SlideShare uma empresa Scribd logo
1 de 25
Baixar para ler offline
1
1. INTRODUCTION
During recent years, there are major developments in the adoption of 2D Codes such as:
a) The directive by International Air Transport Association (IATA) for airports worldwide
to adopt 2D bar code for passenger boarding passes by 2010.
b) The adoption of QR Code for patient identification by two leading hospitals in Singapore
and all hospitals in Hong Kong.
c) The use of 2D bar codes/micro codes for various applications in the other sectors.
d) The use of QR code with mobile phones in Japan and Korea.
Examples of such applications are:
 Large scale QR Codes on buildings to enable users to use mobile phone to scan the
QR Code to retrieve information about the companies that are operating inside the
buildings.
 The use of mobile phone to scan the QR Code on the packaging of fruits or vegetables to
retrieve information about the name of the farm from which the fruits and vegetables are
grown and harvested; also the fertilizers and insecticide used. The QR Codes on the food
packages when scanned will also enable consumers to download information on cooking
recipes.
 QR Codes for location based services on maps in the Tokyo subway and central bus
stations. Passengers can use their mobile phones to scan the QR Code to find out the
arrival time of the next bus.
 e Payment using mobile phone and QR Code printed on the bills.
 Mobile phone and QR Code for payment of tickets for Trains and Airlines services.
 QR Code for TV programme guides using mobile phone to view the programme captured
in QR Code
 QR Code for restaurants: The Japan Restaurant search site displays a QR Code for each
restaurant to indicate its location and its famous dishes when the QR Code is scanned by a
mobile phone.
2
2. WHAT IS QR CODE
QR Code (abbreviated from Quick Response Code) is the trademark for a type of
matrix barcode (or two-dimensional bar code) first designed for the automotive industry in
Japan. Bar codes are optical machine-readable labels attached to items that transmit
information related to the item. Initially patented, its patent holder has chosen not to exercise
those rights. Recently, the QR Code system has become popular outside the automotive
industry due to its fast readability and greater storage capacity compared to standard UPC
barcodes. The code consists of black modules (square dots) arranged in a square pattern on a
white background. The information encoded may be made up of four standardized types
("modes") of data (numeric, alphanumeric, byte / binary, Kanji), or through supported
extensions, virtually any type of data.
QR Code is a two-dimensional symbol. It was invented in 1994 by Denso, one of major
Toyota group companies, and approved as an ISO international standard (ISO/IEC18004) in
June 2000. This two-dimensional symbol was initially intended for use in production control
of automotive parts, but it has become widespread in other fields. Now QR Code is seen and
used everyday everywhere in Japan for the following reasons:
• Several characteristics superior to linear bar codes: much higher data density, support
Kanji/Chinese character, etc.
• It can be used by anybody free of charge as Denso has released the patent into the public
domain.
• Data structure standard is not prerequisite for current usages.
• Most mobile phones in Japan equipped with cameras that enable reading of QR Codes can
access Internet addresses automatically by simply reading a URL encoded in the QR Code.
3
3. INVENTION
In 1970, IBM developed UPC symbols consisting of 13 digits of numbers to enable
automatic input into computers. These UPC symbols are still widely used for Point-Of-Sale
(POS) system. In 1974, Code 39 which can encode approx. 30 digits of alphanumeric
characters was developed. Then in the early 1980s, multistage symbol codes where approx.
100 digits of characters can be stored such as Code 16K and Code 49 were developed. As
informatisation rapidly developed in the recent years, requests had mounted for symbols
which can store more information and represent languages other than English. To enable this,
a symbol with even higher density than multistage symbols was required. The QR code was
invented in Japan by the Toyota subsidiary Denso Wave in 1994 to track vehicles during the
manufacturing process, and originally was designed to allow components to be scanned at
high speed. It has since become one of the most popular types of two-dimensional barcodes.
Unlike the older one-dimensional barcode that was designed to be mechanically scanned by a
narrow beam of light, the QR code is detected as a 2-dimensional digital image by a
semiconductor image sensor and is then digitally analyzed by a programmed processor.
The processor locates the three distinctive squares at the corners of the image, and
uses a smaller square near the fourth corner to normalize the image for size, orientation, and
angle of viewing. The small dots are then converted to binary numbers and validity checked
with an error-correcting code. QR Code, which can contain 7,000 digits of characters at
maximum including Kanji characters (Chinese characters used in Japan) was developed in
1994. Firstly, Interleaved 2 of 5 and Codebar which can encode numbers were developed,
followed by the development of Code 39 which can encode alphanumerical characters. Along
with the informatisation developments, it had become necessary to have full ASCII encoded,
and this resulted in the development of Code 128. Then, multistaged symbols were developed
where these linear symbols were arranged in several stages. Toyota Motor’s Kanban Code is
the world’s first multistaged symbol. As computers became popular, these codes developed
into multi-row symbols where multistaged codes were extended and into matrix symbols
where data were arranged in matrix. Two-dimensional symbols generally contain much more
data amount when compared with linear symbols (approx. 100 times more), and therefore
require much longer data processing time and more complex process. Therefore, QR Code
has had much consideration for its finder pattern to enable high-speed reading.
4
4. QR CODE FEATURES COMPARED WITH
CONVENTIONAL BAR CODES
High Capacity Encoding of Data
While conventional bar codes are capable of
storing a maximum of approximately 20 digits,
QR Code is capable of handling several dozen to
several hundred times more information.
QR Code is capable of handling all types of data,
such as numeric and alphabetic characters, Kanji,
Kana, Hiragana, symbols, binary, and control
codes. Up to 7,089 characters can be encoded in
one symbol.
Small Printout Size
Since QR Code carries information both horizontally
and vertically, QR Code is capable of encoding the
same amount of data in approximately one-tenth the
space of a traditional bar code. (For a smaller printout
size, Micro QR Code is available.
Kanji and Kana Capability
As a symbology developed in Japan, QR Code is
capable of encoding JIS Level 1 and Level 2 kanji
character set. In case of Japanese, one full-width
Kana or Kanji character is efficiently encoded in 13
bits, allowing QR Code to hold more than 20% data
than other 2D symbologies.
5
Dirt and Damage Resistant
QR Code has error correction capability. Data can be
restored even if the symbol is partially dirty or
damaged. A maximum 30% of codewords*1 can be
restored*2
*1: A codeword is a unit that constructs the data area.
In the case of QR Code, one codeword is equal to 8
bits.
*2: Data restoration may not be fully performed
depending on the amount of dirt or damage.
Readable from any direction in 360°
QR Code is capable of 360 degree (omni-directional),
high speed reading. QR Code accomplishes this task
through position detection patterns located at the
three corners of the symbol. These position detection
patterns guarantee stable high-speed reading,
circumventing the negative effects of background
interference.
Structured Append Feature
QR Code can be divided into multiple data areas.
Conversely, information stored in multiple QR
Code symbols can be reconstructed as single data
symbols.
One data symbol can be divided into up to 16
symbols, allowing printing in a narrow area.
6
5. CHARACTERISTICS OF THE QR CODE
Additional to the characteristics for two-dimensional symbols such as large volume
data (7,089 numerical characters at maximum), high-density recording (approx. 100 times
higher in density than linear symbols), and high-speed reading,
QR Code has other superiority in both performance and functionalities aspects.
a) All-Direction (360 degree) High-Speed Reading
Reading matrix symbols will be implemented by using a CCD sensor (area sensor).
The data of the scan line captured by the sensor will be stored into the memory. Then, by
using the software, the details will be analyzed, finder patterns identified, and the
position/size/angle of the symbol detected, and the decoding process will be implemented.
Traditional two-dimensional symbols used to take much time for detecting the
position/angle/size of the symbol, and had a problem that their readings were less accurate
when compared with those of linear symbols.
QR Code has finder patterns for notifying the position of the symbol arranged in
three of its corners to enable high-speed reading in all directions (360 degree). The ratio
between black and white among the scan line that runs through the finder patterns is always
ng this
specific ratio, the finder pattern can be detected from among the image captured by the CCD
sensor to identify the position of the QR Code in a short period of time. Additionally, by
identifying the positional relationships of the three finder patterns from among the image
simultaneously detected. By arranging the finder patterns into the three corners of the
symbol, the decoding speed of the QR Code can be made 20 times faster than that of other
matrix symbols. Additionally, detecting finder patterns can be easily implemented by the
hardware, and can also be accelerated.
7
b) Resistant to Distorted Symbols
Symbols often get distorted when attached onto a curved surface or by the reader
