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UpCodeBlog

TUESDAY, MAR. 24, 2009

Downloading Mobile Code Readers – The good the bad and the ugly!

Outside of Japan the experience people are having downloading mobile code readers is very mixed. So why do these experiences range from fantastic to ‘crap?’ Let’s take a fast and factual look at this emerging technology and add some clarity on the subject. A Potted History Historically, barcodes needed to be read with a ‘scanner’ handheld or fixed. Codes types vary but the familiar ones are ‘open source’ 1D long barcodes you see on most packaging or square 2D codes for example ‘DataMatrix’ also on packaging (or ‘QR’). The step forward from 1D to 2D codes was because they are better at storing more information, more character types and can be printed in a smaller space. The ability to read codes with a Mobile began in Japan where Denso Wave created a QR code to track Toyota car parts 1994 (they subsequently made QR open source.) Denso, along with the Japanese Govt. and NTTDoCoMo in 2000 is how the push began to make all mobiles capable of reading QR codes (initially requiring a ‘macro lens’ – a magnifying function) but now with smart phones, better cameras and autofocus reading is more efficient. Japan’s consumers embraced the technology and it can now be used by practically everyone – but, this has been a joined up effort by the Govt., operators and manufacturers, tried, tested and preloaded reader application on phones – then it works brilliantly, of course! Present BUT - Outside of Japan that joined up thinking and commitment is lacking. So, herein lies the first ‘challenge.’ If you want a decent mobile code reader on your phone – you have to download it and there are only a few ‘free’ downloads from a few truly good providers of intelligent code reading technology/applications. To avoid boring you with the issue of code ‘standards’ let’s say that you should be able to read the ‘open source’ 2D codes with your phone and that’s DM or QR – in order to do that you will need to download a reader and go through the process of doing so, simple, but a process nevertheless as with any new download. Downloading the Application – Why does your phone ‘either love it or hate it?’ Not every phone has the capability to read codes, if you have an old phone or no camera that’s 2 immediate issues. For example Java and Symbian (and other operating systems) work differently. Some phones still don’t have particularly good cameras, others no autofocus – these are just a few examples. So, unless the operators permit the manufacturers to pre load, a) you have to do it yourself and b) not every phone will work the same nor necessarily be compatible. However, with a little effort and the right phone a substantial number of phones do work and work well. If yours doesn’t and you really want one that does then, in the meantime with all these ‘options,’ as with any phone – get the one you want, to do what you want it to do. The companies that provide readers can be divided into two types. Open source code readers for QR and DM (1D) and Proprietary code readers. Proprietary is essentially a specific reader for a specific code i.e. exclusive but restrictive. So for consumer use the best advice is get a DM/QR reader. More and more phones are becoming compatible all the time, the use of codes for consumer interaction is also growing all the time. I remember my first Apple Mac after being a PC user, it was amazing but not everyone’s choice and not so compatible with everything at the time – but I stuck with it, use it all the time and now wouldn’t be without it. Beyond the Consumer – a note regarding Codes for Commercial Use Back to the beginning where I mentioned QR used for track and trace by Toyota. As with many technologies they begin life in commerce and spill over to consumer. UpCode specialize in utilizing Mobile Optical Reading Technologies for improved systems and efficiencies for business and industry – this mobile access and interaction, often providing a more efficient and more cost effective solution than RFID can be applied to many commercial uses. For further details contact us.

Posted by Mark Hendriksen at 4:42 AM | 0 Comments