Visit the AIM Solution Center Bar Code Scanning Bar code scanners are electro-optical systems that include a means of illuminating the symbol and measuring reflected light.
Scanners are either handheld or fixed-mount.
Handheld scanners are used to read bar codes on stationary items. A wand is a pen-shaped device with a light aperture tip that the user draws across the bar code. Because CCD scanners contain no moving parts, they tend to be more rugged than laser scanners. Laser scanners employ a beam created by a laser diode that is spread into a horizontal arc by means of a rapidly moving mirror. Laser scanners that operate in the invisible infrared spectrum use some means of auxiliary lighting that enables users to aim the laser beam.