US Patent 8078697 Network linking methods and apparatus

The presenting invention relates generally to indirect linking methods and apparatus. One claim recites a method including: a) using a programmed electronic processor, reading an index from color imagery steganographically modulated with the index; b) accessing a database with the index, the database comprising a plurality of records that link an index to a pointer which identifies a remote computer on a network; c) extracting a pointer from the database as a function of the index; and d) using the pointer to establish communication with the remote computer identified thereby. Of course, other combinations are provided and claimed as well.