Sensorily irritating artifacts

Abstract

The invention relates to sensory irritant artifacts. Described herein are artifacts (100) related to a product, the artifacts comprising a contactless memory tag (120), CMT, containing at least an identifier of the product, and a sensory stimulation element (140), SSE, reflecting a characteristic of the product. A method for preparing the artifact (100), the method comprising: identifying a sensory characteristic of the product, incorporating a sample having the sensory characteristic into the SSE (140), providing the CMT (120) wherein the memory contains an identifier of the product, and providing the artifact (100) comprising the SSE (140) and the CMT (120).

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention entitled "Sensory Stimulating Artificial Articles", which was filed on January 30, 2018, with PCT international application number PCT / US2018 / 015823 and Chinese national application number 201880009799.7. Technical Field

[0002] This document describes products and methods involving sensory stimulating artifacts that provide a method for sampling and obtaining product sample packs, which reduces the cost, form, and weight of conventional sample packs. Background Technology

[0003] Sample kits for consumer products allow consumers to try the product before purchasing. Sample kits are often difficult to handle, including rigid bottles containing the product, such as fabric softener or shampoo. Some products cannot be offered in sample kits, or can be extremely expensive, such as aerosols, requiring complex dispensing systems or exceeding the structural characteristics of those that can be delivered by simple pouches. While magazines offer an effective way to distribute sample kits to a target audience, limitations on their portable volume and weight often prevent effective sampling; for example, a dose of laundry detergent or fabric softener cannot be packed inside a magazine. When sample kits are placed on displays within retail spaces, separate dispensing aisles are required, retail space is rented, and a significant amount of waste is generated because the distributed samples are not used by consumers after receipt.

[0004] The present invention aims to overcome at least some of the problems in this field. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This document describes a product-related artifact (100), said artifact comprising:

[0006] - A contactless memory tag (120) CMT, the contactless memory tag containing at least an identifier for the product, and

[0007] - Sensory stimulation element (140) SSE, which reflects the characteristics of the product.

[0008] The SSE (140) may be fragrance-releasing, and the CMT (120) is a near-field communication (NFC) tag. The artifact may be a magazine insert. The CMT may be configured to transmit data based on the state of the SSE, where the SSE has an inactive or active state.

[0009] The artifact (100) may also include a user input panel having at least two states, wherein the CMT is configured to transmit data based on the state of the user input panel.

[0010] The present invention also describes a method for preparing an artifact (100) as described herein, the method comprising:

[0011] - Identify the sensory characteristics of the product.

[0012] - The sample with this sensory characteristic is incorporated into SSE (140).

[0013] - Provides CMT (120), where the memory contains the product identifier, and...

[0014] - Provide artifacts (100) containing SSE (140) and CMT (120).

[0015] The method may further include the step of attaching the CMT (120) and the artifact (100) to a substrate. The invention also describes an artifact prepared according to the method.

[0016] This document also describes a method for requesting a sample package of a product, the method comprising:

[0017] - Receive the product identifier of CMT (120) from artifact (100) on the smart device (200).

[0018] - Transmitting the identifier and consumer contact information via the Internet (250) from the smart device (200) to a remote computer system (300) to initiate the fulfillment of the request, and

[0019] - Receive confirmation of the product sample to be distributed to the consumer on the smart device (200).

[0020] The method described according to the present invention can be performed by a smart device (200).

[0021] This document also describes a method for representing a data stream of a computer program or computer program product having instructions that, when executed by a computing device, cause the computing device to execute a sample package of a requested product, to be executed by the intelligent device (200).

[0022] This document also describes a method for requesting a sample package of a product, the method comprising:

[0023] - The identifier of the product from the CMT (120) of the artifact (100) is received by the smart device (200) on the Internet (250).

[0024] - Consumer contact information is received by a smart device (200) on the Internet (250), and

[0025] - Send confirmation of the distribution of sample packages of products to consumers to the smart device (200) via the Internet (250).

[0026] The method of requesting a sample package of the product can be performed by a remote computer system (300) connected to the Internet (250).

