10/27/09

POC: online barcode qrcode scan with webcam

This is proof of concept(POC). The idea is to scan rebates, coupons, tickets etc. in the forms of barcode and qr-code using your web-cam.

Such an idea is really nothing new. With cellphone, you can now scan the barcode when you pick up an item in store, and get price information on whether it is cheaper at nearby stores or online. Also barcodes on cellphone can now be used for mobile ticketing.

But I have not heard a lot about scanning rebates/coupons/tickets with webcam online. So I created this POC project.
Screenshot:


It somewhat works. QR-code works consistently but most of times the program can not read UPC and code 128. I am sure with some added backend photo processing, I can improve the result, but I doubt it will help a lot. Two of my 3 webcams have a focal length that make it impossible to snap a clear code image, unless of course the image is real large like 400x400 or 500x500px. So I guesstimate most webcams are not suited code scanning?

Here's actual page in a iframe:


The frontend is build with Flex SDK. The webcam code come straight from here.
The backend is using Zxing.
The QRcode test sample is generated from here with google chart api.

5 comments:

Unknown said...

Hi there. I just love this one and I have been surfing the web for ages to finally find your solution! Hope I wille get it to work. Thanks for sharing

Anonymous said...

hello. can you share your files? please :)

Anonymous said...

Very nicely done! thanks for sharing dude

Simarjot said...

Hi there, I really liked your work. If you don't mind sharing your, can you please share it to me at my email address: simarjot.singh.jassal@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

Your blog is written very well and full of interesting, I enjoy reading your blog and hope to see more.
By the way,can you share your files with us?



Labels: QR code Online Barcode Scan Webcam