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NATO STANDARD BAR CODE

HANDBOOK

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NATO STANDARD BAR CODE HANDBOOK

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SEPTEMBER 2010

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NORTH ATLANTIC TREATY ORGANISATION

NATO STANDARDIZATION AGENCY (NSA)

NATO LETTER OF PROMULGATION

22 September 2010

1. AAP-44(A) - NATO STANDARD BAR CODE HANDBOOK is a non-classified NATO publication. The agreement ofnations to use this publication is recorded in STANAG 4329.

2. AAP-44(A) is effective on receipt It supersedes AAP-44, which shaIl be destroyed in accordance v.,ith the local procedure for the destruction of documents.

~t/ICihangir AKSIT, TUR Civ Director, NATO Standardization Agency

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RESERVED FOR NATIONAL LETTER OF PROMULGATION

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RECORD OF CHANGES

Change Date

Date Entered

Effective Date

By Whom Entered

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RECORD OF RESERVATIONS BY NATIONS

CHAPTER RECORD OF RESERVATIONS BY NATIONS

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RECORD OF SPECIFIC RESERVATIONS

NATION SPECIFIC RESERVATIONS

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PREFACE 1. This specialist handbook is compiled with the approval of the NATO Military Committee - Land Standardization Board (MC LSB). Its purpose is to provide a central reference for NATO Standard Bar codes to be used throughout NATO, thereby promoting mutual understanding and interoperability. 2. This specialist handbook is divided into chapters covering the two linear bar code symbologies that are NATO Standard Bar codes, Code 39 & Code 128 / GS1-128, two bar codes presented for informational purposes, EAN/UPC & ITF-14, and three NATO Standard 2D Bar code symbologies; PDF417, Maxicode and Data Matrix. 3. Proposals for additions, deletions, or amendments to the text are to be made in accordance with AAP-3. 4. All suggestions and inquiries concerning this NATO Handbook should be directed to: Secretary MC LSB NATO Asset Tracking Interservice Working Group NATO Headquarters B. 1110 Brussels (Belgium)

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PREFACE xi CHAPTER 1 - INTRODUCTION...................................................................................... 1-1 101 PURPOSE................................................................................................................... 1-1 102 SCOPE........................................................................................................................ 1-1 103 DEFINITIONS ........................................................................................................... 1-1 104 BASIC REQUIREMENTS ........................................................................................ 1-1 105 SYMBOLOGY SUPPORT STANDARDS ............................................................... 1-2 106 SYMBOLOGY USAGE ............................................................................................ 1-2 CHAPTER 2 - CODE 39 LINEAR (1D) BAR CODE ...................................................... 2-1 201 DESCRIPTION .......................................................................................................... 2-1 202 HUMAN-READABLE INTERPRETATION (HRI)................................................. 2-1 203 SYMBOLOGY IDENTIFIER (SI) AND AUTO-DISCRIMINATION .................... 2-1 204 OPACITY................................................................................................................... 2-2 205 NOMINAL DIMENSIONS........................................................................................ 2-2 206 PRINT QUALITY...................................................................................................... 2-4 207 MARKING METHODS............................................................................................. 2-4 208 EXPANDED USE OF THE CODE 39 SNS.............................................................. 2-4 CHAPTER 3 - CODE 128 LINEAR (1D) BAR CODE .................................................... 3-1 301 INTRODUCTION...................................................................................................... 3-1 302 HUMAN-READABLE INTERPRETATION (HRI)................................................. 3-1 303 SNS MESSAGE ......................................................................................................... 3-1 304 CHARACTER SETS AND SPECIAL CHARACTERS ........................................... 3-1 305 SYMBOLOGY IDENTIFIER (SI) AND AUTO-DISCRIMINATION .................... 3-2 306 OPACITY................................................................................................................... 3-2 307 NOMINAL DIMENSIONS........................................................................................ 3-3 308 PRINT QUALITY...................................................................................................... 3-3 309 MARKING METHODS............................................................................................. 3-3 CHAPTER 4 - GS1-128 ....................................................................................................... 4-1 401 DESCRIPTION .......................................................................................................... 4-1 402 STANADARD FEATURES ...................................................................................... 4-1 402 CONCATENATION OF DATA................................................................................ 4-1 403 FUNCTION1 (FNC1) ................................................................................................ 4-2 404 NOMINAL DIMENSIONS........................................................................................ 4-2 405 SYMBOL SIZE.......................................................................................................... 4-2 406 SYMBOL DATA CONTENT.................................................................................... 4-2 407 OPACITY................................................................................................................... 4-3 408 SPECULARLY REFLECTING MATERIALS / SURFACES.................................. 4-3 409 VERIFICATION ........................................................................................................ 4-3 CHAPTER 5 - EAN/UPC SYMBOLOGY......................................................................... 5-1 501 INTRODUCTION...................................................................................................... 5-1 502 ADDITIONAL DEFINITIONS ................................................................................. 5-1 503 DESCRIPTION .......................................................................................................... 5-1 504 SYMBOL FORMAT.................................................................................................. 5-1 506 ADD-ON SYMBOLS ................................................................................................ 5-2 507 HUMAN READABLE INTERPRETATION (HRI) ................................................. 5-3 508 SYMBOLOGY IDENTIFIER (SI)............................................................................. 5-3 509 DIMENSIONS, REFERENCE DECODE ALGORITHM AND CHECK DIGIT

CALCULATION........................................................................................................ 5-3 510 APPLICATION DEFINED PARAMETERS ............................................................ 5-3 511 USAGE....................................................................................................................... 5-3

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CHAPTER 6 - ITF-14 .......................................................................................................... 6-1 601 INTRODUCTION...................................................................................................... 6-1 602 DESCRIPTION .......................................................................................................... 6-1 603 SYMBOL FORMAT.................................................................................................. 6-1 604 HUMAN-READABLE INTERPRETATION (HRI)................................................. 6-2 605 ADD-ON SYMBOLS ................................................................................................ 6-2 606 BEARER BARS......................................................................................................... 6-2 607 SYMBOLOGY IDENTIFIER (SI) AND AUTO-DISCRIMINATION .................... 6-2 608 DIMENSIONS ........................................................................................................... 6-2 609 OPTICAL PARAMETERS, REFERENCE DECODE ALGORITHM AND SYMBOL

CHECK DIGIT CALCULATION ............................................................................. 6-3 610 QUALITY .................................................................................................................. 6-3 611 USAGE....................................................................................................................... 6-3 CHAPTER 7 - PDF417 ........................................................................................................ 7-1 701 DESCRIPTION .......................................................................................................... 7-1 703 STRUCTURE............................................................................................................. 7-2 704 MACRO PDF417 VARIANTS.................................................................................. 7-3 705 EXTENDED CHANNEL INTERPRETATION (ECI).............................................. 7-3 706 ERROR DETECTION AND CORRECTION ........................................................... 7-4 707 NOMINAL DIMENSIONS........................................................................................ 7-5 708 DEFINING THE SYMBOL FORMAT ..................................................................... 7-5 709 SYMBOLOGY IDENTIFIER (SI) AND AUTO-DISCRIMINATION .................... 7-6 710 USAGE....................................................................................................................... 7-6 711 PARAMETERS.......................................................................................................... 7-6 712 PDF417 PRINT QUALITY ....................................................................................... 7-7 713 VERY LARGE MESSAGES..................................................................................... 7-7 714 REFERENCE DECODE ALGORITHM................................................................... 7-7 715 TRANSMISSION USING OLDER PROTOCOLS................................................... 7-7 CHAPTER 8 - MAXICODE ............................................................................................... 8-1 801 DESCRIPTION .......................................................................................................... 8-1 802 CHARACTERISTICS................................................................................................ 8-1 803 OPTIONAL FEATURES........................................................................................... 8-2 804 SYMBOL DESCRIPTION ........................................................................................ 8-2 805 USER CONSIDERATIONS FOR ENCODING DATA ........................................... 8-2 CHAPTER 9 - DATA MATRIX......................................................................................... 9-1 901 DESCRIPTION .......................................................................................................... 9-1 902 ERROR CORRECTION SCHEMES......................................................................... 9-1 903 HUMAN READABLE INTERPRETATION (HRI) ................................................. 9-1 904 SYMBOLOGY IDENTIFIERS (SI) .......................................................................... 9-2 905 AUTO-DISCRIMINATION ...................................................................................... 9-2 906 SYMBOL STRUCTURE ........................................................................................... 9-2 Annex A - CODE 39 & CODE 128 DATA LIMITS AND DIMENSIONS ........................1 1. MAXIMUM CHARACTER LIMITS FOR LINEAR SYMBOLS................................1 Annex B - SYSTEMS CONSIDERATIONS (INFORMATIVE)........................................1 1 THE SYSTEM................................................................................................................1 2 SURFACES....................................................................................................................1 3 MARKING METHODS.................................................................................................1 Annex C - PDF417 SYMBOL ASPECT RATIO & SIZE .................................................1 1 SYMBOL SIZE..............................................................................................................1 Annex D - PDF417 SYMBOL WIDTH..................................................................................1 Annex E - PDF417 GENERAL DIMENSIONAL PARAMETERS ...................................1 1 INTRODUCTION..........................................................................................................1

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Annex F - COMPACT PDF417...............................................................................................1 Annex G - GLOSSARY ...........................................................................................................1 Annex H - RELATED DOCUMENTS...................................................................................1

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CHAPTER 1 - INTRODUCTION 101 PURPOSE The purpose of this agreement is to standardize, for the use of NATO forces, Standard NATO bar code Symbologies (SNS) for marking materiel, containers, and documentation by means of printed automatic identification symbologies. 102 SCOPE This AP covers the description and use of the standard bar codes used by NATO. It includes the linear symbologies Code 39, Code 128 and GS1-128. It also includes the two-dimensional (2D) symbologies PDF 417, Data Matrix and MaxiCode. The symbology standards for each bar code are noted in the related document list, Annex I. Additionally brief descriptions of the EAN-UPC and ITF-14 (interleaved two of five) symbologies are included for information. The orientation and placement of barcode symbols are specified in STANAG 4281 and 2494 or other specific NATO application standards as appropriate. 103 DEFINITIONS The terms and definitions used for the purpose of this agreement shall be as ISO/IEC 19762 and any specific definitions quoted in the individual symbology related standards noted in the related documents listing and this document. (Annex I - Related Documents and Annex H - Glossary) 104 BASIC REQUIREMENTS 1. Dimensions and tolerances of the bar code symbol are specified in metric units. 2. Methods and equipment for applying or scanning bar code symbols are not included herein and remain options of the user nation. 3. All bar codes indicated here shall be printed as black on white, unless otherwise specified in an application standard and then they shall meet the symbology print quality requirements. The allowed character set shall be limited by the application and the supported symbology. The default character set shall be the number 0-9, the capital letters A-Z and limited special characters. 4. A decoder’s valid set of symbologies should be limited to those needed by a given application to maximise reading security. 5. Symbology Identifiers (SI) shall be implemented according to ISO/IEC 15424 and the relevant symbology specification, unless otherwise specified in an application standard. 6. Human Readable Interpretation (HRI). Where possible HRI shall be used as the default condition. Generally, the font and size of the HRI text is not specified by the symbology specifications, but may be found in application standards.

a. For linear bar codes, the HRI is an exact interpretation of the symbol data, but sometimes omitting start/stop characters. An HRI may be positioned on any side of the bar code outside the quiet zone; however, the preferred location is beneath the symbol itself.

