I’m feeling very hopeful this morning reading about a new digital field guide to identify leaves (beginning in Central Park) on your phone! (New York Times “Digital Field Guides Eliminate the Guesswork” by Anne Eisenberg). Here in Florida, scientists are identifying dolphins by using a photo of their dorsal fins, which carries characteristics much like a fingerprint.
Design-minded as I am, I’ve always fantisized about being able to identify some interesting chair or table or object by using the image. Can it be long before we can photograph a vase or painting (or, for that matter, a building) and be able to identify it in an instant? Of course, probably the ones I’ll find most interesting will be those that confound the system. But, hey, it will be great to know you have a George Nakashima table before you unload it for $300! Bring on the app!
