EZcode Symbology PDF Print E-mail

The EZcode ® is 2D barcode symbology that was created specifically for the mobile camera phone in 2005. It has a simple, yet highly effective design which allows it to be read at a smaller size, by a higher number of mobile devices. Millions of EZcodes have been published around the world because of these unique benefits.

Using the EZcode

You can publish EZcodes right now using the ScanLife platform. With a ScanLife account, you can create your codes, edit the content at any time, and see updated performance analytics.

Scanbuy also offers a Web Development Kit to embed the complete ScanLife platform in third party websites.

Scanbuy will be making a code reader SDK commercially available in Q4, 2009 for developers to produce new mobile applications that can read the EZcode.

To learn more about any of these options, please email us today.

EZcode Specification

The EZcode is open in the sense that the specifications of the EZcodes are hereby disclosed and that the patents and IP rights owned by Scanbuy, Inc. are not exercised.

You may download the EZcode specification here. [updated April, 2009]

Scanbuy will be working with the appropriate standards committees to make the EZcode a global standard to facilitate the growth of this symbology. It is already recognized by the CTIA, OMA, and GSMA organizations.

EZcode Features and Benefits

Quick Facts
Size: 11x11 modules
Payload Area: 83 modules
Physical Size: 0.5 inches or 1.27mm
Unique Combinations: 75 sextillion

Compared to other types of 2D barcodes, the optimized code design of EZcode offers the following benefits:

  • Space efficiency
  • Ease of decoding
  • Minimal handset hardware requirements: low processor speed and no need for auto-focus or macro lens

Size

An EZcode can remain the same size no matter how much information you put into it. Here’s a chart showing how other codes need to increase in size to maintain a module size that can be read by the average camera phone.

Density

An EZcode can be up to 20x less dense than other formats. So an EZcode can stay small and still be read by most camera phones. Here’s what happens when you take the same information and print it at the same physical size.

The EZcode features (3) distortion correction features, and (2) guide bars which allows for more flexible decoding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a fee for using the EZcode?
No. The specification for EZcode has been made available for use by any person or organization, and can be downloaded here
How can I uses these specifications?
The specifications can be used to develop applications that either encode (create) EZcodes or decode (read) EZcodes.
Who developed the EZcode and who owns the rights?
The EZcode was originally developed by ETH Zurich and the specification was licensed to Scanbuy, Inc. in 2006. These rights are not exercised by Scanbuy.
Is the EZcode considered a standard?
Hundreds of millions of EZcode have been published globally, and the format is recognized in white papers published by the CTIA, OMA, and GSMA organizations. The format will be reviewed by these organizations to be approved as a global standard.
How can I guarantee the uniqueness of an EZcode?
The only way to guarantee that a code is completely unique is to generate it off of the centralized ScanLife system which assures uniqueness.
What phone models can read the EZcode?
Hundreds of models from all operating systems can read the EZcode today. You may see an updated list here. You may download the ScanLife application to read any EZcode at www.2dscan.com from a mobile device.


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FileDescriptionFile sizeLast Modified
Download this file (EZcode Specification.pdf)EZcode Specification[Updated April, 2009]150 Kb08/05/09 02:26