Abstract: A method and system for initiating functions on an electronic device includes using a sensor to detect a pattern on a specially formatted surface. The pattern can comprise an arrangement of dots, a particular symbol printed on the surface, or a specific pattern written with an electronic reading device. Using the detected pattern, a corresponding predefined function stored in a memory is identified and performed by a processor/controller. The electronic device can include an electronic reading device that includes the sensor and the processor/controller or can include a device that is separate from the sensor. Similarly, the function can be stored in the electronic reading device, in the electronic device that performs the function, or in an external server. The specially formatted surface preferably comprises a paper having preprinted areas associated with particular functions and/or applications executable on the electronic device.