QR codes have become essential for various operations, including restaurant menu scanning, payment processing, and identity authentication. QR codes now exist as a permanent element in our daily routines. The creator of this intelligent square QR code remains unknown to most people. He is Masahiro Hara.
Masahiro Hara Developed QR Code In 1994
Masahiro Hara developed the QR code in 1994. His employer specialized in car component production, and he worked at a Japanese company. The manufacturing industries required a better system for managing small parts during that historical period. Regular barcodes faced a limitation because they could hold only minimal data. Customers had to scan barcodes multiple times, and the process resulted in slow interactions.
Masahiro Hara began a search for a more efficient and intelligent approach to solve this issue. The developer envisioned creating a new code system that would provide expanded information storage capabilities while offering rapid reading capability. The inspiration struck Hara during his viewing of the Japanese game “Go.” The board game features black and white squares on its square playing surface. Hara examined the game’s patterns and then had the idea to build a data storage system based on black and white square design patterns.
As a result, the QR (Quick Response) code idea evolved in Hara’s mind. The newly developed square code consisted of numerous small black and white cells. The new code offers better storage potential than barcodes, with only one second to scan. People used this terminology to describe the “Quick Response” functionality. The new code established itself as an essential tool within the manufacturing sector. Part scanning operations became immediate, providing businesses with instant access to required information.
How A Simple Idea Turned Into A Global Innovation
The QR code’s evolution went beyond manufacturing car installations. As time passed, people noticed numerous applications beyond the original use of the invention. The innovative concept expanded into multiple sectors, including marketing, healthcare, and education, while digital payments were its most crucial adoption.
The QR code served as a central component for digital payment systems throughout India. The availability of payment applications such as UPI (Unified Payments Interface) led people toward phone-based payments for all their transactions. Through QR code scanning, people could complete payments for local fruits and movie tickets in seconds. The need to carry conventional payment methods, including cash or cards, disappeared.
QR codes maintained their importance throughout the COVID-19 pandemic period. These electronic tools enabled people to access facilities while displaying vaccination history and providing documentation, while reducing contact point interactions. Their technology protected safety standards without interrupting connection capabilities.
QR Code Revolution
Masahiro Hara continued his work beyond creating the original QR code design. After creating the original code, he continued to develop it into a more advanced version. He later created an updated version named the Rectangular Micro QR code. The product-specific Rectangular Micro QR code exists to store information within limited spaces, which include small packets, electronic items, and bottle caps. Despite its small size, it contained enough data to function effectively.
His current focus is on designing an upgraded version of the QR code with additional features. Developers are creating an advanced version of the QR code, which will have color capabilities and enhanced data storage functions that potentially could process short video content.
Masahiro Hara’s unique story stands out because his invention of the QR code never served a monetary purpose. Solving real problems and helping others stood as his life’s mission. His company released the QR code design to the public through an open and cost-free platform.
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