Attachment_7--APP-44_(A).pdf

APP-44(A)

ORIGINAL

NATO STANDARD BAR CODE

HANDBOOK

AAP-44(A)

APP-44(A)

(INTENTIONALLY BLANK)

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NATO STANDARD BAR CODE

HANDBOOK

SEPTEMBER 2010

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NORTH ATLANTIC TREATY ORGANISATION

NATO STANDARDIZATION AGENCY (NSA)

NATO LETTER OF PROMULGATION

22 September 2010

1. AAP-44(A) - NATO STANDARD BAR CODE HANDBOOK is a non-classified NATO publication. The agreement ofnations to use this publication is recorded in STANAG 4329.

2. AAP-44(A) is effective on receipt It supersedes AAP-44, which shaIl be destroyed in accordance v.,ith the local procedure for the destruction of documents.

~t/I Cihangir AKSIT, TUR Civ Director, NATO Standardization Agency

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RESERVED FOR NATIONAL LETTER OF PROMULGATION

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RECORD OF CHANGES

Change Date

Date Entered

Effective Date

By Whom Entered

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RECORD OF RESERVATIONS BY NATIONS

CHAPTER RECORD OF RESERVATIONS BY NATIONS

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RECORD OF SPECIFIC RESERVATIONS

NATION SPECIFIC RESERVATIONS

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PREFACE

1. This specialist handbook is compiled with the approval of the NATO Military Committee - Land Standardization Board (MC LSB). Its purpose is to provide a central reference for NATO Standard Bar codes to be used throughout NATO, thereby promoting mutual understanding and interoperability.

2. This specialist handbook is divided into chapters covering the two linear bar code symbologies that are NATO Standard Bar codes, Code 39 & Code 128 / GS1-128, two bar codes presented for informational purposes, EAN/UPC & ITF-14, and three NATO Standard 2D Bar code symbologies; PDF417, Maxicode and Data Matrix.

3. Proposals for additions, deletions, or amendments to the text are to be made in accordance with AAP-3.

4. All suggestions and inquiries concerning this NATO Handbook should be directed to:

Secretary MC LSB NATO Asset Tracking Interservice Working Group NATO Headquarters B. 1110 Brussels (Belgium)

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PREFACE xi CHAPTER 1 - INTRODUCTION...................................................................................... 1-1 101 PURPOSE................................................................................................................... 1-1 102 SCOPE........................................................................................................................ 1-1 103 DEFINITIONS ........................................................................................................... 1-1 104 BASIC REQUIREMENTS ........................................................................................ 1-1 105 SYMBOLOGY SUPPORT STANDARDS ............................................................... 1-2 106 SYMBOLOGY USAGE ............................................................................................ 1-2 CHAPTER 2 - CODE 39 LINEAR (1D) BAR CODE ...................................................... 2-1 201 DESCRIPTION .......................................................................................................... 2-1 202 HUMAN-READABLE INTERPRETATION (HRI)................................................. 2-1

203 SYMBOLOGY IDENTIFIER (SI) AND AUTO-DISCRIMINATION .................... 2-1

204 OPACITY................................................................................................................... 2-2 205 NOMINAL DIMENSIONS........................................................................................ 2-2 206 PRINT QUALITY...................................................................................................... 2-4 207 MARKING METHODS............................................................................................. 2-4 208 EXPANDED USE OF THE CODE 39 SNS.............................................................. 2-4 CHAPTER 3 - CODE 128 LINEAR (1D) BAR CODE .................................................... 3-1 301 INTRODUCTION...................................................................................................... 3-1 302 HUMAN-READABLE INTERPRETATION (HRI)................................................. 3-1 303 SNS MESSAGE ......................................................................................................... 3-1 304 CHARACTER SETS AND SPECIAL CHARACTERS ........................................... 3-1

305 SYMBOLOGY IDENTIFIER (SI) AND AUTO-DISCRIMINATION .................... 3-2

306 OPACITY................................................................................................................... 3-2 307 NOMINAL DIMENSIONS........................................................................................ 3-3 308 PRINT QUALITY...................................................................................................... 3-3 309 MARKING METHODS............................................................................................. 3-3 CHAPTER 4 - GS1-128 ....................................................................................................... 4-1 401 DESCRIPTION .......................................................................................................... 4-1 402 STANADARD FEATURES ...................................................................................... 4-1 402 CONCATENATION OF DATA................................................................................ 4-1 403 FUNCTION1 (FNC1) ................................................................................................ 4-2 404 NOMINAL DIMENSIONS........................................................................................ 4-2 405 SYMBOL SIZE.......................................................................................................... 4-2 406 SYMBOL DATA CONTENT.................................................................................... 4-2 407 OPACITY................................................................................................................... 4-3 408 SPECULARLY REFLECTING MATERIALS / SURFACES.................................. 4-3 409 VERIFICATION ........................................................................................................ 4-3 CHAPTER 5 - EAN/UPC SYMBOLOGY......................................................................... 5-1 501 INTRODUCTION...................................................................................................... 5-1 502 ADDITIONAL DEFINITIONS ................................................................................. 5-1 503 DESCRIPTION .......................................................................................................... 5-1 504 SYMBOL FORMAT.................................................................................................. 5-1 506 ADD-ON SYMBOLS ................................................................................................ 5-2 507 HUMAN READABLE INTERPRETATION (HRI) ................................................. 5-3 508 SYMBOLOGY IDENTIFIER (SI)............................................................................. 5-3

509 DIMENSIONS, REFERENCE DECODE ALGORITHM AND CHECK DIGIT

CALCULATION........................................................................................................ 5-3 510 APPLICATION DEFINED PARAMETERS ............................................................ 5-3 511 USAGE....................................................................................................................... 5-3

