section

three
QR Code

There are several types of 2D codes in use by the industry, one of which is QR Code. This article provides
an overview of QR Code, the standardisation activities on this technology and its applications in the various sectors.

Tan Jin Soon

Executive Director, EPCglobal Singapore Council
Chairman, Automatic Data Capture Technical Committee

1 INTRODUCTION

During recent years, there are major developments in the adoption of 2D Codes such as:

a) The directive by International Air Transport Association (IATA) for airports worldwide to adopt 2D bar code
for passenger boarding passes by 2010.

b) The adoption of QR Code for patient identification by two leading hospitals in Singapore and all hospitals
in Hong Kong.

c) The use of 2D bar codes/micro codes for various applications in the other sectors.

d) The use of QR code with mobile phones in Japan and Korea. Examples of such applications are:

• Large scale QR Codes on buildings to enable users to use mobile phone to scan the QR Code to retrieve
information about the companies that are operating inside the buildings.
• The use of mobile phone to scan the QR Code on the packaging of fruits or vegetables to retrieve information
about the name of the farm from which the fruits and vegetables are grown and harvested; also the
fertilisers and insecticide used. The QR Codes on the food packages when scanned will also enable consumers
to download information on cooking recipes.
• QR Codes for location based services on maps in the Tokyo subway and central bus stations. Passengers
can use their mobile phones to scan the QR Code to find out the arrival time of the next bus.
• ePayment using mobile phone and QR Code printed on the bills.
• Mobile phone and QR Code for payment of tickets for Trains and Airlines services.
• QR Code for TV programme guides using mobile phone to view the programme captured in QR Code.

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 • QR Code for restaurants: The Japan Restaurant search site displays a QR Code for each restaurant to
indicate its location and its famous dishes when the QR Code is scanned by a mobile phone.

To tap the potential opportunities of 2D Codes, the IT Standards Committee and the industry are actively studying
how to take advantage of the high ownership of mobile phones in Singapore to deploy 2D Codes including QR Code
for use by consumers to meet their daily needs.

2 WHAT IS QR CODE?

QR Code is a two-dimensional symbol. It was invented in 1994 by Denso, one of major Toyota group companies, and
approved as an ISO international standard (ISO/IEC18004) in June 2000. This two-dimentional symbol was initially
intended for use in production control of automotive parts, but it has become widespread in other fields. Now QR Code
is seen and used everyday everywhere in Japan for the following reasons:

• Several characteristics superior to linear bar codes: much higher data density, support Kanji/Chinese
character, etc.
• It can be used by anybody free of charge as Denso has released the patent into the public domain.
• Data structure standard is not prerequisite for current usages.
• Most mobile phones in Japan equipped with cameras that enable reading of QR Codes can access Internet
addresses automatically by simply reading a URL encoded in the QR Code.

3 THE BACKGROUND OF QR CODE DEVELOPMENT

In 1970, IBM developed UPC symbols consisting of 13 digits of numbers to enable automatic input into computers.
These UPC symbols are still widely used for Point-Of-Sale (POS) system. In 1974, Code 39 which can encode (symbolise)
approx. 30 digits of alphanumeric characters was developed. Then in the early 1980s, multistaged symbol codes where
approx. 100 digits of characters can be stored such as Code 16K and Code 49 were developed. As informatisation
rapidly developed in the recent years, requests had mounted for symbols which can store more information and
represent languages other than English. To enable this, a symbol with even higher density than multistaged symbols
was required. As a result, QR Code, which can contain 7,000 digits of characters at maximum including Kanji characters
(Chinese characters used in Japan) was developed in 1994.

The history until realising high-capacity and high-density symbols can be described as illustrated in Figure 1 when
seeing them from the technology’s aspect. Firstly, Interleaved 2 of 5 and Codabar which can encode (symbolise) numbers
were developed, followed by the development of Code 39 which can encode alphanumerical characters. Along with
the informatisation developments, it had become necessary to have full ASCII enocded, and this resulted in the
development of Code 128. Then, multistaged symbols were developed where these linear symbols were arranged in
several stages. Toyota Motor’s Kanban Code is the world’s first multistaged symbol. As computers became popular,
these codes developed into multi-row symbols where multistaged codes were extended and into matrix symbols where
data were arranged in matrix. The printing area for matrix symbols are the smallest among all, and is seen as highly
prospective as the main symbol for the future.

