How to read a QR code using a HUAWEI (honor) smartphone? QR Code Reader for Android

A QR code is a modern analogue of a barcode. If using one-dimensional encryption an ordinary user can only find out information about the country of origin of a particular product, then a two-dimensional code may contain various instructions, download links, website addresses, etc. The great popularity of this data representation has led to the appearance of special programs on Android that can read QR codes. Let's look at how to use a QR code on Android.

To read a QR code from a particular source, you will need a smartphone or tablet running Android OS with an integrated camera, as well as a special utility (scanner) that can recognize and process information presented in encrypted form.

Software that reads QR codes is available in large quantities on the Internet. It can be downloaded without problems both from trusted sources (for example, from the Play Market) and from third-party resources. However, the following scanner programs received the most widespread and positive reviews:

Let's figure out how to scan a QR code on Android with each of these applications.

Reading a QR code with QR Droid

Reading a QR code on Android using this utility is done as follows:

After recognizing the cipher, the information that was encoded in it and possible options for further actions will be displayed in a separate window. So, if the gadget is connected to the Internet and you want to immediately open the link, click Open. To copy the link, for example, to a browser, click Copy. To send data to a remote device, tap Share.

If you need to read a QR code for Android not from a real object, but from a picture saved on your smartphone, you need to select Decode saved QR image in the initial program window. To read the code from the website, click on the button shown in the figure.

Using the QR&Barcode Scanner program

When considering how to scan QR codes on Android, you need to highlight the QR&Barcode Scanner application, which can recognize not only two-dimensional, but also one-dimensional encryption. Another advantage of this software is that it can be used to generate your own codes containing various texts, SMS messages, website addresses, calendar notes, etc.

The program works as follows:

Creating your own QR code is done in the “Generation” section.

In the age of modern information technology, even open public information is not always presented in its usual form. Several years ago, small black and white patterned squares called QR codes began to appear not only on website pages, but also on billboards, product packaging, business cards and other items. They are still very popular today, although not to the same extent as in Asian countries, where they are especially widespread.

So what are QR codes, why are they needed and how to read them? Like the familiar linear barcode, a QR code represents encrypted text information. However, the term “encrypted” is not entirely appropriate; a QR code is not a cipher in the full sense; rather, it is a graphical representation of text data, which has gained recognition due to its compression and compactness. After all, a QR code can contain up to 4296 alphanumeric characters, all in a small graphic object a few centimeters on a side.

How to scan a QR code on Android

If you do not take into account mobile phones with a camera and an installed QR code scanner, you do not need any special additional equipment to read the latter. Below we will look at how to read a QR code using an Android smartphone, but now let me say a few words about how it all actually works. Recognition of QR codes is performed approximately according to the following scheme:

Transferring the image to the application;
Recognition of black and white areas;
Determining the code version;
Receiving and reading system information, error correction;
Receiving the data header and applying a mask to it;
Convert graphic points to binary code;
Reading binary code and converting it into an alphanumeric sequence;
Displaying data on the screen.

As you can see, a QR code is a set of binary data, so you can read it even without a phone, the main thing is to know the algorithm by which the code is built. There are several of these algorithms and most of them are included in popular applications for scanning QR codes on Android.

Best QR Code Reader Apps

Although we used the word “best,” in reality, our preferences are very subjective for the reason that you cannot please everyone, and a program that appeals to one user may seem worthless to another.

So, how to scan a QR code on Android? Let's start with the fact that some mobile device manufacturers integrate QR code scanning into the Camera application. Turn on your camera, go to settings and see if “Scanner” is in the list of shooting modes (the label will have a characteristic appearance). If yes, great, tap on it and point your camera at the QR code. The built-in module will immediately read the data and display it on the display. Elementary, like twice two.

Other options may also be available, such as transferring data to another application. If you don’t find anything like this in the camera settings, use third-party programs to read QR codes on Android.