[0027] This document also describes a method, a computer program or computer program product having instructions that, when executed by a computing device or system, cause the computing device or system to perform a method for requesting a sample package of the product, which is to be executed by a remote computer system (300) connected to the Internet (250). Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the artifact described in this article.

[0029] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating the interaction between consumers and artifacts.

[0030] Figure 3 An example is shown of transmitting information from an artifact to a remote computer system via the Internet through a smartphone. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Before describing the artifacts and methods of the present invention, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific artifacts, methods, or combinations described, as such artifacts, methods, and combinations can certainly vary. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is not intended to be limiting, as the scope of the invention will be limited only by the appended claims.

[0032] Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, as used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include both singular and plural references.

[0033] As used herein, the terms “comprising,” “including,” and “consisting of” are synonymous with “including,” “containing,” or “comprising,” and are inclusive or open-ended, and do not exclude additional, unlisted members, elements, or method steps. It should be understood that, as used herein, the terms “comprising,” “including,” and “consisting of” include the term “composed of.”

[0034] The range of values ​​represented by the endpoints includes all numbers and fractions contained within the corresponding range, as well as the listed endpoints.

[0035] As used herein, when referring to measurable values ​​such as parameters, quantities, durations, etc., the term "about" or "approximately" means encompassing a specified value and a variation of + / - 10% or less, preferably + / - 5% or less, more preferably + / - 1% or less, and even more preferably + / - 0.1% or less, provided such variation is suitable for implementation in the disclosed invention. It should be understood that the values ​​referred to by the modifier "about" or "approximately" are themselves specifically and preferably disclosed.

[0036] However, by further illustration, the terms “one or more” or “at least one”, such as one or more or at least one member of a group of members, are explicit in themselves, but the term specifically covers references to any one of the members, or to any two or more of the members, for example, any ≥3, ≥4, ≥5, ≥6 or ≥7 of the members, and up to all of the members.

[0037] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in disclosing this invention, including technical and scientific terms, shall have the meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Further guidance, including terminology definitions, is provided to better understand the teachings of this invention.

[0038] The various aspects of the invention are defined in more detail in the following paragraphs. Unless otherwise expressly stated, each aspect so defined may be combined with any one or more other aspects. Specifically, any feature indicated as preferred or advantageous may be combined with any other feature indicated as preferred or advantageous.

[0039] Throughout this specification, references to "an embodiment" or "an embodiment" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. Therefore, the phrase "in one embodiment" appearing in various places throughout this specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, but may refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, in one or more embodiments, specific features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure. Moreover, while some embodiments described herein include other features and structures not included in other embodiments, combinations of features and structures from different embodiments are intended to be within the scope of the invention and form different embodiments, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. For example, in the appended claims, any of the embodiments protected by the claims can be used in any combination.

[0040] In this specification of the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part thereof, and which illustrate only specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. The bracketed or bolded reference numerals attached to corresponding elements are illustrative only and are not intended to limit the corresponding elements. It should be understood that other embodiments may be utilized, and structural and functional changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, the following detailed description should not be considered limiting, and the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims.

[0041] This article provides an artifact, a method for preparing the artifact, and a method for using the artifact, wherein the artifact is related to a product.

[0042] According to one aspect, the present invention provides a product-related artifact comprising:

[0043] - A contactless memory tag (CMT) that contains at least the identifier of the product, and

[0044] - Sensory stimulation elements (SSEs) that reflect the characteristics of the product.

[0045] According to another aspect, the present invention provides a method for preparing an artifact for a promotional product, the method comprising:

[0046] - Identify the sensory characteristics of the product.

[0047] - Incorporate the sample of this sensory characteristic into a sensory stimulation element (SSE).

[0048] - Provide contactless memory tags (CMTs) containing the product's identifier, and

[0049] - Provide artifacts containing SSE and CMT.

[0050] According to another aspect, the present invention provides a method for conveying product-related information, the method comprising:

[0051] - Receive the product identifier from the contactless memory tag (CMT) for artifacts, and

[0052] - Transmit the identifier and optional consumer contact information over the Internet to a central server.

