Glossary

Complex Instruction Set Computer Processor - the x86 and Pentium families use CISC processors that process complex instructions requiring less instructions per operation resulting in faster performance. The performance efficiency of a RISC processor can sometimes, however, be effected by the software installed in the machine as newer, more complex software versions contain more instructions that the processor needs to process.

Reduced Instruction Set Computer Processor - by reducing the # of instructions that a CPU supports will reduce the complexity of the chip, thus enhancing performance. However, the time it takes to fetch, decode and execute the instruction may take longer than executing more code on a CISC processor. Examples of the RISC processors are the Hitachi SH1 and SH2. Also the PowerPC uses RISC architecture.

The “X”-dimension is the narrowest bar or space in the bar code. This bar or space is measured in millimeters. (mil=1/1000 of an inch). The “X”- dimension defines the density of a linear symbology. Depending on what the “X”-dimension of a bar code is, the bar code will be called either high density or low density.

The achieved width of the narrow elements, calculated as the average of the narrow bar width and the average narrow space width.

Two Dimensional Bar codes are special rectangular codes which ‘stack’ information in a manner allowing for more information storage in a smaller amount of space. These are also referred to as ‘Stacked’ Bar Codes or ‘Matrix’ Bar Codes. A standard bar code is limited to 20 to 25 characters.

The determination of whether any element width or inter-character gap width (if applicable) differs from its nominal width by more than the printing tolerance.

Automated Data Collection or Automated Data Capture - refers to all technologies that automate the process of data collection without the use of a keyboard, including bar code, magnetic stripe, (OCR) optical card reader, voice recognition, smart card or (RFID) radio frequency identification. ADC provides a quick accurate and costeffective way to collect and enter data.

1) A substance (cement, glue, gum) capable of holding materials together by surface contact. 2) The portion of a pressure sensitive label which allows the label to cling to its intended surface.

Automotive Industry Action Group. A trade association responsible for creating automotive industry standards pertaining to bar code symbology and common label formats.

Automatic Identification Manufacturers, Inc. A U.S. trade association headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA who represent the manufacturers of automatic identification systems.

In an automatic identification system (Auto ID), the relative position and orientation of a scanner to the symbol.

A character set consisting of letters, numbers and usually other character such as special symbols.

American National Standards Institute – a non-governmental organization responsible for the development of voluntary bar code, quality standards. Bar code printing standards and the readability of bar code symbols are determined and classified into grades from A to F, in order to provide an overall symbol quality test.

The opening on an optical system (scanner) that establishes the field of view.

The particular use of the label, tag or ticket will serve once the barcode, text, or graphic image is applied.

The temperature at the time the label is applied.

Used on a thermal transfer ribbon to prevent the ribbon from sticking to the printhead and to the substrate (media/label material). It also protects the printhead from excessive heat, static, and abrasion.

The spaces, quiet zones, and areas surrounding a printed symbol.

A bar code is a piece of Automatic Identification Technology (Auto ID) that stores real time data. It is a series of vertical bars or a graphical bar pattern which can, (depending on the width and pattern) encode numbers and letters in a format which can easily be retrieved and interpreted by a bar code reader.

A single group of bars and stripes that represents a specific quantity (often one) of numbers, letters, punctuation marks, or other symbols. This is the smallest subset of a bar code symbol that contains data.

The number of characters that can be represented in a linear unit of measure. This number is often expressed in characters per inch or cpi.

The bar dimension perpendicular to the bar width. Also called bar height. Scanning is performed in an axis perpendicular to the bar length.

The thickness of a bar measured from the edge closest to the symbol start character to the trailing edge of the same bar.

A barcode is a piece of Automatic Identification Technology (Auto ID) that stores real time data. It is a series of vertical bars or a graphical bar pattern which can, (depending on the width and pattern) encode numbers and letters in a format which can easily be retrieved and interpreted by a barcode reader.

Bar code symbology capable of being read successfully independent of scanning direction.

A numbering system that uses only 1’s and 0’s.

Refers to the inherent character and font sets found within a thermal printer and their respective ability to be adjusted and "shunk to fit". Bitmapped fonts are commonly available in limited point sizes - ex - 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 and 18 point - whose edges can become distorted or rough with manipulation outside the prescribed point size ranges.

Charge Coupled Device. Type of bar code scanner that uses LEDs (not lasers) to flood the bar code with light.

(1) A single group of bars and spaces that represents a specific number (usually one) of numbers, letters, punctuation marks, or other symbols. (2) A graphic shape representing a letter, numeral, or symbol. (3) A letter, digit, or other symbol that is used as part of the organization, control, or representation of data.

