2D barcodes will rule the earth
I noticed that the user manual of Nokia N93 mentioned our barcode reader application on page 109, so I guess it is safe for me to write about this subject.
Here is a 2D barcode in Data Matrix format that has the URL to my blog http://blogs.s60.com/tommi encoded into it:
I created it with this Free Online DataMatrix Barcode Image Generator. Creating one took about 5 seconds. And did I mention it was free?
Now, Nokia S60 devices are starting to ship with a barcode reader application built-in.
(image stolen from Charlie’s blog post, sorry…)
1+1 = ?
I’ll let you do the math, but I believe this will be big. Huge. Massive. And not just in Japan, where it already is. They use 2D barcodes for everything imaginable - from business cards to magazine ads to billboards.
Two must-read bonus links:
Mainstream America is Ready for Bar Codes - Converging “Realspace” and “Mobilespace”‘
WINKsite: fusing the mobile and Web worlds through barcodes
Thoughts?
–
ps. I have used a sizeable chunk of my thinking and working bandwidth to 2D barcodes lately, and I might have totally brainwashed myself into a fanatic believer. Therefore, I don’t go into details, until I have some hard proof about how cool this stuff really is.
I think this is very, very cool, and would help an awful lot with an application that I’ve been interested in building for about a year now.
Is it possible to get the reader for earlier phones, for those of us who are trapped in the mobile backwater called the United States of America? Around here, the 6682 is exciting new technology.
Sounds good to me.
Is it compatible with Semacode? ( http://www.semacode.org )
Nokia does not currently offer barcode readers for “older” devices such as 6682. However, there are some 3rd party apps such as:
http://semacode.org/
http://www.connexto.com/
http://www.scanzoom.com/
I have tried some of these, but unfortunately with quite limited success.
I think the main problem in 2d barcodes might not be technical anymore. It might be more about how to create the de-facto standard(s). I hope Nokia is able to make this happen industry-wide.
As far as I’ve understood, Semacode is a slight variant of Data Matrix. As such, I would guess that our barcode reader app could read also Semacodes, although I haven’t tried it myself.
To be frank, I don’t understand the the value added by Semacode. Isn’t it just mandating the code inside Data Matrix to be an URL + having a Semacode logo + good marketing?. Could somebody explain this to me?
Interesting technology but not so convinient, simple as image recognition (like businees card reader from Samsung).
On my N80 barcode reader is far away from ideal or everyday life usage, too slow and incorrect sometimes
Like you mentioned there has been Semacode etc. for ages available for S60, but I haven’t seen any success with those? Is the logic here that when Nokia devices come with the reader, it will get some mass behind some particular solution and it will become huge? I don’t know, just bit of sceptic still.. And shouldn’t Nokia at least make this SW available freely to ALL S60 devices out there?
BTW, tried your barcode with N93 and have to say the application is pretty cool
> Is the logic here that when Nokia devices come with the reader,
> it will get some mass behind some particular solution and it will become huge?
Yes.
> shouldn’t Nokia at least make this SW available freely to ALL S60 devices out there?
Yes.
Actually, to all Nokia devices.
Actually, to all camera-equipped mobile devices on this planet.
As Confucius (or was it Lao Tzu?) said, a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”
Some Finnish magazines and newspapers (like Kauppalehti) have used 2D codes and applications developed by Upcode for some time now. But I’ve yet to see any innovative use for them. There are easier methods for getting today’s news on your mobile phone, for example (like bookmarks perhaps ;)…
This is great that Nokia is starting to support code scanning. However, the N93 is the Ultra High-end phone with very special optics. This is the only phone in Nokia’s line that provides a macro lens. QR code, while used widely in Japan, is designed for phones with macro lenses.
QR and Data Matrix were designed for industrial applications thus are inherently not well suited for standard camera phone use and consumer applications.
I encourage folks who are interested in code scanning with standard camera phones to check http://www.ConnexTo.com. This site allows free code creation of codes for URLs, contact information, SMS, and phone numbers. All codes are designed for standard phones (with no macro) there is also a free reader for Series 60 phones and select J2ME phones.
