TECHNOLOGY BEHIND BARCODES

TECHNOLOGY BEHIND BARCODES

BARCODES have a different way of encoding numbers and letters by using a combination of bars and spaces of varying widths. Think of BARCODES as another way of writing since BARCODES replace keying data. In business, the correct use of BARCODES can reduce inefficiencies and improve company’s productivities. BARCODES are a fast, easy and an accurate way of entering data.

A BARCODE doesn’t contain descriptive data. A BARCODE typically has ID data encoded in it, and data is used by a computer to look up all specific information associated with the data.

BARCODE SYMBOLOGIES

UPC/EAN BAR CODE

This is the symbol used on items destined for retail check-out line. UPC BARCODE Symbols are fixed length, are mandatory in the retail and food industry. UPC BARCODE Symbols were developed to meet the needs of grocery retailing as it fits 12 digits into a reasonably compact space.

To get a manufacture’s number assigned for UPC BARCODE, call Uniform Code Council at 937-435-3870. For most other BARCODE specifications, call AIM USA at 412-963-8588. CODE 39 / CODE 3 of 9 BAR CODE

CODE 39

was developed because some industries needed to encode the alphabet as well as numbers into a BARCODE, CODE 39 BARCODE is by far the most popular BARCODE SYMBOLOGY of choice. CODE 30 / CODE 3 of 9 BARCODE is typically used for ID, inventory, and tracking purposes in various industries such as manufacturing. However, CODE 39 BARCODE produces relatively long BARCODES and may not be suitable if label length is a consideration.

CODE 128 BAR CODE

CODE 128 BARCODE came about when the need for a wider selection of characters arose than CODE 39 BARCODE could provide. When label length is a consideration, CODE 128 is a good alternative because it’s very compact and results in a dense symbol. CODE 128 BARCODE SYMBOLOGY is often used in the shipping industry where label size is an issue.

INTERLEAVED 2 OF 5 BAR CODE

INTERLEAVED 2 OF 5 BARCODE is another popular BARCODE SYMBOLOGY in the shipping industry, INTERLEAVED 2 OF 5 BARCODE is widely used by the warehousing industry, too. INTERLEAVED 2 OF 5 BARCODE is also a very compact BARCODE SYMBOLOGY and you’ll see them on the corrugated boxes in which things are shipped to the grocery store.

POSTNET BAR CODE

Unique to the United States Postal Service, POSTNET BARCODE encodes for processing mail for speedy delivery or bulk mailing.

PDF417 2D BAR CODE

PDF 417 is known as a 2D (two-dimensional) BARCODE, this is a high-density, non-linear BARCODE SYMBOLOGY that reminds you of a crossword puzzle. But the difference between PDF417 2D BARCODES and the other BARCODES listed above is that PDF417 2D BARCODE is really a portable data file (PDF) as opposed to simply being a reference number. Some states require a PDF417 2D BARCODE be printed on your driver’s license. It is interesting to know that there’s room enough in PDF417 2D BARCODE to encode your name, photo and summary of your driving record, and other pertinent information. As a matter of fact, a PDF417 BARCODE can encode the Gettysbury Address in a space the size of a postage stamp! An important fact to remember is that the larger the width of the bars and spaces, the more space it takes to print the BARCODE; therefore, the lower the bar cod density. The thinner the bars and spaces, the less space is required and the higher the BARCODE density.

HOW BARCODE SCANNERS WORK

A basic BARCODE SCANNER consists of a BARCODE SCANNER, a BARCODE DECODER, and a CABLE that interfaces between BARCODE DECODER to the computer or terminal. A BARCODE SCANNER’S function is to scan the BARCODE symbol and provide an electrical output to the computer that corresponds to the bars and spaces of the BARCODE. However, it’s the decoder that recognizes the BARCODE SYMBOLOGY, analyzes the content of the BARCODE SYMBOLOGY. BARCODE DECODER analyzes the content of the BARCODE scanned, and transmits that scanned, and transmits that data to the computer in a traditional data format. A BARCODE SCANNER can either have the decoder built into its handle or be “undecoded” which requires a separate box, called an interface or wedge. UNDECODED BARCODE SCANNERS are also used when connecting to PORTABLE BARCODE BATCH SCANNERS as the decoding is performed by the terminal itself.

BARCODE SCANNERS

BARCODE KEYBOARD WEDGE READERS

A BARCODE KEYBOARD WEDGE READER is attached to a computer through a port called the keyboard interface. When a BARCODE is scanned, the information is transmitted as though it were keyed in the form of keyboard. Sometimes they’re referred to as BARCODE WEDGE READERS because they physically wedge between the keyboard and the computer and attach as a second keyboard. One great advantage of a BARCODE KEYBOARD WEDGE READER is that BARCODE reading can be added with no software changes necessary; the software thinks that the data received was entered by a speedy typist. With a BARCODE KEYBOARD WEDGE READER, any program that accepts keyed data will accept BARCODE data with no change.

SERIAL BARCODE SCANNERS

Another way to transmit data from a BARCODE READER to a computer is to connect it to the computer’s RS-232 serial port. The BARCODE information read will be transmitted in ASCII format and look just like keyed data to the computer. Using a serial port connection is ideal for a multi-user computer. With serial ASCII terminals for each user, the SERIAL BARCODE READER can attach between the terminal and host computer and transmit ASCII data just like the terminal.

PORTABLE BARCODE SCANNERS

Portable barcode scanners are hand-held battery operated readers store data in memory for uploading to the host at a different time. A BARCODE PORTABLE BATCH READER contains a BARCODE SCANNER, an LCD display to prompt the user to perform a task, and a keyboard to enter variable data such as quantities. A download cradle must also be purchased to upload information to the computer.

BARCODE PORTABLE BATCH SCANNERS

Portable Batch Scanners are ideal when mobility is a must and when collected data is not immediately needed. These PORTABLE BARCODE SCANNERS come in a variety of styles including HAND-HELD PORTABLE BARCODE SCANNERS, WEARABLE PORTABLE BARCODE SCANNERS and TRUCK MOUNTED BARCODE SCANNERS. Your application will determine which style is best.

WIRELESS PORTABLE BARCODE SCANNERS

When you need to collect information at a remote location, and need the information immediately, a wireless solution is the perfect one. A WIRELESS PORTABLE BARCODE SCANNER is also built into a terminal, and uploads data to the host as it’s scanned, instantly and accurately. WIRELESS PORTABLE BARCODE PRODUCTS allow the user scan the information at the point-of-activity, which makes it ideal for many industries.

CABLES

The cable required depends upon how you need to connect the BARCODE SCANNER. Cables are either RS-232 direct cables or adapters and all require a power supply. RS-232 connections have either 9 or 25 pins and connect the scanner to the PC. An adapter enables you to use one scanner with a variety of different PCs by simply changing an adapter cable.

CONNECTION

Serial Port: Requires RS232 Cable and Power Supply. OCIA-Register or Wedge Interface: An Adapter Cable. BARCODE Portable Terminal: 9-Pin Cable.

WHICH BARCODE SCANNER IS RIGHT FOR MY APPLICATION?

With all the choices available, it’s critically important to understand your environment and application thoroughly before making any decisions. Answer these few questions to help you determine which scanner is beset for you:

1. What type if environment will the BARCODE SCANNER be used in? Harsh as in a factory or normal as in a store?

2. Is continuous or periodic BARCODE scanning needed?

3. Is hands-free or a hand-held capability required?

4. Will BARCODE scanning be conducted close to the barcode or from a distance?

5. What will the BARCODE SCANNER connect to?

6. Will the information scanned be needed in real time?

The least expensive BARCODE SCANNER might work well in an application where BARCODE scanning is infrequent, but it certainly would not be the answer in a harsh manufacturing environment where a ruggedized INDUSTRIAL BARCODE SCANNER is needed.

ARE SCANNERS COMPATIBLE WITH MY EXISTING SYSTEM?

Special software is not required for your BARCODE SCANNER to get information into your computer. Scanning and decoding are handled by the BARCODE SCANNER / BARCODE DECODER. So, by the time the data gets to the computer, it has already been translated. There is nothing more for you to do. In case you do not have a desktop application software to track your inventory, shipping or receiving, or asset managing for your warehouse or business, a tracking software is necessary to manage your data after it is entered by a BARCODE SCANER.

However, while your computer and computer software may be capable of accepting BARCODE DATA, your existing software may not be able to print BARCODES. If it can not, you will either have to buy PRE-PRINTED LABELS, or BARCODE LABE SOFTWARE so you can print your own BARCODE LABELS, BARCODED PICK TICKETS, BARCODED BADGES, etc. This, of course, is more convenient.

WHAT APPLICATION SOFTWARE IS REQUIRED?

