Resource Centre > Glossary
This page contains definitions of many commonly used words, phrases and abbreviations relating to printers and barcodes. Use the alphabetical links below to navigate the list.
0-9
2D
Two Dimensional Bar codes are special rectangular codes which ‘stack’ information in a manner allowing for more information storage in a smaller amount of space. These are also referred to as ‘Stacked’ Bar Codes or ‘Matrix’ Bar Codes. A standard bar code is limited to 20 to 25 characters.
A
Accuracy
The determination of whether any element width or inter-character gap width (if applicable) differs from its nominal width by more than the printing tolerance.
ADC
Automated Data Collection or Automated Data Capture - refers to all technologies that automate the process of data collection without the use of a keyboard, including bar code, magnetic stripe, (OCR) optical card reader, voice recognition, smart card or (RFID) radio frequency identification. ADC provides a quick accurate and costeffective way to collect and enter data.
AIAG
Automotive Industry Action Group. A trade association responsible for creating automotive industry standards pertaining to bar code symbology and common label formats.
AIM
Automatic Identification Manufacturers, Inc. A U.S. trade association headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA who represent the manufacturers of automatic identification systems.
Alignment
In an automatic identification system (Auto ID), the relative position and orientation of a scanner to the symbol.
Alphanumeric
A character set consisting of letters, numbers and usually other character such as special symbols.
ANSI
American National Standards Institute – a non-governmental organization responsible for the development of voluntary bar code, quality standards. Bar code printing standards and the readability of bar code symbols are determined and classified into grades from A to F, in order to provide an overall symbol quality test.
B
Backcoating
Used on a thermal transfer ribbon to prevent the ribbon from sticking to the printhead and to the substrate (media/label material). It also protects the printhead from excessive heat, static, and abrasion.
Background
The spaces, quiet zones, and areas surrounding a printed symbol.
Bar Code
A bar code is a piece of Automatic Identification Technology (Auto ID) that stores real time data. It is a series of vertical bars or a graphical bar pattern which can, (depending on the width and pattern) encode numbers and letters in a format which can easily be retrieved and interpreted by a bar code reader.
Bar code Character
A single group of bars and stripes that represents a specific quantity (often one) of numbers, letters, punctuation marks, or other symbols. This is the smallest subset of a bar code symbol that contains data.
Bar Code Density
The number of characters that can be represented in a linear unit of measure. This number is often expressed in characters per inch or cpi.
Bar Height / Length
The bar dimension perpendicular to the bar width. Also called bar height. Scanning is performed in an axis perpendicular to the bar length.
Bar Width
The thickness of a bar measured from the edge closest to the symbol start character to the trailing edge of the same bar.
Barcode
A bar code is a piece of Automatic Identification Technology (Auto ID) that stores real time data. It is a series of vertical bars or a graphical bar pattern which can, (depending on the width and pattern) encode numbers and letters in a format which can easily be retrieved and interpreted by a bar code reader.
Bi-Directional
Bar code symbology capable of being read successfully independent of scanning direction.
Bitmapped Font
Refers to the inherent character and font sets found within a thermal printer and their respective ability to be adjusted and "shunk to fit". Bitmapped fonts are commonly available in limited point sizes - ex - 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 and 18 point - whose edges can become distorted or rough with manipulation outside the prescribed point size ranges.
C
Character Alignment
The vertical or horizontal position of characters with respect to a given set of reference lines.
Character Density
Within a linear bar code symbol, the number of data characters per unit length (typically per inch). For a discrete symbology, the character width must include the intercharacter gap.
Character Set
A range of data characters (alpha, numeric, and/or punctuation) that can be encoded into any given symbology.
Check Character / Digit
A mechanically calculated number included within a string of data whose value is used for the purpose of performing a mathematical check to insure that the bar code message is scanned and read correctly.
Check Digit
A mechanically calculated number included within a string of data whose value is used for the purpose of performing a mathematical check to insure that the bar code message is scanned and read correctly.
Codabar
a barcode symbology that uses four bars and three spaces to represent the numbers 0 through 9 and a set of special characters.
Code 11
is a barcode symbology developed by Intermec. It uses 11 characters: 0 through 9 and -.
