Monday, April 9, 2012

The History of the Barcode ScannerA laser barcode scanner is the ...

The History of the Barcode Scanner

A laser barcode scanner is the most com> The History of the Barcode Scanner

A laser barcode scanner is the most common type of barcode scanner. They are generally easy to use and do not have to be in real close proximity to a barcode in order to read the barcode.

The idea of the modern barcode can be traced back to 1948 when a graduate student at Drexel Institute in Philadelphia approached a teacher and told him about a conversation regarding a way to quickly and accurately capture product data at the check out counter. The idea intrigued the teacher and he worked on a product for the next two years and finally invented the first barcode by using Morse code. The student and the teacher applied for a patent. IBM wanted to develop the technology but the teacher and student held out for a price that more closely reflected the potential of the technology and sold the patent to Philco in the early 1960s, and Philco went on to sell the patent to RCA.

Other companies were developing systems as well, knowing that the grocery business, in particular, would benefit from an easier way to keep track of items sold and when to re-order items. It was not until 1974 that the first product was actually logged in using a barcode system - the product was a 10 pack of Wrigley's chewing gum.

Next came industrial companies wanting to use a barcode system and then libraries got into the act. Throughout the 1970s barcode scanning became affordable and practical. The use of laser barcode scanners made the entire process much easier.

There are many laser barcode scanners to choose from and manufacturers include Wasp, Motorola, Honeywell and DataLogic to name a few. These scanners can read a barcode from about six inches all the way up to about thirty feet depending on the scanner you wish to purchase. A laser barcode scanner can cost as little as one hundred fifty dollars and as much as two thousand dollars.

The Honeywell 4820 scanner is great for light industrial mobile barcode reading applications. It features Bluetooth v1.2 radio wireless communications for freedom of movement in retail, warehouse and distribution. It offers movement of up to thirty-three feet from the base. This laser barcode scanner is priced at approximately six hundred dollars.

The Wasp WLS9500 series laser barcode scanner is a high performance scanner. It is ideal for healthcare, retail and warehouse use. It will even read damaged or poorly printed barcodes and can scan barcodes up to approximately thirty feet away. It is designed to withstand constant, rigorous use in office to warehouse environments. It is priced at approximately three hundred dollars.

The Motorola Symbol LS2280 laser barcode scanner is lightweight but will give you maximum productivity. It will work from near contact to approximately seventeen inches away. It is ideal for hospitals, retail stores, education and government settings. It is very durable and offers a scratch resistant tempered glass exit window. It is priced at approximately one hundred sixty dollars.

These are only three examples of many great laser barcode scanners that are available. You can often find great deals online and it is also very easy to do a comparison of features to ensure that you are purchasing the barcode scanner that will meet all of your needs.

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