[0053] This product is typically a consumer product with one or more sensory stimulating properties. Sensory stimulation refers to the ability to stimulate one or more of the human or animal senses, namely smell, taste, touch, sight, or hearing. The product can be a fluid (e.g., liquid, gel, vapor / gas), powder, tablet, sachet, or other solid substance.

[0054] Examples of consumer products include:

[0055] - Laundry products, such as fabric softeners, laundry detergents, and cookware detergents (dishwashing detergents, handwashing detergents).

[0056] - Cleaning products, such as surface cleaners, floor cleaners, and window cleaners.

[0057] - Skin products, such as creams (e.g., face, body, or hands), oils (e.g., face, body, or hands), fragrances,

[0058] - Air freshening products (e.g., liquid, gel, solid).

[0059] Preferably, the product has at least olfactory stimulating properties.

[0060] The artifact includes a substrate for attaching the CMT and SSE. The substrate can be any substrate suitable for mounting the CMT and SSE. It is preferably opaque to radio frequency electromagnetic radiation. It can be formed at least partially from a polymeric material (e.g., polyethylene), paper, or a combination of these materials. It can be derived from woven or nonwoven materials. It may or may not be at least partially adhesive. It can be flexible, semi-rigid, or rigid. The artifact can be in the form of a multi-layered structure, including a CMT on the back of the artifact and an SSE disposed on the front. It can be printable on one or both sides.

[0061] Artifacts can be magazine inserts, meaning they are suitable for insertion into the pages of a magazine or for mounting on an outer cover. Technicians will understand that magazine inserts are thin, generally flat, and smaller than the area occupied by the magazine.

[0062] A contactless memory tag (CMT) is an electronic device that includes a memory component and a wireless transceiver for transmitting data. It includes an antenna and an integrated circuit (IC) configured to receive power from the antenna and wirelessly exchange data, typically transferring data stored in the IC's memory after being sensed and activated. A CMT can be read-only or writable. An example of a CMT is a Near Field Communication (NFC) tag. NFC is a form of radio frequency identification (“RFID”) that allows contactless communication at distances of up to approximately 4 cm or 5 cm. NFC utilizes inductive coupling at an unlicensed frequency of 13.56 MHz and transmits data at speeds up to 424 Kbits per second. Communication between devices is established in a simple and automated manner. No pairing or elaborate setup is required. Users can connect and transfer digital content between different devices by touching (e.g., tapping) the devices together or bringing them close together.

[0063] Smart devices can be smartphones or any computing device that includes a CMT reader (such as an NFC reader module) and internet connectivity. Smart devices typically have a screen, input devices such as a touchscreen, a processor, memory, and preferably internet connectivity via a cellular network and power source. Smartphones with NRC reader modules are well known in the art. Smart devices may have computer programs (applications) configured to process data received from the CMT and interact with a remote computer system (e.g., a central server) via the internet. The remote computer system is typically associated with the product's manufacturer.

[0064] The memory in CMT includes a product identifier. This identifier is a numerical identifier for the product. This identifier can be a unique identifier code (UID) or a pointer (e.g., a URL) used for a website or remote computer system. The pointer may allow streaming or downloading media (e.g., audio and / or video).

[0065] CMT can be applied to the exterior or interior of the artifact. CMT can be applied to the front exterior or rear exterior of the artifact.

[0066] CMT provides a convenient way to exchange digital information; data exchange is largely independent of the object to which the artifact is attached and will operate under a variety of conditions, such as humidity, temperature, and lighting, and is independent of the shape of the object.

[0067] Sensory stimuli (SSEs) reflect the characteristics of a product and provide sensations such as smell, taste, touch, sight, or hearing. Sensory stimuli are one or more of the senses of humans or animals.

[0068] When the sensation is smell, SSEs emit fragrance. SSEs can be activated by applying heat or friction (such as scraping and inhalation), moisture, or by removing the seal. Typically, the fragrance is encapsulated and held in place until heat or friction is applied to break the capsule's protective coating and release the aroma. Examples of olfactory stimuli in SSEs include those provided by fragrance bulbs.

[0069] In the case of taste, SSE provides a flavor sensation that is experienced primarily by taste, optionally in combination with smell. SSE can be activated upon the application of moisture.

