diff --git a/core/src/com/google/zxing/common/BitMatrix.java b/core/src/com/google/zxing/common/BitMatrix.java
index b1689e7ff..6c5201d9d 100755
--- a/core/src/com/google/zxing/common/BitMatrix.java
+++ b/core/src/com/google/zxing/common/BitMatrix.java
@@ -92,6 +92,16 @@ public final class BitMatrix {
     bits[offset] ^= 1 << (x & 0x1f);
   }
 
+  /**
+   * Clears all bits (sets to false).
+   */
+  public void clear() {
+    int max = bits.length;
+    for (int i = 0; i < max; i++) {
+      bits[i] = 0;
+    }
+  }
+
   /**
    * <p>Sets a square region of the bit matrix to true.</p>
    *