Collectible Cards with NFC Technology and QR Code for the Discovery and Promotion of Musical Artists and their Works

Abstract

The invention relates to a collectible card for promoting musical artists, characterized by the integration of an NFC (Near Field Communication) chip and a printed QR code. These two technologies allow users to access exclusive digital content related to the artist represented on the card. Access to the content is possible either through interaction between the card and an NFC-enabled device or by reading the QR code with a smartphone. The card is made from durable materials and features an artistic design that includes visual and textual information about the artist, such as name, musical genre, and a specific logo. The method of distributing these cards aims to promote the discovery of new artists by distributing them in the form of random packs.

Description

Title of the invention: Collectible Cards with NFC Technology and QR Code for the Discovery and Promotion of Musical Artists and their Works Summary of the invention

[0001] The present invention represents an innovation in the field of music promotion and interaction between fans and artists. This device combines physical and digital elements to facilitate the discovery and promotion of musical artists and their works. The invention consists of physical trading cards, each incorporating a Near Field Communication (NFC) chip and a printed QR code. The design of the cards includes a representative image of the artist or a musical work, the name of the artist or work, and a QR code, while the NFC chip is strategically integrated into the card. The main functionality of these cards lies in their ability to connect users to digital content specific to each artist. By scanning the QR code or interacting with the NFC chip via a compatible device, users are redirected to a dedicated web page.This page contains links to the artist's social media channels, streaming platforms where you can listen to their work, and other relevant information, making it easy to directly access and interact with all of the artist's content. This system offers a creative solution to the problem of the difficulty of discovering new artists and music in the digital age.

[0002] In summary, the present invention offers much more than an innovative and attractive means for the promotion of artists and their works; it also offers a unique and interactive experience for music lovers, stimulating the discovery and exploration of new talents in the immense universe of music. Technical problem

[0003] In today's music industry, dominated by streaming platforms, there is a marked reliance on algorithms that tend to limit users' exposure to a narrow range of popular artists. This algorithmic limitation restricts users' musical exploration, preventing them from discovering a wider diversity of artists and musical genres. Technical solution

[0004] To counter this limitation, the introduction of collectible cards incorporating NFC technology and QR codes offers an alternative and innovative method for musical discovery. These cards, sold in packs with random content, encourage a more organic and diverse exploration of the musical landscape. They allow users to discover new artists from different musical backgrounds and genres, increasing exposure and support for a wider range of musical talent. This approach represents a new, more organic way to discover and connect with music in the modern world. Technical field of the invention

[0005] The technical field of the present invention lies at the intersection of several technological and creative fields, covering: a. Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) i. The invention integrates advanced technologies such as NFC (Near Field Communication) and QR codes, key elements of ICT enabling digital interaction and access to online information. b. Promotion and Marketing of Musical Artists i. The invention applies directly to the promotion and marketing of artists and musical works, providing a new channel for the exposure and discovery of talent in the digital age. c. Physical Collectibles and Merchandising i. Trading card design combines aesthetics and functionality, merging traditional merchandising with new technologies. d. Social Interaction and Digital Social Networks i. The cards are linked to digital content via social media and streaming platforms, fostering the creation of fan communities around specific artists.

[0006] In summary, this invention is multidisciplinary, encompassing aspects of information technology, music artist marketing, physical merchandising, and social interaction dynamics in the digital domain. Its objective is to revolutionize music promotion and discovery by combining physical objects such as trading cards with advanced digital technologies such as NFC and QR codes, transforming the way fans interact with art and facilitating more diverse and organic discovery in an environment saturated with digital content. Prior art

[0007] a. Current Musical Landscape i. In today's music industry landscape, dominated by digital platforms such as "Spotify"® and "TikTok"®, there is a growing desire to access music through multiple channels. An IFPI report reveals that 32% of music consumption is through streaming services. Moreover, this consumption is not limited to traditional platforms, but also includes interactions with short-form video applications like "TikTok"®, which play a significant role in the discovery of new music. [Source 1] b. Popularity of Streaming Services (example of Mexico) i. "Spotify"® dominates the market with over 85% of subscriptions. According to The Competitive Intelligence Unit (The CIU), 67% of users access subscription music platforms daily. [Source 2] c. Limitations of Traditional Algorithms i. Despite the convenience and prevalence of these platforms, they have inherent limitations in their ability to promote diverse and organic musical discovery. Reliance on algorithms for music recommendations often results in exposure skewed toward established artists, leaving many new talents in the shadows. Furthermore, the nature of algorithms can lead to homogenous and predictable musical experiences, limiting the spontaneous exploration of new genres and artists. ii. Concerns about the limitations of streaming platform algorithms in encouraging diverse and organic music discovery are shared by several industry experts. According to an analysis published in the University of the Arts Observatory, although algorithms on platforms like Spotify® offer personalized recommendations, they can lead to a limited musical experience. These algorithms tend to profile the user's tastes based on previous listening and similar preferences, which can create a content bubble and limit exposure to new or lesser-known artists. [Source 3] iii. Furthermore, an article by El Planteo on "TREBEL"®, "AI, an innovation in the streaming industry," highlights the limitations of traditional algorithms. According to Gary Mekikian, CEO of "TREBEL Music"®, traditional machine learning algorithms focus on the user's listening history and do not take into account factors such as emotions or preferences. specific to the listener, thus limiting the ability for meaningful musical discovery. [Source 4] d. User Lock-in by Algorithms i. Also, in an article by Espacioteca, it is discussed how algorithms, although they facilitate navigation through the vast content of platforms, can lock users into a monotonous and limited content space. It is suggested that to discover more diverse content, users should explore beyond algorithmic recommendations, such as searching for content in less visited tabs or following recommendations from real people. [Source 5]

