Abstract: A product creator system includes a business application and a distribution utility. The business application enables a user to specify and/or edit (via a user client) a document. The business application generates a packet that is transmitted to the distribution utility. The packet describes the document, such as a document of a particular type (where the document is based on variable content and/or variable layout), and a distribution method for the document. Distribution methods include print, ship, mail, fax, email, and save. The distribution utility generates and distributes the document (via an output device) based on the packet. The business application, which can be used with a variety of distribution utilities, includes a web front-end and a packet generator. The distribution utility, which can be used with a variety of business applications, includes control logic and a document processor. The document processor helps generate the document.

Abstract: The present invention enables the translation of data from barcodes to be utilized for the purpose of interacting with a game or other application after being read by the mobile device camera (optical barcode reading). The user can use their camera equipped device to read a barcode which contains some data that enables them to interact with their application or game. This input method speeds up game play and application use as compared to the traditional method of manual key entry of the data. The user can launch their application and then use the included ability to read a barcode with their camera on the mobile device being used. The decoded data is then used by the system to perform the appropriate tasks that can be pre-determined to be triggered by that code. This method of interactivity with the application enhances the user experience and enables them to have a synchronous method of play and usage of the application or game.