Abstract: A method of interacting with a computing device via one or more inking instruments to generate digital ink may include the steps of emitting light from a light emitting device to an inking instrument, receiving first user inputs from the inking instrument, and identifying the inking instrument based on sensed light reflected from the inking instrument. Another method may include the steps of simultaneously detecting first user inputs from a first inking instrument and second user inputs from a second inking instrument by receiving first light emitted from the first inking instrument and second light emitted from a second inking instrument that each have one or more identifying characteristics, identifying the inking instrument based on their identifying characteristics, and generating corresponding digital ink.

Abstract: A touch panel using an optical sensor has a simple construction and can accurately detect an input position. An illuminating lights emitted from illuminating means are turned into lights having a high directivity in an X-axis direction and in a Y-axis direction of the prism lens sheet and thereafter enter from side faces of a light guide panel as incident lights. The incident lights advance in the inside of the light guide panel toward opposite side faces while being subjected to a total reflection and are received by the optical sensor arrays. When an input pen or a fingertip touches a surface of the light guide panel, the lights are refracted or absorbed at a touched position and hence, a quantity of received lights at the optical sensor arrays is reduced.

Abstract: An electronic pen comprises a retractable cartridge, a retraction mechanism for extending and retracting the cartridge, a button for actuating the retraction mechanism, a sensing arrangement for sensing a configuration of the pen, and a processor cooperating with the sensing arrangement. The processor is adapted to configure a state of the pen in response to input signals from the sensing arrangement. The sensing arrangement comprises a button sensor coupled to the button, which senses actuation of the button and a cartridge sensor for sensing whether the cartridge is extended or retracted.

Abstract: A system enabling a user to initiate a requested action via a printed substrate. The system comprises: a printed substrate comprising user information and a position-coding pattern; an optically imaging pen comprising a nib, an image sensor and a processor; and a computer system for identifying and initiating the requested action. The processor is configured for decoding the imaged position-coding pattern, determining a first position using the decoded position-coding pattern, and determining a second position using the first position. The second position is different than the first position, and is used by the computer system to identify the requested action.

Abstract: A user input device includes one or more user controls that enable a user to selectively imports bits of data by activating the control when the user input devices proximate to a display surface of an interactive display system. By depressing or otherwise activating a user control, the user causes an element within the user input device to move through a plane of change so that the state of a parameter sensed by the interactive display system changes and is detected. In the examples provided, the parameter relates to infrared light that is reflected or absorbed or produced by a component of the user input device and is thus detected by an infrared sensitive camera. The input can be a single bit, or comprise a plurality of bits corresponding to a specific pattern.

Abstract: A system for transmitting graphic information from a writing area to a display device. The method can include the operation of transmitting a signal from a writing device. The signal can be received by a plurality of transceivers, each of the transceivers being placed a sufficient distance from the remaining plurality of transceivers that there is a calculable time difference of the wireless signal received between the plurality of transceivers to enable a determination of the writing device's location and movement. A further operation is displaying the writing device's location and movement on a display device such that the electronic medium shows substantially similar graphic information as compared to the writing area.

Abstract: Provided is optical imaging pen configured to detect information encoded with infrared ink on a page. The pen includes a housing. An ink pen cartridge and a stylus are mounted side by side in the housing. The ink cartridge and the stylus are configured to be individually brought forward through an open end of the housing by rotation of a pen top rotatably mounted on an end of the housing. The pen also includes an infrared LED inside the housing for providing infrared radiation for projection onto the page, and an image sensor for receiving reflected radiation from the surface. The pen further includes a controller for controlling operation of the LED and sensor, the controller having a force sensor photodiode configured to detect displacement of the stylus to enable a determination of a force being applied to a nib of either the cartridge or stylus.

