WO2006120685A2

WO2006120685A2 - Network applications involving electronically scannable objects

Info

Publication number: WO2006120685A2
Application number: PCT/IL2006/000556
Authority: WO
Inventors: Dan Mehler
Original assignee: Glosh Ltd.
Priority date: 2005-05-11
Filing date: 2006-05-11
Publication date: 2006-11-16
Also published as: GB0719832D0; WO2006120685A3; GB2439504A

Abstract

A method of identifying objects carrying a barcode for combined virtual and real world manipulation. The barcode consists of two rows, a calibration row and a data row. The data row of the barcode is scanned relative to the calibration row with a barcode scanner, and the scanned barcode data is sent to a remote server which then performs at least one operation according to the sent barcode data. In specific embodiments, such as using a barcode on collectible cards, a generic barcode may be used to provide data to the server.

Description

NETWORK APPLICATIONS INVOLVING ELECTRONICALLY SCANNABLE

OBJECTS

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to network applications for electronically scannable objects and, more particularly, but not exclusively to such applications involving objects carrying a two-line referential barcode for example of the kind described in U.S. Patent 6,820,808, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. Interfacing real world applications with virtual applications (and vice versa) always presents a problem. This problem is partially solved by standard barcode systems, which allow objects to be scanned at a computer and thus recognized by the virtual world. This problem is also solved by many kinds of inventory systems which allow a computer system to keep track of products as they move through anything from a warehouse to a worldwide delivery system. _/ Standard barcode systems comprise a high quality barcode scanner and a precisely printed barcode where the encoding relies on line thickness. Consequently the system requires a precise printer.

The standard barcode systems we see everywhere have a number of distinct disadvantages: a) Very precise line thicknesses require very precise printing. b) The normal barcode scanner required must also be very precise, leading to high costs. c) Most private users do not have a normal barcode scanner or the high quality precision printer required due to the high costs involved. Because of the above, it is unusual for a home computer to be equipped with a barcode reader. Thus, use of barcodes is not an option in order to interface real objects with the virtual world at the level of the domestic user. Hence many real- world applications which could benefit from a virtual world analog are not computerized for the mass market, and likewise, virtual applications that could benefit from real world associations are not computerized for the mass market..

It goes without saying that the various inventory systems, which are often based on r.f. tags and similar technology are even less available to the consumer. Some real- world applications such as prepaid cards and coupons use barcodes, but these require costly printing and scanning equipment and so the scanning aspect is not available to the home user.

Other applications like visiting cards and collectible objects are further examples of applications that it is difficult to interface with computers. Collectible cards have been around for many years. They are mainly collected by children, but people of all ages have been known to own large collections of cards. There are numerous types of collectible cards, recently the popular ones being those carrying photos of sport stars and film stars. Collectors collect sets of the cards by buying the cards, playing with them, exchanging them etc. Sets of the cards are used to make up albums. Cards are also kept in special albums. However, there are a number of problems associated with the collection and handling of physical cards.

1. They tend to get worn out, dirty, torn etc. if played with or handled often.

2. They can get lost or stolen. 3. To play or exchange cards, the card owners must physically meet.

4. Once a card is glued in an album, it becomes hard to exchange it or play with it.

5. These cards are unsuitable for networked computing as the average home computer has no means of reading them. One possible way of reading cards into a computer is using barcodes, but barcode readers are too expensive for the average private user.

There are also numerous virtual card games available in both online and offline variations. However these games are totally virtual as no viable bridge is available to connect between the virtual cards in the games and the real world. Many Internet sites offer programs and games that one can download, for a fee.

Some games or programs are very expensive, and the user may only want to use them for a limited time, for a small fee. Today, the most popular means of payment on the Internet is credit cards. The problem is that:

1. Not everyone has credit cards, especially not children who are among the greatest consumers of computer games.

2. Many people are unwilling to disclose the details of their credit card over the internet both for security reasons and privacy/anonymity reasons. 3. Credit cards are unsuitable for small payments as the credit card companies charge a service fee for such payments that may amount to a high percentage of the transaction itself.

4. Although micropayments are possible over the Internet using such services as "Paypal", one still has to identify oneself and provide a valid credit card number in order to use the service and pay for the various micropayments. Many newspapers, magazines, brochures etc. offer free coupons. These coupons are cut out and taken to the point-of-sale to be used. One point about coupons is that the coupons cannot be used for Internet shopping and one has to physically go to a point-of-sale or send the coupon by regular mail. Although virtual coupons exist, for the average home user there is no bridge between them and the real world as ordinary home printers are unable to produce the high quality precision printing that the standard barcode requires.

