Technologies: Bar Code / 2D Symbologies/ Matrix

Matrix Symbologies

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 Symbologies - examples





Dot Code A

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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USS Code One
 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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Maxi Code

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
 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
 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
 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

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

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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