The QR Code is a two dimensional barcode that is ideal for use in mobile phones. Codes can be scanned from more than just printed products. QR codes can be scanned from any object visible to a cell phone camera, including computer screens, T-shirts, and billboards.
The QR Code was patented by the Japanese company Denso Wave. Rather than strictly enforcing the patent, they chose to create an international standard with the QR Code and allow anyone to use or generate them without requiring a license or fee.
QR Codes can be used to store all sorts of information including website URLs, map locations, contact information, text notes, and product identification. Google Maps create a promotion in 2009 for business owners by sending them display stickers that say "We're a favorite place on Google" and offer a QR Code for cell phone users to scan and easily add the business Page Place to their phone.
Generating Your Own QR Code
The ZXing Project is a Google Code project that creates QR Codes for maps, URLs, calendar events, and more. Enter the information, and it makes the code. There are also QR Code generating extensions for Firefox and Google Chrome.
QR Code is registered trademark of DENSO WAVE INCORPORATED.
