QR Code 1

QR Code
A QR Code is a specific matrix barcode (or two-dimensional code), readable
by dedicated QR barcode readers and camera phones. 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.
Common in Japan, where it was created by Toyota subsidiary Denso-Wave in
1994, the QR code is one of the most popular types of two-dimensional
barcodes. QR is the abbreviation for Quick Response, as the creator intended
the code to allow its contents to be decoded at high speed.[1]

QR Code for the URL of the English

Wikipedia Mobile main page. Note that
the white border is part of the encoding.

Overview
Although initially used for tracking parts in
vehicle manufacturing, QR codes are now
used in a much broader context, including
both commercial tracking applications and
convenience-oriented applications aimed at
mobile phone users (known as mobile
tagging). QR codes can be used to display
text to the user, to add a vCard contact to the
user's device, to open a URI or to compose
an email or text message. Users can also
generate and print their own QR codes for
others to scan and use by visiting one of several free QR code generating sites. Frank C. Hudetz, a US Marketing
Services Professional, claims to have invented the idea of mapping bar codes to a URL.[2] [3]

QR codes storing addresses and URLs may appear in magazines, on signs, buses, business cards, or on just about 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 phone's browser. This act of linking from physical world objects is known as a hardlink or
physical world hyperlinks.
Google's mobile Android operating system supports QR codes by natively including the barcode scanner (ZXing) on
some models, and the browser supports URI redirection, which allows QR Codes to send metadata to existing
applications on the device. Nokia's Symbian operating system is also provided with a barcode scanner, which is able
to read QR codes,[4] while mbarcode [5] is a QR code reader for the Maemo operating system. In the Apple iOS, a
QR code reader is not natively included, but over 50 free Apps are available with reader and metadata browser URI
redirection capability.
QR Code 2

Standards
There are several standards documents covering the physical encoding of QR codes:[6]
• October 1997 — AIM (Association for Automatic Identification and Mobility) International[7]
• January 1999 — JIS X 0510
• June 2000 — ISO/IEC 18004:2000 Information technology — Automatic identification and data capture
techniques — Bar code symbology — QR Code [8] (now withdrawn)
Defines QR Code Model 1 and QR Code Model 2 symbols.
• 1 September 2006 — ISO/IEC 18004:2006 Information technology — Automatic identification and data capture
techniques — QR Code 2005 bar code symbology specification [9]
Defines QR Code 2005 symbols, an extension of QR Code Model 2. Does not specify how to read QR Code
Model 1 symbols, or require this for compliance.
At the application layer, there is some variation between implementations. NTT DoCoMo has established de facto
standards for the encoding of URLs, contact information, and several other data types.[10] The open-source "ZXing"
project maintains a list of QR code data types.[11]

License
The use of QR codes is free of any license. The QR code is clearly defined and published as an ISO standard. Denso
Wave owns the patent rights on QR codes, but has chosen not to exercise them.[6]
The term QR code itself is a registered trademark of Denso Wave Incorporated.[12]

Storage
[1]
QR code data capacity

Numeric code only Max. 7,089 characters

Alphanumeric Max. 4,296 characters

Binary (8 bits) Max. 2,953 bytes

Kanji/Kana Max. 1,817 characters

Error correction capacity

Level L 7% of codewords can be restored.

Level M 15% of codewords can be restored.

Level Q 25% of codewords can be restored.

Level H 30% of codewords can be restored.

QR codes use the Reed–Solomon error correction.

Variants
Micro QR code is a smaller version of the QR code standard for applications with less ability to
handle large scans. There are different forms of Micro QR codes as well. The highest of these can
hold 35 numeric characters. Example of
Micro QR
Standard QR code is the QR code standard for applications that do possess the ability to handle
large scans. A standard QR code can contain up to 7089 characters, though not all QR readers can
accept that much data.
QR Code 3

Example of Standard QR

Use as artwork
Since 2006, the Italian artist Fabrice de Nola has used QR codes
in oil paintings[13] or embedded in photographs.[14]
In 2007 the British pop group Pet Shop Boys used QR code for
the artwork of their download-only single Integral. The
videoclip for the song also features a QR code. When the codes
are scanned, users are directed to the Pet Shop Boys website,
and web pages about the British national identity card plans,
respectively.

