Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
QR code
(which stands for Quick Response) is a new type of scanner-
readable code that is replacing UPCs in many places. It's a two-dimensional
barcode. Whereas a standard bar code is read in only one direction (ana-
lyzing the width and spacing of the bars), a QR code is a square panel
with encoded data in both directions. QR codes can store more data than
bar codes, making them more useful for providing information about an
item. Figure 3.10 shows an example of a QR code being scanned by a
smartphone.
QR code
A two-dimensional variant of a bar
code, containing more information than a tradi-
tional bar code.
© iStockphoto.com/pinstock
Figure.3 10
QR codes can be scanned by
smartphones (with an appropriate app installed)
as well as by specialized scanners.
Scanning QR Codes
Many smartphones with cameras have QR readers built into them, so your phone can serve as a QR scanner.
When you scan a QR code that you see on an advertisement, for example, you might be taken to the company's
website or to a coupon for the product. If you have a smartphone, see if it has a code reader app. If it doesn't,
download a free one. Then locate a QR code (look in magazines, on billboards, on subways, and anywhere else
that companies advertise) and scan it with your phone to see what happens.