I love the barcode functionality, but there is one problem (one that book cover designers have been battling for years): bar codes are ugly. Before you yell at me, let me say that of course I recognize the elegance and beauty of good function, but from a package designer’s or advertiser’s point of view, this is an ugly solution. Sad, but true. That’s not to say that it won’t succeed — just to point out that there is a design barrier.
Um, what would this be good for?
Tommi - Thank you for including a link to my post.
Evan - Yes, the Nokia barcode reader application is compatible with Semacode. WINKsite (referenced at the “must-read bonus links” above) generates both a Semacode (Datamatrix format), QR Code and mCode bar code for your mobile site’s URL. The Nokia reader has been successfully tested with both Semacode (Datamatrix) and QR Code
Jukka - Re: “…shouldn’t Nokia at least make this SW available freely to ALL S60 devices out there?, “Actually, to all camera-equipped mobile devices on this planet.”
Yes, I wish they would.
Dan - Re: “Um, what would this be good for?” I pulled this from the post I made that was referenced above - http://harper.wirelessink.com/?p=83)
“Pulling It All Together -
Another way is to help people promote their spaces (mobile sites) in everyday situations and circumstances. Current camera phones now have good enough optics, resolution and processing power to be able to read these special bar codes on the printed materials we come across each day. As such, WINKsite now provides a set of unique bar codes for each of our publishers that link directly to their mobile sites and communities. With the ability to create a universally accessible mobile site that’s connected to physically distributed bar codes, we see our publishers creating a wide range of useful applications.
These applications include:
* linking print articles to RSS feeds and blogs
* delivering product or tourist information
* linking “lost pet” flyers to contact forms
* dating - use your imagination on that one
* “find me” maps
* promoting an event or concert on flyers/postcards
* connecting geocachers to mobile logbooks
* creating museum exhibits and street tours
* building scavenger hunts or “collect-them-all” games
* downloading ringtones, music, wallpapers or video (think indie artists)
* ticket sales for clubs
* directing people to your mobile site and/or storefront
* enabling mobile sales from catalogs or flyers
* distributing coupons
* conference badges connected to profiles
* business cards connected to company sites
* signing up to text alert services
* running competitions
* connecting mix tapes to podcasts or vidcasts
* connecting posters to podcasts or vidcasts
* enabling community interaction at public locations
As the World Wide Web showed, things really take off when users build out their own real estate. The success of the Web was partly a result of the distributed development of local content and economies driven by individual passion. It’s happening all over again on the mobile web. Be a part of it.”
Ideally it would be great if camera phones could read 1D codes (barcodes), but it will be a while for that.
The next best thing are 2D codes, but they have to be added to packing and they are a closed network.
Is this a Nextcode, OP3, Scanbuy code? See the problem?
Until there’s a universal scanning application, the way to allow ALL codes to be read is to include them in a universal database that can be resolved.
I see Yahoo/Flickr and Nokia doing this shortly.
Until camera phones can read a 1D code, the advertiser will have to change his packaging, or the consumer will have to jump through hoops.
Which is easier?
so where and how for free can i get a black and white graphic like that to link to my wap portal, http://micro.anina.net so that it will boot up the phone browser and go there?
Hi ya Anina. I generated these for you - both supported by Nokia’s bar code reader.
…but please test first.
Maybe Charlie Schick will do the testing for you (as he’s been testing mine until I get a N93!)
QR Code (Huge in Japan):
http://winksite.com/misc/anina_qr_code.gif
Datamatrix/Semacode:
http://winksite.com/misc/anina_datamatrix_bar_code.gif
The barcodes could go down well with Thinglinks (http://thinglink.org/)… They’re smart folks at ThingLink so I guess they have played with the idea of bar codes, but can’t say for sure as I haven’t followed too closely.
> The barcodes could go down well with Thinglinks
Niko, you are already the second person to suggest me this idea. I must check ThingLinks out (and maybe contact the folks behind it) later this year…
The Active Print project has been conducting public trials with barcode-based applications in the UK for some time. At activeprint.org you can download our code reader (EU only) for QR and Datamatrix codes. Optics aside, in general it provides a better interactive experience than the Japanese software I’ve tried. Try it on David Harper’s barcodes linked to above. Now create your own codes with added popup text at activeprint.org/codes.php. Incidentally, it seems likely that the majority of camera phones will have good enough optics to read “small” QR/DM codes in good time. In the meantime, the size of the code only matters in certain circumstances (see, for example, the award-winning “mobile experience” we did with the BBC).
