ISO/IEC 16023:2000
(Main)Information technology — International symbology specification — MaxiCode
Information technology — International symbology specification — MaxiCode
This specification defines the requirements for the symbology known as MaxiCode. MaxiCode is a fixed-size matrix symbology which is made up of offset rows of hexagonal modules arranged around a unique finder pattern. This specification specifies the MaxiCode symbology characteristics, data character encodation, symbol formats, dimensions and print quality requirements, error correction rules, decoding algorithm, and user-selectable application parameters. MaxiCode includes special encodation modes for use in destination sortation symbols by carriers in the transport industry.
Technologies de l'information — Spécification internationale des symboles — MaxiCode
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INTERNATIONAL ISO/IEC
STANDARD 16023
First edition
2000-05-01
Information technology — International
symbology specification — MaxiCode
Technologies de l'information — Spécification internationale des
symboles — MaxiCode
Reference number
ISO/IEC 16023:2000(E)
©
ISO/IEC 2000
---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
ISO/IEC 16023:2000(E)
PDF disclaimer
This PDF file may contain embedded typefaces. In accordance with Adobe's licensing policy, this file may be printed or viewed but shall not
be edited unless the typefaces which are embedded are licensed to and installed on the computer performing the editing. In downloading this
file, parties accept therein the responsibility of not infringing Adobe's licensing policy. The ISO Central Secretariat accepts no liability in this
area.
Adobe is a trademark of Adobe Systems Incorporated.
Details of the software products used to create this PDF file can be found in the General Info relative to the file; the PDF-creation parameters
were optimized for printing. Every care has been taken to ensure that the file is suitable for use by ISO member bodies. In the unlikely event
that a problem relating to it is found, please inform the Central Secretariat at the address given below.
© ISO/IEC 2000
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic
or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without permission in writing from either ISO at the address below or ISO's member body
in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
Case postale 56 � CH-1211 Geneva 20
Tel. + 41 22 749 01 11
Fax + 41 22 734 10 79
E-mail copyright@iso.ch
Web www.iso.ch
Printed in Switzerland
ii © ISO/IEC 2000 – All rights reserved
---------------------- Page: 2 ----------------------
ISO/IEC 16023:2000(E)
Contents
Introduction . 1
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative References . 1
3 Definitions and Mathematical Symbols . 1
3.1 Definitions . 1
3.1.1 Codeword . 1
3.1.2 Extended Channel Interpretation (ECI) . 1
3.1.3 Mode Indicator . 1
3.1.4 Module. 2
3.2 Mathematical Symbols and Operations . 2
4 Requirements . 2
4.1 Symbology Characteristics . 2
4.1.1 Basic Characteristics . 2
4.1.2 Summary of Additional Features . 3
4.2 Symbol Description . 4
4.2.1 Symbol Structure . 4
4.2.2 Symbol Character and Module Sequence . 5
4.3 General Encodation Procedures . 6
4.4 Character Assignments . 7
4.4.1 Codeword Representation . 7
4.4.2 Default Character Interpretation . 7
4.4.3 Code Sets . 7
4.4.4 Symbology Control Characters . 8
4.5 User Considerations for Encoding Data in a MaxiCode Symbol . 9
4.5.1 User Selection of Error Correction Level . 9
4.5.2 User Selection of Mode . 9
4.5.3 User Selection of Extended Channel Interpretation . 10
4.5.4 User Selection of Structured Append .10
4.5.5 User Assessment of Encodation Capacity . 10
