DualCodes: Backward Compatible Multi-layer 2D-Barcodes

Martin Werner, Mirco Schönfeld

Abstract: Matrix codes enable a coupling between virtual and physical worlds for ubiquitous computing applications. With this paper, we propose a technique, which can be used to increase the amount of information contained in a matrix barcode in a backward compatible way. This enables applications to fully utilize the wide spread of QR Codes or Data Matrix Codes for service discovery or basic service, while being able to transmit much more information during one scan for advanced applications. We present the approach, explain difficulties in decoding typical camera images, a simulatory evaluation of decoding performance, and application examples.