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CHAPTER 6 - ITF-14 .......................................................................................................... 6-1 601 INTRODUCTION...................................................................................................... 6-1 602 DESCRIPTION .......................................................................................................... 6-1 603 SYMBOL FORMAT.................................................................................................. 6-1 604 HUMAN-READABLE INTERPRETATION (HRI)................................................. 6-2 605 ADD-ON SYMBOLS ................................................................................................ 6-2 606 BEARER BARS......................................................................................................... 6-2

607 SYMBOLOGY IDENTIFIER (SI) AND AUTO-DISCRIMINATION .................... 6-2

608 DIMENSIONS ........................................................................................................... 6-2

609 OPTICAL PARAMETERS, REFERENCE DECODE ALGORITHM AND SYMBOL

CHECK DIGIT CALCULATION ............................................................................. 6-3 610 QUALITY .................................................................................................................. 6-3 611 USAGE....................................................................................................................... 6-3 CHAPTER 7 - PDF417 ........................................................................................................ 7-1 701 DESCRIPTION .......................................................................................................... 7-1 703 STRUCTURE............................................................................................................. 7-2 704 MACRO PDF417 VARIANTS.................................................................................. 7-3 705 EXTENDED CHANNEL INTERPRETATION (ECI).............................................. 7-3 706 ERROR DETECTION AND CORRECTION ........................................................... 7-4 707 NOMINAL DIMENSIONS........................................................................................ 7-5 708 DEFINING THE SYMBOL FORMAT ..................................................................... 7-5

709 SYMBOLOGY IDENTIFIER (SI) AND AUTO-DISCRIMINATION .................... 7-6

710 USAGE....................................................................................................................... 7-6 711 PARAMETERS.......................................................................................................... 7-6 712 PDF417 PRINT QUALITY ....................................................................................... 7-7 713 VERY LARGE MESSAGES..................................................................................... 7-7 714 REFERENCE DECODE ALGORITHM................................................................... 7-7 715 TRANSMISSION USING OLDER PROTOCOLS................................................... 7-7 CHAPTER 8 - MAXICODE ............................................................................................... 8-1 801 DESCRIPTION .......................................................................................................... 8-1 802 CHARACTERISTICS................................................................................................ 8-1 803 OPTIONAL FEATURES........................................................................................... 8-2 804 SYMBOL DESCRIPTION ........................................................................................ 8-2 805 USER CONSIDERATIONS FOR ENCODING DATA ........................................... 8-2 CHAPTER 9 - DATA MATRIX......................................................................................... 9-1 901 DESCRIPTION .......................................................................................................... 9-1 902 ERROR CORRECTION SCHEMES......................................................................... 9-1 903 HUMAN READABLE INTERPRETATION (HRI) ................................................. 9-1 904 SYMBOLOGY IDENTIFIERS (SI) .......................................................................... 9-2 905 AUTO-DISCRIMINATION ...................................................................................... 9-2 906 SYMBOL STRUCTURE ........................................................................................... 9-2 Annex A - CODE 39 & CODE 128 DATA LIMITS AND DIMENSIONS

1. MAXIMUM CHARACTER LIMITS FOR LINEAR SYMBOLS

Annex B - SYSTEMS CONSIDERATIONS (INFORMATIVE)

1 THE SYSTEM

2 SURFACES

3 MARKING METHODS

Annex C - PDF417 SYMBOL ASPECT RATIO & SIZE

1 SYMBOL SIZE

Annex D - PDF417 SYMBOL WIDTH Annex E - PDF417 GENERAL DIMENSIONAL PARAMETERS

1 INTRODUCTION

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Annex F - COMPACT PDF417 Annex G - GLOSSARY Annex H - RELATED DOCUMENTS

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CHAPTER 1 - INTRODUCTION

101 PURPOSE

The purpose of this agreement is to standardize, for the use of NATO forces, Standard NATO bar code Symbologies (SNS) for marking materiel, containers, and documentation by means of printed automatic identification symbologies.

102 SCOPE

This AP covers the description and use of the standard bar codes used by NATO. It includes the linear symbologies Code 39, Code 128 and GS1-128. It also includes the two-dimensional (2D) symbologies PDF 417, Data Matrix and MaxiCode. The symbology standards for each bar code are noted in the related document list, Annex I. Additionally brief descriptions of the EAN-UPC and ITF-14 (interleaved two of five) symbologies are included for information. The orientation and placement of barcode symbols are specified in STANAG 4281 and 2494 or other specific NATO application standards as appropriate.

103 DEFINITIONS

The terms and definitions used for the purpose of this agreement shall be as ISO/IEC 19762 and any specific definitions quoted in the individual symbology related standards noted in the related documents listing and this document. (Annex I - Related Documents and Annex H - Glossary)

104 BASIC REQUIREMENTS

1. Dimensions and tolerances of the bar code symbol are specified in metric units.

2. Methods and equipment for applying or scanning bar code symbols are not included herein and remain options of the user nation.

3. All bar codes indicated here shall be printed as black on white, unless otherwise specified in an application standard and then they shall meet the symbology print quality requirements. The allowed character set shall be limited by the application and the supported symbology. The default character set shall be the number 0-9, the capital letters A-Z and limited special characters.

4. A decoder’s valid set of symbologies should be limited to those needed by a given application to maximise reading security.

5. Symbology Identifiers (SI) shall be implemented according to ISO/IEC 15424 and the relevant symbology specification, unless otherwise specified in an application standard.

6. Human Readable Interpretation (HRI). Where possible HRI shall be used as the default condition. Generally, the font and size of the HRI text is not specified by the symbology specifications, but may be found in application standards.

a. For linear bar codes, the HRI is an exact interpretation of the symbol data, but sometimes omitting start/stop characters. An HRI may be positioned on any side of the bar code outside the quiet zone; however, the preferred location is beneath the symbol itself.

