This is the third part in a multi-part series about integrating the internet with the real world through barcode scanning technology.
In the first two articles we looked at the history of scanning barcodes with your mobile phone, newspaper print ads, and a new effort to bring barcodes to web printouts. Now we'll look at other uses of the technology including scanning products in store, scanning broadcast media, and even exchanging contact information with others through the use of barcodes.
Up until now, we've focused on scanning barcodes printed on paper, but that's not the only place where the mobile barcode scanning technology is being used. The ultimate goal for barcodes is to have them everywhere, from t-shirts to stickers to TV. Let look at what innovations are happening in these areas today.
To get you excited about the promise of what barcoding can bring, we'll take a look at what you can do with barcodes today as well as some of the industry trends. Since barcoding is still new to the U.S., this may be old news to some of our international visitors, but bear with us...we're trying to catch up here!
Instead of waiting for someone else to provide barcodes for you to scan, you can get involved with Semapedia instead. Semapedia.org is a non-profit project whose goal is to connect the physical world with relevant knowledge from Wikipedia. The community is encouraged to create 2D barcodes (QR Codes) and then venture out into the real world and attach them to objects. Any URL from Wikipedia, Wikinews, Wikibooks, and Wikisource can be used. While we love this innovative idea, a quick look at their map showed very few places where these codes have been used.
In Japan, you'll find QR codes everywhere including business cards, id cards, magazines, newspapers, flyers, posters, stickers, food products,puzzles, web sites, billboards,and more. (Thanks for the links, David Harper!) But here in the U.S. it seems we're still struggling to get the trend started. So why not let iPhone users lead the way? If you have an iPhone, there is one app that lets you exchange contact data with others through the use of barcodes - just like the Japanese do! The app is called QRContact (iTunes link) and it generates a contact's details as a barcode. To use it, you simply click on the "Address Book" button to select the person in your address book whose details you want to turn into a barcode. Of course, that means you'll have to enter your own information in your contacts in order to exchange the info with others. The recipient would then only need a barcode reader application installed on their device in order to read the code and add the info to their address book. Do a search in iTunes for "barcode" and you'll find a few free readers to choose from that will do the trick.
In an email from self-described "barcode nerd" John Young, we learned of all sorts of fun barcoded-related projects. He began by making a barcoded needlepoint pillow featuring a 2D barcode that linked to the Wikipedia page for pillow. After getting a little exposure on both BoingBoing and the NYT, he decided to extend the project and is now selling needlepoint canvases with custom QR Codes on them. You can find them here on Etsy: http://nerdlepoint.etsy.com.
After having so much fun with that, John decided to explore other wearables. Since so many people were already making and selling QR Code t-shirts (see our review of Japanese co. C-Shirt, too, if you're interested in how wearables work), he decided to venture into the world of patches instead. He launched the site http://p8tch.com where he sells velcro-backed "commando nerd patches." The system lets you change the target of your QR Code sort of like how TinyURL operates, so your patch can read something different whenever you want.
A company looking to take mobile barcode reading mainstream in the real world is StoreXperience. This m-commerce platform allows consumers to capture 2D barcodes from products. Consumers could then see product information, including local availability and customized offers right on their mobile handsets. StoreXperience isn't just limited to 2D barcodes, though. Their technology also supports RFID tags and soon 1D barcodes, too. Unfortunately, although StoreXperience has built a platform they aren't in any noteworthy stores as of today. We're disappointed that you can't actually use this technology yet, but we're keeping our eye on it.
John Young (see above) is now investigating the use of barcodes for real estate. He thinks it would be great if there was something (besides an infotube) which potential buyers could read while they're standing right there at the house. How about a mobile web-page linked by a barcode? To learn how to make your own barcode to do this too, keep reading...
But here in the U.S. and other parts of the pre-barcoded world, you may wonder what good is it to have a reader if you don't have any codes. Maybe it's time for us to generate our own codes and let the business world catch up with our own innovation! Right now there are numerous sites that let you generate your own codes. What you choose to do with those codes is up to you. Make t-shirts, stickers, flyers, posters, or anything else you want. Try the Kaywa QR-code generator, Nokia Mobile Codes, Winksite (which can also generate codes for RSS feeds), Denso-Wave creators, DataMatrix generator by IDAutomation, QR Code Generator by NFC Games, viooli, or even the Firefox plugin Mobile Barcoder.
