Abstract: A bi-directionally scannable bar code pattern having a parallel array of alternating lines and spaces, each having selected widths. Each line has a common series of segments and segment spaces of selected lengths. The length of each segment may be the same as the width of a corresponding line, and the length of each segment space may be the same as the width of a corresponding space between lines. The pattern may be printed on a sheet of printer media, or on a strip attached to such a sheet.

Abstract: Demodulated data B containing the whole of a right block and a part of a left block is obtained after demodulated data A containing a start guard bar and based on a division reading process has been at first obtained. When demodulated data C containing an end guard bar and numerical data of three characters is thereafter obtained, a CPU aligns the demodulated data C with modulus 10-OK data obtained by synthesizing the demodulated data A with the demodulated data B on the basis of the end guard bar, and compares tenth through twelfth characters (of the numerical data) of both of data with each other. As a result of this comparison, if the tenth through twelfth characters (of the numerical data) of both of data are coincident with each other, the CPU increments an identical character counter.