MXPA97006620A - Apparatus and method for scratching and labeling data patterns for bar code - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for providing a two-dimensional bar code data form for a product having a bar code data form associated with the product, the method characterized in that it comprises the steps of: a) scrutinize the product's barcode data form, b) decode the data form to generate decoded data related to the product, c) select the data that will comprise the two-dimensional bar code, including the selected data, at least a portion of decoded data and additional data related to the product, d) coding the selected data to produce the two-dimensional barcode data form, and e) printing the data form in two-dimensional bar code on a label for be adhered to the product

Description

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR SCRATCHING AND LABELING FORMS OF DATA FOR CODE OF ERRORS FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a method and apparatus for scrutinizing and labeling a data form for bar codes and, more particularly, to a method and apparatus capable of scrutinizing a data form for bar codes, modifying the data encoded from the data form for barcode and print the label of the data form for barcode incorporating the modified data.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The application and use of bar codes and matrix codes are well known and are increasing. Bar codes and matrix codes are forms of "data forms," which for present purposes are defined to include all provisions by which data is prepared in some form of machine-readable copy. Therefore, data forms include bar codes, matrix codes and one- and two-dimensional graphic codes, as well as words and numbers and other symbols that can be printed or engraved on paper, plastic cards and metal and other types of elements. The data forms can be printed in inta invisible, recorded magnetically through magnetic strips or magnetic sources, registered electromagnetically through RF labels, engraved, stamped, tattooed (on the skin) formed by ion impurification ( semiconductor plates) op > or biochemical fixation, etc. In the use of the data forms, the originally coded data is retrieved for later use in a variety of ways. For example, a printed bar code can be optically scanned to obtain reflectance values that are converted to digital form, stored in the buffer memory and subsequently encoded to recover the data encoded in the bar code. If the particular type of data structure is considered, an image is typically acquired and stored as values of image elements for further processing. An image of a bar code or a matrix code that exists in a graphic image can be acquired by the use of a scanner, a laser scanner or other suitable device that is capable of distinguishing between the different reflective values of the reflected light of a form of data. Thus, for example, a bar code typically comprises black-bar or dark-colored elements printed on a white or light-colored background area, with white or light-colored spaces between the bar code elements. These spaces are typically of the same color - as the background area, but may be a different light color in this example. In other examples the elements of a bar code or a matrix code are white or light colored and are defined by black or dark colored spaces and background area. In other applications, such as etching with silicon platelets, tarpaulin can result in a pattern or dark and clear relationship in one direction and a clear and dark relationship in a different orientation. In addition to the image element values representing the reflective values of the light ("light" being defined to encompass "the entire electromagnetic spectrum for present purposes), in other exposures, the values of the image elements representative of the values reflective values can be based on the reflection of sound waves or other means from a form of data of appropriate configuration.In any exposition in which a data form is arranged to be read based on the reflective values, such reflective values can typically stored as image element values in an image buffer or other storage medium in the form of a binary digit map or other, represents ivos of the values of image elements of an image, can use any appropriate format for data storage. The use of data forms for barcodes for the purposes of product identification has achieved wide acceptance. Typically, the manufacturer of a product generates a data form for bar codes that represents a unique key for the identification of a product. The dataset is used for barcode in connection with a computer-accessible database. The identification key is associated with or, using the terminology of the computers, indicates a registration address in a data file stored in a secondary storage device of the database. The address of a product consists of the specific values of the data for the records or the fields of the data that make up the file. For example, data records in a simple price file can include a unit number for the maintenance of product inventory, a product descriptor, and a unit price. A typical data form for one-dimensional bar code (ID) consists of a single row of parallel dark bars of variable width separated by spaces of variable width. Start and stop patterns are provided at the beginning and end of the data form for bar codes to indicate the boundaries of the actual coding area. The width of the bars and the spaces in the coding area represent numbers. A single key is assigned for the identification of a product for each product and it is converted and encoded to a single data form for barcode according to the logic selected for the bar coding. In use, the data form for barcodes is scanned to identify a product and retrieve information regarding the product. The scanned image is converted or deepened to its re esen! numerical ation, that is, the key to the identification of the product. The key to product identification is not in itself a record address for a file but rather is converted to a record address by a mathematical algorithm. This is necessary because there may be a multitude of files associated with a product. For example, there may be a price file, an inventory file and an acquisitions file, each one acquiring a different algorithm to convert the identification key of a product to the corresponding registration address for the product in that file. Typically, a merchant, wholesaler, distributor or retailer, will use the identification key as part of a price and inventory control system. For example, at the retail level, a retailer using a cornputarized point in the sales network to obtain prices and inventory will have at least two files accessible to the central computer that controls the network: a file for obtaining prices and a price. file for inventory. A file for obtaining prices correlates the number of the unit identification for the maintenance of a product with the current price of the article, while the file for inventory indicates the number of units of the product in use. In this outline of actions, two mathematical algorithms are used to convert the identification number of the bar code of the product to the corresponding register addresses in the file for obtaining prices and the inventory file, respectively. At the retail level, a point of the sales terminal includes a reading of the data form for bar codes that scrutinizes and decodes the data form for the product's barcode and communicates the decoded identification key to a computer together with a signal indicative of a purchase. The computer uses the appropriate mathematical algorithms to access the price and inventory files. The current price, which brings together the unit to maintain the product assortment and descriptor for the product being purchased is retrieved from the price collection file and communicated to the point of the sales terminal. The price of the product is displayed at the point of the sales terminal and an appropriate purchase receipt is generated for the customer. Additionally, the computer reduces the inventory file to reflect the removal of the product from the inventory. Unfortunately, while the manufacturer's barcode data form is valuable to merchants, its utility is limited because the original form of bar code data does not reflect the transaction information pertaining to the sale of the product, since the The product moves through the unevenness and its distribution channel (for example, level of manufacturing or import, assembly level, food level, level of distribution, packaging, retail level, etc.). A merchant will find it valuable to have a barcode data form that provides more than just a key to product identification. For example, a retailer may want to incorporate information about where and when the product was purchased, at what price, where it is being stored to which store it is being shipped. If the retailer has modified the product or added an option, for example, a car dealer makes a new automobile received from the manufacturer, the retailer may want to modify the manufacturer's barcode data to reflect the added value. With the sale of the product, the retailer may wish to modify the manufacturer's barcode data form to incorporate information about