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entitled “References”. Parts of the books may be licensed under the GNU Free
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All used third-party trademarks belong to their respective owners.
Contents
Articles
QR code
1
Barcode
10
Asset tracking
23
Aztec Code
23
Bar Code Medication Administration
26
Barcode Battler
27
Barcode reader
29
Barcode system
33
BCODE
36
Cauzin Softstrip
37
Codabar
38
Code 11
40
Code 128
40
Code 39
46
Code 93
51
CPC Binary Barcode
54
CyberCode
56
Data Matrix
57
EAN 2
61
EAN 5
63
EAN-8
65
EZcode
66
Facing Identification Mark
69
Global Electronic Party Information Register
70
Global Location Number
70
Global Product Classification
71
Global standards management process
72
GS1
72
GS1 DataBar
73
GS1 DataBar Coupon
74
GS1 Sweden
80
GS1-128
81
Health Industry Business Communications Council
89
High Capacity Color Barcode
92
Intelligent Mail barcode
94
Interleaved 2 of 5
97
International Article Number (EAN)
99
ITF-14
103
Japanese Article Number
104
Latent image barcode
104
George J. Laurer
105
MaxiCode
106
Mobile Multi-Coloured Composite
108
Mobile tagging
109
MSI Barcode
111
Optical RFID
115
PDF417
116
Pharmacode
118
PIATS
118
Plessey
120
Plessey Code
126
Postal Alpha Numeric Encoding Technique
130
PostBar
131
POSTNET
134
RM4SCC
137
Scanalyzer
140
Semacode
141
ShotCode
142
SQR codes
143
Sms barcode
144
SPARQCode
144
Telepen
146
Traceability
147
Two-out-of-five code
150
Universal Product Code
152
Automatic identification and data capture
159
AN/FLR-9
162
Auto-ID Labs
164
Automated species identification
166
Automatic Equipment Identification
169
Automatic number plate recognition
172
Barcode printer
185
Bar Coded Boarding Pass
186
Blue Vector
190
Bokode
191
Burst transmission
192
Clipped Tag
192
Dead drop
194
Digital Automated Identification SYstem (DAISY)
196
Direct TPMS
199
Direction finding
203
Extended Capability RFID
207
Album2
208
Facial recognition system
209
Forms Processing
215
Guard tour patrol system
217
Hand Held Products
218
High frequency direction finding
219
HipVoice
222
Impinj
223
Indoor positioning system
226
Intelleflex Corporation
230
Intelligent character recognition
233
Intermec
235
Inventory control system
236
Invoice reader
237
Kimball tag
238
Label printer
239
Magnetic ink character recognition
241
Mobile computing
243
Mobile data terminal
246
Molecular Computational Identification
248
Noisy channel model
248
ODIN technologies
249
Omni-ID
253
Optical character recognition
256
Physical Markup Language
259
Produce traceability
259
Product Transfer Security
264
Psion Teklogix
265
Radio fingerprinting
268
Radio-frequency identification
269
RCD Technology
297
Retriever Communications
302
RF-iT Solutions
304
RFIQin
305
Roper Industries
307
Smart label
311
Snake Eater (identification system)
312
Speaker recognition
312
Speech recognition
315
Tire Pressure Indicator
322
Tire pressure monitoring system
324
Tire-pressure monitoring system
326
Touch memory
335
Track & Trace
336
Transmitter hunting
338
U-Key
340
Ultrasound Identification
340
Warehouse management system
341
Watchclock
342
Wireless Identification and Sensing Platform
343
Zonal OCR
344
References
Article Sources and Contributors
345
Image Sources, Licenses and Contributors
352
Article Licenses
License
357
QR code
1
QR code
QR code for the URL of the English Wikipedia Mobile main page. Note that the white border is part of the encoding
A QR code (abbreviation for Quick Response code) is a specific matrix barcode (or two-dimensional code) that is
readable by dedicated QR barcode readers and camera telephones. The code consists of black modules arranged in a
square pattern on a white background. The information encoded may be text, URL, or other data.
Common in Japan, where it was created by Toyota subsidiary Denso-Wave in 1994, the QR code is one of the most
popular types of two-dimensional barcodes. The QR code was created to allow its contents to be decoded at high
speed.[1]
The technology has seen frequent use in Japan and South Korea, while the West has been slower in the adoption of
QR codes.[2]
Overview
Although initially used for tracking parts in
vehicle manufacturing, QR codes now are
used in a much broader context, including
both commercial tracking applications and
convenience-oriented applications aimed at
mobile phone users (termed mobile
tagging). QR codes may be used to display
text to the user, to add a vCard contact to the
user's device, to open a Uniform Resource
Identifier (URI), or to compose an e-mail or
text message. Users can generate and print
their own QR codes for others to scan and
use by visiting one of several free QR code
generating sites.
Structure of a QR code, highlighting functional elements
QR codes storing addresses and Uniform Resource Locators (URLs) may appear in magazines, on signs, buses,
business cards, or almost any object about which users might need information. Users with a camera phone equipped
with the correct reader application can scan the image of the QR code to display text, contact information, connect to
a wireless network, or open a web page in the telephone's browser. This act of linking from physical world objects is
termed hardlinking or object hyperlinking.
Google's mobile Android operating system supports QR codes by natively including the barcode scanner (ZXing) on
some models, and the browser supports URI redirection, which allows QR codes to send metadata to existing
applications on the device. Nokia's Symbian operating system is provided with a barcode scanner, which is able to
QR code
2
read QR codes,[3] while mbarcode[4] is a QR code reader for the Maemo operating system. In the Apple iOS, a QR
code reader is not natively included, but more than fifty free apps are available with reader and metadata browser
URI redirection ability. With BlackBerry devices, the App World application can natively scan QR codes and load
any recognized Web URLs on the device's Web browser.
Standards
There are several standards in documents covering the physical encoding of QR codes:[5]
• October 1997 — AIM (Association for Automatic Identification and Mobility) International[6]
• January 1999 — JIS X 0510
• June 2000 — ISO/IEC 18004:2000 Information technology — Automatic identification and data capture
techniques — Bar code symbology — QR code [7] (now withdrawn)
Defines QR code models 1 and 2 symbols.
• September 1, 2006 — ISO/IEC 18004:2006 Information technology — Automatic identification and data capture
techniques — QR code 2005 bar code symbology specification [8]
Defines QR code 2005 symbols, an extension of QR code model 2. Does not specify how to read QR code model
1 symbols, or require this for compliance.
At the application layer, there is some variation between implementations. NTT DoCoMo has established de facto
standards for the encoding of URLs, contact information, and several other data types.[9] The open-source "ZXing"
project maintains a list of QR code data types.[10]
License
The use of QR codes is free of any license. The QR code is clearly defined and published as an ISO standard. Denso
Wave owns the patent rights on QR codes, but has chosen not to exercise them.[5]
The term QR code itself is a registered trademark of Denso Wave Incorporated.[11]
Storage
[1] [12]
QR code data capacity
Numeric code only
Max. 7,089 characters
Alphanumeric
Max. 4,296 characters
Binary (8 bits)
Max. 2,953 bytes
Kanji/Kana
Max. 1,817 characters
QR code
3
Version 1, 21x21, 10-25 chars
Version 2, 25x25, 20-47 chars
Version 3, 29x29, 35-77 chars
Version 4, 33x33, 67-114 chars
Version 10, 57x57, 174-395 chars
Version 40, 177x177, 1852-4296 chars
Error correction capacity
Level L
7% of codewords can be restored.
Level M
15% of codewords can be restored.
Level Q
25% of codewords can be restored.
Level H
30% of codewords can be restored.
QR codes use the Reed–Solomon error correction.
Variants
Micro QR code is a smaller version of the QR code standard for applications with less ability to
handle large scans. There are different forms of Micro QR codes as well. The highest of these can
hold 35 numeric characters.
Example of
Micro QR
Standard QR code is the QR code standard for applications that possess the ability to handle large scans. A standard
QR code can contain up to 7089 characters, though not all QR readers can accept that much data.
QR code
4
Uses
Use as artwork
Since 2006, the Italian artist Fabrice de Nola has used QR codes in oil paintings[13] or embedded in photographs.[14]
In 2007 the British pop group Pet Shop Boys used a QR code as the artwork of their download-only single Integral.
The videoclip for the song also features a QR code. When the codes are scanned, users are directed to the Pet Shop
Boys website, and web pages about the British national identity card plans, respectively.
In 2008, the Australian born artist, Simone O'Callaghan, created a series of screen-printed artworks, called RGB,
based on QR codes. Here, she challenged the latitudes of scanning technologies by altering the codes to take on more
organic and less pixelated forms, whilst still ensuring that they could be scanned by a mobile phone.[15] They link to
quotes about media. She also exhibited another series of works called home.html featuring QR codes linking the
photographic prints to online content about the places in which the images were taken. They were exhibited as part
of an exhibition called Signals in the City at the Hannah McLure, Abertay University, Dundee, Scotland.[16] [17]
In March 2008 software engineer, Duncan Robertson, embedded the BBC logo in a QR code.[18]
In 2010 musician and artist, DJ Spooky, used a QR code in a fine art
print exhibited at Experimenta Biennale, Melbourne. Scanning the
code takes users to an experiential web-based artwork called the Nauru
Elegies,[19] about the complexities of the South Pacific island of
Nauru.
A QR code which scans to produce the word "LOVE" was featured
prominently in Australian artist Kylie Minogue's music video for her
2010 single, All The Lovers.
Edible and scannable, QR code waffle created at
NYC Resistor in 2010
In June 2010, Design Exchange, Canada's National Design Centre,
unveiled a large QR code installation created by Rollout Wallpaper, a
custom wallpaper company operating in Vancouver. The installation is
part of the 'Bent Out of Shape' exhibit, curated by Design Exchange
staff.
In July 2010, SYCO Music recording artist Labrinth started using QR codes as part of a campaign to promote his
debut single "Let The Sun Shine". As well as a cartoon video to educate users on how to use QR codes,[20] they were
placed in different media ranging from street posters and stickers to music videos, websites, and social networks.
The QR codes take users through to Labrinth's YouTube videos, website, and social network profile.
The webcomic QR Comic is made entirely out of QR codes. The first 28 entries are Isaac Asimov's short story The
Last Question converted into QR codes.
The 2010 comic, Carnivale De Robotique used a QR code to reveal a subplot in its third issue.
[21]
In October 2010, at the Toronto International Art Fair, artist Jeff Tallon displayed Canada's first QR code painting in
collaboration with the Engine Gallery. The work was a diptych that, when scanned, provided information about the
adjoining panel.[22]
In April 2011, urban designer, planner and artist Ela Dokonal exhibited mixed media paintings at the Northport
ArtWalk[23] that presented a short story about a village and its struggle to revive the local economy.[24] Each
painting had a QR code embedded into the painting.[25] To underscore the business and art coalition, the mobile
pages included offers from local businesses encouraging users to “buy local”, echoing a message promoted by the
local business community. [26] [27]
QR code
5
QRQ
QR code has also been used to create QRQ (Also known as QRku). These are haiku embedded within QR code.
