An Evaluation Of 2d Barcodes In Document Processing Applications

Introduction

Many documents that are to be electronically processed contain barcodes to encode important information that is extracted via barcode decode software. There are a number of issues that should be considered when choosing a barcode symbology. The largest distinguishing characteristic to be considered is whether a linear (1D) or 2 Dimensional (2D) symbology is to be employed. 1D symbologies, as the name implies, typically consist of width modulated bars and spaces that encode the user information. There is no information contained in the vertical dimension of a 1D symbol. 2D symbologies encode information in both dimensions of the symbol and as a result, have much higher data density. 2D symbols typically use a regular grid of possible cell positions, where a cell is either black or white.

This article will focus on the use of 2D symbols in document processing applications because of the significant data density advantage of 2D symbols over 1D symbols. In particular, we will compare the relative merits of three popular public domain 2D symbologies: Data Matrix, QR Code and Micro QR Code. Following a brief overview of each symbology, we will compare them based on their data density, error correction, and relative processing speed.

Data Matrix

Data Matrix symbols use a regular array of square cells ranging in size from a 10 by 10 grid up to a 144 by 144 grid. A 1 cell quiet zone is required around the entire symbol. In addition, rectangular sizes are also available. Each symbol consists of a fixed “L” pattern that is used for finding along with a clock track along the opposite sides of the “L”. In addition, there are internal clock tracks for larger Data Matrix. These fixed locations do not encode any information. They are present to identify the symbol as a Data Matrix and to aid the decode software. The remaining grid locations contain either a black or white squares depending on the information to be encoded.

QR Code

QR Code symbols also employ a regular array of square cells ranging in size from a 21 by 21 grid up to a 177 by 177 grid. A 4 cell quiet zone is required around the entire symbol. To aid finding, QR Code symbols contain 3 finder patterns at 3 of the 4 corners. In addition, there are internal alignment patterns, clock patterns, as well as format information on larger symbols that gives the size of the code.

For data applications that require smaller amounts of data, there is a derivative version of QR Code called Micro QR Code which can encode up to 35 numeric digits in less space than a corresponding QR Code. It has 4 different square sizes: 11 by 11, 13 by 13, 15 by 15 and 17 x 17. Each size requires a 2 cell quiet zone around the entire symbol. It contains only 1 finder pattern, with limited clock pattern and format information.

Data Density and Error Correction

Data Matrix has a clear data density advantage over QR Code. This is especially true for smaller amounts of user data. This is due to the fact that it has fewer fixed cell locations. It does not devote as much space for finder patterns, and contains no format information. Micro QR Code was designed to address the data density issue and is comparable in size to the Data Matrix for this data content.

All 3 types of symbols use Reed Solomon error correction to detect and correct errors due to symbol damage or imaging issues. The number of detectable and correctable errors is determined by the number of extra error correction codewords included in the symbol that are above and beyond the codewords used to encode the data.

The data capacity of a given size symbol is a function of the amount of error correction overhead as well as the data itself. Data Matrix uses a fixed level of error correction that is not selectable by the user. The percentage of error correction codeword overhead ranges from 62.5% for the smallest symbol down to 28% for larger symbols. By contrast, QR Code has 4 different levels of error correction that allow an approximate recovery capacity of 7%, 15%, 25% or 30%. Micro QR Code varies the choices of the amount of error correction for each of the 4 allowable sizes. The smallest only allows error detection, while the largest allows up to 25% recovery capacity.

The amount and type of user data will dictate the size of the symbol that is necessary. In addition, for QR Code and Micro QR Code, the amount of error correction used will factor into the size as well. The table below summarizes the relative size and error correction capacities of the 3 symbols shown above.