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b. For 2D and matrix symbols, this should also be an exact interpretation. However, if the quantity of encoded data precludes exact interpretation then Descriptive Interpretations, or Human Translation, may be used if available space and the application standard permits.

105 SYMBOLOGY SUPPORT STANDARDS 1. The applicable standards for the NATO Standard Bar Code Symbologies shall be as follows:

ISO/IEC 16388 Information technology – Automatic identification and data capture techniques - Code 39 bar code symbology specification

ISO/IEC 15417 Information technology – Automatic identification and data capture techniques – Code 128 bar code symbology specification

ISO/IEC 15438 Information technology - Automatic identification and data capture techniques - PDF417 bar code symbology specification

ISO/IEC 16022 Information technology – Automatic identification and data capture techniques - Data Matrix bar code symbology specification

ISO/IEC 16023 Information technology – International symbology specification – MaxiCode

2. In this document, EAN/UPC and ITF-14 are also depicted but solely for informational purposes: 3. The applicable support standards are as follows: 106 SYMBOLOGY USAGE 1. Code 39. This is the original NATO standard bar code. Its chief uses are to depict relatively short alphanumeric messages and in “licence plate” applications. As it is widely used globally, it is found in many legacy applications.

ISO/IEC 15420 Information technology – Automatic identification and data capture techniques - EAN/UPC bar code symbology specification

ISO/IEC 16390 Information technology -- Automatic identification and data capture techniques -- Interleaved 2 of 5 bar code symbology specification

ISO/IEC 15415 Information technology -- Automatic identification and data capture techniques -- Bar code print quality test specification -- Two-dimensional symbols

ISO/IEC 15416 Information technology -- Automatic identification and data capture techniques -- Bar code print quality test specification -- Linear symbols

ISO/IEC 19762 Information technology -- Automatic identification and data capture (AIDC) techniques -- Harmonized vocabulary

ISO/IEC 15424 Information technology – Automatic identification and data capture techniques – Data Carrier Identifiers (including Symbology Identifiers)

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2. Code 128. This symbology is used in “licence plate” applications, retail distribution, and to depict logistics information. GS1-128 is a subset of Code 128 that provides specific information using Application Identifiers according to rules set by the GS1 organisation (formerly EAN and UCC). 3. PDF417. This is a stacked bar code symbology that has a large capacity and unlike true matrix codes, it is possible to read using a laser scanner reader. It is one of the standard bar codes used for logistics, e.g. to depict a standard Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) message. Symbols may be concatenated (Macro PDF) to encode further information. 4. MaxiCode. A matrix 2D bar code symbology of fixed size made up of offset rows of hexagonal modules arranged around a central finder pattern. It is read using vision-based readers. Its major application is in high-speed sortation of packages. 5. Data Matrix. A true matrix 2D bar code symbology composed of square modules arranged within a perimeter finder pattern. Its most common use is in small article identification and where space is limited. It is read using vision-based readers usually via a Charged Couple Device (CCD) or imager. 6. EAN/UPC symbols exist to encode identification numbers according to GS1 rules and registration procedures. The data content and the use of this symbology are defined in the GS1 system specifications. The most common applications are Point of Sale. EAN-13 is used to depict the International Standard Book Number (ISBN) and International Standard Serial Number (ISSN) in publishing. Included is EAN-13, EAN-8, UPC-A and UPC-E. All but EAN-8 may also be accompanied by an ‘add-on’ symbol. 7. ITF-14. An Interleaved 2 of 5 (ITF) symbol used to encode a fixed group of 14 digits, i.e., ‘ITF-14’, it encodes only the digits 0 to 9 mostly to encode GS1 Article Numbers. ITF-14 is designed to overcome print quality limitations on packaging materials, e.g. fibreboard, where quality standards cannot be met using GS1-128.

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CHAPTER 2 - CODE 39 LINEAR (1D) BAR CODE 201 DESCRIPTION 1. This standard NATO linear bar code is a variable length, discrete, self-checking, bi-directional, alphanumeric 3-of-9 bar code and herein known as Code 39. ISO/IEC 16388 defines the symbology, symbol structure and print quality parameters.

a. The base version of Code 39 encodes the characters “A to Z, 0 to 9, $, %, +. -, /” and a start-stop character (*), or in a special mode the full 128 ASCII character set, both in accordance with ISO/IEC 646. Each character is encoded as a pattern of nine elements: five bars and four spaces. Three of the nine elements are wide (binary value 1) and six elements are narrow (binary value 0). b. The dimensions and other parameters required by NATO are depicted in Figure 2-1 and specified in this Chapter.

2. Standard NATO bar code Symbology (SNS) messages shall consist of a number of Code 39 data character symbols bracketed by start and stop code characters, with the corresponding HRI. An example of an SNS message containing the data string “ABC” is shown in Figure 2-1. 3. Bar code decoders may be programmed to respond to Code 39 symbols in otherwise non-standard ways to satisfy specific application requirements. Four schemes used are "with Optional Check Character,” "Full ASCII Interpretation,” "Unstructured Message Append" (Broken Message) and "Reader Control Functions.” 202 HUMAN-READABLE INTERPRETATION (HRI) 1. An HRI of the data characters shall be printed with the Code 39 symbol encoding them. It shall be an exact representation but shall suppress the start and stop (*) characters. For example, a NATO stock number (NSN) is normally written as “5960-14-127-4329,” but since only the 13 digits are encoded the HRI is “5960141274329.” 2. The HRI may be printed anywhere in the area surrounding the symbol, below is preferred, but shall not encroach on the quiet zones. The characters may be in any easily read font. The HRI is not intended to be machine-readable. 203 SYMBOLOGY IDENTIFIER (SI) AND AUTO-DISCRIMINATION 1. The SI (see ISO/IEC 15424) allocated to Code 39 is “]Am”, where ‘]’ is ASCII Code 93, ‘A’ is the code character identifying a Code 39 message and ‘m’ is the modifier character. 2. Code 39 when read by correctly programmed auto-discriminating decoders is fully distinguishable and compatible with other NATO symbologies however, there are extra guidelines necessary for use with Interleaved 2 of 5, see ISO/IEC 16388.

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Figure 2-1. Example Code 39 SNS

204 OPACITY 1. Reflectance values may be measured directly on bar code symbols that have been marked on a material with an opacity value exceeding 0.90. 2. When bar code symbols are to be marked on non-opaque materials, of opacity values less than or equal to 0.90, reflectance measurements shall be made on the bar code symbol with a backing material which has a reflectance value equal to that of the bar code symbol backing in the final packaging configuration. 3. When the bar code symbol is applied to the final package configuration, the reflectance value variation, (due to interfering patterns showing through non-opaque bar code symbol materials), shall not exceed 10%. 205 NOMINAL DIMENSIONS The significant parameter is the nominal width, X, of the narrow elements. The allowable range for X is as follows:

a. Nominal Unit Size (X) mm

For general applications For special applications

Minimum Maximum Minimum Maximum

0.190 0.508 0.112 1.016

b. Nominal wide-to-narrow ratio (N)

X mm N

< 1.905 2.5:1 to 3.0:1

< 0.381 1.905 2.2:1 to 3.0:1

0.381. 2.0:1 to 3.0:1

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c. Code height. This can be varied to suit specific reading and marking requirements. The following bar code heights shall be used for the stated ranges of bar code density. For applications where these heights are not suitable, height requirements will be as specified by the responsible procurement activity.

X-dimension (mm) Min. Height (mm) Max. Height (mm)

0.93 X < .53 19.050 31.750

.53 X < .24 9.525 22.225

.24 X .17 6.350 12.700

Bar Code Heights For Special Applications

.17 X .13 3.175 9.525

.13 X .10 1.588 6.350

d. Other dimensions. The Inter-character gap (I) Margins (quiet zones) (Q), Spacing

between bar code and HRI values shall be as depicted in Figure 2-1. Width (W) may be calculated as follows:

QICNXXCW 2)1()36)(2( (where C is the number of data characters).

e. Spacing of separately encoded SNS messages. The spacing requirements illustrated in Figures 2-2 and 2-3 shall apply unless otherwise specified.

Figure 2-2. Stacked spacing of bar codes

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Figure 2-3. In-line spacing of bar codes

f. Maximum number of encoded characters. This shall be, in a single SNS message (symbol), 30 data characters. The total number of encoded characters shall not exceed 32 characters including the start / stop characters and any other control characters used.

206 PRINT QUALITY The print quality of an SNS Code 39 symbol shall be assessed using the methods and parameters defined in ISO/IEC 15416. In most applications, a minimum grade of 1.0/05/660 is required, but some critical applications may require a higher level. 207 MARKING METHODS 1. SNS message marking. Any marking process that produces a readable SNS message meeting the requirements of this AAP may be used. 2. Permanent marking methods. Some applications will require that permanently marked bar codes be used. This usually infers that the bar code is to remain readable for the lifetime of the material to which it is affixed or the lifetime of the material in which the bar code is marked. For these applications, the bar codes need to utilise a permanent marking technology, e.g. laser etching, photo imaging, etc. 208 EXPANDED USE OF THE CODE 39 SNS 1. Check Characters. Code 39 is strongly self-checked and most situations do not require a check character. Where the application requires better data security use of Code 128 is recommended.

a. Symbol check character. Known as the ‘modulo 43’ check. It is calculated for each symbol by a symbol check algorithm as noted in the symbology standard (ISO/IEC 16388). b. Data check character. When transmitted by the decoder the modulo-43 check character may be used as a data check character.

2. Unstructured Append - Use of encoded leading space. It is sometimes useful to break up long bar code messages into several shorter symbols. The break may be needed due to space constraints, to maintain a character limit, or scanner capability. The bar code reader should be programmed so that if the first data character of a Code 39 message is a space it appends the following scan to a

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storage buffer. This operation continues for all successive Code 39 messages with a leading space. When a Code 39 message that does not contain a leading space is read, its contents are added to the buffer, the buffer’s entire contents are then transmitted and it is cleared. This completes the data entry event. See the illustration in Figure 2-4 of a broken message.

Figure 2-4. Continuous Message

a. Symbol Sequence. Where the sequence of data is significant, provision shall be made to ensure the symbols are read in the correct order.

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CHAPTER 3 - CODE 128 LINEAR (1D) BAR CODE 301 INTRODUCTION 1. This standard NATO linear bar code is a variable length, continuous, self-checking, bi-directional, alphanumeric bar code herein known as Code 128. ISO/IEC 15417 defines the symbology, symbol structure and character set. 2. Code 128 encodes all 128 ASCII characters, in accordance with ISO/IEC 646, and can encode characters with ASCII values 128 to 255 in accordance with ISO/IEC 8859. Internally it employs three subsets, A, B and C, requiring three start and four subset selection characters. There is one common stop character and four non-data function characters. It has one major variant known as GS1-128, which is standard Code 128 with a FNC1 character in the first position. If GS1 data is to be represented in Code 128, then GS1-128 shall be used. 3. The dimensions and other parameters required by NATO other than that specified by the symbology standard are stated in this document. 4. The maximum number of encoded characters is dependent on the label dimensions and size of bars, e.g. magnification factor, but the overall length of the symbol should be less than six inches. 302 HUMAN-READABLE INTERPRETATION (HRI) A HRI of the data characters shall be printed with the code symbol. It shall be an exact representation of only the encoded information. It shall not include any Special Characters. The HRI may be printed anywhere in the area surrounding the symbol, above or below is preferred, but shall not encroach on the quiet zones. The characters may be in any easily read font. The HRI is not intended to be machine-readable. The default nominal character height shall be 0.51 cm. 303 SNS MESSAGE This consists of a number of Code 128 symbol characters and a symbol check character, bracketed by the start and stop characters and leading/trailing quiet zones, with the corresponding HRI, see Figure 3-1.

