Abstract: A method is provided for establishing a dynamic, proximity-based group of wireless communication devices to support potential interaction between a user of a first wireless communication device and one or more users of the wireless communication devices in the dynamic, proximity-based group. In the method, the first wireless communication device sends a short-range wireless beacon broadcast message to other wireless communication devices in a proximity zone around the first wireless communication device. The short-range wireless beacon broadcast message is adapted for requesting the other wireless communication devices to send a response message to a server. The server registers responding devices among the other wireless communication devices.

Abstract: A method is provided for establishing a dynamic, proximity-based group of wireless communication devices to support potential interaction between a user of a first wireless communication device and one or more users of the wireless communication devices in the dynamic, proximity-based group. In the method, the first wireless communication device sends a short-range wireless beacon broadcast message to other wireless communication devices in a proximity zone around the first wireless communication device. The short-range wireless beacon broadcast message is adapted for requesting the other wireless communication devices to send a response message to a server. The server registers responding devices among the other wireless communication devices.

Abstract: A computing device (100, 200)comprising a display (120) and a controller (210), wherein said controller (210) is configured to detect and track an object (H) via a video stream (265) provided by a camera (160, 260) and adapt an illumination (IL1, IL2, IL3) of said display (120) to properly illuminate the object (H) for successfully tracking said object (H).

Abstract: An information management system comprises a product provided with a position code a digital pen capable of reading the position code, a look-up unit, and a plurality of databases connected to the digital pen via a first communication path. The databases include a pen database, a position database, and an event database. The information management system also includes an interface unit, separate from the look-up unit, and used to provide access to the pen database, the position database, and the event database via a second communication path that is separate from the first communication path.

Abstract: A method and system for generating output from an electronic reading device is based on a detected position of the electronic reading device relative to a predefined address pattern on a specially formatted paper. Based on a periodic detection of successive positions of the electronic reading device, a printer on the electronic reading device is activated in a manner such that stored text or graphics are printed on the specially formatted paper. The printing can be accomplished, for example, using a thermo-print head of the electronic reading device in connection with a thermal sensitive paper. Either as an alternative to or in addition to printing, the electronic reading device can also generate an audio output based on the detected location of the electronic reading device.

Abstract: A hand-held user unit (1), which can be part of a network-based information management system, allows for the writing down and recording of handwritten information. The user unit (1) has a memory for storing the recorded information. The memory comprises a first memory part (M1) located in the user unit and a second memory part (M2) located in an external data storage device, which memory parts are connected in such a way that, from the point of view of a user, they form a coherent memory unit. Methods for memory management in such a user unit are also described.

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 hand-held user unit (1), which can be part of a network-based information management system, allows for the writing down and recording of handwritten information. The user unit (1) has a memory for storing the recorded information. The memory comprises a first memory part (M1) located in the user unit and a second memory part (M2) located in an external data storage device, which memory parts are connected in such a way that, from the point of view of a user, they form a coherent memory unit. Methods for memory management in such a user unit are also described.

Abstract: A method and system for generating output from an electronic reading device is based on a detected position of the electronic reading device relative to a predefined address pattern on a specially formatted paper. Based on a periodic detection of successive positions of the electronic reading device, a printer on the electronic reading device is activated in a manner such that stored text or graphics are printed on the specially formatted paper. The printing can be accomplished, for example, using a thermo-print head of the electronic reading device in connection with a thermal sensitive paper. Either as an alternative to or in addition to printing, the electronic reading device can also generate an audio output based on the detected location of the electronic reading device.

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: An information management system comprises a plurality of products (P) provided with a position code (PC) a plurality of digital pens (DP) capable of reading the position code, and a server means communicating with the digital pens (DP) in at least one communication network. The server means includes a position database (GSDB) which associates positions coded by the position code (PC) with rules for information management. The digital pens (DP) are arranged to communicate to the server means, on a first communication path, information registered on the products (P) in the form of at least one position which is coded by said position code. The server means further includes an interface unit (IF) by means of which actors in the system, on a second communication path, are allowed to enter data into and retrieve data from one or more databases of the system. Such actors include pen manufacturers, paper/product manufacturers, pattern administrators, service handlers, network operators, and pen owners.

Abstract: A hand-held user unit (1), which can be part of a network-based information management system, allows for the writing down and recording of handwritten information. The user unit (1) has a memory for storing the recorded information. The memory comprises a first memory part (M1) located in the user unit and a second memory part (M2) located in an external data storage device, which memory parts are connected in such a way that, from the point of view of a user, they form a coherent memory unit.

Abstract: A communications protocol for use in implementing serial communications over a common system backplane in an industrial control system such as a remote I/O system. The protocol includes separate start access, read access and write access sequences. Different locations at which I/O modules may be present as defined by select line connections are polled pursuant to the start access sequence to verify the presence of such modules. Module status words and separate groups of data read words and data write words are exchanged over the system backplane in standardized data frames. As the data bits of the data words are transmitted they are echoed back to the transmitting component for error detection purposes.