If you're not much of a do-it-yourselfer, there's a good chance the technology will come to you. Earlier this month, CTIA announced a "Camera-Phone Based Barcode Scanning White Paper" (PDF) during a keynote event where they also demoed the technology. In the paper, they endorse two bar code formats: the open standard Data Matrix and the proprietary EZ Code. CTIA Vice-President of Wireless Internet Development Mark Desautels predicted that handsets using the technology will be widely available in 12-18 months.
On the surface, that sounds like good news: if you just wait, barcoding will come to you, right? As it turns out, it's not quite that simple. The proprietary EZ Code isn't read by anything except ScanLife by Scanbuy, so essentially, CTIA just endorsed one company's product. It's worth noting that Scanbuy was on the team defining the standard, Correction: Scanbuy was working with several carriers in a CTIA-initiated trial that contributed to the results of the white paper (as well as explaining to carrier executives how it should work), too. Opinion: Conflict of interest much?
The other standard supported by CTIA, DataMatrix, is an open standard and is free. Well, except for having to go through the Scanbuy gateway for processing. What that means is that in the indirect DataMatrix model, you ca't embed a URL in the barcode that resolves directly by DNS to a web address. Instead, the codes are given an ID number and these IDs are sent to a gateway for processing - a sort of man-in-the-middle (and potential bottleneck) who monitors the "clicks."
That's why the barcoding advocates here in the U.S. want you to support the open QR Code format. This is the more popular format internationally and is used in other countries like Japan, Australia, UK, and elsewhere. Thanks to its open format and freely available readers, innovation has flourished.
There are plenty of companies ready for this technology when it arrives. For example, CEO Ron Feldman of the text messaging reminder service Kwiry tells us that they plan to implement 2D/Mobile Bar Code input support when a critical mass of phones/consumers are actually capable of using this technology. Hopefully, that's only a matter of time.
Photo Credit: QR Scanning: PSD; QRCode Future: avlxyz
See also: The Scannable World, Part 1: Mobile Phones As Barcode Scanners
The Scannable World, Part 2: Scanning Your Web Printouts
TrackBack URL for this entry: http://www.readwriteweb.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-tb.cgi/8449
Comments
Subscribe to comments for this post OR Subscribe to comments for all Read/WriteWeb posts
This can significantly cut down redundant data and constant need of data verification and updates. One place to keep all attributes. In some ways this is very similar to aol keywords, except it contains all relevant information instead or a mere url link.
Can bar code be used to link to foaf or other similar microformats ?
Thanks for the writeup
Posted by: akedar.wordpress.com
|
September 26, 2008 8:11 AM
This is the future ... here's mine: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mpmb/2793952715/
Posted by: tj hanton
|
September 26, 2008 8:31 AM
In all fairness to everyone involved, the CTIA white paper is a US initiative, to get this technology moving in the US. It's also appropriate that they limited their choices to one proprietary code and one open source code at this time, to limit confusion with the end users.
EZ-Code is the only US based proprietary code I believe and more then likely why they were chosen for that type of coding method. CTIA realizes that there is a need at this early stage for both a secure method(proprietary) and a non secure method(open source), as some business' will want the more controlled method on an early stage new technology, to limit abuses and their bad exposure.
The indirect method at this stage provides that additional security over the indirect method, and lets consumers know that codes processed through this method are more then likely safe.
As you state, consumers or end users can go to various sites to create their own 2D codes, but the question becomes, do those sites screen the codes being generated to avoid malicious codes being generated that may hinder the adoption, by causing negative results to the end users, thus causing them to avoid the codes all together at future times.
As to the uses of the codes in real life, there is a trial going on in SF which deserves mention, and involves Scanbuys EZ-CODE, where the codes already for months now, have been put in use on the streets of San Fransisco, from store fronts to bus stop signs. This is a far more effective means of getting consumers to use the codes, then the web print ads example you used in part 2 of this topic. Both from an exposure and likely hood of use perspective, this example is far superior to print ads which most consumers ignore anyhow.
