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t h e G r o w i n g r e q u i r e m e n t s f o r 2 D i m a g i n g te c h n o l o g y
Introduction
productivity is a key performance indicator for any industry and it is becoming widely accepted that bar code data collection technology is one of the best productivity investments a company can make. this has resulted in the world of data capture becoming more complex in recent years. today, companies not only need the right data capture technology to meet the requirements of their applications, they must first decide on what the optimum technology is for their business from the different symbologies that have been developed, each with a specific set of characteristics. the increasing amount of data encoded in both traditional and emerging market applications is driving the acceptance and requirements for two-dimensional (2D) symbologies. 2D symbologies encode data in both the height and width of the symbol. the amount of data that can be contained in a single code is significantly greater than that stored in a one-dimensional bar code. the introduction of 2D symbologies in 1989 with the Data Matrix code represents one of the most important advances in the auto iD Data Capture (aiDC) market in the last twenty years. with advances in technology and smaller, faster micro-processors, 2D readers can significantly increase the cost/benefit ratio in any application. initially, 2D symbologies were developed for applications where only a small amount of space was available for a code. the first application was for individual unit-dose packages in the healthcare industry. these packages were very small and had little room for a bar code. the electronics industry also showed an early interest in very high density bar codes and 2D symbologies, as there was limited space available for marking electronics assemblies. More recently, the ability to encode a portable database has made 2D symbologies attractive in other applications where space is limited. another benefit of 2D symbologies is their added reliability and durability. with conventional 1D symbologies, the addition of one bar at the start or finish of a code, a line crossing the code, or a line parallel to the stripes all make the bar code unreadable. additional protection can be built into a 2D symbol making it remarkably secure and robust, even if accidentally damaged.

The Case for 2D Symbologies

there are two main factors to be considered when choosing a symbology. First, a business must consider whether they need to adopt a particular symbology to comply with an existing industry or organizational standard. the second factor is the type and amount of data that must be encoded.

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Emerging Applications
2D imagers and readers are now becoming widely used in applications traditionally based on linear bar codes, adding the advantage of omnidirectional scanning. independent market research (VDC) forecasts that in addition to the strong growth expected for 2D readers in the industrial sectors, new emerging retail applications traditionally using linear symbologies are moving towards 2D symbologies. Below are some examples of emerging 2D target markets: Document Handling - Tax Returns: tax returns must be filed in every nation around the world. to simplify the filing process, taxpayers could use tax software that allows them to enter the relevant data, perform the required calculations and print the form out with a 2D code when complete. the following benefits will result: when the form arrives at the tax center, the data can be captured by scanning the 2D code, taking only seconds to scan. the data is not only captured quickly, it is captured with 100% accuracy - no errors are introduced by the scanning process. Not only is the direct cost of manual data entry eliminated, but the indirect costs of the errors introduced by manual key entry are eliminated. this saves money for both the taxpayers and the government. Studies show that even professional manual entry can result in up to 1 error for every 300 key strokes. when a 2D code is added to a form, this creates an intelligent document that can be read by human beings but can also be automatically and accurately entered into a computer database. Document Handling - Driver Licenses/ Insurances/Lotteries: personal information such as the drivers name, address, license number, expiration date and driving restriction codes can be encoded in a 2D symbol that is printed on the license. police officers, car rental agencies and hotels can easily scan the code, entering information about the license holder without manual keystroke errors. the same concept can apply to any application which requires fast and secure automatic data entry, such as DataLOGiC SCaNNiNG

insurance forms, banking applications and lottery tickets. Transportation and Logistics - Packing List: By encoding shipping information in a 2D bar code and attaching it to shipped goods, order data, such as the pO number, shipping date, product codes and quantities can be quickly and automatically scanned into a computer at the receiving area. Healthcare - Patient Record: On every hospital patients chart record there is a 2D bar code, which encodes their name, healthcare record number, doctors name, date of admission and allergies. when a nurse or other healthcare provider checks the patient or provides treatment, the treatment is recorded by scanning the code matching the treatment. when administering prescription medication, the provider scans a bar code, virtually eliminating the possibility of giving a patient the wrong medication or treatment.

2D Matrix Codes Data Matrix is a 2D code of black and white modules that can store up to 2,335 alphanumeric characters. the symbol is square or rectangular and can range from 0.0004 inch per side up to 14 inches per side. the most popular application for Data Matrix codes is marking extremely small items, such as electronic components. the data encoded can include the manufacturer iD, part number and a unique serial number. they are also used to mark surgical instruments, identify lenses, circuit boards and other small items. MaxiCode is a fixed-size code that holds up to 93 data characters. the symbol is composed of a central bulls-eye locator and offset rows of hexagonal elements. Created by UpS, the MaxiCode symbol was designed for rapid automated scanning of packages on highspeed conveyor lines (special cameras can read a MaxiCode on a carton travelling at up to 500 feet per minute). the QR Code (Quick response Code) is a matrix code which can encode up to 2509 numeric or 1520 alphanumeric characters and offers three levels of error detection. the squares in the bottom left, top left and top right corners are locator patterns. this symbology is commonly used for tracking parts during vehicle manufacturing and is now used in convenience-oriented applications aimed at mobile phone users (known as mobile tagging). Aztec Code symbols are built on a nominally square grid around a square bulls eye pattern. the central bulls eye shape can accommodate a wide range of viewing angles and its easily recognizable pattern means that no quiet zone is required. these features make aztec Code ideal for mobile tagging and other space constrained applications.

