Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the significance and functionality of QR codes in modern society, highlighting their integration into various aspects of daily life and industry, and the complex systems that support their use [7][8][50]. Group 1: Evolution of QR Codes - QR codes emerged as a solution to the limitations of barcodes, which could only store minimal information and were one-dimensional [19][20]. - The invention of QR codes in 1994 by Masahiro Hara was driven by the need for a more efficient way to manage parts in manufacturing, allowing for two-dimensional data storage [20][22]. - QR codes can store a vast amount of information due to their design, which allows for multiple combinations of black and white modules [48][49]. Group 2: Functionality and Standards - QR codes operate on the ISO/IEC 18004 standard, which ensures that any device can recognize and decode them, but does not guarantee the interpretation of the content [27][29]. - The application layer determines how the decoded information is used, which can vary between different platforms like WeChat and Alipay [33][36]. - QR codes have a built-in error correction mechanism, allowing them to be scanned even if partially damaged [38][41]. Group 3: Daily Usage and Impact - The article estimates that billions of scans occur daily across various sectors, including logistics, manufacturing, and personal transactions [44][46]. - The design of QR codes ensures that they will not run out of combinations, addressing concerns about their longevity in usage [46][49]. - The process of scanning a QR code involves capturing an image, decoding it, and executing commands, all of which happen in less than a second [62][53][55]. Group 4: Challenges and Considerations - The increasing frequency of QR code usage raises concerns about energy security, as the data generated requires significant storage and processing power [63][68]. - Data security is another critical issue, as the aggregation of personal data through QR code interactions poses risks of misuse [71][72]. - The article emphasizes that technological advancements, such as facial recognition and palm payment, rely on the same underlying systems as QR codes, showcasing the complexity of modern digital interactions [75][77].

Core Insights - The article discusses the significance and functionality of QR codes in modern life, emphasizing their integration into various sectors such as retail, logistics, and personal transactions [3][4][9]. Group 1: Evolution of QR Codes - The article traces the history of QR codes, starting from the invention of barcodes, which were created to improve checkout efficiency in retail [4][8]. - Barcodes had limitations, such as one-way information recording and small data capacity, which QR codes addressed by allowing two-dimensional data storage [9][10]. - QR codes were invented in 1994 by Masahiro Hara from Denso Wave, inspired by the need for a more efficient information encoding system [9][11]. Group 2: Technical Mechanism of QR Codes - QR codes consist of a matrix symbol system based on binary coding, with 40 different versions that can store vast amounts of information [26]. - The process of scanning a QR code involves three key steps: image capture and recognition, data decoding and parsing, and instruction execution and feedback [28][30]. - QR codes have a built-in error correction mechanism, allowing them to be scanned even if partially damaged, which contributes to their widespread adoption [22]. Group 3: Impact on Data and Energy - The article highlights the astronomical number of scans occurring daily, with projections indicating that by 2024, daily transactions through platforms like WeChat and Alipay could reach 28.27 billion [34]. - This massive volume of data poses challenges for energy consumption, as data centers require continuous operation to handle the processing and storage of transaction data [34][36]. - The concentration of personal data through QR code usage raises concerns about data security and privacy, necessitating robust management practices [36][37]. Group 4: Future of Interaction Technologies - The article suggests that while QR codes are currently prevalent, emerging technologies like facial recognition and palm print payments share the same underlying principles of network and data systems [39][41]. - The evolution of these technologies reflects a broader trend of integrating complex systems to enhance everyday convenience and efficiency in daily life [43].

过去 50 年最重要的技术之一，塑造了我们的生活，使我们习以为常。 文丨曾梦龙 编辑丨钱杨 黄俊杰 当一个基础设施变得非常成功时会发生什么？ 美国克莱姆森大学的教授乔丹·弗里斯（Jordan Frith）觉得是这样：人们不再想它，它也逐渐淡出人们的视线。 "条形码是一个典型的例子。" 他在去年出版的 《条形码》（Barcode）中写道： "条形码的隐蔽和平凡正是其成功的最终象征。 " 50 年前，条形码在美国应用于商业，如今几乎无处不在。食品、快递、书籍、门票、医药、登机牌上都可看到它的身影。全球每天大约出现 60 亿 次扫描条形码的 "嘀嘀" 声，每秒钟售出约 7 万件商品。 同样，由于已经是成功的基础设施，二维码早已让人习以为常。 2012 年，条形码的后代二维条形码（2D barcode，简称 "二维码"）借助移动支付率先在中国得到大规模应用。它让互联网平台成为消费者和商户 的连接者，推动了支付宝和微信崛起。 中国人每天几乎都要用智能手机 "扫一扫" 好几次 ，无论是买菜、坐地铁，还是想打开一辆共享单车，或 添加一个人为微信好友。 条形码和二维码是 "自动识别和数据采集"（AIDC）领域的众多技术之一， ...