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RedLaser ― Impossibly accurate barcode scanning

redlaser.com

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Re: RedLaser ― Impossibly accurate barcode scanning

#2

Post by dazzawazza »

Interesting that it uses the zxing library [1] which doesn't support EAN/UPC yet (on iPhone) and they have written EAN/UPC scanning and haven't been kind enough to donate the code back to zxing. I guess that would remove their developer license revenue stream [2].

I assume they use Amazon to get EAN->item mapping which is against the amazon TOS. If they don't I love to know what they do use.

[1] - http://code.google.com/p/zxing/

[2] - http://redlaser.com/SDK.aspx

Re: RedLaser ― Impossibly accurate barcode scanning

#3

Post by ZeroGravitas »

dazzawazza wrote: post #2

Interesting that it uses the zxing library [1] which doesn't support EAN/UPC yet (on iPhone) and they have written EAN/UPC scanning and haven't been kind enough to donate the code back to zxing. I guess that would remove their developer license revenue stream [2]. I assume they use Amazon to get EAN->item mapping which is against the amazon TOS. If they don't I love to know what they do use. [1] - http://code.google.…

I thought the iPhone didn't support those kind of barcodes due to physics based limitations of the camera/lens.

If they're doing something really clever to read these barcodes it makes some sense to not just give it away. The Apache licence does give them that option.

Re: RedLaser ― Impossibly accurate barcode scanning

#4

Post by jamesbressi »

Very interesting to note that as the popularity of these types of apps rise, so will brick-and-mortar retailers awareness and deterrent of them.

How?

Many retailers do not allow pictures to be taken in their stores, something that is very loosely enforced, but is enforced nonetheless.

One time I needed to take a pic of the description of a product in Home Depot so I wouldn't forget. Told the associate that and he said we don't allow pictures in our store, regardless of the reason. -- I took it anyway ;)

Now, with everything else facing retailers, especially the cost of payroll, I doubt they will fight too hard, but don't be surprised if it comes up in their training of employees more often and encourage those employees to enforce it more often.

Re: RedLaser ― Impossibly accurate barcode scanning

#6

Post by davepeck »

ZeroGravitas wrote: post #3
dazzawazza wrote: post #2

Interesting that it uses the zxing library [1] which doesn't support EAN/UPC yet (on iPhone) and they have written EAN/UPC scanning and haven't been kind enough to donate the code back to zxing. I guess that would remove their developer license revenue stream [2]. I assume they use Amazon to get EAN->item mapping which is against the amazon TOS. If they don't I love to know what they do use. [1] - http://code.google.…

I thought the iPhone didn't support those kind of barcodes due to physics based limitations of the camera/lens. If they're doing something really clever to read these barcodes it makes some sense to not just give it away. The Apache licence does give them that option.

All iPhones have good enough optics to detect 2D barcodes like QR Code. Linear barcodes like UPC were trickier until the iPhone 3GS, which has variable focus camera hardware that also admits direct access to camera frames. On the 3GS, barcode scanning is a cake walk.

There are many surprising things about RedLaser's success, but technology isn't one of them. I agree with OP that apparent violations of licensing (access to Amazon.com via mobile is not allowed) are surprising. Most surprising to me is how well RedLaser has sold given that barcode scanning was antiquated over a year ago by products like SnapTell. Why scan a UPC code when you can just take a picture of the cover of a book and have the product found just as fast, with as good or better accuracy? No matter if your photo is blurry, or badly lit, or out of focus, or only grabs a part of the book's cover...

Re: RedLaser ― Impossibly accurate barcode scanning

#7

Post by sil3ntmac »

ZeroGravitas wrote: post #3
dazzawazza wrote: post #2

Interesting that it uses the zxing library [1] which doesn't support EAN/UPC yet (on iPhone) and they have written EAN/UPC scanning and haven't been kind enough to donate the code back to zxing. I guess that would remove their developer license revenue stream [2]. I assume they use Amazon to get EAN->item mapping which is against the amazon TOS. If they don't I love to know what they do use. [1] - http://code.google.…

I thought the iPhone didn't support those kind of barcodes due to physics based limitations of the camera/lens. If they're doing something really clever to read these barcodes it makes some sense to not just give it away. The Apache licence does give them that option.

As they state on http://www.redlaser.com/SDK.aspx :

"WARNING: 10/14/2009 The RedLaser SDK currently uses an unpublished function to access video frames. Very recently, others have indicated that this will likely lead to rejection of any application using this function, including any application with the RedLaser SDK. We are working hard to find a solution, as we believe there is great potential for this technology on the iPhone. Please take this into account when considering use of the RedLaser SDK."

So they probably analyze a lot of different video frames before finding an accurate one.

Re: RedLaser ― Impossibly accurate barcode scanning

#8

Post by dminor »

davepeck wrote: post #6
ZeroGravitas wrote: post #3

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I thought the iPhone didn't support those kind of barcodes due to physics based limitations of the camera/lens. If they're doing something really clever to read these barcodes it makes some sense to not just give it away. The Apache licence does give them that option.

All iPhones have good enough optics to detect 2D barcodes like QR Code. Linear barcodes like UPC were trickier until the iPhone 3GS, which has variable focus camera hardware that also admits direct access to camera frames. On the 3GS, barcode scanning is a cake walk. There are many surprising things about RedLaser's success, but technology isn't one of them. I agree with OP that apparent violations of licensing (acce…

I'm surprised it's selling at all. Aren't there any decent free barcode apps for the iPhone?

Re: RedLaser ― Impossibly accurate barcode scanning

#9

Post by thorax »

I've been using the jailbroken Red Laser for a while-- it's accurate but not really "impossibly accurate". I spend a lot of times looking awkward trying to position products if the lighting or package shininess isn't just right. I've had it misread codes before, too.
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