Program for scanning barcodes. Download Lightning QR scanner

Today, quarry codes are familiar to many people. They can be found on the packaging of various products, in magazines, advertising brochures, etc. However, they have some differences from a simple barcode, the recognition of which is possible only with the help of a beam located strictly in the horizontal plane of the object. To decipher the information embedded in the QR code, just install mobile device special application- barcode scanner for Android.

QR code (Quick Response) can be translated into Russian as “quick response”. It is a database similar to a barcode. The main difference between them is the way the information is encoded. If a bar code uses stripes for this, then a QR code uses squares. Using special software, you can encrypt absolutely any information.

For example, an organization can encode the address of its page on the Internet in this way, after which it places ready code on the product packaging.

As a result, the user will be able to scan it using a QR code reader for Android and quickly go to the web resource. This is much more convenient than typing all the necessary characters into the browser yourself.

The best software

To read codes on your phone, just install a special application - a QR scanner for Android. This program has small size, and its installation does not require a lot of memory.

This is one of the most popular QR code scanners for Android, as evidenced by its number of downloads from Google service Play. Working with the program is very simple, although some users say it’s not very easy convenient interface. To scan, you just need to launch the utility and then point your smartphone camera at the QR code. There is no need to press buttons or take a photo.

If the URL was encrypted in the code, the browser will automatically launch, after which the user will be taken to the specified web resource. When the text has been encoded, it can be seen immediately. Among the advantages of the program are:

1. Ability to view a map and history of recent scans.
2. Switch between main and front camera for work.
3. Automatic transition to a web resource encrypted in code using the default browser.
4. Supports all popular barcode types.
5. Synchronize scanning history via the Internet with any devices.
6. If your phone has a built-in flashlight, then you can turn it on using special button for scanning in low light conditions.

This application has received top ratings from several reputable publications and web resources. All information received by the barcode reader is placed in the cloud, which allows the user to view it on another gadget at any time. The application can work not only with the main, but also with the front camera. Flash and focus functions make working with codes much easier.

Especially for novice users, scanner has a built-in hint system. To use them, just click on question mark, located at the bottom right of the display.

In addition, the utility allows you to create your own QR codes. The application has many advantages, including There are a few main ones worth noting:

1. There is access to history.
2. When reading information, a pleasant sound signal is heard.
3. Possible synchronization with Android platform Wear.
4. You can choose one of two mechanisms for working with two-dimensional codes - ZXing or Zapper.

Lightning QR scanner

The utility is able to cope with all popular types of code, for example, UPC, ISBN, EAN and even data matrices. Thanks to the scaling option, working with small QR codes has become much more convenient. Also worth noting high speed work. The popularity of the application is indicated by the highest user rating in Google store among similar programs. It is also worth paying attention to several features of the utility:

1. To scan, the user does not have to align the gadget; the program does not allow errors in operation.
2. An integrated log in which information on all previous scans is available.
3. You can turn on the flashlight if it is built into your smartphone.
4. If the user has good programming knowledge, he can get free access to the utility code.

Code Reader

This QR code scanner for Android allows you to display encrypted text or open links in the browser. If you have to work with the code in low light conditions, then you can turn on the flashlight directly from the program. This utility is considered one of the fastest. All barcode reading programs for Android have quite simple interface, but QR Code Reader was able to outperform many competitors.

As soon as the utility is launched, a scanning field will appear on the screen. After pointing the camera at the code, just touch the screen for the code to be read. No settings are provided, as they are simply not needed. It should be noted that the utility works perfectly without an Internet connection, but for some applications connecting to the network is prerequisite for scanning.

Program for residents of the CIS

This is exactly the goal that the employees of Geeks Lab 2015 pursued when developing their QR barcode scanner. The application has been integrated large database of codes from Russia, Belarus, Ukraine and other states of the post-Soviet space. The program copes well with links that may be contained in the code. After they are decrypted, a transition to the web resource is automatically performed directly in the application.

Many users who have used this software note the well-thought-out organization of the scan log.

Harvester utility

This program is designed for business representatives. Thanks to its use, you no longer have to purchase special reading equipment. The program allows you to short time collect all important information about goods, as well as keep accurate records of them. After scanning the code, all information can be entered into special software, for example, 1C. To do this, just tick the appropriate box in the accounting program.

