Abstract: A refined coordinate detection method for a touch panel, which more finely measures coordinates of an object without increasing the number of infrared emitting/receiving elements, and an error correction method, which minimizes position detection errors caused by received optical level errors due to external environment or their inherent characteristics, are provided. In the detection method, received levels of infrared emitting/receiving elements corresponding to left and right ends of object are measured and stored and the levels and a maximum received level are compared to calculate the refined coordinates. In the correction method, a lower limit level at a position where infrared reception is most significantly impeded by object is calculated through a comparison calculation of maximum and minimum received levels and it is detected that an object is present at a position only when a lower limit level at that position is not greater than the calculated one.

Abstract: A method of creating a printed interactive document using a printer connected to a computer. The method includes the steps of: receiving a print request for the interactive document at the computer; requesting and retrieving a unique document identity to a server in response to the print request; indexing the document with the unique document identity and archiving the indexed document in a database; sending the unique document identity and the document to the printer; and printing the graphic content together with coded data coincident with the graphic content onto a substrate so as to create the printed interactive document. The coded data identifies the unique document identity and a plurality of locations on the substrate.

Abstract: The use of gestures to organize displayed objects on an interactive display. The gesture is used to move the displayed object to the edge of the interactive display so that the displayed object is only partially displayed after being moved. The size of the displayed object may be reduced and/or the displayed object may be rotated such that an identified portion of the displayed object remains in the display after moving. A gesture may also be used to move multiple displayed objects to the edge of the display.

Abstract: A projection image display device including a display plane for displaying an image, a projection mechanism projecting an image on the display plane, and an imaging mechanism arranged on the same side of the display plane as the projection mechanism for imaging the display plane. The imaging mechanism is arranged at a position where a position symmetric with respect to the display plane of the projection mechanism is out of the range of the field angle of the imaging mechanism. By arranging the imaging mechanism at a position where no direct reflecting light of the light source of the projection mechanism comes, it is possible to prevent generation of a hot spot.

Abstract: An electronic pen includes a pen body having a longitudinal axis; an image sensor; an ink cartridge replaceably received in the pen body, the ink cartridge having a nib at a first end and an opposite second end; and a force sensor assembly engaged with the second end of the ink cartridge. The force sensor assembly is configured for sensing a nib force transmitted longitudinally axially through the ink cartridge. The pen body includes a removable cover molding extending longitudinally along the pen body for insertion of the ink cartridge inside the pen body.

Abstract: A mouse pen includes a pen pipe having a touch device with a touch board module and an up-down event module, and the controlling circuit mainly controls a circuit board with a micro processor as well as connects to the battery module, the touch device, and a detective device. While moving the pen pipe, the detective module detects signals on a moving track; thence the touch board module and the up-down event module would affect an auxiliary function and executive command. After processed by a processor, signals are wirelessly transmitted to an outer electronic device for controlling the cursor and other related operations on a screen.

Abstract: A computer input pen comprises a cylindrical housing and a weight eccentrically disposed within the cylindrical housing relative to a longitudinal axis of the cylindrical housing. The weight is rotationally coupled relative to the cylindrical housing with a desired level of friction to absorb rotational energy of the cylindrical housing relative to the weight.

Abstract: Embodiments include an article of manufacture, apparatus, device, system, computer-program product, and method. In an embodiment, system is provided that includes at least two machine-differentiatable identifiers, each identifier of the at least two machine-differentiatable identifiers being respectively keyed to a data recipient and associatable with a hand-formed mark on a surface. The system also includes a commonly accepted meaning respectively associated by a group of users with each machine-differentiatable identifier of the at least two machine-differentiatable identifiers. The system may include a surface displaying the at least two machine-differentiatable identifiers. The system may include a surface displaying the at least two machine-differentiatable identifiers and the commonly accepted meaning respectively associated by a group of users with each machine-differentiatable identifier of the at least two machine-differentiatable identifiers.

Abstract: This invention provides an image generating apparatus including a composite image generating unit that generates a composite image in which an image of an object to be printed onto a medium is combined with an image for coordinate address information for locating a position on the medium and an image for address identification information for identifying the coordinate address information.