In 2008, the Australian born artist Simone O'Callaghan created a

Bottom up, oil on canvas by Fabrice de Nola, 2006.
series of screenprinted artworks called RGB, based on QR
codes. Here, she challenged the latitudes of scanning
technologies by altering the codes to take on more organic and less pixelated forms, whilst still ensuring that they
could be scanned by a mobile phone.[15] They link to quotes about media. She also exhibited another series of works
called home.html featuring QR codes linking the photographic prints to online content about the places in which the
images were taken. They were exhibited as part of an exhibition called Signals in the City at the Hannah McLure,
Abertay University, Dundee, Scotland.[16] [17]

In March 2008, software engineer Duncan Robertson embedded the BBC logo inside a QR code. [18]
In 2010, musician and artist DJ Spooky used a QR code in a fine art
print exhibited at Experimenta Biennale, Melbourne. Scanning the
code takes users to an experiential web based artwork called the Nauru
Ellegies,[19] about the complexities of the South Pacific island of
Nauru.
A QR code which scans to produce the word "LOVE" was also
featured prominently in Australian artist Kylie Minogue's music video
for her 2010 single All The Lovers.
In June 2010, Design Exchange, Canada's National Design Centre,
unveiled a large QR code installation created by Rollout Wallpaper.
Rollout Wallpaper is a custom wallpaper company operating in
Edible, and scanable, QR code waffle created at
Vancouver. The installation is part of the 'Bent Out of Shape' exhibit,
NYC Resistor in 2010
curated by Design Exchange staff.
QR Code 4

In July 2010, SYCO Music recording artist Labrinth started using QR codes as part of a campaign to promote his
debut single "Let The Sun Shine". As well as a cartoon video to educate users on how to use QR codes,[20] they were
placed in different media ranging from street posters & stickers to music videos, websites and social networks. The
QR codes take users through to Labrinth's YouTube videos, website and social network profile.
The webcomic QR Comic is made entirely out of QR codes. The first 28 entries are Isaac Asimov's short story The
Last Question converted into QR codes.
The 2010 comic, Carnivale De Robotique uses a QR code to reveal a subplot in its third issue.[21]
In October 2010, at the Toronto International Art Fair, artist Jeff Tallon displayed Canada's first QR code painting in
collaboration with the Engine Gallery. The work was a diptych that, when scanned, provided information about the
adjoining panel.[22]

Use in marketing
Recently, QR codes have become more prevalent in marketing circles
and have been integrated into both traditional and interactive
campaigns. Media where QR codes have been deployed include:
billboard ads, guerilla marketing campagns[23] , in-store displays, event
ticketing and tracking, trade-show management, business cards, print
ads, contests, direct mail campaigns, websites, email marketing, and
couponing just to name a few. QR codes are of particular interest to
marketers, giving them the "ability to measure response rates with a
high degree of precision"[24] allowing for easier ROI (return on
investment) calculation, thus helping justify spending on marketing
budgets. QR codes have also been used at trade shows and in
conferences.

QR codes can be seen on an art festival map for Canton Ohio's "First
Friday". The QR code was designed by Think Roth, a multi-media
marketing company from Ohio. The QR code on the festival's map
A giant QR Code linking to a website, to be read
takes you to a "phone friendly" map with coupons for free coffee and with a mobile phone.
art discounts around town.

In the property market QR codes can replace brochure boxes and are
used to promote properties as well as online search engines.
Approximately 50% of all homes are sold to first time buyers. With the
advent and acceptance of mobile technology, it is thought that adding
QR codes will enhance their experience and deliver information
instantly.
In street art, La Pluma Eléctri*k (street art collective based in Madrid)
and Space Invader (from France) are two examples of artists who use it
in the street for art purposes.
In July 2009, QR codes were created for character design and
promotional materials in the Shane Acker film 9. The use of QR codes
was part of the characters in the movie and culminated into a Example of Twin Cities real estate home search
application Minneapolis St Paul Online Home
promotional campaign with unique QR code cards, posters and street
Search
QR Code 5

advertisements on billboards or public transportation for major popular art events. These advertisements were largely
focused upon the attendees of the 2009 San Diego Comic Con and 2009 Oscars. QR codes were integrated into the
artwork and symbolized individual characters in the movie. Instructional pamphlets and videos were released to
explain how the codes could be retrieved and deciphered. QR-coded artwork could be read with QR-capable
cellphones for prizes and access to exclusive online content. This was one of the first major integrations of QR codes
with Hollywood studios and urban environments.[25]
In January 2011, the Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum launched a line of museum t-shirts and apparel which feature
museum logos and designs on the fronts, and a QR code screened on the right back shoulder, which directs to the
museum's web site or artist interviews.
QR codes are also widely used in the tourism. For example in Lviv (Ukraine), Lviv Tourism Movement that
consolidates businessmen have placed QR codes on more than 80 tourism objects. QR codes are in several
languages, which helps individual tourist easily to get the information on the city. [26]

