quick response code and its use in libraries: a recent trend by aslam ansari and mohd nazim

Quick Response Code and ITS Use in Libraries: A Recent Trend

Aslam Ansari

Assist. Librarian, IIMSR, Integral University, Lucknow. [email protected]

Dr. Mohd. Nazim

Assist. Librarian, Faculty of Law, BHU, Varanasi. [email protected]

Abstract: Thispaper gives an account of the origin and development of Quick Response code and explains its concept and use particularly in libraries. In the 22nd century, where technologies are growing rapidly, the code can be more helpful to encoding the information in secure way and as a point of data/character security. At the beginning of barcode and till nowadays how many changes appear in field of information coding and how it can be use in various areas, especially in libraries. There are different approaches to understanding the code generating process and their encoding for further usages, and try to understand how it works. In the libraries it can be interesting service to attract their users, where user is taking interest in next generation technology. Keywords: 2D-Barcode, QR Code, Code symbology, Universal Product Code (UPC), Matrix Barcode, QR Catalogue, Information encoding. A code is defined as “a system of words, figures or symbols used to represent others, especially for the purpose of secrecy.”(Oxford dictionary, 11e. (2009). According international Webster dictionary, it is “A system of signals, characters or symbols with arbitrary, conventionalized meanings used in communication.”In simple words, code may be defined as a set of prearranged symbols’, usually letters used for purpose of secrecy or brevity in transmitting message. History of codes started from 1970, when IBM developed a 13 digit UPC (Universal Product Code, which is a barcode symbology (specific type of bar code)) to enable as input automatic after scanning in computer. It was widely used for Point of Scale System (POS). And in 1974, it came in Code 39, which enabled to encode 30 characters approximately. In early 1980s, multistage symbol codes like Code 16K and Code 49 was developed to encodeup to 100 character data. The development of different codes and their data holding capacity are shown in Figure 1.

226 Current Trends of Libraries in the ICT Era

Figure 1: Chronological Development of codes

Regarding the development of Quick Response (QR) code, Tan Jin Soon (2008) says, “...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 multistage symbols was required as a result, QR code, which contain 7,000 digits of characters at maximum including Kanji characters was developed in 1994.” QR code is the 2-D matrix barcode, which can be read by smart phone and mobile phone with cameras. They are sometimes referred to as 2d codes, 2d barcodes, or mobile codes. According the Webopediadefined,“QR codeas a type of two-dimensional (2D) barcode that can be read using a QR barcode reader or camera-enabled smart phone with QR reader software.” A QR code is able to carry information in both the vertical and the horizontal direction, and therefore, it is called a 2-D barcode. QR code can be used with mobile by downloadinga free application, which facilitates in reading codes..However, some mobile manufacturing companies, particularly in the Japan, provides in built features of reading of QR code in mobile phones. QR was developed by Denso Wave in 1994 [BorkoFurht] a Toyota subsidiary in the Japan and recently it is using frequently in the Asian countries’ manufacturing units and service units.The conceptof QR code was evolved due to the limitation of Barcode to contain large amount of data. QR code designed for automotive industry, but later it has been very popularized in other sectorsdue to its fast readability and large amount of storing data (information) capacity. Thenormal Barcode holds information in categories and it generally contain bar type information of a particular product or service in only one dimension as shown in the figure 2.

Current Trends of Libraries in the ICT Era 227

Figure 2: Barcode structure with outline Capacity of holding information in a barcode is limited and it also needs specific type of hardware and software for reading and generating codes.This problem, to a large extent, is solved with the development of QRcode, which can hold information (data) in 2D (horizontal and vertical).Denso Wave saw it as a way of improving inventory control and tracking in manufacturing units, but instead of licensing the concept out to others, released it freely in 1994 (Wave, 2003). As suits something developed for a demanding, fast moving environment, they included generous error correction capabilities and QR codes can be set up to still work even if 30 percent of the symbol is damaged or obscured and after that this code was also used as the trade mark of Denso Wave Corporation.The information can be encoded four kinds of data, likewise in table 1.

Table 1: Kinds of data

Mode Encoding character Numeric mode 7089 Alphanumeric mode 4296 8-bit byte mode(23624 bits) 2953 Kanji(Chinese character used in Japan) and kana character mode 1817

Characteristics of QR Code QR code has a capability of holding more data or charactercompare to simple barcode. Some specific characteristics of QR codes are discussed hereunder: 1. High Speed:It‘s high speed reading characters or data through all the direction, when

image captured by sensor, will be stored in the memory. Then decoding software read it fastly. The pattern of notifyingthe position of the symbol arranged in three of


its corners to enable to read high speed in all direction (3600). Itis twenty time faster than other matrix symbols.