Most Common 2D Symbologies

2D Stacked PDF417 (portable Data File) is a high-capacity 2D bar code. a pDF417 code can contain approximately 2000 characters of information, whereas traditional linear bar codes contain a maximum of 30 characters. the key characteristic of pDF417 code is its large information capacity. pDF417 is designed with sufficient capacity to contain an entire data file. traditional linear codes contain only a key to access another database. with pDF417, no external database access is required because the pDF417 codes can hold an entire data file. pDF417 is used today in a wide variety of applications, including Logistics and transportation, retail, healthcare, Government, identification and Manufacturing.

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Datalogics Commitment to 2D Technology

Datalogic is the only company in the aiDC industry offering a complete range of 2D products dedicated to both retail and industrial applications. Magellan 1400i the Magellan 1400i readers are a presentation scanner featuring a unique approach to imaging technology by using digital scan patterns for omnidirectional reading. the 1400i elevates performance even higher by providing standard support for pDF417 and Data Matrix label decoding along with image capture support, a larger scan volume and a longer depth-of-field. it also autodiscriminates between 2D and 1D bar codes.

PowerScan 8500 Series the powerScan 8500 series of readers are industrial handheld 2D megapixel imagers capable of outstanding performance in all conditions. Datalogic Scannings powerScan readers are the top rated industrial handheld data collection products on the market. the powerScan brand of products continues to offer the ultimate solution for demanding industrial applications. the powerScan pD8500 and pM8500 readers offer omnidirectional reading of 1D and 2D bar codes as well as the capability of multiple code reading in a single read.

Magellan 3200VSi / 3300HSi the Magellan 3200VSi/3300hSi scanners bring new imaging technology to the high-volume point-of-sale. these two readers are the first scanners to duplicate the speed and wide field-of-view of high-performance omnidirectional laser scanners while adding the benefits associated with imaging. the imaging technology provides outstanding performance when capturing hard-toread bar codes and provides support for both linear (1D) and 2D label decoding. Both of these imagers achieve new levels of product reliability by utilizing a solidstate design that does not require the use of motors, ensuring years of worryfree operation.

Gryphon I 4400 Series the Gryphon i 4400 Series of 2D imagers blend advanced reading technology with the ability to detect the natural actions of the operator to produce outstanding performance. with models and options to meet the most demanding data collection needs, the Gryphon 4400 series offer both corded and cordelss models for 1D and 2D reading. the Gryphon 4400 2D readers also feature Datalogics Motionix motion-sensing technology, which enables the scanner to intuitively switch into handheld mode when the device is picked up for seamless reading transitions. this series offers a variety of models including cordless versions featuring Bluetooth wireless technology and Datalogics Star Cordless System. Corded versions include a Desk model, an all-in-One model with a permanently attached base and healthcare models to complete the suite.

PowerScan 7000 2D the powerScan 7000 2D readers are Datalogic Scannings value line of rugged industrial handheld data collection products. the powerScan 7000 2D linear corded imager is ideal for commercial and tough industrial applications. the 7000 2D reader supports decoding for standard 1D bar codes, stacked 2D labels and composites as well as matrix 2D labels. it is also able to capture signatures or images of objects. Featuring fast omnidirectional scanning and a large depth-of-field, it speeds up the scanning operation. a built-in metal tether hook for suspended applications ensures workplace productivity.

Magellan 1100i the Magellan 1100i readers are ideal for use in retail and office applications. it offers standard support for the most popular linear and GS1 DataBar codes as well as optional 2D label decoding in a single device, simplifying the point of service environment and reducing the total system cost. this reader introduces illumix intelligent illumination technology which allows the scanner to read bar codes from mobile phones, pDas and computer screens, as well as provide incredible motion tolerance.

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2009-2011 Datalogic Scanning, Inc. All rights reserved. Protected to the fullest extent under U.S. and international laws. Copying, or altering of this document is prohibited without express written consent from Datalogic Scanning, inc. Datalogic and the Datalogic logo are registered trademarks of Datalogic S.p.A. in many countries, including the U.S.A. and the E.U. Magellan, PowerScan and QuickScan are registered trademarks of Datalogic Scanning, Inc. in many countries, including the U.S.A. and the E.U. Gryphon is a trademark of Datalogic Scanning, Inc. All other brand and product names are trademarks of their respective owners. Product specifications are subject to change without notice. Reasonable measures were taken to ensure that the information provided is complete and accurate at the time of publication. Datalogic Scanning is not responsible for errors of omission or inaccuracies, as material becomes dated shortly following publication.

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