4.6 Extended Channel Interpretation . 10
4.6.1 ECI and Modes 2 and 3 . 10
4.6.2 Encodation Modes and ECIs . 10
4.6.3 Encoding ECIs in MaxiCode . 11
4.6.4 ECIs and Structured Append . 11
4.6.5 Post-Decode Protocol . 11
4.7 Message Structure . 11
4.7.1 Primary Message . 11
4.7.2 Secondary Message . 11
4.7.3 Structuring the Data . 12
4.8 Modes . 12
4.8.1 Mode 0: Obsolete . 12
4.8.2 Mode 1: Obsolete . 12
4.8.3 Modes 2 and 3: Structured Carrier Message . 12
4.8.4 Mode 4: Standard Symbol . 13
4.8.5 Mode 5: Full EEC. 13
4.8.6 Mode 6: Reader Programming . 13
4.8.7 Mode Indicators . 13
© ISO/IEC 2000 – All rights reserved iii
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ISO/IEC 16023:2000(E)
4.9 Structured Append . 13
4.9.1 Basic Principles . 13
4.9.2 Structured Append and Modes 2 and 3 . 13
4.9.3 Structured Append in Modes 4 to 6 . 14
4.9.4 Buffered and Unbuffered Operation .14
4.10 Error Detection and Correction . 14
4.10.1 Enhanced Error Correction (EEC) in the Primary Message . 14
4.10.2 Error Correction in the Secondary Message . 14
4.10.3 Generating the Error Correction Codewords . 14
4.10.4 Error Correction Capacity . 15
4.11 Dimensions . 15
4.11.1 Symbol Dimensions . 15
4.11.2 Hexagonal Module Dimensions . 15
4.11.3 Dark Hexagon Dimensions and Tolerances . 16
4.11.4 Finder Pattern Dimensions . 16
4.11.5 Quiet Zones . 17
4.11.6 Overall Symbol Size . 17
4.11.7 Practical Printing Guidance . 17
4.12 User Guidelines . 17
4.12.1 Human Readable Interpretation . 17
4.12.2 Autodiscrimination Capability . 17
4.13 Symbol Quality . 17
4.13.1 Obtaining the Test Image . 17
4.13.2 Symbol Quality Parameters . 17
4.13.3 Overall Symbol Grade . 19
4.13.4 Process Control Measurements . 19
4.14 Reference Decode Algorithm . 19
4.15 Transmitted Data . 22
4.15.1 Basic Interpretation . 22
4.15.2 Protocol for Extended Channel Interpretation . 22
4.15.3 Symbology Identifier . 22
4.15.4 Transmitted Data Example . 23
Annexe A (Normative) . 24
MaxiCode Basic Character Encodation: Default Character Set . 24
Annexe B (Normative) . 26
Mode 2 and Mode 3: Structured Carrier Message . 26
B.1 The Structure of the Primary Message . 26
B.2 Modes 2 and 3 Messages Beginning with "[)>RS01GS" . 27
B.2.1 Encoding . 27
B.2.2 Decoding . 27
B.3 Modes 2 and 3 Messages Not Beginning with "[)>RS01GS" . 28
B.3.1 Encoding . 28
B.3.2 Decoding . 28
B.4 Modes 2 and 3 and Structured Append . 28
B.4.1 Encoding Considerations . 28
B.4.2 Decoding Considerations . 28
Annexe C (Normative) . 29
iv © ISO/IEC 2000 – All rights reserved
---------------------- Page: 4 ----------------------
ISO/IEC 16023:2000(E)
2D Matrix Bar Code Print Quality - Guideline . 29
C.1 Obtaining the Test Image . 29
C.2 Assessing Symbol Parameters . 29
C.2.1 Decode . 29
C.2.2 Symbol Contrast . 30
C.2.3 “Print” Growth . 30
C.2.4 Grid Nonuniformity . 30
C.2.5 Unused Error Correction . 31
C.3 Overall Symbol Grade . 31
Annexe D (Normative) . 31
Error Correction Algorithm . 31
Annexe E (Normative) . 32
Symbology Identifiers . 32
Annexe F (Informative) . 32
Use of Numeric Shift, Shift , Latch, and Lock-In Characters . 32
F.1 Numeric Shift . 32
F.2 Switching from Code Set A to Code Set B . 33
F.3 Switching from Code Set B to Code Set A . 33
F.4 Using Lock-In to Latch to Code Sets C, D or E . 33
F.5 Illustrative Example . 33
Annexe G (Informative) . 34
User Assessment of Encodation Capacity . 34
Annexe H (Informative) . 35
A MaxiCode Encoding Example . 35
Annexe J (Informative) . 38
Practical Printing Considerations . 38
J.1 12 dots per Millimeter . 38
J.2 8 dots per Millimeter . 39
J.3 Generic Rules for Other Pixel Sizes . 40
J.4 Determining the Hexagon Font for a Given Dot Pitch . 40
Annexe K (Informative) . 41
Autodiscrimination Compatibility . 41
Annexe L (Informative) . 42
