Open Source Barcode Scanner
Contents
Basics
A barcode scanner is a device that reads and decodes barcode symbols. The scanner consists of a light source, a lens, a sensor, and a decoder that work together to capture and interpret the information encoded in the barcode.
When a barcode is scanned, the light source illuminates the barcode, and the sensor detects the reflected light, and generates an analog signal. The analog signal is then converted into a digital signal by the scanner's decoder, which translates the digital signal into a readable format, such as a product number or a price.
Barcode scanners can be handheld, mobile, or fixed-mount.
Applications
Barcodes and Barcode Scanners are used for:
- Warehouse Inventory
- Data Entry
- Asset Management
- Point of Sale
Standards
- International Article Number (EAN): EAN is a barcode symbology that is widely used in the retail industry to identify and track products. EAN barcodes consist of 13 digits and are used in over 100 countries worldwide.
- Universal Product Code (UPC): UPC is another barcode symbology that is commonly used in the retail industry to identify and track products. UPC barcodes consist of 12 digits and are widely used in North America.
- Code 39: Code 39 is a barcode symbology that is used in various industries, including manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare. Code 39 barcodes consist of alphanumeric characters and are commonly used for product identification, inventory tracking, and asset management.
- Code 128: Code 128 is a high-density barcode symbology that is used in various industries, including shipping, transportation, and healthcare. Code 128 barcodes consist of alphanumeric characters and can encode large amounts of data.
Open Source Barcode Technology
Generators
- Zint Barcode Studio: This is a free and open source barcode generator software that supports over 50 barcode types, including QR codes, Code 39, and EAN-13. https://www.zint.org.uk/
- ZXing (pronounced "zebra crossing") is an open source barcode scanning library that can read a wide range of barcode formats, including QR codes and Data Matrix codes. It can be used in various programming languages, including Java, C++, and Python. https://github.com/zxing
- Libre Barcode Project is a free and open-source barcode generation library that can be used to create various types of barcodes, including Code39, Code128, EAN-13, and QR codes. It supports multiple output formats, such as SVG, PNG, and PDF, and can be used with different programming languages like Python, PHP, and JavaScript. The library is easy to use and customizable, allowing users to set various options like barcode height, width, color, and text. Additionally, LibreBarcode provides a command-line interface and a web-based demo for users to quickly generate barcodes without the need for programming. https://graphicore.github.io/librebarcode/
- Bytescout BarCode Generator is a free and open source barcode generator software that supports a wide range of barcode types, including QR codes, Code 128, and PDF417. It can be used to generate barcodes in various image formats such as PNG, JPEG, and BMP. https://bytescout.com/products/enduser/misc/barcodegenerator.html
Scanning Software
- OpenCV is an open source computer vision library that includes barcode detection and recognition features. It supports a wide range of barcode types, including EAN-13, Code 128, and QR codes. https://opencv.org/recognizing-one-dimensional-barcode-using-opencv/
- Libre Barcode 39 is a free font available on Google Fonts that generates Code 39 barcodes. Code 39 is a popular barcode format used in inventory, tracking, and other applications. The font supports uppercase letters, numbers, and several special characters. The font can be used in various design and development software and supports different platforms like Windows, macOS, and Linux. The font is licensed under the SIL Open Font License, which allows for free use, modification, and distribution. https://fonts.google.com/specimen/Libre+Barcode+39
- FDroid Barcode Scanner is an FDroid scanning app that supports most barcode types. https://f-droid.org/en/packages/com.google.zxing.client.android/
- BinaryEye is an Android scanning app that supports barcode and QR code. https://f-droid.org/en/packages/de.markusfisch.android.binaryeye/
Scanning Hardware
- Adafruit sells camera-based (not laser/optical) barcode scanner modules: https://www.adafruit.com/?q=barcode+reader&sort=BestMatch
Comparison to Alternative Technologies
- QR Code
- QR codes are different visually: square-shaped with a pattern of black and white squares.
- Compared to QR Codes, barcodes contain a limited amount of information, typically a series of numbers or letters. QR codes, on the other hand, can store much more data, including text, URLs, images, and more.
- QR codes are read using a smartphone camera or specialized QR code scanner.
- QR codes have built-in error correction, meaning that even if part of the code is damaged or obscured, it can still be read correctly.
Open Source Barcode Scanners
Existing Projects
- Sean Boyce's IoT Barcode Scanner Project: https://hackaday.com/2018/08/15/track-everything-everywhere-with-an-iot-barcode-scanner/
- "Make a Portable Barcode Scanner With an Arduino and a Cuecat" by mkanoap Instructable: https://www.instructables.com/Make-a-portable-barcode-scanner-with-an-arduino-an/
- Barcode scanner integrated with Arduino by circuitrocks: https://learn.circuit.rocks/barcode-scanner-integrated-to-arduino
Eric's Proposed Open Source Barcode Scanner Project
- 1x Laser or optical reader
- 1 x Single Board Computer
- IO Module
- A touch screen for data feedback or for complex controls
- A button/trigger for scanning
- A USB C Port for tethering it to a cash register, or a computer of some sorts
- Power Module
- 3D Printed Case
See Also
Useful Links
- Barcode at Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barcode