Use as literature
Incorporating the QR code into a new genre called devise literature, authors and publishers are using the graphics to
create a bridge between printed and electronic media.
On 31 March 2011, Dutch poet Chielie published a collection of 12 poems, 'QRCode' (ISBN 978-90-8878-011-0),
that fits 1 sheet of A4 paper.[28]
On 4 April 2011, United States author and experimental poet Trisha
Barnes published a 26 page book titled, 'After The Revolution Has
Passed Us By: An Experiment in Technological Expression' (ISBN
978-0-9815914-6-9). In the book, all traditional elements and words
have been transformed into QR Code. The only traditional words
published in the book are on the cover and consist of title and author
information.[29]
Use by government
The Canadian Government embeds a QR code on the front page of
their online PDF application form for passports. As the form is filled
out, the code is updated. This presumably permits faster automatic
scanning when the printed application form is processed.[30]
A book comprised entirely of QR Code
QR code
Use in marketing
Recently, QR codes have become more prevalent in marketing circles
and have been integrated into both traditional and interactive
campaigns. Media where QR codes have been deployed include:
billboard ads, guerrilla marketing campaigns,[31] in-store displays,
event ticketing and tracking, trade-show management, business cards,
print ads, contests, direct mail campaigns, websites, email marketing,
and couponing just to name a few. QR codes are of particular interest
to marketers, giving them the "ability to measure response rates with a
high degree of precision"[32] allowing for easier ROI (return on
investment) calculation, thus helping to justify spending on marketing
budgets. QR codes also have been used at trade shows and in
conferences.
In July 2009, QR codes were created for character design and
promotional materials in the Shane Acker film 9. The use of QR codes
was part of the characters in the movie and culminated into a
A giant QR code linking to a website, to be read
promotional campaign with unique QR code cards, posters, and street
with mobile phones
advertisements on billboards or public transportation for major popular
art events. These advertisements were largely focused upon the attendees of the 2009 San Diego Comic Con and
2009 Academy Awards. QR codes were integrated into the artwork and symbolized individual characters in the
movie. Instructional pamphlets and videos were released to explain how the codes could be retrieved and deciphered.
QR-coded artwork could be read with QR-capable cellphones for prizes and access to exclusive online content. This
was one of the first major integrations of QR codes with Hollywood studios and urban environments.[33]
In January 2011, U.S. Army Garrison Yongsan in Seoul, South Korea became the first Army organization to use QR
codes for official media campaigns.[34]
Also in January 2011, the Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum launched a line of museum t-shirts and apparel that
feature museum logos and designs on the fronts, and a QR code screened on the right back shoulder, which directs to
the museum's web site or artist interviews.
In March 2011 a tattoo parlor in Arizona reportedly began giving QR tag tattoos that linked to people's websites and
Facebook pages.[35]
QR codes are widely used in the tourism industry. For example in Lviv (Ukraine), Lviv Tourism Movement that
consolidates businessmen have placed QR codes on more than 80 tourism objects. QR codes are written in several
languages, which helps individual tourist easily to get the information on the city.[36]
For years marketers have seen the success of QR codes internationally, but in 2011 QR codes might finally be taking
hold in the U.S. as prominent endorsements from Target, Best Buy, Macy's, and Post Cereals are exposing the codes
to a broad swath of consumers.[37]
In April 2011, Valve Corporation used a QR code as part of their Portal 2 ARG campaign. One of the games
participating in the campaign, Defense Grid: The Awakening, had a level in the shape of a QR code that yielded a
password for use elsewhere in the ARG. Further, parts of another QR code were shown in a collection of game
screenshots. When assembled, the QR code was revealed to be a URL of a countdown at Valve's Aperture Science
website.
6
QR code
Use in entertainment
QR codes are becoming increasingly innovative and more and more ideas for their use are becoming a reality.
LBP.me has created a QR code for every user-generated level in LittleBigPlanet 2 for the PlayStation 3, and users
only have to do is print that QR code out and hold it in front of the PlayStation 3's dedicated camera, the PlayStation
Eye, while the game is running and the game will automatically take the player to that level on the community page.
The Nintendo 3DS Mii Maker application can generate a QR code for every possible Mii with the word "Mii"
written in the middle of the code, with the Mii's name at the bottom (though the written name is not necessary for
scanning). With this code, a Mii can be published and shared on the Internet or in printed material.
A QR code was used to promote Lupe Fiasco's album, "Lasers." The album was launched in the center of San
Francisco with a massive QR code which allowed fans to scan it with the Redlaser technology in order to order the
album early.
The hip hop collective OFWGKTA used a QR code when they played on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon instead of
an album artwork which Jimmy Fallon usually presents. The code redirected to a site on the groups homepage.
Use in interpretation
QR codes have been used to interpret natural and historical points of interest on nature trails and walking tours,
adding to or replacing expensive signs.[38] [39]
Use in books
Ubimark, an Indiana company created with support from the Purdue University Discovery Park, has published a
number of books that include QR codes. One of them, a new version of Around the World in 80 Days,[40] uses QR
codes to provide readers with quick access to the audio versions of the book chapters and to Google Maps.[41]
Another example is the collection of poems "handyhaiku" which was written by Oliver Bendel. The haikus are not
only printed in text form, but as QR codes. Users scan their favorite poems onto their cell phone and can send them
on to friends and family.[42]
In 2008, the book PHP Reference: Beginner to Intermediate PHP5 [43] was published, using a QR code representing
the full title as a cover image for the book. The code cannot be read properly, however, due to overlaid text that
exceeds error correction capacity.
Use in libraries
U.S. and U.K. libraries have begun adopting QR codes as a method of delivering information to patrons via their
mobile devices. A number of libraries are using QR codes to direct users to a mobile library website or to a chat or
SMS-based reference service.[44] Some have included QR codes within the library catalog (OPAC): scanning the QR
code sends information about a resource to the patron's telephone. Often this information includes the title, call
number, and availability of the item, so that patrons may save the information to look for the book later, rather than
[45]
Typically, QR codes are used in libraries as a quick and easy way for patrons to access
having to write it down.
the library's existing mobile services.
7
QR code
Use on coins
The Royal Dutch Mint created gold and silver commemorative coins, which incorporate a QR code within the
reverse design. When the code is scanned, further information is provided about the coins, which celebrate the 100th
anniversary of the construction of the Mint building in Utrecht.[46]
Use in cemeteries
QR codes have been used in Japanese cemeteries on grave markers as a way to share additional information and
unite mourners.[47] [48] In the U.S., QR codes are being etched into medallions for distribution in cemeteries by a
company called Memory Medallion. The QR code provides the reader access to additional online information (such
as images and video) about the deceased.[49]
Standalone applications
While the adoption of QR codes in some markets has been slow to begin (particularly in markets such as the United
States where competing standards such as Data Matrix exist), the technology is gaining some traction in the
smartphone market. Many Android, Nokia, and Blackberry telephones come with QR code readers installed. QR
reader software is available for most mobile platforms.
References
[1]
[2]
[3]
[4]
[5]
About 2D Code | QR Code.com (http:/ / www. denso-wave. com/ qrcode/ aboutqr-e. html) Denso-Wave. Retrieved 23 April 2009.
Why isn't everyone using QR codes? | iMediaConnecton.com (http:/ / www. imediaconnection. com/ content/ 28604. asp)
"Nokia Europe - Nokia N80 - Support" (http:/ / europe. nokia. com/ support/ product-support/ nokia-n80/ phone-software/ smartphone). .
"package overview for mbarcode" (http:/ / maemo. org/ packages/ view/ mbarcode/ ). Maemo.org. . Retrieved 28 July 2010.
"QR Code Standardization" (http:/ / www. denso-wave. com/ qrcode/ qrstandard-e. html). QR Code.com. Denso-wave.com. . Retrieved 23
April 2009.
[6] "AIM Global Online Store" (https:/ / www. aimglobal. org/ estore/ ProductDetails. aspx?ProductID=31). Aimglobal.org. . Retrieved 23 April
2009.
[7] http:/ / www. iso. org/ iso/ iso_catalogue/ catalogue_ics/ catalogue_detail_ics. htm?csnumber=30789
[8] http:/ / www. iso. org/ iso/ iso_catalogue/ catalogue_tc/ catalogue_detail. htm?csnumber=43655
[9] "Synchronization with Native Applications" (http:/ / www. nttdocomo. co. jp/ english/ service/ imode/ make/ content/ barcode/ function/
application/ ). NTT DoCoMo. . Retrieved 17 February 2009.
[10] "Barcode Contents" (http:/ / code. google. com/ p/ zxing/ wiki/ BarcodeContents). zxing – A rough guide to standard encoding of
information in barcodes. . Retrieved 17 February 2009.
[11] "QR Code.com" (http:/ / www. denso-wave. com/ qrcode/ index-e. html). Denso-wave.com. 6 November 2003. . Retrieved 23 April 2009.
[12] "Version and Maximum capacity table" (http:/ / www. denso-wave. com/ qrcode/ vertable1-e. html). Denso-Wave. .
[13] Fabrice de Nola (http:/ / www. palazzoriso. it/ en/ node/ 343) at the Palazzo Riso. Retrieved 30 January 2011.
[14] Fabrice de Nola (http:/ / mediamorfosi. sudlab. com/ fabrice-de-nola. html) at Mediamorfosi - Sud Lab (Italian). Retrieved 25 July 2010.
[15] http:/ / www. flickr. com/ photos/ 28389830@N05/ 3637645109/ in/ set-72157606292052115/
[16] http:/ / hannahmaclurecentre. abertay. ac. uk/ archive. html
[17] http:/ / elusivesprite. squarespace. com/ exhibitions/ signals-in-the-city/
[18] http:/ / whomwah. com/ 2008/ 03/ 12/ more-fun-with-qr-codes-and-the-bbc-logo/
[19] DJ Spooky - Nauru Elegies (http:/ / www. djspooky. com/ nauruelegies/ ) Retrieved 25 July 2010.
[20] Labrinth QR Code Transmission (http:/ / www. youtube. com/ watch?v=3KILnXj1Fj0) YouTube 26 July 2010
[21] https:/ / comics. comixology. com/ #/ series/ 4793/ Carnivale-De-Robotique
[22] Jeff Tallon - 2010 TIAF (http:/ / www. youtube. com/ watch?v=EaKL9MEjzZw) YouTube. Retrieved 1 November 2010.
