Barcode

A bar code, the full name of which is a bar code, is the most common digital identification technology.

A bar code (bar code symbolism) is a sequence of black lines and white spaces of clearly defined sizes, with the help of which digital and other information is encoded in a form convenient for machine reading. Each digit or symbol is encoded by a set of lines and spaces according to clearly defined rules (bar code standard). To read a barcode, use a barcode scanner.

There are two main barcoding standards - linear (one-dimensional or 1D) and two-dimensional (2D) barcode symbologies.

• Linear (one-dimensional) barcodes are those that can be read in one direction (horizontally). The most common linear symbols are: EAN, UPC, Code39, Code128, Codabar, Interleaved 2 of 5. Linear symbols allow encoding a small amount of information (up to 20-30 characters - usually numbers) using simple barcodes that can be read by inexpensive scanners.

• Two-dimensional symbols are those developed to encode large amounts of information (up to several pages of text). A two-dimensional code is read using a special two-dimensional code scanner and allows for quick and error-free entry of a large amount of information. Decoding of such a code is carried out in two dimensions (horizontally and vertically). 

Decoding of the product barcode 

The 13-digit barcode of the EAN system looks as shown in the figure.

Numbers, placed under the graphic image in the given barcode, carry the following information:

1. two digits (sometimes three digits) - mean the code of the country of origin, i.e. the code of the country of the manufacturer or seller of the product. As a rule, the country code is assigned by the International Association EAN and does not consist of one digit; 
2. five digits — mean the company code — the manufacturer or seller of the product;
3. five digits — is the product code, in which: 1 digit — is the name of the product, 2 digit — consumer properties, 3 digit — dimensions, weight, 4 digit — ingredients, 5 digit — color; 
4. one digit — is the check digit used to check the correctness of the reading of the bars scanner. 
5. sometimes another digit is indicated, which means the sign of the product manufactured under license.

ITF-14 barcode symbology

Data Matrix 2D barcode symbology

The Data Matrix code from CiMatrix is ​​a two-dimensional code designed to accommodate a large amount of information on a limited surface area. The Data Matrix barcode can store from one to 500 characters. The code can be scaled from 1-mil density to a 14-inch area. This means that the Data Matrix code has a theoretical maximum density of 500 million characters per inch! In practice, the actual density is significantly limited by the resolution of printing devices (barcode printers) and scanners.

The Data Matrix code is not as sensitive to printing defects as a traditional barcode. The Data Matrix encoding scheme has a high level of redundancy, which allows the code to remain readable if it is partially damaged or part of the code is lost. Data Matrix is ​​used to label small items such as electronic components: processors, microcircuits, printed circuit boards, as well as for labeling electronic devices, such as mobile phones. More about Data Matrix.

State standards of Ukraine and governing regulatory documents on bar coding and electronic information exchange (EDІ):

• DSTU 3145-95 Codes and information coding. Bar coding. General requirements.
• DSTU 3144-95 Codes and information coding. Bar coding. Terms and definitions.
• DSTU 3146-95 Codes and information coding. Bar coding. Marking of identification objects. EAN bar marks. Construction requirements.
• DSTU 3147-95 Codes and information coding. Bar coding. Format and location of EAN bar marks on containers and packaging of commercial products. General requirements.
• DSTU 3148-95 Codes and information coding. Bar coding. Electronic document exchange system for product supply. General requirements. KND 50-051-95 Codes and information coding. Bar coding. Selection and application of bar codes. Basic provisions.
• DSTU 3356-96 Codes and information coding. Bar coding. Marking of identification objects. Procedure for assignment, registration, revision and cancellation of EAN codes for products.
• DSTU 3359-96 Codes and information coding. Bar coding. Marking of identification objects. Printing quality of bar code marks. General technical requirements and control methods.
• DSTU3775-98 Codes and information coding. Bar coding. Marking of identification objects. UCC/EAN-128 bar marks. Application identifiers. General requirements.
• DSTU 3776-98 Codes and information coding. Bar coding. Marking of identification objects. Code 128. Requirements for construction.

An example of using a 2D barcode at the entrance to a cafe. The barcode encodes the name of the establishment, telephone number, and website address. Visitors read the information using a mobile phone with a camera. Most modern phone models recognize the barcode automatically. Some phones will require the installation of an additional program.

Currently, EAN/UPC barcodes form the basis of the global barcode identification system, the functioning of which is ensured by two major specialized international organizations - GS1 (EAN International) and AIM Global. EAN was created in 1977 on the initiative of manufacturers and distributors from twelve European countries. European Article Numbering was a logical development of the American UPC barcode article numbering system, which by that time was already used in the USA and Canada. Over the next few years, countries in Europe, Latin and Central America, and the Asia-Pacific region joined EAN. In 2002, the Uniform Code Council (UCC) created in the USA and the Canadian Electronic Commerce Council joined EAN International. After that, in 2003, EAN International received a new name - GS1, that is, "Worldwide System", i.e. it became the first and single organization for standardization and unification of information support for world trade according to the global EAN-UCC standards system. As of 2006, GS1 members include 101 national associations representing 103 countries. In Ukraine, GS1 is represented by the GS1 Ukraine association.

QR Code, like any other representative of two-dimensional barcodes, uses matrix symbols and operates with the following inherent characteristics.

Format:

• QR Code, has a full range of capabilities and the maximum supported volume of encrypted information;
• MicroQR Code, has a shortened header and a truncated volume of encrypted information.

Encoding type:

• numeric data (numerical, supports numbers 0-9);
• alphanumeric data (alpha-numeric, supports digits 0-9, uppercase letters A-Z,9 special characters: space, $ % * + — / :);
• byte data (bit, by default ISO/IEC 8859-1);
• Kanji data (Kanji is packed in 13 bits).

This QR code contains the following information: vostok.dp.ua, Dnipro, st. Kalinovaya, 87.

The use of barcodes and 2D codes significantly simplifies the automation of accounting processes in trade and manufacturing enterprises, allows tracking the entire chain of the product life cycle from raw materials to disposal and recycling.

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