Scanner

A device that examines a printed pattern (barcode) and either passes the uninterpreted data to a decoder or decodes the data and passes it onto the Host system.

Serial Port

An I/O port used to connect a scanner to your computer, identifiable by a 9-pin or 25-pin connector.

Signal

An impulse or fluctuating electrical quantity (i.e.: a voltage or current) the variations of which represent changes in information.

Symbol

A combination of characters including start/stop and checksum characters, as required, that form a complete scannable barcode.

Trigger Signal

A signal, typically provided by a photoelectric sensor or proximity switch, which informs the scanner of the presence of an object within its reading zone.

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