QR Code is a matrix symbol which has been developed as the one enabling all of high capacity PDF417, high density
printing of data matrix, and high speed reading of maxi code based on the research made on their characteristics.

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Two-dimensional symbols generally contain much more data amount when compared with linear symbols (approx.
100 times more), and therefore require much longer data processing time and more complex process. Therefore,
QR Code has had much consideration for its finder pattern to enable high-speed reading.

Number of digits
10,000

1,000 Code 49
QR code
Code 39
100

Code 16K
10 UPC code
Year
1970 1975 1980 1985 1990

Figure 1: The history of symbols

Linear

Multistaged symbol

Multi-row symbols

Matrix symbols

Figure 2: The development of the symbols

QR code

High Speed Reading

High Data Capacity

Reduce Space Printing

PDF417
MAXI Code

DATA MATRIX

Figure 3: The development of QR Code

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4 CHARACTERISTICS OF THE QR CODE

Additional to the characteristics for two-dimensional symbols such as large volume data (7,089 numerical characters
at maximum), high-density recording (approx. 100 times higher in density than linear symbols), and high-speed reading,
QR Code has other superiority in both performance and functionalities aspects.

a) All-Direction (360°) High-Speed Reading

Reading matrix symbols will be implemented by using a CCD sensor (area sensor). The data of the scan line captured
by the sensor will be stored into the memory. Then, by using the software, the details will be analysed, finder patterns
identified, and the position/size/angle of the symbol detected, and the decoding process will be implemented. Traditional
two-dimensional symbols used to take much time for detecting the position/angle/size of the symbol, and had a
problem that their readings were less accurate when compared with those of linear symbols. QR Code has finder
patterns for notifying the position of the symbol arranged in three of its corners to enable high-speed reading in all
directions (360°). The ratio between black and white among the scan line that runs through the finder patterns is
always 1:1:3:1:1 when seen from any direction among the 360° surrounding it. By detecting this specific ratio, the
finder pattern can be detected from among the image captured by the CCD sensor to identify the position of the
QR Code in a short period of time. Additionally, by identifying the positional relationships of the three finder patterns
listed in Figure 5 from among the image field of the CCD sensor, the size (L), the angle (!), and the outer shape of
the symbol can be simultaneously detected. By arranging the finder patterns into the three corners of the symbol, the
decoding speed of the QR Code can be made 20 times faster than that of other matrix symbols. Additionally, detecting
finder patterns can be easily implemetned by the hardware, and can also be accelerated.

(c) 1 1 3 1 1
(a)
(b)
1 1 3 1 1
(a) (b)

1 1 3 1 1
(c)

Figure 4: Finder Patterns

Y
X
L

Figure 5: Identifying a QR Code

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b) Resistant to Distorted Symbols
Symbols often get distorted when attached onto a curved surface or by the reader being tilted (angled between the
CCD sensor face and the symbol face). To correct this distortion, QR Code has alignment patterns arranged with a
regular interval within the range of the symbol. The variance between the centre position of the alignment pattern
estimated from the outer shape of the symbol and the acutal centre position of the alignment pattern will be calculated
to have the mappings (for identifying the centre position of each cell) corrected. This will make the distorted linear/
non-linear symbols readable.

Estimated
centre position Centre point

Correct the
variance

Figure 6: Correcting Distorted Symbols

c) Data Restoration Functionality (Resistant to Smudged or Damaged Symbols)

QR Code has four different error correction levels (7%, 15%, 25%, and 30% per symbol area). The error correction
functionality is implemented according to each of the smudge/damage, and is utilising Reed-Solomon code which is
highly resistant to burst errors. Reed-Solomon codes are arranged in the QR Code data area. By this error correction
functionality, the codes can be read correctly even when they are smudged or damaged up until the error correction
level. The error correction level can be configured by the user when he/she creates the symbol. So if the code is highly
likely to get smudged in the users’ usage environment, it is recommended to have 30% set for this correction level.

