What Is QR Code? |HISTORY + EXPLANATION|

 

What is QR CODE?

You all must have heard the term QR Code Quick Response Code. QR code is actually a type of traditional bar code that originated in Japan. A QR code consists of black square boxes instead of straight lines as compared to a barcode. These squares of different sizes combine to form a large square with a white background.

These square boxes actually store a variety of information which is usually scanned with the help of a smartphone camera and the software reads it and displays that information on the screen in English or any other language.

In 1994, a subsidiary of Toyota introduced this system to keep better information about parts etc. during the production of vehicles. Today QR codes are used for shopping, internet and tracking of various types of products. Apart from this, QR codes are also used to transfer money and log into websites.

Companies and professionals also print QR codes on their visiting cards, which you can scan to access their website and other information without typing a URL. Marketing companies also publish QR codes in public places and newspapers to promote products or provide special discounts, thereby increasing consumer interest. In 2011, the Royal Dutch Mint of the Netherlands also issued coins with QR codes. In some countries, the information of the deceased is now pasted on the tombstones in the form of a QR code.

A camera is used to read a QR code as opposed to a traditional bar code. Smartphones are commonly used for this purpose, in which the embedded processor analyzes the image taken by the camera and retrieves the information from the QR code with the help of defined standards. There are many applications available for Android, iOS, Windows Phone, Blackberry and other operating systems to read Q R codes.

QR code is free to use and does not require any kind of license, which is why new experiments are being done with QR code all over the world. However, avoid scanning any QR code unnecessarily, as hackers can gain full access to confidential information on your computer or mobile phone through the QR code and use your phone's camera for secret surveillance. Usage can also lead to loss of your balance.