Abstract: A data storage device 5 having a storage capacity of at least 8 Mbyte is surrounded by a housing including a stylus portion 23, having a tip 25 for indicating a position. The stylus permits the data storage device 5 to be used for data entry to an electronic device 19 such as a PDA which traces the position of the stylus tip. The data storage device 5 can be used in place of a conventional stylus. Thus, the user of the electronic device 19 which traces the position of a stylus is able to enjoy the advantages of a data storage device without being obliged to use an additional component.

Abstract: A method for generating a message that is intended to be sent to a destination is provided. The method comprises: (i) sending a page identity to a printer unit, the page identity being indicative of an address that corresponds to the destination; (ii) printing on a sheet of paper, using the printer unit, a position-coding pattern and the address; (iii) generating digital ink, comprising a sequence of strokes, by writing on the sheet of paper with an optically imaging pen, the pen being capable of detecting positions on the sheet of paper by reading the position-coding pattern; (iv) recording the page identity from the printed sheet using the pen; and (v) generating the message using the digital ink and the address obtained from the page identity.

Abstract: A method and system for implementing a user interface for a device through user created graphical elements. The method includes recognizing a graphical element icon created by a user. Once recognized, a function related to the graphical element icon is accessed and an output in accordance with the function is provided. The function is persistently associated with the graphical element icon. Menu selection and navigation is implemented through interaction with the graphic element icon. A listing of options associated with the graphical element icon is audibly rendered. In response to a selection of one of the options, the selected option is invoked.

Abstract: A system for composition and transmission of an e-mail message to a recipient address via a computer system is provided. The system comprises: a printer for printing an e-mail form onto a substrate, the printed form comprising graphic e-mailing information and coded data; and an optically imaging pen configured for sensing the coded data, generating interaction data using the sensed coded data, and transmitting the interaction data to the computer system. The interaction data represents interaction between the pen and the form.

Abstract: A pen with an elongate chassis moulding and a cartridge with a nib and an elongate body. The cartridge is configured for insertion and removal from the elongate chassis moulding from a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the chassis moulding.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating graphic primitives. Data is received that is indicative of a gesture provided by a user. It is determined whether the received gesture data is indicative of a graphic primitive. A graphic primitive is generated for use on a user display based upon said determining step.

Abstract: A method and system for visually tracking a point of contact of an optical output from a computer input device includes an internal camera configured to visually track the point of contact of the optical output against a surface and an optical source to transmit the optical output from the computer input device. The camera also transmits the position of the point of contact as a computer input. In one form, the computer applies the position of the point of contact as an input to an application operating on the computer, such as a gaming application. In one form, the camera can visually track the movement of the computer input device along a surface.

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 camera-based touch system (50) includes a passive touch surface (60) and at least two cameras (63) associated with the touch surface. The at least two cameras (63) have overlapping fields of view (FOV) encompassing the touch surface. The at least two cameras (63) acquire images of the touch surface from different locations and generate image data. A processor (54) receives and processes image data generated by the at least two cameras to determine the location of the pointer relative to the touch surface when the pointer is captured in images acquired by the at least two cameras. Actual pointer contact with the touch surface and pointer hover above the touch surface can be determined.

Abstract: A photo detective LCD device includes a light pen. The light pen includes a body, a driving pulse generating module and a light generating module. The body has a pen shape, and an end of the body includes an opening through which light exits. The driving pulse generating module is disposed in the body and generates first and second driving power pulses having first and second frequencies, respectively. The light generating module generates first and second light in response to the first and second driving power pulses, respectively. The first and second light flickers in a third frequency and a fourth frequency, respectively. The power consumption is reduced, and the brightness of sensing light is enhanced. The light pen generates light having at least two different frequencies, and the display device recognizes light generated from the light pen effectively. Therefore, the display device may operate without failure.

Abstract: A portable digital and electronic nail color and design kit for quickly and easily applying various images to artificial nails that are affixed to natural human nails, and then changing the appearance of the artificial nails, includes a compact case with color, design, and picture images stored in a computer graphics program and at least three windows for selecting and displaying the various images and a light pen connected to the compact case for transferring the selected color, design, and picture image to the artificial nails by touching the light pen tip to a designated area on the upper surface of the artificial nail thereby transferring the data for that image temporarily stored in the light pen tip to the artificial nail for representation on an exceptionally high pixel count mini-monitor on the artificial nail with the compact case being battery or solar powered, and capable of accessing and downloading images stored on a computer or from web sites via the Internet, and the compact case also including

Abstract: A stylus comprising: an elongate chassis molding; a nib at one end of the chassis molding; and, an elongate cover molding for close-fitting engagement with the chassis molding; such that, the cover molding is user replaceable.

