Abstract: The present invention describes a revolutionary new device bridging the gap between the virtual multimedia-based Internet world and the real world, best exemplified by print media. More particularly, the invention relates to communicating multimedia information using a scanner for machine-readable code containing a link information corresponding to a provider information depicted on the printed medium, a user interface for obtaining user input information corresponding to the provider information, a communications bridge for sending the link information and the user input information via the network, a receiver in communication with the scanner, capable of receiving the link information and user input information, and further capable of receiving and playing a multimedia information sequence, and a portal server in communication with the scanner via the network capable of selecting a multimedia information sequence corresponding to the link information and the user input information.

Abstract: A method for bridging the gap between the virtual multimedia-based Internet world and the physical world of tangible object media, such as print media. More particularly, a method for managing a domain name service based on initiating a communication from an object containing provider information using a scanner, a portal server and a receiver connected across a network. The method involves scanning a machine-readable code containing a link information corresponding to the provider information from the object using the scanner and storing the machine-readable readable code in a memory. The link information is then extracted from the machine readable code in the memory. A user input information corresponding to the provider information is also obtained and stored in the memory. The link information and the user input information are then sent to the portal server via the network.

Abstract: A method for bridging the gap between the virtual multimedia-based Internet world and the physical world of tangible object media, such as print media. More particularly, a method for managing a domain name service based on initiating a communication from an object containing provider information using a scanner, a portal server and a receiver connected across a network. The method involves scanning a machine-readable code containing a link information corresponding to the provider information from the object using the scanner and storing the machine-readable code in a memory. The link information is then extracted from the machine readable code in the memory. A user input information corresponding to the provider information is also obtained and stored in the memory. The link information and the user input information are then sent to the portal server via the network.

Abstract: A method for bridging the gap between the virtual multimedia-based Internet world and the physical world of tangible object media, such as print media. More particularly, a method for managing a domain name service based on initiating a communication from an object containing provider information using a scanner, a portal server and a receiver connected across a network. The method involves scanning a machine-readable code containing a link information corresponding to the provider information from the object using the scanner and storing the machine-readable code in a memory. The link information is then extracted from the machine readable code in the memory. A user input information corresponding to the provider information is also obtained and stored in the memory. The link information and the user input information are then sent to the portal server via the network.

Abstract: A method for bridging the gap between the virtual multimedia-based Internet world and the physical world of tangible object media, such as print media. More particularly, a method for managing a domain name service based on initiating a communication from an object containing provider information using a scanner, a portal server and a receiver connected across a network. The method involves scanning a machine-readable code containing a link information corresponding to the provider information from the object using the scanner and storing the machine-readable code in a memory. The link information is then extracted from the machine readable code in the memory. A user input information corresponding to the provider information is also obtained and stored in the memory. The link information and the user input information are then sent to the portal server via the network.

Abstract: A method for bridging the gap between the virtual multimedia-based Internet world and the physical world of tangible object media, such as print media. More particularly, a method for managing a domain name service based on initiating a communication from an object containing provider information using a scanner, a portal server and a receiver connected across a network. The method involves scanning a machine-readable code containing a link information corresponding to the provider information from the object using the scanner and storing the machine-readable code in a memory. The link information is then extracted from the machine readable code in the memory. A user input information corresponding to the provider information is also obtained and stored in the memory. The link information and the user input information are then sent to the portal server via the network.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for bridging the gap between the virtual multimedia-based Internet world and the physical world of tangible object media, such as print media. More particularly, the methods are based on initiating a communication from a printed medium or other object containing provider information using a scanner, a portal server and a receiver connected across a network. The method involves scanning a machine-readable code corresponding to the provider information from the object using the scanner and storing the machine-readable code in a memory. The provider information may include network link information, or it may include information from which a default portal server can deduce an appropriate link automatically. The link information is then extracted from the machine readable code in the memory. A user input information corresponding to the provider information may also be obtained and stored in the memory.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for bridging the gap between the virtual multimedia-based Internet world and the physical world of tangible object media, such as print media. More particularly, the methods are based on initiating a communication from a printed medium or other object containing provider information using a scanner, a portal server and a receiver connected across a network. The method involves scanning a machine-readable code corresponding to the provider information from the object using the scanner and storing the machine-readable code in a memory. The provider information may include network link information, or it may include information from which a default portal server can deduce an appropriate link automatically. The link information is then extracted from the machine readable code in the memory. A user input information corresponding to the provider information may also be obtained and stored in the memory.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for bridging the gap between the virtual multimedia-based Internet world and the physical world of tangible object media, such as print media. More particularly, the methods are based on initiating a communication from a printed medium or other object containing provider information using a scanner, a portal server and a receiver connected across a network. The method involves scanning a machine-readable code corresponding to the provider information from the object using the scanner and storing the machine-readable code in a memory. The provider information may include network link information, or it may include information from which a default portal server can deduce an appropriate link automatically. The link information is then extracted from the machine readable code in the memory. A user input information corresponding to the provider information may also be obtained and stored in the memory.