Bar Codes5–52
Quiet Zone
Both ends of the bar code structure require blank quiet zones. The quiet
zones must be at least 0.25 inches wide and completely blank to ensure
accurate reading of the start/stop codes and to prevent adjacent bar codes
from overlapping. Be sure to provide sufficient space on the form for the
quiet zones.
Start/Stop Codes
The start/stop codes identify the leading and trailing end of the bar code.
Each of the Code UCC–128 subsets uses a unique start code and a common
stop code, both automatically provided by the IGP/PGL.
Data Field
The bar code symbol uses a series of varying width bars and spaces to
represent 100 pairs of numeric digits (00 through 99) and 3 control
characters. The bars and spaces vary in width from 1 to 4 modules. Each
character consists of three bars and three spaces that total 11 modules.
The IGP/PGL inserts a Function 1 character before the data. A mod–10
check digit is calculated from 19 digits that represents a 2–digit qualifier,
and 17–digit data portion.
Readable Data
The optional readable data field provides a readable interpretation of the
bar code data. It can be printed above or below the bar code symbol,
appears in 13 CPI, and is broken up by spaces to denote UCC–128 data
fields.
Check Digit
The modulo–10 check digit is automatically calculated and inserted in the
bar code symbol. The check digit verifies accurate scanning. The start code
is included in the check digit algorithm.
The modulo–103 check digit is also automatically calculated and inserted
in the bar code symbol. The check digit verifies accurate scanning. The
start code is included in the check digit algorithm.