the sales transaction, for example, who bought the product, on what date the product was purchased, to which price, under which invoice number, is there a discount or promotion program associated with the product and where is the product to be delivered? The addition of new information will often require the use of a data format format for bar code different from that selected by the manufacturer. Most manufacturers use a data form for bar-ras ID code such as the UPC barcode that has a limited data capacity. A data form for two-dimensional (2D) stacked barcodes can be used by a merchant to increase the data capacity. A form of data for 2D barcode allows a greater amount of coded data to be stored in a given area for barcode coding. Instead of having a coding area occupied by a single row of the bar code, as in the data form for bar ID encoding, a data form for 2D bar code divides the total coding area into a multitude of rows parallel, each row representing an independent coding area that allows multiple rows of the bar code. Additionally, more sophisticated coding strategies have been developed that allow a higher data density compared to the original variable-width format of the UPC bar code. A data form for 2D bar code is disclosed in the United States application, Serial No. 08 / 280,490 filed July 26, 1994, entitled "Packet Bar Code Encoding and Decoding", which is incorporated in its whole in the present by reference. The following example illustrates the desirability of providing a book distributor with an apparatus that would have the ability to scan the original data form for barcode on a product, add other data to the scanned data and generate a modified data form tag. for barcode to be attached to the product, incorporating the modified form of data for bar code additional data. The distributors of many products with a limited circle of demand period, such as books, are contractually bound to accept the return of merchandise not sold by retailers after a certain time. The retailer will often receive several shipments of the same book from a distributor during the course of the book's demand period, paid a different price each time. The books include a data form for barcode, typically a UPC barcode, printed on the outer cover by the publisher, but the price paid by the retailer to the distributor is not reflected, of course, in the form of data for the barcode of the editor. When the time comes for the distributor to accept the return of the unsold books from the retailer, the retailer returns the books and argues that the unsold books are those that were bought at the highest price during the period of demand for the book in question. You can receive the largest possible refund from the distributor. With the systems according to the prior art, the distributor does not fear means to distinguish between the books returned to confirm the true price of the retailer's purchase and, therefore, was obliged to re-accept the unsold books at the highest price paid by the retailer. If the distributor adhered a second barcode data label to the books sent to the retailer that incorporated information about the sales transaction including the price paid by the retailer, the distributor could scan the second label in the form of data for bar codes on scrambled books and determine the price paid by the retailer for each of the books returned. If the second label of the barcode data form also included the date on which the book was sent to the retailer, scrutinizing the second label in the barcode data form of the returned book would provide information to the distributor as to how much. The retailer has retained the book in the inventory and if the retailer is alternating its assortment using a "first-in, first-out" method for the inventory role.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION A method is described to provide modified data of the data form for barcode. The method includes the steps of: scrutinizing a data form for barcode that has the coded data of the product; selecting the data to include the modified form of data for barcode, including the selected data, the scrutinized data developed by the scrutiny step and the data recoverable from the data storage device; and use the selected data to produce the modified data format for barcode. The modified form of data for barcode will preferably be applied by printing the modified form for barcode on a label. Normally, the selected data will include the data about the sales transaction. In addition, the selected data can be modified and the modified data can be used to produce the modified data form for barcode. A visual representation of the screened data and the selected data is provided. A device par-a el. Scanning of the bar code and for generating labels according to the present invention include a microprocessor, a scanning device coupled to the microprocessor to scan a data form for bar code and a decoder / encoder electrically coupled to the microprocessor for decoding a data form for barcode that has been scrutinized to machine-readable data and encoding the machine-readable data to a data form for bar code. The apparatus further includes component means coupled to the microprocessor for operating the apparatus and selecting the data to be included in a modified data form for bar code, including in the form of data at least a portion of the data. data scrutinized in the form of data and additional data. An electronic memory is electrically coupled to the microprocessor to store the data. Preferably, the apparatus further includes communication circuits for transmitting data to and data from a remote device including data received from the remote device at least a portion of the additional data. The data recovery circuits, incorporated in the microprocessor, are provided to recover the selected data stored in the electronic memory of the device and using the communication circuits to recover the selected data not stored in the electronic memory of the device. The data recovery circuits also gather the selected data in a suitable format for coding. The microprocessor further includes the processing circuits for modifying the selected data according to the input of the commands to the microprocessor through the internal means. The apparatus additionally includes a label printer for printing a label incorporating the modified form of data for bar code. p The apparatus for scanning and labeling preferably includes a visual reprehension to display a human-readable representation of the scanned data and the selected data. Preferably, the data form for barcode that is generated is a 2D data form for bar code. The communication circuits for sending and receiving-data may include a transceiver for sending or receiving-RF data signals from a remote device. It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel and unique method for scanning and decoding a data form for barcode and producing a modified data form for barcode incorporating additional data. It is another object of the present invention to provide a method for scrutinizing and decoding a data form for bar code, modify the decoded data of the data form for bar code and produce a modified barcode that incorporates the modified data of the data form for barcode. A further object of this invention is to provide a novel and unique apparatus for scrutinizing and labeling data forms for bar codes including a scanner and decoding of data forms for bar codes, communication circuits for sending and receiving data, memory to store the decoded data for barcode and additional data, and a microprocessor to generate a data form for bar code that incorporates at least a portion of the decoded data for barcode and at least a portion of the additional data. At least a portion of the additional ones can be recovered from the remote device. These and other objects, advantages and features of the invention will be better understood by the detailed description of a preferred embodiment which are described in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a portable scan and label apparatus that modalizes the present invention, a remote central computer and a database; Figure 2 is a block diagram of a method for producing a modified tag of the data form for bar code that includes the decoded data of a first data form for code of t > arras and the data received from the remote device; Figure 3 is a schematic representation of a portion of a portable scan and tag apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a schematic representation of an alternative embodiment of the apparatus of Figure 3 connected with cables to a point of the sales terminal and including a printer connected with cables to the terminal point of v nt s; Figure 5 is a schematic representation of an alternate embodiment of the apparatus of Figure 3 connected with wires to a point of the sales terminal having an in-grade printer; Figure 6 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary use of a modified form of barcode data for a product purchased in a retail environment; and Figure 5A is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary use of a modified form of bar code data of Figure 6 in which a customer returns the purchased product.