QR Codes

Introduction to QR Codes

QR Codes are a particular implementation of 2D barcode, designed for quick decoding - QR stands for Quick Response. Created in 1994 by Denso-Wave, a japanese corporation, QR Codes are very popular in Japan, and have many uses.

QR Codes can be printed on business cards, encoded with contact cards, or included in advertising, to deliver a web address to an interested parties mobile phone. QR Codes can also be delivered digitally, on the internet or television. QR Code reading software is available for most modern mobile phones which feature cameras, and comes pre-installed on many newer models.

QR codes in popular media

QR Codes are becoming widely used throughout popular media, and within the art world to promote artists through their outdoor work. Below shows a Banksy piece near Waterloo Station in London, with an accomanying QR Code. In this case the code contains the web address of Banksy's Wikipedia entry.

QR Code Data Formats

Certain forms of common data can be encoded within a common format, to allow QR Code readers to manage decoded data appropriately. The MECARD or vCard formats can be used for contact information, which a mobile phone may recognise, allowing quick importation to the phone's address book. Likewise URLs, phone numbers and co-ordinates all have specific encoding standards to allow further functionality.