2D Sense

API, Blotcode and Dandelion for commercial projects

2008-11-10T17:50:00.006+02:00

Both Blotcode and Dandelion are available for licensing. License gives a right to generate own codes within independent code range.

Another alternative is to use our API. Usage of API is free for non-commercial applications. 2D Sense API is available on request.

Use this address: sergey[AT]dsense.com

2D Sense reads Scanbuy's EzCodes

2008-11-10T17:24:00.004+02:00

Do you know that 2D Sense can read and process Scanbuy's EZCodes (or former Visual codes)? Find examples here http://www.scanlife.com/examples.html and scan them!

As you know, CTIA The International Association for the Wireless Telecommunications Industry has reached the conclusion that US carriers will support the proprietary EZ Code and open Datamatrix Code symbologies with indirect access.... Ability to handle both Datamatrix and EZCodes makes 2D Sense very unique application on a market.

Port of 2D Sense on BlackBerry is near to end and is planned for Xmass 2008.

Stay tuned!

Shapes

2008-08-14T16:04:00.006+03:00

We have new 2D code symbology with absolutely different method of encoding data: we use shape and orientation of elementary figures. Code is very robust, fast and looks interesting :) As usual, reader will be integrated into 2D Sense application for iPhone first. Stay tuned!

Blotcode update

2008-08-14T02:06:00.004+03:00

Blotcode is here: http://www.blot-code.com/

Reader is built in 2D Sense application available on iPhone App Store. You can generate random code for testing purposes here http://www.imatrix.lt/images/rolls.aspx

2D Sense is available on the iPhone App Store

2008-07-27T11:41:00.005+03:00

Finally, all formalities are in past... Visit 2D Sense web site: http://www.2dsense.com
Get it on the App Store right now:

2D Sense for iPhone FW 2.0 (UPDATE)

2008-07-24T15:54:00.004+03:00

Well, while Apple is still reviewing 2D Sense application, I can deliver latest version of it to you for installation via iTunes using Ad Hoc method. It is simple and 100% legal process.

Just install Ad Hoc Helper application from Utilities section and run it. It will create e-mail with UDID (unique number of your iPhone). Please add short description on how you will use it send to info@2dsense.com.

This method is for next days only.

More about new version here: www.2dsense.com/2dsp/default.aspx
and here: www.2dsense.com/page.aspx?id=matrix&sid=0

Well, Apple approved application few hours ago! iTunesConnect Contract is in pending condition still but at least all technical steps are in past... (2008-07-25 00:25)

2D Sense. New name, new opportunities

2008-05-25T15:00:00.005+03:00

I am happy to announce big change in iMatrix history - iMatrix project becomes a part of new company in the World of Mobile Solutions. I feel big potential of that market and power to lead new company to success. Our new name is 2D SENSE.
We are openning on June 2nd, 2008. You are welcome to our new site: http://www.2dsense.com/

Blotcode. Another one 2D code format

2008-05-22T11:31:00.006+03:00

Being still unsatisfied by aesthetics of the 2D codes, I created next code format with provisional name: Blotcode. You can use this link to generate random code:

http://www.imatrix.lt/images/rolls.aspx

Blotcode has error correction and can keep up to four byte long data string that is enough for majority of applications. I have implemented new way of bit presentation in that code: each bit can be visualized by at least two different shapes ;) White element can be either white circle with black border or just nothing; black element can be either small or large black circle. This makes code more attractive and distinctive.

Once again, I do not try to replace standard codes like QR Code or Datamatrix... I try to find a beautiful form only;) I try to create a code that looks attactive for us, humans.

iPhone SDK

2008-04-30T12:05:00.005+03:00

Great news is here - iMatrix is ported into SDK version beta 3!!!

New iMatrix will be a little bit different from current toolchain based version because SDK has different set of frameworks and classes.

Simulator based application cannot handle camera attached to my Mac Mini, but it does all the rest quite well and, that is very important, according to stricts rules Apple set. No more private frameworks, no more Address book hacks; just clean and legal stuff! Next days I will publish photos of new iMatrix application... return here frequently please.

There are sad news as well. It looks like import/export of notes and Safari's bookmarks should come out... The same with Calendar...
BUT you will be surprized as well! Will say just this: iTunes, YouTube and Google Maps!

Now the story :) At first, I had to purchase new Mac Mini because OS X Leopard is vital for SDK. After some time and with the help of my collegues, I found what I looked for! After updating the system and installing SDK/Xcode I became "happy" owner of development environment for creating cool and amazing native iPhone applications! Well... then I had several weeks of hard coding and getting familiar with Xcode... It is in past now! After all, I can say that Apple did realy cool product. It is not ready and quite fresh but it works and has HUGE potential. I personally will use it for sure.