Code 128
Code 128 is an alphanumeric bar code specifically designed to reduce the amount of space the bar code occupies. Each printed character can have one of three different meanings, depending on which of three different character sets are employed. Code 128 can be recognized as the labeling standard for UCC/EAN 128, used as product identification for container and pallet levels of retail markets.
Code 16k
This symbol is a stack of from 2 to 16 rows.
Code 39
is the most commonly used bar code. It can encode both numbers and letters which is ideal for most industrial and non-retail applications. The Automotive industry uses Code 39 as its standard for shipping container labels. If you are just starting out a bar code application of your own, we recommend using Code 39.
Code 49
was introduced in 1987 by the Intermec Corporation as a multi-row, continuous, variable length symbology and was the first stacked (two dimensional) barcode to receive widespread interest.
Code 93
Code 93 is the complimentary version of Code 39 and allows labels to be approximately 30 percent shorter than Code 39.
Continuous Bar Code
The end of each character in the bar code message marks the beginning of the next character; there are no intercharacter gaps to separate the characters in the bar code message. Ex – Interleaved 2 of 5 code.
Continuous Media
Label, ticket or tag stock media that does not contain any notches, gaps or holes between each label. The label length must be specified in the label program.
Contrast
The difference in reflectance between the black and white (or bar and space) areas of a symbol.
D
d.p.i.
Dots Per Inch. Used in comparing relative printing resolution of thermal printheads and laser print engines.
Data Communications Equipment
(DCE) Devices designed to manipulate transmitted data, such as modem.
Data Terminal Equipment
(DTE) A digital device such as a display terminal, data entry terminal, or printer which may be used to view or enter data. This device has a different communication connector pinout than DCE (see DCE).
Decoder
In a bar code reading system, the electronic package that receives signals from the scanner, performs the algorithm to interpret the signals into meaningful data, and provides the interface to other devices.
Density
The term used to designate the compactness of a bar code which measures the narrowest element (usually in mils) of that bar code.
Depth of Field
The distance between the maximum and minimum plane in which a code reader is capable of reading symbols of a specified “X” dimension.
Diffuse Reflection
The component of reflected light that emanates in all directions from the reflecting surface.
Direct Thermal
(DT) Direct thermal printing is an old technology originally designed for low cost copiers and fax machines. It has since been transformed into a highly successful technology for bar coding. The thermal printhead is typically a long linear array of tiny resistive heating elements (100-300/inch) arranged perpendicular to the paper flow. Each thermal printhead element locally heats an area on the chemically coated paper directly under the print element. This induces a chemical reaction which causes a dot to form in that area. The image is formed by building it from dot rows as the media passes underneath the active edge of the printhead. Direct thermal printing is an excellent choice for many bar code labeling applications. DT printers provide simplicity and environmental economy (recyclable materials are also available). Direct thermal printers are simple to operate compared to most other print technologies - with no ribbons or toners to replenish - label loading is a very simple procedure. Enables batch or single label print capability with virtually no waste.
Discrete Bar Code
Each character of the bar code message stands alone, separated by intercharacter gaps, and can be read independently from the others.
DPI
Dots Per Inch. Used in comparing relative printing resolution of thermal printheads and laser print engines.
DRAM
Dynamic Random Access Memory – is one type of chip used in Random Access Memory. It stores information as an electrical charge. Because this charge dissipates over time, the computing device must periodically run a “refresh cycle” on the chips to recharge them – hence “dynamic”. As it is a type of RAM, it will lose its information when the device into which it is installed is turned off. Typically, the time required to access information with a DRAM scheme is greater than with SRAM. SRAM chips can also not be substituted for DRAM chips; the machine (e.g. printer) must have been designed to use SRAM.
E
E.A.N.
or the European Article Number is the European version of the UPC (Uniform Product Code) bar code of retail food packaging that enables this linear bar code to be used internationally. Like the U.S. equivalent UPC code, there are two different types of EAN codes, EAN 8 and EAN 13.
E.D.I.
Electronic Data Interchange - A method by which data is/are electronically transmitted from one point to another.
EAN-13
has 13 characters or symbols. It is very much like the UPC code and has the 13th character as a means of identifying in what country the product will be used.
