Glossary of Terms ⋆ A Bar Code Business

Term	Definition
2-Dimensional Bar Code	Symbology composed of rows of data arranged in a rectangular or square pattern. The rows are stacked onto each other to encode an array of data.
AIM	Automatic Identification Manufacturers- Organization supported by manufacturers and suppliers of automatic identification products and services.
Alphanumeric	The character set which contains letters, numbers and may contain other characters such as punctuation marks or control characters.
ANSI	American National Standard Institute is a non-governmental organization responsible for the development of standards such as manufacturing.
Antenna	In a radio frequency identification system the antenna is the device which radiates and or receives the RF energy.
Aperture	The opening in an optical system used by scanners, sensors, and other devices to establish the field of view.
ASCII	Characters set for the American Standards Code for Information Interchange Exchange encoding 7-bit characters (8-bit with parity).
Aspect Ratio	In a bar code symbol, the ratio of bar height to symbol length.
Autodiscrimination	The ability of bar code reading equipment to recognize and correctly decode more than one symbology.
Background	An area surrounding a printed bar code symbology, including the quiet zone and spaces.
Bar	The darker element of a bar code symbol.
Bar Code	An automatic identification technology which encodes information into an array of varying width parallel and rectangular bars and spaces.
Bar Code Character	A single group of bars and spaces that represents a specific number of letters, numbers, punctuation marks or other symbols.
Bar Code Density	The number of data characters that can be represented in a linear unit of measure. Bar code density is often expressed in characters per inch.
Bar Code Height	See-Bar Length
Bar Code Label	A label which has been printed with text, bar code data which can be affixed to an article.
Bar Code Length	The bar code dimension perpendicular to the bar width. Also called bar height. Scanning is performed in an axis perpendicular to the bar length.
Bar Code Reader	A device used to read a bar code symbol.
Bar Code Reduction	Reduction of the nominal bar width dimension on film masters or printing plate to compensate for systematic errors in some printing processes.
Bar Code Symbol	A set of characters and marks including start / stop character, quite zones, data characters, and check characters required by a particular symbology, that forms a complete scannable element.
Bar Code Width	The thickness of a bar measured from the edge closest to the symbol start character to the trailing edge of the same bar.
BCD	Binary Code Decimal -A numbering system using base 2, that represents each decimal digit by four binary bits, with the weighting values equal to 8, 4, 2, and 1, reading from left to right.
Bi-directional	A bar code symbol capable of being read successfully independent of scanning direction.
Binary	The number system that uses only 1's and 0's.
CCD	Charged Coupled Device-Used in scanners to sense the light and dark areas of a symbol.
Character	(A.) A single group of bars and spaces that represents a specific number (usually one) of numbers, letters, punctuation marks, or other symbols. (B.) A graphic shape representing a letter, number, or symbol. (C.) A letter, digit, or other symbol that is used as part of the organization, control, or representation of data.
Character Set	Those characters available for encodation in a particular automatic identification technology.
Check Character	A character included within a string of data whose value is used for the purpose of performing a mathematical check to ensure the accuracy of that data.
Check Digit	Same as a check character, but assumes numeric values only.
Clear Area	See-Quit Zone
Codabar	(2 of 7 Code, Code 27)-A numbers-only bar code consisting of seven modules, two of which are wide.
Code	A set of unambiguous rules specifying the way in which data maybe represented. Numbers and letters used to represent information (see Number System).
Code 128	A continuous, variable length alphanumeric symbology encoding the full ASCII 128 character set. Every character is made up of 11 modules containing three bars and three spaces.
Code 16K	Multi-row (staked) code in which each symbol can have between two and sixteen rows or stacks. Each row is separated by a one-module separator bar, and consists of 18 bars and 17 spaces. This analogous to sentences in a paragraph.
Code 39	A discrete, variable length, self-checking alphanumeric symbology employing two-element widths. Every character has five bars and four spaces; three of the elements in any given character are wide, and six are narrow. Every symbol starts and ends with a unique start/stop character.
Coercivity	Value of the opposing magnetic intensity that must be applied to a material to remove the residual magnetism when it has been magnetized to saturation.
CPI	Characters Per Inch -Density of a bar code resulting from the combined size of the narrow and wide bars and spaces, measured on a linear scale.
CPS	Characters Per Second
CRT	Cathode Ray Tube-also known as a terminal or monitor.
Data Matrix	A variable size two dimensional matrix symbology that is inherently omnidirectional. Data Matrix has a high degree of error correction capability and is used primarily for part marking and tracking.
Decoder	As part of a bar code reading system, the electronic package that receives the signals from the scanner, performs the algorithm to interpret the signals into meaningful data, and provides the interface to other devices.
Density	(A.) Character Density-In a linear bar code symbol, the number of data characters per unit length (typically, per inch). For a discrete symbology, the character width must include the inter-character gap. (B.) Net Data Density-The density of a linear bar code symbol is determined by dividing the number of characters in the symbol by the overall symbol length, measured from the leading edge of the start code to the trailing edge of the stop code.
