Barcodes are a form of visual coding. Information is encoded in visual patterns that machines can read, gather and store in a central digital database. The visual patterns can be read by machines using either laser or imaging technology. Laser barcode scanners illuminate the barcode label with a red light that is reflected back to the scanner for decoding. Image scanners capture the image of the barcode using a digital camera (scanning a QR code with your smartphone, for example).Whether the barcode information is gathered with a laser or camera, the signal is then decoded and sent to a digital database stored on computer software or a device app.