A QR code (abbreviated from Quick Response code) is a type of matrix barcode (or two-dimensional barcode) first designed in 1994 for the automotive industry in Japan. A barcode is a machine-readable optical label that contains information about the item to which it is attached. In practice, QR codes often contain data for a locator, identifier, or tracker that points to a website or application. A QR code uses four standardized encoding modes (numeric, alphanumeric, byte/binary, and kanji) to store data efficiently; extensions may also be used

The case study section includes a number of application examples. of how QR Code is used in a wide variety of applications, such as manufacturing, logistics, and sales applications. In terms of common everyday use, QR Code is printed on paperback spines, rental video cases, and sushi plates used in revolving sushi bars.

Specifications of the code were approved as a JIS standard (JIS X 0510) in November 2004. Therefore, they are publicly available.

QR Code can be printed to any QR Code compatible printer. Our Windows compatible software can be used to create QR Code for printing to any Windows compatible printer.

QR Code can store binary data. Therefore, images and sounds can be stored in it as binary data. However, the amount of data that can be stored in a QR Code is about 3 KB or less (for Version 40 with correction level L) at the maximum. Images or sounds that can be expressed with this amount of data are very limited. For the case where a QR Code is read using the camera feature of the mobile phone, the amount of data read in with it is 271 bytes or so (for Version 10 with error correction level L), though this figure may vary depending on phone’s manufacturer and its model type. Therefore, it is prudent to assume that images and sounds cannot be stored directly in QR Code for practical purposes when using the phone to read data.