2. Error correction or Data restoration: Throughout various levels it handles more correction of data error at the various levels (7%, 15%, 25% and 30% per symbol area). Error correction help the code can be read correctly of data even they smudged or corrupted or damaged up until the error correction level.Symbol Resistant: The alignment patterns of code, which are with a regular interval, will be calculated to have mapping of each cell position correctly. This also helps to make linear or non-linear symbols as readable.

3. Encoding Kana and Kanji Characters: The specification of QR code is that codification of special character (Kana &Kanji(the reason was that it was invented in Japan)) at the JIS Level – 1. So data volume is same, symbols can be generated and coded in any country will using the language in that specific region and functionally will be enable to encoding specific languages.

4. Easy Codification or Code Confidently: The QR code can be easily encrypted by making relationship between the characters type and stored data unique for special usage, if conversion table between characters and stored data deciphered , no one will be able to read the QR code..

QR Code Outline Specification The specification characters in the QR code is much deliberative nature after encoding, the main specification of QR code is given below in Table 2.

Table 2: Simple out line of specification of code

Symbol size 21 × 21 - 177 × 177 modules (size grows by 4 modules/side)

Type & Amount of Data (Mixed use is possible.)

Numeric Max. 7,089 characters Alphanumeric Max. 4,296 characters 8-bit bytes (binary) Max. 2,953 characters Kanji Max. 1,817 characters

Conversion Efficiency

Numeric mode 3.3 modules/ characters / cells Alphanumeric mode 5.5 modules/ characters / cells Binary (8-bit) mode 8 modules/ characters / cells Kanji (13 bit) mode 13 modules/ characters / cells

Error correction (data restoration)

Level L Approx. 7% of codeword can be restored. Level M Approx. 15% of codeword can be restored. Level Q Approx. 25% of codeword can be restored. Level H Approx. 30% of codeword can be restored.

Structured append Max. 16 symbols (printing in a narrow area etc.) Types of Horizontal and vertical (2-Dimension) codes There are many types of codes for the codification of the data with high storage capacity as shown is Table 3.


Table 3: Comparison of various codes

Name of Code

QR Code PDF417 Data Matrix

Maxi Code

Developed by DENSO(Japan) Symbol Technologies (USA)

RVSI Acuity CiMatrix (USA)

UPS (USA)

Types: Matrix Stacked Bar Code

Matrix Matrix

Data capacities

Numeric 7,089 2,710 3,116 138 Alphanumeric 4,296 1,850 2,355 93 Binary 2,953 1,018 1,556 Kanji/kana 1,817 554 778

Main features: Large capacity, small printout size and High speed scan

Large capacity Small printout size

High speed scan

QR Code Standardization: The QR codes follow an international standard ISO/IEC 18004:2000 and again revised ISO/IEC 18004:2006,A standard is “a document that provides requirements, specifications, guidelines or characteristics that can be used consistently to ensure that materials, products, processes and services are fit for their purpose” (International Standard Organization).. www.iso.org/iso/home/standards.htm) QR Code is standardizations shown in Table 4:

Table 4: Code standard in Chronological order

QR Code Standardization

October, 1997

Approved as AIM International (Automatic Identification Manufacturers International) standard (ISS - QR Code)

March, 1998 Approved as JEIDA (Japanese Electronic Industry Development Association) standard (JEIDA-55)

January, 1999

Approved as JIS (Japanese Industrial Standards) standard (JIS X 0510)

June, 2000 Approved as ISO international standard (ISO/IEC18004) November, 2004

Micro QR Code is Approved as JIS (Japanese Industrial Standards) standard (JIS X 0510)

September, 2006

Approved as JTC(Joint Technical committee)/SC (sub- committee) for automatic identification and data capture techniques (JTC/SC AIDCT)

This allowed a rapid production of QR code generators and readers to be produced which may be largely compatible with each other, but with a risk, they vary slightly in operation on mobile phones. Naturally this code is very popular in Japan, and most mobile phones sold there have QR reader software already installed. Structure of QR Code: it is like horizontal and vertical square set of black pattern on the white background, and it hold the data in a codified form which read or identify through


the encoding program, like QR code reader software. A normal structure of QR code is shown in Figure3. And the terminology used in QR code is defined hereunder:

Figure 3: QR code’s structure

1. Finder Pattern: It is detecting position of QR code; structure is three identical

components or corners of symbol. This finder pattern can be detected all the angels or directions.

