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`An Introduction to QR Code Technology
`
`Conference Paper · December 2016
`
`DOI: 10.1109/ICIT.2016.021
`
`CITATIONS
`76
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`1 author:
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`Sumit Tiwari
`SoftEthics Technologies
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`Samsung, Exh. 1041, p. 1
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`

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`2016 International Conference on Information Technology
`
`An Introduction To QR Code Technology
`
`
`
`Sumit Tiwari
`Dept. of Technical Education
`SITS Educators Society
`Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India
`sumittiwari.email@gmail.com
`
`
`
`Abstract— QR i.e. “Quick Response” code is a 2D matrix code
`that is designed by keeping two points under consideration, i.e. it
`must store large amount of data as compared to 1D barcodes and
`it must be decoded at high speed using any handheld device like
`phones. QR code provides high data storage capacity, fast
`scanning, omnidirectional
`readability, and many other
`advantages including, error-correction (so that damaged code
`can also be read successfully) and different type of versions.
`Different varieties of QR code symbols like logo QR code,
`encrypted QR code, iQR Code are also available so that user can
`choose among them according to their need.
`
`codes. By using QR code generating sites or apps, users can
`generate and print their own QR codes for others to scan and
`use.
`The QR code system consists of a QR code encoder and
`decoder. The encoder is responsible for encoding data and
`generation of the QR Code, while the decoder decodes the data
`from the QR code.
`
`Now these days, a QR code is applied in different application
`streams related to marketing, security, academics etc. and gain
`popularity at a really high pace. Day by day more people are
`getting aware of this technology and use it accordingly. The
`popularity of QR code grows rapidly with the growth of
`smartphone users and thus the QR code is rapidly arriving at
`high levels of acceptance worldwide.
`
`Keywords— QR code; Quick Response code; QR code
`structure; QR Code Encoding; QR Code Decoding.
`
`I. INTRODUCTION
`A QR code is a type of matrix bar code or two-dimensional
`code that can store data information and designed to be read by
`smartphones. QR stands for “Quick Response” indicating that
`the code contents should be decoded very quickly at high
`speed. The code consists of black modules arranged in a square
`pattern on a white background. The information encoded may
`be text, a URL or other data [1] [2]. The QR code was
`designed to allow its contents to be decoded at high speed.
`The popularity of QR codes is growing rapidly all around the
`world. Nowadays, mobile phones with built-in camera are
`widely used to recognize the QR Codes.
`QR Codes are created by the Toyota subsidiary Denso
`Wave in 1994, and was initially used for tracking inventory in
`vehicle parts manufacturing.
`The idea behind the development of the QR code is the
`limitation of the barcode information capacity (can only hold
`20 alphanumeric characters).
`While they are developed for tracking parts in vehicle
`manufacturing, QR codes now are used in many other fields,
`from commercial tracking to entertainment, in-store product
`labeling, and in those applications that are aimed at smartphone
`users. Users may open URL; receive text after scanning QR
`
`978-1-5090-3584-7/16 $31.00 © 2016 IEEE
`DOI 10.1109/ICIT.2016.38
`
`39
`
`
`Fig. 1 Working (overview) of QR Code
`Figure 1 shows the overview of the QR code working. The
`plain text, URL, or other data are given to the QR code
`encoder, and it generates the required QR code and when we
`want to access the data of the QR code, QR code is decoded
`via QR Code decoder (scanner) which retrieves the data of QR
`code [1] [3].
`
`II. INFORMATION CAPACITY AND VERSIONS OF THE QR CODE
`The symbol versions of the QR Code range from Version 1
`to Version 40 [4]. Each version has a different module
`configuration or number of modules. (The module refers to the
`black and white dots that make up QR Code.)
`"Module configuration" refers to the number of modules
`contained in a symbol, commencing with Version 1 (21 × 21
`modules) up to Version 40 (177 × 177 modules). Figure 2
`shows the module configuration of the basic QR codes.
`
`Fig. 2 Version module configuration of the QR Codes
`
`
`
`Samsung, Exh. 1041, p. 2
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`

