2. This is an individual character that consists of bands of image and space between them, thus illustrating the machine code of letters and numbers in binary notation. Barcode performs the same role as the postal code we use when sending mail. What is barcode?

4. The first bar codes were created and patented in the U.S. in 1949. The U.S. barcode system is known as a "universal product code“ To coordinate the efforts of implementation and standardization of barcodes in the U.S., a coding single Council (UCC, Uniform Code Council)was created, later renamed GS1 US.

5. In 1977 a similar barcode system was introduced in Europe, at the initiative of merchants and manufacturers. A non-profit organization EAN (European Article Numbering)was established. In 1991, the two organizations UCC and EAN established international and full technical compatibility between the two coding systems.

6. This creates GS1 - a global organization whose mission is to create and implement standards and solutions for workers and transparent supply chains globally and between industries. GS1 headquarters are in Brussels and Princeton, New Jersey.

7. Bulgaria is a member of GS1 (EAN International) since the end of 1991 under conditions of membership in the International Association of EAN International. The parties are represented by non-governmental, non-profit association representing the interests of producers and traders.

9. Today, there are more than 50 barcode systems such as UPC, Code 39, Codabar. However, in international practice the most popular are EAN codes are divided into three groups depending on their application - international, national and local.

10. In the GS1 System several different barcodes are in use : EAN-13, EAN-8, UPC-A, UPC-E, GS1-128, ITF- 14 and DataBar. They have a different structure and should be considered separately.

11. Standard EAN-13 EAN-13 consists of 13 digits and has the following structure: GS1-prefix three digits indicating the country in which the company is registered manufacturer of goods (not necessarily the country in which the product is produced).

12. Standard EAN-8 EAN-8 consists of 8 digits and is designed for small items. EAN-8 is formed differently from the EAN-13. GS1-prefix from three digits to the country. And here the code for Bulgaria is 380, an article number-4 digits and a Check Digit.

13. GS1-prefix for Bulgaria is 380 a manufacturer code which is 4 to 6 digits and is determined by the national organization, GS1 article number which is 3 to 5 digits and a Check Digit

14. Standard UPC UPC consists of twelve digits, divided into three groups. This standard provides barcode discharges to state. The first group of 6 to 9 digits is called a UPC Company Prefix. The second group of 5 to 2 digits satisfy the number of items. The last (12th) digit is a check digit.

15. Certainly today, the leader in the development of barcode readers is a company Symbol Technologies, now Motorola Technologies.

16. The company has produced about 10 million terminals, barcode scanners and data collection units throughout the world.

17. Barcode scanners  Laser  Automatic  2D barcode scanners  Mobile computers for data collection

18. http://systemgroup.bg/press-centre/press/barcode- history/.htm http://inventors.about.com/library/inventors/blbar _code.htm http://inventors.about.com/library/inventors/blbar _code.htm And special thanks to Vlado

19. Prepared by Manuela Zheleva from Bulgaria Stara Zagora