QR Code is an interesting new technology. Invented in Japan, QR is short for Quick Response. They can be read quickly by a smart phone by using QR reading apps. They can store more information than a standard bar code; such as URL links, Latitude and Longitude, text (upto 250 characters) etc. Another advantage over bar code is that you won't need a separate hand-held scanner, by using QR reading apps on your smart phone you will be able to read them.
Here is an example...
This is a QR Code for a text phrase, "Relax! It's On Air". I used a free QR generator at Kaywa. For reading this QR I use a free Android app "Qr Barcode Scanner" on my Smasung Galaxy S2. There are other free QR Generators as well as readers available. [To learn more about this technology, you can read Marc Lyne's article or check out the USA Today article, "What's a QR code and why should you care?".]
Can we use QR code for DAS industry?
We are exploring a few options in a current DAS project in a large healthcare campus expected to be completed in a month.
One of the unique problems with the DAS is, unlike outdoor macro cell site, majority of the DAS elements (cable, connector, splitters, couplers) are hidden. Also, since all the components can be spread out over a large area can it be used for quick identification of elements (examples 1 and 2). It may also be used for posting spec sheet or manual via a URL code (example 3).
Example 1:
This says: "Splitter 27 is above this ceiling tile. It is connected to splitter 28 at one end and 2 antennas on the other end: S3-E-A46 and S3-E-A47.
Contact Kevin Wysocki, On Air Solutions for more question (469-337-0174)"
This image can be resized into a small image, and posted at the intersection of a ceiling grid. Up side is this will quickly allow us to find RF elements and information about them - which would be otherwise difficult to locate. Downside is, if not properly sized, it may just look little odd, and building authority may not allow you to use this. In most cases, however, it will not be a problem.
Example 2:
This one is packing quite a bit of information:
"Remote Optical Unit ID: S3.M-SW1.ROU13
Connected to antennas:
S3-A44 = Main lobby of E. Pavilion
S3-A45 = North east corner by TR 12
S3-A46 = North west corner by Conf rm A3
S3-A47 = South West corner
S3-A48 = South east corner
By On Air"
We will use it next to a remote unit located in a telecom closet. We will also post a small laminated copy on the outside of the closet, so that when we are looking for the remote in a few years (or months), we can quickly locate the closet without going into it - provided off course, the QR code is still there (that's an adhesive problem though! :)
Example 3:
When scanned, this one will simply show a URL: http://solidtechusa.com/resources.php. With scanning and touching the URL, user can quickly go to a specheet. If you had looked for specsheets before in the field, you will realize this little action can add a lot of value.
That's all for now. If you find any useful or interesting use of QR codes in DAS industry, please share.
Here is an example...
This is a QR Code for a text phrase, "Relax! It's On Air". I used a free QR generator at Kaywa. For reading this QR I use a free Android app "Qr Barcode Scanner" on my Smasung Galaxy S2. There are other free QR Generators as well as readers available. [To learn more about this technology, you can read Marc Lyne's article or check out the USA Today article, "What's a QR code and why should you care?".]
Can we use QR code for DAS industry?
We are exploring a few options in a current DAS project in a large healthcare campus expected to be completed in a month.
One of the unique problems with the DAS is, unlike outdoor macro cell site, majority of the DAS elements (cable, connector, splitters, couplers) are hidden. Also, since all the components can be spread out over a large area can it be used for quick identification of elements (examples 1 and 2). It may also be used for posting spec sheet or manual via a URL code (example 3).
Example 1:
This says: "Splitter 27 is above this ceiling tile. It is connected to splitter 28 at one end and 2 antennas on the other end: S3-E-A46 and S3-E-A47.
Contact Kevin Wysocki, On Air Solutions for more question (469-337-0174)"
This image can be resized into a small image, and posted at the intersection of a ceiling grid. Up side is this will quickly allow us to find RF elements and information about them - which would be otherwise difficult to locate. Downside is, if not properly sized, it may just look little odd, and building authority may not allow you to use this. In most cases, however, it will not be a problem.
Example 2:
This one is packing quite a bit of information:
"Remote Optical Unit ID: S3.M-SW1.ROU13
Connected to antennas:
S3-A44 = Main lobby of E. Pavilion
S3-A45 = North east corner by TR 12
S3-A46 = North west corner by Conf rm A3
S3-A47 = South West corner
S3-A48 = South east corner
By On Air"
We will use it next to a remote unit located in a telecom closet. We will also post a small laminated copy on the outside of the closet, so that when we are looking for the remote in a few years (or months), we can quickly locate the closet without going into it - provided off course, the QR code is still there (that's an adhesive problem though! :)
Example 3:
When scanned, this one will simply show a URL: http://solidtechusa.com/resources.php. With scanning and touching the URL, user can quickly go to a specheet. If you had looked for specsheets before in the field, you will realize this little action can add a lot of value.
That's all for now. If you find any useful or interesting use of QR codes in DAS industry, please share.
These ideas are great, now we need to find a way standardize for what components, where and how the QR coding is placed, so the entire industry can utilize it for years to come.
ReplyDeleteI found this blog rather interesting. The details and precise suggestions are precisely what I was hoping to find.
ReplyDeleteinternational business company
i love this blog, am writing from south africa. qr codes? just solved my problem as i am busy doing a proposal for one of the mobile operators on how to keep record of their das systems. Most das sytems stay out of service because they have no records of what they have and were.
ReplyDeleteTrialed on Kaywa and it works like magic...