WO2002063550A1

WO2002063550A1 - Interactive business systems

Info

Publication number: WO2002063550A1
Application number: PCT/AU2002/000115
Authority: WO
Inventors: Johnny Jared
Original assignee: Johnny Jared
Priority date: 2001-02-06
Filing date: 2002-02-06
Publication date: 2002-08-15
Also published as: AUPR292701A0

Abstract

An interactive device in the form of a stamp is described. The device is adapted to be sent by a sender to a recipient and includes information recognisable to initiate for the recipient a connection to an address of the sender through an electronic information transmission system. The method of employing a device according to the invention to operate a network of interactive billboards is described

Description

INTERACTIVE BUSINESS SYSTEMS

The present invention relates to facilitating communications between people and businesses and in particular is concerned with facilitating linkages through an electronic system such as direct dial up computer based services or use of the internet or worldwide web.

Searches in the patent literature for prior art disclose a number of proposals in the general field of the invention and those mentioned below are exemplary only but no admission is made as to whether any of the systems are fully understood, in use or in any way constitute part of the actual knowledge of persons skilled in the field. In particular no admission is made that any of this material is part of common general knowledge.

Specifications in the field include the following:

US patent 5,812,776, Gifford discloses a method of providing internet pages by mapping telephone number provided by client to URL and returning the same in a redirect command by server.

US 6,029,883, Hechinger discloses an envelope limited to a conventional method of information transfer with windows for display of information within the envelope.

US 6,012,102, InfoGearTech.Corp discloses a system using machine-readable printed symbols created from encoded data resource specifiers to establish connection to data resource on data communications network.

US 5,929,415, Pitney Bowes, Inc discloses postage metering refill system that utilises information contained in information based indicia to audit the franking process .

US 5,635,694, Xerox Corporation discloses a system and method for embedding machine coded destination information into a postal mark. US 4,945,218, Talbott discloses a mailing device and machine-readable Business card.

US 5,793,972, Westminster International Computers Inc, discloses a system and method providing an interactive response to direct mail by creating personalised web page based on URL provided on mail piece. The present invention is directed to systems which lend themselves to various adaptations and adjunctive features to facilitate person-to-person and business type communications and provision of information.

In one important form, the invention consists in an interactive device adapted to be sent by a sender to a recipient in a physical form including information recognisable to initiate for the recipient a connection to an address of the sender through an electronic information transmission system.

Thus a concept inherent in at least some applications of the invention is an arrangement to provide a switching function for an internet dial up which is readily initiated by the recipient; the physical forms may vary and the embodiments of the invention may manifest them variously, for example including a specific software package for implementing concepts of the invention as well as business systems and novel physical items devised to facilitate implementation of the system.

In one physical form, the invention may be defined as consisting in a device in the form of a stamp adapted to be affixed as a label on the article. Alternatively the device could be simply adapted to be printed with an appropriate printer directly onto an article. These various versions will all collectively be referred to, for convenience, in this specification as a "stamp" no matter how they might be applied or produced.

The stamp could be in a form that is simply optically scannable but may also be in a form which is a visual representation for reading, interpretation and action by human being. The form of the information can be selected from a wide range of options including barcodes, magnetic stripe information or other scannable and readable forms of information. A significant application of the invention in a simple form is to a stamp adapted to be applied to an envelope or other product providing information to permit the recipient readily to link back through an internet connection to the website of the sender whereby further communications and information interchange or supply can occur. The stamp graphics may, advantageously, include a representation in the form of a mini computer screen icon. In a preferred embodiment the stamp has adhesive on one surface to permit attachment to an article, a face containing selected printing and information (and may include trade marks and advertising) and an inner layer containing machine scannable information leading to a link back to the website of the sender. Appropriate security codes and encryptions can be included to limit access to information at the sender's website to authorised recipients.

In another form the invention consists in a method of initiating a connection to an address through an electronic information transmission system including the steps of a) providing a recipient with a device in accordance with the first aspect of the invention; b) providing the recipient with equipment to interpret the information held in the device and connect to an address of the sender through an electronic information transmission system.

