I got Oscar, a barcode scanning shopping list app working!

Tada:

I've hacked it a little bit to add Coles online/Woolworths online support.

There  needs to be a better way to add multiple different items to a cart via the woolworths/coles UI, but shopping is now a matter of clicks from a list assembled during the week.

Needs more refactoring to add different providers via configuration; and I've removed the description rules - I found them to be hopeless; matching anything with the word 'milk' as 'milk'.

I also want to point at different barcode providers, and possible make a once click 'export all my barcodes and share' capability, so one new barcode is everyone's new barcode entry; but that'll come later.

Project idea: Barcode scanner to shopping list

I've had this idea for a while in various forms, and I'm not alone. Until recently not all of the pieces of the puzzle were going to work together though.


The first attempt, google tasks API to product search/lookup. I got it working, but it was too hard and the results too limited - amazon, and google product searches were all that were supported.

Most recently I wanted to set up my raspberry pi, opencv, and have a shot at webcam based image recognition, but got bogged down in opencv installation.

Oscar solves the problem more simply. The python code is on github. I've just ordered a barcode scanner from ebay, with stand, $25 AUD.

More importantly, for Australia, the major supermarkets have finally gotten into online ordering - I already use this.

Here's examples of searching for products by barcodes.

Coles: Barcode 9300650008861
Woolworths: Barcode 9300650008861

It's not quite to the point I can call an API on their site(s) and add it to a cart, but it's likely I can update the trello list items to link to the woolworths/coles pages - one click to buy per product.

That's pretty close to automatic.

Looking a bit deeper, woolworths appears to support basic POST for authenticated users:

As does Coles, once you strip away the ajax behaviour

I think it would be reasonable, if you could ensure you were authenticated, to end up with a 'one click add to cart' behaviour.

Solved: Shopping lists

I wanted a barcode scanner. I don't need one anymore, now that:

• I have a shared google account for everyone in the house
• All of the smartphones and ipads use apps like gtasks to keep in sync
• The smartphone is always available in a pocket and acts as a quick warehouse remote inventory control

While some of the supermarkets are bringing out their own specific apps for shopping lists and prices, using google tasks and similar services for this seems a better fit.

Next on the wanted list:
A google tasks/similar API client that reads all of your tasks, searches google products, and fills in pictures, prices, and other information behind the scenes.

Becoming a Were-Cyclist

Today, the infection took over. I've finally transformed into a full blown were-cyclist.

I'm pretty happy now, as I've ridden further and further and slowly become more and more obsessed, most of my car driving friends have ridiculed me in increasing amounts.
Now when I get to work, the ball is in my court.

How do I figure this?

I have my final piece of cycling kit.


Tight bike shorts.

This is going to lead to endless mornings, where I get off my bike, haul my tired ass into the elevator, step out, and treat everyone to a far too revealing eyeful of between my waist and knees.


Now, being a were cyclist is no ordinary thing. Basically, whenever a traffic light goes green, you turn into a snarling evil creature which intimidates other vehicles. Usually, the larger the vehicle, the more intimidating a cyclist is.

So, the were cyclist - this is the guy you are afraid of in your giant 4WD, as you sit there, perched far too high off of the ground living in what can only be described as mid-suburban soccer mum fear.

Roll up the windows, press the central locking button and try not to make eye contact! Think to yourself oh those cyclists think they own the road! and try not to make physical contact as you accelerate off.

If a were-cyclist should make contact with your car, you'll turn into one at the next green traffic light. Soon, you would turn on your friends and families, loved ones and pets - you'll sell the petrol guzzler and buy a prius.
Before you know it, the infection has spread further, in a horrendous mix of the Tour de France meets 28 Days Later.

Simply unthinkable.

How do you know if you are infected?
You might wake up one day with strange textures on your hands, hooves, and a hard carapace on your head.
You'll have an urge to climb up hills for no particular reason, insatiable appetite, and you'll get very aggressive about personal space on the road.

Scary stuff, isn't it?

There is one huge benefit though, which simply can't be understated, and which I have gained: you end up with energylegs.

BananaBlue

I almost signed up for BananaBlue today. It's an online supermarket, for Australia, which services my area.

I'd just been shopping. It's really nice to be able to browse about to see how much things will cost. They offer BPay, all sorts of EFT, and credit card payments - the BPay was what hooked me. It also looks like there's a way to just buy your re-occuring items.

The site design looks like arse, but I really don't care.

I couldn't sell Chloe on it though - $8 AUD was a bit too hefty for her. As she put it "That's a nice bit of steak..."