Symbology -- Relative Size (with Quiet Zone) / Error Correction Overhead (%) / Maximum Correctable Errors

Data Matrix -- 1.00 / 58.3 / 3

QR Code -- 3.70 / 65.3 / 8

Micro QR Code -- 1.33 / 50.0 / 1

The choice of the amount of error correction used in QR Code and Micro QR Code is application dependent. In situations where size is an issue, one may be tempted to reduce the amount of error correction overhead. This may reduce the overall read rate of the symbol if the barcode may be damaged or if the imaging environment makes it more difficult to get “ideal” images. Barcodes on soft packages that curve the symbol, as well as shiny tape over the symbol that can cause specular reflection back to the camera are examples of how codes may be damaged. In general, if space permits, for optimum read rates, one should normally choose the maximum allowable error correction capacity.

Relative Processing Speed

In real time applications where the time to decode an image is important, one must also compare the symbologies on how quickly they can be decoded. The most time consuming part of decoding a barcode within a large and busy image is generally finding the symbol. The more unique the finder pattern within a barcode symbol, the easier it is to locate within a busy image. This reduces processing time. Conversely, if a barcode symbology does not provide a unique finder pattern, more time will be spent looking for it.

QR Code and Micro QR code have a significant advantage over Data Matrix because of the unique finder patterns within the symbols. QR Code is the best of the 3 choices because it includes 3 finder patterns, each being able to be used to find the symbol. Data Matrix has the “L” finder pattern and fixed clock lines. Unfortunately, these are not terribly unique patterns with forms where many areas of text are surrounded by boxes. In addition, both QR (Version 7 and above) and Micro QR Codes have format information within the symbol to let you know the size of the symbol and to confirm you are on a real symbol. Data Matrix does not contain explicit format data, providing only a clock track on the opposite sides of the symbol from the “L” corner.

A busy form was scanned at 200 DPI, and a single instance of the 3 barcode symbols was added to the image with each symbol using 25 mil cells. Then in 3 separate passes, Volo™, a barcode decode software toolkit from Omniplanar®, was used to decode each symbol. In each pass, only one symbology type was enabled. The table below summarizes how long it took Volo to issue the decode result and completely finish processing the image. Both QR Code and Micro QR decoding were 3 to 4 times faster than Data Matrix decoding. This is almost entirely due to the good finder pattern in the QR and Micro QR symbols.

Symbology -- Issue Time (msecs) / Total Time (msecs)
Data Matrix -- 30.8 / 74.5
QR Code -- 7.2 / 23.4
Micro QR Code -- 7.6 / 21.9

Summary

When deciding what 2D symbology type to use in document applications, one must consider data density, error correction and processing time. In applications where the size of the symbol must be kept to a minimum, both Data Matrix and Micro QR code are good choices. When processing speed is of primary importance, QR Code and Micro QR Code are both better choices than Data Matrix given their good finder patterns. In applications when both symbol size and processing speed are important, Micro QR Code is the best choice. However the largest possible Micro QR Code can only store 35 numeric digits with the minimum error correction (maximum of 3 errors). At the maximum error correction level, the data capacity drops to 21 numeric digits (maximum of 7 errors).

With over 17 years of experience in the bar code industry, Bob Dunphy has been Principal Engineer at Omniplanar, Inc since its inception. He has designed numerous CCD camera systems as well as high speed processing platforms.

Bar Code Label Printing Software

NiceLabel Barcode Label Printing Software

NiceLabel is a WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) bar code label printing software program designed to print barcodes, as well as text and graphics on labels including thermal transfer bar-code printer labels and standard laser/inkjet printers’ labels. Main features of NiceLabel include

• Drag and drop functionality and WYSIWYG layout
• Supports Linear 2 dimensional Symbologies
• Supports RSS and Composite bar-code types
• Supports EAN/UCC 128
• Supports laser, inkjet, and thermal printers
• Supports databases such as comma delimited text files and CSV files as a data source
• Supports images formats such as BMP, GIF, JPEG, WMF and PCX; and objects such as squares, rectangles, lines, boxes, and circles

There are two version of NiceLabel - NiceLabel Express, which is completely Wizard-based; and NiceLabel Pro, with advanced features such as RFID Support, Comprehensive database support, Pre-designed templates, ActiveX Programmers Interface, Advanced label design elements, Import labels, and Advanced data processing capabilities.