Whether you want to use BARCODES to TRACKING INVENTORY, MONITOR PATIENT CARE, ASSET MANAGING, CHECK-IN AND CHECK-OUT, SHIPPING AND RECEIVING, or at POINT-OF-SALES, you are going to need application software. It’s the application software that accepts the BARCODE data and controls the success of an application. Think of software as your computer’s silent partner, organizing incoming data into information needed to manage business.

PRINTING BARCODES

With the proper PC Software, today’s dot matrix, laser printers are capable of printing excellent quality BARCODES. We would not suggest bubble jet, or ink jet printer. If you want to print the best quality BARCODES, then have the laser printer so the job; it’s also perfect for printing batches of labels. THERMAL TRANSFER BARCODE PRINTERS are required when you need to print a roll of labels so that labels can be applied by applicators directly to boxes. Volume industrial printing is done mostly by THERMAL TRANSFER PRINTERS; they are fast and produce excellent quality BARCODES. One important note to remember is that lower density BARCODES are more reliably printed and more consistently read than higher density BARCODES because minor variations, due to printing or damage to the BARCODE.

Couple questions to ask yourself: This is to determine if you need custom professional BARCODE LABEL PRINTING, a BARCODE LABEL PRINTER, or a BARCODE LABEL PRINTING SOFTWARE OR FONT.

1. Number of BARCODE LABELS needed?

2. How many digits? Other than UPC/EAN BARCODES, it is you to determine how many digits of BARCODES you need. This also determines the size of the label.

3. Preferred width of the label?

4. Starting number and ending number?

5. Would you like to have your business or institution name printed on the label too?

6. Does the quality of the BARCODE LABELS have to be special? Ie: temperture resist, thermal transfer, nylon…

7. Are you incorporating the BARCODE with your packaging design? If so, you need to know if the BARCODE SOFTWARE or FONT you are purchasing would export to your design software, such as QuarkXpress, Adobe Pagemaker…

Glossary Of Terms

APS

Active Pixel Sensors, often fabricated using complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology. APS enable individual pixels on the sensors to be programmed, making it easier to read a variety of different symbologies from the same device.

Area ImagingArea imagers capture a “picture” of two-dimensional or linear codes and process it using advanced decode algorithms. Area imagers can be produced using either charge-coupled device (CCD) technology or more sophisticated CMOS technology.

Bar-code symbolA sequence of rectangular shapes and intervening spaces used to encode a string of data. A bar-code symbol typically consists of five parts:

1) a leading quiet zone, 2) a start character, 3) data character(s) including an
optional check character, 4) a stop character and 5) a trailing quiet zone.
Bi-directional
Characteristic of some bar codes that allow decoding of the symbol regardless of whether scanned in a
forward or backward direction.

CCDCharge-Coupled Device, the solid state component found in a wide variety of products from simple scanners and fax machines to highly sophisticated devices such as linear imagers, video cameras, and digital cameras.

Close range
From contact to 5 inches (12.7 cm).

CMOSComplementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor (pronounced see-moss). CMOS is a widely used type of semiconductor. CMOS semiconductors use both NMOS (negative polarity) and PMOS (positive polarity) circuits. Since only one of the circuit types is on at any given time, CMOS chips require less power than chips using just one type of transistor. This makes them particularly attractive for use in battery-powered devices, such as portable computers.

Decode
The process of interpreting scanned or “read” information and presenting it to the computer in a usable fashion.

Long range

From 2 feet (61 cm) to 35 feet (10.7 meters).

Laser

Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. Laser scanners read bar codes with a laser beam in
conjunction with oscillating mirrors to automatically move the beam back and forth across the symbol.
 
Linear imaging
Linear imagers are solid state scanners that use a charge-coupled device (CCD) as their underlying technology.

Linear imagers generally deliver better performance and reliability at a lower price than laser scanners.

LED

Light Emitting Diodes are special diodes that emit light when connected in a circuit. They are frequently used
as “pilot” lights in electronic appliances to indicate whether the circuit is closed or not.
Matrix codes
An arrangement of regular polygon shaped cells where the center-to-center distance of adjacent elements
is uniform. The arrangement of the elements represents data or symbology functions. Matrix symbols may
include recognition patterns that do not follow the same rule as the other elements within the symbol.
MEMS
Micro Electro Mechanical System. MEMS devices are manufactured using silicon semiconductor batchfabrication
techniques similar to those used for integrated circuits. Used to produce laser scan engines, MEMS
technology produces an engine with faster scan rates, reduced size, improved durability and frictionless
mechanical parts for longer-lasting performance.
RFID
Radio Frequency IDentification. The use of radio frequency signals to provide automatic identification of
items. RFID uses a reader (or interrogator) and special RFID tags containing an integrated circuit and antenna
that can be read and written to hundreds of times.
Standard range
From 2-9 inches (5-23 cm).
Stacked Code
A long, multi-row symbol that is broken into sections, which are stacked in a fashion similar to sentences in a
paragraph.
Symbology
Bar-code language, including linear, matrix and two-dimensional codes.
Two-dimensional (2-D) symbology
A machine-readable symbol composed of rows of encrypted data arranged in a rectangular or square pattern.
The rows of data may be composed of bar-code strips “stacked” to form the two-dimensional block pattern or
arranged as a checkerboard “matrix” of typically square elements.
X-dimension
The nominal dimension of the narrow bars and spaces in linear and 2-D stacked codes. In 2-D matrix symbols,
the X-dimension is the height and width dimension of the smallest element because each module is square,
except for MaxiCode modules which are hexagonal.

Barcode Scanning

An input device is simply a reader that provides a quick and efficient way to transfer encoded information into an application. Encoded data can be a bar code, magnetic stripe or even some physiological characteristic such as a fingerprint. Listed on the following pages are several input methods that are currently available. Some input devices require direct contact with the encoded data while others can read the data from a distance. Determining the input device is generally the first step when considering Automatic ID equipment.

Scanning Devices

All scanning devices use a Light Emitting Diode (LED) and a photodetector to scan bar codes. The light generated from the LED falls on the bar code and is absorbed by the printed bars and reflected by the white spaces. The photodetector senses the reflected light and electro-optically converts the reflected light into a signal. The digitized signal is then sent to a decoder and converted into ASCII characters.

Wands

A wand is a pen-type scanner requiring physical contact with a bar code when scanning. The wand is simple to use but does require the user to maintain a tilt angle of 60º-85º above the label surface. This controls the reflectance of the light that is absorbed and a constant or continuous scanning motion across the bar code must be maintained to regulate the sample rate. The speed in which the user moves across the bar code is also important. If the continuous scanning motion is too slow or too fast, the decoder may not be able to detect the signal sent to it by the wand.
Often users are unaware that a wand may not be able to read certain bar code densities. The wand resolution must be less than the bar code density. For example, a 5 mil wand can read a 10 mil bar code, however, a 10 mil wand cannot read a 5 mil bar code. General purpose wands can typically read up to 5 mils.
A simple way of determining the correct wand resolution for a specific bar code application would be to multiply the X dimension of the bar code by 0.7 and round up to the next whole number. For example, if you are using a 15 mil bar code, multiply 15 mil by 0.7 (10.5) and round up to the nearest whole number (11). Any mil size less than 11 would normally suffice for the application in our examples.
In overall cost, Wands are about one-tenth the price of a laser gun and about one-fifth the price of a CCD reader. However there are a number of trade-offs that need to be considered before cost. First, a wand is a contact scanner and, therefore, must come into direct contact with the bar code. If the nature of the application does not permit the user to come into direct contact with the bar code, then another solution must be considered, such as a laser scanner. Secondly, a wand can not scan nearly as fast as a CCD reader or laser scanner. A wand is a manual scanning device in that a tilt angle and constant scanning motion must be met in order to obtain a good read. CCD readers and laser scanners simplify these procedures electronically through features such as automatic gain control and self-scanning.
The wand works well in most applications and should be considered first when implementing a new bar code station or as a "hot" backup if an extra scanning device is required.

CCD

Charged Coupled Device (CCD) technology is a technique whereby a bar code is photographed, digitized, and electronically sampled by built-in photodetectors. The detectors process the measurement of every bar and space using the number of adjacent photodetectors which contrast a black mark and a white space. CCDs are lighter than most laser scanners and are generally much more rugged since they have no moving parts.
CCD readers range from about 2 inches to approximately 4 inches in width. The most common CCD readers measure roughly 3 inches. Of all the scanning devices, a CCD reader is the easiest to use. The user simply covers the bar code with the head of the scanner and pulls the trigger to activate the scanner.
The cost of a CCD scanner is about one-third the price of a laser scanner and about four times the cost of a wand. The CCD reader is a contact scanner in that user must have direct contact with the bar code label. If a wand is too difficult, too timely, or cumbersome to use, a CCD scanner could be an alternate solution.
A new technology related to CCD is Fixed Focus Optics (FFO). FFO technology utilizes the same principles as CCD technology, however, FFO scanners are non-contact readers. FFO readers can digitize a bar code from a distance of up to twenty inches from the label depending upon the resolution of the bar code. FFO promises to be a leading contender in the scanning market with the added capability of digitizing two-dimensional bar codes.