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`TABLE I.
`
`DATA CAPACITY OF QR CODE VERSION 40
`
`decoding. There are 4 types of function patterns; they are
`finder pattern, separator, timing patterns, and alignment
`patterns.
`Encoding region contains data, which represents version
`information, format information, data and error correction
`codewords. Fig 3 illustrates the structure of a QR Code
`symbol.
`
`Each QR Code symbol version has the maximum data
`capacity, according to the amount of data, character type and
`error correction level. In other words, as the amount of data
`increases, more modules are required to comprise QR Code,
`resulting in larger QR Code symbols. Table 1 show the data
`capacity of version 40 for different type of data.
`
`III. QR CODE ERROR CORRECTION
`QR Code employs error correction to generate a series of error
`correction codewords which are added to the data codeword
`sequence which enable symbol to be read even if it is dirty or
`damaged. The QR code achieves powerful error-correction
`capability by using Reed-Solomon codes, a widely used
`mathematical error-correction method. Four levels of error
`correction are available, higher level has high capability of
`recovery. Table 2 shows error-correction levels and their
`approximate ability of error correction.
`When selecting the level of error correction, environmental
`conditions as well as the desired size of the QR Code symbol
`need to be taken under consideration.
`
`TABLE II.
`
`ERROR CORRECTION LEVELS AND % OF CORRECTION
`
`Fig. 3 Structure of a QR Code symbol
`
`• Finder Pattern: Finder patterns are the special position-
`detection patterns located in three corners (upper left,
`upper right, and lower left) of each symbol.
`It consists of an outer dark square that is 7 × 7 modules,
`an inner light square that is 5 × 5 modules, and a solid
`dark square in the center that is 3 × 3 modules. The
`ratio of module widths in each position detection
`pattern is 1:1:3:1:1, as shown in fig. 4.
`The finder pattern is designed to be a pattern that
`is unlikely to appear within the other sections of
`
`Fig. 4 Finder Pattern
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`For example, Level Q (25% error correction) or H (30%) may
`be required for factories or other applications where the QR
`Code is likely to become dirty or damaged. For clean
`environments and codes containing a large amount of data,
`Level L (7%) may be selected. In general, Level M (15%) is
`most frequently used [3] [4].
`
`IV. STRUCTURE OF A QR CODE
`Each QR Code symbol shall be built of square modules
`arranged in a regular square array and shall consist of function
`patterns and encoding region. And the whole symbol shall be
`surrounded on all four sides by a quiet zone border [4] [5].
`Function patterns are the shapes that must be placed in
`specific areas of the QR code to ensure that QR code
`scanners can correctly identify and orient the code for
`
`40
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`Samsung, Exh. 1041, p. 3
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`

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`the QR code so that QR code scanners can search for
`this ratio of light to dark modules to detect the finder
`patterns and correctly orient the QR code for decoding.
`• Separators: Separators are the one-module wide areas
`of whitespace between each finder pattern and encoding
`region.
`• Timing Patterns: There are 2 timing patterns, i.e.
`horizontal timing pattern and vertical timing pattern.
`They are consisting of alternating dark and light
`modules. The horizontal timing pattern is placed in the
`6th row of the QR code between the separators. The
`vertical timing pattern is located in the 6th column of
`the QR code between the separators. These patterns are
`helpful in determining the symbol density, module
`coordinates and version information area.
`• Alignment Patterns: An alignment pattern is constructed
`of 5 × 5 dark modules, 3 × 3 light modules and a single
`dark module in the center. QR codes that are version 2
`and larger must have alignment patterns and the number
`of alignment patterns depends on the symbol version.
`• Encoding Region: Encoding region contains format
`information, version
`information, data and error
`correction codes. For format information, one-module
`array must be reserved near the top-left, top-right,
`bottom-left finder pattern and version information, an
`area of a 6 × 3 block above the bottom-left finder
`pattern and a 3 × 6 block to the left of the top-right
`finder pattern is reserved.
`• Quiet Zone: It is a 4-module wide area containing no
`data, and it used to ensure that the surrounding text or
`markings should not misguide the QR code data.
`
`V. ENCODING AND DECODING OF A QR CODE
`
`A. Procedure for the generation/encoding of a QR Code
`In order to convert input data into a QR code symbol, we’ll
`go through some step [4] [5] [6]; figure 5 shows an overview
`of the encoding process.
`• Data Analysis: A QR code encodes a string of text. The
`QR standard has four modes for encoding text: numeric,
`alphanumeric, byte, and Kanji. Each mode encodes the
`text as a string of bits (1s and 0s), but each mode uses
`a different method for converting the text into bits, and
`each encoding method is optimized to encode the data
`with the shortest possible string of bits.
`Therefore, first step should be to perform data analysis
`to determine whether text can be encoded in numeric,
`alphanumeric, byte, or Kanji mode, and then select the
`most optimal mode for your text.
`• Data Encoding: Next step is to encode text. The result
`of this step is a string of bits that is split up into data
`codewords that are each 8 bits long.
`The mode used for encoding is identified by the Mode
`Indicator, which is a string of 4 bits. Encoded data must
`
`Fig.5 QR code encoding
`
`
`
`start with the appropriate mode indicator which is used
`for encoding.
`The number of characters that are being encoded is
`represented by the string of bits known as Character
`Count Indicator. Character Count Indicator is placed
`after the mode indicator and its length is version
`dependent.
`• Error Correction Coding: QR codes use error
`correction. This means that the string of data bits that
`represent our text, we must then use those bits to
`generate error correction codewords using a process
`called Reed-Solomon error correction.
`QR scanners read both the data codewords and the error
`correction codewords. By comparing the two, the
`scanner can determine that it reads the data correctly or
`not, and if it did not read the data correctly it can correct
`errors.
`• Structure Final Message: The data and error correction
`codewords generated in the previous steps must now be
`arranged in the proper order. For large QR codes, the
`data and error correction codewords are generated in
`blocks, and these blocks must be interleaved according
`to the QR code specification.
`• Module Placement in Matrix: After generating the data
`codewords and error correction codewords and
`arranging them in the correct order, you must place
`the bits in the QR code matrix. The codewords are
`arranged in the matrix in a specific way.
`
`41
`
`Samsung, Exh. 1041, p. 4
`
`

