QR Codes
QR Codes
What are QR Codes?
QR codes stand for "Quick Response code". QR codes are essentially a matrix barcode (or two-dimensional code), readable by QR scanners, mobile phones with a camera, smartphones and the ipod touch. The code consists of black modules arranged in a square pattern on a white background. The information encoded can be text, URL or other data. Basically, it is like a hyperlink, but an image that you scan which is also a quicker process. In other words, "At its most basic, a QR Code is a barcode on steroids".
How are QR Codes different from barcodes?
Whereas a barcode encodes data in only the horizontal plane (as scanners read the width and distance between the vertical lines), QR codes encode data both horizontally and vertically in a grid of tiny squares. This allows for much more data to be encoded in a smaller space. Barcodes are good for little more than identifying products and objects. Specially programmed scanners can read barcodes, and match them to product names, prices and inventory, but that's about it. QR codes, on the other hand, can actually embed that information in the code itself, and, when read with the proper software, can trigger actions like launching a website or downloading a file. Additionally, QR codes can be read from any angle, while barcodes must be aligned properly.
How can I use QR Codes?
Most QR Codes can be scanned through applications on your smartphone, or other devices with a camera. If you own any smart device with a generic barcode reader application installed and launched, point it at the screen and simply wait for it to send you a webpage. The process of scanning a QR Code through an application may differ, due to the device and application you are using.
What applications on my device should I use to scan a QR Code?
Application for IPod Touch/IPhone:
- "Scan" (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/scan/id411206394?mt=8)
- "RedLaser" (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/redlaser-barcode-scanner-qr/id312720263?mt=8)
- "QR Reader" (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/qr-reader-for-iphone/id368494609?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo%3D2)
Application for Blackberry:
- QR Code Scanner Pro (http://appworld.blackberry.com/webstore/content/13962)
- Scanlife Bar Code Reader (http://appworld.blackberry.com/webstore/content/1102)
Application for Android:
- QR Droid (https://market.android.com/details?id=la.droid.qr&hl=en)
- Quickmark Barcode Scanner (https://market.android.com/details?id=tw.com.quickmark&hl=en)