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.