(To be continued)

ShotCode

2008-04-30T11:56:00.002+03:00

Some time ago I have integrated ShotCode into iMatrix application. It is very nice fact! It proves flexibility of iMatrix design and wide possibilities on integration custom, proprietary, solutions widely available on a market.
ShotCode is quite different from other 2D codes; it is circular. It looks nice and it's processing is really fast. I am sure it is not the last project together with ShotCode team and soon you will find other interesting joint projects!

Statistics

2008-04-30T11:30:00.003+03:00

Personally, I am very proud of iMatrix success. It is very specific product with very narrow niche on a market but still has great feedback from useres worldwide!
Today, I would like to give you some figures behind the project.
As you could notice, I did not update application long time. Most inportant reason is, of couse, I was busy porting application to official platform based on iPhone SDK. Second reason is that I wanted to see real usage of iMatrix, not a big splashes after each update and presence in "Recent Packages" in Installer.app ...
Now just figures:

1. Number of registered installations is more than 310'000. I call installation as "registered", if user installed application and performed some activity in application like registration, activation or 2D code recognition. This number is based on unique iphones on those application is installed. Please note, I do not collect IMEI because I take care about privacy of my users. Instead, I use hash function based on IMEI to generete unique identifier of mobile phone.

2. 85'000 users used application at least two-three times for scaning iMatrix codes.

3. More than 15'000 users use iMatrix application frequently. Yes, it is 5% from registered installations and I am sure it is a lot taking into account specific area for application.

4. About 70% of the users are from USA. 25% - Europe and the rest is for Russia, China and Brazil.

5. At best days, I have about 10.000 unique visitors on iMatrix site with average about 500.

Well, now I need your comments :))

I am back

2008-04-30T11:23:00.003+03:00

After so long silence, I am back:) I am here to tell you next hot news about iMatrix project!
Shortly, I am going to present you actual statistical information about my projects, introduce Shotcode integration into iMatrix and.... inform you about real progress in porting iMatrix from toolchain to Apple's official SDK platform!
Stay tuned!

Universal reader for iPhone

2008-02-02T10:17:00.000+02:00

Next version of iMatrix will become true universal tool for commercial applications based on 2D codes.
Partners will get a place on About screen with company/product logo and hyperlink and a dedicated confirmation screen on which user will see information about provider of the information and data associated with recognized code.

Best thing is that version 4 will start with real providers, not from zero level.

Partners are welcome!

Great news!

2008-01-30T15:49:00.000+02:00

My dear users!
After a long silence I would like to announce really great news!
At first, this week you will get iMatrix compatible with 1.1.3 iPhone's firmware and prepared for official SDK.

Then, I did really hard job and now we have three commercial resolution services integrated into iMatrix! They are besides Semacode and Semapedia, btw. As iMatrix will be ported to official Apple's SDK, it becomes real universal 2D code recognition tool for iPhone.

Future of 2D codes is coming.....
Stay tuned!

Datamatrix is coming!

2007-12-19T14:26:00.000+02:00

Good news for those who want to use iMatrix as 2D code reader. I am testing Datamatrix recognition right now! In a few days you can get it via Installer. You will be able to read Datamatrix codes in Nokia style or Semacode as well.

Real magic of iMatrix on video

2007-12-14T15:31:00.000+02:00

This one is really cool. Watch how easy to transfer contacts from one iPhone to another! In reality you can use it for other information as well...

iMatrix video demonstration!

2007-12-14T15:28:00.000+02:00

This is the first home made video about iMatrix possibilities.

iPhoneworld.ca: first blog with iMatrix integration!

2007-12-13T00:35:00.000+02:00

Today, one of the most popular blogs about iPhone, iPhoneWorld.ca, integrated iMatrix. Each post is marked by iMatrix code in title. Now iPhone users can open articles directly from mobile phone just shooting a code from monitor. iPhone users get pages adapted pages for best readability.

Corrected Handling of Contacts!

2007-12-13T00:19:00.000+02:00

Today I fixed one of the most serious bug - incorrect handling of contacts during import/export operations... Thanks to all of us who reported it and spent some time on debug. That was a case when having three phones cannot guarantee compatibility with all others.... You can get updated version from my repositary as described on iMatrix site or please wait one or two days when it will be avaialbe in Installer.

Export for Bookmarks

2007-12-11T15:26:00.000+02:00

New feature is ready:) Export function for Safaru bookmarks. Now you can share your links freely... I plan to add export for Safari's history today as well. New version on application in two days in Installer!

Wordpress integration

2007-12-10T17:59:00.000+02:00

This weekend I have installed copy of Wordpress at home and found a way how to integrate iMatrix code to each post automatically. Process is simple. If you like to add this to yours - contact me. Soon, integration guide will be availalbe online...

One of popular blog agreed to test it today:)

iMatrix video (on german)

2007-12-10T17:58:00.001+02:00

Well, thanks to ifun.de I have small video about my application on German language. I should have one on English.... Anyway, that movie ranked forth "Top Linked" movie this week on German segment of YouTube. Not bad for such a specific product.

