Distributing Mobile Media with Visual Tags (2006)
- Visual tags, seen below, are similar to barcodes
- When decoded using a mobile phone camera, visual tags can directly connect the mobile to an internet site, a ringtone download, or any other type of media
Step 1: A fan receives a flyer promoting a new album
The back of the flyer contains a visual tag
Step 2: A mobile phone camera program is used to photograph a visual tag
Step 3: The program decodes the internet address embedded in the tag
Step 4: A music video is downloaded to the mobile device
 |
 |
 |
 |
A Wide Spectrum of Potential Applications
- An interesting alternative to shortcodes for bringing media to mobile devices
- Visual tags can emded secret codes for use in contests
- Tags can be printed on posters, flyers, stickers, and billboards, or displayed on websites
- Can play a role in integrated marketing campaigns to link mobiles to mainstream advertising vehicles including internet ads and television commercials
Click here for a film trailer distribution example.