Aztec barcode is the types of two dimensional (2D) barcode symbology that uses square modules with unique finder pattern in the middle of the symbol. This symbol helps the barcode scanner to determine the cell locations to decode the barcode data. Aztec barcode encodes characters, text, numbers and bytes of data. As compared to other barcode symbologies, Aztec barcodes are 30 times smaller than the Code 39 barcode to represent same data. Aztec code uses wide variety of printing and marking technologies. It is mainly used for small item marking applications.

Aztec barcode is high capacity 2 D matrix barcode symbology which is invented by Andrew Longacre, Jr. and Robert Hussey in 1995. Aztec barcode encodes both ASCII and Extended ASCII characters.

Aztec barcodes contain dark and light square data modules. It has finder pattern of concentric square rings that centered on single dark module. This single dark module is located in the center of the symbol. A 2D imaging device like CCD camera is necessary to scan this barcode symbology. Aztec barcode encodes all 8-bit values (0-127 ASCII, 128-255 ISO 8859-1 and Latin Alphabet No.1).

Aztec barcode is one of smallest and dependable 2D barcode symbology. Aztec barcodes are 30 times smaller than code 39 barcode. Aztec barcodes are very useful while sending barcoded documents through fax.

Aztec barcode does not require quiet zone because the unique finder pattern is present in the center of the symbol. To read Aztec barcode data camera based barcode image scanner is requires. In Aztec barcode the symbols are arrange in array of square cells with bullseye at the center of symbol.

Areas of application:

• Airlines Industries
• Government sectors
• Transportation and other commercial sectors

Databar encodes GTIN-12 or GTIN-13 barcodes in 14-digit data structure. To make GTIN-12 or GTIN-13 barcode in 14-digit data structure, a leading zero or zeros is filled to the left of the GTIN barcodes. Databar barcode can carry more data and identify small item than the UPC/EAN barcode. DataBar barcodes are the latest barcode symbologies that can be solve many problems in POS, grocery and healthcare sector, where items are too small.

GS1 Data Bar barcode symbology is formally adopted by the global supply chain in January 2011. IT is also known as EAN.UCC Reduced Space Symbology (RSS). GS1 Databar barcode contains three linear barcodes symbologies and three stacked variants that are known as GS1 databar barcode.

DataBar barcode symbol can carry GS1 Application Identifiers (AI) which allows more additional information to be encoded like lot numbers, serial numbers, and expiration dates. Data bar barcode is useful for marking small items like pharmaceutical products.

GS1 barcode is renamed the RSS Symbology to GS1 DataBar. Althrough any barcode that refers to RSS Symbology is the same as GS1 DataBar barcodes. In the data bar barcode, the first 13 digits of the GTIN-14 encoded with the required Application Identifier (AI) of 01 and non visible DataBar check digit. The last digit of the GTIN-14 barcode is MOD 10 check-digit which is not enco2ded in the DataBar barcode symbology.

GS1 Databar barcode (also known as reduced space symbology (RSS)) is a new point of sale barcode that is used in product marketing. DataBar barcodes provide automatic identification data so that retailers are able to gain more visibility and accuracy about any product which they are selling.

Databar Code 128 is one of the most widely used barcode symbology that supports full ASCII character set. Code-128 barcode includes 107 symbols i.e. 103 data symbols, 3 start codes and 1 stop code. This barcode symbology is mainly used on those applications whereas the large amount of data must be encoded in small amount of space. Code 128 character set includes digits 0-9, letters A-Z (upper and lower case) and all standard ASCII symbols and control codes. Data barCode 128 barcodes use series of Application Identifiers that allows user to add more informations such as best before dates, batch numbers, quantities and product weights to barcodes.

Databar Code128 is high density barcode which is capable to encode alphanumeric or numeric data. This barcode symbology includes a checksum digit for verification. Code128-barcodes can also be verified character by character by verifying the parity of each data byte.

Code 128 barcode has the following six sections:

• Quiet Zone
• Start Character
• Stop Character
• Encoded Data
• Check Character
• Quiet Zone

Code128-barcode uses three different types of code sets i.e. Databar Code Set A, Databar Code Set B and DatabarCode Set C to represent full 128 ASCII values.

