System and method for personalisation of tourist magnets with digital content

Abstract

This invention presents a system and method for personalizing tourist souvenirs, specifically magnets, by embedding scannable codes such as NFC tags, QR codes, or App Clip Codes. These codes, when scanned, link users to digital content such as memories, location-based data, or promotional material. The system is cloud-based, integrating seamlessly with mobile apps across operating systems (OS and Android). The codes can store unique identifiers, including geographic location and brand information, offering a dynamic and interactive experience.

Description

[0001] SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PERSONALISATION OF TOURIST MAGNETS WITH

[0002] DIGITAL CONTENT

[0003] Field of invention

[0004] The invention pertains to a system and method that embeds scannable codes, like NFC tags, QR codes or App Clip Codes, into promotional magnets or other objects, linking them to relevant data or promotional content.

[0005] This innovation provides an enriched user experience by displaying memories or brand- related stories when the magnet’s code is scanned, all facilitated through a cloud infrastructure and interactive mobile applications across various operating systems.

[0006] Background of the Invention

[0007] Usage of codes attached to certain object is familiar for tracking and indexing items and to offer informations from different nature. As a carrier of the codes QR code or NFC tags different mediums are used and codes can store information for the item and usually are accessed / read by electronic device.

[0008] The technological advancements of recent years have transformed the manner in which users interact with everyday items, particularly within the tourism and advertising sectors. Conventionally, tourist magnets and other souvenirs have primarily served as static mementos of places visited or events attended. Such items have a sentimental value, reminding users of their experiences, but they typically offer no interactive or dynamic features.

[0009] In the advertising field, businesses have long sought innovative ways to connect with their potential customers. While traditional methods have used objects like magnets for brand promotion, the engagement potential remained limited to the visual appeal of the item.

[0010] The introduction of scannable codes, such as QR codes and NFC tags, has opened the doors for interactive experiences. These codes, when scanned by smartphones or other devices, can redirect users to websites, videos, or other digital content, or can launch an App. Yet, their integration with tourist souvenirs has been limited and often disjointed, lacking a seamless system to connect location-specific memories, stories, or promotional content in a unified manner.

[0011] Therefore, there exists a need for a more holistic system and method that can blend the sentimental value of tourist magnets with the interactive potential of scannabie codes, offering users an enhanced, memorable experience while also presenting businesses with a novel promotional avenue.

[0012] From perspective of active patent applications the subject invention refers to US20220327303A1 , as one that discloses similar method of linkage of digital content to QR or NFC codes. The difference is in the structure of the URL, in a sense that the unique identifier described herein have an identifier for geographic location and can also have an identifier for a brand, thus presenting a new feature and a new tool for promotion.

[0013] Summary of the invention

[0014] The present invention reveals a method and a system that allows linkage of tourist / birthday magnets or souvenirs with codes that store certain information to be applied and to customize content that can be accessed by usage of electronic device and can be presented on it.

[0015] The invention refers to a system and a method which involves integrating scannable codes such as NFC tags, QR codes, or other readable data identifiers into tourist / birthday magnets or other objects, and linking them to location-specific data, memories, or promotional materials.

[0016] Aspects of the present disclosure are related to a magnet from a unique tourist or event location comprising a scannable code and a NFC tag. The magnet implements a unique identifier representative of the unique tourist or event location or city, or a specific sign that provides a first response with a first set of data. The scannable code or the NFC tag is configured to be scanned for the first time, causing the first response to be displayed through the first interface (App Clip, Instant App, or full mobile App iOS or Android), allowing a user to generate a second response with a second set of data that is different from the first set of data. Additionally, the first response is replaced by the second response. Short description of figures

[0017] Figure 1 System shown on this figure illustrates necessary infrastructure for implementation of a method together with the different categories of magnets. Each mark relates to:

[0018] 101 Tourist magnets of any kind: 102 Generic tourist magnet; 103 Combined type of tourist magnet: 104 Personalised tourist magnet: 105 Event type of tourist magnet; 106 Identifier of a brand or business;

[0019] 107 Identifying code(NFC tag, QR code ) sticked or printed on the tourist magnet;

[0020] 108 Mobile device with adequate reader / receiver: 109 Cloud infrastructure;

[0021] 110 Cloud implemented databasesfusers / items).

