eGov

The opportunity for 2D barcodes to penetrate Government organisations as viable solutions is currently limited by the technology. Specifically, concerns over security and the strict structure and organisation of Government institutions. However, there are some examples of how 2D barcodes can be integrated into paper intensive transactions.

Tax Returns

The equivalent departments to New Zealand's IRD in the US and Taiwan have been experimenting with 2D barcode representation of tax return information.

The key value driver is to move away from hand writing recognition expenses and to reduce the overall cost of optical character recoginition (OCR) software. The combination of compact size and high capacity of 2D barcode formats, such as PDF417 and QR Code, allow more data elements to be included in a form to further increase processing efficiency.

Current OCR solutions are limited by the capacity of a linear barcode. Information from this barcode tends to be limited to form or personal identifier that helps the person processing the form to the right area for data entry.

The increased capacity offered by 2D barcodes enables the actual tax return data to be encoded by the person filing the claim.

On receipt in the tax department, all information can be captured in a single scan and inserted into the IRD database as part of the OCR process.


This is possible given the given the flexibility of 2D barcodes, the image above shows XML data being stored in PDF417 format. This allows an automated interface to a transaction processing system to insert the data record from the 2D barcode.

This increases overall processing efficiency and reduces errors that can be introduced through manual intervention.

The example form shown below was proposed by the IRS in 2004 as a means of increasing overall efficiency in tax filing.

Matrix Codes

The most established form is the matrix code that uses vertical and horizontal grid of pixels to encode data.  Forms of matrix codes inlcude:

• QR Code - Quick Response codes, the most successful form of matrix code widely adoptied in Japan.
• PDF417 - a stacked barcode commonly used by airlines for eTicket presentation.
• DataMatrix - a similar form to QR Code widely used in USA.

Basic Characteristics

Our research has identified two main forms of 2D barcodes - Matrix Codes and Radial (Polar Coordinate) Codes.

• Matrix Codes
• Radial Codes

One of the key differentiators for the use of 2D barcodes is the data capacity they offer.  Due to the use of both horizontal and vertical axes, the data can be stored in a much smaller area when compared to traditional barcodes, like those used in shops.  The table shows potential data capacity and usage options for five of the main symbologies.

The actual data capacity of a 2D barcode is dependent on a number of factors.  These include the media choice, the final size of the presentation allowing for the resolution of the dots used in the printing process (Appendix D) and the level of error correction required (Appendix E).

With the higher data capacities available in 2D barcodes, a number of different types of message can be encoded in the barcode.  This allows for a wide range of potential uses, though the intepretation of the message is generally dependent on the capabilities of the reader.

The different message types allow for different modes of operation for publishers and subscribers of 2D barcodes.  These are a choice of a push mode or a pull mode.

Introduction

This online report discusses the potential use of 2-Dimensional (2D) Barcodes within New Zealand.  This is an applied use of a common piece of technology, the mobile phone camera, that takes data in the form of a binary image and turns it into information.

One version of this application has been in active use in Japan sunce 1995 and has evolved from a way of tracking car parts to mobile tagging where information is now quickly and easily retrieved by most current Japanese mobile phone (Appendix A).

The report will outline the basic characteristics of this evolution of tradtional barcodes, the types of industries and ways that these industries could use 2D barcodes and finally any issues and barriers to the form adoption of this technology.

The barcode has evolved from the one dimensional form widely adopted in the retail industry since the 1950's to the current forms of 2D barcodes now in circulation and being applied to diverse industries outside of retail.  This evolution has resulted in higher data capacity and greater flexibility of use, all in a smaller presentation area.

Why use 2D Barcodes?