[23] "Ela Dokonal – Mixed Media Artist" (http:/ / northportartwalk. com/ 2011/ 05/ 11/ ela-dokonal-mixed-media-artist/ ). Northport ArtWalk. .
Retrieved 11 May 2011.
[24] Dokonal, Ela. "Interactive Art to Promote Urban Planning and ‘Buy Local’" (http:/ / studioleed. com/ 2011/ urbanism-and-town-planning/
the-interactive-art-experiment-for-northport-artwalk). STUDIOleed. . Retrieved 28 April 2011.
[25] "Ela Dokonal - The Northport ArtWalk" (http:/ / www. youtube. com/ watch?v=9-N3e0-wCqE). Northport ArtWalk. . Retrieved 12 May
2011.
[26] Dokonal, Ela. "The Interactive Art Experiment" (http:/ / penandinker. com/ the-interactive-art-experiment/ ). The Pen And Inker. . Retrieved
12 May 2011.
8
QR code
9
[27] "Huntington Chamber Chairman to be Honored" (http:/ / www. huntingtonpassport. com/ news/ 43-bid-news/
106-huntington-chamber-chairman-to-be-honored-as-citizen-of-the-year). Huntington Village Passport. . Retrieved 14 May 2011.
[28] http:/ / www. chielie. nl/ gedichten/ gfx/ qr-bundel. jpg
[29] www.TrishaBarnes.net (http:/ / www. trishabarnes. net)
[30] Canadian Government Passport Application Form (see page 6) (http:/ / www. ppt. gc. ca/ form/ pdfs/ pptc153. pdf)
[31] "New Owners re-Launch PayPoster as QR-Based Guerilla Marketing Site" (http:/ / www. thirdreport. com/ third-report. asp?storyid=244).
www.thirdreport.com. . Retrieved 14 December 2010.
[32] Printers Can Demonstrate ROI to Clients Using Interactive Marketing (http:/ / www. outputlinks. com/ html/ general/
gcworld_Interactive_Marketing_101410. aspx), OutputLinks.com referenced 22 October 2010
[33] Find the hidden QR-Codes for Nine (http:/ / filminfocus. com/ article/ find_the_hidden_codes_for_9). «Focus Features», 10 July 2009.
Retrieved 15 August 2010.
[34] "Yongsan Garrison unveils smart phone technology bridging paper, web" (http:/ / www. army. mil/ -news/ 2011/ 01/ 25/
50770-yongsan-garrison-unveils-smart-phone-technology-bridging-paper-web/ )
[35] Now available: Scannable bar codes on your skin (http:/ / ktar. com/ category/ local-news-articles/ 20110328/
Now-available:-Scannable-bar-codes-on-your-skin)
[36] У Львові на туристичних об’єктах встановили понад 80 QR-кодів - ZAXID.NET (http:/ / www. zaxid. net/ newsua/ 2010/ 10/ 18/
144539/ )
[37] Natalie Zmuda, adage.com. " QR Codes Gaining Prominence Thanks to Few Big Players (http:/ / adage. com/ article/ digital/
qr-codes-gaining-prominence-macy-s-buy-post/ 149474/ )." 23 March 2011. Retrieved 23 March 2011.
[38] Augusta Canal Smartphone DigiTrail (http:/ / www. augustacanal. com/ Images/ V1/ Uploads/ PDF_Files/ NEWS RELEASE-Canal
DigiTrail. pdf) Retrieved 20 November 2010.
[39] Augusta Canal App (http:/ / www2. wjbf. com/ special_section/ 2010/ oct/ 08/ you-want-augusta-canal-history-theres-ap-ar-937112/ ).
Retrieved 20 November 2010.
[40] Jules Verne, Around the World in 80 Days (https:/ / www. createspace. com/ 3408471). Ubimark books, Indianapolis, 2010
[41] Purdue Professor Embeds Hyperlinks in Printed Books (http:/ / chronicle. com/ blogs/ wiredcampus/
purdue-professor-embeds-hyperlinks-in-printed-books/ 24378). Chronicle of Higher Education. 23 March 2010. Retrieved 17 April 2011
[42] Der gebürtige Ulmer Oliver Bendel und seine Handy-Haikus (http:/ / www. swp. de/ ulm/ lokales/ ulm_neu_ulm/
Der-gebuertige-Ulmer-Oliver-Bendel-und-seine-Handy-Haikus;art4329,441102). Südwest Presse. 14 April 2011. Retrieved 4 May 2011
[43] http:/ / www. phpreferencebook. com/
[44] (http:/ / www. libsuccess. org/ index. php?title=QR_Codes), Library Success Best Practices Wiki: QR Codes in Libraries. Retrieved 20 May
2011.
[45] (http:/ / crln. acrl. org/ content/ 71/ 10/ 526. full), Ashford, R. (2010). QR Codes and Academic Libraries: Reaching Mobile Users. College
and Research Libraries News 71(10): 526-530. Retrieved 20 May 2011.
[46] Dutch Commemorative Coins Include First QR Code in Numismatics (http:/ / news. coinupdate. com/
dutch-commemorative-coins-include-first-qr-code-in-numismatics-0840/ ). Retrieved 20 May 2011
[47] A couple interesting uses for QR codes (http:/ / www. japanprobe. com/ 2008/ 12/ 23/ a-couple-interesting-uses-for-qr-codes/ ). Retrieved 14
March 2011
[48] QR codes on tombstones help mourners to stay in touch (http:/ / www. crunchgear. com/ 2008/ 12/ 24/
qr-codes-on-tombstones-help-mourners-to-stay-in-touch). Retrieved 14 March 2011
[49] Schwartzel, Erich. "Lives of the dead come to life on tombstones" (http:/ / www. post-gazette. com/ pg/ 10218/ 1078084-28. stm). Pittsburgh
Post-Gazette. . Retrieved May 24, 2011.
Bibliography
• BS ISO/IEC 18004:2006. Information technology. Automatic identification and data capture techniques. Bar code
symbology. QR code (http://www.worldcat.org/title/
information-technology-automatic-identification-and-data-capture-techniques-bar-code-symbology-qr-code-technologies-de-linfor
oclc/60816353?lang=en). Geneva: ISO/IEC. 2000. pp. 114. at OCLC
• BS ISO/IEC 18004:2006. Information technology. Automatic identification and data capture techniques. QR
Code 2005 bar code symbology specification (http://shop.bsigroup.com/en/ProductDetail/
?pid=000000000030201420). London: BSI. 2007. pp. 126. ISBN 978-0-580-67368-9.
QR code
10
External links
• QR Code - Official website (http://www.denso-wave.com/qrcode/index-e.html) by QR Code's creator
Denso-Wave
• Generate QR code for this page (http://chart.apis.google.com/chart?chs=200x200&cht=qr&chl=http://en.
wikipedia.org/wiki/Qr_code)
Barcode
A barcode is an optical machine-readable representation of data,
which shows data about the object to which it attaches. Originally,
barcodes represented data by varying the widths and spacings of
parallel lines, and may be referred to as linear or 1 dimensional (1D).
Later they evolved into rectangles, dots, hexagons and other geometric
patterns in 2 dimensions (2D). Although 2D systems use a variety of
symbols, they are generally referred to as barcodes as well. Barcodes
originally were scanned by special–optical scanners called barcode
readers, scanners and interpretive software are available on devices
including desktop printers and smartphones.
A UPC-A barcode symbol
The first use of barcodes was to label railroad cars, but they were not commercially successful until they were used
to automate supermarket checkout systems, a task for which they have become almost universal. Their use has
spread to many other tasks that are generically referred to as Auto ID Data Capture (AIDC). The very first scanning
of the now ubiquitous Universal Product Code (UPC) barcode was on a pack of Wrigley Company chewing gum in
June 1974.
Other systems have made inroads in the AIDC market, but the simplicity, universality and low cost of barcodes has
limited the role of these other systems until the first decade of the 21st century over 40 years after the introduction of
the commercial barcode. It costs under 0.5¢ (U.S.) to provide a barcode. It was not until late 2008 when the barcode
began getting its first significant challenge in the retail industry from radio frequency identification or RFID
specifically passive Radio Frequency Identification RFID in 2011 costs about 5¢ to 15¢ per tag.[1] RFID is seen as
the clear replacement to bar code since it is an order of magnitude more productive allowing scans of thousands at a
time.[2] In 2010 a Korean company successfully printed a chip and inlay onto paper substrate and predicted a 3 cent
tag by 2012[3]
History
In 1948 Bernard Silver, a graduate student at Drexel Institute of Technology in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
overheard the president of the local food chain, Food Fair, asking one of the deans to research a system to
automatically read product information during checkout.[4] Silver told his friend Norman Joseph Woodland about the
request, and they started working on a variety of systems. Their first working system used ultraviolet ink, but this
proved too subject to fading and was fairly expensive.[5]
Convinced that the system was workable with further development, Woodland left Drexel, moved into his father's
apartment in Florida, and continued working on the system. His next inspiration came from Morse code, and he
formed his first barcode from sand on the beach. "I just extended the dots and dashes downwards and made narrow
lines and wide lines out of them."[5] To read them, he adapted technology from optical soundtracks in movies, using
a 500-watt light bulb shining through the paper onto an RCA935 photomultiplier tube (from a movie projector) on
the far side. He later decided that the system would work better if it were printed as a circle instead of a line,
Barcode
allowing it to be scanned in any direction.
On 20 October 1949 Woodland and Silver filed a patent application for "Classifying Apparatus and Method", in
which they described both the linear and bullseye printing patterns, as well as the mechanical and electronic systems
needed to read the code. The patent was issued on 7 October 1952 as US Patent 2,612,994 [6]. In 1951, Woodland
moved to IBM and continually tried to interest IBM in developing the system. The company eventually
commissioned a report on the idea, which concluded that it was both feasible and interesting, but that processing the
resulting information would require equipment that was some time off in the future.
In 1952 Philco purchased their patent, and then sold it to RCA the same year. In 1963 Silver died in a traffic
collision.
Collins at Sylvania
During his time as an undergraduate, David Collins worked at the Pennsylvania Railroad and became aware of the
need to automatically identify train cars. Immediately after receiving his master's degree from MIT in 1959, he
started work at GTE Sylvania and began addressing the problem. He developed a system called KarTrak using blue
and yellow reflective stripes attached to the side of the cars, encoding a six-digit company identifier and a four-digit
car number.[5] Light reflected off the stripes was fed into one of two photomultipliers, filtered for blue or yellow.
The Boston and Maine Railroad tested the KarTrak system on their gravel cars in 1961. The tests continued until
1967, when the Association of American Railroads (AAR) selected it as a standard, Automatic Car Identification,
across the entire North American fleet. The installations began on October 10, 1967. However, the economic
downturn and rash of bankruptcies in the industry in the early 1970s greatly slowed the rollout, and it was not until
1974 that 95% of the fleet was labeled. To add to its woes, the system was found to be easily fooled by dirt in certain
applications, and greatly affected accuracy. The AAR abandoned the system in the late 1970s, and it was not until
the mid-1980s that they introduced a similar system, this time based on radio tags.