• Databar Code 128 Set A includes the standard ASCII symbols, upper case letters, digits and control codes.
• Databar Code 128 Set B includes standard ASCII symbols, digits, upper and lower case letters.
• Databar Code 128 Set C compresses two numeric digits into each character.

Databar Code 128 is one of the most widely used barcode symbology that supports full ASCII character set. Code-128 barcode includes 107 symbols i.e. 103 data symbols, 3 start codes and 1 stop code. This barcode symbology is mainly used on those applications whereas the large amount of data must be encoded in small amount of space. Code 128 character set includes digits 0-9, letters A-Z (upper and lower case) and all standard ASCII symbols and control codes. Databar Code 128 barcodes use series of Application Identifiers that allows user to add more informations such as best before dates, batch numbers, quantities and product weights to barcodes.

Databar Code128 is high density barcode which is capable to encode alphanumeric or numeric data. This barcode symbology includes a checksum digit for verification. Code128-barcodes can also be verified character by character by verifying the parity of each data byte.

Databar Code 128 is one of the most widely used barcode symbology that supports full ASCII character set. Code-128 barcode includes 107 symbols i.e. 103 data symbols, 3 start codes and 1 stop code. This barcode symbology is mainly used on those applications whereas the large amount of data must be encoded in small amount of space. Code 128 character set includes digits 0-9, letters A-Z (upper and lower case) and all standard ASCII symbols and control codes. Databar Code 128 barcodes use series of Application Identifiers that allows user to add more informations such as best before dates, batch numbers, quantities and product weights to barcodes.

Databar Code128 is high density barcode which is capable to encode alphanumeric or numeric data. This barcode symbology includes a checksum digit for verification. Code128-barcodes can also be verified character by character by verifying the parity of each data byte.

Databar Code 128 is one of the most widely used barcode symbology that supports full ASCII character set. Code-128 barcode includes 107 symbols i.e. 103 data symbols, 3 start codes and 1 stop code. This barcode symbology is mainly used on those applications whereas the large amount of data must be encoded in small amount of space. Code 128 character set includes digits 0-9, letters A-Z (upper and lower case) and all standard ASCII symbols and control codes. Databar Code 128 barcodes use series of Application Identifiers that allows user to add more informations such as best before dates, batch numbers, quantities and product weights to barcodes.

Databar Code128 is high density barcode which is capable to encode alphanumeric or numeric data. This barcode symbology includes a checksum digit for verification. Code128-barcodes can also be verified character by character by verifying the parity of each data byte.

Databar Expanded (also known as RSS Expanded) is an ISO international standard (IEC 24724) barcode symbology. Databar Expanded barcode in the types of 2D barcode that encodes fixed amount of data. Databar Expanded barcode contains multiple identifiers. Databar expanded barcode encodes some of the additional information about any product such as expiry dates, batch numbers, weights, serial numbers and more. Databar expended barcode is scanned omnidirectionally through a suitable barcode scanner.

Data bar Expanded barcode contains two modes of data encoding i.e. Expanded and Expanded Stacked. Both modes encode same amount of data. The stacked version used when the space is not wide enough to fit the barcodes. It can be spread across 11 lines. In general, the fixed length barcodes can split in maximum 2 lines. Since the databar expended barcodes contain paired finder pattern so that it is easily scanned by omnidirectional scanners.

Data bar expended barcodes store more information including product weight, expiration date etc. Databar expended barcodes encode alpha numeric data and Application Identifier (AI) that associate with data.

Some of the key aspects of Databar Expanded barcode:

• In databar expended barcode no quiet zone is requires.
• Databar expended barcode generally used for coupons and variable weight items.
• In databar expended barcode the data input must follow the GS1 Standard.
• Databar expended barcode is variable length barcode and can encode data up to 74 numbers or41 alphabetic characters.
• Databar expended barcode contains 3 to 21 Data characters, 2 to 11 finder patters and check characters pattern.

