BCG - Bar Code Generator |
BCG® is a high performance bar code generator that can be used under Microsoft® Windows® XP/2003/Vista/7/8. Barcodes can be printed on any device compatible with these operating systems, if it features a resolution high enough (600 dpi are recommended). BCG® can create barcodes in the following symbologies:
EAN-8 |
UPC-E |
Code 128 |
Matrix 3 bars |
Interleaved |
EAN-13 |
Code 39 |
Industrial |
BCD matrix |
Codabar/Monarch |
UPC-A |
Code 93 |
5 bars |
MSI |
EAN 128 |
Code 32 |
A linear barcode is what we usually see on the products we buy: a series of straight lines, white and black, of different widths.
There are many 1-D symbologies, which are used in several fields according to the advantages and disadvantages of one symbology against another. All symbologies result in the creation of a rectangular shape, that is read by passing over it or scanning it, creating a virtual line that travels across the symbol, at an angle of about 90° with the lines.
If the reading line does not travel across the whole symbol, e.g. because of an insufficient angle with the printed lines, the barcode is not read.
Because of this, there are a few restrictions on bar code positioning: the reading device must be aligned with the symbol and the reading line must be perpendicular to the printed lines. For improving the chances of a good read there are raster scanners (several parallel reading lines in place of a single line), with oscillating mirror, or with several mirrors displaced at different angles to read the barcode independently of how it appears under the device.
BCG® introduces a great innovation: it is able to produce a circularization for each of the listed symbologies. From a technical point of view, this software changes every line in a 1-D symbol with concentric circumferences of different widths; the overflow at the beginning of the barcode is achieved by choosing the radius of the inner circumference.
A circular barcode created by BCG is readable by the same devices used to read traditional barcodes, but has several advantages:
the reading is not influenced by the orientation of the symbol, because the reading line can intersect the barcode at any angle (if it passes across the center); the symbol is, for all purposes, a distribution on 360° of the same linear barcode repeated twice for each diameter (the overflow is twice the radius); because of this, a single line scanner can be used in place of more costly raster scanners and the barcode can be printed at higher resolutions, because there is greater redundancy of information;
it can be used to label cd-roms and DVDs, which require a perfect balancing for the label;
the redundancy in information ensures a good reading in every case, even if the surface is partially damaged;
by increasing the overflow (inner area), the centering of the reading line can be less precise and thus a cheaper laser can be used (instead of more costly raster readers); that's because the deformation of the bars at the sides is compensated by the reading device, that is designed for acquiring symbols on surfaces not completely flat.
Since barcode interpretation happens when the overflow is detected, the reading line can cross the symbol completely, tracing a diameter, without producing a double reading.
The usage of circular barcodes for labeling cd-roms and DVDs in particular is fundamental: the DVDs, for example, can be printed on both sides, leaving very little space for marking. Neverthless, it is necessary for DVD rental to identify the disc both for automation and to avoid frauds. A non-balanced label over a cd-rom or DVD (like a traditional rectangular barcode) would cause several problems: interferences during reading that can damage the quality of audio/video reproduction, limit the speed of information extraction, produce noises and even damage players.
By using BCG® at an adequate resolution, it is possibile to print in the torus of the DVD a bar code containing up to 8 digits, without altering the equilibrium of the disc, covering text or information useful for reproduction.
BCG can create barcodes in which every semi-circumference contains half of the information being encoded; these barcodes can be integrated by a linear barcode. BCG can create even symbols with four barcodes orthogonal in pairs.
The symbology EAN 128 includes a wizard for easily creating barcodes by specifying the AIs that should be included.
The usage in the industrial field is very interesting too; for example, to label boxes that can be stacked with different orientations. These boxes can be identified on three sides by using a single label. In this case, a quadrant is suppressed (270°) and the code is applied as illustrated below.
By using a long-range laser gun and a huge circular barcode on one side of the box, it is much easier for the user to center the laser beam; besides, BCG® can create very large symbols, suitable for this application.
BCG® is highly configurable, compact and easy to use. It allows the creation of the list of codes to be printed from other programs; this list can be imported and printed in background, without any intervention from the user.
The PDF files below represent a few examples of barcodes obtained using BCG:
Full circular barcode w/radial HRC (Interleaved 2/5 w/o check digit) |
High-res full circular barcode w/radial HRC (EAN8 with check digit) |
Semi-circular barcode w/HRC (Interleaved 2/5 w/o check digit) |
A user-friendly control panel offers advanced functions for editing the list of codes to be printed and allows to easily modify all the main configuration parameters.
The interface includes a menu and an Office-like toolbar; it was designed to enhance productivity and to allow the use of shortcut keys in place of mouse. If the mouse pointer is stuck over a control for a short time, a brief help text will appear (tooltip), explaining its function. The same icons on the toolbar are duplicated besides the name of the functions in the menus.
Thanks to the options for loading and saving the list of codes and the configuration, it is possible to use the generator for printing labels of different sizes and types, with or without human readable characters and check digit. It is also possible to add descriptive text to every barcode. Besides paper, the codes can be saved to a file in PCX/BMP format and copied on the Windows clipboard, to paste them in other applications.
Bar code positioning is easy and precise; it is possible to specify whether to include or not the human readable code and the check digit, to specify the font and the size for the description and HRC, line height and alignment. A useful preview function can be used to display data on the list of codes, to determine (for example) which simbology was used to print a sample bar code.
The package is available in two languages (italian and english), with buttons, tooltips and context-sensitive online manual fully translated. BCG can be customized upon request with the logo of the end-user; there are different list prices depending on the number of licences being bought.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) |
Information Request |
It is possible to receive by e-mail a demo version and the price list by writing to szp@zanella-hifi.com or by filling and sending the form below; additional information can be found in the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page.
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