The railway project had failed, but a toll bridge in New Jersey requested a similar system so that it could quickly
scan for cars that had purchased a monthly pass. Then the U.S. Post Office requested a system to track trucks
entering and leaving their facilities. These applications required special retroreflective labels. Finally, Kal Kan asked
the Sylvania team for a simpler (and cheaper) version which they could put on cases of pet food for inventory
control. This, in turn, interested the grocery industry.
Computer Identics Corporation
In 1967, with the railway system maturing, Collins went to management looking for funding for a project to develop
a black-and-white version of the code for other industries. They declined, saying that the railway project was large
enough and they saw no need to branch out so quickly.
Collins then quit Sylvania and formed Computer Identics Corporation.[5] Computer Identics started working with
helium-neon lasers in place of light bulbs, scanning with a mirror to locate the barcode anywhere up to several feet in
front of the scanner. This made the entire process much simpler and more reliable, as well as allowing it to deal with
damaged labels by reading the intact portions.
Computer Identics Corporation installed one of its first two scanning systems in the spring of 1969 at a General
Motors (Buick) factory in Flint, Michigan.[5] The system was used to identify a dozen types of transmissions moving
on an overhead conveyor from production to shipping. The other scanning system was installed at General Trading
Company's distribution center in Carlsbad, New Jersey to direct shipments to the proper loading bay.
11
Barcode
Universal Product Code
In 1966 the National Association of Food Chains (NAFC) held a meeting where they discussed the idea of
automated checkout systems. RCA had purchased rights to the original Woodland patent, attended the meeting and
initiated an internal project to develop a system based on the bullseye code. The Kroger grocery chain volunteered to
test it.
In mid-1970, the NAFC established the U.S. Supermarket Ad Hoc Committee on a Uniform Grocery Product Code,
which set guidelines for barcode development and created a symbol selection subcommittee to help standardize the
approach. In cooperation with consulting firm McKinsey & Co., they developed a standardized 11-digit code to
identify any product. The committee then sent out a contract tender to develop a barcode system to print and read the
code. The request went to Singer, National Cash Register (NCR), Litton Industries, RCA, Pitney-Bowes, IBM and
many others.[7] A wide variety of barcode approaches were studied, including linear codes, RCA's bullseye
concentric circle code, starburst patterns and others.
In the spring of 1971 RCA demonstrated their bullseye code at another industry meeting. IBM executives at the
meeting noticed the crowds at the RCA booth and immediately developed their own system. IBM marketing
specialist Alec Jablonover remembered that the company still employed Woodland, and he established a new facility
in North Carolina to lead development.
In July 1972 RCA began an eighteen-month test in a Kroger store in Cincinnati. Barcodes were printed on small
pieces of adhesive paper, and attached by hand by store employees when they were adding price tags. The code
proved to have a serious problem. During printing, presses sometimes smear ink in the direction the paper is running,
rendering the code unreadable in most orientations. A linear code, like the one being developed by Woodland at
IBM, however, was printed in the direction of the stripes, so extra ink simply makes the code "taller" while
remaining readable, and on April 3, 1973 the IBM UPC was selected by NAFC as their standard. IBM had designed
five versions of the UPC symbology for future industry requirements: UPC A, B, C, D, and E.[8]
NCR installed a testbed system at Marsh's Supermarket in Troy, Ohio, USA near the factory that was producing the
equipment. On June 26, 1974, Clyde Dawson pulled a 10-pack of Wrigley's Juicy Fruit gum out of his basket and it
was scanned by Sharon Buchanan at 8:01 am. The pack of gum and the receipt are now on display in the
Smithsonian Institution. It was the first commercial appearance of the UPC.[9]
In 1971 IBM had assembled a team for an intensive planning session, day after day, 12 to 18 hours a day, to hash out
how the whole system might operate and to schedule a rollout plan. By 1973 they were meeting with grocery
manufacturers to introduce the symbol that would need to be printed on all of their products. There were no cost
savings for a grocery to use it unless at least 70% of the grocery's products had the barcode printed on the product by
the manufacturer. IBM was projecting that 75% would be needed in 1975. Even though that was achieved, there still
were scanning machines in fewer than 200 grocery stores by 1977.[10]
Economic studies conducted for the grocery industry committee projected over $40 million in savings to the industry
from scanning by the mid-1970s. Those numbers were not achieved in that timeframe and some predicted the demise
of barcode scanning. The usefulness of the barcode required the adoption of expensive scanners by a critical mass of
retailers while manufacturers simultaneously adopted barcode labels. Neither wanted to move first and results were
not promising for the first couple of years, with Business Week proclaiming "The Supermarket Scanner That
Failed."[9]
Experience with barcode scanning in those stores revealed additional benefits. The detailed sales information
acquired by the new systems allowed greater responsiveness to customer needs. This was reflected in the fact that
about 5 weeks after installing barcode scanners, sales in grocery stores typically started climbing and eventually
leveled off at a 10-12% increase in sales that never dropped off. There also was a 1–2% decrease in operating cost
for the stores that enabled them to lower prices in order to increase market share. It was shown in the field that the
return on investment for a barcode scanner was 41.5%. By 1980, 8,000 stores per year were converting.[10]
12
Barcode
13
The global public launch of the barcode was greeted with minor skepticism from conspiracy theorists, who
considered barcodes to be an intrusive surveillance technology, and from some Christians who thought the codes hid
the number 666, representing the antichrist. Television host Phil Donahue described barcodes as a "corporate plot
against consumers".[11]
Industrial adoption
In 1981 the United States Department of Defense adopted the use of Code 39 for marking all products sold to the
United States military. This system, LOGMARS (Logistics Applications of Automated Marking and Reading
Symbols), is still used by DoD and is widely viewed as the catalyst for widespread adoption of barcoding in
industrial applications.[12]
Use
Barcodes such as the UPC have become a ubiquitous element of modern civilization. Some modern applications of
barcodes include:
• Almost every item other than fresh produce from a grocery store, department store, and mass merchandiser has a
UPC barcode on it. This helps track items and also reduces instances of shoplifting involving price tag swapping,
although shoplifters can now print their own barcodes.
• Barcodes are widely used in shop floor control applications software where employees can scan work orders and
track the time spent on a job.
• Retail chain membership cards (issued mostly by grocery stores and specialty "big box" retail stores such as
sporting equipment, office supply, or pet stores) use bar codes to uniquely identify a consumer. Retailers can offer
customized marketing and greater understanding of individual consumer shopping patterns. At the point of sale,
shoppers can get product discounts or special marketing offers through the address or e-mail address provided at
registration.
• When used on patient identification, barcodes permit clinical staff to
instantly access patient data, including medical history, drug
allergies, etc.
• Document Management tools often allow for barcoded sheets to
facilitate the separation and indexing of documents that have been
imaged in batch scanning applications.
Example of barcode on a patient identification
wristband
• The tracking of item movement, including rental cars, airline
luggage, nuclear waste, mail, express mail and parcels.
• Tracking the organization of species in biology. The barcode
assigned is based on the CO1 gene.[13]
• Since 2005, airlines use an IATA-standard 2D barcode on boarding
passes (BCBP), and since 2008 2D barcodes sent to mobile phones
enable electronic boarding passes.[14]
• Recently, researchers placed tiny barcodes on individual bees to
track the insects' mating habits.
Barcoded parcel sent from Ukraine
• Barcoded entertainment event tickets allow the holder to enter sports arenas, cinemas, theatres, fairgrounds,
transportation, etc. This can allow the proprietor to identify duplicate or fraudulent tickets more easily.
• They can track the arrival and departure of vehicles from rental facilities.
Barcode
• Barcodes can integrate with in-motion checkweighers to identify the item being weighed in a conveyor line for
data collection
• Some 2D barcodes embed a hyperlink to a web page. A capable cellphone might be used to read the barcode and
browse the linked website, which can help a shopper find the best price for an item in the vicinity.
• In the 1970s and 1980s, software source code was occasionally encoded in a barcode and printed on paper.
Cauzin Softstrip and Paperbyte[15] are barcode symbologies specifically designed for this application.
• The 1991 Barcode Battler computer game system, used any standard barcode to generate combat statistics.
• In 1992 the Veterans Health Administration developed Bar Code Medication Administration system (BCMA).
• In the 21st century many artists started using barcodes in art, such as Scott Blake's Barcode Jesus, as part of the
post-modernism movement.
• Today, barcodes are issued by GS1, the most widely used supply chain standards system in the world.[16]
Symbologies
The mapping between messages and barcodes is called a symbology. The specification of a symbology includes the
encoding of the single digits/characters of the message as well as the start and stop markers into bars and space, the
size of the quiet zone required to be before and after the barcode as well as the computation of a checksum.
Linear symbologies can be classified mainly by two properties:
• Continuous vs. discrete: Characters in continuous symbologies usually abut, with one character ending with a
space and the next beginning with a bar, or vice versa. Characters in discrete symbologies begin and end with
bars; the intercharacter space is ignored, as long as it is not wide enough to look like the code ends.
• Two-width vs. many-width: Bars and spaces in two-width symbologies are wide or narrow; how wide a wide bar
is exactly has no significance as long as the symbology requirements for wide bars are adhered to (usually two to
three times wider than a narrow bar). Bars and spaces in many-width symbologies are all multiples of a basic
width called the module; most such codes use four widths of 1, 2, 3 and 4 modules.
Some symbologies use interleaving. The first character is encoded using black bars of varying width. The second
character is then encoded, by varying the width of the white spaces between these bars. Thus characters are encoded
in pairs over the same section of the barcode. Interleaved 2 of 5 is an example of this.
Stacked symbologies repeat a given linear symbology vertically.
The most common among the many 2D symbologies are matrix codes, which feature square or dot-shaped modules
arranged on a grid pattern. 2-D symbologies also come in circular and other patterns and may employ steganography,
hiding modules within an image (for example, DataGlyphs).
Linear symbologies are optimized for laser scanners, which sweep a light beam across the barcode in a straight line,
reading a slice of the barcode light-dark patterns. Stacked symbologies are also optimized for laser scanning, with
the laser making multiple passes across the barcode.
In the 1990s development of charge coupled device (CCD) imagers to read barcodes was pioneered by Welch Allyn.
Imaging does not require moving parts, like a laser scanner does. In 2007, linear imaging had begun to supplant laser
scanning as the preferred scan engine for its performance and durability.
2-D symbologies cannot be read by a laser as there is typically no sweep pattern that can encompass the entire
symbol. They must be scanned by an image-based scanner employing a CCD or other digital camera sensor
technology.