DataBar Limited barcode (also known as RSS-14 Limited) is fixed length barcode symbology that encodes GTIN-12 or GTIN-13 in 14 digits data structures with indicator digits of 0 or 1. It provides ideal solution where the space is constraint. GS1 DataBar Limited barcode is specially designed for very small item identification and mainly used in healthcare sector. This barcode symbology is scanned by wands and handheld laser reader. Databar limited barcode encodes the full 14-digit of GTIN. If the data digit is less than 14 then the zeros are appended to the beginning of the data.

Data bar limited barcode is small size barcode that encodes only those Global Trade Item Numbers (GTIN) whose data part starts with “1”. It encodes 14-digit EAN. UCC item identification with Indicator digits of zero or one.

Databar limited is the types of 2D barcodes symbology that uses 74 modules. The minimum height of databar limited barcode is 10 modules. This barcode symbology does not require quiet zones. Data bar limited barcode is not suitable for retail point of sales.

Features of Databar Limited barcode:

• Databar limited barcode only encodes numeric data.
• In the databar limited barcode the application identifier (AI) appended in the human readable formats.
• Databar limited barcode encodes data values up to 4,000,000,000,000 (4 trillion).
• In the databar limited barcode first digit would be 0 or 1.
• Databar limited barcode can not be read by omni-directional barcode reader.

Databar stacked barcode is variation of the RSS-14 barcode symbology. This barcode is stacked in two rows and used when the barcode symbol would be too wide for any application. Databar stacked barcodes are useful for marking small item. It is easily scanned by wands scanner, 2D image scanner and handheld lasers scanner. In the dataBar stacked barcodes the height of the top row is 5 times the X dimension and the height of the bottom row is 7 times X dimension. Since the stacked barcodes symbology is not scanned omni-directional scanner, it is not suitable for POS systems.

DataBar Stacked is fixed length, stacked 2D barcode symbology that encodes 14 digits GTIN (Global Trade Item Numbers). Databar stacked barcode is capable to encode 20000000000000 values. The first digit is linkage flag and the other 13 digits are data characters. This barcode symbology contains 13 digit data characters and an implied check digit.

The height of data bar stacked barcode is 13X, where X is the width of single bar and space element. In the databar stacked barcode 1X separator is present between two rows. This barcode symbology is useful to mark small items.

Data bar stacked is variation of RSS-14 barcode symbology. It is easily scanned by 2d image reader, wand scanner and other handheld scanners.

Some of the key points of Databar stacked barcode:

• Databar stacked barcode accepts only numeric data.
• Databar stacked barcode can encodes 14 digits GTIN number.
• In databar stacked barcode the appended Application Identifier (AI) is in the human readable format.
• Data bar stacked barcodes are useful in healthcare industry.
• Data bar stacked barcode is useful for marking those item where the space is too narrow.

Databar Stacked Omnidirectional barcode is the types of 2D barcode that contains two rows of height 33X. The separator that separate these two row of barcode is at least 3X in height. The size of Data bar Stacked Omnidirectional barcode is 50X wide and 69X high, where X is the width of single bar and space element. DataBar Stacked Omni-directional barcodes encode full 14 digits GTIN. If the digits are less than 14 then zeros are appended to the beginning of the data. GS1 DataBar Stacked Omni-directional barcodes are used on small package and easily scanned by any Omnidirectional barcode scanner.

GS1 DataBar, also known as Reduced Space Symbology (RSS), is family of barcodes that encode GTIN-12 or GTIN-13 data structure in 14 digit barcode. There are so many types of GS1 DataBar barcode symbologies that have own specific features. These barcode symbologies can be read by different types of barcode scanner and used in variety of industries like inventory control system, retail point of sale, medical sector etc.

Data Bar Stacked Omni directional barcode is fixed length, stacked barcode symbology. It is used to encode 14-digit EAN. Since the Omni directional barcode has larger number of unique codes so more data can be encoded in small space.

Since this barcode symbology can be easily read through any Omni-directional barcode scanners, so it is very useful in retail point of sale applications. This barcode symbology allows you to encode some of the additional data in retail POS system like product weight, country of origin, serial numbers, expiration date and so on.