Hi Tommi,
It is good there are different barcodes to choose from depending on the cosmetics or availability. I agree with Scott Schaffer that a universal reader is needed.
You’re correct that 2D barcodes are really cool. Especially when clicking on a 2D code can result in a personalized experience for the user. NeoMedia has this capability with their backend system.
Diane
http://www.camreader.jp/
Please check it.
This is Japanese No1 decoder.
As you know, Japanese market is advanced.
> It is good there are different barcodes to choose from depending on
> the cosmetics or availability.
> I agree with Scott Schaffer that a universal reader is needed.
Yep, agree. I think too that barcode readers should be universal, i.e. able to read most of the barcodes out there. However, I still would like to see de-facto standard(s) to emerge. Currently there are just too many different variations…
Everybody: big thanks for your comments. Really good points - this will help us in Nokia make better decisions about barcodes.
Hi,
I cannot find the barcode reader anywhere: where can I find it?
> I cannot find the barcode reader anywhere: where can I find it?
You can’t, not yet. It is not preinstalled in commercial devices yet, and the app is not publicly available for distribution.
To get an idea, you can try out other available readers like Upcode, Semacode etc.
Does this software work on UK phones i downloaded Upcode and semacode and cant get either of them to work, is there a good QR reader for N91 that works on UK phones
Cheers
Does anyone know who the IP provider is for the imbedded bar code reader function on the N93? Mediaseek is on 50% of phones in Japan that are equiooed to read bar codes. Gavitec (Germany) also has IP called Lavasphere for Smartphones. Thoughts from you techies would be appreciated. TIA.
Hi, I agree that mobile barcodes have a great potential. Not last to use for couponing and loyalty. I run a lotalty program with Sainsburys which you can se details of at http://www.thelightagency.com or http://www.shopscansave.com
With this system,there is a small software integration into EXISTING EPOS systems which allows them to scan barcodes off most mobile phones.
Let me know what you think?
Hi Andrew, I just checked out quickly your site. I don’t understand your concept well enought to give intelligent comments, but Deep Purple rocks
I repeat: Does anyone know who the IP provider is for the imbedded bar code reader (software) function on the N93? Has anyone with a new N93 tried the bar code reader? {Mediaseek is on 50% of phones in Japan that are equipped to read bar codes. Gavitec (Germany) also has IP called Lavasphere for Smartphones.} Thoughts from you techies would be appreciated. TIA.
Jon, I heard you, but I think I’m not allowed to comment about Nokia’s barcode reader implementation with this level of detail. Sorry.
Thanks, Tommi. I understand.
Jon,
Understandably, Tommy can’t comment on this, due to his position.
There is one universal code reader for camera phones, which is capable of reading and resolving 1d and 2d codes and which forms the backbone of the N93 reader. The product will work on other phones as well, but the N93 will be the first phone with the software embedded (i.e. OEM). The owner is Neomedia, but they have not launched the product yet. Expect launch in the 4th week of September.
Have you ever checked out NeoMedia’s “qode” for connecting the physical world to the electronic world? Check the patents. Go to http://www.qode.com and see how it works.
Yep, I’ve heard about NeoMedia. You have a nice looking solution there, but aren’t you afraid that the proprietary elements could make it less attractive candidate to emerge as a de-facto standard?
Thanks for suggesting, but no - I won’t check the patents. The patent world is not something I would do just for fun.
use SmartCodeStudio to print barcode
It’s in the qode
http://www.qode.com
yep,looks like Qode will be huge,can anyone else confirm that info about qode launch 4th week/september??
thanks!
Microsoft / Newscorp / Procter & Gamble / Nokia
NeoMedia’s qode
A Mobile Marketing dream team?
CTIA WIRELESS 2006
September 12-14, 2006
Be there !!
You Heard It Here First hit the nail on the head. September 12th-14th Qode takes over the world. I can personally confirm from “those in the know” that this launch is for real.