Laser Scanners

Laser scanning is in widespread use among a variety of applications and integrated in hand held laser guns, projection or fixed scanners used in conveyor systems, and in-counter scanners as seen in many supermarkets. Laser scanners project a beam of energy off an oscillating mirror or rotating prism and generate what appears to be a red scan line. An omnidirectional projection scanner creates a pattern or raster of red scan lines. In reality, the scan line(s) is a laser spot rapidly moving across at 30 or 40 times per second. Laser scanning is ÒautomaticÓ in a sense that it generates multiple scans activated either by sensing an object that is placed in front of the scanner (known as autosense) or by simply pulling a trigger. In comparison, a wand must be moved manually across a bar code by hand and thus is a manual scanning device.
One of the newest technologies regarding laser scanning is “Fuzzy Logic.” Fuzzy logic technology applies artificial intelligence to reading poorly printed bar codes and is ideal for low-contrast, high density bar codes. Fuzzy logic offers the highest level of performance and best first-time read rate across a range of bar code qualities including harsh environments and rugged operating conditions.
Projection scanners are commonly used in material movement configurations. Both tabletop and fixed mount projection scanners are popular units at many checkout counters and conveyors systems respectively. Grocery store clerks move items across tabletop scanners almost as fast as it takes to remove the items from a cart alone. Likewise conveyor systems scan at a much higher rates than anyone is able to without making mistakes.
p>Laser technology is very popular in the United States primarily due to patent grants. Only a hand full of companies hold the central patents in this technology preventing further domestic and foreign competition. CCD technology is more popular among other countries because of this legal issue.
Every laser scanner has a depth of field. The depth of field is the range between the minimum and maximum distance in which a laser scanner can successfully read a particular bar code, and it is directly related to the density of the bar code. For example, the higher the density of the bar code, the closer the laser has to be to read a symbol. Likewise, the lower the density of the bar code, the farther away the laser has to be to read a symbol. There will be some overlap between the range of various bar codes, but as a general rule, the user must keep this is mind when scanning. In regards to bar coding, some common problems may exist with the set up. The table on the next page outlines some of these problems and the appropriate step(s) to take.

Bar Slot

Bar Slot technology is similar to wand technology. From appearance alone, a bar slot reader looks very much like a magnetic stripe reader. However, rather than using the magnetic stripe technology to decode information, bar slot readers only decode bar codes.
Bar slot technology is primarily used for access control and time and attendance applications. Typically, the front or back of a paper or plastic card is bar coded with the appropriate symbology. If paper is used, the card is usually laminated with a plastic coat to protect the card. Bar slot technology is primarily used over magnetic stripe when cards must be produced in-house. Bar codes have historically been easier to print and less expensive to produce than using magnetic encoders.

Magnetic Stripe

Magnetic stripe technology records magnetic data that is generally encoded on the front or back of a paper or plastic card similar to that of an audio or videotape. A magnetic stripe reader decodes the magnetic information on the card and translates it into ASCII characters.
The magnetic stripe found on the back of credit cards and ID badges have a possibility of up to three "tracks" of data - Track 1, Track 2, and Tack 3. Each track has a different encoded format. Track 1 contains up to 79 alphanumeric characters while Track 2 and 3 contain only numeric characters. Track 2 contains 40 numeric characters, and track 3 contains 105 numeric characters. The banking industry use Tracks 1 and 2. Regulations required the customer's name to be encoded on the magnetic stripe along with the account number. In addition, the card holder number and expiration date are usually encoded. ID badges, on the other hand, use Track 2.
There are two types of magnetic encoding schemes: low-coercivity and high-coercivity. In regards to magnetic stripe technology, coercivity is the opposing magnetic intensity that must be applied to a material to remove the residual magnetism when it has been magnetized to saturation. In other words, a card encoded with high-coercivity has a less of a chance of accidentally being erased with, for example, a magnetized screw driver or magnetic clasp than a low-coercivity encoded card. Most card systems support both types of media, but high-coercivity is generally recommended especially for creating ID badges.
The best known applications for magnetic stripe are credit cards, time and attendance, personnel identification, and banking cards. Standards have been adopted for data densities, encoding methods, data content, recording qualities, and data formats. Magnetic stripe standards are mandatory in all financial systems, however, few standards exists for most other applications.

Other Identification Devices

Optical and Intelligent Character Recognition

Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology has been used in commercial applications for nearly fifty years and uses OCR fonts (such as OCR-A and OCR-B) instead of bar codes for automated data entry. The fonts are electronically scanned and digitized into ASCII characters.
With the advent of the personal computer, OCR technology has expanded in translating other stylized fonts such as Courier, Times Roman, etc. that are commonly found in newspapers, magazines, and other reading materials. Many manufacturers now describe this as Intelligent Character Recognition (ICR) since today’s OCR equipment is much more capable and much more powerful.
There are three categories of OCR/ICR readers: transaction readers, page readers, and hand-held readers. Transaction readers scan relatively short character streams and have the highest accuracy of all three types of readers. Page scanners digitize pages of text. Hand-held scanners are primarily used when transaction scanners are impractical and too expensive to use. Hand-held scanners also allow the user to have greater flexibility in scanning data outside a relative boundary or fixed position, for example, locating and reading the International Standard Book Number (ISBN) found on most published books which is printed usually somewhere on the back cover.
OCR/ICR is better suited in applications where human readability is required and where it is impractical to convert to bar codes. One of the most common OCR fonts, E-13B (MICR), is found at the bottom of nearly all personal checks and frequently used in point of sale, payment processing, and libraries.

RF Identification and Proximity Readers

RF Identification (RF/ID) uses radio frequency technology for tracking and identifying vehicles, animals, pallets, etc. By affixing electronic tags to objects and encoding specific information, an object can readily be identified and tracked from a distance. RF/ID can have proximity ranges of up to a 100 feet with minimal interference. RF/ID provides both proximity and dynamic identification so that tagged objects do not need to be physically contacted or stationary in order to be identified. RF/ID systems are extremely accurate, have no line-of-sight requirements, and cannot be erased easily from environmental conditions or strong magnetic fields.
RF tags are either active or passive. Active tags are usually more expensive because they can transmit a low-powered signal. These tags come with batteries and permit farther distances for RF identification. Passive tags do not come with batteries and are detected solely by the RF receiver.
The most common use of RF/ID is with toll tags. Other applications include personnel monitoring, security access, and package sorting.

Touch Memory

Touch Memories or memory buttons are electronic identification devices that are accessed when a touch probe comes into contact with a memory button. Memory chips are often packaged in coin-shaped stainless steel containers (buttons) to withstand harsh environments and are capable of holding large amounts of data (over 4,096 characters). Read and/or write operations between the probe and memory chip are performed with just a momentary contact. Thousands of reads and writes can be performed with a single chip and data integrity can last over 100 years.
Touch memory is widely used by the US Postal Service for tracking collection times on its large collection boxes. Healthcare, transportation, and trade show organizations are other potential markets for this growing technology. Nearly any application where relatively large amounts of data need to be stored and randomly accessed are suitable candidates for this emerging technology.

Biometric Identification

Biometric Identification is a technology which digitizes an individual's physiological trait and uses it as a means of personal identification. Biometric identification is primarily used in access control applications and is predominantly used in high-security areas at government facilities and banks.
Other biometric verification techniques include fingerprint, retinal scanning, hand geometry, facial characteristics, voice patterns, and blood-vessel arrangement in the wrist or hand. Fingerprint identification is the most popular.

Barcode Symbologies (Barcode Fonts)

Choosing the Right Barcode
The most common barcodes are symbols consisting of a series of bars and spaces which can be applied to packages, cartons, bottles, and other commercial products. The bars and spaces in each symbol are grouped in such a way to represent a specific ASCII character. The interpretation of these groups is based on a particular set of rules called symbologies. Various symbologies have been developed for particular applications. Some examples are shipping and receiving, manufacturing, retail, healthcare, transportation, document processing and tracking, and libraries.
Currently there are more than 400 symbologies in use. Some are alphanumeric, while others contain the full ASCII set, or only numeric data. When deciding on a particular barcode, it is best to use a universal symbology that is supported by most manufacturers. In addition, one must consider the type and amount of data to be encoded, as well as the scanning and printing equipment.
Each character in a barcode is represented by a series of bar and spaces. Typically, the code includes a quiet zone, start code, data, stop code, and a trailing quiet zone. Some symbologies support check digits to ensure data integrity. If this supported, the check digit(s) is usually before the stop code. Illustrated below is breakdown of a Code 39 barcode.

