The Bluetooth Scanner Comes Of Age

Bluetooth Barcode Scanners are similar to wireless barcode scanners but use Bluetooth technology. Bluetooth has a shorter range than other wireless technologies but is found in a lot of small devices such as cell phones and PDAs.

Don't dismiss the scanners as a dull and uninspiring category. Get this one - recently medical researchers hope a portable brain scanner that uses Bluetooth technology could lead to stroke victims getting much faster help. The team at University College London believe the device could be used by ambulance personnel to further diagnose people who may have had a stroke. Normally stroke victims have to wait until they get to the hospital before they can be treated. Treatment for strokes varies depending on whether it is caused by brain bleed or a carotid artery clot breaking loose. Clot-busting drugs have to be given within three hours of the stroke but they can cause irreparable damage if the stroke comes from a bleed.

The basic technology of Bluetooth is short-range radio that allows data to be exchanged by hand-held computers and mobile phones that are not in close proximity.

How do you know which scanner to select for your situation? Since there are a lot of possible choices, the decision is not easy. The type of environment and the way in which the scanner will be used are important factors in your selection. Look at these aspects before you decide:

Harsh or normal environment?

Continuous or periodic scanning?

Hands free or hand held?

Will the scan be close to the code label or at a distance?

What device is the scanner connected to?

Will the scan be in realtime or delayed and stored?

Usually, separate software is not required for the scanner to obtain information and transfer it to the computer. That function is performed by the scanner/decoder.

Some of the scanners being offered today have the ability to hold the scanner at any angle and scan even the smallest, stacked or badly printed bar codes. Such a unit is Symbol's LS4278 BluetoothTM cordless bar code scanner. The LS4278 is cordless allowing freedom of movement in the work area where large heavy items can be scanned easily and checks run for missed items.

One of the areas that need to be addressed at the time a wireless device such as the barcode scanner is put in to service is the matter of security. There are a number of softwares that have been developed that can monitor wireless networks where several devices are being used and flag out of security conditions. These should be investigated and installed by network administrators before an installation goes live. Later may be too late.