QR Codes - Object Hyperlinking

With the oncoming proliferation of 3G technology is only a matter of time before QR codes are ubiquitous in North America. Think of QR codes as an evolution of the bar code. Small, square, and strangely geometric, they appear in magazines, on signs, buses or just about anywhere. With the proper software on a camera phone, consumers can take a photo of a QR code and receive an array of information about a product, company, event etc. Be sure to check out some of the examples.

Object hyperlinking is the practice of linking physical objects to online information. One common way to do this is through an interface called Qr code - which we spoke last week. Qr code is a two dimensional bar code that when scanned with a compatible camera phone, will link to any URL on the web.

p8t.ch is now offering a geek fashion accessory they call the “Commando Nerd Patch”. It’s a Qr coded patch you can place anywhere as a way for people to access your website, or anything else on the web you would want to link to. Like a physical TinyURL p8t.ch links to your URL through their server.

This fictional conversation from the p8t.ch website will explain:

THEM: “Excuse me! Your ideas are intriguing to me and I wish to subscribe to your newsletter.”

YOU: “Wonderful! Simply scan the p8tch on my shoulder.”

THEM: [scans the p8tch: BEEP!] “Thank you, I have just subscribed to your RSS feed in Google Reader.”

BRAND EXAMPLE

ANOTHER EXAMPLE

Homegrown Evolution points us to an interesting adaptation of QR bar codes in Japan. Bar codes are being affixed to produce that give a detailed history of the item’s origin. When scanned with a QR enabled cell phone, the code will tell the story of the fruits and veggies - where they came from, and how they were grown.

Wireless Watch Japan reports:

“Prefectural authorities and the JA Ibaraki Prefecture Central Union of Agricultural Cooperative cooperating with other farming and agricultural associations are adding QR code labels right at the point of origin. In the supermarket, consumers use camera equipped cell phones to scan the QR code on the label. The code links to a mobile website detailing origin, soil composition, organic fertilizer content percentage (as opposed to chemical), use of pesticides and herbicides and even the name of the farm it was grown on. Consumers can also access the same information over the Ibaraki Agricultural Produce Net website by inputting a numbered code on each label.”

All Sourced from PSFK