System, method, and apparatus for displaying proprietary information within a quick response (qr) code

Abstract

A system, method and apparatus for displaying proprietary information within a multi-layer quick response code may be disclosed. An individual may use a unique quick response code scanner within a mobile application on a mobile device to read a quick response code affixed to an item or product. Through the mobile application, the quick response code scanner may read information embedded within the quick response code unique to the mobile application. The individual may be linked to content hosted on or accessed via a web portal associated with the mobile application. The individual may then be presented with information accessed from a variety of data sources, including from sources other than the retailer of the item, or with proprietary information unique to the mobile application provider.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for displaying information with a multi-layered code, comprising:
 scanning a multi-layered code associated with an item using a scanner device;   reading first information embedded within a first layer of the code through one or more mobile applications running on the scanner device;   using the first information, linking the scanner device to first content accessed via a first web portal associated with a first entity;   decoding second information embedded within a second layer of the code through the one or more mobile applications running on the scanner device; and   using the second information, linking the scanner device to second content accessed via a second web portal associated with a second entity.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first content comprises data associated with a retailer of the item. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the second content comprises data about the item from a source other than a retailer of the item. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the second content includes at least one of sustainability data, toxicity data, product safety data, and supply chain information. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the scanner device is at least one of a smartphone, tablet or mobile device equipped with at least one of a camera or reader. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first layer of the multi-layered code includes information unique to a retailer of the product or item which is accessible through a generic mobile application, and the second layer of the multi-layered code includes proprietary information which is not accessible through the generic mobile application. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 associating at least one radio frequency identification inlay with the code.   
     
     
         8 . A system for displaying proprietary information with a multi-layered code, comprising:
 a multi-layered code associated with an item;   at least one scanner device configured to read the multi-layered code;   a first mobile application running on the scanner device and that is configured to read first information embedded within a first layer of the code, and using the first information, link the scanner device to first content accessed via a first web portal associated with a first entity, and display the first content on a display of the scanner device,   at least one second mobile application running on the scanner device and that is configured to read second information embedded within a second layer of the code, and using the second information, link the scanner device to second content accessed via a second web portal associated with a second entity, and display the second content on a display of the scanner device,   
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the second information includes proprietary information unique to a provider of the second mobile application. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the proprietary content includes at least one of sustainability data, toxicity data, product safety data, material content, and product care data. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the at least one second content is not accessible through the first mobile application. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the second content is provided from a source other than a retailer of the item. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the second content includes proprietary information unique to a provider of the at least one second mobile application. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the scanner device is at least one of a smartphone, tablet or mobile device equipped with at least one of a camera or reader. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 8 , further comprising:
 at least one radio frequency identification inlay associated with the at least one code.