Figure 3-1 Example of Code 128 SNS

304 CHARACTER SETS AND SPECIAL CHARACTERS 1. The base version of Code 128 symbols encodes all 128 ASCII characters. In addition, they can include four special Function Code (FNC) characters that function as follows.

a. FNC1 in the first position following the start character identifies symbols as following a subset of the Code 128 standard designated as “GS1-128,” for use with application standards set by GS1 and AIM respectively. (See Section 4.)

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b. FNC1 in the second symbol character position following the start character shall not be represented in the transmitted message. Its presence shall be indicated by the use of the appropriate Symbology Identifier (SI) modifier. In any other position, apart from symbol check character, FNC1 serves as a field separator and is transmitted as the <GS> character. c. FNC2 (Message Append) tells the bar code reader to store the data from the symbol and transmit it as a prefix to the next symbol data. As such, it is not itself transmitted. It can be used to concatenate several symbols before transmission. Where the sequence of the data has value then provision should be made to ensure the symbols are read in the correct sequence. d. FNC3 (Initialise) informs the bar code reader that the symbol data following is a set of instructions for programming the reader. It may occur anywhere in the symbol but shall not be transmitted by the reader. e. FNC4 (Extended ASCII, values 128 to 255,) adds 128 to the ASCII value of the symbol following, which may be preceded by a subset shift character. While the reference character set is ISO 8859-1, the application standards may define alternative sets corresponding to ASCII 128 to 255.

Note: FNC2 and FNC3 are not recommended for general applications. 305 SYMBOLOGY IDENTIFIER (SI) AND AUTO-DISCRIMINATION 1. This assists devices receiving data from a reader to differentiate between symbologies. Its use is defined in ISO/IEC 15424 and it is not encoded in the symbol. For Code 128 the SI, is “]Cm”, where ‘]’ is ASCII Code 93, ‘C’ is the code character for Code 128 and ‘m’ the modifier character. Where ‘m’ is ‘0’ an unmodified Code 128 data packet is indicated, and ‘1’ is a UCC/EAN-128 packet. 2. Code 128 when read by correctly programmed auto-discriminating decoders is fully distinguishable and compatible with other NATO symbologies. 306 OPACITY 1. Reflectance values may be measured directly on bar code symbols that have been marked on a material with an opacity value exceeding 0.90. 2. When bar code symbols are to be marked on non-opaque materials, (opacity values less than or equal to 0.90) reflectance measurements shall be made on the bar code symbol with a backing material which has a reflectance value equal to that of the bar code symbol backing in the final packaging configuration. 3. When the bar code symbol is applied to the final package configuration, the reflectance value variation, (due to interfering patterns showing through non-opaque bar code symbol materials), shall not exceed 10%.

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307 NOMINAL DIMENSIONS

Parameter Dimension

Narrow element width (X), minimum. 0.191 mm

Quiet Zone width (Q), minimum. 10X or 2.54 mm, (whichever is the greater)

Bar code height 5.0 mm or 15% of symbol width, (whichever is the greater)

Symbol width (W) W = 11X(C+(D/2)) + 2X + 2Q

Where; C - number of all characters not in D D - number of digits encoded in double density, i.e., encoded in subset ‘C’.

Table 3-3. Code 128 Nominal Dimensions.

1. In a typical application, the label width is set and restricts the symbol width, e.g. STANAG 2494 where label width is a nominal 148 mm (ISO A5). 2. The spacing of separately encoded SNS messages requirements noted in Table 3-4 shall apply unless otherwise specified.

Spacing of HRI from Bar code: Top or base: 0.763 to 6.350

Spacing of individual SNS messages (minimum in mm):

Stacked: 9.525 to 19.050 In-line: 12.7

Table 3-4 Code 128 Spacing 308 PRINT QUALITY 1. The print quality of an SNS Code 128 symbol shall be assessed using the methods and parameters defined in ISO/IEC 15416. In most applications, a minimum grade of 1.0/05/660 is required, but some critical applications may require a higher level. 309 MARKING METHODS 1. SNS message marking. Any marking process that produces a readable SNS message meeting the requirements of this AAP may be used. 2. Permanent marking methods. Some applications will require that permanently marked bar codes be used. This usually infers that the bar code is to remain readable for the lifetime of the material to which it is affixed or the lifetime of the material in which the bar code is marked. For these applications, the bar codes need to utilise a permanent marking technology, e.g. laser etching, photo imaging, etc.

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CHAPTER 4 - GS1-128 401 DESCRIPTION This is a variant of Code 128 (see Chapter 3) utilised for specific industry and logistic requirements that follows GS1 rules as shown in Figure 4-1. In a bar code the GS1-128 format is selected by the use of Function Code 1 (FNC1), in the first position following the start character (see GS1 128 Symbology Specification and ISO/IEC 15417). The use of GS1-128 distinguishes GS1 Application Identifiers (AI) from other standard article numbers, non-standard symbols and other uses of Code128.

Quiet Zone

START

A, B or C

FNC1

Data 1 Data 2 Data 3 Check

Character STOP

Character Quiet Zone

e.g.,

START C

FNC1

AI 01

EAN No.

n14

AI 3101

Net Weight

Kg, n6

AI 10

Lot No.

an…20

CC SC

Figure 4-1. A UCC/EAN-128 Symbol Structure. 402 STANADARD FEATURES 1. In general as Code 128, except where specifically noted. 2. The Symbology Identifier (SI) shall be “]C1”. 3. The HRI shall include the AI values, bracketed, as in Figure 4-1. It shall be positioned only either above or below the bar code itself, otherwise as Code 128. The AI brackets do not appear in the data content. To avoid possible confusion it is recommended that the characters ‘)’ and ‘(‘not be used in the data content. 403 CONCATENATION OF DATA 1. Where the AI specifies a fixed data length then discrete elements of data may be joined in one symbol, reducing the start-stop character overhead. Otherwise, a data separator character (FNC1) must separate the elements after the last data character of one element and before the AI of the next. See line one of Figure 4-2. 2. Where there is a mixture of fixed and variable length data elements the variable elements should always appear after the fixed ones.

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404 FUNCTION1 (FNC1) When in the first or second data position, FNC1 is not transmitted but its presence shall be indicated by the use of the symbology identifier, modifier value 1 or 2. In other positions, when used as a field separator, it shall be represented by the ASCII character ‘GS’ (ASCII value 29) and not used as a data character.

405 NOMINAL DIMENSIONS The nominal dimensions of the GS1-128 are shown in Table 4-1.

Dimension Value

Nominal (ideal) Module Width 1.0 mm, (nominal character widths 11 & 13 mm)

Nominal Bar Height 31.8 mm

Minimum Bar Height 15% of W or 20 mm, whichever is the greater.

Maximum Symbol width (W) 165 mm (including quiet zones)

Table 4-1. GS1-128 Nominal Dimensions

Note 1: The Magnification Factor (M) for the nominal dimensions is 1.0. Note 2: If used with an EAN/UPC or ITF symbol the GS1-128 symbol module width shall be not less than 75% of the ideal (nominal) width of the narrowest bar in the other bar code symbol.

406 SYMBOL SIZE 1. Size depends on; the magnification factor chosen, the number of encoded data characters, the number of non-data characters encoded and absolute limits such as label width:

a. For a given length of data, the symbol size is variable between magnification limits, of the nominal sizes, to accommodate the quality achievable with various marking processes. These limits shall be 0.25 to 1.2 times (25 to 120%) the nominal size. Therefore, the permitted value of X varies from 0.25 to 1.20 mm.

2. Symbol Width (W). This may be calculated in the same way as Code 128.

3. Symbol Height. This is proportional to the magnification factor or as specified in application standards, e.g. STANAG 2494. However, the minimum height for EAN applications is 20mm. 4. The magnification factor used for a Serial Shipping Container Code (SSCC) shall be between 0.5 and 0.84 (50 and 84%). 407 SYMBOL DATA CONTENT The number of decoded and transmitted data and separator characters shall not exceed 48.

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408 OPACITY 1. Reflectance values may be measured directly on bar code symbols that have been marked on a material with an opacity value exceeding 0.90. 2. When bar code symbols are to be marked on non-opaque materials, of opacity values less than or equal to 0.90, reflectance measurements shall be made on the bar code symbol with a backing material which has a reflectance value equal to that of the bar code symbol backing in the final packaging configuration. 3. When the bar code symbol is applied to the final package configuration, the reflectance value variation, (due to interfering patterns showing through non-opaque bar code symbol materials), shall not exceed 10%. 409 SPECULARLY REFLECTING MATERIALS / SURFACES The use of mirror-like materials to provide light or dark areas of the symbol should be avoided. If it is the substrate, either apply the symbol by label or overprint using two inks with appropriate light absorbing characteristics to meet this standards requirement. 410 VERIFICATION The test standard for verification purposes shall be ISO/IEC 15416.

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Data Flow A.1.1 UCC/EAN – 128 Symbol

A.1.2 Start C

A.1.3 FNC1

A.1.4 01 95412345678901

A.1.50 24

A.1.6 FNC1

A.1.7 10 432167

A.1.8 CD

A.1.9 Stop

A.1.10 A.1.11

A.1.12 HRI:- (01) 95412345678901 (30) 24 (10) 432167

A.1.13 A.1.14

A.1.15 A.1.16 A.1.17 A.1.18 Scanner/Decoder A.1.19 A.1.20 A.1.21

A.1.22 A.1.23

A.1.24 A.1.25 Symbol Data String A.1.26 A.1.27

A.1.28 A.1.29

C1 A.1.30 01

95412345678901 A.1.31 3

0 24 A.1.32 <GS>

A.1.33 10 432167

A.1.34 A.1.35

A.1.36 A.1.37

A.1.38 A.1.39 A.1.40 A.1.41 Symbol Processing A.1.42 A.1.43 A.1.44

A.1.45 A.1.46

A.1.47 A.1.48 A.1.49 Application Record A.1.50 A.1.51

A.1.52 A.1.53 A.1.54 01

95412345678901 A.1.55 3000000

024 A.1.56 10

432167 A.1.57 A.1.58

A.1.59 A.1.60

A.1.61 With the AIs stripped away the final data may appear as follows:

