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Psychology at Work

The encoding process of an Aztec Code, which is a type of 2D barcode, involves several steps to convert a source message into a format suitable for printing or display.

Here's a detailed description of each step:

1.Converting the source message to a string of bits:

The source message, which could be text, numbers, or binary data, is first converted into a sequence of bits (0s and 1s). This process ensures that all characters and data are represented uniformly in binary form.

2.Computing the necessary symbol size and mode message:

Based on the length and content of the message, the Aztec Code determines the symbol size (number of modules or dots in the barcode) and the mode message. The mode message specifies how the data should be interpreted (e.g., numeric mode, alphanumeric mode, byte mode for binary data).

3.Determining the Reed-Solomon codeword size:

Reed-Solomon error correction is used in Aztec Codes to enhance reliability. The size of the Reed-Solomon codeword is calculated based on the required level of error correction and the data size. This determines how many redundancy bytes (error correction code) are added to the original data.

4.Bit-stuffing the message into Reed-Solomon codewords:

The bit-stream of the message is divided into chunks or codewords suitable for Reed-Solomon encoding. If necessary, padding bits may be added to ensure each codeword meets the required size.

5.Padding the message to a codeword boundary:

To ensure uniformity and correctness during decoding, the message is padded with zeros or other specified padding bits to align with the boundaries of the codewords used in Reed-Solomon encoding. This padding ensures that the encoding and decoding algorithms can operate correctly.

6.Appending check codewords:

After the message and padding are prepared, Reed-Solomon error correction adds additional codewords (check codewords) to the data. These codewords contain redundant information that allows the barcode reader to correct errors caused by minor damage or distortion of the printed code.

7.Arranging the complete message in a spiral around the core:

The final encoded data, including the original message, padding bits, and error correction codewords, are arranged in a spiral pattern around a central 'core' or bullseye region in the Aztec Code. This spiral arrangement ensures that the code can be read from any orientation, providing flexibility in how the code is displayed or printed.

Throughout this encoding process, all conversions between different forms of data (such as text to bits, bits to codewords, etc.) adhere to the big-endian convention, where the most significant bit (MSB) is considered first. This ensures consistency and compatibility across different systems and implementations of Aztec Codes.