32 Line Matrix Printer Code V Programmer's Reference Manual

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Chapter 3 Bar Codes

Quiet Zone

Quiet zones extend on both ends of the bar code to permit the scan to begin

and end in a blank area. You are responsible for providing sufficient space on

the form (minimum of 7 modules) for the right quiet zone. (A trailing quiet zone

is provided automatically if an add-on code has been specified in the bar code

command.) The number system character is printed automatically in the left

quiet zone; the check digit is printed automatically in the right quiet zone.

Start/Center/Stop Codes

The Start/Center/Stop codes are special character codes which extend into

the printed data field area, marking the start, center, and stop portions of the

bar code. These codes are automatically provided.

Number System Character

The number system character field allows you to apply a code to a class or

type of item and is printed in the left quiet zone. The first character in the data

field is used as the number system character.

Data Field

The bar code symbol uses a series of varying width bars and spaces to

represent a limited character set (numbers 0-9 and Special Characters Start,

Center, and Stop). The bars and spaces vary in width from 1 through 4

modules. Each character consists of 2 bars and two spaces that total 7

modules. The symbol coding of the left data field is different from the right

data field to permit read direction sensing.

Readable Data

The optional readable data field provides a readable interpretation of the bar

code data. Readable data is printed below the horizontal bar code symbol,

and to the left of a vertical bar code symbol. The lower guard band is provided

when the readable data field is selected.

Check Digit

The modulo-10 check digit is automatically calculated and inserted in the bar

code symbol and printed in the right quiet zone, if specified. The check digit

provides the means to verify accurate scanning. The number system

character is included in the check digit algorithm.