Abstract: A method of enabling payment of bills using an optically imaging pen is provided in which a coded tag printed on a bill is optically imaged with an image sensor of the pen, the position of the pen nib relative to the bill during the imaging is computed in the pen, and indicating data is generating in the pen and transmitted thereby to a computer system to enable bill payment. The bill has information on a requested payment and the coded tags. Each tag encodes the bill's identity and it's printed location. The nib position is computed from the tag location identified in the imaged tag, an observed perspective distortion on the imaged tag, and a known spatial relationship between the pen's physical axis containing the nib and the pen's optical axis containing the image sensor. The indicating data is indicative of the bill's identity and the computed nib position.

Abstract: The invention relates to an input pen for a touch-sensitive medical monitor, including: a grip portion, and an input portion, wherein the input portion includes one-dimensional and two-dimensional monitor contact sections.

Abstract: A system for generating orientation data when a sensing device is positioned or moved relative to a surface, the orientation data being indicative of an orientation of the sensing device relative to the surface, the surface having coded data disposed upon it, the coded data being indicative, when sensed by the sensing device, of the orientation, the sensing device including: a housing; orientation sensing means configured to generate the orientation data using at least some of the coded data; and communications means configured to communicate the orientation data to a computer system.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a pointer includes a waveguide and a touch surface over the waveguide on which pointer contacts are to be made. At least one reflecting device extends along a first side of the waveguide and touch surface. The reflecting device defines an optical path between the interior of the waveguide and the region of interest above the touch surface. At least one imaging device looks across the touch surface and into the waveguide. The imaging device captures images of the region of interest and within the waveguide including reflections from the reflecting device.

Abstract: Provided is a controller arrangement for an optical sensing pen having a nib. The controller arrangement is configured to operatively sense location data by sensing location tags on a page of printed media, and to calculate a nib-to-tag distance indicative of the location data. The controller arrangement includes n infrared (IR) illumination LED and image sensor assembly configured to transmit IR light onto, and receive IR light reflected from, respectively, the page of printed media. The arrangement also includes a force sensing infrared LED and photodiode assembly configured to detect when the nib contacts the page so that the sensor assembly is only activated when the nib is in contact with said page.

Abstract: A controller arrangement for an optical sensing pen having a nib, the controller arrangement configured to operatively sense location data by sensing location tags on a page of printed media, and to calculate a nib-to-tag distance indicative of the location data. The controller arrangement includes an infrared (IR) illumination LED and image sensor assembly configured to transmit IR light onto, and receive IR light reflected from, respectively, the page of printed media. The arrangement also includes a force sensing infrared LED and photodiode assembly configured to detect when the nib contacts the page so that the sensor assembly is only activated when the nib is in contact with said page.

Abstract: A product for electronic transmission of handwritten information, a user unit for recording and sending the information, and a computer program for controlling a user unit are disclosed. The product may include at least one writing area for the handwritten information and an address area indicating an address to which the handwritten information is to be sent. A position-coding pattern in the form of a plurality of symbols may be reproduced in the writing area, an arbitrary position area of a predetermined size of the position-coding pattern unambiguously defining a position on the product. The address area may include an address-coding pattern with a plurality of symbols, an arbitrary address portion of a predetermined size of the address-coding pattern unambiguously defining part of the address.

Abstract: Various electronic pen devices are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an electronic pen with an improved ultrasound transducer (i.e. transmitter or receiver) is provided. In one embodiment an electronic pen with an improved ‘pen up/pen down’ detector is provided In one embodiment, an electronic pen with an improved structure for transmitting infrared light is provided. In one embodiment, an improved electronic pen that may be operated in pen mode or mouse mode is provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a passive light stylus that produces a defined intensity profile detectable by a user input device when at least a portion of a tip of the stylus is proximate an input surface of the user input device. In some embodiments, the stylus includes a housing including an entrance aperture configured to collect ambient light and an exit aperture configured to emit the collected light, where the exit aperture is proximate a tip of the stylus. The stylus also includes a light guide disposed within the housing, where the light guide is in optical communication with the entrance aperture and the exit aperture such that the light guide directs collected light from the entrance aperture to the exit aperture.

