Abstract: A system and method for processing form images including strokes. A controller receives a plurality of form images including a plurality of strokes. A stroke identification module identifies the position of each stroke in each of the form images. A geometry engine generates an overlay of the plurality of form images and identifies a group of overlapping strokes from the overlay. The geometry engine generates a field bounding box encompassing the group of strokes, the field bounding box representing a field in the plurality of form images. The geometry engine crops a field image from each form image based on the size and position of the field bounding box. A label detector analyzes an area around the field image in the form image to determine a label and generates a label image.

Abstract: A system and method for processing form images including strokes. A stroke identification module identifies the position of each stroke in each of form image. A geometry engine identifies a group of overlapping strokes from an overlay of the plurality of form images. The geometry engine generates a field bounding box encompassing the group of strokes and generates a field image from each form image based on the field bounding box. A label detector analyzes an area around the field image in the form image and generates a label image. A field image classifier determines stroke features for field images associated with a field. The field image classifier classifies the field images into one or more groups based on the stroke features. A stroke standardizer determines a representative image for field images associated with a field.

Abstract: The present invention overcomes the deficiencies of the prior art with a system for stroke and image aggregation and analytics. The system is particularly advantageous because it provides a system for distributing page images such as worksheets, examinations or forms to multiple devices. The system allows independent paging and writing on the distributed materials; collection of the strokes added to the distributed pages images; and aggregating and displaying those strokes or summary information in a useful manner. For example, an instructor might receive the current work of the students for a particular examination question and view those strokes in a parallel manner or a combined manner.

Abstract: A multi-provider forms processing system with retry upon failure comprises: a plurality of portable computing devices, a plurality of service providers and a paper-like forms server coupled by a network. The paper-like forms server performs the scheduling, routing, logging, verification and billing for the paper-like processing of compound documents. The paper-like forms server comprises a central schedule, a retry module and a billing module. The multi-provider forms processing system is advantageous because it monitors for failure of transactions, automatically issues a retry or replacement transactions and adjusts the billing for the failed transaction. In particular, the central scheduler tracks and determines when transaction failures occur, and based on these failures revises the billing to users and credits to service providers.

Abstract: A system and a method are disclosed for updating a bi-stable display includes a framebuffer for storing waveforms for each pixel individually. The system includes determining a current state of a pixel of the bi-stable display; determining a desired state of the pixel of the bi-stable display; and updating the pixel by applying a determined control signal to the pixel to drive the pixel from the current state to the final state. Updating each pixel occurs independently of the other pixels of the bi-stable display.

Abstract: A system and a method are disclosed for fast pen tracking a low latency display updates on an electronic paper display. Pen input information is received on an electronic paper display that updates at a predetermined display update rate. A line drawing module of the electronic paper display driver determines at least one pixel to activate based on the received pen input information. The at least one pixel is updated independent of the display update rate of the electronic paper display. Active pixel state information is maintained separately for each pixel in real time until the pixel update is complete and the pixel is deactivated. In some embodiments, a future pixel to activate is determined based on the received pen input information. The future pixel is deactivated if pen input information is not received on the activated pixel for a predetermined amount of time.

Abstract: A system and a method are disclosed for updating a bi-stable display includes a framebuffer for storing waveforms for each pixel individually. The system includes determining a current state of a pixel of the bi-stable display; determining a desired state of the pixel of the bi-stable display; and updating the pixel by applying a determined control signal to the pixel to drive the pixel from the current state to the final state. Updating each pixel occurs independently of the other pixels of the bi-stable display.

Abstract: A system and a method are disclosed for updating an image on a bi-stable display includes a module for determining a final optical state, estimating a current optical state and determining a sequence of control signals to produce a visual transition effect while driving the display from the current optical state toward a final optical state. The system also includes a control module for generating a control signal for driving the bi-stable display from the current optical state to the final optical state.

Abstract: A system including a Multi Function Printer/Product/Peripheral (MFP) and a portable computing device adapted to allow automatic copying of documents by the MFP from the portable computing device. The portable computing device includes a display, a plurality of sensors for detecting light, a light detection module and a page changing module. The sensors are positioned to detect light from the MFP and trigger a page change automatically. The MFP in accordance with the present invention includes a scanner with a platen, a page change detection module, an image processing module, a device identification module, and a document matching & retrieval module. The page change detection module is adapted to receive the images presented by the portable computing device on the platen of the scanner for copying. The page change detection module detects changes and causes the MFP to scan and output a copy.

Abstract: A system and a method are disclosed for updating a bi-stable display includes a framebuffer for storing waveforms for each pixel individually. The system includes determining a current state of a pixel of the bi-stable display; determining a desired state of the pixel of the bi-stable display; and updating the pixel by applying a determined control signal to the pixel to drive the pixel from the current state to the final state. Updating each pixel occurs independently of the other pixels of the bi-stable display.