The vertical or horizontal position of characters with respect to a given set of reference lines.

Within a linear bar code symbol, the number of data characters per unit length (typically per inch). For a discrete symbology, the character width must include the intercharacter gap.

Refers to the range and variety of data characters available within a given thermal printer model – Ex – 7 Bitmapped fonts type A,B,C,D,E,F and 1 Scaleable font.

A range of data characters (alpha, numeric, and/or punctuation) that can be encoded into any given symbology. (2) Refers to the international characters and graphic symbols available within a given thermal printer model – Ex – IBM® Code Page 850.

A mechanically calculated number included within a string of data whose value is used for the purpose of performing a mathematical check to insure that the bar code message is scanned and read correctly.

A mechanically calculated number included within a string of data whose value is used for the purpose of performing a mathematical check to insure that the bar code message is scanned and read correctly.

A mechanically calculated number included within a string of data whose value is used for the purpose of performing a mathematical check to insure that the bar code message is scanned and read correctly.

a barcode symbology that uses four bars and three spaces to represent the numbers 0 through 9 and a set of special characters.

is a barcode symbology developed by Intermec. It uses 11 characters: 0 through 9 and -.

Code 128 is an alphanumeric bar code specifically designed to reduce the amount of space the bar code occupies. Each printed character can have one of three different meanings, depending on which of three different character sets are employed. Code 128 can be recognized as the labeling standard for UCC/EAN 128, used as product identification for container and pallet levels of retail markets.

This symbol is a stack of from 2 to 16 rows.

is the most commonly used bar code. It can encode both numbers and letters which is ideal for most industrial and non-retail applications. The Automotive industry uses Code 39 as its standard for shipping container labels. If you are just starting out a bar code application of your own, we recommend using Code 39.

was introduced in 1987 by the Intermec Corporation as a multi-row, continuous, variable length symbology and was the first stacked (two dimensional) barcode to receive widespread interest.

Code 93 is the complimentary version of Code 39 and allows labels to be approximately 30 percent shorter than Code 39.

The ability of a reading system to join together that data from multiple symbologies and interpret the information in a single message.

The end of each character in the bar code message marks the beginning of the next character; there are no intercharacter gaps to separate the characters in the bar code message. Ex – Interleaved 2 of 5 code.

Label, ticket or tag stock media that does not contain any notches, gaps or holes between each label. The label length must be specified in the label program.

The difference in reflectance between the black and white (or bar and space) areas of a symbol.

Dots Per Inch. Used in comparing relative printing resolution of thermal printheads and laser print engines.

(DCE) Devices designed to manipulate transmitted data, such as modem.

(DTE) A digital device such as a display terminal, data entry terminal, or printer which may be used to view or enter data. This device has a different communication connector pinout than DCE (see DCE).

A software or hardware means of translating bar codes into alphanumeric data. A bar code reader is required to scan the information into the decoder.

In a bar code reading system, the electronic package that receives signals from the scanner, performs the algorithm to interpret the signals into meaningful data, and provides the interface to other devices.

The term used to designate the compactness of a bar code which measures the narrowest element (usually in mils) of that bar code.

Within a linear bar code symbol, the number of data characters per unit length (typically per inch). For a discrete symbology, the character width must include the intercharacter gap.

The distance between the maximum and minimum plane in which a bar code reader is capable of reading symbols.

The distance between the maximum and minimum plane in which a code reader is capable of reading symbols of a specified “X” dimension.

The component of reflected light that emanates in all directions from the reflecting surface.

DIN is short for Deutsches Insitut für Normung eV, the standards -setting organization for Germany. A DIN connector is a connector that conforms to one of the many standards defined by DIN. DIN connectors are used widely in personal computers. For example, the keyboard connector for PCs is a DIN connector.

(DT) Direct thermal printing is an old technology originally designed for low cost copiers and fax machines. It has since been transformed into a highly successful technology for bar coding. The thermal printhead is typically a long linear array of tiny resistive heating elements (100-300/inch) arranged perpendicular to the paper flow. Each thermal printhead element locally heats an area on the chemically coated paper directly under the print element. This induces a chemical reaction which causes a dot to form in that area. The image is formed by building it from dot rows as the media passes underneath the active edge of the printhead. Direct thermal printing is an excellent choice for many bar code labeling applications. DT printers provide simplicity and environmental economy (recyclable materials are also available). Direct thermal printers are simple to operate compared to most other print technologies - with no ribbons or toners to replenish - label loading is a very simple procedure. Enables batch or single label print capability with virtually no waste.

