QR and Bar Codes

6.7k · July 21, 2010

QR Codes and Bar code apps allow you to place a 2-dimensional coded image which can be scanned by smartphones. Once scanned the application can take you to a related website.

Many developers are building apps for this; RIM built this capability into Blackberry Messenger, Google has an app, numerous developers are chasing the iPhone and Android markets.

It looks like it is perfect for geocaching and most any other geolocation activity.

As with signing the logbook you have to BE at a place and scan the QR or Barcode, so right away that opens up many possibilities... find the hidden code in or on a cache, scan it and go directly online to leave your comment.

If nothing else they would make a great Wherigo-type experience!

It's like a hyperlink for the physical world. Want a replacement for virtual caches? Hide a QR Code sticker where traditional caches can't be placed!

Here's an example which when scanned with your smartphone will take you to The Online Geocacher Magazine.

http://qrcode.kaywa.com/img.php?s=5&d=...negeocacher.com

Do you see ways in which QR and Bar codes can be integrated into geocaching, and if so how?

Edited July 21, 2010 by TheAlabamaRambler

4.2k · July 21, 2010

Cool idea!

What's your plan B contingency for when a non-smart phone cacher makes the find?

6.7k · July 21, 2010

Cool idea!

What's your plan B contingency for when a non-smart phone cacher makes the find?

I'm just learning about them but they've been around for years. If they catch on as my reading indicates they will every phone with a camera will soon be able to read them.

And note that I'm not saying that it would replace our way of doing things, but only that it would add options to it.

4.2k · July 21, 2010

Cool idea!

What's your plan B contingency for when a non-smart phone cacher makes the find?

I'm just learning about them but they've been around for years. If they catch on as my reading indicates they will every phone with a camera will soon be able to read them.

And note that I'm not saying that it would replace our way of doing things, but only that it would add options to it.

Gotcha. Smart man. I was looking into my crystal ball and seeing forum threads of angst: "elitist bar-code caches should be banned!!! BLARG BLLAAAAARRGG!!"

14k · July 21, 2010

Cool idea!

What's your plan B contingency for when a non-smart phone cacher makes the find?

Probably the same as trying to "find" a Wherigo cache for those that don't have the equipment to read Wherigo info.

At least with a QR code there are PC (and I assume, Mac) applications that can read a QR code so just having a camera to take a photo in the field would allow someone to decode it once back home, then go back out it if was part of a puzzle of some sort.

Using barcodes as "answer to a question" waypoints in a manner similar to a multi cache with virtual stages might be fun, as long as it was stated upfront what was required to complete the cache. Yes, it would require a smart phone with a QR code reader but as so many others have said in the forums, you don't need to find every cache.

1.5k · July 21, 2010

Yep, it's a good idea:

GC1KEMW

I'm sure this isn't the only one out there. In this instance, there's nothing physical at the location, but I've heard of those as well.

3.3k · July 21, 2010

Cool idea!

What's your plan B contingency for when a non-smart phone cacher makes the find?

I'm just learning about them ...

I am also just learning about techno-peasants. I didn't realize there were any still in existance.

*** this is a joke. I realize that over 50% of people don't have smart phones, and those that do, likely 50% don't know how to use them.

6.7k · July 21, 2010

Yep, it's a good idea:

GC1KEMW

I'm sure this isn't the only one out there. In this instance, there's nothing physical at the location, but I've heard of those as well.

Exactly!

That image can be placed anywhere! Physical hyperlinks... I can't see how it cannot be 'the next big thing'!

Edited July 21, 2010 by TheAlabamaRambler

3.3k · July 21, 2010

Yep, it's a good idea:

GC1KEMW

I'm sure this isn't the only one out there. In this instance, there's nothing physical at the location, but I've heard of those as well.

I just installed i-nigma on my windows mobile phone. That cache is cool. Just aim phone at bar code, and wala, there is the solution.

July 21, 2010

This is my take on it: GC23TJP

Hint (don’t tell anyone!):

http://zxing.org/w/decode.jspx

and

http://www.morovia.com/free-online-barcode...rcode-maker.php

3.3k · July 21, 2010

suddenly I am inspired to do a multi puzzle cache involving barcodes/smartcodes. Maybe have smart code at each waypoint that has the coordinates for the next waypoint. Would suck if you had to go home and scan it on your PC, but I guess that is the finders issue.