In another form the invention consists in a business system including arrangements for the sale of stamps for the present purposes to senders of articles (which may include envelopes sent through the mail and encoded) , the stamps including printing to carry particulars required by the sender including a website address, a device for scanning and reading the information from such a stamp at the location of a recipient and a device for communicating through an electronic connection (such as telephone line, optic fibre cable, or radio link back to the sender) . The scanning arrangement preferably achieves data capture and automatic identification from coded data representative of the sender.

The business system is best implemented with collaboration of existing telephone company and article delivery systems (such as the postal service) . The comprehensive infrastructure, customer database and distributed nature of these services, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, are utilised in a new manner; for example, the postal service is pivotal in delivering information (which is digitally related) via a technology enabling stamp and charging which can be best implemented using existing telephone company accounting resources relating to a customer telephone number. Another application is servicing a connecting network of "interactive billboards", described further below.

Preferably business systems embodying the invention have means for semi-automatically or even automatically causing the linkage back to the sender or its website and the system can incorporate means for supplying, controlling and reporting on advertising and marketing features embedded within the system.

The system may with advantage be operated whereby codes related to the location in terms of the global positioning satellite system (GPS) are embedded in the stamp of the vendor's location and also in the recipient's machine scanner whereby useful information for marketing and other purposes can be readily collected and utilised.

The business system can with great convenience be implemented by a partnership arrangement involving a post office, a telecommunications company, an internet technology company, a stamp manufacturer, an automatic ID and data capture device manufacturer and system users being the stamp senders and stamp recipients, e.g. through the post office, an arrangement with a telephone company whereby activity is billed e.g. to a telephone account number and the telephone company is involved in the supply and installation of suitable scanning devices which can be adapted to provide semi-automatic links back to the sender. The system with advantage can also include in the partnership activities associated with advertising and marketing including a partnership with the owners of interactive billboards and provision for connecting the recipient of information to associated video systems and live broadcasts via billboard advertiser's teleconference enabled websites.

Another specific inventive aspect of the invention consists in a hand held device capable of actuation to receive a signal from a fixed billboard which contains a graphical display relating to the billboard and particulars of the billboard as a unique billboard, the device having means for storage of the transmitted material and to permit its display and retrieval, the device being subsequently capable by user initiation of effecting control through a computer system to dial up, through the internet, a video relay system associated with the billboard whereby the user's computer can display a scene visible from the billboard.

The device may also have controlling software and aspects where by it is adapted also to scan for retrieval and subsequent internet computer operations stamps such as those utilised in another aspect of the invention for controlling a system.

The present invention lends itself to systems having various levels of security depending upon consumer needs. At one extreme, the system could be operated by a sender where a totally open system is provided and the stamp facilitates scanning of manual keying in of a website address by the recipient to obtain information from the website of the sender. In a secure or private system, however, the system incorporates an entity functioning as a data base manager to provide a digital safe exclusive to the sender and upon scanning in of the invitation on the stamp, the recipient's computer automatically accesses initially the database manager for an appropriate security check before the recipient is admitted to the private website of the sender. One way of effecting this operation is to provide in the system for the sender to notify the database manager of a password or the like of an intended recipient; advantageously that password could be piece of information which is known to the recipient such as a telephone number or date of birth and also known to the sender but this information does not appear anywhere on the stamp but is a question asked of the database manager computer from the information in the digital safe and correct entry of information by the recipient permits the recipient to access the private website.

In another specific inventive aspect, the invention consists in a software system for controlling all or some of the novel parts of such a business system as described above. Broadly one novel software component in which the invention manifests itself, is computer software adapted to operate in any suitable device and which will provide a switching, dial up function through a communication system when a recipient chooses for the device controlled by the software to interact with the material (i.e. stamp) received whereby connection to a sender associated with the material (stamp) is achieved.

More particularly, such software may be adapted to operate a device and for controlling automatic identification, data capture and scanning by the device of the recipient's material, switching responsive to information scanned to effect a switching function to connect through the internet to a sender.

In another form the invention may be defined in consisting of a device programmed to operate with novel software of the type described above.

