The image above shows a QR (“quick response”) code, a new bar-code format developed by the Denso Corporation in Japan. While the picture above may look like random dots and squiggles it actually contains the web URL for the Straz Center (http://www.strazcenter.org) and is readable only by special software available for iPhone, Blackberry, Android, Palm and many other mobile phone platforms. QR Codes can also contain other kinds of information like addresses and phone numbers.
How does it work?
Special programs (like MobileTag, i-Nigma, BeeTagg and ZXing) – many inexpensive or free – can be installed on your mobile phone and use your phone’s camera to take a picture of a QR code image and translate it into text. Most QR code readers will know how to handle the information, so if the QR code contains a URL, the software will open the URL on your Internet-enabled phone’s web browser.
Why do I need to know about QR codes?
QR codes are very popular in Europe and Asia presently and are on their way to the United States. Recognizing the value of this technology, the Straz Center will begin implementing them in select advertisements or other printed materials to make it easy for you to access important information on the web by simply scanning a QR code on your mobile phone.
Many marketing experts predict that QR codes will be used for everything from email address, street addresses, and business cards to “just in time” special discount codes that can be presented to and redeemed by merchants.
How do I get started with QR codes?
- Make sure your mobile phone has a camera and is Internet-enabled. (Check with your phone manufacturer if you have questions.)
- Download QR code reader software (from Apple®’s AppStore, Blackberry®’s AppWorld, Android.com for Android-powered devices or similar application store or web site for your mobile platform). Some popular QR code readers are BeeTagg, MobileTag and i-Nigma. Most are inexpensive and some are free.
- When you encounter a QR code on building, sign or advertisement, start your QR code reader.
- It most cases the QR code reader will immediately snap a picture of the QR code (or may ask you to focus on the code and push a button to take the picture).
- After the picture is taken the QR reader will launch your Internet-enabled mobile phone’s browser and open the URL, or ask you to save the content for non-URL QR codes.
Q&A
- Q: My phone has a camera. Can I just take a picture without downloading any special software?
A: No. Taking a picture of the QR code (or “scanning) is only the first step in the process. The reader software translates the information in the picture to the appropriate text and performs the action of opening the browser, prompting you to save an address or a contact to your phone, etc.
- Q: How do I know if my phone is Internet-enabled?
A: If your phone has a web browser feature, it is probably Internet-enabled.
- Q: Other than the cost of the reader software, are there any fees to use QR codes?
A: If you mobile phone provider charges by the byte for bandwidth usage, possibly. Otherwise, QR codes are free to use. Many would argue that QR codes actually save money as merchants will begin to use QR codes to offer special discounts and offers.
- Q: Where do I find these codes?
A: QR codes may appear in newspaper advertisements, on printed materials (ads) or even on building signage in the future.
- More questions? Contact us at http://www.strazcenter.org/welcome/commentsForm.asp.
QR Code is a registered trademark of Denso Wave Corp. |
