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One of the most popular forms of the barcode scanner is the pen-type. Now, the term pen-type scanner is slightly ambiguous because it it refers to not only the shape of the housing of the device, but it also implies a certain technology: light and a photodiode, albeit there are some pen-type scanners out there with laser technology, but for now let's just focus on the majority which use light.
So, needless to say, pen-type scanners are housed in a case which very much resembles the shape of your average ball-point pen. The light weight and slim design of these models are particularly desirable simply because of the portability these features allow. For instance, if you are to be running around a large warehouse all day, or maybe even up and down the aisles of a large store, a pen-type scanner would be much more convenient than one of its larger cousins. They can fit quite nicely inside a shirt pocket or are easy to carry around with a clipboard.
As far as technology goes, I mentioned earlier that most pen-type readers utilize a light source and a photodiode. The light is only to illuminate the barcode so that waves of light are reflected back into the photodiode so that it may measure the white spaces in between the dark bars, thereby identifying whatever it is you happen to be scanning. If you are familiar with Morse Code, the concept here is actually quite similar.
Unlike the scanners at the checkout stands of your local supermarket, pen-type scanners need to be swiped across whatever barcode you are scanning. This means that the item you wish to scan must stay stationary, and you yourself must take the scanner in hand, and smoothly move the scanner itself across the barcode, while holding the tip of the scanner directly against the item, so that the light may be reflected into the scanner properly. It really isn't that difficult, however when you first start scanning things, you may find that every once in a while you will have to re-swipe before it actually registers; if you start to sweep and then your hand moves and you miss a bar, then it won't work correctly.
Keep in mind that when you're looking for the perfect barcode scanner, it is important to consider which design is going to be most beneficial for you, or which scanner is going to save you the most time and grief.
Article by Skylar Windham. Learn more at http://www.barcodescannerguide.com.