A popular application for decoding QR codes. It is considered the most secure because, in addition to the camera, it does not require access to other components, functions and data of the device. The application has a user-friendly interface, reads product codes, SMS and Email messages, phone books, geosensors, links, has a good reading speed, supports scanning history, it has autofocus and a backlight function that is activated when scanning in poor visibility conditions.

Additionally, linear barcode decoding and bulk scanning are supported. The principle of operation of the application is simple - launch it, point the camera at the object being scanned, and receive the decrypted data.

A good QR code scanner for Android, featuring advanced functionality. The application supports scanning different types of codes from the camera, open in the image gallery or browser, maintaining a history, creating and sharing QR codes, creating XQR codes for volumetric QR codes, using a flashlight and flash in low-light conditions. Additional features include auto-opening of web pages when receiving a link, saving barcodes, and using widgets. The principle of operation of the application is the same as that of the Molniya QR scanner.

A very good program that allows you to quickly and efficiently scan a QR code on your phone. QR Code Reader works with most types of QR and barcodes, can read ISBN, texts, URLs, calendar data, contacts address book, SMS, location information, does not require an Internet connection. The application boasts a pleasant and convenient user interface in the spirit of minimalism. Additional functions include keeping a scan history and using a flashlight in poor visibility conditions.

A good application from the developer TeaCapps, it allows you to scan barcodes and QR codes on Android, it is simple, convenient and has good functionality. The program works with all common code formats, including Data Matrix, Aztec, UPC, EAN and Code 39, supports reading wireless access data, location information, URL, contacts, calendar events, E-mail, SMS and MATMSG, MeCard data , .

The app's features include creating and sharing QR codes, automatically performing relevant actions such as following a link, working with images without using a camera, keeping a history and exporting it to a CSV log, protecting against malicious links, zooming, and using a flashlight for illumination.

Our list is completed by the “QR code - barcode scanner” application from the developer of Best App – Top Droid Team. This program is notable primarily for its high reading speed - the codes in it are deciphered almost instantly, you just need to point the camera. The tool works with most types of data, has a built-in QR code generator, supports sharing and sharing codes, taking relevant actions when receiving relevant content, saving and searching your scan history. The program does not require an Internet connection to scan and recognize QR and barcodes.

Conclusion

Well, we figured out how to read a QR code on Android. As you can see, there is nothing complicated, recognition is performed automatically, you just need to launch the scanner program and point the camera at the code. But if all these programs are so good, where do the negative reviews for them on Google Play come from? The reason is simple, as everywhere and in everything, working with QR codes has its own nuances. The code may not be recognized if it is of low quality, if reading is performed in low light conditions, if the user is holding the camera incorrectly, etc. Problems can also arise with QR codes with a high level of correction and, in general, containing a relatively large amount of information, however, the latter are not so common anymore.

Tutorial

Sometimes situations arise when you need to read a QR code, but you don’t have a smartphone at hand. What to do? The only thing that comes to mind is to try to read it manually. If anyone has encountered such situations or is simply curious about how QR codes are read by machines, then this article will help you understand this problem.

The article discusses the basic features of QR codes and the method of decrypting information without the use of computers.

Illustrations: 14, characters: 8,510.

For those who do not know what a QR code is, it is in the English Wikipedia. You can also read a thematic blog on Habré and several good articles on related topics that can be found by searching.

Let's consider the solution to the problem of directly reading information from a QR picture using two codes as an example. The information was encoded in the online QR generator Coder.ru.

To understand how to extract data from code, you need to understand the algorithm. There are several standards in the QR code family; their basic principles can be found in the specifications. Let me briefly explain: the data that needs to be encoded is divided into blocks depending on the encoding mode. A header is added to the data divided into blocks, indicating the mode and number of blocks. There are also modes that use a more complex structure for placing information. We will not consider these modes due to the fact that it is impractical to manually extract information from them. However, based on the principles described below, you can adapt to these modes.