Use in interpretation
QR codes have been used to interpret natural and historical points of interest on nature trails and walking tours,
adding to or replacing expensive signs.[27] [28]

Use in entertainment
QR codes are becoming increasingly more innovative and more and more ideas for their use are becoming a reality.
LBP.me has created a QR code for every user generated level in LittleBigPlanet 2 for the PlayStation 3, and all you
have to do is print that QR code out and hold it in front of the PlayStation 3's dedicated camera, the PlayStation Eye,
while the game is running and the game will automatically take you that level on the community page.

Standalone applications
While the adoption of QR codes in some markets has been slow to take off (particularly in markets like the United
States where competing standards like Data Matrix exist), the technology is gaining some traction in the smartphone
market. Many Android, Nokia, and Blackberry phones come with QR code readers pre-installed. QR reader software
is available for most mobile platforms.

References
[1] About 2D Code | QR Code.com (http:/ / www. denso-wave. com/ qrcode/ aboutqr-e. html) Denso-Wave. Retrieved 2009-04-23.
[2] [http://www.linkedin.com/in/frankchudetz Frank C. Hudetz lists himself as the QR code inventor on LinkedIn
[3] Frank C. Hudetz patent for connecting UPC codes to URLs: USPTO #6,199,048 (http:/ / patft. uspto. gov/ netacgi/ nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&
Sect2=HITOFF& d=PALL& p=1& u=/ netahtml/ PTO/ srchnum. htm& r=1& f=G& l=50& s1=6,199,048. PN. & OS=PN/ 6,199,048&
RS=PN/ 6,199,048)
[4] "Nokia Europe - Nokia N80 - Support" (http:/ / europe. nokia. com/ support/ product-support/ nokia-n80/ phone-software/ smartphone). .
[5] "package overview for mbarcode" (http:/ / maemo. org/ packages/ view/ mbarcode/ ). Maemo.org. . Retrieved 2010-07-28.
[6] "QR Code Standardization | QR Code.com" (http:/ / www. denso-wave. com/ qrcode/ qrstandard-e. html). Denso-wave.com. . Retrieved
2009-04-23.
[7] "AIM GLOBAL Online Store" (https:/ / www. aimglobal. org/ estore/ ProductDetails. aspx?ProductID=31). Aimglobal.org. . Retrieved
2009-04-23.
[8] http:/ / www. iso. org/ iso/ iso_catalogue/ catalogue_ics/ catalogue_detail_ics. htm?csnumber=30789
[9] http:/ / www. iso. org/ iso/ iso_catalogue/ catalogue_tc/ catalogue_detail. htm?csnumber=43655
[10] "Synchronization with Native Applications" (http:/ / www. nttdocomo. co. jp/ english/ service/ imode/ make/ content/ barcode/ function/
application/ ). NTT docomo. . Retrieved 17 February 2009.
[11] "Barcode Contents" (http:/ / code. google. com/ p/ zxing/ wiki/ BarcodeContents). zxing – A rough guide to standard encoding of
information in barcodes. . Retrieved 17 February 2009.
[12] "QR Code.com" (http:/ / www. denso-wave. com/ qrcode/ index-e. html). Denso-wave.com. 2003-11-06. . Retrieved 2009-04-23.
[13] Fabrice de Nola (http:/ / www. palazzoriso. it/ en/ node/ 343) at the Palazzo Riso. Retrieved 2011-01-30.
QR Code 6

