A QR code, short for “Quick Response Code,” is a two-dimensional barcode that can be scanned with a smartphone camera to access information or content. QR codes can store a variety of data types, including website URLs, contact information, and product details.
The QR code was invented in 1994 by a Japanese company called Denso Wave, a subsidiary of Toyota. It was used to track parts during the manufacturing process. Since then, QR codes have become popular for a variety of uses, including advertising, payment transactions, and event ticketing. (see Wikipedia)
One of the advantages of QR codes is that they can be easily scanned with a smartphone camera. This makes them a convenient and contactless way to share information. At least QR codes have also become more widely adopted due to the increasing popularity of mobile devices. It is easy to create and share them.
The format of an QR Code
A QR code consists of black squares arranged in a square grid on a white background. There is a finder pattern in three of the corners. The finder pattern is used to detect the orientation of the QR code and to align the scanner.
The content is encoded in a series of black and white squares within the grid. The code is structured into multiple sections:
– the finder pattern
– the timing pattern
– the format information
and the data itself.
The data in a QR code can be encoded in four different modes: numeric, alphanumeric, byte, and kanji. Numeric mode is used for encoding numbers, while alphanumeric mode is used for encoding a combination of numbers and letters. Byte mode is used for encoding binary data, such as text in different languages. Kanji mode is used for encoding Japanese characters.
QR codes also have built-in error correction capabilities. This allows them to be read even if part of the code is damaged or obscured. The level of error correction can be adjusted depending on the amount of data being encoded and the desired level of redundancy.
Most impartantly the technical structure of a QR code is designed to efficiently and accurately encode and decode information, making it a versatile and widely adopted technology for a variety of applications.