Aztec Code Reader

What is an Aztec code?

The Aztec code is a two-dimensional (2D) barcode named for its unique pattern resembling an Aztec pyramid when viewed from above. They were introduced by Andrew Longacre Jr. and Robert Hussey in 1995.

Defined in the ISO/IEC 24778 standard, Aztec barcodes support any ASCII character in up to 32 data layers. They come in three different types:

Aztec codes do not require a quiet zone, making them more space-efficient than some other two-dimensional barcodes. Additionally, they can be read in any direction and even when mirrored, because of their central target design.

Structure and components

An Aztec code consists of the following components:

• Finder pattern: A central bulls-eye pattern (9×9 or 13×13 pixels) that helps locate the symbol.
• Mode message: This encodes information about the number of layers and data codewords. It is located in the same layer as the orientation pattern.
• Orientation pattern: Corner markers that determine the code’s orientation (even if rotated or mirrored).
• Reference grid: This grid helps barcode readers maintain alignment over large symbols (full Aztec codes, specifically). It consists of alternating black and white pixels in every 16th row and column.
• Data layers: Up to 32 layers storing encoded information and check characters. They are read in a clockwise direction and start next to the first orientation pattern.

Special symbols

Aztec codes support special symbols like FNC1 and ECI to enhance their functionality:

• FNC1 is used to indicate compliance with GS1 standards, commonly seen in product barcodes, and is encoded as “\f” in the data.
• ECI (Extended Channel Interpretation) specifies the character set to be used, such as UTF-8 or ISO 8859-1, and is encoded as “\e[number]”.

Error detection and correction

Aztec codes use the Reed-Solomon error correction to generate check codewords. The number of check codewords is determined based on the symbol size and capacity. The EC level is highly customizable, ranging from 5% to 95%, with a default “Auto” setting providing 23% error correction plus three additional check codewords.

The size of the Reed-Solomon codewords used for error correction varies from 6 to 12 bits, depending on the number of layers in the Aztec barcode.

Applications of Aztec codes

Transportation

Aztec barcodes are integral to electronic ticketing in air and rail travel, offering space efficiency and high data capacity. They are the International Union of Railways (UIC) standard for railway ticketing. Companies like Lufthansa and Deutsche Bahn rely on the code’s accuracy and compact design.

Healthcare

In the healthcare sector, Aztec codes ensure accurate patient identification on wristbands and medical devices, meeting stringent regulatory requirements

Supply chain and logistics

These codes streamline inventory tracking and supply chain operations, offering scalability and reliability for government agencies and private companies alike.

Digital identity

Aztec barcodes are increasingly used for secure digital identity verification due to their high capacity, advanced error correction, and ability to handle less space on printed materials.

Advantages of Aztec codes

• Compact size: Store large amounts of information in less space without requiring a Quiet zone.
• Error correction: High fault tolerance ensures readability even if the code is damaged or distorted.
• High-density: Aztec code barcodes are approximately 30 times smaller than Code 39 encoding the same information.
• Scalability: Encodes numeric, alphanumeric, and binary data, making it adaptable to diverse use cases.
• Versatility: Scannable in a clockwise direction or from any other angle on various surfaces or materials.

Why choose the Scanbot SDK for Aztec code scanning?

The Scanbot Barcode Reader SDK is designed to handle the unique challenges of scanning Aztec barcodes in real-world conditions.

What sets us apart:

• Exceptional performance: Reliably decodes even damaged or dense Aztec codes and other matrix barcodes.
• High-speed scanning: Reads Aztec code barcodes in as little as 0.04 seconds.
• Cross-platform compatibility: Easily integrate with Android, iOS, cross-platform, web, Windows, and Linux platforms.
• Customizable UI: Customize the ready-to-use components to match your app or website design.
• Privacy-first: Operates offline for complete data security.

Whether your use case involves Aztec barcodes, QR codes, or any other barcode, the Scanbot SDK delivers the accuracy, speed, and reliability you need to succeed.

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