QR anyone?

February 3, 2011

I was reading in the Metro newspaper the other day about QR codes.

basically, for those that are not aware of them, they are a square block and contain data which can be read by a barcode reading app (on my phone, its called Barcode Scanner V3.53 - available free from the Android market)

This was generated by using a free website

http://qrcode.kaywa.com/

Now its been saved to my computer as a jpeg and can be printed onto paper, labels, keyrings etc.

What I was thinking would be to lay a trail, with QR codes, hidden away like a standard cache, but with the QR Code leading to the next link, or for it to log on to the cache website to allow the user to instantly log their visit.

The beauty of the printed code is that it can be laminated to prevent damage.

Or even printed onto a sticker and stuck to a surface.

A second option would be to have this in the form of a sticker on the inside of a standard cache, again for the finder to be able to quickly log on and upload his find.

What are peoples thoughts on this?

February 3, 2011

Ive used it for one of my caches with success ( GC2BDPN ).

I think it would be a good idea on a trail.

February 3, 2011

Ive used it for one of my caches with success ( GC2BDPN ).

I think it would be a good idea on a trail.

3.9k · February 3, 2011

You can use QR codes as stages, but you won't be very popular with the very large number of cachers who don't have QR-compatible equipment. They will have to take a photo, go home (or send it to a friend), upload it to a QR-code-decoding web site, then go out to the next stage, etc etc.

I don't see how the QR code would allow an "instant electronic log", unless people were using the Groundspeak app and this functionality were to be added to it. And even if it worked, you'd have to be the kind of cache owner who likes to read a lot of identical logs.

Also, if this is what you were thinking of, note that you can't use the code for validation of the find - if someone finds the cache and signs the physical log book (which you will continue to need), they can log the cache online without you imposing other hoops for them to jump through. (You didn't mention this, so probably you werent thinking of it, but it wouldn't be the first time that someone's had an idea for validating finds.)

By the way, "laminated to prevent damage" is not quite the end of it. Have you actually tried leaving laminated paper things lying around out of doors for a year or so? They tend to leak and smudge.

February 3, 2011

You can use QR codes as stages, but you won't be very popular with the very large number of cachers who don't have QR-compatible equipment. They will have to take a photo, go home (or send it to a friend), upload it to a QR-code-decoding web site, then go out to the next stage, etc etc.

I don't see how the QR code would allow an "instant electronic log", unless people were using the Groundspeak app and this functionality were to be added to it. And even if it worked, you'd have to be the kind of cache owner who likes to read a lot of identical logs.

Also, if this is what you were thinking of, note that you can't use the code for validation of the find - if someone finds the cache and signs the physical log book (which you will continue to need), they can log the cache online without you imposing other hoops for them to jump through. (You didn't mention this, so probably you werent thinking of it, but it wouldn't be the first time that someone's had an idea for validating finds.)

By the way, "laminated to prevent damage" is not quite the end of it. Have you actually tried leaving laminated paper things lying around out of doors for a year or so? They tend to leak and smudge.

I also don't think the QR code would be able to create an instant log, but it would navigate to the site for people and they can log their find from there.

Agreed that at the end of the trail you would still need a log book, as that's how you can check who has actually been. The idea of find the little treasure chest at the end of the search is the fun part for me and my kids, so wasnt even contemplating this.

As for 'imposing more hoops' I'm certainly not forcing people to do this, I'm thinking of something new to add to the site. Its not going to be popular with everyone, and if its already noted in the description that a QR device is required, then this would minimise any disruption

Laminated paper can survive fine outdoors as long as theyre not exposed to the elements, similar to the caches I've come across.

6.2k · February 3, 2011

I've done one where the barcode is on the cache page, which is fine as it's do-able by more or less anyone in the comfort of home and then they can head out to the newly found co-ords. I wouldn't like one where you had to decode the barcode 'in the field' to find the next stage as that would preclude a lot of people who don't have the technology.

Note if you did do this then it would probably need to be classified as a Puzzle/Other cache, with a requirement for special equipment.

February 3, 2011

My phone cannot read that code, even printed on A4, not sure if it's a limitation of the phones 3.2mp camera or the particualr app being used.

Best keep the message short, for example, just the coords and a clue to the location of the next stage.

And to think I've been preparing set up a cache with these too.

(edit to inc link to a QR reader that has been tested on a lot of phones)

Edited February 3, 2011 by Ant89

February 3, 2011

There are lots of QR caches and also lots of QR TB's out there. It's a fun idea for those who have the technology to read them, but many people don't, so they will always have a limited audience.

February 3, 2011

As ever it's already been done. There's a trail in the NW involving decoding 'on the fly'.

3.3k · February 3, 2011

Go for it. QR reader phones are getting more and more common. If you need to get people to decode in the field, up the difficulty a notch. There are LOADS of standard style multis, and you know what they say about Variety being the Spice of Life. This will be a little bit different. Do it :rolleyes:

2.6k · February 3, 2011

I've done one where the barcode is on the cache page, which is fine as it's do-able by more or less anyone in the comfort of home and then they can head out to the newly found co-ords. I wouldn't like one where you had to decode the barcode 'in the field' to find the next stage as that would preclude a lot of people who don't have the technology.

