Abstract: Systems and methods of producing video data and/or audio-photos from a static digital image are disclosed. One such method, among others, comprises receiving input from a user indicating sequentially, in real time, a plurality of regions of the static digital image. The method also includes processing the user input to determine the visual content of each of a sequence of video frames and generating output data representative of the sequence of video frames. The sequence and composition of the video frames are determined such that the visual content of the video frames is taken from the static digital image. For each region of the static image indicated by the user, a video frame is composed such that the said region occupies a substantial part of the video frame. The sequence of video frames shows the regions indicated by the user in sequential correspondence with the sequence in which the user indicated the regions and substantially in pace with the time in which the user indicated the regions.

Abstract: An audio photograph data storage system stores a printed image and a plurality of audio segments associated with the printed image. The audio segments are arranged in a plurality of audio layers.

Abstract: An apparatus for Internet browsing and other Internet-interactive activities, comprises: a camera focusing on a printed hypertext document for generating video signals representing an image of the printed hypertext document in electronic form: A processor linked to the camera processes images of the printed hypertext document captured by the camera and a finger or other pointing implement within the camera field of view pointing to a region of the printed hypertext document and determines from the image the identity of a linked web page or a linked multi-media, i.e. audio and/or video sequence, data file referred to on that hypertext document in the region pointed to, and then fetches from the Internet or a local cache of web pages data comprising the linked web page or linked multimedia data file referenced in the printed hypertext document. A receiver receives and displays or plays the fetched data.

Abstract: An automated method and apparatus for assisting a reader to read a printed or scribed document that cites, directly or indirectly, other information. A camera focuses down on the document for generating video signals representing an image of the document in electronic form, and a processor linked to the camera processes the image of the document captured by the camera, the processor being configured to fetch information from a database when a user, by pointing to a position on the document, selects a position within the image. The document is placed within the field of view of the camera and finger or pointing implement is placed within the field of view of the camera to a selected position on the document. The camera captures an image of the document and of the finger or pointing implement overlying the document.

Abstract: A multi-media photograph album comprises a network of electrical conductors which connect with plural data storage devices storing audio data and/or image data. A user, via a user interface, selectively addresses the data storage devices. The user selects individual sound bites for immediate playback via a speaker in the photo album, or via transmission over a wireless link, for playback through an external audio device, for example a hi-fi system. Image data are retrieved from the data storage devices and sent via a wireless link to an image data storage device, e.g., a personal computer. The data storage device can be embedded within a photograph, or can be a separate data storage device attached to the album.

Abstract: A passage of sound is attached to a printed image 11 by means of an electronic storage medium 12. The electronic storage medium 12 comprises a die 16 containing a non-volatile memory and a flexible substrate 14 with connectors 15. The connectors can be interfaces with a separate reader 4 which plays the passage of sound recorded in the electronic storage medium. Further information is also provided in the electronic storage medium 12 memory. This further information relates to the printed image. Such information may include a version of the image printed, either to the same or to a lower resolution. It may also include information relating to image capture conditions or location, or information allowing referencing or indexing of the image.

Abstract: A storage apparatus for sentimental electronic memorabilia includes a memory and processor for the storage and manipulation of files within which memorabilia is stored, and a monitor for assimilating the memorabilia; in the case of visually assimilable files, the monitor is a visual monitor. Each file is associated with an artefact which acts as a vehicle for the establishment of sentimental links to electronically stored information. The artefacts are stored within a box which also houses the monitor and processor. The association of artefacts with files is through the provision of an rf tag identifier on the artefact. Once the identifier is read by an rf tag reader on the box, the file corresponding to the identifier is retrieved from the memory and furnished to a user in an assimilable form by means of the monitor.

Abstract: A method of associating hand written notes with a stored data set, comprising using a data processor to access the data set, making meaningful hand-written notes, reading and storing images of those notes linked to a record of the state of the data processor when accessing the data set; repeating the process for multiple data sets; then retrieving and reproducing some or all of the associated notes linked with any data set currently being accessed by the data processor, by addressing the record with the current state of the data processor.

