QR codes allow you to quickly access any information on the Internet. For example, they are used to go to a specific website, open a video or position on a map, connect to Wi-Fi, and even check a vaccination certificate. All you need to do is download the scanner to your Android smartphone, open it at the right time and point the camera at the image of the matrix barcode. After this, the application automatically reads the encrypted information and prompts you to follow a hidden link or perform an action. QR scanners work in an identical way. However, there are some differences between them. Therefore, some Android applications deserve special attention and stand out from the rest.
Scanner (Gamma Play)
QR Code
QR and barcode scanner
Developer: Gamma Play
Price: Free
An extremely fast barcode reader of any type for Android allows you to save a lot of time. You just need to point the QR scanner at the image, and the application will immediately prompt you to perform further actions. At the same time, it recognizes any encrypted information. You can even scan products to find better deals from other stores.
Advantages:
- functionality for creating QR Code;
- ability to scan barcodes from the gallery.
The scanner is convenient for quickly transmitting contact information using encrypted images. Therefore, it works in both directions and has become a universal tool for Android smartphones.
Results and conclusions
- Despite the fact that the QR code was created only for marking goods, it has become widespread in everyday life, from information messages to advertising banners and utility bills.
- To read the matrix code you will need a mobile phone with a camera, and in some cases a special application. Today, a QR code can be read even from a personal computer using a webcam.
- Any interested user can create a QR code in just a couple of seconds. It is enough to use special online services that will encrypt the entered text, link or image.
- You can check the authenticity of the purchased product using a special QR code in the “Honest Sign” application.
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MFMasha Frelankaauthor
QR & Barcode Reader (TeaCapps)
QR Code
QR and barcode scanner (Russian)
Developer: TeaCapps
Price: Free
The QR scanner from TeaCapps for Android supports a full range of barcode formats. With it you can open any website, instantly add an event to your calendar, save a contact, connect to a wireless network, or find a store to buy a specific product. In this case, the information read is verified through technology from Google. It's called Safe Browsing and detects potentially dangerous links or actions after scanning a QR code.
Advantages:
- the ability to independently create matrix barcodes;
- export scan history to CSV.
Like many other barcode scanners, the app allows you to use a flashlight or zoom in and crop the image from the camera. Such actions simplify reading the cipher on Android.
How to create a QR code - services for generating QR codes
To create the code, specialized software (software) is used. You can install the appropriate software on your smartphone or use an online service on the Internet. There are many sites where you can create your own QR code.
The most popular QR code generators:
- qrcoder.ru
- qrcc.ru
- qr-code-generator.com
- vkqr.ru
QR code generators allow you to encode any information:
- Any text information,
- Link to the site,
- business card,
- SMS message and much more.
As for the text, there is a limit on code generation - no more than 2953 bytes, that is, no more than 2953 Cyrillic letters in windows-1251 encoding or about 1450 Cyrillic letters in utf-8.
As you can see, there is nothing complicated about this, and if you have not used such codes, I advise you to try it. This can sometimes be a very convenient way to share information. Don't underestimate them. And don't call them barcodes.
How to make a QR code for text using an online service?
Let's first try to create the code ourselves, and then read it using a smartphone.
Let's take arbitrary text as an example. Then we will open the online service to create the code for this content (in this case we use https://qrcoder.ru/):
- 1 – Open the QR Code Generator using the link provided above.
- 2 – Select the “any text” option. We will create code for it.
- 3 – Copy the text or print it yourself. Then we will place the text in the “enter text to encode” window.
- 4 – Select the code size or leave the one suggested by default.
- 5 – By clicking “create code”, we get an image of the code (6). Please note that you may not be able to generate the code if the message is too large (more than 2953 characters, including letters, spaces, numbers, punctuation, or any symbol at all).
- 7 and 8 – Links to the code image are provided here, as well as the code to embed it on the blog.
You can read this code by holding your smartphone with the code reading app open to this image.
Reader & Scanner (TWMobile)
QR Code
free QR code scanner/barcode scanner
Developer: TWMobile
Price: Free
A universal QR scanner for Android devices reads any barcodes, including rare encryption systems. It saves a lot of time. Therefore, the application instantly opens the site or prompts you to perform an action as soon as you scan the QR. A smartphone with such a free scanner will become even more useful and make life easier.
Advantages:
- accelerated barcode processing;
- Setting up QR reading for quick recognition.
These QR code scanners are extremely useful and easy to use. The absence of unnecessary functionality allows you to quickly use the main function and get the desired result.
