A barcode (also bar code) is a machine-readable representation of information (usually dark ink on a light background to create high and low reflectance which is converted to 1s and 0s).
Barcodes are widely used to implement Auto ID Data Capture (AIDC) systems that improve the speed and accuracy of computer data entry.
Since their invention in the 20th century, barcodes — especially the UPC — have slowly become an essential part of modern civilization. Their use is widespread, and the technology behind barcodes is constantly improving. Some modern applications of barcodes include:
Practically every item purchased from a grocery store, department store, and mass merchandiser has a barcode on it. This greatly helps in keeping track of the large number of items in a store and also reduces instances of shoplifting (since shoplifters could no longer easily switch price tags from a lower-cost item to a higher-priced one). Since the adoption of barcodes, both consumers and retailers have benefited from the savings generated.
Document Management tools often allow for barcoded sheets to facilitate the separation and indexing of documents that have been imaged in batch scanning applications.
The tracking of item movement, including rental cars, airline luggage, nuclear waste, mail and parcels.
Recently, researchers have placed tiny barcodes on individual bees to track the insects’ mating habits.
Many tickets now have barcodes that need to be validated before allowing the holder to enter sports arenas, cinemas, theatres, fairgrounds, transportation etc.
Used on automobiles, can be located on front or back.
2.
gurux33 | February 15th, 2011 at 9:44 am
This can vary a lot by application, but the normal barcodes you see in stores contain a prefix (1 digit) that states the type of product (normal product, drugs, coupon or reserved for local (store/warehouse) use)
Additional information includes a number assigned to the manufacturer or to the publisher in the case of books or cd’s etc.
After this will be an item number assigned to the specific item being sold.
There may also be a check number which is determined by mathematical formula to insure that the number is scanned correctly.
Leave a Comment for what data does a barcode contain?
2 Comments for what data does a barcode contain?
1. Robert S | February 15th, 2011 at 8:50 am
A barcode (also bar code) is a machine-readable representation of information (usually dark ink on a light background to create high and low reflectance which is converted to 1s and 0s).
Barcodes are widely used to implement Auto ID Data Capture (AIDC) systems that improve the speed and accuracy of computer data entry.
Since their invention in the 20th century, barcodes — especially the UPC — have slowly become an essential part of modern civilization. Their use is widespread, and the technology behind barcodes is constantly improving. Some modern applications of barcodes include:
Practically every item purchased from a grocery store, department store, and mass merchandiser has a barcode on it. This greatly helps in keeping track of the large number of items in a store and also reduces instances of shoplifting (since shoplifters could no longer easily switch price tags from a lower-cost item to a higher-priced one). Since the adoption of barcodes, both consumers and retailers have benefited from the savings generated.
Document Management tools often allow for barcoded sheets to facilitate the separation and indexing of documents that have been imaged in batch scanning applications.
The tracking of item movement, including rental cars, airline luggage, nuclear waste, mail and parcels.
Recently, researchers have placed tiny barcodes on individual bees to track the insects’ mating habits.
Many tickets now have barcodes that need to be validated before allowing the holder to enter sports arenas, cinemas, theatres, fairgrounds, transportation etc.
Used on automobiles, can be located on front or back.
2. gurux33 | February 15th, 2011 at 9:44 am
This can vary a lot by application, but the normal barcodes you see in stores contain a prefix (1 digit) that states the type of product (normal product, drugs, coupon or reserved for local (store/warehouse) use)
Additional information includes a number assigned to the manufacturer or to the publisher in the case of books or cd’s etc.
After this will be an item number assigned to the specific item being sold.
There may also be a check number which is determined by mathematical formula to insure that the number is scanned correctly.
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