AUTOMATIC ACCESS OF ELECTRONIC INFORMATION THROUGH MACHINE-READABLE CODES ON PRINTED DOCUMENTS

摘要

The present invention is a system and method for providing automated access to computer files stored in a database in either a local (32) or remote (46) server location. The system utilizes a machine-readable symbol (12) printed on a document (10). The machine-readable symbol (12) is printed and distributed by the vendor to the user. The user then scans the symbol via code scanning equipment (34) connected to a computer, decodes the raw decoded data, and the file location information is then used to retrieve the appropriate file. In a preferred embodiment, a URL of a file on the vendor's web site is encoded in the machine-readable symbol, thus enabling the client computer to access files through the Internet. The use of encryption allows the user to transmit his credit card number, thus enabling electronic commerce in a secure manner over the Internet.