Omni-directional barcodes can encode full 14 digits GTIN number. This barcode symbology accepts only numeric data. In Omni-directional barcode, each row contains full height, so that it is easily scanned omnidirectionally. It is mainly used for those small items where space is too narrow.

In Omni-directional barcode symbology data is separated to create a split level barcode. This barcode symbology contains a separator pattern with no data. The height of Omni-directional barcode is equal to 3 times X dimension.

Databar truncated barcode is fixed length 2D barcode symbology that is used to encode 14 digit GTIN. Databar truncated barcode is same as GS1 Data Bar barcode symbology, the only different is that the height of databar truncated barcode is reduce to 13X. Databar truncated barcode can be easily read by wand reader, CCD scanner, laser scanner and other handheld scanner. This barcode symbology is mainly used for small items and accepts only numeric data. In the dat abar truncated barcode the appended Application Identifier (AI) is in human readable format. This symbology is capable to encode 20000000000000 (2 x 10 ^ 13) values and accept only numeric data.

GS1 data bar truncated barcode is smaller than the EAN-13 or UPC-A Barcode Symbols. DataBar truncated barcode has linkage flag that indicates the existence of 2D composite component. Since this barcode symbology is not scanned by omni-directional barcode scanner so that it is not used in retail POS application.

Databar truncated barcodes are used for small item identification. This barcode symbology is capable to encode GTIN-12 or GTIN-13 in 14 digits data structure. In the data databar truncated barcode, the first digit is linkage flag and the 13 digits are data characters. GTIN-12 and GTIN-13 can be encoded through databar truncated barcode by appending zeros in the beginning for making them 14 digits.

Some of the key points of databar truncated barcode:

• Databar truncated barcode encodes14 digits GTIN number.
• Databar truncated barcodes are very useful where the space is constraint.
• It is mainly used in healthcare industry.

EAN stands for European Article Number. Databar EAN13 barcode symbology encodes 12 digits of numeric data along with trailing check digit, total of 13 digits of barcode data. This barcode symbology is used for marking retail products. It is an extension to UPC-A barcode symbology. The only difference between UPC-A and EAN-13 is that the number system in UPC-A is a single digit ranging from 0 through 9 whereas an EAN13 number system consists of two digits ranging form 00 to 99. EAN 13 barcodes encode numbers (which is product identification numbers) that are also known as Japanese Article Number (JAN) in Japan.

Databar EAN barcode is designed by International Article Numbering Association (EAN) in Europe. Data bar EAN is 13 digits (12 data and 1 check digit) barcode symbology that is superset of 12-digit Universal Product Code (UPC) system. All the numbers encoded through EAN barcodes are known as Global Trade Item Numbers (GTIN). Databar EAN-13 barcode symbology is used in worldwide for marking products that are sold in retail POS. No two retail products have same EAN number.

In EAN-13 barcode symbology, the first digit plays peculiar role, whereas the remaining 12 digits are divided in two groups of six digits i.e. left and right. This barcode symbology is surrounded by two guard bar. Data bar EAN 13 barcode uses different encoding techniques to encode the digits.

EAN 13 barcode symbology is divided into two halves i.e. left halves and right halves. Each halves consists of six digits that are separated by a center guard bar. The encoding techniques are depend upon the digits that are present in the left and right halve.

The EAN barcode symbology consists of the following four parts:

• 2-3 digit Number Systems or country code
• 5-4 digit Manufacturer Code or prefix
• 5-digit Product Code
• 1-Check Digit

Databar EAN 8 barcode symbology is derived from the European Article Number code. EAN8 barcode is shortest form of EAN-13 barcode. This barcode symbology is used on those small packages where the EAN-13 barcode would be too large. Databar EAN 8 barcode symbology is commonly used in retail industry around the world and may also used to encode RCN-8s (8-digit Restricted Circulation Numbers) that is used by several companies’ to identify their own brand products which are sold only in their stores. EAN 8 barcodes consist 7 data digits and 1 checksum digit. This barcode symbology encodes two flag digits, five data digits and one check digit.

