2D Barcode Scanners

2D barcode scanners are used for the interpretation of two dimensional barcodes, which store data in two dimensions instead of as black bars. 2D barcodes have become popular as auto scanning laser and CCD scanners have replaced the traditional pen or wand type of scanner. Conventional laser and CCD scanners cannot read 2D barcodes but new 2D scanners are being developed and introduced.

Uses of 2D Barcodes

The first item ever sold using a barcode and scanner was a packet of chewing gum at an Ohio supermarket in June 1974. This was a conventional linear barcode, years before 2D barcodes were introduced.

2D barcodes are useful for a variety of things and it is now possible to pay for postage over the internet using a credit card rather than buying stamps. Your item of mail is then allocated a unique 2D barcode. 2D barcodes are also being used in Samsung smart ovens. The oven reads the 2D barcodes which contain data about how long to cook the food and at which temperature.

2D barcodes were introduced in 1988 by the Intermec Corporation. 2D barcodes hold more information in the same small space. You can get twenty characters on a 1D barcode or a thousand on a 2D barcode. A 2D barcode might look like traditional black stripe barcodes stacked on top of each other or a checkerboard. 2D scanners use both imaging and CCD technology to read barcodes.

Types of 2D Barcodes

Datamatrix is a square symbology of different densities. PDF417 can be printed at different densities and aspect ratios and this technology is used on personal ID including drivers’ licenses, transportation documents and manifests. PDF417 is the best way to pack the most data into the smallest space, which is why it is the standard 2D barcode used and many 2D applications favor it. QR code, Maxicode and Aztec are other types of 2D barcode.

1D Barcodes vs 2D Barcodes

Both of these barcode types are needed. Sometimes 1D barcodes cannot hold enough data but 1D barcodes are best for low capacity applications such as serial numbers. A 1D barcode holds less data and it is spread over the height of the barcode. This means that even if the barcode is of low quality or slightly scratched, a 1D barcode scanner can still read it. If you only need about fifteen characters then a 1D barcode is a better option because it is easier to scan.

Linear and Imaging 2D Barcode Scanners

These barcodes can be read by linear barcode scanners which can scan up, down and across. The scanner needs an image reader to process the image algorithmically if Datamatrix is used. An image scanner is like a digital camera with an integrated processor. This means they are able to capture images such as a signature.

Like with a 2D bar code scanner working with linear barcode, image scanners can interface via a serial port or as a keyboard wedge. A 2D scanner contains a tiny video camera which scans the 2D barcode and then a digital image processor interprets the data.

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