Comments on: Meme Collision Produces 2D Code Stencils http://boingboing.net/2011/07/21/stencils.html Brain candy for Happy Mutants Tue, 18 Jun 2013 22:47:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.4.1 By: Suds http://boingboing.net/2011/07/21/stencils.html#comment-1168134 Suds Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1168134 It says "Hello World" (for those who can't scan it) It says “Hello World” (for those who can’t scan it)

]]> By: Brainspore http://boingboing.net/2011/07/21/stencils.html#comment-1168397 Brainspore Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1168397 Yes I am, I look forward to hearing from you! (I just finished up the class I was teaching over the summer but we may have a similar class or workshop down the road.) Yes I am, I look forward to hearing from you! (I just finished up the class I was teaching over the summer but we may have a similar class or workshop down the road.)

]]> By: theawesomerobot http://boingboing.net/2011/07/21/stencils.html#comment-1169948 theawesomerobot Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1169948 Or you know, just have some stickers printed. Or you know, just have some stickers printed.

]]> By: penguinchris http://boingboing.net/2011/07/21/stencils.html#comment-1169950 penguinchris Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1169950 Yeah physical QR codes are often problematic - I've encountered several that couldn't be decoded, even by taking a high resolution DSLR photo and trying to decode it later on a computer (after my smartphone couldn't do it on the fly). There were some spraypaint stenciled QR codes on the ground at MakerFaire SF a couple months ago - I came across one about halfway through the first day and it was already unreadable (if it ever worked in the first place). I walked by a while later and there was another guy also obviously having trouble decoding it so it wasn't just me :) And I've also come across quite a few that were printed on advertisements or on product boxes that couldn't be read - sometimes they're too small, and sometimes they just inexplicably don't work. Also, I tried to decode this sample stencil in four different Android programs and none of them could do it. Yeah physical QR codes are often problematic – I’ve encountered several that couldn’t be decoded, even by taking a high resolution DSLR photo and trying to decode it later on a computer (after my smartphone couldn’t do it on the fly).

There were some spraypaint stenciled QR codes on the ground at MakerFaire SF a couple months ago – I came across one about halfway through the first day and it was already unreadable (if it ever worked in the first place). I walked by a while later and there was another guy also obviously having trouble decoding it so it wasn’t just me :)

And I’ve also come across quite a few that were printed on advertisements or on product boxes that couldn’t be read – sometimes they’re too small, and sometimes they just inexplicably don’t work.

Also, I tried to decode this sample stencil in four different Android programs and none of them could do it.

]]> By: kpkpkp http://boingboing.net/2011/07/21/stencils.html#comment-1168940 kpkpkp Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1168940 regarding "pressurized pen cartridge": YOUISWRONG Pencil leads are conductive and pens do not require sharpening. NASA spent $3 a piece purchasing the pens from a vendor. More here: http://www.snopes.com/business/genius/spacepen.asp regarding “pressurized pen cartridge”: YOUISWRONG

Pencil leads are conductive and pens do not require sharpening. NASA spent $3 a piece purchasing the pens from a vendor. More here:
http://www.snopes.com/business/genius/spacepen.asp

]]> By: kpkpkp http://boingboing.net/2011/07/21/stencils.html#comment-1168183 kpkpkp Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1168183 Zebra's got you covered: http://www.milesdata.com/industry/warehousing-and-distribution/mobile-printing/ Zebra’s got you covered: http://www.milesdata.com/industry/warehousing-and-distribution/mobile-printing/

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2011/07/21/stencils.html#comment-1168462 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1168462 Noisebridge is in SF and the equipment there may help you out. Noisebridge is in SF and the equipment there may help you out.