Visiting cards are carried by almost everyone these days. The problems with visiting cards are many:

1. They tend to get lost.

2. Physical filing systems and albums are bulky and searches are clumsy.

3. The amount of information one can put on a visiting card is very limited. On the other hand, Internet addresses (URLs) are conveniently distributed by email and via the world wide web, where the recipient has only to click on the received link in order to arrive at the required website. There is no convenient way to physically deliver a possibly long and complicated Internet address to a recipient. The recipient has to copy carefully the entire internet address without any typing errors at all in order to arrive at the desired website, and even the smallest typing error will result in failure to arrive at the desired website. Furthermore, in a large and complex website, specific pages within the site may have especially complex addresses. Internet users often do not even attempt to pass addresses of internal pages of websites other than via computer. Physical keys for opening locked doors have been used for generations. These keys have a number of problems :

1. They are bulky and, if a number of keys have to be carried, can be heavy.

2. Making copies is expensive and time consuming. 3. If a key is lost, the entire lock has to be changed.

4. Magnetic card keys are often used as an alternative in hotels, and other large buildings. However they are unsuitable for home applications due to the costs of reading and programming magnetic cards. In summary, there are numerous applications which could benefit from a bridge between the real and virtual worlds which bridge is available to the consumer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of identifying scannable objects for combined virtual and real world manipulation, the scannable object having a barcode comprising two rows, a calibration row and a data row. The method comprises reading the data row on the scannable object relative to the calibration row with a barcode scanner, sending data of the data row to a remotely located server, thereby to activate at least one operation at the remotely located server, modified according to the sent data. Preferably the scannable objects are members of a collectible set, and the data allows the set to be collected virtually at the remote server.

Preferably the set comprises collectible objects.

Preferably the remote server credits a respective user with the scannable objects . Alternatively the set is kept by the server in a virtual album belonging to a respective user.

Preferably the remote server stores the barcode data and disables further crediting with the barcode, so as to prevent illegal re-use of the barcode data.

Preferably a respective user instructs the server to debit a collectible object from a virtual album.

Preferably the debited object is credited to a virtual album of another user.

Alternatively the barcode of the debited object is re-enabled for crediting.

Preferably the collectible objects are trivia cards or sports cards or trading cards. Preferably the server keeps track of barcodes of respective scannable objects, thereby reducing the possibility of fraudulent reuse of the objects. The collectible objects are preferably assigned respective values, and the server then identifies a given object from the data and assigns the value to a corresponding user.

Preferably the scannable object carries a barcode identifying a respective owner to the server.

Alternatively the scannable objects are prepaid tokens, and the operation comprises a service requiring payment.

Preferably the tokens carry identifying codes revealable by scratching, as an extra security measure. Alternatively the scannable objects are coupons received and used by a user, and the server collects the data from the used coupons and makes the data available to a coupons provider.

Alternatively the scannable objects are visiting cards, and the operation comprises the remote server identifying the barcode data and using it to access information relating to the barcode data, the information comprising at least one of the following: personal information, advertising information, URL, website or network location. The remote server then preferably sends the information to a user's computer.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is a method of accessing an Internet location comprising of providing a card having a barcode comprising two rows, a calibration row and a data row. The barcode contains data comprising Internet location data, and the data row on the card is scanned relative to the calibration row with a barcode scanner. The Internet location is extracted from the data, and the Internet location is accessed. Preferably the Internet location data comprises a uniform resource locator (URL).

Preferably a virtual address book is located on the user's computer and is automatically updated with the information obtained from the barcode data of the scanned visiting card. According to another aspect of the invention a lock uses a scannable object for operation, the scannable object having a barcode comprising two rows, a calibration row and a data row, the lock comprising a barcode scanner and a logic unit associated with said barcode scanner. The barcode scanner is configured to read the data row in relation to the calibration row and to provide data of the data row to the logic unit. The logic unit is configured to use the data to determine whether to operate the lock.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The materials, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

Implementation of the method and system of the present invention involves performing or completing certain selected tasks or steps manually, automatically, or a combination thereof. Moreover, according to actual instrumentation and equipment of preferred embodiments of the method and system of the present invention, several selected steps could be implemented by hardware or by software on any operating system of any firmware or a combination thereof. For example, as hardware, selected steps of the invention could be implemented as a chip or a circuit As software, selected steps of the invention could be implemented as a plurality of software instructions being executed by a computer using any suitable operating system. In any case, selected steps of the method and system of the invention could be described as being performed by a data processor, such as a computing platform for executing a plurality of instructions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments of the present invention only, and are presented in order to provide what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice. In the drawings: FIG. 1 is an example of a card using the two-line referential barcode system.

FIG. 2 is a two-line referential barcode reader.

FIG. 3 is a simplified diagram showing the user's computer connected to a barcode reader and to a remote server via a network, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a logged in user getting credited for a scanned object.

FIG. 5 is a simplified diagram showing two users connected and logged in to the server for the purpose of trading collectible cards. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a logged user debiting a scanned object from his account, and crediting that object to another user, or re-enabling the barcode on the physical object that was previously scanned.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the use of prepaid cards.

FIG. 8a is a flowchart illustrating the use of coupons. FIG. 8b is a flowchart illustrating printing coupons locally.

FIG. 9 is a simplified diagram of a lock unit using the two-line referential barcode system to operate the lock.

FIG.10 is a flowchart illustrating the use of the two-line referential barcode system used for physical access control. FIG.l 1 is a flowchart illustrating the use of the two-line referential barcode system for user identification.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the use of visiting cards through a server.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating the use of a visiting card whose barcode data contains a URL.