The user does not have to set up the scanner for a long time, since it works in automatic mode, but at the same time the possibility manual entry is also present. The developers tried to make the code search system as convenient as possible. It is worth mentioning separately about the operating modes of the utility:

You can find it in the Google store a large number of software designed to read codes. Almost all programs support the most common formats, but there are utilities designed for a specific category of users.

An important element of the system automatic control a store, warehouse or other enterprise uses a barcode scanner for a computer. This device turns the information written on the product label using strokes into a record with the name of the product.

Types of barcode readers

Before purchasing and installing this device, it will be useful for you to know what types of barcode scanners there are. In the specialized literature, such models of devices with LED and laser illumination are distinguished.

Pen Barcode Reader

A Wand barcode scanner for a computer, or as it is also called a pen scanner, is an inexpensive and reliable device. When working, you need to press it well against the surface on which the code is applied and run it along the entire package. To read information, it uses a low-power light source, the beam of which must cross the code from beginning to end.

CCD devices

The handheld CCD barcode scanner for computer uses information reading technology based on the same principle as faxes. There are two types of CCD scanners: contact and non-contact. When using a contact model, the operator needs to attach the scanner to the label with the code and press the button. The main disadvantage of such scanners is that they do not work well on uneven surfaces. Non-contact CCD scanners also use sensitive photo sensors, which allows them to read images at a distance of 6 to 30 centimeters.

An image scanner, or photo scanner as they are also called, uses the same CCD matrix as cameras or video cameras. This code scanner reads all information completely and does not need to be specifically oriented relative to the packaging.

Laser reading devices

The handheld laser barcode scanner for computer is convenient and easy to use. Its working area can reach 20-110 centimeters, and for some up to 10 meters.

Multibeam laser scanners

A stationary multibeam projection laser scanner forms a working area that consists of several beams. In order for it to read information, it is enough that at least one of the many rays crosses all the strokes. There are two types of such devices: built-in, which are installed in the cash register counter, and projection.

A combined multibeam scanner is designed in the same way as a stationary one; its main difference is that it can be picked up. Work zone, in which barcodes (bar codes) are recognized, such devices are reduced compared to stationary ones.

The bioptic scanner creates two working zones in which there are multiple laser beams. There are models of such scanners equipped with scales.

How to install a scanner to read a barcode?

Before using the scanner, you need to connect it to your computer and install the necessary software. There are three types of devices according to the method of connecting it to the computer:

1. “Into the keyboard gap.”

2. Using (as it is also called RS232).

3. Using a USB port that emulates the RS232 interface.

Let's take a closer look at all three connection methods.

Connecting a barcode reader “into the keyboard gap”

The keyboard port is called PS/2 and is used to connect both a keyboard and a mouse to the computer. Now many motherboards have only one such connector, and modern netbooks and laptops do not have it.

To connect a keyboard reader, you must first turn off the computer, remove the keyboard from the connector and insert the scanner in its place. After this, you need to connect the keyboard to the scanner. Once you have connected everything, you can turn on the scanner and computer to the electrical network.

Once a barcode is scanned by a device equipped with this interface, the code is inserted where the cursor was located, just as if you had typed it on a keyboard. Thus, if the scanner cannot read the code or is out of order, you can enter the code directly using the keyboard.

Those who scan barcodes with a device with a similar interface should pay attention to the keyboard layout when recognizing serial numbers, which contain letters. For example, when the Russian keyboard layout is enabled, instead of the code a/n123215654QWE, f/t123215654YTSU is considered.

This connection method saves one or USB, which can be useful when connecting multiple devices to a computer. various devices, for example, a printer, a printing device, scales and other devices necessary for the cashier’s work. Also, a barcode scanner with a “keyboard gap” connection is used when using a barcode program that can only work with such devices.

Installing a barcode reader via COM interface

COM or RS-232 port are two different designations one interface through which personal computer You can connect a variety of devices. This connector is made in the form of a rectangle, which consists of two rows of pins (one row has 5, the other has 4). Information from various external devices, when using this transmission method, arrives sequentially through two wires. The Rx wire sends information to the computer, and the Tx wire sends control signals to the device. Sometimes for correct operation programs use additional RTS and CTS lines. Now you can still find motherboards with one RS-232 connector, but all modern netbooks and laptops do not have it.

