EZ Code, Datamatrix and QR Code are all names for two dimensional barcode – 2D meaning they can be read at a glance rather from left to right like bar code. Actually, there are about 70 such codes in use today to automate information transfers, however QR codes have taken off, mainly do to smart phones and other advanced cell devices.
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< An example of first generation, 1D barcode that had to be scanned left to right to be read |  |
< An example of the most popular 2D code called a QR Code. To read the information embedded here simple requires a scanning software in a smart phone. |
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QR CODE HISTORY – QR codes were developed in Japan in the mid-90’s to track Toyota car parts but now is generally used in all smart phone. iPhones, Blackberrys, Droids and others smart phones have the ability to read these codes. The phone responds to the code – opens a website, or sends an email or helps transfer contact information to the phone’s address book.
HOW DO QR CODES WORK – A user simply points the built-in camera of their smart phone at a QR code. The phone captures the image, decodes the embedded data and asks the user what they want to do with the information. WHAT DO WE USE QR CODES FOR – In real estate, this kind of tagging works well on “FOR SALE” signs. In this way, a listing is never out of brochures. Users download the brochure with multiple pictures and maybe a video. I like to print QR Codes on the brochure themselves so a shopper can watch a video tour as they stand in front of the house. It’s the direction the real estate business is going because it is the direction the world is going. ANOTHER APPLICATION – Business cards. In the past, we all saved business cards in a Rolodex – that was our phone book. Now with a click of a button, a QR code, printed on a business card can automatically transfer its information directly into a smart phone. CLICK. Today, we carry your phone books. Applications for this technology are endless. A QR code on the side of a ferry could give you the boat’s schedule. A product package could supply a code to retrieves an operating manual. A political candidate could send you to their website. A tee-shirt could express your opinion or a restaurant could give you driving instruction in the yellow pages. By eliminating paper, people have faster access to more information. It’s called “mobile tagging”, an important part of the cell phone revolution and the latest continuation of the process of “object hyper-linking” every real object in the world.
Want more – see this video how it works or a CBS Early Show segment on QR-Codes. |
