Barcode Technology - DataMatrix Barcode               Hide the description

Data Matrix barcode is one of the best known 2D codes, the development of the Data Matrix code started in the 80ies.

A Data Matrix is a two-dimensional code consisting of black and white "cells" or dots arranged in either a square

or rectangular pattern, also known as a matrix. The information to be encoded can be text or numeric data. Usual data size is from a few bytes up to 1556 bytes. The length of the encoded data depends on the number of cells in the matrix. Error correction codes are often used to increase reliability: even if one or more cells are damaged so it is unreadable, the message can still be read. A Data Matrix symbol can store up to 2,335 alphanumeric characters..

Valid characters: ASCII 1-255

Data Matrix symbols are rectangular, usually square in shape and composed of square "cells" which represent bits.

Depending on the coding used, a "light" cell represents a 0 and a "dark" cell is a 1, or vice versa. Every Data Matrix is composed of two solid adjacent borders in an "L" shape (called the "finder pattern") and two other borders consisting of alternating dark and light "cells" or modules (called the "timing pattern"). Within these borders are rows and columns of cells encoding information. 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 in the symbol. As more data is encoded in the symbol, the number of cells (rows and columns) increases. Each code is unique.

A Data Matrix Code can encode up to 3116 numbers or up to 2335 characters. Different symbol sizes are used

depending on the amount of data to be encoded.

Applications of Data Matrix

As a new bar code technology, Data Matrix has been widely used in the field of defense, healthcare, business, finance, logistics management in Western countries. Since the minimal size of Data Matrix is the smallest one among various barcode types, it is especially appropriate for marking small items. Nowadays, it is commonly applied to printed media, such as labels and letters.

DataMatrix is one of the many barcode formats currently in use.

A Barcode is a method of representing data in a visual, machine-readable form.

The barcode formats has two categories:

One-dimensional (1D) --- Barcodes represented data by varying the widths and spacings of parallel lines.

Two-dimensional (2D) --- Using rectangles, dots, hexagons and other geometric patterns to represented data.

Error Correction Capacity:

ECC 200 uses Reed-Solomon error correction. And there are two kinds of erroneous codewords that can be corrected by the error correction codewords. One is an unscanned or undecodable symbol character called erasures, while the other is a misdecoded symbol character called errors.
The number of them can be given by the following formula:
e + 2t < d - p
In this formula, e, t, d, p stands for number of erasures, errors, error correction codewords, and codewords reserved for error detection respectively.

Human Readable:

Most barcodes display their corresponding values below them, which makes it possible to human read and manually  enter the barcode values into the equivalent system when the barcode label is worn out and cannot be read by the barcode scanner.

The Advantages of using barcodes:

If you want to reduce costs and save time, using barcodes is a good choice. Whether you are a company or a non-commercial organization, to improve efficiency and reduce overhead, barcodes are a valuable and viable option, which is economical and reliable.

The bar code design and printing cost are low. Generally speaking, no matter how they are used or where they are posted, the cost is not high. They can be customized economically, in a variety of finishes and materials.

The barcode system is very versatile, it can be used for any necessary data collection. This may include pricing or inventory information or management information service system. In addition, because barcodes can be affixed to almost any surface, they can be used not only to track the product itself, but also to track the production process, shipments and equipments.

Using barcode system will improve the inventory control is improved, it can track inventory accurately, inventory levels can be reduced it will lower the rate of eavesdropping. The location of the inventory and device can also be tracked, thereby reducing the time it takes to find the inventory and device.

The barcode system provide better data. Because a barcode can store various information such as inventory and pricing, especially when using QR Code, it can store thousands of characters, so the data stored in the barcode can be quickly obtained by the barcode reader, this fast turnaround ensures that time is not wasted on data entry or retrieval. In addition, the barcode can be customized to include other relevant information as needed. They provide fast and reliable data for various applications.

When barcodes are used in management information systems, they can promote better decision-making. Because data is obtained quickly and accurately, you can quickly obtain a full range of information for the entire company or organization, so it is possible to make more informed decisions. Better decisions can ultimately save time and money.

Barcodes are cheap and user-friendly, providing an indispensable tool for tracking data from pricing to inventory. The end result of a comprehensive bar code system is reduced overhead.

Comparison of Data Matrix and QR Code

Both Data Matrix and QR Code are two-dimensional barcode, which are able to contain a considerably great volume of information with a small area. However, there are many differences between Data Matrix and QR Code.

FAQ About Data Matrix Barcode

What is the historical origin of the Data Matrix barcode

Data Matrix is a two-dimensional code (also called a matrix) composed of black and white color blocks (cells) in a square or rectangular shape. It was developed by the American International Data Corporation in August 1994 and is mainly used for Parts, printed circuit boards, etc., American International Data Corporation was acquired by Microscan in 2008.