NeoMedia Technologies invites you to participate in the Pilot Program for its groundbreaking new free cell phone software called qode®, that links you directly to information and offers on the mobile Internet.
http://www.autoxperience.com/coupon/10PercentRepairs.jsp
Hi there, I just found this discussion and think you’re pretty much right with the potential. My friend Stan and I started our project http://www.semapedia.org to bring Wikipedia knowledge to the relevant places (and things!) in physical space. I think it is important that at this moment we create apps that show people what they can do with the codes. From experience people - especially non-techy people - really, really understand 2d barcodes right away, when they are presented with an application (such as Semapedia).
In any case, great article and great discussion
It’s an interesting article Tommi, but I’ve been unable to find the application for other s60 phones. My N80 for example didn’t ship with it, yet there doesn’t seem to be any download for an App I could find. It won’t really take off unless there is more support for people to start to use the technology.
Tom: it’s up to the product people to choose whether they include Barcode reader or not. With N80 I thought they include it in some variants, but don’t know for sure. It’s the same with N73 and N93.
I’ll take an action point to myself to figure out if we could actually offer the application as a downloadable option. Or do you Tommi already know more about this?
Seems like it’s taking way too long for Nokia to launch this barcode reader thingee. Anybody care to tell us all why? I’m starting to think it either doesn’t work very well…or there is some announcement coming up involving a third party provider of this technology to Nokia. Tommi, I know you know the answer, so come clean.
TIA.
Jon, I will post my latest thinking about this soon. Thanks for reminding
Please, Tommi…hurry up, ok??
Tommi…Christmas is coming. Thoughts yet??
Tommi…Christmas is coming. Thoughts yet??
Tested on N80IE, Nokia Barcode reader works for following 2D barcodes:
-QR Code
-Datmatrix
-UpCode
-Semacode
Like most of you, even I had trouble using this software.
What I found is that:
Keep the camera (phone) about 1 feet away from the 2d barcode.
Scanning from LCD monitor is problem, due to light, My N80 flashes multiple times, but no reflection from LCD restricts the scan.
So for LCD, solution is to increase the brightness.
Want to try ?
Links to 2D barcodes are available at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barcode#2D_barcodes
For a much better barcode reader than the Nokia barcode reader read this review: http://www.gsmblog.net/article.do?keyword=barcode-reader-test-kaywa
Fyi: check out the recently launched site
Nokia Mobile codes (Beta)
http://83.145.232.112/
The Mobile codes site can be found currently under the site Nokia Beta Labs
http://www.nokia.com/A4384041
(as reported already by Tommi in his blog entry of April 16 “Introducing Nokia Beta Labs”
blogs.s60.com/tommi/2007/04/introducing_nokia_beta_labs.html )
Another really good barcode reader is quickmark: http://www.gsmblog.net/article.do?keyword=barcode-reader-test-quickmark
This one however doesn’t support 3rd edition (yet?), but if you have a phone that’s supported this is probably a better choice than kaywa
Qode is a mobile barcode solution from Florida based Neomedia Technologies.
Neomedia is a lightning rod for controversy given the company’s intellectual property claims and it’s potential impact on the growth of mobile codes. Recently the EFF filed a patent busting dispute with the USPTO against Neomedia’s mobile code patents claiming they are “bogus”.
With CamClic java software you can read 1D and 2D barcodes with your camera phone. Right now a beta-version is tested in Sweden and China. Keep updated on camclic dot com and you’ll be able to download a free java software for barcode scanning to your phone soon. A PWC 1D barcode service for brand owners is also soon available.
Is this the same as Barcode Reader for Nokia S60 3rd Edition?
I have the nokia reader on my n80 but it doesnt work atol for me, ill try others, no use to me i jsut want to do it cos i can
it wont ever become big do you know why? it only works on a fraction of the handsets on the market. If everyone cant get involved (unlike sms) then its never going to be adopted by everyone.
Where can I download this qode software for my iPhone?
I’ve programmed an online generator for QR Code and Data Matrix.
Feel free to check it out!
I’ve programmed an online generator for QR Code and Data Matrix.
Feel free to check it out!
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I hear google is going to start adding apps that read barcodes
If you are interested in a 1-D barcode scanner for UPC and EAN codes that works with common Nokia S60 3rd camera phones, check out ZebraScan. It can be downloaded at http://www.annotatio.de/.
It’s free and you have the option to connect to Google to do a search on the code you just scanned.