1 Copyright © 2012 DST Output, LLC Copyright © 2012 DST Output, LLC

Introduction to QR Codes

Updated 11/12/12

2 Copyright © 2012 DST Output, LLC

2D Barcodes

Tag

Aztec

DataMatrix

• Proprietary to Microsoft

• Requires Tag Reader, multi-platform support (iOS, Android, Blackberry,etc.)

• Vector graphics, 4 colors, 5x10 grid

• Often used in publishing (80% market share – 2010 NellyMoser study)

• Linked to database which contains URL allowing changes to target content without

changing the tag

• Built in analytics from Microsoft

• Public domain

• 3832 digits, 3067 letters or 1914 bytes of data

• 30 times smaller than Code 39 for same data

• Used on European airline boarding passes, train tickets

• Limited reader support on smartphones (NeoReader, QuickMark)

Proprietary barcodes formats include ScanLife, EZCode, BeeTagg

• Proprietary

• 2,335 alphanumeric characters, Up to 1556 bytes

• Error correction

• Supports low contrast ratio (20%)

• Highly scalable – electronic components to boxcars

• Public domain

• 7089 digits, 4096 alphanumeric

• Multiple content types – URL, text, phone number, GPS coordinates, etc.

• Error correction

• Static or dynamic QR Code

3 Copyright © 2012 DST Output, LLC

What Are QR Codes?

• “Quick Response Code”

• Created by Denso Wave (Toyota

subsidiary) in 1994 for parts inventory

• Originally patented but not enforced

• 2D barcode read by mobile device –

smartphone or tablet

• Requires QR reader app downloaded

or pre-installed on device

• Supports incremental customer

communication channel for

convenience and immediacy

• For transactional documents,

supports “infinite real estate”

During Q3’11, 20 million mobile users scanned a QR code (comScore)

4 Copyright © 2012 DST Output, LLC

QR Code Details

• Encode up to 7,089 numeric or 4,296 alphanumeric characters

• B&W or high contrast color

• Static or personalized (dynamic)

– Allows linkage to PURL or data transfer to app

• Built in error correction – 7%, 15%, 25% or 30%

– Anchors may not be obscured

• Tracking capabilities for URLs through web analytics

– Direct or redirect

5 Copyright © 2012 DST Output, LLC

QR Code Formats

• URL (browser link)

• Email Address (link to e-mail client)

• Phone Number (dial, text message, save to contacts)

• Geo Location - latitude, longitude (find on map)

• Contact Information (save to contacts)

• SMS (send text)

• Text (free form text)

• Calendar Event (description, location, start/stop dates)

• Wifi Network (SSID, password)

6 Copyright © 2012 DST Output, LLC

QR Code Anatomy

Anchor 3 position detectors to

allow code to be read

in any orientation

Module Individual “pixel”

Quiet Zone Clear area or white

space surrounding

barcode. Recommended

minimum of 1/8”

Symbol Size Overall dimensions of

the barcode from edge

to edge. Recommended

minimum 3/4” x 3/4” for

documents

Image Size Symbol size plus

Quiet Zone

7 Copyright © 2012 DST Output, LLC

QR Code Readers

• i-nigma - QR, Datamatrix, EAN/UPC

• ScanLife – QR or UPC

• BeeTagg – QR, Datamatrix, EAN/UPC, BeeTagg

• NeoReader – QR, Datamatrix, Aztec , EAN/UPC, Code 128

• QuickMark – UPC, Code 39, Code 128, QR, DataMatrix

• TapReader - QR

• ScanIt - QR

• QRReader - QR

• Barcodes – QR

• UpCode – QR, Datamatrix

• Z Bar – QR, EAN/UPC, FedEx, UPS

• Tag – Tag, QR

8 Copyright © 2012 DST Output, LLC

QR Code Generators

• Web-based Static QR Code Creation

– Zxing - http://zxing.appspot.com/generator/

– Kaywa - http://qrcode.kaywa.com/

– Jaxco - http://www.jaxo-systems.com/barshow/?lang=en_US

– Delivr - http://delivr.com/qr-code-generator

• Document Formatting Tools

– HP Exstream, SEFAS, etc.

– Allow creation of dynamic QR codes personalized to recipient

9 Copyright © 2012 DST Output, LLC

Who Scans QR Codes

Sources – comScore, ScanLife

10 Copyright © 2012 DST Output, LLC

• QR Code placed on

statement is scanned by

mobile device and links user

to mobile web page

• User authenticates and

completes payment

• Optional link to account

access for account review,

statement display, updates,

payments, etc.

• Supports educational

content, promotional offers,

video, surveys, coupons, etc.

• Usage tracking

QR Code Sample

Scan to Pay

11 Copyright © 2012 DST Output, LLC

Improving QR Code Scan Rates

• Size

• Density

• Contrast

• Glossy Substrates

• White Space

• QR Reader

• Auto Focus Cameras

• Mobile Optimized Websites

12 Copyright © 2012 DST Output, LLC

Thank You

Rich Langan

rdlangan@dstoutput.com