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Figure 1 illustrates the preferred embodiment of a device for scanning and labeling bar codes 10 of the present invention. The scanning and labeling device 10 is adapted to scan an original data form for bar code 12 attached to a product 14 and print a modified data form for bar code lfi on a label 17. The label 17 preferably includes a reverse adhesive to fix the label to the product 14. The modified data form for bar code 16 incorporates additional data such as data retrieved from the database 18 to which access is had to tr-birds from a remote device 20 so as data scanned from the original data form for bar code 12. A microprocessor 21 (Figure 3) is covered by a housing 22. A user is interposed with the microprocessor 21 through the board 24, a trigger switch 26 and a visual representation 28. The execution of the microprocessor is controlled by the programs coded in "read only memory" (ROM) 29. Fl microprocessor-21, responding to the commands entered by a user of the device to scan and label 10, controls the vain operations of the device including: a) scrutinizing the original data form for barcode 12; b) decode the original data form for barcode; c) display the decoded data (optional); d) recover and collect the data selected by the user; e) display the selected data (optional); f) process / modify the selected data; g) encode the selected data (as modified) to generate the modified form of data for barcode 16; and h) printing the modified data form to the barcode on the label 17. The board 24 and switch-trigger 26 are used to operate the device for scanning and labeling 10 to scan the original label of the data form for c. bar code 12 and print the modified form of data for bar code 16 on label 17. Additionally, board 24 allows data entry and the insertion of user instructions after appropriate keystrokes. Such user instructions include: a) selecting the data fields to be included in the modified data form for barcode 16 for product 14, normally the data fields selected from the original data form for barcode 12 and the additional data; b) process / modify data optionally! retrieved corresponding to the selected data fields; and c) confirm the values of the data records to be included in the modified form of data for bar code. The scanning and tagging device 10 includes a scanning interface 30 for scanning the original data form for bar code 12 and communication circuits 31 (FIG. 3) including a transceiver coupled to an externally mounted antenna 32. The base of data 18 will be part of the point of the sales network of the user included the files of purchases and sales as well as the inventory files and information about the product. The database 18 is accessed through the remote device 20, typically a computer, which also includes a transceiver - for communications via radio frequency (RF) signals with devices such as the screener and tagging device 10 or other remote devices. Although not shown in Figure 1, it should also be appreciated that the additional data incorporated in the modified tag of the data form for encoding bars 16 can be stored in different locations of the remote database 18. For example, the additional data may have been previously stored in the internal random access memory (RAII) 36 of the device or stored on a PCMCIA card (not shown) inserted in a receptacle or connector (not shown) on the scanning and labeling device 10. In addition, although it is contemplated that product 14 includes a data form for barcode, the device for scanning and labeling 10 can still be used to generate a "modified" form of data for barcode. Assuming that the product 14 does not have a data form for barcode but instead includes a label with the price indication that shows the unit number to maintain the assortment of the product, the price of the product, the department in which the product is sold, etc. In this situation, the user of the device for scrutinizing and labeling 10 will use the board 24 to manually enter some or all of the data readable by the human being of the label with the price. Can this manually entered data be supplemented with retrieved data? additional data from the remote database 18, the stock memory RAM 36 or a PCMCIA card to generate the modified data form for bar code 16. In addition, it should also be noted that the data form modified for bar code 16 can be generated without incorporating additional recovered data. The selected data can be modified by the user through the data manipulation commands entered through board 24. For example, some or all of the selected data can be modified through the use of an algorithm or mathematical formula or the application of the Booleanae logical operations to the binary data. Of course, a data form for bar code that is identical to the original data form for bar-ras code 12 except that one or more of the data records in the original bar code have been deleted would be appropriately defined as a modified data form for bar code such as is contemplated in the present invention. A modified barcode would also be appropriately defined by a bar code that contains data identical to the original data of the bar code by the bar code format is different, for example the modified data form for barcode is represented in a 2D format while the original data form for barcode is in the form of UPC. The modified data form for barcode can contain data representative of the original format.

In an assembly line mode of this invention the mollified data form for bar code can trace the product through the line. Additional data incorporated into the modified data form for bar codes may include data representative of a procedure step performed on the product. For example, a car location data form can be updated when the antioxidant test is added to the car, or the quality control test data can be added when the product is tested for quality control. Adi cíona! It is within the scope of this invention to have the scanning and labeling apparatus 10 generate a label 17 that includes human-readable characters (not shown in Figure 1, but shown schematically as or 350 'on a label 345). in Figure 5) in addition to the modified data form for bar code. In a retail environment, the printed label can be, in effect, a sales receipt for the customer that includes the modified bar-ras code along with the data or characters readable by the human being that exposes a number for identification of the product, a product descriptor, a product sale price, a sale date, a store identification number, etc. Even at the level of processing, a wholesaler may find it advantageous to generate a modified label with the adhesive backing for bar code for manufacturing to a product in which the label includes additionally human readable characters such as the maintenance unit number. in the product assortment, data placed in the inventory, etc. The microprocessor 21 is programmed to respond appropriately to the commands and / or user data entered in the form of key presses on the board 24. The user can use the board to enter data manually, to select the data that has been entered. to be incorporated in the modified data form for barr-as code, to manipulate the selected data and to confirm the data selected for incorporation into the modified data form for bar code 16. Additionally, the incorporated data recovery circuits in the microprocessor 21 it recovers the data from the RAM 36 of the device for scanning and labeling, from the PCMCIA card connected to the device 10 or, in connection with the communication circuits 31, of the remote database 18. In addition, the data recovery circuits of the microprocessor 21 gather the data, including the manipulated data, corresponding to the selected data fields in a suitable format for be encoded by the decoding / decoding circuits 34. The application programs (not shown) present in the ROM memory 29 are provided to allow the user to choose, through the keystrokes on the board, the desired format for barcode of the data form modified pair-to? "? barcode 16, for example UPC, Code 39, Codabar, Code 49, Code 16K, etc. The board 24 is used to select the data fields to be incorporated in the modified data form for bar code 16 for the product 14. In turn, application schedules (not shown) can be used to select the data fields which have to be incorporated in the modified data form for bar code 16. The microprocessor data recovery circuits recover the data corresponding to the selected data fields. For ease of discussion, the data retrieved by the microprocessor 21 corresponding to the selected data fields will be referred to as "selected data". At least a portion of the decoded data of the original data form for bar code 12 is among the selected data. Normally, additional data not included in the original data form for bar code 12 are also selected. When the selected data is retrieved by the microprocessor 21, the data and the corresponding data fields are optionally displayed in a visual representation 28. The display of the data and the data fields in the visual representation 28 allows the user to confirm the selected data or, if desired, modify some or all of the data and / or delete certain selected data records to avoid their incorporation into the data. Modified data form for bar code 16.