2. Timing Pattern : It is alternating sequence of black and white pattern, and arranged both horizontal and vertical directions, used for synthesis or correcting the central coordinate of the data cell when symbol twist out of shape or error for cell pitch.

3. Alignment Pattern: It’s a pattern for correcting the crookedness (distortion) of QR code. A black isolated cell which enables to decode mapping of image modules.

4. Cell: The encoded data stored in data area (cell). Data encoding in Binary number system as 0 and 1 to converted in black and white cells, it based on encoding rule, where codes incorporated for the stored data and error correction functionality.

5. Quiet Zone: A margin space, which makes easier to have symbol detected from among image by sensor. There are four or more cells are necessary for quite zone.

Basic Differences between QR code & Barcode: The basic difference in both codes is based on their normal structure and holding capacity of data of information, which is shown in Table 5.


Table 5: Differences between Barcode and QR code

BARCODE QR CODE 1. Barcodes are single dimensional codes.

1. QR codes are 2-D (two dimensional) codes.

2. They are represented by only horizontal bars on the white background

2. They are represented by horizontal and vertical, and they have square appearance in contrast to the single line rectangular looking bars that barcodes can easily be identified with.

3. The holding capacity of information is very limited.

3. The vertical and horizontal layouts of QR codes allow QR codes to contain more information than a barcode can possibly contain.

4. It contain up to 20 numerical digits only, to represent the data are mainly use in track production.

4. In fact QR codes can hold up to thousands of alphanumeric characters.

Generating to the QR code: Generating or producing QR code is quite simple and easy, there are various way is to generate the QR code likewise throughout the free software or purchased software; here we will discussed about some freely available software they and their using process is quite simple and easy or in the simple way there are many free QR code generator available on given web addresses or URLs: 1. http://www.qrcode.kaywa.com 2. http://www.qrify.com 3. http://www.qrstuff.com etc... But the generating QR code is based on the nature of work, which is general or something specific or different; herewith we describing mainly 2 type of QR code generating processes: 1. Simple or regular QR code creation: The regular OR code generating process is very easy to like as child game. In this process we simply a type the content characters adding through URLs or other data (image) and after that click on the “generate” button for generating encoded code, the good example is that type software is Kawya QR code creation which available on URL (http://qrcode.kaywa.com/). The code will be immediately created and it can be saved, copied, printed or shared or embedded as per our need. 2. Batch or Group QR code creation: This used for those items or contents, which change her frequency at the regular intervals like Journals and Magazines, for these type code creation we used several other URLs which provide batch or group code creation. The process of creation or generating batch code is necessary to access zip files of several hundred JPGs (here we taking examples of image files) and use excel to generate HTML code arranging all of them in a table and just print on the web URLs, QRstuff code generator (http://www.qrstuff.com/), is very common URL to generate the group or batch code.


Decoding to the QR Code The next processes/steps are to read or decode the encoded data/characters, which is codified through the software. There are also some software needs, called decoder or code scanner software to installed them in Smartphone or scanning devices, these software’ are free of cost available on public domain. Some important software for decoding code is listed bellow like: 1. www.neoreader.com 2. www.i-nigma.com/mobi 3. zxing http://code.google.com/p/zxing/wiki/Get The reader 4. http://mobilecodes.nokia.com/ Only the requirement of equipments for decoding to code is a Phone (Smartphone) with camera (somewhere Internet connectivity is also required in case of URLs link), QR code reader software and encoded data/characters. There is some illustrated example (regarded to different services) in annexure. Working of QR code system: The working process is shown in figure 4.

Figure 4: information encoding process o Take the snapshots of code(temporarily)to using code reader existed , it sends signals

as containing a character code to mobile and these signals being send to the processor of mobile phone or scanning devices.

o The signals receive through the processor, and then it converts in character form or encode data, which can be read by software.

o Software reflect or receives the details form link or database or URLs etc. QR Code is better replacement of the traditional Barcode, because it easy to use and most common uses are given following: a) To just simple click and connecting mobile to website or linked sources or read the

message; b) To sending massage in coded form, like simple SMS;


c) To Make a phone call through v-link web addresses; d) To Embedded the information on cards or papers; e) To addressing the map; f) To watching videos, listening audios; and g) To encode the graphics for their security and carrying easily. Use of QR code in the Library(s): The use of QR code in library(s) may be very good decision to attract their user and it can help to improve the library services like notice or any immediately further information which is important for the users and staffs. It also gives a modern look to the library and enhances the working culture of staffs. The most important thing is that this technology no need extra budgetary estimate on library(s), because users, if aware about the QR technology then they can be very friendly with library. The uses of QR code in library(s) can be: 1. On the Library catalogue, individual records of books and journal titles available on

the shelves include a QR Code. By reading the code, user can save the Title, Author and Class mark of the book, and usercan view on the catalogue to help you find it on the shelves or preparing Catalogue from the help of software and provide the availability of articles.

