How Do Barcodes Work
Barcodes were invented about 30 years ago
Barcodes were invented about 30 years ago. Ever since, they have been helping businesses manage their inventories, streamline product processing and generally making businesses more efficient. Granted, initially the technology was quite expensive and for this reason, it took some time for it to catch on. However, as more and more businesses realized the cost efficiencies offered by barcode systems, they saw that it was technology worth investing in. Let's take a brief look at how barcodes actually work.
What Is a Barcode?
In simple terms, a barcode is a linear code that is read by a machine. It is made up of a series of bars and spaces that are defined and then printed in different ratios. In other words, some bars and spaces are thicker or thinner than others. The bars together in different combinations form what is referred to as a symbology. Because there are many different combinations of bars and spaces available as options, there are therefore many different possible symbologies. These can be created as different codes or by using different aspects of the barcode as the base. For example a code 39, a codebar, or interleaved 2 of 5 combination.
What Makes Barcodes Different?
In general, even though the complete composition of a barcode is quite similar, each barcode is in fact unique. This is largely because different symbology is used for each barcode. Most barcodes are based on what is referred to as an X-dimension. The X-dimension essentially is the narrowest space or bar in a specific barcode. The X-dimension is referenced in millimeters which commonly referred to as mils. This measurement is literally thousandths of an inch. When the X-dimension is designated in mils, a symbology standard is created. This is necessary so the barcode printing and reading equipment are compatible in the marketplace.
What Does the X-Dimension Do in Barcodes?
The X-dimension is what determines what the density of a bar code will be. This in turn refers to the amount of information that can be stored in a particular barcode. In general, barcodes that feature low numbers, such as 4 mil, are in fact high density barcodes. Conversely, barcodes that feature high numbers, such as 56 mil, have low densities. This may initially seem quite illogical for someone who is not at all familiar with barcodes but there is in fact sound reasoning behind it. Remember that the X-dimension is the narrowest bar or space in the code. So when X is small, the actual area required for each barcode character is also smaller. This means that the barcode as a whole can hold more information per linear inch. For this reason, it is said to have a higher density. The same applies to a low density barcode. Because the X is larger, less information can be stored on the barcode. It is the actual amount of information stored on the barcode that relates directly to whether it is a high or low density barcode.
How Are Barcodes Read?
A feature of barcodes is that they have a start and stop feature which allows them to be read from either left to right or right to left. The unique start / stop characters contain information that tells the scanner the direction in which the code should be read, provides timing devices for the reader, and also identifies the symbology that has been used to create the barcode. As a norm, the barcode reads left to right with the start character located on the left side of the barcode and the end character on the far right side. In order for the barcode reader to pick up the information on the barcode, it needs to know when to start and stop reading. For this reason, you will generally find an open blank space on either side of the bar code. This is so there are no other symbols or lines to confuse the reader, and it can clearly find the leading edge of the barcode and be able to read it.
Translating Barcodes into Tangible Information
Essentially barcodes are a simplified way of storing most product and pricing information of a product. When the scanner reads the barcode of a particular product, it decodes that information into computer-compatible information. For example, as you scan a loaf of bread at the supermarket, you will see the information that is then called up. On your receipt, you can clearly see the item description and price.
by: Scott Steiner
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