What is a QR Code
QR code was first invented in 1994 by Masahiro Hara, chief engineer of the Japanese company Denso Wave, a subsidiary of Toyota. The code was initially used to accurately monitor and track tools and parts moving throughout the production process. QR code allowed faster data transfer compared to other 2D barcode systems.
The standards were published in 1999 by the Japanese Industrial Standardization Committee. These standards accelerated the widespread use of the QR code, thus making it an internationally recognized technology. The QR code was later recognized by ISO (International Organization for Standardization) and accepted as the ISO/IEC 18004 standard.
With the development of mobile technology, QR codes have gained more popularity. QR codes that can be read with smartphones helped users access information quickly and easily. Over time, it began to be used for different purposes in different sectors. It is possible to encounter QR codes in many areas such as advertising, logistics, marketing, mobile payments and event management. With the advancement of technology, QR codes have been developed in ways that can be colored and customized with logos. Additionally, variants of QR codes have emerged that can encode more data into them.
Today, QR codes are widely used around the world. With the rapid access of the Internet and the widespread use of smartphones, QR codes play an important role in sharing information, buying and selling transactions and user experience.
What Can You Do With QR Codes?
Nowadays, QR codes are used extensively to track products and product information through the supply chain.
QR codes can be used to view a menu, connect a social media profile or add a friend to an account, board a flight, download an app, send a payment, access Wi-Fi, and verify your login information .
QR code format types
- 1. QR code Model1 and Model2
- 2. Micro QR code
- 3.rMQR code
- 4. SQUARE
- 5. Frame the QR code
1. QR code Model1 and Model2
QR codes are commonly found in marketing and media.
Both Model 1 and Model 2 look almost exactly alike.
But due to differences in storage capacities and error correction levels, anyone can notice the difference between them upon closer inspection.
QR code Model 1 is original design. It also became the basis for the development of subsequent types of QR codes
And since it is the first model, Model 1 with QR code still has less capacity than the second.
It can store up to 1167 numeric characters, 707 alphanumeric characters and 299 Kanji characters. It also has less error correction and crawlability.
On the other hand, Model 2 with QR code has better features
Up to 7089 numeric characters, 4296 alphanumeric characters, 2953 binary bytes and 1817 Kanji characters can be placed in the second QR code pattern.
The QR code is easier to detect and read than the prototype due to the added alignment pattern
2. Micro QR code
From the name it seems that this is a smaller version of the original QR code. This means it stores fewer characters or data and is smaller than a regular QR code. However, this type of QR code can still encode sufficient information. It can actually encode kanji, 8-bit graphic character sets, alphanumeric characters, and other special characters. Micro QR code is widely used in the production and inventory of small-sized items, including machine equipment, due to its condensed data modules.
3.rMQR code
A rectangular micro QR code (rMQR code) is a rectangular version of a micro QR code. Denso Wave sees this as a space-saving type of QR code due to its narrow, ribbon-like appearance. But despite its smaller size, the rMQR code is still highly scannable and can store 219 alphanumeric characters, 361 numeric and 92 kanji characters. Its storage capacity makes it an ideal alternative to linear barcode for product inventory. The rMQR code allows businesses to track their products and provide product details without consuming a lot of product tag space. Additionally, medical and pharmaceutical companies use rMQR for vehicle and equipment inventory.
4. SQUARE
The original QR code contains information that viewers can access by simply scanning the code with their smartphones. Although it benefits many industries, Denso Wave saw that there was still a need for a QR code with an access restriction feature. QR code (SQRC) equipped with hidden function has arrived. From the outside it looks exactly like the original QR code. But behind SQRC's pixels and patterns is a read restriction function that prevents unauthorized people from accessing embedded information. SQRC maintains two types of information: public and private data. It also requires not only your smartphone device but also a specific QR code scanner. When scanned using phones, SQRC will display a publicly available piece of information that may have nothing to do with the embedded data. However, when scanned using the SQRC scanner, the device will display private information.
5. Frame the QR code
Think of a picture frame, but the frames are a QR code image. This is the frame QR code. In the middle of the frame QR code is an area or canvas to display an image or company logo. You can also customize the canvas in various ways and change the colors of the frame QR code. This is Denso Wave's approach to a customizable QR code that enhances its user's QR code experience.
What are the differences between QR Code and Barcode?
- Traditionally, the amount of information that could be provided or conveyed about a product or service was limited to space found on the product's packaging or advertisements touting its benefits. When a consumer wanted more information about a product or service, they had to reach out to a salesperson or request additional documentation.
- Barcodes are often located on the back of product packages and can be read by machines equipped with an optical scanner. Barcodes can be read unidirectionally, from top to bottom. They are usually in alphanumeric format and can only store small amounts of information
- QR code can be read in both directions, top to bottom and right to left. Therefore, QR code is considered two-dimensional. At the same time, QR codes can store more data because they can be read bidirectionally.
Other types of 2D barcodes
In addition to QR codes, there are also two-dimensional barcodes that attract attention.
- Data matrix
- MaxiCode
- Dot Code
- PDF417 Code
- Han Xin
- Aztec Code
Why do business marketers choose QR codes over other barcodes?
Businesses have found a way to make their marketing plans better by adding QR codes to them. Due to their advanced technology, QR codes are an ideal, flexible and effective tool for digitalizing the marketing efforts of small or large businesses. They can easily generate leads, retain existing customers, increase website and social media traffic and engagement, and even double their revenue. QR codes, especially dynamic QR code, allow users to track data browsing, edit embedded data at any time, turn on email notification, and even set password protection. Visit the most advanced QR code generator to start your ISO 27001 certified QR code marketing campaign today. They have the most advanced QR code features that are beneficial to your business and offered at cheaper prices.
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