A printed data strip on a substrate is disclosed including bit encoded information and control information. The encoded information is in a number of parallel, contiguous data lines formed of bits of sequentially-encoded information. The data lines start along a common line and, together, form an information portion of sequentially-encoded data. The data lines are transverse to the longitudinal dimension of the data strip. Associated with the encoded information on the printed substrate are printed areas serving preliminarily to align the optical scanner with the data lines, and to set contrast levels, to maintain alignment during scanning, and to set the vertical and horizontal rates of scanning. Means are provided to control and adjust the timing of each scanned data line by the optical scanner during the course of scanning. |