Intermec EasyCoder 4420 User Manual page 108

EasyCoder 4420/4440 Bar Code Label Printer User's Manual
2D Matrix Symbologies
2D matrix symbologies, such as Maxicode, use both the horizontal and vertical axes to
encode data even more efficiently than stacked symbologies. 2D matrix codes are
created as a matrix of square elements, with each element being either white or black to
encode data in a binary code. Extensive error detection and correction codes are
appended to 2D matrix symbologies, often automatically.
2D matrix symbologies generally cannot be read with a laser scanner. Instead, they are
read by a digital imager that captures the entire symbol at once instead of scanning each
component individually. Since the components of 2D matrix symbologies are decoded
after the image is captured, they permit very fast data collection.
Data Matrix Data Matrix is a 2D matrix symbology which is made up of square
modules arranged within a perimeter finder pattern. The finder pattern is a perimeter to
the data region and is one module wide. Two adjacent sides are solid dark lines. These
lines are used to define physical size, orientation, and symbol distortion.
Maxicode Maxicode is a fixed-size symbology that is made up of offset rows of
hexagonal elements arranged around a bullseye finder pattern. Each hexagon represents
one bit of information and is either black or white depending on the state of the
encoded data bit. United Parcel Service (UPS) Research and Development developed
Maxicode for the specific purpose of encoding information about a parcel.
This symbology only encodes very specific data that is divided into the following
fields: a 5-digit zip code, a 4-digit zip code extension, a 3-digit country code, a 3-digit
class of service, and a string of uppercase letters, numbers, or limited punctuation
marks.
QR Code QR (Quick Response) Code is a matrix 2D symbology that encodes data into
patterns consisting of black and white dots or modules. A three position detection
pattern enables omni-directional reading and ultra high-speed reading. QR Code can
handle a wide range of data, including numerical, alphabetical, Kanji, Hiragana,
Katakana, graphics, and control codes. A built-in error correction function enables the
QR Code to repair errors in the code.
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