About TinyPicURL
What is TinyPicURL?
TinyPicURL is a web application that will allow users to store a URL (web address) as a small grid of colours (a TinyPic).
Why?
The idea is that the TinyPic could be used in place of long URLs in advertisements. This means that instead of typing in a long URL, a person could photograph the TinyPic using their phone's camera and navigate directly to the given page.
The system is being developed as a final year software engineering project at the University of Strathclyde.
So it runs on a phone?
Yes, an application which runs on the Google Android platform has been developed. It mirrors the functionality of this website and also allows user to photograph printed TinyPics for decoding. To see some screenshots of the mobile application, click here.
Where Can I Get The Mobile Application?
You'll have to ask me nicely, as I haven't payed the $25 registration fee for the Android Market.
Who's doing this?
TinyPicURL is being developed by Ian Adie.
How's the development going?
It's done. This is the final version submitted for the project. You never know, I may develope the idea further in the future.
Using TinyPicURL
How do I make a TinyPic?
Go to the index page and enter a URL in the first text box and click 'Get TinyPic'. It couldn't be easier!
How do I save a TinyPic?
I'm afraid you'll have to right click on the image and 'save-as'. I never got round to making it easier for you.
How do I decode a TinyPic
You choose the file using the 'browse' button on the index page and click 'Get URL!". Make sure your image is one of the following formats: JPEG, GIF or PNG. Make sure the image is less than two megabytes too, please.
Can't I use a BMP file?
No, I'm afraid not. PHP doesn't play nicely with bitmap files.
It says there's an error decoding my TinyPic.
It's possible the file you tried to decode has been compromised. If it's a captured image, try capturing it again.
Compromised?
Yes, unfortunately there are some things which stop TinyPicURL from decoding a TinyPic: off centre image, bad lighting conditions and poor colour quality all hinder performance.