]]> By: billstewart http://boingboing.net/2011/07/21/stencils.html#comment-1168979 billstewart Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1168979 Where are you going to find a laser cutter? At Techshop, of course :-) The question I'd have about QR code stencils is whether QR codes are designed in a way that you can depend on them being one piece that stays together, as opposed to having disconnected islands that you can't use in a stencil. I suppose you could get fancy and have thin strips anchoring the islands in place and hope spray paint fills in around them? Where are you going to find a laser cutter? At Techshop, of course :-)

The question I’d have about QR code stencils is whether QR codes are designed in a way that you can depend on them being one piece that stays together, as opposed to having disconnected islands that you can’t use in a stencil. I suppose you could get fancy and have thin strips anchoring the islands in place and hope spray paint fills in around them?

]]> By: Max http://boingboing.net/2011/07/21/stencils.html#comment-1168229 Max Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1168229 I believe the hobo-QR code for a free laser cutting service is something like a big square with some smaller squares in it. Should be fairly easy to recognise. ;-) Seriously, I kind of like this idea, as a geek, I don't feel like putting up a sign outside my house saying "3d printer here" and getting brainless trolls asking me to do hours of 3D CAD for free and then print off whatever inane shite they think is funny/necessary . But another geek who has done his CAD and just needs someone to realise a spare part for his currently broken printer or other fun project, I would be happy to meet. Having a QR code outside my house would probably only be understood by the geeky types and not the general braindead passerby. And I can probably print a QR code out of smaller panels... I believe the hobo-QR code for a free laser cutting service is something like a big square with some smaller squares in it. Should be fairly easy to recognise. ;-)

Seriously, I kind of like this idea, as a geek, I don’t feel like putting up a sign outside my house saying “3d printer here” and getting brainless trolls asking me to do hours of 3D CAD for free and then print off whatever inane shite they think is funny/necessary .
But another geek who has done his CAD and just needs someone to realise a spare part for his currently broken printer or other fun project, I would be happy to meet.
Having a QR code outside my house would probably only be understood by the geeky types and not the general braindead passerby.
And I can probably print a QR code out of smaller panels…

]]> By: Brainspore http://boingboing.net/2011/07/21/stencils.html#comment-1168243 Brainspore Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1168243 Wow, I was actually just considering a very similar QR-code stencil idea for a youth class I taught on graphic arts but I couldn't find a cost-effective way to make the laser cut stencils. Anyone know a cheap laser-cutting service in the San Francisco Bay area, or a place that might offer free or discounted rates for an educational non-profit organization? Wow, I was actually just considering a very similar QR-code stencil idea for a youth class I taught on graphic arts but I couldn’t find a cost-effective way to make the laser cut stencils. Anyone know a cheap laser-cutting service in the San Francisco Bay area, or a place that might offer free or discounted rates for an educational non-profit organization?

]]> By: oschene http://boingboing.net/2011/07/21/stencils.html#comment-1168251 oschene Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1168251 Also works in guerrilla origami installations. http://www.flickr.com/photos/oschene/5829970927/ Also works in guerrilla origami installations.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/oschene/5829970927/

]]> By: ftrotter http://boingboing.net/2011/07/21/stencils.html#comment-1168764 ftrotter Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1168764 Hi, This laser-cutting method is really amazing, because it allows you to make many stencils quickly, and accurately. But laser cutters can be hard to find. You might be interested in the method that I created to do the same thing using just chicken wire and caulk to make the stencils: http://www.fredtrotter.com/2011/06/11/making-qr-code-stencils/ This is slower, but dirt cheap. Fred Trotter Hi,
This laser-cutting method is really amazing, because it allows you to make many stencils quickly, and accurately. But laser cutters can be hard to find. You might be interested in the method that I created to do the same thing using just chicken wire and caulk to make the stencils: http://www.fredtrotter.com/2011/06/11/making-qr-code-stencils/

This is slower, but dirt cheap.

