Designation: F1851 − 98 (Reapproved 2009)

Standard Practice for

Bar Code Verification1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F1851; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope 2.4 Military Standard:

1.1 This practice describes a specific procedure for using a MIL-STD 105E Sampling Procedures and Tables for Inspec-
bar code verifier to measure and quantify the optical and tion by Attributes5
symbology characteristics relative to the print quality of a bar 3. Summary of Practice
code symbol and its performance within a bar code reading
system. Measurements taken with bar code verifiers should 3.1 Printed bar codes can be analyzed with commercially
conform to ANSI ANS X3.182–1995 [R] methodology. Vari- available bar code verifiers to generate measurement values
ous printing methods including direct thermal, thermal transfer, relative to print quality. Verifiers can have various optical input
electrophotographic, dot matrix, and ink jet methods are used devices and operate in varied spectral ranges with apertures of
to produce bar code symbols. Use of this procedure will help differing sizes. The validity of the results of verification can be
assure repeatability of measurements between operators and affected greatly by the selection of the equipment, spectral
pieces of equipment and traceability of those measurements. response and aperture size, as well as the operator’s use of the
equipment. Reporting structure of the test results (symbol
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded grade) only has meaning when the measuring aperture number
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical and nominal wavelength also are specified. The methodology
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only contained within this test method offers both a standard series
and are not considered standard. of procedures for equipment set-up and use, and general
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the recommendations, guidelines and information on bar code
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the verification.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- 4. Significance and Use
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. 4.1 This test method provides a way to measure and
quantify bar code print quality using commercially available
2. Referenced Documents bar code verifiers. Possible uses include the following.
2.1 ASTM Standards:2 4.1.1 Performance comparisons between media supplied by
F1294 Terminology Relating to Automatic Identification different manufacturers.
Hard Copy Printing Systems 4.1.2 Performance comparisons between imaging materials
2.2 ANSI Standard: supplied by different manufacturers.
ANSI ANS X3.182–1995 [R] Bar Code Print Quality Guide- 4.1.3 Performance comparisons between printers supplied
line3 by different manufacturers.
2.3 AIM Standard: 4.1.4 Performance comparisons between different printing
AIM USA Layman’s Guide to ANSI Print Quality4 methods.
4.1.5 Research and development evaluation of developmen-
tal coatings, ribbons and media for various printing methods
1
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F05 on Business for bar code imaging.
Imaging Productsand is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F05.03 on
Research.
4.1.6 Manufacturing process control can use this test
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2009. Published October 2009. Originally method to audit product performance.
approved in 1998. Last previous edition approved in 2003 as F1851 – 98(2003).
DOI: 10.1520/F1851-98R09. 5. Interferences
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM 5.1 To avoid interference from external causes, no lami-
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on nates, overcoats or protective materials should be used on or
the ASTM website.
3
Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
5
4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org. Available from Standardization Documents Order Desk, Bldg. 4D, 700 Robbins
4
Available from AIM USA, 634 Alpha Dr., Pittsburgh, PA 15238. Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094.

