Abstract: In a method for position decoding, a position is calculated on the basis of information determined from a partial area, imaged by a sensor, of a position-coding pattern. If the position calculation fails, the information from the partial area recorded by the sensor is matched with information about how the position-coding pattern is designed in a plurality of matching partial areas, which each define a position in the position-coding pattern. The position of the positions defined by the matching partial areas, which according to the matching step is the most probable position in the position-coding pattern for the imaged partial area is accepted as the decoded position. A device and a computer program for carrying out the method are also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filing appliance, a system for information management, a method in a computer system, a computer program and a memory medium. The filing appliance includes a holder for holding a plurality of sheets, with at least one input field, which is provided with a position-coding pattern and is adapted to be filled in using a drawing device, which while using the position-coding pattern records positions in the input field in order to record information entered in the input field, and an initiation icon provided with a position-coding pattern, a marking of the initiation icon using the drawing device being adapted to initiate an operation in a computer system communicating with the drawing device, in which operation an information object is created, which is identifiable at least by information entered in the input field.

Abstract: A software tool and a method are intended for developing a service associated with a product with at least one position-coded functional area. A digital pen which detects a position on the product is caused, when using the service, to initiate in a processing unit an event which uses the position recorded by the pen. The software tool comprises a program module with instructions corresponding to the steps of creating a program object (204, 205) which is intended for the processing unit and which, on receipt of a data set from the pen, automatically generates a data structure (206) by extracting data items from the data set and by matching the extracted data items against a filter object (202) which contains information about the positions within each functional area on the product, whereby the data structure (206) enables sorting of at least some of the data items by functional area and implementing of the event associated therewith.

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: Methods and apparatuses for identifying objects in a digital image include a thresholding unit and a threshold calculation unit. The thresholding unit is designed to receive the digital image and compare the luminance values of the digital image with threshold values of a threshold matrix in order to create a binary image on the basis of the comparison. The threshold calculation unit is designed to estimate, on the basis of a first and second division of a reference image which corresponds to the digital image into first and second subareas, a background luminance value for each first subarea and an object luminance value for each second subarea. The apparatuses and the methods permit quick and memory-efficient identification of the individual objects, even if the digital image contains variation in the luminance and/or sharpness.

Abstract: The present invention relates to managing of communication in a system, which system includes at least one user unit 100 capable of reading information from a surface 120 and communicating at least part thereof to a server 140, 150, 160, a look-up server 140, 150 storing information management rules associated with information read from the surface and at least one application server 160. The user unit 100 receives an instruction with control data from the look-up server 140, 150 and determines, based on these control data, if specific information data is allowed to be communicated by the user unit to a receiving application server in response to an instruction from an application server concerning these specific information data.

Abstract: A product with stored non-sequential data may be provided using a method that codes the data to a coding pattern using at least one sequence with symbols. The coding pattern may be configured such that an arbitrary subsequence of a predetermined magnitude of the sequence unambiguously defines the position of the subsequence in the sequence. The coding pattern may be reproduced on a product. An apparatus may be adapted to record and decode the coding pattern.

Abstract: A method aims to identify a virtual raster pattern in an image of a surface that is provided with a plurality of position-coding marks. Each mark is associated with a respective intersection of raster lines belonging to the raster pattern. By means of the method, the virtual raster pattern is identified via Fourier analysis of the image. A computer program product and a device for position determination are also described.

Abstract: A method, a system and a product for managing information uses of an absolute position-coding pattern formed of marks positioned on one or more products. The coordinates of the marks define an imaginary surface, which includes all marks which the absolute position-coding pattern has the capacity to code. The imaginary surface is divided into at least two regions, the coordinates of which can be separated from each other. The information is generated by passing a sensor device over the marks on the product and reading the absolute coordinates of the position of the sensor device. Reading of coordinates from the first region results in a information management function of the sensor device, such as a send function, and reading of coordinates from the second region forms message information.

Abstract: In an input unit arrangement use is made of an input unit in combination with a mouse pad, which is provided with a position-coding pattern which codes coordinates for a plurality of positions on the mouse pad. Areas on the mouse pad are provided with subsets of the position-coding pattern which are dedicated to different functions. The input unit 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. By placing the input unit within the various areas (110–120) on the mouse pad, 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 on the basis of the decoded position, to an input function, in which information via the input unit is inputted into an electronic device, such as a computer, telephone, PDA etc.