One specific example of software, being a further inventive concept, is that which forms a layer in a website preview window for controlling connections into the website and may include appropriate security elements to restrict access as well as reporting functions for marketing purposes. For illustrative purposes only examples and embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings of which;

Figures 1A to 1C are representations of the principles and concepts to be included in a typical stamp to be adhesively applied to an envelope in accordance with a first embodiment;

Figure ID shows a physical structure of a stamp having the concepts of Figures 1A to 1C;

Figure IE is a schematic sectional view along the line IE-IE of Figure ID;

Figure IF to II show alternative forms of stamp arrangements ;

Figure 1J to 1M show alternative forms of application of stamps embodying the invention; Figure IN illustrates a stamp printed on the front cover of a magazine;

Figure 2 is an overview schematic illustrating a system embodying the invention;

Figure 3 is a detailed schematic of a system of embodying the invention;

Figure 4A is a more detailed diagram of a system for scanning a stamp, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 4B illustrates use of a dummy domain name in use of the system;

Figures 5A-1 to 5A-4 illustrates a further inventive concept showing diagrams illustrating the concepts for a physical device in Figures 5A-l(i) to 5A-3(i) and a physical device shown respectively in front elevation when opened in Figure 5A-2 and showing the component parts schematically in front elevation; in Figure 5A-3 showing the surface features of the device; in cross-sectional view in Figure 5A-2; and in perspective front view in Figure 5A-4;

Figure 5B illustrates the scheme of the system utilising the application embodiment to a traditional billboard; and

Figure 5C illustrates a network system utilising billboard derived materials.

Figure 6 illustrates scanner switching devices of varying appearance; and Figure 7 illustrates alternative arrangements for the back face of an interactive device.

Referring first to Figures 1A-1C, there is respectively illustrated the functionality concepts, the operating concepts and the embedded information for a stamp embodying the invention. The physical form as shown in Figures ID and IE is such that the stamp can be printed to order with particulars of a sender with website particulars, advertising and trade marks as desired. Thus the stamp with appropriate embedded technology can function as an invitation to visit the sender's website, and can act as a pass to enter the website with an appropriate security system. The stamp can be embedded with an entry pass number and in a preferred embodiment (figure IE) is a multi-layer sheet device having an adhesive backing layer 1, a magnetic data strip layer 2, a metallic micro-thin strip functioning as a scanner switching device 3, a plastic overlay sheet 4 carrying selected art work which can be produced to high quality for example by thermal printing and a clear plastic protective sheet 5.

The functionality of the components of the stamp as shown in Figure 1A are that the magnetic data strip layer 2 has a linking function working on the concept of embedded information as shown in Figure IB and in practice is of the nature of a digital safe number discussed in more detail below. The scanner switching device 3 in the preferred form shown in Figure ID is of the nature of a two-dimensional star array constituting a coded number and the printed overlay sheet 4 has the functionality of causing a direction for the connection to be established to deliver information with a functionality to cause confirmation of an authorised connection, this functionality as shown in Figure IB being achieved by the provision of operating instructions linking to an operating system. In this embodiment the information physically present on sheet 4 is the domain name reference of the sender with delivery via a postal service functioning as the operating system and providing a device from which a recipient can type a domain name and commence access. Alternatively, the recipient can simply scan, through a suitable automatic scanner, the visual information to initiate a connection.

The physical form shown in Figure ID illustrates the concept of a domain name description which is printed onto the surface and readable by the human eye but in the magnetic data strip layer 2 there is stored a digital safe number which is machine readable only as an embedded code and permits security features of preferred embodiments could be utilised.

Referring now to Figure IF, the final surface appearance of a stamp embodiment of the invention is illustrated; as indicated the central zone is adapted to contain personalised artwork of the sender. Figure 1G illustrates how a stamp embodying the invention may be incorporated as part of the display material of and integral with a conventional postage stamp. Figure 1H illustrates an alternative application where a detachable stamp embodying the invention is provided with a conventional postage stamp and Figure II illustrates another similar embodiment where a two-dimensional array package tracking symbol is incorporated in the conventional postage stamp.

