Hot Stuff Monkey

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

What is the QR Code Origin?

“QR Code” is registered trademark of DENSO WAVE INCORPORATED within the countries of Japan, United States of America, Australia and Europe.

Is the QR Code Patented?

Yes, but QR Code is open because the specification of the QR Code construct is disclosed to the general public and that the patent right owned by Denso Wave is not exercised.

Why did Denso Wave not exercise its Patent?

For the QR Code to become widely used, it must be freely usable by all types of users. To facilitate this scale of usage, the QR Code specifications must be clearly defined, standardized, documented and made public or open. Had Denso Wave exercised its patent rights perhaps the QR Code would not have been as popular as it is globally today.

The chief reason for the QR Code popularity and usage is this open specification disclosure and setting these specifications as standards with the world’s most prestigious standards associations. There are some bar codes with closed specifications or with strict patent protection; however, you can be assured that the QR Code is not one of these.

When and with whom did Denso Wave set the QR Code standard?

In 1994 – AIM International (Automatic Identification Manufacturers International)

In 1998 – JEIDA (Japanese Electronic Industry Development Association)

In 1999 – JIS (Japanese Industrial Standards)

In 2000 – ISO international standard

These four standards organizations cover most if not all of the design world for devices that would be utilizing the QR Code.

What does this the QR Code standard really mean?

Any company who wants to develop a QR Code application use, like the mobile and phone devices can do so with full knowledge that a single QR Code construct will be used verses having to make allowances in the design for all the possible variations of the QR Code itself should this standard not be in effect. We produce the HotStuffMonkey.com™ Mobile QR Code to these standards. Therefore, any of the mobile phone devices or handheld wand or stationary reader/decoder applications can function properly and read and decode HotStuffMonkey.com™ QR Mobile Codes.

How can the QR Code hold more data than a bar code?

The QR Code data capacity superiority is that it stores data in both the vertical and horizontal directions, hence two dimensional, whereas the bar code stores data only in the horizontal direction or one dimensional. The illustration below depicts visually the difference of approximately 300 alphanumeric characters stored within a QR Code verses 20 digital digits within a bar code:

Hot Stuff Monkey QR Code

With all this extra data how can the QR Code reader/decoder read it fast and accurate?

The QR Code symbol (what it looks like) was developed for high speed reading with a modular configuration in blocks of four modules per side. These are the black and white dots contained within a QR Code symbol.

QR Codes were designed with the capability of 360 degree high speed reading – hence “quick response” by the reader without the need to align the reader in a certain position relative to the QR Code. This is accomplished by the placement on the QR Code symbol of three QR Code position detection patterns. These position detection patterns are the large black outlined boxes with a small black box in the middle that permits the reader to quickly hone in on the QR Code data. These position detection patterns are located along the edges of the QR Code symbol to ensure stable high-speed reading and to avoid any negative effects of background interference. See the illustration below:

Additionally, QR Codes have embedded within them an error correction capability to restore a certain amount of data if the QR Code is dirty, or has a foreign object on it, or is damaged in some way. This error correction capability does have limits and comes with tradeoffs. An easy way to think of this is; if the error correct capability of the QR Code for whatever reason needs to be high then the amount of correction data stored within the QR Code needs to be high also, thus limiting the amount of prime data that can stored within the QR Code. Therefore, the lower the error correct capability the higher the prime data that can be stored on the QR Code. The intended use environment that the QR Code will be subjected has an impact on this error correction capability selection for the QR Code. HotStuffMonkey.com™ has constructed the QR Code with this in mind to maximize data storage and still provide a good margin of error correction capability for normal business environment use.

What other things affects the QR Code reader/decoder other than dirt and damage?

For stable and ease of reading by the mobile device or phone reader/decoders and for these to perform well, large modules within the QR Code are desirable. However, the larger the modules then the larger the QR Code symbol size becomes and the more space (footprint) the QR Code symbol occupies on the intended use. For good readability by the mobile reader/decoder you will want your QR Code symbols to be printed or displayed as large as possible within the available printing or display area of your intended use. HotStuffMonkey.com™ provides you with three (3) sizes to choose from as a convenience to you for your various applications. The middle size that is set as the default is recommended for average data storage within the QR Code. Should you enter larger amounts of text data into the QR Code the larger size should be utilized and conversely the small size should be use when the footprint space is an issue and entered data into the QR Code is minimal.

Never shrink a QR Code to fit within a space as it may distort the modules and make the QR Code unreadable by the mobile device or phone reader/decoder. If the QR Code will not fit the footprint space available for the intended use then select a smaller QR Code size for this use.

Should your application be print media or a website, a white background under the QR Code is best as this contrast between the QR Code and its background (what it is placed upon) can contribute to the reader/decoder effectiveness. This effectiveness can make your users experience better when they read and decode your QR Code with their mobile device or phone.

