INTRODUCTION TO

INDUSTRIAL BARCODE READING

Understand the inner workings of 1D and 2D codes,
printing and marking methods, and types of barcode readers
 TABLE OF CONTENTS
What is a barcode........................................................................................................ 3

How barcodes are used............................................................................................... 4

Types of barcodes........................................................................................................ 5

1D barcodes..................................................................................................... 5

2D codes........................................................................................................... 7

Barcode printing and marking methods........................................................................ 9

Thermal transfer and inkjet printing.................................................................. 9

Direct park marking........................................................................................... 10

Types of barcode readers............................................................................................. 11

Laser scanners................................................................................................. 11

Image-based readers........................................................................................ 13

How to select a reader................................................................................................. 16

Glossary....................................................................................................................... 20

2 Introduction to Industrial Barcode Reading

 WHAT IS A BARCODE
A barcode is a machine-readable pattern applied to products, packages, or parts.
Barcodes contain data used for informational and marketing purposes as well as for
tracking products throughout their lifecycle. Barcodes are read by using a special reader or
scanner with lights and lenses that decodes the data in the codes. The information is then
transferred to a database where it can be logged and tracked.

Although barcode technology was originally patented in 1952, it wasn’t until 1974 that
the first product—a package of Wrigley’s gum—was scanned at a Marsh® supermarket
in Ohio. Today, barcodes come in dozens of different formats, from a row of simple
lines called a 1D (one-dimensional) barcode to dots and squares that form a 2D
(two-dimensional) code; QR (Quick Response) and Data Matrix codes are among
the most popular 2D codes. The more advanced 2D code allows users to store and
retrieve significantly more data than they could with a 1D code. This is because 1D codes
only contain data in the horizontal direction whereas 2D codes contain information both
vertically and horizontally.

Linear barcode Data Matrix code QR code

Postal Code Stacked linear barcode

Figure 1: 1D and 2D code formats

Introduction to Industrial Barcode Reading 3

 HOW BARCODES ARE USED
Barcodes are used as a means of quick identification. Nearly every industry uses barcodes
to automate and simplify traceability by tracking everything from where something was
produced and when it was shipped, to which retailer sold the product, at what time, and for
how much. Overall, barcodes provide better accuracy, traceability, and sorting abilities than
relying on manually-entered data.

Figure 2: Barcodes are used in almost every industry

Safety and liability are also drivers behind industry adoption of barcodes. In recent years,
governments around the world have started to require medical devices and pharmaceutical
manufacturers to apply machine-readable codes on every package down to individual
medicine containers. Should a defective product reach a store shelf, automated tracking of
every package will accelerate safety recalls while making quality-control data available to
the entire supply chain.

4 Introduction to Industrial Barcode Reading

 TYPES OF BARCODES
1D barcodes
The first barcodes implemented worldwide were 1D barcodes. These linear codes only
contain alphanumeric data. Each character in the code represents something different
about the product and a database provides information on what each character means.

In most cases, 1D barcodes are read from left to right. The widths of the spaces and
bars relate to a specific character in the barcode. A quiet zone or margin is the white
space to the left and the right of the barcode; this helps the reader to locate the barcode.
As a general rule, the margins should be at least seven to ten times the narrowest bar
width in the barcode.

Guard patterns Check digit

5 0 6 0 0 3 4 4 8 1 4 6 1
Quiet zone
Figure 3: Structure of a 1D code

All the other bars in the code are based off a ratio of the narrow bar width. For example,
2:1, 3:1 and 2.5:1 are common ratios that describe the width of white spaces and black
bars based on the starting point of the narrowest black bar. Some barcodes also have a
guard pattern. The guard pattern is at the beginning and end of the barcode; this pattern
tells the reader where the barcode starts and ends.

Introduction to Industrial Barcode Reading 5

 Symbologies
Common 1D barcodes include but are not limited to: the GS1; UPC (Universal Product
Code), which is common in retail and consumer goods; EAN in the European Union; and
Code 128, which can describe any ASCII 128 character and is commonly used in logistics.
Most of these barcodes include a check digit as part of its standard. The check digit is used
to verify that the code is complete and not damaged or otherwise missing information; it does
this by performing a mathematical operation on the data within the code.

Other 1D codes, such as Code 39 (widely used by the military), POSTNET (used by the
United States Postal Service®), Codabar, and Interleaved 2 of 5 offer optional check
digits. Pharmacode, which is used for the pharmaceutical industry, can be read both
forward and backward. The drawback of this code is that it must be positioned the same
way each time it is read.