being tilted (angled between the CCD sensor face and the symbol face). To correct this
distortion, QR Code has alignment patterns arranged with a regular interval within the range
of the symbol. The variance between the centre position of the alignment pattern estimated
from the outer shape of the symbol and the acutal centre position of the alignment pattern will
be calculated to have the mappings (for identifying the centre position of each cell) corrected.
This will make the distorted linear/non-linear symbols readable.
8
c) Data Restoration Functionality (Resistant to Smudged or Damaged Symbols)
QR Code has four different error correction levels (7%, 15%, 25%, and 30% per
symbol area). The error correction functionality is implemented according to each of the
smudge/damage, and is utilising Reed-Solomon code which is highly resistant to burst errors.
Reed-Solomon codes are arranged in the QR Code data area. By this error correction
functionality, the codes can be read correctly even when they are smudged or damaged up
until the error correction level. The error correction level can be configured by the user when
he/she creates the symbol. So if the code is highly likely to get smudged in the users’ usage
environment, it is recommended to have 30% set for this correction level.
d) Efficiently Encoding of Kanji and Kana Characters
QR Code has been developed based on the premise that it will be used in Japan. The
specifications for the symbol has efficiently encoded JIS level-1 & 2 Kanji and Kana
characters. When making Japanese expressions using other two dimensional symbols, the
expression would have to be made in binaries and would require 16 bits (2 bytes) for a single
character, whereas QR Code has each Japanese character encoded in 13 bits. This means that
QR Code can have Japanese letters encoded 20% more efficiently than other two-dimensional
symbols. In other words, if the data volume is the same, the symbol can be generated in a
smaller area. Codes in each country will be using the language in that specific country, and
this functionality will enable encoding of the specific language in an efficient manner, such
as having Chinese characters for China and Vietnamese for Vietnam efficiently encoded.
9
e) Linking Functionality of the Symbols
QR Code has a linking functionality which will enable a single symbol to be
represented in several symbols by dividing it . A single symbol can be divided into 16
symbols at maximum. QR Code is divided into four symbols, and each symbol has an
indicator showing how many symbols the original symbol had been divided into and in which
order that specific symbol would be among all divided ones. This will enable the entire data
to be edited and submitted to the computer regardless of what order the symbols had been
read by the reader. By this linking functionality, the QR Code will be able to be printed even
if the printing space is not wide enough to have a single QR Code printed.
f) Masking Process
By having special patterns to process masking, QR Code is enabled to have black and
white cells well arranged in a balanced order. To accurately binalize the data that had been
read, it is necessary to arrange the white and black cells in a well-balanced manner. To enable
this, EX-OR calculation will be implemented between the data area cell and the mask pattern
(template) cell when encoding the stored data and arranging it into the data area. Then, the
number of unique patterns existing and the balance between the white cells and the black
cells will be assessed against the data area where the calculation had been implemented.
There are eight mask patterns. Assessment will be made for each mask pattern, and the mask
pattern with the highest assessment result together with the EX-OR calculation result will be
stored into the data area.
10
6. THE QR CODE STRUCTURE
QR Code is a matrix type symbol with a cell structure arranged in a square. It consists
of the functionality patterns for making reading easy and the data area where the data is
stored. QR Code has finder patterns, alignment patterns, timing patterns, and a quiet zone.
a) Finder Pattern: A pattern for detecting the position of the QR Code. By arranging this
pattern at the three corners of a symbol, the position, the size, and the angle of the symbol can
be detected. This finder pattern consists of a structure which can be detected in all directions
(360°).
b) Alignment Pattern: A pattern for correcting the distortion of the QR Code. It is highly
effective for correcting nonlinear distortions. The central coordinate of the alignment pattern
will be identified to correct the distortion of the symbol. For this purpose, a black isolated cell
is placed in the alignment pattern to make it easier to detect the central coordinate of the
alignment pattern.
c) Timing Pattern: A pattern for identifying the central coordinate of each cell in the QR
Code with black and white patterns arranged alternately. It is used for correcting the central
coordinate of the data cell when the symbol is distorted or when there is an error for the cell
pitch. It is arranged in both vertical and horizontal directions
11
d) Quiet Zone : A margin space necessary for reading the QR Code. This quiet zone makes it
easier to have the symbol detected from among the image read by the CCD sensor. Four or
more cells are necessary for the quiet zone.
e) Data Area : The QR Code data will be stored (encoded) into the data area. The grey part
in Figure 11 represents the data area. The data will be encoded into the binary numbers of ‘0’
and ‘1’ based on the encoding rule. The binary numbers of ‘0’ and ‘1’ will be converted into
black and white cells and then will be arranged. The data area will have Reed-Solomon codes
incorporated for the stored data and the error correction functionality.
12
7. THE SPECIFICATIONS OF THE QR CODE
a) Symbol Size : QR Code can have its size freely selected according to the data volume to
be stored and the reading method. The symbol size is incremented by four cells in both
vertical and horizontal direction - 21x21 cells, 25x25 cells, 29x29 cells..., and there are 40
size types with the maximum size set to 177x177 cells. For eg, in the case for 45x45 cells, if a
single square cell is sized 0.25mm, one side of the symbol will be 45x0.25mm = 11.25mm.
The quiet zone will need to be added on both sides of the symbol whose minimum size is four
cells, and therefore, the space required for having this symbol printed will be a square of
(4+45+4)x0.25mm ie. 3.25mm.
b) Information Type and Volume : QR Code can handle various types of data such as
numerical characters, alphabets, signs, Kanji characters, Hiragana, Katakana, control signs,
and images. It can basically have character sets supported by ISO/IEC 646 and ISO/IEC
10646. These data can also coexist. The max available volume of the information is listed in
Table.
13
c) Data Conversion Efficiency : QR Code has four types of conversion mode - numerical
characters, alphanumerical/signs, binary, and Kanji characters - for encoding the data. Each
mode has had considerations to improve its conversion efficiency. The number of cells
required for each character in each mode is listed in Table.
d) Error Correction Functionality : QR Code has an error correction functionality for
restoring the data. There are four different restoration levels so that you can select the level
that matches with each usage environment. Each restoration capability is as listed in Table.
14
8. HOW QR IS GENERATED
Encryption:
Encrypted QR codes, which are not very common, have a few implementations. An
Android app, for example, manages encryption and decryption of QR codes using the DES
algorithm (56 bits). The Japanese immigration system uses encrypted QR codes when issuing
visa in passports.
Error correction:
Codewords are 8 bits long and use the Reed–Solomon error correction algorithm with
four error correction levels. The higher the error correction level, the less storage capacity.
The following table lists the approximate error correction capability at each of the four levels:
Level L (Low) 7% of codewords can be restored.
Level M (Medium) 15% of codewords can be restored.
Level Q (Quartile) 25% of codewords can be restored.
Level H (High) 30% of codewords can be restored.
Due to the design of Reed–Solomon codes and the use of 8-bit codewords, an
individual code block cannot be more than 255 codewords in length. Since the larger QR
symbols contain much more data than that, it is necessary to break the message up into
multiple blocks. The QR specification does not use the largest possible block size, though;
instead, it defines the block sizes so that no more than 30 error-correction symbols appear in
each block. This means that at most 15 errors per block can be corrected, which limits the
complexity of certain steps in the decoding algorithm. The code blocks are then interleaved
together, making it less likely that localized damage to a QR symbol will overwhelm the
capacity of any single block.
15
Thanks to error correction, 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 colors, logos, and other features into the QR code block.
Encoding
The format information records two things: the error correction level and the mask
pattern used for the symbol. Masking is used to break up patterns in the data area that might
confuse a scanner, such as large blank areas or misleading features that look like the locator
marks. The mask patterns are defined on a grid that is repeated as necessary to cover the
whole symbol. Modules corresponding to the dark areas of the mask are inverted. The format
information is protected from errors with a BCH code, and two complete copies are included
in each QR symbol.
The message data is placed from right to left in a zigzag pattern, as shown below. In
larger symbols, this is complicated by the presence of the alignment patterns and the use of
multiple interleaved error-correction blocks.
Four-bit indicators are used to select the encoding mode and convey other