Posted by: brewskih | September 26, 2008 9:15 AM
I wrote about MoScure & DAEM bar code scanning solution, they take a different approach:
they use SmartCode™, which is a colourful, high-tech advance over the familiar black and white barcode or QR Code as it is popularly known. A SmartCode™ can be as simple as a logo of a company in full color with encoded data which can be decoded by pointing a camera phone to it.
A user needs only to point the camera on his/her mobile phone at a SmartCode™ icon, and use KliK M which decodes the photo. To use Kilk M, it has to be installed on the mobile phone, and it can be used on any mobile phone that has a camera or PDA. Kilk M the free software reads and deciphers the SmartCode™ and triggers the sending of data back to the device.
http://arabcrunch.com/2008/09/mosecure-daem-interactive-launches-breakthrough-non-intrusive-mobile-advertising.html
Posted by: ArabCrunch | September 26, 2008 9:38 AM
at brewskih Re: "In all fairness to everyone involved, the CTIA white paper is a US initiative, to get this technology moving in the US."
Get it moving for who? ScanBuy?
The CTIA white paper:
Combined this creates an environment where a select few control the experience AND the consumer data surrounding that experience.
I'm disappointed that another walled garden is going up.
...and what do you say to this brewskih,
"The proprietary EZ Code isn't read by anything except ScanLife by Scanbuy, so essentially, CTIA just endorsed one company's product. It's worth noting that Scanbuy was on the team defining the standard, too. Conflict of interest much?"
Unfair to say the least.
This is in stark contrast with the exciting potential of code-based services and content being delivered by anyone with a creative idea or business plan. Codes embedded with direct URL's go directly and instantly to the intended destination when scanning. In this open model many can flourish -- as has been the case in Japan, Australia, UK, and elsewhere in the world.
It's clear to me that the more popular QR Code format was intentionally not adopted so to hinder entry in the US by the many companies that either provide superior readers or services based on an open code format and ecosystem.
...and it is with these freely available readers and codes that many companies are building innovative services around.
The "evil" started with Neomedia attempted to kill innovation by being abusive with its patents and thereby take control of the market.
It got to the point the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) took on NEOM as a patent busting project - ultimately the USPTO rejected all 95 NeoMedia patent claims.
See: http://w2.eff.org/patent/wanted/patent.php?p=neomedia
One of the companies NeoMedia went after was Scanbuy.
IMHO Scanbuy learned from Neomedia's bad example and as such are pursuing other tactics to achieve similar result - this time for themselves.
Many of us see the 2D Code space as an ecosystem that should remain open and accessible -- to both large and small companies. http://www.semapedia.org/wordpress/?p=174
Re brewskih: "The indirect method at this stage provides that additional security over the direct method, and lets consumers know that codes processed through this method are more then likely safe."
The rest of the world has safely moved forward just fine with out these "additional security" measures in place. This is just the standard excuse used by ScanBuy, NeoMedia, and Kawya to set up a bottlenecking gateways and clearinghouses that enforce a tax on every code.
I'm hoping closed / indirect model is just going to fail on its own, so while I am not so worried that this will somehow take hold - i am worried about consumer adoption and acceptance as they struggle with some codes that work and others that don't.
Not a good first step for a technology with the wonderful potential to connect realspace with mobilespace.
David Harper
Founder & CEO, Winksite
One World. No Borders.
Posted by: David Harper | September 26, 2008 10:13 AM
So it's OK if I take someone's QR code and put in my African Bank Scam email's?
"...After you send me the check, you can scan this QR code and keep it as a way to contact me and know that I am legit..."
:P
Posted by: Todd | September 26, 2008 10:13 AM
What, a link to EFF "propaganda"? I'm disappointed, I was appreciating some objective commentary on this space from thie page until now. Please watch for the US patent office to weigh in..I'd rather you report that when it comes, than the biased stuff from EFF.
Posted by: JJ | September 26, 2008 10:18 AM
I would like some thing like this included as standard print option: Add computer readable version on page
To be able to send a letter, with a very subtle gray/yellow pattern under the text which contains e.g. a pdf of the letter. With added redundancy and digital signatures if required.
