Image sensor requirements for 2D barcode scanning

Over the past few years imaging technology has advanced significantly to enable high performance, imaging-based barcode scanners. The improved performance and decreased cost of imaging technology has enabled the wide deployment of 2D barcodes for many applications across many vertical industries. Imaging-based barcode scanner products are now the most rapidly growing segment of the industry. Following a brief introduction to 2D barcodes and their applications, the imaging technology requirements unique to barcode scanning are presented. The camera designs are broken down into their significant components, such as the lens system, image sensor electronics, flash illumination and target aiming. The camera design is contrasted with the design of a common mobile phone camera.