Anyone who has attempted to scan QR codes with the iPhone has encountered the phone’s huge weakness: the pathetic camera. Low resolution aside, the lack of an auto-focus/ability to take macro shots makes reading 2d bar codes nearly impossible.
Griffin has attempted to solve this problem by developing the Clarifi, a slick iPhone case that includes a slidable lens for close-up shots. At $35, it seems like a great deal–you get a better lens and a case, all in one package. According to Griffin’s website, you can snap pictures a mere 4 inches from the subject (the typical lens limitation is 18 inches).
For more detailed reviews and information, see the following sites:
American Airlines is now allowing passengers in three select airports–Chicago O’Hare (ORD), Los Angeles International (LAX) and Santa Ana John Wayne/Orange County (SNA)– to board using an Aztec code on their mobile phone. Codes can only be used on non-stop flights with one passenger listed. Despite the current limitations, it’s definitely a step in the right direction. Japanese airlines have been doing this for a while (e.g. ANA)
Aztec is one of the three 2D barcode formats adopted by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) namely Aztec, DataMatrix, and QR. By 2010, the IATA hopes to accomplish their ambitious goal of 100% adoption by member carriers (http://www.iata.org/pressroom/pr/2007-11-10-01.htm)
Reactions to the new 2d barcode systems appear mixed. A blog search yields several first hand accounts that reveal problems with implementation (e.g. what to do with your phone when you pass through security)
Link: American Airlines Mobile Boarding Passes
Image: benh57
Via 2D Code
If you have ever attempted to read QR codes with the iPhone, you’ll recognize it’s a hit-or-miss process. Codes with too much data are literally impossible to read even with perfect lighting conditions. Much of this has to do with the lack of a macro-focus on the built-in camera.
To combat this weakness, several ingenious bloggers have written about a couple of cheap fixes. Step 1: Go to the local dollar store and pick up some cheap reading glasses/magnifying glass. Hold it in front of the camera and voila, macro capabilities. Yes, this is clearly a dodgy stopgap for a problem that Apple should have addressed, but it will certainly come in handy the next time you want to read a tiny 2D code on your iPhone.
Checkout the following blog posts for before and after images:
“How to take pesky close-ups with the iPhone” - via PeskyBeaver
mumoo (Japanese)