Abstract: A packet ironing system for documents fan-folded into a packet which includes a conveyer path bounded laterally by an ironing plate on one side and an opposite-facing backing plate on the other side, defining a conveyance gap therebetween. The leading end of the ironing plate is rotatable about a vertical axis hinge. An actuator for moving the ironing plate about a point of rotation defined by the hinge alters the gap between the ironing plate and the backing plate. Control means which includes a sensor located downstream of infeed rollers signals the actuator to forceably move the ironing plate against the fan-fold document as the document is pulled through the conveyance gap by the infeed rollers.

Abstract: A graphic input system incorporates a digitizing tablet as an input surface. The digitizing tablet is comprised of two or more separate panels which are positioned adjacent to one another and may also comprise a mechanism for connecting the panels together, such as a hinge. The digitizing tablet, even though it is comprised of separate panels, operates as if the separate panels form a single coordinate system.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for the editing of electronic documents wherein the hardcopy of an original document is scanned into digital form to provide an electronic version of the document. The original document is then placed on an x-y digitizer with the position of the original document being correlated with the electronic version of the document in order to provide corresponding scaling, rotation and offset of the documents. The original document is then edited with a digitizer pen that marks the original document while at the same time converting the handwritten edit into digital form. The digitized edit is then combined with the electronic version of the document to produce an edited electronic document that can be displayed on a local and/or remote computer screen or the like. The system is useful in such applications as teleconferencing, where it is desired to edit the electronic version of a document that is displayed at multiple locations.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for the processing of electronic documents wherein the hardcopy of an original document is placed on an x-y digitizer. The original document is then written upon with a digitizer pen that marks the original document while at the same time converting the handwritten marking into digital form. The digitized edit is stored as an electronic document that can be printed for general distribution, displayed, edited or the like. The system is useful in such applications as group meetings or presentations, where information is gathered and handwritten on a paper pad or flip chart supported by an easel.

Abstract: A two-dimensional digitizing system comprises a plurality of overlaid digitizer tablets. Each tablet includes two wire grid circuits oriented at right angles to each other for the X and Y directions, with each circuit having conductive grid structures. In those circumstances where two panels generate position signals, a controller verifies which of the competing position signals is correct. The digitizer is also characterized by a capability to operate at large stylus-tablet separations, allowing for a multi-layered laminate tablet of substantial thickness. The present system is readily adapted for applications such as a cloth cutting in which large surface areas are required and in which the digitizer tablet circuitry must be located remote from a cutting surface.