Brick Search has introduced a LEGO Minifigures Series 25 barcode scanner – here are your questions answered about the app that shows you what’s inside.
As long as you have the Brick Search app – available here for iOS and here for Android – and a minifigure box with a larger data matrix code, you can identify the contents of a Series 25 box without needing to open it, weigh it or stick a small camera into one of its crevices.
Using the Brick Search app’s Series 25 minifigure scanner is a straightforward process – just a couple of steps. But even a simple procedure invites questions: what exactly is a data matrix code? Does this work around the world? How did you get to be so smart?
Alright, no one’s asking that last one but the others have come up more than once, so let’s A some frequently asked Qs…
Question: How does Brick Search’s minifigure scanner work?
Answer: Our minifigure scanner takes the information from the larger data matrix codes on the base of Series 25 boxes to show you what’s inside (some Series 25 boxes have a smaller data matrix code on them – read on to find see how to tell them apart).
Once you’ve downloaded and opened the app, tap the blue button at the bottom of the screen to open the scanner. Then, aim it at the data matrix code on the box and the minifigure inside will come up in the app.
Q: How accurate is the minifigure scanner?
A: It’s as accurate as can be – if you’re scanning a box with a larger data matrix code on the base, then the minifigure scanner will show you what’s inside.
Q: How quick is the minifigure scanner?
A: The scanner should read the data matrix code in just a few seconds. Hold the box and your device as still as you can and try not to get too much of the barcode in the frame. Give the app a moment to read the data and there it is, just like in the video below:
Q: Are you sure that’s not a QR code on the bottom of the Series 25 boxes?
A: No – it looks a bit like one, but it’s not. It’s a data matrix code.
Q: What’s a data matrix code?
A: A data matrix is two-dimensional code made up of dark and light cells, usually in a square pattern. Information can be recorded onto the data matrix and then read by scanners.
There are different sizes of data matrix and the LEGO Group has used a smaller one on some Series 25 minifigure boxes and a larger one on others. It’s the larger one that can be read by the Brick Search scanner.
Q: How do I know if my box has a smaller data matrix code or a larger one?
A: This handy image should explain what to look for:
Q: My box has a small data matrix code. Will Brick Search still be able to scan it?
A: Unfortunately not – the smaller data matrix codes found on LEGO Minifigures Series 25 packaging does not contain the data that allows Brick Search or any other app to otherwise identify the minifigure inside the blind box.
This is also why Marvel Series 2 Collectible Minifigures also cannot be scanned, because they too only have small data matrix codes on their blind boxes. Brick Search works on the larger data matrix code.
Our understanding is that the larger data matrix code found on a majority of LEGO Minifigures Series 25 packaging is from a later production run, and that’s the code compatible with our scanner.
Q: Can I scan Marvel Series 2 Collectible Minifigures too?
A: No – these boxes only have the smaller codes on them.
Q: Can’t I just use a QR code reader to read it?
A: No. A QR code is different.
Apple cameras can read QR codes but not data matrix codes without installing and using a third-party app. Android cameras can read both QR codes and data matrix codes. But, even in using third-party apps on Apple devices and cameras on Androids to scan data matrix codes, a scan will only present you with a sequence of numbers, not a direct result of what minifigure is inside. Brick Search scans the data matrix code and shows you the minifigure inside.
Once you’ve downloaded the app, open the scanner via the big blue button at the bottom of the screen and point it at the data matrix code. If it’s a larger data matrix code, the scanner will read the code, find the corresponding minifigure in the database and show you it – in roughly three seconds, give or take.
Q: Why not just use my phone’s camera?
A: For Apple users that’s not an option without downloading a third-party app. Android devices can read data matrix codes, but, alongside all other third-party apps for Apple bar Brick Search, scans will only provide you with a sequence of numbers. Brick Search shows you the actual minifigure inside.
Q: So I don’t scan the barcode?
A: No – when you open the Brick Search scanner it will say ‘Scan LEGO set barcode’ because the scanner was originally intended to be used for exactly that. Try it – if you use Brick Search’s scanner to scan the barcode on any LEGO set box currently being sold, the entry for that set should appear in the app.
The introduction of data matrix codes on Series 25 boxes has given us a chance to adapt the scanner to also read those – we just haven’t changed the text on the scanner screen.
Q: Why does the app take me to a general Series 25 listing?
A: You must have accidentally scanned the barcode. Tap the back button in the app and you’ll be able to open the scanner again – then try putting your finger over the barcode and scanning again.
Q: Can I see the minifigure scanner in action and what's inside the boxes?
A: Yes – Brick Fanatics’ YouTube channel has a video of the Series 25 minifigures being unboxed, which you can see here.
Q: Does this only work in (insert country here)?
A: No – there are two versions of the larger data matrix code and both are in the Brick Search back-end. One relates to boxes produced in Mexico that are sold in North America and related territories, and the other is for boxes made in Czechia that are sold in the EU and the United Kingdom and related territories.
That means whichever version of the larger data matrix code you scan, the corresponding minifigure will show in the app. The app doesn’t need to know your location either.
Q: The scanner didn’t work for me…
A: Double-check if your box has got a smaller or larger data matrix code. If it’s definitely the larger one, then make sure to hold the box still when you’re scanning it. It might also be an idea to put your finger over the barcode, in case the scanner is trying to read that instead.
We’ve also seen some examples of stores putting price stickers over the data matrix code (just rude, honestly), and a couple of boxes that have had faded data matrix codes.
Don’t forget too – the LEGO Group only introduced the data matrix codes on the Series 25 range, so there’s no data matrix to scan on boxes from earlier series.
If you’re still not able to scan your box, get in touch at andrew@tiromedia.co.uk and we’ll see if we can help.
Q: I've done all that and it still won't scan, help!
A: Please get in touch with us on andrew@tiromedia.co.uk with as much information as you can share – pictures of the code you're trying to scan would be ideal. We'll try to solve any problems that come up, but we need to hear directly about them first.
Q: My box has the larger data matrix code but I think my codes are different...
A: If you've got a Series 25 box with the larger data matrix code that the Brick Search scanner doesn't recognise, please get in touch on andrew@tiromedia.co.uk with as much information as you can provide.
Q: How do I find the goat in the Series 25 LEGO Minifigures?
A: With Brick Search! Download the app, find a selection of Series 25 minifigures, check to see which data matrix code they have on the base, and start scanning. You’ll find the goat you’re looking for in a few minutes.
Q: Where can I download Brick Search again?
A: If you use an Android device, then you can download Brick Search from the Play Store here.
If you’re on an iOS device, then you can download Brick Search from the App Store here.
Support the work that Brick Fanatics does by purchasing your LEGO using our affiliate links. Thanks!
Comments
Be the first to comment!