Abstract: A system for geographic tagging of network access points comprises a plurality of access points that have been configured to provide location information as part of their beacon. Each access point provides a service set identifier (SSID) that includes an encoded value that represents the location of the access point. The use of an encoded location value in the SSID of the access point is particularly advantageous because it does not require any additional hardware be added to the access point or the portable computing device. Moreover, location can be determined by any portable device without establishing a connection to the access point. The portable computing devices are adapted to receive the beacon, extract the location information from the beacon and decode the beacon.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for self-labeling access points with their geographic location from received beacon frames. In particular, the present invention transmits beacon frames including temporary location information from mobile devices. The beacon frames are received by an access point, filtered by the access point and then used to determine a location. Once the location has been determined, the access point uses the determined location to self-label itself by converting the location information to a geographic code and inserting it as part of the SSID of the access point's beacon signal. The present invention also includes a number of methods using geographic codes including a method for generating and transmitting geographic codes for mobile devices, a method for determining a location of an access point, a method for self-labeling an access point, and a method for filtering beacon frames.

Abstract: A system for displaying video on electronic paper displays to reduce video playback artifacts that includes an electronic paper display, a video transcoder, a display controller and a waveforms module is disclosed. The video transcoder receives a video stream including pixel data for presentation on the electronic paper display. The video transcoder processes the video stream and generates pixel data that is provided to the display controller by processing a desired value for a pixel of video data and a future value for the pixel of video data. The video transcoder adapts and re-encodes the video stream for better display on the electronic paper display.

Abstract: A system for using accelerometer-based detection of physical movement for document sharing provides easy and intuitive ways to securely share documents, even without passwords, between computing devices. The system of the present invention includes: at least two computing devices that each have a motion detection device capable of detecting sudden movements and generating a unique signature. The unique signature can then be used to generate signatures or shared secrets for controlling the transfer of data between devices. The motion detection device is capable of detecting sudden movement such as the tapping of the two computing devices together, tapping a stack of computing devices, tossing a computing device in the air. The system may optionally include an intermediary device such as a server for transferring the documents or files between computing devices such that only a small decryption key and file pointer is needed to share records between computing devices.

Abstract: A system for editing audio objects in which a variety of audio objects are represented as images and laid out in a 2 dimensional visual environment. The system includes a display unit, a processing unit, a user interface unit, and a device for playing/receiving audio. The system has the capability to perform a variety of editing functions, such as the recording and playback of audio content, joining and splitting audio objects, and reordering audio objects. Additionally, the system includes functionality to automatically recording new content when sound is detected above a set threshold. Furthermore, the system includes functionality for linking portions of audio objects to media objects such as HTML documents and video.

Abstract: Applications and uses for geographic coded of network access points includes a method for generating a geographic code and an associated graphical user-interface; a method for rejecting or filtering out geographic codes of inaccurately labeled access points; a method for using geographic codes as part of network service discovery; a method for using geographic codes as part of resource discovery and display; a method for using geographic codes for asset tracking; a method for using geographic codes for file transfer and an associated user interface; a method for using geographic codes for location tracking; a method for using geographic codes as part of a domain name registry; and a method for sending geographic codes automatically.

Abstract: A multilayer input/output device with a low power and a high resolution display suitable for use in paper-like computing includes a first display layer, a second display layer, an input layer and control logic. The first display layer is a low power display. The second display layer is a fast, transparent display positioned on top of the first layer. The input layer is a layer for detecting input movements or gestures by the user. The control logic is coupled to the first display layer, the second display layer and the input layer for controlling their operation according the method of the present invention. The method of the present invention selectively operates the second display layer to present movement detected by the input layer. At a predetermined time, the information presented on the second display is transferred to and presented on the first display.

Abstract: A multi-provider forms processing system with a quality of service rating includes a plurality of portable computing devices, a plurality of service providers and a paper-like forms server coupled by a network. The paper-like forms server comprises a central scheduler and service provider manager and rater. The multi-provider forms processing system provides ratings for the service providers that are used in selection of services providers and processing of compound documents. In particular, the central scheduler tracks and determines where transaction failures occur, and based on these failures provides a quality of service rating for each service provider. The central scheduler also monitors the logs for completion as well as restarts, attempts, failure, reworked and re-performed transaction steps and provides ratings that can be reviewed by a user in selecting a service provider or automatically by a selection module.

Abstract: A multi-provider forms processing system with retry upon failure comprises: a plurality of portable computing devices, a plurality of service providers and a paper-like forms server coupled by a network. The paper-like forms server performs the scheduling, routing, logging, verification and billing for the paper-like processing of compound documents. The paper-like forms server comprises a central schedule, a retry module and a billing module. The multi-provider forms processing system is advantageous because it monitors for failure of transactions, automatically issues a retry or replacement transactions and adjusts the billing for the failed transaction. In particular, the central scheduler tracks and determines when transaction failures occur, and based on these failures revises the billing to users and credits to service providers.

Abstract: The present invention overcomes the deficiencies of the prior art with a system for stroke and image aggregation and analytics. The system is particularly advantageous because it provides a system for distributing page images such as worksheets, examinations or forms to multiple devices. The system allows independent paging and writing on the distributed materials; collection of the strokes added to the distributed pages images; and aggregating and displaying those strokes or summary information in a useful manner. For example, an instructor might receive the current work of the students for a particular examination question and view those strokes in a parallel manner or a combined manner.