# barcode reader

> electronic device that can read and output printed barcodes to a computer

**Wikidata**: [Q807980](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q807980)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barcode_reader)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/barcode-reader

## Summary
A barcode reader is an electronic device designed to scan and decode printed barcodes, transmitting the data to a computer for processing. It functions as a subclass of image scanners and is widely used in retail, inventory management, and consumer applications. Key types include handheld, ring, and self-scanning devices.

## Key Facts
- Barcode readers are electronic devices that decode printed barcodes and output data to computers (Wikidata description).
- Subclass of **image scanner** with specialized types like **ring scanner**, **CueCat** (cat-shaped), and **self-scanning device** (retail customer scanners).
- Related to apps such as **CodeCheck** (ingredient info, launched 2010) and **Waistline** (nutrition tracking).
- Identified by international codes: **MCN 8471.90.12**, **Common Procurement Vocabulary 30216130**, and **Nomenclature for Museum Cataloging 10508**.
- Officially recognized in taxonomies like **Google Product Taxonomy (ID 139)** and **Amazon Browse Node 15327871**.
- Multilingual aliases include "escáner de código de barras" (Spanish), "Bar-Code-Leser" (German), and "バーコード・リーダー" (Japanese).

## FAQs
### Q: What are the main types of barcode readers?
A: Common types include **ring scanners**, **CueCat** (handheld cat-shaped devices), and **self-scanning devices** used by retail customers.

### Q: How do barcode readers relate to other technologies?
A: They are a subclass of **image scanners** and integrate with apps like **CodeCheck** (for ingredient data) and **Waistline** (nutrition tracking).

### Q: What standards govern barcode reader classification?
A: They are categorized under codes such as **MCN 8471.90.12** (international trade) and **Common Procurement Vocabulary 30216130** (EU procurement).

## Why It Matters
Barcode readers revolutionized data capture by automating the translation of visual barcodes into digital information, drastically reducing human error in inventory, retail, and logistics. Their integration with consumer apps (e.g., **CodeCheck**, **Waistline**) empowers users to access product details like ingredients and nutritional content directly from packaging. By streamlining workflows—such as self-checkout systems in stores—they enhance operational efficiency and customer experience. Their classification under standardized codes (e.g., **MCN**, **Google Taxonomy**) reflects their global economic and technological significance.

## Notable For
- **Unique Designs**: The **CueCat**, a cat-shaped handheld scanner, exemplifies novel form factors in consumer electronics.
- **Self-Service Innovation**: **Self-scanning devices** transformed retail by enabling customer-led checkout processes.
- **Multilingual Support**: Recognized in over 10 languages (e.g., Arabic, German, Japanese), reflecting global adoption.
- **Specialized Classification**: Assigned unique identifiers in museum cataloging (**10508**) and procurement systems (**30216130**).

## Body
### Definition and Function
A barcode reader is an electronic device that optically scans printed barcodes, decodes their data, and transfers the information to a computer. It operates as a subclass of **image scanners**, focusing specifically on barcode interpretation.

### Classification and Types
- **Parent Class**: Image scanner (device for digitizing visual content).
- **Subtypes**:
  - **Ring Scanner**: Wearable device for hands-free scanning.
  - **CueCat**: Novelty cat-shaped handheld scanner.
  - **Self-Scanning Device**: Portable tool for customer-driven retail scanning.

### Technical Specifications
- **Global Standards**: Categorized under **MCN 8471.90.12** (international trade) and **Google Product Taxonomy ID 139** (Electronics > Input Devices).
- **Identifier Codes**: 
  - **Common Procurement Vocabulary**: 30216130 (EU public procurement).
  - **Nomenclature for Museum Cataloging**: 10508.

### Related Technologies
- **CodeCheck App** (2010): Decodes barcodes to display ingredient information.
- **Waistline App**: Integrates barcode scanning for nutrition tracking.

### Cultural and Commercial Impact
- **Retail Transformation**: Enabled self-service checkout systems via **self-scanning devices**.
- **Consumer Empowerment**: Apps like **CodeCheck** and **Waistline** leverage barcode readers for transparency in product data.

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "Barcode reader",
  "description": "Electronic device that can read and output printed barcodes to a computer",
  "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barcode_reader",
  "sameAs": ["https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q79135"],
  "additionalType": ["https://wikidata.org/wiki/Q79135", "image scanner"]
}

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
2. Wikibase TDKIV