I would advise against the use of any type of scanning technology.  Dirt, vandals, and any number of other factors can make QR codes difficult or impossible to capture and process accurately.  Even the height of the user -- 6'2" individual, 4'9" individual, individual using a wheelchair -- can negatively impact results.  Blind users have another set of issues with this type of technology.  I would go with a GPS location-based system, which would not be susceptible to the pitfalls I have listed.

Philip M Kragnes, M.S.
Computer Accommodations Program
University of Minnesota
McNamara Alumni Center
200 Oak Street SE, Suite 180
Minneapolis, MN 55455-2002
P: 612-626-0365
F: 612-626-9654
E: [log in to unmask]
T: @PKragnes
W: http://cap.umn.edu
W: http://accessibility.umn.edu
----- Original Message -----
From: [log in to unmask] href="mailto:[log in to unmask]">Jacqueline Brudlos
To: [log in to unmask] href="mailto:[log in to unmask]">[log in to unmask]
Sent: Tuesday, April 03, 2012 10:45 AM
Subject: [WEBSTANDARDS] QR Codes?


Hello, everyone.  I'm a new member to this listserv (Thanks, Pete!) and I have a dilemma/question (I did try to search through the archive first, but didn't find anything to help me).

Parking and Transportation Services is working to launch NextBus, a feature showing students/staff where all of the shuttle buses are in real-time.  See the whole system on your desktop computer, call a number at a particular bus stop and hear "next bus arrives in 2 minutes" OR scan the QR code and get info on your smartphone.

Is anyone an expert on those QR codes?

Admittedly, I'm completely in the dark on this technology/marketing tool (my phone doesn't even take pictures - that's how outdated I am - LOL).

My plan was to work with the Sign Stop to revise the current signage at the campus shuttle stops - specifically adding a graphic overlay to each sign.  BUT these signs are typically 6-8 feet off the ground.  Upon further research online, it sounds to me like I'll need to make the barcode around 8 inches square.  Does anyone use these codes personally or professionally?  Does it work from a distance?  Does the code need to be THAT large?

Based on what I found online today, it sounds to me that my plan to revise the current signage won't work.  I think I'm going to have to make a second 8.5x11 size sign.

I'm just trying to not waste time/money on doing this wrong.  Does anyone have any advice for me?

Thanks in advance.

Jacqueline
===========
JACQUELINE BRUDLOS
Communications Manager  |  Parking and Transportation Services
University of Minnesota
511 Washington Ave SE  |  300 TSB  |  Minneapolis, MN 55455
612-624-4161 (direct)  |  612-626-PARK (main)  |  612-624-8899 (fax)
[log in to unmask]  |  www.umn.edu/pts