Abstract: Methods to capture a digital image are disclosed. Embodiments include methods for taking multiple color data readings with a series of sensing elements in one collecting location during a single exposure, associating the collecting location with a pixel, and calculating a color value for the pixel based on the multiple color data readings. The method may include directing light successively to the sensing elements of the series of sensing elements within one exposure via reflective optics. The method may include determining that a sensing element of the series of sensing elements is defective. The method may include redirecting light to align a non-defective sensing element of the series of sensing elements with the collecting location. The non-defective sensing element and the defective sensing element may be associated with the same color.

Abstract: A handwriting trajectory recognition system, having a motion detection unit adapted to output electric signals based on changes in acceleration of a body of the system in space. A control unit adapted to detect non-stroke regions intervals where the motions of the system body are temporarily stopped and recover handwritings based on the electric signals is provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a jotting implement that infers hand-jotted information from viewing a jotting surface and environmental landmarks. The hand-jotted information is any information marked on the jotting surface as a result of writing, jotting, drawing, sketching or otherwise operating on the jotting surface as well as hand-generated information produced by moving the implement in the air with respect to the jotting surface. The jotting implement has a nib for jotting and an arrangement for determining when the nib is jotting on the jotting surface. Further, the implement has an optical unit for viewing an environmental landmark and the jotting surface. The implement has a processing unit for receiving optical data of the environmental landmark and the jotting surface from the optical unit and determining from the optical data the physical coordinates of the nib with respect to the jotting surface.

Abstract: An electronic writing instrument is provided with: an electronic writing instrument body portion that captures a code image formed on a medium based on reflected light; and a detachable cap that is attached to the one end side of the electronic writing instrument body portion. The electronic writing instrument body portion has: at one end side thereof, a writing unit that writes down on the medium on which the code image is formed; a light emitting unit that emits light to the medium; and an image capture unit that captures an image from reflected light reflected on the medium by the emitting light. The detachable cap is configured so as to cover the writing unit when attached to the one end side, and to pass emitted light from the light emitting unit and the reflected light from the medium.

Abstract: A method of delivering a facsimile using a printed form is provided. The form is adapted for entering a message thereon using a sensing device and include user information and coded data. The method comprises the steps of: (a) receiving, in a computer system, interaction data representing interaction of the sensing device with the coded data, the interaction data allowing the message to be electronically captured in the computer system; and (b) transmitting the message to a designated recipient address for facsimile delivery. The message is delivered with a reply number for sending a return message.

Abstract: A method of enabling instruction of a computer to perform tasks, using an interface surface having command and object interactive elements, the interface surface having command and object interactive elements, the interface surface including coded data. The method includes having the computer system receive indicating data from a sensing device, which is generated when the sensing device is moved relative to the interface surface, the indicating data being indicative of a stroke designating the interactive elements. The computer system uses the indicating data to determine the interactive elements designated by the stroke before applying a command to at least one object using the designated interactive elements.

Abstract: In an input device, a camera captures images of a surface. Using the images, the input device determines its orientation. Data representing the orientation of the input device and data representing the captured image are communicated from the input device to a host computing device.

Abstract: A method and a corresponding device for generating true random numbers for use in encryption of a message for secure transmission of said message from a sending device to a receiver, or for authentication of a sent message. An optical image represented by optical data is obtained by an optical sensor and processed in order to improve the stochasticity of the optical data. The thus processed data is then used for generating random numbers which can be used as an encryption key, or for generating an encryption key, for subsequent use in an encryption algorithm for encrypting the message. The method is implemented in a digital pen (DP) to be used in an information management system.