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b. For 2D and matrix symbols, this should also be an exact interpretation. However, if the quantity of encoded data precludes exact interpretation then Descriptive Interpretations, or Human Translation, may be used if available space and the application standard permits.

105 SYMBOLOGY SUPPORT STANDARDS

1. The applicable standards for the NATO Standard Bar Code Symbologies shall be as follows:

ISO/IEC 16388 Information technology – Automatic identification and data capture techniques - Code 39 bar code symbology specification

ISO/IEC 15417 Information technology – Automatic identification and data capture techniques – Code 128 bar code symbology specification

ISO/IEC 15438 Information technology - Automatic identification and data capture techniques - PDF417 bar code symbology specification

ISO/IEC 16022 Information technology – Automatic identification and data capture techniques - Data Matrix bar code symbology specification

ISO/IEC 16023 Information technology – International symbology specification – MaxiCode

2. In this document, EAN/UPC and ITF-14 are also depicted but solely for informational purposes:

3. The applicable support standards are as follows:

106 SYMBOLOGY USAGE

1. Code 39. This is the original NATO standard bar code. Its chief uses are to depict relatively short alphanumeric messages and in “licence plate” applications. As it is widely used globally, it is found in many legacy applications.

ISO/IEC 15420 Information technology – Automatic identification and data capture techniques - EAN/UPC bar code symbology specification

ISO/IEC 16390 Information technology -- Automatic identification and data capture techniques -- Interleaved 2 of 5 bar code symbology specification

ISO/IEC 15415 Information technology -- Automatic identification and data capture techniques -- Bar code print quality test specification -- Two-dimensional symbols

ISO/IEC 15416 Information technology -- Automatic identification and data capture techniques -- Bar code print quality test specification -- Linear symbols

ISO/IEC 19762 Information technology -- Automatic identification and data capture (AIDC) techniques -- Harmonized vocabulary

ISO/IEC 15424 Information technology – Automatic identification and data capture techniques – Data Carrier Identifiers (including Symbology Identifiers)

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2. Code 128. This symbology is used in “licence plate” applications, retail distribution, and to depict logistics information. GS1-128 is a subset of Code 128 that provides specific information using Application Identifiers according to rules set by the GS1 organisation (formerly EAN and

UCC).

3. PDF417. This is a stacked bar code symbology that has a large capacity and unlike true matrix codes, it is possible to read using a laser scanner reader. It is one of the standard bar codes used for logistics, e.g. to depict a standard Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) message. Symbols may be concatenated (Macro PDF) to encode further information.

4. MaxiCode. A matrix 2D bar code symbology of fixed size made up of offset rows of hexagonal modules arranged around a central finder pattern. It is read using vision-based readers.

Its major application is in high-speed sortation of packages.

5. Data Matrix. A true matrix 2D bar code symbology composed of square modules arranged within a perimeter finder pattern. Its most common use is in small article identification and where space is limited. It is read using vision-based readers usually via a Charged Couple Device (CCD) or imager.

6. EAN/UPC symbols exist to encode identification numbers according to GS1 rules and registration procedures. The data content and the use of this symbology are defined in the GS1 system specifications. The most common applications are Point of Sale. EAN-13 is used to depict the International Standard Book Number (ISBN) and International Standard Serial Number (ISSN) in publishing. Included is EAN-13, EAN-8, UPC-A and UPC-E. All but EAN-8 may also be accompanied by an ‘add-on’ symbol.

7. ITF-14. An Interleaved 2 of 5 (ITF) symbol used to encode a fixed group of 14 digits, i.e., ‘ITF-14’, it encodes only the digits 0 to 9 mostly to encode GS1 Article Numbers. ITF-14 is designed to overcome print quality limitations on packaging materials, e.g. fibreboard, where quality standards cannot be met using GS1-128.

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CHAPTER 2 - CODE 39 LINEAR (1D) BAR CODE

201 DESCRIPTION

1. This standard NATO linear bar code is a variable length, discrete, self-checking, bi-directional, alphanumeric 3-of-9 bar code and herein known as Code 39. ISO/IEC 16388 defines the symbology, symbol structure and print quality parameters.

a. The base version of Code 39 encodes the characters “A to Z, 0 to 9, $, %, +. -, /” and a start-stop character (*), or in a special mode the full 128 ASCII character set, both in accordance with ISO/IEC 646. Each character is encoded as a pattern of nine elements: five bars and four spaces. Three of the nine elements are wide (binary value 1) and six elements are narrow (binary value 0).

b. The dimensions and other parameters required by NATO are depicted in Figure 2-1 and specified in this Chapter.

2. Standard NATO bar code Symbology (SNS) messages shall consist of a number of Code 39 data character symbols bracketed by start and stop code characters, with the corresponding HRI. An example of an SNS message containing the data string “ABC” is shown in Figure 2-1.

3. Bar code decoders may be programmed to respond to Code 39 symbols in otherwise non-standard ways to satisfy specific application requirements. Four schemes used are "with Optional Check Character,” "Full ASCII Interpretation,” "Unstructured Message Append" (Broken Message) and "Reader Control Functions.”

202 HUMAN-READABLE INTERPRETATION (HRI)

1. An HRI of the data characters shall be printed with the Code 39 symbol encoding them. It shall be an exact representation but shall suppress the start and stop (*) characters. For example, a NATO stock number (NSN) is normally written as “5960-14-127-4329,” but since only the 13 digits are encoded the HRI is “5960141274329.”

2. The HRI may be printed anywhere in the area surrounding the symbol, below is preferred, but shall not encroach on the quiet zones. The characters may be in any easily read font. The HRI is not intended to be machine-readable.

203 SYMBOLOGY IDENTIFIER (SI) AND AUTO-DISCRIMINATION

1. The SI (see ISO/IEC 15424) allocated to Code 39 is “]Am”, where ‘]’ is ASCII Code 93, ‘A’ is the code character identifying a Code 39 message and ‘m’ is the modifier character.

