High Capacity Color Barcode (HCCB) Technology

Colorful leap forward in mobile barcode technology.

The sophisticated technology powering Microsoft Tag, High Capacity Color Barcodes (HCCBs), was invented by Microsoft Research. It was designed from the ground up for maximum performance with the limited cameras on most mobile phones. Advanced image-processing techniques decode even out-of-focus barcode images, which means Microsoft Tag works with the fixed-focus camera lenses common in most mobile devices.

The advanced computer imaging of HCCBs employs different symbol shapes in geometric patterns and multiple colors to provide more information in less space.

The resulting barcodes are so visual, in fact, that High Capacity Color Barcodes were on exhibit at New York’s Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

Create visually stunning codes

Microsoft custom Tags can additionally combine branding and code reading into a single footprint. Traditional 2D barcodes require devoting space exclusively to the footprint of the industrial looking code itself often taking visual focus away from the hero of the message. However with Microsoft Custom Tags the code can be fully integrated into the look and form of the messaging itself.

A better "fit" for most printed materials.

Microsoft Tag preserves precious real-estate on printed materials, allowing a much smaller size than other formats:

The barcodes illustrates encoding of the following URL in a QRCode, a Datamatrix code, and a Microsoft Tag at actual size.

On many camera phones, you just have to aim the camera at the Tag—it is instantly recognized and you are whisked directly to the linked content.

Seamlessly works in Color or Black & White

Microsoft Tag can meet the wide range of publishing demands from color package, black and white newspaper, to store shelf labeling. Microsoft Tag Reader seamlessly detects which color format is being scanned delivering the end user content in a flash. All existing Microsoft Tag Readers already have the ability to decode both color and black and white Tags.

Microsoft Tag supports multiple color formats to support the demanding needs of scenarios and media production.

Powering up the possibilities.

The Microsoft Tag mobile tagging system offers many advances and advantages:

• Designed from the beginning to work with the limited capabilities of a typical camera phone.
• Smaller than other formats. Typical packaging application starts at 3/4 x 3/4”.
• Optimized for both print and video display.
• Enhanced Reed-Solomon error correction means Tags can still be read even if partially damaged.
• On many phones can decode using a direct real-time camera video stream, you don’t even have to “click” to read the code.
• Handles long URLs and allows for content to be dynamically changed.
• Tags are saved for later viewing and can be forwarded to someone else (no need to scan it again).