[0022] Figure 2 Shows an exemplary method of providing access to the set of readable data of the soannabie code from the magnets, further including checking if the unique identifier contains a set of readable data. Each of the blocks are representing following steps:

[0023] 202 Creating an unique URL and Assigning an unique identifier, location identifier;

[0024] 204 Creating a magnet with scannable code on / in it;

[0025] 206 Determination if the unique identifier have access to the database;

[0026] 208 Checking if the unique identifier contains a set of readable data:

[0027] 210 Receiving a set of readable data;

[0028] 212 Associating of readable data with scannable code;

[0029] 214 Retrieving the set of readable data;

[0030] 216 Display the readable data

[0031] 218 In case of negative result of 206, then the code is treated as invalid;

[0032] Figure 3 is an illustration of a user scanning the NFC tag with the App Clip or the Instant App appearing on their device's screen.

[0033] Figure 4 shows possible flow of appearances of the interface of the mobile device in two scenarios: one where the App has found pictures and / or videos from the specific location and another where it hasn't found pictures or videos from the specific location, with the user having the option to select the pictures / videos themselves.

[0034] Figure 5 discloses a complete method fur the user experience of using the App and creating the memories clips or associated digital content.

[0035] 502 User device scans NFC tag, QR cede or AppCIip code from a magnet;

[0036] 504 User device decodes the NFC tag, QR code or AppCIip code and identifies

[0037] URL;

[0038] 506 User device recognizes specific location (city) from the URL;

[0039] 508 User choses photos and / or videos from the device;

[0040] 510 The app creates a video / slideshow (memories) of the chosen photos / videos; 512 The user device sends the video to server;

[0041] 514 User device scans the same NFC tag, QR code or Applip cede from the magnet;

[0042] 516 User device decodes the NFC tag. QR cede or AppCiip code and identifies

[0043] URL: 518User device opens the URL and recognizes the memories video;

[0044] 520 User device fetches and plays the memories video.

[0045] Detailed description of the invention

[0046] Aspects of this disclosure are related to the method and system for providing access to a set of readable data through a scannable code. The scannable code is linked to a specific tourist or event location and a specific brand for promotional purposes (optional). As a non-limiting example, the scannable code mentioned herein can be placed on a tourist magnet or birthday magnet. It can also be placed on any other suitable object such as, but not limited to, a bracelet, a souvenir, a necklace, etc.

[0047] As used herein, the term "scannable code” can refer to a Near Field Communication (NFC) Tag, QR code, App Clip Code, or any other suitable device or object that can be scanned by a scanner to initiate an App Clip, Instant App, or a full mobile App.

[0048] As used herein, the term "scanner" can refer to any device configured to identify, read, or transfer data from the scannable code. As a non-limiting example, the scanner can be a smartphone, a tablet, a barcode scanner, an NFC module, a camera, or any combination thereof.

[0049] As used herein, the term "readable data" refers to data that is accessible through the unique identifier of the scannable code and can be displayed on a user's device.

[0050] On Figure 1 all elements of the system are presented. Different types of tourist magnets (101) on which any type of identifying code (107) is sticked or printed as well as mobile electronic device, preferably smartphone or tablet which is able to scan the identifying code from and to senVreceive data and communicate with Cloud 109 implementing databases(users / items). For example the most common generic magnet 192 features an image of a recognisable tourist location or landmark from a city or other tourist destination. The second type of magnet, combined, 103 is a combination of personalised and generic type of magnet by containing both an image of a recognisable tourist location or landmark from a city or other tourist destination and a iogo 106 from the business depicted on the magnet, which can be piaoed on various objects such as, but not limited to, a plane, a bus, a boat, a ship, a building, or any other suitable object representing the business. The third type of magnet 104 is a personalised magnet that contains drawn illustrations but only from the businesses establishments whether that is their offices, hotel, head corders or branches. This magnet can also contain a recognisable landmark located near or in the same city / location as the hotel building should the hotel / business ask for it. And the final type of magnet relates to another topic - events 105. It is a type of magnet intended for events such as, but not limited to, birthdays, concerts, festivals, conferences, seminars, weddings, sport matches etc.

[0051] All of the magnets 101 on the back side of the magnet contains a scannable code, 107 in a form of NFC Tag, QR code, or App Clip Code, or any combination thereof. The code 107 encapsulate readable data that are already includes a unique identifier, along with an identifier for the specific location and can aiso include an identifier for a promotional purpose.