Those who receive the letter can then scan it, extract a searchable PDF version of the letter (should be verified against the scan just to be save). No need for OCR or anything like that.
Posted by: gmlk | September 26, 2008 10:29 AM
Pretty good article!
And thanks for promoting QR Codes in comparison to other formats which would include third parties etc. That is really important.
I wanted to point you to Snappr.net (http://www.snappr.net) which allows interaction with 1D and 2D Barcodes. You can create QR Codes, print them on shirts and other apparel and manage your account. There is also a Code-Type which is called 'Trade Code' that allows you to either link a classified ad or create a small mobile page when you want to rent your house, sell your car etc. You can also link your social network profile, music etc. and use 1D barcodes to retrieve information about products.
Hope you like it.
Cheers,
Philip
Posted by: Philip Stehlik | September 26, 2008 10:47 AM
@Brewskih
"why do you assume - USA users need 'protection' that only a closed money hungry carrier only licensed system" can provide when Japan uses the QR 'license free' open standard of QR codes and has way more campaigns and success than CTIA could imagine?
Cheers,
Dean
Posted by: dean collins | September 26, 2008 10:55 AM
at brewskih Re: "In all fairness to everyone involved, the CTIA white paper is a US initiative, to get this technology moving in the US."
Get it moving for who? ScanBuy?
The CTIA white paper:
Supports an inferior, proprietary, and closed code format controlled by a few.
Indirect access though gatekeepers (EZ Code & Data Matrix), rather then open and direct URLs resolved by DNS.
Lack of support for the open, standard, and IMHO superior QR Code format -- used worldwide with great success.
Combined this creates an environment where a select few control the experience AND the consumer data surrounding that experience.
I'm disappointed that another walled garden is going up.
This is in stark contrast with the exciting potential of code-based services and content being delivered by anyone with a creative idea or business plan. Codes embedded with direct URL's go directly and instantly to the intended destination when scanning. In this open model many can flourish -- as has been the case in Japan, Australia, UK, and elsewhere in the world.
It's clear to me that the more popular QR Code format was intentionally not adopted so to hinder entry in the US by the many companies that either provide superior readers or services based on an open code format and ecosystem.
...and it is with these freely available readers and codes that many companies are building innovative services around.
The "evil" started with Neomedia attempted to kill innovation by being abusive with its patents and thereby take control of the market.
It got to the point the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) took on NEOM as a patent busting project - ultimately the USPTO rejected all 95 NeoMedia patent claims.
One of the companies NeoMedia went after was Scanbuy.
IMHO Scanbuy learned from Neomedia's bad example and as such are pursuing other tactics to achieve similar result - this time for themselves.
Many of us see the 2D Code space as an ecosystem that should remain open and accessible -- to both large and small companies. http://www.semapedia.org/wordpress/?p=174
Re brewskih: "The indirect method at this stage provides that additional security over the direct method, and lets consumers know that codes processed through this method are more then likely safe."
The rest of the world has safely moved forward just fine with out these "additional security" measures in place. This is just the standard excuse used by ScanBuy, NeoMedia, and Kawya to set up a bottlenecking gateways and clearinghouses that enforce a tax on every code.
I'm hoping closed / indirect model is just going to fail on its own, so while I am not so worried that this will somehow take hold - i am worried about consumer adoption and acceptance as they struggle with some codes that work and others that don't.
Not a good first step for a technology with the wonderful potential to connect realspace with mobilespace.
David Harper
Founder & CEO, Winksite
One World. No Borders.
Posted by: David Harper | September 26, 2008 12:02 PM
David: Hear, hear! I completely agree that the barcode ecosystem thrives on open-ness. Like you, I very much hope that the closed/indirect method fails on its own.