Figure 7: Smudged/Damaged Symbols

d) Efficiently Encoding of Kanji and Kana Characters

QR Code has been developed based on the premise that it will be used in Japan. The specifications for the symbol has
efficiently encoded JIS level-1 & 2 Kanji and Kana characters. When making Japanese expressions using other two-
dimensional symbols, the expression would have to be made in binaries and would require 16 bits (2 bytes) for a single

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 character, whereas QR Code has each Japanese character encoded in 13 bits. This means that QR Code can have
Japanese letters encoded 20% more efficiently than other two-dimensional symbols. In other words, if the data volume
is the same, the symbol can be generated in a smaller area. Codes in each country will be using the language in that
specific country, and this functionality will enable encoding of the specific language in an efficient manner, such as
having Chinese characters for China and Vietnamese for Vietnam efficiently encoded.

e) Linking Functionality of the Symbols

QR Code has a linking functionality which will enable a single symbol to be represented in several symbols by dividing
it . A single symbol can be divided into 16 symbols at maximum. The example shown in Figure 8 is one where a single
QR Code is divided into four symbols, and each symbol has an indicator showing how many symbols the original symbol
had been divided into and in which order that specific symbol would be among all divided ones. This will enable the
entire data to be edited and submitted to the computer regardless of what order the symbols had been read by the
reader. By this linking functionality, the QR Code will be able to be printed even if the printing space is not wide enough
to have a single QR Code printed.

1/4 2/4 3/4 4/4

Figure 8: Linking the Symbols

f) Masking Process
By having special patterns to process masking, QR Code is enabled to have black and white cells well arranged in a
balanced order. To accurately binalize the data that had been read, it is necessary to arrange the white and black cells
in a well-balanced manner. To enable this, EX-OR calculation will be implemented between the data area cell and the
mask pattern (template) cell when encoding the stored data and arranging it into the data area. Then, the number of
unique patterns exisiting and the balance between the white cells and the black cells will be assessed against the data
area where the calculation had been implemented. There are eight mask patterns. Assessment will be made for each
mask pattern, and the mask pattern with the highest assessment result together with the EX-OR calculation result
will be stored into the data area.

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 Select one
Mask processing results

Masked patterns

Original pattern

Figure 9: Masking Process

g) The Confidentiality of the Code

By making the relationship between the character type and the stored data unique for a special usage, QR Code can
be easily encrypted. Unless the conversion table between the character type and the stored data is deciphered, no one
will be able to read the QR Code.

h) Direct Marking
QR Code exerts superior readability even for symbols which are directly marked using laser or dot pin markers. For
directly marked symbols, the cell shape does not necessarily have to be square as shown in Figure 10. It can also be
circular shape. Even if the white part (with high reflectance) and the black part (with low reflectance) are inverted
due to the angle of the illuminating ray, the code can still be read in an accurate manner. It is also possible to read
from the back side of the symbol when it is marked upon a transparant material such as glass, etc.

Direct marking

When seen from When seen from

the front the back

< Circular cells > < Black and white

cells inverted >
< Front/back inverted >

Figure 10: Direct Marking

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5 THE QR CODE STRUCTURE

QR Code is a matrix type symbol with a cell structure arranged in a square. It consists of the functionality patterns
for making reading easy and the data area where the data is stored. QR Code has finder patterns, alignment patterns,
timing patterns, and a quiet zone

