EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Booz Allen & Hamilton Inc. has expressed an interest in assessing the ability of linear bar
codes, OCR-B, and two dimensional (2D) symbologies as mechanisms to meet Sections 104 and
110 requirements. In addition, they have requested that an investigation be conducted on
Infrared fluorescing pigments that may feasibly print and scan bar codes to/from existing
permanent resident cards and border crossing cards.
The evaluation included three key tasks. The first task was a Tracking test designed to
determine the empirical performance of either a) a linear bar code symbol or, b) OCR reading of
alphanumeric characters that currently exist on a set of Border Crossing Cards and Permanent
Resident Cards provided by the client. Measures such as read time, recovery time, read range,
and read ratio were recorded under various test conditions. The second test was a Live test
emulating both pedestrian and vehicle settings where cards were presented to the scanner by
untrained users. The third task was a Biometric test designed to assess the ability of a 2D
symbology to store and retrieve encoded photograph and fingerprint data along with other
alphanumeric identification information. For the biometric test, two symbologies were used for
comparison purposes. Reliability and substitution errors of each symbology were recorded.
In addition, a vendor -- Data Card—was found to have an IR Emitting chemistry that
could allow a card printer to print a bar code symbol onto a card. In addition, a scanner
manufacturer – Welch Allyn – attempted to modify their scanner technology in an attempt to
read the IR bar code symbol printed on the card.
For the tracking tests, three scanners were used: a long range non-contact scanner
(Holotrak IS8550) to be assessed for vehicle scanner, a contact scanner, or more commonly
known as a “supermarket” scanner (MS860I Mini-Slot), and a presentation scanner (Tech 7).
The later two scanners were assessed to simulate pedestrian scanning.
Tracking Test Results:
Results from the tracking tests for bar code symbols showed all three scanners to be
highly reliable reading between 99.7 and 100% of the sample cards presented. Average time to
read a symbol was also excellent for all scanners with average read time ranging from 0.04
seconds to 0.28 seconds per symbol. This is well within the 4-second required read time stated
by the client.
Range test results for the scanners are presented in the table below. These tests show the
range to be excellent for pedestrian usage for the Mini-Slot and Tech 7 readers. In addition, the
HoloTrak scanner meets the client’s minimum range requirement of 36 inches.
Scanner
MS860I Mini-Slot

HoloTrak IS8550
TECH 7

Estimated Read Range
0 – 5 inches
28 – 39 inches
2 – 8 inches
Orientation test results showed all three scanners able to reliably decode symbols across a
full range of Pitch and Skew angles.
The Multiple Card test showed that the Holotrak was able to reliably read up to two cards
simultaneously in the field of view. However, the other two scanners were able to reliably read
on a single card in the field of view at a time. Our recommendation to the client is that only a
single card be presented to a scanner at a time.
The OCR tests showed this technology to fail to reliably read cards.
Biometric Test
The Biometric Test was carried out using Aztec Code – a matrix symbology, and
PDF417 – a stacked symbology. Tests results showed Aztec to be a highly reliable symbology
for the client’s application. In addition, Aztec had zero substitution errors. PDF417 failed to
reliably read the fingerprint and photograph encoded cards.
Live Test
A vehicle test and pedestrian test was carried out to simulate the client’s border crossings.
Detailed results of these tests will be reported by Regal Decision Systems Inc. However, our
intuitive observations of these tests suggest that the technology performed excellently in both
vehicular and pedestrian scenarios.
Transparent Bar Code Test
These cursory tests showed the IR fluorescing pigment unable to fluoresce in current IR
reading bar code scanners. In studying the reasons for this failure, we have learned that in order
for success to occur, the illumination of bar code readers must be significantly enhanced over the
LED technology currently used. In addition, modifications to the IR chemistry must be made to
allow it to more easily fluoresce using modified scanners. However, we believe this technology
has merit, and with little research, can be proven to successfully print and read bar code symbols
on PRCs and BCCs. We suggest the client consider funding further research in this area.
Issues
Issues the client need consider in application of bar code symbols for PRCs and BCCs are
as follows:
•
Avoid the usage of security laminates over the symbols. The holographic images in these
laminates cause the symbols to unreliably read.
•
Implement a quality control process of bar code verification in the production printing
facilities. It is critical that bar code print quality maintain high levels for reliable reading.
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We recommend the usage of PSC Verifiers for this purpose, as our previous research show
these products to provide the most accurate measures of print quality.
•
The linear bar code data syntax we designed for the client will allow up to 100 million
unique identification numbers. We have also designed room for a unique two-digit data
identifier for the application. The client must decide on the identification numbering scheme
and the actual data identifier for the application.
In summary, given the results of the above tests, we believe bar code technology is an
appropriate technology for the client’s border crossing application. The technology is reliable,
accurate, and cost effective. The cost of printing bar code symbols is negligible and can be done
using the client’s existing card printing facilities. Costs of bar code scanning equipment is
reasonable with significant discounts available for government agencies. In addition, costs of
this equipment continue to decrease as the technology matures. The future of successfully
printing and reading transparent (invisible) bar code symbols looks optimistic, although the
client must be willing to contribute to the further research and development of this technology.
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