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

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 F1851 − 98 (2009)
over the samples. These may cause verification results that are the “X” dimension of the bar code being verified. The aperture
not characteristic of the process being tested. and wavelength specified in industry application standards
5.2 The equipment selected should be set-up, programmed takes precedence over the ANSI guideline, even if some “X”
(if necessary) and calibrated to the manufacturers recommen- dimension ranges do not agree with the ANSI recommenda-
dations. tions. If measuring aperture diameter is not specified, select
aperture diameter based upon the ANSI ANS X3.182–1995 [R]
NOTE 1—This is extremely important as improper use of verification recommendations shown below.
equipment through incorrect set-up or calibration, or both, can cause
misleading results. Diameter 9X9 Dimension (in 0.0010 in.) Range
0.0030 in. 0.0040 to 0.007 in.
5.3 To avoid interference caused by operating power volt- 0.0050 in. 0.0071 to 0.013 in.
age fluctuations, the equipment used should be operated using 0.0100 in. 0.0131 to 0.025 in.
0.0200 in. 0.0251 in. and larger
the power source recommended by and in the manner recom-
mended by the manufacturer. In the event results can vary with 6.3.3 The equipment selected should be set-up, pro-
variation in supply power, such as if the unit operates solely grammed, if necessary, and calibrated to the manufacturers
from batteries, it should be determined what results variations recommendations.
can be expected, based upon the manufacturer’s recommenda- NOTE 2—This is extremely important as improper use of verification
tions, and appropriate compensation should be made. equipment through incorrect set-up, or calibration, or both, can cause
misleading results.
6. Procedure 6.3.4 Care should be taken in the selection of the location
6.1 Calibration/Traceability: where verification is performed. The operator should be aware
6.1.1 Proper calibration is an essential aspect of the opera- of unusual ambient light conditions that may affect readings.
tion of a bar code verifier. It is imperative that the operator Additionally, calibration of the device should be performed
properly and carefully follow the manufacturer’s procedures under the same ambient lighting conditions as those where the
for calibration of the verifier. Frequency of calibration should testing will be performed. The infinite pad method referenced
be recommended by the manufacturer, and calibration at a in ANSI ANS X3.182–1995 [R] should be used to prevent
frequency greater than recommended may ensure higher accu- optical affects caused by the opacity of the sample substrate. In
racy and repeatability. the absence of materials for the infinite pad method, an opaque
6.1.2 To assist in determining if a verifier is being operated black matte surface can be used under the test sample to
within the ANSI ANS X3.182–1995 [R], bar code calibration provide a worse case optical situation.
or correlation standards are available.6 6.3.5 Bar code symbols should be scanned in both direc-
6.2 Test Materials: tions (left to right and right to left) and over numerous areas of
6.2.1 Test specimens should be characteristic or representa- the symbol. This practice will ensure a better overall indication
tive of output from a specific process. Appropriate bar code of the bar code symbols total quality.
symbols should be imaged on the media to be tested. 6.3.6 Operator proficiency can influence the results. Opera-
6.2.2 Test specimens and samples should be handled with tors must be trained and care should be taken in all testing
care. Defects in the samples should be characteristic of the situations. It is recommended that statistical methods be
process being tested and not due to handling of the specimens. employed to reduce the effects of operator variability and that
operators undergo periodic retraining. As a quality measure-
6.3 Equipment Selection and Use ment function, bar code verification should be approached the
6.3.1 Bar code verifiers can consist of various pieces of same as any other quality control or quality monitoring
equipment with differing capabilities and features. Users function.
should select a device that meets the operational, application, 6.3.7 ANSI ANS X3.182–1995 [R] specifies ten scans of a
and specification requirements of their application. Particular symbol are required to obtain a symbol grade. The number of
attention should be paid to what application or industry symbol grades or scans taken from a particular test sample
standard(s) the device must measure against and that the should be based upon statistical methodology to ensure the
optical input device be matched to the type of materials to be results meet the necessary levels of confidence required. Please
tested. refer to MIL-STD 105D for guidance on sampling levels and
6.3.2 The aperture size and wavelength has a significant techniques.
impact as to the grade results obtained. The ANSI Guideline
X3.182–1995 [R] recommends the aperture diameter based on 7. Report
7.1 A Scan Reflectance Profile (SRP) is a record of the
6
As an adjunct to the ANSI standard, the Uniform Code Council and AIM USA, reflectance values (0 % to 100 %) measured along a single line
created a unique set of primary and secondary Bar Code Calibration Standards in across the entire width of the bar code. These values are
conjunction with Applied Image, Inc. These bar code standards are calibrated to
ANSI Methodology and traceable to NIST. Though verifier manufacturers also may charted to create an analog representation of the bar code. The
have NIST traceable calibration/correlation standards available, the sole source of scan reflectance profile grading method identifies relative
supply of these test standards known to the committee at this time is Applied Image, levels of print quality. Each SRP will be graded as A, B, C, D,
Inc., 1653 East Main Street, Rochester NY 14609. If you are aware of alternative
or F (Scan Grade) for one or possibly more of specified criteria.
suppliers, please provide this information to ASTM Headquarters. Your comments
will receive careful consideration at a meeting of the responsible technical The grading scheme follows academic letter grades A, B, C, D,
committee,1 which you may attend. and F where A is the best grade and F the lowest. After creating

