Secrets of the QR Code

By now, there are probably few Cubans who haven't used a QR code at least once, especially for online payments.

That's why it's useful to know some facts about the history and significance of these "mysterious" black and white symbols.

The QR code was invented in 1994 by Masahiro Hara, an engineer at the Japanese company Denso Wave, a subsidiary of the Toyota Group.

The original purpose was to improve the process of tracking and controlling parts on assembly lines.

The name QR stands for Quick Response, indicating the efficiency and speed with which information can be decoded using optical devices or smartphones.

Also known as Bidi, it’s the most well-known and widely used two-dimensional code worldwide.

It’s a type of two-dimensional barcode that stores alphanumeric data in A dot matrix. Its design allows 360-degree reading, meaning it can be quickly scanned from any angle.

It uses error-correction algorithms that ensure data is recoverable even if the code is partially damaged, making it ideal for a wide variety of applications, from product tracking to payments and access to a wide variety of digital information.

Currently, the use of QR Codes has expanded worldwide. Some 2 billion people across much of the planet have interacted with these codes, and the technology has been widely adopted in sectors such as commerce, healthcare, and entertainment.

In Cuba, the incorporation of QR Codes began gradually starting in 2018. Two of the most popular options for Transfermóvil and EnZona users allow payments using QR codes.

With the advance of the computerization of society and banking, the use of this variant must continue to increase and extend to several fields to facilitate operations as well as access to information in an increasingly digital environment.

Translated by Amilkal Labañino / CubaSí Translation Staff