Bar Code Primer Worth Data Inc.
Table of Contents Introduction ...............................................................................................i Bar Code Basics.........................................................................................1 Bar Code Structure .................................................................................... 1 Types of Bar Codes ................................................................................... 2 Bar Code Readers...................................................
INTRODUCTION This booklet is to help you understand bar codes so that you can better plan for your bar coding applications. The use of bar coding has grown dramatically over the last 20 years. With the adoption of UPC as the standard for retail grocery stores in the late 70's, bar codes have become an everyday experience for most people. Bar codes are a fast, easy, and accurate data entry method. The correct use of bar codes can decrease employee time required and increase an organization's efficiency.
What’s in a Bar Code There is a mystique surrounding bar codes that intimidates many people. Let's eliminate it quickly. First the bar code usually doesn't contain descriptive data, (just like your social security number or car's license plate number doesn't have anything about your name or where you live). The data in a bar code is just a reference number that the computer uses to look up associated computer disk record(s) that contain descriptive data and other pertinent information.
As the wand is passed over the bar code, the scanner creates a low electrical signal for the spaces (reflected light) and a high electrical signal for the bars (nothing is reflected). The duration of the electrical signal determines wide vs. narrow elements. This signal can be "decoded" by the bar code reader's decoder into the characters that the bar code represents. The decoded data is then passed to the computer in a traditional data format. Types of Bar Codes There are lots of different bar codes.
Lets sort out some older vs. newer codes: Bar code Variable Length Allowable Characters Industries in Use Older Bar Codes Code 11 Codabar Plessey MSI 2 of 5 UPC and EAN YES YES YES YES YES NO 0-9 0-9,$+.:/ 0-9,A-F 0-9 0-9 0-9 AT&T pre 1990 Blood Banks,Cotton,Transp Shelf Labels (UK) Shelf Labels UPC Shipping Container Food/Discount Store Items Newer Bar Codes Code 39 YES 0-9,A-Z LOGMARS, HIBCC, AIAG, TCIF .
Look at the following samples of printed bar codes: The classic bar code type is Code 39, (also called Code 3 of 9) which has 9 bars and spaces; three are wide, and the other 6 are narrow. In Code 39, 3 of 9 total bars and spaces are wide; hence the name, Code 3 of 9. For example, look at the following character representations with Code 39: Notice there are two widths of bars and two widths of spaces.
Other bar code types are similarly constructed. UPC and EAN bar codes have four widths of bars and spaces; so does Code 128. Bar Code Selection Recommendations For new bar coding projects that don't have industry or customer standards, Code 39 is the typical non-food standard, mostly because almost all bar code equipment reads/prints Code 39. However, Code 39 produces relatively long bar codes; it is not particularly efficient in it’s bar code density (the maximum density is 9.
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Bar Code Readers There are three basic types of bar code readers: fixed, portable batch, and portable RF. Fixed readers remain attached to their host computer or terminal and transmit one data item at a time as the data is scanned. Portable batch readers are battery operated and store data into memory for later batch transfer to a host computer. Some advanced portable readers can operate in non-portable mode too, often eliminating the need for a separate fixed reader.
Our TriCoder Portable reader now also features a built-in USB port. Keyboard input as well as lighting-fast USB uploading (40 times faster than through the serial port) is supported. PC Keyboard Wedge Readers If the bar code reader is attached through the keyboard interface, the bar code reader sends data in key codes, exactly as though the data had been keyed on the keyboard.
Serial Bar Code Readers Another method of data transmission from the bar code reader to the computer is by RS-232 Serial ASCII format.
Serial readers can be placed several hundred feet from the computer, (keyboard wedge readers cannot be placed beyond 10 feet.) Also multiple serial readers can be attached to the same computer, (keyboard wedge readers cannot). The PC runs a program to poll the readers one at a time, thus avoiding the “mish-mash” of data from multiple readers. Mainframe Bar Code Readers Mainframe computers often have terminals with unique data connectors and data formats, (different from ASCII or PC key codes).
Worth Data TriCoder Portable Batch Reader with LI50 CCD Scanner Worth Data has pioneered and patented voice prompt messages to supplement the display messages in a portable unit, overcoming lighting, language, and message clarity problems; this unit actually announces when you have entered incorrect data and when to change the batteries or upload data, plus you can customize any or all voice prompts for your applications.
