Implementing Digimarc Barcode for Fresh Product Labels

09 April 2021

Digimarc Barcode for Fresh Product Labels enables the addition of a data-carrying pattern to labels printed on-demand by thermal printers.

Introduction

The data carried by Digimarc Barcode for Fresh Product Labels is the same as that carried by a traditional one-dimensional (1D) barcode — i.e., a Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) or a Restricted Circulation Number (RCN). Digimarc Barcode for Fresh Product Labels supports additional information such as price, sell-by date, weight, or count.

The Digimarc Barcode consists of a pattern of tiny dots distributed across the entire label. The pattern is readily detected by Digimarc-enabled handheld barcode scanners, in-counter scanners, and mobile devices, but does not affect the legibility of text on the label. Unlike a traditional 1D barcode, a Digimarc Barcode is repeated across the label, allowing a suitably equipped scanner to read the data anywhere, resulting in more reliable and efficient scanning if the 1D barcode is damaged or misapplied.

This guide describes how to deploy Digimarc Barcode for Fresh Product Labels in-store using enabled thermal label printer hardware. Each device must be Digimarc-enabled and Digimarc Barcode must be activated prior to using this guide. Correct operation should be verified on each device.

Preparation and Needed Materials

• A list of all data carriers (e.g., UPC, EAN, DataBar) and data formats (e.g., price verifier check digits, GS1 Application Identifiers) from each department deploying Digimarc Barcode for Fresh Product Labels
• Representative thermal printing devices
• Enabled and representative scanning device, whether in-counter scanner or handheld scanner
• The Digimarc Verify mobile app, available for iOS and Android

Verification Instructions: Initial Testing/In Lab

Digimarc requires that you confirm initial configuration in a lab or quality control environment to ensure proper equipment setup and installation.

Use Digimarc Verify to confirm data accuracy

1. Print a set of labels.
2. Launch the Digimarc Verify app and scan the by holding the device 4" to 7" (10 cm to 18 cm) away from the label. You should receive a notification of Digimarc Barcode detection.
3. The app prompts you to scan the traditional 1D barcode (such as EAN, UPC, or DataBar) to verify the information matches. Digimarc Verify displays either Match or No Match and the string of numbers in each code scanned. The History screen shows additional information.
   
   NOTE: The barcodes can be scanned in either order and the app often reads both the Digimarc Barcode and the 1D barcode in rapid succession.
4. Continue verification for all data carriers and formats under consideration for use. If the data does not match, contact the label printer vendor to report the error. Testing should include items from each category.

Confirm barcode scanners detect and record Digimarc Barcode data properly

NOTE: Repeat this process for all barcode scanner models deployed across the store footprint.

• Ensure the barcode scanner is Digimarc-enabled and connected to a point-of-sale (POS) system running the same software as in-store.
• Print a label, cover the 1D barcode, and scan the label to verify the scanner is reading the Digimarc Barcode.
• Verify the scanned data records the correct item number with no errors.

Once the data accuracy has been verified, and detecting and recording are confirmed, relay the information to the in-store deployment teams.

Troubleshooting

• If there is a data mismatch, contact the label printer vendor to report the error and do not deploy the device.
• If the barcode scanner is not Digimarc-enabled (for example, the scanner does not beep, or returns incorrect information when scanning just the Digimarc Barcode), contact the scanner vendor or your service provider to request the scanner be activated for Digimarc scanning.
• If the labels do not print clearly, try the following:
  • Check the age of the label stock. In extreme cases, very old label stock can negatively impact the contrast when printed. This is also indicated if labels print unevenly (faded or inconsistent lines or text).
  • Adjust the contrast. Consistent and even printing of dots improves performance.
  • Decrease the printing speed, if possible. Thermal devices need sufficient time to print.
  • Ensure the dot pattern is not stretched or scaled in either dimension. Digimarc Barcodes must print in the same aspect ratio as the digital image.
  • Ensure the print heads are clean.

If problems persist, contact us via our form at http://www.digimarc.com/help

Verification Instructions: Live Environment/In-Store

These steps must be completed in the store when devices are enabled, and should be performed as part of your regular label printer maintenance.

• Confirm the settings for speed, contrast, and label format are the same as those tested in the devices in the lab and implement them on local devices.
• Repeat the verification steps outlined above in "Use Digimarc Verify to confirm data accuracy."
• Repeat the verification steps outlined above in "Confirm barcode scanners detect and record Digimarc Barcode data properly."

IMPORTANT NOTE: Repeat these steps any time the thermal printer software is updated or changed.

Sample Labels

Digimarc Barcode and DataBar Expanded barcode
Digimarc Barcode and UPC-A barcode