Gaming
Microsoft has designed a new colour barcode, capable of storing extra information which can be read by webcams and mobile phone cameras.
The new High Capacity Colour Barcodes can hold twice the amount of data as the current system and will consist of up to eight coloured triangles.
Speaking to the BBC, research engineering director Gavin Jancke described the new barcodes as "more of a 'partner' barcode", adding, "the UPC barcodes will always be there. Ours is more of a niche barcode where you want to put a lot of information in a small space."
The extra information stored on the new barcode is expected to include email addresses or the URL of a website offering downloadable content. Consumers will be able to use their phones or webcams to scan the barcodes and access the data.
"The capability of these new bar codes to store more data in a smaller space should provide a rich resource for the industry and consumers alike," Jancke said.
"The new code offers several advantages over existing black-and-white bar codes most people are accustomed to seeing on product packages, enabling new consumer experiences, more visual appeal where aesthetics are important and the ability to incorporate advanced security features."
The new High Capacity Colour Barcodes can hold twice the amount of data as the current system and will consist of up to eight coloured triangles.
Speaking to the BBC, research engineering director Gavin Jancke described the new barcodes as "more of a 'partner' barcode", adding, "the UPC barcodes will always be there. Ours is more of a niche barcode where you want to put a lot of information in a small space."
The extra information stored on the new barcode is expected to include email addresses or the URL of a website offering downloadable content. Consumers will be able to use their phones or webcams to scan the barcodes and access the data.
"The capability of these new bar codes to store more data in a smaller space should provide a rich resource for the industry and consumers alike," Jancke said.
"The new code offers several advantages over existing black-and-white bar codes most people are accustomed to seeing on product packages, enabling new consumer experiences, more visual appeal where aesthetics are important and the ability to incorporate advanced security features."
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