Abstract: Methods and systems for barcode integration in packaging design and printing are described. The method includes receiving a request for a For Position Only (FPO) image file which is a placeholder for a final barcode. The method includes accessing barcode data, wherein the barcode data contains information usable to produce the final barcode, generating the FPO image file including an FPO image and including metadata containing the barcode data, and sending the FPO image file including the metadata to a second computer device. A final barcode can be generated from the metadata and by accessing at least one printing parameter of a prepress system, and the final barcode can be used to replace the FPO image file.

Abstract: Methods and systems for barcode integration in packaging design and printing are described. A barcode server may supply an FPO barcode to a designer, and the FPO barcode may include a selectable link that, when selected, generates an HTTP request to the barcode server associated with the specific FPO barcode. The barcode server manages the finalization and approval processes from design to prepress and printing.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for communicating encoded information using barcodes. Symbologies that permit linking of two or more barcodes may be used to create animated linked barcodes, in which successive barcodes in the series that encodes a string of information are displayed within a display area of a dynamic medium. Barcode animations may be displayed in webpages, television broadcasts, video media, favicons, etc. An optical layer such as a lenticular lens may be used to affect display of different barcodes at different viewing angles.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for communicating encoded information using barcodes. Symbologies that permit linking of two or more barcodes may be used to create animated linked barcodes, in which successive barcodes in the series that encodes a string of information are displayed within a display area of a dynamic medium. Barcode animations may be displayed in webpages, television broadcasts, video media, favicons, etc.

Abstract: Methods and systems for barcode integration in packaging design and printing are described. A barcode server may supply an FPO barcode to a designer, and the FPO barcode may include a selectable link that, when selected, generates an HTTP request to the barcode server associated with the specific FPO barcode. The barcode server manages the finalization and approval processes from design to prepress and printing.

Abstract: An automatic compliance testing system for desktop designed consumer packaging. The automatic compliance testing system comprises an Encapsulated PostScript™ barcode file which includes an executable self-checking module which tests the barcode file for specification violations to the UPC barcode definition. The results of the self-checking operation are communicated to a checklist module. The checklist module is an executable module which generates a checklist that displays the test results. The checklist may be placed at any location, scaled, mirrored or rotated within the design document but in most cases adjacent to or outside the boundaries of the consumer packaging being designed.

Abstract: Verification patterns are associated with barcodes to provide rapids visual confirmation that a barcode is printed within acceptable tolerances. A master of a barcode to be produced includes at least one verification pattern including a wedge formed by an unprinted area or areas bounded by a printed area or areas. During reproduction, an anticipated degree of ink-spread will cause a predetermined degree of shortening of the wedge, while abnormal degrees of shortening are an indication of press and/or pre-press errors and/or an inappropriately specified master. With a suitably dimensioned wedge, compliance with bar and space width tolerances can be assessed. Two types of verification patterns may be used in conjunction with a single bar code to enable detection of different types of errors.