Newsletter Archives - April, 2005

Volume 10. Issue 4

[page 1][page 2][page 3] Encoding Binary Data with the Black Ice 2D Barcode Toolkits The Black Ice Barcode Toolkits provide both DLLs and ActiveX controls which allow developers to encode and decode a wide variety of barcode symbols, including both 1D and 2D symbologies.  The 2D DataMatrix and the PDF 417 barcode symbols are capable of storing large amounts of information into a relatively small barcode symbol.  In addition to storing ASCII values, both the PDF 417 and DataMatrix symbols are capable of storing binary data, such as images, documents or even applications. One possible use for binary data encoding with a barcode symbol would be to store and encrypt sensitive information, such as patient records or even fingerprints.  By encoding the data into a barcode symbol, the information can only be retrieved by detecting and decoding the barcode symbol. Using this approach can prevent prying eyes from accessing critical information. Original encoded image Generated DataMatrix (scaled down) Encoding data into barcode symbols can be used to  protect information, however it is not intended to be a replacement for data encryption. The Black Ice PDF 417 and DataMatrix toolkits support ASCII and Binary data encoding.  Interested parties are encouraged to download an evaluation copy of the toolkits from the Black Ice website: http://www.blackice.com/barcode.htm