Figure 2 illustrates in block diagram form, a method 100 of the present invention. The method 100 includes the steps of operating the scanning and labeling device 10 to scan the original data form for barcode 12 (shown as 102). The data form for scanned barcode 12 can be a data form for ID or 2D barcode. As 104, the decoding / decoding circuits 34 also preferably convert the bar code to the human-readable representations to the fannerics (eg, using ASCIT character set) that are displayed in the visual representation 28. The decoded data is stored in the RAM 36 of the device (shown as 106). Typically, a portion of the original data decoded from the bar code will be transmitted to the remote device 20 to update or confirm the data related to the product 14 (shown as 108). Based on the data fields selected by the user, the «corresponding to the selected data fields (shown as 110) are retrieved. If the data for a selected data field is stored in the RAM 36 of the scanner and tagging device or on a PCMCIA card connected to the device 10, the microprocessor 21 directly retrieves the data (shown as 112) and stores it in the registers of microprocessor data. If the data is stored for a selected data field in the remote database 18, the nicro processor uses the communications circuit 31 to provide access to the selected data through the remote device 20 (shown as 114, 116). The microprocessor 21 asks a question for "Required jacks that are transmitted by the communication circuits 31 to the remote device 20. In response to the question, the remote device 20 has access to the database 18 and retrieves the required data. Shown as L16, the communication circuits 31 receive the RF signals including the "lates required for the specified data fields from the remote device 18 and load the jacks in the data registers of the microprocessor 21. Shown as 118, the microprocessor 21 gathers the selected data into a suitable format to be encoded by the decoder / decoder circuits 34 and optionally displays the selected data. The microprocessor 21 verifies the joined data to ensure that the data that has to be incorporated into the modified data form for bar code 16 can be adjusted to the coding area for the bar code. If desired, the user can modify the selected data through the commands "je processing introduced through board 24 (shown as 119). The processing may include mathematically manipulating the selected data to generate new data values, which in turn may be incorporated into the modified data form for bar code 16 either in place of or in addition to the original selected data. As an example, suppose that the user of the device for scanning and labeling 10 knows that data in a specific field of data, for example the price «the product, retrieved from the remote database 18, needs to be changed due to a campaign of recently instituted promotion offering a "10% discount on product 14. Microprocessor 21 includes an arithmetic biological unit programmed to execute such discounted price calculations. The price does not count down, it is retrieved from the database 18 and displayed in human readable form in the visual representation 28. By entering a short sequence «Ke keystrokes on the board 24, the user enters the percentage discount and controls the rne croprocessor to calculate a modified price of the product 14. It is (displays the modified price, in human readable form, in the visual representation 28 and, with the confirmation of the user, is selected for inclusion in The modified data form for code "bars 16 instead of an undiscounted price." After the processing is complete, the visual representation 28 provides the user with an updated human-readable representation of the data to be incorporated into the data. the modified data form for bar code 16. If the "files" that are to be displayed exceed the character capacity of the indicator 20, a reminder is provided. sequential map on dashboard 24 to allow the user to page through all the selected data. The user confirms the records of «Jatos deployed with an appropriate command of key press (rnoetra <; Jo as 120). Upon receiving the confirmation, the microprocessor 21 transfers the representation of the machine language data of the selected data to the decoder / decoder circuits 34. The decoder / decoder circuits 34 generate the form Modified data for barcode 16 (shown as 121) in accordance with the barcode format selected by the user. The modified data structure for "bar code" code 16 is preferably a 2D format to allow greater data capacity in a given coding area. As shown at 122, the user uses the board 24 to operate a printer assembly that includes a thermal print head (Figure 3) to print the modified data form for code "e bars 16 on the label 17. By For example, assuming that the user is a retailer, the user may request additional information, such as the date of purchase of the product from the product distributor, purchase price and / or confirmation from the distributor / manufacturer from whom the product was purchased. . Other examples of data that a retailer may find advantageous to incorporate into a modified data form for barr-as code include the identification of the warehouse in which the product will be stored, the identification of the warehouse in which the product is offered for sale. If the product has been purchased by a customer, the retailer can request data for the data records related to the sale transaction such as the date of sale, the sale price, the customer identification number, a designation "if the item can be returned by the buyer for its refund or credit or it was sold as an item of Lujuidation, duration of the warranty period and options / modifications of the aggregate price included by the retailer. * • * If the retailer sells a product with a section plan or with an extended payment basis, the modified data form for bar codes may include a cash payment, a statement of account and a paid history. When prepayments are made, the retailer can read the modified data form for code «bars, and generate a new modified data form for barcode incorporating! < .- »new information« je payment. ** Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of a preferred embodiment of the scanning and labeling device for bar code 10. The housing 22 of the scanning and labeling device defines an interior region for electronic and mechanical components of the device 10. The housing 22 includes openings for the scanning device 30, the display 28, the antenna 32 and the board 24. The trigger switch 26 extends through an opening in the handle portion 44 of the housing 22. of the housing 22 is preferably constituted of a thermoplastic, electrically non-conductive, heat-resistant, high-impact material, the rn? croprocesa < 21, the communication circuits 21, the ROM and RAM memory 29, 34 in the encoder / decoder circuits 34 are constituted of integrated microcircuits mounted suitably on a matrix board 46. The communication circuits are mounted to a second board. matrix 48 which is electrically coupled to the matrix circuit 46 through the data and address bus 49. The matrix boards 46/48 are appropriately secured to the interior walls of the housing 22. Any scanning artifact of the conventional design will work appropriately. "In the device 10. Preferably, the scanning artifact 30 includes a laser (not shown) to produce a beam of light and a scanner (not shown) to move the light beam across the target field. The investigator will buy a mirror oscillator from which the beam is reflected. Alternately, the laser-pair can be oscillated to traverse the data form for bar code 12. The scanning device will also contain a photodetector- (not shown) which gathers the reflected light at least part of the label scrutinized 12. Bar-ras and spaces that comprise the barr-as code have different reflectivity of light. when the beam of light is scanned through the bar code, the photodetector signal will vary with the variable light reflectivity. The scanning artifact 30 uses the known positions of the laser beam and the known sweep speeds of the beams to geographically locate the light and dark spaces to produce the signal representative of an image of the data form for barcode. 