Abstract: Images, audio, biometric information, and other data is captured by a user device. The captured data is sent to a server that pre-processes and then decodes the captured data to identify its contents. Once identified, the captured data is associated with a function string that specifies a function and parameters that correspond to the captured data. The function is called and executed to provide information back to the user device that is relevant to the captured data, or to initiate other operations. The relevant information to return to the user device can include product information, translations, auction data, electronic device settings, audio, and others. Operations that may be initiated include software registration, people searches, or user authentication to allow access to restricted services.