Method and system for encoding a data matrix and method and system for decoding an encoded data matrix

An encoder for encoding a data matrix having at least a first component and a second component comprising

• a determining circuit configured to determine the value of the first component;
• a selecting circuit configured to select the number of bits to be used for encoding the second component based on the value of the first component;
• a first encoding circuit configured to encode the second component using the selected number of bits;
• and
• a second encoding circuit configured to encode the first component.

A method for decoding an encoded first component and an encoded second component of an encoded data matrix wherein

• the encoded first component is decoded;
• the value of the first component is determined;
• the number of bits which was used for encoding the second component is determined based on the value of the first component;
• and
• the encoded second component is decoded using the determined information what number of bits was used for encoding the second component.

A decoder for decoding an encoded first component and an encoded second component of an encoded data matrix comprising

• a first decoding circuit configured to decode the encoded first component;
• a first determining circuit configured to determine the value of the first component is determined;
• a second determining circuit configured to determine the number of bits which was used for encoding the second component based on the value of the first component;
• and
• a second decoding circuit configured to decode the encoded second component using the determined information what number of bits was used for encoding the second component.

A computer program product, which, when executed by a computer, makes a computer perform a method for encoding a data matrix having at least a first component and a second component wherein

• the value of the first component is determined;
• the number of bits to be used for encoding the second component is selected based on the value of the first component;
• the second component is encoded using the selected number of bits;
• the first component is encoded.