EAN-8
has a left-hand guard pattern, four odd parity digits, a center guard pattern, four even parity digits, and a right hand guard pattern with a total of eight symbols.
EBCDIC
Extended Binary Coded Decimal Interchange Code which was developed by IBM and is used extensively in systems featuring IBM processors. Each character is represented by a six bit structure with the capability of generating 64 combinations.
Edge Roughness
Irregularities in the printing of bar code elements, resulting in a non-uniform edge and edge errors.
EIA
Electronic Industries Association – a trade association.
Electrostatic
A method of printing that utilizes a special electrostatic paper or charged drum, both of which attract toner to the charged area.
Element
A single bar or space in a bar code symbol.
EPROM
The abbreviation for erasable programmable Read Only Memory – (See ROM).
F
F.A.C.T.
Federation of Automated Coding Technology - A bureau of AIM consisting of organizations that use and promote automatic identification among their members.
Face Material
The part of the substrate (media) where printing occurs.
Facestock
The part of the substrate (media) where printing occurs.
First Read Rate (FRR)
The ratio of the number of successful reads on the first scanning attempt to the number of attempts. Commonly expressed as a percentage and abbreviated as FRR.
Fixed Ratio
The ratio between the width of the bars in the code is a fixed standard and cannot be changed.
Flash Memory
Read/Writeable RAM (a.k.a. Non-Volatile RAM) This is a type of Random Access Memory chip that does not lose its contents when its power is turned off; however, it can be intentionally written to, read from, and intentionally erased. It is a type of RAM and, hence, interacts with the computer or processor as described under “RAM” except that it does not lose its contents when power is removed. The advantage of flash is best understood by example: A program or set of data could be stored into a computer or other machine at the place where the product is built. Of course, since flash won’t lose its contents even when it’s receiving no power, the product could be kept on the shelf with its memory loaded for a period of time before it’s put into service. While the product is in use, its flash chips cannot be accidentally reprogrammed, so the data or program that was stored in the product remains safely intact. At some point in the future, however, if the manufacturer of the product decided that there was a need to alter the data or the program, this could be done. The manufacturer would send to its customers a computer file containing the updated information. Along with the revised data or program would be a program for the product to use to erase the old data or program and read in the new.
Flexographic Printing
The process whereby a pre-printed label, tag or ticket is printed by using a raised image plate surface to transfer wet ink to a printing substrate.
G
Guard Bars
Bars that are at both ends and center of a UPC and EAN symbol which provide reference points for scanning. Guard bars are similar in function to start and stop characters.
H
Hand-Held Scanner
A hand-held scanning device used as a contact bar code reader or OCR (optical code) reader.
High Density
This bar code type has narrow spaces and bars with an “X” dimension that is less than 7.5 mils.
Horizontal Bar Code
A bar code or symbol presented in such a manner that its overall length dimension is parallel to the horizon. The bars are presented in an array that looks like a picket fence.
Human-Readable
The interpretation of bar code data, often printed immediately below the bar code in a readable format to humans.
I
I.P.S.
Inches Per Second (refer to Print Speed)
IEEE
Institute of Electrical & Electronic Engineers – a trade association.
Impact Printing
or dot matrix - Any printing system where a micro-processorcontrolled hammer impacts against a ribbon and a substrate (label media).
Industry Standards
were created to encourage consistency across specific industries. Some of the more common standards are from the Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG), Electronic Industry Association (EIA), the Health Care Industry Bar Code (HCIB) and the UCC Retail Pallet Format.
Ink Jet Printing
Common direct marking process and a favorite on high speed production lines. Ink droplets are selectively deflected between a moving product and an ink return channel . Ink jet printing is frequently used for coding products and cartons with human readable data and lot codes at very high speed and for case coding of cartons with bar codes. Bar codes on corrugated boxes are intentionally made large so that dot placement accuracy becomes less critical. Thus, using more ink and creating questionable print quality and usefulness for bar coding.
Interlabel Gap
The space, notch or hole between labels used by the media sensor on the printer to determine the label length and top of form.
Interleaved 2 of 5
Interleaved 2 of 5 is a linear symbology that is most often used for encoding large amounts of information in a small area. Characters are paired together using bars to represent the first character and spaces to represent the second. Interleaved 2 of 5 bar code applications are mainly seen in the electronics and manufacturing areas.