Code 128 UPC-A

Typical usage: Typical usage:
Logistics Retail & Supermarkets
in United States

EAN-13 Code 39
Typical usage: Typical usage:
Retail & Supermarkets Military & Automotive
in Europe

Code 93 Codabar
Typical usage: Typical usage:
Military, Automotive U.S. Blood Banks,
& Healthcare Photo Labs, FedEx®
Airbills and Libraries

Interleaved 2 of 5 MSI/Plessy
Typical usage: Typical usage:
Distribution & Supermarkets
Warehousing

POSTNET
Typical usage:
United States Postal Service (USPS®)

Intelligent Mail Barcode

Typical usage:
Some United States Postal Service (USPS)

Figure 4: Types of 1D codes

6 Introduction to Industrial Barcode Reading

 2D codes
Unlike 1D barcodes, 2D codes contain information both horizontally and vertically, allowing
them to store much more data. For example, a single 2D code can hold up to 3,116
numeric characters or 2,335 alphanumeric characters, compared to the 39 characters that
Code 39 can hold.

Unlike 1D barcodes, all 2D codes have built-in error correction, similar to the check digits
in some 1D codes, which effectively eliminates misreads. Within a single 2D Data
Matrix code, the data is typically encoded three times, which significantly increases the
chances the code will be read correctly.

While 1D codes have quiet zones and guard patterns to identify where the code starts
and stops, a 2D code has a quiet zone, a finder pattern, and a clocking pattern. The
finder pattern is the L-shaped pattern located around the outside edge of two sides of the
2D code. This is used to ensure proper orientation during decoding. Opposite the finder
pattern is the clocking pattern, a series of alternating black and white modules (or
cells) that defines how big a single cell is and the size of the code (number of rows and
columns) for decoding. The quiet zone is similar to that of 1D barcodes; for 2D codes,
however, it must surround the entire code.

Clocking pattern

Module or cell
Data region

Finder or “L” pattern

Quiet zone

Figure 5: Structure of a 2D code

Introduction to Industrial Barcode Reading 7

 Symbologies
Common 2D codes include: Data Matrix, used by aerospace, defense, printed media and
the U.S. Postal Service; MaxiCode, a dot-based code that is used in logistics applications;
QR codes, used in automotive and commercial marketing applications; and Aztec codes,
used by ticket agencies and rental car companies.

Data Matrix MaxiCode

Typical Usage: Typical Usage:
Aerospace, Logistics
Automotive,
Electronics,
United States Postal
Service (USPS)

QR Aztec
Typical Usage: Typical Usage:
Automotive Parts Travel Tickets & Car
& Commercial Registration Documents
Marketing

PDF417 GS1 DataBar Stacked

Typical Usage: Typical Usage:
U.S. Driver’s Licenses Supermarkets
& Logistics

DotCode
Typical Usage:
Packaging, Logistics &
Anti-theft Initiatives

Figure 6: Types of 2D codes

8 Introduction to Industrial Barcode Reading

 BARCODE PRINTING AND
MARKING METHODS
Every code application begins with collecting information from a central database, which
often includes the origin and other manufacturing data, and then applying that data to an
object. The application of the code is usually accomplished in one of two ways: by applying
the code to a package or label, usually using inkjet or thermal printing methods, or by
permanently marking the code directly on a part via direct part marking (DPM) methods
such as dot peen, chemical etching, or laser marking.

Thermal transfer or inkjet printing

Inkjet printers are most commonly used for printing the code on a package, label or other
material. Inkjet printers create the barcode by propelling droplets of ink onto a substrate
such as paper or plastic. Thermal transfer technology is typically used for printing labels.
This process heats up the print head and applies ink directly to the label. Inkjet and
thermal printing are often used to print 1D barcodes.

Figure 7: Inkjet-printed code on pharmaceutical bottles

Introduction to Industrial Barcode Reading 9

 Direct part marking
For many applications, such as medical devices, automotive parts, and other durable
goods where traceability and liability protection at the component level are important, DPM
methods offer a longer-lasting alternative compared to printing methods. DPM codes will
typically include more data than just a part index number; therefore, they often use 2D
codes instead of lower-bandwidth 1D barcodes.