14
Barcode
Scanners (barcode readers)
The earliest, and still the cheapest, barcode scanners are built from a fixed light and a single photosensor that is
manually "scrubbed" across the barcode.
Barcode scanners can be classified into three categories based on their connection to the computer. The older type is
the RS-232 barcode scanner. This type requires special programming for transferring the input data to the application
program.
"Keyboard interface scanners" connect to a computer using a PS/2 or AT keyboard–compatible adaptor cable. The
barcode's data is sent to the computer as if it had been typed on the keyboard.
Like the keyboard interface scanner, USB scanners are easy to install and do not need custom code for transferring
input data to the application program.
Quality control and verification
Barcode verifiers are primarily used by businesses that print and use barcodes. Any trading partner in the supply
chain can test barcode quality. It is important to "grade" a barcode to ensure that any reader in the supply chain can
successfully interpret a bar code with a low error rate. Retailers levy large penalties for non-compliant barcodes.
Barcode verifiers work like a readers, but instead of simply decoding a barcode, a verifier performs a series of eight
tests. Each test is graded from 0.0 to 4.0 (F to A). The lowest of the 8 grades is the scan grade. For most applications
a 2.5 (C) is the minimum acceptable grade.
Compared with a reader, a verifier measures a barcode. The measurement must be repeatable and consistent. Doing
so requires constant conditions such as distance, illumination angle, sensor angle and verifier aperture. In
comparison, a reader must interpret a barcode as reliably as possible over a wide range of conditions.
Barcode verifier standards
• Barcode verifiers should comply with the ISO/IEC 15426-1 (linear) or ISO/IEC 15426-2 (2D).
This standard defines the measuring accuracy of a bar code verifier.
• The current international barcode quality specification is ISO/IEC 15416 (linear) and ISO/IEC 15415 (2D). The
European Standard EN 1635 has been withdrawn and replaced by ISO/IEC 15416. The original U.S. barcode
quality specification was ANSI X3.182. (UPCs used in the US—ANSI/UCC5).
This standard defines the quality requirements for barcodes and Matrix Codes (also called Optical Codes).
• As of 2011 the ISO workgroup JTC1 SC31 was developing a DPM quality standard : ISO/IEC TR 29158.[17]
International standards are available from the International Organisation for Standardization (ISO).[18]
These standards are also available from local/national standardisation organisations, such as ANSI, BSI, DIN, NEN
and others.
15
Barcode
16
Benefits
In point-of-sale management, barcode systems can provide detailed up-to-date information on the business,
accelerating decisions and with more confidence. For example:
• Fast-selling items can be identified quickly and automatically reordered.
• Slow-selling items can be identified, preventing inventory build-up.
• The effects of merchandising changes can be monitored, allowing fast-moving, more profitable items to occupy
the best space,
• Historical data can be used to predict seasonal fluctuations very accurately.
• Items may be repriced on the shelf to reflect both sale prices and price increases.
• This technology also enables the profiling of individual consumers, typically through a voluntary registration of
discount cards. While pitched as a benefit to the consumer, this practice is considered to be potentially dangerous
by privacy advocates.
Besides sales and inventory tracking, barcodes are very useful in logistics.
• When a manufacturer packs a box for shipment, a Unique Identifying Number (UID) can be assigned to the box.
• A database can link the UID to relevant information about the box; such as order number, items packed, qty
packed, destination, etc.
• The information can be transmitted through a communication system such as Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)
so the retailer has the information about a shipment before it arrives.
• Shipments that are sent to a Distribution Center (DC) are tracked before forwarding. When the shipment reaches
its final destination, the UID gets scanned, so the store knows the shipment's source, contents, and cost.
Barcode scanners are relatively low cost and extremely accurate compared to key-entry, with only about 1
substitution error in 15,000 to 36 trillion characters entered.[19] The exact error rate depends on the type of barcode.
Types of barcodes
Linear barcodes
Symbology
Continuous
or
discrete
Bar
widths
Uses
U.P.C.
Continuous Many
Worldwide retail, GS1-approved - International Standard ISO/IEC 15420
Codabar
Discrete
Old format used in libraries and blood banks and on airbills (out of date)
Code 25 – Non-interleaved 2 of 5
Continuous Two
Industrial (NO)
Code 25 – Interleaved 2 of 5
Continuous Two
Wholesale, libraries (NO) International standard ISO/IEC 16390
Code 39
Discrete
Various - international standard ISO/IEC 16388
Code 93
Continuous Many
Various
Code 128
Continuous Many
Various - International Standard ISO/IEC 15417
Code 128A
Continuous Many
Various - only a CODE 128 character set, not an own symbology
Code 128B
Continuous Many
Various - only a CODE 128 character set, not an own symbology
Code 128C
Continuous Many
Various - only a CODE 128 character set, not an own symbology
Code 11
Discrete
Two
Telephones (out of date)
CPC Binary
Discrete
Two
DUN 14
Continuous Many
Two
Two
Various
Barcode
17
EAN 2
Continuous Many
Addon code (magazines), GS1-approved - not an own symbology - to be
used only with an EAN/UPC according to ISO/IEC 15420
EAN 5
Continuous Many
Addon code (books), GS1-approved - not an own symbology - to be used
only with an EAN/UPC according to ISO/IEC 15420
EAN 8, EAN 13
Continuous Many
Worldwide retail, GS1-approved - International Standard ISO/IEC 15420
Facing Identification Mark
Continuous One
USPS business reply mail
GS1-128 (formerly known as
UCC/EAN-128), incorrectly referenced as
EAN 128 and UCC 128
Continuous Many
various, GS1-approved -is just an application of the Code 128 (ISO/IEC
15417) using the ANS MH10.8.2 AI Datastructures. Its not an own
symbology.
GS1 DataBar, formerly Reduced Space
Symbology (RSS)
Continuous Many
Various, GS1-approved
HIBC (HIBCC Health Industry Bar Code)
Discrete
[20]
Healthcare
- is a datastructure to be used with Code 128, Code 39 or
DataMatrix
ITF-14
Continuous Many
Non-retail packaging levels, GS1-approved - is just an Interleaved 2/5
Code (ISO/IEC 16390) with a few additional specifications, according to
the GS1 General Specifications
Latent image barcode
Neither
Tall/short
Color print film
Pharmacode
Neither
Two
Pharmaceutical packaging (no international standard available)
Plessey
Continuous Two
Catalogs, store shelves, inventory (no international standard available)
PLANET
Continuous Tall/short
United States Postal Service (no international standard available)
POSTNET
Continuous Tall/short
United States Postal Service (no international standard available)
Intelligent Mail barcode
Continuous Tall/short
United States Postal Service, replaces both POSTNET and PLANET
symbols (previously known as OneCode)
MSI
Continuous Two
Used for warehouse shelves and inventory
PostBar
Discrete
Canadian Post office
RM4SCC / KIX
Continuous Tall/short
Royal Mail / Royal TPG Post
JAN
Continuous Many
Used in Japan, similar and compatible with EAN-13 (ISO/IEC 15420)
Telepen
Continuous Two
Libraries (UK)
Two
Many
Matrix (2D) barcodes
A matrix code, also known as a 2D barcode or simply a 2D code, is a two-dimensional way of representing
information. It is similar to a linear (1-dimensional) barcode, but has more data representation capability.
Symbology
Notes
3-DI
Developed by Lynn Ltd.
ArrayTag
From ArrayTech Systems.
Aztec Code
Designed by Andrew Longacre at Welch Allyn (now Honeywell Scanning and Mobility). Public domain. -- International
Standard ISO/IEC 24778
Small Aztec Code
Space-saving version of Aztec code.
Chromatic
[21]
Alphabet
an artistic proposal by C. C. Elian; divides the visible spectrum into 26 different wavelengths - hues.
Codablock
Stacked 1D barcodes.
Barcode
18
Code 1
Public domain. Code 1 is currently used in the health care industry for medicine labels and the recycling industry to encode
[22]
container content for sorting
.
Code 16K
Based on 1D Code 128.
Code 49
Stacked 1D barcodes from Intermec Corp.
ColorCode
ColorZip
Compact Matrix
Code
From Syscan Group, Inc.
CP Code
From CP Tron, Inc.
CyberCode
From Sony.
d-touch
readable when printed on deformable gloves and stretched and distorted
DataGlyphs
From Palo Alto Research Center (also known as Xerox PARC).
Datamatrix
From Microscan Systems, formerly RVSI Acuity CiMatrix/Siemens. Public domain. Increasingly used throughout the United
States. Single segment Datamatrix is also known as Semacode - Standard: ISO/IEC 16022.
Datastrip Code
From Datastrip, Inc.
Dot Code A
Designed for the unique identification of items.
EZcode
Designed for decoding by cameraphones.
Grid Matrix Code
From Syscan Group, Inc.
[23]
[24]
developed colour barcodes that can be read by camera phones from TV screens; mainly used in Korea.
[25]
[26]
[27]
High Capacity Color Developed by Microsoft; licensed by ISAN-IA.
Barcode
[28]
HueCode
From Robot Design Associates. Uses greyscale or colour.
INTACTA.CODE
From INTACTA Technologies, Inc.
InterCode
From Iconlab, Inc. The standard 2D barcode in South Korea. All 3 South Korean mobile carriers put the scanner program of
this code into their handsets to access mobile internet, as a default embedded program.
JAGTAG
From JAGTAG, Inc. Optimized for use with mobile device cameras.
MaxiCode
Used by United Parcel Service. Now Public Domain
mCode
Developed by Nextcode Corporation specifically for camera phone scanning applications. Designed to enable advanced cell
mobile applications with standard camera phones.
MiniCode
From Omniplanar, Inc.
MicroPDF417
Facilitates codes too small to be used in PDF417.
MMCC
Designed to disseminate high capacity mobile phone content via existing colour print and electronic media, without the need
for network connectivity
Nintendo
e-Reader#Dot code
Developed by Olympus Corporation to store songs, images, and mini-games for Game Boy Advance on Pokémon trading
cards.
Optar
[29]
Developed by Twibright Labs
and published as free software. Aims at maximum data storage density, for storing data
on paper. 200kB per A4 page with laser printer.
PaperDisk
High density code, used both for data heavy applications (10K – 1 MB) and camera phones (50+ bits). Developed and
[30]
patented by Cobblestone Software.
PDF417
Originated by Symbol Technologies. Public Domain.
PDMark
Developed by Ardaco.
Barcode
19
QR Code
Initially developed, patented and owned by Toyota subsidiary Denso Wave for car parts management; now public domain.
Can encode Japanese Kanji and Kana characters, music, images, URLs, emails. De facto standard for Japanese cell phones.