Useful Process Control Techniques . 42
L.1 Symbol Contrast . 42
L.2 Symbol Size . 42
L.2.1 Checking Print Growth . 42
L.2.2 Checking Finder Position and Orientation Patterns . 42
L.2.3 Checking Overall Symbol Size . 42
L.3 Symbol Distortion . 43
L.4 Print Growth and Defects . 43
© ISO/IEC 2000 – All rights reserved v
---------------------- Page: 5 ----------------------
ISO/IEC 16023:2000(E)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) and IEC (the International Electrotechnical Commission)
form the specialized system for worldwide standardization. National bodies that are members of ISO or IEC
participate in the development of International Standards through technical committees established by the
respective organization to deal with particular fields of technical activity. ISO and IEC technical committees
collaborate in fields of mutual interest. Other international organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in
liaison with ISO and IEC, also take part in the work.
International Standards are drafted in accordance with the rules given in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 3.
In the field of information technology, ISO and IEC have established a joint technical committee, ISO/IEC JTC 1.
Draft International Standards adopted by the joint technical committee are circulated to national bodies for voting.
Publication as an International Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the national bodies casting a vote.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this International Standard may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO and IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
International Standard ISO/IEC 16023 was prepared by Joint Technical Committee ISO/IEC JTC 1, Information
technology, Subcommittee SC 31, Automatic identification and data capture techniques.
International Standard ISO/IEC 16023 was prepared by AIM International (as ANSI/AIM BC10) and was adopted,
under a special “fast-track procedure”, by Joint Technical Committee ISO/IEC JTC 1, Information technology,in
parallel with its approval by national bodies of ISO and IEC.
Annexes A to E form a normative part of this International Standard. Annexes F to L are for information only.
vi © ISO/IEC 2000 – All rights reserved
---------------------- Page: 6 ----------------------
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO/IEC 16023:2000(E)
Information technology — International symbology
specification — MaxiCode
ISO/IEC
Introduction
8859-1 Information Processing - 8-bit
MaxiCode is a fixed-size matrix symbology which is
Single-byte Coded Graphic
made up of offset rows of hexagonal modules
Character Sets - Part 1 (Latin
arranged around a unique finder pattern.
Alphabet Number 1)
Manufacturers of bar code equipment and users
Guideline on Mode 0 for MaxiCode - AIM USA
of the technology require publicly available standard
ECI Assignments Document - AIM International.
symbology specifications to which they can refer
when developing equipment and application
standards. The publication of Symbology
3 Definitions and Mathematical
Specifications is designed to achieve this.
Symbols
1 Scope
3.1 Definitions
This specification defines the requirements for the
For the purposes of this Standard the following
symbology known as MaxiCode. It specifies the
definitions in EN1556 (Terminology) shall apply:
MaxiCode symbology characteristics, data character
encodation, symbol formats, dimensions and print
algorithm, application standard, ASCII,
quality requirements, error correction rules,
autodiscrimination, binary, bit, CCD, code page,
decoding algorithm, and user-selectable application
code set, data character, data codeword, data
parameters.