Abstract: An optically addressable display includes a plurality of receptor and emitter pairs where each pair is for receiving optical display information and for generating light indicative of the display information. Each individual receptor and emitter pair is coupled electrically by an associated control circuit that facilitates driving the emitter so it generates either the received display information or annotation information generated by a light wand that is capable of being optically coupled to individual ones of the plurality of receptors. Each control circuit has a pulse density capture circuit that receives a pulse train signal indicative of a desired brightness or hue levels and drives an individual one of the emitters on and off at a determined duty cycle to produce the desired brightness or hue levels. In another embodiment sets of receptor and emitter pairs are grouped in cells, where each cell is capable of generating N of shades of different colors.

Abstract: Electronic writing systems and methods are described. In one aspect, an electronic writing system includes an elongated housing, an inertial sensor, an optical sensor, and a tracking module. The elongated housing has an optical input. The inertial sensor is attached to the housing and is operable to generate data indicative of movement of the housing relative to an inertial reference frame. The optical sensor is attached to the housing and is operable to generate data from light received through the optical input. The tracking module is operable to compute relative displacement data from inertial movement data corresponding to data generated by the inertial sensor. The tracking module also is operable to detect at least one calibrated position from calibration data encoded in optical data generated from light received by the optical sensor.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to haptic devices for use with a variety of computer/video interface devices. Such haptic devices can work in conjunction with and thereby provide “haptic augmentations” to otherwise conventional user-interface devices, including a variety of computer mice known in the art, irrespective of their types and manufactures. Such haptic devices can also be used to convey information to a user by way of haptic sensations.

Abstract: A method and system for enabling user interaction with computer software running in a computer system. A user is provided with an interface surface containing information relating to the computer software and including coded data indicative of an identity of the interface surface and of at least one reference point of the interface surface. The user places a sensing device into an operative position relative to the interface surface. In this operative position, the sensing device senses indicating data indicative of: the identity of the interface surface; and a position of the sensing device relative to the interface surface, using at least some of the coded data. The computer system receives the indicating data from the sensing device, and uses the indicating data to identify at least one interactive element relating to the computer software. The computer software is then operated in accordance with instructions associated with the at least one interactive element.

Abstract: A light sensitive display.

Abstract: Motion of a writing instrument is tracked from sensors located in the vicinity. The signals generated from the sensors are processed and used in a wide variety of ways.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for generating a message that is intended to be sent to a destination. The method is characterized by the steps of sending an address parameter, that corresponds to the destination, to a printer unit; printing out a sheet of paper using the printer unit, which sheet of paper comprises a position-coding pattern and the address parameter; generating an information sequence by writing on the sheet of paper with a drawing device, which drawing device is capable of detecting positions on the sheet of paper by reading the position-coding pattern; recording the address parameter using the drawing device; and combining the recorded address parameter with the information sequence into a message.

Abstract: A sensing device for generating orientation data when positioned or moved relative to a surface, the orientation data being indicative of an orientation of the sensing device relative to the surface, the surface having coded data disposed upon it, the coded data being indicative, when sensed by the sensing device, of the orientation, the sensing device including: a housing; orientation sensing means configured to generate the orientation data using at least some of the coded data; and communications means configured to communicate the orientation data to a computer system.

Abstract: An electronic pen comprises a writing means (7) which extends into the interior of the pen, a guiding element (9) for the writing means (7), a sensor (15a) for recording images and an image processor (30) for calculating positions of the pen based on said images. The sensor (15a) is part of an imaging detector unit (15). The guiding element (9) and the detector unit (15) are arranged in a common mounting part (5) which is fixedly mounted in the interior of the pen. In such a pen, it is possible to minimize the tolerance chain between the components that convert a pen stroke on a base into a sequence of positions. This enables serial production of the pen with a small number of rejects.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and system for digitally processing information to be written on an observation form, said form being preprinted with at least one blank chart having at least one line and several columns, each column corresponding to a determined printed time, said form being also preprinted with a pattern adapted to cooperate with a digital pen and a computerized localization system for determining the position of the pen; using a pen having a writing tip and a digital tip; filling in data in one column at a time; reproducing said data in the computerized localization system and associating to said data its recording time; and comparing said recording time with the localized printed time of said data, so as to detect any inconsistency between the recording time and the printed time.