[14] Fabrice de Nola (http:/ / mediamorfosi. sudlab. com/ fabrice-de-nola. html) at Mediamorfosi - Sud Lab (Italian). Retrieved 2010-07-25.
[15] http:/ / www. flickr. com/ photos/ 28389830@N05/ 3637645109/ in/ set-72157606292052115/
[16] http:/ / hannahmaclurecentre. abertay. ac. uk/ archive. html
[17] http:/ / elusivesprite. squarespace. com/ exhibitions/ signals-in-the-city/
[18] http:/ / whomwah. com/ 2008/ 03/ 12/ more-fun-with-qr-codes-and-the-bbc-logo/
[19] DJ Spooky - Nauru Elegies (http:/ / www. djspooky. com/ nauruelegies/ ) Retrieved 2010-07-25.
[20] Labrinth QR Code Transmission (http:/ / www. youtube. com/ watch?v=3KILnXj1Fj0) YouTube 26-07-2010
[21] https:/ / comics. comixology. com/ #/ series/ 4793/ Carnivale-De-Robotique
[22] Jeff Tallon - 2010 TIAF (http:/ / www. youtube. com/ watch?v=EaKL9MEjzZw) YouTube. Retrieved 01-11-2010.
[23] "New Owners re-Launch PayPoster as QR-Based Guerilla Marketing Site" (http:/ / www. thirdreport. com/ third-report. asp?storyid=244).
www.thirdreport.com. . Retrieved 2010-12-14.
[24] Printers Can Demonstrate ROI to Clients Using Interactive Marketing (http:/ / www. outputlinks. com/ html/ general/
gcworld_Interactive_Marketing_101410. aspx), OutputLinks.com referenced 2010-10-22
[25] Find the hidden QR-Codes for Nine (http:/ / filminfocus. com/ article/ find_the_hidden_codes_for_9). «Focus Features», July 10, 2009.
Retrieved 2010-08-15.
[26] У Львові на туристичних об’єктах встановили понад 80 QR-кодів - ZAXID.NET (http:/ / www. zaxid. net/ newsua/ 2010/ 10/ 18/
144539/ )
[27] Augusta Canal Smartphone DigiTrail (http:/ / www. augustacanal. com/ Images/ V1/ Uploads/ PDF_Files/ NEWS RELEASE-Canal
DigiTrail. pdf) Retrieved 2010-11-20.
[28] Augusta Canal App (http:/ / www2. wjbf. com/ special_section/ 2010/ oct/ 08/ you-want-augusta-canal-history-theres-ap-ar-937112/ ).
Retrieved 2010-11-20.

Bibliography
• BS ISO/IEC 18004:2006. Information technology. Automatic identification and data capture techniques. Bar code
symbology. QR code (http://www.worldcat.org/title/
information-technology-automatic-identification-and-data-capture-techniques-bar-code-symbology-qr-code-technologies-de-linfor
oclc/60816353?lang=en). Geneva: ISO/IEC. 2000. pp. 114. at OCLC
• BS ISO/IEC 18004:2006. Information technology. Automatic identification and data capture techniques. QR
Code 2005 bar code symbology specification (http://shop.bsigroup.com/en/ProductDetail/
?pid=000000000030201420). London: BSI. 2007. pp. 126. ISBN 978-0-580-67368-9.

External links
• QR Code - Official website (http://www.denso-wave.com/qrcode/index-e.html) by QR Code's creator
Denso-Wave
• Generate QR code for this page (http://chart.apis.google.com/chart?chs=200x200&cht=qr&chl=http://en.
wikipedia.org/wiki/Qr_code)
Article Sources and Contributors 7

