Abstract: A method of performing data searches on a network includes the step of maintaining a database of electronic documents on a computer system forming a node on the network, such that each electronic document is associated with at least one resource description. Search form print data is generated at the computer system such that the search form carries information relating to at least one parameter of a search to be carried out and coded data associated with that information. Print instructions are received from the computer system at a printer via the network. The search form is printed at the printer. The coded data is sensed at a sensing device operatively connected to the printer. Search instructions generated by the sensing device are written to the computer system, via the printer and the network. A search is carried out on the network, in response to the instructions, based on the, or each, parameter. Search result print data is generated at the computer system, representing the results of the search.

Abstract: A computer system configured for operating graphic design software to enable a user to perform graphic design activity using an interface surface. The interface surface contains information relating to the graphic design software. The interface surface includes coded data having a number of coded data portions indicative of an identity. The computer system is configured to receive indicating data from a sensing device; determines, using the indicating data, a determined identity; retrieve, using the determined identity, a layout indicative of the information on the interface surface; determines, using the layout and the determined identity, at least one parameter relating to a graphic design activity; and operate the graphic design software at least partially in accordance with the at least one parameter.

Abstract: A method of producing an interactive map using a computer system. The method includes determining graphic data indicative of a visible representation of a map of a geographic area and determining an identity. The computer system then generates coded data indicative of the identity and of a plurality of reference points of the map, and records an association between the identity and a page description, the page description being indicative of a layout of the coded data and the graphic data. The computer system then causes the map to be printed by printing of the graphic data and the coded data onto a surface using the layout.

Abstract: The invention concerns methods and systems for enabling telephones to be controlled through computer systems. Employing the invention involves the use of one or more control interfaces which are capable of being used to interact with a computer system or network, each interface comprising sheet material such as paper which has coded data printed on it and which allows it to be used to interact with the computer system by use of a sensing device operated by a user. Through this interaction, data from the control interface can be transmitted to the computer system to effect an operation relating to the functioning of the telephone. In this way, the computer system can invoke functions such as the making of outgoing calls, and the receiving and sending of text information such as short messages or retrieved telephone numbers.

Abstract: The invention concerns a system and method for enabling remote conferencing between conference participants. Employing the invention involves the use of one or more forms which support interaction with a computer system or network. Each form is printed on sheet material such as paper and includes coded data which allows it to be used to interact with the computer system via a sensing device operated by a user.

Abstract: A method of limiting communication between an application and a user, via a sensing device interacting with machine-readable coded data printed on a surface, the method comprising the steps, performed in a computer system, of: receiving interaction data representing the interaction of the sensing device with the coded data, the interaction data enabling identification of the application; transmitting information based on at least some of the interaction data to the application; and enabling transmission of up to a predetermined number of electronic messages from the application to the user.

Abstract: A product label for enabling entry to a competition, the product label comprising: machine-readable coded data indicative of at least an identity of the label, said machine-readable coded data being readable by a sensing device as the sensing device is moved across the product label, thereby to produce interaction data for enabling the competition entry; human-readable information pertaining to the competition, the human-readable information being at least partially coincident with the machine-readable coded data, the human-readable information including at least one field element that has a corresponding zone defined in relation to it in a page description stored in a remote computer system.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed which relate to submitting auction bids via interface surfaces printed with information and coded data. The coded data, encoded visibly or invisibly, may be queried by an appropriate sensing device. The sensing device communicates with a computer system. Together, the interface surfaces, sensing device and computer system are capable of effecting auction bid transactions over a network.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and assembly which determines a route using a computer system, a map and a user operated sensing device. The map shows a geographic area and includes coded data that is indicative of the map and reference points on the map. The sensing device is operable to sense the coded data and generate indicating data relating to the map's identity and one or more of the reference points. The computer system is operable to identify a geographic location from the indicating data. The sensing device is positioned relative to the map to generate indicating data specifying a point on the route, and the indicating data is sent to the computer system for it to determine a route incorporating the specified point.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed which relate to online payments via interface surfaces printed with information and coded data. The coded data, encoded visibly or invisibly, may be queried by an appropriate sensing device. The sensing device communicates with a computer system. Together, the interface surfaces, sensing device and computer system are capable of effecting payment transactions over a network.