Barcode Densities

The density or resolution of a barcode is dependent upon the narrowest element of a barcode (X dimension), and can vary from high resolution: nominally less than 0.009 inches (0.23 mm); medium resolution: between 0.009 inches (0.23 mm) and 0.020 inches (0.50 mm); and low resolution: greater than 0.020 inches (0.50 mm). The example below illustrates the difference of Code 39 barcode in high, medium, and low resolutions.
For the most effective and reliable scanning with any input device, use the lowest barcode density possible that will print on a given area on the label or page. This will make it easier to print and allow a higher depth of field for scanning. When space is available, Code 39 and Code 128 are the best possible choices when implementing most barcodes solutions.

Symbologies (Barcode Fonts)

Several of the most commonly supported symbologies are outlined below. The table below compares some of the important features between the symbologies. The Barcode specifications for each of the symbologies can be requested from the trade organizations listed in the Barcode Specification section at the end of this booklet.

CODE 39

Code 39 is variable length and is the most frequently used symbology in industrial barcode systems today. The principal feature is to encode messages using the full alphanumeric character set. Three of the nine elements (bars) are wide and six elements are narrow. The Code 39 barcode uses four special characters “$”, “/”, “+”. “%” which can be paired with alphanumeric characters to extend to the full ASCII character set. Listed below are the options for the Code 39 symbology.

Full ASCII	Standard Code 39 contains only 43 characters (0-9, A-Z, $, /, %, +). Code 39 can be extended to an 128 character symbology (full ASCII) by combining one of the special characters ($, /, %, +) with a letter (A-Z) to form the characters that are not present in the standard Code 39 symbology. For example, in standard Code 39 a lowercase “a” cannot be represented. In Code 39 Full ASCII, however, “a” is represented as “+A”.
Check Digit	A modulo 43 check character can be used to enhance data security for Code 39 symbols. The last digit of the symbol is assumed to be the check digit, and it is compared to a calculated check digit to verify the symbol.
Append	It is sometimes advantageous to break up long messages into multiple, shorter symbols. If the first character of a Code 39 symbol is a space (ASCII 32), then the scanned symbol is appended to a storage buffer. This operation continues for all successive Code 39 symbols with a leading space being added to previously stored ones. When a Code 39 symbol is scanned which does not include a leading space, it is appended to the buffer, the entire buffer is transmitted, and the buffer is cleared.

CODE 128

Code 128 is variable length and encodes the full 128 ASCII character set. Each character is represented by 11 modules that can be one of four bar widths. Code 128 is the most easily read code with the highest message integrity due to several separate message check routines.
Of all the common linear symbologies, Code 128 is the most flexible. It supports both alpha and numeric characters easily, has the highest number of characters per inch, and is variable length. Code 128 is usually the best choice when implementing a new symbology.

Append

It is sometimes advantageous to break up long messages into multiple, shorter symbols. If the first character of a Code 128 symbol is a Function Code 2 (FNC2), then the scanned symbol is appended to a storage buffer. This operation continues for all successive Code 128 symbols with a FNC2 being added to previously stored ones. When a Code 128 symbol is scanned which does not include a FNC2, it is appended to the buffer, the entire buffer is transmitted, and the buffer is cleared.

UPC

UPC-A (Universal Product Code-A) is fixed length, is the most common barcode for retail product labeling and is seen in most grocery stores across the United States. The symbology encodes a 12 digit numeric only number. The first six digits are assigned from the Uniform Code Council (UCC) in Dayton, Ohio, the next five digits are assigned by the manufacturer, and the final digit is a modulo 10 check digit. The nominal height for the UPC-A barcode is one inch. The reduced size is 80% of the nominal size.
UPC-E (Universal Product Code-E) is also fixed length and is a compressed six digit code used for marking small packages including magazines and paperback books. The printed value of the UPC-E code is a twelve digit code. UPC-E symbols are UPC-A symbols that have been zero suppressed (i.e. consecutive zeros are not included in the symbol). The nominal height for the UPC-E barcode is one inch. The reduced size is 80% of the nominal size.

EAN/JAN

The EAN/JAN-13 is fixed length and is similar to the UPC-A symbology, but encodes a 13th digit. Also, the “12th and 13th” digits of an EAN-13, may represent a country code in its entirety or just the beginning of the country code, which may vary from 2 to 3 digits. The code 00-04 and 06-09 are assigned to the United States. The nominal height for the EAN/JAN-13 barcode is one inch. The reduced size is 80% of the nominal size.
The EAN/JAN-8 is fixed length and is similar to the UPC-E code, but includes two more digits for the country code. The nominal height for the EAN/JAN-8 barcode is one inch. The reduced size is 80% of the nominal size.

Interleaved 2 of 5

Interleaved 2 of 5 is a variable length, even numbered, numeric barcode symbol. It is typically used in industrial and master carton labeling. The symbology uses bars to represent the first character and the interleaved (white) spaces to represent the second character. Each character has two wide elements and three narrow elements.
A modulo 10 check character can be used to enhance data security for Interleaved 2 of 5 symbols. When this option is selected, the last digit of the symbol is assumed to be the check digit, and it is compared to a calculated check digit to verify the symbol.

Check Digit

A modulo 10 check character can be used to enhance data security for Interleaved 2 of 5 symbols. When this option is selected, the last digit of the symbol is assumed to be the check digit, and it is compared to a calculated check digit to verify the symbol.

CODE 93

Code 93 encodes the full 128 ASCII character set using 9 modules arranged into 3 bars with adjacent spaces. Two of the characters are check characters. Code 93 is similar to Code 39 but encodes more characters per inch. Code 93 encodes the full 128 ASCII character set and is encoded similarly to the extended Code 39.

Append

It is sometimes advantageous to break up long messages into multiple, shorter symbols. If the first character of a Code 93 symbol is a space (ASCII 32), then the scanned symbol is appended to a storage buffer. This operation continues for all successive Code 93 symbols with a leading space being added to previously stored ones. When a Code 93 symbol is scanned which does not include a leading space, it is appended to the buffer, the entire buffer is transmitted, and the buffer is cleared.

Codabar

Codabar is a variable length symbology capable of encoding 16 characters within any length message. Codabar can encode six special alphanumeric characters, capital letters A through D, and all numeric digits. Codabar symbology for any new applications today should not be considered except under unusual circumstances because it is limited and out-dated. Listed below are the options for the Codabar symbology.

Check Digit	A modulo 16 check character can be used to enhance data security for Codabar symbols. When this option is selected, the last digit of the symbol is assumed to be the check digit, and it is compared to a calculated check digit to verify the symbol.
Append	When this option is selected, a “D” stop character is used to indicate that the data from the symbol should be concatenated with data from an adjacent symbol with a “D” start character. This option can concatenate any number of Codabar symbols in a row up to the maximum message length. The “D” characters are omitted.
Traditional Names	The traditional names ascribed different start and stop characters. The start characters are “a”, “b”, “c”, and “d”. The stop characters are “t”, “n”, “*”, and “e”. When deselected, the start/stop characters are “A”, “B”, “C”, and “D”.

MSI Plessey

MSI Plessey is a variable length numeric symbology. Each character consists of four bars with intervening spaces for each encoded digit, one or two symbol check digits, and a reverse start code. MSI Plessey is primarily used in marking retail shelves.

Second Check Digit

A modulo 10 check digit calculation is always performed on the data string. A second modulo 10 check digit is optional and is used to perform a check on the entire string including the first check digit.

2D (Two Dimensional) Barcode Symbologies

Wherever traditional linear barcodes act an index to a record in a database (e.g. part number, customer account number, etc.), two dimensional (2D) symbols can fulfill the same function while taking up significantly less space. In addition, 2D symbols can functions as the database itself, and therefore ensure complete portability for 2D labeled items.
2D symbols break from the traditional linear barcode symbologies such as Code 39 and UPC where most applications only need to encode between ten and twenty characters of information. In contrast, 2D symbologies are able to encode up to several thousand characters of machine readable data. In effect, a portable database or portable data file can travel with the product and drive the decision making. 2D bar coding provides the freedom of movement for a database file allowing it to travel with a person or package, item, form, document, card or label. 2D bar coding provides a powerful communications capability without the need to access an external database. Furthermore, you can add 2D symbols to the documents and labels you are already printing.
By employing 2D symbols, more detailed information can be encoded and multiple linear barcode symbols can be reduced to a single symbol. When implemented properly, 2D symbologies can make industrial and commercial procedures faster, less costly, and more reliable by providing immediate access to the portable data file for that container. As an example, the manifest, bill of lading, and material safety data sheet could all be encoded into one 2D symbol. 2D symbols are much more resistant to damage than traditional linear symbols. By building error correction formulas into the 2D symbol, a significant portion of the surface area can be damaged and the information will still be intact. For example, some 2D symbols can lose up to a third of its surface and still be decoded.
Aside from PostNet barcodes used exclusively by the U.S. Postal Service to encode zip code information on letter mail, the most common 2D symbols employed today are PDF417, Data Matrix, and MaxiCode. The intellectual property rights (patents) for each of these codes are in the public domain eliminating the form of payment of royalties for use of this technology. 2D codes are currently represented in matrix symbologies or stacked-bar (multi-row).
Stacked-barcodes are like a set of linear barcodes literally stacked on top of each other. PDF417 is the best example of a stacked-bar symbol and is the most common of all 2D symbols today. Stacked-bar symbologies can be read by laser scanners, cameras, or CCDs.
Matrix codes are made up of a pattern of cells that can be square, hexagonal, or circular in shape and are similar in appearance to checkerboards. Matrix symbols must be read by a camera or CCD reader. These symbols offer higher data densities than stacked codes, at a ratio of about 3 or 4 to 1. Data Matrix and MaxiCode are the best examples of a matrix code.