[0070] In cases where the sensation is tactile, SSE provides a tactile feel. Techniques such as conventional embossing and debossing, lamination, coating, and varnishing can be used to provide a tactile SSE. SSE may include fabric samples that have been washed with the product and provide a pleasantly soft touch.

[0071] In the case of visual sensation, SSE provides visual stimulation. SSE may contain color samples. It may include visual special effects such as 3D imprints (lenses and holograms) or direct jet texturing printing.

[0072] SSEs can be placed on the exterior of the artifact, thereby allowing the simultaneous provision of at least two sensory characteristics, such as smell and touch. SSEs can be placed on the front exterior of the artifact.

[0073] It should be understood that the Sensory Element (SSE) reflects selected characteristics of the product, such as its scent, color, or texture. It should be understood that the SSE may stimulate a single sense or a combination of senses to enhance the effect. For example, when the product is a fabric softener with a lavender color and a lavender scent, the SSE may be configured with corresponding characteristics, namely, having a lavender color, emitting a lavender scent upon activation, and providing a soft touch. The Sensory Element (SSE) is preferably one or more of olfactory, tactile, or visual stimuli. The Sensory Element (SSE) is preferably an olfactory and / or tactile stimulus.

[0074] The CMT can transmit data based on the state of the SSE, where the SSE has at least two distinct states. In cases where the SSE is active, such as for scratch and olfactory or peel and olfactory panels, the data may include an indication of whether the SSE is inactive or active. CMTs capable of reporting two or more distinct states are known in the art, for example, by EP 3009 967.

[0075] One aspect of the invention is that the artifact also includes product-independent comparative SSEs and CSSEs. The CSSEs reflect the characteristics of different or inferior products and provide sensory information, such as one or more of the senses of smell, taste, touch, sight, or hearing. The comparative SSEs can be combined with a multi-state report (CMT) such that data transmitted by the CMT corresponds to which of the SSEs or CSSEs has been activated.

[0076] The CMT can transmit data based on the state of a user input panel having at least two states. The user input panel may include one or more switches or disconnectable elements with disconnected electrical contacts. The user input panel allows the user to provide feedback, for example, regarding SSE or CSSE. CMTs capable of reporting two or more different states are known in the art, for example, as known by EP 3 009 967.

[0077] Artifacts can evoke audio (sound) and / or visual stimuli, where intelligent devices respond to detection by the CMT to receive and present digital media (e.g., audio, video, images) related to the product. The CMT memory may contain pointers that direct a browser or application to a remote computer system (e.g., a central server) to stream or download digital media stored thereon.

[0078] Artifacts allow consumers to experience products in advance. While SSE provides a sensory experience that is usually non-conscious (subconscious), CMT offers consumers a convenient way to interact with products by exchanging digital information about the product and optional consumer touch details with a remote computer system.

[0079] Specifically, this artifact solves the problem of providing product sample packs to consumers. Sample packs are small quantities, typically a single dose of the actual product. For example, in the case of a liquid fabric softener, a dose sufficient for a single wash cycle can range from 20ml to 40ml, thus limiting sample pack dispensing to a small volume. For many product forms, sample packs must utilize rigid containers incompatible with small-volume dispensing. Other products cannot utilize sample pack formats such as aerosols, which require complex dispensing systems or exceed the characteristics of being delivered in small pouches. For example, in the case of kiosks or display racks, the free dispensing of sample packs further incurs significant costs for manufacturing, transportation, and retail rental space. Furthermore, waste is generated from unused or damaged samples. The artifact reduces the weight and form of product sample packs by providing a product-related feel via SSE, and the sample dispensing targets consumers who actively express interest in the product and register their contact information using CMT and its smart devices.

[0080] Because artifacts with thin structures can be produced, they can be easily applied to or integrated into a variety of surfaces, such as magazine pages, product labels, posters, or stickers for public display, and applied or integrated into other substrates, such as plastics, metals, paper, and wood, via adhesive layers. In the case of magazines, artifacts occupy less shelf space in a retail environment and provide greater stability to the magazine in an upright position. They are less damaging to the pages compared to conventional sample packages that sag, wrinkle, and deform over time.

