Bar codes not just for groceries anymore

[Algorem]

http://observer.case.edu/Archives/Volume_40/Issue_19/Story_2495/

Alison Dietz, News Editor



...
These bar codes can be read by almost any phone with a camera and the ability to access the Internet using a program called ScanLife. ScanLife turns the average cell phone into a bar code reader that works as easily as the self-checkout lanes at Giant Eagle.

...

Users can also use the site to create codes for personal use. Linking a code to a website allows the creator to find out who is accessing their site and how often, useful for local businesses to tailor advertising or content.

The bar code technology is already in use in Japan, where codes appear on anything from produce to buildings to fast food. One Japanese woman even tattooed a code on herself that could be scanned to access her profile page, according to team member Nsi Obotetukudo.
...

The possibilities for this technology are endless, according to Obotetukudo. "Text messaging was the first wave," he said. "At first people were skeptical, but now everyone incorporates text messaging." Facebook and other social networking sites had similar beginnings; MobileDiscovery is looking to provide another, similar medium...

[IDemo]

1. I've always thought something like this would be a useful tool for the blind

by helping to identify items such as canned foods.

[Lithos]

2. This was the old scancat idea

Didn't work too well.

L-

[Tesha]

3. See "CueCat"...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CueCat