information. Encoding modes can be mixed as needed within a QR symbol.
Encoding modes
Indicator Meaning
0001 Numeric encoding (10 bits per 3 digits)
0010 Alphanumeric encoding (11 bits per 2 characters)
0100 Byte encoding (8 bits per character)
1000 Kanji encoding (13 bits per character)
16
0011 Structured append (used to split a message across multiple QR symbols)
0111 Extended Channel Interpretation (select alternate character set or encoding)
0101 FNC1 in first position (see Code 128 for more information)
1001 FNC1 in second position
0000 End of message
After every indicator that selects an encoding mode is a length field that tells how
many characters are encoded in that mode. The number of bits in the length field depends on
the encoding and the symbol version.
Number of bits per length field
Encoding Ver. 1–9 10–26 27–40
Numeric 10 12 14
Alphanumeric 9 11 13
Byte 8 16 16
Kanji 8 10 12
Alphanumeric encoding mode stores a message more compactly than the byte mode
can, but cannot store lower-case letters and has only a limited selection of punctuation marks,
17
which are sufficient for most web addresses. Two characters are coded in an 11-bit value by
this formula:
V = 45 × C1 + C2
Alphanumeric character codes
Code Character Code Character Code Character Code Character Code Character
00 0 09 9 18 I 27 R 36 SP
01 1 10 A 19 J 28 S 37 $
02 2 11 B 20 K 29 T 38 %
03 3 12 C 21 L 30 U 39 *
04 4 13 D 22 M 31 V 40 +
05 5 14 E 23 N 32 W 41 –
06 6 15 F 24 O 33 X 42 .
07 7 16 G 25 P 34 Y 43 /
08 8 17 H 26 Q 35 Z 44 :
18
9. QR CODE APPLICATIONS
Originally designed for industrial uses, QR codes have become common in consumer
advertising. Smartphone users can install an app with a QR-code scanner that can read a
displayed code and convert it to a URL directing the smart phone's browser to the website of
a company, store, or product associated with that code providing specific information.
In the shopping industry, knowing what causes the consumers to be motivated when
approaching products by the use of QR codes, advertisers and marketers can use the behavior
of scanning to get consumers to buy, causing it to be the best impact on ad and marketing
design." As a result, the QR code has become a focus of advertising strategy, since it provides
quick and effortless access to the brand's website. Beyond mere convenience to the consumer,
the importance of this capability is that it increases the conversion rate (that is, increases the
chance that contact with the advertisement will convert to a sale), by coaxing qualified
prospects further down the conversion funnel without any delay or effort, bringing the viewer
to the advertiser's site immediately, where a longer and more targeted sales pitch may
continue. Although initially used to track parts in vehicle manufacturing, QR codes are now
(as of 2012) used over a much wider range of applications, including commercial tracking,
entertainment and transport ticketing, product/loyalty marketing (examples: mobile
couponing where a company's discounted and percent discount can be captured using a QR
code decoder which is a mobile app, or storing a company's information such as address and
related information alongside its alpha-numeric text data as can be seen in Yellow Pages
directory), and in-store product labeling. It can also be used in storing personal information
for use by government.
QR codes storing addresses and Uniform Resource Locators (URLs) may appear in
magazines, on signs, on buses, on business cards, or on almost any object about which users
might need information. Users with a camera phone equipped with the correct reader
application can scan the image of the QR code to display text, contact information, connect to
a wireless network, or open a web page in the telephone's browser. This act of linking from
physical world objects is termed hard linking or object hyper linking. QR codes also may be
linked to a location to track where a code has been scanned. Either the application that scans
the QR code retrieves the geo information by using GPS and cell tower triangulation (a GPS)
or the URL encoded in the QR code itself is associated with a location.
19
a) QR Code Used Mobile operating systems
QR codes can be used in Google's Android operating system and iOS devices
(iPhone/iPod/iPad) using Google Goggles or 3rd party barcode scanners. The browser
supports URI redirection, which allows QR codes to send metadata to existing applications
on the device. Nokia's Symbian operating system features a barcode scanner which can read
QR codes, while m barcode is a QR code reader for the Maemo operating system. In the
Apple iOS, a QR code reader is not natively included, but more than fifty paid and free apps
are available with both scanning capabilities and hard-linking to URI. Google Goggles is also
available for iOS. With BlackBerry devices, the App World application can natively scan QR
codes and load any recognized Web URLs on the device's Web browser. Windows Phone 7.5
is able to scan QR codes through the Bing search app. They can also be used on the Nintendo
3DS.
b) QR Code UsedRetail
Recently there has been a move away from traditional magnetic card, stamp, or punch
card based schemes to QR code based loyalty programs. One prominent example is the U.S.-
based Punchd, which became part of Google in 2011. Others, like Maze Card, have offered
similar applications of QR codes in other continents.
System Outline : A customer scans QR Code on the catalogue and the order direction is
automatically sent to wholesaler.
Merit of Using QR Code: Improvement of the efficiency of ordering transaction
20
c) QR Code Used For Bus Commuters Pass Issuing System
System Outline:
 The first time application requires fulfilling the form.
 QR Code on the commuter pass carries the application information .
 The renewal application just requires duration of data, and QR Code on the old pass
gives necessary information.
Merits of Using QR code:
 Prompt and efficient service for commuter pass renewal.
d) QRCode Used For Passenger Management
System Outline:
 QR Codes are printed on the tickets for a casino cruiser.
 The ticket covers passports number, address and name.
 The printed QR Code is used as a certification, when a passenger receives his passport
deposited at his embarkment.
Merits of Using QR code:
 Deposited passports can be correctly returned.
 Used as a ticket for food and drink.
21
e) QR Code Used For Patient Identification in Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore
System Outline:
 Hospitals in Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore have adopted QR Code printed on patient
wrist band to identify the patients.
 Example of information encoded on QR Code are patient’s name, identification number,
date of birth, sex, ward and bed numbers.
Merits of Using QR code:
 Ensure that the ‘right patient’ gets the ‘ right medicine’ or ‘right treatment’ at the ‘right
time’.
f) QR Code Application in Agriculture in Taiwan
System Outline:
 Each packet of vegetable has a unique ID number with
product traceability code.
 The QR Code on the packet encoded the name of the
vegetable, GSI identification number, packaging data and
traceability code.
 The Council of Agriculture of Taiwan developed the
Mobile web linkage.
22
Merits of Using QR code:
 The QR code can facilitate in the tracebility process and enable retailers to withdraw
packets of vegetables which are not fresh.
 Shoppers can also get the farmer related information by scanning at the QR Code
which will lead to the farm through the Moblie web linkage developed by the
Council of Agriculture(COA) of Taiwan.
23
10. DOWNSIDES
Not everyone is aware of QR codes. As a result, not everyone who sees one will
know to pull out a cell phone and take a picture of the matrix. Not everyone owns a camera
phone, and because many cell phones do not include a QR reader, the software must be
downloaded and tested. Moreover, a QR code might direct users to a website that does not
display properly on a cell phone. Taken as a whole, it is impractical to expect students to be
able to capture coursework information from QR codes without some support. Beyond that,
while projects like the one at Bath University are investigating potential uses, the challenge
remains to find appropriate and effective pedagogical uses of QR codes.
24
11. CONCLUSION
QR codes can store quite complex information in a small matrix. As awareness grows
about how useful they are, we can expect to see them in more public venues. Commercial
packaging will display codes with detailed nutritional information or links to websites where
users can play the latest product-associated game or register for updates or coupons. In
academic uses, QR codes on student tests could help ensure anonymity in grading. Posted
next to artwork or in musical or theatrical programs, QR codes might lead students to open
forums where they could join in community discussions about what they’ve heard or seen. In
scientific endeavors, QR codes could take the place of printed labels; attached to lab work,
samples, or medication options, they could preserve confidentiality of participant names. QR
Codes may presage other applications that use mobile devices to decode.
25
12. REFERENCES
 Webster, M. (n.d.). Bar code. Retrieved from http://www.merriam-
webster.com/dictionary/bar code
 UID Solutions - UID Products and Services for US Military Contractors and
DoD. Barcode History Timeline. Retrieved from
http://www.uidsolutions.com/barcodetimeline.html
 Qr readers. (n.d.). Barcode Technology Timeline. Retrieved from
http://www.qrreaders.net/articles/barcode-technology-timeline.html
 (9/29/2011). What Is A QR Code And How Does It Work?. [ONLINE] Available at:
http://www.youthedesigner.com/2011/09/29/what-is-a-qr-code-and-how-does-it-
work/.
 How Barcode Scanners Work. [ONLINE] Available at:
http://www.carolinabarcode.com/how-barcode-scanners-work-a-69.html.
 (2000). Information technology — Automatic identification and data capture
techniques — Bar code symbology — QR Code. [ONLINE] Available at:
http://raidenii.net/files/datasheets/misc/qr_code.pdf.