Note if you did do this then it would probably need to be classified as a Puzzle/Other cache, with a requirement for special equipment.

Agreed.

I also have a cache on this topic, but again it can be decoded at home without the worry of equipment failure / absence in the field.

Smacks of Wherigo and chirps all over again ... cachers who have or can afford the technology will do it, those who don;t will either have to leave it or tag along ...

1.8k · February 3, 2011

As ever it's already been done. There's a trail in the NW involving decoding 'on the fly'.

I think you are referring to the excellent SBE (Squares Before Eyes) series at Adlington near Chorley where after the first it was necessary to decode the coordinates to find the next one. But with a free decoder which ran easily in my smartphone it worked very well. I think it could be done with any PDA or Smartphone with a camera. Or of course it could be done the hard way by photographing each of the squares and taking them home to decode, but that would involve quite a few outings.

February 3, 2011

I have a QR cache that is listed as a "mystery/puzzle" which all that have done it thought it was a good 'un.

Personally, as I don't have a smart phone, I wouldn't really enjoy a series of 'em.

Go for it anyway, it will be well liked, I'm sure.

Gaz

3.7k · February 4, 2011

Sounds like a good idea as long as it's kept in good order. Make sure that it's rated difficulty 5* (specialist equipment needed) as few geocachers will be able to attempt it without borrowing or buying the necessary equipment.

Perhaps put some advice in the description in case some cachers want to try it but don't know what they'll need. Personally I haven't a clue what would be required and I doubt that I would attempt the cache (but don't let that put you off!).

1.1k · February 4, 2011

... as few geocachers will be able to attempt it without borrowing or buying the necessary equipment.

Maybe more than you think - anyone with an iPhone or Android phone can do it using free apps, and probably other smartphones too. Maybe not a majority, but a sizeable minority.

My iPhone picked instantly picked it straight off the screen.

Rgds, Andy

February 4, 2011

... as few geocachers will be able to attempt it without borrowing or buying the necessary equipment.

Maybe more than you think - anyone with an iPhone or Android phone can do it using free apps, and probably other smartphones too. Maybe not a majority, but a sizeable minority.

My iPhone picked instantly picked it straight off the screen.

Rgds, Andy

What he said :rolleyes: I just found a free app for my iphone called QRReader and decoded it off the screen.

I think there would be more cachers able to access this then there were for Wherigo and chirp caches - go for it

February 4, 2011

... as few geocachers will be able to attempt it without borrowing or buying the necessary equipment.

Maybe more than you think - anyone with an iPhone or Android phone can do it using free apps, and probably other smartphones too. Maybe not a majority, but a sizeable minority.

My iPhone picked instantly picked it straight off the screen.

Rgds, Andy

It doesn't have to be a smartphone - there's a reader called i-nigma which works on a wide variety of camera phones, including my steam powered Nokia 3110 Classic which even coped with a photo of Eclectic Penguin's TB that we took at the Perth Mega.

February 5, 2011

I Have one that gets about some times My QR code page.

Have a go if you like.

Tony

February 5, 2011

... as few geocachers will be able to attempt it without borrowing or buying the necessary equipment.

Maybe more than you think - anyone with an iPhone or Android phone can do it using free apps, and probably other smartphones too. Maybe not a majority, but a sizeable minority.

My iPhone picked instantly picked it straight off the screen.

Rgds, Andy

It doesn't have to be a smartphone - there's a reader called i-nigma which works on a wide variety of camera phones, including my steam powered Nokia 3110 Classic which even coped with a photo of Eclectic Penguin's TB that we took at the Perth Mega.

Doesn't even have to be a phone! There are websites where you can upload photos of QR codes to be decoded, so in theory anyone can do a QR code trail cache. You might need repeat visits, but it is achieveable without a phone if you are determined enough!

3.7k · February 5, 2011

Very educational! I'd probably attempt it if there were a few hints like the above in the description - but clearly some preparation is required.

February 5, 2011

It doesn't have to be a smartphone - there's a reader called i-nigma which works on a wide variety of camera phones, including my steam powered Nokia 3110 Classic which even coped with a photo of Eclectic Penguin's TB that we took at the Perth Mega.

Doesn't even have to be a phone! There are websites where you can upload photos of QR codes to be decoded, so in theory anyone can do a QR code trail cache. You might need repeat visits, but it is achieveable without a phone if you are determined enough!

Can you recommend any good websites for this? Neither zxing nor another than I can't remember could decode that TB photo. Admittedly the code looks more like a trapezium. At the time I did have a go at squaring it up with Photoshop however zxing still wasn't interested but there again I may have exceeded the file size limit. If all else had failed I suppose I could have reconstructed the image and uploaded that - maybe for a cache I particularly wanted to find but not to discover a TB :laughing: . Obviously in retrospect I would have taken much more care with the camera angle.

Edited February 5, 2011 by MBFace

1.8k · February 5, 2011

I used Neoreader from www.neoreader.com (for free) on a Windows 6.1 smartphone (HTC Touch Cruise) and it worked a treat. I have just used it on the barcode in the original post in this thread and it decoded it instantly.

