Guide for QR Usage Guidebook

    Ver. 1.0　Published:

    This guidebook is aimed at those who agree with the policies of Guide for QR and wish to adopt them. It lays out standards for appropriate implementation as well as the intent and context behind them.

    Application of Guide for QR

    Scope

    Packaging and printed materials printed with a QR Code

    Order of Precedence

    • If laws or regulations in the country or region where the target will be used differ from the standards in this guidebook, local laws and regulations take precedence over this guidebook.
    • If the specifications of any of the components are changed due to difficulty in meeting the standards in this guidebook, the changes should be validated by conducting user tests.

    Contact for Inquiries

    Guide for QR Office, Sony Corporation

    sec-guideforqr-office@sony.com

    Components of Guide for QR

    Guide for QR is composed of three types of palpable features placed in proximity to the QR Code.

    ① Tactile frame of
    L-shaped parts

    ② Semicircular cutout

    ③ Line of tactile dots

    Note

    • “Tactile” in this case refers to a bumpy texture projecting from the surface. Holes or indentations are less readily perceptible by touch.
    • The standards for the size and placement of each component remain the same even when the QR Code has inverted colors or is flipped horizontally.

    ① Tactile frame of L-shaped parts

    The QR Code is surrounded by a frame consisting of four L-shaped tactile parts.
    Select either the S, M, or L size according to the size, purpose, and structure of the target.

    Size standards

    • S size: 23 mm on the outside of the tactile frame; 12.7 mm on each side of the QR Code
    • M size: 32.6 mm on the outside of the tactile frame; 20.0 mm on each side of the QR Code
    • L size: 38.4 mm on the outside of the tactile frame; 24.6 mm on each side of the QR Code
    • Tactile thickness: more than 0.2 mm (0.4 mm recommended)
    • Frame width: 2.5 mm
    • Spacing between parts: 3 mm

    Placement standards

    • The QR Code is at least 20 mm away from any walls (10 mm at minimum if this is difficult to achieve).
    • The frame is within easy reach of the user’s hand.
    • There are no similar palpable features on the same surface as the frame or in its proximity.

    ② Semicircular cutout

    A semicircular cutout is placed in proximity to the QR Code to indicate its location.

    Size standards

    • Cutout diameter: 7 mm

    Placement standards

    • There are no similar palpable features on the same surface as the cutout or in its proximity.

    ③ Line of tactile dots

    If the distance from the cutout to the frame of L-shaped parts is 13 mm or more, a line of tactile dots is placed to guide users to the QR Code.

    When changing the direction of the line of bump dots, use rounded corners rather than right angles.

    Size standards

    • Dot diameter: 2 mm
    • Tactile thickness: more than 0.2 mm (0.4 mm recommended)

    Placement standards

    • Spacing between dots: 1 mm
    • The line consists of four or more dots.

    Straight line of bump dots

    Curved line of bump dots

    Intent and Basis of the Standards

    Minimum size of the QR Code

    Based on a survey of users with low vision, which revealed that a square silhouette is important in identifying a QR Code, a minimum size has been set that allows it to be identified as a square even when blurred.

    Distance from walls

    An adequate margin has been set so that walls do not impede tactile perception when touching Guide for QR with fingers.

    Size of bump dots

    A size that is neither too large nor too small has been set to maintain a balance between the tactile perception of a single dot and that of a line of multiple dots.

    Size and shape of cutout

    A semicircular shape has been adopted to avoid misidentification as a hole for opening/closing if a finger slips inside, while also maintaining an adequately palpable size.

    Checklist

    QR Code and frame of L-shaped parts

    • The tactile frame and QR Code are appropriately sized.
    • S size: 23 mm on the outside of the tactile frame; 12.7 mm on each side of the QR Code
    • M size: 32.6 mm on the outside of the tactile frame; 20.0 mm on each side of the QR Code
    • L size: 38.4 mm on the outside of the tactile frame; 24.6 mm on each side of the QR Code
    • There is a wall in proximity to the QR Code.
    • The QR Code is adequately distanced from the wall (recommended: at least 20 mm; mandatory: 10 mm).
    • There are no other tactile features on the surface where the QR Code is printed or in its proximity.
    • None of the components of Guide for QR overlap with the printed QR Code.
    • The tactile thickness is adequate (recommended: 0.4 mm; mandatory: more than 0.2 mm).
    • The L-shaped parts of the frame are appropriate in width and spacing.
    • Frame width: 2.5 mm
    • Spacing between parts: 3 mm

    Cutout and line of bump dots

    • The cutout is appropriately sized and shaped.
    • Diameter: 7 mm
    • Shape: Semicircular
    • The cutout is at least 13 mm away from the frame of L-shaped parts.
    • A line of bump dots has been placed.
    • The line consists of four or more bump dots.
    • The tactile thickness is adequate (recommended: 0.4 mm; mandatory: more than 0.2 mm).
    • The bump dots are appropriately sized and spaced.
    • Dot diameter: 2 mm
    • Spacing between dots: 1 mm

    * QR Code is a trademark of Denso Wave Inc.

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