Mais conteúdo relacionado

Mais procurados

QR Codes in Education
QR Codes in EducationQR Codes in Education
QR Codes in Education
cawa
 
Your Resource Guide For Communicating With Bar Code Symbologies
Your Resource Guide For Communicating With Bar Code SymbologiesYour Resource Guide For Communicating With Bar Code Symbologies
Your Resource Guide For Communicating With Bar Code Symbologies
Stallion Group
 

Mais procurados (20)

Presentation on QR code.
Presentation on QR code.Presentation on QR code.
Presentation on QR code.
 
Qr codes
Qr codesQr codes
Qr codes
 
Regulatory aspect of barcode technology
Regulatory aspect of barcode technologyRegulatory aspect of barcode technology
Regulatory aspect of barcode technology
 
Barcode technology
Barcode technologyBarcode technology
Barcode technology
 
Application of QR Codes in Academic Libraries: With Special Reference to Cent...
Application of QR Codes in Academic Libraries: With Special Reference to Cent...Application of QR Codes in Academic Libraries: With Special Reference to Cent...
Application of QR Codes in Academic Libraries: With Special Reference to Cent...
 
QR Codes in Education
QR Codes in EducationQR Codes in Education
QR Codes in Education
 
Use of QR Code: A Step Towards Development in India
Use of QR Code: A Step Towards Development in IndiaUse of QR Code: A Step Towards Development in India
Use of QR Code: A Step Towards Development in India
 
Ppt
PptPpt
Ppt
 
Understanding Bar Codes
Understanding Bar Codes  Understanding Bar Codes
Understanding Bar Codes
 
Barcode history and Future
Barcode history and Future Barcode history and Future
Barcode history and Future
 
seminar-on-barcodes
seminar-on-barcodesseminar-on-barcodes
seminar-on-barcodes
 
Your Resource Guide For Communicating With Bar Code Symbologies
Your Resource Guide For Communicating With Bar Code SymbologiesYour Resource Guide For Communicating With Bar Code Symbologies
Your Resource Guide For Communicating With Bar Code Symbologies
 
Bar Code
Bar CodeBar Code
Bar Code
 
Working of barcode reader
Working of barcode readerWorking of barcode reader
Working of barcode reader
 
Contact Bar Code Readers
Contact Bar Code ReadersContact Bar Code Readers
Contact Bar Code Readers
 
BAR CODE AND R.F.I.D.
BAR CODE AND R.F.I.D.BAR CODE AND R.F.I.D.
BAR CODE AND R.F.I.D.
 
CS4099Report
CS4099ReportCS4099Report
CS4099Report
 
Documentation on barcode technology
Documentation on barcode technologyDocumentation on barcode technology
Documentation on barcode technology
 
QR-CODE presentation slide
QR-CODE presentation slideQR-CODE presentation slide
QR-CODE presentation slide
 
Barcode
BarcodeBarcode
Barcode
 

Semelhante a 14 571

QR CODES IN BUSINESS.
QR CODES IN BUSINESS.QR CODES IN BUSINESS.
QR CODES IN BUSINESS.
RobbySahoo
 

Semelhante a 14 571 (20)

Qr code ppt
Qr code pptQr code ppt
Qr code ppt
 
Qr code (quick response code)
Qr code (quick response code)Qr code (quick response code)
Qr code (quick response code)
 
Qr codes web
Qr codes webQr codes web
Qr codes web
 
QR Codes - Quick Response Code.
QR Codes - Quick Response Code.QR Codes - Quick Response Code.
QR Codes - Quick Response Code.
 
Qr code
Qr codeQr code
Qr code
 
Qr code in education
Qr code in educationQr code in education
Qr code in education
 
QR CODES IN BUSINESS.
QR CODES IN BUSINESS.QR CODES IN BUSINESS.
QR CODES IN BUSINESS.
 
IRJET- A Survey: Secret Sharing Approach with Cheater Prevention on QR Code
IRJET-  	  A Survey: Secret Sharing Approach with Cheater Prevention on QR CodeIRJET-  	  A Survey: Secret Sharing Approach with Cheater Prevention on QR Code
IRJET- A Survey: Secret Sharing Approach with Cheater Prevention on QR Code
 
QR codes in libraries (By Gaurav Boudh)
QR codes in libraries (By Gaurav Boudh)QR codes in libraries (By Gaurav Boudh)
QR codes in libraries (By Gaurav Boudh)
 
Bar code- Techlogogy : Seminar PPT
Bar code- Techlogogy : Seminar PPTBar code- Techlogogy : Seminar PPT
Bar code- Techlogogy : Seminar PPT
 
Implementation of 2D Optimal Barcode (QR Code) for Images
Implementation of 2D Optimal Barcode (QR Code) for ImagesImplementation of 2D Optimal Barcode (QR Code) for Images
Implementation of 2D Optimal Barcode (QR Code) for Images
 
QR code
QR codeQR code
QR code
 
Barcodes - Types, Working and Hardware
Barcodes - Types, Working and HardwareBarcodes - Types, Working and Hardware
Barcodes - Types, Working and Hardware
 
QR code optimization
QR code optimizationQR code optimization
QR code optimization
 
DETECTION OF QR CODE.pptx
 DETECTION OF QR CODE.pptx DETECTION OF QR CODE.pptx
DETECTION OF QR CODE.pptx
 
Barcode technology ppt
Barcode technology pptBarcode technology ppt
Barcode technology ppt
 
CREATION AND DETECTION OF QR CODE.pptx
CREATION AND DETECTION OF QR CODE.pptxCREATION AND DETECTION OF QR CODE.pptx
CREATION AND DETECTION OF QR CODE.pptx
 
QR Code - Mobile readable Barcode
QR Code - Mobile readable BarcodeQR Code - Mobile readable Barcode
QR Code - Mobile readable Barcode
 
Quick Response Code (QR code)
Quick Response Code (QR code)Quick Response Code (QR code)
Quick Response Code (QR code)
 
IRJET - Color Qr Code
IRJET -  	  Color Qr CodeIRJET -  	  Color Qr Code
IRJET - Color Qr Code
 

