Methods and Systems for Connecting Physical Objects to Digital Communications

Abstract

Disclosed is a system which uses a unique code, for example a QR code, on a physical product. The code is conveniently readable, for example by a smartphone or tablet, and connects the reader to a specific network address. Dynamically variable content is provided at the network address, which may be provided by the product vendor or manufacturer, by the purchaser, or by other parties. The content may vary depending upon which party is accessing the code.

1 . A system adapted to provide a connection from a physical object to a network communication, including at least one physical object with an associated code, at least one portable computing device adapted to read the code and adapted to connect to a network location, and a server associated with the network location, wherein the code, when read by one of said computing devices, defines a link to the network location, wherein a plurality of viewer groups are predefined for the code, the server is adapted to selectively provide one of a plurality of different communications defined for the code to the computing device, and wherein which communication is provided to each specific viewer is dependent upon a determination whether or not the computing device is associated with a viewer who is a member of one or more of said viewer groups. 
     
     
         2 . A system according to  claim 1 , wherein which communication is provided to each specific viewer is further dependent upon a determination whether one or more additional parameters, selected from the group comprising of the location of the device; the proximity of the device to a defined location; the time and/or date; previous access or registration of the device or user; or authentication of the user; so that the communication is provided to the computing device by the server in accordance with the determination of whether the additional parameters associated with each of said plurality of communications have been met. 
     
     
         3 . A system according to  claim 1 , wherein the physical object is a portable item and the code is readable on the physical object, and the code allows selective access to a communication including information specific to the item. 
     
     
         4 . A system according to  claim 1 , wherein the physical object is a one or more of a fashion item, collectable, art object, limited edition or other specialised item, and the code allows selective access to information to assist in authenticating the item. 
     
     
         5 . A system according to  claim 1 , wherein an owner or other authorised person may add additional material to the server, so as to personalise or augment the information in one or more communications specific to the physical object. 
     
     
         6 . A system according to  claim 1 , wherein the code is associated with a fixed physical location, and the code further allows access to communicate with a party and/or to receive a communication relating to that location. 
     
     
         7 . A system according to  claim 1 , wherein the code further allows access to one or more games, either randomly presented or preselected, and/or one or more of access to specific content, access to specific products, access to specific locations, and delivery of user directed content. 
     
     
         8 . A system according to  claim 1 , wherein the code provides access to material specific to a celebrity, team, sportsperson, musician, actor, band or other specific person or persons, and wherein the item is preferably a promotional item or licensed item associated with a person or group, and accessing the code provides access to one or more of specific events, video, audio, images, experiences, communication opportunities, social media groups or other fan related items or activities. 
     
     
         9 . A method adapted to provide a connection from a physical object to a network communication in a system including at least one physical object with an associated code, at least one portable computing device adapted to read the code and adapted to connect to a network location, and a server associated with the network location, the method including at least the steps of:
 (a) At a server, receiving a request from a portable device, the request being generated by said code;   (b) determining whether the device is a member of one or more predefined viewer groups; wherein a plurality of said viewer groups are predefined for the code, and which communication provided to each portable computing device is dependent upon whether or not that portable computing device is associated with a viewer who is a member of one or more of said viewer groups   (c) In response to the determination, providing a communication to the portable computing device, wherein the content of the communication is conditional upon said determination.   
     
     
         10 . A method according to  claim 9 , wherein which communication is provided to each specific viewer is further dependent upon a determination whether one or more additional parameters, selected from the group comprising the location of the device; the proximity of the device to a defined location; the time and/or date; previous access or registration of the device or user; or authentication of the user; so that the communication is provided to the computing device by the server in accordance with the determination of whether the additional parameters associated with each of said plurality of communications have been met. 
     
     
         11 . A method according to  claim 9 , wherein the physical object is a portable item, the code is readable on the object, and the code further allows selective access to communication including information specific to the item. 
     
     
         12 . A method according to  claim 9 , wherein the code provides access to material specific to a celebrity, team, sportsperson, musician, actor, band or other specific person or persons, and wherein the item is preferably a promotional item or licensed item associated with a person or group, and accessing the code provides access to one or more of specific events, video, audio, images, experiences, communication opportunities, social media groups or other fan related items or activities.