Use of QR Code: A Step Towards Development in India

International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 04 Issue: 09 | Sep -2017 www.irjet.net p-ISSN: 2395-0072
© 2017, IRJET | Impact Factor value: 5.181 | ISO 9001:2008 Certified Journal | Page 1126
USE OF QR CODE: A STEP TOWARDS DEVELOPMENT IN INDIA
Maheshwari Antosh Dyade1 , Yamini Vaijinath Bhande2
1Professor, CSE, SVERIs College of Engineering,Pandharpur ,Maharashtra,
2Scholar, M. Tech, CSE, Visvesvaraya Technological University ,Karnataka
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Abstract -Since the usage of smartphones had rapidly
expanded, several companies across the world-wide had
begun using the QR code as advertising tool. These square-
shaped barcodes have been around for more than two
decades but recently have got entry into customer based
engagement activities for instance in newspapers,
magazines, libraries, public advertisements, business
advertisements, foods, drinks, restaurants, clothes store,
social network applications, enterprises, and public based
Government activities. Now it is widely popular in Western
and few Asian countries such as Japan, Korea, and China,
but QR code marketing is in a budding stage in India,
therefore basic knowledge relevant to QR Code needs to be
acquired by individuals and organizations. Thus the main
objective of this article is to review concept of QR code,
structure, technological pros and cons and finally common
use cases in India
Key Words: QR Code Concept, QR Code structure, QR Code
Function, QR Application, Smartphone.
1. INTRODUCTION
QR Code means Quick Response Code, which was invented
by Denso Wave in 1994, a subsidiary of Toyota Japanese
corporation. It is the trademark for the type of matrix
barcode. QR code is defined by the ISO/IEC 18004
industrial standard. Normal barcodes had information
stored in horizontal dimension only and were limited in
the amount of data they could contain. Denso Wave
developed this QR code as a way of holding information in
both horizontal and vertical dimensions; hence a QR code
is able to accumulate 10 times more information than a
normal barcode. Statistically, QR codes are capable of
symbolizing same amount of data in approximately one
tenth of the space of a traditional barcode. Information
such as URL, SMS, contact information and plain text and
videos can also be embodied into this two dimensional
matrix.
1.1 STRUCTURE OF QR CODE
QR code looks like a small box which includes a random
series of black and white pixels. Even though QR code is a
tiny symbol. Currently, various versions of QR code (from
Version 1 to Version 40) are freely available along with
decoding applications. QR code consist of different areas
that are reserved for specific purposes version 1 does not
contain all these areas. Therefore, we refer to version 2 of
QR code(Figure 1).
Fig-1: Structure of QR code
(1). Finder Pattern: The finder pattern consists of three
identical structures that are located in all corners of
the QR code except from the bottom right one. Each
pattern is based on a 3×3 matrix of black modules
surrounded by white modules that are again
surrounded by black modules. These patterns
facilitate the decoder software to identify the QR code
and determine the correct orientation.
(2). Separators: The white separators have a width of
one pixel and improve the recognizability of the finder
patters as they separate them from the actual data.
(3). Timing Pattern: Alternating black and white modules
in the timing pattern enable the decoder software
determine the width of a single module.
(4). Alignment Patterns: Alignment Patterns support the
decoder software in compensating for moderate
image distortions. With growing size of the code, more
alignment patterns are added.
(5). Format Information: Format Information section
consists of 15 bits next to the separators and stores
information about the error correction level of the QR
code and the chosen masking pattern.
(6). Data: Data is converted into a bit stream and then
stored in 8 bit parts (called codewords) in the data
section.
(7). Error Correction: Similar to data codes, error
correction codes are stored in 8 bit long codewords in
the error correction section.
(8). Remainder Bits: Consists of empty bits, if data and
error correction bits can not be divided into 8 bit
codewords without remainder.
The surface QR code has to be surrounded by Quiet Zone,
an area shaded as white modules, to increase code
recognition by the decoder software. The capacity of a QR