`

`• Data Masking: Certain patterns in the QR code matrix
`can make it difficult for QR code scanners to correctly
`read the code. To counteract this, the QR code
`specification defines eight mask patterns, each of which
`alters the QR code according to a particular pattern.
`• Format and Version Information: The last step is to add
`format and (if necessary) version information to the QR
`code by adding pixels in particular areas of the code
`that were left blank in previous steps. The format pixels
`identify the error correction level and mask pattern
`being used in this QR code. The version pixels
`encode the size of the QR matrix and are only
`used in larger QR codes [4].
`
`B. Procedure for decoding a QR Code
`Decoding data from the QR code is the reverse of the
`encoding procedure. Figure 6 shows an overview of the
`decoding process [5] [6].
`
`
`• Recognizing Modules: Recognize dark and light
`modules as an array of “0” and “1” bits by locating
`and getting an image of the symbol.
`• Extract Format Information: Decode the format
`
`information and release the masking pattern and
`apply error correction on the format information
`
`
`
`modules as necessary. Also obtain a mask pattern
`reference.
`• Determine Version
`Information:
`version
`If
`information is applicable then decode it from the
`version information area and then determine the
`version of the QR code symbol.
`• Release Masking: In order to release the masking,
`XOR the encoding region bit pattern with the Mask
`Pattern whose reference has been extracted from the
`format information.
`• Restore Data and Error Correction Codewords:
`Restore the data and error correction codewords of
`the message by reading the symbol characters
`(according to the placement rules for the model).
`• Error Detection and Correction: By utilizing the
`error correction codewords, identify errors and if any
`error is detected, correct it.
`• Decode Data Codewords: Divide the data codewords
`into segments according to the Mode Indicators and
`Character Count Indicators. And finally, decode the
`data characters according to the mode(s) in use and
`output the decoded text as result.
`
`VI. TYPE OF QR CODES
`QR Codes are categorized into five broad categories [6].
`
`A. QR Code Model 1 & 2
`The original QR Code is QR Code Model 1, a code capable of
`coding 1,167 numerals with its maximum version being 14 (73
`x 73 modules).
` QR Code created by improving Model 1 so that this code
`can be read smoothly even if it is distorted in some way.
`QR Codes that are printed on a curved surface or whose
`reading images are distorted due to the reading angle can be
`read efficiently by referring to an alignment pattern embedded
`in them.
` This code can encode up to 7,089 numerals with its
`maximum version being 40 (177 x 177 modules).
`
`Fig. 7 Type of QR Codes
`
`
`
`Fig.6 QR code decoding
`
`
`
`42
`
`Samsung, Exh. 1041, p. 5
`
`

