Barcode Technology

Roadmap
 Definitions
 Development/Timeline
 How do they work?
 Conclusion
 References
 Questions
Definitions
 Barcode -  a code consisting of a group of printed and variously
patterned bars and spaces and sometimes numerals that is designed
to be scanned and read into computer memory and that contains
information (as identification) about the object it labels.
 QR Code -  a matrix barcode (or two-dimensional code), readable by
QR scanners, mobile phones with a camera, and smartphones.
 Scanner – a device that interpret different imagery, in this case:
barcodes.
Development/Timeline
 1952, a patent for “Classifying Apparatus And Method” is filed.
 1959, Collins manages development of a car identification system (KarTrak).
 1967, a standard for bar codes is formed based on KarTrak’s.
 1968, Collins forms Computer Identics Corp.
 1971, first portable bar code scanners and wands made.
 1973, UPC codes invented and adopted by food stores.
 1974, Code 39 developed.
 1982, Code 128 developed. 1st handheld scanner & barcode printer released.
 1987, Code 49 developed. Collins forms Data Capture Institute.
 1990, ANSI X3.182 standard on bar code print quality is issued. PDF417, is
introduced by Symbol Technologies
 1994, Checkerboard symbology Data Matrix invented by International Data
Matrix, Inc.
 2005, airlines implement QR Codes as a part of boarding passes.
 2008, mobile phones implement usage of the QR Code.
Different Codes

 Defines 43 Characters.
 Typically used in non-retail
areas.
 Arguably the simplest
barcode.

Code 39
 Defines the entire 128
ASCII character set.
 Typically used in
shipping/retail.

Code 128
 Most commonly used
barcode as of recent
especially with mobile
phones.
 Has various numbers
of functions: linking to
websites, send SMS
functions, etc.

QR Code
How does a scanner/smartphone
interpret a barcode?

 Each barcode is interpreted similarly and

yet also slightly differently as well.
 Barcodes also happen to be less complex
that QR Codes.
 Barcodes can use scanners, whereas QR
Codes require something else (i.e
smartphones, computer, game machines)
No/Quiet Zones
 For all commonly used barcodes, each has a
no or quiet zone. Each one varies.
 In general, these must not be covered or the

scan of the barcodes will not work.

 For QR Codes, there are no zones as well as a

quiet zone.
 With Codes 39 or 128, they have a quiet zone
Quiet Zone

surrounding it.
No Zones
QR Code

 Position Markers

 Format

 Version Number

 Alignment Marker
 Light from Scanner
Barcodes Light Reflection

 Barcode scanners are made of 3

different parts: an illuminator, a
convertor, and a decoder. Barcode
 The illuminator shoots out a line
of light (typically red) at the
barcode.
 Light will reflect from the
barcode (from anywhere that is
not black) in the form of a wave.
 The convertor converts the wave
into a readable form for the
device.
 Decoder reads the converted
information.
QR Codes
• Certain applications on a
smart phone / portable
gaming device can scan QR
codes (i.e ZXing on Android)
• Instead of bouncing off an
image via light, QR Codes
are interpreted from a
picture skipping the light
wave process.
• Interpretation of the code is
that excluding the no zones,
each black module is a 1 bit
and a white one is a 0 bit.
0 1
• There are also different
versions (currently up to
40).
• These are determined by a
numeral in a chart, followed
by a error correction level.
By following the two, the
version number is reached.
• Error Correction
• This allows other
images to be placed
into the code without
any issues. Still works!
Advantages:-
->Represent unique identity of a product
->Accuracy of data input(Error free)
->Labour savings by avoiding manual system
->More accurate dispatch
->Cost efficient
->Real time data collection
->Rapid access to total production costs
->Measurement of work in progress
throughout the factory
Disadvantages:-
-> System failure may cause more delays

-> Scratches and crumpled barcodes may cause problems

-> Data must be coded in the barcode

-> In laser scanning,durability and cost are the two disadvantages.