In case of incorrect data reading, QR uses special codes that can correct reading errors. These are the so-called Reed-Solomon codes. We will not consider the principle of calculating codes, as well as correcting errors in blocks of information; this is the topic of a separate article. Error-correcting Reed-Solomon (RS) codes are written after all information data. This greatly simplifies the task of directly reading information: you can simply read the data without touching the codes. As practice shows, usually most of the QR matrix is occupied by corrective RS codes.

According to the standard, data with RS codes are “mixed” before being recorded in the image. For these purposes, special masks are used. There are 8 algorithms, among which the best is selected. The selection criteria are based on a system of penalties, which you can also read about in the specifications.

The “mixed” data is written in a special sequence onto a template picture, where technical information for decoding devices is added. Based on the described algorithm, we can distinguish a scheme for extracting data from a QR code:

Here, the points that will need to be completed when reading the code directly are underlined with a green felt-tip pen. The remaining points can be omitted due to the fact that the reading is performed by a person.

Step 0. QR code

Looking at the pictures, you can see several distinct areas. These areas are used to detect the QR code. This data is not of interest from the point of view of the recorded information, but you need to cross them out or simply remember their location so that they do not interfere. The rest of the code field already contains useful information. It can be divided into two parts: system information and data. There is also information about the code version. The maximum amount of data that can be written to the code depends on the code version. When the version is upgraded, special blocks are added, for example like here:

You can use them to navigate and understand which version of the QR is in front of you. Higher version codes are also usually impractical to read manually.

The location of system information is shown in the figure:

System information is duplicated, which significantly reduces the likelihood of errors occurring when detecting and reading the code. System information is 15 bits of data, among which the first 5 are useful information, and the remaining 10 are BCH (15.5) code that allows you to correct errors in the system data. The class of BCH codes also includes RS codes. Please note that in the figure the two 15-bit stripes do not intersect.

Step 1: Read 5 bits of system information

As already mentioned, only the first 5 bits are of interest. Of which 2 bits indicate the error correction level, and the remaining 3 bits indicate which mask out of the available 8 is applied to the data. In the QR codes under consideration, system information contains:

Step 2. Mask for system information

In addition to the already announced schemes for protecting system information, in addition, a static mask is used, which is applied to any system information. It looks like: 101010000010010 . Since only the first 5 bits are of interest, the mask can be shortened and easily remembered: 10101 (ten - one hundred and one). After applying the “exclusive or” (xor) operation, we obtain information.

Possible error correction levels:

L	01
M	00
Q	11
H	10

Possible masks:

000	(i + j) mod 2 = 0
001	i mod 2 = 0
010	j mod 3 = 0
011	(i + j) mod 3 = 0
100	((i div 2) + (j div 3)) mod 2 = 0
101	(i j) mod 2 + (i j) mod 3 = 0
110	((i j) mod 2 + (i j) mod 3) mod 2 = 0
111	((i+j) mod 2 + (i j) mod 3) mod 2 = 0

Step 3: Reading the Data Header

To understand what data you have to deal with, you must initially read the 4-bit header, which contains information about the mode. The specifics of reading data are shown in the picture:

List of possible modes:

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To get information about products of interest on store shelves, it is not necessary to ask the seller about them. After all, for example, there are thousands of products in super- and hypermarkets - how can a person keep everything in his head? Your own smartphone will help you figure out what exactly attracted your attention. You just need to install a barcode scanner program on it in advance and point the camera at the label. All the necessary information will be displayed on the screen: what kind of product (exact name), who produced it, how much it weighs, how much it costs, whether it has expired, whether it is sold at a discount, etc.

A lot of applications for reading and analyzing barcodes have been released. Those that are most popular are supported by several operating systems, many devices, and are simple and easy to use. Let's look at some of them.

One of the most famous scanners and barcode generators. Capable of accurately recognizing various data formats - QR-Code, Quick Code, EAN 8/13, Data Matrix, Code 128, Code 39, as well as a full list of 1D barcodes. Can become an assistant and advisor when making purchases. In addition, it will help you find information about a scanned object on the Internet, make it possible to go to the web addresses specified in the code, call phone numbers, send letters, send SMS, search for specified places on the map, save the received data in a text file, and You can also create your own 2D codes, which you can later use wherever you want.