2. Code 39 when read by correctly programmed auto-discriminating decoders is fully distinguishable and compatible with other NATO symbologies however, there are extra guidelines necessary for use with Interleaved 2 of 5, see ISO/IEC 16388.

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Figure 2-1. Example Code 39 SNS

204 OPACITY

1. Reflectance values may be measured directly on bar code symbols that have been marked on a material with an opacity value exceeding 0.90.

2. When bar code symbols are to be marked on non-opaque materials, of opacity values less than or equal to 0.90, reflectance measurements shall be made on the bar code symbol with a backing material which has a reflectance value equal to that of the bar code symbol backing in the final packaging configuration.

3. When the bar code symbol is applied to the final package configuration, the reflectance value variation, (due to interfering patterns showing through non-opaque bar code symbol materials), shall not exceed 10%.

205 NOMINAL DIMENSIONS

The significant parameter is the nominal width, X, of the narrow elements. The allowable range for X is as follows:

a. Nominal Unit Size (X) mm

For general applications For special applications

Minimum Maximum Minimum Maximum

0.190 0.508 0.112 1.016

b. Nominal wide-to-narrow ratio (N)

X mm N

< 1.905 2.5:1 to 3.0:1

< 0.381 1.905 2.2:1 to 3.0:1

0.381. 2.0:1 to 3.0:1

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c. Code height. This can be varied to suit specific reading and marking requirements.

The following bar code heights shall be used for the stated ranges of bar code density. For applications where these heights are not suitable, height requirements will be as specified by the responsible procurement activity.

X-dimension (mm) Min. Height (mm) Max. Height (mm)

0.93 X < .53 19.050 31.750

.53 X < .24 9.525 22.225

.24 X .17 6.350 12.700

Bar Code Heights For Special Applications

.17 X .13 3.175 9.525

.13 X .10 1.588 6.350

d. Other dimensions. The Inter-character gap (I) Margins (quiet zones) (Q), Spacing between bar code and HRI values shall be as depicted in Figure 2-1. Width (W) may be calculated as follows:

QICNXXCW 2)1()36)(2(

(where C is the number of data characters).

e. Spacing of separately encoded SNS messages. The spacing requirements illustrated in Figures 2-2 and 2-3 shall apply unless otherwise specified.

Figure 2-2. Stacked spacing of bar codes

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Figure 2-3. In-line spacing of bar codes

f. Maximum number of encoded characters. This shall be, in a single SNS message (symbol), 30 data characters. The total number of encoded characters shall not exceed 32 characters including the start / stop characters and any other control characters used.

206 PRINT QUALITY

The print quality of an SNS Code 39 symbol shall be assessed using the methods and parameters defined in ISO/IEC 15416. In most applications, a minimum grade of 1.0/05/660 is required, but some critical applications may require a higher level.

207 MARKING METHODS

1. SNS message marking. Any marking process that produces a readable SNS message meeting the requirements of this AAP may be used.

2. Permanent marking methods. Some applications will require that permanently marked bar codes be used. This usually infers that the bar code is to remain readable for the lifetime of the material to which it is affixed or the lifetime of the material in which the bar code is marked. For these applications, the bar codes need to utilise a permanent marking technology, e.g. laser etching, photo imaging, etc.

208 EXPANDED USE OF THE CODE 39 SNS

1. Check Characters. Code 39 is strongly self-checked and most situations do not require a check character. Where the application requires better data security use of Code 128 is recommended.

a. Symbol check character. Known as the ‘modulo 43’ check. It is calculated for each symbol by a symbol check algorithm as noted in the symbology standard (ISO/IEC 16388).

b. Data check character. When transmitted by the decoder the modulo-43 check character may be used as a data check character.

2. Unstructured Append - Use of encoded leading space. It is sometimes useful to break up long bar code messages into several shorter symbols. The break may be needed due to space constraints, to maintain a character limit, or scanner capability. The bar code reader should be programmed so that if the first data character of a Code 39 message is a space it appends the following scan to a

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ORIGINAL

storage buffer. This operation continues for all successive Code 39 messages with a leading space.

When a Code 39 message that does not contain a leading space is read, its contents are added to the buffer, the buffer’s entire contents are then transmitted and it is cleared. This completes the data entry event. See the illustration in Figure 2-4 of a broken message.

Figure 2-4. Continuous Message

a. Symbol Sequence. Where the sequence of data is significant, provision shall be made to ensure the symbols are read in the correct order.

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CHAPTER 3 - CODE 128 LINEAR (1D) BAR CODE

301 INTRODUCTION

1. This standard NATO linear bar code is a variable length, continuous, self-checking, bi-directional, alphanumeric bar code herein known as Code 128. ISO/IEC 15417 defines the symbology, symbol structure and character set.

2. Code 128 encodes all 128 ASCII characters, in accordance with ISO/IEC 646, and can encode characters with ASCII values 128 to 255 in accordance with ISO/IEC 8859. Internally it employs three subsets, A, B and C, requiring three start and four subset selection characters. There is one common stop character and four non-data function characters. It has one major variant known as GS1-128, which is standard Code 128 with a FNC1 character in the first position. If GS1 data is to be represented in Code 128, then GS1-128 shall be used.

3. The dimensions and other parameters required by NATO other than that specified by the symbology standard are stated in this document.

4. The maximum number of encoded characters is dependent on the label dimensions and size of bars, e.g. magnification factor, but the overall length of the symbol should be less than six inches.

302 HUMAN-READABLE INTERPRETATION (HRI)

A HRI of the data characters shall be printed with the code symbol. It shall be an exact representation of only the encoded information. It shall not include any Special Characters. The HRI may be printed anywhere in the area surrounding the symbol, above or below is preferred, but shall not encroach on the quiet zones. The characters may be in any easily read font. The HRI is not intended to be machine-readable. The default nominal character height shall be 0.51 cm.

