Some of you remember the ill-fated bar code reader called the CueCat, a roughly cat shaped device that was distributed for free in 2000 and could be used to…well, I was never quite sure. It seems that having a bar code reader tethered to your desktop computer was of limited utility and the product was roundly mocked, appearing on several “Worst Technology Products” lists. Interestingly, the intellectual property behind the CueCat lives on, through the more than 100 patents that were issued during its development. And bar code scanning is now undergoing a resurgence, thanks to the ability of smartphones to read and decode them using their built in cameras.
Enter the QR code
The QR (from “Quick Response”) 2D barcode was developed in Japan in 1994 and was originally used for tracking parts in vehicle manufacturing. They are still most widely used in Japan and most smartphones sold there come with integrated QR code readers. However, any smartphone can easily install a free reader application and creative uses of QR codes can now be found all over the world.
Last year, Google introduced the Favorite Places on Google campaign, sending printed window stickers that included QR codes to thousands of businesses around the country. Now, any business that has verified their listing with Google Places can print out their own poster, complete with a QR code that will direct a mobile browser to their Google Places listing. Here’s a video that shows how it works:
QR code yourself
The code at right contains my own contact information in a format that can be imported directly into most contact managers. I plan to include this code on the back of my business cards, the next time I have them reprinted. You can also scan it right off the screen. If you want to create your own, head on over to the QR Code Generator from the ZXing Project.
Alternative uses
While most QR codes on mobile devices are used to direct you to a web page, they are also being used in a variety of innovative ways.
Jumbotron - Cowboys Stadium
E-ticketing Purchasers receive a QR code on their phone, which is then scanned off the screen when they arrive at the venue.
Alternative paintball Players wear t-shirts with QR codes on the back. Instead of beingsmacked with a ball of paint, they’re scanned from behind and receive a polite “you’re dead” message on their phone.
Billboards
Large scale QR codes can be scanned at a distance. On September 5, 2009, Dick’s Sporting Goods displayed a QR code on the Jumbotron at Cowboys Stadium. Fans with QR code-enabled smartphones were directed to the company’s mobile site for an exclusive offer of $10 off a purchase of $50 or more.
Instant payments
Scan a QR code to initiate a PayPal payment of a specific amount to a specific person.
Street Art
The Voice Of the Street project (now closed) provided a service for street artists. Combining street art, QR codes and Google Maps the service allowed street artists to communicate with the viewer and visa versa.
Are you using QR codes now? Have any great ideas for new uses? Put ‘em in the comments.
Webdancers builds web sites, understands the ins and outs of social media and helps organizations make use of online tools. In this blog, we write about these subjects and others that are helpful for building an effective online presence.
CueCat barcode scanner
Some of you remember the ill-fated bar code reader called the CueCat, a roughly cat shaped device that was distributed for free in 2000 and could be used to…well, I was never quite sure. It seems that having a bar code reader tethered to your desktop computer was of limited utility and the product was roundly mocked, appearing on several “Worst Technology Products” lists. Interestingly, the intellectual property behind the CueCat lives on, through the more than 100 patents that were issued during its development. And bar code scanning is now undergoing a resurgence, thanks to the ability of smartphones to read and decode them using their built in cameras.
Enter the QR code
The QR (from “Quick Response”) 2D barcode was developed in Japan in 1994 and was originally used for tracking parts in vehicle manufacturing. They are still most widely used in Japan and most smartphones sold there come with integrated QR code readers. However, any smartphone can easily install a free reader application and creative uses of QR codes can now be found all over the world.
Last year, Google introduced the Favorite Places on Google campaign, sending printed window stickers that included QR codes to thousands of businesses around the country. Now, any business that has verified their listing with Google Places can print out their own poster, complete with a QR code that will direct a mobile browser to their Google Places listing. Here’s a video that shows how it works:
QR code yourself
The code at right contains my own contact information in a format that can be imported directly into most contact managers. I plan to include this code on the back of my business cards, the next time I have them reprinted. You can also scan it right off the screen. If you want to create your own, head on over to the QR Code Generator from the ZXing Project.
Alternative uses
While most QR codes on mobile devices are used to direct you to a web page, they are also being used in a variety of innovative ways.
Jumbotron - Cowboys Stadium
Purchasers receive a QR code on their phone, which is then scanned off the screen when they arrive at the venue.
Players wear t-shirts with QR codes on the back. Instead of being smacked with a ball of paint, they’re scanned from behind and receive a polite “you’re dead” message on their phone.
Large scale QR codes can be scanned at a distance. On September 5, 2009, Dick’s Sporting Goods displayed a QR code on the Jumbotron at Cowboys Stadium. Fans with QR code-enabled smartphones were directed to the company’s mobile site for an exclusive offer of $10 off a purchase of $50 or more.
Scan a QR code to initiate a PayPal payment of a specific amount to a specific person.
The Voice Of the Street project (now closed) provided a service for street artists. Combining street art, QR codes and Google Maps the service allowed street artists to communicate with the viewer and visa versa.
Are you using QR codes now? Have any great ideas for new uses? Put ‘em in the comments.
CueCat photo from Wikimedia Commons.
Jumbotron photo from Branding Blog.