DataMatrix Barcode with Rectangle Extension (DMRE) Support

This Symbology is also known as Data Matrix, ECC200, DMRE

This Barcode Symbology is supported by the following Neodynamic products:

Overview

DataMatrix BarcodeDataMatrix is a two-dimensional (2D) barcode symbology which can store from 1 to about 2,000 characters.
DataMatrix ECC200 version supports advanced encoding error checking and correction algorithms (reed-solomon). Those algorithms allow the recognition of barcodes that are up to 60% damaged.

DataMatrix is being used to encode product and serial number information on electrical rating plates; to mark of surgical instruments in Japan; to identify lenses, circuit boards, and other items during manufacturing.

Barcode Professional supports all DataMatrix Formats, ECI (Extended Channel Interpretation), GS1 FNC1, Special functions like Reader Programming, Macro 05/06 and Structured Append symbols. The data represented in the symbol can be compressed using one of following encoding modes:

  • Auto: This mode will automatically switch between Data Matrix code sets to encode the specified value.
  • Ascii: it is used to encode data that mainly contains ASCII characters (0-127).
  • C40: it is used to encode data that mainly contains numeric and upper case characters.
  • Text: it is used to encode data that mainly contains numeric and lower case characters.
  • Base256: it is used to encode 8 bit values.


Sample of a DataMatrix Barcode
Sample of a DataMatrix Barcode

Data Matrix Rectangular Extension a.k.a. DMRE

What is DMRE? In short, it's Data Matrix Code with additional rectangular formats proposed by EHIBCC, IFA. The features of DMRE are:

  • Extension of Data Matrix by 12 rectangular sizes
  • Smallest symbol height
  • Interoperability with all existing sizes
  • Breaking the limits of current codes
  • Fitting to InkJet printing technologies with small print heads
Sample of a DataMatrix Barcode DMRE format
Sample of a DataMatrix Barcode DMRE 8x64 format

To create a DMRE symbol with our Barcode Professional packages, you have to specify the DMRE format as stated below.

How to create DataMatrix barcodes using Barcode Professional for

Note: Please refer to the Class Reference documentation for more information about the properties and methods stated in this document.
In order to get a DataMatrix barcode image, please follow these steps:
  • Set the Symbology property to DataMatrix.
  • Set the DataMatrixEncoding property.
  • Set the DataMatrixFormat property.
    • For Standard ECC200 Symbol sizes: Just specify any symbol format which starts with char 'C' like 'C10X10' or 'Auto' to let Barcode Professional to select it automatically.
      • If 'Auto' is selected, you can optimize symbol format selection by setting DataMatrixIncludeRectFormatsInAutoMode to True
    • For DMRE Symbol sizes: Just specify any symbol format which starts with char 'DMRE' like 'DMRE12X64' or 'AutoDMRE' to let Barcode Professional to select it automatically.
  • Setting up dimensions and quiet zones:
    • Set the DataMatrixModuleSize property (Value is expressed in Inches)
    • Set the QuietZoneWidth property (Value is expressed in Inches)
    • Set the TopMargin and BottomMargin properties (Values are expressed in Inches)
  • Set the Code property with the value to encode.
  • If desired, you can use the tilde character "~" to specify special characters in the input data. To do that you must set the DataMatrixProcessTilde property to True. Read more about how it works.
Note: Please refer to the Class Reference documentation for more information about the properties and methods stated in this document.
In order to get a DataMatrix barcode image, please follow these steps:
  • Set the Symbology property to DataMatrix.
  • Set the DataMatrixEncoding property.
  • Set the DataMatrixFormat property.
    • For Standard ECC200 Symbol sizes: Just specify any symbol format which starts with char 'C' like 'C10X10' or 'Auto' to let Barcode Professional to select it automatically.
    • For DMRE Symbol sizes: Just specify any symbol format which starts with char 'DMRE' like 'DMRE12X64' or 'AutoDMRE' to let Barcode Professional to select it automatically.
  • Setting up dimensions and quiet zones:
    All values for barcode dimensions are expressed in INCHES by default. However, Barcode Professional supports other unit of measurement such as Millimeter, Centimeter, and Mils. For modifying the unit of measurement for barcoding, please set up the BarcodeUnit property as needed.
    • Set the DataMatrixModuleSize property (Value is expressed in Inches)
    • Set the QuietZone property (Value is expressed in Inches)
  • Set the Code property with the value to encode.
  • If desired, you can use the tilde character "~" to specify special characters in the input data. To do that you must set the DataMatrixProcessTilde property to True. Read more about how it works.

How DataMatrix tilde processing works

When working with DataMatrix tilde processing keep in mind the following rules:
  • ~1: is used to represent the FNC1 code
  • ~2: DEPRECATED! Use new Structured Append properties!
  • ~3: is used only at the very beginning of the symbol for the reader programming purpose. It cannot be used with Structured Append feature!
  • ~5: is used only at the very beginning of the symbol for MACRO 05. The header [)> + ASCII 30 + ASCII 05 + ASCII 29 will be transmitted by the barcode reader before the data in the message and the trailer ASCII 30 + ASCII 4 will be transmitted afterwards. It cannot be used with Structured Append feature!
  • ~6: is used only at the very beginning of the symbol for MACRO 06. The header [)> + ASCII 30 + ASCII 06 + ASCII 29 will be transmitted by the barcode reader before the data in the message and the trailer ASCII 30 + ASCII 4 will be transmitted afterwards. It cannot be used with Structured Append feature!
  • ~7NNNNNN: is used to specify the Extended Channel Interpretation (ECI) and NNNNNN is a value between 000000 and 999999. Default is ECI 000003 which represents the ISO 8859-1 Latin Alphabet No. 1
  • ~dNNN: is used to represent a byte value in decimal notation. NNN must be a numeric value ranging from 000 to 255
  • ~hXX: is used to represent a byte value in hexadecimal notation. XX must be a hexadecimal value ranging from 00 to FF

Example of a DataMatrix barcode image

Code property = ABC 123456789 will produce the following barcode image:

DataMatrix Barcode - Code property = ABC 123456789