A.1.62 A.1.63

A.1.64 A.1.65 A.1.66 Database Entry A.1.67 A.1.68

A.1.69 A.1.70

A.1.71 Item ID

A.1.72 95412345678901

A.1.73 Trade Quantity

A.1.74 00000024

A.1.75 Lot No

A.1.76 432167

A.1.77 A.1.78

A.1.79 Figure 4.2 Example of Data Flow from a Symbol to a Database

Symbol Check Digits

Symbology Identifier

Field Spacer

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CHAPTER 5 - EAN/UPC SYMBOLOGY 501 INTRODUCTION The EAN/UPC symbology is not a NATO approved symbology and is provided only as information for the NATO bar code user to enable identification and differentiation from the NATO approved symbologies. EAN/UPC bar code symbols are reserved for encoding identification numbers. The use of these symbologies is restricted by and subject to compliance with the GS1 rules and registration procedures. The GS1 administration of the numbering system is designed to ensure identification codes assigned to particular items are unique worldwide. 502 ADDITIONAL DEFINITIONS For the purposes of this document, the following definition applies for these symbologies; the ‘Number set’, a series of ten bar/space patterns of either even or odd parity encoding the digits 0 to 9. 503 DESCRIPTION 1. The EAN/UPC symbols are defined in ISO/IEC 15420 for data character encodation, symbol formats, dimensions, test specifications and the reference-decoding algorithm. The Data content and the rules governing the use of this symbology are defined in the GS1 system specifications. 2. The individual symbols covered include EAN-13, EAN-8, UPC-A and UPC-E. All but EAN-8 may also be accompanied by an ‘add-on’ symbol where necessary. 3. This symbology is a continuous, self-checking, fixed length, omnidirectional linear bar code symbology with mandatory symbol check digit and a Human Readable Interpretation (HRI). The encodable character set is numeric (0 to 9) i.e. ASCII characters 48 to 57 inclusive, in accordance with ISO/IEC 646. The data string length encodable is fixed to 8, 12, or 13 characters including check digit, dependant on the symbol type. However, to extend the information encoded it is possible to use ‘add-on’ symbols attached to the main EAN-13, UPC-A or EAN-8 symbol. 4. There are 4-elements per symbol character comprising 2-bars and 2-spaces, each of 1, 2, 3 or 4 modules in width (auxiliary patterns have differing numbers of elements). Each symbol character is 7-modules and may be a member of either character sets A, B or C. The non-data overhead including the check digit, but not quiet zones, is 18-modules for EAN-13, EAN-8 and UPC-A symbols and 9-modules for UPC-E symbols. Note: A useful device to help maintain the quiet zone in some production processes is to include a “less than” (<) and/or “greater than” (>) character in the HRI. The point of this character should be aligned with the edge of the quiet zone. If this device is used, the character(s) position is depicted in Figures 5-2 and 5-3. 504 SYMBOL FORMAT 1. The EAN-13, EAN-8, UPC-A and UPC-E symbols are made up as shown in Figure 5-1, reading from left to right. 2. The ‘normal guard pattern’ corresponds to the start and stop patterns in other symbologies. In EAN-13, EAN-8 and UPC-A the rightmost symbol character encodes the calculated check digit.

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3. The EAN-13 symbol comprises only 12 symbol characters but encodes 13 digits of data, (including the check digit). 4. UPC-A symbols are transmitted as a 13-digit number by adding an implied leading zero to the GTIN-12 number. 5. The UPC-E symbol encodes GTIN-12 data strings, which begin with a zero and contain a sequence of four or five zeroes in defined positions. These zeros are removed from the data during encoding by the process of zero suppression. 506 ADD-ON SYMBOLS 1. These were originally designed for use with EAN/UPC symbols on periodicals and paperback books. As they provide reduced security, their use is limited to applications where rules in the application specification governing data format and content provide appropriate safeguards. 2. The add-on symbols utilise two or five-digits and are positioned following the Right Quiet Zone of the main EAN/UPC symbol. The bottom edges of the bars in the add-on symbol are horizontally aligned with the bottom edge of the guard bars of the main symbol. The ‘add-on symbol’ does not have a ‘Right Guard Pattern’ or an explicit check digit. Checking is achieved using the mix of the number sets (A or B) used for the digits.

EAN-13

Left Quiet Zone

Normal Guard Pattern

6 Symbol Characters

Number Sets ‘A’ & ‘B’

Centre Guard Pattern

6 Symbol Characters

Number Set ‘C’

Normal Guard Pattern

Right Quiet Zone.

UPC-A

Left Quiet Zone

Normal Guard Pattern

6 Symbol Characters

Number Set A

Centre Pattern

6 Symbol Characters

Number Set C

Normal Guard Pattern

Right Quiet Zone

EAN-8

Left Quiet Zone

Normal Guard Pattern

4 Symbol Characters

Number Set A

Centre Guard Pattern

4 Symbol Characters

Number Set C

Normal Guard Pattern

Right Quiet Zone

UPC-E

Left Quiet Zone

Normal Guard Pattern

6 Symbol Characters. Number

Sets A & B

Special Guard Pattern

Right Quiet Zone

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2-Digit Add-on Symbol*

Add-on Guard Pattern

First Digit Delineator Second Digit Right Quiet Zone

5-Digit Add-on*

Add-on

Guard Pattern

1st Digit

De-lineator

2nd Digit

Delineator 3rd Digit

De-lineator

4th Digit

De-lineator

5th Digit

Right Quiet Zone

*These digits are taken from number sets A or B.

Figure 5-1. Symbol Formats. 507 HUMAN READABLE INTERPRETATION (HRI) All EAN/UPC symbols have an HRI. It is printed under the main symbol and above any add-on symbol. Any clearly legible font can be used e.g., OCR-B as defined in ISO 1073-2 although it is not intended that these characters be machine-read or verified. There are variations in format dependant on the symbol used, see Figures 5-2 to 5-4, e.g. some industries use a variant where hyphens are used to segment the number field. 508 SYMBOLOGY IDENTIFIER (SI) This is “]Em”, where ‘]’ represents ASCII character 93, ‘E’ is the code character for the EAN/UPC symbologies and ‘m’ is a modifier character which may have values of 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4. Symbols with add-ons can be dealt with as two separate symbols, each transmitted separately with its own symbology identifier, or as a single data packet. All data should be transmitted as ASCII data in accordance with ISO/IEC 646. 509 DIMENSIONS, REFERENCE DECODE ALGORITHM AND CHECK DIGIT CALCULATION Dimensions, Reference Decode Algorithm and Check Digit Calculation can be found in ISO/IEC 15420. 510 APPLICATION DEFINED PARAMETERS EAN International and Uniform Code Council specify the only application defined for EAN-13 symbols. The UCC/EAN system specifications define the following parameters: Data content, the choice of symbol type and the use of add-on symbols. 511 USAGE 1. The primary purpose is to encode standard article numbers. These are unique numbers in a standard format designed to identify a product but not to classify or carry specific data about them. 2. The three basic operations for which Article Numbers are used are as follows:

a. Access of data from a file (database), e.g. look-up functions.

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b. Data capture, e.g. stock taking.

c. Comparisons with a file (discrepancy detection), e.g. goods received with delivery notes.

3. It is possible that information that varies, e.g. Serial numbers, batch numbers, use by dates etc., may not be entered in relevant computer files / databases and therefore would not be retrievable by reference to the Article Number. However, they can be encoded in a bar code symbol as a supplement to the item identity. Note: For detailed information on the allocation and derivation of Article Numbers, refer to GS1 and their associated bodies, e.g. national article numbering organisations. 4. EAN-13/UPC-A symbols can be used on all of the following items: consumer units, traded units or transport units. EAN-8/UPC-E symbols are used only on very small consumer units to encode EAN-8/UPC-E numbers. UPC symbols were historically limited to use in North America and EAN elsewhere.

Example Bar Code Figures

5

NORMALGUARD

PATTERN

CENTERGUARD

PATTERN

NORMALGUARD

PATTERN

13TH DIGITENCODED BY

VARIABLE PARITY

6 LEFT HAND DIGIT CHARACTERSWITH VARIABLE PARITY

6 RIGHT HAND DIGIT CHARACTERSWITH FIXED PARITY

6 7 8 9 0 00 1 2 3 4 5 >QUIET ZONEINDICATOR

(recommended)

3,63 2,31

24,55

Figure 5-2: EAN-13 Symbol & EAN -13 Symbol with 5-digit add-on

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 00

22,85

24,50

23,18

37,29

25,91

51,65

23,852,972,97

Figure 5-3. UPC-A Symbol & UPC-A Symbol with 2-Digit Add-on Symbol

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2 0 1 2 3 4 5 1 ><QUIET ZONEINDICATOR

(recommended)

QUIET ZONEINDICATOR

(recommended)

NORMALGUARD

PATTERN

NORMALGUARD

PATTERN

CENTREGUARDPATTER

N4 LEFT HAND DIGIT

CHARACTERSWITH FIXED PARITY

4 RIGHT HAND DIGIT CHARACTERS

WITH FIXED PARITY

0 7 8 3 4 90 10,99

22,11

2,97

2,31

Figure 5-4. EAN-8 Symbol & UPC-E Symbol

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CHAPTER 6 - ITF-14 601 INTRODUCTION The ITF-14 is not a NATO approved symbology and is provided only as information for the NATO bar code user to enable identification and differentiation from the NATO approved symbologies. The symbology described here is ‘Interleaved 2 of 5’ (ITF) symbology as defined by ISO/IEC 16390. One ITF application is defined by GS1 as a fixed group of 14 digits, hence the acronym ITF-14. The ITF symbology is designed to overcome print quality limitations on packaging materials, e.g. fibreboard. That is, ITF symbols are commonly used where quality standards cannot be met due to low contrast. 602 DESCRIPTION An ITF-14 symbol is compliant to ISO/IEC 16390 and is a continuous bi-directional linear symbology. The encodable character set includes only the digits 0 to 9 (ASCII characters 48 to 57 as per ISO/IEC 646). Each symbol character is encoded using five elements (2-wide, 3-narrow) encoded as either bars or spaces permitting the interleaving of character pairs. In addition, an ITF symbol also encodes a Start and Stop (Guard) pattern, which shall not be depicted in the HRI nor transmitted by the decoder.

Figure 6-1. Typical ITF-14 Symbol

603 SYMBOL FORMAT The ITF-14 symbols are made up as shown in Figure 6-2, reading from left to right:

Bearer Bar

H-gauge quality mark

Light Margin

Start Guard Pattern

7-digit pairs

Stop Guard Pattern

Light Margin

H-gauge quality mark

Bearer Bar

Figure 6-2. ITF-14 Symbol Format

Note 1. 7-digit pairs encode 14 digits.

Note 2. The GS1 system for coding traded units uses 13 digit article numbers; therefore, it is necessary to add a pad character. This is normally a leading zero (0) but when encoding variable measure units it is a ‘9’ and when using Distribution Unit Number (DUN)i-14/EAN-14 numbers it may take a value between 1 and 8, a “logistical variant”.

Note 3. The use of the H-gauge mark is optional, depending on the printing process used.