To install the scanner, you must first connect it to the COM port of the computer, after which any operating system will find it and ask you to install it necessary drivers. They can be found either on the disk that comes with the device, or downloaded on the Internet. Some scanner manufacturers provide special programs that can be used to control the signal volume or set service characters.

The barcode scanner can be connected to a computer using a special adapter from USB to COM interface, which must be inserted into USB and the driver installed ( special program barcode scanner). At correct installation devices in the system will be detected virtual interface standard RS-232, the use of which should not differ much from working with a conventional serial connection.

A barcode scanner with a COM port can be connected to a cash register or other equipment that is equipped with an RS-232 interface. For such a connection, adapters are used from the connector that is used in the device that reads barcodes to the RJ-45 (or 11) connector. After this, you need to configure the connection parameters in the scanning device.

Also this type connection is used if the code specifically listens to the port and, when a code is detected, inserts it into the right place. It doesn’t matter where in this moment the cursor is located.

How to connect a computer barcode scanner with a USB interface?

Any modern computer, netbook, laptop is equipped with a USB port. In this standard, data is transmitted sequentially over two wires, and two more wires serve to supply voltage to devices that connect to the PC.

The main advantage of these computer barcode readers is their high speed data exchange and the ability to connect to a running computer. Small hand scanners bar codes consume a small amount of electricity, so they are powered by USB port A. Multiplane readers are more powerful and therefore have a separate power supply.

Installing a scanner should not be difficult, because all modern operating systems recognize the device for reading codes as a regular keyboard, so they do not require any drivers to operate. After the barcode is scanned, the program inserts it where the cursor is located.

Many barcode scanners that connect to a USB port can be made to work in a mode in which it will emulate an RS-232 port. Most often, this requires reading a special barcode, which is given in the instructions, and installing a virtual port driver. After switching the device to COM interface emulation mode, its use will be the same as for a conventional scanner working with the RS-232 standard.

Many readers have the ability to set the characters that will be transmitted before and after the barcode. Thus, before reading the code, many users would find it convenient if the scanner passed one of the characters such as Insert, F1 or F9. Thanks to this feature, the number of times the operator presses the keyboard is reduced and his work is made easier.

Checking the correct connection and operation of the scanner

After the installation of the barcode scanner is completed, you need to check the operation of the device.

In order to make sure that a scanner connected “to the keyboard gap” or via a USB connector works correctly, you need to run any text editor, such as Notepad, and try to scan the code. If the symbols appear on the screen, the device is configured correctly.

If your barcode reader is connected to RS-232 or operates via USB in COM interface mode, then you first need to launch any terminal program and configure it to desired port. After this, you can read the code from the packaging. At correct setting Readable characters should appear on the screen.

Very quickly, small barcodes, commonly called QR codes, became part of our lives. But they really can make our lives much easier, because with the help of some you can go to various Internet sites or get contact information, and for this you do not need to remember the web page address! This article will cover the ins and outs of choosing the best barcode reader app for Android, as well as the pros and cons of some of them, with recommendations provided for choosing a good app.

Key Features of Barcode Reader Apps

Barcodes can provide you with absolutely various information. For example, in stores you can learn a lot about a product, and if you take updated QR codes, they can give you phone numbers that you can save, links to Internet sites and the like.

This is convenient because for recognition the user needs only one application, which takes up very little storage space, as well as a camera on a tablet or smartphone. Using some programs, you can view reviews of a particular product, its original price, and much more. Other programs themselves can provide their users with personal QR codes, which can then be used as a business card. Many of these applications are free, so users can easily take advantage of all the barcode features. Now let's look at the free ones, good apps for reading codes on Android.

Best apps

An excellent program for reading codes, both regular, linear, and more advanced options, for example, Data-Matrix and QR. It is worth noting that this application skillfully copes with the task of creating QR codes, thanks to which you can use such small codes as your own business card. A clear interface, takes up less than a megabyte on your drive - everything you need is in this program. This reading program is free, so anyone can download it. It is worth noting that the application is installed in Russian, which is also convenient. There isn't much text there, but it's still there.