Radio Frequency Readers Radio frequency readers are the ultimate solution to many applications' needs -especially any computer remote application that can benefit from the computer checking and instructing the operator.
802.11 Spread Spectrum Terminals There are many vendors of Terminals, PocketPCs, and Palms that use the 802.11 (a,b,and g) "standards". These terminals usually operate at 2.4GHz or at the 5.8GHz. If you building is already wired for 802.11 for PC access, these terminals are particularly attractive; one of the largest expenses has already been incurred. As you will know, the limited range of access points (75 to 100 ft.
Long battery life and long distance range usually means big and bulky terminals, but the Worth Data Terminal is the smallest in the industry (x,x,x) and weighs less than 12 ozs. with batteries installed. Add the advantages of little or no wiring needed and the simplest to program, results in a terminal with unparalleled capabilities and genuinely deserving of your close consideration.
Laser Scanners Laser scanners have a very precise beam of light that is reflected accurately several inches to several feet. Almost all laser scanners today have a moving beam that sweeps back and forth, (some older laser scanners required the user to move the beam across the bar code). The advantages of moving beam laser scanners are: • Reading bar codes from a distance (typically 3-18 inches, or up to 17 feet with reading low density bar codes). • Reading moving objects on an assembly line.
Below is pictured the Worth Data LZ200 Laser Scanner, which has a 3 year warranty. (It reads up to 20 inches from a typical medium density bar code). The basic laser scanners read up to 10-20" distance, depending on the brand of the laser scanner. There are hand held triggered long range laser scanners that can read up to 33 feet distance, (using retro-reflective low density bar codes) or 10 feet distance using paper low density bar codes.
to the scanner. Unless the bar code is on the surface of the item pointing straight up, the bar code reader has a good chance of reading it. These devices are required to be integrated into the sales counter. They typically directly interface with a retail POS terminal. On Counter Scanners These devices are the smaller cousins of the Supermarket Slot Scanner. They were developed for the convenience stores that wanted automation but didn't have the counter space required for a slot scanner installation.
an LED array with thousands of CCD light detectors for the reflected light. The entire bar code “image” is captured and then the array elements are transmitted to form a signal pattern identical to the “scanned” pattern from a wand or laser. There are no moving parts in a CCD scanner. We offer the LI50 CCD as both a scanner (for attachment to a decoder) and an integrated keyboard wedge reader. The LI50 can read a typical UPC code from up to 7” away.
Slot Badge Scanners Slot badge scanners require only one hand for operation; the user simply slides his badge with a bar code on the bottom edge through the scanner. These are typically used in unattended entry/exit stations for payroll, club membership accounting, school lunch assistance programs, etc. Slot badge scanners are similar to wand scanners, but usually refined so that one resolution can read most types of bar codes with no difficulty.
Integrated Readers Most bar code readers have separate decoders, but decoders can also be integrated into the scanner, usually the handle. An integrated reader is usually less expensive and saves the space of the separate decoder. The disadvantages of integrated readers are: 1) you can't have a 2nd scanner such as an inexpensive wand for backup to a laser or CCD, and 2) power supplies cannot be added for low power keyboard ports.
Cordless Readers There are at least four RF Scanners available on the market. These units have decoder, battery, and transmitter built into the scanner -- allowing cordless scanning back to a base station/decoder. Their range varies from 20-30 feet from the base station. Below is pictured the Worth Data R/F Laser Scanner. It has a range of 100 feet. It reads 0-18" away from the bar code. Competitive RF Laser Scanners cost considerably more.
Printing Bar Codes There are several methods of getting printed bar codes: 1) Buying photocomposed bar codes from a label manufacturer. 2) Printing your bar codes with inexpensive labeling software on your personal computer's dot matrix, laser, or inkjet printer. 3) Printing bar codes on a specialized bar code label printer. 4) For manufacturers who need bar codes printed in their product's packaging, use purchased film masters or use bar code fonts suitable for press work.
Laser Printing Laser printers can produce outstanding quality bar codes. The quality is consistent even when toner gets low; it is obvious and is not subject to interpretation. (When the toner cartridge is changed, it is important to follow the replacement cleaning instructions, including cleaning the corona wire, especially for high density bar code printing.) Labels are sectionalized on an 8 1/2" x 11" page in multiple columns and/or rows. For example, mailing labels (1" by 2.
