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Scanner.
An electronic device that converts optical information (eg a printed bar code) into electrical signals for subsequent decoding and transmission to a computer. Bar Code Reader, Decoder.
Scanners are the devices that read bar codes. A scanner shoots pulses of light. If it falls on a light area, a zero (0) is read. If it falls on a dark area, it reads a one (1). Scanning the bar code generates a string of zeros and ones. This pattern of zeros and ones represents the characters encoded. The scanner software, or firmware, translates or decodes the strings into characters. The scanner must be able to shoot a straight line across the bars and spaces. The taller the bars the greater the angle and the greater the chances of getting a good reading. The shorter the bars the less likely the scanner will be able to shoot a straight line through the bars and spaces.