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> Frequently Asked Questions

 
 
  1. What is EzCode?
  2. How does it work?
  3. What do I need to start using EzCode?
  4. What camera phones can I use?
  5. How do I get the EzCode software?
  6. How much memory does EzCode software require?
  7. Is Internet connectivity required on the camera phone?
  8. Is there a fee for using EzCode and other similar codes?
  9. How do I use the EzCode software?
  10. Can I use EzCode in Japan?
  11. Can I generate my own 2D Barcodes?
  12. How do I print 2D Barcodes?
  13. What can I use 2D barcodes for?
  14. How can I be sure that a 2D barcode leads me to a genuine website?
  15. Does EzCode protect me from computer viruses and phishing?
  16. Whom can I report to if I notice a 2D barcode has been vandalized?
  17. I have problems related to 2D barcodes/EzCode. Do you have a Troubleshooting section?
  18. Other Important Facts to be borne in mind while working with 2D barcodes
Facing Problems Still? Try the TroubleShooting Section






1. What is EzCode?
EzCode is the codename for an initiative of IDA's Technology Group to provide government, private sectors and general public a free and secured 2D barcode service pilot platform. Its objective is to act as a catalyst in the proliferation of 2D barcode usage in Singapore.
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2.  How does it work?
The EzCode technology involves enabling camera equipped mobile phone to have the ability to decode 2D Barcodes. 2D barcodes are a two-dimensional way of representing information analogus to 1D barcodes. For detailed information, click here

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3. What do I need to start using EzCode?
You will need
  •     A camera phone
  •     EzCode software on your phone
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4. What camera phones can I use?
Click Here link for a full listing of phones that can be used.

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5. How do I get the EzCode software?
You can get the EzCode software using any of the following three methods
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6. How much memory does EzCode software require?
EzCode software for different phones varies. In general if your phone is running one of the common three firmwares, Java, Symbian or Windows mobile, the following are the memory requirements
  •     Java - 136 kB (Varies as per phone make)
  •     Symbian - 374 kB
  •     Windows -  337 kB
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7. Is Internet connectivity required on the camera phone?
It depends on the application usage. In general, for connectivity to web links and online resources the device would need to have 3G/GPRS or Wi-Fi access such as Wireless@SG. Other application such as contact information exchange via decoded 2D barcode can be done on the device without any external connection

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8. Is there a fee for using EzCode and other similar codes?
There are no fees for using EzCode. However you will still be charged for the 3G and SMS services that the network charges its customer. You might still be charged for tagging and downloading content from the Internet. For detailed information on charges you may incur, click in your service provider link below

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9. How do I use the EzCode software?
Click here for detailed instructions on using the EzCode software.

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10.  Can I use EzCode in Japan?
Yes, you can use EzCode to recognize the URL encoded code 2D barcodes in Japan.

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 11.  Can I generate my own 2D Barcodes?
Yes you can generate your own 2D barcode using the EzCode generator on this page. The software is absolutely free for your use.

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 12.  How do I print 2D Barcodes?
You can print 2D barcodes that you generate using regular inkjet/laser printers. The size generally recommended is 2cm x 2 cm. Phones with older camera or older firmware versions might have difficulty in decoding images smaller than the recommended sizes. Also ensure, the print paper surface is plain and non-glossy.

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 13.  What can I use 2D bar codes for?
For a speculative list of possible applications, click here

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14. How can I be sure that a 2D barcode leads me to a genuine website?
A 2D barcode is just a URL that is in graphical encoded format. You need to exercise the same caution while tagging 2D barcodes as you do when you click on random links across web pages while Internet surfing on your computer. EzCode platform though offers a basic level of security in term of letting you know that you are moving out of secure zone. This is intended to keep you alert for possible virus or phishing attacks. This service alerts you when you tag a barcode that takes you to a non government website (websites that do not end in .gov.sg)
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15. Does EzCode protect me from computer viruses and phishing?
EzCode does not protect you from viruses. EzCode platform though offers a basic level of security in term of letting you know that you are moving out of secure zone. This is intended to keep you alert for possible virus or phishing attacks. This service alerts you when you tag a barcode that takes you to a non government website (websites that do not end in .gov.sg)
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16. Whom can I report to if I notice a 2D barcode has been vandalized?
You can report vandalism acts to the Singapore police.
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17. I have problems related to 2D barcodes/EzCode. Do you have a Troubleshooting section?
You can visit the Troubleshooting section here

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18. Other Important Facts when working with 2D barcodes
It would help if you keep in mind the following useful information while working with 2D barcodes
  • It has been generally noticed that image capture quality in Java phones is poor relative to Symbian and Windows Mobile phones. You might be required to re-try several times in case you are using a Java phone before EzCode is able to successfully decode the barcode.
  • Certain phones like Dopod come with a special 'macro' mode for taking pictures. Enabling this mode allows higher clarity in image and thus higher decoding success.
  • The orientation of the 2D barcode does not matter when capturing the image.
  • It also helps to keep the hands steady for about 1-2 seconds after you press the capture button as most phones suffer from a capture lag.
  • If you are using Flash mode, ensure that the flash light does not reflect off the barcode. A flare in the image captured would reduce the decode success rate.
  • It helps to use both your hands and holding the camera in 'landscape' orientation if want to get extra steadiness while capturing barcodes.
Landscape Position
Greater Steadiness
Portrait Position
Lower Steadiness
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Facing Problems Still? Try the TroubleShooting Section
 
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