The stamp is adapted to be applied to an envelope in parallel with a conventional postage stamp (as shown in Figures IJ and IK) and in the option of Figure IL a window is provided for the viewing of the novel stamp of the present invention in a window. Figure 1M illustrates yet another alternative in which the envelope or card illustrated is all that is delivered and no separate document is enclosed in an envelope. Thus these applications of the invention provide a marriage between conventional postage communication and new electronic technology interchange systems. This embodiment of the invention provides a valuable advertising medium which is most cost effective and the delivery/distribution cost is paid for by the conventional postage stamp, postmark or article label, yet effectively communicates in a convenient way the website of the sender to facilitate a bridge between the recipient and the sender using information technology. Appropriate security can be embedded in the stamp and can interact with appropriate website security software of the sender. The system may also interact with a management system that can accurately track the destination of the stamp, monitor its usage and provide marketing feedback data to the sender. Referring to Figure IN a stamp 1 is shown printed directly onto the cover of a magazine. In this embodiment the scanner switching device 3 includes information necessary to initiate a connection. The barcode 2 includes information that identifies a particular digital safe. Advantageously, magazines typically already bear a bar code, sometimes referred to as a UPC code. This code is used to identify a particular digital safe accessible via a web site relating to the magazine. In one embodiment the stamp is printed onto the cover of a magazine. This would allow readers to easily link to a website of the publisher.

Embodiments of the invention can make use of selected coding systems either of a novel kind or a known kind. One known kind that may have particular advantageous features for the present invention is the Maxi Code system of United Parcel Services of America Inc. Alternatively an "e-Star" coding system, described in more detail below, with advantage can be used. This is a two dimensional array to provide machine scannable coding. In a preferred form, the stamp (as described above with reference to Figures ID and IE) is manufactured by having a data recording layer which is machine readable and which is laminated with an upper layer having human readable information and machine readable data in the data strip layer 2 can have an encrypted key assigned exclusively to the subscriber/stamp owner. As will be described below, the stamp owner purchases the stamp and registers into a system controlled by a secure IT manager which converts the stamp into a hypertext link and the IT manager maintains the data in a digital safe assigned exclusively to the subscriber. This permits the recipient of the stamp to be pre-registered by virtue of a phone number or geo-referenced modem locating system with the IT manager and that phone number is used to open the "safe" to admit the recipient who has scanned the stamp to gain access .

An alternative to a multi layer product is that produced by a single print process that incorporates a scanning activating glyph, logo or device. Traditional barcodes may be used as the scannable source of information and this can be integrated with data stored in an e-Star form as a switching device when scanned.

Referring now to figure 2, the overall system will now be described. In use in section 1 of the system, the proposed sender 2.10 and owner of a web page establishes a subscription and orders stamps through a suitable agency 2.11 providing artwork and, in this embodiment, provides a geo-referenced location of sender's internet connection device such as a modem or network base station, and a phone account detail as a mechanism for convenient billing at 2.12

In section 2 of the system the stamp supplier at 2.20 receives the order from the sender, assigns two GPS codes, the first GPS co-ordinate identifying the location of the stamp supplier's shop, and the second co-ordinates identifying the location of senders modem or network base station and, using a software system of a secure third party, relays at 2.21 relevant information to the phone company for billing and at 2.22 activates a database manager to process the order at 2.22 The database manager at 2.23 provides the specification to the stamp manufacturer which at step 2.24 delivers to the stamp supplier who in turn fulfils the order for the sender at 2.25.

The third section of the system is one in which the sender at 2.30 mails the stamp via an agent (ie post office system partner) to a nominated recipient.

The fourth section of the system is one in which the recipient upon receipt of the stamp at 2.40 uses suitable scanning of a stamp for his computer so that at 2.41 decoding and checking of the product can occur and the recipient sets up his web page stamp decoding system.

The fifth section concerns the checking of the embedded data in the stamp with the database manager responsible for the original production phase. Software can provide for the scanning at the recipient site to initiate at 2.50 connection, a scanner acting at 2.51 to detect a two-dimensional star array and initiate internet service provider (ISP) dial up. At 2.52 the manager checks the sender's digital safe number, retrieves the sender details and connection instructions and at 2.53 the manager retrieves sender's hypertext link and then completes connection at section 6.

