QR code

(Quick Response code) A two-dimensional barcode widely used for many purposes. When scanned with a mobile tagging app in a smartphone, the QR code can cause a Web page or app to download or even capture business card data. Codes are found in newspapers, magazines, brochures and store shelves, and billboard-size codes can be scanned at a distance, because the QR app uses the phone's camera.

4K of Alphabetic Data

The QR code can store up to 4,296 alphanumeric or 7,089 numeric characters, and if a high level of error correction is used, up to 30% of the image can be smudged and still be recognized. Created in the mid-1990s by a Toyota subsidiary to track parts on assembly lines, they are widely used in Japan. The technology became an ISO standard in 2000 and gained popularity in the U.S. within the decade.

Google Was a Big Promoter

To promote its local business service, Google sent 100,000 custom-coded QR codes to U.S. establishments in 2009, suggesting they place the code in a prominent location for "mobile tagging." See QR code stickers, barcode, Google Goggles and malicious QR code.

Roll Your Own

To create your own QR code, visit the Kaywa QR code generator at http://qrcode.kaywa.com.

QR Code for ComputerLanguage.com URL The scanner looks for four squares (arrows) and two alignment lines (yellow) that alternate black and white. Walking Down the Street Scanning the QR code on the window sign with a mobile tagging app downloaded information and reviews about this restaurant. This QR code was displayed in 2013 around the time smartphone apps were becoming wildly popular. Where's the Bus? Clicking the QR code at a New York City bus stop retrieves the arrival time of the next bus. QR Codes Can Be Colorful These two codes downloaded Web pages. The top one linked to an Escort mobile app, and the bottom one was a news release from Personal Communications Devices (PCD). Even on TV Taking a photo of this QR code displayed on Trevor Noah's talk show takes the person directly to the website being promoted. QR Codes for the Menus The North Third restaurant in Philadelphia embeds the QR codes for its food and beverage menus right into the table tops. Transferring the Return Code When returning merchandise to Amazon, a QR code is created that is printed or displayed for the Staples return center.