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604 HUMAN-READABLE INTERPRETATION (HRI) This depicts the 14 encoded digits beneath the symbol and bearer bar, see Figure 6-1. Any clearly legible font may be used e.g., OCR-B as defined in ISO 1073-2. It is not intended that these characters be machine-read or verified. 605 ADD-ON SYMBOLS 1. These were originally designed for use with EAN/UPC symbols on periodicals and paperback books. As they provide reduced security, their use is limited to applications where rules in the application specification governing data format and content provide appropriate safeguards. 2. The add-on symbols utilise two or five-digits and are positioned following the Right Quiet Zone of the main EAN/UPC symbol. The bottom edges of the bars in the add-on symbol are horizontally aligned with the bottom edge of the guard bars of the main symbol. The ‘add-on symbol’ does not have a ‘Right Guard Pattern’ or an explicit check digit. Checking is achieved using the mix of the number sets (A or B) used for the digits. 606 BEARER BARS 1. These are horizontal and vertical bars surrounding the symbol. Their main purpose is to insure even printing but they also reduce the probability of short scans should the symbol be read skewed. . All ITF-14 symbols have bearer bars unless prevented by technical printing constraints. 2. Only the top and bottom bars are actually required and usually extend to cover the quiet zones. Where a plate or similar print process is used it is common to use end-bars to support the horizontal bar extensions, as depicted in Figure 6-1 and 6-3. The nominal bearer bar thickness is 4.8 mm. Where a non-plate printing process is used the vertical bars are not required and the bar width (thickness) shall be at least twice the narrow bar element width at the appropriate symbol magnification factor. 607 SYMBOLOGY IDENTIFIER (SI) AND AUTO-DISCRIMINATION This follows Interleaved 2 of 5, see ISO/IEC 16390, “]Im” where ‘m’ the modifier character can be 0, 1 or 3. 608 DIMENSIONS The nominal dimensions are specified by ISO/IEC 16390 and are shown in Figure 6-3.

Figure 6-3. Depiction of Nominal Dimensions (mm)

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609 OPTICAL PARAMETERS, REFERENCE DECODE ALGORITHM AND SYMBOL CHECK DIGIT CALCULATION For optical parameters, reference decode algorithm and symbol check digit calculation, see ISO/IEC 16390. 610 QUALITY There are two methods of ensuring readable quality depending on the process.

a. Printability Gauge (H-gauge). A means of assessing print quality or test print conditions when using film master techniques by the use of printability or H-gauges. b. Print quality as stated by ISO/IEC 15416 with a minimum grade of 1.0/20/660.

611 USAGE 1. ITF-14 is used to encode the 14-digit GTIN. 2. These codes are defined, and their use is restricted by and subject to compliance with GS1rules and registration procedures as appropriate. 3. The ITF-14 symbol is not used for retail units it is only used on trade/logistic items. Where it represents an EAN number, it is the alternative to an UCC/EAN-128 symbol with appropriate Application Identifier. 4. Direct printing on corrugated Fibreboard. The recommended minimum nominal width of the narrow element for direct printing on corrugated Fibreboard is 0.508 mm. For direct printing bar codes, the recommended minimum ratio of wide-to-narrow element width is 2.5:1. A bearer bar (rectangular bar pattern circumscribing the SNS message horizontally and vertically) may be employed to provide uniform support. That is, supporting the printing plate at critical areas near the SNS message when direct printing on corrugated Fibreboard.

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CHAPTER 7 - PDF417 701 DESCRIPTION 1. This standard NATO bar code is a continuous, multi-row (stacked 2D) self-checking symbology with error correction, bi-directional and self-checking. It uses the PDF417 symbology as defined by ISO/IEC 15438. Inherent in this symbology is; data compaction (several characters into fewer codewords), edge-to-edge decoding, user selectable error correction levels and cross-row partial scan capability stitching. It is basically, a set of linear bar codes stacked upon each other i.e. a stacked symbology and not a matrix code. PDF417’s basic characteristics are described below. 2. The Encodable Character Set. This partly depends on the compaction mode.

a. Text compaction mode - allows all printable ASCII characters to be encoded (values 32 to 126 inclusive) in accordance with ISO/IEC 646 and selected control characters. b. Byte compaction mode. Allows 256 8-bit byte values to be encoded, all ASCII characters (values 0-127 inclusive) and provides for international character set support (ISO 8859).

c. Numeric compaction mode - allows efficient encoding of long numeric data digit strings up to 811,800 different character sets or data interpretations.

d. Various codewords for control purposes, e.g. ‘Mode Shift and Latch’. Note: There is no single specified way to encode data in a PDF417 symbol.

3. Human Readable Interpretation (HRI). HRI is descriptive, not the literal encodation, text and may optionally accompany the standard symbol. Alternately, descriptive text may be used in both cases but shall not impinge on the symbology or the quiet zones. 4. Symbol character structure. A ‘n k m’ symbology of 17 modules (n), 4 bar and space element pairs (k) with the largest element 6 modules wide (m). 5. Symbol capacity. The maximum number of data characters codewords per symbol at the minimum recommended error correction level (ECL) 0, is 925 codewords that can encode 863 codewords. Maximum data capacity can be estimated using Table 7-1:

Compaction Mode Symbol Capacity

Text 1850 characters (2 characters per codeword)

Byte 1108 characters (1.2 characters per codeword)

Numeric 2710 characters (2.93 characters per codeword)

Table 7-1 – Symbol Capacity

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6. Symbol size. This is determined by;

a. The number of rows: 3 to 90 b. The number of columns: 1 to 30 c. The width in modules: 90X to 583X (including quiet zones) d. Maximum codeword capacity: 928 e. Maximum data codeword capacity: 925

Note: The number of rows and columns are user selectable therefore, the aspect ratio of a PDF417 symbol can be varied when printing to suit the application spatial needs, e.g. label dimensions (see Annex D & E).

7. Error Correction. A user may select one of nine ECLs. The recommended minimum ECL is given in the following table:

A.1.80 Number of Data Codewords A.1.81 Minimum Error Correction Level

A.1.82 1 to 40 A.1.83 2

A.1.84 41 to 160 A.1.85 3

A.1.86 161 to 320 A.1.87 4

A.1.88 321 to 863 A.1.89 5

Table 7-2 – Error Correction 702 STRUCTURE 1. A symbol consists of a stack of 3 to 90 vertically aligned rows. Each row with 1 to 30 symbol characters or codewords (column) plus start/stop and row indicator columns with a quiet zone on all four sides, see Figure 7-1. 2. The number of data codewords (or symbol characters) is the number of columns. Generally, ‘codeword’ is used for the numeric value and ‘symbol character’ for its printed representation or space pattern.

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Figure 7-1. Example PDF417 Symbol Structure

3. Row description. Each row consists of, in sequence, a leading quiet zone, a start character, from 1 to 30 symbol characters (columns), a right row indicator symbol character, a stop character and a trailing quiet zone. 703 MACRO PDF417 VARIANTS There are two variants of PDF417 in use:

a. Macro PDF417. Where data files can be represented logically and consecutively in a number of PDF417 symbols. Up to 99,999 symbols may be concatenated and scanned, in any sequence, to correctly reconstruct the original data file. b. Compact PDF417. (See Annex G). Where in ‘clean’ environments the row overhead is reduced to improve the symbol density.

704 EXTENDED CHANNEL INTERPRETATION (ECI) 1. This protocol permits use of interpretations different from the default character set. It is defined consistently across a number of bar code symbologies and replaces the ‘Global Label Identifier’ (GLI) system (AIM USS-PDF417: 1994). There are five interpretation types supported;

a. Character sets (or code pages) b. General Purpose Interpretations, e.g. data encryption and compression (not compaction). c. User Defined Interpretations, for closed systems. d. Transmission of control information for Macro-PDF417.

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e. Transmission of un-interpreted PDF417 codewords.

2. Transmission of the ECI is as specified in the AIM International document “Extended Channel Interpretation Assignments Standard.” 705 ERROR DETECTION AND CORRECTION 1. The nine user selectable ECLs involve from 2 to 512 codewords per symbol. Each symbol shall contain at least two error correction codewords (ECC), these codewords provide error detection and correction capability. In a given symbol the greater the error correction the higher the non-data overhead and the lower its data capacity but the greater its integrity. The ECCs can be generated either using an algorithm or by a division circuit. 2. Error Correction Level (ECL). This shall be defined prior to creation of the symbol. Table 7-1 shows the number of ECCs for each ECL. The default shall be ‘5’ unless otherwise agreed. 3. Error Correction Codewords (ECC). Error correction can be used to compensate for defects in the label and misreads. Provided the ECL is above ‘0’, it is often possible to reconstruct a damaged symbol or correct for erroneously decoded or missing codewords. For a given ECL, a set number of ECCs is incorporated into the PDF417 symbol. The error correction codeword algorithm used allows erasure or substitution errors to be recovered. One error correction codeword is needed to rectify an erasure and two for a substitution error.

Error Correction Level (ECL) Total Number of ECC

0 2

1 4

2 8

3 16

4 32

5 64

6 128

7 256

8 512

Table 7-1. Error Correction Level and Error Correction Codewords

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706 NOMINAL DIMENSIONS PDF417 symbols shall conform to Table 7-2.

Dimension Value

Minimum width of a module (x)

Defined by the application specification, it should take regard of equipment availability for the production and reading of symbols. ‘x’ shall be constant throughout a given symbol. *** should not this be in the front? For symbols with at least the recommended minimum level of error correction: y = 3x. Height of a module (y).

(Row height). For symbols with less than the recommended minimum level of error correction: y = 4x.

Horizontal quiet zone, (QH) QH 2x.

Vertical quiet zone, (QV) QV 2x.

Number of Rows, (r). 3 r 90

Number of Columns, (c). 1 c 30

Symbol Width, (W). W (17c+69)x + QH

Symbol Height, (H) H yr + 2QV

Matrix Parameters (n + k) cr < 929

Table 7-2. Dimensional Parameters Note: n- total number of data codewords, k - total number of error codewords. 707 DEFINING THE SYMBOL FORMAT 1. The PDF417 symbol matrix is user or application defined first by specifying the module aspect ratio and then the symbol matrix of rows and columns. The process can be iterative. Alternately, the number of columns can be specified. 2. Defining the Module Aspect Ratio. The printed module aspect ratio is defined by the ‘x’ and ‘y’ dimensions, set by the user or application specification. Most often, the major factors determining their value are the resolution of the printing and scanning systems for the ‘x’ dimension, and the type of scanner for the ‘y’ dimension. 3. Defining the Symbol Matrix of Rows and Columns. Factors, which should be considered to determine the symbol matrix of rows and columns, include:

a. The Symbology basic rules, e.g. the number of rows and columns permitted. b. The physical space available to print the symbol. c. That longer rows have lower symbol overheads (start and stop characters etc.).

d. Total row length must be less than the scan line length set or implied by the application or scanner type. In this case, the maximum number of columns should be specified.

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e. The type of scanner, which may determine the overall aspect ratio of the symbol. f. That where the symbol size is likely to exceed 1,800 characters in some systems the reader software may require an extended library amendment.

