1. Barcode/QR Code Technology
Presentation by Chris Gribe

2. Roadmap Definitions Development/Timeline How do they work? Conclusion
References
Questions

3. Definitions
Barcode -  a code consisting of a group of printed and variously patterned bars and spaces and sometimes numerals that is designed to be scanned and read into computer memory and that contains information (as identification) about the object it labels.
QR Code -  a matrix barcode (or two-dimensional code), readable by QR scanners, mobile phones with a camera, and smartphones.
Scanner – a device that interpret different imagery, in this case: barcodes.

4. Development/Timeline
1952, a patent for “Classifying Apparatus And Method” is filed.
1959, Collins manages development of a car identification system (KarTrak).
1967, a standard for bar codes is formed based on KarTrak’s.
1968, Collins forms Computer Identics Corp.
1971, first portable bar code scanners and wands made.
1973, UPC codes invented and adopted by food stores.
1974, Code 39 developed.
1982, Code 128 developed. 1st handheld scanner & barcode printer released.
1987, Code 49 developed. Collins forms Data Capture Institute.
1990, ANSI X3.182 standard on bar code print quality is issued. PDF417, is introduced by Symbol Technologies
1994, Checkerboard symbology Data Matrix invented by International Data Matrix, Inc.
2005, airlines implement QR Codes as a part of boarding passes.
2008, mobile phones implement usage of the QR Code.

5. Different Codes Defines 43 Characters.
Typically used in non-retail areas.
Arguably the simplest barcode.

6. Different Codes Defines the entire 128 ASCII character set.
Typically used in shipping/retail.

7. Different Codes
QR Code
Most commonly used barcode as of recent especially with mobile phones.
Has various numbers of functions: linking to websites, send SMS functions, etc.

8. How does a scanner/smartphone interpret a barcode?
Each barcode is interpreted similarly and yet also slightly differently as well.
Barcodes also happen to be less complex that QR Codes.
Barcodes can use scanners, whereas QR Codes require something else (i.e smartphones, computer, game machines)

9. No/Quiet Zones
For all commonly used barcodes, each has a no or quiet zone. Each one varies.
In general, these must not be covered or the scan of the barcodes will not work.
For QR Codes, there are no zones as well as a quiet zone.
With Codes 39 or 128, they have a quiet zone surrounding it.
Quiet Zone

10. No Zones QR Code Position Markers Format Version Number
Alignment Marker

11. Barcodes
Light from Scanner
Light Reflection
Barcode scanners are made of 3 different parts: an illuminator, a convertor, and a decoder.
The illuminator shoots out a line of light (typically red) at the barcode.
Light will reflect from the barcode (from anywhere that is not black) in the form of a wave.
The convertor converts the wave into a readable form for the device.
Decoder reads the converted information.
Barcode

12. QR Codes
Certain applications on a smart phone / portable gaming device can scan QR codes (i.e ZXing on Android)
Instead of bouncing off an image via light, QR Codes are interpreted from a picture skipping the light wave process.

13. QR Codes
Interpretation of the code is that excluding the no zones, each black module is a 1 bit and a white one is a 0 bit. 1

14. QR Codes There are also different versions (currently up to 40).
These are determined by a numeral in a chart, followed by a error correction level. By following the two, the version number is reached.

15. QR Codes Error Correction
This allows other images to be placed into the code without any issues.
Still works!

16. Conclusion What barcodes and QR codes are.
A brief history of barcodes.
The different kinds of barcodes.
How they work.

17. References
Webster, M. (n.d.). Bar code. Retrieved from code
UID Solutions - UID Products and Services for US Military Contractors and DoD. Barcode History Timeline. Retrieved from
Qr readers. (n.d.). Barcode Technology Timeline. Retrieved from
(9/29/2011). What Is A QR Code And How Does It Work?. [ONLINE] Available at:
How Barcode Scanners Work. [ONLINE] Available at:
(2000). Information technology — Automatic identification and data capture techniques — Bar code symbology — QR Code. [ONLINE] Available at:

18. Questions ?