U.S. patent application number 13/693219 was filed with the patent office on 2013-04-25 for combination proprietary and universal mobile barcode reader.
This patent application is currently assigned to Best Buzz. The applicant listed for this patent is Howard Browdy, Jon Cameron. Invention is credited to Howard Browdy, Jon Cameron.
Application Number | 20130098990 13/693219 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45021263 |
Filed Date | 2013-04-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130098990 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cameron; Jon ; et
al. |
April 25, 2013 |
Combination Proprietary and Universal Mobile Barcode Reader
Abstract
A method of presenting content to viewers in a computer network
environment which includes scanning a barcode (10) with a mobile
device (100), retrieving content (130) directly associated with the
barcode (10), and retrieving associated proprietary content (214).
The dual content is then separately displayed on said mobile device
(100).
Inventors: |
Cameron; Jon; (Dallas,
TX) ; Browdy; Howard; (Dallas, TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Cameron; Jon
Browdy; Howard |
Dallas
Dallas |
TX
TX |
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Best Buzz
Dallas
TX
|
Family ID: |
45021263 |
Appl. No.: |
13/693219 |
Filed: |
December 4, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13136537 |
Aug 4, 2011 |
|
|
|
13693219 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
235/375 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 16/23 20190101;
G06F 16/9554 20190101 |
Class at
Publication: |
235/375 |
International
Class: |
G06F 17/30 20060101
G06F017/30 |
Claims
1. A method for presenting a plurality of content on a mobile
device in a computer network environment, the method comprising: a.
capturing a barcode with said mobile device; b. decoding said
barcode into an alphanumeric string on said mobile device; c.
transmitting, from said mobile device, said alphanumeric string to
a code management platform on said computer network environment; d.
at said code management platform, determining said alphanumeric
string is not located in said code management platform; e. as a
function of said alphanumeric string, extracting a Universal
Resource Locator and returning instructions to load said Universal
Resource Locator to said mobile device; f. as a function of said
alphanumeric string, forwarding a pairing of content with
instructions to display a separate message on said mobile
device.
2. A method of claim 1, wherein said code management platform
comprises a plurality of computers.
3. A method of claim 1, wherein said code management platform
comprises one computer.
4. A method of claim 1, wherein said alphanumeric string comprises
a Universal Resource Locator.
5. A method of claim 1, wherein said alphanumeric string comprises
a product code.
6. A method of claim 1, wherein said alphanumeric string comprises
an index.
7. A method for presenting a plurality of content on a mobile
device in a computer network environment, the method comprising: a.
capturing a barcode with said mobile device; b. decoding said
barcode into an alphanumeric string on said mobile device; c.
transmitting, from said mobile device, said alphanumeric string to
a code management platform on said computer network environment; d.
at said code management platform, determining said alphanumeric
string is not located in said code management platform; e. as a
function of said alphanumeric string, constructing a Universal
Resource Locator and returning instructions to load said Universal
Resource Locator to said mobile device; f. as a function of said
alphanumeric string, forwarding a pairing of content with
instructions to display a separate message on said mobile
device.
8. A method of claim 7, wherein said code management platform
comprises a plurality of computers.
9. A method of claim 7, wherein said code management platform
comprises one computer.
10. A method of claim 7, wherein said alphanumeric string comprises
a Universal Resource Locator.
11. A method of claim 7, wherein said alphanumeric string comprises
a product code.
12. A method of claim 7, wherein said alphanumeric string comprises
an index.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] A claim of priority is made in this application based on
Provisional Application Ser. No. 67/477,829 filed on Apr. 21, 2011,
and entitled "Best Buzz Mobile App and Marketing Tool" the
disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its
entirety. This application is a divisional application of Ser. No.
13/136,537 entitled "Combined Proprietary and Universal Mobile
Barcode Reader" filed on Aug. 4, 2011 and is co-pending with
divisional application Ser. No. 13/706,049 entitled "Dual
Proprietary and Universal Mobile Barcode Reader" filed on Dec. 5,
2012.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field of Invention
[0003] The invention related to the system and method of combining
the characteristics of a proprietary mobile barcode reader with a
universal reader so all barcode scans can be associated with
content native to the reader.
