Abstract: In an input unit arrangement use is made of an input unit (300) in combination with a mouse pad (100), which is provided with a position-coding pattern which codes coordinates for a plurality of positions on the mouse pad (100). Areas (110-120) on the mouse pad (100) are provided with subsets of the position-coding pattern which are dedicated to different functions. The input unit (300) can be caused to optically read the position-coding pattern, whereupon the input unit arrangement decodes the positions that are coded locally on the mouse pad (100). By placing the input unit (300) within the various areas (110-120) on the mouse pad (100), a user can make the input unit arrangement carry out various functions, such as automatically switching from a mouse function, in which a cursor is controlled on a display (201) on the basis of the decoded position, to an input function, in which information via the input unit (300) is inputted into an electronic device (200), such as a computer, telephone, PDA etc.

Abstract: In a method of recording and managing information, information is written on a product using a handheld writing device, the handwritten information being recorded electronically and at least partly communicated in a communication network. Moreover, the user writes by means of the writing device a command which is recorded electronically and which qualifies the managing of the electronically recorded information in the communication network.

Abstract: A fingerprint identification/verification system using bitmaps of a stored fingerprint to correlate with a bitmap of an input fingerprint, wherein an accurate reference point is located and selected two-dimensional areas in the vicinity of the reference point of the input image of the fingerprint are correlated with stored fingerprint recognition information to determine if the input fingerprint image and the stored fingerprint recognition information are sufficiently similar to identify/verify the input fingerprint.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing valuable documents may be carried out in a computer that is connected to a computer network. The method may include receiving an order via the computer network relating to a valuable document, and, in response to the order, creating the valuable document. The document creation may include associating the valuable document with a subset of a position-coding pattern. When used, the valuable document may be checked by a scanner to generate a control signal that includes at least one pair of coordinates. These coordinates may then be used to check the acceptability of the valuable document. A corresponding computer program, system, products, and arrangements are also described.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for inputting graphical information into a computer system. The graphical information may arise when a drawing device is moved relative to a base having a position-coding pattern detectable by an optical sensor in the drawing device. The computer system may record position information arising from a first area of the base as graphical input while recording position information arising from a second area of the base as the selection of a property associated with the graphical input. Such a property may be a visual property, such as line type, line thickness, and color.

Abstract: Systems and methods consistent with the present invention may include a surface for guiding a vehicle in an operating area. The surface may include a position-coding pattern having an arbitrary subset of a predetermined size. The subset may identify a unique position in the operating area. The vehicle may then determine its absolute position within the operating area by recording an image of the arbitrary subset on the surface. In addition, systems and methods consistent with the present invention may also include a self-guided vehicle for operation on a surface. A control means may control the movement of the vehicle. An image sensor may record an image of the surface having a position-coding pattern. The control means may then convert the recorded position-coding pattern into a position of the vehicle and then control the movement of the vehicle in response to the vehicle position.

Abstract: In a method for recording a selected sequence of characters with the aid of a pen, the latter is passed over the sequence of characters and a plurality of images, whose contents partially overlap, are recorded simultaneously with the aid of a light-sensitive sensor (8) with a two-dimensional sensor surface. The recorded images are put together, horizontally as well as vertically, into an image. Subsequently, the characters in the composite image are identified and stored in the pen with the aid of a predetermined character code format. The putting-together, the character identification, and the storing are carried out with the aid of a signal processing unit (20-24). By the method and the pen compensation is obtained for different speeds of movement and different angles of rotation of the pen.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for controlling access to an access-protected unit. A pair of coordinates may be read from a base, such as a card, using a digital pen. The system may then check if the pair of coordinates are within a coordinate area belonging to an authorized user. If so, access may be granted to the authorized user to the access-protected unit or to specific programs or functions of the access-protected unit.

Abstract: In a method for matching two images, each consisting of a plurality of pixels and having partially overlapping contents, the degree of correspondence between the contents of the images is determined for different displacement positions representing different overlappings of the images. More specifically, a plurality of numbers are determined for each one of a plurality of said displacement positions. Each number is formed with the aid of pixel values from both images and is used to simultaneously retrieve predefined overlap assessment values for at least two of said displacement positions. The overlap assessment values retrieved are subsequently used to determine the degree of correspondence between the images for the different displacement positions. The method is carried out with the aid of a computer and can be implemented as a computer program.

Abstract: A handheld electronic device which is adapted to carry out at least one operation. The device is controllable by a user using the device as a pen and writing a command for initiating said operation, such as “dial the following telephone number”.

Abstract: A fingerprint identification/verification system using bitmaps of a stored fingerprint to correlate with a bitmap of an input fingerprint, wherein an accurate reference point is located and selected two-dimensional areas in the vicinity of the reference point of the input image of the fingerprint are correlated with stored fingerprint recognition information to determine if the input fingerprint image and the stored fingerprint recognition information are sufficiently similar to identify/verify the input fingerprint.