2. It helps publically display the links of websites, surveys or other information, which can search freely or available in public domain.

3. To guide or point to user for searching their materials which holdings in the form of print or related subject terminologies to online.

4. The placing code on staffs directory pages or research guides that is much better to go mobile friendly sites for later references.

5. In library placed notice in the codified form, related to the library rules, regulations or other information and connectedto the related informative places.

6. A good way is that access orientation programs in form of audio, video or user manual tours for orientation.

7. The reference queries can be placed reference through the related subject or expert guide.

8. To access the information about library holdings and helps to receiving the documents in the libraries.

9. To providing reference services throughout messages or other contact information into the user's phone.

10. The best way to help to user to can be send or placed book review or abstract in the form of codified information.

EXAMPLE OF CODIFIED QR CODE: There is a bibliographical database of book, which in coded (Figure 5.)


Figure 5: QR code on Library Catalog

Narain, A.K. (ed.) Studies in History of Buddhism. New Delhi : B.R. Pub.,c2000 Rs. 1000.00 Conclusion: QR code or 2-D barcode hold a lot of data (information) compare than typical or traditional barcode. This is an annex, which is designed for encoding information in more secure way and holding large amount of data. In present era or changing technology era user’s expectation is rising so it may be use frequently in the libraries for their services like; Catalogue, book’s review, article’s abstract, linked index and URLs for further related information. Another way it may be use to conduct surveys as provide to links, and also used as in the process of retrieving information to retrieve data throughout linked database or other resources. QR code provide direct marketing platform of library’s services in easy and cheap cost for improving their services and more attractive to their users. Annexure Some illustrated example: This code generator allows 4 different content types: 1. A URL , like : http://www.bhu.ac.in/index_english.php, and generated code seen like

this :


2. Text like : The way of Social welfare collection: 1. Go to stack room; 2. Find the stair; and 3. Find the collection

3. Phone Number or SMS Telephone number:05491-257433 SMS:Books shall be issued from 11:00am to 2:30 pm.

4. Choice of 4 size small, medium, large or extra-large V-card (V calendar= event) or any text.

Event Name:Library Orientation Program for fresher Start date & time: 12 August2012, 10:00 am End Date & Time: 13 August 2012, 12:00 pm Time zone: +05.30 Event Location:Lecturer Hall, Faculty of Law, BHU

Recommended Readings: 1. Andrew Walsh, (2009),"Quick response codes and libraries", Library Hi Tech News,

Vol. 26 (5). pp. 7 – 9 2. Ashford, Robin, and College& Research Libraries News (November 2010): ALA,

p526. 3. BorkoFurht (2011). Handbook of Augmented Reality. New York: Springer. p. 341.


http://books.google.com/books?id=fG8JUdrScsYC&lpg=PP1&dq=Handbook%20of%20Augmented%20Reality&pg=PA341.

4. http://archive.is/20120915/ 5. http://www.qrcode.com/en/qrstandard.html 6. http://community.intermec.com/t5/Intermec-Trends-Technologies/Happy-Birthday-

to-the-Bar-Code/ba-p/17856 7. http://www.iso.org/iso/home/standards.htm 8. http://www.iso.org/iso/home/store/catalogue_ics/catalogue_detail_ics.htm?csnumber

=43655 9. http://www.qrcode.com 10. http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/Q/QR_Code.html. 11. ISO/IEC 18004:2000 ,Information technology -- Automatic identification and data

capture techniques -- Bar code symbology -- QR Code 12. ISO/IEC 18004:2006.(2005).Information technology -- Automatic identification and

data capture techniques -- QR Code 2005 bar code symbology specification 13. Mc Carthy, Graham & Wilson, Sally (April 2011),issue 13, available on :

http://journal.code4lib.org/articles/5014 14. Samretwit, Damri&Wakahara, Toshihiko. (2011).”Third International Conference on

Intelligent Networking and Collaborative Systems.” available on : DOI 10.1109/INCoS.2011.117

15. The New International Webster’s comprehensive dictionary of the English language (Encyclopedic edition)(2004).Trident Press International: Naples florida;USA.p254

16. Soon, TanJin.(2008).“Three_QR_Code.pdf .”Synthesis Journal. available on :www.itsc.org.sg/pdf/synthesis08/

quick response code and its use in libraries: a recent trend by aslam ansari and mohd nazim

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