How to add the QR Code Generator robot skill
- Load the most recent release of ARC (Get ARC).
- Press the Project tab from the top menu bar in ARC.
- Press Add Robot Skill from the button ribbon bar in ARC.
- Choose the Camera category tab.
- Press the QR Code Generator icon to add the robot skill to your project.
Don't have a robot yet?
Follow the Getting Started Guide to build a robot and use the QR Code Generator robot skill.
How to use the QR Code Generator robot skill
The QR Code Generator will create a QR Code with the text you enter. By default, the QR Code text is "Synthiam," and the QR Code Graphic is the same. Using your phone's QR Code Scanner App to scan the graphic will say "Synthiam." This control works in conjunction with the Camera Control.
QR codes, short for Quick Response codes, are two-dimensional barcodes that have become ubiquitous in various industries, including robotics. These codes consist of a pattern of black squares on a white background and are designed to be easily scanned and decoded by digital devices, such as smartphones and specialized cameras. In robotics, QR codes serve various purposes, from facilitating robot interactions to streamlining data acquisition and management.
What is a QR Code?
A QR code is a matrix barcode that stores information in horizontal and vertical dimensions. Unlike traditional barcodes that only represent numerical data, QR codes can encode various data types, including alphanumeric characters, numeric data, binary data, and even special characters. This versatility makes QR codes valuable for integrating information into robotic applications.
Relevance to Robotics:
1. Data Transfer and Configuration: QR codes are frequently used in robotics to facilitate data transfer and configuration. Users can scan QR codes with a compatible device when setting up a robot or configuring its parameters. This simplifies the process by automatically inputting data like IP addresses, network settings, or control commands, saving time and reducing the risk of errors.
2. Instructional Material: QR codes can be included in user manuals, technical documentation, or robot parts to access relevant information quickly. For instance, a robot's QR code can link to an online resource with instructional videos or maintenance procedures, helping users troubleshoot issues and perform tasks efficiently.
3. Robot Interactions: In human-robot interactions, QR codes can serve as a medium for communication. For example, a robot can display a QR code on its screen, which users can scan to access a webpage containing information, surveys, or a means to leave feedback. This enables a seamless and user-friendly way for humans to interact with robots.
4. Inventory and Asset Management: QR codes are employed for inventory and asset management in robotics. Each robot or robotic component can have a unique QR code that stores serial numbers, manufacturing dates, maintenance history, and more information. This data simplifies tracking and management of robotic assets within a large-scale operation.
5. Error Detection and Correction: QR codes incorporate error correction techniques, allowing them to remain functional even if some code is obscured or damaged. This feature is valuable in robotics for applications where the code might get dirty or partially obstructed, ensuring reliable data retrieval.
6. Navigation and Localization: Some robots utilize QR codes for navigation and localization purposes. These codes can be strategically placed in an environment to help robots determine their position or guide them along predefined paths. This is especially useful in industrial automation and warehouse applications.
QR codes play a pivotal role in robotics by enhancing efficiency, simplifying data transfer, improving user interaction, and supporting asset management. QR codes in robotics are expected to evolve as technology advances, making them an essential tool for robot developers and users alike. Understanding and leveraging QR codes can greatly enhance robotics applications' functionality and user experience within the Synthiam ARC ecosystem.
Scripts
The Camera Control can be set to recognize QR Codes. When you view the Camera Config, look under the Scripts tab and notice the QR Code Scripts. You can specify a different script to execute for each recognized QR Code. There is also the ability to create a script to execute every QR Code found but not recognized within the list. You may use this script to detect a web URL and open the web browser, as in the QR Code Example (Found under Examples Menu Bar Option).
Variables
You will find a selection of Variables in the Camera Config's Script Tab under the Camera Control. The detected QR Code text will be stored in the specified variable.
Tips
More text within a QR Code increases the resolution required for detection. If your QR Code contains the letter "A," it will be much easier to detect than if it had the word "Apple." This is something to consider when creating custom QR Codes for your Synthiam Application. If you want the robot to detect the QR Code easily, choose short QR Codes. We usually recommend using a single letter or number.
*Help: There are example projects for this control. Please look under "Examples" within ARC
Had some questions for this skill I realize that it is setting up a variable for each QR code but is it possible to encode a x,y,z location in in the variable. Say you have a wall full of products and you want to find a certain item, you could move the camera close to the xyz location then the Qr tracking could kick in to retrieve the item. Rather than making multiple variables for each x y z location of an item possibly just make a long number and then decode the number. Example x=12 y=18 z=45 so item "oil can"=33 could be turned into a number also. 33121845 and a script could decode the number. I've asked for spreadsheets but for some reason -probably really slows it down- it was never made but now you can see why I'm asking. How could you do that in Blockly? Thanks, Don
I reside in Tennessee now - from NY
Yesterday we went downtown and saw may bands.
I noticed everyone had QR codes for their websites or whatever,
Also all the places we parked used QR codes.
Good thing to know
I'm finding that it's so convenient to pull out my cell phone and (after pulling up the QR code reader) scan a displayed code to go to do something connected in whatever you are there taking part in. For example there has been a few times when I needed to pay for parking at an airport or a city parking space. There would be a QR Code displayed on a big sign. I simply scan that code and go to the website, enter my car license plate number and pay for my parking. They even give me the option to send me texts when my paid for time is getting close to expiring. Now this is good use of technology that benefits us.
I wouldn't be to quick to scan codes Dave unless you want to go to my parking pay website that I just created 5 minutes ago and stuck a QR code for it on the parking sign and give me $20 every time you want to park your car.
This is a common one for bitcoin as well. People replace the QR code on signs for a new QR code and all your coins are belong to us.
big professional QR signs would be pretty hard to replace.
I know we always need to watch what we are doing.
Thanks for the heads up. I'll keep an eye open when doing this. So far I've only come across professional signs that is very clear that they are placed there by the original vendor.
This is a really common scam. All you need is a printer and some sticker paper. https://www.bbb.org/article/scams/28996-bbb-scam-alert-double-check-that-qr-code-before-you-pay-for-parking
great info Nink
I as talking about large professional QR signs at parking places - put up high.