Omniplanar's MINICODE symbology combines an easy to read "license plate" with a high density "data file" on a small label.

Only MINICODE takes advantage of the fact that most bar coding applications repeatedly scan a small amount of data stored on a label. MINICODE can do this fast and cost effectively, while also storing large amounts of additional information. All other high density labels (PDF417, Code 1, MaxiCode, etc.) force you to read all of the data on a label, even if you only need a portion. MINICODE super imposes the high density "data file" on top of the easy to read "license plate".

MINICODE is designed for easy and reliable omnidirectional reading using 2-dimensional scanning technology such as hand held 2-D CCD, conveyor belt CCD, and page scanners. Because MINICODE symbols can be concatenated to encode arbitrary length alphanumeric messages, MINICODE is ideally suited to the shipping and receiving, sortation and tracking, and EDI applications.

License Plate (Short Message) Examples:
Part numbers
Patient IDs Zip codes
Tracking numbers

Data File (Long Message) Examples:
Address Environmental info
Contents Serial Numbers
Manufacturer Patient History

MINICODE encodes a license plate and a datafile using two different size of squares. The license plate is encoded using large squares (called cells), while the datafile is encoded using small squares (called subcells). The subcells are superimposed on the cells. The cells and subcells are black or white.

The cells of a MINICODE symbol are arranged in a 15 by 15 array called a tile. One bit of license plate information is encoded by the color (black or white) of each cell. The center 5 by 5 group of cells is dedicated to a finder pattern. A symbol encodes 200 bits of information of license plate information.

For more information visit www.omniplanar.com.