Glossary-7
Glossary
Nominal Size Standard size for a bar code symbol. Most UPC/EAN co des are used
over a range of magnifications (e.g., from 0.80 to 2.00 of nominal).
Parameter A variable that can have different values assigned to it.
Percent Decode The average probability that a single scan of a bar code would result
in a successful decode. In a well-designed ba r code scanning sys tem,
that probability should approach near 100%.
Print Contrast
Signal (PCS) Meas urement of the contras t (brightness diff erence) between the b ars
and spaces of a symbol. A minimum PCS value is needed for a bar
code symbol to be scannable. PCS = (RL - RD) / RL, where R L is the
reflectance factor of the background and RD the refl ec t ance factor of
the dark bars.
Programming Mode The state in which a scanner is configured for parameter values. See
SCANNING MODE.
Quiet Zone A clear space, containing no dark marks, which precedes the start
character of a bar code symbol and follows the stop character.
Reflectance Amount of light returned from an illuminated surface.
Resolution The narrowest element dimension which is distinguished by a
particular reading device or printed wi th a particular device or method.
Scan Area Area intended to contain a symbol.
Scanner An electronic device used to scan bar code symbols and produce a
digitized pattern that corresponds to the bars and spaces of the
symbol. Its three main components are:
1. Light source (laser or photoelectric cell) - illuminates a bar code.
2. Photodetector - registers the difference in reflected light (mor e light
reflected from spaces).
3. Signal conditioning circuit - transforms optical detector output i nto a
digitized bar pattern.
Scanning Mode The scanner is energized, programmed, and ready to read a bar code.
Scanning Sequence A method of programming or configuring parameters for a bar code
reading system by scanning bar code menus.
Self-Checking Code A symbology that us es a checking algo rithm to detect enc oding errors
within the characters of a bar code symbol.
Space The lighter element of a bar code formed by the back ground bet ween
bars.