The Workings of the Humble Barcode

Bar code (usually written and read as single word barcode) is nothing but an optical representation of printed lines (known as bars) and spaces which are read by the machine or computer and is used for entering information in any computer system. The bar code is generally affixed on every retail store article, bank and identification cards, credit cards etc to identify the precise product number, code or location. The bar code is very specific and solitary for the product for which it is created. Each barcode is made up of varying widths of bars with spaces in between which represents the information stored in binary digits. These codes are decoded only with the use of laser or optical scanner which is attached to a computer system.

Typically, a bar code consist of 5 parts – a quiet zone, a start character, data characters, a stop character and last quiet zone. These codes are decoded only with the use of laser or optical scanner which is attached to a computer system. As soon as the scanner is passed through the bar code, all the information pertaining to that object (of which the bar code is scanned) come on your computer screen.

The bar code system is a set of a computer where the information is stored and displayed, a barcode reading software, a scanner which is used to decode a bar code, printers and labelers. It can also include mobile terminals which are used for mobile data acquisition. These mobile terminals come with a built in scanner and reader, a display unit and a keyboard.

Barcode Software

For creating a barcode, one needs to have special software which varies with the operating system of each computer. The best barcode software comes with Apple Macintosh computers. But if you have Microsoft windows, you can easily avail the barcode software. The software is so designed that it has integrated barcode symbology (corresponding to the barcode language). The software automatically presents you with the multiple options that are supported by most common image format such as PNG, JPG or EPS. The barcode software varies according to its use. That is there would different software for print logos, bar codes with product image and sequential barcodes.

Barcode scanners

The barcode is decodes by a barcode scanner. In market, there are available different types of barcode scanners such as laser scanners or CCD scanners. The most commonly used scanner these days are laser scanners, which use a moving laser beam to decipher a barcode without any errors. They are quite expensive and are not affordable by all. The small time users can go for CCD scanners which uses photo detectors.

Barcode Printers

The barcode is printed on self adhesive labels using a barcode printer. These printers use a system known as thermal transfer or thermal direct transfer. The direct thermal printer works on the concept of application of heat to a specific part of the label to darken those areas which are sensitive to light where as the thermo transfer printers work with a heat sensitive ribbon which is placed in between the print head and the label. The ink is transferred from the ribbon to the label by heat application. The labels printed in such way are more durable even though they have a high printing cost.