[0008] These sources support the idea that, despite the convenience of streaming platforms, they have significant limitations in their ability to encourage diverse and organic music discovery, due to their reliance on algorithms focused on previous consumption and similar tastes. QR codes are already widely used in music promotion, for the promotion of releases, shows, special events, merchandise, media coverage, music videos, etc. The uniqueness of this invention compared to existing ones is that it integrates both QR codes and NFC in a physical, collectible format, which is unique and makes scanning the card much less tedious (just bring the card close to the device).Furthermore, the combination of these technologies in a trading card format is innovative, offering a tangible and enriched experience that goes beyond simple digital promotion. This innovative approach not only challenges the limitations of traditional streaming platforms, but also opens new avenues for promoting and supporting a wider range of musical talent, both emerging and established. References .

[0009] a. [Source 1]: www.industriamusical.com i. https: / / industriamusical.com / ifpi-explora-las-tendencias-de-escucha-de-musica-de-2022-en-su-nuevo-informe / b. [Source 2]: www.theciu.com “Music consumption via streaming in 2021” i. https: / / www.theciu.com / publicaciones-2 / 2022 / l / 17 / consumo-de-msica-va-streaming-en-2021 c. [Source 3]: www.observatorio.uartes.edu.ee, article titled “Algoritmo, ^eres tu?” i. https: / / observatorio.uartes.edu.ee / 2022 / 03 / 03 / algorithm-eres-tu-una-experiencia-con-las-recomendaciones-de-spotify / d. [Source 4]: https: / / elplanteo.com / i. https: / / elplanteo.com / trebel-ai / amp / and. [Source 5]: https: / / espacioteca.com i. https: / / espacioteca.com / 2021 / 07 / 24 / algorithms-and-platforms-of- streaming-how-they-have-perfected-and-how-to-break-them / Detailed Description

[0010] The cards of this invention are physical collectibles designed with a focus on aesthetics and functionality. Made with durable materials such as cardstock, laminate, or plastic, each card measures 63 x 88 mm, standard dimensions similar to those of conventional trading cards. This size facilitates their collection, use in play, and storage, aligning with the usual expectations and practices of card collectors. The front of each card features an artistic design including a representative image of the artist or their work (such as singles, albums, personalized photos, logos), the artist's name, the musical genre, and a clearly visible QR code. In addition, the "Overground"® logo is prominently displayed, along with a symbol indicating the musical direction.The design provides a space dedicated to the integration of the NFC chip, the position of which can vary depending on the design (center, top, bottom, in front or behind the card).

[0011] Each card strategically and discreetly integrates an NFC chip. This technology allows for short-range wireless interaction with compatible mobile devices. By bringing a device close to the card, the NFC chip is activated, redirecting the user to a web page dedicated to the artist, thus facilitating instant access to information without the need for manual searching.

[0012] The QR code printed on each card offers an alternative digital access. By scanning it, the user is directed to an artist's "SmartLink"® site, ensuring accessibility of digital content for all users, regardless of the compatibility of their devices with NFC.

[0013] The associated web page offers an immersive experience, with links to social networks, streaming platforms, video clips, interviews and other relevant content. This integration benefits both users, by providing direct and enriched access, and artists, by increasing their visibility and reach.

[0014] Regarding the sales processes and methods of use, the cards are sold in random packs, each containing a varied selection. This strategy encourages the discovery of new artists and genres, and creates an exciting collecting experience. In addition, interaction with each card allows users to explore individually, increasing the excitement of discovery and the gradual revelation of music and artists.

[0015] Regarding security and confidentiality, the invention establishes a solid legal framework to protect both artists and users. A legal contract will be formalized with each artist, guaranteeing the commitment not to defame his work or his person. This contract will ensure that the images, links to the works and other elements provided by the artists will be used exclusively for promotional purposes of the invention and the artist, and in accordance with the law. In addition, the contract will stipulate that the artists legally assign the necessary rights for the use of their material within the framework of this invention.

[0016] With regard to the use of NFC technology and QR codes, measures have been taken to ensure that the content accessed by users is secure and up-to-date. Artists will have the ability to suggest changes or updates to the content of their cards. Being smart links, they allow the digital destination of the card to be changed efficiently and securely, without the need to modify the physical card itself. This flexibility ensures that the information provided through the cards is always relevant and beneficial to the artist, providing a platform that is adaptable and responsive to the needs and desires of participating artists.

[0017] This invention is distinguished by its ability to merge traditional collecting with digital interactivity, establishing a bridge between the tangible and digital worlds, and enriching the musical experience as well as the connection between artists and audiences.

[0018] [Fig.l] is the decomposition of a standard map into its component elements

[0019] [Fig.2] is an example of the envelope of the cards

Claims

Claims

1. A collectible card characterized by the integration of an NFC (Near Field Communication) technology chip and a printed QR code, this combination allowing access to digital content linked to a musical artist.

2. A method for accessing information about a musical artist through the use of a collectible card according to claim 1, comprising the steps of: interacting with the NFC chip of the card via a compatible mobile device for automatic access to a web page containing information about the artist; scanning the QR code printed on the card to access that same web page.

3. A trading card, according to claim 1, the card being made of durable materials such as cardstock, laminate or plastic, and having dimensions of 63 x 88 mm for ease of collection, in-game use and storage; the front of the card having an artistic design including a representative image of the artist or their work, the artist's name, the musical genre, the "Overground"® logo, a symbol indicating the musical direction, and a space dedicated to the integration of an NFC chip.

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