An excellent application whose main purpose is to recognize QR codes. This barcode scanner only helps to read QR codes, and, for example, linear codes that are located on the back of most products cannot be recognized by this application. Another advantage of the program is its small size on your hard drive. The security of this QuickMark QR Code Reader is also at a high level, so the user does not have to worry about the scanned data being saved and transferred to third parties. The QuickMark website provides information that confirms the high level of security. Among available languages, unfortunately, only English, however, there is not much text in the entire program, so you don’t have to worry about this.

Scan

An excellent program for those who only need the basic function of a scanner. He has a simple clear design V iOS style, simple controls, and high level security. Scan is capable of scanning Various types barcodes, both the latest QR codes and regular, linear codes. Not long ago in Google Play a version of Scan for Android has appeared. It has the same functions and properties, however, it is slightly different in design. In addition, Scan is very small compared to competing programs. Convenient, simple, small - this is how you can describe Scan.

Perhaps one of best apps for recognizing barcodes, QR codes and more. In addition to its usual functions, Google Goggles has the ability to translate text that enters the camera lens into any language.

• The program has the ability to scan texts using technology optical recognition characters. With this technology you can essentially convert text from PDF format, djvu and the like into editable, say, TXT or DOC. This is also a useful feature that can be useful to the user in his work.
• The latest versions of applications help their users recognize thumbnail pictures and covers on discs. Using this function, the user can find out the name and full information about the book, film or video game that is depicted in the miniature.
• For entertainment lovers, there is a function that helps solve Sudoku with using Google Goggles!

In general, the program has not only basic, but also additional, useful features, which can be useful both at work and in Everyday life. Unfortunately, Google Goggles has not been updated for a long time, however, even with the features that it already has, it has a number of its fans. And the program weighs a little - some 2.7 MB. It can be downloaded for free on Google Play.

One of the most accurate and fastest barcode recognition scanners will allow the user to instantly recognize the information that has been encrypted. It is ready to recognize information stored in QR codes as well as regular linear codes. This program allows you to create and share your own QR codes. With their help, you can create full-fledged business cards that will be very small in size and store only the most important things.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a program that will perform only its main function and take up little space, then QuickMark QR Code Reader is an ideal option. It is small, but functional. But if you need multifunctional program for reading barcodes and thumbnails, the most the best option there will be a reliable Google Goggles. Result: two of the most best programs for reading codes are QuickMark QR Code Reader and Google Goggles.

Several years ago, so-called QR codes became an integral part of our lives; to read them you need a special program - a QR code scanner. They began to be printed on books, magazines, cookie packages, billboards, and generally wherever there was at least a little space.

These codes represent a picture in which in a special way there are white and black squares. Actually, if you correctly read the location of these squares, you can decipher the code hidden in this picture. This is what the above-mentioned scanners exist for.

Let's consider which applications for Android are the most popular, and which of them are the most functional.

1. QR Droid

This program is considered one of the best, if not the best, among all scanners. Such authoritative publications as PCWorld and Android Magazine gave it a rating of 5 out of 5. It is extremely popular among users (almost 100 million downloads on Google Play) also because it is completely free and does not contain advertising.

The QR Droid application perfectly scans and decrypts any QR codes.

Rice. No. 1. QR Droid

Other features of QR Droid are:

This scanner works with ISBN, EAN, UPC, data matrices and many other types of QR codes. This program has a zoom function, which is very convenient when the codes are very small and difficult to view.

To work, you must allow the application to work with the camera. The code decryption speed is very high, which is quite pleasant.

It’s not for nothing that the Lightning QR Scanner application has the highest rating (4.7) among all scanners on Google Play.

By the way, the first and third scanners in our rating have the same rating.

Other features of Lightning QR Scanner:

• the application is very undemanding - the user will not need to align his device for the code to be read correctly;
• there is a history that will be needed if you want to view the scanned codes over time;
• there is a flashlight;
• free access to the application code (useful for developers).

3. QR Code Reader

This application is famous for the fact that it has no advertising at all! Today there are very few such programs.

In principle, all QR code scanners have an interface that is intuitive even for a novice user, but QR Code Reader surpasses everyone in this regard.

Immediately after the user opens the application, a scanner field appears in front of him - just point the phone or tablet camera at the QR code and touch the screen. Everything is extremely simple and clear.

There is no need to configure anything here and in general you just need to touch the screen once.

Features of QR Code Reader:

• there are ample customization options;
• beautiful and very simple design;
• there is a flashlight, which will be very useful when scanning at night;
• no internet connection required;
• there is a QR code creator.