region, data separator character, decode
algorithm, decoder, error correction, finder
2 Normative References pattern, human readable character, latch
character, leading zeros, matrix symbology,
This specification incorporates provisions from other
modulo, numeric, omnidirectional, orientation
publications. These normative references are cited
pattern, overhead, pad character, pixel, quiet
at the appropriate places in the text and the
zone, reference decode algorithm, Reed-
publications are listed below. The latest edition of
Solomon error correction, scanner, shift
the publication referred to applies.
characters, structured append, symbol character,
symbology, symbology identifier, X-dimension
EN796 Bar Coding : Symbology Identifiers
The following definitions also apply to this
EN1556 Bar Coding : Terminology
specification. Although some of the terms below are
defined in EN1556, the definitions which follow
ANSI
below are more appropriate for this specification.
X3.182 Bar Code Print Quality - Guideline
(Same as EN1635 - Bar Coding :
3.1.1 Codeword
Test Specifications for Bar Code
A symbol character value. An intermediate level of
Symbols)
coding between source data and the graphical
encodation in the symbol.
ANSI
X3.4 Coded Character Sets - 7-bit
3.1.2 Extended Channel Interpretation (ECI)
American National Standard Code
A protocol used by some symbologies that allows
for Information Interchange (7-bit
the output data stream to have interpretations other
ASCII)
than that of the default character set.
(equivalent to the US national
version of ISO 646)
3.1.3 Mode Indicator
A group of modules, in MaxiCode, used to define
ISO 3166 Codes for the Representation on
the symbol structure, for example to specify the level
Names of Countries
of error correction employed in the symbol.
© ISO/IEC 2000 – All rights reserved 1
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ISO/IEC 16023:2000(E)
3.1.4 Module ii. values 128-255 in accordance with ISO
A single cell in a matrix symbology used to encode 8859-1: Latin Alphabet No. 1
one bit of data. In MaxiCode the module is a regular
hexagonal shape. 2. Numeric compaction allows 9 digits to be
compacted in six codewords.
3. Various symbology control characters, for
3.2 Mathematical Symbols and Operations
code switching and other control purposes,
For the purposes of this specification the
are included.
mathematical symbols which follow shall apply:
b. Codeword set:
c codeword
H vertical distance from the center of a module
6
1. The codeword set of 64 (2 ) values is used
in the top row to the center of a module in the
as an intermediate encodation layer
bottom row
between the data characters and symbol
L distance from the center of the left-most
characters. The codewords form the basis
module to the center of the right-most
for error correction calculations.
module in the top row
m message character
2. The codewords have the values 0-63;
n total number of data codewords
000000 to 111111 in binary notation.
s symbol character
Within each symbol character the most
V vertical height of a module
significant bit is the lowest numbered
W center to center distance between adjacent
module as shown in Figures 1 and 5.
modules
X horizontal width of a module
c. Representation of codewords in a MaxiCode
Y vertical distance from the center line of
symbol:
modules in one row to the center line of
modules in an adjacent row
1. Each codeword is represented by 6 modules
which are hexagonal in shape.
For the purposes of this specification the
mathematical operations which follow shall apply:
2. Information is represented in each module
as a binary bit. A dark module is a one and
div is the integer division operator
a light module is a zero.
mod is the integer remainder after division
3. Generally the six modules are arranged in
three rows of two modules, each ordered
4 Requirements
from upper right to lower left. Figure 1
4.1 Symbology Characteristics
identifies the modules of a typical symbol
4.1.1 Basic Characteristics
character.
MaxiCode is a matrix symbology with the following
basic characteristics:
4. Because of the structure of the MaxiCode
symbol, symbol characters 1 - 9 and 137 -
a. Encodable character set:
144 have a different arrangement (See
Figure 4).
1. The default character set allows 256
international characters to be encoded:
i. values 0-127, in accordance with ANSI
X3.4, i.e. all 128 ASCII characters
2 © ISO/IEC 2000 – All rights reserved
---------------------- Page: 8 ----------------------
ISO/IEC 16023:2000(E)
f. Error correction:
50 or 66 codewords per MaxiCode symbol.