The QR Code module is made up of dots normally four per module. If the QR Code is to be printed, the printer type that you choose to use to put the QR Code into print media has a lot to do with readability by the mobile device or phone reader/decoder. The higher the dpi (dots per inch) on the printers head the better. A laser printer is better as a general rule than a thermal printer with the same dpi.

In the mobile environment the lens of the camera within the mobile device or phone has a lot to do with the readability of the QR Code. In general, the newer devices and phones have a higher quality camera lens onboard. This advancement in camera lens technology and camera miniaturizing has enabled the mobile QR Code to achieve the popularity it has in Japan and Europe and now with HotStuffMonkey.com™ Mobile QR Codes availability in the United States.

The QR Code symbol area needs a margin or "quiet zone" around it. This is a four-module wide margin clear area around a symbol where only the Powered By HotStuffMonkey.com™ can be printed. Any additional printing in this area or shrinking this area for fit of use purposes will have a negative impact upon the mobile device or phone reader/decoder and therefore, your users experience with your QR Code.

Does HotStuffMonkey.com™ provide a mobile reader/decoder for our mobile QR Code?

No we do not. Nor do we recommend a particular reader/decoder for your use. Each mobile device or phone must have in addition to the onboard camera an application available for the specific model phone or device from either the manufacturer or a third party provider. Some mobile devices or phones have embedded within the device or phone the reader/decoder application or is available for downloading from the manufacturer or their affiliates. We recommend that you first check with your device or phone manufacturer and or cell/internet service provider to see if this application is available for your device or phone. If not then we recommend that you spend ample time researching the reader/decoder software applications available from third parties before you select what is right for you and your specific model device or phone.

Blackberry users we have seen and heard a rumor that the next release of Messenger for the Blackberry will contain a QR Code Reader/Decoder, but who knows for sure. Keep your ear to the ground on this one Blackberry users.

We have included a link to a third party website that list a number of available reader/decoder options that maybe available for your model device or phone. We also encourage you to fully read the QR Code reader/decoder providers Terms and Conditions of your use and their Privacy Policy. Our QR Code services are not bound by their Terms and Conditions, nor will our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy apply to any of their services or relieve you of any of their requirements of use, obligations or how they handle your privacy. This is completely between you and the QR Code Reader/Decoder Service Provider. We have no relationship with, are not a part of any of these service provider organizations, receive no compensation for anyone use of their reader/decoder services. The following link is provided as a convenience to you only with no warranty implied or given as to the correctness, fit for use, quality, availability, merchantability or accuracy of information provided.

http://www.qrme.co.uk/qr-code-resources/qr-code-readers.html

How can I use the HotStuffMonkey.com™ QR Codes and Services?

You may not use the HotStuffMonkey.com™ service or encode any data into your QR Code for any illegal activity, violate any copyrights or trademarks, impinge on any intellectual property rights, make unauthorized actions or any misrepresentations of any type or for any unauthorized purpose or do anything which is contrary to the acceptable use policies of any connected networks and Internet standards. You cannot send proactively, receive, upload, download, use or re-use any information or material which is offensive, abusive, indecent, defamatory, obscene or menacing, harmful to minors or in breach of confidence, copyright, privacy or any other rights; or to send or provide any unsolicited advertising or other promotional material, commonly referred to as "spam" by email, contact forms or by any other electronic means; or send email, contact forms or any other type of electronic message with the intention or result of affecting the performance or functionality of any computer facilities; or employ a misleading email address or name or falsify information in the header, footer, return path or any part of any communication, including without limitation any email transmitted through the HotStuffMoonkey.com™ services.

We claim no intellectual property rights or ownership over this information entered by you via the HotStuffMonkey.com™ QR Code generation software into your own generated QR Codes such as, Business or Personal Identifiable information including Name, contact information, address, phone number, URLs, SMS, etc. As such you are wholly responsible and liable for the QR Code content and/or data.

Many sites permit the generation of a QR Code for your personal use only with no commercial application permitted unless you pay a period fee for such use. HotStuffMonkey.com™ has no such requirement. With the exception of what is outlined in our Terms and Conditions (please consult them) and cited briefly above, you are free to use the QR Code your way.

How can I purchase a HotStuffMonkey.com™ QR Code Package?

Click on “Get Your QR Code” Tab and select the Package that is right for you. We offer the option to have “Powered By HotStuffMonkey.com™” on the QR Code when generated or “Non Powered By” (blank) your choice. Either way you will be directed to a page with Existing Customer entry or New Customer purchase. If you are a new customer follow the instruction completely and be sure and read our Terms and Conditions, you will be required to agree with them to register on HotStuffMonkey.com™ web site.

Please Note: When you select your QR Code package on this web page you will be securely directed to PayPal to complete your purchase. Upon competition of the purchase transaction you will receive a PayPal confirmation (a sample confirmation page is shown below).