IDAutomation Barcode Label Software

This is another WYSIWYG bar code label printing software program to print barcodes, as well as text and graphics on labels including thermal transfer bar-code printer labels and standard laser/inkjet printers’ labels. Main features of IDAutomation Barcode Label Software include

• Imports label data from comma delimited text files, Microsoft Excel, Access and CSV files
• Ability to increment, static, link or determine barcode value by VB script.
• Embedded database built in for creating custom values
• Supports UCC/EAN 128 identifiers
• Supports laser, inkjet, and thermal printers
• Supports XML-based file formats
• Supports all EAN and UCC 128 AIs
• Source code available
• Multiple symbologies
• Supports images formats such as BMP, GIF, JPEG, WMF and PCX

There is also a PRO version available with additional features such as support for linear barcodes, RSS and Composite Symbology barcode types; ability to connect to additional data sources; and support for VB Script formulas to determine barcode values

Aulux Technologies Barcode Label Maker
Barcode Label Maker is a powerful tool to design and print any size of label with Barcodes, as well as text and graphics. Main features include

• Datasheet Manager to generate sequences data freely
• Ability to import data from Text File, MS Excel, MS Access MDB database, etc
• Supports Linear 2 dimensional Symbologies
• Supports RSS and Composite bar-code types
• Supports images formats such as BMP, GIF, JPEG, WMF and PCX

The Deluxe version of Barcode Label Maker supports read picture's path from datasheet to make ID card easier.

Flexible Information Systems (FIS) LabelVision 20/20

The LabelVision 20/20 from Flexible Information Systems, Inc (FIS) incorporates features such as

• Built-in MS Access-Compatible Database to create MS Access databases and print labels from them without using ODBC
• Ability to create Custom Menus to simplify the interface to the most complicated label printing applications
• Multiple labeling applications
• Supports Automatic print with Record Watch by monitoring data changes in databases or text files to automate label printing.

Print digital photos from as low as 10c. Bar code label printing software, plus reviews on the top 3 digital photo print services online.

Socket SDIO Scan Card - A Revolution In The Arena Of Bar Code Scanning

 

Shopping, nowadays, has gone hi-tech with bar codes replacing the conventional paper price tags attached to various commodities in the market. Data collection applications are used to process the sales data captured through bar code scanning.

Scan cards are gaining popularity as a means for reading bar code labels. Socket offers various types of plug-in SDIO scan cards that can be used to scan bar codes and transfer the data into pocket PC, Pocket PC phone edition, a Smartphone and a Palm PDA having an SDIO slot.

Socket SDIO scan card helps to enhance the efficiency of data collection applications. You need to insert the Secure Digital Scan card (SDSC) into the SDIO slot of your mobile computer, scan various types of bar codes and store the data in your mobile for future processing.

Socket SDIO scan card is probably the smallest plug-in scanner with a powerful class 2 laser that is capable of scanning through reflective surfaces, such as glass and Mylar. SDSC 3P scan card scans almost all the popular linear bar code symbologies. You can use it to scan even the damaged and hard-to-read bar code labels.

SDIO scan cards use the best-of-class technology for scanning bar codes in a broad range of environmental conditions, such as bright sunlight. The 3P scan card from Socket can function in the standard SD slot of a wide variety of PDAs. This enables you to use the same scanner when you switch or upgrade PDAs. Socket SDIO scan card helps to improves productivity as one can scan with one hand using the mobile computer and use the other hand for handling packages. There is no need for extra batteries or special power adapter to use this scanner as it gets the required power from the host mobile computer.

So, just plug in this scan card into your mobile computer's SDIO slot and relax...the scan card will handle the bar code scanning and data collection.