Mais de Chaitanya Ram (20)

14 599
14 59914 599
14 599
 
14 598
14 59814 598
14 598
 
14 595
14 59514 595
14 595
 
14 593
14 59314 593
14 593
 
14 587
14 58714 587
14 587
 
14 586
14 58614 586
14 586
 
14 585
14 58514 585
14 585
 
14 584
14 58414 584
14 584
 
14 583
14 58314 583
14 583
 
14 581
14 58114 581
14 581
 
14 577
14 57714 577
14 577
 
14 576
14 57614 576
14 576
 
14 575
14 57514 575
14 575
 
14A81A0574
14A81A057414A81A0574
14A81A0574
 
14 572
14 57214 572
14 572
 
14 570
14 57014 570
14 570
 
14 569
14 569 14 569
14 569
 
14 568
14 56814 568
14 568
 
14 567
14 56714 567
14 567
 
14 566
14 56614 566
14 566
 

Último

IAC 2024 - IA Fast Track to Search Focused AI Solutions
IAC 2024 - IA Fast Track to Search Focused AI SolutionsIAC 2024 - IA Fast Track to Search Focused AI Solutions
IAC 2024 - IA Fast Track to Search Focused AI Solutions
Enterprise Knowledge
 
Artificial Intelligence: Facts and Myths
Artificial Intelligence: Facts and MythsArtificial Intelligence: Facts and Myths
Artificial Intelligence: Facts and Myths
Joaquim Jorge
 
Histor y of HAM Radio presentation slide
Histor y of HAM Radio presentation slideHistor y of HAM Radio presentation slide
Histor y of HAM Radio presentation slide
vu2urc
 

Último (20)

IAC 2024 - IA Fast Track to Search Focused AI Solutions
IAC 2024 - IA Fast Track to Search Focused AI SolutionsIAC 2024 - IA Fast Track to Search Focused AI Solutions
IAC 2024 - IA Fast Track to Search Focused AI Solutions
 
08448380779 Call Girls In Diplomatic Enclave Women Seeking Men
08448380779 Call Girls In Diplomatic Enclave Women Seeking Men08448380779 Call Girls In Diplomatic Enclave Women Seeking Men
08448380779 Call Girls In Diplomatic Enclave Women Seeking Men
 
Artificial Intelligence: Facts and Myths
Artificial Intelligence: Facts and MythsArtificial Intelligence: Facts and Myths
Artificial Intelligence: Facts and Myths
 
2024: Domino Containers - The Next Step. News from the Domino Container commu...
2024: Domino Containers - The Next Step. News from the Domino Container commu...2024: Domino Containers - The Next Step. News from the Domino Container commu...
2024: Domino Containers - The Next Step. News from the Domino Container commu...
 
How to Troubleshoot Apps for the Modern Connected Worker
How to Troubleshoot Apps for the Modern Connected WorkerHow to Troubleshoot Apps for the Modern Connected Worker
How to Troubleshoot Apps for the Modern Connected Worker
 
Histor y of HAM Radio presentation slide
Histor y of HAM Radio presentation slideHistor y of HAM Radio presentation slide
Histor y of HAM Radio presentation slide
 
Strategies for Unlocking Knowledge Management in Microsoft 365 in the Copilot...
Strategies for Unlocking Knowledge Management in Microsoft 365 in the Copilot...Strategies for Unlocking Knowledge Management in Microsoft 365 in the Copilot...
Strategies for Unlocking Knowledge Management in Microsoft 365 in the Copilot...
 
Advantages of Hiring UIUX Design Service Providers for Your Business
Advantages of Hiring UIUX Design Service Providers for Your BusinessAdvantages of Hiring UIUX Design Service Providers for Your Business
Advantages of Hiring UIUX Design Service Providers for Your Business
 
Apidays Singapore 2024 - Building Digital Trust in a Digital Economy by Veron...
Apidays Singapore 2024 - Building Digital Trust in a Digital Economy by Veron...Apidays Singapore 2024 - Building Digital Trust in a Digital Economy by Veron...
Apidays Singapore 2024 - Building Digital Trust in a Digital Economy by Veron...
 
Data Cloud, More than a CDP by Matt Robison
Data Cloud, More than a CDP by Matt RobisonData Cloud, More than a CDP by Matt Robison
Data Cloud, More than a CDP by Matt Robison
 
Boost Fertility New Invention Ups Success Rates.pdf
Boost Fertility New Invention Ups Success Rates.pdfBoost Fertility New Invention Ups Success Rates.pdf
Boost Fertility New Invention Ups Success Rates.pdf
 
08448380779 Call Girls In Greater Kailash - I Women Seeking Men
08448380779 Call Girls In Greater Kailash - I Women Seeking Men08448380779 Call Girls In Greater Kailash - I Women Seeking Men
08448380779 Call Girls In Greater Kailash - I Women Seeking Men
 
08448380779 Call Girls In Friends Colony Women Seeking Men
08448380779 Call Girls In Friends Colony Women Seeking Men08448380779 Call Girls In Friends Colony Women Seeking Men
08448380779 Call Girls In Friends Colony Women Seeking Men
 
The Codex of Business Writing Software for Real-World Solutions 2.pptx
The Codex of Business Writing Software for Real-World Solutions 2.pptxThe Codex of Business Writing Software for Real-World Solutions 2.pptx
The Codex of Business Writing Software for Real-World Solutions 2.pptx
 
Tata AIG General Insurance Company - Insurer Innovation Award 2024
Tata AIG General Insurance Company - Insurer Innovation Award 2024Tata AIG General Insurance Company - Insurer Innovation Award 2024
Tata AIG General Insurance Company - Insurer Innovation Award 2024
 
Slack Application Development 101 Slides
Slack Application Development 101 SlidesSlack Application Development 101 Slides
Slack Application Development 101 Slides
 
Presentation on how to chat with PDF using ChatGPT code interpreter
Presentation on how to chat with PDF using ChatGPT code interpreterPresentation on how to chat with PDF using ChatGPT code interpreter
Presentation on how to chat with PDF using ChatGPT code interpreter
 
Real Time Object Detection Using Open CV
Real Time Object Detection Using Open CVReal Time Object Detection Using Open CV
Real Time Object Detection Using Open CV
 
Breaking the Kubernetes Kill Chain: Host Path Mount
Breaking the Kubernetes Kill Chain: Host Path MountBreaking the Kubernetes Kill Chain: Host Path Mount
Breaking the Kubernetes Kill Chain: Host Path Mount
 
What Are The Drone Anti-jamming Systems Technology?
What Are The Drone Anti-jamming Systems Technology?What Are The Drone Anti-jamming Systems Technology?
What Are The Drone Anti-jamming Systems Technology?
 