J
K
L
Ladder Orientation
A bar code symbol positioned vertically with horizontal bars and spaces.
Laser Printing
The laser printer works much like a photocopier projecting controlled streams of ions onto the surface of a print drum resulting in a charged image. The charged image then selectively attracts toner particles - transferring the image onto the paper substrate (media) by means of pressure. The pressure from the printhead and drum then fuse the image to the paper - creating the image. A laser printed label is only as durable as a photocopy of paper. They commonly cannot produce chemical or waterresistant labels. Laser printer labeling adhesives must be carefully selected to ensure stability under the heat and pressure of the fuser. Laser printers are not well suited for industrial labeling applications or individual product labeling applications. Compatible toners for thermal printing applications are, often times, lacking. Cost of toner is significant for barcode printing - 15-30% black for bar code print versus 5% black for word processing print - 6 x the cost for barcoding using laser when compared to direct thermal or thermal transfer!
Laser Scanner
An optical bar code reading device using a low-energy laser light beam as its source of illumination.
Light Pen
A hand-held pen-like contact reader which the user must sweep across the bar code symbol in order to read the code. Also referred to as a wand.
Linear Bar Code / Symbology
A complete bar code message is expressed in a single line of bars – also commonly referred to as a 1-Dimensional barcode.
Low Density
This bar code type has bars and spaces that are wide and far apart with an “X” dimension greater than 20 mils. This type of bar code is used for scanning bar codes from further distances.
M
Manufacturer’s ID
In the UPC code, the 6-digit number applied by the UCC to uniquely identify a manufacturer or company selling products under its own name. Also, the first 6 digits of the 12-digit UPC.
Matrix Symbols
Appear as a checker board. They are most likely square in shape, and contain some form of “finder pattern” which distinguishes them from other symbols. The finder pattern provides a decoding reference for scanners.
Maxicode
An example of a company which uses the Maxicode bar code is United Parcel Service (UPS). The next time you receive a package from UPS, look for a very small square with a pattern of dots and a small bulls eye in the center. UPS uses these bar codes as a way to sort their packages for a specific destination.
Media
The term which refers to the label, tag and/or ticket and its respective ribbon combination. (2) The surface on which a bar code symbol is printed. Also, interchangeably, referred to as substrate
Media Roll Capacity
Refers to the maximum/minimum media roll diameter that a thermal printer can accommodate
Misread
A condition that occurs when the data output of a reader does not agree with the data encoded in the bar code symbol.
Module
The narrowest nominal width unit of measure in a bar code symbol.
Moving Beam Bar code Reader
A scanning device where scanning motion is achieved by mechanically or electronically moving the optical geometry.
N
Non-Contact Reader
Bar code readers which do not require physical contact with the printed symbol.
Non-Continuous Media
Label, tag or ticket which contains either a gap, notch or hole between each label.
Non-Read
The absence of data at the scanner output after an attempted scan due to no code, defective code, scanner failure or operator error.
O
Omnidirectional
Bar codes which can be read in any orientation in relation to the scanner.
On-Demand
A term used to describe when labels are printed immediately when the customer needs them and are ready for use versus being sent off-site for printing.
One-Dimensional Bar code
A complete bar code message is expressed in a single line of bars – also commonly referred to as a linear barcode.
Orientation
The alignment of a bar code symbol with respect to horizontal. Two possible orientations are horizontal and vertical bars and spaces (picket fence formation) and vertical with horizontal bars and stripes (ladder formation).
Overhead
The fixed number of characters required for start, stop, and checking in a given bar code symbol, e.g. a symbol requiring a start and stop character and two check characters contains four characters of overhead. To encode three characters with the overhead listed, seven characters are required to print.
P
Parallel Interface
a link between data processing devices on which the data moves over multiple wires and more quickly than serial interface. Imagine transmitting all 8 letters in a word at the same time over each wire. In parallel interface, the 8 bits (a byte) are received and then processed simultaneously. A common parallel interface option is Centronics® (36 pin) parallel.
Parity Character
An optional character which may be included in the bar code message to minimize the misreading of the message.
