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The history of PDF417 barcode

The PDF417 barcode is a stacked linear barcode format that finds applications in various domains such as transport, identification cards, and inventory management.

Let's delve into its history and features:

1. Invention and Origin:

The PDF417 symbology was invented by Dr. Ynjiun P. Wang at Symbol Technologies in 1991.

Dr. Ynjiun designed it as a system for encoding and decoding data in machine-readable graphic form.

2. Format and Structure:

The name 'PDF417' stands for Portable Data File 417.

Each pattern in the code consists of 4 bars and spaces in a sequence that is 17 units (modules) long.

A PDF417 symbol consists of 3 to 90 rows, each resembling a small linear barcode.

3. Key components of each row include:

A quiet zone (minimum white space before the barcode).

A start pattern identifying the format as PDF417.

A row left codeword containing information about the row (e.g., row number and error correction level).

Data codewords representing numbers, letters, or other symbols.

A row right codeword with additional row information.

A stop pattern.

Another quiet zone.

All rows have the same width and the same number of codewords.

PDF417 uses a base 929 encoding, where each codeword represents a number from 0 to 928.

4. Applications:

PDF417 is widely used in both commercial and government applications.

Notable uses include:

Postage printing: PDF417 (along with Data Matrix) can be used to print postage accepted by the United States Postal Service.

Airline industry: It serves as the 2D barcode for paper boarding passes (Bar Coded Boarding Pass, BCBP).

RealID compliant driver licenses: The Department of Homeland Security selected PDF417 as the machine-readable zone technology.

Visas and border crossing cards: Issued by the State of Israel.

6. Features:

Linking: PDF417 symbols can link to other symbols, allowing even more data to be stored.

User-specified dimensions: Users can customize the narrowest vertical bar (X dimension) and row height (Y dimension).

Public domain format: Implementing systems using PDF417 does not require any license.

In summary, PDF417 is a powerful barcode format with diverse applications, high data capacity, and security features. Its invention by Dr. Ynjiun P. Wang has significantly impacted data encoding and decoding in various fields.

The maximum data capacity of a PDF417 barcode depends on several factors, including the number of rows, the number of columns, and the error correction level.

PDF417 symbols consist of multiple rows, each containing a certain number of codewords.

The number of rows can vary from 3 to 90.

The number of columns (i.e., the width of each row) is determined by the specific application and the available space for printing the barcode.

PDF417 uses Reed-Solomon error correction to enhance reliability.

The error correction level can be adjusted to balance data capacity and error resilience.

Higher error correction levels result in more redundancy (additional codewords) but better error recovery.

In practice, the data capacity of PDF417 can vary significantly based on the specific use case, printing quality, and available space.

Some PDF417 symbols can store hundreds of alphanumeric characters, while others may hold less information.

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Once you obtain a GS1/UPC/EAN barcode, or other barcode type and QR code, you can use our free software to batch print barcode labels onto Roll label paper using a professional label printer, or to batch print barcodes onto Avery 5160 label sheets using a regular laser or inkjet printer. Our software has free and paid versions.

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How to Use & FAQ:

Highlights

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Suitable Use Cases

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