[0004] 2. Background of the Invention
[0005] The present invention combines features associated with
universal mobile barcode readers with the desirable benefits of
proprietary mobile barcode readers.
[0006] Mobile barcode scanning is the process where an individual
will employ a mobile device enabled with a camera and connected to
the internet. The user will download and install software that
permits the mobile device to use the camera to detect the presence
of a standardized barcode. In various embodiments, the mobile
device's application will decode the contents embedded in the
barcode and perform a menu of functions. These functions can
include any capability available through web browsing or
executables on the mobile device. For instance, a user could browse
for competitive prices, search for local establishments, dial a
phone number or fill in a contact's information. The barcode acts a
catalyst for the subsequent actions and simplifies the processes
required to manually perform the same functions.
[0007] Universal Readers
[0008] Universal mobile barcode readers are a fixture of mobile
devices such as telephones. They allow uniform access to web pages
by scanning any directly encoded barcode which then automatically
points the user to the landing page directly encoded in the space
of the barcode. Directly encoded barcodes have a fully-formed
Uniform Resource Locator, or URL, embedded in the space of the
barcode and represent an industry standard. They provide the
perception of a consistent experience for the consumer since any
universal reader can read any directly encoded barcode.
[0009] Brand managers are finding that the use of these direct
codes are causing them to lose control of their brand identity and
messaging. For instance, there is no way to assure consumers a
branding message was delivered by the actual brand owner. Any
company or individual can produce a direct barcode that executes to
a destination page created without brand permission.
[0010] These universal readers all scan common barcode symbologies
approved by various industry groups across the world. Typical
barcode symbologies in use for mobile barcode scanning are Quick
Response (QR) and Datamatrix (DM). Early in the formation of the
market for mobile barcodes, these standards were released for
public use in the creation of barcodes. These barcode creators
allow for any information to be recorded and have no supervision or
regulation.
[0011] Today, the dominant symbology scanned on universal readers
is an indirectly coded barcode such as Universal Product Code, or
UPC. The indirectly encoded barcode is only encoded with an index
approved by the product's or advertiser's owner. It does not
contain a URL or address information and relies on the barcode
reader to determine the specific process for retrieving associated
information and performing subsequent transactions. These codes
were originally designed to provide commercial transactions with a
consistent identification for shipping, inventory, planning and
sale. These indirect barcodes resulted in millions of databases
containing disparate information about the index that allowed the
businesses to operate in proprietary and useful ways for the
individual business. The product's manufacturer had little control
over the data associated with their product's UPC but this
incongruent solution resulted in relatively minor problems. This
relatively has changed dramatically with escalating consumer use of
UPCs, and the associated indirect symbologies such as Japanese
Article Number (JAN) and European Article Number (EAN).
[0012] The UPC can be used by any enterprise, authorized or not, to
direct the user to content. Product manufacturers have organized in
large groups to determine how to control the output seen by
consumers when a UPC is scanned by mobile barcode readers.
Providing consumers with consistent information related to a UPC is
seen as a very desirable outcome. For instance, if a consumer were
to scan a drug barcode, they would be provided with up-to-date
information on drug interactions, allergies, descriptions,
warnings, storage requirements or recalls. Without this
standardization, the scanning of the drug could, for instance, lead
the consumer to an alternate site selling counterfeit versions of
the drug. These alarming possibilities have lead to a second type
of reader called a Proprietary Reader.
[0013] Proprietary Reader
[0014] A proprietary reader varies from a universal reader because
it either: [0015] Reads and decodes a proprietary symbology that
unapproved readers cannot decode. [0016] Uses a proprietary
encoding pattern that unapproved readers may be able to decode, but
are unable to interpret the output. These encoding patters do not
contain a fully-formed URL and so are unmanageable by universal
readers.
[0017] In either case, the end-user, usually an untrained consumer,
must visually match the proprietary barcode to the appropriate
proprietary reader. If they fail to do so, the process will yield
an error.
[0018] While once considered a fringe application that was
undesirable for use with consumers, proprietary readers are today
being designed and deployed by the largest application suppliers in
the industry.