4. These factors may mean the number of rows and columns require the use of pad-codewords 708 SYMBOLOGY IDENTIFIER (SI) AND AUTO-DISCRIMINATION 1. The SI for PDF417 is “]Lm”. This is not encoded in the symbol but added by the decoder, as a preamble to the data message, before onward transmission. For further details of SI methodology, see ISO/IEC 15424. 2. PDF417 can be used in an auto-discrimination environment with some other NATO approved symbologies. It is fully distinguishable from, and so compatible and usable with, Code 39, Code 93, Code 128, EAN/UPC, Interleaved 2 of 5, Codabar, CODABLOCK, Code One, Code 16K, Code 49, Data Matrix and MaxiCode. 709 USAGE 1. PDF417 can be used in many sectors, e.g. logistics. The use of PDF417 within logistics is mostly split into two main applications, i.e. “Shipping & receiving” or “Support documentation.” It may also be used for sorting and tracking. However, true 2D matrix codes, (e.g. MaxiCode, Data Matrix), are often considered more suitable for this latter application, whereas licence plate applications are better served by NATO standard linear bar codes. 2. Logistic Applications Label Formats. Useful label formats can be found in STANAG 2494 and ANSI MH10.8.3. 710 PARAMETERS 1. Application standards define the parameters of PDF417 symbols specified in this standard as variable. 2. Symbology and Dimensional Characteristics. It is necessary for the following data, symbology and dimensional parameters to be specified:

a. The selection and use of ECI, if required, to extend data encoding beyond the default interpretations of the basic modes. b. The volume of data in the symbol, which may be fixed, variable or variable up to a defined maximum. c. The selection of the ECL. d. The value or range of the “x” and “y” dimensions. e. Symbol parameters: the range of permissible aspect ratios and/or whether symbol width or height has a maximum number of columns value.

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3. Optical Specifications. In order for a bar code symbol to be scanned in a given application, it is necessary to specify the optical parameters. The application standard shall specify the minimum print quality level with the default level being 1.0/05/660. The optical parameters to be specified are as follows:

a. The peak response wavelength. b. The spectral half power bandwidth, both symbol and scanner should conform. c. The spot size of the scanner. d. The parameters for reflectance of the bars and spaces. e. The conditions under which optical measurements should be made. f. The extent of permissible imperfections within the symbol.

711 PDF417 PRINT QUALITY See DD ENV 12925 Annex J for the procedure and ISO/IEC 15415 for print quality. 712 VERY LARGE MESSAGES Where a single data message will contain over 1,500 alphanumeric characters the concatenated symbols shall be arranged to be read in a single scanning sequence. The scanning / decoding equipment and application software shall be able to handle and reconstruct messages that exceed their buffer capacity. 713 REFERENCE DECODE ALGORITHM There is a reference decoder algorithm for PDF417, the basis for any test specification for PDF417 bar code symbols. For this see AIM (Europe) & (USA) USSPDF417, ISO/IEC15438 or DD ENV 12925. 714 TRANSMISSION USING OLDER PROTOCOLS See ISO/IEC 15438 and DD ENV 12925.

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CHAPTER 8 - MAXICODE 801 DESCRIPTION 1. This standard NATO bar code is an omnidirectional, fixed-size matrix symbology, (2D), which is made up of offset rows of hexagonal modules arranged around a central finder pattern. 2. ISO/IEC 16023 defines the detailed specification for the MaxiCode symbology. Inherent in this symbology are data compaction (several characters into fewer codewords), Reed-Solomon error correction with two user selectable error correction levels, and seven modes. 802 CHARACTERISTICS MaxiCode has the following basic characteristics:

a. Encodable character set. The default character set allows 256 international characters to be encoded, values 0-127, in accordance with ANSI X3.4, i.e. all 128 ASCII characters and values 128-255 in accordance with ISO 8859-1: Latin alphabet No. 1. Numeric compaction allows nine digits to be compacted in six codewords. There are also symbology control characters, for code switching and other control purposes included. b. Codeword set. The codeword set of 64 (26) values acts as an intermediate encodation layer between the data characters and symbol characters. The codewords form the basis for error correction calculations. They have the values 0-63 i.e. 000000 to 111111 in binary notation. Within each symbol character, the most significant bit (MSB) is the lowest numbered module. c. Representation of codewords. Six hexagonal modules represent each codeword where information is represented in binary, a dark module is a one and a light module is a zero. d. Symbol size, physical. Each symbol, including the quiet zone, is of a fixed physical size, nominally 28.14 mm wide x 26.91 mm high. e. Symbol size, modules. There are 884 hexagonal modules arranged in 33 rows around a central finder pattern. Each row consists of a maximum of 30 modules. 864 modules (144 symbol characters) are available for use plus two unused modules. f. Non-Data Overhead. The non-data overhead consists of 18 modules for orientation per symbol, and the equivalent of 90 modules for the finder pattern. Error correction can absorb 50 or 66 codewords per symbol depending on the level selected. g. Maximum data capacity. 93 alphanumeric characters or 138 numeric characters. h. Human Readable Interpretation (HRI). A literal HRI is not normally required, as it is usually impractical. An alternative is content descriptive text adjacent to the symbol. If used, it shall not interfere with the symbol or its quiet zones. i. Error Detection and Correction. Reed-Solomon error correction is used. There are two levels, Standard Error Correction (SEC) and Enhanced Error Correction (EEC). Error correction is applied separately to Primary and Secondary Messages and sub-divisions. EEC shall be applied to the Primary Message but either EEC or SEC may be selected for the Secondary Message. See ISO/IEC 16023 for the methodology and algorithm.

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803 OPTIONAL FEATURES There are two, Extended Channel Interpretations (ECI) and Structured Append. The former enables characters from other character sets (e.g. Arabic), other data interpretations or industry-specific requirements to be represented. The latter allows data to be represented in up to eight symbols where the original data can be reconstructed regardless the symbols scan order. 804 SYMBOL DESCRIPTION 1. Symbol Structure. The symbol consists of a “bulls-eye” central finder pattern surrounded by a square array of offset rows of hexagonal modules. The rows in the symbol alternate between 30 and 29 modules in width. Figure 8-1 illustrates a MaxiCode symbol.

Figure 8-1. Example MaxiCode Symbol

2. Quiet Zones. The symbol shall be surrounded on all four sides by a quiet zone border. 805 USER CONSIDERATIONS FOR ENCODING DATA 1. A MaxiCode symbol has a fixed number of modules and codewords. The 144 codewords can be used to encode the mode, data, symbology control functions, and error correction. However, should the encoded data not meet the capacity of the symbol then pad characters must be used to meet the shortfall. Conversely, where the data to be encoded exceeds a single symbol’s capacity it is possible to use structured-append to combine up to eight symbols. However, where multiple symbols are required consideration should be taken whether this is the best symbology for the purpose. 2. Usage. The fixed size and limited capacity of this symbology is a result of its primary function, that of high-speed sortation mostly for logistics / transportation applications. Where significant quantities of information are to be encoded then another symbology e.g. PDF417 should be selected. 3. Some symbology parameters are generally application determined, e.g. error correction level and mode. Others are more data related, including the use of particular character sets, the need for data to conform to particular application standards or message syntax (e.g. EDIFACT), and the degree of switching between Code Sets.

a. User Selection of Error Correction Level. There are two levels of error correction, requiring different numbers of codewords. They are selected by the choice of mode. The basic features are set out in Table 8-1.

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Error Correction Level(ECL)

Feature Standard (SEC) Enhanced (EEC)

Total number of codewords 144 144

Codewords available for data encodation 93 77

Codeword used for specifying mode 1 1

Codewords used for error correction 50 66

Number of erroneously decoded codewords that can be corrected.

22 50

Table 8-1 Features of Error Correction b. User Selection of Mode. MaxiCode symbols offer five modes of encodation. Generally, they are used to define the format of the message and the level of error correction. c. User Selection of ECI. The use of ECI to identify a particular code page or more specific data interpretation requires additional codewords. d. User Selection of Structured Append. The application specification shall define the number of symbols to be used and whether this is a fixed number or a maximum. The range is from one to eight symbols. Where more than one symbol is required then Structured Append shall be used. Two codewords are required to define a symbol as part of a Structured Append.

e. User Assessment of Encodation Capacity. MaxiCode symbols have a limited data capacity as indicated in Table 8-1.

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CHAPTER 9 - DATA MATRIX 901 DESCRIPTION 1. This is an omnidirectional, 2D-matrix bar code symbology composed of square modules arranged within a perimeter finder pattern. ISO/IEC 16022 specifies the detailed symbology 2. The characteristics of Data Matrix are as shown in Table 9-1:

Characteristic Value

Encodable character set i. Values 0 - 127 in accordance with ISO/IEC 646, i.e. all 128 ASCII characters.

ii. Values 128 - 255 in accordance with ISO/IEC 8859-1; Latin alphabet No.1, i.e. extended ASCII.

Data Representation Square modules, a dark one is a binary one and a light module a zero.

Symbol size (modules) 30 sizes, 24 square (10 x 10 to 144 x 144) and 6 rectangular (8 x 18 to 16 x 48), (not including quiet zone). Even parity only.

Data characters per symbol

i. Alphanumeric data: up to 2335 characters

ii. 8-bit byte data: 1555 characters

iii. Numeric data: 3116 digits

(for maximum symbol size in ECC 200)

Error correction ECC 200 Reed-Solomon error correction algorithm

Inherent Optional Features

i. Reflectance reversal. Symbols are intended to be read when marked so that the image is either dark on light or light on dark (see Figure 9-1).

ii. Extended Channel Interpretations (ECI). Enables representation of characters from other character sets or other data interpretations and industry-specific requirements.

iii. Square and Rectangular symbols.

iv. Structured append. Data may be represented in up to 16 symbols. The original data can be correctly reconstructed regardless of the symbols scanning order.

Table 9-1. Data Matrix Characteristics

902 ERROR CORRECTION SCHEMES The default scheme is ‘ECC 200’. 903 HUMAN READABLE INTERPRETATION (HRI) An HRI is recommended. However, due to the symbol’s capacity a literal one may not be practical. The HRI shall not interfere with the symbol itself or the quiet zones. The default / preferred location is below the symbol.

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904 SYMBOLOGY IDENTIFIERS (SI) For Data Matrix the SI is “]dm”. Where ‘]’ is the SI flag (ASCII value 93), ‘d’ is the code character for the Data Matrix symbology and ‘m’ is a modifier character with one of the values defined in Table 9-2. The SI shall be used when an ECI appears anywhere in the symbol, or if FNC1 is used.

Option Option Value Notes

0 ECC 000 - 140 Not For Use In NATO Applications

1 ECC 200 Allowed

2 ECC 200, FNC1 in 1st or 5th position Allowed

3 ECC 200, FNC1 in 2nd or 6th position Allowed

4 ECC 200 supporting ECI protocol Not For Use In NATO Applications

5 ECC 200, FNC1 in 1st or 5th position plus supporting ECI protocol

Not For Use In NATO Applications

6 ECC 200, FNC1 in 2nd or 6th position plus supporting ECI protocol

Not For Use In NATO Applications

Table 9-2: Symbology Identifier (SI) Option Values ‘m’ for Data Matrix 905 AUTO-DISCRIMINATION Data Matrix, when read by correctly programmed auto-discriminating decoders, is fully distinguishable and compatible with many other bar codes. Representations of short linear symbols may occasionally be found in any 2D-matrix symbol. 906 SYMBOL STRUCTURE 1. Each symbol consists of data regions, which contain nominally square modules, in a regular array. In larger symbols, the data regions are separated by alignment patterns. The entire data region is surrounded by a finder pattern, and this is surrounded on all sides by at least a 1X quiet zone border, see Figure 9-1. Generally, the discussion in this section refers to dark on light symbols but the rules apply equally to light and dark symbols.

