Barcode Scanners and Mobile Computers Barcode scanners and mobile computers are an integral part of many industries. The days of being tied to a desktop computer are over. Mobility is crucial in a fast-moving world that is constantly on-the-go. These technologies are essential in industries ranging from warehousing to medical facilities. Today there are even smart phones with the ability to operate as unsophisticated barcode scanners. Consider how barcode scanners and mobile computers are essential to ensure accuracy in a variety of operations. To learn more about barcode scanners and mobile computers, please visit http://www.honeywellaidc.com/en-US/Pages/default.aspx or continue reading below. Basics about Barcodes Barcodes simply processes such a data collection and taking inventory. They consist of wide and narrow bars that are read by a photo sensor. The barcode is converted into a signal and translated to send to a computer terminal or mobile computer. Barcode scanners read these barcodes and turn them into the readable electrical signal. They all begin with a certain character and end with a stop character. There are different types of barcode symbols with their own pattern of bars such as numeric UPC codes on retail products as well as ASCII character codes. There are 2-dimensional symbols shown in rectangular or square patterns rather than bars. Some are stacked and read by 2-D scanners or laser barcode scanners. Standard barcodes can encompass up to 25 characters while certain 2-D symbols can encode up to 2,000 characters. The type of barcode used depends on the industry. The proper barcode scanner and mobile computer must be used to read and process these barcodes. Basics about Barcode Scanners A barcode scanner is also called a barcode reader. Basically, it is a light source with a lens and sensor that transforms optical barcodes into electrical signals. A barcode scanner translates the bars and symbols into characters for further processing. There are a variety of different types of barcode scanners including:

pen-type readers that resemble a pen or wand that is moved across bars at a uniform speed to measure and decode them;

laser scanners that use a laser beam to read back and force along a barcode and otherwise work must the same a pen-type readers by the way a photodiode is used to measure light intensity;

CCD readers have many little light sensors in the reader head that measure ambient light as opposed to the reflected light read by pen-type readers and laser scanners;

camera-based readers are one of the newest types using a camera and image processing to read the barcode and include large field-of-view readers and video camera readers;

omni-directional scanner uses a multi-angle arrangement of lines projected at a symbol to read it and almost always use a laser to read barcodes presented at different angles, such as the ones used at supermarkets;

cell phone cameras and smart phones are a primitive way to read certain common barcode

formats, usually geared for consumer use such as comparison shopping or catalog reading as well as certain loyalty programs.

The Appearance of Barcode Scanners Besides having different methods of reading various barcodes based the intended business use, barcode scanners have various housing designs including:

handheld scanners are held by a handle and have a trigger to turn on the light;

pen scanners look like a pen or wand that swipes the code;

fixed-position scanners are often used in factory automation, manufacturing and shipping to identify or weigh products during processing;

stationary scanners are mounted on a wall or table and the barcode is passed underneath them, such as the ones found at retail stores;

automatic readers are found in offices to read barcoded documents quickly;

PDA scanners are a PDA with an attached or built-in barcode reader; and

cordless scanners are battery operated to transform data to a connected device such as a computer.

Basic about Mobile Computers Mobile computers make it possible to work from almost anywhere. These are often used by doctors, truckers and other people who work on-the-road. Required files and software are accessible from wherever the person needs to work. They can change location and still conduct business as usual. Mobile computing has developed in leaps and bounds since the 1990s. Examples of mobile computer devices include:

Tablet computers;

Personal digital assistants (PDA's);

Ultra-mobile PC's;

Laptops and notebooks;

Wearable computers; and

Smartphones. Mobile computers offer an array of options for all types of businesses. However, there are some limitations to using mobile computing devices. Certain types of mobile Internet access might be slower or online access might be spotty in some areas. Typically mobile computers rely on battery power and must be recharged. Using public networks could raise security concerns requiring specialized software to ensure privacy. Reception might be poor in areas such rural locations and tunnels. Sometimes mobile devices are small and require the user to get used to working with a tinier keyboard and screen.

Fleet Mobile Computers Many vehicles use mobile computers to reach out when necessary. These industries use rugged versions of mobile computers to stay in touch in all situations including:

public safety and security workers;

cross-country truckers;

fire responders; and

emergency medical services. Mobile computers used in vehicles are made to ensure certain situations such as fluctuating operating temperatures and vibration. The screen can sometimes be difficult to see in the sunlight. Some workers need to remove their gloves to effectively use touchscreen operations. Mobile computers used in cars or trucks should be made specifically for that purpose for ease of use. They need to be safely installed so they do not interfere with any of the other crucial operations of the vehicle. Both barcode scanners and mobile computer are changing the way people do business. Operations are faster and more accurate. People are no longer tied to a wired device. Inventory and emergency contacts are quicker and done on-the-spot. Some of these devices are now small enough to slip into a pocket. Even salespeople are using barcode scanners and mobile computers to sell their wares on-the-road rather than in a singular retail outlet. Mobile technologies are sure to open many more doors of opportunity in the future.