303 SNS MESSAGE

This consists of a number of Code 128 symbol characters and a symbol check character, bracketed by the start and stop characters and leading/trailing quiet zones, with the corresponding HRI, see Figure 3-1.

Figure 3-1 Example of Code 128 SNS

304 CHARACTER SETS AND SPECIAL CHARACTERS

1. The base version of Code 128 symbols encodes all 128 ASCII characters. In addition, they can include four special Function Code (FNC) characters that function as follows.

a. FNC1 in the first position following the start character identifies symbols as following a subset of the Code 128 standard designated as “GS1-128,” for use with application standards set by GS1 and AIM respectively. (See Section 4.)

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b. FNC1 in the second symbol character position following the start character shall not be represented in the transmitted message. Its presence shall be indicated by the use of the appropriate Symbology Identifier (SI) modifier. In any other position, apart from symbol check character, FNC1 serves as a field separator and is transmitted as the <GS> character.

c. FNC2 (Message Append) tells the bar code reader to store the data from the symbol and transmit it as a prefix to the next symbol data. As such, it is not itself transmitted. It can be used to concatenate several symbols before transmission. Where the sequence of the data has value then provision should be made to ensure the symbols are read in the correct sequence.

d. FNC3 (Initialise) informs the bar code reader that the symbol data following is a set of instructions for programming the reader. It may occur anywhere in the symbol but shall not be transmitted by the reader.

e. FNC4 (Extended ASCII, values 128 to 255,) adds 128 to the ASCII value of the symbol following, which may be preceded by a subset shift character. While the reference character set is ISO 8859-1, the application standards may define alternative sets corresponding to ASCII 128 to 255.

Note: FNC2 and FNC3 are not recommended for general applications.

305 SYMBOLOGY IDENTIFIER (SI) AND AUTO-DISCRIMINATION

1. This assists devices receiving data from a reader to differentiate between symbologies. Its use is defined in ISO/IEC 15424 and it is not encoded in the symbol. For Code 128 the SI, is “]Cm”, where ‘]’ is ASCII Code 93, ‘C’ is the code character for Code 128 and ‘m’ the modifier character.

Where ‘m’ is ‘0’ an unmodified Code 128 data packet is indicated, and ‘1’ is a UCC/EAN-128 packet.

2. Code 128 when read by correctly programmed auto-discriminating decoders is fully distinguishable and compatible with other NATO symbologies.

306 OPACITY

1. Reflectance values may be measured directly on bar code symbols that have been marked on a material with an opacity value exceeding 0.90.

2. When bar code symbols are to be marked on non-opaque materials, (opacity values less than or equal to 0.90) reflectance measurements shall be made on the bar code symbol with a backing material which has a reflectance value equal to that of the bar code symbol backing in the final packaging configuration.

3. When the bar code symbol is applied to the final package configuration, the reflectance value variation, (due to interfering patterns showing through non-opaque bar code symbol materials), shall not exceed 10%.

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307 NOMINAL DIMENSIONS

Parameter Dimension

Narrow element width (X), minimum. 0.191 mm

Quiet Zone width (Q), minimum. 10X or 2.54 mm, (whichever is the greater)

Bar code height 5.0 mm or 15% of symbol width, (whichever is the greater)

Symbol width (W) W = 11X(C+(D/2)) + 2X + 2Q

Where; C - number of all characters not in D D - number of digits encoded in double density, i.e., encoded in subset ‘C’.

Table 3-3. Code 128 Nominal Dimensions.

1. In a typical application, the label width is set and restricts the symbol width, e.g. STANAG 2494 where label width is a nominal 148 mm (ISO A5).

2. The spacing of separately encoded SNS messages requirements noted in Table 3-4 shall apply unless otherwise specified.

Spacing of HRI from Bar code: Top or base: 0.763 to 6.350

Spacing of individual SNS messages (minimum in mm):

Stacked: 9.525 to 19.050 In-line: 12.7

Table 3-4 Code 128 Spacing

308 PRINT QUALITY

1. The print quality of an SNS Code 128 symbol shall be assessed using the methods and parameters defined in ISO/IEC 15416. In most applications, a minimum grade of 1.0/05/660 is required, but some critical applications may require a higher level.

309 MARKING METHODS

1. SNS message marking. Any marking process that produces a readable SNS message meeting the requirements of this AAP may be used.

2. Permanent marking methods. Some applications will require that permanently marked bar codes be used. This usually infers that the bar code is to remain readable for the lifetime of the material to which it is affixed or the lifetime of the material in which the bar code is marked. For these applications, the bar codes need to utilise a permanent marking technology, e.g. laser etching, photo imaging, etc.

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CHAPTER 4 - GS1-128

401 DESCRIPTION

This is a variant of Code 128 (see Chapter 3) utilised for specific industry and logistic requirements that follows GS1 rules as shown in Figure 4-1. In a bar code the GS1-128 format is selected by the use of Function Code 1 (FNC1), in the first position following the start character (see GS1 128 Symbology Specification and ISO/IEC 15417). The use of GS1-128 distinguishes GS1 Application Identifiers (AI) from other standard article numbers, non-standard symbols and other uses of Code128.

Quiet Zone

START

A, B or C

FNC

Data 1 Data 2 Data 3 Check

Character

STOP

Character Quiet Zone e.g., START

C

FNC

AI 01

EAN No.

n14

AI 3101

Net Weight

Kg, n6

AI 10

Lot No.

an…20

CC SC

Figure 4-1. A UCC/EAN-128 Symbol Structure.

