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Encyclopedia > PDF417

PDF417 is a 2-dimensional barcode (also known as matrix code) used in a variety of applications, including Transport, Identification cards, and Inventory management. It is best suited for cases where information needs to move with an item or document. PDF stands for Portable Data File. The PDF417 format was developed by Symbol Technologies, and has spawned an Open Source decoder project[1] together with an Open Source encoder[2]. Image File history File links Broom_icon. ... PDF417 Barcode created with kbarcode File links The following pages link to this file: PDF417 Categories: GFDL images ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... A matrix code, also known as a 2D barcode, is a two-dimensional way of representing information. ... In business management, inventory consists of a list of goods and materials held available in stock. ... To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ...

Contents

Format

The PDF417 barcode (also called a symbol) consists of several (minimum 3, maximum 90) rows, each of which is like a small linear barcode. Each row has:

  • a quiet zone. This is a mandated minimum amount of white space before the barcode begins.
  • a start pattern which identifies the type of symbol as PDF417. Every type of bar code symbology has a unique start and stop pattern.
  • a "row left" codeword containing information about the row (such as row number and what error correction rate the row is using)
    • 1 - 30 data codewords : Codewords are a group of bars and spaces representing one or more numbers, letters, or other symbols.
    • All rows have the same number of codewords.
    • Every codeword contains four bars and four spaces (where the 4 in the name comes from).
    • The total width of a codeword is 17 times the width of the narrowest allowed vertical bar (the X dimension). This is where the 17 in the name comes from.
    • Each codeword starts with a bar and ends with a space.
    • There are 929 codewords to choose from, 900 for data, and 29 for special functions.
    • Each codeword is printed using one of three distinct clusters:
      • A cluster is a bar-space pattern for each of the 929 codewords
      • no bar-space pattern is repeated between clusters
      • The row number determines which cluster to use
      • the cluster is the same for all codewords in a row.
      • The purpose of clusters is to determine which row (mod 3) the codeword is in, allowing the scan to be skewed from the horizontal. For instance, the scan might start on row 6 at the start of the row, and be on row 10 at the end.
  • a "row right" codeword with more information about the row.
  • a stop pattern.
  • a quiet zone.

This symbology is used by stamps.com to generate postage accepted by the United States Postal Service. Screenshot from www. ... A selection of Hong Kong postage stamps A postage stamp is evidence of pre-paying a fee for postal services. ... The United States Postal Service (USPS) is an independent establishment of the executive branch of the United States Government (see 39 U.S.C. Â§ 201) responsible for providing postal service in the United States. ...


For more details, see [3]. The official standard for PDF417 is available at [4] and at [5]. Note that although it is in the public domain, a fee is charged to purchase[6] the standard. The public domain comprises the body of all creative works and other knowledge—writing, artwork, music, science, inventions, and others—in which no person or organization has any proprietary interest. ...


Features

  • More storage of data than linear (1-dimensional) barcodes. PDF417 barcodes can store up to 2710 characters
  • Error correction. The PDF417 code can detect and correct erasures, smudges, misprints and other errors, with a configurable amount of redundancy
  • Data compaction. Several schemes are defined for representation of certain types of data in a smaller space.
  • Fast reading. It is not significantly slower than reading a linear barcode
  • Linking. PDF417 symbols can link to other symbols which are scanned in sequence allowing even more data to be stored.
  • Cross-row scanning. This means that a barcode scanner doesn't need to read the symbol in an exactly horizontal pattern.
  • Bi-directionally decodable. The symbols can be scanned from either the top or the bottom equally easily.
  • User-specified dimensions. The user can decide how wide the narrowest vertical bar (X dimension) is, and how tall the rows are (Y dimension).
  • Public domain format. Anyone can implement systems using this format without any license.

A barcode reader (or barcode scanner) is a computer peripheral for reading barcodes printed on various surfaces. ... It has been suggested that Licensing (strategic alliance) be merged into this article or section. ...

See also

Semacode of the URL for Wikipedias page on Semacode Semacode is a trade name for machine-readable two-dimensional black and white symbols that act as barcode URLs. ...

External links


  Results from FactBites:
 
PDF417 Barcode FAQ and Tutorial (2895 words)
The PDF417 barcode is usually printed at an X to Y ratio of 1:2 to 1:5.
The implementation of PDF417 as a font consists of both the encoder and the font.
The source code for printing PDF417 directly from Visual Basic, a C++ DLL or Java can be supplied with the purchase of 3 Developer Licenses and a signed source code license agreement.
PDF417 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (627 words)
PDF417 is a 2-dimensional barcode (also known as matrix code) used in a variety of applications, including Transport, Identification cards, and Inventory management.
The PDF417 format was developed by Symbol Technologies, and has spawned an Open Source decoder project[1] together with an Open Source encoder[2].
PDF417 symbols can link to other symbols which are scanned in sequence allowing even more data to be stored.
  More results at FactBites »

 

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