Finder pattern
Timing pattern

Alignment pattern

Cell

Quiet zone

Figure 11: The QR Code Structure

a) Finder Pattern
A pattern for detecting the position of the QR Code. By arranging this pattern at the three corners of a symbol, the
position, the size, and the angle of the symbol can be detected. This finder pattern consists of a structure which can
be detected in all directions (360°). (Please refer to 4a)

b) Alignment Pattern
A pattern for correcting the distortion of the QR Code. It is highly effective for correcting nonlinear distortions. The
central coordinate of the alignment pattern will be identified to correct the distortion of the symbol. For this purpose,
a black isolated cell is placed in the alignment pattern to make it easier to detect the central coordinate of the
alignment pattern. (Please refer to 4b)

c) Timing Pattern
A pattern for identifying the central coordinate of each cell in the QR Code with black and white patterns arranged
alternately. It is used for correcting the central coordinate of the data cell when the symbol is distorted or when there
is an error for the cell pitch. It is arranged in both vertical and horizontal directions. (Please refer to 4b)

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 d) Quiet Zone
A margin space necessary for reading the QR Code. This quiet zone makes it easier to have the symbol detected from
among the image read by the CCD sensor. Four or more cells are necessary for the quiet zone.

e) Data Area
The QR Code data will be stored (encoded) into the data area. The grey part in Figure 11 represents the data area. The
data will be encoded into the binary numbers of ‘0’ and ‘1’ based on the encoding rule. The binary numbers of ‘0’ and
‘1’ will be converted into black and white cells and then will be arranged. The data area will have Reed-Solomon codes
incorporated for the stored data and the error correction functionality.

6 THE SPECIFICATIONS OF THE QR CODE

The specifications of the QR Code are as described in Table 1.

Symbol size Min. 21x21 cell - Max. 177x177 cell (with 4-cells interval)
Information type Numerical characters 7,089 characters at maximum
and volume Alphabets, signs 4,296 characters at maximum
Binary (8 bit) 2,953 characters at maximum
Kanji characters 1,817 characters at maximum
Conversion efficiency Numerical characters mode 3.3 cells/character
Alphanumerical/signs mode 5.5 cells/character
Binary (8 bit) mode 8 cells/character
Kanji character mode (13 bit) 13 cells/character
Error correction Level L Approx. 7% of the symbol area
functionality restored at maximum
Level M Approx. 15% of the symbol area
restored at maximum
Level Q Approx. 25% of the symbol area
restored at maximum
Level H Approx. 30% of the symbol area
restored at maximum
Linking functionality Possible to be divided into 16 symbols at maximum

Table 1: The specifications of the QR Code

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 a) Symbol Size
QR Code can have its size freely selected according to the data volume to be stored and the reading method.
The symbol size is incremented by four cells in both vertical and horizontal direction - 21x21 cells, 25x25 cells,
29x29 cells..., and there are 40 size types with the maximum size set to 177x177 cells.

For example, in the case for 45x45 cells, if a single square cell is sized 0.25mm, one side of the symbol will be
45x0.25mm = 11.25mm. The quiet zone will need to be added on both sides of the symbol whose minimum size
is four cells, and therefore, the space required for having this symbol printed will be a square of (4+45+4)x0.25mm
which is 13.25mm.

b) Information Type and Volume

QR Code can handle various types of data such as numerical characters, alphabets, signs, Kanji characters, Hiragana,
Katakana, control signs, and images. It can basically have character sets supported by ISO/IEC 646 and ISO/IEC 10646.
These data can also coexist. The maximum available volume of the information is listed in Table 1.

c) Data Conversion Efficiency

QR Code has four types of conversion mode - numerical characters, alphanumerical/signs, binary, and Kanji characters
- for encoding the data. Each mode has had considerations to improve its conversion efficiency. The number of cells
required for each character in each mode is listed in Table 1.

d) Error Correction Functionality

QR Code has an error correction functionality for restoring the data. There are four different restoration levels so that
you can select the level that matches with each usage environment. Each restoration capability is as listed in Table 1.

7 STANDARDISING THE QR CODE

To make the adoption of QR Code wide spread, the infrastructure needs to be maintained so that the users can use
them in a safe manner. The most important among the entire infrastructure is to standardise the symbols.