[0019] For consumers, these proprietary readers produce a number of
problems and are generally believed to cause confusion in the
marketplace. A standard barcode, which would normally scan with a
universal reader, would be rendered useless if it didn't contain a
URL, but instead contained a proprietary index or addressing
system. This leaves the consumer responsible for identifying the
appropriate proprietary reader even if they are attempting to scan
a standardized barcode.
[0020] Other problems arise when an unfamiliar proprietary
symbology is used that may be unidentifiable to the consumer as a
barcode. In all, proprietary readers provide no tangible advantages
to the end-user. For this reason, most industry advocates in mobile
barcodes are critical of the deployment of proprietary readers.
[0021] For brand managers, proprietary readers offer solutions to
improve security. Proprietary readers often use encoded indexes or
proprietary symbologies that cannot be created by counterfeiters.
Proprietary readers may be retailer-specific so they only display
content approved their vendors. Proprietary readers can be updated
daily with fresh content or critical information streams such as
recalls. The problem with aged information on internet sources is
eliminated.
[0022] However, proprietary readers are also a cause for concern by
brands. Proprietary readers require a savvy consumer with the
available proprietary application installed on their mobile device.
This can significantly reduce the response rate of a national
advertising campaign and tarnish the reputation of a brand by
frustrating consumers.
[0023] There are inherent problems with both proprietary mobile
barcode readers and universal mobile barcode readers:
[0024] Universal readers use unencrypted coding. The ability of
anyone to create a QR code or UPC makes it impossible for the
universal reader to distinguish an authorized barcode from a
counterfeit barcode. It will process both barcodes as if they had
equal integrity.
[0025] Universal readers are difficult to monetize. Typically
universal readers are supplied by campaign managers. Campaign
managers act similar to advertising agencies and generate revenue
when their barcode is scanned. Unlike a proprietary reader, the
universal reader is only able to monetize a fraction of the scans
made by the application. Campaigns generated by their competition
are processed for free.
[0026] Universal readers don't allow brands to control their
messaging. The most common example is the use of UPCs by consumers.
While issued and owned by the brand, anyone can deploy another's
UPC to drive consumers to unauthorized web pages including those
that provide counterfeit products.
[0027] Proprietary readers require consumers to determine the
source of QR codes prior to scanning. Even when using a standard
symbology, such as QR, a universal reader is unable to process a
code with proprietary encoding.
[0028] Proprietary readers limit available information. A
proprietary barcode reader is designed to provide quality
information to the consumer. However, this can also limit the use
of the barcode to produce an undesirable outcome to the consumer.
For instance, a consumer may wish to look for a local retailer, but
the proprietary barcode may only supply online sources.
[0029] Proprietary readers reduce participation. If proprietary
readers are deployed in a consumer advertising campaign, the rate
of response is limited to consumers who have access to a
proprietary reader or are willing to install a proprietary reader
in order to decode the message.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0030] An invention, which meets the needs stated above, is a
system and method combining the advantages of a proprietary mobile
barcode reader with the accessibility of a universal reader.
DRAWING FIGURES
[0031] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of
the present invention and together with the description, serve to
explain the principles of this invention. In the figures;
[0032] FIG. 1.--Flow chart depicting the data movement within the
mobile and server system.
[0033] FIG. 2A.--Drawing showing the elements of the standard
mobile barcode reader with a 2D barcode.
[0034] FIG. 2B.--Drawing illustrating the use of the invention to
simultaneously display both brand owner's content and retail
content.
[0035] FIG. 2C.--Drawing depicting the apparatus being used with a
third-party barcode.