MAKE SURE YOU SELECT the “RETURN TO HOT INTERNET NETWORK™” Button on the PayPal confirmation page as displayed on that web page. Hot Internet Network™, Inc. is HotStuffMonkey.com™ parent company. If you have any problems a telephone number is provided for your use or you can use the contact form provided on the web site.

When you return by using the “RETURN TO HOT INTERNET NETWORK™” button you will be taken to a sign up web page. You must provide your name, valid email address, choose a unique password and agree to our Terms and Conditions at a minimum for entry to your customer area. Upon completion of registration you can immediately begin to use HotStuffMonkey.com™ QR Code generator service.

What do I get when I purchase a HotStuffMonkey.com™ QR Code Package?

Once you purchase a HotStuffMonkey™ QR Code Package you must register on the HotStuffMonkey.com™ site to have access to your customer area. Upon completion of your registration you will have access to the HotStuffMonkey.com™ QR Code generation service. Each time you generate a QR Code using our service an email containing the QR Code symbol and two links one is an image and the other is a Java Script will be sent to you and should you choose you can send a QR Code to a third party with a brief note from you. In addition the QR Code and link will be stored in our database for a period of six (6) months from the date of generation of the QR Code and your password protected customer area will provide access to not only generate additional QR Codes or purchase additional QR Codes for your use but you can download previously generated QR Codes. Should you desire longer storage of your generated QR Codes arrangements, we will endeavor to accommodate your request.

Can I generate a HotStuffMonkey.com™ QR Code for a friend of family member?

Yes you can!

Each time you generate a QR Code an email containing the QR Code symbol and two links one is an image and the other is a Java Script can be sent to a person of your choosing with a brief note from you.

Do I have to generate all of the HotStuffMonkey.com™ QR Code that I Purchased at one time?

No.

Return via you password protected customer area and generate as many QR Codes as you have available. While you are in your customer area you can purchase additional QR Codes should you desire.

How can I tell that a HotStuffMonkey.com™ QR Code is readable?

Each time you generate a HotStuffMonkey™ QR Code it is stored in your customer area and in this area under the “View Code” link is a “Verify Code” button. This button links your QR Code to a third-party site that reads and decodes your QR Code, so that you will know that the QR Code is readable by a reader/decoder application.

This verification link is provided as a convenience to you only with no warranty implied or given as to the correctness, fit for use, quality, availability, merchantability or accuracy of information provided by this third party.

We have found that this third-party site to be highly reliable in its decoding of the QR Code. A return of “successfully decoded” means that the QR Code is readable and in our experience is accurate for every QR Code submitted by us.

There exists for some reason beyond our or the third-party control a small percentage of submittals returned as “no QR Code information found” or words similar to this. This however does not necessarily mean that the QR Code is unreadable. We have upon further review with our mobile device or phone determined that the QR Code is readable and decodable. We recommend that before you determine that the QR Code is defective based upon this feedback from the third-party, that you use your mobile phone or device to read and decode the QR Code.

However, we have experienced in our trials an extremely small percentage of unreadable QR Codes, which were mainly text QR Codes with massive amounts of numeric and/or alpha data. See FAQs: What other things affects the QR Code reader/decoder other than dirt and damage?

Do you warrant that every HotStuffMonkey.com™ QR Code is readable?

No we do not.

We do provide at least one free QR Code with every package to help with any issues you may experience. However, if you are having problems with your QR Code not being readable contact us with a brief description of what you are trying to encode into the QR Code and we will try and assist you. We recommend that large amounts of Alpha data or Alphanumeric data entered into the SMS text box or the text QR Code be avoided if possible to keep the task of the mobile device or phone reader/decoder as simple as possible. Your QR Code users will appreciate the consideration.

Can I change the data or information encoded within a QR Code after it is generated?

No, nor do you want to be able to do this. If you could change this information then others most likely could also. When you are generating a QR Code you will be ask to review the information you are encoding to verify the accuracy of the information prior to the actual generating the QR Code symbol. If prior to the generation of the QR Code, you find an inaccuracy or want to change the information you can correct or amend the information and then generate the QR Code.

What if I forget my Password?

Click on the “Forgot Password” and we will send the information to your registration email address.

What if I changed my email address?

What can you do with a HotStuffMonkey.com™ QR Code?

Click on the “Services” tab and review the current uses that are offering and what we are planning in the near future. We invite your input on the applications for your HotStuffMonkey.com™ QR Codes via the contact us form.

Is there a HotStuffMonkey.com™ Newsletter?

Yes. Sign up on any of the website pages.

Will there be a HotStuffMonkey.com™ Forum?

Yes. Check back often

What applications are there for a HotStuffMonkey.com™ QR Code?

Click on the “Services” tab and review the current uses that we are offering and what we are planning in the near future. We invite your input on the applications for your HotStuffMonkey.com™ QR Codes via the contact us form.