Kariya, Aichi Prefecture, 1994.
In a small room of a company,
a code was born.
QR Code®.
This code could hold a large volume of information in an area of
only a few centimeters square.
The development engineers saw unlimited possibilities.
Since then, QR Code® has been standardized
in numerous standards and is used throughout Japan and the world.
In 2024, 30 years will have passed since the announcement of
the QR Code®.
We still believe in the new possibilities of this code.
We are committed to
bringing more surprise
and convenience to
every part of society.
History of QR Code®
By the 1980s, barcodes were widely used in the manufacturing, logistics, and retail industries, among others.
In the 1990s, as manufacturing sites shifted to high-mix/low-volume production, more detailed production management was required, and barcodes were required to be larger in volume.
Masahiro Hara, an engineer at DENSO WAVE*, set out to develop a code
that could hold more information, be compact, be scan at high speed, and support Kanji characters.
*DENSO CORPORATION at the time.
1980
The first mission after the birth of QR Code® was to manage the production of automotive parts.
The code was developed to be able to print in a small space and be scannable even if a part of the code was contaminated with oil or other contaminants, so that it could be used for products that were becoming smaller and smaller.
1994
QR Code® was standardized as a code that can be used free of charge, and its widespread use began.
The first time QR Code® was used for general commercial products was on contact lens packages.
The adoption of QR Code® for product management purposes was due to the fact that it is easy to print on small packages.
2002
In 2002, mobile phones equipped with the ability to scan QR Codes® went on sale.
The convenience of being able to easily access mobile websites and obtain coupons by simply scanning the QR Code® rapidly spread throughout the world.
QR Code® Standardization
| 1997 | AIM International |
|---|---|
| 1998 | Japan Electronic Industries Development Association（JEIDA） |
| 1999 | Japanese Industrial Standards（JIS） |
| 2000 | ISO/IEC18004 |
| 2000 | The national standard of China |
| 2002 | The national standard of Korea |
| 2003 | The national standard of Vietnam |
| 2008 | The national standard of Singapore |
QR Code® Today
With the spread of smartphones
beginning in the 2010s,
QR Code® applications have exploded.
Cashless payments, mobile ticketing, vehicle inspection certificates, etc., has become deeply ingrained in our lives, to the point where it can be said that not a day goes by without using a QR Code®.
Meanwhile, DENSO WAVE, together with its innovative partners,
continues to expand the possibilities of
QR Code®.
Initiative with Tendo Onsen DMC Inc. / Yamako-Bus
Utilized QR Code® with customer information tied to them for more effective operation of the traveling buses.
Solving local issues by collecting bus usage data.
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Joint development with Bureau of Transportation Tokyo Metropolitan Government
Developed a system to control the opening and closing of platform doors by attaching QR Code® to train doors.
The cost of installing platform doors is a major issue, but the system does not require large-scale renovation, and its installation is expected to become more widespread.
Initiatives with Jorudan Co., Ltd.
A QR lottery with gift certificates and other prizes was used to revitalize the Nishi-Shinjuku area.
Data on the source of inflow, area circulation, etc. was collected and utilized for effective measures.
The Future of QR Code®
The use of QR Code® has expanded so much.
That is why we believe that there is more we can do for society.
DENSO WAVE's challenge continues to envision a richer everyday life of tomorrow
and to refine new technologies.
VisionOur three visions for development
-Creating a future more connected to information with QR Code®-
Vision01
Information accessibility
Our vision is to support quick access to and coordination of various information using QR Code® as a media.
By minimizing the “know-how to search for information,”
QR Code® eliminates the information gap and connects various people, things, and information.
Providing customized information
to each individual
Flexibly changes the information provided to meet the needs of each individual.
Personalized information can be provided in other languages, as well as recommendations that match individual preferences.
By scanning the QR Code® at information points such as train stations, it can be used to provide tourist information during normal times and evacuation information during disasters.
Contributing to a Sustainable Supply Chain
With the development and globalization of e-commerce (EC), distribution around us.
One of our concepts is to create a sustainable supply chain by utilizing QR Code® to achieve fair trade.
By recording where the products we use are made and how they are distributed with QR Code®, we contribute to the creation of fair and sustainable markets.
Communicate the information only to those you want to share it.
This concept utilizes QR Code® to transmit important data safely and speedily.
Utilizing QR Code®, which has both “public data” and “private data” in a single code. For example, it is possible to attach a message to a gift that only the recipient can read.
Vision02
Safety and Security
Technologies that make sensitive data such as personal information
“safe and easy to handle” by using QR Code®.
From payment to house keys
Physical authentication, such as keys or credit cards, requires careful storage and handling. With QR Code®, we believe authentication can be smarter and more convenient.
By using a random QR Code® issued each time and a smartphone for authentication, we can increase security and convenience.
Delivering peace of mind to consumers
From industrial products to general merchandise, counterfeit products threaten consumer safety and health hazards.
One of our concepts is to use QR Codes® to prevent unauthorized counterfeit products.
By scanning a product's QR Code® with a smartphone, the system verifies whether the product was sold through an authorized channel or not. By confirming that the product is legitimate before use, it delivers peace of mind to the consumer.
Protect your brand with “One-of-a-kind QR Code®.”
Preventing unauthorized opening of packages and switching of contents is an important issue for pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. This concept is based on the use of QR Code® to prevent tampering.
By printing a QR Code® on the opening of a product, its shape changes when the seal is broken. By scanning the QR Code® with a smartphone, it is possible to verify if the package has already been opened.
Vision03
Experience
QR Code® scanning and cloud computing are linked to share and utilize data.
We provide new “emotional” value.
Connecting with the people you admire
Online connections between distributors and fans are becoming more and more popular these days.
One of our concepts is that QR Codes® can help create that bond.
Handwritten autographs and illustrations of live streamers and event speakers can be instantly digitized through QR Code® and given to viewers.
Fans who watch the content or attend the event can share the proof that they were there “on that day and at that place”.
Providing a unique experience
QR Code® is used all over the world.
We would like to create a new way of travel through QR Code®.
For example, when you scan a coupon or ticket with a QR Code® printed on it with a scanner at a store or information center, the system will suggest recommended spots based on your past purchase and activity history.
This will contribute to the creation of unique and personalized memories.
Keep memories vivid
Photos of “precious memories” in your smartphone.
This concept is designed to keep memories alive without forgetting where digital data is stored.
By attaching a QR Code® to a memento, you can instantly access photos and videos, both real and digital. You can immediately recall the data of that day.
