September 24th, 2010 at 12:30am
Under Forum
if a barcode is scratched is it still readable by a sensor or checkout counter?
Best answer:
It really all depends on where the scratch is. The types of barcodes you’re referring to are called retail codes and typically consist of UPC and EAN barcode types. These are the barcodes you see on just about every single grocery item in a store.
If they are scratched there is a very good chance they can still be read. Even though most barcodes are close to an inch high, it takes less than an eighth of an inch of height to be readable. The barcode scanner is simply drawing a very thin line through all bars of the barcode to decode it. So when you look at the barcode if you can mentally draw a very thin line from end to end through any part of the barcode the barcode scanner will still read it.
In some cases even if a whole bar of the barcode is damaged or missing some barcode scanners can still read it. There are some barcode scanners that do what is called stitching of the barcodes. Stitching simply means the barcode scanner decode algorithm knows the bar/space pattern well enough that it can still read a barcode if there is a missing bar or space.
The above all apply to the retail type codes which are considered linear or 1D barcodes. There are also 2D barcodes which are not common in retail yet. But they are getting very common in manufacturing, transportation and healthcare. 2D barcodes are far more efficient than 1D barcodes. 2d barcodes can encode much more data than 1D barcodes in the same physical space. They also have error correction built in. Which means you can actually remove parts of the barcode and it will still be readable. But not all barcode scanners are 2D capable yet. It’s just a matter of time before they become more mainstream than they are today.
Common 1D barcode types are UPC, EAN, Code 128, Code 3 of 9, Interleaved 2 of 5, MSI, Plessey etc. There are many more.
Common 2D barcode types are Data Matrix, Aztec, QR Code, Han Xin and many more.
Many people consider PDF417 (the barcode on the back of many US drivers licenses) a 2D barcode. Technically it is a stacked linear barcode.
For more information on barcodes and barcode scanners check out my website below.
By Barcode Scanner
March 6th, 2008 at 06:06pm
Under Forum
what is that thing librarians use when you checkout a book?
I went to the library today, and it seems to me that every time i go the librarian scans the book with the barcode lazer thing, then she would like rub it on some random stone looking thing on the counter. Its not plugged in or anything, and there isnt any hardware inside books…so what the heck is this thing for?
thanks alot man good answer
Best answer:
Library books have small magnetized strips on them, located either in the barcode tag or along the spine. That “stone thing” de-magnetizes the book so that the alarms don’t go off when you leave.
If you have a self-checkout machine, you’ll notice that in order to put the book under the scanner, you’re forced to slide them along a de-magnetizer as well.
By Barcode Scanner
February 19th, 2008 at 03:33pm
Under Forum
Where can I find an online game where I can work as a shop assistant and scan items on a checkout till?
Please don’t say anything as follows:
A self-service till at tesco or
Barcode Bedlam
Best answer:
Most grocery stores have self check-out kiosks
Just scan and pay your items, return them and repeat
Have fun!
By Barcode Scanner
December 21st, 2007 at 09:50pm
Under Forum
I am looking for a checkout system for a supermarket using Java programming with source codes using barcode?
Using barcodes to display the price of the product.and can sum the total of all items, can delete items if returned.
Best answer:
Try searching Google or SourceForge.
By Barcode Scanner
September 18th, 2007 at 07:08pm
Under Forum
I’m opening a store. What machines and software do you recommend for customer checkout?
How can I start a bar code system with a scanner, print receipts, and process credit cards? Thanks.
Best answer:
Business Pro software is what you need. I use it and it helps manage my business efficiently. Click the source below for the software.
By Barcode Scanner
July 19th, 2007 at 09:27am
Under Forum
They already have self checkout machines for library books. Does anyone think one day librarians will be gone?
I asked a librarian this question and she replied not in this lifetime. But really, if all you have to do is scan the barcode on your library card and then scan the book’s barcode it stands to reason at least that aspect of the librarian’s job description would be missing in this scenario of self checkouts.
Best answer:
There are a couple of issues here.
First, “library stafff” vs “librarian.” The person who checks out your books, does the shelving, etc., is usually not an MLS degree-holding librarian, except perhaps in smaller libraries. They may hold another title, like “library assistant,” “circulation clerk,” etc. This is not to say they aren’t talented/knowledgeable, but their job duties aren’t those of a librarian. Librarians usually deal with more complex functions of the library: assisting with research, managing the scope and nature of the collection, outreach, programming, designing instruction, etc. Have a look at the description in the US Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook:
bls.gov/oco/ocos068.htm
(Note that the outlook is actually listed as “favorable”)
That said, the increasing amount of technology and self-service in many libraries is changing both how much staff we need and what roles we have those staff doing. Perhaps there will be fewer people at the check-out desk (we’ll always need someone there to help solve billing problems, etc.), but they might take on other roles, like providing basic assistance in the computer area, helping with public programs, etc. Also keep in mind that, as long as there’s a physical collection of books, videos, etc., someone’s got to keep it in order, up-to-date, etc. That’s a role jointly split between librarians and other staff. So, there’s still a lot to do for quite a time to come.
Could everything go online and do away with the library? Again, not anytime soon. Even online resources cost money (since not every source wants to give their info away for free on the web). Libraries often purchase large databases of premium information that you and all your fellow users can use online and which go well beyond Google, etc. in their depth of information on certain topics. Librarians work to evaluate and select these, and then become experts in using them and teaching our patrons to use them on an as-needed basis. We’re also shifting our roles, from working behind desks to doing more “outside” work–helping with research, teaching communities to be more aware of the information sources they use, doing chat and IM-based reference assistance, etc. So, frankly, we’ve got more to do–not less!
Also have a look at librarycareers.org.
And this CNN report: cnn.com/2009/TECH/09/04/future.library.technology/
Hope this is helpful!
–Bill Pardue
Arlington Heights Memorial Library ahml.info
Librarians–Ask Us, We Answer!
Find your local Library at publiclibraries.com/
By Barcode Scanner
June 15th, 2005 at 10:07pm
Under Forum
Does the magnetic field of a grocery store checkout laser scanner damage a digital memory card?
Best answer:
no.
By Barcode Scanner