3.3k · July 21, 2010

This is my take on it: GC23TJP

Hint (don’t tell anyone!):

http://zxing.org/w/decode.jspx

and

http://www.morovia.com/free-online-barcode...rcode-maker.php

With i-nigma on my phone, that was a super easy puzzle. Too cool

1.2k · July 21, 2010

Yep, it's a good idea:

GC1KEMW

I'm sure this isn't the only one out there. In this instance, there's nothing physical at the location, but I've heard of those as well.

I just installed i-nigma on my windows mobile phone. That cache is cool. Just aim phone at bar code, and wala, there is the solution.

Just did the same on my HTC Ozone (not listed as a supported device).

WOW!! Read it before I knew what I was doing!

19k · July 21, 2010

In Japan and parts of Europe, they put QR codes on billboards. You snap a pic on your smartphone as you're driving by (as a passenger, of course!) and it will take you to the company's website.

14k · July 21, 2010

suddenly I am inspired to do a multi puzzle cache involving barcodes/smartcodes. Maybe have smart code at each waypoint that has the coordinates for the next waypoint. Would suck if you had to go home and scan it on your PC, but I guess that is the finders issue.

I don't consider that a problem as long as the cache is rated correctly. The Clayjar rating system accounts for caches which may require multiple visits to complete the find. Of course, that means for some the difficulty will be higher than for others but that's not really any different for a cache which requires a boat and gets an automatic 5 for a terrain rating. Since I own a kayak (several, actually) the amount of effort required for me to access most boat accessible caches is far less than many 3-4 star terrain caches. For someone that doesn't have a boat (and the skills required to use it) it could be just as difficult as a 5 star terrain cache which doesn't require special equipment.

July 21, 2010

In Japan and parts of Europe, they put QR codes on billboards. You snap a pic on your smartphone as you're driving by (as a passenger, of course!) and it will take you to the company's website.

And NYC, but that's basically the same as Japan and parts of Europe.

There are a handful of QR code mystery/multi caches along the east coast and in Europe.

I'm thinking of placing one or two out in Oregon.

6.7k · July 21, 2010

Here's the article that got me interested.

2.3k · July 21, 2010

I can't see how it cannot be 'the next big thing'!

The same thought came up a couple of years ago. I thought it was an awesome idea. QR codes are very popular in Japan.

But they have not caught on here and sadly, I have have to admit that I still haven't incorporated QR codes into any of my caches.

July 21, 2010

Just gotta make sure to remind cachers they can find websites where they can upload photos they take with their camera/phone/GPS.

Groundspeak's rules:

In the interest of file security, caches that require the downloading, installing or running of data and/or executables may not be published.

Caches that require a geocacher to visit another website will not be published if the finder must create an account with, or provide personal information to, the other website.

July 21, 2010

Here's the article that got me interested.

Just saw that article pop up on one of the blogs I follow.

14k · July 21, 2010

Just gotta make sure to remind cachers they can find websites where they can upload photos they take with their camera/phone/GPS.

Groundspeak's rules:

In the interest of file security, caches that require the downloading, installing or running of data and/or executables may not be published.

Caches that require a geocacher to visit another website will not be published if the finder must create an account with, or provide personal information to, the other website.

A couple of things...

First, it's worth mentioning that QR codes can be used to embed any text (and even binary data) and isn't necessarily only used for providing a link to a web site. The primary advantage of a QR code is that it provides the end user with the capability of capturing a bunch of information and storing it on a mobile device without having to type it all in. It's as simple as taking a photo of something which is subsequently transformed (without any other user interaction) into useful information.

QR codes are being used a lot more frequently within libraries. I know of several libraries which integrate QR codes into their online catalogs. Users can take a photo of the code on a detail view of an item in the catalog the carry that information with them into "the stacks" rather than write down a bunch of dewey decimal codes. One of the sites where I have used QR codes frequently is one that provides airline flight statistics. For each leg of the trip, one can take a photo of a dynamically generated QR code (which in this case does provide a URL) with provides very up to date information about the status of the flight.

19k · July 21, 2010

In Japan and parts of Europe, they put QR codes on billboards. You snap a pic on your smartphone as you're driving by (as a passenger, of course!) and it will take you to the company's website.

And NYC, but that's basically the same as Japan and parts of Europe.

Where's that?

Yeah, I suppose we have them here now, as well. I first read about the billboards at least a year ago, when my boss asked me to do some research about them. Old news, I guess.

