vöötkoodeista

Vöötkoodeista, or barcodes in English, are a machine-readable optical representation of data. They encode information in a visual pattern of parallel lines and spaces of varying widths. This data can represent a variety of information, most commonly product identification numbers for inventory management and point-of-sale systems. Barcodes are essential for modern retail and logistics, enabling rapid scanning and data entry.

There are numerous types of barcodes, with linear barcodes being the most prevalent. These are the familiar patterns seen on most products. Examples include the Universal Product Code (UPC) commonly used in North America and the European Article Number (EAN) used internationally. Two-dimensional barcodes, such as QR codes, can store significantly more data and are increasingly used for applications beyond product identification, including website links, contact information, and payment processing.

The process of reading a barcode involves a barcode scanner, which uses light to read the pattern. A laser or LED light source illuminates the barcode, and a sensor detects the reflected light. The varying widths of the bars and spaces are translated back into numerical or alphanumeric data. This data is then transmitted to a computer or other device for processing. The widespread adoption of barcodes has dramatically increased efficiency and accuracy in countless industries.