What is QR code? Quick Response code abbreviated as QR code is a code that employs a matrix for barcode representation. Precisely it is a matrix barcode. It was, at first, designed to be put into application in the automotive industry. QR code was designed in the year 1994 by Denso Wave and was used for tracking purposes of vehicles during the process of manufacturing. QR codes represent a black and white pattern in which black modules are visible on a background that is white in color. QR codes are encoded using four types of modes which are alphanumeric, numeric, binary and Kanji. QR codes have a huge storage space and the materials of this code can be decoded at a fast rate. These are two of the main reasons for the huge usage of QR codes. Apart from automotive industry, QR codes are now used in many other popular domains.
The original use of QR codes was to track manufacturing vehicles. However owing to its advantageous features, it is now used for commercial purposes as well. Applications like transport ticketing, marketing of products etc. use this code. Another important usage of QR codes is done by governments of many countries. QR codes are used by the governments to store personal information of its citizens.
The popularity of QR codes apart from having a good amount if storage space can be owed to mobile phones. That is, with many mobile phones offering the facility for scanning a QR code, and retrieving the information, the popularity of QR codes have received a huge boost. Individuals can easily scan QR codes with the help of their cell phones and use the information that is stored in the code. Users can open an URL, or receive a Vcard by scanning the QR code. Not all mobile phones have the facility of scanning QR codes. Mobiles should be equipped with the right camera and a correct QR code reading software or application. Once done, QR codes can be easily scanned with the press of a button. The recent invention- the Android operating system comes with QR code reading application. This has been welcomed by the mass well and good and huge numbers of QR codes are scanned daily.
Due to its large storage space QR codes are hugely used nowadays. In addition to it comes the feature of fast decoding. However there are some privacy risks with QR codes which one should take care of. In summary, QR codes are a great invention and are here to stay and will very soon be a part of everyday life.
For more information on QR codes and how they help in the marketing of your business, please visit WSI Web Applications (www.wsiwebapplications.com).
