barcode

Also known as bar codes, barcodes, bar code

thumb|A Universal Product Code|UPC-A barcode A barcode or bar code is a method of representing data in a visual, machine-readable symbolic form. Initially, barcodes represented data by varying the widths, spacings and sizes of parallel lines. These barcodes, commonly referred to as linear or one-dimensional (1D), can be scanned by optical scanners known as barcode readers.

AI overview

A barcode is a visual pattern of parallel lines with varying widths and spacings that stores information in a form that machines can read with optical scanners. Barcodes matter because they provide a quick, reliable way to automatically capture and process data, making tasks like tracking products and inventory much more efficient than manual entry.

AI-generated from the Wikipedia summary — may contain errors.

Wikidata facts

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Commons category: Barcode
Commons gallery: Barcode
P8168: International Force East Timor
Stack Exchange tag: stackoverflow.com/tags/barcode
equivalent class: id.loc.gov/ontologies/bibframe/Barcode
NCI Thesaurus ID: C43361
P13411: Jin dynasty

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Article

21 sections

Contents

History
Collins at Sylvania
Computer Identics Corporation
Universal Product Code
Industrial adoption
Use
Symbologies
Barcode readers
Quality control and verification
Barcode verifier standards
Benefits
Types of barcodes
Linear barcodes
{{anchor|2D barcodes}} 2D barcodes
Example images
In popular culture
Designed barcodes
Opposition
See also
References
Further reading

Later, two-dimensional (2D) variants were developed, using rectangles, dots, hexagons and other patterns, called matrix codes or 2D barcodes, although they do not use bars in the traditional sense. Both can be read using purpose-built 2D optical scanners, which exist in a few different forms. Matrix codes can also be read by a digital camera connected to a microcomputer running software that takes a photographic image of the barcode and analyzes the image to deconstruct and decode the code. A mobile device with a built-in camera, such as a smartphone, can function as this type of barcode reader using specialized application software and is suitable for both 1D and 2D codes.