http://pfrithcsce436.blogspot.com/2011/03/paper-reading-17-uimarks-quick.html
Embedded Media Barcode Links: Optimally Blended Barcode Overlay on Paper for Linking to Associated Media
Qiong Liu, Chunyuan Liao, Lynn Wilcox, and Anthony Dunnigan of FX Palo Alto Laboratory
ICMI-MLMI 2010, November 8-10 2010, Beijing, China
Summary
This paper is an overview of the concept of and then a detailed look at the implementation of a barcode reader allowing multimedia information encoded in traditional paper documents to be viewed on cell phones. The two previous paradigms in this field are explained in some detail. First, there is the barcode that must be exclusive of text and is therefore reader unfriendly. Second, there was the barcode in invisible toner, which required phones to scan the entire document just to find it.
The innovation here is a semi-transparent barcode that can be distinguished clearly from both the text and the background. This has the best of both worlds and the worst of neither, as it allows data to be collected without making the paper unreadable on absurdly large.
The paper contains a wealth of technical information, and those interested can peruse it. The improved blending coefficient making the transparency feasible is the best aspect, according to the authors.
Best picture from the paper. Transparent barcode (barely) visible in top right.
Discussion
This whole idea is very interesting to me, as this hadn't occurred to me before and is, frankly, pretty cool. Something subtle and at least conceptually easy, like what is done here, while still being a big advantage, is the pinnacle of innovation. I really like their idea. One thing they could improve would be more, better visual aids. I wasn't impressed with the illustrations.
I think the next thing I would want to do here would be to see this in action! User studies are important, and they don't appear to have done one yet. (I realize they self-tested, but that's never quite the same thing).
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