Adrian Phillip is a renowned business writer who has years of experience in writing technical reviews, product descriptions and product feature analysis of technical gadgets and gizmos. He has won appreciation especially for enlightening people about the latest communication gizmos...the Smartphones and PDAs.

Bar Code Label Printers

Bar code label printers are special, small sized printers that are capable of
printing bar code labels. They are used in businesses wherever inventories are required
to be recorded such as in retail and departmental stores, ID card offices, warehouses,
etc. General purpose printers can be used to print bar code printers. There are
also thermal bar code printers specially for printing bar code labels.

General purpose printers are in fact normal printers. They are capable of printing
bar codes on white sticker papers. Laser printers are much better than inkjet printers,
as they give more clarity and a faster printing rate. General purpose printers are
very slow at printing – they may print as much as 3 to 7 inches per second. They
are suitable if the number of bar code labels to be printed is less per day, or
if it is a temporary business.

Thermal printers and thermal transfer printers are much more efficient and faster
at printing bar code labels. These printers have a thermal head that selectively
apply heat on a specially coated paper that darkens the area. The thermal head may
be heated directly or indirectly. Such printers can produce better quality images.
They are ideal for fast printing, such as in departmental stores, where several
goods are sold over the counter every minute. However, one problem with thermal
printers is that their thermal heads wear out from time to time and need replacement.

Bar code label printers require regular cleaning of the ribbon and the print
head. Specks of dust may cause distortion of the bar codes. The outputs of these
printers using ANSI software need to be continuously checked in order to check for
system malfunctions.

Most printers are compatible with Windows drivers. They can be connected to computers
to check the type of printout they would produce. Software is available to design
labels that are exactly printed by the printers. However, many printers are standalone
and do not hookup to another computer. Simply feeding the numerical code can generate
the requisite bar code label.

Bar Code Labels provides
detailed information about bar code labels, bar code label printers, bar code label
software, bar code label makers and more. Bar Code Labels is the sister site of
Bar Code Software.

Bar Code Tracking Software

All products are labeled with bar codes today. Even the smallest retail items, like chocolates or pencils, have a unique bar code to identify them accurately. Bar codes have specific symbology that is defined in the height and width of the bars as well as the spacing between them. Each of these bars might represent numeric data, alphanumeric data or character data, depending on the type of symbology being used by the user.

Each bar code has a start bar and an end bar to allow the scanner to read the data precisely. Some bar codes have another bar before the end bar, known as the checksum bar code. After the scanner calculates the sum, it is verified with the value of the checksum bar code for accuracy. This ensures exact calculation with minimal errors.

Bar codes help during data collection, inventory tracking, and other asset tracking. They keep accurate records of all the items scanned and so are a big help while taking care of the inventory.

Any company or manufacturer has fixed assets. These must be kept on record. All manufacturing equipment, tools, and various other assets come under the category of fixed assets. Earlier, keeping track of all these assets was done manually and workers had to put in long hours to have all the details on record.

With the advent of bar codes, even the tracking system has been made easy. All fixed assets can be bar-coded and kept track of using bar-code fixed-assets tracking software. In schools and colleges where students are provided with laptops, these are noted in the database as loaned. This also holds true for companies that provide employees with laptops and other work-related paraphernalia. Even the smallest items are tracked using bar codes. Fixed assets tracking software is a big help in such areas where a company needs to have an idea of where assets are located.

Company-related files, documents and important notes could also be considered fixed assets and noted in the database of their whereabouts. This is especially important in medical and legal fields.

Fixed assets tracking software is essential in all major companies, schools, offices, hospitals and other big places where one person keeping track of all the assets is an impossibility. Bar code tracking software can be of immense help in such areas, and would ease problems related to records.

Bar Code Software provides detailed information on Bar Code Software, Bar Code Scanner Software, Bar Code Printing Software, Free Bar Code Software and more. Bar Code Software is affiliated with Retail POS Software.

