Abstract: A method of controlling an interaction between a stylus and a touch sensitive device is disclosed. The stylus comprises a unique identifier and a wireless transmitter for wireless transmission of the unique identifier. The touch sensitive device comprises a wireless receiver for wirelessly receiving the unique identifier of one or more styluses. The method comprises transmitting the unique identifier from a first stylus to the touch sensitive device, determining from a database, a set of controls associated with the unique identifier, and controlling the interaction between the touch sensitive device and the user of the first stylus according to the set of controls. A touch interaction system is also disclosed.

Abstract: An optical IR touch sensing apparatus configured to determine, based on output signals of light detectors, a light energy value for each light path across a touch surface, and generate a transmission value for each light path based on the light energy value. A processor is then configured to process the transmission values to determine a region around the object reference point on the touch surface and a set of light paths intersecting the region. By performing statistical analysis of the set of light paths, characteristics of the object may be determined.

Abstract: In an information management system for handling digital position data recorded by an electronic pen, the pen is controlled to convert recordings of a first code on a product to position data in a coordinate system, to convert recordings of a second code to input data, and to process the position data on the basis of the input data. The input data may define one or more functional areas in the coordinate system, and the pen may map the position data against the input data and take appropriate action if the position data is deemed to fall within a functional area. This allows the pen to be dynamically provided with a description of all or parts of the functional layout of a product, thereby reducing the need of the pen to pre-store such descriptions for all products. Encryption or usage may also be controlled based on data encoded by the second code. The product may be generated, via a computer-implemented method, to include the first code, the second code and any supporting graphics.

Abstract: The present invention comprises in one aspect a method for transmitting, via a client 12 having a display 11, data from a device 10 to a database 14, wherein said data is divided into a plurality of data items, said method comprising: arranging the device 10 by the display; extracting a data item of the plurality of data items, wherein said data item is to be transmitted from the device 10 to the database 14; inputting, to the client, an input corresponding to a data item; transmitting said input from the client 12 to the database 14; transmitting an output corresponding to the input from the database 14 to the client 12; displaying, on the display 11 of the client 12, the output such that the device 10 can read said output; reading the output by means of a reader 16 of the device 10; comparing, in the device 10, the output with said extracted data item of the plurality of data items; and if the output corresponds to the extracted data item of the plurality of data items, acknowledging that said extracted dat

Abstract: A digital pen, which comprises an ink cartridge with a writing tip for marking a surface; a camera system for capturing images of the surface in order to digitally record pen strokes formed on the surface, and a detachable cap to be placed at a writing end of the digital pen, is selectively operable as a non-marking pen with the cap placed at the writing end or as a marking pen without the cap placed at the writing end and configured to digitally record pen strokes both when operated as a non-marking pen and as a marking pen.

Abstract: A portable telecommunication apparatus has a user interface, a programmable controller, a memory coupled to the controller, and an information access program, such as a WAP browser, which is stored in the memory and is executable by the controller. The information access program provides access for a user to a global information network, such as Internet, through the user interface and a first wireless communication link. The apparatus also has an external device interface for connecting an external device to the portable telecommunication apparatus over a second communication link. The information access program allows the user to control the external device through the user interface, the external device interface and the second communication link.

Abstract: A method of using a first communications device, such as a mobile telephone, together with at least one other communications device, such as a telephone, comprises the steps of playing back audio signals in the first communications device, transmitting the same audio signals to the other communications device, and playing back the audio signals in the other communications device. By transmitting the audio signals played back in the first communications device to the other device and playing them back there, shared audio listening is achieved and in this way the communications devices can be used also for the shared listening to e.g. music. Thus it is possible for two persons present at different locations to listen to the same audio signals simultaneously or at least almost simultaneously.

Abstract: A server device has a programmable controller, a memory coupled to the controller, and a server program stored in the memory and executable by the controller. A first interface of the server device provides a first communication link to a portable telecommunication apparatus. A second interface connects the server device to an electronic utility device. The server program communicates with a client program in the portable telecommunication apparatus through the first interface. The server program also communicates with the electronic utility device through the second interface, so that digital information may be transferred between the portable telecommunication apparatus and the electronic utility device.

Abstract: A method and system for electronically recording and authorizing a transaction utilizes an electronic reading device for generating an electronic reproduction of written information by detecting positions of the electronic reading device relative to a particular address pattern in a data entry field of a formatted surface. The electronic reproduction of the written information is sent to a server that stores or processes the electronic reproduction. For example, the server can determine whether the electronic reading device is authorized to use the particular address pattern or whether the electronic reproduction correlates with stored data. In addition, to enable the electronic reading device, detection of a correct user personal identification number (PIN) or user fingerprint may be required.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling an electronic device uses a reading device and a specially formatted surface. The specially formatted surface includes a predefined address pattern and at least one field for use in performing a control function on the electronic device. By detecting a portion of the address pattern that is adjacent to the reading device, a position of the reading device can be determined. Furthermore, by repeatedly detecting portions of the address pattern, movement of the reading device relative to the address pattern can also be determined. When a detected position or movement is within a control field, a corresponding control function can be performed on the electronic device.

