Data Matrix Bar Coding Font Technology

Data Matrix is a very area efficient 2D (two dimensional) barcode symbology that uses a unique perimeter pattern that helps the barcode scanner determine the cell locations. The cells are made up of square modules. Because it can encode letters, numbers, text and actual bytes of data, it can encode just about anything including extended characters, unicode characters and photos.

The encoding and decoding process of Data Matrix is very complex. To print Data Matrix as a font you will first need to format the data to encode with our Data Matrix encoder. The encoder will return a character string, that when combined with our Data Matrix Font, will create a proper barcode symbol. The encoder is provided as a COM DLL for Windows and a Java Class Library for other operating systems.

Features of the Data Matrix Font and Encoder Package:

• The advanced DataMatrix font uses IDAutomation Vertical Interleaved Technology™ which allows increased throughput and printing at small X dimensions. For example, the Hand Held Products 4410 Imager scanned DataMatrix symbols printed with our DataMatrix font as small as 3 points which is an X dimension of .025CM or 10 mils.
• Compatible with Crystal Reports.
• Custom functions allow an easy method to encode tab and returns between fields in a single symbol.
• Supports ECC200 symbols - ECC200 is the newest version of data matrix and supports advanced encoding error checking and Reed Solomon error correction algorithms. These algorithms allow the recognition of barcodes that are up to 60% damaged.
• Supports Encoding Modes BASE256, C40, TEXT and ASCII.
• Automatic square symbol size selection from 10x10 to 144x144.
• Supports rectangular symbols from 8x18 to 16x48.
• The DLL was created in C++ ATL and has no dependencies.
• The Java Class Library is compatible with JDK 1.1 and above.
• Up to 860 characters can be encoded in a single symbol.
• The Structured Append function allows data to be represented as a sequence of up to 16 Data Matrix symbols. The original data can be reconstructed regardless of the order of the symbols.
• The Extended Channel Interpretation (ECI) mechanism enables characters from other character sets and other data interpretations or industry-specific requirements to be represented.
• Several easy to use components are installed with the Data Matrix Font and Encoder Package, these are as follows:
  • The DataMatrix Encoder for Windows -- an application that provides an easy method for users to create DataMatrix barcodes and print them or paste them into other applications.
  • Crystal Reports UFL -- allows creation of DataMatrix in Crystal Reports.
  • MS Office Macros -- are provided in the following: Word Mail-Merge, Access 97 and Access 2000 macros, however, they can be used in other MS Office applications.
  • The DataMatrix ActiveX DLL -- with this DLL, programmers can use the DataMatrix encoding functions in any development environment that can access a COM DLL. The DLL was created in C++ ATL and has no dependencies.
  • Visual Basic source code to access the DLL -- this is the VB source code used to create the DataMatrix Encoder for Windows.
  • The DataMatrix font -- this is a TrueType font with the name "DMatrix".
• The source code for the Data Matrix DLL or Java Class Library can be revealed with the purchase of 3 Developer Licenses and a signed source code license agreement.
• The Data Matrix DLL supplied also works as an ActiveX Control and may be used in this way when it is not necessary to use a font. A common use for the ActiveX Control is in Microsoft Excel where fonts can cause problems in spreadsheet cells.

Data Matrix Font Specifications
Licensing Agreement

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