February 5, 2011

Ah, finally these obscure images in certain puzzle caches are explained.

In the past I have even laboriously copied them out and tried all sorts to make some sense of them(to no avail).

I have now tracked down a website http://zxing.org/w/decode.jspx which decoded all of the linked images.

SPOILER:- Write click over image and copy image location, then paste into zxing.

A small thanks to mrplenty for a bit nostalgia as his cache link took me back to the area where I grew up (Nitton).

So a puzzle solved and a bit of nostalgia on a wet and windy afternoon all I have to do now is remember where those unsolved puzzles were, cheers.

Edited February 5, 2011 by londontavern

February 5, 2011

I love those codes - for some arson I find it fascinating how text converts to black and white squares and back again. I have something called "Quickmark" on my iphone an it read the picture at the top right off my iPad screen. It's something I squirrelled away for future use but have not done it yet!

February 5, 2011

I put a QR puzzle cache out yesterday, it got published this afternoon (thank you Graculus for the super fast processing), we've had 2 finders on it so far. I might have to down grade the difficulty of it though.

February 7, 2011

I'm in the process of creating a QR code based multi-cache. Each stage would be an encoded figure, each one adding up to the final location.

I found a free program for Windows PCs that can generate and decode QR codes instantly. It can work by viewing the image through the program window, or it will link with a webcam. So if a cacher doesn't have a Smartphone, all they need is a camera and a computer. I tested it with a 2MP camera on my phone, viewed through a 0.5MP webcam, and it worked perfectly). So it may take two visits, but is still easy enough!

The program is HERE.

February 7, 2011

I used Neoreader from www.neoreader.com (for free) on a Windows 6.1 smartphone (HTC Touch Cruise) and it worked a treat. I have just used it on the barcode in the original post in this thread and it decoded it instantly.

I found a limitation with NeoReader today. I was surprised when a huge looking code only produced one shortish sentence. Running it through the ZXing online decoder resulted in four sentences and even my old Nokia decoded the lot once I'd got everything lined up to its satisfaction. I played about with the text on a barcode generator and came to the conclusion that NeoReader can't cope with line breaks. Something to be aware of when setting caches involving QR codes.

I've now changed over to the ZXing reader and there's no problem.

Edited February 7, 2011 by MBFace

June 22, 2011

I finally got my Samsung Jet S8000 to work with i-nigma after trying

quite a few different software for Qr code

I needed to update camera firmware just to make it easier.

Just saying this as samsung uses its own OS or something... :huh: :blink:

Now to go and get the nearby cache , may do this sooner than later,just

in case the codes fade in the summer sun []

Edited June 22, 2011 by mickyz

1.3k · June 22, 2011

I finally got my Samsung Jet S8000 to work with i-nigma after trying

quite a few different software for Qr code

I needed to update camera firmware just to make it easier.

Just saying this as samsung uses its own OS or something...

Now to go and get the nearby cache , may do this sooner than later,just

in case the codes fade in the summer sun []

Think the summer sun was a couple of weeks ago!

Love these codes... Thinking of using them on a multi... But I want another route with traditional methods for the more technically challenged.

Hoping a multi with 2 different routes to the same end cache would be allowed... The QR would be the fast track click n go option and the other side would be an old school map n compass one.

June 22, 2011

Down the road is a multi cache . but he has added a Wherigo to it . unfortunately you only get a multi instead of a precious Wherigo . so no different really . cache name : spidey6755 near warsash

1.3k · June 22, 2011

Down the road is a multi cache . but he has added a Wherigo to it . unfortunately you only get a multi instead of a precious Wherigo . so no different really . cache name : spidey6755 near warsash

Ok cool... I only want a multi listed. Wherigo is a copy of a failed game... GPS Mision I think it was called. Still works, but dead in the water.

June 24, 2011

We have a multi that uses QR codes (and some other types of 'barcode' style codes) to find the cache. It has six stages but if you can read the codes you can skip three of them. so, if you can read the code at stage one it gives the coords for stage three. Next to the code we have the plain text coords for stage two for those who can't read it. At stage two it's just the plain text coords for stage three. Stage three has a different style of code with the coords for stage five, and the plain text coords for stage four etc etc. This way anyone can find the cache, but the more codes you can solve the faster and easier it will be.

It's This one- A high, or low tech multi.

Edit for typos.

Edited June 24, 2011 by maiawalli

July 28, 2011

Have you considered a Munzee

July 28, 2011

Have you considered a Munzee

Just having a look at their site, looks like a bit of fun that can run hand-in-hand with geocaching

QR anyone?

Recommended Posts

Link to comment

Link to comment

Link to comment

Link to comment

Link to comment

Link to comment

Link to comment

Link to comment

Link to comment

Link to comment

Link to comment

Link to comment

Link to comment

Link to comment

Link to comment

Link to comment

Link to comment

Link to comment

Link to comment

Link to comment

Link to comment

Link to comment

Link to comment

Link to comment

Link to comment

Link to comment

Link to comment

Link to comment

Link to comment

Link to comment

Link to comment

Link to comment

Link to comment

Link to comment

Join the conversation