Abstract: A bar-coding system employs a unique bar code pattern which includes a code represented by a series of dark and light stripes that may be easily decoded by a very inexpensive reader with greater reliability. The bar-coding system generates binary data from the pattern which may be described in parts as follows: long light fields at each left and right end; a start bar at each end; right and left data fields; and a three-bit asymmetric pattern (light, dark, light) in the center that indicates the direction in which the pattern is moving past the read head. The coding sequence of the data fields is arranged from either end toward the middle of the pattern where the coding method reverses; therefore, a coupon or card passed through the reader in either direction will yield the same output. Only two widths of the light and dark stripes are used, and the stripes are read as pairs in succession.