PDF417 is a 2D variable length symbology that can encode virtually any letter, number, or character. Each character consists of 4 bars and 4 spaces in a 17 module structure. The name of the symbol is derived from the format of the code. PDF stands for “Portable Data File” and “417″ is derived from the module structure. Each PDF417 symbol consists of 3 to 90 stacked rows surrounded by a quiet zone on all four sides.
Each row consists of a leading quiet zone, start pattern, left row indicator character, one to thirty data characters, right row indicator character, stop pattern, and trailing quiet zone. PDF417 supports text compaction, numeric compaction, and byte compaction that correlate the mapping between codeword values and decoded data. PDF417 can accommodate up to 340 characters per square inch with a maximum data capacity of 1850 text characters.

Data Matrix is a 2D, variable length symbology capable of encoding all 128 ASCII characters and a number of different character sets. Each Data Matrix symbol consists of a perimeter quiet zone, border with two solid edges and two dashed edges, and cells inside the border which are dark or light. The borderÕs two solid lines with data cells are used for symbol identification, orientation, and cell location. Data Matrix can accommodate up to 500 MB per square inch with a data capacity of 1 to 2335 characters. Data Matrix has a high degree of redundancy and resists printing defects.
MaxiCode Predominantly used by United Parcel Service to sort mail at high speed, MaxiCode is well suited to being read quickly and often in any direction. MaxiCode is a fixed-size 2D matrix symbology having 866 hexagonal elements arranged in 33 rows around a central finder pattern. The size of a MaxiCode symbol is 1.1 inch by 1.05 inch. A single MaxiCode symbol can encode up to 93 characters of data and uses five different code sets to encode all 256 ASCII characters. MaxiCode uses three unique properties when encoding the data: Class of Service, Country Code, and Mode.

About Barcode

What is a Barcode?
A barcode is simply a set of symbols used to represent alpha-numeric information. Basically, instead of seeing the number “1″, or the letter “A”, you would see a series of bars, both fat and thin, used to represent that number.
So, why replace the alpha-numeric characters with a barcode in the first place, you might ask. Humans can easily determine that a strange combinations of lines and curves and dots are put together to form a letter or number, but computers aren’t as quick in deciphering such information. Even though Optical Character Recognition has come a long way in recent years, it’s much quicker and much more accurate for a mechanical device to decode and series of black and white lines than it is to read human text.
A number of barcode standards have been developed and refined over the years into accepted languages called symbologies. We would use different symbologies for different application in the same way that we would use a bold or itallic font to emphasize a particular line of text in a report. Different symbologies, or “bar code fonts” are used for different applications. By having standardized symbologies, we ensure that when you print a barcode, I will be able to scan and decode it with my equipment and you will be able to scan and decode my barcodes—as long as we both use the same code and are within the specifications dictated by the barcode standards.
Barcode symbologies come in two basic varieties. They can be either linear or two dimensional in their configuration. A linear barcode symbology consists of a single row of dark lines and white spaces of varying but specified width and height, as indicated by the example below.
Similarly, a 2-Dimensional symbology can be configured into a stacked or matrix format. Two dimensional barcodes are special rectangular codes which ‘stack’ information in a manner allowing for more information storage in a smaller amount of space.
The amount of data that can be encoded in a linear barcode symbology is more limited than that of a 2-D barcode symbology. A one inch 2-D matrix symbology, for example, can encode thousands of characters of data, whereas a comparable linear bar code would have to be several feet long to hold the same amount of information.
What are Barcode Systems Made of?
Barcode systems come in many different sizes and shapes. The complexity of system required is determined by the application. A basic scanning system is fundamentally broken down into the following four components:
Component 1 - The Barcode Printer
The barcode printer provides the first component part in a barcode system. A variety of technologies and methods exist to print a barcode label. You can use laser printers and pre-set templates (often included in label design software such as Wasp Labeler or Zebra Bar One software) to print your barcode labels. They are usually printed onto Avery stock. More commonly, labels are printed using barcode label printers such as those made by Zebra, Datamax, or Intermec. These printers print labels much faster and are of higher quality than those printed using a conventional laser printer.
Component 2 - The Barcode Label
As mentioned above, you need the barcode printer to print the barcode labels. In addition, you need some software application that can design your labels. These are the same labels that you will then attach to a box or an assett for tracking. An item label can contain any combination of text, graphic or barcode information. Many label packages such as Wasp Labeler or Zebra Bar One, have pre-made templates that can easily start you on your way to designing your label. In addition, they have compliance label templates for specific industry labels such as the automobile industry.
Component 3 - Scanning Equipment for Data Collection
The data collection phase occurs through the use of scanners that instantly and accurately read, capture and decipher the information contained in the barcode label. Scanners read information much faster and more reliably than humans can write or type. Thus, significantly reducing the rate or likelihood of error. There are two different types of scanners: contact and non-contact. Contact scanners required physical contact to scan as opposed to non-contact scanners which can be several inches to several feet away. Of these two types of scanners, there is also one other major attribute; they are either decoded or non-decoded. Decoded scanners have built in hardware decoders that interpret the meaning of a barcode before sending the data to the computer. Undecoded scanners simply have light sources that capture the encrypted data and sends them to a decoder of some sort. Decoders are either in-line hardware units or software decoders that run on your computer. As you may have guessed, decoded units are usually more expensive than their undecoded counterparts. They do have the distinct advantage of only having one component to worry about if something breaks down instead of trouble shooting many components to find out why your barcodes aren’t reading properly.
Component 4 – Capturing the Data to an External Database
The final component to establishing a simple barcode system is the database. Just because you’ve created and scanned barcodes successfully doesn’t mean you’ve completed the loop to creating a complete and effective barcode system. To be able to effectively use the codes you’ve created and scanned, you need a database of some type to relay and update information. Many barcodes can be tied to item numbers for example. These item numbers can then, in turn, be linked to information about the item, such as product description, price, inventory quantity, accounting, etc. For example, let’s say you have widget A, with a corresponding barcode that has the value of 1234. When you sell widget A, you scan the barcode. This, in turn, causes a chain reaction that tells your database that you: have one less widget A in stock, that you should charge $.20 for widget A, that this information should be passed onto accounting, that the product needs to be shipped only through UPS ground, etc. All of these actions were caused by scanning the barcode representing Widget A. You get the gist to the significance of having an external database. Don’t be daunted by the word “Database.” Often times, a database can be as simple as an Excel file or an Access database. Wasp Nest Suite has complete scanning solutions that create simple database applications for you.
There are many other configurations, but this is the fundamental building block for Barcoding.
Why Should You Consider Barcoding?
Implementing a proper barcode system offers tremendous advantages to a company. The most compelling advantages of Barcoding and automatic data collection are:
Accuracy
Barcoding increases accuracy by reducing the likelihood of human errors from manual entry or miscommunication from misread or mislabeled items.
Ease-of-Use
Barcodes are easy-to-use provided the appropriate hardware and software aspects are in place to maximize the process of automatic data collection. Obviously, pulling a trigger to enter in inventory is going to take much less effort and brain drain than it would to accurately account for all the inventory by hand.
Uniform Data Collection
Diverse compliance standards and standardized barcode symbologies ensure that bar code information is captured and relayed in a fashion that is universally understood and accepted.
Timely Feedback
Barcoding promotes timely feedback in that data is captured in real-time as it occurs enabling decisions to be made from current information.
Improved Productivity
Barcodes improve many activities that streamline workflows throughout a business. Remember when cashiers used to enter the price of your groceries by hand?…
Increased Profitability
The increased efficiencies that Barcoding promotes enables companies to save costs and substantially improve their bottom line.
What are Some Common Barcode Applications
Barcodes are everywhere! Just about every type of industry uses barcodes at one point or another, and all businesses can benefit from barcodes. Listed are a few industries that most commonly use barcode technology.
Manufacturing
As you may already be aware, manufacturers much keep tight reigns on their workflow operations. Any error in component stockpiles, for example, can cause havoc with the efficiency of a manufacturing environment. Barcodes are often times incorporated into MRP (manufacturing requirements planning) systems in this scenario, letting businesses have accurate data on the logistics of a manufacturing workflow.
Warehousing
Anybody with a warehouse should be using barcodes. Enough said.
Shipping & Receiving
If your company consistently checks in inventory and checks out inventory, you should be using barcodes. A barcode will provide the accuracy and speed necessary to efficiently know what stock you have at any given point.
Retail
As mentioned earlier, remember when cashiers used to check you out by manually typing in prices. What a drag! Imagine all retailers doing the same thing. They would go out of business from lack of efficiency and accuracy. Today’s world demands efficiency, the type of efficiency that is created by using barcodes.
Transportation
Who comes to mind when you think of delivering a package to someone on-time? Usually the answer would be either FedEx or UPS. Both companies are at the apex of their industry because they’ve streamlined transportation of goods to a science. In doing so, a major component of their rise to the top is the incorporation and use of bar code technology. When you see them typing and scanning into their Portable Data Collectors, they are communication with their database systems in real time.
Numerous Others
There are numerous other uses for barcodes including but not limited to Construction, Healthcare, Video stores, Work In Progress, Asset management and Tracking, Time and Attendance, Identification cards, Document management, etc.

