Abstract: A facility for storing a text capture data structure for a particular user is described. The data structure comprises a number of entries. Each entry corresponds to a text capture operation performed by the user from a rendered document. Each entry contains information specifying the text captured in the text capture operation.

Abstract: An action plan data structure for one or more selected rendered documents is described. The data structure contains information specifying an action to perform automatically in response to a text capture from any of the selected rendered documents.

Abstract: A system for identifying an electronic counterpart for a rendered document is described. The system receives an indication of a text capture operation performed from a rendered document. The indication identifies a text sequence captured as part of the text capture operation, the identified text sequence comprising fewer than nine words. In response to receiving the indication, the system uniquely identifies an electronic document from which the rendered document was rendered.

Abstract: Information is captured from a rendered document with a handheld document data capture device. Electronic information associated with the rendered document is applied to determine the system's actions and/or behaviors in response to the data capture. In some embodiments, the electronic information is markup data or an action map associated with the rendered document. In some embodiments, an electronic counterpart corresponding to the rendered document is located, and information associated with the electronic counterpart is applied to determine actions and/or behaviors available to a user of the handheld document data capture device.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus and methods for implementing transaction applications using a handheld document data capture device are described herein. The handheld device captures information from a rendered document. The captured information is processed to identify an electronic document corresponding to the rendered document. Information captured from the rendered document by the handheld capture device is used to perform a transaction. In one embodiment, a portable scanner is used to select items from a catalog. Information scanned from the catalog is used to identify the catalog, the items to be purchased, and complete an order via the Internet.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for enhancing documents, including using a graphical capture device, are described herein.

Abstract: A system for processing text captured from rendered documents is described. The system receives a sequence of one or more words optically or acoustically captured from a rendered document by a user. The system identifies among words of the sequence a word with which an action has been associated. The system then performs the associated action with respect to the user.

Abstract: A system for processing a visual capture operation as described. The system receives an indication of a visual capture operation performed from a rendered document. The indication specifies both a text sequence capture as part of the capture operation and a supplemental marking captured as part of the capture operation. The system determines an action to perform in response to receiving the indication, based both upon the text sequence specified in the indication and the supplemental markings specified by the indication.

Abstract: A facility for analyzing text capture operation traffic is described. The system receives indications of operations for capturing text from rendered documents performed by a plurality of users. The system performs collective analysis on the received indications, and outputs a result produced by the analysis.

Abstract: A portable device having scanning, imaging or other data-capture capability is described. In some cases, the portable device can indicate to the user when enough information has been captured to uniquely identify a source document. In some cases, the portable device calculates timestamps and location-stamps indicating when and where a data capture occurred. In some cases, the portable device is controlled by gestures. In some cases, the portable scanning device has associated billing and content/service subscription information.

Abstract: A system for processing a text capture operation is described. The system receives text captured from a rendered document in the text capture operation. The system also receives supplemental information distinct from the captured text. The system determines an action to perform in response to the text capture operation based upon both the captured text and the supplemental information.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosed innovations provide systems and methods for automatically locating and retrieving digital supplemental materials and counterparts of rendered documents. These systems and methods are especially useful when the provider or copyright holder of the digital document charges a fee for access to the digital materials. Some embodiments solve the technical problem of allowing a user to access restricted digital content associated with a rendered document via a search string captured from the rendered document. Some embodiments further provide automatic intermediation to gain access to protected digital materials.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosed innovations provide systems and methods for locating data associated with rendered documents. Some embodiments support the use of a handheld document data capture device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for quickly and easily getting information about, or included in, a paper document into a public or private digital page. One embodiment of an example system includes a scanner that generates scan information from at least a portion of a paper document and a processing system that receives the generated scan information from the scanner, accesses a database of digital documents, searches the database based on the received scan information, locates a digital document corresponding to the paper document, and sends either the digital content or a hyperlink to the digital content to a predetermined web page.

Abstract: A display system in which one or more display devices are arranged to be addressed by a data processing device (e.g. a laptop computer) coupled to the display devices over a general purposes data network, thereby providing an ultra-thin network-connected display. The image data transmitted the display devices directly represents an image to be displayed on the display devices. In one embodiment the system includes an adaptor which couples a conventional display device to the network, thereby delivering the display data directly to the display device over the network. In an alternative configuration, the system includes a network-enabled monitor, which incorporates ultra-thin client componentry. Both embodiments dispense with the limitations imposed by dedicated VGA cables. Display devices addressed by the data processing device can thus be placed at great distances from the data processing device, and from one another. Wireless networks are also contemplated.

Abstract: A finger protector includes a first plate having a shape for covering a knuckle of a thumb and an area between the thumb knuckle and a top side of a hand. A second plate has a shape for abutted against the thumb knuckle. The first plate is rotationally coupled to the second plate. A thumb covering has a size and shape adapted for covering an upper surface of the thumb. A proximal end of the thumb covering is rotationally attached to the second plate. A finger covering has a size and shape adapted for covering an upper surface of an index finger. The finger covering has a first end rotationally attached to the first plate. A plurality of couplers couples the finger covering to the index finger and the thumb covering to the thumb so that the thumb and the index finger are protected from a hammer.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method which functions to deliver data files and documents in a portable format to recipients in a quick and reliable manner, through allocating resources over a communications link. Information can be sent to one or a plurality of other users, yet the data need only be sent once regardless of the number of intended recipients. Importantly, no buffering between the sender and recipient is required in any way. The invention also provides a unique common interface for the distribution and exchange of electronic data with a guaranteed speed of data transfer, while achieving the utmost in security. The present invention also permits a sender to receive accounting or tracking information from a receiver regarding the precise delivery status of the electronic message, functioning to allow for enhanced overall security of the system.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for delivering an electronic document, comprising of a sending device, which functions to send an electronic document, and at least one receiving device, which functions to receive the electronic document from the sending device. A network between said sending device and said at least one receiving device functions to allow said sending device to send a notification to said receiving device. The receiving device sends a notification to said sending device whereby said sending device forwards the electronic document to said receiving device. In the preferred mode, the sending device automatically records all notifications sent to and received from said receiving device, and the receiving device automatically records all notifications sent to and received from said sending device.

Abstract: A circuit is disclosed for measuring reactive energy or reactive power. The circuit comprises a main multiplier, a signal/frequency converter, and a frequency divider all connected in series to form a cascade circuit having an output connected to a display. A 90.degree. phase shifter has an input for receiving a first signal component (e.g., alternating voltage) of the reactive energy or power. A second signal component (e.g., alternating current) is connected to a second input of the main multiplier. The phase shifter has a frequency dependent transfer function K[f]. In order to eliminate the effect of this transfer function on the measurement of reactive power or reactive energy, the arrangement includes a frequency measurement circuit for measuring the frequency of the first signal component and a frequency/signal converter for generating an output signal dependent on K[f].