Wednesday, May 9, 2012

What are QR Codes


Quick Responses Codes, better known as QR Codes are a 2 Dimensional Code which provides nothing more than a hypertext link to wherever you would like to send the visitor who is scanning the code with their digital camera.
Because of the matrix of the QR Code it can provide much more information than their cousin, the barcode. Unlike the barcode which is read with a single laser, QR Codes can be read digitally which allows their information to be processed quickly. Hence the name, QR code.
Let's look closer at a QR Code and see its parts.
The Finder pattern are three squares which create a positioning for the digital reader to read the code.
The next section is called the Format Info. It scans the code looking for any errors. There is a 30% tolerance for error within any QR Code.

Now we've looked for errors within the code. Let's make sure we can read the code. With the use of our built-in T-square or better known as the Timing Pattern we can do just that.
So, what version of QR Code is this anyway? You ask, are there versions? Yes, at this time there are 40 versions of QR Codes. The one we are scanning is version 1. The matrix of the modules is 21x21 and increases with each version by 4 modules. The amount of data a version 1 QR code can handle is up to 25 characters, unlike version 40 which can hold 4,296 alphanumeric data.
We're reading the code we know it's a version 1. What's next? The fun stuff. The reason you have scanned the code in the first place. The Encoded Data to interpret what you will experience.
 Next is a part that is normally concealed within the code and that is the Alignment Pattern. This small box should never be altered or covered by any graphic. The Alignment Pattern is like the anchor that grounds the QR Code to be read.

And, last but certainly, not least, the quiet zone or white area around the QR code. The Quiet Zone allows for optimal scanning. If removed, it may cause the code blend into the content around it making it difficult to read. The quiet zone it the width of four modules or pixels.
There you have it. Seven parts which make up a QR Code and make it possible to experience whatever you are scanning at the time.

Stop by to learn more ways to use QR Codes to market your business.





No comments:

Post a Comment