Posted by: John Young | September 26, 2008 1:29 PM
Here is an interesting perspective from an industry insider:
"Someone at CTIA either took a bribe or failed an IQ test if they think this is going to work."
http://deancollinsblog.blogspot.com/2008/09/ctiacodescanactionteamwhite-paper.html
Posted by: Open | September 26, 2008 2:01 PM
@ David Harper
Regarding NeoMedia's patent (#6,199,048) currently under review by the USPTO, this was a "non-final" rejection.
http://i35.tinypic.com/nnjnz5.png
NeoMedia's patent lawyer has submitted his formal response to the USPTO. The USPTO now has 60 days to make their final ruling on the patent.
You state: "The "evil" started with Neomedia attempted to kill innovation by being abusive with its patents and thereby take control of the market."
It's important to understand that NeoMedia's patents cover a very specific process known as indirect encoding. This is the same patented process that Scanbuy is currently infringing on (litigation ongoing), and the same patented process that CTIA and all 5 US carriers just agreed to adopt.
That being said, advocates for direct encoding (Google's Sean Owens, David Harper, Dean Collins, ect) are not affected by NeoMedia's patents. So why the outrage?
NeoMedia has a right to protect it's intellectual property and a right to go after patent infringers like Scanbuy.
At one time, 1/3 of Symbol's revenue and a very large portion of their profits came from patent licensing. Qualcomm is another licensing success story. The same can be said for Nokia.
CTIA and the US carriers obviously see a great revenue share model in an indirect ecosystem that they do not see in a direct ecosystem.
Posted by: streetstylz | September 26, 2008 3:11 PM
@Dean and David
I too believe that the standards should be open. But are the US carriers going to buy into that? The answer at this time is more then likely no. The idea is to get all parties involved, and the US carriers are greedy and want to know whats in it for them.
As adoption occurs, the indirect method may well go by the way side, and security will not be an issue either as US cell phones progress and have more memory and better batteries, so that consumers can install their own security software, which will be abundantly available for mobiles at that time I believe.
But you have to start some where, and all this harping about Scanbuy being chosen does nothing to advance the methods.
So you believe that open source can be successful. Well go ahead and continue to use that method and develope your campaigns. Nothing in the CTIA decisions is stopping that from happening parallel with their initiative.
Its an early technology and there is room for all models at this time and as mass adoption occurs(THE GOAL OF CTIA) then the weaker models will fade to the background. Indirect will be one of those fading in my view, just as the Data matrix codes will cede to the QR which I have advocated for 3 years now. But it all has to start somewwhere.
Posted by: brewskih | September 26, 2008 3:56 PM
@brewskih
A barrier to adoption is requiring consumers to download a reader app to their phone.
While the CTIA approach looks to remove this barrier, it does so in a manner that creates a competitive edge for a few rather then provide a flourishing and open ecosystem for many.
-----
@streetstylz: "CTIA and the US carriers obviously see a great revenue share model in an indirect ecosystem that they do not see in a direct ecosystem."
DH: Well of course THEY do.
@streetstylz: "That being said, advocates for direct encoding (Google's Sean Owens, David Harper, Dean Collins, ect) are not affected by NeoMedia's patents. So why the outrage?"
DH: Does one need to be affected to think and help others?
Posted by: David Harper | September 26, 2008 5:26 PM
The common denominator for all PWC parties will be in getting all the various verticals such as web enablers, integrators, content providers, original equipment manufacturers, carriers, ad agencies, brands and ultimately the end user all working in concert. These verticals compose the entire eco system and will be relied upon heavily to make this somewhat complex and compelling technology acceptable across multiple locations and differing mobile operating platforms. However, it all starts with a level playing field and this is what the standards bodies are charged with creating. Fortunately or unfortunately, the field is still very much evolving and will require much more work to accomplish this end. That said, progress is being made one way, shape, form or another. Hopefully nationally and internationally accepted standards bodies will be genuine, sincere and honest in their entrusted capacity to do the right thing. But will everyone be satisified with the end results? We're making history here. Let us be careful and mindful with the way in which we choose to proceed.
All the Best, JP
Posted by: JPetroInc | September 27, 2008 5:39 AM
@Brewskih
Brewskih 15. "I too believe that the standards should be open. But are the US carriers going to buy into that? The answer at this time is more then likely no. The idea is to get all parties involved, and the US carriers are greedy and want to know whats in it for them."
