What is QR?

So after Harlan posted that QR Code for the NU Android App, I started wondering how many people actually know what a QR code is. Lately I’ve seen them popping up, especially in relation to Android Apps, but also on posters and billboards around Chicago (specifically at CTA stops).

From Wikipedia:

A QR Code is a matrix barcode (or two-dimensional code), readable by QR scanners, mobile phones with a camera, and smartphones. The code consists of black modules arranged in a square pattern on 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 acronym for Quick Response, as the creator intended the code to allow its contents to be decoded at high speed.

Below are a couple examples of QR codes.  You will need a Barcode Scanner on your mobile device or computer to read them.  I recommend the app Barcode Scanner for Android or QR Code Reader for the iPhone.  Here are some additional iPhone apps.

And here are some QR code generators:

  • http://qrcode.kaywa.com/
  • http://zxing.appspot.com/generator/
  • http://www.i-nigma.com/CreateBarcodes.html
  • http://delivr.com/qr-code-generator



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This entry was written by NUAMPS, posted on 8 Nov 2010 at 5:07 pm, filed under General, Technology and tagged , , , . Bookmark the permalink. Follow any comments here with the RSS feed for this post. Post a comment or leave a trackback: Trackback URL.

4 Comments

  1. jeiboy
    Posted 9 Nov 2010 at 4:18 pm | Permalink

    Any tutorial here on how to use QR code? please help me. I need this

  2. Darron Beetge
    Posted 10 Nov 2010 at 3:07 am | Permalink

    It reminds me of those old maze puzzles you get in magazines. We are looking for an alternative to standard barcodes and this looks interesting. The fact that you can use an android powered device to scan it makes it an option to explore.

  3. DC
    Posted 18 Nov 2010 at 4:48 am | Permalink

    I don’t know why, but this snippet of info tickles me. And the fact there’s an iPhone app to read them just adds to it. It also makes a more artistic tattoo for the cynical hipster.

  4. Larry
    Posted 8 Feb 2011 at 12:45 am | Permalink

    I had the hardest time figuring out what the heck QR codes were at first. Once I had a phone to play with I understood pretty quickly what to do with them. Now I love the QR codes because they will quickly take me to the newest droid apps I am looking for.

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