1
2 1 2
g. Code type: matrix
MSB
MSB
h. Orientation independence: Yes
43 4
3
6 6 4.1.2 Summary of Additional Features
5
5
LSB LSB
The following summary is of additional features
which are inherent or optional in MaxiCode:
LSB = Leas
...
INTERNATIONAL ISO/IEC
STANDARD 16023
First edition
2000-05-01
Information technology — International
symbology specification — MaxiCode
Technologies de l'information — Spécification internationale des
symboles — MaxiCode
Reference number
ISO/IEC 16023:2000(E)
©
ISO/IEC 2000
---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
ISO/IEC 16023:2000(E)
PDF disclaimer
This PDF file may contain embedded typefaces. In accordance with Adobe's licensing policy, this file may be printed or viewed but shall not
be edited unless the typefaces which are embedded are licensed to and installed on the computer performing the editing. In downloading this
file, parties accept therein the responsibility of not infringing Adobe's licensing policy. The ISO Central Secretariat accepts no liability in this
area.
Adobe is a trademark of Adobe Systems Incorporated.
Details of the software products used to create this PDF file can be found in the General Info relative to the file; the PDF-creation parameters
were optimized for printing. Every care has been taken to ensure that the file is suitable for use by ISO member bodies. In the unlikely event
that a problem relating to it is found, please inform the Central Secretariat at the address given below.
© ISO/IEC 2000
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic
or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without permission in writing from either ISO at the address below or ISO's member body
in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
Case postale 56 � CH-1211 Geneva 20
Tel. + 41 22 749 01 11
Fax + 41 22 734 10 79
E-mail copyright@iso.ch
Web www.iso.ch
Printed in Switzerland
ii © ISO/IEC 2000 – All rights reserved
---------------------- Page: 2 ----------------------
ISO/IEC 16023:2000(E)
Contents
Introduction . 1
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative References . 1
3 Definitions and Mathematical Symbols . 1
3.1 Definitions . 1
3.1.1 Codeword . 1
3.1.2 Extended Channel Interpretation (ECI) . 1
3.1.3 Mode Indicator . 1
3.1.4 Module. 2
3.2 Mathematical Symbols and Operations . 2
4 Requirements . 2
4.1 Symbology Characteristics . 2
4.1.1 Basic Characteristics . 2
4.1.2 Summary of Additional Features . 3
4.2 Symbol Description . 4
4.2.1 Symbol Structure . 4
4.2.2 Symbol Character and Module Sequence . 5
4.3 General Encodation Procedures . 6
4.4 Character Assignments . 7
4.4.1 Codeword Representation . 7
4.4.2 Default Character Interpretation . 7
4.4.3 Code Sets . 7
4.4.4 Symbology Control Characters . 8
4.5 User Considerations for Encoding Data in a MaxiCode Symbol . 9
4.5.1 User Selection of Error Correction Level . 9
4.5.2 User Selection of Mode . 9
4.5.3 User Selection of Extended Channel Interpretation . 10
4.5.4 User Selection of Structured Append .10
4.5.5 User Assessment of Encodation Capacity . 10
4.6 Extended Channel Interpretation . 10
4.6.1 ECI and Modes 2 and 3 . 10
4.6.2 Encodation Modes and ECIs . 10
4.6.3 Encoding ECIs in MaxiCode . 11
4.6.4 ECIs and Structured Append . 11
4.6.5 Post-Decode Protocol . 11
4.7 Message Structure . 11
4.7.1 Primary Message . 11
4.7.2 Secondary Message . 11
4.7.3 Structuring the Data . 12
4.8 Modes . 12
4.8.1 Mode 0: Obsolete . 12
4.8.2 Mode 1: Obsolete . 12
4.8.3 Modes 2 and 3: Structured Carrier Message . 12
4.8.4 Mode 4: Standard Symbol . 13
4.8.5 Mode 5: Full EEC. 13
4.8.6 Mode 6: Reader Programming . 13
4.8.7 Mode Indicators . 13
© ISO/IEC 2000 – All rights reserved iii
---------------------- Page: 3 ----------------------
ISO/IEC 16023:2000(E)
4.9 Structured Append . 13
4.9.1 Basic Principles . 13
4.9.2 Structured Append and Modes 2 and 3 . 13