402 STANADARD FEATURES

1. In general as Code 128, except where specifically noted.

2. The Symbology Identifier (SI) shall be “]C1”.

3. The HRI shall include the AI values, bracketed, as in Figure 4-1. It shall be positioned only either above or below the bar code itself, otherwise as Code 128. The AI brackets do not appear in the data content. To avoid possible confusion it is recommended that the characters ‘)’ and ‘(‘not be used in the data content.

403 CONCATENATION OF DATA

1. Where the AI specifies a fixed data length then discrete elements of data may be joined in one symbol, reducing the start-stop character overhead. Otherwise, a data separator character (FNC1) must separate the elements after the last data character of one element and before the AI of the next.

See line one of Figure 4-2.

2. Where there is a mixture of fixed and variable length data elements the variable elements should always appear after the fixed ones.

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404 FUNCTION1 (FNC1)

When in the first or second data position, FNC1 is not transmitted but its presence shall be indicated by the use of the symbology identifier, modifier value 1 or 2. In other positions, when used as a field separator, it shall be represented by the ASCII character ‘GS’ (ASCII value 29) and not used as a data character.

405 NOMINAL DIMENSIONS

The nominal dimensions of the GS1-128 are shown in Table 4-1.

Dimension Value

Nominal (ideal) Module Width 1.0 mm, (nominal character widths 11 & 13 mm)

Nominal Bar Height 31.8 mm

Minimum Bar Height 15% of W or 20 mm, whichever is the greater.

Maximum Symbol width (W) 165 mm (including quiet zones)

Table 4-1. GS1-128 Nominal Dimensions

Note 1: The Magnification Factor (M) for the nominal dimensions is 1.0.

Note 2: If used with an EAN/UPC or ITF symbol the GS1-128 symbol module width shall be not less than 75% of the ideal (nominal) width of the narrowest bar in the other bar code symbol.

406 SYMBOL SIZE

1. Size depends on; the magnification factor chosen, the number of encoded data characters, the number of non-data characters encoded and absolute limits such as label width:

a. For a given length of data, the symbol size is variable between magnification limits, of the nominal sizes, to accommodate the quality achievable with various marking processes.

These limits shall be 0.25 to 1.2 times (25 to 120%) the nominal size. Therefore, the permitted value of X varies from 0.25 to 1.20 mm.

2. Symbol Width (W). This may be calculated in the same way as Code 128.

3. Symbol Height. This is proportional to the magnification factor or as specified in application standards, e.g. STANAG 2494. However, the minimum height for EAN applications is 20mm.

4. The magnification factor used for a Serial Shipping Container Code (SSCC) shall be between

0.5 and 0.84 (50 and 84%).

407 SYMBOL DATA CONTENT

The number of decoded and transmitted data and separator characters shall not exceed 48.

4-3

ORIGINAL

408 OPACITY

1. Reflectance values may be measured directly on bar code symbols that have been marked on a material with an opacity value exceeding 0.90.

2. When bar code symbols are to be marked on non-opaque materials, of opacity values less than or equal to 0.90, reflectance measurements shall be made on the bar code symbol with a backing material which has a reflectance value equal to that of the bar code symbol backing in the final packaging configuration.

3. When the bar code symbol is applied to the final package configuration, the reflectance value variation, (due to interfering patterns showing through non-opaque bar code symbol materials), shall not exceed 10%.

409 SPECULARLY REFLECTING MATERIALS / SURFACES

The use of mirror-like materials to provide light or dark areas of the symbol should be avoided. If it is the substrate, either apply the symbol by label or overprint using two inks with appropriate light absorbing characteristics to meet this standards requirement.

410 VERIFICATION

The test standard for verification purposes shall be ISO/IEC 15416.

4-4

ORIGINAL

Data Flow A.1.1 UCC/EAN – 128 Symbol

A.1.2 S tart C

A.1.3 F

NC1

A.1.4 01 95412345678901

A.1.5 0 24

A.1.6 F

NC1

A.1.7 10 432167

A.1.8

CD

A.1.9 S top

A.1.10 A.1.11

A.1.12 HRI:- (01) 95412345678901 (30) 24 (10) 432167

A.1.13 A.1.14

A.1.15 A.1.16 A.1.17 A.1.18 Scanner/Decoder A.1.19 A.1.20 A.1.21

A.1.22 A.1.23

A.1.24 A.1.25 Symbol Data String A.1.26 A.1.27

A.1.28 A.1.29

C1 A.1.30 01

95412345678901 A.1.31 3

0 24 A.1.32 <

GS>

A.1.33 10 432167

A.1.34 A.1.35

A.1.36 A.1.37

A.1.38 A.1.39 A.1.40 A.1.41 Symbol Processing A.1.42 A.1.43 A.1.44

A.1.45 A.1.46

A.1.47 A.1.48 A.1.49 Application Record A.1.50 A.1.51

A.1.52 A.1.53 A.1.54 01

95412345678901 A.1.55 3000000

A.1.56 10

432167 A.1.57 A.1.58

A.1.59 A.1.60

A.1.61 With the AIs stripped away the final data may appear as follows:

A.1.62 A.1.63

A.1.64 A.1.65 A.1.66 Database Entry A.1.67 A.1.68

A.1.69 A.1.70

A.1.71 Item ID

A.1.72 954123456 78901

A.1.73 Trade Quantity

A.1.74 00000024

A.1.75 L ot No

A.1.76 4 32167

A.1.77 A.1.78

A.1.79 Figure 4.2 Example of Data Flow from a Symbol to a Database

Symbol Check Digits

Symbology Identifier

Field Spacer

5-1

CHAPTER 5 - EAN/UPC SYMBOLOGY

501 INTRODUCTION

The EAN/UPC symbology is not a NATO approved symbology and is provided only as information for the NATO bar code user to enable identification and differentiation from the NATO approved symbologies. EAN/UPC bar code symbols are reserved for encoding identification numbers. The use of these symbologies is restricted by and subject to compliance with the GS1 rules and registration procedures. The GS1 administration of the numbering system is designed to ensure identification codes assigned to particular items are unique worldwide.