DESCRIPTION QF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The preferred embodiments teach a method of computerizing and/or networking real world applications using the two-line referential barcode method described herein below. Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

The present invention includes several embodiments that can be realized using the two-line referential barcode system as described in U.S. Patent 6,820,808, the contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference . In this disclosure, an optically readable digital bar code comprises two rows, each of printed spaces and non-printed spaces, where one of these rows is a calibration row for reading the other row, which is a data row. This barcode is read by a scanner having two optical reading heads controllably joined together and disposed side by side for reading the code and for converting it to data and outputting the data.

There are two advantages to the two-line referential barcode system:

1. Two rows are printed instead of one row, a data row and a synchronization row. The scanner reads both rows, and the data read is a function of the relative positions of the bars in the two rows. In this system, therefore, slippage errors that often occur during printing are harmless as both rows slip by the same amount and their relative positions remain unchanged. The result is that a less precise printing process is acceptable.

2. Because less precision is required, the barcode reader is less complex and less costly.

Fig. 1 shows a bar code in accordance with the teachings of U.S. Patent 6,820,808, which is referred to hereinafter as bar code 10. Bar code 10 is an optically readable digital code which is printed on a substrate, hereinafter referred to as substrate 11 Bar code 10 includes two linear rows juxtaposed to one another. One row is a calibration row, hereinafter referred to as calibration row 12, and the other row is a data row, hereinafter referred to as data row 14. Calibration row 12 provides a calibration for reading encoded data from data row 14.

Calibration row 12 and data row 14 both comprise printed spaces, hereinafter referred to as printed space 16, and non-printed spaces, hereinafter referred to as non- printed space .18. Printed space 16 is arranged in substantially rectangular form.

Each row of bar code 10 consists of a series of printed spaces 16 and non- printed spaces 18, with the rows juxtaposed to each other such that the printed spaces 16 and the non-printed spaces 18 of one row are disposed next to, and provide a reference for, the printed spaces 16 and the non-printed spaces 18 of the other row. It is this referential juxtaposition of spaces that carries the data within the code.

The printed spaces 16 and the non-printed spaces 18 of calibration row 12 serve to align the reader and provide a series of reference points from which to begin reading. Such reference points are repeated throughout calibration row 12 in order to realign the reader to the juxtaposed spaces to be read. This calibration function is essential because bar code 10 is read sequentially from one end to the other, and only the referentially juxtaposed printed and non-printed spaces are read. There are no gaps between such spaces. Any imprecision of spacing simply results in a mis-sized printed or non-printed space, which has no meaning to the scanner, unlike typical bar codes, in which the spacing has a meaning and a mis-sized gap results in misread data. Periodic calibration is needed in order to signal the scanner that a new space has been reached. This periodic signaling is necessary to avoid misreading bar code 10 which, because it is useful as a secondarily printed bar code, may be imprecisely printed.

Originally printed bar codes which are part of an initial printing run of a substrate are typically precise and uniform. Such bar codes are read by readers which read both the lines and the gaps between the lines. Secondarily printed bar codes which are printed on already printed substrates, often have unique or variable data and differences in their content, such as a serial progression of data, such as running numbers, which requires a change in the configuration of printed and non-printed spaces for every unit printed. Such secondary printed bar codes may be imprecise with varying gaps between the printed spaces and non-printed spaces. Such irregularities in printing may result from mistimed positioning of the variable data, non-constant printer feed speeds or other mechanical causes. Bar codes with such irregularities will cause a misread. Accordingly, it is necessary to both have a bar code in which gaps between the spaces do not exist or do not matter, and to calibrate the reader to know when each new space begins. Unlike other bar codes, bar code 10 has no gaps between the spaces. Therefore spacing between sequential spaces is not an issue. Calibration row 12 consists of alternating printed spaces and non-printed spaces and periodically signals the reader when a new space has been encountered and is to be read. This calibration is repeated periodically throughout the length of the rows. As stated earlier herein, printed spaces 16 and non-printed spaces 18 of calibration row 12 provide a reference for printed spaces 16 and non-printed spaces 18 of data row 14. For example, a printed space 16 of calibration row 12 may be adjacent to and therefore refer to either a printed space 16 or a non-printed space 18 of data row 14, resulting in a black-black or black- white configuration respectively. Similarly, a non-printed space 18 of calibration row 12 may refer to either a printed space 16 or a non-printed space 18 of data row 14, resulting in a white-black or white- white configuration respectively. This referential juxtaposition of the spaces in one row with the spaces in the other row carries the data within bar code 10. In the previous embodiment the spaces of data row 10 (both printed and non- printed) are aligned with the spaces of calibration row 12. Alternately or additionally, a printed space of data row 14 may be aligned between two printed or non-printed spaces of calibration row 12. Likewise, a non-printed space of data row 14 may be aligned between two printed or non-printed spaces of calibration row 12. For example, aligning a printed space in data row 14 between two printed spaces of calibration row 12, results in a black- white configuration followed by a black-black configuration for the given printed space. Aligning data row spaces both between and with calibration row spaces doubles the data rate obtainable when the object is scanned by the barcode scanner. Bar code 10 is decodable to a binary code. Therefore, the variables needed are limited. The above described referential juxtaposition of two rows results in only two possible combinations of printed and non-printed spaces, each of which corresponds either to the "1" or the "0" of the binary code. The binary code is decodable to data consisting of numbers, letters of the alphabet or symbols. The binary code and the data it represents are storable on an electronic medium and are therefore capable of being sent, received, stored and used by a user client for all applications that are within its capability