REFERENCE NUMERALS IN DRAWINGS
[0036] 10 Barcode, Barcode Label, UPC, 2D Barcode [0037] 100 Mobile
Device [0038] 110 Barcode Reader, Mobile Barcode Reader, Barcode
Reader, Mobile Barcode Reader [0039] 120 Scanning, Mobile Scanning,
Scan [0040] 130 Destination Land Page, URL, Destination URL,
Alphanumeric String [0041] 140 Associated Content Message Display
[0042] 210 Code Management Ecosystem, Code Management Platform,
Clearinghouse, Barcode Management, Data Storage File [0043] 211
Natively Hosted Query, Natively Hosted [0044] 212 Native Content
[0045] 213 Third-Party Content, Third-Party Landing Page [0046] 214
Associated Content and Instructions, Associated Content
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0047] Referring to the drawings, in which like numerals represent
like elements,
[0048] FIG. 1
[0049] Turning to FIG. 1, the logic flow chart depicts barcode 10
data movement across the mobile device 100 and the code management
ecosystem 210 to return content to the mobile device 100. In the
specifications, content refers to native content 212 and/or
third-party content 213. A mobile barcode reader 110 decodes the
barcode 10 and forwards the decoded alphanumeric string 130 of the
barcode 10 to the code management ecosystem 210. This clearinghouse
210 is responsible for communications with the mobile device 100
and managing the associations between the barcode's 10 decoded
string 130 and the content delivered to the mobile device 100.
After receiving the string 130, the clearinghouse 210 determines if
the string's 130 content is natively hosted 211 within the
clearinghouse 210. If the clearinghouse 210 determines the content
is natively hosted 211, the clearinghouse 210 retrieves the native
content 212 and relays the content to the mobile barcode reader
110. In a typical proprietary mobile barcode reader 110 application
in the prior art, if the ecosystem 210 determined the content was
not natively hosted 211, a) an error would be returned to the
barcode reader 110; b) the third-party landing page 213 would be
retrieved and displayed in the barcode reader 110; or c) a default
browser search would be performed and delivered to the barcode
reader 110 as a search.
[0050] In this embodiment of the present invention, the
clearinghouse 210 determines the content is not natively hosted
211, the mobile barcode reader 110 will instead be instructed to
display the third-party landing page 213 and then additionally
receive associated content and instructions 214. The instructions
to the barcode reader 110 are for displaying the associated content
140 within the confines of the barcode reader 110 application.
Consequentially, the barcode reader 110 shows the unaltered foreign
landing page 213. This addition of the associated content and
instructions 214 permits authorized brand managers to supplement
externally generated content, such as retail content, with trusted
content authorized by the manufacturer or advertiser.
[0051] If the clearinghouse 210 determines the content is natively
hosted 211, the mobile barcode reader will be instructed to display
the native content 212 on the mobile device 100. In addition, the
mobile barcode reader 110 is instructed to display secondary
associated content 140. This addition of the associated content and
instructions 214 permits authorized brand managers to supplement
their content, such as a video advertisement, with trusted
secondary content authorized by the manufacturer, such as legally
required dissemination of information.
[0052] Those skilled in the art will also recognize that the
environment illustrated in FIG. 1 is not intended to limit the
present invention. Indeed, those skilled in the art will recognize
that other alternative hardware environments may be used without
departing from the scope of the present invention.
[0053] Referring now to FIG. 2A, the drawings show a typical mobile
barcode reader 110 application. The user is first presented with a
barcode 10 and then must launch a barcode reader 110 on their
mobile device 100. The consumer places the camera in the mobile
device 100 over the barcode 10 so it aligns with the barcode reader
110. In various manners, the camera on the mobile device 100 will
capture an image of the barcode 10. The barcode reader 110 may then
decode the barcode 10 to produce an alphanumeric string 130 or
simply forward the barcode 10 image to an external server-based
processor to decode. Once the barcode 10 is decoded, the barcode
reader 110 may retrieve the encoded landing page 212/213 and
display this on the mobile device 100. The barcode reader 110 may
alternately forward the decoded alphanumeric string 130 or barcode
10 image to a code management ecosystem 210 which returns content
to the mobile reader 110.
[0054] In the FIG. 2A example, the consumer scans 120 a 2D barcode
10 with their barcode reader 110 on their mobile device 100. The
barcode reader 110 decodes the barcode 10 and displays the message
"DIVE BAR $x.xx CHICKEN WINGS" stored at the URL directly encoded
in the barcode 10. The barcode reader 110 does not need to have any
previous knowledge or association with the destination URL in order
to process this direct barcode.
[0055] FIG. 2B
[0056] FIG. 2B depicts the use of the invention to display both
brand owner's content and local retail content simultaneously. In
the case of UPCs 10, and other specific product identifiers,
proprietary mobile barcode readers 110 are not widely employed.
