Question

Research and discuss the similarities and dissimilarities between three types of bar codes. Include in your research/discussion the matrix bar code used by United Parcel Service. Comment on the types of information and the amount of information that can be stored in the bar code. Your comments should be 100 words minimum and include a citation.

Answer 1

Similarities and dissimilarities between three types of bar codes:

• Barcodes are 1-Dimensional, 2-Dimensional and 3-Dimensional
• 1D barcodes systematically represent data by varying the widths and spacings of parallel lines, 2D barcodes systematically represent data using two-dimensional symbols and shapes. bars in a 3D barcode are read by a scanner that reads the differences in the height of each line, using a laser
• 3D barcodes surpass 2D barcodes in data storage, capacity till 1.8 Mb, while 2D barcodes can represent more data per unit area compared to 1D barcodes
• 1D barcodes include traditional barcodes (like UPC , EAN), while 2D barcodes include some newer barcode types (like QR code, AZTEC). 3D barcodes include microscopic barcodes
• Barcodes differ in simplicity-to-create and respectively ease-to-read from 1-D to 3-D in Descending order
• 3D barcodes are most secured and provide unadulterated authenticity
• 3D barcodes are engraved directly on product’s surface, rather than simply labelled like 1-D or 2-D barcodes

Matrix bar code used by United Parcel Service:

• used to label small products
• they have high fault tolerance and fast readability
• encodes text or raw data in a pattern of black and white square modules, hence ease of use and read
• has high data density, can store data up to 2KB

Types of information and the amount of information that can be stored in the bar code:

• Different barcodes stored different kinds of data such as photographs, fingerprints, signatures, text, numbers, and graphics
• Some barcodes like PDF417 can hold over 1.1 kilobytes of data or 3D barcodes till 1.8Mb
• Can support different modes of data: numeric, alphanumeric, byte/binary, and Kanji