Abstract: A user of a digital pen in an information management system is allowed to have a number of aliases when communicating in the system. The system includes a plurality of products, which are provided with a position code, a plurality of digital pens capable of reading the position code, and a server communicating with said digital pens. The server includes a position database which associates positions coded by the position code with rules for information management. A pen identifier is associated with a digital pen and at least one alias is associated with the pen identifier, the alias being indicative of a role of a pen user when the user communicates via the digital pen in the information management system. The alias information is communicated to the system, e.g., when the digital pen is operated to mark an activation icon on a product, which includes position codes whose associated rules manage the association between alias and pen identifier.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a stylus for use with a touch screen having a digitizer, the stylus being configured to fit comfortably in the hand of the user and comprises: an elastic segment; an operating end tapered to a point coupled to the elastic segment; a second end cap coupled to the elastic segment and a plurality of mid-segments coupled to the elastic segment. In one embodiment the stylus comprises four different parts including a tip, an end cap, mid-segments and an elastic member. Furthermore, in one embodiment, a simple spring is used to attach the tip, the end cap and the mid-segments. The stylus can be locked into place while in use or can be bent to conform to the geometry of the portable electronic device. The result is a bi-stable stylus sized to conform to a user's hand that can be stored on smaller dimensioned portable electronic devices. Additionally, the cost of manufacturing such a stylus is reduced because the variety of parts is minimal.

Abstract: X-y positions of a digital pen's tip may be determined by using a calibration parameter to map the x-y positions of the respective centers of images captured by the pen's camera. The calibration parameter may be generated by iteratively calculating estimates of the calibration parameter. Calibration input data may be produced by a user placing the pen tip in a fixed location on a surface, which may be a positionally encoded medium, such as paper, and then rotating the pen and/or moving the opposite end of the pen in various directions to capture multiple images for use in generating the calibration parameter. A user may perform such a calibration procedure without the need for complicated calibration equipment typically used in connection with conventional calibration techniques.

Abstract: A sensing device for generating orientation data when positioned or moved relative to a surface, the orientation data being indicative of an orientation of the sensing device relative to the surface, the surface having coded data disposed upon it, the coded data being indicative, when sensed by the sensing device, of the orientation, the sensing device including: a housing; orientation sensing means configured to generate the orientation data using at least some of the coded data; and communications means configured to communicate the orientation data to a computer system.

Abstract: A method and system for enabling user interaction with computer software running in a computer system. The user is provided with an interface surface containing information relating to the computer software and including coded data indicative of at least one interactive element relating to the computer software. A sensing device in the form of an optically sensing stylus contains identifying data indicative of an identity of the user. When the user writes with the stylus, or uses it as a pointer, an operative end of the stylus is brought into contact with the interface surface. The sensing device senses indicating data indicative of the at least one interactive element using at least some of the coded data. The computer system receives the identifying data and the indicating data from the sensing device. The interactive element is identified in the computer system using the indicating data, and user data is identified using the identifying data.

Abstract: A sensing device for generating orientation data when positioned or moved relative to a surface, the orientation data being indicative of an orientation of the sensing device relative to the surface, the surface having coded data disposed upon it, the coded data being indicative, when sensed by the sensing device, of the orientation, the sensing device including: a housing; orientation sensing means configured to generate the orientation data using at least some of the coded data; and communications means configured to communicate the orientation data to a computer system.

Abstract: A pen-type optical mouse device indicates a cursor position or inputs writing or a movement of the pen-type optical mouse. An aspect of the pen-type optical mouse is to calculate coordinate values of the mouse device in accordance with a movement of the pen-type optical mouse device. The pen-type optical device includes an image sensor on a side of the interior of a main body of pen-type the mouse device, thereby allowing the pen-type optical mouse device to be slim and easy to hold.

