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NOTE: You can now PURCHASE DEADLINE exclusively from bookhitch.com!
SPECIAL RELEASE
We are celebrating the release of the Community Book Project!
As the finished book represents a distinctive idea, we decided to take its uniqueness a few steps further by including technologies that are not currently used in the mass market.
Two specific elements sets this book apart from others on the market so here’s a sneak preview, and explanation of how we are incorporating RFID tags and QR Codes into our “Future of the Book” concept.
We believe that both of these technologies have a functional place in the publishing industry.
RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) Tags
How we are using RFID tag technology
RFID uses radio waves to transmit data in between a tag (programmed with the data) and a handheld reader (see diagram below)
- In step one the RFID tag reader sends out a signal activating the tag
- In step two the tag is activated and transmits the pre-programmed data back to the reader (in our case the ISBN and Price) and the information is displayed
Basic tags contain information about a product. In our case, the tags we are using can only contain a certain number of characters: 24. So, we are programming the tags with unique information to the book: its ISBN Number and Price.
So, if a book were sitting on a bookshelf with a tag inside, you would be able to use the reader to send out a signal and figure out information about that book. You could even work out how many books you have on the shelf.
More information about RFID Tags
RFID tags can be used to streamline distribution processes as you can track where products are in your supply chain. The major retailer Wal-Mart already requires that anyone who desires to sell products in its stores must used RFID tags so they can track the products from the warehouse to their shelves.
The RFID traditionally comes in the form of a tag, which can be added to labels and placed into products such as books. The tag is a small object, such as an adhesive sticker, that can be attached to or incorporated into a product. RFID tags contain antennas to enable them to receive and respond to radio-frequency queries from an RFID transceiver. The tag in our book is a passive tag, which means that there is no active power source. In other words, a reader is needed to see the information contained within the tag.
Want more information? Please visit DataScanSystems.
QR Codes (Quick Response Codes)
QR Code can be described as a two-dimensional bar code system. It was developed by Denso Wave and was released in 1994 with the goal of inventory scanning. Today, with the advancement of cell phones, QR Code is emerging in Japan as an innovative form for gathering information. QR Codes can store addresses and URLs. The unique images may appear in magazines, on signs, buses, business cards or just about any object that a user might need information about. People with camera phones can use the camera to read the information hidden in the code.
For example:
Using your Mobile Phone you would be able to read the URL encoded in this image (http://www.bookhitch.com) and be taken to our homepage.
We are using the codes in this book to send you to specific bookhitch web pages to find more information about certain features. On different pages throughout the book, you will see a graphic like the one above. Given the right technology (some of your cell phones are automatically equipped with a QR Code reader, others will have to download a program…see below), you will be able to read the URL, and be taken to a web page.
QR Code can send short messages, whether they are phone numbers, addresses, or text. QR Code also simplifies typing in URL addresses on phones. You simply scan the image using your camera phone, your phone reads the message and one of many things can happen: you can be taken to a web page, a short message appears, or you can store addresses in your phone book automatically (especially if the code is placed on a business card). To access it you will need a cellular phone with the correct technology for reading QR codes.
Want to see if your phone is compatible?
Download the application for your phone
(Most phone models are supported: Motorola, Nokia, Samsung, Sony Ericsson)
We also contacted the major phone manufacturers and found out certain models come equipped with the reader:
Nokia
The Nokia N95-3 phone and Nokia E90 Communicator were designed to include a barcode reader that support QR codes. These phones are Series 60 Symbian phones.
If you have a Nokia N93, N93i, N95 or E90, you will find the Nokia barcode reader preinstalled on your device, ready to scan mobile codes around you.
You can also install the Nokia barcode reader onto Nokia N80. Simply, download the application onto your computer for free and transfer it to your device using Nokia PC Suite. For more information visit Nokia N80 Support.
iPhone
iPhones come with the reader built in, but you have to download application.
Motorola
V8 and A1200 models can read QRCodes
There is also a generic version of the reader software being developed by Google.
Further information about available readers and QR Code generators is available at Kaywa.com
Got any questions, or comments? Contact us or sign up for more information.
Press Materials
Download Hi-Res Book Technology Graphic
Download Book Technology PDF Sell-sheet