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 and process for determining the location of a captured image from a larger image is described. Using a list of determined locations, the system is able to determine the best or most likely path of a pen tip.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and media are disclosed for altering the captured input within a digital pen. One embodiment includes capturing the input by the digital pen, wherein the input comprises dots and measurements. Further, the method includes modifying, within the digital pen, the input based on an attribute selected for the input, wherein the modifying produces a modified input. Such modifying may occur by conversion functions, such as to a preferred input format, e.g., Excel®spreadsheet, or a preferred stylistic format, e.g., black 12 point font, wherein the conversion functions modify the input to affect such preferences based on a position of one or more selectors located on the exterior of the digital pen. Finally, the method includes transmitting the modified input to a computer system in wireless communication, for example, with the digital pen.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus, which includes a plurality of image forming portions transferring a yellow image, a magenta image, a cyan image, and a black image formed on a plurality of photoconductor drums to a sheet conveyed on a conveying belt, a marking unit forming marks on the conveying belt, a detecting unit detecting the marks with three or more sensors aligned in a direction normal to a direction in which the sheet is conveyed, a calculating unit calculating an amount of color misalignment in accordance with results detected by the detecting unit, and a correcting unit correcting the color misalignment in accordance with the calculated amount of color misalignment, wherein the calculating unit calculates an amount of skew difference in accordance with results detected by two sensors among the three or more sensors, wherein one sensor of the two sensors is disposed on one end of the three or more sensors and the other sensor of the two sensors is disposed on the other end of the three or more sensors, w

Abstract: Device for processing of information, which device comprises a processor and, connected to the processor, a reading unit for electronic reading of information on a surface, which is provided with a position code which codes a plurality of positions on the surface. The device reads the position code, associates a position code for coded positions within a value area defined on the surface with values in a set of values which includes a plurality of values, and initiates the generation of a control signal whose level is related to a value associated with a read-off position code. Method for processing of position data obtained from said surface. According to the method, the position code is read for a coded position which lies within the value area; the value in the set of values which is associated with the read-off coded position is determined; and the generation of a control signal is initiated, the level of which control signal is related to the determined value.

Abstract: A method of interpreting handwritten data inputted on a printed form using an optically sensing pen. The form has a plurality of different form fields for the handwritten data input. The form also includes a plurality of printed tags, each tag encoding a location on the form. The method comprising performing, in a computer system, the steps of: (a) receiving, from the pen, digital ink representing handwritten data input of the pen relative to the form, the digital ink being generated in said pen by sensing a plurality of tags during handwritten input in one of the form fields; (b) identifying, using the digital ink and a description of the form stored in the computer system, the form field in which handwritten data has been inputted; (c) identifying, in the computer system, a set of predetermined text values associated with the identified form field; and (d) interpreting the handwritten data by decoding the digital ink and converting the decoded digital ink into computer text.

Abstract: A device including a housing, a writing tip connected to the housing, a writing surface position indicator, a processor in the housing, a memory device in the housing connected to the processor, and a sensor in the housing and cooperative with the writing surface position indicator. The device may be used to record writings and drawings applied to a surface by a user, to transmit that data to a remote device, to download data from remote devices, and to otherwise communicate with remote devices.

Abstract: A product for electronic transmission of handwritten information, a user unit for recording and sending the information, and a computer program for controlling a user unit are disclosed. The product may include at least one writing area for the handwritten information and an address area indicating an address to which the handwritten information is to be sent. A position-coding pattern in the form of a plurality of symbols may be reproduced in the writing area, an arbitrary position area of a predetermined size of the position-coding pattern unambiguously defining a position on the product. The address area may include an address-coding pattern with a plurality of symbols, an arbitrary address portion of a predetermined size of the address-coding pattern unambiguously defining part of the address.

Abstract: A networked computer system includes a printer configured to print media bearing visible graphic data and invisible coded data tags and receive transmitted sensed data associated with the data tags. A pen-type device includes an image sensor configured to sense the data tags and wirelessly transmit associated sensed data to the printer. One or more servers are interfaced to the printer, via a network, and are configured to receive the sensed data from the printer and process the sensed data.

Abstract: A modular image processing device includes a camera module configured to capture images to be printed. A memory module is configured to store data representing the captured images. A printer module is configured to print images from the stored data. The modules include connectors to facilitate releasable and serial interconnection of the modules so that one of the memory module and the printer module is interposed between a remaining two modules.

Abstract: A device including a housing, a writing tip connected to the housing, a writing surface position indicator, a processor in the housing, a memory device in the housing connected to the processor, and a sensor in the housing and cooperative with the writing surface position indicator. The device may be used to record writings and drawings applied to a surface by a user, to transmit that data to a remote device, to download data from remote devices, and to otherwise communicate with remote devices.