`

`B. Micro QR Code
` This QR Code is only one orientation detecting pattern
`code so that it can be printed in a smaller space. A major
`feature of Micro QR Code is it has only one position detection
`pattern, compared with a regular QR Code that require a
`certain amount of area because position detection patterns are
`located at the three corners of a symbol.
`
` Furthermore, QR Code requires at least a four-module
`wide margin around a symbol, whereas a two-module wide
`margin is enough for Micro QR Code. This configuration of
`Micro QR Code allows printing in areas even smaller than QR
`Code.
`C. LogoQ (Logo QR Code)
`The Logo QR Code is a novel type of QR Code created to
`enhance visual recognizing-ability by blending it with letters
`and pictures in full color.
`Since LogoQ is a highly designable type of QR Code, it
`becomes possible to differentiate LogoQ from the ordinary QR
`Code.
`Since a proprietary logic is used when generating LogoQ
`codes, it is possible to combine design-ability and readability.
`
`D. iQR Code
`iQR Code is a matrix-type 2D code, allowing easy reading
`of its position and size. This code allows a wide size range of
`codes from ones smaller than the traditional QR Code and
`Micro QR Code to large ones that can store more data than
`these.
`This code can be printed as a rectangular code, turned-over
`code, black-and-white inversion code or dot pattern code
`(direct part marking) as well, leaving a broad range of
`applications in various areas.
`
`E. Encrypted QR Code
`Encrypted QR Code is a type of QR Code equipped with
`reading restricting function. This can be used to store private
`information and to manage a group which is capable of
`accessing QR Code information. Basically, an encrypted QR
`Code is a QR Code, which contains encrypted data.
`In Encrypted QR Code system, data information is
`encrypted by using encryption techniques and then the
`encrypted data is applied to the QR Code encoder (generator)
`which generates the QR Code. Later this QR Code is first
`scanned and decoded by the QR Code decoder then data
`information is retrieved using decryption techniques. Figure 8
`show an overview of encrypted QR code mechanism.
`
`VII. MERITS AND DEMERITS OF QR CODE
`
`•
`
`A. Merits of the QR Code
`• Omnidirectional and Fast Scanning: QR code can be
`read much faster and scanned from any angle within
`360 degrees i.e. no need to align the scanner with the
`code symbol.
`Small Size: QR code takes less space. A QR Code
`can hold the same amount of data contained in a 1-D
`barcode in only one-tenth the space.
`• Huge Data Storage Capacity: QR code has high data
`storage capacity. A single QR Code symbol can
`contain up to 7,089 numerals (200 times the amount
`of data storage capacity of the traditional 1-D
`barcode).
`• Many Types of Data: The QR Code can handle
`numerals,
`alphanumeric
`characters,
`Japanese,
`Chinese or Korean characters and binary data.
`• Error correction: Error correction technique used in
`QR codes enables successful decoding of the code
`symbol even if up to 30% of the data is dirty or
`damaged.
`• Direct Marking: The QR Code due to high degree of
`readability under
`low-contrast conditions allows
`printing of a symbol directly onto a part or product.
`• Available for Everyone: Anyone can make their own
`QR code according to their need, for example, user
`can create QR code of the URL of its own website
`for advertising purpose.
`• Wide Range of Uses: There are lots of potential uses
`of QR codes. They can be used to extend the user
`experience in store, restaurants, websites and more.
`
`B. Demerits of the QR Code
`Although QR code has many positive points on its side but,
`there are some demerits of the QR code too, such as, Need of
`QR code scanner; to decode the code users must have a QR
`reader app, which limits the audience; Security issues, before
`scanning a code, the scanner can never really know where the
`code is going to lead them; Lack of public awareness, large
`portion of population is still unaware of this technology.
`
`VIII. AREA OF APPLICATIONS
`Although the QR Code was originally designed to track
`automotive components but, now these days it is rapidly used
`in many other areas where traditional barcodes are used, such
`as Manufacturing, Retailing, Healthcare, and Transportation
`[7]. Also, QR code found useful in some novel application
`
`Fig.8 Concept of Encrypted QR Code
`
`43
`
`Samsung, Exh. 1041, p. 6
`
`

