Barcode Scanners

Barcode scanners for contact tracing.

To support businesses in this COVID-19 situation, the Government Technology Agency (GovTech) has made available SafeEntry, a free-for-use Cloud-based visitor registration system for contact tracing.
Using SafeEntry with NRIC with Varius barcode scanners.

A barcode scanner is an electronic device that can read and output printed barcodes to a computer. Like a flatbed scanner, it consists of a light source, a lens and a light sensor translating optical impulses into electrical ones. Additionally, nearly all barcode scanners contain decoder circuitry analyzing the barcode’s image data provided by the sensor and sending the barcode’s content to the scanner’s output port.

We have barcode scanners that read 1D, 2D, and QR codes, and barcode scanners that are compatible with iPhone, iPad, and Android devices.

1D barcode scanners - Laser barcode scanners

1D barcode scanners are capable of reading 1D barcodes. Laser barcode scanners are the most common type of 1D barcode scanners. A laser barcode scanner does not need to be in contact with a barcode to read it. A standard range laser barcode scanner can read a barcode from about 6 to 24 inches away,

What are 1D barcodes?

1D barcodes, or one-dimensional barcodes are linear barcodes. They consist of vertical lines of varying widths with specific gaps resulting in a particular pattern.

1D cordless / wireless / bluetooth handheld barcode scanners

A cordless or wireless barcode scanner does not need a USB cable to connect to the computer. A USB receiver is inserted into the computer which communicates with the wireless barcode scanner. Bluetooth barcode scanners have the added capability of pairing with mobile devices (iPhone, iPad, IOS, Android) and enable scanned barcodes to be input into these mobile devices.

1D corded handheld barcode scanners

A corded or wired barcode scanner connects to the computer by a USB cable. The barcode information scanned by the barcode scanner is input into the computer.

2D barcode scanners

A 2D barcode scanner can interpret two-dimensional barcodes. 2D barcode scanners use both CCD and Imaging technology to read barcodes. 2D barcodes look like checkerboards or a series of traditional barcodes stacked atop one another.

What are 2D barcodes?

A 2D barcode, or two-dimensional barcode utilizes patterns such as squares, hexagons and dots to encode information. A 2D barcode can contains more information such as names, addresses, phone numbers, images, website URLs and more. Additionally, 2D barcodes are more durable and can be read even if a part is damaged.

An example of a 2D barcode is a QR code.

2D cordess / wireless / bluetooth handheld barcode scanners

A cordless or wireless barcode scanner does not need a USB cable to connect to the computer. A USB receiver is inserted into the computer which communicates with the wireless barcode scanner. Bluetooth barcode scanners have the added capability of pairing with mobile devices (Android or IOS) and enable scanned barcodes to be input into these mobile devices.

2D corded handheld barcode scanners

A corded or wired barcode scanner connects to the computer by a USB cable. The barcode information scanned by the barcode scanner is input into the computer.