A brief list of common terms and abbreviations used to describe barcoding and point of sale products.

2-D Barcode

A machine readable symbol composed of rows of encrypted data arranged in a rectangular or square pattern. The rows of data may be composed of barcode strips, "stacked" to form the two-dimensional block pattern or arranged as a checkerboard "matrix" of typically square

Barcode

Information encoded into a pattern of varying-width parallel bars and spaces. The most common symbologies used in the retail environment are UPC-A for merchandise marking and Code 128 for shipping containers. Other symbologies include Plessey Code 39, Interleaved 2 of 5 and EAN/JAN.

Barcode Printer

A printer used to produce barcodes on labels, tags and other paper materials. Printers range from dot matrix to thermal printing technology.

Barcode Scanner

Scans and reads barcodes can be classified as wands, hand-helds, projection/vertical or in-counter scanners.

Batch

Portable data terminal that holds data internally so it can be downloaded later. Related: RF

Capacitive

Moisture/heat sensitive touch screen, can only be operated by an un-gloved finger. Technology used by ELO IntelliTouch & 3M-MicroTouch ClearTek

CCD and CCD Scanners

Capable of reading 2D symbologies. CCD scanners may be also be more durable than laser scanners because they do not contain any moving parts. A barcode reader that uses a CCD to pick up the image of a barcode. These scanners can read barcode without contacting the symbol like a laser scanner, but they cannot usually read the symbol at distances greater than 4 inches. They are prices between contact scanners and laser scanners.

CDPD

Cellular Digital Packet Data

Center media slot

Cash drawer feature

Check Reader

A peripheral device used to read encoded information on a check to be transmitted and processed by a computer or register for authorization and approval.

Contact Scanner

A barcode scanner that requires physical contact between the encoded medium and the scanner.

CPI

Characters per inch.

CPS

Characters per second.

CRT

Cathode ray tube, the display technology used for desktop computer monitors and television sets.

Customer Pole Display

A peripheral device designed to show customers information about their transaction and are also used to display marketing information and other messages.

Data Collection Terminal Fixed/Portable

A stationary or hand-held battery powered terminal with application software used to collect and process data from barcode readers, key entry, mag striped, radio or voice transmissions. Can be batch or online device.

Decoded

Barcode information sent from a barcode scanner in character form.

Decoder

Electronics that changes the signal output of a scanner into meaningful data (e.g. keystrokes). May be internal or external to the scanning unit.

Direct Thermal

Label stock that darkens when heated. Direct thermal printers require no ink or ribbon and are typically used when a barcode label needs to endure for a year or less. Direct thermal labels yellow over time and are not resistant to water or other harsh conditions.

Dot Size (printer)

The size of the printed dot laid down on a substrate in a matrix or line to form characters.

Dot Size (scanner)

The diameter of the beam of light used to scan a barcode symbol--ideally the beam width should be the same as the width of the narrow bar.

DPI

Dots per inch. Maximum resolution of a printer. Higher DPI increases the quality of graphics and decreases the minimum size of barcodes a printer can produce

DT

Direct thermal

EPROM

Read-only, non-volatile, semi-conductor memory that is erasable via ultra-violet light and reprogrammable.

Firmware

A computer program or software stored permanently in PROM or ROM.

FPD

Flat panel display

Intellitouch

Touch screen technology senstive to any contact.

Impact

Dot-matrix printer. A printer that forms characters or images using a matrix of pins that strike an inked ribbon. Cheaper, slower and noiser than thermal receipt printers.

IPS

Inches per second. A measure of printer speed.

KBW

See Keyboard Wedge

Keyboard Wedge

Keyboard wedge. Describes how barcode or magnetic strip data is received by the computer. Data is sent to the computer in a keyboard wedge configuration, data is seen by the computer as if you manually entered it on the keyboard. A "Y" style cable capable of connecting a keyboard and a scanner into a single PS/2 port.

Laser Scanner

Reads barcodes and have a "depth of field" which enables them to read barcodes from short distances away (6" to a few feet).

LCD

"Liquid Crystal Display", the type of display commonly found on laptop computers.

Magnetic Strip Reader (MSR)

A device that reads the magnetic stripe on a credit card for account information to automatically be processed for a transaction.

Membrane Keyboard

These programmable keyboards are most commonly found in fast food restaurants. The keys are flat and are covered by a plastic sheet that can be quickly changed to reflect price changes or different product offerings.

