Quick Response (QR) Codes

By | Mohammad Zailani Bin Shato, Mu'az Bin Ahmad, Ahmad Amieruddin Afiq Bin Rahmat Mohd Masri Bin Abd Kamad & Mohd Azlan Bin Mohd Nor

Introduction

Today, millions of people are utilising QR codes as an attendance management solution. In Malaysia, the MySejahtera app adopts the QR Code features. This application was developed by the government to control the movement of Malaysians while reducing the COVID-19 infection. Most of the latest smartphone models have an integrated QR code reader in the phone camera such as Samsung's Bixby Vision and Apple's iOS 11 operating system. For smartphones which do not have a QR Code reader, there are plenty of alternatives available in the app stores for downloading purposes with just the touch of a button.

What Is A QR Code?

Before we learn how to generate it, let’s get to know what a QR Code is. QR Code stands for Quick-Response codes, a type of barcode that consists of a printed square pattern of small black and white squares that encode data which can be quickly readable by a smartphone and computer system. The black and white squares represent numbers from 0 to 9, letters from A to Z, or characters in non-Latin contents, for example, Japanese kanji. The QR Code is a two-dimensional version of a barcode containing data, which is able to convey specific information with the scan of a mobile device.

Example of a QR Code

How Do QR Codes work?

The structure of a QR Code The present day QR Code consists of seven parts. Each part makes such a pixel design that seems to be like a crossword puzzle. It passes on certain data through the Code. For example, the print course, timing, blunder resistance, and empty spaces separate the code from what surrounds it.

1. Positioning Detection Markers Located at three corners of each code, it allows a scanner to accurately recognize the Code and read it at high speed, while indicating the direction in which the Code is printed. They essentially help quickly identify the presence of a QR Code in an image and its orientation.
    
2. Alignment markings
   Smaller than the position detection markers, they help straighten out QR Codes drawn on a curved surface. And the more information a Code stores, the larger it is and the more alignment patterns it requires.
3. Timing Pattern Alternating black/white modules on the QR Code comes with the idea of accurately helping to configure the data grid. Using these lines, the scanner determines how large the data matrix is.
    
4. Version Information
   With currently 40 different QR Code versions, these markers specify the one that is being used. The most common ones are versions 1 to 7.
   
   
5. Format Information
   With currently 40 different QR Code versions, The format patterns contain information on error tolerance and data mask patterns which makes it easier to scan the Code.
    
6. Data and Error Correction
   Keys The error correction mechanism inherent in the QR Code structure is where all your data is contained, also where the sharing the space with the error correction blocks that allow up to 30% of the Code to be damaged.
    
7. Data and Error Correction Keys
   The error correction mechanism inherent in the QR Code structure is where all your data is contained, also sharing the space with the error correction blocks that allow up to 30% of the Code to be damaged.
   
   
    
   

Type Of QR Codes

In generating the QR Codes, there are two types of codes which can be created:

1. Static QR Code
   The destination site URL is placed directly into the QR code and cannot be modified.
    
2. Dynamic QR codes
   Use a short URL for the QR code which then re-directs users to the destination site URL. This short URL works like an intermediary that connects the code with the data. After the QR code has been generated, it still can change the URL.
   

Other Custom QR Codes

1. Micro QR Codes
   Micro QR code is a smaller version of the QR code standard for applications where symbol size is a limitation. It requires a smaller space and uses smaller amounts of data.

Comparison of Micro QR Codes and Normal size QR Code.

1. iQR Codes In contrast to the square shape of a typical QR Code, iQR Codes use a rectangular shape. iQR Codes can hold both smaller and larger data amounts than traditional and micro QR Codes due to this shape.
   
   
   Example of iQR Code
   

Advantages And Disadvantages Of QR codes

Advantages

QR codes can be utilized for almost everything. Often, they help both consumers and businesses. For example, a start-up company can save money and advertisement costs by directing a QR code to its website or URL. A customer can search this QR code and this allows the information to be saved for future reference. Another important advantage is that QR Codes can cater for multiple types of marketing sources. QR codes act as the link and it also introduces consumers to other types of ads that the QR code has done for a company or service. This maximizes exposure and can potentially generate revenue.

Disadvantages

Many people are still not aware of QR codes. Although QR codes are found everywhere from plant specimen labels to library catalogues, there is still a large demographic across the society who still do not know what it is.

This poses a problem as companies and businesses use the QR code to advertise information that a potential customer might be interested in, but if the customer doesn't know how to find the information, then they may not buy the product or service and that could lose thousands of dollars in business. One way of addressing this problem is knowledge of the products. Not only should businesses use QR codes for its obvious benefits and advantages, but they should also be directing customers on where and how to get the information.

The most obvious disadvantage is that a QR code must be scanned with a mobile device or smartphone. Without a smartphone, users will not be able to scan the code and thus, unable to get information. QR codes also require an Internet connection.

References

1. QR Codes 101: A Beginner’s Guide, https:// www.qr-code-generator.com/qr-code- marketing/qr-codes-basics/
   
2. What Is A QR Code And Why Do You Need One? https://searchengineland.com/what-is- a-qr-code-and-why-do-you-need-one-27588
   
3. How QR Codes Work and Their History, https://www.qr-code-generator.com/blog/ how-qr-codes-work-and-their-history/
   
4. What is a QR Code? https://www.camcode. com/asset-tags/what-is-a-qr-code/
   
5. Advantages and Disadvantages of QR code http://www.estateqrcodes.com/advantages- disadvantages.html