Benefits of using QR codes
The main advantage of a QR code is its capacity. This type of code is two-dimensional, unlike a one-dimensional barcode. At one time, the transition from “stripes” to “squares” was due precisely to the need to encrypt more information in codes.
A standard QR code can contain up to 4000 characters. This allows you to encrypt not only a couple of dozen characters of the inventory number of a product in a store, but even entire texts, long referral links and much more. There's even the ability to encrypt JPEG, GIF and PNG. True, for this they must be no larger than 4 KB in size, and this is very small. To transfer images, it is much easier to encrypt the link and place any image on a special page.
The main advantage of QR codes is their potential. Every day they appear around us more and more often. Many advertising companies have switched to this code. It’s already quite normal to walk down the street and see a QR code on a pole or wall. In this case, however, you should be careful, since no one knows where it leads. But, if you see the code on a large poster in a store, on TV or on a product package, you can safely scan it.
Using a QR code even allows you to save on the cost of the product. For example, you buy headphones and the manufacturer does not need to put thick stacks of instructions in all languages in the box. It is enough to place a QR code inside with a link to a page where you can select a language and get the necessary information. Savings come from reducing the weight of the packaging, reducing its volume and, of course, saving on paper.
Returning to the prospects, we can imagine options for our future, when augmented reality becomes commonplace and we wear special glasses. When reading such a code, the glasses will replace it with the desired image and a screen with information will “hover” next to the person.
Reader (EZ to Use)
QR Code
Lightning QR Barcode Scanner
Developer: EZ to Use
Price: Free
The application is included in the best QR code scanners. Immediately after launching it, you can point your Android smartphone camera at the encrypted image and get the result at lightning speed. Reader will ask you about further actions to use the information you have read and will allow you to continue working with it in another application. In low light conditions, it scans codes with the flashlight activated.
Advantages:
- lightning-fast processing of any code images;
- detailed history of using the scanning functionality.
Reader is used to read information even in everyday life. For example, it is convenient for searching for groceries or household goods on the Internet.
QR code verification using facial recognition terminal and turnstile
The logic of working with facial recognition terminals can be greatly improved by turning them into an autonomous checkpoint. ProFaceX series terminals have relays for controlling actuators. This means that we can connect ProFaceX to a turnstile or to an access control system installed on a door, and if the QR code is successfully validated, the turnstile will be automatically unlocked for passage. That is, in this case, a person is not needed in principle. The system independently makes a decision about a person’s admission and independently unlocks the door or turnstile. To implement this system, we will also need ProFaceX series terminals:
- Biometric terminal ProFaceX-MF - price 79,560 rubles
- Biometric terminal ProFaceX-TI - price 142,800 rubles
- Biometric terminal ProFaceX-TD - price 133,280 rubles
The terminal will control the turnstile, so we will need a turnstile or access control system for one door, together with our installation services, the price starts from 24,026 rubles. This is an approximate composition of the equipment for organizing such a system; if necessary, we can install it literally in a day. It will work much like in the video, only with the plus of access via QR code. pros
- Power supply from the building's electrical network
- Automatic body temperature measurement
- Checking for a mask
- Can be used to track employee working hours
- Can be used as an access control system installed on one door
- Autonomous operation of the QR code access system
Minuses
- Even higher price
Code Reader (BACHA Soft)
QR Code
QR Code & Barcode Scanner
Developer: BACHA Soft
Price: Free
The popular QR scanner for smartphones running Android OS instantly recognizes any barcodes with encrypted links or text information. To read QR codes, just point the device and press the analyze button. After this, all that remains is to choose one of the options for further actions. The scanning application also allows you to create your own barcodes with encryption of messages, passwords, contacts, location coordinates or links.
- recording a detailed history of scanning QR codes;
- functionality for preparing personal barcodes.
The application has become an indispensable component of an Android smartphone for many. And this is ensured by a high-precision scanner with a user-friendly interface.
Mass event up to 500 people
If you are planning to hold a mass event of up to 500 people, then you do not need to require a QR code at the entrance. However, the question arises of how to calculate how many people are inside. After all, someone is always coming in, someone is leaving. For this, the RusGate company offers a solution as simple as an ax and as effective as a hammer - a turnstile with a built-in STOP-COVID counter, which counts how many people are inside at one time.