12. ** The reading machine could be a reading machine in readiness to read an image sensor, such as that described in 08 / 332,592, filed on October 31, 1994 and incorporated by reference herein. The communication circuits 11 of the scanning and tagging device include a broad spectrum radio module for real-time communication with remote devices including the remote device 20. A label supply roll 46 is rotatably supported on an axle 48. The axle 48 extends on the opposite walls of the housing 22. The roll 84 is constituted of a compound continuous sheet 50 and a multitude of labels separated from each other that adhere to the adjacent sheet (only the modified label is shown). «Je The data form for co« J? Go bars 16 detached from the adjacent sheet). A full roll with solid lines is shown while a roll is shown being cast in translucent lines. The labels are releasably secured to the adjacent sheet 50 by a pressure-sensitive adhesive substance. A layer of silicon is applied to the upper surface of the adjacent sheet 50 in front of the labels so that the labels are cut off or detached from the adjacent sheet as the adjacent sheet advances in a curvilinear path around a roll of blank. small meter 54. The modified label of the data form for code "bars 16" is illustrated in a detached position with respect to the adjacent sheet 50. In response to the actuation of trigger switch 26, an electric pulse motor 56 impulse a ee 58 having a conical gear 60 fixed to one end of the shaft. The bevel gear 60 cooperates with the drive gear (not shown) coupled to a drive roll 62 to rotate the drive roll. The drive roll 62 operates in conjunction with an intermediate roll 64 for advancing the adjacent sheet 50 beyond the thermal print head 38. The "print head" 34 prints the "jaw code" data form for bar code. Above the main label as the label passes under the head «Je Impression. A guide roll 66 and a paper roller properly place the adjacent sheet 50"under the print head 34. An applicator roll 50 extending through an opening for the exit of the label 72 supports the label 17 detached in a position for its application to the product 14. The adjacent sheet 50 leaves the housing 22 through an opening for the exit "jel contiguous 74. Figure 4 illustrates an internal configuration to produce a modified label for bar code 160. In this configuration, the scanner 100 is used to scan a data form for barcode 120 of a product 140. The scanner 100 includes a board 260 a trigger 260, a visual display 280 and an artifact « scrolling 300. Visual representation 280 is optional. The scanning device 100 does not include a print assembly in this mode. Rather well, the modified data form for code «Je bars 160 is printed on a printer 320. The scanning device 100 and the printer 320 are firmly connected by cables to a point« je the terminal «je sales / cash register 340. Also shown connected with cables to the point of the sales terminal / cash register 340 is a remote device 200. The remote device 200 can be a mainframe computer, a machine or a microcomputer and is connected and has access to a database 180.

Product 140 is selected for purchase. The scanner device 100 is used to scan the form for the code data for bars 120. The decoder / encoder circuits (not shown in the scan device 120) decode the scanned symbol to the scanners. machine-readable data. A croprocess «jor, which may be arranged either at the point of the sales terminal 340 or in the device to scan 100, causes the decoded data to be transmitted to the RAM memory (not shown). The RAM memory may be located either at the pin of the sales terminal 340 or the scanning device 100. It displays an ASCTI representation (or other human-readable conversion scheme) of the decoded data on a computer. visual representation 280. The human-readable representation of the decoded data can also be displayed on a visual representation 281 of the point of the sales terminal 340. If "wanted", one of the visual indicators 240, 281. can be omitted. the communication circuits (not shown) the microprocessor transmits the scanned data to the remote device 200 to update the remote database 180. As described with respect to the mode shown in Figure 1 above, using the appropriate keystrokes of key on the board 240, the user can select- the records of «items for incorporation into the form« data modified for bar code 160 , manipulate the selected data, confirm the selected data and operate the printer 320 to print the tag 345 including the modified data form for barcode. If the purpose of its use is anticipated, the label may or may not include an adhesive backing. If it is to be used, for example the tag 345 co or a receipt of the customer, the tag will include human-readable characters (not shown, in Figure 6 the tag 345 'includes representations of characters readable by the human being 350'). Typical human-readable characters included data related to the product number, description of the product, product price, date of purchase, etc. Such label as customer receipt would not normally have a back adhesive. In response to the selection by the user of the fields that are to be included in the form of modified data for bar codes, the crops process is indicated by Jor indicating the communications circuits (not shown). and formulates questions to the remote device 200 to recover data not stored in the RAM memory to which the microprocessor has access (or a PCMCIA card to which the microprocessor has access). The selected data is recovered and displayed on one or both of the visual indicators 281, 281. The user can manipulate the selected data as described with respect to the mode shown in Figure 1. The board 240 or a table 242 of the terminal of the sales terminal 340 can be used to enter commands to the microprocessor to manipulate the selected data. Additionally, the board 240 or the board 242 can be used to enter the data in the form of characters readable by the human being. If desired, either the board 240 or the board 242 can be omitted. After confirmation by the user (through the keystroke commands) of the selected data, the microprocessor gathers the files in a suitable format. to be encoded to a selected format of the data form for barcode. Upon user command the encoded representation for barcode is printed on label 345 by printer 320. Figure 5 is another configuration to produce a modified data form for code. < go to bars 160. The configuration of figure 5 is similar to the configuration shown in figure 4 except that printer 320 of the configuration of figure 4 is integrated to the point of sales terminal 340 '. A receipt 345 'printed at the point of the terminal' Sales 340 'may include information' human readable transaction '., schematically represented by the lines as 350, together with the modified data form for bar code 160 '. The block diagram shown in Figure 6 represents a typical application of a "Jatos modified for barcode in a retail environment" format that involves the purchase of a merchandise item by a customer. Figure 6 is related to Figure d and illustrates in block diagram form an example of the use of a code "je bars modified in a return situation. As illustrated, the modified data form for barcode incorporating additional data regarding the transaction <The sale can be used advantageously in a merchandise return situation both to increase the speed and improve the integrity of the return process. It is assumed that the retailer has a file for obtaining prices and a stored inventory database file. It is also assumed that the configuration shown in Figure 4 is employed by the retailer. Returning to Figure 6, the customer selects a merchandise item for purchase (shows "jo co or 500) and takes the item to the terminal point < Sales 340. If the item includes an original data form for barcode, the device is used to scan 100 to scan the barcode (shown as 502). The purchase price of the article is retrieved from the record in the file for obtaining prices associated with the article and the record of the inventory file associated with the item is properly reproduced. If the article does not include a form of data for a barcode, the unit number for maintaining the assortment of the article is entered starting with the board 240 or board 340 (shown as 504). The purchase price of the item is recovered and the record of the inventory file is properly reproduced as described above. In another case, a modified form of data for barcode is generated based on the data selected by the retailer (shown as 506). Advantageously, the selected data include "Additional books regarding the purchase transaction, at a minimum, the article's sales weight and the date of purchase. The modified barcode is printed on