System and method of enhancing consumer ability to obtain information via bar codes

A portable communications device comprising:

• a camera;
• a user interface device;
• a programmable processor;
• and
• executable control software stored on a non-transitory computer readable medium,
• wherein the camera scans a first bar code displayed on a product device, a display screen of the product device, or a sticker or a tag affixed to the product device,
• wherein the first bar code represents a first direct command or a first request to be executed by the programmable processor and the executable control software to address a condition of the product device,
• wherein the programmable processor and the executable control software generate a second bar code and cause the second bar code to be displayed on the user interface device for scanning by the product device, and
• wherein the second bar code represents a second direct command or a second request to be executed by the product device to address the condition of the product device.

A product device comprising:

• a camera;
• a user interface device;
• a programmable processor;
• and
• executable control software stored on a non-transitory computer readable medium,
• wherein the camera scans a first bar code displayed on a portable communications device,
• wherein the first bar code represents a first direct command or a first request to be executed by the programmable processor and the executable control software to address a condition of the product device,
• wherein the programmable processor and the executable control software generate a second bar code and cause the second bar code to be displayed on the user interface device for scanning by the portable communications device, and
• wherein the second bar code represents a second direct command or a second request to be executed by the portable communications device to address the condition of the product device.