Laser Figure 8: Laser-

marked code on a
Laser marking systems typically use fiber metal cylinder
lasers to engrave Data Matrix codes or other
2D code symbologies on the part.

Dot peen Figure 9: Dot peen-

marked code on an
Dot peen marking systems, generally automotive part
considered the most cost-effective option,
use an oscillating stylus to press into the
metal, creating a divot.

Chemical etching Figure 10:

Chemically-etched
Electrical chemical etching uses a sodium- code on metal
based solution combined with a pulsing
low-voltage electrical current. The charged
solution dissolves the metal, which is then
extracted through a special stencil.

Depending on the material being marked, each method has its own strengths and
weaknesses. For metal parts, laser-marking systems offer high-throughput permanent
marks but are costly to install. Dot peen marking heads are less expensive but they wear
down, which can compromise the mark.

10 Introduction to Industrial Barcode Reading

 TYPES OF BARCODE READERS
Laser scanners
A barcode scanner, or barcode reader, is a device with lights, lenses, and a sensor that
decodes and captures the information contained in barcodes. In the early days of 1D
codes, codes could only be read by lasers. Laser scanners use a laser beam as a light
source and typically employ oscillating mirrors or rotating prisms to scan the laser beam
back and forth across the barcode. A photodiode then measures the reflected light from
the barcode. An analog signal is created from the photodiode, and is then converted into a
digital signal.

Sensor

Oscillating
Mirror

Barcode

Laser

Figure 11: Laser scanner

Despite being an older technology, laser scanners still offer some operational benefits. Laser
scanners do not require an image processor. They are also fast, capable of conducting up
to 1,300 scans per second. Finally, because they use lasers—collimated beams of light that
essentially do not diverge no matter how far the light travels from the source—they can read
1D barcodes from relatively long distances with the use of special optics.

Introduction to Industrial Barcode Reading 11

 This does not mean that laser scanners do not have limitations. Among their crucial
limitations is that they cannot read 2D codes, which are becoming increasingly more
prevalent. Laser scanners also have trouble with 1D barcodes that are poorly printed,
low-contrast, distorted, or damaged. Because the environment for code reading
is rarely perfect, the number of misreads and no-reads are typically too high. The
combination of highly reflective parts and light sources often create hotspots that
confound laser scanners.

Damage

Noise

Low contrast

Quiet zone violation

Figure 12: Codes that can be hard to read with a laser scanner

Code position is also critical to laser scanners because, with few exceptions, 1D codes
must be scanned from left to right. This can require additional fixturing or mechanical
systems to make sure an object’s barcode is consistently oriented in a single
direction. Laser scanners also have an oscillating mirror, and moving parts can break,
resulting in additional costs and time required to repair or replace. Finally, due to eye
safety concerns, laser scanners must be shielded to protect nearby workers.

12 Introduction to Industrial Barcode Reading

 Image-based barcode readers
Image-based barcode readers use an area array sensor similar to those found in digital
cameras to acquire a picture of 1D and 2D barcodes. Then a microprocessor, running
special image-processing software, locates and decodes the code before distributing the
resulting data across a network.

Image resolution
One of the biggest differentiators for choosing an image sensor, or camera, is resolution.
Image resolution refers to how many individual pixels make up each image.

When it comes to matching an image-based reader’s resolution to an application, one of

the most common criteria is pixels per module (PPM). PPM refers to how many pixels it
will take to cover one cell or module of the code, and will confirm whether the camera has
enough resolution to read the code. PPM is calculated by dividing the camera’s resolution
in one direction (for example, 752 pixels for a standard resolution reader) by the Y-field of
view in millimeters (78 mm), and then dividing the code size in millimeters by the modules
(12 mm/22 modules). Finally, multiply these numbers together (5.26 PPM). It may sound
complicated, but a configurator app or image-processing software running on these
readers can quickly calculate PPM.

Sensor

Lens

Working Distance

2D code size:
12 mm x 12 mm
22 x 22 modules

Field of View
(FOV)

Figure 13: Pixel grid showing PPM on a Data Matrix code using an image-based reader

Introduction to Industrial Barcode Reading 13

 Lenses
An image-based barcode reader’s optics are key for acquiring a good image of the
code. Quality readers offer both S- and C-mount lens options, depending on the amount
of resolution required at a given working distance to acquire an image of the code. The
latest readers offer autofocus or liquid lens technology, which allows the reader to adapt
to changes in working distances. It works in the same way as the human eye, reshaping
and bending in order to focus. This refocus is also accomplished through software, thus
avoiding an operator manually adjusting the lens in the field or on the line.