QR Code had been established as an AIM International Standard (AIM-ITS 97/01), which is a standard in the automatic
identification industry, in October 1997. Then, it was registered in the Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS-X0510) in
1999, and was also adopted as the standard two-dimensional symbol to be used for EDI standard transaction forms
in the Japanese automobile industry (JAMA-EIE001) in the same year. It was proposed as a standard to ISO/IEC JTC 1
SC 31 based on these AIM International Standard, Japan Industrial Standard, and the Japanese automotive standard
code. It was approved as an ISO/IEC JTC 1 international standard (ISO/IEC 18004) in 2000. Additionally, since it can
efficiently handle various languages used in various countries such as Chinese characters, it has been adopted by
Guojia Biaozhun (Chinese National Standard) in 2000 (GB/T 18284), by Korean National Standards in 2002 (KS-X
ISO/IEC 18004), and by Tien Chuan Viet Nam (Vietnam National Standard) in 2003 (TCVN7322).

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 1997/10. AIM International AIM-ITS 97/001
Automatic Identification Manufacturers
1999/01. Japanese Industrial Standard JIS-X0510
1999/09. JAMA JAMA-EIE001
Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association
2000/06. ISO ISO/IEC 18004
International Organization for Standardization
2000/12. Chinese National Standard GB/T 18284
2002/12. Korea National Standard KS-X ISO/IEC18004
2003/12. Vietnam National Standard TCVN7322

Figure 12: QR Code Standards

8 APPLICATION STANDARDS UTILISING QR CODE

From around 1996, considerations regarding product identification codes and transportation unit identification codes
to be used for logistics had been made in the industrial sector. The retail industry uses the UPC/EAN code and an
identification code called the licence plate numbers, where UPC/EAN (JAN for Japan) symbols and interleaved 2 of 5
are used respectively. The industrial sector requires 10-15 digits for company identification code whereas those for
the retail industry require 7 digits, and 10-15 digits for the product identification code whereas that for the retail
industry require 5 digits - which shows that the industrial sector generally requires more than double the digits when
compared with the retail industry. The transportation unit identification code consisted of 35 digits whereas that for
the retail industry consisted of 14 digits. Additionally, the retail industry are using numerical characters only whereas
many cases in the industrial sector are using alphabets.

As we can see in these examples, the industrial sector requires more information volume including alphabets, and
therefore had been actively promoting the two-dimensional symbols capable of being printed on a smaller space.

In 2002, the electronic components labelling standard (IEC 62090) was established. IEC 62090 has adopted QR Code,
data matrix, and PDF417, but QR Code and data matrix are the most frequently used. In 2005, ISO 22742 was established,
whose scope of application was expanded from electronic components only which had been the case for IEC 62090
to all components/products. In 2006, the aircraft and space industrial data-product identification and traceability
standard (ISO 21849) was established. QR Code and data matrix are adopted in ISO 21849. ISO 21849 also specifies
the label specifications and the direct marking specifications. ISO 28219 is a standard whose scope of application has
been expanded from ISO 21849 to all components and products. QR Code, data matrix, and PDF417 are adopted in
ISO 28219. ISO 15394 is used for transportation unit identifications, and in the revised standard, QR Code, maxi code,
and PDF417 are being used.

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 2002. IEC 62090 (IEC TC91)
Product package labels for electronic components using bar code and two-dimensional symbologies
2005. ISO 22742 (ISO TC122)
Packaging-Linear bar code and two-dimensional symbols for product packaging
2006. ISO 21849 (ISO TC20)
Aircraft and space-industrial data-product identification and traceability
2008. ISO/IEC TR24720 (ISO/IEC JTC 1 SC 31)
Automatic identification and data capture techniques - Guideline for direct part marking
2009. ISO 15394 rev. (ISO TC122)
Packaging - Bar code and two-dimensional symbols for shipping, transport and receiving labels
2009. ISO 28219 (ISO TC122)
Packaging-labelling and direct marking with linear bar code and two-dimensional symbols

Figure 13: Application standards utilising QR Code

9 EXAMPLES OF QR CODE APPLICATIONS

The following are examples of QR Code applications in Australia, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Singapore
and Taiwan:

a) QR Code Used For Stationery Order System

System Outline
• A customer scans QR Code on the catalogue and the
order direction is automatically sent to wholesaler.
Merit of Using QR Code
• Improvement of the efficiency of ordering transaction.