Data bar EAN-8 barcode symbology is used to encode encodes GTIN-8s. This barcode symbology contains a 2 or 3 digit country code, 4 of 5 data digits (depending upon the length of the country code) and a checksum digit. In EAN barcodes the data digit is used to identify the particular products and its manufacturers. Since there are limited numbers of EAN8 barcodes are available in each country, so they are issued only for those products where the EAN-13 barcodes could not fit.

Data bar EAN 8 barcode is also known as European Article Number 8, EAN-8 Supplement 5/Five-digit Add-On, EAN-8 Supplement 2/Two-digit Add-On, EAN-8+5, EAN-8+2, EAN8, EAN8+5, EAN13+2, UPC-8, GTIN-8, GS1-8 and EAN/UCC-8. EAN 8 barcode consists of 7 data digits and 1 checksum digit. This barcode symbology encodes two flag digits, five data digits and one check digit.

An EAN-8 barcode contains the following structure:

• Left-hand guard bars
• Two number system characters
• First two message characters
• Center guard bar
• Last three message characters
• A check digit
• Right hand guar bars

UPC stands for Universal Product Code. Data bar UPCA barcode is 12-digit number that assigned to every retail products to identify both the product and its manufacturers. It has two parts i.e. number (which people can read) and series of bars (that can be scanned through computer). UPCA code appears on any retail products in the form of adjacent bars. UPC-A barcodes encode total 12-digit of data (11-digit of numeric (0 through 9) data and a trailing check digit). In the UPCA barcodes, numbers indicate both the vender and the specific product. Data bar UPCA barcode is the type of two dimensional barcode that is used for marking retail industry specific products.

In the databar UPCA barcode the first six digits indicates the vendor unique identification number. All of the products that are sell by one vendor have same first six digits in their UPC code. The next five digits are products reference number that indicates the product of any vendors in the list of products. The last number is called the check digit that is used to verify that the UPC for specific product is correct or not.

Since the UPCA code is used for marking retail products, it is one of the most widely used barcode symbology. UPCA barcode is used in supermarkets, retail store and at the cashier counter. In UPC-A barcode symbology the number system digit is printed at the left of the barcode whereas the check digit is printed at the right of the barcode. The product and manufacturer codes are printed at the below the barcode.

UPC-A barcode is divided into the following four parts:

• Number System
• Manufacturer Code
• Product Code
• Check Digit

MicroPDF417 is 2 D multi-row barcode symbology which derived from PDF 417 barcode. It is capable to encode data up to 150 bytes. Micro-PDF417 barcode symbology is specially designed for those applications that require improved area efficiency. Micro PDF417 barcode symbology is same as the PDF417 barcode except that it provides limited set of symbol sizes. Micro PDF417 barcode consists of stack of vertically aligned rows that supports one, two, three or four columns. This barcode symbology contains minimum 4 rows and maximum of 44 rows. Micro PDF-417 barcode uses patterns called as Row Address Patterns.

Micro PDF 417 barcode is used for those applications in which moderate amount of data can be encode within minimum space. This barcode symbology is capable to encode data up to 150 bytes, 250 alphanumeric characters and 366 numeric digits. MicroPDF417 barcode provides three types of encoding modes i.e. Text, Byte and Numeric compaction mode.

Text Compaction Mode encodes all printable ASCII characters i.e. ASCII value from 32 to 126 and some control characters (CR, HT, and LF). Binary Compaction Mode encodes all 256 ASCII values. Numeric Compaction Mode encodes entire numeric data string.

Micro PDF-417 barcode is the types of two dimensional barcode that offers more data storage capacity then the 1D barcodes. This barcode symbology contains certain numbers of rows, columns and error-correction codewords. Every Micro PDF417 barcode has at least seven error correction codewords. The error correction codewords have capability to detect and correct the error. In the Micro PDF417 barcodes the number of error correction codeword is fixed.

Micro PDF417 barcode has the following parameters:

• It is the numbers of data columns in the Micro PDF417 barcode symbology.
• It is the width of the narrowest bar in a printed codeword.
• It is the height of each row within the barcodes.

