The main difference between barcode scanners and QR code scanners stems from the type of code they read (1D barcode vs. 2D code) and the difference in technical implementation, which is specifically manifested in the following aspects:
1. Code type read:
Barcode scanners (1D scanners) are dedicated to reading 1D barcodes (such as UPC, EAN, Code 128, etc.), which are composed of black and white vertical bars and blank spaces, and the information is only stored in the horizontal direction, with a small capacity (usually dozens of characters).
QR code scanners can read 2D codes (such as QR Code, Data Matrix, PDF417, etc.), which are composed of black and white squares in a two-dimensional matrix, and the information is stored in the horizontal and vertical directions, with a larger capacity (up to thousands of characters), and can store complex data such as links, text, and pictures.
2. Working principle:
Barcode scanners generally use laser scanning to scan 1D barcodes line by line by emitting laser lines, relying on reflected light to identify the width of the bars and spaces. Suitable for close-range fast scanning, only need to identify single-line data, and the decoding logic is relatively simple.
The image sensor of the QR code scanner (such as a CMOS camera) needs to capture the complete QR code image and parse the two-dimensional matrix through an image processing algorithm. It needs to process complex positioning and error correction (such as the three positioning angles of the QR code), and has higher requirements for image clarity and angle tolerance.
3. Hardware configuration:
Barcode scanner, the hardware is relatively simple and the cost is low. Typical equipment: laser guns at supermarket checkout counters, logistics handheld terminals
QR code scanners need to be equipped with cameras, image processing chips and stronger decoding algorithms, and the cost is relatively high. Typical equipment: smartphones (through cameras + Apps), embedded scanning modules of supermarket self-service checkout machines.
4. Compatibility
Barcode scanners can only read one-dimensional barcodes and cannot recognize two-dimensional codes.
QR code scanners can be compatible with one-dimensional barcodes and two-dimensional codes (called "two-dimensional scanners"), but it should be noted that some low-end devices may only support two-dimensional codes.
The core difference between barcode scanners and QR code scanners lies in the supported code systems and technical implementation methods. The choice should be made based on data complexity, cost and scenario requirements.