Aztec Code Reader
With the Scanbot Aztec Code Scanner SDK, you can integrate fast barcode scanning into your mobile app. Turn any iOS, Android, or Windows device into a flexible scanning tool and enjoy its ease of use and incredible versatility!
Definition
Aztec Code is a two-dimensional barcode symbology. It is named after its pattern, which resembles an Aztec pyramid from a top-down view.
- Two-dimensional barcode, standardized in ISO/IEC 24778
- Freely available under US patent number 5591956
- Can store over 3,000 characters in up to 32 layers
- High data density and fault tolerance
History
Aztec Code was invented by Andrew Longacre and Robert Hussey in 1995 while they were working at Welch Allyn, a medical device company in the United States. It was standardized in 1996 after gaining international recognition and is now included in the ISO/IEC 24778:2008 standard. It is continuously adapting to new technologies and applications, particularly in areas such as digital identity and supply chain management.
Applications
Thanks to its compact size, high data capacity, and error correction capabilities, the Aztec Code is often used in the transportation industry. It can store a significant amount of information in a small space, which makes it particularly suitable for electronic ticketing in air and rail transport. Lufthansa airline tickets contain this code, as do Deutsche Bahn tickets. The International Union of Railways (UIC) has chosen the Aztec Code as its standard for ticketing. Additionally, Aztec Codes are used in the healthcare sector, notably on patient identification bracelets.
Benefits
Aztec Code offers several benefits that make it popular in various industries. It can store a large amount of information in a compact space and doesn’t require a Quiet Zone. In addition, it can be scaled to different sizes, all of this making it ideal for applications where space is limited. Aztec Codes can be scanned from any direction, even with mobile phones, allowing for quick and efficient scanning. They are able to encode numeric, alphanumeric, and binary data and can be printed on various surfaces and materials, making them highly versatile.
Efficient, adjustable, versatile: The Aztec Barcode Scanner SDK
With the Scanbot Aztec Barcode Scanner SDK, you’ll be able to…
- Read Aztec Codes with smartphones
- Eliminate the costs of dedicated imager scanners
- Turn mobile devices into intelligent multi-tools with access to your servers
- Implement Aztec Code scanning within a few hours – short time-to-value
- Scan accurately, even codes with only 20% background contrast
FAQ
Aztec Code vs QR Code: Where is the difference?
Even though they look quite similar to the untrained eye, there are significant differences between Aztec and QR Codes. Both may have a pixel matrix, but the Aztec code bears its marker in the middle, which makes it look like an Aztec pyramid from above, while the QR code has markers in the corners. Compared to QR codes, Aztec codes are more compact and flexible in size, which makes them perfect for restricted spaces.