Mil

One thousandth of an inch (0.001 inch), or approximately 0.0254 millimeter. Commonly used to refer to the width of barcode elements, for example, 0.013 inch would be expressed as 13 mils.

MSR

Magnetic stripe reader

MICR

Magnetic Ink Character Recognition, technology used for reading printing on checks.

NiMHD

Nickel Metal Hydride

NVM

Non-volatile memory

Omni-directional

Scanner capable of reading barcodes presented at any angle.

PCMCIA

PC Card

PDF 417

PDF417 is a Stacked or 2-dimensional barcode first proposed by Symbol Technologies in 1989. It is different from earlier barcodes (as well as other stacked barcodes) inseveral ways. The code allows stitching of partial scans, provides both error detection and correction, and provides a security versus density trade-off.
PDF417 is a stacked symbology and was invented by Ynjiun Wang in 1991 at Symbol Technologies. PDF stands for Portable Data File, and the symbology consists of 17 modules each containing 4 bars and spaces (thus the number "417"). The code is in the public domain. The structure of the code allows for between 1000 to 2000 characters per symbol with an information density of between 100 and 340 characters. Each symbol has a start and stop bar group that extends the height of the symbol. A PDF417 symbol can be read with modified handheld laser or CCD scanners. High density printers (thermal transfer or laser) should be used to print the symbol.

Pinpad

A pinpad is a small keyboard that normally contains numeric keys. PIN is an acronym for personal identification number, which is normally entered into the keyboard pad to verify account information for a transaction.

PRG

Product reference guide

Programmable Keyboard

A keyboard that is capable of being configured and programmed in a variety of ways. Programmable keyboards allow keys to represent special departments, functions and products, etc.

Raster

Oscillating laser scanner

Relegendable

Keys that can be re-mapped.

Resin Ribbons

When combined with synthetic (non-paper) labels stocks, provide the highest print quality and durability.

Resistive

Pressure sensitive touch screens. React to any form of contact including: gloved fingers, pens, stylus, etc. (ELO AccuTouch & MicroTouch TouchTek)

RF

Radio frequency.

RSS

Definition coming soon

RS232

The term is used to define the serial port type and cable type needed to interface  between Data Terminal Equipment (DTE) and Data Communications Equipment

Synapse smart cable

Connects the synapse smart cable to the host device (computer), available in many interfaces (PS/2, RS-232, USB, etc.).

Synapse adapter cable

Connects the scanner to the synapse smart cable, allowing connectivity to any interface (PS/2, RS-232, USB, etc.)

Straight cable

Non-coiled cable

TFT

Thin film transistor

Track1/2/3

Track one is a "track" of information on a credit card that has a 79 character alphanumeric field for information. Track two is a "track" of information on a credit card that has a 40-character field for information. Track three is a "track" of information on a credit card that has a 107-character field for alphanumeric information.

Thermal printer

A thermal printer uses special, chemically treated label stock that changes colors when heated. The printer uses a set of pins which are electrically heated and in contact with the label stock. As the stock is moved over the pins and the pins are selectively heated, the chemical turns dark and the barcode is formed. Sometimes called direct thermal printer.

Thermal transfer printer

Thermal printer that uses heat to bond a thin film of wax or resin coating onto onto a label. These printers can also print direct thermal labels, but the printhead may wear out faster.

TT

Thermal transfer

Verifier

A device that measures a symbol's bars, spaces, quiet zones, and optical characteristics to determine whether it meets the requirements of a specific symbol.

Wax Ribbons

Work well on plain or coated paper stocks. Suitable for many general purpose applications.

Wax/Resin Ribbons

Great smear protection than pure wax ribbons. Used with coated paper, synthetic and high-gloss labels.

Wedge/wedge reader

A barcode reader designed to fit in-line between a keyboard and a computer or CRT. The keyboard is plugged into the wedge and a cable from the wedge is plugged into the keyboard interface on the computer or CRT. Data scanned using a wedge appears as if the data was typed into the computer of CRT, eliminating the need to modify application software.

UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply)

A UPS is primarily used as a back up power source for computers and computer networks to ensure ongoing operation in the event of a power failure.

USB

Universal Serial Bus. A universal connector that replaces serial and parallel connections for PC peripherals with a standard plug and cable carrying both data and power.