Weekend project hides halftone pictures inside working QR codes

[Rachel83]

QR codes can be beautiful as well as useful. Hackaday reports that Jorge C. Lucero built a browser based halftone QR code generator from scratch as a weekend project, and it runs entirely on the user's own computer

It is based on a 2013 research paper by Hung-Kuo Chu and colleagues. Each square module of the QR code is split into a three by three grid, where only the centre square holds the data and the other eight are shaded to form a picture

The codes should scan without needing error correction. An optional enhancement mode sharpens the image but relies on error correction to fix the scanning errors it introduces

The approach works better than simply pasting an image into a QR code, especially at higher resolutions. It is a neat blend of art and engineering

Turning a QR code into a picture makes it far more attractive on posters, wedding invitations or business cards. Keeping the data in the centre of each square is a clever trick that keeps scanners happy. Running entirely in the browser also means your images stay private

Would you use a picture QR code for an event or business? And have you seen any creative QR codes out in the wild?

Using Halftone Images In QR Codes Without Upsetting Scannershackaday.com