Abstract: A sensing device for generating orientation data when positioned or moved relative to a surface, the orientation data being indicative of an orientation of the sensing device relative to the surface, the surface having coded data disposed upon it, the coded data being indicative, when sensed by the sensing device, of the orientation, the sensing device including: a housing; orientation sensing means configured to generate the orientation data using at least some of the coded data; and communications means configured to communicate the orientation data to a computer system.

Abstract: A writing stylus (100) having a motion sensor (204) for sensing the movement of at least one end 110 of the stylus relative to an adjacent surface is described. The stylus has an elongated housing (104) and a cap (102). The motion sensor generates signals corresponding to the relative motion of the surface to the sensor. The cap is removeably carried on at least one portion of the housing which also has the motion sensor. The cap comprises a light passage (118) adapted to allow the motion sensor to sense the translation of the surface adjacent to the cap, through the cap. In a first input mode the motion sensor is used for sensing manual hand writing motion. In a second mode, when the cap is carried on the housing and is placed over at least the motion sensor, the motion sensor senses the motion of a surface adjacent to the cap such as a users finger. In this mode, the stylus functions a multiple axis input device such as a thumbwheel.

Abstract: A method and system for enabling user interaction with computer software running in a computer system. The user is provided with an interface surface containing information relating to the computer software and including coded data indicative of at least one interactive element relating to the computer software. A sensing device in the form of an optically sensing stylus contains identifying data indicative of an identity of the user. When the user writes with the stylus, or uses it as a pointer, an operative end of the stylus is brought into contact with the interface surface. The sensing device senses indicating data indicative of the at least one interactive element using at least some of the coded data. The computer system receives the identifying data and the indicating data from the sensing device. The interactive element is identified in the computer system using the indicating data, and user data is identified using the identifying data.

Abstract: A pen input apparatus includes a plurality of penpoints for drawing tracks on a recording medium such as paper, and a selector for selecting a specific penpoint from the plurality of penpoints. The input apparatus including a type recognition unit for recognizing the type of the selected penpoint (such as the color of a line which can be drawn, the thickness of the line, pen type such as ballpoint pen, sign pen or fluorescent pen), and a transmitter for transmitting the track of the penpoint as position information, and transmitting the information on the type recognized by the type recognition unit to a computer system.

Abstract: A method and system for enabling user interaction with computer software running in a computer system. The user is provided with an interface surface containing information relating to the computer software and including coded data indicative of at least one interactive element relating to the computer software. A sensing device in the form of an optically sensing stylus contains identifying data indicative of an identity of the user. When the user writes with the stylus, or uses it as a pointer, an operative end of the stylus is brought into contact with the interface surface. The sensing device senses indicating data indicative of the at least one interactive element using at least some of the coded data. The computer system receives the identifying data and the indicating data from the sensing device. The interactive element is identified in the computer system using the indicating data, and user data is identified using the identifying data.

Abstract: A light irradiated on a coordinate input screen from a pointing device is detected, and pieces of output information obtained as detection results for light at least at three known positions including first to third positions are stored. The coordinate values of the light formed on the coordinate input screen are calculated using at least two of the stored pieces of output information at the first to third positions.

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 enabling user interaction with computer software running in a computer system via an interface surface and a sensing device. The interface surface contains information relating to the computer software and coded data indicative of a drawing field. When placed in an operative position relative to the interface surface, the sensing device senses indicating data indicative of the drawing field and generates movement data indicative of the sensing device's movement relative to the interface surface. The indicating and movement data are received in the computer system from the sensing device. The drawing field is identified and then the computer software is operated at least partly in reliance on the movement data, and in accordance with instructions associated with the drawing field.

Abstract: A physical element may be caused to appear to interact with an image displayed on a computer display screen. The position of the element with respect to the display screen may be determined automatically. The user can then manipulate the element to cause an image, which may appear to be connected to the element, to be altered. Therefore, the user gets the impression that the element is capable of interacting and altering an image displayed on the display screen.