The encoded information may be text or numerical data. Data size is usually a few to 1556 bytes. The length of the encoded data determines the number of color blocks in the matrix. Error-correcting codes are often used when encoding to increase reliability: even if one or more color blocks are damaged and unreadable, the information inside can still be read. A data matrix can store up to 2,335 numbers or letters.

Characteristics of Data Matrix

The appearance of the Data Matrix 2D barcode is a square or rectangular symbol composed of many small squares. The information is stored in a binary-code manner by an arrangement and combination of light and dark squares.

Encoding, so the computer can directly read the data content without the need for a Character Look-up Table like a traditional one-dimensional barcode. Dark color represents "1", light color represents "0", and strings of light and dark squares are used to describe special character information. These strings are then arranged into a complete matrix code. A Data Matrix two-dimensional barcode is formed, and then printed on different material surfaces using different printers. Since the Data Matrix 2D barcode only needs to read 20% of the data to be accurately read, it is very suitable for use in places where barcodes are easily damaged, such as parts printed on parts exposed to special environments such as high heat, chemical cleaners, and mechanical abrasion.

The size of the Data Matrix two-dimensional barcode can be adjusted arbitrarily, with the maximum range of 14 square inches and the minimum range of 0.0002 square inches. This size is also the smallest among current one-dimensional and two-dimensional barcodes. On the other hand, the size of most barcodes has an absolute relationship with the amount of data encoded, but the size of the Data Matrix two-dimensional barcode and the amount of data encoded are independent of each other, so its size is relatively flexible. In addition, the Data Matrix 2D barcode also has the following characteristics:

1. The encodeable character set includes all ASCII characters and extended ASCII characters, a total of 256 characters.

2. Barcode size (excluding blank area): 10¡Á10 ~ 144¡Á144

3. Data capacity: 2235 alphanumeric data, 1556 8-bit data, 3116 digital data.

4. Error correction: Use the Reed-Solomon algorithm to generate polynomial calculations to obtain error correction codes. Different sizes should use different numbers of error correction codes.

In what industries are Data Matrix barcodes most used?

The most popular application of Data Matrix is the labeling of small objects, because the encoding can encode 50 characters in an area of 2 or 3 square millimeters and is still readable at 20% contrast. The size of the Data Matrix is not limited, and commercial applications include images as small as 300 microns (laser etched on a 600 micron silicon device) and as large as 1 meter (painted on the roof of a boxcar). The fidelity of the drawing and reading system is its only limitation.

The Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA) recommends using Data Matrix to label small electronic components.
It is increasingly common to print Data Matrix codes on labels or letters. This code can be quickly read using a barcode reader, making it easier to track items, for example, when a package is in the mail.

For industrial engineering, this barcode can also be marked directly on the component, thereby using Data Matrix encoded data to identify the component. Manufacturers can use a variety of methods to complete the component, but in the aerospace industry, barcoding is usually done with industrial inkjet, dot matrix marking, laser marking and electrolytic chemical etching (ECE). Use these methods to get a sustainable A permanent marker to the life of a component.

Data Matrix coding is usually verified using professional camera equipment and software. This verification ensures that the coding complies with relevant standards and ensures readability during the lifetime of the component. After the component is in use, the code can still be read and decoded by the reading lens, and the decoded information can be used for a variety of purposes, such as movement tracking and inventory checks.

Data Matrix encodings, like other open source encodings such as 1D Barcodes, can also be read on your phone using specific mobile apps.

Comparing Data Matrix and QR Code, what are the characteristics of each?

Data Matrix and QR Code are both two-dimensional codes, but there are some differences, including:

Data Matrix can store fewer characters than QR Code, but encodes data more compactly.

Data Matrix only uses perimeter for recognition, while QR Code has more recognition areas.

Data Matrix can be made into a rectangular appearance, while QR Code has a relatively simple appearance.

Both Data Matrix and QR Code can carry GS1 unique identifiers, but Data Matrix is more suitable for the identification of small parts.

How many types of Data Matrix barcodes are there?

Data Matrix can be divided into two types: ECC000-140 and ECC200. ECC000-140 has a variety of different levels of error correction functions, while ECC200 uses the Reed-Solomon algorithm to generate polynomials to calculate error correction codes. Its size can be customized according to needs. Printed in different sizes, but the error correction code used should match the size. Because its algorithm is easier and the size is more flexible, ECC200 is generally more common.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of Data Matrix barcodes?

Advantage:

Can store large amounts of data, up to 2335 bytes.

