Barcode Wedge Reader
Definition
A barcode reader is a computer peripheral for scanning the barcodes printed on various commodities in any of the commercial stores. It consists of a light source, a lens and a photo conductor. The task of photoconductor is to convert optical impulses into electrical ones. In addition to this, there is a decoder unit to analyze the barcode's image provided by the photoconductor. This data is then sent to the scanner's output unit.
Wedge Reader
A barcode reader usually consists of scanner, decoder and cable that interface the decoder to the computer. The Scanner scans the barcode symbol and transfers the data in traditional data format. The barcode scanner that does not have a decoder built in it has a separate box called as an interface or keyboard wedge. A keyboard wedge output is used to connect any type of barcode reader directly with keyboard. The other option is to use a RS232 output. A barcode reader with keyboard wedge output is plugged directly into the keyboard port on the computer. Whenever any barcode is scanned with keyboard wedge barcode reader, the data goes directly in the computer. This type of reader can be only used with a computer. It is connected at PS/2 6 - Pin Mini Din. P22 Decoder, LI50-USB CCD, LZ310 Laser and LZ410 Laser are the different models that can be incorporated with the Wedge Reader. Practical importance of Wedge Reader The main advantage to use wedge reader is that the interfacing is easy as it is directly connected to the computer. Also there is no need of any software to process data with this type of reader. This eases the incorporation of complex and tedious softwares or other hardware components in a computer. However there are certain disadvantages too. Firstly, while scanning a barcode the cursor should be in correct input data field and in correct application. Also, the output (data) cannot be modified in any way before sending it to the computer. Keyboard Wedge Reader is connected to the computer with a 'Y' connector which allows the keyboard and the scanner to be connected and used at the same time. One of such commonly used model is the Metrologic MS9520 Voyager which can be used both as hand-held and fixed projection scanner with its keyboard wedge interface.
Barcode Reader
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