Abstract: A method and system for retrieving position-related information uses a map of a selected geographical area printed on a surface that includes an address pattern. Each position on the address pattern corresponds to a particular location within the selected geographical area. By detecting a portion of the address pattern with an electronic reading device, a precise position of the electronic reading device with respect to the address pattern can be determined. A server identifies the specific geographical location that corresponds to the precise position. The specific geographical location can then be stored or information relating to the specific geographical location can be retrieved and forwarded to the user of the electronic reading device. Preferably, the map is printed on a region of address pattern that is predefined as corresponding to the selected geographical area.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling an electronic utility device is implemented using an electronic reading device. A sensor in the electronic reading device detects portions of an address pattern on a surface that is formatted for use in controlling the electronic utility device. Based on the detected portions, a processor and/or wireless application protocol (WAP) browser, located in the electronic reading device or in a separate electronic device, can identify a position or positions of the electronic reading device relative to the address pattern and translate the identified position(s) into a control message. The control message is transmitted to a WAP server module associated with the electronic utility device, and the WAP server module accesses, controls, or operates the electronic utility device in accordance with the control message.

Abstract: A method and system for electronic information sharing is implemented between two electronic reading devices. A first electronic reading device detects portions of an address pattern. The address pattern is formatted such that a position of the first electronic reading device relative to the address pattern can be determined from the detected portions of the address pattern. A communication interface between the first electronic reading device and a second electronic reading device facilitates a sharing of information between the electronic reading devices. For example, information relating to the portions of the address pattern detected by the first electronic reading device can be shared with the second electronic reading device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described for providing a camera accessory to a wireless mobile terminal in a wireless radiocommunication system. The wireless mobile terminal has an image data interface and a physical interface for detachably coupling the camera accessory thereto. One or more frames of image data is captured in the camera accessory and compressed according to one or more compression formats. The captured and compressed frames are transferred to the wireless mobile terminal over the image data interface. The camera accessory does not include a display. Image data is captured in a predetermined format including a CIF format. Still image frames are compressed using a JPEG format and an image stream is compressed using an MPEG format. The captured and compressed frames are transferred to the wireless mobile terminal over the image data interface using respective predetermined formats including RGB CIF, YUV CIF, JPEG, MPEG, and MPEG-4 with CIF to QCIF conversion format.

Abstract: A method and system for initiating functions on an electronic device includes using a sensor to detect a pattern on a specially formatted surface. The pattern can comprise an arrangement of dots, a particular symbol printed on the surface, or a specific pattern written with an electronic reading device. Using the detected pattern, a corresponding predefined function stored in a memory is identified and performed by a processor/controller. The electronic device can include an electronic reading device that includes the sensor and the processor/controller or can include a device that is separate from the sensor. Similarly, the function can be stored in the electronic reading device, in the electronic device that performs the function, or in an external server. The specially formatted surface preferably comprises a paper having preprinted areas associated with particular functions and/or applications executable on the electronic device.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring moving parts relies upon a formatted surface of a moving part. The formatted surface includes an address pattern wherein a precise position relative to the address pattern can be determined from a portion of the address pattern. An electronic reading sensor detects a portion of the address pattern, and a processor uses the detected portion of the address pattern to determine a current position of the moving part.

Abstract: A method and system for operating a user interface uses an electronic reading device to detect a portion of an address pattern. A client device receives data identifying the detected portion of the address pattern and uses the data to request a corresponding application description. The request is sent to an application server that retrieves the corresponding application description and forwards it to the client device. The application description includes an address pattern grid description that is further forwarded to the electronic reading device. The electronic reading device stores the grid description and uses it to identify positions corresponding to successively detected portions of the address pattern, to determine whether the positions are within the current grid description, to generate strokes from the positions, and to initiate actions based on the generated strokes. Action data is then sent to the client device, which processes the data in accordance with the application description.

Abstract: A system and method for providing user input to a device of any type uses an electronic reader. The device can be any type of physical object and includes an address pattern statically printed thereon or generated in the background of a display. By detecting a portion of the address pattern, the device can be identified and a particular location on the device can be determined. This information can be used to control or otherwise provide input to the device, such as when the device is an electronic device, or to initiate a function or store information relating to one or more detected positions of the electronic reader.