Figure 9-1: Data Matrix Symbols 2. Finder Pattern. This is a one module wide perimeter to the data region. Two adjacent sides, the left and lower sides, forming an ‘L’ boundary, are solid dark lines. These are used to determine physical size, orientation and symbol distortion. The two opposite sides comprise alternating dark and light modules. This is used to define the symbol cell structure and also aid in determining physical size and distortion. See Figure 9-1. 3. Alignment Pattern. A unique pattern in larger symbols made from a solid line of contiguous dark cells abutting a line of alternating dark and light cells. The alignment patterns run horizontally and vertically within the symbol.

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4. Symbol Sizes and Capacities. Symbols have an even number of rows and columns. They may be square, with sizes from 10 x 10 to 144 x 144, or rectangular, with sizes from 8 x 18 to 16 x 48, not including the quiet zone. 5. The light upper-right-corner module can recognise all ECC 200 symbols. For the attributes of ECC 200, symbols see Table 9-3. Symbol

sizea Data

region Total

codewords

Reed-Solomon

block Maximum data capacity

Row Col Size No.

Mapping matrix

size Data Error Data Error

Inter–leaved blocks

Num. Alphanum.d Byte

% of codewords

used for error correction

Max. correctable codewords

Error/

erasureb

10 10 8 x 8 1 8 x 8 3 5 3 5 1 6 3 1 62,5 2/0

12 12 10 x 10 1 10 x 10 5 7 5 7 1 10 6 3 58,3 3/0

14 14 12 x 12 1 12 x 12 8 10 8 10 1 16 10 6 55,6 5/7

16 16 14 x 14 1 14 x 14 12 12 12 12 1 24 16 10 50 6/9

18 18 16 x 16 1 16 x 16 18 14 18 14 1 36 25 16 43,8 7/11

20 20 18 x 18 1 18 x 18 22 18 22 18 1 44 31 20 45 9/15

22 22 20 x 20 1 20 x 20 30 20 30 20 1 60 43 28 40 10/17

24 24 22 x 22 1 22 x 22 36 24 36 24 1 72 52 34 40 12/21

26 26 24 x 24 1 24 x 24 44 28 44 28 1 88 64 42 38,9 14/25

32 32 14 x 14 4 28 x 28 62 36 62 36 1 124 91 60 36,7 18/33

36 36 16 x 16 4 32 x 32 86 42 86 42 1 172 127 84 32,8 21/39

40 40 18 x 18 4 36 x 36 114 48 114 48 1 228 169 112 29,6 24/45

44 44 20 x 20 4 40 x 40 144 56 144 56 1 288 214 142 28 28/53

48 48 22 x 22 4 44 x 44 174 68 174 68 1 348 259 172 28,1 34/65

52 52 24 x 24 4 48 x 48 204 84 102 42 2 408 304 202 29,2 42/78

64 64 14 x 14 16 56 x 56 280 112 140 56 2 560 418 277 28,6 56/106

72 72 16 x 16 16 64 x 64 368 144 92 36 4 736 550 365 28,1 72/132

80 80 18 x 18 16 72 x 72 456 192 114 48 4 912 682 453 29,6 96/180

88 88 20 x 20 16 80 x 80 576 224 144 56 4 1 152 862 573 28 112/212

96 96 22 x 22 16 88 x 88 696 272 174 68 4 1 392 1 042 693 28,1 136/260

104 104 24 x 24 16 96 x 96 816 336 136 56 6 1 632 1 222 813 29,2 168/318

120 120 18 x 18 36 108 x 108 1 050 408 175 68 6 2 100 1 573 1 047 28 204/390

132 132 20 x 20 36 120 x 120 1 304 496 163 62 8 2 608 1 954 1 301 27,6 248/472

156 62 8c 144 144 22 x 22 36 132 x 132 1 558 620

155 62 2c 3 116 2 335 1 555 28,5 310/590

Rectangular Symbols

8 18 6 x 16 1 6 x 16 5 7 5 7 1 10 6 3 58,3 3/0

8 32 6 x 14 2 6 x 28 10 11 10 11 1 20 13 8 52,4 5/0

12 26 10 x 24 1 10 x 24 16 14 16 14 1 32 22 14 46,7 7/11

12 36 10 x 16 2 10 x 32 22 18 22 18 1 44 31 20 45,0 9/15

16 36 14 x 16 2 14 x 32 32 24 32 24 1 64 46 30 42,9 12/21

16 48 14 x 22 2 14 x 44 9 28 49 28 1 98 72 47 36,4 14/25

Table 9-3: ECC 200 Symbol Attributes

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Notes: a. symbol size does not include quiet zones b. See 5.7.3 in ISO/IEC 16022 c. In the largest symbol (144 x 144), the first eight Reed-Solomon blocks are 218 codewords long encoding 156 data codewords, and the last two blocks encode 217 codewords (155 data codewords). All the blocks have 62 error correction codewords. d. Based on text or C40 encoding without switching or shifting, for other encoding schemes this value may vary depending on the mix and grouping of character sets.

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Annex A - Code 39 & Code 128 Data Limits and Dimensions 1. MAXIMUM CHARACTER LIMITS FOR LINEAR SYMBOLS

a. Typical labeller limitations, (see ISO/IEC 15394) for a single symbol mean the following:

Symbology and Format Character Limits

Code 39 19

Code 128 (alphanumeric) 27

Code 128 (numeric) 50

(usually after a single character data identifier (DI))

GS1 – 128 (alphanumeric) 26

GS1 – 128 (numeric) 48

Table A-1: Maximum Printable Number of Characters

b. For GS1-128 the count includes all characters between the FNC1 character and the symbology check character. For Code 39 the count includes all characters between the start-stop character (*). c. The X Dimension (the narrowest element width) for ISO A5 (148 x 210 mm) and A7 (105 x 74 mm) Label Sizes, assuming table A-1 and including the following;

(1) Symbology start/stop characters, 2.54 mm point registration, Quiet Zones of 6.4 mm or 10X, whichever is the greater. (2) Code 39, a 3:1 wide to narrow ratio and one X inter-character gap.

(3) Code 128, the symbology check character.

(4) GS1 symbols, FNC1 and symbology check character.

d. The information in Table A-2 may be derived:

Symbology Code 39 Code 128 (numeric)

Code 128 (alpha-

numeric)

GS1-128 (SSCC-18)

GS1-128 (numeric)

GS1-128 (alpha-

numeric) Number of Characters

19 50 27 20 48 26

A5 label 0.25-0.38 0.25-0.43 0.28-0.38 0.50-0.76 0.25-0.38 0.25-0.38

A7 label 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.50 0.25 0.25

Table A-2: Range of X (mm) for the Maximum Character Limits

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Annex B - SYSTEMS CONSIDERATIONS (INFORMATIVE) 1 THE SYSTEM

a. All the symbology encoding/decoding hardware components, i.e. surface, marker or printer, labels, and readers, and software need to operate together as a system. A failure or mismatch in one or more of them can compromise the systems performance. While compliance with the specifications is key to assuring overall system success, other considerations may influence performance. b. The following guidelines suggest some factors to consider when specifying or implementing bar code systems:

(1) Select a print density that will yield tolerance values that can be achieved by the marking or printing technology being used. (2) Choose a reader with a resolution suitable for the symbol density and quality produced by the printing technology. (3) Ensure that the printed symbol's optical properties are compatible with the wavelength of the scanner's light source or sensor. (4) Verify symbol compliance in the final label or package configuration. Overlays show through, and curved or irregular surfaces can all affect symbol readability.

2 SURFACES The effects of specula (mirror-like) reflections from shiny symbol surfaces must be considered. Scanning systems must take into consideration the variations in diffuse reflection between dark and light features. At some scanning angles, the specula component of the reflected light can greatly exceed the desired diffuse component, affecting reading success. In cases where the surface of the part or material can be altered, matte finishes can minimise specula effects. Where this option is not available, particular care must be taken to ensure that the illumination for the mark being read optimises the desired contrast components. 3 MARKING METHODS

a. SNS message marking. Any marking process that produces a readable SNS message meeting the requirements of the symbology and application standards may be used. b. Permanent marking methods. Some applications will require permanently marked bar codes to be used. This usually infers that the bar code is to remain readable for the lifetime of the material to which it is affixed or the lifetime of the material in which the bar code is marked. For these applications, the bar codes need to utilise a ‘permanent’ marking technology. Permanent marking technologies are laser etch, photo-imaged, dot peen, chemical etch among others.

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Annex C - PDF417 SYMBOL ASPECT RATIO & SIZE 1 SYMBOL SIZE

a. Before the symbol size can be determined, the number of data codewords and error correction codewords must be calculated. The application can specify either a width or an aspect ratio; the calculation is much simpler for the former.

(1) When an overall width W (including quiet zones) is specified then the number of data columns can be calculated from: -

Error! Objects cannot be created from editing field codes.

where ‘c’ is the number of columns and ‘QH ‘ the horizontal quiet zone ( 2x). The number of rows ‘r’ is derived from the total number of codewords,

(n + k) = r*c.

(2) When given a required symbol aspect ratio (A), assuming QH and QV are definite values (in this case 2x) the following can be derived;

Solving for a positive value of c (number of columns) produces a non-integer, the nearest positive integer value of c is the best value of c to achieve the stated aspect ratio (A). To obtain the number of rows (r);

If then

(3). Example: Where the desired aspect ratio (A) = 0.5, n + k = 277, x = 0.3 mm, y = 1.00 mm.

For the number of columns ‘c’,

Hence, c = 8.21 Or -29.21.

Ignoring the negative value and taking the integer of the positive, we obtainError! Objects cannot be created from editing field codes..

For the number of rows ‘r’, Error! Objects cannot be created from editing field codes.

r = 35 (n + k cr < 929 i.e. 277 280 < 290)

(4) The symbol is therefore 68.97 mm wide by 36.32 mm high with an actual aspect ratio of 0.527 using 35 rows and 8 columns.

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Annex D - PDF417 SYMBOL WIDTH 1. When the symbol width includes the quiet zones the following approximate values as shown in Table D-1 apply for two block (symbol) heights and four values of the ‘X’ dimension (the narrow element width).

X-Dimension

0.43 mm 0.38 mm 0.33 mm 0.25 mm

Number of Symbol Height (mm)

Characters* 20.32 40.64 20.32 40.64 20.32 40.64 20.32 40.64

50 83.31 61.21 73.66 47.75 58.42 41.66 41.15 28.19

100 105.16 68.58 80.26 54.36 64.01 47.24 45.47 36.83

150 119.89 75.95 93.22 60.71 75.44 52.83 49.78 36.83

200 134.62 83.31 106.17 67.31 86.61 52.83 54.10 36.83

250 149.35 90.68 119.13 73.66 92.20 58.42 62.74 41.15

300 164.08 97.79 132.08 80.26 103.38 64.01 67.06 41.15

400 200.66 112.52 157.99 93.22 125.98 75.44 80.01 49.78

500 230.12 127.25 183.90 106.17 142.75 81.03 88.65 54.10

750 310.90 164.08 248.67 132.08 187.71 103.38 118.87 67.06

1000 391.41 208.03 313.44 164.34 238.25 125.98 144.78 80.01

1250 472.19 244.60 371.60 196.85 282.96 148.34 175.01 92.96

1500 560.32 281.43 436.37 222.76 333.50 170.69 200.91 105.92

Table D-1. PDF417 Symbol Width

The shaded area indicates the resultant approximate symbol widths in mm. * These are alphanumeric characters, not symbol characters (codewords). (Based on ANSI MH10.8.3M)

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Annex E - PDF417 GENERAL DIMENSIONAL PARAMETERS 1 Introduction

a. Unless an application standard is used that defines dimensions, the symbol(s) dimensions are largely defined by the amount of data to be encoded, the available space for the symbol to be depicted and the capabilities of the available printing / decoding equipment. Parameters defined here are for two logistic applications and they are recommended unless otherwise specified. b. For examples of dimensions, see Annex D. In addition, when deciding on the dimensions the reader characteristics should be noted. A reader with a field width of 75 mm may not be able to read a 100 mm wide symbol but use of a ‘taller’ symbol could reduce the width to readable proportions.