Liquid Lens Working Distance Liquid Lens

Working Distance

Figure 14: Liquid lens technology

14 Introduction to Industrial Barcode Reading

 Lighting
Lighting also has an important part to play in acquiring a good code image. A lighting
technique involves a light source and its placement with respect to the code and the
reader. Industrial barcode readers offer various combinations of integrated and external
lighting options based on the environment and application. Some examples of lighting
types include: bright field, dark field, and diffuse dome lighting. Bright field highlights
the marks that make up the code, while dark field refers to low-angle light that highlights
the areas around the code marking, and is best for reading dot peen and recessed codes.
Diffuse dome light is best used on reflective and curved parts, as it reduces hotspots
and generates a high-contrast image. There are many other lighting options available,
including advanced high-powered integrated lighting. Consult the Cognex Lighting Advisor
(www.cognex.com/lightingadvisor) to explore the effects of different lighting techniques
and positions.

Bright field lighting Dark field lighting Diffuse dome lighting

High contrast labels Dot Peen & laser DPM Reflective & curved
& DPM parts surface DPM reading

TUNE TRIG TUNE TRIG TUNE TRIG

Figure 15: Lighting technology

Introduction to Industrial Barcode Reading 15

 HOW TO SELECT A
BARCODE READER
Selecting the perfect barcode reader starts with a careful examination of your code-
reading application. What types of codes are you reading, how fast is the line, and how
durable do you want the solution? Where will the reader be located, and with what physical
restrictions? How will the reader communicate?

Symbologies
Data requirements for your inventory or track and trace application may be only a few
kilobytes today, which may make a 1D barcode seem the most logical choice. But data
requirements are likely to grow along with the size and complexity of your operation. It
is worthwhile to anticipate future requirements that would benefit from a 2D code or the
ability to read compromised barcodes. You may own your distribution channels today, but
growth or new clients in remote locations may necessitate a third-party logistics company,
leaving you no longer in control of the code-marking quality. Investing in better technology
today may minimize future equipment upgrades.

Figure 16: Barcode symbologies

16 Introduction to Industrial Barcode Reading

 Read rates
Read rate is the number of successfully read
barcodes divided by the number of attempts.
Calculating Read Rate
The read rate is usually expressed as a If 9,900 barcodes are successfully
percentage and the closer to 100%, the better. read in 10,000 attempts, the read
Every time a machine or person handles your rate is calculated:
products there is a chance that the machine- 9,900 ÷ 10,000 = .99 or 99%.
readable code could be damaged.

This problem isn’t limited to paper and plastic packages. Even codes etched into metal can
be distorted or damaged. So if supply chain accuracy is important to your business, make
sure your reader can read noisy codes—such as those that are printed on cardboard or
are scratched, deformed or low contrast—not just perfect codes fresh off the printer.

Low resolution Missing perimeter features Specularity

Warped Poorly marked Small modules

Scratched Extreme perspective

Figure 17: Types of hard to read barcodes

Introduction to Industrial Barcode Reading 17

 Usage
The scanning environment will also indicate which type of reader you need. If your
application calls for reading cartons of various sizes traveling at high speed down a
conveyor, then a small fixed reader will be the best choice. Fixed-mount barcode
readers enable automated, hands-free scanning of codes from a mounted position,
usually on a production line.

If the reader is the final inventory check for dock workers loading incoming materials or
outgoing product, a handheld barcode reader will be ideal. Handheld barcode readers
are held in the hand of an operator and can be corded or wireless.

If it’s a courier or technician working in the field, a mobile barcode reader with built-in code
reading capability will help quickly scan packages or check equipment specifications. Mobile
barcode readers are also held in the hand of an operator and can be purpose-built for a
particular application or smartphone-based with a rugged mobile terminal enclosure.

Fixed-mount barcode readers

Handheld barcode readers Mobile barcode readers

Figure 18: Types of image-based barcode readers

18 Introduction to Industrial Barcode Reading

 Communications
After marking the part or product and reading the code, the data is stored or used within
a plant or distribution center network. Image-based barcode readers offer a full range of
industrial communication protocols including Ethernet, USB, RS-232, discrete I/O,
Ethernet/IP, PROFINET and Modbus TCP/IP. This simplifies integration between
reader and network, which is critical not only for reading and sending product tracking
information, but also for storing archived images in the event of a no-read or misread.

