What is QR Code: Types, Uses and How It Works

source: kaspersky

Numerous companies have included QR Codes in their marketing campaigns as a result of the surge in QR Code adoption since the epidemic to close the gap between the physical and digital worlds. QR codes' applications in daily life include shopping, contactless payments, and restaurant ordering. 

In this piece, we have discussed further what is a QR code and its types and uses. Keep scrolling. 

A QR code is basically a type of barcode that can easily be scanned by a digital device and contains data as a string of pixels arranged in a grid with square corners. Since several smartphones come equipped with built-in QR readers in recent times, QR codes are often used in marketing and advertising strategies. 

They are also frequently used to track product information in a supply chain.

The different types of QR codes are given below:

1. QR Code Model 1 and 2

This is the QR Code that we frequently encounter. For personal or professional usage, more than 30 distinct types of QR codes can be produced. While some of these QR Codes are more efficient for certain QR Code use cases, others might support your marketing efforts with QR Codes. The most popular kinds of QR Codes include:

• URL QR Code
• Image gallery QR Code
• PDF QR Code
• Google Maps QR Code

Model 1's largest variant, 14 (73x73 modules), has a storage capacity of 1,167 numbers. Whereas the largest version of the Model 2 is 40 (177x177 modules), which can hold 7089 digits.

2. Micro QR Code

Most frequently, one can see these QR codes on product packaging. It has made printing on smaller surfaces much easier since there is only one orientation present here. Unlike a QR Code, which needs at least 4 modules, this code can be used with just 2. This QR code's biggest size, M4 (17x17 modules), can hold 35 modules.

3. iQR Code

The QR Code for this type is printed in either a square or a rectangle. One can display these codes as a turned-over code, an inversion code, or a dot pattern code. The maximum version with a storage capacity of 40,000 numbers is version 61 (422x422 modules).

4. SQRC Code

Although it resembles a conventional QR Code, this one is restricted and used to store private data.

5. HCC2D Code

Researchers have proposed the High Capacity Coloured 2-Dimensional (HCC2D) Code, which is currently in the prototyping stage, to maintain QR robustness to distortions. It makes use of colours to reduce chromatic aberrations and boost data density. Colour Palette Pattern is an additional field used by HCC2D codes.

6. Frame QR Code

This form of QR Code can be used for promotional purposes and contains a frame area where you can put text and photos.

A QR code contains three types of information. They are listed below: 

• Size

There are 31,329 different data modules that a QR code can contain, which can have a maximum of 177 rows and 177 columns. However, most QR codes aren't very large. It's also important to keep in mind that the minimum QR code size typically depends on scan distance rather than data size. 

• Error Correction Levels

One of the four QR code error correction levels is encoded in a QR code. A QR code can absorb greater damage while still being scanned the higher the correction level. It resembles a QR code backup that has been saved. There is always greater room for size and data when the correction level is lower.

• Data Type

Up to 2,953 alphanumeric characters or 7,089 numeric characters can be stored in a QR code. Although kanji and bytes can also be stored, they are less frequently used. The lowest level of error correction is assumed in these statistics. This effectively means that anything that communicates using letters, numbers, punctuation, or symbols may use a QR code. 

Besides knowing the meaning of QR codes, you should also know how it is used. You can use QR codes for various purposes. A few of them are:

• Business Cards

By using a QR code, you can offer your clients more than just a "normal" business card. A QR code can contain more than just plain data so you can include information other than simply your name and contact information. 

You can upload photographs, add connections to your website or blog, or use social networking. All of your information can be saved to their contacts with a simple scan.

• Inventory Management

Since you can track more than simply product names and prices with QR codes and other 2D barcodes, they can be crucial tools for production and inventory management. Serial numbers, part numbers, lot details, dates, and a variety of other data points can all be included in QR codes. 

The QR code is an easy solution with stock-keeping software because of these advantages.

• Events and Advertisements

You can direct the barcode scanner to a virtual representation of your event or promotion when using QR codes for events or advertising. E-tickets, instructions, maps, handouts, money-off coupons, and any other pertinent information customers might require can be included. 

Many event organisers utilise electronic tickets with QR codes as part of the effort to limit waste. The simple solution reduces the possibility of losing a physical ticket because everything is probably being backed up online.

• Contactless Ordering and Payment

Due to the effects of the coronavirus, several restaurants, bars, and pubs began using a unique ordering system to reduce worker contact with customers. These businesses have started using QR codes to make ordering easier.  Customers may easily order their drinks and meals by scanning a QR code with their phones, which directs them to a website or app where they can do so without needing to speak to any service members. 

The work function of QR codes is similar to store barcodes. Each QR code is made up of black squares and dots that stand in for various kinds of data. The barcode's distinctive pattern turns into data that can be read by humans when it is scanned. This transaction takes place instantly.

Although most people now scan QR codes with smartphones, users must have a QR reader or scanner to get the information.

Now that you know what a QR code is, try to incorporate it into your daily life. This contactless method makes ordering food, paying, and gathering information about any product easier. It promotes the digitalisation of the country, and you can be a part of it too.