Understanding New Media
Extending Marshall McLuhan – Second Edition
Series:
Robert K. Logan
Chapter 50. “Smart Tags” and Dataspace
Extract
← 400 | 401 →
· 50 ·
“SMART TAGS” AND DATASPACE1
Content and extension: “Smart tags” and Dataspace, whose content is digital information, are an extension of the bar code system and cyberspace.
LOM: Smart tags enhance access to information associated with objects and places, obsolesce the bar code and the label, retrieve identification, and reverse into Internet-based information or the Internet of Things.
50.1 Bar Codes and Smart Tags
Bar codes and smart tags whose content is information extend the label so that a computer can easily identify the tagged item in order to provide information to a database. Bar codes are visual extensions of Morse code that must be read by a scanner. A smart tag is any device that identifies things and/or makes information available related to the tagged item or place by transmitting radio frequency waves such as a RFID (radio frequency ID) or smart tag, for example, or any device that controls through invisible computing some aspect of the physical world. Just as bar codes require a reader and a decoder, ← 401 | 402 → smart tags also require a device, which we will call an enabler, to receive and organize the information transmitted by the smart tag.
The enabler identifies an object and relates it to a database. The smart tags and the enabler facilitate logistics so that one can easily track shipments and inventory. They can also be used for retail sales to speed up...
You are not authenticated to view the full text of this chapter or article.
This site requires a subscription or purchase to access the full text of books or journals.
Do you have any questions? Contact us.
Or login to access all content.