Barcode Printing

As discussed previously, there are a variety of scanning techniques that should be investigated as well as a number of printing techniques for barcode labeling. This section focuses specifically on in-house printing techniques and considerations for reproducing labels on-site. While there are several printers that support bar coding on-site, only four printers stand-out as the most widespread in this industry: dot matrix, laser, thermal transfer, and direct thermal. The table below compares the common features among the different printers.
Printing barcode labels in advance is often inconvenient and sometimes impossible to plan. Inconvenience and minimum orders are generally the driving forces for printing labels on-site. When considering on-site printing, startup and operating costs must be taken into account. This includes the printing equipment, consumables (labels and ribbons), personnel, and computers to support such a task.

Dot Matrix

Dot Matrix printers are currently the most common printers among all businesses. Dot Matrix printers are inexpensive, impact printers that can provide draft, near letter quality, and letter quality printing. The image is formed by a head striking a carbon ribbon onto a single or multipart form. Typically, the print head has 9 or 24 pins which create the image. When generating barcodes with a dot matrix printer, a low resolution or density provides the best scanning results. Some 24 pin dot matrix printers can generate acceptable medium density barcodes.

Laser

Laser printing is becoming the most familiar technology in the modern business setting. The most common laser printers support 600 dpi. Other laser printers can support 1200 dpi with special toner cartridges. Laser printers work very well with most off-the-shelf labeling packages and are the best choices for office environment that need to share a common printer. For applications requiring high density bar codes, a 600 dpi or 1200 dpi laser printer is sufficient.

Thermal Transfer

Thermal transfer printing uses a high carbon, thermal transfer ribbon (see the Ribbons and Labels section for additional information) which passes between a printhead and facestock. The heat from the printhead causes the ribbon’s ink to be released and bind to the stock or label. Thermal transfer is the most effective way of producing rugged labels.

Direct Thermal Printers

Direct thermal printing uses no ribbon. A heat sensitive paper comes into contact with a printhead and causes the paper to turn black similar to a fax machine. Direct thermal paper is sensitive to heat and sunlight and therefore is recommended for indoor, general purpose labeling. The life expectancy of the label is approximately 12 months.

Thermal Printer Options

There are many Printer Options that are available to meet your application needs (for example, if your labels will be printed in one location and then distributed to different locations to be applied, consider purchasing a printer that offers a rewind option). Here is a list of some of the most common options that are available.

Label Peel: For demand label applications, each label is printed, peeled and ready to apply. Some models will take up the excess backing and rewind to a spindle.
Cutter: For applications requiring cut labels either sets of preformed labels/ tags or variable length labels from continuous media.
Media Rewind: Internal or external option to rewind the full label roll while media is printing. Ideal for applications where labels are printed in advance and stored for multicolor passes. Some internal rewinders double as a line/backing rewinder in applications using the peeling option.
Memory: Store longer label formats, multiple label jobs or detailed graphics with memory expansions.
Unwinder: Used with larger rolls of stock. Normally, mounted behind the printer, labels are fed through a rear opening in the printer.

Printing Software

Labeling software for the most part is separated into two distinct categories: off-the-shelf and custom. Off-the-shelf programs are generic applications that produce labels on demand. There are many DOS and Windows applications that allow custom labels to be generated on demand using WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) interfaces. These labels are generally produced off-line and do not need to be created from the host program. This software is available for dot matrix, laser, and thermal printers. If it is necessary to integrate barcode printing with your current applications, consider custom or “on-line” program callable printing.
Program callable printing generates labels through custom programming usually requiring simple modifications to your existing software. Printing directly to either a thermal transfer or direct thermal printers requires a basic knowledge of the syntax of the printer commands used to format the label. Usually, each manufacturer has a different command set and among them some instruction sets are much easier to use and are more robust.

Windows Printer Drivers

Historically, nearly all thermal transfer and direct thermal printers have utilized proprietary, programming languages to “drive” the label printer. This responsibility typically required a programmer to either modify or generate host code. In comparison to the tools that are available today, changes were relatively difficult to make since every change to the label required a programming change. In addition, the label program was specific for the printer since each manufacturer had a different programming language. Most label manufacturers today support Windows print drivers which are similar to the Windows print drivers for a dot matrix printers. There are many advantages of using a Windows print driver for a label printer. (1) any Windows application can print to the printer, (2) any user can make changes to the label, and (3) the application is not tied to a specific printer.
Unfortunately, some manufacturers do not provide Windows print drivers at this time, but most will have them available in the near future. Certainly, there are benefits with the traditional approach. Printing speed is the primary advantage. If a label printer was purchased to print only one or two labels at a time, then programming the print language direct would increase performance substantially because only a stream of printer commands (or codes) are passed through the parallel or serial line as opposed to an entire image of label. An image file can easily be over one megabyte in size and thus take longer to transfer than a stream of several hundred characters. Most label print drivers, however, support an option to generate copies of a label so that the label image is initially transferred only one time, loaded into the printer memory, and extracted from memory to generate the specified number of copies. Obviously, this is much more efficient and the way most label printers are currently designed today.
In summary, if the label printer must create distinct labels on every label run (e.g. one-up-number to serialize a product), make sure that your application directly utilizes the programming print language. There are some software applications that do this very thing, however, they are generally very expensive. Eventually, these programming languages will no longer be supported as new printers are introduced into the market. There are even some label printers today that only support Windows print drivers.

External Barcode Printer Interfaces

Barcode printer interfaces attach to the serial or parallel port of a PC and connect directly to a dot matrix or laser printer. These printer interfaces require simple command strings to be embedded within the application software similar to control character strings. Barcode controllers virtually transform an ordinary printer into a barcode and labeling printer.

Verification

Barcode verifiers make sure that the barcodes that are printed are readable, have good contrast, and comply fully with the parameters of the barcode symbology. Barcodes are typically verified using an “A” to “F” or PASS/FAIL grading system.
Verifying the quality of readability of your barcode is essential when you are printing new packaging or labels for a product you are shipping to some retail outlets or distributors. A non-readable barcode could mean fines or return of the entire product lot.