And most importantly, when you reach the limit you set (for example, 500 people), the turnstile stops allowing entry. This turnstile has a built-in Wi-Fi module, and to configure it you just need to use a smartphone with the mobile application installed. To configure and monitor the counter, the Visitor Counter Android application is used (included in the package for free). In the mobile application, you can see online the number of people who are inside.
And here you can set a limit, upon reaching which the turnstile will no longer allow entry. If the limit is reached, the entry turnstile is blocked and the exit turnstile is open. As soon as at least one person exits the turnstile, one person will be able to enter immediately afterwards.
Scanner (Simple Design Ltd.)
QR Code
QR code reader and scanner – QR scanner
Developer: Simple Design Ltd.
Price: Free
QR Scanner for Android smartphones is designed to read codes of any format. During recognition, it automatically adjusts the scale and finds the desired area for analysis. Just scan the code and the result will appear on the screen in a split second. In this case, previously recognized links, text data or contacts are saved in history.
Advantages:
- convenient image recognition without an Internet connection;
- barcodes and received information in a detailed history.
This QR scanner is suitable for anyone who wants to quickly work with barcodes. It does not contain unnecessary functionality, but contains everything necessary for convenient analysis.
What to do if you detect a fake QR code
If you control the traffic of a public establishment and scan the quar codes of all visitors, if you find a fake one, of course, you will not let the person in. But in addition, when you see a fake, you become a witness to a crime and are obliged to report it to the police.
A person who forges a QR will have to bear responsibility under Article 327 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, Part 1, which provides for punishment by restriction or imprisonment for up to two years, or correctional labor for up to two years. For the one who produced the QR code and who uses it, there is one article and the same punishment.
A person with a fake QR code could be potentially infected with coronavirus. Therefore, his admission to a public institution is prohibited.
Reader & Scanner (Kaspersky Lab Switzerland)
QR Code
QR Scanner: free scanner
Developer: Kaspersky Lab Switzerland
Price: Free
The barcode reader application from Kaspersky Lab works with any encrypted images. All scanned information is recorded in memory. Therefore, you can access it at any time. This even applies to business cards or Wi-Fi passwords from a QR code. And the main feature of the scanner was the level of protection. When users scan a barcode, the app automatically checks it for dangerous links or fraudulent activity.
Advantages:
- saving scanned information on Android;
- automatic checking for malicious information.
The barcode image scanner functions immediately after launch. No additional steps are required to analyze the camera image.
Technical features of the QR code
QR codes come in different versions and have different sizes depending on them. From 21 by 21 pixels excluding margins in the first version to 177 by 177 pixels in the fortieth version.
There are 4 main types of encodings:
- Among them are digital (for encrypting numbers),
- alphanumeric (numbers and symbols),
- byte (data),
- kanji (designed to work with hieroglyphs).
To correct errors in the QR code, in case of damage or additional drawings, the Reed-Solomon code with an 8-bit codeword is used. There are four levels of redundancy (7%, 15%, 25% and 30%).
There are other complex degrees of protection against reading errors. They become especially important when working with payment and identification systems. One of these degrees is to go through all possible reading options with the calculation of penalty points according to special rules for each of them. As a result, the most successful option is selected, which is accepted as the true one.
How do QR codes work?
QR codes are always square. The heart of the code is the so-called matrix with its intricate design. The black lines and squares contain data that is stored in modules. The number of modules depends on how much data needs to be stored.
The smallest QR code (version 1) contains 441 modules (21x21). Version 40 has 31,329 modules (177x177) and, accordingly, a larger size. In addition, the QR code contains additional data necessary for correct recognition of information by mobile phone scanner programs.
- Positioning . This mark, located in three corners of the picture, allows the scanning device to recognize the position of the QR code and quickly start the scanning process. The quality of recognition is affected by the width of the white frame around the QR code.
- Version number . The QR code also contains information about the version of the code used - currently their number has already reached forty (see figure below left).
- Synchronization . Between the three positional marks there is a dotted line that defines the matrix model.
- Format . Using this information, the scanning device determines the data format to be used. For example, what exactly is hidden in the code: a calendar entry, contact information or a link to a resource on the Internet.
- Direction . This mark helps the scanning device to determine whether the QR code image has perspective distortion or not. The larger the code, the more tags of this kind it contains.
Where is the information located?
The matrix, despite the apparent confusion of many lines and squares, provides ample opportunities for storing data. Unlike old barcodes, data in the matrix is stored in two dimensions - vertically and horizontally (see figure below).
