UNDERSTANDING QR CODE
What is QR Code?
QR code consists of black colour square modules arranged in a squared pattern on a white background. It has three square box on three corners of a QR Code. These three square codes basically position detection pattern that gives the QR code its quick response characteristics.
QR technology entirely change the way of accessing and retrieving digital information. It is a digital communication tool that works as a bridge between traditional communication media and digital technologies.
Understanding QR Code in Details
QR Code is emerged due to limited technological features of one dimensional Bar Code. Bar codes were prevalent on books, ticketing and mostly in retail stores had limited capacity of storing information and it occupy more space. Ultimately, this need of more space and information has led to the development of QR Codes.
It is also known as Square Code in Turkey.
As per Denso Wave Incorporated, there are five types of QR Codes namely:
1) Standard QR Code (Model 1/ Model2)
2) Micro QR Code
3) rMQR Code
4) SQRC
5) Frame QR
STANDARD QR Code (Model 1 /2):
QR Code 1 is the original QR Code while the QR Code 2 is the improved version of this. These are the standard codes that is being used everywhere. Normally, it is called QR Code. It can store upto 1167 digits while its improved version can hold up to 7089 digits.
Micro QR Code:
Micro QR code is a small sized QR code that uses less space and data. It requires one position detection pattern and can have a data capacity of up to 35 numerals.
rMQR Code :
rMQR code is matrix type two dimensional barcode. This is relatively smaller in size compared to standard QR Code. This code is smaller in size but can hold data up to 40000 characters. What makes it different from other QR Code that it can be printed as rectangular code. This QR code is suitable for narrow space or very small items. It has only 1 and a half finder pattern in comparison to three in standard QR Code.
SQRC Code:
SQRC Code appears as a standard QR Code only but functionality of reading restriction differentiates it. It can store private and confidential information easily. A single QR code can carries both type of data public and private. The private code can only be read by using special type of scanner by specified people only.
Frame QR Code:
This is the code with a “Canvas Area” it means it provides its user more flexible design and pattern, allowing it to appear in more attractive shapes and colours in the background or foreground. A next generation QR Code with design flexibility and security.
Characteristics of QR Code:
High Data Capacity:
In comparison to traditional one dimensional bar code can hold more data. Its capacity to store data horizontally and vertically differentiate it from its counterpart 1D bar code that store data horizontally only. Most one dimensional bar code can store limited number of alphanumerical and some special characters only while a QR code can encode all types of data like numeral, alphabets, special characters and Japanese character kanji, kana and Hiragana.
The size of the QR Code is determined by three things:
- Amount of Data
- Character Type
- Error Correction Level
Structure of the QR code becomes more complex when more data is encoded in a QR Code.
Capability of Error Correction:
Error correction is another capability of QR code that makes it important. If the part of QR code gets smeared or damaged thereafter there is possibility to retrieve the data. There are four error correction levels namely Level L, M, Q and H. The QR Code’s error correction feature is applied by adding a Reed Solomon code to the original data. This capability makes this QR code useable at factory areas also.
Readability from any direction: This is another characteristic of QR Code that makes it different from 1D bar code. It can be read very easily with ultra-high speed from 360 degree. This ultra-high speed and Omni-directional characteristic make it superior from other coding system.
International Standardization:
This is the only bar code which has internal barcode standard. /These standards provide all the relevant details about QR code from its generation to scanning.
Efficient without Internet:
No need of internet connection if QR code is not related to any online activity. There is no need of internet at all if the activity is just like transfer contact no. or sharing a visit card
The nature of QR code can be static or dynamic based on use of QR Code.
Static QR Code :
A static QR code is not modifiable code. Once generated it cannot be modified. It is one-time purpose QR Code. Information entered once that remains permanent in the QR Code. It is free to use, even you can generate online with the help of some websites.
Dynamic QR Code :
Dynamic Codes are modifiable codes that can be altering any time. You can add or delete the information in such types of codes.
Easy Scanning of these codes revolutionized the barcode industry. There is no need for a special type of scanner to detect the code and retrieve the information. But a need for a smartphone camera and an app related to QR code to decipher the code instantly.
The easy and accurate scanning of these codes made the online payment module successful. It is widely accepted money module now days to do variety of payments online in various parts of world. Its quick response feature help to detect it more easily compare to traditional bar code system.
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