Each character of the bar code message stands alone, separated by intercharacter gaps, and can be read independently from the others.

A print technology that employs several needles which are evenly spaced across a moveable horizontal shuttle which oscillates back and forth as the paper advances. Dot matrix printers print a bar code by creating overlapping adjacent dots to produce approximations of a straight edge line. Prints low to medium density bar codes that may not meet certain end-user guidelines. The dot size on the matrix printer limits the narrow element size and density of the bar code. Continuous ribbon re-use on dot matrix printers requires continuous monitoring of ribbon condition to ensure adequate bar code contrast - Ribbon ink that has become exhausted can produce an image that is inadequate for scanning. Ink saturated ribbon can result in paper “bleed” which can cause image distortion. Dot matrix printers are modified line printers that are most frequently used for printing batches of large labels with low density bar codes. Printing of single, individualized labels results in significant waste - The design of the matrix printer’s print carriage, sitting far below the media, also does not enable one to adequately maximize one’s label space.

Dots Per Inch. Used in comparing relative printing resolution of thermal printheads and laser print engines.

Dynamic Random Access Memory – is one type of chip used in Random Access Memory. It stores information as an electrical charge. Because this charge dissipates over time, the computing device must periodically run a “refresh cycle” on the chips to recharge them – hence “dynamic”. As it is a type of RAM, it will lose its information when the device into which it is installed is turned off. Typically, the time required to access information with a DRAM scheme is greater than with SRAM. SRAM chips can also not be substituted for DRAM chips; the machine (e.g. printer) must have been designed to use SRAM.

or the European Article Number is the European version of the UPC (Uniform Product Code) bar code of retail food packaging that enables this linear bar code to be used internationally. Like the U.S. equivalent UPC code, there are two different types of EAN codes, EAN 8 and EAN 13.

Electronic Data Interchange - A method by which data is/are electronically transmitted from one point to another.

Element Energy Equalizer – Zebra’s sophisticated method of ensuring that the correct amount of heat is delivered to each part of a printhead at all print speeds in order to optimize the quality of the barcodes that are produced.

has 13 characters or symbols. It is very much like the UPC code and has the 13th character as a means of identifying in what country the product will be used.

has a left-hand guard pattern, four odd parity digits, a center guard pattern, four even parity digits, and a right hand guard pattern with a total of eight symbols.

Extended Binary Coded Decimal Interchange Code which was developed by IBM and is used extensively in systems featuring IBM processors. Each character is represented by a six bit structure with the capability of generating 64 combinations.

Irregularities in the printing of bar code elements, resulting in a non-uniform edge and edge errors.

Electronic Data Processing - the act of processing information electronically.

Electronic Industries Association – a trade association.

A method of printing that utilizes a special electrostatic paper or charged drum, both of which attract toner to the charged area.

A single bar or space in a bar code symbol.

The abbreviation for erasable programmable Read Only Memory – (See ROM).

Federation of Automated Coding Technology - A bureau of AIM consisting of organizations that use and promote automatic identification among their members.

The part of the substrate (media) where printing occurs.

The part of the substrate (media) where printing occurs.

The ratio of the number of successful reads on the first scanning attempt to the number of attempts. Commonly expressed as a percentage and abbreviated as FRR.

The ratio between the width of the bars in the code is a fixed standard and cannot be changed.

Read/Writeable RAM (a.k.a. Non-Volatile RAM) This is a type of Random Access Memory chip that does not lose its contents when its power is turned off; however, it can be intentionally written to, read from, and intentionally erased. It is a type of RAM and, hence, interacts with the computer or processor as described under “RAM” except that it does not lose its contents when power is removed. The advantage of flash is best understood by example: A program or set of data could be stored into a computer or other machine at the place where the product is built. Of course, since flash won’t lose its contents even when it’s receiving no power, the product could be kept on the shelf with its memory loaded for a period of time before it’s put into service. While the product is in use, its flash chips cannot be accidentally reprogrammed, so the data or program that was stored in the product remains safely intact. At some point in the future, however, if the manufacturer of the product decided that there was a need to alter the data or the program, this could be done. The manufacturer would send to its customers a computer file containing the updated information. Along with the revised data or program would be a program for the product to use to erase the old data or program and read in the new.

The process whereby a pre-printed label, tag or ticket is printed by using a raised image plate surface to transfer wet ink to a printing substrate.