Databar PDF417 is onle of the most widely used barcode symbology that was invented by Dr. Ynjiun P. Wang at Symbol Technologies in 1991. Data bar PDF 417 barcode represents 17 modules of 4 bars and spaces. The databar PDF 417 barcode has own start and stop bar groups that helps to identify the code. Databar PDF-417 code is capable to encode kilobyte of data. PDF417 barcode symbology is composed of several key elements such as module, codeword, row, column, start pattern, stop pattern and row indicator. In the PDF 417 barcode the large data files are also encoded into a series of linked PDF417 symbol using standard methodology.

PDF stands for Portable Data File. It is one of the most popular 2D barcodes that can be easily read by any handheld laser scanner or CCD scanners. Databar PDF 417 is type of two dimensional barcode symbology that is used in variety of applications such as transport, identification cards and inventory management system.

Databar PDF417 is multi-row and variable-length barcode symbology which has high data capacity and error-correction capability. The PDF 417 barcode symbology can be read by almost all linear scanners, laser scanners and 2D scanners. Databar PDF417 barcode is capable to encode data up to 1100 bytes, 1800 text characters or 2710 digits.

PDF417 barcode is one of the most popular barcodes symbology because the data storage capacity of this barcode is 100 times more then the traditional linear barcodes of the same size. PDF 417 barcode symbology is made up the stacks of vertically aligned rows. The PDF 417 code consists of 3 to 90 rows and some of the other components, which are leading quiet zone, start pattern, Left row indicator symbol character, 1 - 30 data symbol characters, right row indicator symbol character, stop pattern and trailing quiet zone.

PDF 417 barcode uses three different types of following compaction modes to encode data:

• Text compaction mode encodes alpha-numeric characters and punctuations.
• Binary compaction mode encodes all 8-bit characters.
• Numeric compaction mode encodes only numeric data.

Databar UPCE barcode is numeric and continuous barcode symbology that contains 6 digits. In UPCE code the 6 digits are derived from the 10 digits of UPCA code by eliminating extra zeros. UPC-E code is variation of UPC-A code where the extra zeros are eliminated. Since the resulting data bar UPC-E barcode is about half the size as an UPC-A code, UPC-E code is generally used on products with very small packaging where full UPC-A barcodes couldn't reasonably fit. This type of barcode symbology is suitable to identify small packages products. UPC-E barcode images can be easily printed from any of the barcodes printers or even low resolution printers.

UPCE barcode is the short form of UPC number. Data bar UPCE barcode is two dimensional barcodes symbology that encodes numeric data and reduces data length from 12 digits to 6 digits by compressing extra zeros. The numbers that are encoded in databar UPCE code are Global Trade Item Numbers (GTIN) of GS1 System. Databar UPCE code is compacted form of UPCA barcodes.

UPCE barcodes are also known as Universal Product Code version E, UPC-E Supplement 5/Five-digit Add-On, UPC-E+5, UPC-E Supplement 2/Two-digit Add-On, UPC-E0, E0, UPC-E+2, UPC-E1, E1, GTIN-12 with lead "0", UCC-12 and GS1-12. Databar UPCE barcode images can be easily printed in very small space and are useful for labeling small products.

UPCE barcode (also known as the "zero suppression version") allows manufactures to encode a limited number of unique 12-digit product codes in six digits. The six digits are enclosed between two left-hand guard bars and three right-hand guard bars. The check character is encoded by the character set pattern of the six data digits. Data bar UPCE barcode code is used in retail industry for labeling retail POS products.

UPCE code has the following structure:

• Start guard bars
• Left halve
• Check digit
• Stop guard bars

Data Matrix code is 2D barcode symbology which contains black and white "cells" or modules that are arranged in square or rectangular pattern. In data matrix code the information that is to be encoded is either text or numeric data. This barcode symbology can store data up to 1556 bytes. The length of the encoded data depends upon the number of cells that are present in data matrix code. DataMatrix code is 30 times smaller than the other barcode symbologies to represent same data. ThIS barcode symbology uses small area of square modules with unique perimeter pattern, which helps the barcodes scanner to determine cell locations to decode the symbol.

Data-Matrix code is high density barcode symbology with that printed in square or rectangular pattern. Each dot of datamatrix barcode represents a bit. Since the data matrix code is two dimensional so that it requires 2D barcode reader to read the data matrix barcodes.