the label with adhesive reverbe 345 (shown as 508) and the label is affixed to the article (shown as 510). In addition to the tag 345, the customer receipt is printed at the point of the sales terminal 340 (shown as 512). The customer receipt includes characters with human-readable data that expose the unit number for the maintenance of the assortment "Jel article, a" product scriptor for the item, the purchase price of the item, the date of purchase, name and store number, etc. The customer receipt also preferably includes the modified data form for bar code. Figure 6A is a block diagram representation of the procedure "Je devolution. The purchased article is assumed to have affixed to the modified label "the form of data for bar code as described with respect to Figure 6 above. The merchandise item is returned by the retail customer (shown as 520). If the customer has the sales receipt and the sales receipt includes the modified data form for barcode, the modified data form for barcode printed on the sales receipt and the modified data form for printed bar code on the tag 345 are scrutinized and decoded (shown as 522, 524). The decoded values are compared to validate the purchase price of the article, the date of the sale and the unit number for maintenance of the article assortment (shown as 526). If the decoded values of the label data and the sales receipt agree with each other and with the human readable characters on the sales receipt, the purchase price is determined (shows "Jo as 528) and the The purchase price of the item is reimbursed or credited to the customer (shows "Jo as 530). The record for the file is appropriately updated in the inventory file to reflect the "evolution" of the article to the inventory (it shows "Jo as 532). In this case, the modified data forms for codes are compared to validate the purchase price of the item and confirm that the item being returned by the customer is in effect the item reflected on the sales receipt. If the customer has the sales receipt and the receipt does not include the modified data form for barcode, the form of "Jatos modified for code"The bars printed on label 345 are scrutinized and decoded (shown as 540). The decoded values are purchased with human-readable characters printed on the sales receipt to validate the purchase price of the item, date of sale and the unit number for maintenance of the assortment "Jel article as stated in the receipt of sale (shown as 542). If the values of the discounted tickets match the value of the sales receipt, the purchase price 528 is determined and 530 is credited or credited to the customer. The inventory file is appropriately updated 522. In this case, the code "He encoded data printed on the label is used to validate human readable characters on the sales receipt and confirm that the item that is being returned by the customer is in effect the article reflected in the sales receipt. If the customer does not have a sales receipt, the modified form for barcodes printed on label 345 (shown as 550) is scrutinized and decoded. The purchase price to be reimbursed or credited to the customer is determined from the values of the decoded data 528. The purchase price is reimbursed or credited 530. Finally, the inventory file is properly updated 532. In a medium or similar environment, the use of a modified data form for barcode that includes information on the sale transaction can be used advantageously by wholesalers and distributors to increase the efficiency and integrity of the procedure of the returned items. in their respective operations. Although the invention has been described in its preferred form with a certain degree of particularity, it is understood that the present description of the aforesaid form has been made only by way of example and that numerous changes can be made to the details of the invention. construction, operation and the combination and disposition of the parties, without deviating from the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed below.

Claims (3)

1. NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION CLAIMS 1. - A method to provide a data form for a barcode for a product that has a data form for barcode associated with the ism, comprising the steps of the method: a) scrutinize the data form for product barcode; b) select the data to understand the code "Modified bars, including the selected data", the scrutinized data that have been "developed by the scrutiny step and the additional data; and c) use the selected data to produce the odificatjoe data form for bar code.
2. 2. The method to provide a modified data form for code "bars" for a product according to claim 1, further characterized as "at least a portion". The additional data is recovered from the base of data.
3. 3. The method for providing a modified data form for barcode for a product in accordance with claim 1, including the additional step of providing a visual representation of the selected data comprising the data form encoded for code. of bars before producing the form «Modified data for code« Je bars. 4. - The method for providing a modified data form for barcode for a product according to claim 1, further characterized in that the additional data includes data related to the sales transaction involving the product. 5. The method for providing a modified data form for a barcode for a product according to claim 4, characterizes "in addition" or "the data of the sale transaction include the sale price of the product. in the sale transaction. 6. The method for providing a modified data form for a barcode for a product according to claim 1, which further includes the step of printing said data form modified for barcode on a label adhered to the product 7. The method to provide a data form modified by a bar code for a product according to claim 1, further characterized by the step of scrutinizing the data form for barcode of the product includes the eubpasos of decoding the scanned bar code to produce the scanned data readable by machine and a visual representation of the bar code scrutinized. 8. The method for providing a modified form of a barcode for a product according to claim 1 includes the additional step of modifying the selected data and using the modified selected data to produce the data form. modified for code? < go of bars. 9. A method to generate a second data form for barcode for a product, comprising the steps of the method: a) scrutinize a first form «He data for barcode associated with the product; b) decoding the first data formula for the bar code; c) storing the decoded data in a memory; d) select the "Jatos to be included in the second data form for barcode", nclude "jo" the decoded Jatos stored in the memory and the additional data; e) retrieve the decoded data "selected files" from the memory; f) obtain the additional data selected; and g) generating the second form of data for bar code based on the selected data. 10. A method for generating a second data form for barcode for a product, according to claim 9, further characterized in that the selected additional data is stored in a database and the step "to obtain the Additional selected jacks includes retrieving the additional data selected from the database. 11.- A method to generate a second form of data for barcode for a product, according to claim 9, further including the step of printing a bar code label representative of the second form of data for bar code. 12. A method for generating a second data form for a product barcode, according to claim 9, further characterized in that the additional data selected includes a sale price of the product. 13. A method to generate a modified label in the form of «Jatos for code« Je bars for a product with a device for scrutinizing and labeling, incorporating the modified label of the form of data for barcode «Jatos scrutinized in a way« Je data for code bar-ras associated with the product and data related to a sales transaction involving the product comprising the steps of the method: a) scrutinize the label of the data form for code «Je bars« Jel product; b) decoding the scanned data form for barcode and storing at least the scanned data in a device memory for scanning and labeling; c) select the data to the modified code, including at least some of the scanned data decoded and the data of the sales transaction; d) enter the sales transaction data specified in the selected data to the memory; e) recover the selected data from the memory; and f) generate the modified data form for barcode based on the retrieved data. 14. - A method for generating a modified label of the data form for barcode for a product using a device for scanning and labeling, according to claim 13, which also includes the step of printing the form "Je Modified data for barcode on a label. 