A thin coating of ink applied to the top of printing screen by the flood bard or, in manual operations, by the squeegee prior to printing the stroke.

A cloth or plastic tape coated with several layers of material, on of which is inklike, that produces the visible marks on a substrate. Used on formed font impact, dot matrix, thermal transfer and hot stamp printers. Also called a ribbon.

Bars that are at both ends and center of a UPC and EAN symbol which provide reference points for scanning. Guard bars are similar in function to start and stop characters.

A hand-held scanning device used as a contact bar code reader or OCR (optical code) reader.

The property of a material which inhibits the occurrence of physical or chemical changes caused by exposure to high temperatures.

Abbreviation for the Health Industry Business Communications Council – a trade association responsible for the symbology and label format used by the health care industry.

This bar code type has narrow spaces and bars with an “X” dimension that is less than 7.5 mils.

The ability to withstand stress, as in holding rigid label materials on smaller diameter cylindrical objects or in holding weight.

A bar code or symbol presented in such a manner that its overall length dimension is parallel to the horizon. The bars are presented in an array that looks like a picket fence.

The interpretation of bar code data, often printed immediately below the bar code in a readable format to humans.

Inches Per Second (refer to Print Speed)

Institute of Electrical & Electronic Engineers – a trade association.

or dot matrix - Any printing system where a micro-processorcontrolled hammer impacts against a ribbon and a substrate (label media).

were created to encourage consistency across specific industries. Some of the more common standards are from the Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG), Electronic Industry Association (EIA), the Health Care Industry Bar Code (HCIB) and the UCC Retail Pallet Format.

Common direct marking process and a favorite on high speed production lines. Ink droplets are selectively deflected between a moving product and an ink return channel . Ink jet printing is frequently used for coding products and cartons with human readable data and lot codes at very high speed and for case coding of cartons with bar codes. Bar codes on corrugated boxes are intentionally made large so that dot placement accuracy becomes less critical. Thus, using more ink and creating questionable print quality and usefulness for bar coding.

The bottom layer of a thermal transfer ribbon of a thermal ribbon which is composed of waxes, resins or a combination of both.

The space, notch or hole between labels used by the media sensor on the printer to determine the label length and top of form.

Interleaved 2 of 5 is a linear symbology that is most often used for encoding large amounts of information in a small area. Characters are paired together using bars to represent the first character and spaces to represent the second. Interleaved 2 of 5 bar code applications are mainly seen in the electronics and manufacturing areas.

Applications where bar coding and other forms of AIDC are used to add or delete items from inventory with 100% accuracy.

Infrared Data Association – a trade association; (2) A scanning technology that utilizes electromagnetic radiation wavelengths longer than those of visible light and shorter than those of microwaves.

A hardware device or software program (Software Wedge) which uses a scanner for input and sends data directly into an application by emulating a keyboard stroke. A wedge (hardware wedge) is an external device and plugs between the keyboard and terminal.

A hardware device or software program (Software Wedge) which uses a scanner for input and sends data directly into an application by emulating a keyboard stroke. A wedge (hardware wedge) is an external device and plugs between the keyboard and terminal.

A pressure sensitive label whose face material, adhesive and protective coatings transmit light so that objects can be seen through it.

A pressure sensitive label product is a die-cut part that has been converted through the production equipment using the type of pressure sensitive material that has a protective backing. The end product is produced in the form of rolls, sheets, fanfold or by other techniques that produce like products which have been slit or cut from the converted roll.

denotes the ideal range of media / substrate thickness designed to promote optimum print quality and printer performance.

A bar code symbol positioned vertically with horizontal bars and spaces.

Apply one layer of material over another.

The laser printer works much like a photocopier projecting controlled streams of ions onto the surface of a print drum resulting in a charged image. The charged image then selectively attracts toner particles - transferring the image onto the paper substrate (media) by means of pressure. The pressure from the printhead and drum then fuse the image to the paper - creating the image. A laser printed label is only as durable as a photocopy of paper. They commonly cannot produce chemical or waterresistant labels. Laser printer labeling adhesives must be carefully selected to ensure stability under the heat and pressure of the fuser. Laser printers are not well suited for industrial labeling applications or individual product labeling applications. Compatible toners for thermal printing applications are, often times, lacking. Cost of toner is significant for barcode printing - 15-30% black for bar code print versus 5% black for word processing print - 6 x the cost for barcoding using laser when compared to direct thermal or thermal transfer!

An optical bar code reading device using a low-energy laser light beam as its source of illumination.

A hand-held pen-like contact reader which the user must sweep across the bar code symbol in order to read the code. Also referred to as a wand.