Also used with BlackBerry Messenger to pickup contacts rather than using a PIN code. These codes are also used frequently
for Android OS phones. -- International Standard : ISO/IEC 18004
QuickMark Code
From SimpleAct Inc.
Secure Seal
Used in signature blocks of checks from the United States Treasury.
SmartCode
From InfoImaging Technologies.
Snowflake Code
From Marconi Data Systems, Inc.
ShotCode
Circular barcodes for camera phones by OP3. Originally from High Energy Magic Ltd in name Spotcode. Before that
probably known as TRIPCode.
SPARQCode
QR Code encoding standard from MSKYNET, Inc.
SuperCode
Public domain.
Trillcode
From Lark Computers. Designed to work with mobile device's camera or webcam PC. Can encode a variety of "actions".
UltraCode
Black-and-white & colour versions. Public domain. Invented by Jeffrey Kaufman and Clive Hohberger.
UnisCode
also called "Beijing U Code"; a colour 2D barcode developed by Chinese company UNIS
VeriCode, VSCode
From Veritec, Inc.
WaterCode
High-density 2D Barcode(440 Bytes/cm2) From MarkAny Inc.
[31]
Example images
First, Second and Third Generation Barcodes
GTIN-12 number
encoded in UPC-A
barcode symbol.
First and last digit
are always placed
outside the symbol
to indicate Quiet
Zones that are
necessary for
barcode scanners to
work properly
EAN-13 (GTIN-13)
number encoded in
EAN-13 barcode
symbol. First digit
is always placed
outside the symbol,
additionally right
quiet zone indicator
(>) is used to
indicate Quiet
Zones that are
necessary for
barcode scanners to
work properly
"Wikipedia" encoded in Code 93
'Wikipedia" encoded in
Code 128
Barcode
20
An example of a stacked
barcode. Specifically a
"Codablock" barcode.
PDF417 sample
Lorem ipsum
boilerplate text as
four segment
DataMatrix 2D
"This is an
example Aztec
symbol for
Wikipedia"
encoded in Aztec
Code
Text 'EZcode'
High Capacity Color
Barcode of the URL for
Wikipedia's article on
High Capacity Color
Barcode
"Wikipedia, The Free
Encyclopedia" in several
languages encoded in
DataGlyphs
Two different 2D barcodes used
in film: Dolby Digital between
the sprocket holes with the
"Double-D" logo in the middle,
and Sony Dynamic Digital Sound
in the blue area to the left of the
sprocket holes
The QR Code for the Wikipedia
URL. "Quick Response", the
most popular 2D barcode in
Japan, is promoted by Google.
It is open in that the
specification is disclosed and
[32]
the patent is not exercised.
MaxiCode example. This
encodes the string "Wikipedia,
The Free Encyclopedia"
ShotCode sample
detail of Twibright Optar scan
from laser printed paper,
carrying 32kbps Ogg Vorbis
digital music (48 seconds per
A4 page)
Barcode
Trivia
• In Lingang New City, China, the German architects Gerkan, Marg and Partners designed a curious building
characterized by a facade with a huge barcode design.[33]
References
Notes
[1] (http:/ / blog. odintechnologies. com/ odin-rfid-blog/ bid/ 59612/ Boom-The-Five-Cent-RFID-Tag-is-Here-and-Will-Change-the-Industry),
ODINRFID.com
[2] electronic product code
[3] (http:/ / www. wired. com/ wiredscience/ 2010/ 03/ rfid/ ) wired.com
[4] Fishman, Charles (August 1, 2001). "The Killer App - Bar None" (http:/ / www. americanwaymag. com/
so-woodland-bar-code-bernard-silver-drexel-university). American Way. . Retrieved 2010-04-19.
[5] Tony Seideman, "Barcodes Sweep the World" (http:/ / www. barcoding. com/ information/ barcode_history. shtml), barcoding.com Wonders
of Modern Technology
[6] http:/ / www. google. com/ patents?id=vWJoAAAAEBAJ& printsec=abstract& zoom=4& source=gbs_overview_r& cad=0#v=onepage&
q=& f=false
[7] George Laurer, "Development of the U.P.C. Symbol" (http:/ / bellsouthpwp. net/ l/ a/ laurergj/ UPC/ upc_work. html), bellsouthpwp.net
[8] Nelson, Benjamin (1997). From Punched Cards To Bar Codes.
[9] Varchaver, Nicholas (2004-05-31). "Scanning the Globe" (http:/ / money. cnn. com/ magazines/ fortune/ fortune_archive/ 2004/ 05/ 31/
370719/ index. htm). Fortune. . Retrieved 2006-11-27.
[10] Selmeier, Bill (2008). Spreading the Barcode. pp. 26, 214, 236, 238, 244, 245, 236, 238, 244, 245. ISBN 978-0-578-02417-2.
[11] Bishop, Tricia (July 5, 2004). "UPC bar code has been in use 30 years" (http:/ / www. sfgate. com/ cgi-bin/ article. cgi?file=/ chronicle/
archive/ 2004/ 07/ 05/ BUG6Q7G4AJ1. DTL& type=business). SFgate.com. . Retrieved 22 December 2009.
[12] Adams1.com (http:/ / www. adams1. com/ history. html)
[13] National Geographic, May 2010, page 30
[14] IATA.org (http:/ / www. iata. org)
[15] "Paperbyte Bar Codes for Waduzitdo" (http:/ / primepuzzle. com/ waduzitdo/ waduzitdo. html) Byte magazine, 1978 September p. 172
[16] "The global language of business" (http:/ / www. gs1. org/ about/ overview). GS1.org. . Retrieved 31 August 2010.
[17] (http:/ / www. iso. org/ iso/ iso_technical_committee. html?commid=45332)
[18] ISO web site (http:/ / www. iso. org)
[19] Harmon and Adams(1989). Reading Between The Lines, p.13. Helmers Publishing, Inc, Peterborough, New Hampshire, USA. ISBN
0911261001.
[20] FDA.gov (http:/ / www. fda. gov/ MedicalDevices/ DeviceRegulationandGuidance/ UniqueDeviceIdentifiers/ ucm054169. htm), Health
Industry Bar Code (HIBC) supplier labeling standard (http:/ / www. hibcc. org/ Standards/ ANSI HIBC 2. 3 SLS 2009_errata. pdf)
[21] Chromatic Alphabet by C. C. Elian. The Elian Script (http:/ / www. ccelian. com/ chromalpha. html), ccelian.com
[22] Russ Adams (06/15/2009). "2-Dimensional Bar Code Page" (http:/ / www. adams1. com/ stack. html). . Retrieved 2011-06-06.
[23] Colorzip.com (http:/ / www. colorzip. com/ )
[24] "Barcodes for TV Commercials" (http:/ / adverlab. blogspot. com/ 2006/ 01/ barcodes-for-tv-commercials. html). Adverlab.blogspot.com.
2006-01-31. . Retrieved 2009-06-10.
[25] d-touch topological fiducial recognition (http:/ / web. media. mit. edu/ ~enrico/ research/ research. php?projectTitle=d-touch); "d-touch
markers are applied to deformable gloves" (http:/ / web. media. mit. edu/ ~enrico/ research/ research. php?projectTitle=Sleight of Hands),
media.mit.edu
[26] See Xerox.com (http:/ / www. xerox. com/ Static_HTML/ xsis/ dataglph. htm) for details.
[27] Scanbuy.com (http:/ / www. scanbuy. com)
[28] "BarCode-1 2-Dimensional Bar Code Page" (http:/ / www. adams1. com/ pub/ russadam/ stack. html). Adams1.com. . Retrieved
2009-06-10.
[29] http:/ / ronja. twibright. com/ optar/
[30] PaperDisk.com (http:/ / www. paperdisk. com/ )
[31] Quickmark.com (http:/ / www. quickmark. com. tw/ En/ basic/ index. asp)
[32] (株 )デ ン ソ ー ウ ェ ー ブ (http:/ / www. denso-wave. com/ qrcode/ qrstandard-e. html), denso-wave.com (Japanese) Copyright
[33] Barcode Halls - gmp (http:/ / www. gmp-architekten. de/ en/ projects/ barcode-halls-standard-facades-for-manufacturing-buildings. html)
21
Barcode
Bibliography
• Automating Management Information Systems: Barcode Engineering and Implementation – Harry E. Burke,
Thomson Learning, ISBN 0-442-20712-3
• Automating Management Information Systems: Principles of Barcode Applications – Harry E. Burke, Thomson
Learning, ISBN 0-442-20667-4
• The Bar Code Book – Roger C. Palmer, Helmers Publishing, ISBN 0-911261-09-5, 386 pages
• The Bar Code Manual – Eugene F. Brighan, Thompson Learning, ISBN 0-03-016173-8
• Handbook of Bar Coding Systems – Harry E. Burke, Van Nostrand Reinhold Company, ISBN
978-0-442-21430-2, 219 pages
• Information Technology for Retail:Automatic Identification & Data Capture Systems - Girdhar Joshi, Oxford
University Press, ISBN 0-19-569796-0, 416 pages
• Lines of Communication – Craig K. Harmon, Helmers Publishing, ISBN 0-911261-07-9, 425 pages
• Punched Cards to Bar Codes – Benjamin Nelson, Helmers Publishing, ISBN 0-911261-12-5, 434 pages
• Revolution at the Checkout Counter: The Explosion of the Bar Code – Stephen A. Brown, Harvard University
Press, ISBN 0-674-76720-9
• Reading Between The Lines – Craig K. Harmon and Russ Adams, Helmers Publishing, ISBN 0-911261-00-1, 297
pages
• The Black and White Solution: Bar Code and the IBM PC – Russ Adams and Joyce Lane, Helmers Publishing,
ISBN 0-911261-01-X, 169 pages
• Sourcebook of Automatic Identification and Data Collection – Russ Adams, Van Nostrand Reinhold, ISBN
0-442-31850-2, 298 pages
External links
• List of Online Barcode Generators (http://www.2dbarcodescanner.info/2d-barcode-generator-online.html) at
2d Barcode Scanner (http://www.2dbarcodescanner.info)
• Barcode (http://www.dmoz.org/Computers/Software/Bar_Code//) at the Open Directory Project
22
Asset tracking
23
Asset tracking
Asset tracking refers to tracking the movement of physical assets. Either by scanning barcode tags attached to the
assets or using smart tags, like RFID tags, which broadcast their location. An asset tracking system can record the
location and usage of the assets and generate various reports. Smart tags can be used to record other attributes
besides location like temperature (see portion of this article [1] headlined "Making it count.")