[0052] The identifier for the specific location represents a location on the giobal map, typically corresponding to the same location where the recognisable tourist location or landmark depicted on the magnet is situated. Although if it is assigned in different hypes of magnets it would be the location where the business establishments (offices, hotel head corders, branches, playgrounds) are located or the location where the event is taking place.

[0053] All this depends on the content of the image featuring the magnet.

[0054] The identifier for a brand represents a firm / buslness / brand that intends to promote itself using this method. It is usually (but not necessarily) the same brand that has its logo placed on the magnet. The identifier for a brand can be included on all types of magnets of 101, meaning it can aiso be included in the magnets which image does not contain brand, logo, building or any other recognisable sing of the brand.

[0055] Figure 2 represents steps of the method of providing access to the set of readable data of the soannable code from the magnets 101, further including checking if the unique identifier contains a set of readable data. The creation of the Unique URL 202 involves assigning a different and unique identifier to give the URL its unique value. A location identifier is also assigned to provide the URL with coordinates for a specific location on the global map. It is worth noting that the number of location identifiers is not limited, which means the same location identifier can be found in an unlimited number of URLs and therefore can be assigned to an unlimited number of magnets featuring tourist or event locations and / or landmarks from the same location represented by the identifier. It is also possible to assign a Brand identifier if requested by a client. The Brand identifier can be found in an unlimited number of URLs or in the quantity requested by the client. Its purpose is for promotional use in order to promote the brand / logo of the business after the readable data Is loaded on the user's device. The same Brand / Logo found on the magnet is used for this purpose.

[0056] The creation of the magnet 204 involves a tourist or birthday magnet that contains an image of a recognisable tourist location or landmark from a city or other tourist destination, or a newly created design for birthday or other events. The newly created designs can be of any kind and can also be generic for the event or personalized with specific names. It can also have a Logo / Brand 106 from a business depicted on the magnet, placed on various objects such as (but net limited to) a plane, a bus, a boat, a ship, a building, or any other suitable object. The back side of the magnet contains a scannable code, NFC Tag, QR code, or App Clip Code, or any combination thereof. A unique URL is assigned to the scannable code. The URL corresponds to the magnet, meaning it includes the location identifier representing the location from the image on the magnet, as well as the identifier for the brand represented on the magnet. It is worth noting that not all magnets and URLs have a brand image and brand identifier in the URL. Does the unique identifier have access to predefined database? 206 The unique identifier should have access to the database in order for the specially developed app to function properly. If the unique identifier does not have access to the database 218, the app will not work properly.

[0057] Does the unique identifier contain a set of readable data? 208 The unique identifier can have access to a set of readable data. Depending on the state at the time of scanning the scannable code, if the unique identifier does not have access to a set of readable data, it can receive a set of readable data 210 and associate the readable data with the scannable code 212. If the unique identifier has access to a set of readable data, it can retrieve the set of readable data 214 and display the data on a user's device 216. A firm / business could (give / sell) distribute magnets with their brand and logo 103 to their ciients / users. An example of a business can include, but is not limited to, a tourist agency, a hotel, a restaurant, a playground, a sport club, or any business that wants to utilize this tool for self-promotion. Including the logo 106 on the magnet, along with the brand identifier within the unique URL offers a new way to promote one's business and brand.

[0058] Figure 3 shows the process of a user scanning the scannable code (NFC tag) 302. It can have different scenarios depending on the operating system on the user's device (iOS or Android), whether the user's device has the full mobiie App installed or not, and whether the unique identifier of the scannable code has access to readable data at the moment of scanning. If the operating system is iOS, the App Clip activates along with the App Clip Card 304, If the unique identifier has access to readable data, it appears on the screen in the form of a nice story / memories with effects and music. If the unique identifier does not have access to readable data, the user has the option to let the App / App Clip find the photos / videos on the device taken at the specific location from the magnet and create a story, or they can manually choose which photos and / or videos should be included in the story Figure 4. The user also has the option to let the App / App Clip find the photos / videos on the device that match predefined data such as, but not limited to image recognition and face detection. The process remains the same regardless of whether the user's device has the specialised app installed or not.

