Patent ID: 7156289
Filing Date: 2007-01-02
Classification: G06K

Abstract:
1. A method of facilitating an interaction between a user and a product item, the product item having an identity and the method including the steps of: providing the user with an interface surface associated with the product item and containing information relating to the product item, the interface surface having disposed thereon coded data indicative of the identity of the product item and of coordinates of a plurality of locations of the interface surface; receiving, in a computer system, indicating data from a sensing device regarding the identity of the product item and a position of the sensing device relative to the interface surface, the sensing device, when placed in an operative position relative to the interface surface, sensing at least some of the coded data in the vicinity of the sensing device and generating the indicating data using at least some of the sensed coded data; and facilitating, in the computer system, the interaction between the user and the product item using at least some of the indicating data, wherein said interaction is selected from the group comprising: (a) recording a purchase transaction relating to the product item; (b) recording a potential purchase transaction relating to the product item; (c) providing comparison information to the user, the comparison information comparing the product information about the product item with product information about another product item; (d) playing a game associated with the product item; and (e) conducting a competition in relation to the product item, and said product information comprises information relating to any one of the product item's: (i) cost; (ii) contents; (iii) weight; (iv) place of origin; (v) manufacturer; (vi) date of manufacture; (vii) date of packaging; (viii) use-by date; (ix) current owner; and (x) dimensions.