Abstract: The invention relates to a method, a computer program product and a device for arranging a first and a second coordinate area relative to each other, which first and second coordinate areas are coded on a first and a second surface by a position-coding pattern. The method comprises the steps of receiving an electronic representation of a continuous line that has been drawn over the surfaces while the position-coding pattern on these was recorded, and creating an association between the first and second coordinate areas, based on a direction in which the line was drawn over a discontinuity in the Position-coding pattern, a first association being created if the line was drawn in a first direction and a second association being created if the line was drawn in a second direction.

Abstract: A system for information management comprises a look-up unit (4), in which are stored particulars about a plurality of regions (5′), each of which represents an area on at least one imaginary surface (5) and is allocated an address. A user unit (2) records electronically information which comprises one or more positions on the imaginary surface (5) and sends all or parts of the recorded information to the look-up unit (4). When the look-up unit (4) receives the recorded information, it identifies, based on the position content of the recorded information, a region (5′) on the imaginary surface (5) and sends the address which is allocated to the identified region to the user unit (2).

Abstract: An electronic pen has a body, a cap and an actuation device. The actuation device comprises a sensor arrangement for sensing presence or absence of the cap on the body. The actuation device is operable to activate the electronic pen in response to removal of the cap from the body or in response to placement of the cap on a portion separated from a front end portion of the body. The actuation device is further operable to deactivate the electronic pen in response to placement of said cap on said body. Methods for activating and deactivating an electronic pen are also described.

Abstract: A system and a corresponding method for determining a spatial relationship between a surface having a predetermined pattern and an apparatus are disclosed. A portion of the surface may be imaged and compared with the predetermined pattern. The comparison produces at least one reference measurement that may be used to determine a spatial relationship expressed in at least parameters that define an orientation of the surface. By using knowledge of the predetermined pattern together with an algebraic model of the image formation by the apparatus, a numerical adaptation can be performed. Parameters obtained from the adaptation can then be used to calculate the spatial relationship between the apparatus and the surface in terms of, for example, a distance between the apparatus and the surface or an angle between the surface and an axis extending through the apparatus.

Abstract: Systems and methods consistent with the present invention include a printer for printing graphical information on a surface. The printer includes a print head for printing indicia on the surface and an image sensor for recording an image of the surface. The recorded image contains a position-coding pattern that identifies a position on the surface. A processor converts the recorded image into a recorded position, and the print head then prints indicia on the surface based on a comparison of the recorded position with the graphical information to be printed.

Abstract: Method and system for information association based on an absolute position coding pattern comprising dots or markings which codes coordinates for a position on an imaginary surface. The imaginary surface comprises several regions which are divided in areas, each defined by said coordinates. Handwritten information is digitized by a handheld device which is moved over a surface provided with said pattern and acts like a pen to make notes on the surface. At the same time, the pattern is sensed and coordinates for the pen is calculated regularly. By passing the handheld device over the borderline between areas having different coordinates, a hyperline is generated having a discontinuity. Such a hyperline is easily recognized by the computer system and is used for connecting information at different areas, giving information some properties, like color, or performing an action on the information, such as encryption, or transferring the information to a recipient.

Abstract: A system and method for achieving an electronic information service (also called an online graphical message service) hosted by a computer system (e.g., a server) connected to a network. Remote users can write information into and read information from the information service over the network. In response to a request from a first user, the service may create a first information object that comprises a partial area of a virtual pixel area. The virtual pixel area may include information written by the remote users. Then, the service may transmit the first information object via the network to the first user. Later, the service may receive a second information object from the first user corresponding to at least part of the partial area of the virtual pixel area. The second information object may include modifications the first user made to the partial area of the virtual pixel area. The service may then update the virtual pixel area utilizing the received second information object.