Acoustic barcodes store data in sound, go on just about anything (video)

Technologies like NFC, RFID and QR codes are quickly becoming a normal part of everyday life, and now a group from Carnegie Mellon University has a fresh take on close-quarters data it calls acoustic barcodes. It involves physically etching a barcode-like pattern onto almost any surface, so it produces sound when something's dragged across it -- a fingernail, for example. A computer is then fed that sound through a microphone, recognizes the waveform and executes a command based on it. By altering the space between the grooves, it's possible to create endless unique identifiers that are associated with different actions. It's easy to see how smartphones could take advantage of this -- not that we recommend dragging your new iPhone over ridged surfaces -- but unlike the technologies mentioned earlier, not all potential applications envisage a personal reading device. Dot barcodes around an area, install the sound processing hardware on site, and you've got yourself an interactive space primed for breaking freshly manicured nails. We're pretty impressed by the simplicity of the concept, and the team does a good job of presenting scenarios for implementing it, which you can see in the video below. And, if you'd like to learn a little more about the idea or delve into the full academic paper, the source links await you. Continue reading Acoustic barcodes store data in sound, go on just about anything (video)Filed under: Cellphones, Misc, Software, AltAcoustic barcodes store data in sound, go on just about anything (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 13 Oct 2012 00:57:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Hack a Day  |  Chris Harrison (1), (2) (PDF)  | Email this | CommentsNexus 7 Coaster Brake Nexus 7 Cover Nexus 7 Cover (Dark Grey) Nexus 7 Cover Amazon Nexus 7 Cover Asus Nexus 7 Cover Blue Nexus 7 Cover Case Nexus 7 Cover Dark Grey Nexus 7 Cover Dark Grey Review Nexus 7 Cover Grey Nexus 7 Cover Hands On Nexus 7 Cover Keyboard Nexus 7 Cover Leather Nexus 7 Cover Magnet Nexus 7 Cover Pink Nexus 7 Cover Release Date Nexus 7 Cover Review Nexus 7 Cover Slim Nexus 7 Cover Stand Nexus 7 Cover This Week Nexus 7 Cover Today Nexus 7 Cover With Keyboard Nexus 7 Dock Nexus 7 Dock Asus Nexus 7 Dock Charging Nexus 7 Dock Connector Nexus 7 Dock Hdmi Nexus 7 Dock Keyboard Nexus 7 Dock Mode Nexus 7 Dock Pinout