[0059] If the operating system is Android, the Instant App activates. If the unique identifier has access to readable data, It appears on the screen In the form of a nice story / memories with effects and music. If the unique identifier does not have access to readable data, the user has the option to download the App 306, and then the process is the same as in the iOS operating system. The user has the option to let the App find the photos / videos on the device taken at the specific location from the magnet and create a story, or they can manually choose which photos and / or videos should be included in the story Figure 4. Another option for the users if they do not have the Android App installed on their device is to go on web the page connected to the app and the magnet 308, and there he / she will be able to create the story without the need to download the full Android App, The user also has the option to let the App find the photos / videos on the device that match predefined data such as, but not limited to image recognition and face detection. It is worth noting that if in the future the Android operating system allows photos / videos to be sent to the server with Instant App, the inApp will allow it as well, without the need to download the full App. After the story / memories is created, the user's device sends the data to the server and saves it for future playback. The unique identifier now has access to readable data. Further explained, an App Clip is a small part of an app that allows users to perform a task quickly without the need to download the full App, in the iOS operating system. Instant App is a small part of an app that allows users to perform a task quickly without the need to download the full App, in the Android operating system. Depending on the operating system of the device, there can be different scenarios, initially based on whether the user's device has the App installed or not.

[0060] In the iOS operating system, the process remains the same with or without the full App installed on the device. The user's device recognises the specific location written on the location identifier in the unique URL and, with the user's permission, searches through the user’s pictures on their device to find pictures / videos taken at the matching location or city specified in the location identifier. This can lead to two scenarios depending on whether the device finds pictures / videos taken from that location. If the App / App Clip finds photos / videos from the specific location 402, the user can preview the story / memohes 404, or they can manually select which photos and / or videos they would like to include in the story / memohes 406 before previewing it 408.

[0061] In the Android operating system, the user either needs to have the full App installed on the device in order to create the story / memories or need to go to the app’s webpage and create the story there. If the user’s device has the App, the process is the same as in iOS.

[0062] The story / memories that the App has created is a combination of the pictures and / or videos that the App has recognized from the specific location orthose manually chosen by the user. It is worth noting that the story / memories can contain one, two, or more pictures / videos. The story / memories are beautifully crafted with lots of effects, filters, transitions, and music.

[0063] It Is worth noting that once created, the story / memories can be edited with new or different photos and / or videos and thus the story / memories can be changed unlimited number of times in the future, from the user that has created the first (initial) story / memories. The user can also download the photos and / or the videos from the story.

[0064] Additionally, the story / memories can be used for promotional purposes. If the unique URL has a brand identifier, the brand’s logo will appear on every picture / video in the story / memories. It is the same brand as seen on the magnet 106. The user can then touch the screen of the device on the logo, and a page with the following options, but not limited to, will appear: Information about the company: Its recognisable logo; Options to book, reserve, or purchase something from the brand / business.

[0065] This unique and innovative approach serves as a new way of promoting a business / brand, utilizing the same logo / brand as featured on the magnet 106. it is fair to say that the URL can have a brand identifier and logo on the story / memories whether or not the magnet has the business / iogo depicted on it. It is all depend on the business wish and willingness to promote itself. There is also a possibility for a temporal promotion should a business want to promote itself on a specific period. As a non-limited example, could be a specific week, a month, weekend, a special event etc. The users can give magnets filled with readable data (story / memories) to another person as a gift. The users can share their memories with friends and family by gifting the magnet. It is novel way to share and preserve the content of any place, event or experience.

[0066] Of course, the gift can also be a magnet with a unique identifier that does not have access to a set of loadable data, allowing the recipient to fill it themselves. Examples for usage of the subject solution

[0067] Illustration of a full user experience is presented by Figure 5 which specify method for using the App and creating memories.

[0068] The user has (buys or receives as gift) a magnet with NFC tag and / or QR code and / or AppCIip in / on it, from a specific tourist location or city. (e.g. London), or from an event (e.g. birthday party)

[0069] User device scans NFC tag, QR code or AppCIip code from a magnet with Logo / Brand on it 502. The user brings the mobile device close to the magnet. The user device scans the NFC tag, the QR code or the AppCIip code.

[0070] This will open two different scenarios, depending on the software, iOS or Android: iOS -By scanning the code, a native App Clip card is shown, and by clicking ’Open' the user is now able to use some of the application’s features without downloading and installing the full application by using the App Clip feature. If the user already has the full application, then it’s simply opened and the same startup process as the App Clip takes place. Android-By scanning the code, Android users see a new pop-up, making sure if they want to proceed, and then they’re able to use some of the application’s features without downloading or installing the full application by using the Instant App feature. If the user already has the full application, then it’s simply opened and the same startup process as the Instant App takes place.