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 F1851 − 98 (2009)
the SRP, a count of the elements (bars and spaces) determines C, D, or F. The quantitative criteria for the modulation grades
if the bar code conforms to some type of symbology, but before are given in ANSI ANS X3.182–1995 [R]. The formula is as
this can be accomplished, edge determination must be done. follows:
7.1.1 Edge Determination—A Global Threshold is estab- ECmin/SC
lished halfway between the highest reflectance value and the
lowest reflectance value seen in the profile. Edge determination where:
is done by counting the number of crossings at the Global ECmin = Edge Contrast Min, and
Threshold confirming whether the count conforms to or is SC = Symbol Contrast.
considered nonconforming to a legitimate bar code symbology. 7.1.7 Defects—Defects are voids found in bars or spots
If the bar code conforms it PASSES (Grade A); if it is found in the spaces and quiet zones of the code. Voids, spots,
considered nonconforming it FAILS (Grade F). The formula is smudges, and other defects in bar code symbols can yield poor
as follows: scanning results, and thus, will yield lower verification results.
GT = Rmin + SC/2, Each element is evaluated individually for its reflectance
Rmin = Reflectance Min, and
SC = Symbol Contrast. nonuniformity. Element reflectance nonuniformity is the dif-
7.1.2 Decode—A bar code will PASS on Decode when the ference between the highest reflectance value and the lowest
established bar and space widths can be converted into the reflectance value found within a given element and is graded A,
correct series of valid characters using the Reference Decode B, C, D, or F. The quantitative criteria for the defect grades are
algorithm for a given symbology and or application and is given in ANSI ANS X3.182–1995 [R]. The formula is as
graded Pass (A) or Fail (F). follows:
7.1.3 Minimum Reflectance (Rmin)—The reflectance value ERNmax/SC
for at least one bar must be half or less than the highest where:
reflectance value for a space and is graded Pass (A) or Fail (F).
ERNmax = Element Reflectance Nonuniformity, and
The formula is as follows: SC = Symbol Contrast.
Rmin # .5 Rmax = PASS, Rmin > .5 Rmax = FAIL
7.1.8 Decodability—Decodability is the measure of the
where:
accuracy of the printed bar code against the appropriate
Rmin = Reflectance min, and reference decode algorithm. Each symbology has published
Rmax = Reflectance max. dimensions for element widths and provide margins or toler-
7.1.4 Minimum Edge Contrast (ECmin)—Each transition ances for errors in the printing and reading process. Decod-
from a bar to a space, or back again, is an “edge” whose ability measures the amount of margin left for the reading
contrast is determined as the difference between peak values in process after printing the bar code. Different decodability
that space and that bar. The edge that has the minimum contrast calculation methods are used for each type of symbology being
from the transition from space reflectance to bar reflectance, or tested. The decodability calculations are programmed into the
from bar to space, is the Minimum Edge Contrast or ECmin and verifiers, and decodability is graded A, B, C, D, or F according
is graded Pass (A) or Fail (F). The formula is as follows: to the quantitative criteria for the decodability grades given in
ECmin = Rsmin – Rbmax (worst pair) ANSI ANS X3.182–1995 [R] or in supplemental industry
where: standards.
Rs = Space Reflectance, and 7.1.9 Overall Profile Grade—The lowest grade received by
Rb = Bar Reflectance. any of the following parameters; edge determination decode,
minimum reflectance, symbol contrast, modulation, decode
7.1.5 Symbol Contrast (SC)—Symbol contrast is the differ-
and decodability.
ence between the highest reflectance value and the lowest
reflectance value in the scan profile and is graded A, B, C, D, 7.2 Scan Grade—The lowest grade received for any quality
or F. The quantitative criteria for the symbol contrast grades are parameter in a scan reflectance profile. For example, if a grade
given in ANSI ANS X3.182–1995 [R]. The formula is as of A or PASS is received for all quality parameters except for
follows: Modulation, which received a grade of C, the overall Scan
SC = Rmax – Rmin Grade is C. Ten SRP Scan Grades are recommended to
where: determine the symbol grade. The reason for averaging ten
scans is purely for vertical redundancy. Quality levels may
SC = Symbol Contrast,
Rmax = Reflectance Max, and vary within the height of the bar code symbol being verified;
Rmin = Reflectance Min. however, the methodology used to scan or read bar codes
allows symbols with isolated areas of poor quality to be
7.1.6 Modulation (MOD)—Modulation has to do with how acceptable for many applications.
a scanner sees wide elements (bars or spaces) in relationship to
narrow elements, as represented by reflectance values in the 7.3 Symbol Grade—The simple average of all the overall
scan profile. Scanners usually see spaces narrower than bars, scan grades (profile grades) using the standard weighting of A
and scanners typically see narrow spaces being even less = 4.0, B = 3.0, C = 2.0, D = 1.0, and F = 0.0. The symbol grade
intense or not as reflective as wide spaces and is graded A, B, may be stated as a decimal or letter grade.

