Tiffany B. Brown

a mish-mosh of stuff

Barcode + Bokeh = Bokodes: A new way to encode visual data


Bokodes, a project of the MIT Media Lab.

Bokodes are very similar to QR Codes, which are standard in Japan and becoming more popular in Europe.

Like QR Codes, bokodes require a camera and software to decode the data. But unlike QR Codes, bokodes are much smaller and can store much more information. A typical bokode measures about 3mm across. That’s barely big enough to see with the naked eye. Cameras however can capture and read the bokode’s data with an out of focus photograph. Add a zoom lens and a bokode can be read from several meters away.

Small size + ability to be read from afar = perfect for any place where space or aesthetics are a premium. Expect to see bokodes used in museums, on small product packages, on driver’s licenses or credit cards, or even license plates.

[Via PSFK → Fast Company]

  • http://intensedebate.com/people/cecily cecily

    I'd also like to see libraries adopt bokodes/QR codes. Right now our practice is to dump a big-ol' honking barcode right on the front cover of the book, which can obscure the title, author's name, or otherwise mar the cover art of the book. Something small and unobtrusive that might live in the lower right-hand corner or even on the spine of the book near the call number would be heavenly.

  • http://intensedebate.com/people/cecily cecily

    I'd also like to see libraries adopt bokodes/QR codes. Right now our practice is to dump a big-ol' honking barcode right on the front cover of the book, which can obscure the title, author's name, or otherwise mar the cover art of the book. Something small and unobtrusive that might live in the lower right-hand corner or even on the spine of the book near the call number would be heavenly.