code depends on several factors, such as the version of the
code that defines its size, the chosen error correction level
and the type of encoded data influence capacity.
2. PROS AND CONS
At present, QR code have already overtaken the popularity
of Universal Product Code (UPC)barcode in many areas
because of several advantages like increase in data storage
and Kanji-Kana character set capacity, reduced size, dirt
and damage resistant, high speed reading, small print out
size, 360 degree reading and etc. Combined with the
diversity and extendibility offered, makes the use of QR
code more appealing than that of the classical barcodes, as
QR code also ties the physical to digital world.
However, using QR codes is also not free from
disadvantages of any new inventions. Mobile camera and
internet connections are the prerequisites for using QR
codes. Lack of awareness about use of QR codes among
consumers and Lack of offline ability to authenticate
source/sponsor of code is another problem.
3. QR CODE FUNCTION.
When customer scan QR code, they immediately
redirected to one the following function.
 A website URL: where the detail information is
available.
 Wi-Fi access point credentials to initiate the
connection from your smartphone
 An email or a text-message ready to be sent
 A business card which can be directly stored in
your smartphone’s contact list.
 Any events that can be automatically added to
your smartphone calendar
 Phone numbers recognized by your smartphone
for dialing
 Any simple text to display
 Specifications of particular products or personal
information’s.
4.USE OF QR CODE
QR code can be used for anytime-anything. It will direct its
scanner to a destination of the creator’s choice, by
breaking out of the mundane banal crowd and engaging in
a artistic manner. QR codes are helpful for each customers
and vender. For example, a vendor saves advertising costs
by distributing a QR code to their web site or universal
resource locator. A client will scan this QR code and this
enables them to store the data for future reference.
The large variety of languages in Republic of India will
create problem for vernacular speakers once they move to
another state which usually contains a different tongue.
Once QR codes is scanned it offers language choices to the
customers so as to avail the service in a language of their
comfort.
[1]. TICKETING AND TOURISM
IRCTC, India’s train ticket booking portal, has
begun adding QR codes to its printable e-tickets.
QR codes are widely used for ticketing. Passenger
Name Record numbers or booking user-IDs are
usually lengthy, thus in-order to make
authentication a quick process, a QR code is added
to the ticket.
New Town Kolkata Development Authority
(NKDA) has taken an initiative to make the city
smarter by adding QR code sign boards. The
Authority says “This is a first-of-its-kind initiative
to help visitors explore the city. Though the
specially designed boards will have basic details
about the heritage site, visitors can know more
about it by scanning the QR code”. “We will put
this code on display at different locations of New
Town, like police stations, the Hidco building, Eco
Park, Rabindra Tirtha, etc, and also upload it on
the website. We are working on developing New
Town as a smart city and this is another step
towards that goal”.
New Delhi Municipal Council is planning to
introduce QR code-based signage on all heritage
sites in its jurisdiction.
The State Tourism Department of Kerala has
already integrated QR codes into helping tourists
reach destinations in addition to the history of the
place. Codes at various locations will allow
tourists and citizens to navigate easily using
Google Maps. The Union Tourism Ministry plans
on using QR codes to deliver information about
heritage sites in New Delhi to tourists in a
language of their choice, replacing the out-of-date
audio guides.
Software Technology Park of India, Bengaluru
has developed a service called Track Me that
based on QR code technology. Passengers can
scan a Track Me QR code in a public transport
vehicle (cab, bus, auto rickshaw, etc.) to know
details of the driver and share it with others, who
can also track each ride. The service was
developed with the aim to increase safety of
passengers in Bangalore, including the 40,000
women working in the IT sector.
The Airports Authority of India is also setting up
a QR code-based mobile app to address
grievances at airports.

[2]. NEWSPAPER ARTICLES AND ADVERTISEMENTS
The Times of India, one of India’s leading English
newspaper, started using QR codes to connect
readers from snippets of news in the paper to full-
length articles online.
Print media is still found in wide range in India,
despite the growth of online and mobile media.
Brands continue to invest heavily in newspaper
ads. They are also aware of the growth of usage of
smartphones. Hence the number of ads with a QR
code are increasing considerably to connect
readers from the static print ads to dynamic
online media. Brands such as State Bank of India,
LG, Spykar, KAFF, Lavasa, Cox & Kings, Symphony,
Shoppers Stop, The Collective, DHFL,
SimplyMarry, Advanced Hair Studio, Intec, Sikka
Group, Manyavar and other are using QR codes in
their advertisements to engage their readers with
their marketing content.
[3]. BANKING AND PAYMENTS
The government of India has stepped one more
step in the direction to making India Digital &
introduced another useful yet easy payment
method named as Bharat QR code payment
method. which allows the customer to perform
the transaction just by scanning a QR code
without using Electronic Data Capture machine.
With Bharat QR code, the cashless transaction can
be made to merchants. BharatQR code is
interoperable. To make it interoperable, payment
network companies Visa, MasterCard, RuPay and
American Express have come together.
Since demonetization, e-wallet apps such as
Paytm, Freecharge and Mobikwik, State Bank
Buddy,Phonepe, Ola Money, HDFC PayZapp,
ICICI Pocket,Airtel Money, AXIS LIME among
others have also seen a surge in usage. While
these wallet apps also allow QR code-based
payments, both parties need to have the app in-
order to perform any transcation .
[4]. EDUCATION AND ENTERTAINMENT
The Maharashtra State Bureau of Textbook
Production and curriculum Research
(Balbharti) has announced the launch of new QR
code textbooks that have been designed to make it
easier for students to obtain digital copies and to
lighten the load they need to carry in their
schoolbags. The newly released books have QR
codes printed on front pages after each chapter
that directly links the reader to the website of
Balbharti where the textbooks of all classes are
available in PDF format. The E-bharati mobile
application, feature the whole text book content of
each and every subject in an easy to learn version.
It is considered that QR codes in books make
textbook interactive by showing an explainer
video instead of static images, saving pages by
linking QR code to online photo galleries,
concealing solutions in QR codes, providing audio
translations for language books and so on. Thus,
the codes support experiential learning,brings
scholarship out of the classroom into physical
experience,they by expanding pedagogical value
in execises that draw students into creating and
contributing content.
Libraries like National Institute of Technology
Karnataka, Indian Institute of science
Education and Research, Bhopal are also
experimenting the use of QR code to deliver
library service in user friendly and quick way. The
library are using the QR code to give their user
access to manuals, library map, library
orientation, OPAC, audio and video files.
Coming to entertainment field, a large section of
the peoples in India are enthusiastic about cinema
those who cannot read or write but they know
how to click a picture on their smartphone.
BookMyShow, a popular movie ticket booking
app, also adds a QR code to its Passbook tickets.
As most Indians seek entertainment through
Bollywood, Tollywood, and other cinemas in the
country. The QR code system provides a huge
marketing opportunity for its distributors to
interact with their audience. QR codes can be used
on movie posters to show movie trailers, other
videos and to allow booking tickets online.
[5]. IDENTIFICATION AND AUTHENTICATION
The Aadhaar Card in India is also having a QR
code as its latest identification initiative. This will
allow businesses to quickly authenticate user’s
data by scanning the QR code on the card. The QR
code on the Aadhaar Card stores the information
of the ID holder including Name, Aadhaar No.,
Fathers Name, DOB, and Address.
Jadavpur University (JU) in India has introduced
QR codes on each degree certificate as a security
feature to make it difficult to duplicate.
Whatsapp, the most popular messaging app in
India, recently launched Whatsapp Web that is
accessible only by scanning a QR code.