PDF-417
A popular two-dimensional bar code that allows thousands of characters to be stored in its data format of multi-stacks. Some states use this type of bar code for driver’s license information. Healthcare facilities may also use the PDF417 for patient records because of the amount of data it can store.
Picket Fence Orientation
A bar code symbol positioned horizontally with vertical bars and spaces.
Point of Sales
refers to bar code related retail applications occurring at the point of sale .
Pre-Printed Symbol
A symbol that is printed in advance of application either on a label or on the article to be identified.
Print Length
refers to the minimum and maximum label length a printer can print with standard or added memory capacity.
Print Quality
The measure of compliance of a bar code symbol to the requirements of dimensional tolerance, edge roughness, spots, voids, reflectance, PCS, quiet zone, and encodation.
Print Speed
the speed at which the label moves through the print head measured in inches per second (ips)
Print Width
denotes the printhead width and the corresponding maximum label width that a thermal printer can optimally print on.
Printhead
The device on a direct thermal or thermal transfer printer containing the heating element that causes an image to be transferred to the facestock.
Product ID
In the UPC code, the 5-digit number assigned by a manufacturer to every consumer unit in its product catalog. The Product ID is different for every standard package (consumer unit) of the same product.
Q
Quiet Zone
Bar code message overhead which is an area to the left and to the right of the bar code symbol and is free of printing. This area provides the scanning device time to adjust to the measurements of each bar code in the message.
R
R.A.M.
Random Access Memory - A machine's main working memory. Program instructions and data are stored here. Each location in memory has a unique address, so the computer can access the information in any location at any time it's required (i.e. “randomly”). RAM can be erased, written to, read from, and rewritten. It is erased when a computing device is turned off.
R.O.M.
Read Only Memory - Permanent memory, can only be read, not written to nor erased. Typically programmed by the manufacturer carrying the software/instructions that a computer or similar device needs in order to get started every time it's turned on. ROM does not lose its contents when the device it’s installed in is turned off.
Reflectance
The ratio of the amount of light of a specified wavelength or series of wavelengths reflected from a test surface to the amount of light reflected from a barium oxide or magnesium oxide standard.
Resolution
The narrowest element dimension that can be distinguished by a particular reading device or printed with a particular device or method. Generally the higher the resolution the better the resultant print quality.
Ribbon
A cloth or plastic tape coated with several layers of material, one of which is ink-like, that produces the visible marks on the substrate. Used on formed font impact, dot matrix, thermal transfer and hot stamp printers. Also called foil.
RS232
A link between data processing devices on which all the data moves over one wire, one bit at a time. Think of it as transmitting words one letter at a time until a total of 8 letters or bytes (8 bits) are received. The byte is then processed, but in a slower fashion than parallel. Common serial interface communications are RS232 C, RS422 and RS485 (9 or 25 Pin).
S
Scaleable Fonts
Refers to the inherent character and font sets found within a thermal printer and their respective ability to be adjusted and “shrunk to fit”. Scaleable fonts are also commonly referred to as smooth fonts as their point sizes can be adjusted to any desired custom size evenly and proportionally, without the advent of visible rough edges.
Scan rate
The number of times, per second, that the device tries to read a barcode. Generally the more scans per second, the more versatile the device is.
Self-Checking
A bar code is considered self-checking if a single printing defect will not cause a character to be transposed into another valid character in the same symbology.
Serial
A link between data processing devices on which all the data moves over one wire, one bit at a time. Think of it as transmitting words one letter at a time until a total of 8 letters or bytes (8 bits) are received. The byte is then processed, but in a slower fashion than parallel. Common serial interface communications are RS232 C, RS422 and RS485 (9 or 25 Pin).
Serial Interface
A link between data processing devices on which all the data moves over one wire, one bit at a time. Think of it as transmitting words one letter at a time until a total of 8 letters or bytes (8 bits) are received. The byte is then processed, but in a slower fashion than parallel. Common serial interface communications are RS232 C, RS422 and RS485 (9 or 25 Pin).
Service Temperature
The temperature range that a pressure sensitive label will withstand after a 72 hour residence time on the substrate. The range is expressed in degrees Fahrenheit and /or degrees Celcius.
