The QR Code (Quick Response Code) was invented in 1994 by Denso Wave, a Japanese subsidiary of Toyota. Initially developed to improve logistics processes in the automotive industry, the QR Code quickly became a standard in many other fields. Unlike traditional barcodes, QR Codes can store significantly more information. This technology gained popularity in areas such as marketing, mobile payments, and ticketing, particularly in Asia.
A QR Code is a two-dimensional matrix made up of black and white squares. It encodes data in binary form (0s and 1s), which can be read by scanners or cameras. The key components of a QR Code include:
Data Area: Stores the actual information (URLs, text, contact details, etc.).
Positioning Patterns: Three large squares in the corners that help the scanner detect and correctly align the code.
Timing Patterns: Assist in determining the size and alignment of the modules (squares).
Error Correction: Uses algorithms to recover data even if the code is partially damaged.
QR Codes surpass barcodes in terms of storage capacity, flexibility, and robustness. In a digital world, they have become a highly versatile tool, widely adopted across industries for both physical and digital applications.