| Barcode – this is the series of black and white bands having some information in the form convenient for reading by technical means.
Information encoding methodologyL
Linear barcode. Bands which are read in single direction (in horizontal) are called linear (common). The most famous linear mnemonics (symbolisms) are: EAN (EAN-8 consists of 8 digits, EAN-13 — uses 13 digits), UPC (UPC-A, UPC-E), Code39, Code128 (UCC/EAN-128), Codabar, «Interleaved 2 of 5». Linear symbolisms provide encoding of small volume of information (up to 20—30 symbols, generally digits).
2-dimensional barcodes:
Symbolisms developed for encoding the huge volume of information are called 2-diimensional. Decryption of such is carried out in two dimensions (in horizontal and vertical). At present, two-dimensional barcode Aztec is the most famous 2-dimensional barcode. In each symbol, it is possible to highlight the area of target and area of data. Target is the set of concentric squares and serve for determination of geometric center of symbol and in the process its de-coding. There are two basic formats of symbols of Aztec Code: «Compact»- symbol with target from two frames and «Full-Range» - symbol with target from three frames.
Radio marks
Though radio marks RFID already do not have any direct relation to bar coding, but they are logical continuation of identification system. Sometimes bar code is also applied on radio marks.
Logical structure
Code EAN-13 can be divided in to 5 zones from the point of view of goods coding:
Prefix of national organization GS1 (3 digits);
Registration number of manufacturer of goods (4-6 digits);
Code of goods (3-5 digits);
Control number (1 digit);
Additional field (not compulsory field, some times sign «>» is put here, «indicator of free zone»).
How the computer terminal distinguishes the place of code? No way, it will not distinguish. This is not required also. For computer, the entire unique code is important, particularly this entire unique code will be recorded in database of Trading Company. Codes starting with two, where company may encode its own logic for goods, are exception.
For encoding of goods of small dimension, short code EAN-8 is used. This code does not have information about the manufacturer of goods. Regional register serially gives serial number to the goods commonly for all based on the applications received from manufacturers. The quantity of these codes is too limited. |
Barcodes on grocery products in Japan are getting a radical makeover. Japanese design company D-Barcode was hired to seamlessly blend barcodes with some creative art on UPC labels. No matter now artistic they are, barcodes are still functional, and consumers seem to like them much better than the old boring ones.
