Bar code scanners come in four basic styles: light pen (usually
called wand), linear CCD (Charged Couple Device), laser and video
(CCD array). Wand scanners are the least expensive but require
contact with the bar code label. Linear CCD scanners are
one-dimensional camera-like devices built in a hand-held
configuration. More expensive than wand scanners, but still costing
less than full two-dimensional video and laser scanners, the newest
linear CCD scanners now have a limited depth of field, allowing them
to be used in applications involving very short range non-contact
scanning of symbols less than 4" wide. The most versatile bar code
scanners are laser scanners. Based on advanced Visible Laser Diode
(VLD) technology, laser scanners come in a wide range of both
hand-held and fixed mount configurations. Standard optical and
"personality" options allow scanning under the most difficult
conditions. Video scanners are usually reserved for the emerging
two-dimensional "stacked" or "matrix" symbologies.
The scanner
component sends the raw signal or "scan profile" generated by the
scan to a separate device called a decoder, which actually
interprets the signal as a bar code and then sends the ASCII message
encoded in the symbol to the host computer or terminal. Decoders are
generally of two types, keyboard wedge or serial wedge, the name
being derived from the type of computer interface being used. Serial
wedge decoders are most common in mainframe terminal applications,
whereas keyboard wedge interfaces are popular in the PC and
Macintosh environments because they allow bar code scanning to be
added to almost any application without modification to the
application software. This means that bar code data can be easily
scanned and entered into almost any off-the-shelf software without
expensive customization. Today, many scanners have the decoder logic
incorporated into a chip within the scanner, eliminating the need
for a separate piece of hardware. Since components you don't have
can't fail, PIPS strongly recommends this approach whenever
possible.
PIPS, Inc.
sells and maintains in inventory a broad selection of scanners for a wide
variety of industrial data collection and retail POS applications.
PIPS offers data collection terminals with expert customer service and we are well versed in a wide variety of PDTs from
many manufacturers. PIPS, Inc. sales engineers have extensive knowledge and
years of hands-on training to provide YOU with custom solutions and/or just the
amount of product support you require. Our sales engineers will be pleased to
review your application requirements and propose an appropriate solution.