14 571

  • 1. 1 1. INTRODUCTION During recent years, there are major developments in the adoption of 2D Codes such as: a) The directive by International Air Transport Association (IATA) for airports worldwide to adopt 2D bar code for passenger boarding passes by 2010. b) The adoption of QR Code for patient identification by two leading hospitals in Singapore and all hospitals in Hong Kong. c) The use of 2D bar codes/micro codes for various applications in the other sectors. d) The use of QR code with mobile phones in Japan and Korea. Examples of such applications are:  Large scale QR Codes on buildings to enable users to use mobile phone to scan the QR Code to retrieve information about the companies that are operating inside the buildings.  The use of mobile phone to scan the QR Code on the packaging of fruits or vegetables to retrieve information about the name of the farm from which the fruits and vegetables are grown and harvested; also the fertilizers and insecticide used. The QR Codes on the food packages when scanned will also enable consumers to download information on cooking recipes.  QR Codes for location based services on maps in the Tokyo subway and central bus stations. Passengers can use their mobile phones to scan the QR Code to find out the arrival time of the next bus.  e Payment using mobile phone and QR Code printed on the bills.  Mobile phone and QR Code for payment of tickets for Trains and Airlines services.  QR Code for TV programme guides using mobile phone to view the programme captured in QR Code  QR Code for restaurants: The Japan Restaurant search site displays a QR Code for each restaurant to indicate its location and its famous dishes when the QR Code is scanned by a mobile phone.
  • 2. 2 2. WHAT IS QR CODE QR Code (abbreviated from Quick Response Code) is the trademark for a type of matrix barcode (or two-dimensional bar code) first designed for the automotive industry in Japan. Bar codes are optical machine-readable labels attached to items that transmit information related to the item. Initially patented, its patent holder has chosen not to exercise those rights. Recently, the QR Code system has become popular outside the automotive industry due to its fast readability and greater storage capacity compared to standard UPC barcodes. The code consists of black modules (square dots) arranged in a square pattern on a white background. The information encoded may be made up of four standardized types ("modes") of data (numeric, alphanumeric, byte / binary, Kanji), or through supported extensions, virtually any type of data. QR Code is a two-dimensional symbol. It was invented in 1994 by Denso, one of major Toyota group companies, and approved as an ISO international standard (ISO/IEC18004) in June 2000. This two-dimensional symbol was initially intended for use in production control of automotive parts, but it has become widespread in other fields. Now QR Code is seen and used everyday everywhere in Japan for the following reasons: • Several characteristics superior to linear bar codes: much higher data density, support Kanji/Chinese character, etc. • It can be used by anybody free of charge as Denso has released the patent into the public domain. • Data structure standard is not prerequisite for current usages. • Most mobile phones in Japan equipped with cameras that enable reading of QR Codes can access Internet addresses automatically by simply reading a URL encoded in the QR Code.
  • 3. 3 3. INVENTION In 1970, IBM developed UPC symbols consisting of 13 digits of numbers to enable automatic input into computers. These UPC symbols are still widely used for Point-Of-Sale (POS) system. In 1974, Code 39 which can encode approx. 30 digits of alphanumeric characters was developed. Then in the early 1980s, multistage symbol codes where approx. 100 digits of characters can be stored such as Code 16K and Code 49 were developed. As informatisation rapidly developed in the recent years, requests had mounted for symbols which can store more information and represent languages other than English. To enable this, a symbol with even higher density than multistage symbols was required. The QR code was invented in Japan by the Toyota subsidiary Denso Wave in 1994 to track vehicles during the manufacturing process, and originally was designed to allow components to be scanned at high speed. It has since become one of the most popular types of two-dimensional barcodes. Unlike the older one-dimensional barcode that was designed to be mechanically scanned by a narrow beam of light, the QR code is detected as a 2-dimensional digital image by a semiconductor image sensor and is then digitally analyzed by a programmed processor. The processor locates the three distinctive squares at the corners of the image, and uses a smaller square near the fourth corner to normalize the image for size, orientation, and angle of viewing. The small dots are then converted to binary numbers and validity checked with an error-correcting code. QR Code, which can contain 7,000 digits of characters at maximum including Kanji characters (Chinese characters used in Japan) was developed in 1994. Firstly, Interleaved 2 of 5 and Codebar which can encode numbers were developed, followed by the development of Code 39 which can encode alphanumerical characters. Along with the informatisation developments, it had become necessary to have full ASCII encoded, and this resulted in the development of Code 128. Then, multistaged symbols were developed where these linear symbols were arranged in several stages. Toyota Motor’s Kanban Code is the world’s first multistaged symbol. As computers became popular, these codes developed into multi-row symbols where multistaged codes were extended and into matrix symbols where data were arranged in matrix. Two-dimensional symbols generally contain much more data amount when compared with linear symbols (approx. 100 times more), and therefore require much longer data processing time and more complex process. Therefore, QR Code has had much consideration for its finder pattern to enable high-speed reading.
  • 4. 4 4. QR CODE FEATURES COMPARED WITH CONVENTIONAL BAR CODES High Capacity Encoding of Data While conventional bar codes are capable of storing a maximum of approximately 20 digits, QR Code is capable of handling several dozen to several hundred times more information. QR Code is capable of handling all types of data, such as numeric and alphabetic characters, Kanji, Kana, Hiragana, symbols, binary, and control codes. Up to 7,089 characters can be encoded in one symbol. Small Printout Size Since QR Code carries information both horizontally and vertically, QR Code is capable of encoding the same amount of data in approximately one-tenth the space of a traditional bar code. (For a smaller printout size, Micro QR Code is available. Kanji and Kana Capability As a symbology developed in Japan, QR Code is capable of encoding JIS Level 1 and Level 2 kanji character set. In case of Japanese, one full-width Kana or Kanji character is efficiently encoded in 13 bits, allowing QR Code to hold more than 20% data than other 2D symbologies.
  • 5. 5 Dirt and Damage Resistant QR Code has error correction capability. Data can be restored even if the symbol is partially dirty or damaged. A maximum 30% of codewords*1 can be restored*2 *1: A codeword is a unit that constructs the data area. In the case of QR Code, one codeword is equal to 8 bits. *2: Data restoration may not be fully performed depending on the amount of dirt or damage. Readable from any direction in 360° QR Code is capable of 360 degree (omni-directional), high speed reading. QR Code accomplishes this task through position detection patterns located at the three corners of the symbol. These position detection patterns guarantee stable high-speed reading, circumventing the negative effects of background interference. Structured Append Feature QR Code can be divided into multiple data areas. Conversely, information stored in multiple QR Code symbols can be reconstructed as single data symbols. One data symbol can be divided into up to 16 symbols, allowing printing in a narrow area.
  • 6. 6 5. CHARACTERISTICS OF THE QR CODE Additional to the characteristics for two-dimensional symbols such as large volume data (7,089 numerical characters at maximum), high-density recording (approx. 100 times higher in density than linear symbols), and high-speed reading, QR Code has other superiority in both performance and functionalities aspects. a) All-Direction (360 degree) High-Speed Reading Reading matrix symbols will be implemented by using a CCD sensor (area sensor). The data of the scan line captured by the sensor will be stored into the memory. Then, by using the software, the details will be analyzed, finder patterns identified, and the position/size/angle of the symbol detected, and the decoding process will be implemented. Traditional two-dimensional symbols used to take much time for detecting the position/angle/size of the symbol, and had a problem that their readings were less accurate when compared with those of linear symbols. QR Code has finder patterns for notifying the position of the symbol arranged in three of its corners to enable high-speed reading in all directions (360 degree). The ratio between black and white among the scan line that runs through the finder patterns is always ng this specific ratio, the finder pattern can be detected from among the image captured by the CCD sensor to identify the position of the QR Code in a short period of time. Additionally, by identifying the positional relationships of the three finder patterns from among the image simultaneously detected. By arranging the finder patterns into the three corners of the symbol, the decoding speed of the QR Code can be made 20 times faster than that of other matrix symbols. Additionally, detecting finder patterns can be easily implemented by the hardware, and can also be accelerated.