14k · July 21, 2010

In Japan and parts of Europe, they put QR codes on billboards. You snap a pic on your smartphone as you're driving by (as a passenger, of course!) and it will take you to the company's website.

And NYC, but that's basically the same as Japan and parts of Europe.

Where's that?

Yeah, I suppose we have them here now, as well. I first read about the billboards at least a year ago, when my boss asked me to do some research about them. Old news, I guess.

I've also seen them used in magazine advertisements. Stella Artois had an ad campaign that used them in a series of magazine ads. It really makes a lot of sense to use them in print media. I don't know how many times I've read something in a magazine or paper which contained a link to a web site that I've written down on a piece of paper then had to type into a browser. With a QR code I can just take a photo of the code and it links directly to the website in my mobile phones browser.

July 21, 2010

Just last week Calvin Klein ended a billboard campaign in NYC that was a QRcode The code directed you to a website with super-sexy photos of half naked people. Not sure what they were selling.

6.7k · July 21, 2010

...It really makes a lot of sense to use them in print media... With a QR code I can just take a photo of the code and it links directly to the website in my mobile phones browser.

These folks are going in that direction. I guess one-of-a-kind QR code labels for geocaches could be printed and laminated.

3.3k · July 21, 2010

I see t-shirst for sale that have a QR code that will direct you to the persons facebook page. I could see twitter addicts doing this aswell. I was thinking of one that would direct you to my Geocaching.com profile. I think that could be cool.

3.3k · July 21, 2010

Double post...

Edited July 21, 2010 by Andronicus

1.2k · July 21, 2010

Just gotta make sure to remind cachers they can find websites where they can upload photos they take with their camera/phone/GPS.

Groundspeak's rules:

In the interest of file security, caches that require the downloading, installing or running of data and/or executables may not be published.

Caches that require a geocacher to visit another website will not be published if the finder must create an account with, or provide personal information to, the other website.

No downloading required. There's quite a few websites that will decrypt the code and the ones I have seen/used did not require an account. I'm sure there's lots of puzzles out there that use it already, and now I know where I can make a code I may have to make one myself .

I could see in the future these being used to log caches in the field (I don't like the idea because logging caches from the field may further degrade log quality). I'd much more prefer a cool multi.

July 21, 2010

Here's another type used for the cache: GC2AV28

3.3k · July 21, 2010

Here's another type used for the cache: GC2AV28

I'm confused. Is there a pic in the cache description that my work firewall is blocking?

Edit: looked it up on my phone. I see the pic, but I am still confused. Not a typical QR Code that is for sure.

Edit: Suddently the pic is coming through. Maybe my work has just opened up the firewall to image shack or something.

Edited July 21, 2010 by Andronicus

3.4k · July 21, 2010

Well, phoo. That explains why I couldn't solve a certain puzzle cache a couple years ago.

Imagine sitting down and trying to devise a way to get the numbers out of something like that.

3.3k · July 21, 2010

I found the coolest QR code blog

http://blogofpatrick.wordpress.com/

3.3k · July 21, 2010

Here's another type used for the cache: GC2AV28

I'm confused. Is there a pic in the cache description that my work firewall is blocking?

Edit: looked it up on my phone. I see the pic, but I am still confused. Not a typical QR Code that is for sure.

Solved this one by accident while browsing the net. I literaly bumped into the solution. Cool Puzzle!!

4.2k · July 21, 2010

I am also just learning about techno-peasants. I didn't realize there were any still in existance.

Hey brother, spare some change? Will work for iPhone. :laughing:

This is actually far cooler than I gave it credit for being. I'm going to have to look into this when I get home later tonight.

July 21, 2010

There is a multicache near me that, if I remember correctly, has a QR code for the 1st leg. But it is also set up so us regular non-techie cachers can complete the cache.

3.3k · July 22, 2010

Check this out. This is my logo turned into a QR code to take you to my profile

2.3k · July 22, 2010

The cool thing is that you can overlay all kinds of graphics and you can resize the QR code as well.

5.2k · July 22, 2010

Interesting. I had no trouble scanning any of the other ones above, but none of the apps on my Droid would recognize this one. :laughing:

Edit to say after letting it retry about a dozen times, "Barcode Scanner" by Zxing finally read it.

Edited July 22, 2010 by Lil Devil

2.1k · July 22, 2010

The cool thing is that you can overlay all kinds of graphics and you can resize the QR code as well.

BeeTagg on my Blackberry won't read either of those. The one Andronicus posted works fine, though.

