So, who invented QR code? Barcode readers were a lifesaver back in the 80s when they used automated processing of the price of any item to display it on the cash register. They saved much time and physical labor, leading to their popularity. However, they had their share of limitations that made the developers of this technology reconsider their research.
The most obvious shortcoming of this Denso Wave product was its ability to store information about only twenty alphanumeric characters. The development team led by Masahiro Hara also wanted the technology to code kanji characters. Hence, the team tried to create an upgrade to barcodes with the additional capability they desired.
The development of a two-dimensional code, the QR code technology, is an improvement of the traditional barcode. The term QR code system stands for Quick Response code. It is a matrix or two-dimensional barcode that can help your data storage. However, why were these invented, and by whom? That’s what you will know here.
Who Invented QR Code?
The QR codes began appearing in 1994, when Denso Wave Incorporated, a subsidiary of the Denso Corporation, released the concept of a technology that focused on high-speed data reading. They are an evolved version of the UPCs. The team that created the QR code system was under the leadership of Masahiro Hara, who is known as the creator of the QR code.
The information coding is one dimension in the case of barcodes. For a 2D code, it happens in two directions, up and down and across. Denso Wave wanted the code to be capable of storing as much information as possible. So they invented the QR code to track automobiles and their parts. What they did not expect was its functionality outside the automotive industry. Presently, even the general public can use this technology.
What Is a QR Code?
QR codes contain several black square printed matter on a white background. The QR codes follow a position detection pattern located at the three corners of each QR code. It follows a specific format when considered in position detection patterns. Every code follows the 1:1:3:1:1 unique ratio for the black and white areas present in the code. Denso Wave chose technology that enables QR to scan four standardized codes: alphanumeric, numeric characters, kanji and kana characters, and byte or binary characters.
Why Were QR Codes Invented?
The Universal Product Code, or simply a barcode, was a way to use the system of scanning codes for product identification and promote widespread technology usage. However, the lack of storage in a barcode and long processing speed gave way to the QR code development project. Moreover, as the barcodes are one-dimensional, their information encoding was horizontal compared to the QR code’s two-dimensional technology that the company chose. Thus, these codes can contain thousands of characters and high-speed QR encoding.
Who Owns the QR Code Patent?
While the patent of a QR code lies with the Japanese automotive company Denso, Denso Wave decided to waive licensing fees for the use of this technology. However, non-standardized codes do not fall under this category and may require special licensing. Users can use the freely licensed QR code standards as long as they follow them.
Denso owns the text QR code, whose UK version is under Kabushiki Kaisha Denso, granted by the European Patent Office. The registration of the same occurred with the European Union OHIM. The filing date of this registration was September 3rd, 1998, while the amended registration date for the US patent rights is March 13th, 2001.
Which Country First Invented QR Code?
Japan was the first country to invent QR codes as the developing company Denso Wave was a Japan-based company. The system is prevalent in several developing countries due to its advantages over other codes’ speed and ability to encode. In addition, the barcode’s limited fashion usage enabled the invention of this revolutionary technology.
Who Invented QR Code Scanner?
These codes use a reader or scanner, but nowadays, most people scan QR codes using their smartphones. Nokia was the first brand to include QR Code scanning applications on their devices. If your device does not come with an in-built code scanner, you can use several free apps available for this purpose. Apple was another brand that included this facility in their devices.
Another invention is the QR code generator, which can generate QR codes for several purposes. They are usable in every field now, from grocery to ticket booking and even online payment facilities.
Final Words
Even though this invention was a part of the mid-90s, it has become well-known. The popularity of the QR code system skyrocketed in the age of smartphones. The coded facility is easy to use as you can scan them from any angle. In addition, their user-friendly characteristic makes them a popular option for many businesses outside the internal market of automobiles.
This system was the perfect way to bridge the gap between online and offline media. They can engage customers for any brand without the involvement of several resources. Businesses now have a new and more functional way to communicate with their customers through this provision.