Can Barcodes Read QR Codes?
QR codes and barcodes may seem similar at first glance, but they serve different purposes. While barcodes contain simple numeric or alphanumeric strings that can be easily interpreted by barcode scanners, QR codes contain far more data formatted in a square pixel matrix. This blog post will explore the differences between these two common code types and whether barcodes are capable of reading QR codes.
What Are Barcodes and How Do They Work?
Barcodes, also known as UPC codes, are the linear black and white stripes that you see on virtually all consumer products. They were first introduced in the 1960s to automate checkout lines and quickly identify products. Barcodes contain a simple numeric or alphanumeric string that is readable by a laser or CCD barcode scanner. When the scanner passes over the barcode, it detects the widths of the black and white bars and spaces and decodes the data contained within.
Common barcode symbologies include UPC, EAN, Code 39, Code 128 and ITF. These all contain numeric or alphanumeric data in a linear fashion. Barcode scanners illuminate the barcode with a laser beam and capture the light reflected back or transmitted through the code with a photodetector. Software then analyzes the widths of the bars and spaces to decode the data. Most barcodes can hold around 20 numeric characters or fewer of text information.
What Are QR Codes and How Do They Differ?
QR codes (quick response codes) were introduced more recently in the 1990s by the Japanese automotive company Denso Wave. Unlike simple linear barcodes, QR codes use a square-shaped pixel matrix to embed far more data at higher densities. They can hold up to 4,296 alphanumeric characters or 7,089 numeric characters, over 100 times more data than a typical barcode!
QR codes use abstract dot patterns arranged in a square layout that is easily recognizable and readable by supported devices such as smartphones. The finder and timing patterns allow QR readers to reliably detect the code's location, scale, rotation and perspective distortion. QR codes come in various sizes but a version 1 QR code measures 21 x 21 pixels with a quiet zone of 4 pixels surrounding it, for a total image of 29x29 pixels.
Within these pixels are arranged in black and white modules that make up the data, error correction and configuration patterns. The data is stored efficiently using Reed-Solomon error correction codes to maximize data capacity and redundancy for damaged or obscured codes. All this allows QR codes to achieve very high data capacities compared to simpler linear barcodes.
Can Barcode Scanners Read QR Codes?
Since QR codes and barcodes represent the data they contain in very different ways, traditional linear barcode scanners are not capable of reading QR codes properly. Barcode scanners are optimized to detect the widths of black and white lines, not the 2D pixel patterns contained within a QR code.
Some newer hybrid barcode scanners with integrated cameras and advanced imaging software can potentially discern and decode both linear barcodes and 2D matrix codes like QR codes. But for basic laser or CCD barcode scanners that are designed solely for 1D symbologies, the 2D pixel matrix layout of a QR code appears as an undecipherable image rather than discrete bars and spaces.
The data densities, orientation independence and error correction capabilities of QR codes also far exceed what standard barcode technology can support. Without understanding the finder and alignment patterns, or having the processing power to perform Reed-Solomon decoding, conventional barcode scanners are unable to effectively read QR codes like they can with barcodes.
Newer Devices Specialized for QR Code Scanning
Thankfully, we now have affordable QR code reader apps for smartphones that can easily scan and decode these 2D matrix codes. Dedicated QR code scanners also exist that are optimized for reading QR codes and other 2D barcodes. They leverage advanced imaging sensors and software to reliably locate and decode QR codes even at angles or when partially obstructed.
Some high-end hybrid solutions can read both linear and 2D codes, scanning barcodes with a laser and activating a camera to image QR codes. But for dedicated scanning of QR codes, a purpose-built 2D imaging device is required rather than a traditional linear barcode scanner. The greater processing power and advanced algorithms allow QR scanners to correctly interpret the complex 2D patterns no matter the code's perspective or damage level.
In summary, while barcodes and QR codes may seem analogous, they represent data in fundamentally different linear versus 2D matrix formats. The capacity, complexity and functionality of QR codes far exceed conventional barcode technology. As such, traditional barcode scanners focused only on 1D symbologies are incapable of reliably scanning and decoding QR codes. Newer hybrid and dedicated 2D imaging devices incorporating advanced imaging sensors and decoding software are required to effectively read today's popular QR codes.
Contact Us Now
If you need help upgrading your equipment to read both linear barcodes and 2D QR codes, contact E.D. Systems Inc. We offer the latest hybrid barcode scanners, specialized QR code readers, as well as integration services tailored to your unique workflow needs. Whether you require portable handheld scanners, fixed position triggers, or omnidirectional scanners for warehouse inventory and logistics, we can help maximize the capabilities of your data capture operations. Visit our website or call us today to discuss your requirements and get a customized solution recommendation and quote.