Depth of Field	The distance between the maximum and minimum plane in which a code reader is capable of reading symbols of a specified X dimension.
Direct Thermal	A specially coated label material that contains microscopic capsules of ink, which burst when exposed to heat. Direct Thermal material is made to allow scanning in either of two light spectrums: visible light or infrared. Direct Thermal labels are ideal for short applications where the label is not required to last more than 6-8 months.
Discrete Code	A bar code symbology where the space between characters (inter-character gap) is not part of the code, e.g., Code 39.
DPI (Dots Per Inch)	A measure referring to the dot resolution in images created by various printing processes, such as direct thermal, thermal transfer and/or laser printing. Typically, higher DPI represents greater density in a print image.
EAN	European Article Numbering system-the international standard bar code for retail food packages.
EAN Bar Code	See-EAN
FCC	Federal Communications Commission-the organization in charge of all forms of communications and radio transmissions.
Film Master	A photographic film representation of a specific bar code or OCR symbol from which a printing plate is produced.
Fixed Beam Scanner	A scanner, that has no moving parts, which uses a stationary light beam to read a moving bar code.
Font	A specific size and style of printer's type.
FRR	First Read Rate -The ratio of the number of successful reads on the first scanning attempt to the number of attempts. Commonly expressed as a percentage.
Guard Bars	Bars at both ends and center of a UPC and EAN symbol, which provides reference points for scanning, similar to start/stop codes.
GUI	Graphical User Interface-The visual design of a software application.
Human Readable	Referring to the representation of the contents of a bar code symbol characterized by alphabetic and numeric characters, as well as special symbols that can be read by a human.
IAN	International Article Number
Intercharacter Gap	The space between two adjacent bar code characters in a discrete code.
Interleaved 2 of 5	A numeric only bar code consisting of five bars. Two bars are wide, three are narrow. Used generally in industrial and master carton labeling.
Keyboard Wedge Interface	An Y-connector that permits a bar code reader to be connected between the display and a keyboard.
Ladder Code	See-Vertical Bar Code
LCD	Liquid Crystal Display
LED	Light Emitting Diode-A semiconductor that produces light at a wavelength determined by its chemical composition. The light source often used in light pens.
Light Pen	In bar code system, a handheld scanning wand that is used as a contact bar code reader held in the hand.
LOGMARS	Logistics Applications of Automated Marking and Reading Symbols-The official government standard with the issuance of MIL-STD-1189A.
LPM	Lines Per Minute
MaxiCode	Fixed size two-dimensional symbology having elements arranged around a unique circular finder pattern. MaxiCode is omnidirectional and is primarily used for freight sorting and tracking.
MHI	The Material Handling Institute, Inc.
MICR	Magnetic Ink Character Recognition-The technology commonly employed in the marking of U.S. bank checks. A highly stylized font is printed with ink that has magnetic properties.
MIL-STD	Military Standard
Misread	A condition that occurs when the data output of a reader does not agree with the data encoded in the bar code symbol.
Module	The narrowest nominal width unit of measure in a bar code.
Nominal	The exact (or ideal) intended value for a specified parameter. Tolerances are specified as positive and negative deviations from this value.
Non-read	The absence of data at the scanner output after an attempted scan due to no code, defective code, scanner failure, or operator error.
Number System	Re UPC-A method of identifying individuals or groups of objects. Number systems are two types- (1.) Significant digit where each item is uniquely identified. (2.) Non-significant digit where sequential numbers are assigned, regardless of product or item description.
Numeric	A character set that includes only the numbers.
OCR	Optical Character Recognition-a technology designed specifically to read certain stylized fonts (such as OCR-A and OCR-B) containing the full alphanumeric character set. The term OCR is also used when translating and inputting other stylized fonts (such as Courier) or text found in magazines and newspapers into a computer. This technology is also referred to as Intelligent Character Recognition (ICR).
OCR-A	An abbreviation commonly applied to the character set contained in ANSI Standard X3.17-1981. A stylized font choice used for Traditional OCR.
OCR-B	An abbreviation commonly applied to the character set contained in ANSI Standard X3.49-1975. A stylized font choice used for Traditional OCR.
PCS	Print Contrast Signal-is the measurement of the ratio of the reflectivity between the bars and spaces of a symbol.
PDF	Portable Data File
PDF417	Two-dimensional bar code providing error correction, detection, and security used primarily in parcel tracking applications and hazardous material control.
PDT	Portable Data Terminal-A hand-held terminal capable of storing and recording data that is captured remotely and later transmitted into a computer.
Pen Scanner	See-Wand Scanner
Pitch	Rotation of a bar code symbol about an axis parallel to the direction of the bars.
PostNet	Postal Numeric Encoding Technique-used to encode ZIP code information on letter mail. PostNet utilizes redundant information within a compact bar code format to provide error detection capability and a significant degree of error correction capability.
