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MaxiCode is apublic-domain, machine-readable symbol system developed by Donald Chandler and Eric Batterman forUnited Parcel Service (UPS) in 1987.[1][2][3] Designed for tracking and managing package shipments, it resembles anAztec Code orQR code but uses dots in ahexagonal grid instead ofsquare grid. It is standardized underISO/IEC 16023.[4][5]
A MaxiCode symbol—also called "Bird's Eye", "Target", "dense code", or "UPS code"—is a 1-inch square with a centralbullseye surrounded by hexagonal dots. It stores about 93 characters, and up to 8 symbols can be linked to carry more data. The symmetrical bullseye aids in fast, accurate scanning, even on moving packages.
MaxiCode symbols using modes 2 and 3 include aStructured Carrier Message containing key information about a package. This information is protected with a strongReed–Solomon error correction code, allowing it to be read even if a portion of the symbol is damaged. These fields include:
The structured portion of the message is stored in the inner area of the symbol, near the bull's-eye pattern. (In modes that do not include a structured portion, the inner area simply stores the beginning of the message.)
Irrespective of mode, a variable amount of application-specific information can be encoded in a MaxiCode symbol. This format of this additional data is not strictly defined, and amongst other information may include:
UPS labels use Mode 2 or 3 MaxiCodes.
| Linear barcodes | ||
|---|---|---|
| Post office barcodes | ||
| 2D barcodes (stacked) | ||
| 2D barcodes (matrix) | ||
| Polar coordinate barcodes | ||
| Other | ||
| Technological issues | ||
| Other data tags | ||
| Related topics | ||