Fred Trotter

]]> By: CountZero http://boingboing.net/2011/07/21/stencils.html#comment-1168275 CountZero Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1168275 “This is one of the few instances where a QR code is actually useful. Instead of their usual environment - slapped on ads and flyers when it would be simpler just to write out the URL or text” Simpler perhaps if you're prepared to fish around for a pen and a bit of paper, or scribble said URL on your hand, hoping it won't smudge or get washed off before you can get to a computer, or stand in a shop with a magazine or product in one hand and smartphone in the other, trying to tap the URL into an open web browser. On the other hand you can have a particular app like Redlaser, Optiscan, or Quickmark open, quickly scan the code and walk away, with the information available for perusal later. Having done the first thing numerous times I know which version I prefer. I use Redlaser a lot for keeping a record of books or CD's I see that I might want to buy later on; I used it six times in one store yesterday to keep a record of books I'd not seen before that look interesting. The same is true of QR codes; I have that information available for later, and I don't worry about losing a bit of paper or washing the info away. “This is one of the few instances where a QR code is actually useful. Instead of their usual environment – slapped on ads and flyers when it would be simpler just to write out the URL or text”
Simpler perhaps if you’re prepared to fish around for a pen and a bit of paper, or scribble said URL on your hand, hoping it won’t smudge or get washed off before you can get to a computer, or stand in a shop with a magazine or product in one hand and smartphone in the other, trying to tap the URL into an open web browser.
On the other hand you can have a particular app like Redlaser, Optiscan, or Quickmark open, quickly scan the code and walk away, with the information available for perusal later. Having done the first thing numerous times I know which version I prefer. I use Redlaser a lot for keeping a record of books or CD’s I see that I might want to buy later on; I used it six times in one store yesterday to keep a record of books I’d not seen before that look interesting. The same is true of QR codes; I have that information available for later, and I don’t worry about losing a bit of paper or washing the info away.

]]> By: GlenBlank http://boingboing.net/2011/07/21/stencils.html#comment-1170326 GlenBlank Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1170326 ...not to mention that the wood in pencils is flammable in a pressurized pure-oxygen atmosphere. The real story turns the "stupid NASA" meme on its head - private industry invests the capital to create a useful pen for NASA without any government funding, sells 'em to NASA for three bucks apiece, and makes a fortune selling them to the space-struck public. You can <a href="http://thewritersedge.com/fisher.cfm">still buy them today</a>, and they're quite handy for times when you need to write upside-down, or on slick or glossy surfaces. …not to mention that the wood in pencils is flammable in a pressurized pure-oxygen atmosphere.

The real story turns the “stupid NASA” meme on its head – private industry invests the capital to create a useful pen for NASA without any government funding, sells ‘em to NASA for three bucks apiece, and makes a fortune selling them to the space-struck public.

You can still buy them today, and they’re quite handy for times when you need to write upside-down, or on slick or glossy surfaces.

]]> By: dr.hypercube http://boingboing.net/2011/07/21/stencils.html#comment-1168068 dr.hypercube Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1168068 "I've had a multi-year obsession with QR Codes..." You might be interested in my Mediated Toynbee QR Code project - the about page: http://mtoynbee.com/blog/?page_id=2 Enjoy (hopefully)! “I’ve had a multi-year obsession with QR Codes…” You might be interested in my Mediated Toynbee QR Code project – the about page: http://mtoynbee.com/blog/?page_id=2 Enjoy (hopefully)!

]]> By: Bankara http://boingboing.net/2011/07/21/stencils.html#comment-1168585 Bankara Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1168585 I have been thinking about something like this to make urban environments more interactive. Ever wander around a foreign city and see a cool building and wonder what the story behind it is? How cool would it be to walk up to it and discover a QR tile that links to its history in several different languages? Or how about a tour of a city where you are told only where the start is and then you have a tour / scavenger hunt for the places and QR codes that will lead you to the next place. There are so many possibilites for this kind of tech beyond just "hey somebody has an unlocked WiFi network over here!" On a practical note, yes stickers make sense. I have also been thinking of printing them out to fit on a 4x4 tile and then polyeurethaning them onto the surface and then epoxying that to whatever. Durable, easy to apply, hard to remove. Great for places where there is street art. Have a place specific flickr pool for a grafitti wall so that you can see the art as it changes and evolves over time. Other ideas? I have been thinking about something like this to make urban environments more interactive. Ever wander around a foreign city and see a cool building and wonder what the story behind it is? How cool would it be to walk up to it and discover a QR tile that links to its history in several different languages? Or how about a tour of a city where you are told only where the start is and then you have a tour / scavenger hunt for the places and QR codes that will lead you to the next place. There are so many possibilites for this kind of tech beyond just “hey somebody has an unlocked WiFi network over here!”

