Abstract: A system and method for enabling a user with a mobile device to link to information, on a local or global electronic network, related to an item of interest to the user while observing a visual, audio, or printed medium containing the item. Linking is accomplished by an item information provider creating codes that can be utilized by the user to implement a link between the user's device and an item information containing server programmed by the provider. The user can select the item by inputting codes to the device and be instantly linked to a database in the server on which item information is stored by the provider along with associated information to link to a network website specifically containing further item-related information for user access.

Abstract: An interactive search system for use primarily with a global computer network, e.g., the Internet, using geographic locations of advertising media to obtain a supply of product-related information for presentation to a user. A computing means may be used to access an implementing server containing a geo-coded database linking product and manufacturer information to geographic locations of advertising media relating to such product and manufacturer. Location data relating to a billboard or signage, whether located indoors or outdoors, can be entered into the computer through manual input of data relating to the city, state or zip code of the billboard. Alternatively, the location of the advertising media can be obtained by a location determination unit, such as a global positioning system (GPS) receiver. In a preferred embodiment, the computing means and location determination units are incorporated into a single device which accesses the implementing server though a two-way wireless communication link.

Abstract: An interactive search system for use with a global computer network, e.g., the Internet, using a search identifying barcode to rapidly and effectively obtain a supply of related information for presentation to a user. A computer, either landline based or mobile, may be used to input a UPC code, taken from a package or advertisement or prestored in the computer, to an implementing server on the network. The server contains a database of product and manufacturer identifying UPC codes and uses the input UPC code and the database to identify the manufacturer and is programmed to then perform a search of the network to locate sites relating to or operated by the manufacturer. Also, the server may search the network on a product basis to locate other sites containing the UPC under search.

Abstract: An interactive search system for use primarily with a global computer network, e.g., the Internet, using a search identifying barcode, such as a UPC code, to rapidly and effectively obtain a supply of related information for presentation to a user. A computer may be used to input a UPC code, taken from a package or advertisement or pre-stored in the computer, to an implementing server on the network. The server contains a database of product and manufacturer identifying UPC codes and uses the input UPC code and the database to identify the manufacturer and is programmed to then perform a search of the network to locate sites relating to or operated by the manufacturer. Also, the server may search the network on a product basis to locate other sites containing the UPC under search. To reduce search time, the user can identify the optional category of the product when the UPC is entered and the server may be programmed to initially search sites where a greater likelihood of uncovering a particular UPC exists.