How an ID scanner works

An ID card scanner is an electronic device that reads data stored on a driver’s license data strip and displays it on a screen. Many can also scan state and military IDs. An ID scanner clearly displays a customer’s age and makes it easy for a bouncer, bartender, or clerk to verify that the customer is old enough to purchase age-regulated products, such as tobacco or alcohol. ID card scanners are commonly used in bars, nightclubs, liquor stores, casinos, police, and convenience stores.

There are many makes and models of ID scanners. In general, ID scanners are portable or countertop devices. They are typically about 10″ x 5″ x 3″ in size. An ID card scanner will have either a barcode reader, a magnetic stripe reader, or both. Machines that have both types of scanners will have two separate devices for reading each type of code.An ID scanner will have some type of visual display such as a small screen.Some scanners have small keyboards or touch screens for inputting data and controlling the device.

Barcode Readers Barcodes are machine-readable codes in a pattern of parallel lines of varying widths. They can also appear as a rectangle of randomly placed black shapes. This is called a 2D barcode and is used in approximately 40 states in North America. A barcode reader on an ID card scanner will either be a slot where the ID is inserted and removed (immersed), or a “point and shoot” infrared scanner (like a UPC reader at the grocery store) that emits a red light on the barcode. The best ID card scanners, in terms of speed and readability, have a slot barcode reader. These are more expensive to produce, but allow a perfect reading of the barcode every time. Point-and-shoot barcode readers often have a hard time concentrating on the barcode long enough to get a read before the card moves. They must also deal with the orientation of the license, the reflectivity of the surface, and the ambient light conditions. Most manufacturers address these issues by using a counter-mounted scanner and a target area to place the 2D barcode before scanning. This works in a fixed location environment, but is not practical in handheld/mobile applications. Many discount manufacturers of inferior ID scanning products contain this type of cheap barcode reader. In short, point-and-shoot ID scanners are impractical because it’s hard to hold an ID card and the scanner steady long enough to get a reading.

Magnetic Stripe Readers Magnetic stripes are a black band about 1/2″ wide that runs the entire length of an ID card. A magnetic stripe reader on an ID card scanner looks like a slot 1/8″ wide. To read a magnetic stripe ID, the magnetic stripe is slid through the slot. This is the same way credit cards are read.

Operation An ID scanner should be very easy to operate. For fast and simple operation, there should be no buttons to press to switch between the barcode scanner and the magnetic stripe scanner. There should also be no buttons to press to reset the device between scans. It should take no more than 0.5 to 2 seconds from card dip or swipe before data is displayed on the screen.

The typical ID scan procedure is as follows:

(1) turn on the ID card scanner;
(2) dip or swipe the identification through the barcode or magnetic stripe reader, or carefully align the barcode under a point-and-shoot scanner;
(3) card information is displayed on the screen;
(4) a visual or audible alarm is displayed if the identification is underage or expired;
(5) the operator compares the data displayed on the card reader with the data printed on the card to make sure everything matches;
(6) the operator returns the identification to the customer; and
(7) The machine is reset to a ready state, automatically on well designed machines and manually on poorly designed machines.

Some machines require a telephone or Internet connection in order to function.

Advanced Features High-tech ID card scanners retain a record of all IDs that are scanned. This can be useful for providing evidence that a particular ID was verified, for analyzing customer demographics, or for building a customer mailing list. Scan history can be viewed directly on the machine or downloaded to a spreadsheet on the computer. Some manufacturers charge a fee to download the scan history to a computer. Check with a manufacturer before purchasing an ID scanner to make sure the scan history is easily accessible.

An ID scanner should be easy to operate. Look for positive user reviews of an ID scanning product before you buy it.

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