4. QR code and barcode scanner

The QR Code and Barcode Scanner app is developed by the TeaCapps team. It works really well and connects to Wi-Fi with just one click. In the same way, you can quickly add contacts to address book and perform a number of other actions with information from QR codes.

You can also share absolutely any data with other users by creating a link or other code.

Other features of QR Code and Barcode Scanner are:

• many non-standard interface elements (location and appearance many buttons, the ability to expand the scanning window and much more);
• the ability to work with URL, MeCard, vCard, vcf, calendar events, geographic locations, call and Wi-Fi data, as well as e-mail, SMS and MATMSG;
• Wide range of customization options.

5. “QR barcode scanner”

This is a development by the Geeks.Lab.2015 team. This application was developed specifically for users from Russia, Ukraine and other countries of the former USSR.

There is a huge database of barcodes and QR codes for goods from all these countries. Of course, with standard codes The program also handles links very well.

In general, of all similar programs the development of Geeks.Lab.2015 has the highest rating on Google Play. Typically user ratings are: best criterion choice.

Other features of this program are:

From the video below you will learn more about QR codes.

To get information about products of interest on store shelves, it is not necessary to ask the seller about them. After all, for example, there are thousands of products in super- and hypermarkets - how can a person keep everything in his head? Your own smartphone. You just need to install a barcode scanner program on it in advance and point the camera at the label. All necessary information will be displayed on the screen: what kind of product (exact name), who produced it, how much it weighs, how much it costs, whether the expiration date has expired, whether it is sold at a discount, etc.

A lot of applications for reading and analyzing barcodes have been released. The most popular ones are supported by several operating systems, many devices, are simple and easy to use. Let's look at some of them.

One of the most famous scanners and barcode generators. Capable of accurately recognizing various formats data - QR-Code, Quick Code, EAN 8/13, Data Matrix, Code 128, Code 39, as well as full list 1D barcodes. Can become an assistant and advisor when making purchases. In addition, it will help you find information about a scanned object on the Internet, make it possible to go to the web addresses specified in the code, call phone numbers, send letters, send SMS, search for specified places on the map, save the received data in text file, as well as create your own 2D codes, which you can later use wherever you want.

The program is available in standard and extended versions. The standard license gives the right to free use product.

QuickMark can work like standalone application and as a browser extension Google Chrome. Supported on the following platforms:

• Apple iOS;
• Android;
• Windows Phone;
• Symbian S60.

Works for different models smartphones and tablets, undemanding to hardware resources.

A simple, fast and convenient application that can additional funds recognize a wide variety of barcodes, including hard-to-read ones: QR-Code, Data Matrix, Code 128, Code 39, EAN 8, UPC A, EAN 13. Supports network exchange of text data.

Thanks to its advantages, ixMAT has found application in the professional sphere - trade, logistics, industrial companies, authorities work with it government controlled, as well as commercial and non-profit organizations of various types of activities. The application is paid. Before purchasing, we suggest downloading a trial version for testing.

ixMAT versions are developed for the following platforms:

NeoReader

A unique barcode scanner that uses its own patented ultra-Gavitec's and NeoMedia technology, thanks to which it reads and recognizes almost all formats of existing barcodes: Aztec, Data Matrix, QR, EAN, UPC, Code128, Code39, etc. from a variety of media - screens electronic devices, printed publications, billboards and everything else. At the same time, NeoReader is very compact - it takes up minimal storage space (which is quite important for mobile phones).

The program can be used on different devices and OS:

• Android,
• Apple iOS;
• BlackBerry;
• Windows Mobile.

Works stably on Nokia, Apple, Blackberry, Samsung, Motorola phones, Sony Ericsson.

Kaywa Reader

Just like the above-mentioned analogues, Barcode Scanner reads the most different types barcodes using camera mobile phone. Allows you to quickly receive all encoded information and save it in the device’s memory. The scanned code or data from it can be sent via SMS, e-mail, transmit via social networks.

Supported by smartphones Android based and Apple iOS. Manufacturer guaranteed stable work Kaywa Reader on many Sony Ericsson, Samsung and Motorola models.

Any of the applications listed here can be used in trade - along with professional barcode scanners http://www.crystals.ru/skaner-shtrih-koda and become a convenient addition to them.