Bar Code Software

Barcode software comes in various styles. It is used to create professional barcode labels. It can be uploaded on a computer like any other software program and possesses a myriad of features. The barcode software can print barcodes on any installed printer with graphics capability. Such software often consists of a menu that displays different options in a user-friendly language. Modern software is very easy to use, giving the user the option to decide a label's appearance, including the type and size of text, bar codes and graphics. Dialogs, another important feature of many barcode software programs, offer many options to design labels and print barcodes.

Many barcode software programs available in the market offer tool tips. These are basically quick hints that help in modifying and printing multiple label designs. Similarly, high precision on-screen design mode provides an accurate real-time view of a label. Print preview mode displays exactly how the labels look before they can be printed. Perhaps the best part of barcode software is that it usually comes with an array of font capabilities. It solely depends on the imagination of the user to put these fonts to the most flexible use with maximum speed. Several printer drivers have the option to support font downloading.

Software consists of a toolbox that provides access to an extensive series of barcode components. The rich text option allows for multiple typefaces and styles. Graphics can be easily imported or exported in barcode software. That makes logos, pictures and company images easy to adapt. Barcode software is programmed to be latched onto all kinds of laser, ink-jet and dot-matrix printers. This software also provides access to countless high-quality symbols. They also allow serialization sequences. We can choose the sequence from a variety of character sets. Modern software is armed with the option of customizing a user’s own features.

Bar Code Labels provides detailed information about bar code labels, bar code label printers, bar code label software, bar code label makers and more. Bar Code Labels is the sister site of Bar Code Software.

Bar Code Software

All retail as well as wholesale products are labeled with bar codes today. Even the smallest retail items, like chocolates or pencils, have a unique bar code to identify them accurately. Bar codes have specific symbology that is defined in the height and width of the bars as well as the spacing between the bars. Each of these bars might represent only numeric data, alphanumeric data or character data, depending on the type of symbology being used.

Each bar code has a start bar and an end bar to allow the scanner to read the data precisely. Some bar codes have another bar before the end bar, known as the checksum bar code. After the scanner calculates the sum, it is verified with the value of the checksum bar code for accuracy. This ensures exact calculation with minimal errors.

Bar codes are read by bar code scanners, which are photosensors used to convert the bars in the bar code into electrical signals as it is being scanned. Since the bars are distinguished by their width, height and spacing, these are then measured using software that recognizes and converts the electrical signals from the bars into readable characters. The scanner software then transmits this data to the PC terminal. The whole process does not take more than a few seconds, and is a very fast procedure.

The software used to track the bar code is accurate, and keeps precise records of all the bar codes scanned. This ensures that the software itself keeps track of the data relating to all the products sold. Since the software loaded into the computer records the data, the data can be retrieved with no fuss. Also, since the procedure is faster than manually entering the code into the system, it saves time and ensures more work efficiency.

Bar codes are especially useful when taking note of inventory for the annual report. Retailers find scanning the products time-saving and efficient, with fewer chances of errors in the calculations or recording of data. Supermarkets and shopping malls find it very useful to take care of customer’s needs in less time, rather than make the customers wait in line while cashiers entering the data manually into the PC.

Financial matters are crucial, as even the slightest of problems might give rise to complexities that might take a long time to solve. Medical and surgical fields especially would have a tough time with clerical errors while taking inventory. Using bar code software can eliminate this problem, as the error rate is extremely low.

It is essential for an organization to go in for the best kind of bar code to minimize critical errors and other problems. Bar code scanners and related software are inexpensive compared to the wages paid to clerks. They are long-lasting, easy to use and efficient for all kinds of products.

Bar Code Software provides detailed information on Bar Code Software, Bar Code Scanner Software, Bar Code Printing Software, Free Bar Code Software and more. Bar Code Software is affiliated with Retail POS Software.

