Q. What is the best typeface to use with a code reading system?
A. In short a font called OCR-B. It is a sister style to OCR-A which appears at the bottom of cheques, but is a full alphanumeric font and easier for humans to read as well. It’s key attribute is that the characters have been designed to eliminate any ambiguity and so make it easier for a reader to decode the image (for example there is a noticeable difference between a B and an 8, a Q and an O, a J and an I)
Q. What coding technology do I need to print an OCR-B font?
Any technology that either used type characters (e.g. hot foil) or uses a high resolution print matrix (e.g. Thermal Transfer or Thermal Inkjet) can replicate an OCR-B, or indeed any other “True Type”, font. It should be noted that low-resolution technologies such as Continuous Ink Jet cannot print OCR-B and are far more difficult for a verification system to decode.