SafeCoder: A machine-learning-based encoding system to embed safety identification information into QR codes

Background/Aims Many rheumatology departments provide patients with physical copies of patient information leaflets (PILs). Quick response (QR) codes are a widespread simple means of distributing electronic information, involving delivery of digital information directly to a user subsequent to scanning the code with a smartphone camera. Advantages include reduced paper burden, instant updates and usage monitoring, creating great possibilities for their implementation in healthcare settings. Aim: To design and implement a QR code poster to provide electronic versions of PILs given to rheumatology patients. Methods We met with senior clinicians and nurses to understand limitations of the current paper leaflet system and the desire for a digital alternative. A pilot questionnaire was then offered to patients attending clinics over two weeks to gauge attitudes to QR codes and identify PILs they had most interest in, in line with patient-centred care. Subsequent to a positive response, possible QR code management systems were investigated to select a platform with dynamic QR codes allowing tracking of usage metrics. A poster was designed, with eight QR codes leading to PILs from Versus Arthritis focusing on lifestyle aspects of rheumatic disease, as a reflection of both patient interest and clinician desire. Posters were displayed in clinic waiting areas to allow patients to scan them at their convenience. Clinicians were advised to signpost patients towards the QR codes to maximise use. Smaller copies of the poster were also made available for clinicians to distribute directly to patients at clinics, and appended to patient letters. Results 14 patients completed the pilot questionnaire. Despite clinicians’ regular distribution of paper leaflets, 35.7% reported they had never read a PIL. 42.9% of patients were more likely to read information about their condition on their phone rather than from a paper leaflet. 35.7% would like to scan a QR code to get digital information leaflets on their phone. Patients were almost equally interested in PILS about lifestyle (78.6%) and their diagnosed condition (78.6%) as medications (71.4%). PIL topics patients most commonly expressed an interest in included diet (71.4%), footcare (64.3%), pain (64.3%), fatigue (64.3%), complementary and alternative medicine (57.1%), emotional wellbeing (50%), gadgets and equipment for arthritis (50%) and keeping active (50%). QR codes leading to relevant PILs were thus selected for inclusion on the poster. Conclusion There is a clear demand for digital PILs both from patients and clinicians. This ongoing quality improvement project has been successful in planning, designing and implementing a QR code poster to enhance patient access to information about lifestyle implications of rheumatic disease. Roll out of the posters has been successful and the project now requires monitoring of the uptake and usage pattern to further refine the delivery of digital QR code PILs. Disclosure R. Zubairi: None. A. Muhd Adiib Pg Suhaimi: None. L. Olsson: None. R. Smyth: None. D. Baxter: None. A. Laws: None. M.E. Perry: Honoraria; AbbVie, Celltrion Healthcare, Gilead, Lilly, Biogen, Jaansen, Fresenius Kabi.

Quick Response (QR) Code is extensively used due to its advantages in fast readability as well as large capacity. However, when using QR codes, users may suffer from loss of private information because of peeping and scanning by unauthorized attackers. In this paper, we propose a novel algorithm to hide and protect the QR code based on multichannel visual masking. With our algorithm, the appearance of the QR code is dramatically changed while it maintains the original secret information. Unauthorized users can not extract any information from the protected QR code with the standard QR code reader. For authorized users, we design a truth table based decoder that works with the standard QR code reader. Extensive experiments are performed to evaluate the robustness and effectiveness of our method. The codes of this paper are published at https://github.com/JiaheZhang/Protection- QR-Code-MVM.

4SQR-Code: A 4-state QR code generation model for increasing data storing capacity in the Digital Twin framework

With the development of the Internet and smart terminals, Quick Response (QR) code and its related applications become increasingly popular. Though there are plenty of advantages for the usage of QR code, but its security issue is always a problem that can not be overlooked. Aiming for embedding message into QR code, a Module Expansion (ME) based method is proposed in this paper. The core idea of ME is to expand a module to its neighbor if these two modules are in different colors. Experimental results show that (1) our capacity for embedding is about half of that for encoding of the same QR code, which is much higher comparing to the state-of-the-art methods, (2) for the QR codes of versions under 20, the average time cost for embedding and extraction is around 51 ms and 59 ms respectively, (3) the success ratio of message extraction under noise attack and print-and-scan process are both higher than 80%. The proposed method can be used in QR code applications such as the anti-counterfeiting for encoded message of a printed QR code, and others for which message sharing is needed.

