The maze of shapes within the square may seem incoherent, but imbedded in them is a code which can pack plenty of information that can be scanned with a smart phone.
The phone displays the information from the scan.
It is a quick response code, the new version of the bar code, and within the next few weeks they will be seen on cars at White Motors in Roanoke Rapids.
Robin Lancaster of Cars-Cars-Cars, a General Motors and manufacturer website management firm in Roanoke Rapids, pitched the idea to the dealership and will be working to expand the idea to other dealerships and real estate companies.
Newer smart phones already have scanners included in them and with older phones a program called ScanLife can be downloaded.
“You turn the scanner on and it takes a picture,” Lancaster said today. “It takes you to the vehicle listing.”
That listing shows all the information about the vehicle that is normally included on a window sticker.
Lancaster believes the quick response code would be ideal to place on for sale signs on houses. “If you’re riding around Sunday afternoon and see a nice home the signs have no prices on them and you can’t get in the house.”
If the code is imbedded on the sign, a potential buyer can scan the code and be directed to the listing on the real estate company’s website to view all information available.
With cars, the information will be on a window sticker. “The uses are endless,” Lancaster said. “In 2013 GM will be implementing them on all their new vehicles.”
The images can be scanned from billboards, print ads, computer screens and televisions. They can be used on business cards and flyers, even coffee cups.
The information can send you to a website or let you receive a text message with contact information.
Higher end phones with telephoto cameras can capture the codes from billboards from 15 feet away.
Fred Rice, White Motors general manager, said the dealership is excited about the program. “Robin has been helpful and has guided us through the new technology. It’s going to revitalize a part of our business for the people who use technology to make their lives easier.”
A few cars on the lot already have the stickers with the quick response code, Rice said.
White Motors will start with the code on a specific line of cars and then spread them to the full line the dealership offers, including used vehicles. They will then begin using the code on business cards, letterhead and service orders.
For more information, contact Lancaster at 252-673-1481 or email him at
