The “artistic” QR codes are increasingly visible. But for many it is not yet clear what the codes are for. The codes are used, among other things, as a marketing tool, in advertising, printed media and can be found on products, in magazines, on billboards, posters and even in the art sector. So, what are these things….
By way of introduction
Everyone knows the well-known barcodes (Barcodes) that seem to be on almost everything. With the products from the stores, on a parking ticket, but also on, for example, an e-ticket that has just come out of your printer. The basis of the barcode is that a series of numbers/letters is displayed through the succession of lines of different thicknesses, which can be read by a special barcode scanner.
Because more and more data had to be processed in a barcode, both numbers and letters , the UPC code (Universal Product Code) patented in 1952 was soon no longer sufficient and numerous variations emerged. And so, today there are dozens of different barcode types for different user groups such as; industry, shops, libraries, hospitals, etc.
But now the QR codes
QR stands for Quick Response and was developed in Japan in 1994 with the initial aim of managing the inventory of parts for car manufacturer Toyota. It soon came to the idea that this code could be used for more purposes. For example, to place a URL (link) in the code to a website or page containing information about a product, performance or service.
The principle…two-dimensional
In contrast to barcodes, whose horizontal line combinations form a number or letter, QR codes are so-called two-dimensional barcodes. The data (numbers and letters) can be read both horizontally and vertically. This makes it possible to store much more information than in the well-known barcode. The QR code can contain as many as 7089 numbers, or 4296 letters.
Another big difference is reading the code. The barcode must be read with a special barcode scanner , just think of paying in the supermarket. beep beep.
Reading, or scanning, a QR code is done in a different way. A special scanner is no longer necessary. Simply taking a photo of the QR code, special software reads the photographed code and links directly to the web page mentioned in the code. There are now also apps. this will scan the code directly. This QR software can be installed on a computer but also (and that is its strength) on mobile phones and smartphones.
Which devices are suitable
Almost all devices with a built-in camera and internet access support QR. There are readers available on the internet for smartphones that can be downloaded as apps.
The current generation of mobile phones are after downloading the apps. suitable for scanning the QR codes. Major manufacturers such as Nokia, LG, HTC, Motorola and Sony Ericsson (usually) offer free QR code readers via their websites. And there are also various scanners for the iPhone, Blackbarry and Android. These are often already pre-installed.
Creative applications
Because it is possible to read the code via a mobile phone or smartphone, it is possible to translate the code anywhere. In addition to purely practical applications, the codes can now often be found as a marketing instrument or in advertising. Deployment of the code is already well advanced in Japan and other Asian countries. But the code is also being used more and more in the Netherlands. For example, the codes are used for dishes on menus. The code takes you to a web page with a detailed description of the dish, including allergy information and the ingredients used.
Real estate agents have also discovered that displaying a QR code on a for-sale sign on the property works well. If you are interested, you only have to scan and you will immediately see all the information about the house that is for sale.
In Malaysia, a publisher has published a men’s magazine containing photos of scantily clad ladies. A QR code is printed with the photos, which then redirects to the magazine’s website on which revealing photos are displayed.
More personal applications are also possible: show or tell more about yourself? just get a QR tattoo, or have the code printed on your T-shirt.
How to create the code
Creating the QR codes is simple. There are various free QR code generators available on the internet. After opening the application, type in the desired text, URL, or series of numbers, and the QR code will be automatically generated. You can then print it again on various carriers. Consider, for example, business cards, labels, posters, flyers, etc.
Creating and using QR codes is therefore certainly not just for companies.
Once created and printed, it is advisable to test whether the code is actually correct, so is the correct information displayed? Is the code even readable?
Does it have a future?
The QR code as an instrument in the advertising and marketing industry will probably soon be overtaken. In 2009, the Dutch company Layar developed a new product that is already overtaking the QR code. The app. Layar Vision recognizes objects without having to make a block translation. Simply point your smartphone at the subject and the information will automatically appear on the screen of your mobile.