Software and electronic apparatus for encoding physical and electronic objects (including magazines and newspapers, advertising, product packaging, direct mailings, annual reports, logos, brochures, business cards, video tapes, CDs, DVDs, computer disks, still images, audio and video data and recordings, and radio and television broadcasts) with hidden digital information, and for decoding such hidden digital information from such objects; Such physical and electronic objects themselves, with hidden digital information encoded therein; Software and electronic apparatus (including cameras, scanners, computer mice, other peripheral hardware devices, routers, and computers) used in linking to computers (e.g., through the internet) from such physical and electronic objects based on the digital information hidden therein; Technical consulting and licensing services offered to publishers, distributors, advertisers, technicians, graphics professionals, and others involved in the creation, encoding, or distribution of such physical and electronic objects; Brand promotion services, including directing consumers to e-commerce and other brand-related internet sites; Advertising, educational, and consultancy services relating to the internet, internet-based marketing, and brand promotion; Consulting services in the fields of cryptography and steganography (including encoding/decoding hidden information).