References
• XERAFY
• RFID
• Track & Trace
References
[1] http:/ / www. healthcare-informatics. com/ ME2/ dirmod. asp?sid=& nm=& type=Publishing& mod=Publications%3A%3AArticle&
mid=8F3A7027421841978F18BE895F87F791& tier=4& id=3E3163F57A3F461C9EEC22000042C7D6
Aztec Code
Aztec Code is a type of 2D barcode invented by Andrew Longacre,
Jr. and Robert Hussey in 1995. (Longacre, Jr. & Hussey 1995) The
code was published by AIM, Inc. in 1997. Although the Aztec code is
patented, it has been released to the public domain.
Encoding: "This is an example Aztec symbol for
Wikipedia."
Aztec Code
24
Encoding
The symbol is built on a square grid with a bulls-eye pattern at its
centre for locating the code. Data is encoded in concentric square rings
around the bulls-eye pattern. The central bulls-eye is 9×9 or 13×13
pixels, and one row of pixels around that encodes basic coding
parameters, producing a "core" of 11×11 or 15×15 squares. Data is
added in "layers", each one containing 2 rings of pixels, giving total
sizes of 15×15, 19×19, 23×23, etc.
The corners of the core include orientation marks, allowing the code to
be read if rotated or reflected. Decoding begins at the corner with three
black pixels, and proceeds clockwise to the corners with two, one and
zero black pixels. The variable pixels in the central core encode the
size, so it is not necessary to mark the boundary of the code with a
blank "quiet zone", although some bar code readers require one.
The compact Aztec code core supports symbols from 15×15 (room for
13 digits or 12 letters) through 27×27. There is additionally a special
11×11 "rune" that encodes one byte of information. The full core
supports sizes up to 151x151, which can encode 3832 digits, 3067
The core of the compact Aztec code, showing the
central bulls-eye, the four orientation marks, and
space for 28 bits (7 bits per side) of coding
information. The first ring of data begins outside
that.
letters, or 1914 bytes of data.
[1]
The level of Reed–Solomon error correction is configurable, from
5% to 95% of the data region. The recommended level is 23% of
symbol capacity plus codewords.
Aztec Code is supposed to be robust according to various printer
technologies. It is also well suited for displays of cell phones and other
mobile devices.
Standard: ISO/IEC 24778 (published February 2008)
Character set
1. All 8-bit values can be encoded. The default interpretation shall be:
The core of the full Aztec code. 40 bits are
available between the orientation marks for
encoding parameters.
1. for values 0–127, ANSI X3.4 (i.e., ASCII) and
2. for values 128–255, ISO 8859-1: Latin Alphabet No. 1.
This corresponds to ECI 000003.
2. Two non-data characters can be encoded, FNC1 for compatibility with some existing applications and ECI,
escape sequence for the standardized encoding of message interpretation information.
Aztec Code
25
Usage
Transport
An Aztec code barcode is used by Eurostar, Deutsche Bahn, Trenitalia,
Nederlandse Spoorwegen, Przewozy Regionalne, PKP Intercity and by
Swiss Federal Railways for tickets sold online and printed out by
customers. An Aztec code barcode is used by Heathrow Express and
East Coast delivered to mobile phones and displayed on their screens,
and on self print tickets. The barcode is scanned by a handheld scanner
by on-train staff to validate the ticket.
The Aztec Code has been selected by the airline industry (IATA's
BCBP standard) for the electronic boarding passes. Several airlines
send Aztec Codes to passengers' mobile phones for ticketing purposes,
relating to online (or paperless) ticketing. Air New Zealand will be
using the code domestically for ticketing, but this deployment is still in
[2]
progress.
Governmental
Online ticket by Deutsche Bahn
Car registration documents in Poland bear an encrypted summary encoded as Aztec Code. Works are underway to
enable car insurance companies to automatically fill in the relevant information based on digital photographs of the
document as the first step of closing a new insurance contract.
References
[1] "2-Dimensional Bar Code Page" (http:/ / www. adams1. com/ pub/ russadam/ stack. html). Adams1.com. . Retrieved 2009-07-09.
[2] "Air New Zealand improving flight experience" (http:/ / www. geekzone. co. nz/ freitasm/ 5910). Geekzone.co.nz. . Retrieved 2009-07-09.
• US 5591956 (http://v3.espacenet.com/textdoc?DB=EPODOC&IDX=US5591956), Longacre, Jr., Andrew &
Robert Hussey, "Two Dimensional Data Encoding Structure and Symbology for use with Optical Readers",
issued January 7, 1997
External links
• 2D barcodes at AIM Global (http://www.aimglobal.org/technologies/barcode/2d_symbologies_matrix.asp)
Bar Code Medication Administration
Bar Code Medication Administration
Bar Code Medication Administration (BCMA) is a barcode system designed to prevent medication errors in
hospitals.
It consists of a barcode reader, a portable computer with wireless connection, a computer server, and some software.
When a nurse gives medicines to a patient in a hospital, the nurse can scan barcode on the wristband on the patient
and make sure that the patient is the right patient. The nurse can then scan the barcode on medicine to verify if it is
the right medicine at the right dose at the right time by the right route ("Five rights").[1]
BCMA was first implemented in the Veteran Medical Center in Topeka, Kansas, USA. It was conceived by a nurse
who was inspired by a car rental service using barcode. From 1999 to 2001, Department of Veterans Affairs
promoted the system to 161 facilities.[2] . Cummings and others recommend the BCMA system for its reduction of
errors. They suggest hospitals to consider the system first while they are waiting for RFID. They also pointed out
that adopting the system takes a careful plan and a deep change in work patterns.[3]
References
[1] Felkey, B., Fox, B. & Thrower, M. (2006) Health Care Informatics: A Skills-Based Resource. Washington: American Pharmaceutical
Association.
[2] Coyle, G. A., & Heinen, M. (2005). Evolution of BCMA Within the Department of Veterans Affairs. Nursing Administration Quarterly,
29(1), 32-38.
[3] Cummings J., Bush P., Smith D., Matuszewski K. Bar-coding medication administration overview and consensus recommendations.
American Journal of Health System Pharmacy, 62(24), 2626-2629.
26
Barcode Battler
27
Barcode Battler
Barcode Battler
Manufacturer
Epoch Co., Ltd.
Type
Handheld gaming console
Generation
Handheld LCD game
Retail availability
March 1991
Media
N/A
The Barcode Battler (バ ー コ ー ド バ ト ラ ー ) is a handheld gaming console released by Epoch in March 1991.[1]
The console at retail was supplied with a number of cards, each of which had a barcode. Upon starting the game, the
player must swipe a barcode representing a player. The game uses barcodes to create a character for the player to
use. Not all barcodes work as players; instead some represent enemies or powerups.[2] Because of the ubiquity of
barcodes in daily life, players were encouraged to go beyond the barcodes provided with the game itself and to
experiment to find their own barcode monsters and powerups from everyday products like food and cleaning
products.
Once the game itself is started, the characters "battle" against each other. The characters' statistics were applied to an
algorithm containing a random number generator to determine the outcome of each round in the fight.[2]
History
The original Barcode Battler was released by Epoch in Japan only. It was identical in shape to the worldwide
released Barcode Battler and had a white case.
Battles on this machine are much more simplistic than its successor, with support only for "Soldiers" (re-named in
the worldwide release as "Warriors"), and infinite Survival points.
In 1992, a successor unit called the Barcode Battler II (see below) was released featuring interface capabilities with
the Famicom and Super Famicom.
Popularity
The Barcode Battler was very popular in Japan[3] —the idea of experimenting with and collecting barcodes to find
out what they would equate to in the gaming world fired the imaginations of many people.
Outside of Japan it was a massive flop: it was hyped up, and sold in shops alongside the Nintendo Game Boy, and
the Sega Game Gear, to which it bore some superficial similarities. Ultimately, the Game Boy and Game Gear
proved to be more popular in Europe and the United States, probably due to the wider number of game cartridges
available for these systems. By comparison, the gameplay of the Barcode Battler was repetitive, featured no
graphics, sound effects or controls, and it was quickly forgotten by the general gaming public.
However, the recent release of devices such as Nintendo's e-Reader, as well as barcode games in arcades in the UK
such as Dinosaur King and Love and Berry has shown that there is now an interest in the market. The Barcode
Barcode Battler
Battler grew in popularity in Japan so much that special edition cards were created. The special edition cards were
characters from Super Mario, Legend of Zelda, and many others. These cards had their own barcodes and unique
stats and powers. Nintendo-licensed special edition cards were produced for both the Mario series,[4] and the The
Legend of Zelda series.[5] Other special edition versions were commissioned by Falcom (for Lord Monarch/Dragon
Slayer) and NTV (for the Doraemon series).
Barcode Battler II
The popularity of the Barcode Battler was such that in 1992,[6] a follow-up handheld called the Barcode Battler II
(バ ー コ ー ド バ ト ラ ー II) was designed to provide enhanced functionality.
It featured an extended single player mode, a wider variety of game elements, and an output port designed with
interface capabilities - a feature that Nintendo took advantage of in licensing the Barcode Battler II Interface unit.[7]
The BBII Interface allowed the Barcode Battler to be attached to the Famicom and Super Famicom (via an adapter[8]
) consoles similar to the way the Game Boy Player allows for interfacing of the Nintendo GameCube with the
e-Reader. The functionality of the Barcode Battler II while on this connection was purely as a barcode reader and the
gameplay depended purely on the game cartridge in the machine it was connected to.
Some time in 1992/1993, Epoch released the Barcode Battler II across the world, under the name of Barcode Battler.
Essentially, the worldwide release differed from the Japanese model only in the design of the LCD screen — it had
an English interface instead of a Japanese one. It still had the output port, but no games support outside of Japanese
releases. Also, the artwork on the manuals and barcode cards differed to suit the Western gaming audience.
Interfaced games
Due to the professional relationship between Epoch Co. and Nintendo, Epoch designed a number of games for the
Famicom and Super Famicom that required the use of the Barcode Battler II and BBII Interface to play or to enjoy
enhanced functions. These games included:
[9]
• Barcode World (バ ー コ ー ド ワ ー ル ド ) (NES, 1992)
• Barcode Battler Senki Coveni Wars (バ ー コ ー ド バ ト ラ ー 戦記 ス ー パ ー 戦士 出 撃せ よ !)[9] (SNES, 1993)
• Doraemon 2: Nobita's Great Adventure Toys Land (ド ラ え も ん 2 の び 太 の ト イ ズ ラ ン ド 大 冒 険 )[9] (SNES
1993)
• Dragon Slayer II (ド ラ ゴ ン ス レ イ ヤ ー II) (SNES, 1993)
• J-League '94 (Jリ ー グ 94)[9] (SNES, 1994)
• Doraemon 3: Nobita and the Jewel of Time (ド ラ え も ん 3 の び 太 と 時 の 宝 玉 ) (SNES, 1994)
• J-League '95 (Jリ ー グ 95)[9] (SNES, 1995)
• Alice's Paint Adventure (ア リ ス の ペ イ ン ト ア ド ベ ン チ ャ ー ) (SNES, 1995)
• Super Warrior Combat[8] (SNES)
• Doroman[8] (SNES, canceled)
28
Barcode Battler
29
References
[1] Conveni Barcode Battler boxart (http:/ / barcodebattler. co. uk/ scans/ Japan/ BCBI/ Inlay. jpg). Epoch, Co. 1991.
