December 6, 2003
Sem@code: real-world hyperlinks with a camera phone
From E-Media Tidbits: "The notion of printable barcodes that contain web URLs is resurfacing, and this time it could be really useful: links between physical objects, or places, with web-based resources. Don't have a computer and barcode scanner handy? The Sem@code project website outlines how it could be done with photo phones, whose utility as web access devices is sometimes hampered by the difficulty of entering URLs.
"Point your Nokia 3650 or Sony Ericsson T610 at a bus stop sign (with this type of code on it) and get instant data on the next bus. Look up restaurants nearby. Or get any other information that's location-sensitive."
For more on related "Cue Cat" technology and articles:
-- Technology links ads to website via cell phone - M Ken Co has developed technology that allows users of cell phones with a camera function to photograph an advertisement containing an electronic watermark and then immediately connect to a related website.
-- New Commerce System Uses Barcode on Picture Phones - A Japanese firm, Mediastick Inc, announces technology that allows camera-phone users to buy a product just by snapping a picture of it.
-- Comparison book shopping on Amazon.com thanks to Nokia camera phones and Neomedia Technologies - Customers can take a picture of the ISBN of a book, for wireless comparative pricing information through amazon.com.
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