[0081] Artificial articles are prepared such that the SSE and CMT are specific to the product. The SSE comprises a sample having the sensory characteristics of the product, and the CMT comprises an identifier of the product.

[0082] Sensory characteristics of a product can be selected by assessing which sensory stimulus it provides and choosing at least one unique or strong sensory characteristic. For example, if the sensory characteristic is olfaction, a fragrance extract used to prepare the product can be used to prepare the SSE. Similarly, if the sensory characteristic is tactile sensation, a soft fabric sample washed with the product can be used to prepare the SSE.

[0083] Product identifiers stored in the CMT can be unique identification codes (UIDs) associated with the product, typically using lookup tables available in a database. UIDs can be written to the CMT, or pre-written UIDs can be provided to the CMT and associated with the product by creating entries in the lookup table. IUDs can also be URLs. IUDs can be associated with a product by its trade name, product number, batch number, or a combination thereof.

[0084] Once both the SSE and CMT are in place, they are mounted onto the artifact's base. The SSE is typically front-facing for consumer access, however, the placement of the CMT is not critical for wireless data exchange.

[0085] The present invention also provides an artifact prepared according to the method.

[0086] The artifacts described herein can be used to convey product-related information to consumers via smart devices. The artifacts described herein can also be used to transmit consumer-related information to remote computer systems (e.g., central servers) via smart devices.

[0087] According to one aspect, the present invention provides a method for transmitting product-related information, the method comprising:

[0088] - Receive product identifiers from contactless artifact storage tags (CMTs) on smart devices, and

[0089] - Transmit the identifier and optional consumer contact information provided on the smart device to a remote computer system (e.g., a central server) over the Internet.

[0090] According to one aspect, the present invention provides a method for transmitting product-related information, the method comprising:

[0091] - Receive product identifiers from contactless artifact storage tags (CMTs) on smart devices.

[0092] - Transmit the identifier and optional consumer contact information provided on the smart device over the Internet to a remote computer system (e.g., a central server) to initiate the fulfillment of the request, and

[0093] - Receiving product-related digital media (e.g., audio and / or video) from a remote computer system over the Internet.

[0094] According to another aspect, the present invention provides a method for requesting a sample package of a product, the method comprising:

[0095] - Receive product identifiers from contactless artifact storage tags (CMTs) on smart devices.

[0096] - Transmitting identifiers and consumer contact information over the Internet to a remote computer system (e.g., a central server), and

[0097] - Receive confirmation from a remote computer system via the Internet on a smart device that a sample package of the product will be distributed to the consumer.

[0098] The above method is preferably executed using a smart device. The present invention also provides a computer program or computer program product (e.g., an application program) having instructions that, when executed by a smart device, cause the smart device to perform the above method.

[0099] The present invention also provides a data stream representing a computer program or computer program product having instructions that, when executed by a smart device, cause the smart device to perform the above-described method.

[0100] According to one aspect, the present invention provides a method for transmitting product-related information, the method comprising:

[0101] - The product identifier and optional consumer contact information from the contactless artifact storage tag (CMT) are received by a smart device over the internet.

[0102] - Send product-related digital media (e.g., audio and / or video) to smart devices over the Internet.

[0103] According to another aspect, the present invention provides a method for requesting a sample package of a product, the method comprising:

[0104] - Product identifiers are received by smart devices via the internet from contactless artifact storage tags (CMTs).

[0105] - Receiving consumer contact information via smart devices on the internet, and

[0106] - Send confirmation via the internet to smart devices that a sample package of the product will be distributed to the consumer.

[0107] The above method is preferably executed on a remote computer system (e.g., a central server). The present invention also provides a computer program or computer program product having instructions that, when executed by a remote computer system, cause the remote computer system to perform the above method.

[0108] The present invention also provides a data stream representing a computer program or computer program product having instructions that, when executed by a remote computer system, cause the remote computer system to perform the methods described above.

[0109] Figure 1 An exemplary artifact (100) is shown, which is a tag (110) having a contactless memory tag (CMT) (120) having electronic circuitry (122) and an antenna (124) and a sensory stimulation element (SSE) (140).