4.9.3 Structured Append in Modes 4 to 6 . 14
4.9.4 Buffered and Unbuffered Operation .14
4.10 Error Detection and Correction . 14
4.10.1 Enhanced Error Correction (EEC) in the Primary Message . 14
4.10.2 Error Correction in the Secondary Message . 14
4.10.3 Generating the Error Correction Codewords . 14
4.10.4 Error Correction Capacity . 15
4.11 Dimensions . 15
4.11.1 Symbol Dimensions . 15
4.11.2 Hexagonal Module Dimensions . 15
4.11.3 Dark Hexagon Dimensions and Tolerances . 16
4.11.4 Finder Pattern Dimensions . 16
4.11.5 Quiet Zones . 17
4.11.6 Overall Symbol Size . 17
4.11.7 Practical Printing Guidance . 17
4.12 User Guidelines . 17
4.12.1 Human Readable Interpretation . 17
4.12.2 Autodiscrimination Capability . 17
4.13 Symbol Quality . 17
4.13.1 Obtaining the Test Image . 17
4.13.2 Symbol Quality Parameters . 17
4.13.3 Overall Symbol Grade . 19
4.13.4 Process Control Measurements . 19
4.14 Reference Decode Algorithm . 19
4.15 Transmitted Data . 22
4.15.1 Basic Interpretation . 22
4.15.2 Protocol for Extended Channel Interpretation . 22
4.15.3 Symbology Identifier . 22
4.15.4 Transmitted Data Example . 23
Annexe A (Normative) . 24
MaxiCode Basic Character Encodation: Default Character Set . 24
Annexe B (Normative) . 26
Mode 2 and Mode 3: Structured Carrier Message . 26
B.1 The Structure of the Primary Message . 26
B.2 Modes 2 and 3 Messages Beginning with "[)>RS01GS" . 27
B.2.1 Encoding . 27
B.2.2 Decoding . 27
B.3 Modes 2 and 3 Messages Not Beginning with "[)>RS01GS" . 28
B.3.1 Encoding . 28
B.3.2 Decoding . 28
B.4 Modes 2 and 3 and Structured Append . 28
B.4.1 Encoding Considerations . 28
B.4.2 Decoding Considerations . 28
Annexe C (Normative) . 29
iv © ISO/IEC 2000 – All rights reserved
---------------------- Page: 4 ----------------------
ISO/IEC 16023:2000(E)
2D Matrix Bar Code Print Quality - Guideline . 29
C.1 Obtaining the Test Image . 29
C.2 Assessing Symbol Parameters . 29
C.2.1 Decode . 29
C.2.2 Symbol Contrast . 30
C.2.3 “Print” Growth . 30
C.2.4 Grid Nonuniformity . 30
C.2.5 Unused Error Correction . 31
C.3 Overall Symbol Grade . 31
Annexe D (Normative) . 31
Error Correction Algorithm . 31
Annexe E (Normative) . 32
Symbology Identifiers . 32
Annexe F (Informative) . 32
Use of Numeric Shift, Shift , Latch, and Lock-In Characters . 32
F.1 Numeric Shift . 32
F.2 Switching from Code Set A to Code Set B . 33
F.3 Switching from Code Set B to Code Set A . 33
F.4 Using Lock-In to Latch to Code Sets C, D or E . 33
F.5 Illustrative Example . 33
Annexe G (Informative) . 34
User Assessment of Encodation Capacity . 34
Annexe H (Informative) . 35
A MaxiCode Encoding Example . 35
Annexe J (Informative) . 38
Practical Printing Considerations . 38
J.1 12 dots per Millimeter . 38
J.2 8 dots per Millimeter . 39
J.3 Generic Rules for Other Pixel Sizes . 40
J.4 Determining the Hexagon Font for a Given Dot Pitch . 40
Annexe K (Informative) . 41
Autodiscrimination Compatibility . 41
Annexe L (Informative) . 42
Useful Process Control Techniques . 42
L.1 Symbol Contrast . 42
L.2 Symbol Size . 42
L.2.1 Checking Print Growth . 42
L.2.2 Checking Finder Position and Orientation Patterns . 42
L.2.3 Checking Overall Symbol Size . 42
L.3 Symbol Distortion . 43
L.4 Print Growth and Defects . 43
© ISO/IEC 2000 – All rights reserved v
---------------------- Page: 5 ----------------------
ISO/IEC 16023:2000(E)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) and IEC (the International Electrotechnical Commission)
form the specialized system for worldwide standardization. National bodies that are members of ISO or IEC
participate in the development of International Standards through technical committees established by the
respective organization to deal with particular fields of technical activity. ISO and IEC technical committees