Fig. 2 shows an optical scanner as described in U.S. Patent 6,820,808, hereinafter referred to as scanner 20, which is similar in physical configuration to a magnetic card reader wherein a magnetic strip on a card is swiped through a slot and is read as it passes a reader within the slot. Scanner 20 includes a body or console hereinafter referred to as body 22 which is connected to a user client by a hard wire connection 23. Body 22 has disposed thereon a guidance slot, hereinafter referred to as slot 24, through which substrate 11 is passed in order for bar code 10 to be read by an optical reader, hereinafter referred to as reader 26. Reader 26 is similar to those bar code readers well known in the art and is typically infrared or laser based, converting an optical signal into an electrical signal. Body 22 also has indicated thereon in close proximity to slot 24 a direction pointer in the form of an arrow, hereinafter referred to as direction indicator 28, indicating the direction in which substrate 11 is to be introduced into slot 24 in order for bar code 10 to be read in the proper sequence by reader 26. Reader 26 is disposed upon reading face 30, which is disposed within slot 24, such that bar code 10 passes over it when substrate 11 is passed through slot 24 and across reading face 30. The location of reader 26 on reading face 30 corresponds in spacing to the location of bar code 10 on substrate 11 such that when substrate 11 is fully inserted into slot 24, bar code 10 aligns with reader 26.

In addition to reading bar code 10, scanner 20 is designed to convert the code to data and to output that data, preferably to a user client. In this respect, scanner 20 employs current technology to both convert the optical signal read to an electrical signal and to send that electrical signal for use and storage on an electronic medium. Reference is now made to fig. 3, where a scannable object 34 is scanned by the two- line referential barcode scanner 32. The two-line referential barcode scanner 32 sends the scanned barcode data to a local computer 31. The local computer 31 then sends the data to a remote server 33 for further processing and/or storage.

The referential bar code, as described above, can serve as a bridge between the real and virtual worlds, allowing integrated real world, virtual world applications where the integration takes place at a consumer level computer. Collectible objects in their normal form are usually printed cards with pictures of sport stars, film stars etc. Whether card or object, they form sets which it is desired to collect. These cards have been around for many years and are mainly collected by children, although people of all ages have been known to own large collections of cards. There are numerous types of collectible cards, recently the popular ones being those carrying photos of sport stars and film stars. Sets of the cards are used to make up albums, and sometimes these albums are specially produced for specific sets of cards. However, there are a number of problems associated with the collection and handling of physical cards. 1. They tend to get worn out, dirty, torn etc. if played with or handled often.

2. They can get lost or stolen.

3. To play or exchange cards, the card owners must physically meet 4. Once a card is glued in an album, it becomes hard to exchange it or play with it.

5. Collectible cards are unsuitable for networked computing as the average home computer has no means of reading them. One possible way of reading cards into a computer is using barcodes, but barcode readers are too expensive for the average private user.

6. They cannot utilize technical enhancements like multimedia or animations and dynamics.

Current implementations of collectible objects are real world. A consumer may record his collection in a database, which takes time and patience, but there is no real integration allowing collection of real objects to be implemented virtually.

According to the preferred embodiments, there is provided an implementation of an object or card collecting system in which a two-line referential barcode is printed on the back of each collectible object or card, using the method of U.S. Patent 6,820,808 , as described above. The collectible cards are scanned and their barcode data is sent to a remote server which processes the scanned data and saves it. The saved barcode data may be used as an index to a set of images of collectible cards stored in the server, and the server may form a virtual album that contains images of the scanned cards. Virtual albums are a convenient way of collecting and displaying grouped physical objects as virtual images. Virtual albums have the advantages of being available anywhere there is a network connection, they are easy to arrange and annotate, the saved images therein don't get worn or stained over time, and the virtual album itself may be designed to please different segments of users, for example children, students, young adults arid the elderly.

With regard to fig 4 where the scannable object is a collectible card, the user first identifies himself to the remote server using an ID + password or some other means. 40. The two-line referential barcode on the collectible card is scanned into the local computer using a two-line referential barcode scanner . 41. The local computer sends the scanned data to a remote server. 42. The remote server receives the scanned data. 44, checks the validity of the scanned data and accordingly credits the logged user with the card corresponding to that particular barcode. 45. This card which is now a virtual card, may now be enlivened using dynamics, animations and multimedia. The server may optionally save images of scanned cards as a virtual album, filling in the album with each scanned card. Finally, the server disables further use of the scanned barcode 46. This is accomplished by the server keeping records of all scanned barcodes of the collectible cards and checking each newly scanned card if it had already been scanned in the past. If a newly scanned barcode already appears in the server's records, the server will not give any credit for it. Another variation of card games is the trading card game (TCG). In the trading card game, cards are traded and upgraded or downgraded, characters on cards may be empowered with increased/decreased abilities and/or armor and points may be earned, but the cards are not necessarily collected in catalogs. In the trading card game cards may expire due to rules of the game. In a preferred embodiment, a previously scanned card that due to some rules of the game is now expired (or

"dead"), may be taken offline by the original user, traded, and returned online by a different user.

