How 2D Barcode Scanners are Better Than 1D | WidowsHood

How 2D Barcode Scanners are Better Than 1D

Article by Jhon Williams D

Choosing the right barcode scanner is very important for any business today. Before selecting a barcode scanner, you need to know about the different types of barcodes. Two main types of barcodes are 1 dimensional (1D), or linear barcodes, and 2 dimensional (2D) barcodes.

2D barcodes store more data1D or linear barcodes represent data in black vertical lines. Two-dimensional (2D) barcodes are represented in different patterns such as squares, dots, hexagons and other geometric patterns. A 2D barcode can store a significantly greater amount of data compared to a 1D barcode. A single 2D barcode, the size of a large postage stamp, can store thousands of alphanumeric characters. This feature makes them more advantageous than 1D. 2D barcodes can also be easily and accurately read.

Ability to read:Barcode scanners are classified into two types – 1D and 2D barcode scanners. The first thing you need to know is that a 1D scanner cannot scan 2D barcodes, but 2D scanners can scan both 1D and 2D barcodes. Among the 2D barcodes currently in use, the most popular symbologies are Aztec, PDF417, Intelligent Mail, Data Matrix, QR Code and MaxiCode. A 2D barcode scanner can read all these barcode symbologies along with linear barcodes, such as Code 128, UPC, EAN, and Code 39.

Aztec: In Aztec barcodes, data is encoded into a two-dimensional pictogram in concentric square rings around the bulls-eye pattern. Aztec barcodes can hold data up to 1914 bytes and don’t require any quiet zone outside the bounds of the symbol.

PDF417: Today, PDF417 is used in a wide variety of applications, including logistics & transportation, retailing, healthcare, government, identification, and manufacturing.

Intelligent Mail: It is used by domestic mail delivery in the United States. Apart from greater information and functionality, its other benefits include improved deliverability, new services and increased overall efficiency.

Data Matrix: The most popular application for Data Matrix is marking small items, as it can store thousands of characters within a very small space. Data Matrix resists printing defects and has a high degree of redundancy.

QR Code: Quick Response (QR) is one of the most popular 2D barcodes. Although initially used for tracking parts in vehicle manufacturing, today they are used in a much broader context. QR codes can be seen on everything from magazine articles, product labels, billboards, and gravestones.

MaxiCode: It is a public domain, machine-readable symbol system originally created and used by United Parcel Service and is most suitable for tracking and managing the shipment of packages.

Code 128: It is a very high-density barcode symbology. Its special version, GS1-128 is used extensively in shipping and packaging industries throughout the world.

UPC: This is widely used in US and Canada for tracking trade items in stores.EAN: The European Article Number (EAN) was developed as a superset of UPC. It is generally used on magazines and periodicals.Code 39: Code 39 is widely used and can be decoded with virtually any barcode reader.

Ability to read omnidirectionally2D barcode scanners have an added capability of reading barcodes omnidirectionally. Unlike a 1D scanner that must have its scan line aligned perpendicularly to the barcode, a 2D scanner can read barcodes from any angle. They capture the whole image of the object to be identified, thus avoiding any alignment constraint between the scanner and the barcode to be read.This improves productivity and efficiency in any application.

More faster and reliableData entry with 2D barcodes is much faster so you can process forms faster and more accurately compared to 1D. 2D barcodes offer excellent reliability and error correction capabilities. Unlike 1D barcodes, 2D barcodes can have error correction formulas, so the data can still be retrieved even if the barcode is poorly printed. 2D barcode scanners can also read barcodes that are damaged by rugged or harsh conditions.

The above mentioned advantages clearly state that 2D barcodes represent one of the biggest advances in automated data collection market. Although 2D barcode scanners were far more expensive than 1D scanners when they were introduced, the recent microprocessor developments have brought the cost of 2D scanners down significantly. With advancing decoding algorithms, they made scanning quicker and easier along with greater readability of excessively-damaged barcodes.

About the Author

Barcodescannersstore.com has been in the barcode scanners business since 1994 and proudly serves a nationwide customer base of more than 13,000 customers. Our dedication and focus on only barcode scanners makes us the experts in various types of barcode readers, applications and scanning technologies. We stock a wide range of symbol scanners and symbol barcode products.