Abstract: A device, a method and a computer program for position determination are provided. The device comprises a processing means for determining a position on a surface on the basis of an image of a position-coding pattern on the surface. The processing means is arranged to decide whether it is possible to determine an acceptable posi- tion on the surface on the basis of the position-coding pattern in the image. In addition, the processing means is arranged to cause the first writing means to write on the surface depending upon the result of said decision.

Abstract: A method and a computer program are described for developing a product (110), and services associated with the product, which product has at least one activation area (308) which is provided with a position code (403) that codes at least one position on an imaginary surface (601), which position causes a device (710) that detects the position code (403) to initiate an operation that utilizes information recorded by the device (710). A digital representation of at least part of the product comprising image points is produced, each image point in the digital representation of the activation area (308) corresponding to a position on the imaginary surface (601). A digital template that can be used for making the digital representation of the product is also described.

Abstract: A method and a computer program are described for developing a product (110), and services associated with the product, which product has at least one activation area (308) which is provided with a position code (403) that codes at least one position on an imaginary surface (601), which position causes a device (710) that detects the position code (403) to initiate an operation that utilizes information recorded by the device (710). A digital representation of at least part of the product comprising image points is produced, each image point in the digital representation of the activation area (308) corresponding to a position the imaginary surface (601).

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: An information processing system contains an arrangement for enabling printing on demand of position-coded bases. In the arrangement, a current graphical object is selected from a set of graphical objects prestored in the system, which each define graphic information and corresponds to a rule object which connects at least one processing measure to the graphic information. In the arrangement, the current graphical object is assigned position data from a position data bank. The assigned position data can then be applied, together with the graphic information, to a substrate for forming the position-coded base. The arrangement also provides allocation data in the system, which associates the assigned position data with the graphical object in such a manner that position data read from the base by means of a digital pen device can be processed in the system using the adequate rule object.

Abstract: A method aims at identifying, starting from objects in a digital image, a virtual raster included in a coding pattern. The objects in the image at least partially reproduce marks on a base, each mark being associated with a respective point of intersection of raster lines belonging to the virtual raster. The method comprises the steps of matching sets of objects against a cell unit, which corresponds to a recurring known basic element of said raster; when a set corresponds with the cell unit, identifying the objects in the set as approved; and reconstructing the virtual raster on the basis of the mutual arrangement of the approved objects. A computer program, a storage medium and a device for position determination are also described.

Abstract: An optical system, for example in an optical pen, is arranged to illuminate an object plane and to transmit an image of the object plane to an image plane. The system has an optical component that reflects first radiation, which is emitted by a radiation source, towards the object plane while also transmitting second radiation from the object plane towards the image plane. The optical component comprises a reflective surface portion arranged to reflect the first radiation, and a spatially separate transparent surface portion arranged to transmit the second radiation.

Abstract: A hand-held user unit (1), which can be part of a network-based information management system, allows for the writing down and recording of handwritten information. The user unit (1) has a memory for storing the recorded information. The memory comprises a first memory part (M1) located in the user unit and a second memory part (M2) located in an external data storage device, which memory parts are connected in such a way that, from the point of view of a user, they form a coherent memory unit. Methods for memory management in such a user unit are also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for carrying out a game of the type comprising the steps of noting written information on a writing surface with the aid of a writing means. The writing surface is provided with a position-coding pattern and the writing means is a combined writing and reading unit, which continually reads its movement across the writing surface. The information is converted into digital signals and is sent via a communication system to a recipient which returns feedback on the received information. Examples of games that can be performed by means of such a method are pools, lotto, betting and various other games comprising the use of pen and paper to be carried out.

Abstract: A product is on a surface provided with a first position code which codes coordinates for a plurality of first points. In at least one partial area on the surface, the product is further provided with a second position code which codes coordinates for a plurality of second points. The partial area further comprises a field which is associated with a predetermined function to be performed in consequence of a user unit being placed in the field. Methods and devices for coding and for recording of information from a surface are also described.