Abstract: A notepad computer with a page display region displaying a page of a document on which a user can write using a pen or stylus type writing tool is provided. Associated with the page is an interface that can be used with the pen. The interface includes a core task tool region adjacent to the page where tool icons are partially visible until the pen is brought near one of the icons. The tool icon becomes fully visible when the pen is within the region of the icon. The tool when activated can pop-up a radial pop-up menu located at an edge of the document where all the menu choices are located in a semi-circle away from the edge so that the users hand while holding the pen and making a selection does not block the choices.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a portable electronic device including an operation surface for inputting an operating action of a user, detecting means for detecting the coordinates of a point of contact of a user's finger with said operation surface, a memory for storing information representing a deviation between the coordinates of a point on said operation surface where the user desires the user's finger to touch said operation surface and the detected coordinates of the point of contact, and correcting means for correcting said deviation based on the stored information.

Abstract: A touch system comprises a touch surface and at least one camera acquiring images of the touch surface. A pointer contact data generator generates pointer position data in response to pointer contact with the touch surface, the pointer position data representing where on the touch surface pointer contact is made. A processor communicates with the at least one camera and the pointer contact data generator. The processor analyzes acquired images to determine the type of pointer used to contact the touch surface, and processes the pointer position data in accordance with the determined type of pointer. In the preferred embodiment the processor distinguishes between pointer tip touch surface contacts, pointer backend touch surface contacts and finger touch surface contacts. A writing function is invoked in response to pointer tip touch surface contacts. An erase function is invoked in response to pointer backend touch surface contacts. Mouse events are generated in response to finger touch surface contacts.

Abstract: This invention relates to a digital notebook which comprises a pen, a USB storage unit and paper. The pen is provided with a wireless transmission module. The USB storage unit is provided with a wireless reception module, a processing module and a data storage module, and the USB storage unit is fixed on the paper. When a writing action is conducted by the pen on the paper, the wireless transmission module of the pen continuously transmits signals which are then received by the wireless reception module of the USB storage unit. The signals are stored in the data storage module after they are operationally processed by the processing module. After the digital notebook is connected to a personal computer through the USB port on the USB storage unit, the data written on the paper can be displayed on the personal computer.

Abstract: Method and apparatus (16) for projecting infrared or near infrared or low intensity visible light from a pen, pointer or other guiding object in the form of a coded pattern image, detectable by a camera and recognition system but invisible, or hardly visible to the user and audience, thus controlling and interacting with a computer (19) during a presentation, computer supported work and/or other interactive use of a computer, including pointing, selecting, drawing and writing, both distantly (11) and closely (10) to the front or rear projection screen or possible other type of display screen, without any distracting visual patterns or spots, while the possible visual feedback to the user and audience can be generated by the computer and display system onto the display screen in a controlled and context-sensitive way.

Abstract: The invention relates to a light pen input system with a light pen which is adapted to generate at least one scanning light line sweep for scanning a surface such as for example a display screen. The time from starting a scan until a light sensing element placed at a known position detects a scanning light line is measured and processed for determining the coordinates of the pointing position of the light pen. Thus, an “inverse” light pen is provided which may be implemented at low costs and which may be used with non-CRT displays. Furthermore, the system is independent of the display screen size.

Abstract: A data storage device 5 having a storage capacity of at least 8 Mbyte is surrounded by a housing including a stylus portion 23, having a tip 25 for indicating a position. The stylus permits the data storage device 5 to be used for data entry to a electronic device 19 such as a PDA which traces the position of the stylus tip. The data storage device 5 can be used in place of a conventional stylus. Thus, the user of the electronic device 19 which traces the position of a stylus is able to enjoy the advantages of a data storage device without being obliged to use an additional component.

Abstract: An electronic ink pen structure with an immediate charging function includes a casing, a refill, a light-emitting element, a double-layered capacitor, two conductive pieces, and a repositioning module. The refill is movably disposed in the casing, and has a pen nib on a front side that is exposed outside a front side of the casing. The light-emitting element is disposed in the casing, next to one side of the refill. The double-layered capacitor electrically connects with the light-emitting element. One side of each conductive piece is exposed outside the casing and the other side is disposed in the casing for electrically connecting with a positive side and a negative side of the electrode of the double-layered capacitor. The repositioning module is disposed between the light-emitting element and the double-layered capacitor, and the repositioning module has a magnetic repulsor for making the refill stay in its original position.