On a practical note, yes stickers make sense. I have also been thinking of printing them out to fit on a 4×4 tile and then polyeurethaning them onto the surface and then epoxying that to whatever. Durable, easy to apply, hard to remove. Great for places where there is street art. Have a place specific flickr pool for a grafitti wall so that you can see the art as it changes and evolves over time.

Other ideas?

]]> By: tboy http://boingboing.net/2011/07/21/stencils.html#comment-1168075 tboy Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1168075 OH GOD YES. YES. YESSSSSS. Wait, laser-cutter? Aww, man! Where am I gonna find <em>that</em>? :( OH GOD YES.

YES. YESSSSSS.

Wait, laser-cutter? Aww, man! Where am I gonna find that? :(

]]> By: jasoneppink http://boingboing.net/2011/07/21/stencils.html#comment-1168079 jasoneppink Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1168079 This is one of the few instances where a QR code is actually useful. Instead of their usual environment - slapped on ads and flyers when it would be simpler just to write out the URL or text - in this case it's actually valuable that the QR codes are creating a barrier for entry: disguising the intent from most passersby, but still available to anyone who takes the time to engage. The project is definitely clever, but the main roadblock for widespread adoption is simply that SSIDs come and go (and change) faster than a team of stencilers could proliferate the QR codes. This is one of the few instances where a QR code is actually useful. Instead of their usual environment – slapped on ads and flyers when it would be simpler just to write out the URL or text – in this case it’s actually valuable that the QR codes are creating a barrier for entry: disguising the intent from most passersby, but still available to anyone who takes the time to engage.

The project is definitely clever, but the main roadblock for widespread adoption is simply that SSIDs come and go (and change) faster than a team of stencilers could proliferate the QR codes.

]]> By: Bankara http://boingboing.net/2011/07/21/stencils.html#comment-1168591 Bankara Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1168591 I think too that the laser cutter is nice but overkill. As our space program wraps up its last mission I would like to point out that NASA spents tens of thousands of dollars creating a pressurized pen cartridge to write with in space. The Russian space program used a pencil. Think of Occam's Razor here, the less moving parts and expense the better. AMIRITE? I think too that the laser cutter is nice but overkill. As our space program wraps up its last mission I would like to point out that NASA spents tens of thousands of dollars creating a pressurized pen cartridge to write with in space. The Russian space program used a pencil. Think of Occam’s Razor here, the less moving parts and expense the better. AMIRITE?

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2011/07/21/stencils.html#comment-1168086 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1168086 Google Goggles can't read the QR code in that image up there... 'sup with that? Google Goggles can’t read the QR code in that image up there… ‘sup with that?

]]> By: kpkpkp http://boingboing.net/2011/07/21/stencils.html#comment-1168087 kpkpkp Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1168087 I like the idea of tagging with QRCodes, but think that one-off stencils are not the best way to do it, as they are subject to saturation, falling apart, etc. They are also limited to a single datagram and require specialized cutting equipment or a lot of patience with an Xacto. A better way would involve a personal projector and a pair of purpose specific spray cans: • Decide on your datagram to be encoded and prepare format it into a QRCode image (many sites will do this for free). • Set up your pocket projector someplace steady (tripod?) to project your QRCode onto the targeted surface, projecting in dim red light. • Spray can ONE is a red-light-insensitive photographic emulsion. • Coat the targeted surface with the emulsion (from spray can ONE). • Without moving the projector, change to projecting white light for a limited period of time (a couple seconds), then return to projecting dim red light • Apply Spray can TWO (The Fixer). Oh, and this would also work for photos, words, etc. Kickstarter project? I like the idea of tagging with QRCodes, but think that one-off stencils are not the best way to do it, as they are subject to saturation, falling apart, etc. They are also limited to a single datagram and require specialized cutting equipment or a lot of patience with an Xacto.