Thus, small squares can accommodate about 4 thousand alphanumeric characters, that is, letters in combination with numbers and special characters. By comparison, the EAN barcode on packaging can only store 13 numbers.
Thanks to the error correction system, you can read the QR code even if part of the code is missing or damaged. The higher the degree of error correction, the less data can be placed in the QR code. By the way, QR codes can have other colors - not just black and white. Only one thing is important: that there is a clear contrast between light and dark areas.
Micro QR code
In addition to the main type of QR code, Micro QR has recently begun to gain popularity. The main advantage is greater efficiency. The code itself uses only one positioning mark, as opposed to three in the large version (large squares in the corners). This allows you to free up additional space without worrying about reading errors.
In addition, Micro QR has reduced the size of the free area. In the usual version, 4 free space modules should be used, but in Micro QR only two. A free field is a clear area outside the code image, and modules are one element (square) inside the code itself. That is, reducing the free area allows you to place the code more beautifully and, again, save space.
Code Scanner (Ustinian Inc Limited)
QR Code
QR Code Reader for QR& Barcode
Developer: Austinian Inc Limited
Price: Free
The application for reading QR codes for Android is fast. In it you can perform recognition of any encrypted images to follow a link, extract information, connect to a wireless connection, or receive business cards. Code Scanner also offers a smart history with a sophisticated search engine.
Advantages:
- fast image analysis, including batch processing;
- a detailed history of previously performed readings.
A QR scanner for Android is also suitable for quickly transmitting business cards or other information via barcode images. Just enter the appropriate section and set the necessary parameters.
How and why to create a QR code?
Information encoded in an image can be useful when:
- creating business cards;
- attracting new visitors to the site;
- advertising mailing;
- maintaining social networks;
- design of historical monuments.
A QR code allows you to quickly redirect a potential client, user, or buyer to the desired information resource.
Scanner (QR SCAN Team)
QR Code
QR code scanner
Developer: QR SCAN Team
Price: Free
A popular Android application for checking and reading barcode images. You need to open it and point the camera at the encrypted image. The reader function then automatically recognizes the barcode. The information will immediately appear on the smartphone screen. At the same time, the scanner is easy to use and has a pleasant interface.
Advantages:
- Wide functionality for scanning;
- high level of confidentiality.
The application has become one of the best scanners. Therefore, it is extremely popular among Android owners. This is due not only to simplicity or functionality, but also to optimization of energy consumption.
Another way to scan a QR code is shown in the video:
In addition to this tool, you can use others. For example, city applications that have added QR code authentication functions specifically for employees of public institutions:
- My Moscow - Android and iOS;
- Moscow public services - Android and iOS;
- Moscow transport - Android and iOS;
- Moscow Metro - Android and iOS;
- Moscow Assistant - Android and iOS.
Most Moscow residents already have these applications installed, so many don’t even have to install anything additional. You will only need to update the application to the latest version if this is not already done. These applications will only work on Android and iOS and can be downloaded from official stores. If you do not have this opportunity, then use the website Checkqr.ru, which was described above.
You may be interested in: How to read a QR code online from your phone.
Final table
| Name | Creating Barcodes | Protection from malicious information |
| Scanner (Gamma Play) | + | — |
| QR & Barcode Reader (TeaCapps) | + | Google Safe Browsing |
| Reader & Scanner (TWMobile) | — | — |
| Scanner & Reader (EZ to Use) | — | — |
| Code reader (BACHA Soft) | + | — |
| Scanner (Simple Design Ltd.) | — | — |
| Reader and Scanner (Kaspersky Lab) | — | Kaspersky Lab |
| Code & Barcode Scanner (QR Easy) | + | — |
| Code Scanner (Ustinian Inc Limited) | + | — |
| Scanner (QR SCAN Team) | + | — |
Method 2: Special programs
There are a large number of applications on the Internet that make it possible to scan, decrypt and recognize a code from any smartphone for free. I will not write to you and give you the names of a large number of special programs, because this is not necessary. They are all approximately the same and work according to the same algorithm.
NOTE! When using third-party programs, the application will ask you for permission to use your camera, as well as access to the folder with photos and videos. Without this permission, the program will not work and will not be able to photograph the image.
- Open Google Play or App Store and enter “QR scanner” in the search bar. Next, simply select the application with the highest score and open it. In general, you can choose any application, they all work the same.
- Install the program and open it at the end.
- You will definitely be asked to allow access to the camera; without this, you will not be able to take photographs from this application - so click “Allow”;
- That's it, now all that's left is to just place the square on the code.
