Jakob Müller AG
Systems and Solutions for Narrow Fabrics
BACKGROUND
Information for the representatives of Jakob Müller AG September 2014
In this edition
MÜCAD Release V4.1
Up to 1st September 2014 the new pattern creation and programming software MÜCAD V4.1 replaces the MÜCAD V4.0 software.
In addition to small adjustments in the MÜCAD software (bug fixes) the MÜBARCODE (for visible barcodes) has been extended with the function QR code and Codabar. As well MÜCAD Direct Transfer (Pattern- and order transfer to machine) is free for sale.
UPDATE INFORMATION TO OUR CUSTOMERS
It is not intended to promote an update from the MÜCAD 4.0 to the MÜCAD 4.1 version on a large scale. For the very limited number of customers who encounter minor problems with the version 4.0 our helpdesk will offer a f.o.c. download from our website.
The promotion will therefore concentrate on the introduction of the QR-Code as an additional feature of the MÜBARCODE software. All customers who have already acquired the MÜBARCODE software at an earlier date will have the possibility to update their older version with the new version which includes the QR-Code feature. These customers will have to be approached individually. Customers who are interested may request a quotation for the respective update package directly via our spare parts service (fax +41 62 865 57 57, e-mail: parts.jmf@mueller- frick.com). When making an enquiry regarding a quotation, the customers have to state the MÜCAD version with which they are currently working. Depending the version they are currently working with it may be necessary to update the MÜCAD Basic to the latest version first, i.e. to V4.1.
QR CODE FOR TEXTIL APPLICATION
QR code (Quick Response Code) is the trademark for a type of matrix barcode (or two-dimensional barcode). A barcode is a machine-readable optical label that contains information about the item to which it is attached. A QR code uses four standardized encoding modes (numeric, alphanumeric, byte / binary, and kanji) to efficiently store data.
A QR code consists of black modules (square dots) arranged in a square grid on a white background, which can be read by an imaging device (such as a smart phone/tablet) and processed using Reed–Solomon error correction until the image can be appropriately interpreted. The required data are then extracted from patterns present in both horizontal and vertical components of the image. A label sample with a QR code is available at JMF.
Note the patent for woven fabric with the number EP1085114 B1.
QR code text: This QR code was generated by Jakob Müller AG software
CODABAR FOR TEXTILE APPLICATION
Codabar is a linear barcode. It was designed to be accurately read even when printed on dot-matrix printers for multi-part forms such as FedEx airbills. Although newer symbologies hold more information in a smaller space, Codabar has a large installed base in libraries and laboratories in health care.
FUNCTIONALITY OF FURTHER BARCODE BY MÜBARCODE
CODE PDF417
1988-1995: First stacked barcode
The basic idea of this code is to link individual barcodes which are arranged one below the other. For each line a 1D line code is shown in the X-axis. By adding more lines, i.e. by stacking the codes, a second information level is added in the form of the Y- axis. This type of compression allows the area to be kept relatively small.
A check digit for the entire coding arrangement ensures the data security of the 2D code. (Two-dimensional information representation)
The PDF417 achieves its high information density by compressing the verticals and consecutive stacking of the individual data lines and it can contain up to approximately 2,725 numerical characters or 1,850 alphanumerical characters. This maximum capacity is achieved with 90 lines of up to 30 characters each. PDF417 is a generally used coding methods that is specified in many industry standards and is known for its robustness and information density. The code allows significant damage to the symbols but can still be read relatively well.
It is above all applied where no database is available and thus all data must be contained directly in the code.
DATAMATRIX
1988-1995: Development of the first matrix code, such as DataMatrix and MaxiCode. In parallel a series of other codes were developed which can no longer be referred to as barcodes rather as matrix codes.
The code allows omni directional reading, is very compact, secure and allows a large number of different characters and fonts in the coding. A self-correcting error- correction algorithm guarantees data security. In the pharmaceuticals area in particular these features are seen as an advantage, as they are in various production industries.
The reading is based on rapid image processing systems such as line cameras or matrix cameras (imagers). DataMatrix is in the public domain and so it can be used by anyone without payment or fee.
INTERLEAVED 2 OF 5 CODE
The 2 of 5 code was developed as far back as 1972 and today is still used where short numbers have to be read reliably. Its major advantage over other barcodes is the relatively high information density; with the Interleaved 2 of 5 code far more characters can be accommodated in a limited area than with, for example, the common Code 39.
EAN / UPC / JAN
EAN, or European Article Numbering System (JAN in Japan) is a European version of UPC and is used like the latter for labelling of commercial goods. The same requirements are made and identical coding used as for the UPC code.
EAN-13, with 13 digits, is the European version of UPC-A
EAN-8, with 13 digits, is a shortened version of EAN-13
The UPC-A code is a 12-digit normal version of the UPC code
The UPC-E code is the smaller 8-digit variant and is similar to the EAN-8 code
A reader, which can decode an EAN-13, is also able to read a UPC-A because UPC is a subset of the EAN.