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 F1851 − 98 (2009)

3.5 # A # 4.0 7.6 A symbol grade only has meaning when the measuring
2.5 # B # 3.5 aperture and nominal wavelength also are specified. The
1.5 # C # 2.5
0.5 # D # 1.5 format is: “Symbol Grade”/“Aperture”/“Wavelength” (for ex-
F < 0.5 ample, B/06/660). Use this format when reporting results.
7.4 A symbol grade only has meaning when the measuring
7.7 The key value to report is overall symbol grade (nu-
aperture number and nominal wavelength also are specified.
meric value 4.0 to 0.0).
The format for denoting symbol grade is: “Symbol Grade”
followed by a slash (/) followed by the “Measuring Aperture 7.8 Additional information, such as sample substrate, am-
Number” followed by a slash (/) followed by the nominal bient temperature/relative humidity/light measurement,
wavelength in nanometers, that is, C/10/660 or 2.4/10/660. The verifier/imaging system used, date, time and operator should be
measuring aperture number is the aperture diameter expressed included as part of the test report.
in inches, divided by 100.
7.5 Alternate or additional measurement values, such as 8. Keywords
print contrast signal (PCS) and dimensional tolerances also are
8.1 bar code; decodability; defects; modulation; print qual-
measured. These values have historic precedence. Symbols,
ity; scan grade; scan reflectance profile; symbol contrast;
which offer good, reliable performance, may fail PCS or
symbol grade; verification; verifier
dimensional tolerances, or both.

APPENDIX

(Nonmandatory Information)

X1. RATIONALE

X1.1 Significance of Grade Level—Bar code systems can to be rescanned. In general, this grade is best suited for
provide good performance with differing symbol grades be- applications, which require symbols to be read most of the time
cause of the following: vertical redundancy; tolerances built in a single pass of a bar code scanner but allow for rescan.
into decoding algorithms; the ability of operators to rescan if
the first read is unsuccessful; and, the availability of scanning X1.2.3 Symbols of Grade C may require more rescans than
devices that provide for multiple, unique scan paths across the those of Grade B. In general, these Grade C symbols may need
code. more frequent rescanning and for best read performance a
device that provides for multiple, unique scan paths across the
X1.2 The different symbol grades indicate print quality. An code should be used.
application specification shall identify the minimum acceptable
grade level including the measuring aperture and the nominal X1.2.4 A symbol of Grade D is best read by bar code
wavelength(s). readers that provide for multiple, unique scan paths across the
X1.2.1 Symbols with a Grade A are the best quality and will symbol. There may be symbols with a Grade D that certain
in general give the best performance. In general, this grade readers can not read. Prior to selection of a Grade D symbol for
symbol is appropriate for systems in which the reader crosses a particular application, it is advised that the symbol(s) should
the symbol once or is limited to a single path. be tested with the type of bar code reader expected to be used.
X1.2.2 A symbol with a Grade B may not perform to the The test(s) will establish that the read results are within
same level as one with a Grade A. Some B symbols may need acceptable limits and expectations.

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