NAGOYA (Nikkei)--Denso Corp. has announced that its QR (Quick Response) Code, a two-dimensional alternative to the ubiquitous bar codes, has been standardized by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

Already used by Toyota Motor Corp. for its electronic signboards, QR Code has square-shaped detection patterns in three corners to enable omnidirectional reading. It was developed by Denso in 1994 and can store 100 times as much information as bar codes.

The standardization is expected to help expand use of QR Code and increase sales of Denso's own readers for it.

(The Nikkei Industrial Daily Monday edition)