A better way would involve a personal projector and a pair of purpose specific spray cans:

• Decide on your datagram to be encoded and prepare
format it into a QRCode image (many sites will do
this for free).
• Set up your pocket projector someplace steady (tripod?)
to project your QRCode onto the targeted surface,
projecting in dim red light.
• Spray can ONE is a red-light-insensitive photographic
emulsion.
• Coat the targeted surface with the emulsion
(from spray can ONE).
• Without moving the projector, change to projecting
white light for a limited period of time (a couple
seconds), then return to projecting dim red light
• Apply Spray can TWO (The Fixer).

Oh, and this would also work for photos, words, etc.

Kickstarter project?

]]> By: Grrrrrrrr8 http://boingboing.net/2011/07/21/stencils.html#comment-1168360 Grrrrrrrr8 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1168360 I work at a place that has a laser cutter and we like non-profits. Are you the same name on twitter? I work at a place that has a laser cutter and we like non-profits. Are you the same name on twitter?

]]> By: tboy http://boingboing.net/2011/07/21/stencils.html#comment-1168108 tboy Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1168108 I like this idea. Or if there was a way to quickly print out miniature labels to stick on a surface, that would work too. Perhaps by repurposing label printers? I like this idea. Or if there was a way to quickly print out miniature labels to stick on a surface, that would work too. Perhaps by repurposing label printers?

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2011/07/21/stencils.html#comment-1169135 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1169135 The Hippodrome of Constantinople has several QR_coded monuments, including the Obelisk of Thutmosis III (aka "Istanbul obelisk") and Serpent Column. None of the QR codes work anymore, though. I don't know it it was bad printing, damage or fading, but the "bit rot" is real... and oddly /physical/. wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hippodrome_of_Constantinople The Hippodrome of Constantinople has several QR_coded monuments, including the Obelisk of Thutmosis III (aka “Istanbul obelisk”) and Serpent Column.

None of the QR codes work anymore, though. I don’t know it it was bad printing, damage or fading, but the “bit rot” is real… and oddly /physical/.

wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hippodrome_of_Constantinople

]]> By: enkiv2 http://boingboing.net/2011/07/21/stencils.html#comment-1168113 enkiv2 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1168113 Toynbee idea in 2001: resurrect dead on planet venus? That's what pops into my head when people say 'toynbee' and 'stencil' in the same sentence. Toynbee idea in 2001: resurrect dead on planet venus? That’s what pops into my head when people say ‘toynbee’ and ‘stencil’ in the same sentence.

]]> By: neurolux http://boingboing.net/2011/07/21/stencils.html#comment-1168373 neurolux Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1168373 If you use a projector, you can make an anamorphic QRCode that stretches down a sidewalk and up a building. If you use a projector, you can make an anamorphic QRCode that stretches down a sidewalk and up a building.

]]> By: Grrrrrrrr8 http://boingboing.net/2011/07/21/stencils.html#comment-1168377 Grrrrrrrr8 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1168377 I like the system for automatically creating bridges to the islands in the stencil, but it could be better. The islands in the stencil above are only coming down from the top. This will work OK for a stencil cut our of hardboard, but it would be much better to have bridges on the bottom as well for a much sturdier piece. I like the system for automatically creating bridges to the islands in the stencil, but it could be better. The islands in the stencil above are only coming down from the top. This will work OK for a stencil cut our of hardboard, but it would be much better to have bridges on the bottom as well for a much sturdier piece.

]]> By: dr.hypercube http://boingboing.net/2011/07/21/stencils.html#comment-1168122 dr.hypercube Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1168122 Jupiter, not Venus ;-). Jupiter, not Venus ;-).

]]> By: bardfinn http://boingboing.net/2011/07/21/stencils.html#comment-1168383 bardfinn Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1168383 ... Stickers - ? … Stickers – ?

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