Barcode Reader

Interface

Instructions

1. Decode Box Color - select the color of successfully detected and decoded barcodes.

2. Test Box Color - select the color of barcodes there were detected but could not be decoded.

3. Barcode Types - (2D) MaxiCode, (1D) Code 128, UPC-A, UPC-E, EAN-13, EAN-8, Code 39, i2of5, Codabar

MaxiCode is a fixed-size (1.11inch x 1.054 inch nominal) two-dimensional symbology made up offset rows of hexagonal elements around a unique circular finder pattern. A MaxiCode symbol has 884 hexagonal modules arranged in 33 rows with each row containing up to 30 modules. The maximum data capacity for MaxiCode is 93 characters. MaxiCode is used by United Parcel Service (UPS) for package tracking.

While any data can be contained in a MaxiCode the typical UPS MaxiCode contains a Postal code, Country Code and Service mode in addition to a string of text that contains additional information such as street address. Because the MaxiCode has two error correcting modes it is possible to detect the Postal, Country and Service codes without being able to detect the rest of the street address. RoboRealm indicates this situation using the MAXICODE_MESSAGE_RAW variable which provides the rest of the textual information that could not be correctly decoded.

Note that due to the complexity and detail required for a MaxiCode you will need to place the webcam close to the MaxiCode in order to successfully read the code. We recommend a minimum resolution of 640x480 in order to ensure that enough detail is represented in order to decode.

The 1D barcodes are traditionally seen on products that one would typically buy at a store. Most of them include a CRC digit which helps to reduce accidental recognition. Code 39 does NOT have a CRC check and therefore can cause many false matches. In this case you may need to create additional filters prior to the barcode module to isolate just the barcode.

Test MaxiCodes (right click and select "Copy image" to copy these images and paste use CTRL-V to paste into RR)

Variables

MAXICODE_POSTAL_CODE - the zip code destination for the package
MAXICODE_COUNTRY_CODE - the country code (840 for the USA)
MAXICODE_COUNTRY_NAME - the country code expanding into a readable name.
MAXICODE_SERVICE_CLASS - the package service class
MAXICODE_MESSAGE - other information include street address
MAXICODE_MESSAGE_RAW - contains the raw message if it could
  not be decoded correctly

BARCODE - the fist decoded 1D barcode information
BARCODE_X - the X decoded 1D barcode information

See Also

For more information