MaxiCode

The Maxi Code was developed in 1989 at United Parcel Service (UPS ) for fast identification, tracking and sorting of packages. It contains the UPS tracking number, the weight, the service type of the program and the address information and provides a 2D code dar.

It has a fixed size of about 25.4 mm × 25.4 mm (1 in. × 1 in.). In the thus resulting area of ​​645 mm ² (1 sq. in.) 144 symbol characters, ie oak 93 ASCII characters or 138 digits can be encoded.

The two-dimensional pattern composed of hexagons, that are arranged in 30 horizontal and 33 vertical rows. Includes quiet zone is the barcode size 28.14 mm × 26.91 mm (width × height).

The focus of the code is the search pattern that consists of three concentric circles. This allows the reader to compensate distortions in all three directions. To the search pattern around 866 honeycomb hexagons are arranged in 33 rows. The Reed -Solomon error correction support user-specific multiple levels and provides high data security. The reconstruction is possible even when up to 25 % of the code have been destroyed. In the hexagonal lattice pattern, it contains six orientation, which facilitates the omnidirectional reading.

The finder pattern allows finding the codes within other printing or structures, determining the location, size and possible bias of the code.

The Alternating Pattern specifies the density of the data cells and thus allows the clamping of a grid to locate the data cells.

The data region contains the user data. An error correction method allows the detection and correction of read errors. It an extremely high reading reliability is thus ensured, and a relative immunity to interference. The individual bits ( black or white cells) must be grouped according to defined rules to symbols. These are then placed in the data region after also defined rules.

All real matrix or area codes have these structures.

The very compact MaxiCode has been developed for high -speed sorting and distribution. Even in a very large reading field it is very easy to find ( clear search pattern ). Disadvantages are the fixed parameters and the fact that it is readable only with image processing systems.