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Introduction to QR Codes
Updated 11/12/12
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2D Barcodes
Tag
Aztec
DataMatrix
• Proprietary to Microsoft
• Requires Tag Reader, multi-platform support (iOS, Android, Blackberry,etc.)
• Vector graphics, 4 colors, 5x10 grid
• Often used in publishing (80% market share – 2010 NellyMoser study)
• Linked to database which contains URL allowing changes to target content without
changing the tag
• Built in analytics from Microsoft
• Public domain
• 3832 digits, 3067 letters or 1914 bytes of data
• 30 times smaller than Code 39 for same data
• Used on European airline boarding passes, train tickets
• Limited reader support on smartphones (NeoReader, QuickMark)
Proprietary barcodes formats include ScanLife, EZCode, BeeTagg
• Proprietary
• 2,335 alphanumeric characters, Up to 1556 bytes
• Error correction
• Supports low contrast ratio (20%)
• Highly scalable – electronic components to boxcars
• Public domain
• 7089 digits, 4096 alphanumeric
• Multiple content types – URL, text, phone number, GPS coordinates, etc.
• Error correction
• Static or dynamic QR Code
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What Are QR Codes?
• “Quick Response Code”
• Created by Denso Wave (Toyota
subsidiary) in 1994 for parts inventory
• Originally patented but not enforced
• 2D barcode read by mobile device –
smartphone or tablet
• Requires QR reader app downloaded
or pre-installed on device
• Supports incremental customer
communication channel for
convenience and immediacy
• For transactional documents,
supports “infinite real estate”
During Q3’11, 20 million mobile users scanned a QR code (comScore)
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QR Code Details
• Encode up to 7,089 numeric or 4,296 alphanumeric characters
• B&W or high contrast color
• Static or personalized (dynamic)
– Allows linkage to PURL or data transfer to app
• Built in error correction – 7%, 15%, 25% or 30%
– Anchors may not be obscured
• Tracking capabilities for URLs through web analytics
– Direct or redirect
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QR Code Formats
• URL (browser link)
• Email Address (link to e-mail client)
• Phone Number (dial, text message, save to contacts)
• Geo Location - latitude, longitude (find on map)
• Contact Information (save to contacts)
• SMS (send text)
• Text (free form text)
• Calendar Event (description, location, start/stop dates)
• Wifi Network (SSID, password)
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QR Code Anatomy
Anchor 3 position detectors to
allow code to be read
in any orientation
Module Individual “pixel”
Quiet Zone Clear area or white
space surrounding
barcode. Recommended
minimum of 1/8”
Symbol Size Overall dimensions of
the barcode from edge
to edge. Recommended
minimum 3/4” x 3/4” for
documents
Image Size Symbol size plus
Quiet Zone
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QR Code Readers
• i-nigma - QR, Datamatrix, EAN/UPC
• ScanLife – QR or UPC
• BeeTagg – QR, Datamatrix, EAN/UPC, BeeTagg
• NeoReader – QR, Datamatrix, Aztec , EAN/UPC, Code 128
• QuickMark – UPC, Code 39, Code 128, QR, DataMatrix
• TapReader - QR
• ScanIt - QR
• QRReader - QR
• Barcodes – QR
• UpCode – QR, Datamatrix
• Z Bar – QR, EAN/UPC, FedEx, UPS
• Tag – Tag, QR
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QR Code Generators
• Web-based Static QR Code Creation
– Zxing - http://zxing.appspot.com/generator/
– Kaywa - http://qrcode.kaywa.com/
– Jaxco - http://www.jaxo-systems.com/barshow/?lang=en_US
– Delivr - http://delivr.com/qr-code-generator
• Document Formatting Tools
– HP Exstream, SEFAS, etc.
– Allow creation of dynamic QR codes personalized to recipient
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Who Scans QR Codes
Sources – comScore, ScanLife
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• QR Code placed on
statement is scanned by
mobile device and links user
to mobile web page
• User authenticates and
completes payment
• Optional link to account
access for account review,
statement display, updates,
payments, etc.
• Supports educational
content, promotional offers,
video, surveys, coupons, etc.
• Usage tracking
QR Code Sample
Scan to Pay
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Improving QR Code Scan Rates
• Size
• Density
• Contrast
• Glossy Substrates
• White Space
• QR Reader
• Auto Focus Cameras
• Mobile Optimized Websites