A complete bar code message is expressed in a single line of bars – also commonly referred to as a 1-Dimensional barcode.

The component of a label used to protect the adhesive and to keep it from sticking to objects before the label is used. It readily separates from the label immediately before the label is applied to the substrate. Also referred to as release liner, backing paper or release paper.

a Department of Defense (DOD) project on LOGistics applications of Marking and Reading Symbols resulted in the production of a new standard (MIL-STD-1189A) that lead to the development of Code 39 as the established, barcode symbology to be used by all DOD vendors.

This bar code type has bars and spaces that are wide and far apart with an “X” dimension greater than 20 mils. This type of bar code is used for scanning bar codes from further distances.

A general term used for printed material that can be directly transferred to a data processing system.

In the UPC code, the 6-digit number applied by the UCC to uniquely identify a manufacturer or company selling products under its own name. Also, the first 6 digits of the 12-digit UPC.

Appear as a checker board. They are most likely square in shape, and contain some form of “finder pattern” which distinguishes them from other symbols. The finder pattern provides a decoding reference for scanners.

An example of a company which uses the Maxicode bar code is United Parcel Service (UPS). The next time you receive a package from UPS, look for a very small square with a pattern of dots and a small bulls eye in the center. UPS uses these bar codes as a way to sort their packages for a specific destination.

The term which refers to the label, tag and/or ticket and its respective ribbon combination. (2) The surface on which a bar code symbol is printed. Also, interchangeably, referred to as substrate.

Refers to the maximum/minimum media roll diameter that a thermal printer can accommodate – Ex – 5.0” O.D. (Outer Diameter) and 1.0” I.D. (Inner Diameter).

Zebra thermal printers contain a variety of memory options including, RAM, ROM, DRAM, SRAM, and Flash. For detailed descriptions of each memory option – Refer to each herein by abbreviated name.

A condition that occurs when the data output of a reader does not agree with the data encoded in the bar code symbol.

The narrowest nominal width unit of measure in a bar code symbol.

A scanning device where scanning motion is achieved by mechanically or electronically moving the optical geometry.

barcode symbology made up of 4 bars & 4 spaces representing the characters 0 through 9.

The National Institute of Electrical & Electronics Engineers – a trade association.

The exact or ideal intended value for a specified parameter. Tolerances are specified as positive or negative values from this specified value.

Bar code readers which do not require physical contact with the printed symbol.

Label, tag or ticket which contains either a gap, notch or hole between each label.

The absence of data at the scanner output after an attempted scan due to no code, defective code, scanner failure or operator error.

A device which connects to the serial output of a print cable and switches pins 2 and 3, transmitted data signal and received data signal.

A character set that includes only numbers.

An abbreviation commonly applied to the character set contained in ANSI Standard X3.17-1981. A stylized font choice used for traditional OCR printing.

the European equivalent of AIAG. See AIAG for further details.

Bar codes which can be read in any orientation in relation to the scanner.

A term used to describe when labels are printed immediately when the customer needs them and are ready for use versus being sent off-site for printing.

A complete bar code message is expressed in a single line of bars – also commonly referred to as a linear barcode.

denotes the prescribed temperature range for the safe operation of a thermal printer.

The alignment of a bar code symbol with respect to horizontal. Two possible orientations are horizontal and vertical bars and spaces (picket fence formation) and vertical with horizontal bars and stripes (ladder formation).

The fixed number of characters required for start, stop, and checking in a given bar code symbol, e.g. a symbol requiring a start and stop character and two check characters contains four characters of overhead. To encode three characters with the overhead listed, seven characters are required to print.

a link between data processing devices on which the data moves over multiple wires and more quickly than serial interface. Imagine transmitting all 8 letters in a word at the same time over each wire. In parallel interface, the 8 bits (a byte) are received and then processed simultaneously. A common parallel interface option is Centronics® (36 pin) parallel.

a link between data processing devices on which the data moves over multiple wires and more quickly than serial interface. Imagine transmitting all 8 letters in a word at the same time over each wire. In parallel interface, the 8 bits (a byte) are received and then processed simultaneously. A common parallel interface option is Centronics® (36 pin) parallel.

An optional character which may be included in the bar code message to minimize the misreading of the message.

A popular two-dimensional bar code that allows thousands of characters to be stored in its data format of multi-stacks. Some states use this type of bar code for driver’s license information. Healthcare facilities may also use the PDF417 for patient records because of the amount of data it can store.

