What is a QR code?
A QR code (Quick Response code) is described as a Matrix Bar code. It was first-designed for the automotive industry in Japan.
It is a "machine readable" optical label that (unlike a bar code which resolves only to a code) literally contains encoded data. So, for example, the Text "Please knock twice before entering" could be encoded into a QR code and then resolved when the QR code is scanned without the requirement to connect to other services. In essence, an information container.
The QR Code system became popular outside the automotive industry due to its fast readability and greater storage capacity compared to standard UPC barcodes. Applications include product tracking, item identification, time tracking, document management, and general marketing.
A QR code consists of black modules (square dots) arranged in a square grid on a white background, which can be read by an imaging device (such as a camera, scanner, Smart Phone, etc.) and processed using Reed–Solomon error correction until the image can be appropriately interpreted. The required data are then extracted from patterns that are present in both horizontal and vertical components of the image.
Example BlindSquare QR
Above you will find a BlindSquare QR. When acquired using a conventional QR Code Reader, the result will lead to the url BlindSquare.com/indoors. When acquired using BlindSquare's QR reader, the result will be a HTML formatted description of a restroom at the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) men's restroom.
BlindSquare's QR reader
BlindSquare's built-in QR reader is ideally designed for persons who are blind or low-vision as follows:
- While scanning the iPhones camera is automatically turned on, with the light on to provide ideal lighting in all circumstances.
- The entire view area of the camera is used to scan. The QR can appear anywhere within the view of the camera to be recognized.
- While the QR reader is in-use (camera on, light on) there is a repeating audible reminder
- When a QR is found:
- an audible and haptic alert is provided, alerting to the fact that a QR has been acquired. The scanning sound is suppressed, the camera and light remain active as additional QR can be available to read.
- Depending on the contents of the QR the next steps could be immediate or present a small delay. Examples:
- A text message will present on-screen and be read by VoiceOver immediately
- A link to a web-base service could present a small delay following the same expected results from any web-browsing experience. "it depends".
- When a second (or subsequent) QR is scanned, the results from the first is lost in deference to the new QR request.
- When satisfied, the BlindSquare user can exit the QR Scanning process, returning to normal GPS/BPS controls. Camera and light are automatically turned off.
The example above (1) illustrates the scanning of the QR off a computer screen.
How do I turn on the QR Reader?
The QR Reader can be found under the tools menu (2)
Then at the bottom of the ACTION menu (3) as shown below
