Bar-code scanning phones

Updated July 22 2005
It has been brought to our attention that NoeMedia claims ownership of the patent on some of the technology discussed in this article. For more information, please visit the Paperclick web site and read their patent infringement press release

Bar-code scanning is not a new application to wireless. Indeed, mobile computer maker Symbol Technologies Inc.'s primary business is selling wireless bar-code scanners to inventory managers and other businesses.However, Scanbuy and a handful of other startups are hoping to bring bar-code scanning to the consumer market.

The primary selling feature for such technology is giving shoppers instant access to Internet pricing databases like Amazon.com. By snapping a picture of a product's bar code, camera-phone users would be able to see if they're getting the best possible price and also could get user reviews and other comparison information. But that's not the only application-those in the bar-code scanning market hope to distribute all sorts of information through codes.

Bar codes "are the bridge between traditional media and mobile media," explained Jim Levinger, CEO of bar-code scanning company Nextcode. Nextcode joins Scanbuy, Semacode, OP3 in Sweden and others in working to uncover the opportunities in bar codes and camera phones.

Ubiquitous at supermarkets, shopping malls and other retail outlets, UPC bar codes feature a distinctive series of lines and spaces that correspond to a 12-digit item number used to identify each specific retail product. Although all camera phones can take a picture of a standard bar code, most current models don't have the optical technology to decode it. However, newer high-end megapixel camera phones have the optics to discern the lines and spaces of standard bar codes. That's where Attia wants Scanbuy's technology to play. For more information see www.scanbuy.com