Reversing 2D barcode scanning for real-time social networking

• US 20120217296A1
• Filed: 02/27/2011
• Published: 08/30/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 02/27/2011
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: David Merel
• Original Assignee: David Merel
• Inventors: Merel, David
• Application Number:
  US13/036,004
• Publication Number:
  US 20120217296A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 235/380
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/02 Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising

Abstract

A process for streamlining social networking in real-time as well as the process of generating and submitting social network information on behalf of the user. The process reverses the traditional method of 2D barcodes in their relation to social networking. The user presents a 2D barcode which securely references their social network information and the processes social network. This process reduces social networking operations on behalf of a user to a few seconds. Reversing the 2D barcode process to having the merchant being responsible for the decoding instead of user additionally removes technical requirements on behalf of the user such as the need of having a smartphone or internet data plan.

Claims

1. A computer-implemented method comprising:

creating a 2D barcode which contains an individual shoppers/visitors encrypted identifier marker which in turn relates to their social network authentication information stored on a database storage device coupled to a server. A party such as a merchant responsible for scanning the 2D barcode information specifies marketing information on a database storage device which in turn is to be communicated to a member social network upon completion of a scan. The 2D barcode information in the form of a digital image or paper is scanned using an optical device such as a webcam or barcode scanner and is transmitted via the internet to a database storage device coupled to a server hosting the member'"'"'s social network information. The database in turn relays the scanning party'"'"'s information to the member'"'"'s social networks.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the process of further enhancing the barcode security by placing an encrypted marker which in turn links to an encrypted token provided by the members social network. This process removes any of the users social network authentication information from being transmitted.