1.Resolution
For barcode scanning systems, resolution refers to the width of the narrowest bar symbol that can be correctly detected, referred to as Minimal Bar Width (MBW). When selecting equipment, a higher resolution is not always better. The selection should be based on the barcode density used in the specific application. If the resolution of the selected equipment is too high, issues such as dirt, ink removal, or other imperfections on the barcode may have a more significant impact on the system.
2.Scan Depth of Field
The scan depth of field refers to the difference between the farthest distance at which the scanner head can be from the barcode surface (while still ensuring reliable reading) and the nearest point the scanner head can approach the barcode surface. This is essentially the effective working range of the barcode scanner. Some barcode scanning devices do not provide a scan depth of field specification but instead provide a scan distance, which refers to the shortest distance at which the scanner head can be from the barcode surface.
3.Scan Width
Scan width refers to the physical length of barcode information that the scanning beam can read at a given scanning distance.
4.Scan Speed
Scan speed refers to the scanning frequency of the scanning beam along its path within a unit of time.
5.First-Time Recognition Rate
The first-time recognition rate represents the ratio of the number of labels successfully read on the first scan to the total number of scanned labels. For example, if a barcode label requires two scans to be read, the first-time recognition rate is 50%. From a practical application perspective, it is obviously desirable for each scan to succeed on the first attempt, but unfortunately, due to various factors, achieving a 100% first-time recognition rate is not feasible.
It should be noted that the first-time recognition rate is a test metric that applies only to handheld pen-type scanners. For laser scanning systems, the scanning frequency of the beam on the barcode label can reach several hundred times per second, and the signals obtained through scanning are repetitive.
6.Error Rate
The error rate is an extremely important test metric that reflects how often a machine misidentifies a label. The error rate is the ratio of the number of misidentifications to the total number of identifications. For a barcode system, the error rate is a more serious issue than the first-time recognition rate.