Ethernet USB

Serial Bluetooth I/O

Figure 19: Communication protocols

Cost of ownership
With the additional power and flexibility of image-based barcode readers, you might expect
the cost to be considerably more than laser scanners. While that was true in the past, the
latest image-based readers cost about the same as industrial laser scanners that have far
less functionality. New microprocessors and CMOS digital sensor chips also mean image-
based systems can be nearly as fast as the fastest laser scanner. And these developments
come in addition to the traditional benefits of image-based readers: no moving parts,
resulting in a longer life than laser scanners; ability to read 2D codes as well as damaged
and omnidirectional codes; and the ability to store images for audits and tracking.

To learn more about image-based barcode readers, visit cognex.com/barcodereaders or

cognex.com/blogs.

Introduction to Industrial Barcode Reading 19

 GLOSSARY
1D barcode Also known as a linear barcode, a machine-readable code representing
data in the widths and spacings of parallel lines. Examples include: Aztec,
Codabar, Code128, Code 39, EAN, Interleafed 2 of 5, Pharmacode,
POSTNET, and UPC.

2D barcode A machine-readable code that stores data both horizontally and vertically.
Examples include: Data Matrix, MaxiCode, and QR code.

Aztec code A type of 2D barcode also published as ISO/IEC 24778:2008 standard,

named after the resemblance of the central finder pattern to an Aztec
pyramid. Has the potential to use less space than other matrix barcodes
because it does not require a surrounding blank “quiet zone.”

Barcode scanner An electronic device that decodes and captures the information in a barcode.

Bright field Producing or using a strongly lighted background.

C-mount lens A type of lens mount commonly found on 16 mm movie cameras,

closed-circuit television cameras, machine vision cameras, and
microscope phototubes.

Check digits A form of redundancy check used for error detection on identification
numbers that is analogous to a binary parity bit used to check for errors
in computer-generated data. Consists of a single digit (sometimes more
than one) computed by an algorithm from the other digits (or letters) in the
sequence input.

Chemical etching A form of direct part marking; the subtractive manufacturing process of
using baths of temperature-regulated etching chemicals to remove material
to create an object with the desired shape.

Clocking pattern Provides a count of the number of rows and columns in a 2D barcode.

Codabar A discrete, self-checking 1D barcode that allows encoding of up to

16 different characters, plus an additional four special start and stop
characters, which include A, B, C, and D.

Code 128 The most robust 1D barcode type. The number 128 refers to the ability
to hold any character of the ASCII 128 character set. Includes all digits,
characters, and punctuation marks, making it compact and powerful as it
enables diverse storage of data.

20 Introduction to Industrial Barcode Reading

 Code 39 Also known as “3 of 9 Code,” was the first 1D barcode symbol to use
numbers and letters. This variable-length barcode is self-checking, so
a check digit normally is not necessary, but recommended. It gained
popularity due to its ability to encode up to 43 numbers, letters, and other
characters and is still widely used, especially in non-retail environments.

Dark field Illumination of the field of view from the side so that the object is viewed
against a dark background.

Data Matrix A 2D code that can encode large amounts of data (up to 2,335
alphanumeric or 3,116 numerical characters) and use an error-correction
system to read codes that are as much as 40% damaged. It is made up
of black and white cells in a square or rectangular pattern, and includes a
finder and clocking pattern.

Diffuse dome A lighting arrangement where the light is directed into a hemispherical,
lighting usually white, enclosure that reflects the light backwards on an object
without bright spots, or hot spots, common to direct bright field lighting.

Direct part A process to permanently mark parts with product information including
marking (DPM) serial numbers, part numbers, date codes, and barcodes. This is done to
allow the tracking of parts through their full life cycle. Examples include:
chemical etching, dot peen, and laser marking.

Discrete I/O Refers to a wiring method where the conductor directly connects a
transmitter to a receiver without encoding, protocols, or other common
methods used to create digital networks.

Dot peen A direct part-marking method composed of a carbide or diamond stylus

that rapidly actuates and makes a series of small dots on a material’s
surface. The stylus moves along the surface and forms marks including
alphanumeric characters and machine-readable codes and logos.

EAN Standing for International Article Number (EAN), EAN-8 is the European
counterpart of the UPC-A symbol. The main difference between them is
that the EAN-13 encodes an extra digit of data to make a total of 13. The
first two digits of the barcode identify a specific country, and the check digit
is the last number of the second group of six digits. This is primarily used
on small packaging where space is limited.

