What is barcode?
This is an individual character that consists of
bands of image and space between them, thus
illustrating the machine code of letters and numbers
in binary notation. Barcode performs the same role
as the postal code we use when sending mail.
The first bar codes were created and patented in the U.S. in
1949.
The U.S. barcode system is known as a "universal product
code“
To coordinate the efforts of implementation and
standardization of barcodes in the U.S. , a coding single
Council (UCC, Uniform Code Council)was created, later
renamed GS1 US.
In 1977 a similar barcode system was introduced
in Europe, at the initiative of merchants and
manufacturers. A non-profit organization EAN
(European Article Numbering)was established.
In 1991, the two organizations UCC and EAN
established international and full technical
compatibility between the two coding systems.
This creates GS1 - a global organization whose
mission is to create and implement standards and
solutions for workers and transparent supply
chains globally and between industries. GS1
headquarters are in Brussels and Princeton, New
Jersey.
Bulgaria is a member of GS1 (EAN International)
since the end of 1991 under conditions of
membership in the International Association of
EAN International. The parties are represented by
non-governmental, non-profit association
representing the interests of producers and
traders.
Today, there are more than 50 barcode systems
such as UPC, Code 39 , Codabar. However, in
international practice the most popular are EAN
codes are divided into three groups depending on
their application - international, national and local.
In the GS1 System several different barcodes are in
use : EAN-13, EAN-8, UPC-A, UPC-E, GS1-128, ITF14 and DataBar. They have a different structure
and should be considered separately.
Standard EAN-13
EAN-13 consists of 13 digits and has the following
structure: GS1-prefix three digits indicating the
country in which the company is registered
manufacturer of goods (not necessarily the country
in which the product is produced).
Standard EAN-8
EAN-8 consists of 8 digits and is designed for small
items. EAN-8 is formed differently from the EAN-13.
GS1-prefix from three digits to the country. And
here the code for Bulgaria is 380, an article
number-4 digits and a Check Digit .
GS1-prefix for Bulgaria is 380
a manufacturer code which is 4 to 6 digits and is
determined by the national organization, GS1
article number which is 3 to 5 digits and a
Check Digit
Standard UPC
UPC consists of twelve digits, divided into three
groups. This standard provides barcode discharges to
state .
The first group of 6 to 9 digits is called a UPC
Company Prefix.
The second group of 5 to 2 digits satisfy the number
of items.
The last (12th) digit is a check digit.
Certainly today, the leader in the development of
barcode readers is a company Symbol
Technologies, now Motorola Technologies.
The company has produced about 10 million
terminals, barcode scanners and data collection units
throughout the world.
Barcode scanners
 Laser
 Automatic
 2D barcode scanners
 Mobile computers for data collection
http://systemgroup.bg/press-centre/press/barcodehistory/.htm
http://inventors.about.com/library/inventors/blbar
_code.htm
And special thanks to Vlado
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