Abstract: Electronic writing systems and methods are described. In one aspect, an electronic writing system includes an elongated housing, an inertial sensor, an optical sensor, and a tracking module. The elongated housing has an optical input. The inertial sensor is attached to the housing and is operable to generate data indicative of movement of the housing relative to an inertial reference frame. The optical sensor is attached to the housing and is operable to generate data from light received through the optical input. The tracking module is operable to compute relative displacement data from inertial movement data corresponding to data generated by the inertial sensor. The tracking module also is operable to detect at least one calibrated position from calibration data encoded in optical data generated from light received by the optical sensor.

Abstract: In a method for controlling an orienting/positioning system, the orienting system comprises at least one sensor means, an external motion detection device for detecting an externally-caused motion in the environment of the sensor means and actuator means for controlling an orienting and/or positioning action of the sensor means.

Abstract: A user captures a digital image of a paper where the user has marked one or several objects or commands with a pen. The marking is done according to a predefined set of marking rules, which eases the separation of objects and commands later on. Examples of rules for marking objects or commands are encircling, underlining and highlighting. The embedded commands in the digital image can be associated with one or several objects in the digital image. The association is done according to a predefined set of association rules. The image is then transmitted to a computing device for processing. The transmission is using a cable, IR or RF technologies like Bluetooth or cellular telephony. The computing device is called “command-server”. It identifies and separates objects and commands by analysing the digital image using the predefined set of marking rules.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a device for detecting and representing movements. The device includes a position sensor for detecting the current position of a reference point of the device, a data processor for processing the position data detected by the position sensor and a projector for projecting on a surface an image projection of the detected and processed position data. The data processor takes into account a modification in the current position of the reference point such that the projection image on the surface remains substantially stable concerning location and position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system, method and medium for receiving and acting upon user input. In one embodiment, the user may only have access to a limited input device, like a stylus. Using the present invention, a user is provided with intuitive responses from the system based on inputs from the limited input device.

Abstract: A printer module includes a body that defines a print media feed path and a feed opening to permit print media to be positioned in the print media feed path. A pagewidth printing mechanism is positioned in the body to carry out a printing operation on the print media. At least one modular connector is arranged on the body to permit at least an image processing module to be connected to the body. A bus interconnects the printing mechanism and the image processing module to facilitate communication between the printing mechanism and the image processing module.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and an apparatus, as well as a computer recording medium for handwriting input. The invention is implemented by capturing images including raw strokes with a digital camera and receiving writing sounds with a microphone, when a user writes on a writing surface with a stylus having a special mark (such as special color point or light point), said images and sounds are time-stamped; extracting images of raw stroke by comparing the captured images with the special mark on the stylus; and retrieving “effective strokes” from the raw strokes by utilizing the received writing sounds. Moreover, the invention discloses a low cost, wireless method and apparatus for handwriting input which enables an user to write on a paper without a touch sensor provided for a computer system (such as Notebook and PDA etc.) equipped with an embedded digital camera.

Abstract: The invention is an electronic recording and computing device that resides within or on a pen shaped object for the purpose of recording and processing handwritten text or graphics. The device includes a marking implement that may be a pencil, ink pen, non-marking tip, chalk, crayon, marker, paint, laser marking tool, or any other instrument used for writing or marking. The device records motion and marking with one or more of each of the following components: image sensor (1), light source (5), light detector, force sensor (3), contactor, microprocessor, volatile and non-volatile memory, analog to digital converter. Movement of the apparatus is sensed and recorded by means of the image sensor (1) and optical navigation software which tracks microscopic and/or macroscopic features of the writing surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a jotting implement that infers hand-jotted information from a jotting surface. The hand-jotted information is any information marked on the jotting surface as a result of writing, jotting, drawing, sketching or in any other manner of marking or depositing marks on the jotting surface. Hand-jotted information is also information traced on the jotting surface without leaving any markings thereon or otherwise produced by the motions executed by the jotting implement with respect to the jotting surface while in contact with the jotting surface. The jotting implement has a nib for jotting and an arrangement for determining when the nib is jotting on the jotting surface. Further, the implement has an optical unit for viewing the jotting surface.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an information signal is stored in magnetic ink. In another embodiment, a magnetic ink encoding stylus includes a magnetic ink write head. In a further embodiment, a computer system includes a magnetic ink encoding stylus coupled to a computer via an external bus.

