Lavasphere, from Gavitec AG – mobile digit, was this year's winner in the enterprise category of the Ericsson Mobile Application Awards. The software technology enables scanning through camera-equipped mobile phones; for example, for reading codes on posters, in magazines or on the product itself.
Gavitec's solution enables product scanning through camera-equipped mobile phones and users can compare prices from other supermarkets over the internet.
Dr Christian Steinborn, of Gavitec AG – mobile digit, says the technology offers users a new and easy way of connecting to the mobile internet.
"The Lavasphere technology simply turns camera mobile phones into a universal code reader," Steinborn says. "So, you can use your camera phone not only to make pictures, but also to access mobile internet services such as product information, price comparison and availability checking. Users don't have to use the key pad; a simple click with the camera is all it takes."
The technology results from Gavitec AG – mobile digit's experience in working with industrial image scanners for automatic identification. Gavitec AG – mobile digit has long experience from working with the car industry where cameras have to be able to read extremely complicated 2d codes for component parts authentication, traceability and manufacturing control.
The idea was to implement this technology into camera-enabled mobile phones and to give users easy access to mobile internet services. As an example of where the solution could be used, Steinborn mentions shopping at the supermarket, where products can be scanned and users can compare prices from other supermarkets over the internet. It could also be used for receiving product information, which can be vital for people on special diets.
No additional hardware
The Lavasphere software solution needs no additional scanner hardware to turn camera-enabled devices into universal code readers. It is easy to integrate into current and future camera-enabled mobile phones – regardless of the operating system used.
Other examples of usage include downloading train schedules, making a reservation for a concert ticket or simply connecting to the appropriate website to retrieve internet content. It could also enable scanning of encoded phone numbers on business cards and store the information in the user's personal contacts.
Steinborn says: "Many of these features already exist on the internet, but until now it has been too complicated to access them through the mobile phone. Our Lavasphere technology makes it easier for the user to connect and find information on the mobile internet."
Cooperation with mobile phone producers
Operators will be able to enhance their brand image and at the same time increase the average revenue per user (ARPU) by generating additional data traffic with existing and additional services. End users will benefit from the ease of accessing services. Costs will depend on what kind of information they download or how long they use it. Steinborn says that Gavitec AG – mobile digit can provide ready-to-use solutions for operators. The best scenario is to have cooperation between Gavitec, the operator and mobile phone developers.
Steinborn says: "With our high-performance solutions, our core competencies and strong experience, we are in a leading market position. Optimally, operators who are interested in offering subscribers the technology should request their phone suppliers implement it in their next phone release."
Gavitec AG – mobile digit also develops and distributes hardware units that make it possible to read codes from mobile phone displays and can therefore be used for many mobile marketing applications. At the moment, Gavitec's major business lies in offering solutions for mobile ticketing, coupons and advertising. The company has delivered thousands of hardware units for these application fields.