3.3k · July 22, 2010

...

Interesting. I had no trouble scanning any of the other ones above, but none of the apps on my Droid would recognize this one.

Edit to say after letting it retry about a dozen times, "Barcode Scanner" by Zxing finally read it.

I had a tough time with that one too.

Here is a better version of my logo/QR code

July 22, 2010

QR Codes and Bar code apps allow you to place a 2-dimensional coded image which can be scanned by smartphones. Once scanned the application can take you to a related website.

Many developers are building apps for this; RIM built this capability into Blackberry Messenger, Google has an app, numerous developers are chasing the iPhone and Android markets.

It looks like it is perfect for geocaching and most any other geolocation activity.

As with signing the logbook you have to BE at a place and scan the QR or Barcode, so right away that opens up many possibilities... find the hidden code in or on a cache, scan it and go directly online to leave your comment.

If nothing else they would make a great Wherigo-type experience!

It's like a hyperlink for the physical world. Want a replacement for virtual caches? Hide a QR Code sticker where traditional caches can't be placed!

Here's an example which when scanned with your smartphone will take you to The Online Geocacher Magazine.

http://qrcode.kaywa.com/img.php?s=5&d=...negeocacher.com

Do you see ways in which QR and Bar codes can be integrated into geocaching, and if so how?

Apparently they thought that in L.A., too. In the Times this morning I read a little story about the jail having a bar-code system to make sure sheriff's deputies were making their rounds at the jail. Some deputies had copies of the codes, and just scanned them without having to leave their desk.

2.3k · July 22, 2010

Interesting. I had no trouble scanning any of the other ones above, but none of the apps on my Droid would recognize this one.

Edit to say after letting it retry about a dozen times, "Barcode Scanner" by Zxing finally read it.

I use Barcode Scanner by Zxing as well. It had no problem scanning either one.

3.3k · July 22, 2010

...

Interesting. I had no trouble scanning any of the other ones above, but none of the apps on my Droid would recognize this one.

Edit to say after letting it retry about a dozen times, "Barcode Scanner" by Zxing finally read it.

I had a tough time with that one too.

Here is a better version of my logo/QR code

...

I tried to make one out of my crazy "Titus Andronicus" logo (aka blue Anthony Hopkins). Didn't work. Maybe needed more fittling with the layer opacity etc.

7.7k · July 22, 2010

QR on billboards? Meh... how about on gravestones?

Another link

I've thought of using RFID in place of signing the log, but requiring all participants to have a RFID reader and all caches to have a tag means it is never going to reach critical mass. At least most people have a cell phone capable of scanning bar codes.

3.3k · July 22, 2010

Check out this one i found on the QRarts blog

Edited July 22, 2010 by Andronicus

July 22, 2010

Check this out. This is my logo turned into a QR code to take you to my profile

That is so cool! :laughing:

How did you make it?

1.2k · July 22, 2010

Interesting. I had no trouble scanning any of the other ones above, but none of the apps on my Droid would recognize this one.

Edit to say after letting it retry about a dozen times, "Barcode Scanner" by Zxing finally read it.

I use Barcode Scanner by Zxing as well. It had no problem scanning either one.

That's the only one that i-nigma had a problem with for me. Instead of just waving my phone in front of the monitor, had to carefully center the image aand move the phone back and forth before it read...but it finally did read.

3.3k · July 22, 2010

Check this out. This is my logo turned into a QR code to take you to my profile

That is so cool!

How did you make it?

I used pixlr.com. It is prety much like photoshop. I importe both pics (my cammo GC.com like logo, and the QR code) into different layers of my picture. Then I played around with the different layer tools (opacity, add, overlay etc.) I think the second one I posed worked out even better.

Edit: I edited your quote to put my better QR code into it.

Edited July 22, 2010 by Andronicus

July 22, 2010

This has been a facinating learning process! I found this website to creat CR http://qrcode.kaywa.com/. Thanks for the inspiration! :laughing:

July 22, 2010

Check this out. This is my logo turned into a QR code to take you to my profile

That is so cool!

How did you make it?

I used pixlr.com. It is prety much like photoshop. I importe both pics (my cammo GC.com like logo, and the QR code) into different layers of my picture. Then I played around with the different layer tools (opacity, add, overlay etc.) I think the second one I posed worked out even better.

Edit: I edited your quote to put my better QR code into it.

Thank you! You have been a source of inspiration!! :laughing:

QR and Bar Codes

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