  • 7. 7 b) Resistant to Distorted Symbols Symbols often get distorted when attached onto a curved surface or by the reader being tilted (angled between the CCD sensor face and the symbol face). To correct this distortion, QR Code has alignment patterns arranged with a regular interval within the range of the symbol. The variance between the centre position of the alignment pattern estimated from the outer shape of the symbol and the acutal centre position of the alignment pattern will be calculated to have the mappings (for identifying the centre position of each cell) corrected. This will make the distorted linear/non-linear symbols readable.
  • 8. 8 c) Data Restoration Functionality (Resistant to Smudged or Damaged Symbols) QR Code has four different error correction levels (7%, 15%, 25%, and 30% per symbol area). The error correction functionality is implemented according to each of the smudge/damage, and is utilising Reed-Solomon code which is highly resistant to burst errors. Reed-Solomon codes are arranged in the QR Code data area. By this error correction functionality, the codes can be read correctly even when they are smudged or damaged up until the error correction level. The error correction level can be configured by the user when he/she creates the symbol. So if the code is highly likely to get smudged in the users’ usage environment, it is recommended to have 30% set for this correction level. d) Efficiently Encoding of Kanji and Kana Characters QR Code has been developed based on the premise that it will be used in Japan. The specifications for the symbol has efficiently encoded JIS level-1 & 2 Kanji and Kana characters. When making Japanese expressions using other two dimensional symbols, the expression would have to be made in binaries and would require 16 bits (2 bytes) for a single character, whereas QR Code has each Japanese character encoded in 13 bits. This means that QR Code can have Japanese letters encoded 20% more efficiently than other two-dimensional symbols. In other words, if the data volume is the same, the symbol can be generated in a smaller area. Codes in each country will be using the language in that specific country, and this functionality will enable encoding of the specific language in an efficient manner, such as having Chinese characters for China and Vietnamese for Vietnam efficiently encoded.
  • 9. 9 e) Linking Functionality of the Symbols QR Code has a linking functionality which will enable a single symbol to be represented in several symbols by dividing it . A single symbol can be divided into 16 symbols at maximum. QR Code is divided into four symbols, and each symbol has an indicator showing how many symbols the original symbol had been divided into and in which order that specific symbol would be among all divided ones. This will enable the entire data to be edited and submitted to the computer regardless of what order the symbols had been read by the reader. By this linking functionality, the QR Code will be able to be printed even if the printing space is not wide enough to have a single QR Code printed. f) Masking Process By having special patterns to process masking, QR Code is enabled to have black and white cells well arranged in a balanced order. To accurately binalize the data that had been read, it is necessary to arrange the white and black cells in a well-balanced manner. To enable this, EX-OR calculation will be implemented between the data area cell and the mask pattern (template) cell when encoding the stored data and arranging it into the data area. Then, the number of unique patterns existing and the balance between the white cells and the black cells will be assessed against the data area where the calculation had been implemented. There are eight mask patterns. Assessment will be made for each mask pattern, and the mask pattern with the highest assessment result together with the EX-OR calculation result will be stored into the data area.
  • 10. 10 6. THE QR CODE STRUCTURE QR Code is a matrix type symbol with a cell structure arranged in a square. It consists of the functionality patterns for making reading easy and the data area where the data is stored. QR Code has finder patterns, alignment patterns, timing patterns, and a quiet zone. a) Finder Pattern: A pattern for detecting the position of the QR Code. By arranging this pattern at the three corners of a symbol, the position, the size, and the angle of the symbol can be detected. This finder pattern consists of a structure which can be detected in all directions (360°). b) Alignment Pattern: A pattern for correcting the distortion of the QR Code. It is highly effective for correcting nonlinear distortions. The central coordinate of the alignment pattern will be identified to correct the distortion of the symbol. For this purpose, a black isolated cell is placed in the alignment pattern to make it easier to detect the central coordinate of the alignment pattern. c) Timing Pattern: A pattern for identifying the central coordinate of each cell in the QR Code with black and white patterns arranged alternately. It is used for correcting the central coordinate of the data cell when the symbol is distorted or when there is an error for the cell pitch. It is arranged in both vertical and horizontal directions
  • 11. 11 d) Quiet Zone : A margin space necessary for reading the QR Code. This quiet zone makes it easier to have the symbol detected from among the image read by the CCD sensor. Four or more cells are necessary for the quiet zone. e) Data Area : The QR Code data will be stored (encoded) into the data area. The grey part in Figure 11 represents the data area. The data will be encoded into the binary numbers of ‘0’ and ‘1’ based on the encoding rule. The binary numbers of ‘0’ and ‘1’ will be converted into black and white cells and then will be arranged. The data area will have Reed-Solomon codes incorporated for the stored data and the error correction functionality.
  • 12. 12 7. THE SPECIFICATIONS OF THE QR CODE a) Symbol Size : QR Code can have its size freely selected according to the data volume to be stored and the reading method. The symbol size is incremented by four cells in both vertical and horizontal direction - 21x21 cells, 25x25 cells, 29x29 cells..., and there are 40 size types with the maximum size set to 177x177 cells. For eg, in the case for 45x45 cells, if a single square cell is sized 0.25mm, one side of the symbol will be 45x0.25mm = 11.25mm. The quiet zone will need to be added on both sides of the symbol whose minimum size is four cells, and therefore, the space required for having this symbol printed will be a square of (4+45+4)x0.25mm ie. 3.25mm. b) Information Type and Volume : QR Code can handle various types of data such as numerical characters, alphabets, signs, Kanji characters, Hiragana, Katakana, control signs, and images. It can basically have character sets supported by ISO/IEC 646 and ISO/IEC 10646. These data can also coexist. The max available volume of the information is listed in Table.
  • 13. 13 c) Data Conversion Efficiency : QR Code has four types of conversion mode - numerical characters, alphanumerical/signs, binary, and Kanji characters - for encoding the data. Each mode has had considerations to improve its conversion efficiency. The number of cells required for each character in each mode is listed in Table. d) Error Correction Functionality : QR Code has an error correction functionality for restoring the data. There are four different restoration levels so that you can select the level that matches with each usage environment. Each restoration capability is as listed in Table.
  • 14. 14 8. HOW QR IS GENERATED Encryption: Encrypted QR codes, which are not very common, have a few implementations. An Android app, for example, manages encryption and decryption of QR codes using the DES algorithm (56 bits). The Japanese immigration system uses encrypted QR codes when issuing visa in passports. Error correction: Codewords are 8 bits long and use the Reed–Solomon error correction algorithm with four error correction levels. The higher the error correction level, the less storage capacity. The following table lists the approximate error correction capability at each of the four levels: Level L (Low) 7% of codewords can be restored. Level M (Medium) 15% of codewords can be restored. Level Q (Quartile) 25% of codewords can be restored. Level H (High) 30% of codewords can be restored. Due to the design of Reed–Solomon codes and the use of 8-bit codewords, an individual code block cannot be more than 255 codewords in length. Since the larger QR symbols contain much more data than that, it is necessary to break the message up into multiple blocks. The QR specification does not use the largest possible block size, though; instead, it defines the block sizes so that no more than 30 error-correction symbols appear in each block. This means that at most 15 errors per block can be corrected, which limits the complexity of certain steps in the decoding algorithm. The code blocks are then interleaved together, making it less likely that localized damage to a QR symbol will overwhelm the capacity of any single block.
  • 15. 15 Thanks to error correction, 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 colors, logos, and other features into the QR code block. Encoding The format information records two things: the error correction level and the mask pattern used for the symbol. Masking is used to break up patterns in the data area that might confuse a scanner, such as large blank areas or misleading features that look like the locator marks. The mask patterns are defined on a grid that is repeated as necessary to cover the whole symbol. Modules corresponding to the dark areas of the mask are inverted. The format information is protected from errors with a BCH code, and two complete copies are included in each QR symbol. The message data is placed from right to left in a zigzag pattern, as shown below. In larger symbols, this is complicated by the presence of the alignment patterns and the use of multiple interleaved error-correction blocks. Four-bit indicators are used to select the encoding mode and convey other information. Encoding modes can be mixed as needed within a QR symbol. Encoding modes Indicator Meaning 0001 Numeric encoding (10 bits per 3 digits) 0010 Alphanumeric encoding (11 bits per 2 characters) 0100 Byte encoding (8 bits per character) 1000 Kanji encoding (13 bits per character)
