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Will Tri-Colored Dots Supplant QR Codes?

By Rain Noe - July 5, 2012

in Tech

Casio uses what's called "visible light communication technology" in their new PicapiCamera iPhone app, which at first blush seems like nothing more than an overly simplistic version of a QR code. But while it's undoubtedly more simple, it could potentially see more uptake than the unpopular-with-consumers QR technology.

The PicapiCamera app flashes, on-screen, a circle that alternates between being red, green and blue. The camera on another iPhone captures those color changes, which are in fact encoded data in the form of a single 8-bit word and ID number. The receiving phone then sends that code up into the cloud, using it as a key to download attendant data to the receiving phone.

Because the technology is simpler, it can provide a much longer reach. For example, you need to be right on top of a QR code to snap a photo of it; with Casio's app, if the flashing dot was increased in size to say, 30 centimeters, it could be picked up by phones as far as 100 meters away. Meaning you could conceivably blanket an entire train platform, airport concourse or sidewalk outside of a movie theater, for instance.

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Bryan

12 years ago

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QR codes are for print to digital communication. This is an analog method of performing digital to digital communication. Which may be the single best example of inventing something nobody needs that I've ever seen.
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W

12 years ago

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Casio expects to see wider acceptance than a QR code? First, it requires a display mechanism that increases marketing costs. Second, there are easier ways to do augmented reality. If you are trying to send a message to a consumer through a display, why not send it to them directly? Beyond the gimmick factor, expecting the consumer to decode the message will limit the number that will actually receive the message.

QR codes are frequently found in printed media and add minimal cost. Contrary to your statement, QR codes can be printed larger to allow scanning from further away. You can embed links and other data in QR codes that can be decoded locally and doesn't require Internet or cloud access. They make it easier than typing in a URL or contact information directly. We have been using QR codes in various printed materials for a couple of years and have seen ever-increasing acceptance, when used correctly.

QR codes are unpopular with consumers? Or the author? Industry data has shown substantial uptick in usage and would lead me to believe the latter. I agree that they are a designers worst nightmare, but they solve several problems that won't be solved by the Casio solution.
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Eric Irish

12 years ago

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The requirement of the dots to change color will mean that the technology will never supplant the plain, printed, QR code that doesn't need any setup or energy to sustain.
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