Abstract: A coordinate input control method is used in a display-integrated coordinate input apparatus which includes a display having thereon a first area and a second area, and a single coordinate-input unit, and in which the coordinate input means inputs coordinates on the display. The method determines if the coordinates input by the coordinate input unit are on the second area. When it is determined that the input coordinates are on the second area, it is determined whether the coordinates on the second area have been consecutively input since processing on the first area. When it is determined that the coordinates have been consecutively input, designation of processing on the second area is nullified.

Abstract: A pen for marking a visible path on a surface. The pen has a marking device adapted to change one or more attributes of the visible path, and a sensing device having at least one of a position sensor for determining the position of the pen relative to the surface, a motion sensor for sensing the motion of the pen relative to the surface, and an optical sensor for sensing colors and or images on a surface.

Abstract: A display control device executes different types of control according to a case wherein a screen region has been set with a display device and a case wherein a screen region has not been set with the display device using a predetermined command. Also, a configuration is provided wherein control information does not overlap a predetermined screen region.

Abstract: An electronic pen for recording of handwritten or hand-drawn information has a control unit and a memory. The control unit registers pen movements across at least one base, stores a plurality of digital pen strokes in the memory as a function of said movements, and supplies a set of the digital pen strokes for processing. The digital pen strokes include a first type, which is processed as graphical information constituting the information to be recorded, and a second type, which is processed as instructions for the processing of digital pen strokes of the first type. The electronic pen may detect a current working session of the pen. The control unit indicates, for the processing of the set of digital pen strokes, the working session during which the respective digital pen strokes have been input.

Abstract: Improved approaches for users of computing devices to interact with graphical user interfaces are described. According to one aspect, a rotational user action supplied by a user at a user input device is transformed into linear action with respect to a graphical user interface. According to another aspect, a portion of an extended list of items is displayed by a graphical user interface and, through rotational user actions at a user input device, the portion of the list being displayed can be varied with welcomed ease of use. Although the type of computing device can vary, the improved approaches are particularly well-suited for use with a portable media player.

Abstract: A system and method for turning a regular computer monitor screen into a touch screen using an ordinary camera. It includes an image-screen mapping procedure to correct for the non-flatness of the computer screen. It also includes a segmentation method to distinguish the foreground, for example an indicator such as a finger, from the background of a computer screen. Additionally, this system and method includes a robust technique of finding the tip point location of the indicator (such as the finger tip). The screen coordinates of the tip point are then used to control the position of the system indicator.

Abstract: A system and process for determining the location of a captured image from a larger image is described. A non-repeating sequence may be folded into a non-repeating array in which the array is unique for every sub window of a given size. The image of the sub window may be captured and its location determined within the non-repeating array.

Abstract: A force-moment sensor (1) is used as a switch, with which, depending on the introduction of forces and moments onto an operating part (5) of the force-moment sensor (1), software or hardware functions of a device (2, 2?) to be controlled are triggered. For this purpose, the output signals of the force-moment sensor (1) are analysed by comparisons with threshold values. The selection of a device or a function thereof does not have to be chosen in advance, but takes place while introducing a force or a moment into the sensor. The introduced forces or moments in each degree of freedom of the sensor are analysed. The selection of the device or function coincides with the driving. The device can thus be simplified since no special facilities for selecting devices or functions must be provided. Additionally, the selection and driving are accelerated by this temporal coincidence.

Abstract: The present invention provides a user input device that includes and array of light detectors and a light emitting stylus configured to emit a beam of light detectable by the light detectors. The light beam is wide enough at the plane of the detectors so that at least two detectors are illuminated for all positions of interest. This allows the light beam position to be interpolated to obtain positional resolution that is greater than would be expected simply due to the spacing between detectors. Interpolation can be further aided by using a light beam that has a known variance in cross-sectional intensity. The present invention also provides for determining the orientation of the stylus by comparing the detected shape of the light beam cross-section to the known shape of the light beam cross-section.

