Fid.Gen is an open source, generative design tool for creating fiducial markers to be used in computer vision based interactive projects/installations based on the popular open source package reacTIVision (reactable.org), originally developed by the Music Technology Group of the Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona.

Fid.Gen has been shortlisted for the Brit Insurance Designs of the Year award and will be shown as part of the exhibition at the Design Museum, London from February 12, 2009.

The tool fills a niche by enabling reacTIVision to be used in scenarios where hundreds or thousands of objects (or people) need to be identified. The novel layout process of the markers is interactive & physics driven and realised through a simulation of a complex network of springs which automatically arrange themselves into the most optimum constellation to form unique markers. Often the generated markers are reminiscent of cute abstract characters, so adding a more human touch to a primarily technical mechanism.

Project website: fidgen.googlecode.com/
Also see: vimeo.com/1110950

Exhibition info:
designsoftheyear.com/
designsoftheyear.com/2008/12/18/post-spectacular-fidgen-bar-codes/