CardStar is a unique iPhone application that allows users to leave all of their rewards and membership cards at home and store the barcodes on their iPhone or iPod touch, where most common merchants can then scan the barcodes directly from the screen.
To the average consumer, this technology will definitely come in handy, but to us at barcode.com, this technology is revolutionary. Previously, 1D barcodes, which are used at most stores, could not be scanned directly from the LCD screen. This is because while the human eye will see black and white barcodes, the screen is really made up of red, green, and blue lines, which interfere with a laser scanner. The folks at CardStar were able to get around this by re-configuring the way the barcode/image is rendered on the LCD in portrait mode.
In a controlled environment using a Symbol/Motorola M2008-1400-0100 ZNR barcode scanner, CardStar was able to achieve a 100% success rate in scanning various reward cards fromm different merchants. They decided to test their new technology in common chain stores in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Washington, DC and achieved an 80% success rate. However, there were many uncontrolled variables such as user error, lighting, and antiquated equipment, but CardStar continues to experiment in order to achieve the highest scan success rates possible.
In order to maximize scan rates, CardStar suggests that merchants use handheld scanners, and hold approximately 5-7 inches away, just shy of being perpendicular. Consumers can achieve successful scans by using high-quality screen protectors and making sure the phone is free of excessive fingerprints and dust.
Currently, CardStar offers a list of over 130 companies across 6 categories where you can start adding your card information for use on the application. Future plans for CardStar include implementing custom coupons based on buying habits that would be sent straight to your phone, appeasing both consumers and manufacturers. As Andy Miller, the brains behind CardStar says, it’s all about having “the right offer, at the right time, at the right place.” For a demonstration of how Cardstar works, you can view the video. If you’re interested in learning more about CardStar’s iPhone application, check out their website.
Tags:
1D barcodes, barcodes, cardstar, discount cards, frequent shopper, frequent shopper app, frequent shopper cards, frequent shopper program, iphone app, iPhone application, lcd, lcd barcode scanning, mycardstar, rgb lcd barcode scanning, scan 1d barcode from phone, scan 1d barcode on lcd screen, scan barcodes on lcd screen, Symbol M2008, Symbol M2008 barcode scanner
Is this technology only available on a iphone or will it work with other phones with LCD screens like Black Berry?
q
Answer
Hi Quentin, thanks for your question. Currently, Cardstar is developed to work on both the iPhone and Blackberry. The technology is very new, so more phones will follow!
Which consulting firms can help my company develop a scanning format and scanner combo to read event ticket barcodes sent to phones? I am in the process of choosing scanning hardware (ie, the scanner) and need advice. It would be great to also send barcodes to phones.
Thanks a lot.
Dan
Hi Dan,
It sounds like you need someone who will work with you in order to develop a solution. I would contact Barcoding Inc. to get customizable software and advice.
@ Dan – April 20, 2009.
Any decvent imaging scanner – Symbol MC50, MC55, MC70, MC75 (in imager confiuguration) will work well with a mobile phone screen. Also hand held Products/ Honeywell (“Dolphin”)
@ Dan:
I have extensive experience with the MC70 (the MC75 allows for cellular networking). There’re pretty good devices, and I have deployed about 350 of them in a hospital in NYC where they’re abused daily yet have held up well.
Hope this helps.
Just wanted to point out a misleading comment in the article…
I have conducted research in this field for 5+ years and it is NOT POSSIBLE FOR A LASER TO READ A CELL PHONE SCREEN. I repeat, it is physically (as in the ‘laws of physics’) impossible for this to work.
The use of the specific scanner mentioned worked ONLY because it is a dual scanner, having both laser (which does not, and will not ever work) and an imager (which does work, and works beautifully).
I wonder if the CardStar people are misleading consumers on purpose, or if they are just misinformed about their own product and technology….?
-Dr. Ted
Answer
Hi Ted,
I actually had a phone interview with the inventor of CardStar, and it was a very recent (think winter 2008) advent in technology. The key aspect as to why they can scan is because of the way the barcode is displayed in portrait mode on the iphone. If you have an iphone, or know someone with one, it wouldn’t hurt to test it out. Or, simply contact CardStar directly.
How can you download this? So it will work on a blackberry. Like can I have the link to it.
Answer
Cardstar is still in the development process for Blackberry applications. Check out there site here.
This is all very new to me and this article really opened my eyes.Thanks for sharing with us your wisdom.
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