Abstract: A system for providing information in a document including a computer system with a publication server adapted to access personalized user content preferences and to select and format information in accordance with the preferences; a printer for receiving the formatted information from the publication server and printing the information in a document with at least one interactive element to enable a user to indicate a response to associated information in the document; and a sensing device used to indicate the response and adapted to transmit response data to the computer system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to interfacing with electronic ink. Ink is stored in a data structure that permits later retrieval by applications. The ink includes stroke information and may include property information. Through various programming interfaces, one may interact with the ink through methods and setting or retrieving properties. Other objects and collections may be used as well in conjunction with the ink objects.

Abstract: A handheld device 100 with a graphical user interface for entering handwritten text 102. The handheld device includes word and character input areas 104, 106 within a designated input area 108. Icons 110, 112, 114, 116 and 118 are disposed at the right side of the handwriting user interface 102. A scroll bar 120 may be disposed at the right side of the interface display 102. An entry that begins in the word input area 104 is treated as a handwritten word. A handwritten entry that begins in the character input area 106 is treated as a single character and may be one character in character string. Handwritten character entries are each matched against all potential characters.

Abstract: A method and system for enabling user interaction with computer software running in a computer system. The user is provided with an interface surface containing information relating to the computer software and including coded data indicative of at least one interactive element relating to the computer software. A sensing device in the form of an optically sensing stylus contains identifying data indicative of an identity of the user. When the user writes with the stylus, or uses it as a pointer, an operative end of the stylus is brought into contact with the interface surface. The sensing device senses indicating data indicative of the at least one interactive element using at least some of the coded data. The computer system receives the identifying data and the indicating data from the sensing device. The interactive element is identified in the computer system using the indicating data, and user data is identified using the identifying data.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement for presentation of a graphical representation of a handwritten message on a graphical screen. Position data and time data are recorded, indicating positions and points of time for the handwritten message. An image area in the graphical representation of the handwritten message is identified based on said position data and said time data, the size of the image area being a subportion of the graphical representation of the handwritten message. Finally, display data is provided to a screen, which display data comprises a graphical representation of the subportion of the handwritten message in the identified image area.

Abstract: The present invention relates to obtaining vector data for a hand-drawn curve having coordinate values input from a pointing device and a thickness and/or density in accordance with pen pressure values. In order to reduce the amount of data input from the pointing device and obtain vector data therefor in real time, the coordinate data and pen pressure data are extracted independently of each other so as to reduce the amount of data stored in a memory and used for plotting or display.

Abstract: A method of enabling user interaction with computer software running in a computer system via an interface surface and a sensing device. The interface surface contains information relating to the computer software and coded data indicative of a signature field relating to the computer software. When the sensing device is placed in an operative position relative to the interface surface, it senses indicating data indicative of the signature field. The sensing device also generates movement data indicative of the sensing device's movement. The indicating data and the movement data are received from the sensing device, and the signature field is identified. Once the signature has been identified, the computer software is operated in reliance on the movement data, and in accordance with instructions associated with the signature field.

Abstract: A cradle is arranged to be clipped onto or otherwise removably secured to a writing instrument, and to hold a camera or other optical image capture device so that images of marks made by the writing instrument may be captured and transmitted to a processor for remote display, storage, and/or processing.

Abstract: System and method for forming an operator controlled image on a video display screen with a light sensing pen. The pen is moved relative to the screen to provide a signal corresponding to the position of the pen during each successive frame of the display. A memory having a plurality of data storage locations corresponding to different points on the screen is scanned in synchronization with the position of the beam, and data is written into the memory in response to the signal from the light pen at locations corresponding to the points at which the light pen senses the bean during successive frames. This data is read out of the memory as it is scanned and is utilized to produce an image corresponding to the position of the light pen in successive frame.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system, method and medium for receiving and acting upon user input. In one embodiment, the user may only have access to a limited input device, like a stylus. Using the present invention, a user is provided with intuitive responses from the system based on inputs from the limited input device.

Abstract: A device including a housing, a writing tip connected to the housing, a writing surface position indicator, a processor in the housing, a memory device in the housing connected to the processor, and a sensor in the housing and cooperative with the writing surface position indicator. The device may be used to record writings and drawings applied to a surface by a user, to transmit that data to a remote device, to download data from remote devices, and to otherwise communicate with remote devices.

