Matrix symbologies offer higher data densities than stacked codes in most
cases, as well as orientation-independent scanning. A matrix code is made up of
a pattern of cells that can be square, hexagonal, or circular in shape.
Data is encoded via the relative positions of these light and dark areas, and
encoding schemes use error detection and correction techniques to improve
reading reliability and enable reading of partially damaged symbols.
Matrix codes are scaleable and well-suited both as small ID marks on products
and as conveyor-scannable symbols on shipped packages.
2D Matrix Symbology Examples
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DotCode, released by AIM in October 2009, consists of a rectangular, matrix
symbologyspecificallydesigned to produce machine-readable coding with
existing, in market high-speed industrial printing equipment. Because the
symbols donot require continuous lines or touching elements, DotCode is ideally
suited for high speed industrial ink jet and laser markingtechniques typically
found in production lines for food and pharmaceutical products.
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 | Dot Code A is a two dimensional square matrix code constructed from dots.
This symbology was designed for unique identification of objects in a relatively
small area, or for direct marking by low precision marking technologies.
Applications include the identification of laboratory glassware and the
marking of laundry.
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| Code One is a two-dimensional matrix symbology containing dark and light square
data modules and a finder pattern of parallel lines in the symbol's interior. A
2D imaging device such as a CCD camera is necessary to scan the symbology. Code
One is used both for large data file encoding and small item marking
applications.
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 | MaxiCode is a two-dimensional matrix symbology containing a fixed number of
dark and light hexagonal modules. The symbol is specified to be
a fixed size. MaxiCode has a bulls-eye finder pattern in the center of the
symbol. A two-dimensional device such as a CCD camera is necessary to scan the
symbology. MaxiCode is designed with two selectable levels of error correction
capability. MaxiCode is used to encode address and customer
specified data on shipping packages which are scanned on high-speed
conveyors. |
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| Data Matrix is a two-dimensional matrix symbology containing dark and light
square data modules. It has a finder pattern of two solid lines
and two alternating dark and light lines on the perimeter of the symbol. A
two-dimensional imaging device such as a CCD camera is necessary to scan the
symbology. Data Matrix is used for small item marking applications using a wide
variety of printing and marking technologies.
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 | Aztec Code is a two-dimensional matrix symbology containing dark and light
square data modules. It has a finder pattern of concentric square
rings centered on a single dark module located in the center of the
symbol. A two-dimensional imaging device such as a CCD camera is necessary to
scan the symbology. Aztec Code is used for small item marking applications using
a wide variety of printing and marking technologies, and is also well suited for
displays of cell phones and other mobile devices.
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| QR Code is a two-dimensional matrix symbology containing dark and light
square data modules. It has position detection patterns on
three of its four corners and features direct encodation of the Japanese
Kana-Kanji character set. A two-dimensional imaging device such as a CCD camera
is necessary to scan the symbology. Although initially used for tracking parts
in vehicle manufacturing, QR Codes are now used in a much broader context,
including both commercial tracking applications and convenience-oriented
applications aimed at mobile phone users (known as mobile tagging).
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 | Datastrip 2D is a variable-size, variable-density two-dimensional symbology
offering very high user data capacity at a required minimum level of
error-correction and designed for printing on flat surfaces such as cards and to
be read under controlled circumstances such as insertion readers. Datastrip
2D is ideal for identification documents such as driver's licenses and passports
that require machine readable biometric data. It is designed to be easily
produced by low-cost printing technologies such as ink jet, laser and plastic
card printers.
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| Grid Matrix is a square, variable-sized, two-dimensional matrix symbology with
unique dark- and light-framed "macromodules" that create a grid design that
provides a robust finder pattern. The unique finder pattern ensures that
readers can locate and orient the symbol even with significant symbol damage.
Grid Matrix can encode any combination of data types in the same symbol. Grid
Matrix is intended for broad use in both printed symbols and mobile phone
display applications.
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