The answer for that is simple - more QR codes deployed means more data usage.
More data usage means more profitable high arpu users.
You should go and read my blog and check out what telstra in Australia did with their www.QRious.com.au campaign.
http://deancollinsblog.blogspot.com/2008/06/are-you-qrious.html
It's totally woken up the market and now all 3g handsets come deployed with a QR reader from the factory.
For a long time people thought all the USA carriers would have to agree on a standard for it to flourish - the Telstra implementation has proven that NOT to be the case which is why they are now driving forward higer value data customers.
Cheers,
Dean Collins
www.Cognation.net
Posted by: dean collins | September 27, 2008 3:14 PM
Does anyone know of a free API out there that will allow the creation of these codes? I would like to use in a program that I am building, and need the ability to create them quickly and easily.
Posted by: Chris | September 27, 2008 10:57 PM
@ Chris.
It depends on the code format.
The Google Chart API now generates QR Codes and it's easy to work with. Find it here under Chart type - QR codes: http://code.google.com/apis/chart
For Data Matrix you have to install your own service.
For EZ Code you have to get a license from ScanBuy.
------
Note:
Under the CTIA indirect model Data Matrix and EZ Codes DO NOT contain web accessible URLs but rather ID numbers that need to be obtained from and registered with a "central registry." Upon scanning the data then travels through Scanbuy's gateway and a clearinghouse for further processing and redirection to the desired web address or web accessible content (This server-based look-up process is part of the NeoMedia patent that is "under review.")
Under a direct model (like that which Google supports with Android) or using open readers from Quickmark and 3GVision (i-nigma) the URLs you encode go directly to the web address or content.
------
Note to the NEOM guys:
I have no objection to an indirect model as it's useful for specific services/business models that require that look-up.
My objection is that the CTIA is:
1.) making the space uncompetitive for other reader companies (that includes you, Quickmark, 3GVision - whoever - by supporting a code reader spec that favors a single company.
2.) not supporting a direct model alternative (with QR Code or Data Matrix) that would fuel innovative services, DIY ecosystem, small companies - and be consistent and interoperable with reader technology implemented by carriers worldwide.
Posted by: David Harper | September 28, 2008 5:31 AM
@ Chris
re: "like that which Google supports with Android"
There are also many QR Code Readers available for download at the Apple App Store.
Nokia was the first OEM outside of Souteast Asia to include open 2D code readers (supporting Data Matrix and QR Code) on their various S60 models.
QR Code readers can also be download from companies like Quickmark and 3GVision (i-nigma)for most devices.
It was 3GVision's i-nigma browser under a direct model that Dean referenced above (re: telstra released in Australia with their www.QRious.com.au campaign.)
Historical note: Teaming up with NTT DoCoMo and Vodafone in 2003, 3GVision introduced their first mobile phone code readers in Japan -- and as such "launched" the consumer 2D code market.
Posted by: David Harper | September 28, 2008 5:50 AM
Wow, great discussion by some obviously knowledgeable people (i can't believe another RRW reader know Symbol/barcode?SCM stuff). Thanks for all the insight!
I looked into the data capacities of QRcodes a while back, and if I remember correctly, using a 2 megapixel camera the resolution is not great enough to encode *too much* info on its own. So, in many cases a "central repository" of sorts (maybe just url-shortener) will be needed. Or, so it seems to me.
Anyone care to comment on:
The maximum number of bytes that can be stored w/in a QRcode and still be read using phones with a 1.3 megapikel camera?
Posted by: Alex | September 28, 2008 7:52 AM
@ Alex
Certainly, the smaller the code the better and a url-shortener can work just fine in some cases.
...but it's not so much the megapixel of the camera but lenses support for autofocus/Macro focusing vs fixed focus.
Several years ago when NeoMedia and ScanBuy started their businesses the US had an installed phone base predominantly comprised of 1.3 and under megapixel cameras with no autofocus.
To be able to read ANYTHING on those phones the reader needed to scan a super simple code. As such, the work around wss for these companies to create proprietary formats that contained small ID numbers encoded within the 2D codes. It was a given that these ID numbers then needed to be sent off to a server for processing and forwarding.
