The QR Buzz
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If you're used to checking out bar codes on items, you might have noticed
some new strange-looking codes on products known as QR (quick response) codes.
Unlike the codes used for reading prices, QR codes are usually square-shaped
images made up of black and white smaller squares arranged in what looks like a
random pattern. Although initially used to identify parts in manufacturing,
today people are using QR codes for many different purposes. If you've never
used QR codes, you might wonder just what they do and why anyone would want to
use them. Particularly in public works. So let's take a look at QR codes and how
we might use them at work.
In order to perform any function, QR codes must be scanned with a smart phone
with the use of a special application. The layout and configuration of the
squares within the code can be positioned to cause the smart phone to initiate
one of many different types of actions.
- Access a website
- Call a specific phone number
- Generate and give you the option to send a specific text message
- Play a video from a website
- Play an audio file from a website
- Send an email
- Send contact info
- Generate a Tweet on Twitter
In order to scan and read the QR code, you must first have a smart phone and
then find and download a smart phone app designed to read QR codes. One app I've
used is NeoReader, and
another popular app is ScanLife. Microsoft also offers their own type of QR code
called Microsoft
Tag and an app to read their code. In order to access any QR code, you just
launch the app designed to read it. Then you move your smart phone as if you are
going to take a picture of the code. Once your phone "sees" and locks onto the
code, it will perform the action embedded in the code. Perhaps you will be taken
to a specific website, or a phone number will be uploaded to your phone and you
will be asked if you want to call that number.
So how is this useful to us? Some agencies, such as Catawba County, have started placing QR codes on building
permits issued for construction. People can scan the code to access information
about the permit to find out the name of the contractor, what is being
constructed, and access a map of the location. Other places have installed QR
codes at locations of interest. People scanning those codes might be taken to a
website offering information about that area. QR codes can also be installed on
construction projects so that people can access information about the project
that is delivered through a website, audio file, or video. Perhaps a phone
number could be offered through the code to report incidents or leave
comments.
Last year, I tried out QR codes by using the Microsoft Tag
and placing it on a set of plans. One of the codes led people to the online
version of the IDOT Standard Specifications and the other allowed a smart phone
to call for a locate. Although the ability to automatically link to a site or
call a number is useful, there's another use I'm thinking will be even more
valuable. If 3D CAD objects are created for specific details or elements of a
project, QR codes can be used to display these 3D objects by using another
technology called augmented reality (AR). With AR, you see the object with the
use of either your smart phone or another device, or glasses made to display AR
objects. If you want to get an idea of how this works, you can visit the General Electric Smart Grid site, print out their code, and
use your webcam to display a 3D object using AR. So by placing QR codes next to
details on a set of plans and linking them to a 3D object, the QR code can
program a contractor's smart phone to display the detail in 3D using AR
technology. Those are just a few ideas - I'm sure over time, we'll find even
more uses for QR Codes. And if you have any you've already tried, make sure you
share them in the comments below.
For those of you interested in making your own QR code, you can either sign
up and generate your own for free on the Microsoft Tag
website, or you can generate the standard QR codes at the following sites:
Kaywa, qrstuff.com, or i-nigma.
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