Barcode Scanner - a Practical Tool

A barcode scanner or reader is a computer peripheral that reads barcodes printed on various items. It will consist of a light source, lens, and a photo conductor, which will translate optical impulses into electrical ones. Practically all barcode scanners are produced containing decoder circuitry analyzing the image of the barcode, provide a photo conductor, and send the barcode’s message to the scanner’s output port. For grocery stores this would be the receipt that you receive for your purchase.

The different types of barcode scanners are by light source or by housing. A light source will either be an LED Scanner, Laser Scanner, or an Imager Scanner. An LED scanner is like a CCD scanner. Laser is definitely more expensive then LED scanners, but they are cable of longer scanning distances. As for the imager, it scans an image of a linear barcode and are more rugged because the have no moving parts. Housing is simple handheld. It is held in the hands and you will need to push the trigger button for a light source.

Want scanner is just pen shaped and is scanned and swiped almost practically at the same times. You will also notice a stationary scanner that is simply mounted and the barcode is passed under or beside. This is what you would find at a retail store or supermarket. Fixed position scanner is just an industrial barcode reader that will identify products while being processed. This is often used to identify the different pallets or cartons of items. Finally, a PDA is a scanner that has a built in barcode reader that will help you when it comes to looking at inventory and deciding what to purchase so that your inventory doesn’t go down passed the need of demand.

Barcodes are used throughout our lives. They have become so important when it comes to tracking inventory and goods. It is also necessary when it comes to knowing information about the product. By scanning the barcode you will know the price, the year it was manufactured and other information.

Barcodes play a major role and purpose in most transactions. A barcode scanner is simply just something that will read a hidden message. The message could be anything from price to history of the product. The code is formed by white spaces and black bars. All the information that is decoded is vital. Practically everything will scan into a computer because we live in a world that needs to collect as much data as quickly as possible. We live in a technologically advanced world that expects to know everything about a product in a split second. Barcodes and Barcode scanners have made our world as simple as possible.

Read more about Barcode Scanners on http://www.barcode-scanner.info.

Barcode Software Companies

The term barcode software company can be applied to a firm that develops barcode software, distributes software from a third party, or provides services such as custom software development. Barcode software programs are used to create professional barcode labels, including those on photo IDs, warehouse goods, departmental store products, and driving licenses.

Many software companies deal in developing barcode software and selling them to other establishments. They also customize barcode software according to specific requirements. While several companies offer free trials for their products before charging a fee, some companies offer their products for free. Among a few famous companies that develop barcode software are Azalea Software Inc., MEC Software, Seagull Scientific Inc., Teklynx, and Worth Data.

Azalea Software provides barcode fonts and barcode printing software independent of operating systems. Their barcode fonts create Data Matrix, PDF 417, and many other barcode symbols using Crystal Reports, Excel, Access, Visual Basic, C/C++, and other applications. These programs can be uploaded on a computer like any other software program.

MEC Software develops software barcode fonts, data collection software, and inventory software. MEC barcode programs provide barcode printing capability for any laser printer, regardless of make, model, or operating system. Data collection software features simple, effective, and flexible tools for capturing barcode data.

Seagull Scientific is noted around the world for barcode label design software. Their products have powerful features for compliance labels and integration with enterprise software. Seagull allows you to download its free demo software from the website.

Teklynx is one of the world's leading developers of AIDC software. Each software package provides a complete set of solutions designed to meet the product identification and labeling needs of customers. The programs are grouped into three major categories: label design, data collection, and ERP/host connectivity.

Worth Data is the developer of barcode label printing software and the publisher of barcode fonts. Its products are reliable, easy to use, competitively priced, immediately available, and come with a money-back guarantee.

Bar Code Software provides detailed information on Bar Code Software, Bar Code Scanner Software, Bar Code Printing Software, Free Bar Code Software and more. Bar Code Software is affiliated with Retail POS Software.