Ever booked any online or offline ticket for movies, events, travel, or purchased anything from the stores?  Ever thought about what the black lines on the ticket are? Those black lines are known as Barcode.

Gave a thought for the next question, why is this really required?

Barcode ticket scanning provides event venues, theatres, or travel authorities with an efficient method of moving crowds through the entrances. This barcode verifies and validates the ticket instantly through a scanner and gives the entry wherever one is heading to. Each ticket or product has a unique barcode.

Let us understand, what is a Barcode Scanner

Barcode scanners record and translate barcodes from the image present on the ticket into alphanumeric digits. The scanner then sends that information to a computer database, either through a wired or wireless connection.

When the ticket is presented for admission, a staff member or event volunteer will scan the barcode through a scanner. A valid barcoded ticket returns a positive (green) response displaying the buyer’s name, the ticket purchased, and bar code ID.

The barcode ticket scanner prevents holders of fraudulently duplicated tickets from gaining admission. When any additional attempts are made to enter the premises with the barcode ticket the scanner displays a warning message that the ticket was “ALREADY SCANNED”. If a customer presents a ticket that is not valid for the event, the scanner displays an “Invalid” message on the scanner app.

Internal structure of a Barcode Scanner and working functionality

The common barcode scanner is made up of a light source, an optical lens, a scanning module, an analog-to-digital conversion circuit, and plastic housing. It uses the photoelectric element to detect.

The optical signal is converted into an electrical signal, which is then converted into a digital signal by an analog-to-digital converter and transmitted to a computer for processing. The converter then converts the digital signal into a computer signal for processing.

While scanning an image, the light source illuminates from the image and the reflected light converges on the scanning module through the lens. The scanning module then converts the light signal into an analog-digital signal. At this time, the analog-to-digital conversion circuit converts the analog voltage into a digital signal and then sends it to the computer.

The color is quantized with the RGB three-color 8, 10, and 12 bits, and the signal is then processed into the above-mentioned bit number of image output. If there is a higher number of digits of quantization, it means that the image can have more level and depth.

Integration of Barcode Scanner in Travel Industry

Ever been to the airport? Stood in long queues of security check-ins, availing boarding pass, and onboarding gates? Though in spite of such long queues how does this verification gets done faster and saves everyone’s time? This is possible because of a barcode available on the travel tickets.

With the use of online booking systems for travel (flights, trains, and buses), travelers can print out their own boarding pass and check-in by showing the code available on the ticket or boarding pass using their smartphone.

When the barcode is scanned by a barcode scanner at the boarding gate, the complete details of the passenger is displayed on a computer screen i.e. Name, Age, Sex, Source, Destination, Photo (if available), PNR, Passport Number (in case of international travel) and many other details. This integration of barcode scanning in the travel industry saves the time of a person to check all the details manually as they are now automatically available on a screen.

This integration of Barcode Scanning functionality also gives ease to the traveler and saves his time in completing all manual verifications and validations. So the traveler can have a smooth onboarding process.

Benefits of a Barcode Scanner

• Integrates into the system: Barcode scanners are essentially keyboards that are connected directly to existing systems; smartphones likely require Bluetooth adapters and/or drivers to connect to the point of sale (POS) system.
• Has few software issues: Barcode scanners don’t get viruses and don’t generally need software updates, nor are they interrupted by texts or calls from other scanners.
• Durability: Barcode scanners are built to last, and can operate for years without any problems.
• Functionality: They can read codes quickly and read the codes from a distance, leaving behind other typical dilemmas of non-readers, like balancing battery life and slow operating systems.

Conclusion:

A barcode reader or scanner is the best option for a business looking to integrate barcode technology into its tracking and auditing system.