QR Code:
A QR Code (abbreviated from Quick Response Code)
is a matrix barcode, also known as a two-dimensional code.
Quick response (QR) codes are among the latest in
the stable of marketing tools. These have been devised to effectively bridge
the gap between offline and online marketing. QR code was created by Toyota’s
subsidiaryDenso Wave in 1994 to track vehicles during the
manufacturing process and was initially confined to the automotive industry.
With the evolution of smartphones, users got a mobile QR code reader in their
pocket, which they could use to scan and read QR codes easily.
Note: To scan the image above, download the free
QR reader application on your iPhone or Android device.
What is it?
QR Code, a registered trademark of Denso Wave
Inc., is an enhancement over the conventional bar codes placed on objects such
as product packaging or containers.
Bar codes store a smaller amount of information
than QR codes because these store information only in the horizontal direction.
A bar code
scannerreads only the width and
space between vertical lines and the vertical space (second dimension) is
wasted.
QR code vs traditional bar code
In QR codes (2D codes), information is stored in
both vertical and horizontal directions. So these can store the same amount of
data as a bar code in only a tenth of the space.
A QR code may contain a huge amount of complicated
numeric, alphanumeric or binary data. Storing up to 4296 characters, QR codes
are internationally standardized under ISO 18004.
The technology of dots
The smallest square dot or pixel element of a QR
code is called a module. As with bar codes, it is recommended to have an empty
area around the graphic, which makes it easier for devices to read the QR code.
This quiet area is ideally four modules wide. The minimum dimensions of a QR
code depend upon the resolving power of the cameras that are used to scan the
code. According to a Kaywa whitepaper, it is recommended to use a
minimum size of 32×32 mm2 (1.25×1.25 inch2), excluding quiet zone, for QR codes that
contain a URL. This guarantees that all camera phones
can properly read the QR code. The above rule applies to perfectly printed
codes that the user has direct access to.
For good reader accuracy, good contrast between the
background and the dots colour is very important. The dots should be dark in
colour and placed on a light background. The printing specifications of a QR
code recommend a high dpi and solid colours.
How it works
A QR code system includes a QR code printer and a
QR code scanner. To generate QR code, one needs a special printer and QR code
creation software. Applying the right size to the QR code is important to make
the code readable.
There are various factors which should be
considered while determining the size of a QR code: Symbol version, data
capacity, character type, error-correction level and module size based on printer
performance.
Symbol version. QR codes have symbol versions from
1 to 40. Each version is differentiated by the number and configuration of
modules. ‘Module’ refers to the B&W dots that constitute a QR code. Each
version has a maximum data capacity that is decided by the amount of data, the
type of characters (numeric, alphanumeric, etc.) and the error-correction
level. So the more the data stored, the bigger the size of the QR code.
Error-correction level. QR codes have four levels of error-correction capability, viz, level L, M, Q and H in ascending order. With error correction, the user can read and retrieve data from a damaged QR code.
It is possible to create artistic QR Codes that still scan correctly, but contain intentional errors to make them more readable or attractive to the human eye, as well as to incorporate colours, logos and other features into the QR Code block.
Artistic QR code
Encryption
Although encrypted QR Codes are not very common,
there are a few implementations. An Android app, for example, manages encryption and decryption
of QR codes using DES
algorithm (56
bits). Japanese immigration use encrypted QR Codes when placing visas in
passports.
