An imager is a Barcode Scanner that really functions more like a digital camera
than a laser scanner, and is capable of reading two-dimensional symbologies. Rather than bouncing one or several beams of
intense light off of a barcode, the imager bounces a burst of light off of the barcode and back into a camera-like eye,
essentially taking a picture. Unlike a laser scanner (or human eye), the imager does not need the barcode to be oriented in
anyway (other than within the scan area) in order to be legible. In fact, it doesn't need it to be a "bar"-code at all. Two
dimensional symbologies come in a variety of styles, some resembling a chessboard or the familiar UPS code (a target with snow
around it). Of course, all imagers can still read the one-dimensional codes, but usually without the greater range capability
of a laser scanner. Because of their camera-like "eyes", some imagers are designed to be capable of capturing photos, like a
camera cell phone. This is a great idea for those who want a handgun scanner for barcodes with the ability to store images of,
say, a signature or I.D.