A popular two-dimensional bar code that allows thousands of characters to be stored in its data format of multi-stacks. Some states use this type of bar code for driver’s license information. Healthcare facilities may also use the PDF417 for patient records because of the amount of data it can store.

A popular two-dimensional bar code that allows thousands of characters to be stored in its data format of multi-stacks. Some states use this type of bar code for driver’s license information. Healthcare facilities may also use the PDF417 for patient records because of the amount of data it can store.

Portable Data Terminal. Hand-held terminal capable of storing and recording data that is captured remotely and later transmitted into a computer.

A pen-like device used to read bar codes. It can be connected either by wire to a device or be self-contained. Required direct contact with the symbol.

A measure of an adhesive’s ultimate holding power or bond strength. A permanent adhesive will develop a bond that makes label removal difficult or impossible without distorting the facestock.

An adhesive charactersized by relatively high ultimate adhesion, but which can be removed. The degree of force used overcomes it bonding ability.

A bar code symbol positioned horizontally with vertical bars and spaces.

A pressure sensitive label which allows for dual usage. The construction consists of facestock, adhesive, and liner.

refers to the rotation of a bar code symbol about an axis parallel to the direction of the bars.

A pulse-width modulated bar code commonly used for shelf marking in grocery stores.

refers to bar code related retail applications occurring at the point of sale .

refers to bar code related retail applications occurring at the point of sale .

A strong film having good resistance to moisture, solvents, oils and many other chemicals. Usually transparent, although available with metalized finish. Often used in the creation of Zebra media.

A tough, sturdy plastic film having very good, low temperature characteristics. Often used in the creation of Zebra media.

Similar to polyethlene but stronger and having a higher temperature resistance. Often used in the creation of Zebra media.

A height modulated, numeric symbology developed by the U.S Postal Service. This linear symbology that uses 5 bars and 4 spaces to encode each digit. It is unique in that the bars are of different heights to accommodate the fast printing process required by the post office as well as its resistance to smearing.

A symbol that is printed in advance of application either on a label or on the article to be identified.

A pressure sensitive label product is a die-cut part that has been converted through the production equipment using the type of pressure sensitive material that has a protective backing. The end product is produced in the form of rolls, sheets, fanfold or by other techniques that produce like products which have been slit or cut from the converted roll.

The device on a direct thermal or thermal transfer printer containing the heating element that causes an image to be transferred to the facestock.

refers to the minimum and maximum label length a printer can print with standard or added memory capacity.

denotes the print technology used to print a label – commonly direct thermal or thermal transfer variety.

The measure of compliance of a bar code symbol to the requirements of dimensional tolerance, edge roughness, spots, voids, reflectance, PCS, quiet zone, and encodation.

the speed at which the label moves through the print head measured in inches per second (ips)

denotes the printhead width and the corresponding maximum label width that a thermal printer can optimally print on.

The device on a direct thermal or thermal transfer printer containing the heating element that causes an image to be transferred to the facestock.

In the UPC code, the 5-digit number assigned by a manufacturer to every consumer unit in its product catalog. The Product ID is different for every standard package (consumer unit) of the same product.

This field indicates how many PS/2 ports, used by PS/2 keyboards and mice, are on the motherboard.

a two-dimensional barcode developed for use in Japan that permits the encoding of binary, Kanji, JIS, and alphanumeric information

Applications that use automatic identification to make sure the right material is in stock so it can be delivered for the right cost to the right user at the right time.

Bar code message overhead which is an area to the left and to the right of the bar code symbol and is free of printing. This area provides the scanning device time to adjust to the measurements of each bar code in the message.

Random Access Memory - A machine's main working memory. Program instructions and data are stored here. Each location in memory has a unique address, so the computer can access the information in any location at any time it's required (i.e. “randomly”). RAM can be erased, written to, read from, and rewritten. It is erased when a computing device is turned off.

Read Only Memory - Permanent memory, can only be read, not written to nor erased. Typically programmed by the manufacturer carrying the software/instructions that a computer or similar device needs in order to get started every time it's turned on. ROM does not lose its contents when the device it’s installed in is turned off.

The ratio of the amount of light of a specified wavelength or series of wavelengths reflected from a test surface to the amount of light reflected from a barium oxide or magnesium oxide standard.

variation from label to label of the position of what is printed onto the label as measured from the edges of the label.

The portion of the pressure sensitive label which supports and holds the facestock and adhesive until application to the intended surface is needed.

An adhesive characterized by relatively high cohesion strength and low ultimate adhesion. It can removed easily from most substrate surfaces. Some adhesive transfer could take place depending on the affinity of the adhesive to the surface.

