Socket Mobile 6410-00233 User Manual

APPENDIX B: BAR CODE LABEL SPECIFICATIONS | 21 

Appendix C Bar Code Label 

 
All bar code symbols/labels should satisfy the appropriate AIM Uniform 
Symbology Specification. 
 
Background Substrate: 
The bar code symbol should be printed on material (media) that is reflective 
and has a matte (not glossy) finish.  A background diffuse reflectance of at 
least 70% to 80% is desirable for optimum contrast.  Retro-reflective media 
should be used to obtain decode distances greater than 36 inches. 
 
Ink Color and Type: 
The inked bars should not exceed 25% reflectance at the wavelength that is 
being used for reading, whether printed with black ink or colored ink.  The 
reflectance value should not vary more than 5% within the same character. 
 
Voids and Specks: 
The code should be printed clearly, free of voids, specks, blemishes and 
lines that could “fool” the scanner.  Specks or blemishes in the white 
spaces, or false or missing bar sections could be interpreted by the reading 
equipment as part of the code.  Generally, the width of such flaws is more 
serious than the height.  Code symbols/ labels should be rejected if these 
defects are present. 
 
Definition: 
The bars in the bar code symbol should be well defined.  Their edges 
should not be rough or fuzzy, so that the bars and spaces have the proper 
widths intended for the bar code symbology used. 
 
Contrast: 
Background reflectance (that of the substrate on which the codes are 
printed) should always provide a good contrast relative to the ink 
reflectance (that of the code bars).  The difference between the two should 
be at least 37.5% at the wavelength used for reading. 
 
Tolerance: 
The ratio of the widths of bars and spaces in a bar code symbol must 
conform to the appropriate AIM bar code specifications and can cause 
problems if not correct throughout the bar code.  Problems can occur when 
bar edges are smeared or rough, or when they exhibit voids.