Proprietary barcode readers 110 which use UPCs 10 employ the
software to divert the UPC 10 to content which is controlled by the
owner of the proprietary reader. This is used for niche
applications that may report on nutrition profiles, diabetic
insulin response, the manufacturer's ethical treatment of animals,
and the like. However, these barcode readers 110 are not able to
additionally provide other types of associated content 214 that may
be important to the consumer such as local availability or
comparative pricing. So complex inquiries require the use of more
than one barcode reader 110 and the user must be sophisticated
enough to discern the output capabilities of various barcode
readers 110.
[0057] The "Combination Proprietary and Universal Mobile Barcode
Reader" simultaneously provides multiple types of valuable content
to the consumer. In this preferred embodiment, the user scans 120
the UPC 10 with mobile barcode reader 110 located on the mobile
device 100. The mobile reader 110 aligns with the barcode 10 and
the camera captures an image of the barcode 10. The barcode scanner
translates the indicia to an alphanumeric string 130 and completes
the mobile barcode reading process 120. The translated string is
sent to the code management system ecosystem 210. The code
management system 210 processes the string 130 and returns
appropriate content to the barcode reader 110. Simultaneously, the
code management ecosystem 210 delivers associated content and an
instruction 214. This associated content 214 could include critical
information about the use, availability, or safety of the product.
Alternately, it could also include other associated content 214
such as a marketing message. The instructions direct the barcode
reader to display the associated content message 140 without
altering the destination landing page 130.
[0058] FIG. 2B shows the example of a universal barcode reader
designed to search and display local consumer price comparison
deals. The consumer uses the mobile device's 100 barcode reader 110
to scan 120 a barcode 10 for the fictitious product "Beentran Gel
Cap 120 MG." The base barcode reader 110 returns a local best
price, but then also associated content 214 in the form of the
associated content message 140 button suggesting the consumer
"Click for MESSAGE FROM BRAND." This allows the barcode reader 110
to simultaneously display the output of their original inquiry, and
also alert the user to important associated content 214 from the
brand.
[0059] The retrieved third-party landing page 213 and the retrieved
associated content and instructions 214 may both be owned by the
same enterprise. For instance, the third-party landing page 213 may
retrieve a video advertisement about "Beentran Gel Caps" and the
associated content and instructions 214 will deliver a legally
required dissemination of the approved "Beentran" packaging label
in connection with the broadcast presentation.
[0060] FIG. 2C
[0061] Finally, turning to FIG. 2C demonstrates the use of the
invention when a third-party barcode 10 is scanned 120 by a
consumer. The user scans 120 the barcode 10 with the mobile barcode
reader 110 located on a mobile device 100. The barcode reader 110
returns content 212/213 and displays an additional associated
content message 140 within the barcode reader 110.
[0062] In the example of FIG. 2C, the user scans 120 a 1D barcode
10 with the mobile barcode reader 110. The barcode, or UPC 10, is
associated with a specific consumer product found in a retail
location. However, the 1D barcode 10 is not associated with any
particular content and the barcode reader 110, possibly in
combination with user selection, must choose what type of content
will be supplied to the consumer. In FIG. 2C, the barcode reader
110 and consumer choose to check the availability of "GROCERY BRAND
CHICKEN WINGS 24 CT." The barcode's 10 encoded index is decoded as
"0 10000 00001 6" and that data string is forwarded by the barcode
reader 110 to the code management ecosystem 210. This clearinghouse
210 matches the decoded index with the description "GROCERY BRAND
CHICKEN WINGS 24 CT" and checks for availability in the user's
local area. The clearinghouse 110 formats this content then returns
the content to the barcode reader 110. Simultaneously, the code
management ecosystem 210 matches the index string to associated
content and instructions 214 and forwards this to the mobile
barcode reader 110. Without interfering with the user's request for
product availability, the barcode reader 110 offers the consumer an
optional button for an alternative venue for "chicken wings" with
the dismissible associated message 140 of "Click for PATIO BAR
SPECIAL."