Ethernet A system for connecting a number of computer systems to form a local-

area network, with protocols to control the passing of information and to
avoid simultaneous transmission by two or more systems.

Ethernet/IP An Industrial Ethernet network that combines standard Ethernet technologies

with the media-independent Common Industrial Protocol (CIP).

Finder pattern Also called a locator or L pattern, it lies along two sides of a 2D code and
helps the reader to locate and determine the orientation of the machine-
readable code.

Introduction to Industrial Barcode Reading 21

 Fixed-mount Enable automated, hands-free scanning of codes from a mounted position,
barcode reader usually on a production line.

GS1 Global Standards One (GS1) develops the global standards for business
communication, most notably the barcode.

Guard pattern Usually a pair of bars in a 1D barcode that indicate the beginning and end
of specific data strings.

Handheld Scans codes from the hand of an operator and can be corded or wireless.
barcode reader

Hotspot A bloom or section of an image where all pixels in that area have maximum
intensity values, hiding any image data that may have otherwise been
found in that area of the image; usually caused by lights reflecting off shiny
surfaces during imaging.

Image-based Uses an area array sensor similar to those found in digital cameras to read
barcode reader both 1D and 2D barcodes.

Inkjet printer A computer peripheral that sprays ink onto paper, labels, boxes, and
other media.

Interleaved 2 of 5 A continuous two-width 1D barcode symbology commercially used on

135 film, for ITF-14 barcodes, and on cartons of some products, while the
products inside are labeled with UPC or EAN.

Laser marking A direct part-marking method that labels materials with a laser beam by
engraving, removing, staining, annealing, and foaming an object’s surface.

Laser scanner 1D barcode reader that directs a laser point source across the code by
passing the beam through a rotating prism or mirror.

Liquid lens Allows the reader to adapt to changes in working distances. Liquid lenses
technology do not move or use motors and therefore are much more robust than
mechanical or spinning optics.

Margin The margin is a blank space around a barcode that separates the barcode
from neighboring graphics, shapes and textures. Also see quiet zone.

MaxiCode A fixed-size 2D code that holds up to 93 data characters composed of a

central bulls-eye locator and offset rows of hexagonal elements. It was
created by United Parcel Service to allow quick, automated scanning of
packages on high-speed conveyor lines.

Microprocessor An integrated circuit that contains all the functions of a central processing
unit of a computer.

22 Introduction to Industrial Barcode Reading

 Mobile barcode Scans codes from the hand of an operator and can be purpose-built for a
reader particular application or smartphone-based with a rugged mobile terminal
enclosure.

Modbus TCP/IP A serial communication protocol published by Schneider Electric®. Each

device on a Modbus network is given a unique address (similar to Ethernet/
IP) and as long as the devices are on the Ethernet network they are able to
send Modbus commands.

Pixels per module Determines how many pixels are in one cell or module of the code.
(PPM)

Pharmacode Also known as Pharmaceutical Binary Code, a barcode standard used in

the pharmaceutical industry as a packing control system.

Postal Numeric Barcode used by the United States Postal Service to automatically sort mail.
Encoding Technique Unlike most other barcodes in which data is encoded in the width of the bars
(POSTNET) and spaces, this 1D barcode encodes data in the height of the bars.

PROFINET An standard for industrial automation using a computer network. Typically

(Process Field Net) used with Siemens® PLCs.

Quick Response Codes containing square blocks of black cells on a white background
(QR) code with finder patterns in the top left, top right, and bottom left corners. It was
developed to track parts during vehicle assembly but is now commonly
used in printed marketing materials.

Quiet zone A blank space around a barcode that separates the barcode from
neighboring graphics, shapes, and textures. See also margin.

Read rate Number of successfully read barcodes divided by the number of attempts.

RS-232 A standard for serial communication transmission of data.

S-mount lens A standard lens mount that uses a male metric M12 thread with 0.5 mm
pitch on the lens and a corresponding female thread on the lens mount;
thus an S-mount lens is sometimes called an M12 lens.

Universal Product A variety of 1D barcodes widely used in the United States for tracking
Code (UPC) trade items.

Universal Serial A common interface that enables communication between devices and a
Bus (USB) host controller, such as a personal computer (PC).

Introduction to Industrial Barcode Reading 23

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