The QR code, produced for the automobile industry, has developed so much over time that it has taken over all sectors. Not only that, but unintentionally, it caused the barcode technology to be thrown into the background. How did the QR code come about, how did it take its current form?
QR technology, which is used by the whole world and recognized as soon as they see it, also has a birth story! Moreover, this story shows that QR codes It was not even created to be used as we are used to today. What kind of journey from the past to the present made QR what we know today?
Before QR there was barcode. Then the emergence of the QR code, like the barcode that had been used since the 1950s. a giant invention even left behind. We cannot say that the QR code was created with the desire to replace the barcode; but considering the process from yesterday to today, it is possible to easily understand the reasons for the popularization of QR codes.
An unexpected relocation story: From barcode use to QR code use
your QR code when talking about the birth of barcodes; because we know that although the main goal is not to replace the barcode, QR technology has involuntarily taken on the image of a better alternative to replace the barcode.
The high growth rate of the Japanese economy in the 1960s led to the opening of supermarkets in Japan where various products were sold together. During this shopping spree, cash registers could read prices manually. This meant that employees entered all prices manually one by one. This situation, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, numbness in the wrists of cashiers serious health problems led to its formation. All these experiences led to the development of barcode technology and the punctuation of the use of manual cash registers in stores.
Why was the barcode insufficient?
The barcode was discovered as a result of a need and used to meet that need for a certain period of time; but its one-dimensional structurehas led to the emergence of new needs day by day and the inadequacy of the barcode. Because barcodes were one-dimensional, they could only be read from top to bottom and therefore could store a limited amount of data. Also, for the same reason, the reading speeds were quite low.
What is QR code?
QR code, which stands for “Quick Response”, was first invented in 1994. Thanks to its double-dimensionality, unlike the barcode, the QR code can be read both from top to bottom and from right to left; thus, it is known for being a technology that can store much more data and be used quickly. by Masahiro Hara QR code, developed by the Japanese company Denso Wave, led by It was originally created for use in the automotive industry. The QR code, which is expected to be used to track both cars and auto parts in the manufacturing process, has taken its current form over time after winning the Good Design Award in industrial design in 2012; In addition to the automobile industry, it has started to be used for different purposes in different sectors.
Masahiro Hara and his team did not expect this!
When the QR code went beyond the automobile industry and met with completely different uses, eyes were of course turned to the inventor of this successful invention. Masahiro Hara was surprised at the point where the QR code came in: ‘‘I felt that I was developing something great, I predicted that it would be used a lot in the industry in the future; however It was not something I expected to be used by everyone. Used as a payment method. This was completely unexpected.” expressed in his words.
QR code was gifted to humanity
Denso Wave set a throne in hearts by displaying an exemplary behavior as a lesson to the whole world. Creative company for QR code, which appears to fill a huge gap in business did not claim patent rights! Thus, the QR code was shared in a way that would be open to the use of the whole world, and was given to humanity as a gift.
If you made such an invention, would you be as generous as Denso Wave when it comes to patent rights? You can share your ideas and opinions in the comments.