The server can also enable the exchange of cards between users. If both users agree, a certain card may be debited from the account of one user, and credited to the account of the other user, (see Fig 5).

With reference to fig 5, User A 50 has a specific collectible card which is part of his card collection in his virtual album A 59 stored in the remote server 57. He sends the remote server 57 a message indicating that he wishes to give that card to user B 56. The remote server 57 debits that card from virtual album A 59 and credits that same card to virtual album B 58, which belongs to user B 56.

A card trade may also be carried out using scanned physical cards. Once a card has been physically exchanged or traded, the original owner must give the server permission to transfer the respective virtual card to the new owner. If he refuses, the server may require the original owner to rescan the card to prove that the card is still in his possession. Since barcode cards may be fraudulently photocopied, two players may have identical cards with identical barcodes. In this case the server will know of the fraud as two or more identical physical cards cannot exist legally. The server can then take appropriate action. With reference to fig 6 which further explains the method of debiting and crediting collectible cards, the user first logs on to the server 61. The server then debits a selected card from the user's account, according to the user's instructions. 63. The user requests to credit another user with the debited card, 65, or the user requests to re-enable the barcode on the physical card that was debited from his account. 67.

Unauthorized duplication of cards may be monitored by the server, as each card is preferably assigned a unique barcode and can be entered into the server only once, as illustrated in fig 4 box 46, which shows a server disabling a card once it used. The server may do this by keeping records of the barcodes of all previously scanned cards, and comparing each newly scanned barcode to the list of previously scanned barcodes. If a scanned barcode already appears on the list of previously scanned barcodes, the server will not accept it. Thus a barcode appearing on the list of previously scanned barcodes is effectively disabled. Since the barcode reader is relatively cheap, it may be given away free of charge with the first set of cards purchased.

Cards entered into the virtual album may have different values, and the user may be awarded points for cards entered. These values may then be used by the user to get prizes, coupons etc. In an alternate preferred embodiment, the collectible object carries an identifying barcode of any type of barcode known in the art, preferably the standard barcode described above. In the present embodiment, all the operations relating to the collectible objects are performable substantially as described above, with the difference that the identifying barcode is read by the appropriate barcode scanner. Reference is now made to fig. 7 which is another application of the present embodiments, and uses a two-line referential barcode in prepaid cards. . A prepaid card is a method of payment where the payment is made in advance in exchange for a card carrying a code representing the amount of goods or services that the card holder is entitled to. Services provided over the Internet often require payment. One convenient way to provide payment is via a credit card, but not all users of the

Internet are able or willing to use a credit card on the Internet. Prepaid cards therefore are particularly useful for users ineligible for credit cards such as children or people with bad credit ratings, users unwilling to expose credit card information on the Internet, users wanting anonymity etc.

The prepaid cards are useful, for example, for exchange for hourly use of software downloaded from the Internet, Internet commerce, low price transactions, micropayments etc.

Another application of prepaid cards is to enable usage of prepaid cellular phones, or for that matter regular telephones. A user purchases a prepaid card, scans it into his local computer and also types in the number of his cellular phone. The local computer sends the scanned data and the user's cellular phone number to a remote server. The remote server, after checking the scanned data and approving it, disables further use of the prepaid card and credits the user's cellular phone with the amount on the prepaid card. The server disables the prepaid card by keeping records of the scanned barcodes of previously used prepaid cards and checking each newly scanned card to see if it had already been used in the past. If an apparently newly scanned barcode already appears in the server's records, this means that the prepaid card had been used in the past and the server will not give any credit for it With reference to fig 7, the referential barcode of a prepaid card is scanned and the data sent to a server. 71. The server then validates the data 72, and disables further use of the scanned barcode to prevent fraud and in particular re-use of prepaid card 73. Finally the server credits the provider and permits the continuation of the transaction 74. As a further precaution, a hidden code may be printed on the card, exposable only by scratching. The user is required to type in the exposed number after scanning the barcode on the card. If the server matches the exposed number with the scanned barcode, the transaction continues. In this way, a used card cannot be resold after use as the buyer can see that the hidden code has already been exposed.