Introduction Quick Response (QR) codes are becoming ubiquitous in all aspects of life, including healthcare. In outpatient clinics, the benefits of convenience, cost effectiveness and environmental sustainability of QR codes has great potential. We identified that our trust was lacking in both electronic and hardcopy patient information leaflets for Bascom’s Procedure and Endoscopic Pilonidal Sinus Treatment (EPSIT). Our aim was to create information leaflets on our trust website and link them via a QR code for easy access. Methods We audited our hardcopy information leaflets for both procedures for quality and satisfaction of information and patients were given a feedback questionnaire which specifically included a response for their preference for electronic QR code access. Results The initial feedback from 20 patients showed 85% support for QR codes. 90% found the information clear, informative and easy to understand. There was a suggestion to include diagrams in our leaflets. Conclusion We had positive feedback regarding the following: quality of information, clarity of the leaflet, and accessibility (particularly the use of QR codes). The latter reflects the younger age demographic of patients that were surveyed. We plan to prospectively audit QR coded leaflets in our outpatients. We will evaluate success through both patient and clinician feedback forms. QR coded leaflets could be implemented trust wide and even nationally, to increase sustainability in outpatients and the wider NHS, without compromising patient understanding or satisfaction.

Quick Response (QR) codes are popular and widespread in real-world applications, and appearance is an interesting and valuable issue. To improve the black and white checkered appearance of QR codes, many designers and researchers have investigated combining QR codes with images to create a new QR style with a visual impression. Unitag is the most common manner, which focuses on a small pattern (such as a logo or a symbol) overlaid on top of the QR code to create an embellished visual image. Cox proposed QArt approach that blend binary image with QR code to improve the semblance. Based on Cox's literature, Chu et al. proposed a halftone QR code to enhance the visual fusion of QR codes. This review will analyze and compare the advantages and disadvantages of these methods in binary QR image fusion techniques. These suggestions can be considered in the related binary QR image design research for future design and user requirements.

A case study on the appropriateness of using quick response (QR) codes in libraries and museums

Consumer perceptions of QR code technology for enhanced fluid milk shelf-life information provision in a retail setting

Quick response (QR) codes are two-dimensional optical labels which store information instantly readable by an imaging device (smartphone camera). They can be used as anti-counterfeiting elements to help companies and consumers identify the authenticity/traceability of the products. Three-dimensional nanostructured QR codes are a new class of increased level of security labels to better support product authentication. In this work, nanoimprint lithography (NIL) was used to fabricate flexible, high resolution three-dimensional (3D) QR codes with selective and reflective properties, suitable as anti-counterfeiting elements. The original design and the optical properties of the fabricated label are given by a bicolor pattern, where one color is diffractively generated by a set of 300 nm pitch nanopillars and the second color arise from a set of 400 nm pitch nanopillars, together comprised in the shape of a nanostructured based QR code. The glass transition temperature (Tg ) of the flexible and transparent imprinted substrate (Intermediate Polymer Substrates – IPS) was assessed by differential scanning analysis (DSC). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images were used to optimize the NIL imprinting parameters. Optimal individual nanopillars with straight sidewalls were visualized when the imprinting temperature was slowly decreased and a constant imprinting pressure was maintained constant throughout the imprinting process. A good replication of the mold in the thermoplastic substrate is of key importance to an accurate reading of the label.

The rapid advancement of technology has revolutionized payment methods globally, and QR (Quick Response) codes have emerged as a pivotal tool in this transformation. Originating in 1994 for inventory management, QR codes have extended their utility to various sectors, including retail, marketing, logistics, and education. In Nepal, the adoption of QR codes gained momentum during the COVID-19 pandemic as a contactless payment method, enhancing convenience and safety for consumers. Despite the growing popularity of QR codes, limited research has been conducted on their usage, especially in the context of developing countries like Nepal. This study aims to examine the factors influencing QR code usage in Kathmandu Valley, focusing on user perceptions, behavior, and adoption patterns. Employing a descriptive research design, primary data was collected through structured questionnaires administered to 124 respondents aged 18 and above, using convenience sampling. The data was analyzed using SPSS, with descriptive statistics such as mean and standard deviation employed to evaluate respondents' attitudes and behaviors toward QR code usage. The findings revealed that the majority of respondents had a positive view of QR codes, with a significant portion using them for payments within the past six months. Younger age groups and students constituted the largest demographic among users, underscoring the influence of digital-savvy generations on the adoption of technology. Key factors influencing usage included convenience, time-saving benefits, and ease of use, though concerns about privacy and security persisted. The study concludes that QR codes have significantly impacted payment systems in Kathmandu, providing insights for businesses, marketers, and policymakers to enhance user experience and address security concerns. Novelty lies in its contribution to understanding QR code adoption in a developing country, offering valuable perspectives and practical implications for stakeholders and setting the foundation for future research in this domain.

