AIM Ultracode Standard minimizes required barcode display space.

Press Release Summary:



Announced by AIM, Ultracode international standard establishes significant enhancement in barcode technology for automatic identification and data capture (AIDC) industry and consumerization. Ultracode marks first 2D, error-correcting color barcode that can be displayed on smartphones as well as printed by using digital color camera or smartphone app. Using Ultracode, standard color technology can create images that encode same data in less than ½ area of QR Code.



Original Press Release:



Ultracode Standard Introduced by AIM



New International Standard Offers Full Utilization of Color in Barcodes for Smartphones



Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania -- AIM, the leading industry association, global authority and resource for innovation and technologies in barcode, RFID, RAIN, RTLS, NFC, IoT and mobile enterprise services and solutions, announced today the release of the Ultracode international standard, establishing a significant enhancement in barcode technology for  the automatic identification and data capture (AIDC) industry and consumerization.



Ultracode is the first 2D, error-correcting color barcode which can either be displayed on smartphones or printed by using a digital color camera or smartphone app.   Its development was motivated by the ubiquitous use of color electronic displays, digital cameras and especially the development of the smartphone.  Using Ultracode, standard color technology can create an image that encodes the same data in less than half the area of a QR Code, minimizing display space required.



The effort to develop Ultracode as a formal standard began more than a decade ago.  Creator Clive Hohberger, PhD, worked with AIM’s Technical Symbology Committee (TSC) to design, develop color quality measurement methods and perform rigorous testing, including several Public Reviews prior to this release.



"This project has taken the use of color to a new level of utilization and acceptance within the international AIDC marketplace,” said Dr. Hohberger. "The Ultracode standard brings benefits on a global basis, from packagers of consumer goods looking for more attractive barcodes to organizations wanting to embed small, attractive barcodes in images.  Ultracode provides enhanced abilities to a potential reader base of over 2 billion devices worldwide and the smartphone users who can better access information whenever – and wherever – needed.”



Ultracode is available to interested parties through the AIM Marketplace, an online resource located on the AIM website.



For more information, samples, or to download a copy of the new standard, visit Ultracode or contact AIM headquarters via email or phone (+1.724.742.4470).



About AIM

AIM is the trusted worldwide industry association for the automatic identification industry. For nearly half a century, AIM has provided unbiased information, educational resources and standards to providers and users of these technologies.  AIM membership provides access to an insider’s perspective on trends and opportunities along with a voice in shaping the growth and future of the industry.  AIM member benefits include education, advocacy and community, as well as a role in creating industry standards through collaboration.  AIM is an investment in your future.  Visit us online at www.aimglobal.org.

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