Windows programs usually give you rich text fonts, more rotations, and excellent image graphics printing. The labeling programs for Windows often support Postscript printers. Ink Jet Printers These printers are getting better and better. They print pages of labels, so refer to the page label stock discussion below regarding page laser label stock. Also, use label stock specifically meant for inkjet printers – the stock is usually coated to minimize ink bleed.
Citizen CLP7202 Most popular thermal transfer printers can produce labels up to about 4" wide (more expensive models can print at 6" or even 8") and lengths up to 8 inches plus. Smaller widths can of course be accommodated. Citizen, Sato, Zebra, and Datamax manufacture popular thermal transfer printers; these are the major brands.
However, most users want a general-purpose label design program that requires no programming. It helps to buy the printer from the developer of the labeling software so that you have a single party who has an interest in keeping the software bug-free and matching the printer’s capabilities that you want. Dot Matrix Printing Dot matrix printers can produce good quality low volume bar code labels. When printing low to medium (3.7cpi or lower for Code 39), the labels can be excellent quality.
Labeling Software Because Inkjet and Laser printers are in such widespread use, labeling software to make these printers capable of printing bar codes has become readily available. There are two general types of bar code printing programs available: 1) Menu-driven programs for operators to design and print labels. 2) Bar code font programs to allow printing of bar codes within other Macintosh or Windows programs. No programming is necessary by the user.
to print, copy it to the clipboard, then copy the translated strings into your application. At least one program has a "hotkey" sequence which copies the bar code into your application without having to first translate and then copy from the clipboard. After setting the bar code type and density from the translator, any highlighted data in the application is translated with the "hot key".
inspect the narrowest bar and narrowest space after printing (wait about 30 minutes to 1 hour for any bleeding of the ink to complete). They should be very close to equal. If they vary by more than 10% from each other, then the exposure on the film must be changed; if the bars are too big, expose less; if the spaces are too big, increase the exposure.
Bar Code Applications Bar Code applications are growing by the day as creative people find ways to enjoy data entry efficiency possible with bar codes. The following is a brief discussion of some major applications: (the key to all of these applications is the software; the software is the steak, the bar code is nothing more than the sizzle).
Stock Taking - the classic portable bar code reader application. The operator scans the codes of the items (perhaps scanning only one of multiple items and then entering the quantity for that item) and then uploading the stored scanned data to the computer later, thereby correcting the computer's files for what is actually on the floor.
A classic example of this would be grocery price validation. Instead of downloading a 10 MB file into a hand held, the computer does the table lookup and lets the operator know what prices need to be changed on the floor. Any store without prices on the items must have price validation by RF Terminal to be sure the prices on the floor are the same as the price in the computer.
Resources To get a manufacturer's number assigned for UPC bar codes: Uniform Code Council 937-435-3870 www.uc-council.org For industrial laser scanners Microscan 800-251-7711 or 425-762-1149 www.microscan.com For dot matrix and laser labels Polyester laser labels – Worth Data Inc. 800-345-4220 www.barcodehq.com ----------------------------------------------------Ardon Business Forms 800-853-1223 or 248-377-6160 For thermal transfer labels and thermal transfer ribbons Worth Data Inc. 800-345-4220 www.
Assembly Line Label Applicator Diagraph Corp. 800-722-1125 www.diagraph.com PrePrinted Bar Code Labels Data2 800-227-2121 www.data2.com Bar Code Readers (PC and Serial Multi-User) Worth Data 800-345-4220 www.barcodehq.com Laser Scanners Worth Data 800-345-4220 www.barcodehq.com CCD Scanners Worth Data 800-345-4220 www.barcodehq.com Radio Frequency Worth Data 800-345-4220 www.barcodehq.com Portable Bar Code Readers Worth Data 800-345-4220 www.barcodehq.
E Index EAN .................................................... 3 EAN Number how to get ..................................... 28 registration.................................... 28 EAN-128 ............................................. 3 elements .............................................. 1 extension cables for scanners.............. 8 2 2 of 5 ................................................... 3 24-pin problems ................................ 26 8 F 802.11 Spread Spectrum Terminals..
Menu-driven programs...................... 27 MSI ..................................................... 3 multiple readers per computer .......... 10 Multi-user serial attachment ............... 9 serial bar code readers......................... 9 Serial in-line attachment ..................... 9 serial vs. keyboard ............................ 10 Slot badge scanners........................... 19 spaces .................................................. 1 Spread Spectrum Terminals..............
