Abstract: A representational object contains a visual representation of a character and a memory tag comprising a digital memory adapted to be read from when inductively powered. The digital memory contains digital content relating to the character represented visually on the representational object. At least a part of the digital content relates to function of the character in a game carried out by a gaming application and comprises executable code for execution in connection with operation of the gaming application.

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 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 published document comprises a printed document and at least one memory attached to the printed document, wherein said at least one memory comprises an electrical circuit without an integral power source but may be powered wirelessly so that it may transmit information wirelessly, wherein at least a portion of the information stored in the published document for display to the user is provided in said at least one memory. A method of viewing information in such a published document comprises viewing information printed in the printed document, powering the memory circuit with a reader device to transmit information stored in the memory circuit to the reader device wirelessly, and displaying the information stored in the memory circuit by means of the reader device for viewing by the user. An appropriate reader device and method for publishing the document are described.

Abstract: An image viewed by a person is recorded in response to the pointing direction of the eyes of the person by using an optical sensor arrangement that simultaneously derives image segments corresponding with images seen by the person looking forward of his head and to both sides of his head. Alternatively, the sensor arrangement includes plural optical sensors for these images. One image of the plural sensors is selected for recording based on rotation of the head.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing a user interface device, said device having at least one user input region identified by a symbol and, operatively associated with the or each respective input region, at least one respective set of computer instructions for generating command signals for use in controlling a remote target device, said apparatus being arranged to:

Abstract: A user interface device adapted to access at least one data item stored in an electronic data storage device has at least one actuating region for actuating a switch, and a surface portion having a mark printed thereon in a predetermined positional relationship with the actuating region, the mark being associated with a respective data item. The interface device is connectable with the data storage device and adapted to access data stored on the data storage device and to initiate communication with at least one user access device, to transmit a data item to the user access device. A method of operating the interface device includes associating user-operable switch actuating regions of the interface device with data items stored in a data storage device.

Abstract: A digital camera has both image capture and audio capture modes. The digital camera has: a control member moveable from an initial position to a first position for effecting audio capture and to a second position for effecting image capture. A releasable latch means latches the camera in the audio capture mode upon entry of the control member into the first position.

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: An image capture device electronically captures and selects a desired text portion. A visible light image is projected onto text on a document to enable a user to position the light image relative to the desired text portion. At least some of the text is captured in accordance with a position of the light image. A text selector selects the desired text portion from the captured text.

Abstract: A writing implement 1 includes a sensor 11 and control circuitry 13 so that when the writing implement is brought into close proximity with the input screen of an electronic device, the input screen being of the type that requires an input stylus, the writing tip 3 of the writing implement 1 is prevented from delivering ink to the input screen. This may be achieved by retracting the writing tip within the body of the writing implement, or by extending a stylus tip 20 beyond the writing tip 3 by the means of preventing ink being delivered to the input screen include a mechanism to disengage a ink reservoir 5 from the writing tip 3 of the writing implement 1 and, in the case of a ball-point pen type writing tip 3, having means such as electromagnets 26 arranged to prevent rotation of an ink delivery ball 22 on actuation of the electromagnets.

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: 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.