ModiNomic opines that - Presently QR code is
available for birth certificate, death certificate,
marriage certificates, property tax receipt,
demand bill, and demand notice. Gradually all
the city governance related services and other
municipal due bills, payment receipts, food and
industrial, shop licenses will be covered in this
service.
[6]. MOBILE AND MOBILE APPS
Brands can redirect customers to App Store pages
to get them to download the brand’s mobile
application using a QR code, such as Samsung,
AirAsia, Gaana, Globus, Big Fish are using QR
codes in India including HDFC.
Smartphones and apps with inbuilt QR code
reader are launched by XIAOMI, LENOVO,
MOTOROLA, MICROMAX CANVAS 4 PLUS A315,
XPERIA Z1. Apps with QR code scanning feature
have been designed by WeCHAT, UC BROWSER,
OPERA MINI and BING VISION LENS and others.
[7]. PRODUCT PACKAGING AND CYBERMEDIA
Consumer electronics product companies such as
Sennheiser and HP use QR codes on their
packaging to allow buyers to verify the
authenticity of their products. QR codes are also
used on product packaging to redirect users to
additional information or promotional offers.
Brands such as Del Monte, Godrej, Amul, Dabur,
Johnson-&-Johnson, Pepsi, McDonanald’s and Tata
Tea have adopted this marketing technique to
engage consumers.
A special media company, Cyber Media with its
magazines such as PCQuest, DQIndia, Voice &
Data etc., started implementing plenty of QR
codes in its print editions since March 2011
edition. These QR codes would point to
different places such as videos, web pages, data
capture and response form, a test site,
advertisements, reader contests, discount for
subscriptions, events and key announcements.
5. CONCLUSIONS
In this article we have reviewed the concept of QR code ,
its structure, its pros and cons, and its applications.
However, QR code is still getting updated from time-to-
time, further research possibilities will defiantly explore
the security of using QR code for companies and their
customers, with this confidence India needs both
awareness and use of QR code for its speedy development
in this competitive era.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We express our deep gratitude to our father Dr.V.G
Bhande Rtd Principal Bhalki and mother Mrs.
Sharanamma Bhande for their help and inspiration during
the tenure of this article.
REFERENCES
[1]. Trustworthy Ubiquitous Computing Edited By Ismail
Khalil, Teddy Mantoro Page 24
[2]. Modinomics: Inclusive Economics Inclusive
Governance By Sameer Kochhar Page 218
[3]. QR Codes To Be The Digital Trend Of The Future In
India March 23, 2011 By Tanujlakhina Indiasocial
Social Media Open
[4]. Ndmc To Install 160 ‘Smart Signage’ For 40
Heritage Sites -The Indian Express-- March 1, 2015
[5]. Balbharati Mobile App For Std Vi Texts -Times Of
India.- Apr 6, 2016
[6]. Tech-Savvy Text Books Now Have QR Codes-Times Of
India- May 31, 2016.
[7]. Balbharti Gets Smart With QR Tech Mobile App –Pune
Mirror -Jun 11, 2016,
[8]. 5 Reasons Why QR Codes Make Sense For India,
November 17, 2015 By Haindhavi Gutta
[9]. Bharat QR code February 22,2017 by Bharat QR Code.
[10]. Application of QR Code Technology in providing
Library and Information Services in Academic
Libraries: Mar 4,2017 by Sandeep Kumar Pathak.
[11]. Find, Point and Scan: QR Codes for Libraries. April
2017 by Iranna M. Shettar.
BIOGRAPHIES
Maheshwari Antosh Dyade
Professor,CSE, SVERIs College of
Engineering, Pandharpur,
Maharashtra
Yamini Vaijinath Bhande
Scholar, M. Tech, CSE,
Visvesvaraya Technological
University ,Karnataka

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