(1) “Shipping and Receiving” Application. Shipping and receiving applications shall not use Macro PDF417 or Compact PDF417. Examples are shown in Table E-1.

1 ‘X’ -dimension range 0.254 to 0.432 mm

2 ‘Y’ – dimension 3X min

3 Symbol height 25.4 mm to 50.8 mm

4 No. of data columns 12 (up to 18 by agreement)

5 Quiet zone (QH, QV) 1.0 mm min

6 Error correction level 5

7 Symbol width (@ 12 data columns);

“X” Dimension (mm) Maximum Width (incl. Quiet Zones) (mm)

0.25 71.37

0.33 92.20

0.38 106.17

0.43 119.89

8 Print Quality; With a measurement aperture of 0.254 mm using a light source of 660 10 nm wavelength (); It shall be Grade B at point of printing and not less than Grade C at final point of receipt.

9 Orientation; The bars shall be perpendicular to the natural bottom of the label. This in turn should be parallel to the top or bottom edge of the package. The natural bottom of the label shall be aligned parallel to the rest surface (e.g. top or bottom) edge of the packaging to which it is applied.

10 Symbol Spacing; Where more than one symbol is applied to a label the spacing between quiet zones shall be half symbol height.

11 HRI (descriptive); Where an HRI is used this shall be no closer than 1.0 mm and no greater than 6.350 mm to the symbol.

Table E-1. Example of Parameters for ‘Shipping & Receiving Application’

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(2) Supporting Documentation Application. Here either standard PDF417 or Macro PDF417 may be used. However, where the quantity of data would exceed the maximum that may be encoded in a single PDF417 symbol then Macro PDF417 shall be used. Compact PDF417 is not recommended for this application. No HRI shall be used where Macro PDF417 is used.

1 ‘X’ -dimension range 0.254 mm (Nominal)

2 ‘Y’ – dimension 3X min

3 No. of data columns 12 (Nominal)

4 Quiet zone (QH, QV) 1.0 mm min

5 Error correction level 5

6 Print Quality With a measurement aperture of 0.152 mm (or 0.127 mm) using a light source of 660 10 nm wavelength (); It shall be Grade B at point of printing and not less than Grade C at final point of receipt.

7 Orientation The PDF417 bars shall be perpendicular to the natural bottom of the label. All symbols shall have the same orientation. Symbol skew shall not exceed 5º. The natural bottom of the label shall be aligned parallel to the rest surface (e.g. top or bottom) edge of the packaging to which it is applied.

8 Symbol Spacing Where more than one symbol is applied to a label the spacing between quiet zones shall be at least half the symbol height or three times the quiet zone width, whichever is the greater.

Table E-2. Example of Parameters for ‘Documentation Application’

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Annex F - COMPACT PDF417 1. The Compact PDF417 variant may be specified where space considerations are a primary concern and where the environment is such that any damage is unlikely. It is fully decoder compatible with standard PDF417 symbols. The size reduction is achieved by reducing the non-data overhead to two codewords per row. Omitting the right row indicator and reducing the stop pattern to one bar width does this. 2. The use of Compact PDF417 has a trade-off in reduced symbol robustness and decoder performance resulting from damage, degradation, noise, dust and other factors.

Figure F-1. Compact PDF417

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Annex G - GLOSSARY

1. The following terms and descriptions are used for the purpose of this document. Other terms shall be as per ISO/IEC 19762 Parts 1 and 2.

a. Add-on symbol. A symbol used to encode information supplementary to that in the main symbol, (EAN/UPC, GS1 symbologies). b. Aspect Ratio. In a bar code symbol, the ratio of symbol height to symbol width. In a 2D symbol, the ratio of symbol width to symbol height.

c. Application Identifier (AI). A GS1 System specified prefix that defines the meaning and purpose of the data element that follows, see GS1 General Specifications.

d. Auxiliary pattern. A pattern of symbol elements (e.g. bars/spaces) representing non-data components of the symbol, e.g. guard patterns (start-stop) and inter-character delineators.

e. Bar edge. In Code 39 each edge is defined as having a reflectance that is 50 percent of the difference between the space reflectance and the bar reflectance.

f. Basic channel mode (BCM). A standard system for encoding and transmitting bar code data where only data message bytes are output from the decoder. A decoder operating in compliance does so in the Basic Channel Mode.

g. Contrast. Subjective concept defined by a standard mathematical formula expressing the mutual effect of two adjacent visual impressions. The possibility of using bar code labels is based on the contrast values determined in the following wavelength bands, Visible red: 630 to 700 nm, and Near Infrared: 820 to 930 nm.

h. Data columns. Within a stacked (2D) symbol, e.g. PDF417, the area where user data is encoded.

i. Data Identifier (DI). (ANSI Data Identifiers ) A specified character, or string of characters, that defines the intended use of an element that follows. For the purpose of automatic data capture it refers to the alphanumeric identifiers defined in ANSI MH10.8.2.

j. Delineator. An auxiliary pattern used to separate characters, e.g. within an add-on symbol.

k. Edge contrast. The difference between a space reflectance (RL) and the adjoining bar reflectance (RD). l. Error Correction Codeword. A symbol codeword that encodes a value derived from the error correction algorithm to enable decode errors to be detected and to be corrected.

m. Extended Channel Interpretation (ECI). A procedure that replaces the default interpretation with another. The ECI system is largely Symbology independent.

n. Extended Channel Mode. A system for encoding and transmitting both data message bytes and control information about the message. A decoder in compliance operates in the extended channel mode. The control information is communicated by ECI escape sequences.

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o. Function Codeword. A codeword that initiates a particular operation within a given symbology, e.g. switching between data encoding sets, compaction schemes, invoke ECI, or program the reader.

p. Global Label Identifier (GLI). A precursor procedure to ECI.

q. Guard Pattern. An auxiliary pattern of symbol elements corresponding to start or stop patterns in some symbologies, or serving to separate the two halves of a symbol.

r. Human-readable interpretation (HRI). The interpretation of the encoded bar code data presented in a human-readable font. Exact for linear codes e.g. Code 39 or 128 and descriptive for stacked or matrix codes e.g. PDF417 or MaxiCode.

s. Inter-character gap. Space between the last element of one character and the first element of the adjacent character of a discrete bar code.

t. Magnification factor (M). A constant multiplier of the nominal dimensions of a symbol.

u. Margin (quiet zone, light or clear area). Areas immediately preceding the start character and following the stop characters, and also above and below the symbol. This area contains no markings and has the same reflectance as the spaces.

v. Message. The string of characters encoded in a bar code.

w. Mode. A selectable method of operation. In PDF417, one of the data compaction algorithms, i.e., Text, Byte and Numeric Modes, mapping 8-bit data bytes into PDF417 codewords. In Code-128 it is the four Function Character selected operations or the three Code Subsets.

x. Mode Latch Codeword. A code word used to switch between modes.

y. Mode Shift Codeword. A code word used to switch between modes for only one codeword.

z. Noise. Marks or other intrusions into the quiet zone that could have a negative impact on the readability of the symbol.

aa. Reflectance Factor (R). Ratio of reflected flux to a reference reflected flux. This is also known as the coefficient of reflectance or often as reflectance.

bb. Reflection Density, (D). Is Error! Objects cannot be created from editing field codes. where R is the reflectance factor.

cc. Row Indicator Codeword. A codeword, e.g. in PDF417, usually adjacent to the start or stop character encoding information about the symbol’s structure, (row ID, total number of rows and columns and error correction level).

dd. Standard NATO bar code Symbology (SNS). A NATO bar code symbology defined in terms of size, density, contrast, and code pattern.

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ee. Symbol Length Descriptor (SLD). A codeword that encodes the total number of codewords in a symbol (including itself and pad codewords but excluding error correction codewords); it is always the first codeword in PDF417.

ff. Symbology Identifier. A short message interpretable by receiving equipment that indicates the Symbology, or other origin of the data, and optional processing details. It is not encoded in the bar code but forms a preamble to its interpretation.

gg. Two-dimensional (2D) symbols. Matrix and multi-row (i.e. stacked) symbols.

hh. UCC/EAN System. A system for the unique numbering and identification of products, handling units, assets, locations, and services according to a set of rules maintained by EAN International and the UCC.

ii. Zero-suppression. The process of removing zeroes from specified positions, e.g. in an UCC-12 data string in order to encode it in UPC-E format.

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(INTENTIONALLY BLANK)

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Annex H - RELATED DOCUMENTS

AIM/ITS International Technical Specification: Extended Channel Interpretations: Part 1: Identification Schemes and Protocol.

ANSI MH10.8.2 Data Application Identifiers for Materials Handling

ANSI MH10.8.3* Two-dimensional symbols with Unit Loads and Transport Packages

ENV 12925* Bar coding - Symbology specifications - ‘PDF417’

GS1 General Specifications: Section 3.0: Definition of the Element Strings

ISO 1073-2 Alphanumeric Character Sets For Optical Recognition

ISO/IEC 15394 Packaging - Bar Code and two dimensional symbols for shipping, transport and receiving labels

ISO/IEC 15415 Automatic Identification and Data Capture Techniques - International Conformance Specification - Linear Bar Code Symbol Print Quality

ISO/IEC 15416 Automatic Identification and Data Capture Techniques - International Conformance Specification - Two-dimensional Symbol Print Quality

ISO/IEC 15417 Information technology – Automatic identification and data capture techniques – Code 128 bar code symbology specification

ISO/IEC 15420 EAN/UPC Symbology Specification

ISO/IEC 15424 Automatic Identification and Data Capture Techniques - International Conformance Specification - Symbology Identifiers

ISO/IEC 15438 Automatic Identification and Data Capture Techniques - International Two-dimensional Symbology Specification - PDF417

ISO/IEC 16022 Information technology – Automatic identification and data capture techniques - Data Matrix bar code symbology specification

ISO/IEC 16023 Information technology – International symbology specification – MaxiCode

ISO/IEC 16388 Information technology – Automatic identification and data capture techniques - Code 39 bar code symbology specification

ISO/IEC 16390 Interleaved 2 of 5 Symbology Specification

ISO/IEC 19762 Information technology -- Automatic identification and data capture (AIDC) techniques -- Harmonized vocabulary

ISO/IEC 646 Information Technology – ISO 7-bit coded character set for information interchange.

ISO/IEC 8859-1 Information Processing - 8-bit Single byte Coded Graphic Character Sets - Part 1: Latin Alphabet No. 1

STANAG 2494 NATO Asset Tracking Shipping Label And Associated Symbologies

STANAG 4281 NATO Standard Marking for Shipment and Storage

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UCC4* UCC/EAN-128

Application Identifier Standard

* - Until the ISO/IEC standard is published.