Data Volume : 28 characters

Symbol Size : 3.5 mm sq.
Data Contents : manufacturer code,
product code,
etc.

Figure 14: Stationery Order System

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b) QR Code Used For Bus Commuters Pass Issuing System

System Outline
• The first time application requires fulfilling the form.
• QR Code on the commuter pass carries the application information.
• The renewal application just requires duration data, and
QR Code on the old pass gives necessary information.
Merit of Using QR Code
• Prompt and efficient service for commuter pass renewal.

Data Volume : 200 characters

Symbol Size : 15 mm sq.
Data Contents : commuter’s name,
commuter fare,
stations, etc.

Figure 15: Bus Commuters Pass Issuing System

c) QR Code Used For Sushi Freshness Control System

Data Volume : 10 characters

Symbol Size : 10 mm sq.
Data Contents : ID number

System Outline
• QR Code data on sushi dishes can always be scanned.
• The sushi remaining after 55 minutes are disposed.
Merit of Using QR Code
• Quality control of sushi dishes is realised, and the freshness of sushi is ensured.

Figure 16: Sushi Freshness Control System

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 d) QR Code Used For Betting Ticket Management

Data Volume : 200 characters

Symbol Size : 12 mm sq. x 2
Data Contents : race no., betted horse no.

Magnetic card Plain paper

System Outline
• Betting ticket is marked with QR Code encoding the betting data.
• At the ticket office, winning ticket is matched with database by reading QR Code for confirmation.
Merit of Using QR Code
• Betting ticket was changed from paper-typed magnetic card to plain paper, which achieved
three billion JPY cost cutting per year.
• The environment impact is reduced by replacing magnetic card with plain paper, because
plain paper is recyclable.

Figure 17: Betting Ticket Management

e) QR Code Used For Passenger Management

Data Volume : 300 characters

Symbol Size : 20 mm sq.
Data Contents : name, passport no.,
etc.

System Outline
• QR Codes are printed on the tickets for a casino cruiser.
• The ticket covers passport no., address, and name.
• The printed QR Code is used as a certification, when a passenger receives his passport
deposited at his embarkment.
Merit of Using QR Code
• Deposited passports can be correctly returned.
• Used as a ticket for food and drink.

Figure 18: Passenger Management

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f) QR Code Used For Patient Identification in Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore

Data Contents : patient name,

date of birth,
patient no., etc.

System Outline
• Hospitals in Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore have adopted QR Code printed on patient wrist band
to identify the patients.
• Example of information encoded on QR Code are patient’s name, identification number, date of birth,
sex, ward and bed numbers.
Merit of Using QR Code
• Ensure that the ‘right patient’ gets the ‘right medicine’ or ‘right treatment’ at the ‘right time’.

Figure 19: Patient Identification

g) QR Code Used For Blood Test Process Management in Australia

System Outline
• Collected blood is put in a test tube.
• The test tubes marked with QR Code are inserted into the tester.
• The system automatically examines the inserted blood.
Merit of Using QR Code
• QR Code including larger data can be printed on a limited space.
• A compact reader can be easily built in the tester without changing
its housing.

Figure 20: Blood Test Process Management

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 h) QR Code Used For LPG Cylinder Bottle Management in Australia

System Outline
• Manages the gas replenishment and the cylinder
life and capacity in households with QR Codes on
the cylinder.
• Manages the amount of gas use and its records to
facilitate regular sales.
Merit of Using QR Code
• An off-line system can be established by applying data to the cylinder bottles.