Article Sources and Contributors

QR Code  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?oldid=414527002  Contributors: 100percentrecord, 24fan24, Aborelli, AbsolutDan, Addshore, AirWalk009, AircraftWorld, Alan Liefting,
AlastairIrvine, Alchemy pete, Alex0987, Alfpooh, Alhasagianttongue, Alice160190, AlistairMcMillan, Anaxial, Antaeus Feldspar, Anthony morgan peters, Apoc2400, Arichnad, Arisa, Auntof6,
Autopilot, AxelBoldt, Basseq, BillyBuggy, Black-Velvet, Blehfu, Blobglob, Brdall, Brjodo, Bruce89, Buffavento, CL, CapitalLetterBeginning, Carlozbt, Charles Matthews, Charlotte Boersma,
Chrisp900, Chrispi900, Closedmouth, Codetesuki, CredoFromStart, Criskruijff, D0762, DVTB, Dadude3320, Daev, Dancter, Dandv, Daschilling, Dave Punktilio, Davidelit, Davidprior, Denso
BHT, Dforest, Dissolve, DocWatson42, Donnalibra, Dororai, ENeville, Earle Martin, Edu82, Elektron, Epbr123, Eric Wester, Erick880, Espejitosdecolores, Excirial, Explicit, Eyreland, Fasol,
Fhudetz, FisherQueen, Fjurden, Fr33dbr33d, Fram, Francydl, Frankk74, Fæ, GVOLTT, Geh, Georgefondue, Gjs238, Golbez, GraemeL, Graf von Moltke, GregorB, Hankwang, Hcl1023,
HiDrNick, Holizz, Hopsta, Hughespj, Hurmata, HybridBoy, ISBN, Iamjamieq, Immanuel Giel, Inkling, Inmonaranja, Ionutzmovie, Isnow, IvanLanin, Jackedhacker, Jamesnpope, Jchor, Jeff G.,
Jenbsullivan, JeremyA, Jheiv, Joebigwheel, John of Reading, Jordihernandez, Juhachi, Jun-Dai, Kallog, Kaywa, KelvinMo, KingJ, Kku, Koavf, Kocio, Koman90, Kootje, Kriplozoik, Krisguy,
Kronos, Krugdm, Lambiam, Lester, Lew424, Lightgunner, Lockeownzj00, Locococoloco, Loew Galitz, Lopifalko, Luccas, Martin H., Mathsgeek, Maurice Carbonaro, Mayalld, Mbonetti,
MesserWoland, Mettakalyanamitta, Michael Hardy, Mikaey, Mindmatrix, Mlearning, Mnguru1, Mono, Mord3n, Mrchaotica, Muzikman2787, N5iln, NFG, Nasa-verve, Nathan, Ndenison, Ned
Scott, Netalarm, Neurolysis, Nicolas1981, Nifky?, Niteowlneils, Nloth, Nonaeroterraqueous, Nopetro, Nurg, OekelWm, Oliverkeenan, Orangemike, Oren0, Pabeaufait, Partyzan XXI, PatrikR,
Pavel Vozenilek, Pe7er, Pewwer42, Pg.richard, Philip Trueman, Pierredecoubertin, Portland99, Primabaker, PumaBeest, Pxma, Qrcodemania, Qrme, Quaeler, RHaworth, RVJ, Randowiki,
Renart.fox, Rhythmcandy, Rjwilmsi, Rrburke, SEKIUCHI, SSSidorenko, Samxyouxwell, Sander123, Scribeofargos, Shaddack, ShayaWiki, Shb0, Simetrical, Slightsmile, Spike0xFF, Squash,
Srowen, Staka, Steffan.stringer, StevenMcCoy, Svick, SwiftingSpeed, T3h, Tcoffin88, Tedder, Tesukibeingfree, The Obento Musubi, Thosp, Thumperward, TiagoTiago, TimmmmCam, Tobias
Bergemann, Toddpurgason, TomNor, Tommy2010, TonyBorelli, Tooncoppens, Tototutu, Trounce, UncleDouggie, Uofalbany, Vox Rationis, Wadkdc, Webapplications, WhosAsking, Wibbble,
Wikidemon, William Graham, Woohookitty, Worufu, WriterHound, WurmWoode, Yerpo, Ynalaka, Zeimusu, Zephyris, Zfophf, Zinjixmaggir, Zubari, 582 anonymous edits

Image Sources, Licenses and Contributors

File:Wikipedia mobile en.svg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Wikipedia_mobile_en.svg  License: Public Domain  Contributors: brdall. Original uploader was Brdall at
en.wikipedia. Later version(s) were uploaded by Sertion, Johndrinkwater, Ke4roh at en.wikipedia.
Image:QR Code Structure Example.svg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:QR_Code_Structure_Example.svg  License: GNU Free Documentation License  Contributors:
Richard Wheeler (Zephyris). Original uploader was Zephyris at en.wikipedia
File:MicroQR Example.png  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:MicroQR_Example.png  License: Public Domain  Contributors: Avron, LobStoR, Mattes, Partyzan XXI, 1
anonymous edits
File:QRcode.png  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:QRcode.png  License: Creative Commons Zero  Contributors: Aborelli
File:De Nola-Bottom up.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:De_Nola-Bottom_up.jpg  License: Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 2.0  Contributors: Fabrice de
Nola
File:QR Waffle.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:QR_Waffle.jpg  License: Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 3.0  Contributors: User:Autopilot
Image:Japan-qr-code-billboard.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Japan-qr-code-billboard.jpg  License: GNU Free Documentation License  Contributors:
User:Nicolas1981
File:QR Code For Online Twin Cities Home Search.png  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:QR_Code_For_Online_Twin_Cities_Home_Search.png  License: Public
Domain  Contributors: User:Mnguru

License
Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported
http:/ / creativecommons. org/ licenses/ by-sa/ 3. 0/