QR code (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QR_Code) is a 2D bar code used to encode fair amount of data in a sort of 2D bar code. This code can then be read by cell phones or barcode readers. My choice is for QR Code as it is one of the most used and a simple encoder / decoder for PC and mobile phones is readily available for free.
Another code is Data Matrix (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Data_Matrix) which is now having some backup from both the US Govt and the electronic industry which is planning to add extra information on top of chips and small components: these would be read by automatic assembly machines for a more reliable and foolproof assembly of boards.
PC and mobile phones encoders/decoders are available for Datamatrix as well, but I went for QR code and basta ! No, actually I tried some free Datamatrix decoders and proved less reliable, on my phone at lest, than the QR decoder I am showing here.
"QR Code is trademarked by Denso Wave, inc. as stated in Denso Wave's" this is what can be read on Wikipedia and on Denso Wave's homesite but we can read also that (http://www.denso-wave.com/qrcode/microqr-e.html) "QR Code is open in the sense that the specification of QR Code is disclosed and that the patent right owned by Denso Wave is not exercised.".
And that's great because this opens to a great deal of opportunities.
...Follow me then and you'll have Y2010 business cards also.
Note (01/02/08) :
Jaxo System's web address has moved to http://www.jaxo-systems.com (thank you, jackOjack)
Another code is Data Matrix (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Data_Matrix) which is now having some backup from both the US Govt and the electronic industry which is planning to add extra information on top of chips and small components: these would be read by automatic assembly machines for a more reliable and foolproof assembly of boards.
PC and mobile phones encoders/decoders are available for Datamatrix as well, but I went for QR code and basta ! No, actually I tried some free Datamatrix decoders and proved less reliable, on my phone at lest, than the QR decoder I am showing here.
"QR Code is trademarked by Denso Wave, inc. as stated in Denso Wave's" this is what can be read on Wikipedia and on Denso Wave's homesite but we can read also that (http://www.denso-wave.com/qrcode/microqr-e.html) "QR Code is open in the sense that the specification of QR Code is disclosed and that the patent right owned by Denso Wave is not exercised.".
And that's great because this opens to a great deal of opportunities.
...Follow me then and you'll have Y2010 business cards also.
Note (01/02/08) :
Jaxo System's web address has moved to http://www.jaxo-systems.com (thank you, jackOjack)
Remove these ads by
Signing UpStep 1: Parts needed
You'll need the following:
Some text to 2D-encode (and worth to decode !).
A PC with a Web browser and Java VM : Windows or Linux doesn't matter for the encoding process.
The decoder applet for your camera-equipped mobile (if you want to decode also, I want).
The text for me will be http://www.instructables.com and http://www.5volt.eu , the latter being the place where I post my projects I can't make an Instructable. Both worth to me to encode and print on stickers, business cards and T-shirts.
The PC can be any, equipped with a web browser and Java.
Jaxo Systems ( http://www.jaxo-systems.com/home ) makes software for image processing also and provide decoding Java applications for mobile phones and PCs to acquire and decode various bar codes (2D included) and free to download.
In their homepage you can encode your text and save the 2D representation as a graphic file ready for print.
You can also download the jar file to execute as a stand alone application.
Use is granted by Jaxo Systems for personal use only, as stated in their homepage.
Below is a roundup of addresses found by readers and posted in comments.
Many of them have downloads for mobile phones, some others have directions for others sites also.
http://mobilecodes.nokia.com/scan.htm
http://semacode.org
http://www.shotcode.com
http://www.i-nigma.com/personal/devices.asp
http://reader.kaywa.com/phones
http://www.drhu.org/ (suffering HD failure as of 31/01/08)
http://www.activeprint.org
http://writerresponsetheory.org/wordpress/2005/05/25/qr-code-and-unreadable-digital-text
Some text to 2D-encode (and worth to decode !).
A PC with a Web browser and Java VM : Windows or Linux doesn't matter for the encoding process.
The decoder applet for your camera-equipped mobile (if you want to decode also, I want).
The text for me will be http://www.instructables.com and http://www.5volt.eu , the latter being the place where I post my projects I can't make an Instructable. Both worth to me to encode and print on stickers, business cards and T-shirts.
The PC can be any, equipped with a web browser and Java.
Jaxo Systems ( http://www.jaxo-systems.com/home ) makes software for image processing also and provide decoding Java applications for mobile phones and PCs to acquire and decode various bar codes (2D included) and free to download.
In their homepage you can encode your text and save the 2D representation as a graphic file ready for print.
You can also download the jar file to execute as a stand alone application.
Use is granted by Jaxo Systems for personal use only, as stated in their homepage.
Below is a roundup of addresses found by readers and posted in comments.
Many of them have downloads for mobile phones, some others have directions for others sites also.
http://mobilecodes.nokia.com/scan.htm
http://semacode.org
http://www.shotcode.com
http://www.i-nigma.com/personal/devices.asp
http://reader.kaywa.com/phones
http://www.drhu.org/ (suffering HD failure as of 31/01/08)
http://www.activeprint.org
http://writerresponsetheory.org/wordpress/2005/05/25/qr-code-and-unreadable-digital-text
Visit Our Store »
Go Pro Today »
This is a comprehensive barcode professional website (http://www.onbarcode.com/) and I used it a lot.
Complete barcode solutions for .NET, Java, and Smartphones are provided here. Easy and efficient to use, so try them at following web sites.
http://www.onbarcode.com/software/barcode_generator.html
http://www.onbarcode.com/products/net_barcode/
http://www.onbarcode.com/products/java_barcode/
Sticking to the theme of this page...I think there are a great more uses which havent yet been spoken of in the forum,
Ive stumbled across a site which has many more ways to encode data into the 2d barcode. The 2d barcode business card is there but they also have a 2d barcode map which someone plugged into google maps! you can find a location which stores itself in the qr code, then when scanned it opens up the mapping software on your phone too and asks if you want directions. There's the standard 2d barcode which can store data, and of course the 2d barcode sms! - when I used the site it was all free of charge!
I think these 2d barcodes are fantastic! and Rumour has it we will see huge uptake with them next year!
Happy creating! and scanning everyone.
Here’s another approach that's focused on sharing your social networks + be able to edit it in the future + see the analytics!
http://getsharesquare.com/
Here’s mine: http://shrsqr.com/ABCDE
Tip: if you add a plus sign to the above URL you can see some cool analytics!
http://zxing.appspot.com/generator/
The Cross Stitch Instructable uses the Contact Info format, so you can check out that page with your phone to see if it detects the difference.
In the drop down box, the second entry is "Contact information" and "Text" is second to last. Other standard data types that can be generated with that page are: Calendar event, Email address, Geo location, Phone number, SMS, and URL.
QR Code also has support for Japanese characters. Unfortunately,QR codes just have a fairly stand ASCII alphabet and a decent Japanese alphabet, but no other character sets or unicode, as it was only designed for those languages. I'm willing to bet if QR Codes catch on, a unicode datatype will be created.
Freelance Photographer
Photo-Worx
http://www.photo-worx.com
info@photo-worx.com
(920) 598-0956
http://www.getlibra.com/