Smaller space can be used, suitable for logos of small products.

It has a high degree of error correction and can be read even if it is partially damaged.

Shortcoming:

A dedicated scanner or camera is required to read it.

A standardized content format needs to be followed, otherwise errors or confusion may result.

What will be the future development of Data Matrix barcodes?

Data Matrix is a two-dimensional code. Like QR Code, QR code has broad application prospects.

The two-dimensional barcode developed on the basis of the one-dimensional barcode has advantages that are incomparable to the one-dimensional barcode. As a portable data file, although it is still in its infancy, it is developing rapidly with the continuous improvement of the market economy and the rapid development of information technology. Driven by technology and coupled with the unique characteristics of 2D barcodes, countries have an increasing demand for the new technology of 2D barcodes. Especially in the past two years, 2D barcodes have begun to be applied in many industries. Some far-sighted manufacturers have also begun to get involved in the field of 2D barcodes, making the promotion and application of 2D barcode technology an attractive prospect.

Compared with other automatic identification technologies, 2D barcodes have unique advantages
With the development of science and information technology, there are more and more types of automatic identification technologies. The development of automatic identification technology is mainly reflected in the improvement of data quality and input speed and the elimination of human interference. Among them, barcodes, magnetic cards, IC cards and radio frequency identification are more prominent. However, two-dimensional barcodes have obvious advantages in terms of information carrier cost, information volume, confidentiality, anti-pollution and anti-interference, and standardization, and have good prospects for promotion and application.

2D barcodes have many advantages:

1) Documents using two-dimensional barcodes are low-cost and have good practical value.

Two-dimensional barcodes can be printed using common inkjet printers, laser printers, and thermal transfer printers, and can be printed on paper, cards, or PVC cards. Therefore, compared with other automatic identification technologies, it is low in cost and has good practical value.

2) Documents using two-dimensional barcodes have good fault tolerance and long service life.

Various documents may be damaged and contaminated to varying degrees during use. Therefore, higher requirements are placed on the service life and machine reading capabilities of the documents. The 2D barcode uses an error correction algorithm and has strong error correction capabilities. Even after part of it is damaged, it can still be read by a machine through error correction.

3) Reduced dependence on the main system and network, thereby reducing costs and improving reliability.

The two-dimensional barcode is a portable data file that can carry a large amount of information itself and does not need to be connected to an external database. Therefore, when calculator and database support are not available, the two-dimensional barcode can also be read through a portable data terminal. information in the barcode, thereby reducing dependence on the main system and network, reducing usage costs and improving reliability.

4) Implemented the machine-readable function of documents.

The machine-readability and anti-counterfeiting capabilities of documents are the hallmarks of the new generation of documents. Two-dimensional barcodes can encode important information such as the holder's name, certificate number, blood type, gender, etc., and can be automatically read by machines, solving the problem of automatic entry of document data information.

5) Improved the anti-counterfeiting capabilities of documents.

Two-dimensional barcodes have good anti-counterfeiting capabilities. Using two-dimensional barcodes on documents can improve the anti-counterfeiting capabilities of documents by mathematically encrypting the data information represented by the two-dimensional barcodes. Currently, mathematical encryption technology is already a very advanced and mature technology in the world. Therefore, the anti-counterfeiting ability of the document can be greatly increased.

Therefore, the high technology of two-dimensional barcode has great promotion and application value.

The 2D barcode market has unlimited space:

As a new barcode technology, 2D barcode has been widely used in fields such as national defense, medical care, commerce, finance, and logistics management. Because two-dimensional barcodes have large information capacity, good confidentiality and anti-counterfeiting properties, and low cost, they have very broad application prospects. It is foreseeable that two-dimensional barcode technology will bring considerable social and economic benefits to the development of the information industry and modern economic construction.

Two-dimensional barcodes have now entered the stage of systematic application in Western developed countries. Their application fields and usage methods have largely guided the development direction of the world's two-dimensional barcodes. Manufacturers and dealers of 2D barcode related equipment want to enter a wide range of fields, involving a wide range of areas and closely related to people's daily work and life, such as railway transportation, ID cards, household appliances and public utilities. This is almost Involving every family and every person, this indicates that 2D barcodes will enter our lives and penetrate into our lives.

It is worth mentioning here that some dealers have proposed that the focus of future development should first be on products in the pharmaceutical and electronic fields. Medical and electronic products are small and do not have enough space to accommodate traditional barcodes. The high density of 2D barcodes allows automatic identification of these products. For example, some electronic chips are expensive and must be tracked. In addition, the use of two-dimensional barcodes for mandatory controlled drugs in Western countries is also imperative in other countries, so the above technology will become increasingly important.

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