  • 16. 16 0011 Structured append (used to split a message across multiple QR symbols) 0111 Extended Channel Interpretation (select alternate character set or encoding) 0101 FNC1 in first position (see Code 128 for more information) 1001 FNC1 in second position 0000 End of message After every indicator that selects an encoding mode is a length field that tells how many characters are encoded in that mode. The number of bits in the length field depends on the encoding and the symbol version. Number of bits per length field Encoding Ver. 1–9 10–26 27–40 Numeric 10 12 14 Alphanumeric 9 11 13 Byte 8 16 16 Kanji 8 10 12 Alphanumeric encoding mode stores a message more compactly than the byte mode can, but cannot store lower-case letters and has only a limited selection of punctuation marks,
  • 17. 17 which are sufficient for most web addresses. Two characters are coded in an 11-bit value by this formula: V = 45 × C1 + C2 Alphanumeric character codes Code Character Code Character Code Character Code Character Code Character 00 0 09 9 18 I 27 R 36 SP 01 1 10 A 19 J 28 S 37 $ 02 2 11 B 20 K 29 T 38 % 03 3 12 C 21 L 30 U 39 * 04 4 13 D 22 M 31 V 40 + 05 5 14 E 23 N 32 W 41 – 06 6 15 F 24 O 33 X 42 . 07 7 16 G 25 P 34 Y 43 / 08 8 17 H 26 Q 35 Z 44 :
  • 18. 18 9. QR CODE APPLICATIONS Originally designed for industrial uses, QR codes have become common in consumer advertising. Smartphone users can install an app with a QR-code scanner that can read a displayed code and convert it to a URL directing the smart phone's browser to the website of a company, store, or product associated with that code providing specific information. In the shopping industry, knowing what causes the consumers to be motivated when approaching products by the use of QR codes, advertisers and marketers can use the behavior of scanning to get consumers to buy, causing it to be the best impact on ad and marketing design." As a result, the QR code has become a focus of advertising strategy, since it provides quick and effortless access to the brand's website. Beyond mere convenience to the consumer, the importance of this capability is that it increases the conversion rate (that is, increases the chance that contact with the advertisement will convert to a sale), by coaxing qualified prospects further down the conversion funnel without any delay or effort, bringing the viewer to the advertiser's site immediately, where a longer and more targeted sales pitch may continue. Although initially used to track parts in vehicle manufacturing, QR codes are now (as of 2012) used over a much wider range of applications, including commercial tracking, entertainment and transport ticketing, product/loyalty marketing (examples: mobile couponing where a company's discounted and percent discount can be captured using a QR code decoder which is a mobile app, or storing a company's information such as address and related information alongside its alpha-numeric text data as can be seen in Yellow Pages directory), and in-store product labeling. It can also be used in storing personal information for use by government. QR codes storing addresses and Uniform Resource Locators (URLs) may appear in magazines, on signs, on buses, on business cards, or on almost any object about which users might need information. Users with a camera phone equipped with the correct reader application can scan the image of the QR code to display text, contact information, connect to a wireless network, or open a web page in the telephone's browser. This act of linking from physical world objects is termed hard linking or object hyper linking. QR codes also may be linked to a location to track where a code has been scanned. Either the application that scans the QR code retrieves the geo information by using GPS and cell tower triangulation (a GPS) or the URL encoded in the QR code itself is associated with a location.
  • 19. 19 a) QR Code Used Mobile operating systems QR codes can be used in Google's Android operating system and iOS devices (iPhone/iPod/iPad) using Google Goggles or 3rd party barcode scanners. The browser supports URI redirection, which allows QR codes to send metadata to existing applications on the device. Nokia's Symbian operating system features a barcode scanner which can read QR codes, while m barcode is a QR code reader for the Maemo operating system. In the Apple iOS, a QR code reader is not natively included, but more than fifty paid and free apps are available with both scanning capabilities and hard-linking to URI. Google Goggles is also available for iOS. With BlackBerry devices, the App World application can natively scan QR codes and load any recognized Web URLs on the device's Web browser. Windows Phone 7.5 is able to scan QR codes through the Bing search app. They can also be used on the Nintendo 3DS. b) QR Code UsedRetail Recently there has been a move away from traditional magnetic card, stamp, or punch card based schemes to QR code based loyalty programs. One prominent example is the U.S.- based Punchd, which became part of Google in 2011. Others, like Maze Card, have offered similar applications of QR codes in other continents. System Outline : A customer scans QR Code on the catalogue and the order direction is automatically sent to wholesaler. Merit of Using QR Code: Improvement of the efficiency of ordering transaction
  • 20. 20 c) QR Code Used For Bus Commuters Pass Issuing System System Outline:  The first time application requires fulfilling the form.  QR Code on the commuter pass carries the application information .  The renewal application just requires duration of data, and QR Code on the old pass gives necessary information. Merits of Using QR code:  Prompt and efficient service for commuter pass renewal. d) QRCode Used For Passenger Management System Outline:  QR Codes are printed on the tickets for a casino cruiser.  The ticket covers passports number, address and name.  The printed QR Code is used as a certification, when a passenger receives his passport deposited at his embarkment. Merits of Using QR code:  Deposited passports can be correctly returned.  Used as a ticket for food and drink.
  • 21. 21 e) QR Code Used For Patient Identification in Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore System Outline:  Hospitals in Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore have adopted QR Code printed on patient wrist band to identify the patients.  Example of information encoded on QR Code are patient’s name, identification number, date of birth, sex, ward and bed numbers. Merits of Using QR code:  Ensure that the ‘right patient’ gets the ‘ right medicine’ or ‘right treatment’ at the ‘right time’. f) QR Code Application in Agriculture in Taiwan System Outline:  Each packet of vegetable has a unique ID number with product traceability code.  The QR Code on the packet encoded the name of the vegetable, GSI identification number, packaging data and traceability code.  The Council of Agriculture of Taiwan developed the Mobile web linkage.
  • 22. 22 Merits of Using QR code:  The QR code can facilitate in the tracebility process and enable retailers to withdraw packets of vegetables which are not fresh.  Shoppers can also get the farmer related information by scanning at the QR Code which will lead to the farm through the Moblie web linkage developed by the Council of Agriculture(COA) of Taiwan.
  • 23. 23 10. DOWNSIDES Not everyone is aware of QR codes. As a result, not everyone who sees one will know to pull out a cell phone and take a picture of the matrix. Not everyone owns a camera phone, and because many cell phones do not include a QR reader, the software must be downloaded and tested. Moreover, a QR code might direct users to a website that does not display properly on a cell phone. Taken as a whole, it is impractical to expect students to be able to capture coursework information from QR codes without some support. Beyond that, while projects like the one at Bath University are investigating potential uses, the challenge remains to find appropriate and effective pedagogical uses of QR codes.
  • 24. 24 11. CONCLUSION QR codes can store quite complex information in a small matrix. As awareness grows about how useful they are, we can expect to see them in more public venues. Commercial packaging will display codes with detailed nutritional information or links to websites where users can play the latest product-associated game or register for updates or coupons. In academic uses, QR codes on student tests could help ensure anonymity in grading. Posted next to artwork or in musical or theatrical programs, QR codes might lead students to open forums where they could join in community discussions about what they’ve heard or seen. In scientific endeavors, QR codes could take the place of printed labels; attached to lab work, samples, or medication options, they could preserve confidentiality of participant names. QR Codes may presage other applications that use mobile devices to decode.
  • 25. 25 12. REFERENCES  Webster, M. (n.d.). Bar code. Retrieved from http://www.merriam- webster.com/dictionary/bar code  UID Solutions - UID Products and Services for US Military Contractors and DoD. Barcode History Timeline. Retrieved from http://www.uidsolutions.com/barcodetimeline.html  Qr readers. (n.d.). Barcode Technology Timeline. Retrieved from http://www.qrreaders.net/articles/barcode-technology-timeline.html  (9/29/2011). What Is A QR Code And How Does It Work?. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.youthedesigner.com/2011/09/29/what-is-a-qr-code-and-how-does-it- work/.  How Barcode Scanners Work. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.carolinabarcode.com/how-barcode-scanners-work-a-69.html.  (2000). Information technology — Automatic identification and data capture techniques — Bar code symbology — QR Code. [ONLINE] Available at: http://raidenii.net/files/datasheets/misc/qr_code.pdf.