Abstract: In order to improve the accuracy of recognition of hand-written input using a stylus, output signals from a plurality of accelerometers representing x and y axis acceleration and deceleration are sampled at a predetermined rate and passed through a digital bandpass filter to remove high frequency components and dc components arising from gravity. X and y vectors derived from the original x and y input signals are passed to a classifier using a hidden Markov model. Bandpass filtering improves the robustness of the interpretation of the vectors against stored templates which may be templates of individual characterizations or of whole words.

Abstract: A contact sensing device is provided. The sensing device comprises a housing having a nib and a position sensor mounted in the housing. The position sensor generates position data when the nib is positioned in contact with a surface having coded data disposed thereon, the coded data being indicative of a plurality of locations within the region and the position data being indicative of the position of the nib relative to the region. The position sensor comprises imaging optics, an image sensor, and a processor.

Abstract: A image reading device is activated by the light interference of a light path. The image reading device comprises at least a image sensing element, a picture and a image changing mechanism such as a picture conveying module, picture rotating module, a hole or a soft button with picture in the inner side. The user may use finger or other objects to interfere the image generated in the image sensing element. By detecting the changes of the image, a predetermined activation process of the image reading device is therefore started.

Abstract: A scanner comprises a transparent platen mounted on a housing, and an object-imaging device within the housing mounted for longitudinal movement relative to the platen and an object supported thereby. The object-imaging device is rotatable about a transverse axis and comprises an aperture for receiving light reflected from the object. The object-imaging device has a travel distance between a home end position and a back end position, the travel distance comprising a central portion and at least one end portion. The scanner further comprises a mechanism operatively associated with the object-imaging device for rotating the device about the transverse axis thereof in response to movement of the device within the at least one end portion of the travel distance, the device being rotated in a direction so that the light-receiving aperture is rotated away from the central portion of the travel distance.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed that includes a memory storage unit to store an electronic version of a page and a processor coupled to the memory storage unit. The processor is configured to receive data associated with a handwritten notation applied to a printed page and an electronic image of an area of the printed version of the page near the notation, to identify a corresponding passage in the electronic version of the page and to create an electronic notation based on the received data and associated with the corresponding passage.

Abstract: A pen type input device with a camera has improved usability as a result in improved construction of the device. The pen type input device with the camera is adapted for use in detecting both of a horizontally elongated object and a vertically elongated object. On the other hand, means for pointing to the object and the process content simultaneously, and further means for detecting the fact that the user is pointing to the object in an erroneous manner and for teaching a correct manner of pointing to the object depending thereon are provided.

Abstract: A method and system for enabling user interaction with computer software running in a computer system via an interface surface and a sensing device. The interface surface contains information relating to the computer software and coded data indicative of a text field. When placed in an operative position relative to the interface surface, the sensing device senses indicating data indicative of the text field and generates movement data indicative of the sensing device's movement relative to the interface surface. The indicating data and movement data are received in the computer system and the text field is identified from the indicating data. The computer software is operated at least partly in reliance on the movement data, and in accordance with instructions associated with the text field.

Abstract: A sensing device for sensing region identity data and generating movement data when the sensing device is moved relative to a region of a surface, the region identity data being indicative of an identity of the region, the movement data being indicative of the movement of the sensing device relative to the region, the surface having disposed upon it coded data indicative of at least one region associated with the surface, the sensing device including: region identity sensing means configured to sense the region identity data using at least some of the coded data; motion sensing means configured to generate the movement data; and communications means configured to communicate the region identity data and the movement data to a computer system.

Abstract: A method and system for enabling user interaction with computer software running in a computer system. The user is provided with an interface surface containing information relating to the computer software and including coded data indicative of at least one interactive element relating to the computer software. A sensing device in the form of an optically sensing stylus contains identifying data indicative of an identity of the user. When the user writes with the stylus, or uses it as a pointer, an operative end of the stylus is brought into contact with the interface surface. The sensing device senses indicating data indicative of the at least one interactive element using at least some of the coded data. The computer system receives the identifying data and the indicating data from the sensing device. The interactive element is identified in the computer system using the indicating data, and user data is identified using the identifying data.

Abstract: A portable reading machine has a scanner for scanning an image comprising text. The scanner has a scanning area occupying a maximum width and an active width defined by a scanning width limiting mechanism adjustable to a preselected width. A photoreceptive element forms an electronic representation of a portion of the image within the active width. The electronic representation is converted to a digital character string corresponding to the active image text. A speech system outputs the digital character string as ordinary spoken language voiced through a speaker or headset.