Figure 21: LPG Cylinder Bottle Management

i) QR Code Used For Tracing of Livestock with ID Numbers in Australia

System Outline
• A QR Code label attached to the tail of an animal is
used for tracking of its movement in stock farms.
• When the plague like the mad cow disease (BSE) breaks
out, a unique ID assigned to each stock farm is traced
to discover the cause of the disease.
Merit of Using QR Code
• Error correction feature facilitates dirty label reading.
• Off-line system construction is possible because cattle
themselves carry IDs.
Data Volume : 15 characters
Symbol Size : 9 mm sq.
Data Contents : ID number

Figure 22: Tracing of livestock with ID numbers

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j) QR Code Used For Jewellery Certification System in China

Data Volume : 66 characters

Symbol Size : 9 mm sq.
Data Contents : product name
& number, weight,
production date, etc.

System Outline
• QR Code on the tag carries the information of processor and governmental authority’s certification.
• Customers scan QR Code on the tag and the certification data will show on PC display.
Merit of Using QR Code
• Customers themselves can confirm the certification information.

Figure 23: Jewellery Certification System

k) QR Code Application in a Jewellery Shop in France

System Outline
• Each jewel has a unique ID number to prevent theft and resale
and is managed with QR Code.
• QR Code system is also used to create a book with sales and
stock records.
Merit of Using QR Code
• A small-sized QR Code has implemented the numbering of
small articles like jewellery.
• Significantly reduced manual handling to manage individual numbers.

Figure 24: QR Code application In Jewellery Shop

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 l) QR Code Application in Agriculture in Taiwan

System Outline
• Each packet of vegetable has a unique ID number with
product traceability code.
• The QR Code on the packet encoded the name of the
vegetable, GS1 identification number, packaging date
and traceability code.
• The Council of Agriculture (C.O.A.) of Taiwan developed
the Mobile web linkage.
Merit of Using QR Code
• The QR Code can facilitate in the traceability process
Traceable Agriculture
and enable retailers to withdraw packets of vegetables Product Label
which are not fresh.
QR Code
• Shoppers can also get the farmer related information Agriculture
by scanning at the QR Code which will lead to Product Name
Packaging
Verified
the farm through the Mobile web linkage developed Institution Date
Agriculture Product
by the Council of Agriculture (C.O.A.) of Taiwan. ID Bar Code
Traceability Code

Figure 25: QR Code application in Agriculture

m) QR Code Application in Telecom Company As A Basis of eBusiness in Taiwan

System Outline
• The Taiwan Industry Development Bureau
Ministry of Economic Affairs and its council
Open Mobile Internet Alliance, OMIA, including
Chunghwa Telecom Taiwan’s No.1 Telecom
operator developed a QR code platform for
Taiwan's mobile application.
• When the shoppers scan the QR Code printed
on the brochures, or leaflets using the mobile phone, the shoppers will be immediately connected to the
vendors of movie tickets, air-tickets and tourists guidance, etc.
Merit of Using QR Code
• This is to expedite eBusiness and make it available in various ways, including movie ticketing,
tourist guidance.

Figure 26: QR Code application in Telecom

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 n) QR Code Application in Payment Slips Management in Taiwan

Internet

System Outline
• The FarEasTone <FET> of Taiwan encoded bill payment URL link data on a bill to customer.
• The Customers snap the QR Code printed on the bill to conduct payment by mobile phone
through Internet.
Merit of Using QR Code
• This is to facilitate the payment of bills using mobile phone.

Figure 27: QR Code application in Payment Slips Management

10 REFERENCES

1) ISO/IEC 18004 : ISO Standard on QR Code 2005 Bar Code Symbology Specification.

2) JIS-X0510 : Japan Industrial Standard.

3) JAMA-EIE001 : Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association Standard.

4) GB/T 18284 : China National Standard.

5) KS-X ISO/IEC 18004 : Korea National Standard.

6) TCVN7322 : Vietnam National Standard.

7) GS1 Japan Handbook 2007.

8) 2D Code and Barcode Image Generator : Denso Wave Incorporated, Japan.

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11 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We would like to thank Mr Takashi Inoue, CEO of GS1 Japan and Mr Akira Shibata, Technical Director of Denso-Wave
Inc. Japan for their contributions in providing inputs to facilitate the enhancement of this article.

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