in the form of a barcode. A barcode reader comprises of a scanner, a decoder (built-in or external), and a cable that can connect the reader to a computer. The fact that a barcode reader simply captures and translates the barcode into letters and/or numbers, makes it compulsory for the data to be sent to a computer so that a software application can make work on the data. Barcode scanners can be connected to a computer with the help of a serial port, or an interface device called a wedge. This is called a barcode wedge reader. Initially known as a keyboard interface reader, these devices were called "wedges" because of the way they are placed in between the keyboard and a computer. The keyboard attaches to the scanner and as far as the system is concerned, the scanner acts as an additional keyboard. When a barcode is scanned, it acts as if the data has been typed in and permits it into the field automatically.

A barcode reader basically works by directing a beam of light across the barcode, and then determining (measuring) the amount of reflected light. Interestingly, the dark bars present on a barcode reflect less light than the white spaces between them. The scanner transforms the light energy into electrical, which then gets converted into data by the decoder and carried forward to the computer.

There are five types of barcode readers:

• Pen Wands- This is a simple barcode reader with minimal features and functions. It consists of no moving parts, is durable and also costs less. Because it has to remain in direct contact with the barcode, it must be positioned in a specific angle and needs to be moved over the barcode at a certain speed.
• Slot Scanner- This remains stationary and the item with the barcode on it is pulled manually through the slot. Slot scanners are mostly used to scan barcodes on ID cards.
• CCD Scanner- This is equipped with a better read-range than the pen wand and is mostly used in retail sales. A con with using CCD scanner is that it cannot read a barcode that is wider than its input face.
• Image Scanner- This is also called a camera reader, that uses a compact video camera to capture a barcode image and then uses various digital image techniques an algorithms to decode the barcode. It has the ability to read a barcode which is up to 9 inches away. The price of an image scanner is generally lower than a laser scanner.  
• Laser Scanner- In this a set of mirrors and lenses are used to allow the scanner to read the barcode irrespective of the orientation. This can easily read a barcode which is at a distance (maximum) of 24 inches. To reduce errors, this device may perform up to 500 scans per second.

Consider these points and purchase a barcode wedge reader from a reliable online store.