collaborate in fields of mutual interest. Other international organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in
liaison with ISO and IEC, also take part in the work.
International Standards are drafted in accordance with the rules given in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 3.
In the field of information technology, ISO and IEC have established a joint technical committee, ISO/IEC JTC 1.
Draft International Standards adopted by the joint technical committee are circulated to national bodies for voting.
Publication as an International Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the national bodies casting a vote.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this International Standard may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO and IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
International Standard ISO/IEC 16023 was prepared by Joint Technical Committee ISO/IEC JTC 1, Information
technology, Subcommittee SC 31, Automatic identification and data capture techniques.
International Standard ISO/IEC 16023 was prepared by AIM International (as ANSI/AIM BC10) and was adopted,
under a special “fast-track procedure”, by Joint Technical Committee ISO/IEC JTC 1, Information technology,in
parallel with its approval by national bodies of ISO and IEC.
Annexes A to E form a normative part of this International Standard. Annexes F to L are for information only.
vi © ISO/IEC 2000 – All rights reserved
---------------------- Page: 6 ----------------------
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO/IEC 16023:2000(E)
Information technology — International symbology
specification — MaxiCode
ISO/IEC
Introduction
8859-1 Information Processing - 8-bit
MaxiCode is a fixed-size matrix symbology which is
Single-byte Coded Graphic
made up of offset rows of hexagonal modules
Character Sets - Part 1 (Latin
arranged around a unique finder pattern.
Alphabet Number 1)
Manufacturers of bar code equipment and users
Guideline on Mode 0 for MaxiCode - AIM USA
of the technology require publicly available standard
ECI Assignments Document - AIM International.
symbology specifications to which they can refer
when developing equipment and application
standards. The publication of Symbology
3 Definitions and Mathematical
Specifications is designed to achieve this.
Symbols
1 Scope
3.1 Definitions
This specification defines the requirements for the
For the purposes of this Standard the following
symbology known as MaxiCode. It specifies the
definitions in EN1556 (Terminology) shall apply:
MaxiCode symbology characteristics, data character
encodation, symbol formats, dimensions and print
algorithm, application standard, ASCII,
quality requirements, error correction rules,
autodiscrimination, binary, bit, CCD, code page,
decoding algorithm, and user-selectable application
code set, data character, data codeword, data
parameters.
region, data separator character, decode
algorithm, decoder, error correction, finder
2 Normative References pattern, human readable character, latch
character, leading zeros, matrix symbology,
This specification incorporates provisions from other
modulo, numeric, omnidirectional, orientation
publications. These normative references are cited
pattern, overhead, pad character, pixel, quiet
at the appropriate places in the text and the
zone, reference decode algorithm, Reed-
publications are listed below. The latest edition of
Solomon error correction, scanner, shift
the publication referred to applies.
characters, structured append, symbol character,
symbology, symbology identifier, X-dimension
EN796 Bar Coding : Symbology Identifiers
The following definitions also apply to this
EN1556 Bar Coding : Terminology
specification. Although some of the terms below are
defined in EN1556, the definitions which follow
ANSI
below are more appropriate for this specification.