[2] Conveni Barcode Battler バ ー コ ー ド バ ト ラ ー (http:/ / barcodebattler. co. uk/ scans/ Japan/ BCBI/ IB00. jpg). Epoch, Co. pp.1-14. 1991.
[3] "Handheld Classics: Retro Roundup" (http:/ / www. pocketgamer. co. uk/ r/ Various/ Handheld+ Classics/ feature. asp?c=12051). Pocket
Gamer. . Retrieved 2010-11-24.
"Mario Card Image" (http:/ / img213. imageshack. us/ my. php?image=178hb8. jpg). . Retrieved 2010-11-24.
"Zelda Card Image" (http:/ / img526. imageshack. us/ my. php?image=148qa3. jpg). . Retrieved 2010-11-24.
Conveni Barcode Battler II boxart (http:/ / barcodebattler. co. uk/ scans/ Japan/ BCBII/ Box3. jpg). Epoch, Co. 1992.
Conveni Wars Barcode Battler II Interface (http:/ / barcodebattler. co. uk/ scans/ Japan/ Interface/ Box0. jpg). Epoch, Co. 1993.
Super Famicom Modem (http:/ / web. archive. org/ 20080624043947/ http:/ / www. gamersgraveyard. com/ repository/ snes/ peripherals/
barcodebattler. html) at the Wayback Machine (archived June 24, 2008).
[9] "Barcode Battler Home Page" (http:/ / barcodebattler. co. uk/ games. php). 2008-06-26. . Retrieved 2010-11-24.
[4]
[5]
[6]
[7]
[8]
External links
• Combat King's Barcode Battler Website (http://barcodebattler.co.uk/)
• Images and review of the Barcode Battler (http://www.redshirt.co.uk/computers/barcode-battler/)
• Dr. Ashen reviews the Barcode Battler (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVuT19K0NNI)
Barcode reader
A barcode reader (or barcode scanner) is an electronic device for
reading printed barcodes. Like a flatbed scanner, it consists of a light
source, a lens and a light sensor translating optical impulses into
electrical ones. Additionally, nearly all barcode readers contain
decoder circuitry analyzing the barcode's image data provided by the
sensor and sending the barcode's content to the scanner's output port.
Types of barcode readers
Types of technology
The reader types can be distinguished as follows:
A handheld barcode scanner
Pen-type readers
Pen-type readers consist of a light source and a photodiode that are placed next to each other in the tip of a pen or
[1]
wand. To read a bar code, the tip of the pen moves across the bars in a steady motion. The photodiode measures
the intensity of the light reflected back from the light source and generates a waveform that is used to measure the
widths of the bars and spaces in the bar code. Dark bars in the bar code absorb light and white spaces reflect light so
that the voltage waveform generated by the photo diode is a representation of the bar and space pattern in the bar
code. This waveform is decoded by the scanner in a manner similar to the way Morse code dots and dashes are
decoded.
Barcode reader
Laser scanners
Laser scanners work the same way as pen type readers except that they use a laser beam as the light source and
typically employ either a reciprocating mirror or a rotating prism to scan the laser beam back and forth across the bar
code.[1] As with the pen type reader, a photodiode is used to measure the intensity of the light reflected back from
the bar code. In both pen readers and laser scanners, the light emitted by the reader is rapidly varied in brightness
with a data pattern and the photodiode receive circuitry is designed to detect only signals with the same modulated
pattern.
CCD readers
CCD readers use an array of hundreds of tiny light sensors lined up in a row in the head of the reader. Each sensor
measures the intensity of the light immediately in front of it. Each individual light sensor in the CCD reader is
extremely small and because there are hundreds of sensors lined up in a row, a voltage pattern identical to the pattern
in a bar code is generated in the reader by sequentially measuring the voltages across each sensor in the row. The
important difference between a CCD reader and a pen or laser scanner is that the CCD reader is measuring emitted
ambient light from the bar code whereas pen or laser scanners are measuring reflected light of a specific frequency
originating from the scanner itself.
Camera-based readers
Two-dimensional imaging scanners are the fourth and newest type of bar code reader. They use a camera and image
processing techniques to decode the bar code.
Video camera readers use small video cameras with the same CCD technology as in a CCD bar code reader except
that instead of having a single row of sensors, a video camera has hundreds of rows of sensors arranged in a two
dimensional array so that they can generate an image.[2]
Large field-of-view readers use high resolution industrial cameras to capture multiple bar codes simultaneously. All
the bar codes appearing in the photo are decoded instantly (ImageID patents 6801245 [3] & 6922208 [4]).
There are a number of open source libraries for barcode reading from images. These include the ZXing [5] project,
which reads one- and two-dimensional barcodes using Android and Java ME, the JJIL [6] project, which includes
code for reading EAN-13 barcodes from cellphone cameras using Java ME, and ZBar [7], which reads various
one-dimensional barcodes in C. Even web site integration, either by image uploads (e.g. Folke Ashberg: EAN-13
Image-Scanning [8] and code creation tools) or by use of plugins (e.g. the Barcodepedia [9] uses a flash application
and some web cam for querying a database), have been realized options for resolving the given tasks.
Omni-directional barcode scanners
Omni-directional scanning uses "series of straight or curved scanning lines of varying directions in the form of a
starburst, a lissajous pattern, or other multiangle arrangement are projected at the symbol and one or more of them
[10]
will be able to cross all of the symbol's bars and spaces, no matter what the orientation."
Omni-directional scanners almost all use a laser. Unlike the simpler single-line laser scanners, they produce a pattern
of beams in varying orientations allowing them to read barcodes presented to it at different angles. Most of them use
a single rotating polygonal mirror and an arrangement of several fixed mirrors to generate their complex scan
patterns.
Omni-directional scanners are most familiar through the horizontal scanners in supermarkets, where packages are
slid across a glass or sapphire window. There are a range of different omni-directional units available which can be
used for differing scanning applications, ranging from retail type applications with the barcodes read only a few
centimetres away from the scanner to industrial conveyor scanning where the unit can be a couple of metres away or
more from the code. Omni-directional scanners are also better at reading poorly printed, wrinkled, or even torn
barcodes.
30
Barcode reader
Cell phone cameras
While cell phone cameras without auto-focus are not ideal for reading some common barcode formats, there are 2D
barcodes which are optimized for cell phones, as well as QR Codes and Data Matrix codes which can be read
quickly and accurately with or without auto-focus. These open up a number of applications for consumers:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Movies: DVD/VHS movie catalogs
Music: CD catalogs, play MP3 when scanned
Book catalogs
Groceries, nutrition information, making shopping lists when the last of an item is used, etc.
Personal Property inventory (for insurance and other purposes)
Calling cards: 2D barcodes can store contact information for importing.
Brick and mortar shopping: Portable scanners can be used to record items of interest for looking up online at
home.
• Coupon management: weeding expired coupons.
• Personal finance. Receipts can be tagged with a barcode label and the barcode scanned into personal finance
software when entering. Later, scanned receipt images can then be automatically associated with the appropriate
entries. Later, the bar codes can be used to rapidly weed out paper copies not required to be retained for tax or
asset inventory purposes.
• If retailers put barcodes on receipts that allowed downloading an electronic copy or encoded the entire receipt in a
2D barcode, consumers could easily import data into personal finance, property inventory, and grocery
management software. Receipts scanned on a scanner could be automatically identified and associated with the
appropriate entries in finance and property inventory software.
A number of enterprise applications using cell phones are appearing:
• Access control (for example, ticket validation at venues), inventory reporting (for example, tracking deliveries),
asset tracking (for example, anti-counterfeiting).[11]
Housing types
The reader packaging can be distinguished as follows :
Handheld scanner
with a handle and typically a trigger button for switching on the light source.
Pen scanner (or wand scanner)
a pen-shaped scanner that is swiped.
Stationary scanner
wall- or table-mounted scanners that the barcode is passed under or beside. These are commonly found at the
checkout counters of supermarkets and other retailers.
Fixed-position scanner
an industrial barcode reader used to identify products during manufacture or logistics. Often used on conveyor
tracks to identify cartons or pallets which need to be routed to another process or shipping location. Another
application joins holographic scanners with a checkweigher to read bar codes of any orientation or placement,
and weighs the package. Systems like this are used in factory and farm automation for quality management
and shipping.
PDA scanner (or Auto-ID PDA)
a PDA with a built-in barcode reader or attached barcode scanner.
Automatic reader
a back office equipment to read barcoded documents at high speed (50,000/hour).
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Barcode reader
Cordless scanner (or Wireless scanner)
a cordless barcode scanner is operated by a battery fitted inside it and is not connected to the electricity mains
Methods of connection
Early serial interfaces
Early barcode scanners, of all formats, almost universally used the then-common RS-232 serial interface. This was
an electrically simple means of connection and the software to access it is also relatively simple, although needing to
be written for specific computers and their serial ports.
Proprietary interfaces
There are a few other less common interfaces. These were used in large EPOS systems with dedicated hardware,
rather than attaching to existing commodity computers. In some of these interfaces, the scanning device returned a
"raw" signal proportional to the intensities seen while scanning the barcode. This was then decoded by the host
device. In some cases the scanning device would convert the symbology of the barcode to one that could be
recognized by the host device, such as Code 39.
Keyboard wedges
With the popularity of the PC and its standard keyboard interface, it
became ever easier to connect physical hardware to a PC and so there
was commercial demand similarly to reduce the complexity of the
associated software. "Keyboard wedge" hardware plugged between the
PC and its normal keyboard, with characters from the barcode scanner
PS/2 keyboard and mouse ports
appearing exactly as if they had been typed at the keyboard. This made
the addition of simple barcode reading abilities to existing programs
very easy, without any need to change them, although it did require some care by the user and could be restrictive in
the content of the barcodes that could be handled.
USB
Later barcode readers began to use USB connectors rather than the keyboard port, as this became a more convenient
hardware option. To retain the easy integration with existing programs, a device driver called a "software wedge"
could be used, to emulate the keyboard-impersonating behaviour of the old "keyboard wedge" hardware.
In many cases a choice of USB interface types (HID, CDC) are provided. Some have Powered USB.
Wireless networking
Modern handheld barcode readers are operated in wireless networks according to IEEE 802.11g (WLAN) or IEEE
802.15.1 (Bluetooth). However, such configuration limits the time of operation from battery or rechargeable battery
and required recharging at least after a shift of operation.
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