502 ADDITIONAL DEFINITIONS

For the purposes of this document, the following definition applies for these symbologies; the ‘Number set’, a series of ten bar/space patterns of either even or odd parity encoding the digits 0 to 9.

503 DESCRIPTION

1. The EAN/UPC symbols are defined in ISO/IEC 15420 for data character encodation, symbol formats, dimensions, test specifications and the reference-decoding algorithm. The Data content and the rules governing the use of this symbology are defined in the GS1 system specifications.

2. The individual symbols covered include EAN-13, EAN-8, UPC-A and UPC-E. All but EAN- 8 may also be accompanied by an ‘add-on’ symbol where necessary.

3. This symbology is a continuous, self-checking, fixed length, omnidirectional linear bar code symbology with mandatory symbol check digit and a Human Readable Interpretation (HRI). The encodable character set is numeric (0 to 9) i.e. ASCII characters 48 to 57 inclusive, in accordance with ISO/IEC 646. The data string length encodable is fixed to 8, 12, or 13 characters including check digit, dependant on the symbol type. However, to extend the information encoded it is possible to use ‘add-on’ symbols attached to the main EAN-13, UPC-A or EAN-8 symbol.

4. There are 4-elements per symbol character comprising 2-bars and 2-spaces, each of 1, 2, 3 or 4 modules in width (auxiliary patterns have differing numbers of elements). Each symbol character is 7-modules and may be a member of either character sets A, B or C. The non-data overhead including the check digit, but not quiet zones, is 18-modules for EAN-13, EAN-8 and UPC-A symbols and 9-modules for UPC-E symbols.

Note: A useful device to help maintain the quiet zone in some production processes is to include a “less than” (<) and/or “greater than” (>) character in the HRI. The point of this character should be aligned with the edge of the quiet zone. If this device is used, the character(s) position is depicted in Figures 5-2 and 5-3.

504 SYMBOL FORMAT

1. The EAN-13, EAN-8, UPC-A and UPC-E symbols are made up as shown in Figure 5-1, reading from left to right.

2. The ‘normal guard pattern’ corresponds to the start and stop patterns in other symbologies. In EAN-13, EAN-8 and UPC-A the rightmost symbol character encodes the calculated check digit.

5-2

3. The EAN-13 symbol comprises only 12 symbol characters but encodes 13 digits of data, (including the check digit).

4. UPC-A symbols are transmitted as a 13-digit number by adding an implied leading zero to the GTIN-12 number.

5. The UPC-E symbol encodes GTIN-12 data strings, which begin with a zero and contain a sequence of four or five zeroes in defined positions. These zeros are removed from the data during encoding by the process of zero suppression.

506 ADD-ON SYMBOLS

1. These were originally designed for use with EAN/UPC symbols on periodicals and paperback books. As they provide reduced security, their use is limited to applications where rules in the application specification governing data format and content provide appropriate safeguards.

2. The add-on symbols utilise two or five-digits and are positioned following the Right Quiet Zone of the main EAN/UPC symbol. The bottom edges of the bars in the add-on symbol are horizontally aligned with the bottom edge of the guard bars of the main symbol. The ‘add-on symbol’ does not have a ‘Right Guard Pattern’ or an explicit check digit. Checking is achieved using the mix of the number sets (A or B) used for the digits.

EAN-13

Left Quiet Zone

Normal Guard Pattern

6 Symbol Characters

Number Sets ‘A’ & ‘B’

Centre Guard Pattern

6 Symbol Characters

Number Set ‘C’

Normal Guard Pattern

Right Quiet Zone.

UPC-A

Left Quiet Zone

Normal Guard Pattern

6 Symbol Characters

Number Set A

Centre Pattern

6 Symbol Characters

Number Set C

Normal Guard Pattern

Right Quiet Zone

EAN-8

Left Quiet Zone

Normal Guard Pattern

4 Symbol Characters

Number Set A

Centre Guard Pattern

4 Symbol Characters

Number Set C

Normal Guard Pattern

Right Quiet Zone

UPC-E

Left Quiet Zone

Normal Guard Pattern

6 Symbol Characters. Number

Sets A & B

Special Guard Pattern

Right Quiet

5-3

ORIGINAL

2-Digit Add-on Symbol*

Add-on Guard Pattern

First Digit Delineator Second Digit Right Quiet Zone

5-Digit Add-on*

Add-on

Guard Pattern

1st Digit

De-lineator

2nd Digit

Delineator 3rd Digit

De-lineator

4th Digit

De-lineator

5th Digit

Right Quiet

*These digits are taken from number sets A or B.

Figure 5-1. Symbol Formats.

507 HUMAN READABLE INTERPRETATION (HRI)

All EAN/UPC symbols have an HRI. It is printed under the main symbol and above any add-on symbol. Any clearly legible font can be used e.g., OCR-B as defined in ISO 1073-2 although it is not intended that these characters be machine-read or verified. There are variations in format dependant on the symbol used, see Figures 5-2 to 5-4, e.g. some industries use a variant where hyphens are used to segment the number field.

508 SYMBOLOGY IDENTIFIER (SI)

This is “]Em”, where ‘]’ represents ASCII character 93, ‘E’ is the code character for the EAN/UPC symbologies and ‘m’ is a modifier character which may have values of 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4. Symbols with add-ons can be dealt with as two separate symbols, each transmitted separately with its own symbology identifier, or as a single data packet. All data should be transmitted as ASCII data in accordance with ISO/IEC 646.