ADVANTAGES
[0063] From the description above, a number of advantages become
evident for the "Combination Proprietary and Universal Mobile
Barcode Reader." The present invention provides all new benefits
for all participating parties including the advertiser, brand
manager, campaign manager and consumer, including:
[0064] Allows unaltered retrieval of external content. A concern
for both content owners and end-users is the barcode reader does
not alter the content requested within the encoding of the barcode.
The present invention addresses this concern by placing all
additional messaging inside the application thereby causing no
modifications to the original content. In addition, the present
invention also does not interfere with the delivery of the content.
Unlike many proprietary readers, advertisers are always assured
consumers see the message and see it as conceived. For instance,
some proprietary readers may "hijack" the final destination page
and replace it with content such as a "green" index ratings,
consumer reviews, an editorial of the destination owner's social
responsibility, and the like. In the "Combination Proprietary and
Universal Mobile Barcode Reader", the associated destination page
is accurately displayed by delivering the associated foreign
content without altering the original content. This provides the
important advantage of not compromising copyrighted and trademarked
material owned by an outside content provider, campaign manager,
advertiser or brand.
[0065] Combines external content with associated internal content.
Universal readers will only separately delivery external or
internally supplied content. If the content is native, the
individual destination is displayed. If the content is foreign,
that single destination page is displayed. For the end-user, the
disparate sources are delivered without distinction. The present
invention can deliver content from the landing page associated with
the barcode and then supplement the content with data provided by
the application. The additional content delivered by the present
application is associated with the barcode string. So while it is
separate content, the related content may be useful to the end-user
or consumer. This enhances or supplements the original destination
page.
[0066] Allows campaign managers to capture new revenue.
Traditionally, both universal and proprietary readers process a
large number of barcodes in the code management ecosystem which do
not have associated revenue-generating contracts. For instance, a
mobile barcode reader supplied by "Campaign Manager A" (CMA) is
often employed by an end-user to scan the barcode generated by
competitor "Campaign Manager B" (CMB). CMA will still deliver the
content generated by CMB's barcode and CMB bills their client for a
"hit" to the landing page. Since the revenue-generating contract
was obtained by CMB, CMA supplies the critical mobile barcode
scanning application and code management ecosystem at no cost to
competitor CMB. An analysis of data from code management systems
indicates more than 90% of the transactions within private code
management ecosystem are for non-revenue generating transactions.
The "Combination Proprietary and Universal Mobile Barcode Reader"
allows the campaign manager to generate income from competitive
campaign manager's barcodes. For instance, a retailer may contract
with CMA to execute an advertisement, which includes a barcode, for
a cookie promotion at the retailer's stores. In the present
invention, CMB may separately contract with the cookie manufacturer
for an additional discount on the cookie product at any retailer's
location. Both CMA and CMB enjoy profits associated with the scan
of CMA's barcode.
[0067] Allows brand owners to control portions of the retrieved
content. Particularly with the use of one-dimensional barcodes,
such as the UPC, it is difficult for the brand manager to control
the use of their own barcode. This results in the dissemination of
inaccurate, fraudulent or time-dated information when the UPC is
scanned by mobile barcode readers in the prior art. The
"Combination Proprietary and Universal Mobile Barcode Reader"
provides the brand owner opportunity to present authorized
information anytime one of their UPCs are scanned. For instance, if
a consumer were to scan a package of spoiled product, the brand
manufacturer may supply up-to-date information on a recall
including instruction on identifying lots and advise on returning
the product. By placing this additional content in the barcode
reader application, the secondary information controlled by brand
owners does not interfere with the delivery of the potentially
copyrighted information distributed by the brand's authorized
partners.
[0068] Provides users with related content from a trusted source.
Universal readers show the end-user the content without discerning
to the end-user if the content is known to the application. So a
universal mobile barcode reader supplied by a well-trusted brand
name may deliver information which can harm the consumer. This may
cause trust erosion for the brand owner and the supplier of the
mobile barcode reader. By having the reader of the present
invention supply supplemental information about the underlying
barcode, both the application provider and the owner of the code
can assure consumers the data they are viewing is of the highest
quality and from trusted resources. This trust is further enhanced
because the mobile barcode reader of the present invention also
delivers the original destination information without
alteration.
* * * * *