![]() Then, add all 12 of these numbers together. For every odd location (11, 9, 7, etc.), multiply the number by three. Once you have your 12 digits, number their locations from 12 on the left to 1 on the right in descending order. How does the check digit ensure an accurate scan? ![]() ![]() How to Read Barcodes: Calculating the Check DigitĪs we stated earlier, the number following your data is the check digit. This c# barcode scanner should do the trick. Use the following to convert them:Īnd now you finally have your 12 digit UPC number! Be sure to check your work to see if you got the correct number. Each of these four-digit numbers can be translated into one digit. So now, you’ll again break up the values into sets of four but they will be black-white-black-white. On the right chunk, you’ll do the same thing but instead, start with the first black bar you see. Break these up into sets of four - white-black-white-black. Do this for all spaces and bars until you reach the center (and again, do not decode these center lines). For now, we’ll refer to these as numbers 1, 2, 3, 4 going from smallest to largest in size.įor the left chunk, start with the first space you see and write down its size. Next, make sure you can tell apart the different bar and space widths. These lines are not interpreted as numbers by the scanner, but they do break up the data into two chunks that are read differently - we’ll refer to these as left and right. We’ll teach you how to “read” the bars to calculate the 12 digit number that the barcode represents.įirst, find the sets of long lines that extend down past all of the others - there should be three sets made up of two lines each. While most UPC barcodes have numbers underneath it, some do not. There are several types of barcodes, but we’re going to stick with how to read barcodes that are 12 digit UPC, which is the most common. How to Read Barcodes: Interpreting the Lines It essentially doublechecks for any printing errors that may have occurred when the barcode was created. It calculates a value from the data and makes sure it’s equal to this digit to ensure there is not a “read error”. This number is present at the end of the data, before the stop character. They can have up to four different widths (the smallest is four times smaller than the largest). This is represented by a pattern of black bars and white spaces which can be either narrow or wide. Different types of barcodes use different characters. Some systems use letters, others use asterisks, and sometimes they just use a specific bar pattern. Inside the barcode itself, these characters surround the data and let the scanner know where to start and stop reading. While it may seem trivial, it’s important that the margins are sufficiently wide in order for the barcode to be read by a scanner. Each margin must be at least ten times wider than the narrowest bar width. This refers to the margins around the barcode symbols. Here, we’ll list the components that make up a barcode and explain the purpose of each component. How to Read Barcodes: Understanding the Structure Here’s a guide on how to read barcodes for beginners. Whether you’re just curious about how your skills match up against the machines or you’re trying to implement a barcode system to improve inventory handling, we’ve got you covered. ![]() Barcoding Decoded: How to Read Barcodes for BeginnersĮvery single store uses barcodes that are read by scanners, but did you know you can actually read these barcodes just by looking at them? That’s right: you don’t need any scanner to be able to interpret them!
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