G–12
Glossary
Publication 2755-6.4
S
Scan
Search for a symbol to be optically recognized.
Scan Area
Area intended to contain a symbol.
Scanner
An electronic device used to scan bar code symbols and produce a
digitized pattern that corresponds to the bars and spaces of the
symbol. Its three main components are:
1. Light source (laser or photoelectric cell) - illuminates a bar
code.
2. Photodetector - registers the difference in reflected light
(more light reflected from spaces).
3. Signal conditioning circuit - transforms optical detector
output into a digitized bar pattern.
Scanning Mode
The scanner is energized, programmed, and ready to read a bar code.
Scanning Sequence
A method of programming or configuring parameters for a bar code
reading system by scanning bar code menus.
Self-Checking Code
A symbology that uses a checking algorithm to detect encoding
errors within the characters of a bar code symbol.
Space
The lighter element of a bar code formed by the background between
bars.
Specular Reflection
The mirror-like reflection of light from a surface, which can blind a
scanner.
