HWDotW : Bar Code Reader

Hardware Device of the week #1:  Barcode Scanner

Complete a 1 sided A4 paper summarising how a Barcode Scanner works. 
Code an ISBN check digit generator/validator 

Split up your timing into 45 minutes of research and summarising  and 45 mins to create the sheet. The coding part will take different people different amounts of time but shouldn’t be more than 45 mins.

You should state where all your information has come from… Feel free to copy n paste diagrams.. but text should be re-written so it make sense to you.  You should always make reference of where information has come from. If you wish to do it properly follow this guide http://education.exeter.ac.uk/dll/studyskills/harvard_referencing.htm . But I will accept a URL or clear book name

SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS

1. Describe the hardware used in a light based barcode scanner
   (1 paragraph with supporting images/diagrams)
   1. How is the light generated
   2. How is the reflection captured
      
      
2. List 3 different bar code standards (Short List)
   1. Include the most common usage for each.
      
      
3. Describe the make up of a ISBN-13 Barcode (1 Paragraph with supporting diagram)
   1. How are different digits represented
   2.  What do the different “parts” of the barcode represent (e.g. publisher)
      
      
4. Describe how the Check digit works (1 Paragraph with supporting diagram)
   1. Give a clear example of the calculation
   2. Describe how this is used to validate the barcode number
      
      
5. Code an ISBN check digit generator/validator (part of the validation coding tasks)
   1. Create a function that generates a check digit for an ISBN number.
   2. Extend your code to validate an ISBN number and return if the check digit is correct.
      Test it with the Hodder computer science book.
   3. Copy and paste the code and screenshot the test console on the back of the summary page.

 RESOURCES

Assessment

You will be assessed in the following areas:

• Completeness (To what extent have you completed all the sections above
• Referencing / Plagiarism (+ for good use of sources.  – for over copy and paste
• Accuracy of information.
• Presentation ( Clarity and ease of reading, rather than how fancy the styling is)