Abstract: A camera comprising means for capturing an image, integral scent association means operable by a user to associate a scent with the image, and integral means operable to cause the said scent to be perceived by a user. The invention also provides a printer comprising printing means and integral scent generation means, wherein the scent generation means comprise a drive mechanism and a tape having a plurality of scented regions, the drive mechanism being operable to spool the tape and the scent generation means being operable to cause a selected scented region to emit its scent.

Abstract: An audio photograph data storage system stores a printed image and a plurality of audio segments associated with the printed image. The audio segments are arranged in a plurality of audio layers.

Abstract: A printed document is an interface with a computer. A camera generates a video signal representing an image of the printed document. A processor linked to the camera processes an image of the printed document and a finger or pointing implement pointing to a region of the printed document. The processor recognizes when a graphical user interface element within the captured image is selected by the user pointing to the user interface element on the printed document by determining the region on the page that is pointed to by the finger or pointing implement and determining from a memory the identity of the user interface element, if any, that corresponds to the region of the printed page pointed to by the finger or pointing implement and then triggers an operation represented by that graphical user interface element.

Abstract: A multi-media photograph album comprises a network of electrical conductors which connect with plural data storage devices storing audio data and/or image data. A user, via a user interface, selectively address the data storage devices. The user selects individual sound bites for immediate playback via a speaker in the photo album, or via transmission over a wireless link, for playback through an external audio device, for example a hi-fi system. Image data are retrieved from the data storage devices and sent via a wireless link to an image data storage device, e.g., a personal computer. The data storage device can be embedded within a photograph, or can be a separate data storage device attached to the album.

Abstract: An annotation is recorded on to an electronic storage medium for inclusion within a storage device which is selectively engageable with an arbitrary physical object. This engagement can be provided by a number of conventional means: a spring loaded clip (particularly suitable for engagement with objects), a weakly adhesive surface, or a magnetic element. The annotation may then be read from the sound storage device while it remains engaged with such an arbitrary object using an appropriate further device. This arrangement is particularly appropriate for annotation of documents with sound, and thus allows sound passages to be used in a very versatile fashion, particularly for annotation and messaging.

Abstract: A printer 802 is adapted to produce a printed image with an associated sound passage stored on an electronic storage device. The printer 802 comprises an information input for receiving information to define a visual image and also information defining a passage of sound. The printer has a printer element 808 for printing the first information as a printed image 804, but also has a writing element 807 for writing the sound information into an electronic storage device 803 adapted for attachment to the printed image. An appropriate mechanism 805 for attaching the electronic storage device to the printer image is provided at the printer.

Abstract: Computer apparatus for assisting the reading of a document by displaying upon it a chronologic sequence of pointing gestures, comprises a camera and data processor for imaging the document and for tracking the movement of a pointer, such as a person's finger, over the document to associate that movement with the imaged document as the said sequence, and a computer with a projector for displaying the sequence in association with a reproduction of the same document, which may be printed paper or an on-screen image, normally at a remote location for conferencing.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automated method for assisting a reader to read a printed or scribed document that cites, directly or indirectly, other information which method comprises:

Abstract: There is disclosed a computer apparatus for causing display and manipulation of a pictorial image synchronously with remote computer apparatus. The apparatus comprises computer instructions executable by the apparatus to generate, on a display screen, a graphical user interface (GUI). The GUI has: a) an image display region; b) at least one manipulation control element, activatable by a user input device, for manipulating a displayed image; and c) at least one symbol associated with at least one stored image file. The symbol is activatable by a user input device so as to cause (i) display of a corresponding image in the image display region and (ii) output of a display signal. The display signal is adapted to cause remotely executing computer instructions to process a remotely stored associated image file so as to display a corresponding image.

Abstract: A printer 802 is adapted to produce a printed image with an associated sound passage stored on an electronic storage device. The printer 802 comprises an information input for receiving information to define a visual image and also information defining a passage of sound. The printer has a printer element 808 for printing the first information as a printed image 804, but also has a writing element 807 for writing the sound information into an electronic storage device 803 adapted for attachment to the printed image. An appropriate mechanism 805 for attaching the electronic storage device to the printer image is provided at the printer.