Smudge Resistance
The resistance of a printed surface to smearing.
Source Marking
The process of labeling an item with a bar code at the point of its initial production.
Spectral Response
The variation in sensitivity of a reading device to the light of difference wavelengths.
Specular Reflection
The mirror-like reflection of light from a surface.
SRAM
or Static Random Access Memory - is a type of memory chip used in Random Access Memory that can take advantage of a particular method of working with certain main processors. In brief, a certain spot in RAM is first accessed. Then each address after that first address is accessed in order, up to a specific point. Because the computer doesn’t have to “figure out” each sequential address to access, a large block of memory can be accessed in less time than is required with DRAM. Again, you can’t just substitute SRAM chips for DRAM chips; a machine must have been designed to use SRAM. As it is a type of RAM, it will lose its information when the device into which it is installed is turned off.
Start Character
A unique character to the left of the bar code which allows for bidirectionality. (In a vertical bar code, the start character is at the top).
Stop Character
A unique character to the right of the bar code which allows for bidirectionality. (In a vertical label, the stop character is at the bottom).
Storage Temperature
denotes the prescribe temperature range for the safe storage of a thermal printer.
Substitution Error
A misencodation, misread or human key entry error where incorrect information is substituted for a character that was to be entered.
Substrate
The surface on which a bar code symbol is printed. Also, interchangeably , referred to as media.
Symbology
The language used in bar code technology (e.g. UPC, Code 39, etc).
T
Tag Stock
Substrate which contains only the facestock and has a hole from which to be hung.
Thermal Transfer Print
Thermal transfer printers use the same basic technology as direct thermal printers, but with the elimination of chemically-coated media in favor of a non-sensitized face stock and a special inked ribbon. A durable polyester ribbon film coated with a dry thermal transfer ink is placed between the thermal printhead and label. The thermal printhead is used to melt the ink onto the label surface, where it cools and anchors to the media surface. The polyester ribbon is then peeled away, leaving behind a stable, passive image. Consistent / sharp edge bar code print capability - with durable long-life and archival image stability. Clean, quiet, compact operation Batch or individual label print capability. Low cost / low maintenance compared to comparable technologies. Maximum readability and IR scannability. High contrast text, graphic and barcode print capability. Durable for operation joint office / industrial applications.
Two-Dimensional Bar code
Two Dimensional Bar codes are special rectangular codes which ‘stack’ information in a manner allowing for more information storage in a smaller amount of space. These are also referred to as ‘Stacked’ Bar Codes or ‘Matrix’ Bar Codes. A standard bar code is limited to 20 to 25 characters.
U
UPC Code
or Universal Product Code is the standard bar code symbol for retail food packages in the United States. This code was modified and adapted by Europe for international identification of food packages in the form of EAN.
UPC-A
is the most common bar code used in retail today. It is a numeric, fixed ratio bar code with 12 characters.
UPC-E
A UPC symbol encoding six digits of data in an arrangement that occupies less area than a UPC-A symbol. Also called “zero suppressed” symbol because a 10-digit UPC-A code can be compressed to a six digit UPC-E format by suppressing redundant zeros.
USB
USB (Universal Serial Bus) is a "plug-and-play" interface between a computer and add-on devices (such as scanners and printers). With USB, a new device can be added to your computer without having to add an adapter card or even having to turn the computer off.
V
Variable Length Code
A code whose number of encoded characters can be within a range, as opposed to a code with a fixed number of encoded characters.
Verifier
A device that makes measurements of the bars, spaces, quiet zones and optical characteristics of a symbol to determine if the symbol meets the requirements of a specification or standard.
canner for input and sends data directly into an application by emulating a keyboard stroke. A wedge (hardware wedge) is an external device and plugs between the keyboard and terminal.
W
X
“X” Dimension
The “X”-dimension is the narrowest bar or space in the bar code. This bar or space is measured in millimeters. (mil=1/1000 of an inch). The “X”- dimension defines the density of a linear symbology. Depending on what the “X”-dimension of a bar code is, the bar code will be called either high density or low density.
Y
Z
“Z” Dimension
The achieved width of the narrow elements, calculated as the average of the narrow bar width and the average narrow space width.
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