With reference now to fig. 8a, another application of the present embodiments is coupons. Coupons are printed notes, and are typically exchanged for free gifts or discounts. Coupons can be received by mail, newspapers, magazines, flyers etc. Normally, a coupon holder has to go to a point of sale to redeem his coupon since scanning the coupon on his own local computer requires costly equipment, as previously explained. Furthermore, coupons are limited in the amount of information they display. Using the barcode system described in the present embodiments, coupons are provided with referential barcodes as described above. Hence using the less costly equipment required, private users are enabled to redeem coupons from their personal networked computers. The user redeems the coupon by swiping the coupon through a two-line referential barcode reader. The scanned barcode data of the coupon is sent to a remote server that checks the validity of the coupon and forwards it to the coupons provider. The coupons provider then determines what the coupon user is entitled to, and proceeds to honor the scanned coupon. If the coupons provider is able to provide the coupon user with the promised goods or services, he will instruct the server to disable the coupon. When users redeem the coupons using their own home computer and scanner, as explained later with reference to fig. 8a, the remote server may collect information regarding the users, such as their location, preferences etc. Information about the user's location may be obtained using his IP address, while other information such as age, sex, consumer preferences etc. may be requested as part of the coupon redemption process. The data collected by the remote server from the coupons users may be made available to the coupons provider for marketing or other purposes. A further advantage of using the barcode system of the present embodiments for coupons is that a higher percentage of the coupons will be utilized as they will be scanned at the user's computer. Redeeming coupons on one's own computer is far more convenient than having to do so at the point of sale. Furthermore, when a coupon is scanned, the server may send the user's computer more data and information concerning that coupon, information that may be displayed on the user's computer. This is advantageous as the coupon itself is too small to carry much information, and is unable to carry information in the form of animation, multimedia etc.

Referring to fig 8a. A barcode carrying coupon is scanned with a two-line referential barcode reader, and the scanned data is sent to a server. 85. The server checks the scanned data to determine what the coupon holder is entitled to 86, sends barcode data to the coupons provider and, upon instructions from the coupons provider, disables further use of the scanned barcode so as to prevent re-use of the coupon.87. Finally, the server gives marketing and other information, gathered from the coupon users, to the coupons provider 89. With reference to fig 8b, another application of the present embodiments is a barcode-carrying coupon that may be downloaded from the network to a local computer and printed locally. Using the standard barcode system, the printing procedure is very costly as the normal barcode system requires precise printing of the lines and spaces, as previously explained, hence a precise and costly printer is required. The referential barcode system used in the present embodiments, however, requires only a simple, affordable printer. Printing coupons locally has several advantages:

1. The delivery of coupons to the users is cheaper for the coupons provider, as the coupons provider does not have to print and mail the coupons, print them in magazines, print them on flyers and distribute the flyers etc.

2. Normal coupons may get lost or damaged. In the case of locally printed coupons, a damaged or lost coupon may be simply reprinted.

3. Users may send each other coupons over the network. 4. Marketing information may be collected by the coupons server. This information may be valuable and may be made available to the coupons provider.

Referring now to fig 8b, a user requests a coupon to download 81, and a server provides the coupon 82, while collecting marketing information for the coupons provider 83. A local computer downloads and prints locally the downloaded coupon 84.

In an alternate preferred embodiment, the prepaid card carries an identifying barcode of any type of barcode known in the art, preferably the standard barcode described above. In the present embodiment, all the operations relating to the prepaid card are performable substantially as described above, with the difference that the identifying barcode is read by the appropriate barcode scanner.

Another application of the present embodiments is keys for physical access control. Physical keys for opening locks have been used for generations and are used to operate locks on doors, gates, vehicles, drawers, cabinets, safes etc. Physical keys have a number of problems such as bulkiness, weight, and difficulty of making copies. Magnetic card keys have been used, but are unsuitable for home use due to the high cost of reading and programming magnetic cards. Using a barcode-carrying card as a key solves these problems. Cards are lighter, less bulky, easily fit in a wallet and are easy to reproduce. Fig. 9 shows a lock 90 having an insert for entering a scannable key 94. A scanner 92 is located in proximity to the insert so as to scan the key 94 when the key is inserted. Also provided as part of the lock are a logic unit 96 and a lock mechanism 98. Once the barcode is scanned by the scanner, the barcode data is sent to the logic unit 96. The logic unit 96 determines whether the scanned barcode is privileged to operate the lock, and the lock mechanism itself 98 operates only at the command of the logic unit 96.

Fig 10 is a flowchart that illustrates the operation of a barcode-controlled lock as shown in fig 9. In the flowchart, a barcode-carrying key is scanned by the two-line referential barcode scanner. 100. The scanned data is sent to a logic unit 102, and the logic unit then determines whether the barcode is privileged to operate the lock. 104. If the barcode has the required privilege, the logic unit sends an appropriate command to the lock mechanism . 106.

In Fig. 9 the logic unit is shown incorporated in the lock itself. However the logic unit may be at a remote location, and may govern multiple locks, so that keys can be printed at a central location and validated for individual locks. Thus a hotel or like institution may print a key for a given guest, and if the guest loses the key, invalidate the lost key and provide the guest with a new key.