DataMatrix code is composed of two solid adjacent borders in "L" shape (called the "finder pattern") and two other borders that contain dark and light "cells" or modules (called the "timing pattern"). Within these borders the rows and columns of cells encode data. The finder pattern is used to locate and orient the symbol while the timing pattern provides a count of the number of rows and columns within the symbol. In data matrix barcodes more data can be encoded by increasing the number of cells.

Data-Matrix barcode can store data up to 2,335 alphanumeric characters. This barcode symbology is used to encode product, serial number information on electrical plates and also useful to mark surgical instruments to identify lenses, circuit boards and other items during its manufacturing.

Areas of Application:

• Healthcare sector
• Postal services
• Automotive Industry
• Mobile marketing etc.

Maxicode is fixed size matrix barcode symbology that have made up the offset rows of hexagonal modules, with finder pattern in the centre. This barcode symbology encodes two types of messages i.e. primary message and secondary message. The primary message encodes data like postal code, country code and the class of service number whereas the secondary message encodes the address data (also encode some other types of data as well). Maxi-Code is used for marking shipping packages. Maxi Code can act as portable data file that travels with package and provides the availability of some critical information at any point.

MaxiCode is the type of 2D barcode symbology that was invented by United Parcel Service (UPS). The dimension of the Maxicode barcode is approx 1.11 x 1.054 inches. Maxi Code symbol has 884 hexagonal modules that arranged in 33 rows and each row contains up to 30 modules.

Maxi-Codes contain hexagonal modules that surrounded with three concentric rings. In the Maxicode barcode the black modules are defined as binary 1 whereas the white modules are defined as binary 0. It encodes both ASCII and extended-ASCII characters and make fixed sized symbol.

MaxiCode barcodes consist two types of messages which are primary message and secondary message. Each message has its own data and error correction codewords. In the Maxicode barcode after encoding the primary and secondary message they are interleaved together.

Maxicodes barcode has the seven different modes to encode data. In Maxicode barcodes the encoded information includes:

• Purchase order number
• Invoice number
• Tracking number
• Customer reference
• Indicator of the originating carrier

PDF stands for Portable Data File. PDF417 barcode is stacked 2d barcode symbology that contains large amounts of data in variety of characters. In PDF 417 barcode, the 417 signifies that each pattern in the barcode consists of 4 bars and spaces and that each pattern is 17 units long. PDF 417 is high density barcode symbology that made up the stacks of vertically aligned row. Each row contains 3 to 90 rows. PDF 417 barcodes can be read by handheld laser reader or CCD scanner. PDF-417 barcode symbol has own start and stop bar group. The printed symbol in the PDF-417 code contains several linear rows of stacked codewords. All rows in PDF 417 barcodes have same widths.

PDF417 barcode symbology was invented by Dr. Ynjiun P. Wang at Symbol Technologies in 1991 and currently maintained by ISO/IEC. This barcode symbology is capable to encode kilo byte of data. In PDF 417 barcode symbology, the codeword represents 1 of 929 values from one of three different clusters. PDF 417 barcodes encode data using three compaction modes: Text compaction, Binary compaction and Numeric compaction mode.

Text Compaction Mode encodes all printable ASCII characters, control characters and carriage return ASCII 13. Binary Compaction Mode encodes all 256 possible 8-bit byte values. This includes all ASCII characters value from 0 to 127. Numeric Compaction Mode encodes only numeric data strings.

PDF417 barcode contains the following components:

• Quiet zone
• Start pattern
• Left row indicator symbol character
• 1 - 30 data symbol characters
• Right row indicator symbol character
• Stop pattern
• Trailing quiet zone

Areas of application:

• Inventory management system
• Automotive industry
• Transportation sector
• Identification cards etc.