The program is available in standard and extended versions. The standard license gives the right to use the product for free.

QuickMark can work as a standalone application or as an extension of the Google Chrome browser. Supported on the following platforms:

Apple iOS;
Android;
Windows Phone;
Symbian S60.

Works on different models of smartphones and tablets, undemanding to hardware resources.

A simple, fast and convenient application that can recognize a wide variety of barcodes, including hard-to-read ones, without additional tools: QR-Code, Data Matrix, Code 128, Code 39, EAN 8, UPC A, EAN 13. Supports network exchange text data.

Thanks to its advantages, ixMAT has found application in the professional sphere - trade, logistics, industrial companies, government agencies, as well as commercial and non-profit organizations of various types work with it. The application is paid. Before purchasing, we suggest downloading a trial version for testing.

ixMAT versions are developed for the following platforms:

NeoReader

A unique barcode scanner that uses its own patented ultra-Gavitec's and NeoMedia technology, thanks to which it reads and recognizes almost all formats of existing barcodes: Aztec, Data Matrix, QR, EAN, UPC, Code128, Code39, etc. .

The program can be used on different devices and OS:

Android,
Apple iOS;
BlackBerry;
Windows Mobile.

Works stably on Nokia, Apple, Blackberry, Samsung, Motorola, Sony Ericsson phones.

Kaywa Reader

Just like the above-mentioned analogues, Barcode Scanner reads a wide variety of barcode types using a mobile phone camera. Allows you to quickly receive all encoded information and save it in the device’s memory. The scanned code or data from it can be sent via SMS, email, or transmitted via social networks.

Supported by smartphones based on Android and Apple iOS. The manufacturer guarantees stable operation of Kaywa Reader on many Sony Ericsson, Samsung and Motorola models.

Any of the applications listed here can be used in trade - along with professional barcode scanners http://www.crystals.ru/skaner-shtrih-koda and become a convenient addition to them.

QR code (Barcode) is a type of coding, analogous to a barcode. True, you can encode absolutely everything with it and it doesn’t matter where it is depicted. For example, it can be read both from paper and from a regular monitor or TV. Quick Response is, roughly speaking, the same barcode, only matrix - two-dimensional. It was developed by Denso Wave. Let's figure out why Barcode is needed and how to read a QR code on Android gadgets.

Application of QR codes

The scope of application of a matrix code is much higher than that of a barcode. It can be used to designate not only products, but also websites, paintings and sculptures, entire cities, applications, and even your social page. In general, absolutely everything can be marked with such a code. But why is this necessary?

So, let's figure out how to use a QR code on Android. For example, in a store you are interested in some product. You point your tablet, with a pre-installed program, at the matrix image, and you will see how it begins to scan the image. Next, you will be automatically redirected to the manufacturer’s website. You can find out everything about the product: country of origin, positioning in the assortment, etc.

Matrix notation is also widely used in advertising. So, while reading a review article about a game or product, you can immediately go to the manufacturer’s resource to download the application or buy the product.

Secret codes for Android: Video

What you need to read QR

To decrypt a QR code on Android, you need to download a simple application. It downloads directly from Google Play and does not load a lot of memory. That is, any device can run such a program.

In principle, it doesn’t matter which program for reading QR codes for Android you have. Their essence is the same, the only difference is in the developer. The most popular are QR Droid and ZXing Team, but to decipher Quick Response, you can choose any other. Just type “QR” in the search.

Engineering Codes for Android: Video

How to create a QR yourself

It doesn't matter why you need matrix encryption. As mentioned, you can make a code for your account, other contacts or photos and, for example, print it on a business card or print it on a T-shirt so that anyone can read the data through their device.

If you read the code quickly and simply, then creating it will take a couple of minutes. A generator is used for this. The easiest way is to use the qrcoder.ru service. There is nothing difficult: select “What you need to encrypt” and follow the instructions step by step.