With reference to fig. 11, a further application is a simple identification card, enabling a quick log-in process to a computer or a server. A login process usually involves the user having to access a login screen, where he has to manually fill in various fields that identify him to the server. This process can be both time consuming and cumbersome. This process is made easier by the use of a barcode ID card, as described by the flowchart in fig. 11. In this flowchart, the user swipes his identifying card through a two-line referential barcode scanner 110, and the scanned barcode data is sent to a server 112. The server validates the scanned data and accordingly gives access to the user, either immediately or after asking for further identification to be validated.114. Such further identification may be a password or a biometric identification. Referring now to fig. 12, a different application of the present embodiments is visiting cards, or in the more general sense, pocket-sized cards which can be handed out to people one meets, to provide specific information. Visiting cards are limited by their size to the amount of data they show. In the present embodiment, visiting cards carry an identifying barcode for scanning, and the scanned data may be sent to a remote server. The remote server uses this data to access information held by the server associated with the visiting card, and sends this information back to the user's computer. With reference to fig. 12, a barcode carrying visiting card is scanned by a scanner connected to a local computer 120. The barcode data is sent by the local computer to a remote server 122, and the remote server then identifies the visiting card through its barcode. 124. The remote server accesses relevant data concerning the scanned visiting card, and sends this data back to the local computer. 126. This data may take a number of forms. It may contain information about the card owner himself such as address, phone numbers, fields of expertise, as well as products that the card owner may have to offer including relevant price lists, geographical areas of operation etc., or any other information that the issuer of the visiting card wishes to impart to the recipient of the visiting card. The data may be in a form suitable for the user to download to his own address book program or the like.

The data sent by the remote server may likewise be a URL of a web location that the visitor wishes the person he meets to visit. It may for example be a company website, providing information about a company the card owner is associated with, such as a company overview, information on top management, contact information, career opportunities etc. The URL may be of a promotional website or sites. In one embodiment a sales person having a portfolio of products may print out cards of individual products as they take the interest of a given customer, allowing the customer to take the cards away and consider the products at his leisure.

In another application of the present embodiments, a barcode carrying visiting card has a URL address encoded into the actual barcode. The advantage of barcode carrying visiting cards is that they are a real- world way of handing out Internet addresses or links. Until now, the only convenient way of providing an Internet link, which may be long and complicated, is by e-mailing it to the recipient. The recipient then clicks the cursor on the link and arrives at the required website. Providing such links physically is complicated and tiresome, and the recipient is required to type in a possibly long Internet address and so is likely to introduce typing errors etc. The present embodiment provides a simple way to physically deliver an Internet address. After receiving a barcode carrying visiting card, all the recipient has to do is swipe the visiting card through the scanner and he arrives at the required website, however complicated the web address and however deep the page within a given website. In the present embodiment, the local computer may go directly to the address indicated by the URL without having to contact a remote server. With reference to fig 13, a visiting card carrying a barcode with a URL is scanned 130. A local computer receives the scanned barcode data 132, and obtains from the scanned barcode data a URL 134. The computer then uses the URL to access a website 136.

The URL supplied by the visiting card barcode data preferably leads to a website containing relevant information about the card holder or a company that he is associated with. That website may contain information about the card owner himself such as address, phone numbers, fields of expertise, as well as products that the card owner may have to offer including relevant price lists, geographical areas of operation etc., or any other information that the issuer of the visiting card wishes to impart to the recipient of the visiting card. The website pointed to by the received URL may also be a company website, providing comprehensive information about the company the card owner is associated with, such as a company overview, information on top management, contact information, career opportunities etc. The visiting card thus becomes a real world object that reflects the virtual world. The various applications described herein have in common that they are integrations between the real and virtual worlds where the integration works at the consumer level.

In an alternate preferred embodiment, the visiting card carries an identifying barcode of any type of barcode known in the art, preferably the standard barcode described above. In the present embodiment, all the operations relating to the visiting card are performable substantially as described above, with the difference that the identifying barcode is read by the appropriate barcode scanner. The prepaid card referred to above may also be based on any kind of barcode known in the art.

It is expected that during the life of this patent many relevant scanning and barcode devices and systems will be developed and the scope of the terms herein is intended to include all such new technologies a priori. Additional objects, advantages, and novel features of the present invention will become apparent to one ordinarily skilled in the art upon examination of the following examples, which are not intended to be limiting. Additionally, each of the various embodiments and aspects of the present invention as delineated hereinabove and as claimed in the claims section below finds experimental support in the following examples.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination.

Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims. AU publications, patents and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated in their entirety by reference into the specification, to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. In addition, citation or identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the present invention.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A method of identifying scannable objects for combined virtual and real world manipulation , said scannable object having a barcode comprising two rows, a calibration row and a data row, the method comprising a. reading said data row on said scannable object relative to said calibration row with a barcode scanner, and b. sending data of said data row to a remotely located server, thereby to activate at least one operation at said remotely located server, modified according to said data.

2. A method according to claim 1 wherein said scannable objects are members of a collectible set, and wherein said data allows said set to be collected virtually at said remote server.

3. A method according to claim 2 wherein said set comprises collectible objects.

4. A method according to claim 2 wherein said remote server credits a respective user with said scannable objects .

5. A method according to claim 2 where said set is kept by said server in a virtual album belonging to a respective user.

6. A method according to claim 4 wherein said remote server stores said barcode data and disables further crediting with said barcode.