X3.182 Bar Code Print Quality - Guideline
(Same as EN1635 - Bar Coding :
3.1.1 Codeword
Test Specifications for Bar Code
A symbol character value. An intermediate level of
Symbols)
coding between source data and the graphical
encodation in the symbol.
ANSI
X3.4 Coded Character Sets - 7-bit
3.1.2 Extended Channel Interpretation (ECI)
American National Standard Code
A protocol used by some symbologies that allows
for Information Interchange (7-bit
the output data stream to have interpretations other
ASCII)
than that of the default character set.
(equivalent to the US national
version of ISO 646)
3.1.3 Mode Indicator
A group of modules, in MaxiCode, used to define
ISO 3166 Codes for the Representation on
the symbol structure, for example to specify the level
Names of Countries
of error correction employed in the symbol.
© ISO/IEC 2000 – All rights reserved 1
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ISO/IEC 16023:2000(E)
3.1.4 Module ii. values 128-255 in accordance with ISO
A single cell in a matrix symbology used to encode 8859-1: Latin Alphabet No. 1
one bit of data. In MaxiCode the module is a regular
hexagonal shape. 2. Numeric compaction allows 9 digits to be
compacted in six codewords.
3. Various symbology control characters, for
3.2 Mathematical Symbols and Operations
code switching and other control purposes,
For the purposes of this specification the
are included.
mathematical symbols which follow shall apply:
b. Codeword set:
c codeword
H vertical distance from the center of a module
6
1. The codeword set of 64 (2 ) values is used
in the top row to the center of a module in the
as an intermediate encodation layer
bottom row
between the data characters and symbol
L distance from the center of the left-most
characters. The codewords form the basis
module to the center of the right-most
for error correction calculations.
module in the top row
m message character
2. The codewords have the values 0-63;
n total number of data codewords
000000 to 111111 in binary notation.
s symbol character
Within each symbol character the most
V vertical height of a module
significant bit is the lowest numbered
W center to center distance between adjacent
module as shown in Figures 1 and 5.
modules
X horizontal width of a module
c. Representation of codewords in a MaxiCode
Y vertical distance from the center line of
symbol:
modules in one row to the center line of
modules in an adjacent row
1. Each codeword is represented by 6 modules
which are hexagonal in shape.
For the purposes of this specification the
mathematical operations which follow shall apply:
2. Information is represented in each module
as a binary bit. A dark module is a one and
div is the integer division operator
a light module is a zero.
mod is the integer remainder after division
3. Generally the six modules are arranged in
three rows of two modules, each ordered
4 Requirements
from upper right to lower left. Figure 1
4.1 Symbology Characteristics
identifies the modules of a typical symbol
4.1.1 Basic Characteristics
character.
MaxiCode is a matrix symbology with the following
basic characteristics:
4. Because of the structure of the MaxiCode
symbol, symbol characters 1 - 9 and 137 -
a. Encodable character set:
144 have a different arrangement (See
Figure 4).
1. The default character set allows 256
international characters to be encoded:
i. values 0-127, in accordance with ANSI
X3.4, i.e. all 128 ASCII characters
2 © ISO/IEC 2000 – All rights reserved
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ISO/IEC 16023:2000(E)
f. Error correction:
50 or 66 codewords per MaxiCode symbol.
1
2 1 2
g. Code type: matrix
MSB
MSB
h. Orientation independence: Yes
43 4
3
6 6 4.1.2 Summary of Additional Features
5
5
LSB LSB
The following summary is of additional features
which are inherent or optional in MaxiCode:
LSB = Leas
...
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