Adhesive left on a substrate when a decal is removed.

The narrowest element dimension that can be distinguished by a particular reading device or printed with a particular device or method. Generally the higher the resolution the better the resultant print quality.

The narrowest element dimension that can be distinguished by a particular reading device or printed with a particular device or method. Measured in Dots Per Inch (dpi).

A cloth or plastic tape coated with several layers of material, one of which is ink-like, that produces the visible marks on the substrate. Used on formed font impact, dot matrix, thermal transfer and hot stamp printers. Also called foil.

a link between data processing devices on which all the data moves over one wire, one bit at a time. Think of it as transmitting words one letter at a time until a total of 8 letters or bytes (8 bits) are received. The byte is then processed, but in a slower fashion than parallel. Common serial interface communications are RS232 C, RS422 and RS485 (9 or 25 Pin).

a link between data processing devices on which all the data moves over one wire, one bit at a time. Think of it as transmitting words one letter at a time until a total of 8 letters or bytes (8 bits) are received. The byte is then processed, but in a slower fashion than parallel. Common serial interface communications are RS232 C, RS422 and RS485 (9 or 25 Pin).

a link between data processing devices on which all the data moves over one wire, one bit at a time. Think of it as transmitting words one letter at a time until a total of 8 letters or bytes (8 bits) are received. The byte is then processed, but in a slower fashion than parallel. Common serial interface communications are RS232 C, RS422 and RS485 (9 or 25 Pin).

Substitution Error Rate –or the rate of occurrence of incorrect characters from an automatic identification system.

refers to the inherent character and font sets found within a thermal printer and their respective ability to be adjusted and “shrunk to fit”. Scaleable fonts are also commonly referred to as smooth fonts as their point sizes can be adjusted to any desired custom size evenly and proportionally, without the advent of visible rough edges.

The number of times, per second, that the device tries to read a barcode. Generally the more scans per second, the more versatile the device is.

The size of the projection of light from a scanning device which “reads” the bar code message.

An electronic device to read bar codes that electro-optically converts bars and spaces into electrical signals. For RF systems see "Interrogator".

A bar code is considered self-checking if a single printing defect will not cause a character to be transposed into another valid character in the same symbology.

a link between data processing devices on which all the data moves over one wire, one bit at a time. Think of it as transmitting words one letter at a time until a total of 8 letters or bytes (8 bits) are received. The byte is then processed, but in a slower fashion than parallel. Common serial interface communications are RS232 C, RS422 and RS485 (9 or 25 Pin).

a link between data processing devices on which all the data moves over one wire, one bit at a time. Think of it as transmitting words one letter at a time until a total of 8 letters or bytes (8 bits) are received. The byte is then processed, but in a slower fashion than parallel. Common serial interface communications are RS232 C, RS422 and RS485 (9 or 25 Pin).

The temperature range that a pressure sensitive label will withstand after a 72 hour residence time on the substrate. The range is expressed in degrees Fahrenheit and /or degrees Celcius.

The period of time during which a product can be stored under specified conditions and still remain suitable for use.

The generally undesirable property of a substrate that permits underlying markings to be seen.

Rotation of a bar code symbol about an axis parallel to the symbol’s length.

The resistance of a printed surface to smearing.

A dissolving, thinning or reducing agent. Specifically, a solvent is a liquid that dissolves another substance.

The process of labeling an item with a bar code at the point of its initial production.

The lighter element of a bar code usually formed by the background between the bars.

The thickness of a space measured from the edge closest to the symbol’s start character to the trailing edge of the same space.

The variation in sensitivity of a reading device to the light of difference wavelengths.

The mirror-like reflection of light from a surface.

used interchangeably to refer to a rate of motion or printer performance calculated in ips or inches per second. The higher the ips the greater the printers performance rating.

The undesirable presence of ink or dirt in a space.

or Static Random Access Memory - is a type of memory chip used in Random Access Memory that can take advantage of a particular method of working with certain main processors. In brief, a certain spot in RAM is first accessed. Then each address after that first address is accessed in order, up to a specific point. Because the computer doesn’t have to “figure out” each sequential address to access, a large block of memory can be accessed in less time than is required with DRAM. Again, you can’t just substitute SRAM chips for DRAM chips; a machine must have been designed to use SRAM. As it is a type of RAM, it will lose its information when the device into which it is installed is turned off.

A unique character to the left of the bar code which allows for bidirectionality. (In a vertical bar code, the start character is at the top).

