Composite bar codes
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Composite bar codes
A Composite bar code symbol consists of a linear component (encoding the item’s primary
identification) 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)
An UPC-A bar code is divided into four areas: 1) The number system, 2) The manufacturer
code, 3) the product code, and 4) the check digit. Normally the number system digit is printed
just to the left of the bar code, the check digit just to the right of the bar code, and the
manufacturer and product codes are printed just below the bar code, as observed above.
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.
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.
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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