Composite bar codes
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Composite bar codes
A composite bar code symbol consists of a linear component (encoding the primary identification of
the item) associated with an adjacent 2D composite component (encoding supplementary data, such
as a batch number or expiration date).
The composite symbol always includes a linear component so that the primary identification is
readable by all scanning technologies, and so that 2D imagers can use the linear component as a
finder pattern for the adjacent 2D composite component. Also, it always includes a multi-row 2D
composite component on top of the linear component of the symbol, for compatibility with linear and
area CCD scanners, and with linear and rastering laser scanners.
The following bar codes allow the addition of a two-dimensional composite component:
1 UPC-A (including +2 and +5 variants)
A UPC-A bar code is divided into four areas:
a Number System: The number system is a single digit which identifies the "type" of
product that the following symbol represents. The following table indicates what each
number system identifies.
Note: The number system digit is usually printed to the left of the bar code.
b Manufacturer Code: The manufacturer code is a unique code assigned by the UCC
Council to each manufacturer or company which distributes goods that will include a
UPC-A bar code. All products produced by a given company will use the same
manufacturer code.
Note: The manufacturer code is usually printed below the bar code.
Digit Description
0 Regular UPC codes
1 Reserved
2 Weight items marked at the store
3 National Drug/Health-related code
4 No format restrictions, in-store use on
non-food items
5 Coupons
6 Reserved
7 Regular UPC codes
8 Reserved
9 Reserved
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