Electronic product identification system for automatic participation and interaction of users on the internet and other electronic or mechanical marketing, diffusion, advertising promotion and/or purchase incentive programs

A universal electronic arrangement for identifying objects and products, for allowing the automatic participation of users in marketing services, that is, commercialization, promotion, purchase incentive, use, or consumption of products. This goal is reached through inserting a micro controller with an antenna into the product itself or it's packaging. These elements may be activated by a radio signal at a predetermined frequency before entering in the distribution channels. In that way, to each specific article or product a unique radio frequency identification is related. Said devices may be of two different types: a) information emission type, or b) information emitting and data storage type.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Making reference to the attached drawings, the present invention is referred to a universal electronic arrangement through which products and objects are identified for its automatic use in marketing services for commercial promoting activities, purchasing incentive programs, and the like. Products and objects are identified through incorporating as a part of its packaging or material a micro controller with an antenna. These elements are activated by a radio signal at a predetermined frequency before entering in commercial distribution channels. Thus, each product corresponds to a unique identification by radio frequency. In accordance with the product characteristics and promoting programs designed, said devices may be: a) information emission type, or b) information emission and data storing type. In accordance with shape, size and material used, different kind of micro controllers and antennas may be used. These products will be recognized through a reading circuit or a reading/writing circuit and basic decoder (two options) PCI on board compatible with any computer equipment or peripheric device also adaptable to mechanical or electronic devices. Depending on the characteristics to be detected, place where is installed, and physical characteristics, exploring circuits will be arranged in different ways, depending on the exploring area necessary for the incentive action to be taken. In that way, the most notorious difference will be the antenna size, which for instance may be rectangular, allowing its installation in the PC cabinet or may form part of a stand structure. While entering in the detection area, a signal is emitted by the product communicating a unique identification, recognized by a reading device translating it into activation commands for incentive mechanisms or programs. The present invention allows the automatic participation of users and consumers of determined products in rewarding programs with immediate resolution, creating a direct connection between the product and the incentive activity created therefrom. Obtaining a prize or reward may involve receiving a printed certificate, punctuation recorded in a mileage program, or in the element itself (with the capability of recording information); etc. There are thousands of objects, products and elements with the capability of including a micro controller, basically due to its small size (lesser than 0.5 mm of thickness). At the same time, there are multiple applications for the present invention in the marketing and advertising field, from different modules with public access up to a general participation of Internet users using their respective computer equipment. The present invention is related to a universal electronic arrangement so that radio frequency identified objects may interact with a broad spectrum of market devices ( FIG. 1 ) auto executing only mechanisms and programs specifically designed. Thus, it will be necessary to register each frequency assignment and serial number. This task may be in charge of an administration system. Some preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below. These embodiments cannot be understood as a limitation of the scope of protection of the present invention, clearly defined by the appended claims. a.—Intelligent stickers: advertising stickers are a well-known promotional element. In this case, it will be composed of a simulated identifying device capable of auto executing incentive programs generating a special use motivation. For example, these stickers may by applied to a car, in this case scanning and exploring modules will be located in parking areas, gas stations, etc. b.—Clothes: most dressing articles may include an RF emitting device, for example inside a button, in embroidery, in a buckle, etc. Incentive programs may be performed through Internet sites, determined places and events for users of this kind of products. c.—Footwear: as a part of its sole sport shoes may include a reading/writing microprocessor able to record information. A thin foam rug with leds and a printed logo may be a radio frequency antenna connected to a circuit auto executing different programs. A user stand on said rug will enable the user to participate in different awarding programs and mileages programs. d.—Massive products: this device may be part of any kind of packaging such as cigarettes, bottle's cups, cans, packages, etc. e.—Merchandising and advertising products: this is an innovative concept due to the incorporation of a micro controller and an antenna during the product's manufacture simulated in its composition. Said micro controller device will be activated representing a determined identification. With the sole presence of the product, users will enable different mechanisms, integrated circuits, etc., or they will auto execute some e-mails, web sites, web banners, etc., or awarding programs installed therein. Thus, the use of this kind of elements will be promoted (for example, pins, watches, mouse pads, buckles, etc.). f.—Brochures, cards, coupons and other graphical material: descriptive brochures delivered with promotional purposes may extend their messages and instructions by radio frequency identification. Exposing them to detection areas of modules or PCs, will render to enabling programs related to them. Similarly, ruffles coupons will allow an immediate resolution. Cards may also include a unique code that the user must enter as a requirement for participating, also allowing the user registration and future regulation. g.—Recycling: programs for incentive recycling activities may be developed, for instance, through wrapping paper capable of being recycled. Modules in which one of said wrapping material might be entered automatically entering in a rewarding program may be enabled. h.—Credit or banking cards: credit cards manufactured with a chip inside may allow to the user to participate in certain incentive activities, doing safe purchasing operations through Internet, etc. i.—Publications: an interactive system between newspapers, magazines, books and Internet pages may be created using the present invention, identifying them with an activating device. Inserts and advertising pages may also be used with this technology. j.—Elements with an original automatic identification system: cellular phones provide an original RF identification. The present invention may be useful for telephone manufacturers or telephonic service providers since incentive modules may be installed in said cellular phones. Said modules may be composed of an antenna and a predetermined frequencies reader device, computer equipment including rewarding programs or Internet access to the product's web page. Telephone users, once enter in the incentive zone, will automatically participate in rewarding programs through a previous standard communication. k.—Credential cards: this kind of elements delivered in fairs, exhibitions and the like may include a reading or reading/writing microchip with an antenna for participating in promoting campaigns in stands or access areas with exploring modules connected to promoting systems. Moreover, the present invention may be applied for addressing specific commercial messages to a predetermined targeted public. For example: a.—Promotion modules: a reading device, computer equipment, a ticket printer and incentive software may compose said modules. These modules may be located at sale points, and when a promoted article is detected said reading device will auto execute a rewarding program allowing the automatic participation of the user. Resolution is immediate and if the user wins a prize the corresponding certificate may be printed. b.—Modules for receiving cards, coupons, etc.: said modules may include a reading device for auto executing mechanisms or programs once a card or coupon is inserted for participating in samples delivering, raffles, etc. c.—Interactive systems for static advertising systems and exhibition modules: the present invention may be applied to electromechanical devices for signs, gondolas, stands, displays and exhibitors so that when a promoted element is detected, a mechanisms or a circuit is automatically activated. d.—Vending machines for samples, coupons, tickets, bonus, etc.: as in the former case, delivering of samples, tickets, and bonus may be activated with the purposed technology. e.—Internet access modules: stands for promoting internet access or determined web sites may be provided with a reading device allowing the auto execution of different commands once a promoted product is detected, creating an automatic access to internet, raffles, etc.