Referring now to figure 3 , a general system embodying the invention as described and illustrated. Broadly the steps of the system comprise: 1. A sender orders from a supplier any one or more of the five devices which can be produced; 2. Manufacture occurs pursuant to the order; 3. Stamp devices are dispatched by the manufacturer to the sender via the supplier

(post office system partner) ;

4. The sender affixes the devices to a standard envelope for mailing purposes;

5. Delivery occurs to the recipient who may use the stamp as a trigger to access the sender's digital safe number which stores the hypertext link to the website of the sender. Explanation in more detail of the steps in the system will now be described. In the first step 1 the sender can be provided with the options of ordering the stamps through a vendor such as a post office, on-line shop or other retail shop or dispensing machine/kiosk and the preferred system is one in which the sender provides a geo-referenced location of his dedicated modem or network base station, his phone company and phone number for charging purposes, and provides such graphics as the sender desires in a suitably stored form. The supplier provides his retail location as a GPS co-ordinate, the manufacturer assigns and supplies a universal product code (UPC) number for the stamp and the IT manager assigns a digital safe number where all of the above information is stored. The manufacturer then encrypts the digital safe numbers and embeds them into the stamp's data carrying medium. The cost of all of the above is billed as a subscription fee added to sender's phone billing system.

For these purposes the sender is best established as having a relevant account with a phone company.

It is envisaged a sender will order one of the five devices to be produced in step 3 which, briefly, comprise a choice between:

(a) a simple stamp without embedded technology with simply a printed web address for keyboard entry by the recipient;

(b) a stamp with technology embedded for readable web address information for scanning with a suitable device and also having hard copy web address details for keyboard entry; (c) a stamp having information embedded in technological form but without a visual or printed web address thus making the device suitable for scanning only, the manufacturer embedding array coded encrypted digital safe numbers into the stamp; (d) a stamp which has a data chip embedded for example in the form of a two-dimensional star with an interactive viewing window; (e) embedded information in a chip in the stamp product which can operate with radio frequency signals (either as an analogue or digital binary computer code system) to a scanner of the recipient whereby web addresses can be downloaded . A printed web address can also be produced to accommodate disabled people (e.g. braille printing for the blind) .

Referring now to figure 4A, security features available in embodiments of the system are illustrated. The system has a trusted web "service" site owned by the IT manager and leased to the subscriber, leasing fees being conveniently associated with the subscribers stamp order and billing to the subscribers phone account. The flow diagram of Figure 4A illustrates the action arising from the recipient scanning the stamp whereby the scanner reads the switch device in the stamp and initiates an internet dial-up connection which is directed to a secure site of the IT manager. The IT manager system prompts the scanner to read the "digital safe number" (DSN) stored in the stamp magnetic strip, this DSN being coded as a geo- referenced coordinate location in the IT manager's database. The scanner thus reads and forwards the DSN to the IT manager which opens the "digital safe" . This system thus provides a buffer zone between the recipient and sender and being an exclusive gateway to the subscriber's site. A "virtual envelope" relating to the subscriber/sender provided in step 1 of the process is based on information retrieved from the digital safe by the manager and forwarded to the recipient whose PC screen then displays the virtual envelope. This is a virtual interactive envelope viewing window functioning as a preview system to sender's website home page information. The virtual envelope is presented with a virtual smart stamp icon located on the top left hand side, and a virtual conventional postmark on the top right hand side.

The virtual smart stamp can be dis-attached from the virtual envelope and used as a floating hypertext link or as a nestible stamp/bookmark icon 2 that can be displayed on any other website or search engine. Thus the sender's website can be accessed at a time the recipient wishes to do so while surfing the internet and can with advantage be sent to other recipients. Furthermore, at the top right of the virtual envelope is an icon 3 which can provide hypertext links to sites and on-line shops.

This system envisages also the advantage of a preview "button" 1 permitting the recipient a thumb nail sketch of the subscriber's web page and the subscriber has the opportunity to have layers in the web page. For example, layer one can be for nominated friends only and in the form of a non-interactive template layer. Layer two can restrict entries to invited recipients and, via the IT manager, the template window can be switched on or off. A third layer is an open layer having no restrictions placed on recipients and is thus suitable for on-line shops and others .