Print Quality	The measure of compliance of a bar code symbol to the requirements of dimensional tolerance, edge roughness, spots, voids, reflectance, print contrast signal, quiet zone, and encodation.
Printhead	Electronic thermal transfer printing element using individually heated pins to transfer a printed image onto a substrate.
Quiet Zone	Essential blank area preceding and following the first and last bars of a bar code, which determines the bar code's starting and ending points. Necessary for proper decoding, successful quite zones should be no smaller than 10 times the bar code's x dimension (width of the narrowest element).
Radio Frequency Tag	An electronic tag capable of receiving, storing, and/or transmitting digital information, such as item location, time of travel through a certain zone, etc.
Reflectance	The ratio of the amount of light of a specified wavelength or series of wavelengths reflected from a test surface to the amount of light reflected from a barium oxide or magnesium oxide standard under similar illumination conditions.
Resolution	In a bar code system, the narrowest element dimension that can be distinguished by a particular reading device or printed with a particular device or method.
RF	Radio Frequency -Wireless communication technology using electromagnetic waves to transmit and receive data. RF provides real-time access to a host computer.
RFID	Radio Frequency Identification-describes the use of radio frequency signals to provide automatic identification of items from the RFID device to the reader.
Ribbon	A cloth or plastic tape coated with several layers of material, one of which is ink-like, that produces the visible marks on a substrate. Two of the most common are resin and wax.
Ribbon-Resin	The most durable type of thermal transfer ribbon, manufactured with a pure resin coating on polyester film. Resin ribbons print best on synthetic face stock, such as polyester.
Ribbon-Wax	A thermal transfer ribbon manufactured with a pure wax coating on polyester film. Wax ribbon is the optimum choice for printing on paper labels and tags.
RS-232	The most common communication interface (e.g. serial (COM) port) standard using a DTE (Data Terminal Equipment) and DCE (Data Communications Equipment) interface. Also known as serial communications.
RS-422	The second most common communication interface standard, which extends beyond the 100 feet limitation of RS-232 data communication supporting a maximum distance of 4000 feet.
Scanner	An electronic device that reads, decodes and converts optical information from a bar code into electronic signals.
Self-checking	A symbology is termed self-checking if a single printing defect will not cause a character to be transposed into another valid character in the same symbology.
Serial Communications	Communications between a host PC and an attached device where the data is transferred one bit at a time. See RS-232.
Skew	Rotation of a bar code symbol about an axis parallel to the symbol's length.
Space	The lighter element of a bar code usually formed by the background between bars.
Stacked Code	Two-dimensional bar code where linear barcodes are stacked one upon another and are printed in a rectangular shape to achieve the most efficient use of label area.
Standard	A set of rules, specifications, instructions, or directions for printing, labeling, scanning, etc. bar coded information.
Start-Stop Character	Special bar code character that provides the scanner with start and stop reading instructions, as well as a scanning direction indicator. Start characters are normally at the far left end of a symbol; stop characters at the far right.
Substrate	The surface on which a bar code symbol is printed.
Symbol	A combination of bar code characters (including start/stop characters, quiet zones, data characters, and check characters required by a particular symbology), that forms a complete, scannable entity.
Symbol Density	See-Bar Code Density
Symbol Length	The distance between the outside edges of the quiet zones on the two ends of a bar code symbol.
Thermal	A printing system where dots are selectively heated and cooled on heat sensitive paper. The paper turns dark in the heated areas.
Thermal Transfer	A high-speed, on-demand printing method that uses heat and pressure to melt specially-formulated ink ribbons onto a coated label face. Thermal Transfer is the best option for applications that require labels to last more than 1 year, with the ability to print to a variety of materials.
Tilt	Rotation of a bar code symbol about an axis perpendicular to the substrate.
UCC	Uniform Code Council- The organization that administers the UPC and other retail standards.
UPC	Universal Product Code-The standard bar code symbol for retail food packages in the United States.
Verifiers	A piece of equipment used to read and measure a bar code to determine whether or not it has met established print specifications.
Vertical Bar Code	A code pattern presented in such orientation that the axis of the symbol from start to stop is perpendicular to the horizon. The individual bars are in an array that appears as rungs of a ladder.
Visible Laser Diode	A semiconductor laser commonly used in most hand held scanners to project a visible red light for scanning human readable bar codes.
Wand Scanner	A handheld scanning device used as a contact bar code or OCR reader.
Wedge	A hardware device or software program (Software Wedge) which uses a scanner for input and sends data directly into an application by emulating a keyboard stroke. A wedge (hardware wedge) is an external device and plugs between the keyboard and terminal.
WYSIWYG	What You See Is What You Get-is a term used to describe the presentation of the printable output viewed as is on the terminal.
X Dimension	The nominal width dimension of the narrow bars and spaces in a bar code symbol.