Mobile Oracle from Kyoto
Mobile Oracle from Kyoto

Mobile Oracle from Kyoto

Mobile Oracle from Kyoto

One of the most famous tourist traps in Kyoto, Japan, the venerable Kiyomizu-dera temple has jumped on the digital bandwagon, their solution is a credit-card sized charm. Printed on its surface are eight deity of good fortune. The image of deity actually hides a URL encoded with an embedded FPcode (Fine Picture code). This is a code system developed by Fujitsu [see our CEATEC video — Eds], an extension of the QR code which has become the de-facto system for Japanese K-tai terminals. 2D FPcode pattern utilizes a near-transparent color ink, and easily printed over the existing picture without spoiling it.

When you take the picture of these cheerful gods/goddesses with your K-tai camera, this code will be decoded and the K-tai screen will jump to the URL of Kiyomizu-dera oracle site. There, you get a today’s oracle free on the screen.

There is one big problem. When people buy a hard-copy oracle, they usually tie it on the twig of nearby shrub to enhance the verdict of oracle. Using only their left hand (if you are a lefty, right hand). With the digital version, how can you do this important ritual? Oh, don’t worry. Surely, the Kiyomizu-dera will develop virtual tree in their oracle site. You will be able to tie the oracle with the movement of K-tai cursor. Of course, use your left thumb to move the cursor, OK? Continue >>