Abstract: A method of enabling users to perform a search. The method includes providing a user with a search request form including information relating to a search request, the search request form having coded data indicative of an identity of an interactive element. A computer system receives indicating data from a sensing device, via a relay device, the indicating data being at least partially indicative of an identifier and at least one of the identity, movement of the sensing device at least partially within the interactive element, or a position of the sensing device at least partially within the interactive element. The computer system determines the interactive element, using the indicating data, and from this determines a search request. The search is performed using the search request, with the results being provided to the relay device using the identifier, the relay device being responsive to the results to provide the results of the search to the user.

Abstract: A method of enabling Internet-based requests for data includes the step of maintaining a database of electronic documents, each of which are associated with at least one resource description. A document representing one of the electronic documents is printed such that the document carries information relating to the search to be carried out and coded data representing at least an identity of the printed document, the coded data being capable of being read by a sensor device. A signal carrying the coded data is received from the sensor device. The signal is decoded to extract the identity of the printed document. Information based on the resource description associated with said one of the electronic documents is retrieved from the Internet. A further document carrying said information is printed.

Abstract: A method of enabling a user to search stored information via an interactive search request form is provided. The form includes a search field for inputting a handwritten search request and coded data indicative of an identity of the form and of a plurality of locations within the search field. The method has the steps of: (a) inputting a handwritten search request in the search field using a sensing device; (b) receiving in a computer system indicating data from the sensing device, the indicating data comprising data regarding the identity of the form and data regarding the position and/or movement of the sensing device relative to the at least one search field, the sensing device generating the indicating data when writing the handwritten search request; and (c) identifying in the computer system, using at least some of the indicating data, a search request corresponding to the handwritten search request.

Abstract: A method of interacting with an Internet webpage via a corresponding printed page is provided. The webpage has at least one web interactive element and the printed page has at least one corresponding interactive element. The printed page further includes coded data indicative of an identity of the webpage and of at least one reference point of the printed page.

Abstract: A method of enabling handwritten note taking and retrieval, the method including the steps of: providing a user with at least one form printable on a surface, the form containing information relating to a notebook activity and including coded data indicative of an identity of the form and of at least one reference point of the form; receiving, in a computer system, indicating data from a sensing device operated by said user, said indicating data regarding the identity of the form and at least one of a position and a movement of the sensing device relative to the form; and identifying in the computer system and from the indicating data, at least one parameter relating to the notebook activity.

Abstract: The invention concerns methods and systems for enabling telephones to be controlled through computer systems. Employing the invention involves the use of one or more control interfaces which are capable of being used to interact with a computer system or network, each interface comprising sheet material such as paper which has coded data printed on it and which allows it to be used to interact with the computer system by use of a sensing device operated by a user. Through this interaction, data from the control interface can be transmitted to the computer system to effect an operation relating to the functioning of the telephone. In this way, the computer system can invoke functions such as the making of outgoing calls, and the receiving and sending of text information such as short messages or retrieved telephone numbers.

Abstract: The invention concerns methods and systems for enabling telephones to be controlled through computer systems. Employing the invention involves the use of one or more control interfaces which are capable of being used to interact with a computer system or network, each interface comprising sheet material such as paper which has coded data printed on it and which allows it to be used to interact with the computer system by use of a sensing device operated by a user. Through this interaction, data from the control interface can be transmitted to the computer system to effect an operation relating to the functioning of the telephone. In this way, the computer system can invoke functions such as the making of outgoing calls, and the receiving and sending of text information such as short messages or retrieved telephone numbers.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed which relate to listing classified advertising via interface surfaces printed with information and coded data. The coded data, encoded visibly or invisibly, may be queried by an appropriate sensing device. The sensing device communicates with a computer system. Together, the interface surfaces, sensing device and computer system are capable of effecting classified listing search transactions over a network.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed which relate to submitting auction bids via interface surfaces printed with information and coded data. The coded data, encoded visibly or invisibly, may be queried by an appropriate sensing device. The sensing device communicates with a computer system. Together, the interface surfaces, sensing device and computer system are capable of effecting auction bid transactions over a network.

Abstract: The invention concerns methods and systems for enabling telephones to be controlled through computer systems. Employing the invention involves the use of one or more control interfaces which are capable of being used to interact with a computer system or network, each interface comprising sheet material such as paper which has coded data printed on it and which allows it to be used to interact with the computer system by use of a sensing device operated by a user. Through this interaction, data from the control interface can be transmitted to the computer system to effect an operation relating to the functioning of the telephone. In this way, the computer system can invoke functions such as the making of outgoing calls, and the receiving and sending of text information such as short messages or retrieved telephone numbers.