Step 2 of Figure 4A illustrates use of the interactive envelope using a preview button to view basic materials of the sender's website and a security button for a hypertext link which, as illustrated, involves in step 2 a verification of details. In this embodiment, the recipient is asked to submit telephone details which are used as the security check and connection occurs only when the correct number is submitted, a successful connection being illustrated at step 3 which causes a connection with the hypertext link at which point the IT manager's function is complete.

Figure 4B illustrates schematically in more detail the concepts in some embodiments of the invention of having the options of an open website with the fully interactive stamp or a restricted website with the restricted access based on subscriber and recipient phone numbers. For private purposes, it is envisaged that where a security stamp is used, there are generic domain names such as P2P and P2B which are scanner-enabled whereby the recipient does not know or see the actual domain name of the sender where the security system applies. Similarly, dummy domain names are available for a range of business orientated stamps such as G2C.gov, B2C.com. B2B.com and I21.net.

Utilisation of an aspect of the invention with a billboard system will now be described with reference to 5A 5B and 5C . As shown schematically in figure 5A, a hand held device is illustrated for interrogating an output signal from a "billboard", storing the information, displaying graphics associated with the signal and embedding information whereby subsequently the device can be used to actuate a computer through the internet to connect back to a video camera capturing the scene from the fixed billboard. It is envisaged the device would have the capacity for storing a multiplicity of such billboard identification signals.

The device can typically be of the order of 4cm by 3cm with the base unit 10 and a hinged lid unit 11, the hinged lid unit having hardware and stored operating software for the functions of the device and the base 10 having a memory card port 7 with connectors 8 to the lid 11. The base 10 also provides a storage tray 12 to receive in hard copy stamps. As best shown in Figure 5A- 2(ii), within lid 11 is provided a sensor 13 for receiving radio frequency or infra-red signals from a billboard, and passing those signals to a processor 16 which is connected to an internal battery 15, a memory unit 16, a key pad 17. The key pad is connected to an LCD screen 18 and to a chip having an antenna to provide a GPS transceiver function. Figure 5A-4 illustrates the display on the device driven by the circuitry on the circuit board la. The billboard details are displayed on the main portion 20 of the screen and with, at the side, interactive buttons for a billboard download switch 21, the billboard scanner switch 22 and a scrolling button 23. The memory is capable of storing a multiplicity of billboard details and the scrolling button 23 permits the user to scroll through and display from the memory bank billboards. From the displayed selected billboard, the user can subsequently, at a PC, scan in the details of the billboard in the same manner as a stamp in accordance with another version of the invention is scanned, as described above. If the billboard is provided with a viewing camera, then through an internet connection, the user can cause the billboard's camera image to be displayed in real time on the PC. Figure 5B illustrates a billboard 1 which is essentially conventional ie with printed material or projected or displayed materials such as an electronic screen but also incorporating a convenient icon 2 which demonstrates the system as associated with it the aspect of the present invention. The user directs the hand held device of Figure 5A towards the billboard and downloads the critical information and graphics for storage, reference and subsequent usage.

The novel business scheme proposed in accordance with an aspect of the present invention is illustrated in

Figure 5B and as shown at the top left hand section of the flow chart, the system provides business opportunities for an advertiser who is a web page owner and billboard advertiser. That advertiser establishes subscription orders and arranges the supply of the hand held devices for customers as discussed above with reference to Figure 5A and arranges the installation of an appropriate billboard switch box described below with reference to Figure 5C . The portable device according to Figure 5A can simply be mailed to recipients. Furthermore, this embodiment of the system illustrates that the billboard 1 is installed with the appropriate switch box and can be connected to a virtual grid of interactive stamp system billboards through broadcast or other wireless networks. A live video broadcast from the billboard is provided into the advertiser's website in a managed system which is a virtual network of billboard advertisers . The system envisages that the recipient sees a billboard and uses the hand held device to download the particulars which includes the billboard location e.g.by GPS coordinates and a digital safe number which is stored in the billboard and transmitted to the hand held device. At the time of the recipient's choosing, the recipient scans the internet stamp and connects to an IT manager's trusted website which functions to requisition from the recipient the digital safe number of the billboard and the IT manager then accesses the safe, retrieves advertiser details and connection instructions, effects any requirements for checking by the advertiser and then the IT manager forwards an interactive virtual envelope to the recipient who can then proceed to connect with the particular advertiser.