Barcode FAQ

What is a barcode? How does a barcode work? Etc.
These are very basic questions. Most people today have seen barcodes. They are printed on nearly every item in a grocery store. There are many different types of barcodes (over 300, for more information see the Specifications Page) and the type you see on retail packaging is either UPC or EAN. This is just one type of barcode symbology. The next most popular is Code 39 (also called Code 3 of 9). Barcodes are read by either scanning a point of light across the symbol and measuring the lengths of reflections (white spaces) and no reflections (black bars) or capturing a video image of the symbol. The lengths and positions of the reflections and no reflections are analized by a computer program and the data is extracted. The difference between OCR and barcode is that OCR reads text not designed to be read by a computer while barcode reads symbols designed to be read by a computer. That makes the software less complex for decoding barcode. Also, most barcode symbologies have built-in error detection to make the decoding almost 100% accurate. For more information about how barcodes are read, see the Barcode Readers page.
What is GS1?
GS1 is the new name for EAN International. Also, the UCC (Uniform Code Council) announced that it has changed its name to GS1 US effective June 7, 2005. For the time being, BarCode 1 will continue to use the old names on the site.
How Do I Get A Bar Code Number For My Product?
This is one of the most asked questions here at BarCode 1. Ok. Here is a quick answer.
When someone asks this question, they are talking about the UPC or EAN symbol found on most retail products around the world. Specifically, they are asking how to obtain a Universal Product Code Identification Number which they can encode into a UPC-A or EAN-12 bar code symbol on their product. In the United States of America a company can obtain a unique six digit company identification number by becoming a member of GS1-US (formerly the Uniform Code Council (UCC)). The address and phone is GS1-US., Princeton Pike Corporate Center, 1009 Lenox Dr., Suite 202, Lawrenceville, New Jersey 08648, Telephone: 609-620-0200, Fax: 609.620.1200.
In the rest of the world, contact GS1 (formerly EAN International (EAN)). GS1 maintains an excellent FAQ, standards information and a list of member organizations around the world, many of which have web sites. The GS1 site is a must visit if you need to put a bar code on your product.
You must apply for membership and you will be assigned a unique company identification number for use on all your products. If you contact the UCC or EAN, please tell them you got their number from BarCode 1. Also, take a look at our UPC/EAN page. There is much more information there about how to apply for a UPC/EAN number. The fee is not cheap and you will have to pay every year.
What you get for your money is a unique company identification number which is a 6 or 7-digit number. This is the first part of the product UPC code. The remaining 6 digits are assigned by you for a specific product. Each number must be unique for a particular product and product size. If you have an 8 oz. size and a 12 oz. size, for example, you need two unique numbers.
If you want to bar code a book, you use the International Standard Book Number (ISBN). If you are bar coding a monthly publication, you use the the International Standard Serial Number (ISSN). See the Bookland EAN Page or the ISSN Page.
Do I Have To Pay To Use Barcodes For Internal Uses Like Inventory?
No you do not have to join the GS1-US or pay anyone to use barcodes for internal use. In fact, you should consider some other type of barcode like Code 39 or Code 128 rather than use UPC or EAN. The reason to choose a different barcode symbology than UPC or EAN is these codes are fixed length codes. The data must be exactly 13-digits long and contain only numbers. If you have an existing inventory system with part numbers, for example, they are probably longer than 13 characters and they probably include letters. Code 39 and Code 128 both handle both letters and numbers. They also can be as long or as short as you want. Finally, both are easier to print. You can get a TrueType Code 39 font, for example, and print barcodes using Word or Excel.
If you must use UPC or EAN for the internal application, then you need to use one of the prefixes that the GS1 has set asside for internal use. See the table, and look for the prefixes that say “Restricted distribution (MO defined)”
A Company Is Offering To Sell Me A Single Number. Is this legitimate?
The answer is YES and NO!
The No answer first. If a company joined the GS1-US (fomerly the Uniform Code Council (UCC)) after August 28, 2002, the UPC company number cannot be rented, leased, or further subdivided, according to the UCC. This is is the response I received from the UCC:
The application form states the following: “The UCC Company Prefix is for the sole use of the applicant and is a restricted asset of the member to whom it is assigned. Any other use of the number is prohibited, including but not limited to, renting, leasing or subdividing all or a portion of the UCC Company Prefix. Upon the sale of a division or a product line, the Sales Agreement should specify which of the parties to the transaction would have use of the UCC Company Prefix. Only one company may use the UCC Company Prefix.”
The UCC Company Prefix is a limited asset of the member. The member, however, does not have complete freedom with regard to the prefix; they must be used within our guidelines. As long as the UCC Company Prefix is active, the company is a member of the Uniform Code Council, Inc. Therefore, a company cannot cancel membership and continue to use the UCC Company Prefix.
Teresa Truscelli Director, Customer Service Uniform Code Council, Inc.
Now the Yes answer. According to George Laurer, the inventor of UPC, if the company joined the Uniform Code Council prior to August 28, 2002, the Uniform Code Council’s membership and licence agreement did not contain any prohibition against subdividing the numbers. The four companies in the United States that are issuing single UPC numbers are Simply Barcodes (www.UPCcode.us), www.buyabarcode.com, www.upcexpress.com and legalbarcodes.com. This appears to have been a side consequence of the class action settlement reached December 15, 2003 in the Superior Court in and for the state of Washington, county of Spokane. See some information here.
In addition, the UCC has a program where companies can buy a few numbers, but it is not a good deal. You can read George Laurer’s commentary about “Variable Length Prefix” (smaller subsets of UPC for small companies) here.
Do I Have To Apply To GS1-US (in the USA) Even If I Just Have One Product To Sell?
The answer is yes and no
The Yes answer first. You will have to pay what many have said is a high fee even if you are a small business and you will have to pay a fee every year to use the company prefix. However, if you became a member before August 28, 2002, you do not have to pay the annual fee. You should read the class action settlement.
Now the No answer. According to George Laurer, the inventor of UPC, if the company joined the Uniform Code Council (now GS1-US) prior to August 28, 2002, the Uniform Code Council’s membership and licence agreement did not contain any prohibition against subdividing the numbers. The three companies in the United States that are issuing single UPC numbers are Simply Barcodes (www.upccode.us), www.buyabarcode.com, www.upcexpress.com and legalbarcodes.com. This appears to have been a side consequence of the class action settlement reached December 15, 2003 in the Superior Court in and for the state of Washington, county of Spokane. See some information here.
In addition, GS1-US has a program where companies can buy a few numbers, but it is not a good deal. You can read George Laurer’s commentary about “Variable Length Prefix” (smaller subsets of UPC for small companies) here.
If you still don’t want to pay the fee to either the GS1-US or the three private companies, talk to your distributor or the store chains you will be selling your product to. See if they will accept your product without barcode. Most large chains will not, but it is worth a try.
I have tried to get Congress interested in investigating why GS1-US is not violating the Antitrust Laws since it is now difficult to get a product into distribution without a UPC barcode. I have been unsuccessful. With enough complaints to Congress and GS1-US, maybe this will change. The issue we have here is exactly the same as occurred with domain names and a single registrar. There is no reason that multiple organizations could not be assigned blocks of manufacturer numbers to assign. The free market would drive down prices just like the price to register a domain name.
There is something you can do about this. Write your Senator and Representative ! There is nothing in the United States Code that exempts the UCC from the Antitrust Laws. If enough people complain, maybe something will happen. There is no more need for the UCC to have exclusivity in handing out numbers than there was for a single organization to hand out domain names on the Internet. You can find out the address and email address of your Senator and Representative here. With enough voices, maybe things will change.
When Do I Need To Put A Bar Code On My Products?
When your distributor or store that will sell your product requires it. There is no law that says you must bar code a product. However, many national retail chains and most grocery stores require all products they sell to have a bar code that is unique for the specific product. The stores require this “source marking” because it is easier for the company that makes the product to mark it rather than the store. If you don’t have a bar code on the product, these stores will not sell the product.
If I Change The Size Or Formula Of My Product, Do I Need To Change The Barcode?
Stores use the product’s barcode to determine the type and cost of a product being sold. Some use the barcode to maintain inventory and to reorder. Let’s say that a soft drink with a particular UPC barcode is sold in 16oz sizes. The manufacturer discontinues 16 oz sizes and change the size to 15 oz. Since stores often print a short description that includes size on the customer receipt, not changing the UPC could result in an incorrect size being printed on the receipt and an angry customer. If you can assure that the descriptive databases of all the stores that sell your product will be updated with the new description, you might get away with not changing the UPC barcode. However, this assurance is almost impossible these days with international sales. The safest is to change the barcode.
How Do I Get A List Of All The Product Codes And Their Respective Manufacturers?
This is the second most asked questions here at BarCode 1. Why is this question asked? There are several reasons. If someone is opening up a hardware store, for example, it would save a lot of work to have a database of all the product numbers of the products carried by the store with their descriptions. The store, of course, would still have to enter the selling price for each product. The second reason for such a list is to identify the company that made the product.
There is now a complete, free on-line database that allows anyone to type in a UPC or EAN number and get the company name and address for the product. It is a project developed by GS1 and is called GEPIR. The number contained in the UPC or EAN barcode is now called the Global Trade Item Number or GTIN. You can go directly to the UPC and EAN search page by clicking here. Please note that sometimes GEPIR is down. If you get a “page not available”, try later. Currently, the database does not return the product description. It only returns the company name and address. Some records may contain the telephone number of the company. The web service is based on XML, so it is possible to integrate an application program with this database. That means that it will be possible for a small store to scan the barcode on a product, access GEPIR over the internet, and download product and manufacturer information over the internet to build a local database of products in the store for free. GEPIR is under continuous development and will soon also provide product images, dimensions, carton sizes, tracking and tracing data. This database is open to consumers as well as companies (unlike UCCNet, a project of the Uniform Code Council).