A unique character to the right of the bar code which allows for bidirectionality. (In a vertical label, the stop character is at the bottom).

denotes the prescribe temperature range for the safe storage of a thermal printer.

A misencodation, misread or human key entry error where incorrect information is substituted for a character that was to be entered.

The surface on which a bar code symbol is printed. Also, interchangeably , referred to as media.

The language used in bar code technology (e.g. UPC, Code 39, etc).

Man-made materials which have been created for specific applications.

Substrate which contains only the facestock and has a hole from which to be hung.

A pressure-sensitive material that cannot be removed intact, thus making reuse of the label impossible.

A continuous bar code which encodes the full ASCII character set.

A process in which a set of pins on a printhead are selectively heated onto a ribbon and the ink from the ribbon is burned (transferred) onto the label stock. Thermal transfer leaves a permanent image on the label.

Thermal transfer printers use the same basic technology as direct thermal printers, but with the elimination of chemically-coated media in favor of a non-sensitized face stock and a special inked ribbon. A durable polyester ribbon film coated with a dry thermal transfer ink is placed between the thermal printhead and label. The thermal printhead is used to melt the ink onto the label surface, where it cools and anchors to the media surface. The polyester ribbon is then peeled away, leaving behind a stable, passive image. Consistent / sharp edge bar code print capability - with durable long-life and archival image stability. Clean, quiet, compact operation Batch or individual label print capability. Low cost / low maintenance compared to comparable technologies. Maximum readability and IR scannability. High contrast text, graphic and barcode print capability. Durable for operation joint office / industrial applications.

refers to the average length of label stock that a printer can process and print in a given amount of time. Throughput differs from print speed in that throughput includes the label transmission, formatting and printing times. Due to these factors, a 12 ips machine may have lower throughput than a 10 ips printer.

A pressure sensitive label whose face material, adhesive and protective coatings transmit light so that objects can be seen through it.

A pressure sensitive label whose face material, adhesive and protective coatings transmit light so that objects can be seen through it.

Two Dimensional Bar codes are special rectangular codes which ‘stack’ information in a manner allowing for more information storage in a smaller amount of space. These are also referred to as ‘Stacked’ Bar Codes or ‘Matrix’ Bar Codes. A standard bar code is limited to 20 to 25 characters.

Two Dimensional Bar codes are special rectangular codes which ‘stack’ information in a manner allowing for more information storage in a smaller amount of space. These are also referred to as ‘Stacked’ Bar Codes or ‘Matrix’ Bar Codes. A standard bar code is limited to 20 to 25 characters.

Uniform Code Council - formerly the Uniform Product Code Council. The organization that administers the UPC and other retail standards.

or Universal Product Code is the standard bar code symbol for retail food packages in the United States. This code was modified and adapted by Europe for international identification of food packages in the form of EAN.

is the most common bar code used in retail today. It is a numeric, fixed ratio bar code with 12 characters.

A UPC symbol encoding six digits of data in an arrangement that occupies less area than a UPC-A symbol. Also called “zero suppressed” symbol because a 10-digit UPC-A code can be compressed to a six digit UPC-E format by suppressing redundant zeros.

USB (Universal Serial Bus) is a "plug-and-play" interface between a computer and add-on devices (such as scanners and printers). With USB, a new device can be added to your computer without having to add an adapter card or even having to turn the computer off

A code whose number of encoded characters can be within a range, as opposed to a code with a fixed number of encoded characters.

A device that makes measurements of the bars, spaces, quiet zones and optical characteristics of a symbol to determine if the symbol meets the requirements of a specification or standard.

A device that makes measurements of the bars, spaces, quiet zones and optical characteristics of a symbol to determine if the symbol meets the requirements of a specification or standard. Vertical Bar Code - A code pattern presented in such an orientation that the axis of the symbol from start to stop is perpendicular to the horizon. The individual bars are in an array that appears as rungs of a ladder.

A handheld scanning device used as a contact bar code or OCR reader.

A handheld scanning device used as a contact bar code or OCR reader.

A handheld scanning device used as a contact bar code or OCR reader.

A hardware device or software program (Software Wedge) which uses a scanner for input and sends data directly into an application by emulating a keyboard stroke. A wedge (hardware wedge) is an external device and plugs between the keyboard and terminal.

Zebra Programming Language - is the universal language / code of all Zebra bar code printers. ZPL is an ASCII based format that enables label generation to occur by way of an instructional blueprint defining label length, field origin, field data and other related information. ZPL enables labels with any combination of text, barcode or graphics to be created.