15 »- A method for generating a modified label in the form of" Jatos for barcode for a product using a device for scanning and labeling, according to claim 13, further characterized by the "transactions of the transaction" Je sale they are entered into the memory of the device from a point «Je the sales terminal. 16. An apparatus for scanning and labeling bar codes to generate a modified data form for bar code incorporating selected data including "Data selected selected decoded data of a scanned bar code and" encoded by the device and additional data, the apparatus comprising: a) a microprocessor that includes circuits for selection of data adapted to recover the selected data and to gather the selected data retrieved into a suitable format to be encoded by the encoder / decoder circuits to a code; go from bars to "lized; b) a scanning device electrically coupled to the microprocessor and, with the drive, adapted to scrutinize the data form for bar code; c) the decoder / decoder circuits "jores electrically coupled to the microprocessor including: (i) circuits" encode to decode the scanned data form for bar code to the machine readable data representing the scanned barcode; i n) coding circuits to generate the modified data form for code "go" as well as the selected data retrieved; d) inter-facial means coupled to the microprocessor to operate the artifact and to specify the selected data; e) communication means electrically coupled to the microprocessor to transmit data to and receive data from a remote device; f) means of storing the data "electrically" to the microprocessor to store the decoded data of the scanned bar code and the data received from the remote device. 17. The apparatus for scanning bar codes according to claim 16, further characterized in that the apparatus includes printing means for printing the code "Je bars modified on a label. 18. The apparatus for scanning bar codes according to claim 17, further characterized in that the printing means include a structure coupled to the housing for supporting a roller of pressure-sensitive labels adhered to a continuous sheet plunger. 19. The apparatus for scanning bar codes according to claim 16, further characterized in that the modified bar code is a 2D data form for bar code »20. The apparatus for scanning bar codes according to with claim 16, further characterized in that p > or at least a portion of the additional data is stored in or can be accessed through the remote device and because the means of communication includes a transceiver to transmit data to and from the remote device through the signals "Je« Jatos of RF. 21. The apparatus for scanning bar codes according to claim 16, further characterized in that the apparatus includes means of deployment to display "Jatos recognizable by the human being representing the data" Jescodificados of the form «Je data scrudriña« Ja for barcode and «Selected cats retrieved. 22. The apparatus for scanning bar codes according to claim 21, further characterized in that the interfacial means include circuits to confirm the selected data displayed before the generation of the modified data form for bar code. 23. The apparatus for scanning bar codes according to claim 16, characterized by "Jernás" because the scanning means are adapted to scan a data form for ID and 2D barcodes. 24 ,. The method for providing a modified data form for bar codes for a product according to claim 2, further characterized in that the database includes the data related to the transaction "Je sale including a product and the" Jatos of the sale transaction are entered into the database to a selected one of a time an is of and a time subsequent to the scrutiny step. 25. The method for providing a modified data form for a barcode for a product in accordance with the re? V? N «l? Ca? On 8, further characterized because the step of modifying the selected Jatos includes using a mathematical formula to modify at least a portion of the selected data. 26.- The method to generate a modified label "The form of barcodes for a product using a device for peering and tagging according to claim 13, further characterized by the fact that the transaction data is entered into the device memory from a baee. of remote data. 27. The apparatus for scanning and labeling bar codes according to claim 16, further characterized in that the microprocessor data selection circuits recover the "selected Jatos that are stored in the storage means of Jatos and use the circuits. of data communication to retrieve the selected data stores and to which you have access through the remote device. 28.- The apparatus for scanning and labeling bar codes according to claim 16, further characterized in that the nicroprocessor includes processing means sensitive to the commands introduced through the inter-facial means to modify the selected data recovered and why The modified "Jatos" changes are incorporated into the modified data form for "i? < go of bars. 29. The apparatus according to claim 16, further characterized by the fact that the inter- mediational means comprise a board. 30.- The device "in accordance with claim 16, further characterized in that the means comprise a program" Je application. 31.- A method to process a returned product that has a data form modified for bar code fixed to the product and also characterized because the data form modified for bar code includes «Jatos representative of a purchase price for the product, comprising the steps of the procedure: a) scrutinize the form «He data modified par-a barcode; b) decode the form «He data modified for barcode; and c) confirm the price of the purchase of the product from the modified data format decoded for code "J" bars. 32. - The method for processing a returned product according to claim 31, further characterized in that a data form for bar code including the related encoded data is returned on sale receipt with the product, including the sales receipt. with the transaction "Sale and, after the step of decoding the modified data form for barcode, including the method plus the steps of: (i) scrutinizing the form" Data for code? < go of sale receipt bars; (n) Descodi f x the form of "Jatos for code" Je bars of the sales receipt; and (ni) compare the price of the purchase of the product from the decoded data form for bar code of the sales receipt with the purchase price of the product of the form "Je data decoded for code" Je label bars for confirm that both purchase prices are the same. 33 .-- A method p > to provide a modified data form for bar code for an article having a first data form for bar code associated therewith, comprising the p > method: a) scrutinize the form «Item data; b) select the data to include the code «Modified bars, include« the selected data for at least a portion of the selected scrutiny «Jo in the step« Scrutiny and additional data; and c) use the selected Jatos to produce the modified data form for code "Je bar-ras. 34.- The method for providing a form of data for coding "go" for an item "" is in accordance with claim 33, further characterized because at least a portion of the additional data is recovered from a basis of data. The method for providing a modified data form for bar code for an article according to claim 33, further characterized in that the additional data include data representative of the modifications made to the article. 36. The method to provide a modified data form for a bar code for an article according to claim 33, further characterized in that the additional data includes data representative of the format of the first data form for bar code. . 37.- The method for providing a modified form of data for code "Je bar pair" to an article in accordance with claim 33, characterized in that additional data include "Jatos represents ivos" Jel format "Je the first form of data for barcode. 38.- The method for providing a modified data form for bar code for an item in accordance with claim 33, which further includes the step of printing said form "Modified data for code" on a stick tag. to the article. 39.