Using Mobile Phones To Read Barcode Images

With the advent of mobile phone applications, some folks are taking advantage of bar code scanning capabilities to make using the phones more convenient for users to receive content.

One such technology is called a QR Code.  It is a two dimensional matrix barcode, and is readable by QR scanners, mobile phones with a camera, and smartphones.  QR codes were first used in Japan, most extensively for tracking parts in auto manufacturing facilities.  Now they are popping up in other places.

If you have a phone with a bar scanning application, you can scan this QR code to be taken to BLOGSUNNYSIDE in your mobile browser:

Now, you are probably wondering why this is of any value, other than for gadget freaks.  Smartphones continue to be adopted in greater frequency, with millions of users upgrading their phones each year.  Codes like this can be printed in newspapers, magazines, put on T-Shirts, or any variety of products for promotional purposes.  Scanning the code saves the user from having to type on the small keyboard a phone offers.  In short, it makes it easier for them to receive your message.

Because this is an emerging market, there are multiple vendors making barcodes of this nature.  The QR code has been around for awhile, and most barcode scanners can read it, along with the UPC codes that we are used to seeing at the check out line of our favorite stores.

Now enter Microsoft: the goliath of software companies has developed their own Microsoft Tag Reader, with its own proprietary code.  It is a High Capacity Color Barcode, using different colors of triangles within a grid to store a higher density of information.  However, it can also be used in a black and white format if desired.  Recently, I was reading Entertainment Weekly magazine, and it was chocked full of the Microsoft Tags, which allows readers to scan links to YouTube vidoes promoting movies, or get additional information on certain advertised products.  Microsoft is working with other publications as well, and is trying to capture a significant portion of this emerging market use.

I created a black and white version of Microsoft’s Tag, which links to BLOGSUNNYSIDE.  It looks like this:

These are just two versions of barcodes that can be used for similar purposes.  The advantage of the QR Code is that it does not require downloading a separate code reading application like the Microsoft Tag does.  However, Microsoft is promoting its version heavily, and it may become a common standard for smartphones to use.  It was the most prominent barcode in the magazine I read recently.

For the small business entrepreneur, I could envision printing these barcodes on the back of a business card, which will allow contact information to be scanned and downloaded into a phone very easily.  Real estate agents can put these codes on flyers, and potential buyers can scan them to see a website or video with more information on the building for sale.  The potential places where these codes can be used are quite broad.  It will be interesting to see if this marketing tool catches on, and gains wide acceptance.

You know it will be considered mainstream when you start to see politicians put these codes on yard signs, logos, stickers, buttons, and websites.  I am not currently aware of any campaign using these codes, but if you see any, please let me know.

Related Articles

• Microsoft Tag: You’re It (pcworld.com)
• iPhone App Makes Barcode Scanning a Social Experience (mashable.com)
• Why QR Codes Are Poised to Hit the Mainstream (mashable.com)