Related expressions
Individual associated data, traceability

Explanation

A bar code is an identifier of products. Bar codes are around us in our every daily life. It is an identity tag that is usually printed on a products packing (Figure 3). The most common products with a bar code that we all can relate to are groceries.

Figure 3 . Example of bar code

In Figure 3 both the machine readable barcode and the human readable 13 digit number are shown. These 13 digit number comprises information related to individual companies or countries (the first nine digits starting from left, 730123456), item number (three digits, 789) and a parity number (last digit, 9). The parity number is used to check that the detection of the bar code was correct. A combination of lines, line thickness and spaces results in a specific number.

Application/usage in Indisputable KEY

The obvious problem with the mentioned standard is the amount of items that can be used (1000). There are other standards that can handle larger quantities but it can be solved in a different way. If this code is to be used when marking logs in the forest, several millions identities are needed. The logs could be marked with a tag or painted on to the log end surface. It can be a problem to detect different line thicknesses due to the log surface and the harsh environment. One way to solve it is to use identical parallel lines with a predefined spacing. A binary code can then be used were a present line results in “1” and a non present line “0” (Figure 4).

Figure 4 : Bar code using identical parallel lines with a predefined spacing

Depending on the amount of identities needed, a part of the code can be used to specify the supplier of the logs.

• KTH – The Royal Institute of Technology is in the Indisputable KEY consortium and is central in the development of marking and reading systems.
• Tallinn University of Technology is also in the Indisputable KEY consortium and is central in the development of marking and reading systems.
• Fotel industry , an American leader in precision imaging technology, offers seminars on introductions to bar code technology and training on equipment operation.
• Accenture France has already organized training about workflow management using barcode.

Available text books and training material

Sourcebook of Automatic Identification and Data collection, Russel E. Adams ISBN-13: 978-0442318505
The Black & White Solution: Bar Code & the IBM PC, Russel E Adams ISBN-13: 978-0911261011
Automating Management Information Systems: Barcode Engineering and Implementation – Harry E. Burke, Thomson Learning, ISBN 0-442-20712-3
Automating Management Information Systems: Principles of Barcode Applications – Harry E. Burke, Thomson Learning, ISBN 0-442-20667-4
The Bar Code Book – Roger C. Palmer, Helmers Publishing, ISBN 0-911261-09-5,
The Bar Code Manual – Eugene F. Brighan, Thompson Learning, ISBN 0-03-016173-8
Handbook of Bar Coding Systems – Harry E. Burke, Van Nostrand Reinhold Company, ISBN 978-0-442-21430-2
Lines of Communication – Craig K. Harmon, Helmers Publishing, ISBN 0-911261-07-9
Punched Cards to Bar Codes – Benjamin Nelson, Helmers Publishing, ISBN 0-911261-12-5
Revolution at the Checkout Counter: The Explosion of the Bar Code – Stephen A. Brown, Harvard Univ Press, ISBN 0-674-76720-9

See also:
http://www.adams1.com
http://www.gs1.org