It also meant they did not have to invest the resources in building a reader that could decode richer data -- instantly -- and on device. It is for this reason the indirect model put forward by the CTIA also included having Data Matrix handled with an ID code rather then an encoded URL or other data as one would find it in the wild.
(Note: This is just one of the reasons I am of the opinion the CTIA-sponsored carrier trials with ScanBuy are flawed and the results misleading to the team that wrote the white paper. How about some transparency CTIA?)
IMHO now that phones with cameras provide better optics the "work around" model of encoding IDs only is an inferior execution of 2D code scanning technology.
...and while the goal is not always to include more data within the code itself, native Data Matrix/QR Codes offer an open, richer set of encoding options for developers/services to take advantage of.
Posted by: David Harper | September 28, 2008 9:59 AM
The direct method is most of the time not direct either, but it's definitely the best and most interoperable approach today.
Posted by: Roger | September 28, 2008 1:16 PM
One problem with the suggestion that iPhones will aid the acceptance of codes - all of the readers I have tried on the iPhone SUCK! You must take a picture manually that is lined up very precisely. This usually takes a few goes. Its very tedious to use.
On my old Nokia E65 (running Symbian), I had the Kayawa reader that was simplicity to use. You started it up and it started scanning from the camera immediately. You just had to wave near a barcode and it made an audible 'click' almost immediately when it had decoded something.
Apple need to open up their API to allow real-time scanning from the camera, or the iPhone will never be a useful code scanner.
BTW, the E65's 2MP camera had enough resolution for QRcodes, even when they were a small part of the image. I never tried other code types.
Posted by: probate | September 28, 2008 5:48 PM
hey,
regarding semapedia: the map only shows a very small subset of the tags applied, there is no need for the user to geotag or even upload a tag to flickr. almost all of the tag invocations we can see in our logs are from tags that are not on flickr and the map.
good article btw!
best,
stan wiechers
co-founder: semapedia
Posted by: Stan Wiechers | September 30, 2008 5:17 AM
Re: NeoMedia
The experiences of this Dallas-based company would be an example of StreetStyle’s "tactics" to "bully" companies.
http://www.biggu.com/2008/10/01/barcode-ip-landscape
Posted by: David Harper | October 8, 2008 6:00 AM
@ David
I do not work for NeoMedia. My streetstylz blog and my opinions/comments do not necessarily represent the opinions of Neomedia/Gavitec or their clients.
That being said, I strongly beleive Big In Japan's ShopSavvy application infringes on multiple NeoMedia patents. Especially the following:
Patent #6,651,053 — Interactive system for investigating products on a network
An interactive search system for use with a global computer network, e.g., the Internet, using a search identifying barcode to rapidly and effectively obtain a supply of related information for presentation to a user. A computer, either landline based or mobile, may be used to input a UPC code, taken from a package or advertisement or prestored in the computer, to an implementing server on the network. The server contains a database of product and manufacturer identifying UPC codes and uses the input UPC code and the database to identify the manufacturer and is programmed to then perform a search of the network to locate sites relating to or operated by the manufacturer. Also, the server may search the network on a product basis to locate other sites containing the UPC under search. Using “parsing” technology, the server “pulls out” the product description, transmits it to and places it in a random access memory (RAM) or storage of the computer, and proceeds to perform further searching relying on the product description to uncover relevant information. Accordingly, using a single input, a collection of product-related and manufacturer information is quickly assembled in the computer available for a user’s consideration all at once at any time.
Posted by: streetstylz | October 8, 2008 10:49 AM
@ streetstylz
Let's go offline a bit. Ping me if you want to talk on the phone one day. dharper [at] winksite [dot] com
Posted by: David Harper | October 8, 2008 1:22 PM
Bar codes are NOT new to the U.S. The use of 2D Matrix symbols (such as QR Code and Data Matrix) in consumer-facing applications is what's relatively new. (QR and Data Matrix have been used by business and industry for years.)
Posted by: Bert Moore | October 15, 2008 5:02 AM
Here is a QR-code for maps: http://qrmap.linkstore.ru
Posted by: Den | October 22, 2008 11:05 PM