Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, an apparatus initiates a transaction and includes a capture device for capturing transaction data from marks contained on an object. The marks have a code corresponding to transaction data for initiating a transaction. The capture device includes a scanner, operable by a user, for reading marks contained on the object. A controller interprets the marks and retrieves the transaction data embedded in the marks. The capture device originates a telephone call and transfers at least a portion of the transaction data to a desired destination for initiating a transaction.

Abstract: A video system that captures telephone number data encoded into video signals transmitted over a video network to at least one display device is disclosed. Video signals are received that contain an escape sequence demarcating telephone number data. The system identifies the escape sequence, and captures the telephone number data. Upon command, dialing data corresponding to the telephone number data are transmitted over a telephone network to initiate a telephone call to the desired party.