Hot news: Export function

2007-12-09T16:49:00.000+02:00

Friends,
iMatrix has new exciting feature - export of contacts. Now you can create codes for contacts just from your iPhone. Than is not the only feature. Soon, you will be able to export bookmarks and notes as well. New, version 1.24, will be available from Monday, 2007-12-10. Try it!

First feedback

2007-12-04T09:33:00.000+02:00

That Monday was very interesting!
Russian iPhone users helped to find one bug with unicode processing and pointed on a lack of help on registration process. I have fixed both.
Some users asked to create public forum or place where thay can share codes. I like that you need it. Practically, I have planned to do it later but now I have to change my mind.

Then, I have got comments from Semacode team. The main difference between our projects is that I try to establish e-ticketing or mobile commerce platform and I'm not so interested in simple code recognition. Therefore, I need small and reliable code that can be decoded by majority of phones, not iPhone only. For that task I cannot use textual information, encode URLS as text. I can rely on short and well compressed string of digits.
Also, I what to make each code dynamic but not seal it immediately after creation.

Birthday

2007-12-03T01:05:00.000+02:00

Well... Today is the first day of operation! iPhone application works, web site created and offers required minimal functionality. Also, web site can be viewed as https:// or http://
Any comments are welcome!

iMatrix.app beta

2007-11-27T17:46:00.000+02:00

Well... Now I am ready to announce first milestone - iMatrix application (beta) is ready! Nearly all planned functions are implemented:
- 2D code can be extracted (CRT/LCD monitors, paper or other media); FEC + BCH implemented; some correction of perspective or other geometrical effects....
- redirect to web links;
- creation of records in Contacts, Calendar or Notes;
- initiation of Phone call or E-Mail message;
- Synchronization of purchased codes with iMatrix server.

Now we can start testing and improving it. Big hole is a web site that is a must:( Working on it hardly at the moment.

Want to play with it?
1. Register on www.iMatrix.LT and create some codes.
2. Install iMatrix on your phone: add new source to Installer: www.iMatrix.LT/repo/repository.plist, refresh sources and go to 2D codes -> iMatrix.

What are these squares?!

2007-11-22T00:21:00.000+02:00

Most of us knows what barcodes are and feel their importance in our lives:) Virtually any thing we have has or had label with barcode on it. This set of white and black lines automates job of cashiers, simplifies logistics and significantly reduces human factor:)

Humans need more and more... Barcodes came close to limits - they cannot keep as many data as we need. Next logical step was to use two dimensions in stead of one. It means useful utilization of area plus new features like error correction that allows correct reading of code even if it is damaged partly. Lines became squares. Of course, detection of 2D codes needs more powerful devices and sophisticated mathematical algorithms. Fortunately, modern electronics can supply required things.

There are plenty of different standards on 2D codes, some of them are QR Code and Datamatrix. Both offers reasonable informational density, comparable error correction possibilities; both require similar processing power. For me, the most important feature is an ability to capture and process 2D code by low resolution cameras built into modern mobile devices. I use QR Code.

To scan barcodes, either laser guns or linear image sensors are used. To detect 2D code we need real picture and use CCD or CMOS sensors similar to ones built into digital cameras.

In spite of possibilities of modern 2D codes to keep huge amount of data (even 16 KB), consumer phones offers relatively low optical resolution products. Take into account noise in dark environment, focusing problems and dirt on lenses... As a result we are limited in code size. General rule is - the bigger squares and higher contrast between black and white elements - more reliable reading we have.

My application is based on QR Code that can keeps 27 decimal digits and offers correction in case of corruption of 30% of the code.

123456789012345678901234567

It is enough for indexing services I plan to create.

First capture works!

2007-11-21T17:16:00.000+02:00

I started this project about two weeks ago and passed some rubicons already: istallation of tool-chain required for development and activation of missed frameworks. Taking into account that it's my first experience with Apple's products, that's not too bad! Actually, my favorite products, including development studio, come from B. Gates hands:) Therefore, using command line tools became amazing surprize for me! Objective-C... another new universe... but, anyway, two weeks after I have application that captures images and process them somehow.... It reality it decodes QR Code successfully! It's time to implement major function...

Let's start...

2007-11-21T16:52:00.000+02:00

Hello everybody!

That's my first experience in blogging and, hopefully, it'll be usefull;)

The main idea behind this blog is to log a history of porting my Matrix application to iPhone platform and establishing life feedback with potential users.
My dear friends, let me introduce idea step by step... 2D code processing applications for mobile terminals become my hobby more than one year ago and I need time to share some ideas with you.
iMatrix platform offers atractive and simple way of handling data input into limited (mobile) devices and in particular case - into Apple's iPhone. In general, phone must capture image of 2D code using built-in camera, process picture and extract code from it. That's minimally required functionality. All other features need that background.

Let's start....