초록 ▼

Access to data resources on data communications networks is simplified by encoding data resource identifiers into a machine-readable printed symbol which can be scanned into a computer-based data communications terminal. The machine-readable printed symbol can be a bar code or in the form obtainable

Access to data resources on data communications networks is simplified by encoding data resource identifiers into a machine-readable printed symbol which can be scanned into a computer-based data communications terminal. The machine-readable printed symbol can be a bar code or in the form obtainable with any other printed encoding technology which encodes digital information in printed form so that it can be electronically read. Once the symbolic representation of the data resource specifier is read into the computer, software running on the computer can use a data resource identifier to access internet resources. Various features are directed to compressing the size of the data resource identifier to fit within a short symbol such as a bar code on a business card.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A system for accessing a network data resource without manual entry of a resource specifier, for use with a machine-readable printed symbol encoded with a data resource specifier identifying a virtual location of a data resource on a data communications network where ther

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A system for accessing a network data resource without manual entry of a resource specifier, for use with a machine-readable printed symbol encoded with a data resource specifier identifying a virtual location of a data resource on a data communications network where there is insufficient physical space for encoding the entire data resource specifier on said printed symbol, comprising:means for creating a reduced data resource specifier by replacing character sequences in said resource specifier string with corresponding tokens representing at least one of said character sequences, wherein said data resource specifier is encoded into the printed symbol in a compressed format;an electronic scanning mechanism for reading and decoding said machine-readable printed symbol to retrieve said reduced data resource specifier encoded therein, and for providing an electronic signal representative of said reduced data resource specifier;a computer connected to said electronic scanning mechanism for receiving said electronic signal, said computer being responsive to application software residing thereupon to operate on said electronic signal under control of said application software; anda network interface connected to said computer for establishing communication with said data communications network for the purpose of accessing said data resource whose virtual location is identified by said reduced data resource specifier.