`

`TABLE III.
`
` STUDY REPORT BY SCANLIFE
`
`X. CONCLUSION
`In this paper, we studied QR code technology, its benefits,
`application areas, and
`its
`impact on marketing and
`technological world. Initially, QR code are developed and use
`for inventory tracking stuff but, now these days, they found
`applications in many new areas like marketing, advertising,
`secure payment systems, education industries, etc.
`Adoption of the QR codes grows rapidly during past years
`and number of users increases exponentially, due to its features
`like high data storage capacity, fast scanning, error-correction,
`direct marking and ease of use.
`
`ACKNOWLEDGMENT
`We would like to convey our very great appreciation to our
`mentors for
`their unceasing encouragement about
`this
`paperwork.
`
`REFERENCES
`[1] Dong-Hee Shin, Jaemin Jung, Byeng-Hee Chang “The psychology
`behind QR Codes: User experience perspective” ,Science Direct,
`Computers in Human Behavior 28 (2012) pp 1417-1426.
`[2] Phaisarn Sutheebanjard, Wichian Premchaiswadi,
`“QR Code
`Generator”, IEEE 2010 8th International Conference on ICT and
`Knowledge Engineering (24-25 Nov. 2010) pp 89-92.
`[3] QR Code, http://www.qrcode.com/en/
`[4] QR Code Tutorial, http://www.thonky.com/qr-code-tutorial/
`[5]
`ISO/IEC 18004:2000. “Information technology-Automatic identification
`and data capture techniques- Bar Code symbology- QR Code ”, 2000.
`[6] Y. Yan, H.W. Liu, “Research and Application of Encoding and
`Decoding Tech. of QR Code”, University of Science and Tech, Beijing,
`[7] T. Sriram, V.K. Rao, “Application of barcode technology in automated
`storage & retrieval systems”, Industrial Electronics Conference
`Proceedings. Taipei, 1996, pp. 5-10.
`[8] R. Dorado, E. Torress, C. Rus, "Mobile learning: Using QR codes to
`develop teaching material", IEEE - Technologies Applied to Electronics
`Teaching (TAEE) 2016, Seville, Spain,22-24 June 2016.
`[9] Sumit Tiwari, Sandeep Sahu, “A Novel Approach for the Detection of
`OMR Sheet Tampering Using Encrypted QR Code”, IEEE -
`International Conference on Computational Intelligence And Computing
`Research (2014), Coimbatore – India, 2014, pp. 604-608.
`[10] ScanLife.com,
`“QR
`Code
`Adoption:
`Trends
`Statistics”,www.scanlife.com
`
`and
`
`including mobile marketing, online advertising,
`fields
`electronic ticket/coupon, electronic payment, identification,
`academics[8], information security, OMR sheet tampering
`detection [9] etc.
`Mobile marketing gains popularity and has recently
`witnessed rapid growth, where the QR Code increasingly
`appears in print and online advertising, as well as on signs,
`hoardings, posters, and other particulars.
`By scanning a QR Code with a smartphone, consumers can
`be connected to a relevant Web page or receive targeted
`marketing messages such as a special offer, discount coupon,
`product or store information, etc.
`
`IX. IMPACT AND GROWTH OF QR CODE IN TODAY’S ERA
`QR codes are quickly arriving at high degrees of
`acceptance. More and more people adopt and use this
`technology every day. One of the reasons behind the rapid
`growth of the QR code is that it gains momentum as
`smartphone users grow across the world and marketers use QR
`codes to reach mobile consumers.
`QR codes first started to appear in marketing campaigns in
`2011-2012. Even then, when there was significantly low
`smartphone and mobile internet penetration, QR codes mark
`their presence in the market. A study held in 2012 shows that
`Americans were the most likely to have used the technology.
`According to the study of 2,000 Americans and 1,000
`Europeans undertaken by Pitney Bowes, US consumers
`frequently scan QR codes across every medium by which the
`codes were delivered.
`In July 2012, comScore reported that there were 5.1 million
`QR code users in Germany, 3.3 million in the UK and another
`3.4 million in Spain.
`
`TABLE IV.
`
`STUDY REPORT BY SCANLIFE
`
`The use of code scanning has gone up during the past years,
`as awareness and adoption of QR Codes grow exponentially.
`QR code stats done by ScanLife shows that, 23 million QR
`codes are scanned during the first quarter of 2015, which is
`nearly 10 million more than during the first quarter of 2012,
`and the first quarter of 2012 had posted a 157 percent increase
`as compared to the first quarter of 2011 [10].
`
`
`
`
`
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`Samsung, Exh. 1041, p. 7
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