There is a new resource for searching EAN barcode numbers at www.ean-search.org. You can search for EAN codes or browse through the database of over 500.000 EANs.
There is a site which provides product descriptions. It’s called the Universal Product Code Database, an on-line database for Universal Product Codes (UPC).
You now can purchase a UPC database from Gregg London.
The UPC Database Project is another public UPC database from Glenn J. Schworak. The site also has links to other UPC databases.
Swiss companies and EAN/UPC codes can be looked up at EAN Switzerland.
If you are opening a store, you should ask your suppliers if they have their UPC product codes in a database you can download. If you have to build your database by hand, the best structure is to have a database entry system that allows you to scan the UPC on a product and then key in the description. That way you make use of the UPC bar code for at least some of the data entry.
1SYNC (former UCCNet) is a project of GS1-US to synchronize data between trading partners. Unfortunately, there is no “public access” to the data being stored. If you are Wal-Mart or Home Depot, you can synchronize data from suppliers. If you are a small one or two lane Grocery store, you will NOT be able to obtain the databases from Pepsi - as an example.
Does the EAN number indicate the country of origin of a product?
No it doesn’t. The 3-digit prefix code indicates which numbering organization has allocated the bank of numbers to the company. For example, a company may have it’s headquarters in South Africa. The EAN organization in South Africa has the code “600″, but all the products of the company may be manufactured in England. The English-made products would still have the “600″ prefix code. The prefix code is a way to have 70-plus EAN member organizations issuing numbers without having to worry about duplicate numbers. A list of country codes can be found here.
If my product is marked with EAN, do I have to also mark it with UPC to sell in the USA?
As of January 1, 2005, all retail barcode systems are required to read both EAN and UPC. You no longer have to use UPC in the USA. Please see the white paper that explains this change.
What are the advantages and disadvantages to barcode?
There are two basic advantages to barcode over manual data entry: Speed, and Accuracy. For 12 characters of data, keyboard entry takes 6 seconds. Scanning a 12 character barcode takes .3 seconds. The error rate for typing is one substitution error in every 300 characters types. Error rated for barcode range from 1 substitution error in every 15,000 to 36 trillion characters scanned (depending on the type of barcode). A data entry error will translate into additional costs for a business which ranges from the cost of rekeying the data to shipping the wrong product to the wrong customer. Saving from these two advantages will usually pay for the cost of a barcode system in under two years. The only disadvantage is that data must be coded in the barcode. This can be an additional cost, however the key to an effective barcode system is to generate the barcode as close to the source of the data as possible. That means that the source of a product should be barcoding data that others in the supply chain will use.
Can I Reduce The Size Of A UPC Bar Code To Fit It To The Space I Have?
It is very risky to reduce the size of a UPC symbol. The nominal size of a UPC symbol is 1.469″ wide x 1.02″ high. The minimum recommended size is 80% of the nominal size or 1.175″ wide x .816″ high. The maximum recommended size is 200% of the nominal size or 2.938″ wide x 2.04″ high. Larger UPC’s scan better. Smaller UPC’s do not scan as well or not at all.
Ink spread can also decrease the flexibility of size reduction of a bar code. If a bar code is reduced too much, an attempt to silk screen print it will blur the bars together. This is one of the reasons why it is recommended to keep the bar code within the minimum of 80% of the nominal size.
Many large chains now fine or disqualify vendors who supply products with bar codes that do not scan. If you reduce the UPC symbol below the maximum recommended, you run the risk that the symbol will not scan. That could result in you losing a big customer.
Can I Print The UPC Bar Code In A Color Ink or On Colored Paper?
It is risky. Color ink and/or colored paper will reduce the contrast between the bars and spaces. Also remember that virtually all scanners use red light. If you print the bars using any shade of red, the same amount of light will reflect off the red bars as the white spaces. Also, printing black bars on a colored paper will also reduce the light reflecting off the spaces and reduce the contrast. Other colored inks will also reduce the contrast ratio between the bars and spaces and greatly increase the probability of an unreadable barcode.
If the black bars and white spaces are too glossy, the symbol also may not read. A real no-no is printing black bars on a silver can.
Many large chains now fine or disqualify vendors who supply products with bar codes that do not scan. If you print the UPC symbol with color ink, you run the risk that the symbol will not scan. That could result in you losing a big customer.
Who Invented Barcode? What was the first product with barcode? Where was barcode first used?
While there still is controversy over who invented barcode and when it was first used, it is generally accepted that Norman Joseph. Woodland and Bernard Silver invented what we know as barcode on October 20, 1949 by filing patent application serial number 122,416 which became Patent Number 2,612,994. In June 1974, one of the first UPC scanners, made by NCR Corp. (which was then called National Cash Register Co), was installed at Marsh’s supermarket in Troy, Ohio. On June 26, 1974, the first product with a bar code was scanned at a check-out counter. It was a 10-pack of Wrigley’s Juicy Fruit chewing gum. For more detailed information, see the BarCode-1 History Page.
I want to tattoo myself with my name, my birthday, etc. in barcode. How do I find out what the barcode should look like?
BarCode 1 does not endorse or advocate tattoos of any kind. However, we get this question asked enough times that an FAQ answer is appropriate. To see what the barcode would look like, go to Barcode Mill. You can type the information and their web form will generate barcode. You will need to select what type of barcode you want. UPC or EAN (the types used in stores) can only encode numbers and only up to 13-digits. For data that contains numbers and letters, you might choose Code 39. If you choose to encode a name with Code 39, all letters must be upper case and spaces must be done with the underscore “_”. Barcoded tattoos will not read with a barcode reader because the ink will spread enough to make them unreadable.
Rather than tattooing yourself, buy some custom temporary barcode tattoos from Scott Blake at barcodeart.com.
If you would like to see some examples of barcode tattoos, take a look at Jerry Whiting’s page. You can also find some examples of barcode tattoos here.
Is there an Artistic aspect to Barcode?
Yes. A number of artists have done art work based on barcode. The first artist I met that based his art on barcode was Bernard Solco, an American painter/sculptor.. “Symbologoy” is a collection of large-scale paintings and limited edition prints, focusing on the many types of bar codes. Solco showcased the giant bar codes in a two part exhibit in Soho, New York City during October 1997 and January 1998.
Scott Blake, the “barcode Picasso” according to FHM Magazine, is another artist that bases his artwork around barcode. You can see his works at his site.
You can see some other examples of other artists’ works by visiting Jerry Whiting’s art works page.
There is a collection of barcode-inspired posters here.
A “Rap” video on YouTube that explains how a barcode reader works can be found here.
A very interesting video on YouTube from a company the integrated art work into a package’s barcode can be viewed here.
Is there a hidden 666 in bar code?
NO! I get this question asked at least once a week. What people really mean is “does UPC found on grocery products have a hidden 666 (mentioned in Revelation 13:16 in the New Testament)?” People have thought that the three guard bars used to specify the start, middle and end of a UPC bar code looked like the bar code sequence for a “6″ found in the UPC symbol table. You can find a copy of the symbol table on the UPC/EAN page. These guard bars are not “6″ and carry no information. Even if you don’t believe that guard bars carry no information and insist on applying the code table, you have to determine whether the digit is on the left side or the right side of the symbol. That’s because the sequence of bars and spaces are different depending on whether the digit is on the left of the symbol or the right of the symbol. The LEFT guard bar would have to be smallest space, smallest bar, smallest space, WIDEST BAR in order to be a “6″. The guard bar on the left is actually space of undetermined wide (left side digit must always start with a space element), smallest bar, smallest space, smallest bar. That sequence of bars and spaces is undefined and is not a “6″ even using the table. The middle guard bar is not on the left or the right (’cause it is used to divide the symbol), so it is undefined by the table.
UPC is just one bar code symbology out of over 300 others. The bar code on the backs of some driver licenses, for example, is not UPC and has no guard bars at all. Much better “marks of the beast” would be finger prints, DNA typing, or plain automatic face recognition. These are all “source marking” (marks put on during manufacturing) approaches and are far more cost-effective. “No Hidden Sixes in the UPC Barcode” by Robert Harris of Southern California College / Vanguard University is another good explanation.
Still Haven’t Found The Answer To Your Question? Jump to the BarCode-1 FAQ ! There are answers to many more frequently asked questions.
Other Resources At BarCode-1
Here is a short list of other resources that answer many other questions. If you have more technical questions, take a look at the Site Contents Page. There you will find pointers to more detailed resources.
* BarCode-1 FAQ answers many more questions like how to use barcode with Excel and Access.
* A good introduction to 2-dimensional bar codes can be found on BarCode 1’s 2-D page.
* An introduction to bar code scanning can be found at Bar Code Readers Page. This page will explain how bar codes are read.
* The Bar Code Glossary of Terms will help you understand the words used. There is some basic information about the different symbologies, like UPC, EAN and Code 39.
* If you are looking for the detailed technical specifications for a bar code symbol, you can order them from the organizations listed in the specification sources page. If you are looking for the specifications for Code 39 or Code 128 or UPC/EAN, we have them on-line here at BarCode 1!
* You can find the latest information about trade shows by checking the calendar of events.
* Many have ask about bar code fonts for Windows applications. There is a collection of bar code fonts here too. We also have a large connection of other bar code related software on our shareware page.
* There is a list of books and list of magazines too.
* We have the most complete list of links to other bar code sites. You can search the list by key word or choose a topic.
* Want to have a bar code of your name? Try BarCodeMills’ bar code generator. You can select any one of 12 different types of bar code formats (UPC, EAN, Code 39, Code 128, etc.).