- The method for providing a modified form of data for code "Je bar pair" to an item in accordance with claim 33, further characterized in that the additional data are representative of the cash payment. 40.- A method to provide a form of data of the sale transaction for a product, including the steps of the method: a) select the data to understand the form «Data of the sale transaction, include« Jo « Jatos selected the sale price «Jel product; b) consult at least one p > orcion of the form «Je data selected from a database« Jatos; and c) use the selected data to produce the data form of the sales transaction. 41.- The method according to claim 40, which also includes the step of manually entering at least a portion of the selected data. 42. The method according to claim 40, further characterized in that a code of the par-to-locate product associated with the product in the database is used and said product code is on the product in the form at less in a human readable and readable by machine. 43.- The method of compliance with the claim 42, also including the step of reading a form «Je data« Je UPC about the product. 44. The method according to claim 42, including the step of printing the form of data of the sale transaction on a receipt for the sale of a retail customer. 45. - The method in accordance with the claim 40, which also includes the step "To print the form" Je «of the sales transaction on a label that can be attached to the product. 46.- The method of compliance with the claim 45, further characterized in that the data form of the sales transaction is a 2D barcode. 47.- The method "Je conformity with the claim 46, which also includes printing additional data forms of the sales transaction on labels that can be attached to the products of the equipment. 48.- The "Jo" statement according to claim 42, further characterized in that the selected data also include "representative Jatos of at least an amount paid by a customer on the product and the balance in favor of the product. 49.- A method for processing a returned product transaction, characterized in that a purchase r-item with the product is returned, including the sales receipt, a data form of the sales transaction that includes data representative of a purchase price for the product, including the steps of: a) reading the form «Je data of the sale transaction; b) decode the form «Je data of the sale transaction; and c) confirm the purchase price of the product by the form of "Jatos de la transacion. 50.- The method according to claim 49, further characterized in that the "Je« Jatos form of the sale transaction includes a barcode of "Jos directions. 51.- A method to process a return product transaction, also characterized by the data form "The sale transaction is linked to the returned product, including the form of" Jatos "and the transaction" Je sale ". «Representative tables« A purchase price for the product, comprising the steps of: a) reading the data form of the sales transaction; b) «Jescodificar the form of data of the transaction of sale; and c) confirm the purchase price of the product returned by the data form of the sale transaction. 52. The method according to claim 51, characterizes it also because the data form of the transaction "Sale includes a form of data of the dimensions. 53.- An etodo to generate a second form of data for bar code for a product, comprising the steps of the method: a) scrutinize the first form «Je data for code« Je bars associated with the product; b) «Decode the first form of data for barcode; c) store the decoded data in the memory; d) selecting the data to be included in the second data form for bar code including, at least, a portion of the decoded data stored in the memory and the additional data; e) recover the selected decoded data from the memory; f) obtain the «Selected additional jacks; and g) generate the second form of data for code «Je bars based on the selected data. 54.- The method for generating a second form of data for a barcode for a product according to claim 53, further characterized in that the additional data selected is stored in a database of "jacks" and the step of obtaining the additional data selected. includes retrieving the additional data selected from the database. The method for generating a second form of data for barcode for a product according to claim 53, further characterized in that the second bar code is a form of data of the sales transaction and the additional data selected. they include a sale price of the product. 56.- The method for generating a second form of data for barcode for a product according to claim 53, further characterized in that the second bar code is a form of data of the sale transaction and the additional data selected include a price "Je sale" Jel product. 57.- The method for generating a second form of "jacks for barcode for a product according to claim 56, which also includes the step of printing a label for code" Je representative bar "Je the second data form for barcode adherable to the product. 58. - The method for generating a second form of data for a barcode for a product in accordance with claim 56, which further includes the step of printing a label for bar codes represents VAT. of data for code «Je bars or a receipt of the client. 59.- A method to generate a modified label of the "data for bar code for a product using a system for scrutinizing and labeling, incorporating the modified label" Je the data form for barcode the form of Scanned data, a form of data for barcode associated with the product and the data related to the sale price of the product, comprising the steps of the method: a) scrutinize the label of the data form for barcodes of the product; b) decode the form of "Jatos to scrutinize for code" and store at least a portion of the "scrollable files" in a device memory to scan and label; c) select the modified barcode data including at least some of the scanned data and the data of the sale price; d) recover the selected data from the memory; and e) generate the modified data form for barcode based on the retrieved data. 60.- The method for generating a modified label of the data form for bar-ras code for a product using a system for scanning and labeling in accordance with claim 59, which also includes the step of printing the form of Modified data for barcode on a label adhered to the product. 61.- The method to generate a modified tag of the data form for code "Je bars for a product using a system for searching and labeling according to claim 59, characterized by" Jemás because the data of the sale transaction is enter the memory of the device from a point of the sales terminal. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An apparatus for scanning and labeling bar codes to generate a modified data form for bar code incorporating data selected from a bar code scanned and decoded by the apparatus and the additional data are disclosed; the apparatus includes a microprocessor which includes circuits for the selection of adapted data to recover the selected cats and to collect the selected data recovered in a suitable format for coding; The apparatus includes a further scanning device electrically coupled to the microprocessor and, with the drive, adapted to scan a data form for a bar code; encoder / decoder circuits electrically coupled to the nucroprocessor are provided; the apparatus further includes interfacial means coupled to the microprocessor to specify the selected data to be incorporated in the form of "Jatos modified for bar code, including the selected data for at least a portion of the decoded data" in the form of data scrutinized for bar-ras code and additional data; the apparatus also includes communication means electrically coupled to the microprocessor to transmit the data to and receive the data from a remote device and the storage means of the data electrically coupled to the microprocessor to store the decoded data of the code "Je scanned bars and data. received from the remote device; A method for providing a modified form for a bar-ras code for a product having a data form for bar code associated therewith according to this invention comprises the steps "Je: scrutinize the form «Je data for product barcode; select the data to include the modified data form for code "Je bars, including the selected data the scrutinized data developed by the scrutiny step and the additional data; and use the selected pieces to produce it for use as "Jatos modified for" I "go". GC / fac * elt * blrn * arnrn * rn? Nrn P97 / 768F