7. A method according to claim 2 wherein a respective user instructs said server to debit a collectible object from a virtual album.

8. A method according to claim 7 wherein said debited object is credited to a virtual album of another user.

9. A method according to claim 7 where the barcode of said debited object is re- enabled for crediting.

10. A method according to claim 2 where the collectible objects are trivia cards or sports cards or trading cards.

11. A method according to claim 1 where said server keeps track of barcodes of respective scannable objects, thereby reducing the possibility of fraudulent reuse of said objects.

12. A method according to claim 2 where said collectible objects are assigned respective values, and said server identifies a given object from said data and assigns said value to a corresponding user.

13. A method according to claim 1 where said scannable object carries a barcode identifying a respective owner to said server.

14. A method according to claim 1 where said scannable objects are prepaid tokens, and said operation comprises a service requiring payment.

15. A method according to claim 14 where said tokens carry identifying codes revealable by scratching.

16. A method according to claim 1 where said scannable objects are coupons received and used by a user, and said server collects the data from said used coupons and makes said data available to a coupons provider.

17. A method according to claim 1 where said scannable objects are visiting cards, and said operation comprises: a. said remote server identifying said barcode data, b. said remote server using said barcode data to access information relating to said barcode data, said information comprising at least one of the following: personal information, advertising information, URL, website or network location, and c. said remote server sending said information to a user's computer,

18. A method of accessing an Internet location comprising: a. providing a card having a barcode comprising two rows, a calibration row and a data row, said barcode containing data comprising Internet location data, b. reading said data row on said card relative to said calibration row with a barcode scanner, c. extracting said Internet location from said data, and d. accessing said Internet location.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein said Internet location data comprises a uniform resource locator (URL).

20. A method according to claim 17 wherein a virtual address book located on said user computer is automatically updated with said information obtained.

21. A lock using a scannable object for operation, said scannable object having a barcode comprising two rows, a calibration row and a data row, said lock comprising a barcode scanner and a logic unit associated with said barcode scanner, said barcode scanner being configured to read said data row in relation to said calibration row and to provide data of said data row to said logic unit, said logic unit being configured to use said data to determine whether to operate the lock.

22. A method according to claim 1, wherein a printed space of said data row is aligned substantially with one of a printed space of said calibration row and a non- printed space of said calibration row.

23. A method according to claim 1, wherein a printed space of said data row is aligned between two consecutive printed spaces of said calibration row.

24. A method according to claim 1 , wherein a printed space of said data row is aligned between two consecutive non-printed spaces of said calibration row.

25. A method of identifying scannable objects for combined virtual and real world manipulation, said scannable object having an identifying barcode, wherein said scannable objects are members of a collectible set, and wherein said data allows said set to be collected virtually at said remote server, the method comprising a. reading said barcode on said scannable object with a barcode scanner, and b. sending barcode data to a remotely located server, thereby to activate at least one operation relating to said collectible set at said remotely located server, modified according to said data.

26. A method according to claim 25 wherein said set comprises collectible objects.

27. A method according to claim 25 wherein said remote server credits a respective user with said scannable objects .

28. A method according to claim 25 where said set is kept by said server in a virtual album belonging to a respective user.

29. A method according to claim 27 wherein said remote server stores said barcode data and disables further crediting with said barcode.

30. A method according to claim 25 wherein a respective user instructs said server to debit a collectible object from a virtual album.

31. A method according to claim 30 wherein said debited object is credited to a virtual album of another user.

32. A method according to claim 30 where the barcode of said debited object is re- enabled for crediting.

33. A method according to claim 25 where the collectible objects are trivia cards or sports cards or trading cards.

34. A method according to claim 1 where said server keeps track of barcodes of respective scannable objects, thereby reducing the possibility of fraudulent reuse of said objects.

35. A method according to claim 25 where said collectible objects are assigned respective values, and said server identifies a given object from said data and assigns said value to a corresponding user.

36. A method according to claim 25 where said scannable object carries a barcode identifying a respective owner to said server.

37. A method of identifying scannable objects for combined virtual and real world manipulation, said scannable object having an identifying barcode, wherein said scannable objects are visiting cards, the method comprising a. reading said barcode on said scannable object with a barcode scanner, b. sending barcode data to a remotely located server; c. said remote server identifying said barcode data, d. said remote server using said barcode data to access information relating to said barcode data, said information comprising at least one of the following: personal information, advertising information, URL, website or network location, and e. said remote server sending said information to a user's computer,

38. A method of identifying scannable objects for combined virtual and real world manipulation , said scannable object having an identifying barcode, wherein said scannable objects are prepaid tokens, the method comprising a. reading said barcode with a barcode scanner, and b. sending data of said barcode to a remotely located server, thereby to activate at least one operation at said remotely located server, modified according to said data, wherein said operation comprises a service requiring payment.

39. A method according to claim 38 where said tokens carry identifying codes revealable by scratching.

40. A method according to claim 38 where said scannable objects are coupons received and used by a user, and said server collects the data from said used coupons and makes said data available to a coupons provider.

41. The method of claim 38, wherein said barcode comprises a data row and a calibration row.