Abstract: A method is provided for a portable computer. The portable computer has a touch panel for sensing a position of pressure exerted by a user. The method includes setting an input region on the touch panel. When the user touches the touch panel after a previous touch, the method includes updating the position of the input region according to the relative displacement between the touches, and controlling the portable computer only according to pressure position inside the input region if the user simultaneously presses inside and outside the input region within the touch panel.

Abstract: A wireless beam-pen pointing device is proposed, which is designed for use with a computer unit, a presentation screen, and a beam pen. The presentation screen is coupled with a beam-spot position detector which is capable of detecting the beam-spot position where the light beam strikes on the presentation screen and transfer the beam-spot position data to the notebook computer. In response, the notebook computer will move the cursor to the detected beam-spot position. The beam pen is capable of emitting a light beam, such as a laser beam, which allows the speaker to point the light beam at a particular object displayed on the presentation screen that is currently being mentioned in the speaker's speech. The cursor movement is under control by the light beam, so that the cursor will be moved to the location currently pointed by the light beam.

Abstract: A sensing device for generating orientation data when positioned or moved relative to a surface, the orientation data being indicative of an orientation of the sensing device relative to the surface, the surface having coded data disposed upon it, the coded data being indicative, when sensed by the sensing device, of the orientation, the sensing device including: a housing; orientation sensing means configured to generate the orientation data using at least some of the coded data; and communications means configured to communicate the orientation data to a computer system.

Abstract: A nib for a stylus for use with a tablet and stylus computer. The nib provides a desired amount of firmness and friction between the stylus and a writing surface of the tablet and stylus computer. A nib substrate material approximates a desired nib-and-writing-surface firmness and a desired amount of friction between the nib and the writing surface. A secondary material is optionally added to the nib substrate material to alter the amount of friction between the stylus nib and the writing surface.

Abstract: A sensing device for generating orientation data when positioned or moved relative to a surface, the orientation data being indicative of an orientation of the sensing device relative to the surface, the surface having coded data disposed upon it, the coded data being indicative, when sensed by the sensing device, of the orientation, the sensing device including: a housing; orientation sensing means configured to generate the orientation data using at least some of the coded data; and communications means configured to communicate the orientation data to a computer system.

Abstract: A device has a light-receiving element for receiving light coming from a pointing tool, and a plurality of linear sensors for sensing a beam spot. A controller discriminates if a first signal output from the light-receiving element and a second signal output from the linear sensors are synchronized. A coordinate computation unit outputs a coordinate value corresponding to the beam spot on the basis of the discrimination result.

Abstract: A piezoelectric transducer is provided, in which a piezoelectric shell has conductive layers on the outside and inside of the shell, which are adapted to be connected to a signal input source. When the conductive layers are activated, the piezoelectric layer resonates to produce an output signal waveform from the shell structure. An alternative embodiment includes a flat piezoelectric layer with opposing conductive layers, which is then formed into a shell structure. In preferred embodiments, an inner spool is located within the shell structure, which acts to increase the output sound pressure level for the transducer. To increase the sound pressure level further, the inner spool preferably includes a recessed area, which defines a void between the inner conductive layer on the shell and the recessed area. The void acts to increase the characteristic output sound pressure level for the transducer.

Abstract: A digital pen that has a writing tip includes an ultrasonic (US) transducer on a pen body that generates frames of US pulses toward a receiver base in response to an infrared (IR) synchronizing signal from the base. The first pulse of a frame is adjusted by a modulo of the US period &tgr; when the time of arrival (TOA) of the first pulse varies from an expected TOA by more than one-half &tgr;. The TOAs of successive ith pulses in the frame, which are one wavelength apart from each other, are adjusted forward in time by subtracting from each pulse TOA (i−1)&tgr;, and then several of the adjusted pulse TOAs in a single frame are averaged together to determine a frame TOA. The frame TOAs from plural receivers on the base are then triangulated to determine a pen position for that frame, with the pen positions being input to a handwriting recognition module.