QR code stands for Quick Response code. QR-code is the types of 2D barcode symbology which contains black modules that arranged in square pattern on white background. The information encoded within QR-code can be made up of four kinds of data such as numeric, alphanumeric, byte/binary and Kanji. QR code can stores website URLs, phone numbers, plain text, email address and other alphanumeric data up to 4296 characters. Quick Response codes are mobile barcodes that can be easily read by any QR barcode scanner or camera based smart phone. Since the QRcode is 2 D barcodes so it is able to carry data in both directions i.e. vertically as well as horizontally.

QR code is the types of 2D barcode symbology which was invented by Japanese corporation Denso-Wave in 1994. QRcodes are one of the most commonly used 2d barcode that are used in Japan.

QR-codes encode data which can be easily scanned by mobile device. When the QR code is scanned, the encoded message is decoded and then it is easily read by the user. QR codes are able to encode URL, contact numbers, text information and SMS data which can be sent to other mobile phones. QRcode can be easily read by smart phone or any other types of 2D barcode scanning devices.

QR code provides easy access of information using smart phone. Whenever any smart phone scans QRcodes, the website URL (that are encoded within QR Code) are open in the browser of smart phone. There are mainly two types of QR codes i.e. Static QR code and dynamic QR code. QR code can be easily scanned by all most all android, iPhones and other camera based smart phones which have QRcode reader.

Data Storage Capacity of QR Code:

• Numeric only data up to 7,089 characters.
• Alphanumeric data up to 4,296 characters
• Binary (8 bits) data up to 2,953 bytes.
• Kanji up to 1,817 characters.

MICR stands Magnetic Ink Character Recognition. MICR code is a character recognition technology that is primarily used in banking industry to process cheques. MICR characters are printed with magnetic ink or toner (usually containing iron oxide). Unlike the other barcodes, MICR code is in human readable format. MICR code is printed on the bottom strip of the cheque. This barcode symbology allows computers to read information like account numbers printed on documents. A special machine is used to read the MICR barcodes. These codes are present in the bottom strip of cheque.

MICR code is nine-digit code that is used to verify the originality of paper documents, especially checks. Special ink, (which is sensitive to magnetic fields) is used in the printing of certain characters on the original documents. MICR codes are used to identify a particular bank and its account information. These codes are read by machines and provide an easy way for clearing of checks. MICR barcode encodes data in magnetic characters.

MICR code is nine-digit codes that are printed on the bottom of the checks using a special type of ink that contains magnetic material. When the machine read the magnetic information, then the information tells what bank the check is from and whose account it is. In MICR code, the first three numbers indicates the city of the bank, next three numbers indicates the state in which the bank is present and the last three numbers indicates branch of the bank.

MICR code provides an easy and fast way for processing of checks. The magnetic ink (that is used on MICR code) does not transfer check whenever the check is photocopied. So the MICR code reduces the possibility of fraud. MICR code uses special ink and characters. When any document (contains this ink) is passes through machine, the machine translates the magnetic information into characters.

MICR code is usually used in banking sector. The numbers and characters (printed using magnetic ink) that are found on the bottom of checks contains check number, sort number and account number.

Areas of application of MICR Code:

• MICR code is used in variety of applications such as sales promotions, credit cards, coupons, airline tickets, insurance premium receipts, deposit tickets, government sector and so on.

RFID tags store data on micro chip that can be read, at a distance, by wireless machine. RFID barcode is easier to use because there are no need to kept individual object in front of scanner to retrieve the information contained in each RF ID tag.

RFID device works within few feet (up to 20 feet for high-frequency devices) of the scanner. RFID technology uses radio waves that automatically identify to any objects. There are so many methods of identification, but the most common method to identify any objects is that to store serial number on a microchip that is attached to an antenna (the chip and the antenna together are called an RFID transponder or RFID tag). The antenna enables the chip to transmit the identification information to reader. The reader converts the radio waves reflected back from the RFID tag into digital information that can then be passed to the computers so that the computer read information stored in RFID barcode.

RFID systems can be used in many applications where the unique identification for any object is needed. Hospital uses RFID tags for tracking their special patients. In emergency patient and other important equipment can easily track through RFID tags. Some of the hospitals also use RFID tags for locating and tracking entire activities of newly born babies.

RFID barcodes can be used in:

• Government Library
• Healthcare sectors
• Business process
• Document tracking etc.