Dynamic Machine-Readable Codes for URL Redirection Without Reprinting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine readable codes, such as QR Codes, are limited by having a fixed destination URL once printed, lacking flexibility in redirecting to different online information pages.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that uses pre-printed machine readable codes with unique account codes, allowing dynamic assignment to various online landing pages through a user interface, enabling real-time updates and reassignment without reprinting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a machine readable code is pre-printed on a label, then the code can be physically attached to products or signage, but the destination URL becomes fixed and cannot be changed
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the machine readable code (printed on label) from the destination URL (stored in database). The code itself contains only an account code, not the full URL. This segmentation allows the physical label to remain static while the digital destination can be dynamically changed in the database without reprinting labels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary database system that sits between the printed machine readable code and the final destination URL. When a user scans the code, the system looks up the account code in the database and redirects to the current destination URL stored there. This intermediary layer enables dynamic URL changes without affecting the printed codes.
2Reliability
If the destination URL is set in the printed code, then the code directs traffic accurately, but updating the destination requires reprinting all codes
Solution Approach 1:
The system makes the destination URL dynamic rather than static. Instead of embedding the URL directly in the printed code, the code stores only an account code that links to a database entry. This allows the destination URL to be dynamically updated in the database at any time, enabling rapid changes without reprinting physical labels.
3Ease of operation
If machine readable codes are used for online information access, then users can access product information, but the system lacks tracking capability for marketing intelligence
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by tracking when and how users interact with the machine readable codes. Each scan is recorded in the database, allowing the system to provide feedback about user behavior, traffic patterns, and engagement metrics. This feedback loop enables marketing intelligence while maintaining easy user access to information.
Data Source
AI summary
The present system and method is directed to a solution for dynamically assigning a machine readable code for directing traffic to information online. In an embodiment, the system scans a machine readable code, recognizes an account code associated with the machine readable code, verifies an authorized user associated with the account code, receives instructions to activate the machine readable code, receives instructions to assign the machine readable code to a system user specified landing page, and activates a link from the machine readable code to the user specified landing page upon request from the system user.