QR (quick response) codes are two dimensional images that when scanned by a smart phone's camera, prompt the smart phone to open a web-page or display an image, video, or text. QR codes are, therefore, essentially pictographic hyperlinks that can be embedded in the physical environment. This technology has the potential to revolutionize the way libraries deliver instruction, connect patrons to information about library materials, and market their services. Although use of QR codes has not yet become prominent in Kansas communities, there are several reasons to believe that it soon will be. These reasons include burgeoning popularity of QR codes on the coasts, rapid increases in smart phone use in our communities, and expected enhancements in cellular data capacity in much of Kansas. By implementing QR codes now, academic libraries in Kansas can help expedite the adoption of this exciting technology and can concomitantly enhance their reputations as user-centered, innovative, sites for discovery and exploration. In this paper I describe how individuals with smart phones can download free QR code reading applications and use their phone’s camera to read the code; show several examples of creative ways libraries and other organizations are using QR codes to provide rich, point-of-need information to patrons, customers, and prospective user; describe in detail the process of creating QR codes and distributing them throughout physical and online environments; and highlight some of the recent literature discussing the relevance of QR codes for libraries and for education in general.

The literature is filled with potential uses for Quick Response (QR) Codes in the library setting, but few library QR Code projects have publicized usage statistics. A pilot project carried out in the Eda Kuhn Loeb Music Library of the Harvard College Library sought to determine whether library patrons actually understand and use QR Codes. Results and analysis of the pilot project are provided, attempting to answer the question as to whether QR Codes are worth the effort for libraries.

Abstract—Sensitive document communication must be done securely in the digital age. Conventional approaches frequently fail to provide enough protection against tampering and un- wanted access. By combining One-Time Passwords (OTPs) with authentication methods and Quick Response (QR) codes, this article suggests an improved document protection solution. By using OTPs as a dynamic authentication factor, the suggested solution makes sure that every access request is verified with a distinct, time-sensitive code. The technique enables quick and easy authentication when combined with QR codes, which act as a secure connection between the user and the document. An OTP is generated when users use a mobile device to scan the QR code. Only those who are authorized can see or download the content because access to the document is allowed upon entering the OTP. This two-pronged strategy greatly reduces the chances of data breaches, phishing scams, and illegal access. Additionally, user experience is given top priority in the system’s design, which strikes a compromise between strong security features and usability. While OTPs offer an extra degree of protection, QR code integration streamlines the authentication procedure. This study shows how well OTPs and QR code- based authentication work together to improve document security through thorough analysis and application. The suggested system provides a scalable solution that may be applied to a variety of industries where document secrecy is essential, such as gov- ernment, healthcare, and finance. Organisations can strengthen their digital document exchange procedures against new security threats by implementing this integrated approach. Index Terms—Data protection, information integrity, digital verification, OTP authentication.

Binary image encryption in a joint transform correlator scheme by aid of run-length encoding and QR code

Optical encryption is an actively developing field of science. The majority of encryption techniques use coherent illumination and suffer from speckle noise, which severely limits their applicability. The spatially incoherent encryption technique does not have this drawback, but its effectiveness is dependent on the Fourier spectrum properties of the image to be encrypted. The application of a quick response (QR) code in the capacity of a data container solves this problem, and the embedded error correction code also enables errorless decryption. The optical encryption of digital information in the form of QR codes using spatially incoherent illumination was implemented experimentally. The encryption is based on the optical convolution of the image to be encrypted with the kinoform point spread function, which serves as an encryption key. Two liquid crystal spatial light modulators were used in the experimental setup for the QR code and the kinoform imaging, respectively. The quality of the encryption and decryption was analyzed in relation to the QR code size. Decryption was conducted digitally. The successful decryption of encrypted QR codes of up to 129 × 129 pixels was demonstrated. A comparison with the coherent QR code encryption technique showed that the proposed technique has a signal-to-noise ratio that is at least two times higher.