Microcom 470 - Manual (Page 79)

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470 Operators Manual 71
CHAPTER 7: BAR CODES
Although bar codes are accessed in the same manner as text fields, bar codes often limit or
expand the type of data that can be used. The purpose of this chapter is to explain and
eliminate many of the questions that surface when dealing with bar codes for the first time.
7.1 TYPES OF BAR CODES
Universal Product Code - Version A (UPC-A), TCI=12
The UPC-A bar code is primarily used in the supermarket industry. It contains 11 numeric data
characters and a single numeric check digit. The 470 must be provided at least 11 digits in
order to print a scanable bar code. The 12th digit may be omitted because the printer will
automatically insert the correct check sum value. UPC-A bar codes do not use inter character
spacing and therefore the character spacing element CS must be defaulted.
Universal Product Code - Version E (UPC-E, send 11 digits), TCI=13
The UPC-E bar code is primarily used in the supermarket industry to label small packages. The
bar code algorithm uses a zero suppression routine to reduce certain 11 digit UPC-A bar codes
to only 6 numeric digits and a conversion type numeric digit. The following chart illustrates how
11 digits are reduced to only 6. (Note: When using TCI 13, the printer requires the unconverted
11 digits.) UPC-E bar codes do not use inter character spacing and therefore the character
spacing element CS must be defaulted.
UPC Zero Reduction Format
SYMBOL DECODED NUMBER
X1 X2 X3 X4 X5 0 NS X1 X2 0 0 0 0 0 X3 X4 X5
X1 X2 X3 X4 X5 1 NS X1 X2 1 0 0 0 0 X3 X4 X5
X1 X2 X3 X4 X5 2 NS X1 X2 2 0 0 0 0 X3 X4 X5
X1 X2 X3 X4 X5 3 NS X1 X2 X3 0 0 0 0 0 X4 X5
X1 X2 X3 X4 X5 4 NS X1 X2 X3 X4 0 0 0 0 0 X5
X1 X2 X3 X4 X5 5 NS X1 X2 X3 X4 X5 0 0 0 0 5
X1 X2 X3 X4 X5 6 NS X1 X2 X3 X4 X5 0 0 0 0 6
X1 X2 X3 X4 X5 7 NS X1 X2 X3 X4 X5 0 0 0 0 7
X1 X2 X3 X4 X5 8 NS X1 X2 X3 X4 X5 0 0 0 0 8
X1 X2 X3 X4 X5 9 NS X1 X2 X3 X4 X5 0 0 0 0 9
NS=0
Table 12