509 DIMENSIONS, REFERENCE DECODE ALGORITHM AND CHECK DIGIT

CALCULATION

Dimensions, Reference Decode Algorithm and Check Digit Calculation can be found in ISO/IEC 15420.

510 APPLICATION DEFINED PARAMETERS

EAN International and Uniform Code Council specify the only application defined for EAN-13 symbols. The UCC/EAN system specifications define the following parameters: Data content, the choice of symbol type and the use of add-on symbols.

511 USAGE

1. The primary purpose is to encode standard article numbers. These are unique numbers in a standard format designed to identify a product but not to classify or carry specific data about them.

2. The three basic operations for which Article Numbers are used are as follows:

a. Access of data from a file (database), e.g. look-up functions.

5-4

b. Data capture, e.g. stock taking.

c. Comparisons with a file (discrepancy detection), e.g. goods received with delivery notes.

3. It is possible that information that varies, e.g. Serial numbers, batch numbers, use by dates etc., may not be entered in relevant computer files / databases and therefore would not be retrievable by reference to the Article Number. However, they can be encoded in a bar code symbol as a supplement to the item identity.

Note: For detailed information on the allocation and derivation of Article Numbers, refer to GS1 and their associated bodies, e.g. national article numbering organisations.

4. EAN-13/UPC-A symbols can be used on all of the following items: consumer units, traded units or transport units. EAN-8/UPC-E symbols are used only on very small consumer units to encode EAN-8/UPC-E numbers. UPC symbols were historically limited to use in North America and EAN elsewhere.

Example Bar Code Figures

NORMAL

GUARD

PATTERN

CENTER

GUARD

PATTERN

NORMAL

GUARD

PATTERN

13TH DIGIT

ENCODED BY

VARIABLE PARITY

6 LEFT HAND DIGIT CHARACTERS

WITH VARIABLE PARITY

6 RIGHT HAND DIGIT CHARACTERS

WITH FIXED PARITY

6 7 8 9 0 00 1 2 3 4 5 >

QUIET ZONE

INDICATOR

(recommended)

3,63 2,31

24,55

Figure 5-2: EAN-13 Symbol & EAN -13 Symbol with 5-digit add-on

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 00

22,85

24,50

23,18

37,29

25,91

1,65

23,85 2,972,97

Figure 5-3. UPC-A Symbol & UPC-A Symbol with 2-Digit Add-on Symbol

5-5

ORIGINAL

2 0 1 2 3 4 5 1 ><

QUIET ZONE

INDICATOR

(recommended)

QUIET ZONE

INDICATOR

(recommended)

NORMAL

GUARD

PATTERN

NORMAL

GUARD

PATTERN

CENTRE

GUARD

PATTER

N

4 LEFT HAND DIGIT

CHARACTERS

WITH FIXED PARITY

4 RIGHT HAND DIGIT

CHARACTERS

WITH FIXED PARITY

0 7 8 3 4 90 1 0,99

22,11

2,97

2,31

Figure 5-4. EAN-8 Symbol & UPC-E Symbol

5-6

6-1

CHAPTER 6 - ITF-14

601 INTRODUCTION

The ITF-14 is not a NATO approved symbology and is provided only as information for the NATO bar code user to enable identification and differentiation from the NATO approved symbologies.

The symbology described here is ‘Interleaved 2 of 5’ (ITF) symbology as defined by ISO/IEC 16390. One ITF application is defined by GS1 as a fixed group of 14 digits, hence the acronym ITF-14. The ITF symbology is designed to overcome print quality limitations on packaging materials, e.g. fibreboard. That is, ITF symbols are commonly used where quality standards cannot be met due to low contrast.

602 DESCRIPTION

An ITF-14 symbol is compliant to ISO/IEC 16390 and is a continuous bi-directional linear symbology. The encodable character set includes only the digits 0 to 9 (ASCII characters 48 to 57 as per ISO/IEC 646). Each symbol character is encoded using five elements (2-wide, 3-narrow) encoded as either bars or spaces permitting the interleaving of character pairs. In addition, an ITF symbol also encodes a Start and Stop (Guard) pattern, which shall not be depicted in the HRI nor transmitted by the decoder.

Figure 6-1. Typical ITF-14 Symbol

603 SYMBOL FORMAT

The ITF-14 symbols are made up as shown in Figure 6-2, reading from left to right:

Bearer Bar

H-gauge quality mark

Light Margin

Start Guard Pattern

7-digit pairs

Stop Guard Pattern

Light Margin

H-gauge quality mark

Bearer Bar

Figure 6-2. ITF-14 Symbol Format

Note 1. 7-digit pairs encode 14 digits.

Note 2. The GS1 system for coding traded units uses 13 digit article numbers; therefore, it is necessary to add a pad character. This is normally a leading zero (0) but when encoding variable measure units it is a ‘9’ and when using Distribution Unit Number (DUN)i-14/EAN-14 numbers it may take a value between 1 and 8, a “logistical variant”.

Note 3. The use of the H-gauge mark is optional, depending on the printing process used.

6-2

ORIGINAL

604 HUMAN-READABLE INTERPRETATION (HRI)

This depicts the 14 encoded digits beneath the symbol and bearer bar, see Figure 6-1. Any clearly legible font may be used e.g., OCR-B as defined in ISO 1073-2. It is not intended that these characters be machine-read or verified.

605 ADD-ON SYMBOLS

1. These were originally designed for use with EAN/UPC symbols on periodicals and paperback books. As they provide reduced security, their use is limited to applications where rules in the application specification governing data format and content provide appropriate safeguards.

2. The add-on symbols utilise two or five-digits and are positioned following the Right Quiet Zone of the main EAN/UPC symbol. The bottom edges of the bars in the add-on symbol are horizontally aligned with the bottom edge of the guard bars of the main symbol. The ‘add-on symbol’ does not have a ‘Right Guard Pattern’ or an explicit check digit.