[0110] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary application of a consumer (160) interacting with an artifact (100) associated with a consumer product, wherein the consumer (160) scratches (1162) the SSE to release the fragrance of the product (164) and taps their smartphone (200) to exchange data via CMT to receive a tangible sample package of the product via regular mail.

[0111] Figure 3 An example is shown of information being transmitted from an artifact (100) to a remote computer system (300) via a smartphone (200) through the Internet (250). The remote computer system (300) has an exemplary configuration that includes a consumer registration module (310) accessing a consumer database (312), a sample package distribution module (320) accessing a product database (322), and a media module (330) accessing a media database (322). The consumer registration module (310) receives consumer contact details from the smartphone (200) and a product identifier based on a CMT (140) stored in the consumer database (312). If a sample package is requested, the sample package distribution module (320) checks the availability of sample packages from the product database (322). A coordination module (340) prepares distribution information that associates the consumer contact details from the consumer registration module (310) with a purchase request for a sample package from the sample package distribution module (320). If a request for more information about the product is received, the coordination module (340) sends a request to the media module (330) and sends digital information related to the product (such as web pages, streaming audio and / or video, electronic documents) back to the smartphone (200).

[0112] Remote computer systems typically include one or more interconnected servers connected to the Internet. Modules (310, 320, 330, 340) are typically implemented in software.

[0113] The dimensions and values ​​disclosed herein should not be construed as strictly limited to the precise numerical values ​​cited. Rather, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to represent the stated value and a range around which it is functionally equivalent. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to represent “approximately 40 mm”.

Claims

1. An artifact (100) relating to a laundry detergent or fabric softener product, said artifact comprising: - A contactless memory tag (120) CMT, wherein the contactless memory tag contains at least an identifier for the product. - Sensory stimulation element (140) SSE, the sensory stimulation element reflecting the characteristics of the product, and - A comparison of SSE and CSSE unrelated to the product, where CCSE reflects the characteristics of different or inferior products. The sensory stimulation element is a fabric sample that has been washed with the product, and it simultaneously provides at least two sensory characteristics: olfaction and touch. The artifact mentioned above is a magazine insert, and The sensory stimulation element provides a pleasant, soft touch, and emits a fragrance when heat or friction is applied or when the seal is peeled off.

2. The artifact of claim 1, wherein the SSE (140) is fragrance-releasing and the CMT (120) is a near field communication (NFC) tag.

3. The artifact (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the CMT is configured to transmit data according to the state of the SSE, wherein the SSE has an inactive or active state.

4. The artifact (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the artifact further comprising a user input panel having at least two states, wherein the CMT is configured to transmit data according to the state of the user input panel.

5. A method for preparing an artificial article (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the method comprising: - Identify the sensory characteristics of the product. - Use the product to wash the fabric sample. - The sample of the sensory characteristics is incorporated into the SSE (140). - Provide the CMT (120), wherein the memory contains the identifier of the product, and - Provide the artifact (100) comprising the SSE (140) and CMT (120).

6. The method of claim 5, further comprising the step of attaching the CMT (120) and the artifact (100) to the substrate.

7. An artificial article prepared according to the method of claim 5 or 6.

8. A method for requesting a sample package of a product, the method comprising: - Receive a product identifier (120) of the CMT (100) from the artifact (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and 7 on a smart device (200). - The identifier and consumer contact information are transmitted by the smart device (200) over the Internet (250) to a remote computer system (300) to initiate the fulfillment of the request, and - Receive confirmation on the smart device (200) that a sample package of the product will be distributed to the consumer.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the method is performed by the smart device (200).

10. A data stream representing a computer program or computer program product having instructions, which, when executed by a computing device, cause the computing device to perform the method according to claim 8.

11. A method for requesting a sample package of a product, the method comprising: - The product identifier of the CMT (120) of the artifact (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and 7 is received by a smart device (200) on the Internet (250). - Consumer contact information is received by the smart device (200) on the Internet (250), and - Send confirmation of the distribution of sample packages of the product to consumers to the smart device (200) via the Internet (250).

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the method is performed by a remote computer system (300) connected to the Internet (250).

13. A computer program or computer program product having instructions that, when executed by a computing device or system, cause the computing device or system to perform the method according to claim 11.

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