2D Barcode Scanner

One of the best developments of 2D barcode scanner technology is the release of several high speed digital imagers specifically engineered for reading 2D barcodes. These digital imagers can be found in many forms, including extremely small imagers in cell phones and PDA’s, to purpose built rugged portable data collection computers with high resolution imagers, to highly optimized optical imaging devices in commercial vision based systems.

By partnering a 2D barcode scanner with software, the manufacturers are able to use an image/picture to locate, resolve the barcode symbology, and decode the barcode in just a few milliseconds.

The advantage to 2D barcode is the ability to encode large amounts of information in a small physical area (like on the back of a Drivers License), or a small amount of lot code data in a very small area (like on the bottom of a test tube). This more efficient use of physical space can allow another remarkable characteristic to come forth, the ability to read a barcode more than 50 feet away (by making the 2D barcode 6 inches square or larger). There is 2D area imager and barcode scanner that can read both a 1D and 2D barcode from a few feet to more than 50 feet with the use of auto-focusing technology.

One of the best attributes of area imaging is the use of a 100% solid state optical design, eliminating moving parts. This feature has allowed most manufacturers of 2D barcode scanner technology to offer 5 year and longer warranties.