[0071] -User device decodes NFC tag. QR code or AppCIip code and identifies URL 504. The user’s device decodes the NFC tag, or the QR code or the AppCIip code to identify data encoded within. The user device determines that the data enclosed includes a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) and extracts the query parameters from it.

[0072] - User device recognizes specific location (city) from the URL 506.

[0073] The user device recognizes that the URL is connected to the same location (city) that is printed on the magnet’s surface.

[0074] - User choses photos and / or videos from the device 508.

[0075] After the iOS or the Android App, or the AppCIip is opened it automatically recognizes the photos and videos taken at the specific location from the magnet or the user can chose from all the photos and videos from his / her device. (Preferably taken at the same location / city as the magnet)

[0076] - The app creates a video memories / story of the chosen photos / videos 510.

[0077] The app or the AppCIip recognizes the chosen photos and videos and automatically creates a video from all the photos and videos chosen. The photos and the videos are put together in a beautiful memories video with music. - The user device sends the video to server 512.

[0078] The user’s device sends the video to server for future use and rewatch.

[0079] - User device scans the same NFC tag, QR code or AppCIip code from the magnet 514.

[0080] The user brings the mobile device close to the magnet with the modified NFC tag, QR code or AppCIip code. The user device scans the NFC tag, QR code or AppCIip code. This will open two different scenarios, depending on the software, iOS or Android:

[0081] -iOS- By scanning the code, a native App Clip card is shown, and by clicking ’Open’ the user is able to use some of the application’s features without downloading and installing the full application by using the App Clip feature. If the user already has the full application, then it's simply opened and the same startup process as the App Clip takes place. -Android-By scanning the code, Android users see a new pop-up, making sure if they want to proceed, and then they’re able to use some of the application’s features without downloading or installing the full application by using the Instant App feature. If the user already has the full application, then it’s simply opened and the same startup process as the Instant App takes place.

[0082] - User device decodes the NFC tag, QR code or AppClip code and identifies URL 516,

[0083] The user’s device decodes the NFC tag, QR code or AppCIip code to identify data encoded within, The user device determines that the data enclosed includes a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) and extracts the query parameters from it. - User device opens the URL. and recognizes the memories video 518.

[0084] The user’s device opens the URL and recognizes video. It is the same memories / story video that the app has created with the photos / videos that the / an user has previously chosen.

[0085] - User device fetches and plays the memories / story video 520.

[0086] User device fetches and plays the memories video

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A system for personation of tourist magnets with digital content consists of: at least one tourist magnet 101 : a scannable code 107 wherein said code is affixed to said tourist magnet, chosen from a group consisting of QR codes, NFC tags, and other readable identifiers; an electronic device 108 adapted to interpret said scannable code; and a digital infrastructure 109 wherein it facilitates the storage and retrieval of personalised data tied to said scannable code wherein the scannable code encapsulates a distinct identifier symbolic of the personalised digital content tailored for a specific tourist spot, city, event, or a business.

2. A computer implemented method for personalising tourist souvenirs with digital experiences is characterised by initiating a scan of a scannable code, linked with a tourist magnet using an electronic device: fetching personalised data including location-specific memories, stories, or promotional content, associated with said code; and rendering the extracted personalised content on the electronic device 108 and uploading to the cloud infrastructure 109.

3. The computer implemented method as stated in claim 2 wherein the digital content should be accessed by successive scans of the identifier of the tourist magnet.

4. A system tailored for enhancing the personal connection of users to locations through branded souvenirs characterised by a minimum of one branded souvenir magnet: a scannable code associated with said souvenir magnet wherein its scan results in viewing brand-aligned, personalized digital content; an apparatus designed for decoding said scannable code; and a digital repository wherein it holds information pertinent to the personalized promotional content.

5. A system conceived to provide bespoke interactive engagements for users characterised by blending the physical allure of tourist magnets with personalised digital content accessible via scannable codes.

6. The system as described in claim 6 wherein the personalized digital content is enriched with memories, narratives, or other digital facets that resonate with the user’s connection to the locale or event featured on the souvenir magnet.

7. The system defined in one of the claims 1 and 5, wherein said digital infrastructure integrates databases for both users and items, ensuring a seamless and bespoke digital experience for every user.

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