QR Code – The New Barcode
You may have noticed strange symbols popping up on your purchases lately. If you figured them to be the next wave in bar-coding technology you would be right.
What you may not realize is that these new bar codes or QR codes (short for Quick Response code) can handle multiple times the amount of information as the older system of thick and thin lines.
Originally released in 1994 by the Denso corporation this new type of coding holds at least twice the information of its predecessor in one tenth the amount of space.
This density of information is achieved by using a matrix layout as opposed to the traditional linear style. This matrix layout allows QR code to carry information such as customer data, shipper data, product number, quantity, or other data.
Newer developments are even allowing cell phones users to scan the codes and then download product information or be sent to a URL and view a sponsors web site. QR technology could eventually be used to allow a consumer to retrieve product information from locations such as kiosks or vending machines.
This technology allows a retailer (or other source) to compact over 7000 numeric or over 4000 alphanumeric characters of information into a space not much larger than a postage stamp.
The applications of information provided by QR codes seems to be endless. With an alpha numeric count of over 4000 letters or numbers users could easily include a full write-up including product info, the location the product was made, the person who made that individual product, their maiden name, eye color, favourite ice cream….whatever. With the right amount of imagination you could go anywhere with this technology.
Wiki defines it this way http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QR_Code
Or for something much more excellent I came across this Pet Shop Boys video on You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lG8o5uInji
If anyone has a cellphone that can read QR code…please let me know if the ones shown in the video work for you, and of so what info they provide. Post in the comments for this blog.
or here for a bit more descriptive and revealing spoiler http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/08/the-pet-shop-boys-embed-qr-codes-in-latest-orwellian-video/
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