Referring now to Figure 5C, the scheme for a billboard switchbox 2 having an electronic three- dimensional star symbol 8 functioning as a transceiver/antenna/switching device. The scheme as illustrated in Figure 5C-ii- shows the processing logic of the hand held portable device (see figure 5A) which interacts through e.g. infra red or radio frequency signals with the fixed billboard device 2 and at a time of the recipient's choosing, connection is established through an IT manager. website 3 which controls linkage to the advertiser website 4 whereby a signal is passed back to the recipient's PC system.

Referring to Figure 6 various alternative scanner switching devices 3 are shown in the form of "e-stars". The e-stars consist of various specific arrangements of 73 hexagons in a star pattern. Each unique arrangement corresponds to an internet URL. The devices can be scanned by a suitable infra-red scanner. Details of e- star patterns and corresponding URLs are held in a look up table stored in computer accessible memory.

Referring to Figure 7 alternative arrangements for the back face of a stamp are shown. The scanner switching device may optionally include small microchips which hold data. Optionally, the scanner switching device may be connected to an antenna printed on the stamp. This allows radio communication devices to receive information from the scanner switching device 3 without being in line of sight communication as required by infra red scanning devices .

Finally, it is to be appreciated that various alterations or additions may be made to the parts previously described without departing from the spirit or ambit of the present invention.

Claims

The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. An interactive device adapted to be sent by a sender to a recipient in a physical form including: information recognisable to initiate for the recipient a connection to an address of the sender through an electronic information transmission system.

2. An interactive device according to claim 1 wherein some of the information is only readable by a machine and includes security access information required to initiate the connection.

3. An interactive device according to either claim 1 or claim 2 further including a face surface carrying printed information.

4. An interactive device according to any preceding claim which is in the form of a stamp adapted to be part of, or applied to an article to be sent to the recipient

5. An interactive device according to claim 4 further including an inner layer which may carry machine readable information.

6. An interactive device according to any preceding claim further including means for receiving transmitted information.

7. An interactive device according to any preceding claim wherein the information includes GPS data indicative of the location of the sender.

8. A method of initiating a connection to an address through an electronic information transmission system including the steps of: providing a recipient with an interactive device including information recognisable to initiate for the recipient a connection to an address of the sender through an electronic information transmission system; providing the recipient with equipment to interpret the information held in the device and connect to an address of the sender through an electronic information transmission system.

9. A method according to claim 8 wherein the device is sent by postal delivery.

10. A method according to either claim 8 or claim 9 wherein the interactive device further includes a receiver for receiving transmitted information further including the steps of: providing a billboard including a facility for transmitting billboard information and further including a video camera; receiving billboard information from the billboard by way of the device; and providing the recipient with access to view the output of the video camera after initiating a connection to the address of the sender.

11. The method according to any of claims 8 to 10 further including the step of providing GPS data to the sender indicative of the location of the recipient after the connection is been initiated.

12. A software program arranged to control a computing device to initiate a connection to an address of sender of an interactive device, the interactive device including information recognisable to initiate for the recipient a connection to an address of the sender through an electronic information transmission system, wherein the connection is initiated after the computing device receives information from the interactive device.

13. A method of providing information to a recipient from a sender including the steps of: a) the sender providing a stamp on an article, the stamp including information identifying a website address; b) the recipient receiving the article from the sender; c) the recipient using a scanning device to read the information from the stamp; d) initiating for the recipient a connection to the website identified by the website address; and e) providing further information at the website.

14. A method according to claim 13 wherein the further information relates to the article.

15. A method according to either claim 13 or claim 14 wherein the scanning device achieves data capture and automatic identification from coded data representative of the sender.

16. An interactive device substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.

17. A method of initiating a connection substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.

18. A software program substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.

19. A method of providing information to a recipient from a sender substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Dated this 5th day of February 2002 JOHNNY JARED

By his Patent Attorneys GRIFFITH HACK