Before discussing about the 2D barcode scanner, it is imperative to know about 2D barcode. Basically, 2D barcodes are upgrade of 1 dimensional barcodes and they contain more data than the conventional barcodes. In contrast to the conventional linear barcodes that gets wider with more data, 2D barcodes uses vertical dimensions to get more data encoded to it. The sophisticated markings of 2D barcode need a high-end device to decode them. In fact, laser scanners and auto scanners have replaced the traditional scanners and the 2D barcode scanners are getting more popular with their functionality.

About 2D Barcode Scanners

2D barcode scanners are advanced barcode scanning devices that can interpret the complex two-dimensional barcodes. They use both imaging and CCD technologies to decode the data matrix coding. The scanner can be integrated with a PC via USB port and can be configured with software to direct the data to a file.

Technologies Used in 2D Barcode Scanners

The 2D barcode scanners use CCD as well as imaging technologies to interpret the 2D barcodes.

CCD Technology

The barcode readers based on CCD technologies use an array of numerous tiny lights in a row in the head of the scanner. The individual light sensors are extremely small and can be considered as single photo diode that can immediately measure the intensity of light in front of it. A voltage pattern is generated in the reader that is similar to the pattern in a barcode and it sequentially measures the voltage across each sensor in a row.

Imaging Technology

The fourth generation and the newest kind of 2D barcode readers are developed with the imaging technology that uses a small video camera to take images of the 2D barcodes. A sophisticated digital image processing technology in the scanner decodes the barcode. The camera of the device has numerous rows of sensors organized in a two-dimensional array to generate an image.

Networking of 2D Barcode Scanners

The 2D barcode scanners USB cables for networking. These days, the connectivity of electronic devices is being enhanced with the help of wireless networking. The modern age scanners also allow wireless networks that are supported by rechargeable batteries. The scanners connected to a Mobil computer can be operated in a local area network or wide area network.

2D barcode scanners provide an increased and sophisticated barcode reading output for virtually any kind of barcode reading applications. The high resolution capacity of the scanners simplifies the decoding of difficult data- poorly printed or damaged barcodes. These days, with the development of technology, high-end 2D barcode scanners are available that support the mobile computers. However, the mobile computers need to have built-in 2D data matrix technology.

The features of the 2D barcode scanners include linear illumination, omnidirectional scanning, illumination forward design and multiple codes select.

Since the 2D barcodes are introduced to compact more data per unit area, and use barcode symbologies to achieve high data density, only a high-end 2D barcode scanner can solve the purpose.