Abstract: A method and system for enabling registration of a user to use a computer system. The method includes providing a printed registration form containing information relating to user registration, the form including coded data indicative of an identity of the form and of at least one reference point of the form. Indicating data is received, in a processing system associated with the computer system, from a sensing device regarding the identity of the form and a position of the sensing device relative to the form. The sensing device, when placed in an operative position relative to the form, generates the indicating data using at least some of the coded data on the form. The method further includes identifying, in the processing system and from the indicating data, at least one parameter relating to user registration, and storing the at least one parameter so as to be accessible by said computer system.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are used to determine whether specific electronic pen gestures with respect to pen-based computing systems should be processed as “press-and-hold” gestures (e.g., to activate right mouse button click actions). Such methods may include: (a) measuring two different parameters associated with pen interaction or orientation with respect to a digitizer during a pen-down event; and (b) determining whether the pen-down event constitutes a press-and-hold gesture based, at least in part, on the measured parameters. In some instances, if the systems and methods cannot immediately determine whether a press-and-hold gesture is intended, measurements may be made again (as many times as necessary or until a time-out occurs) such that the determining step can be performed one or more additional times taking into consideration the additional parameter measurement data collected since the original parameter measurements.

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 text field. When placed in an operative position relative to the interface surface, the sensing device senses indicating data indicative of the text field and generates movement data indicative of the sensing device's movement relative to the interface surface. The indicating data and movement data are received in the computer system and the text field is identified from the indicating data. The computer software is operated at least partly in reliance on the movement data, and in accordance with instructions associated with the text field.

Abstract: A method and system for enabling registration of a user to use a computer system. The method includes providing a printed registration form containing information relating to user registration, the form including coded data indicative of an identity of the form and of at least one reference point of the form. Indicating data is received, in a processing system associated with the computer system, from a sensing device regarding the identity of the form and a position of the sensing device relative to the form. The sensing device, when placed in an operative position relative to the form, generates the indicating data using at least some of the coded data on the form. The method further includes identifying, in the processing system and from the indicating data, at least one parameter relating to user registration, and storing the at least one parameter so as to be accessible by said computer system.

Abstract: A field sequential color projector includes an area sensor unit having an area sensor for photographing a screen, and an optical filter for permitting only a red light having the same color as a laser beam from a laser pointer to be input to the area sensor, and a color period/timing extraction unit which extracts timings for projecting red, green, and blue images. When a projection timing for a red image arrives while an image is projected, an MPU (Micro Processor Unit) receives a light of an image projected on the screen at that time to acquire image information, and detects a position pointed by the laser beam based on the acquired image information. Even if there exists a portion having the same color as the laser beam in the projected image, a pointed position detection device accurately detects the position irradiated by a pointing light of the laser pointer.

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: A method and system that converts ballistic movement of a pen (e.g., movement of a pen point across a surface) into thickness information for digital ink data. The pen includes at least one accelerometer that is used to generate the ballistic information. A thickness conversion component may be located on a computer that is remote from the pen, and the ballistic information is transmitted to the computer via a hardwired or wireless connection. The accelerometer generates the ballistic information in the form of pulses, the width of which is directly related to the acceleration of the pen movements. The thickness conversion component converts the acceleration information, with or without additional information such as coordinate information, into thickness information for digital ink. This thickness information may be used to generate variably thick lines, which may be useful for a variety of applications, for example, better display and improved recognition.

Abstract: A projection surface on which a predetermined projection image is projected is provided; a writing surface on which an image can be drawn directly in a superimposing manner with a projection image displayed on the projection surface is provided; and a photography part photographing an image drawn on the writing surface by means of an image-pickup part comprising two-dimensionally-disposed pixels is provided.

Abstract: A presentation system comprises a display for setting a virtual screen, a pointing mark for operating a point on the display, a photographing device for photographing the pointing mark and the display, a displaying device for displaying a predetermined image or the photographed image photographed by the photographing device, and a control device. The control device calculates coordinates of the pointing mark on coordinates of the virtual screen and has a pointing function for synthesizing a predetermined point image at coordinates of the image on the displaying device, which correspond to the coordinates of the pointing mark.

Abstract: The method and system of the present invention allows a user to make notes on a paper book, where the information is transmitted to and overlaid on an online electronic duplicate of the book through a Bluetooth-enabled pen. The system and method of the present invention provides extension of the user's off-line experiences to an online environment, which may have application in electronic reading, writing, and shopping.

Abstract: A method is provided for interfacing a remote wand to its electronics control chassis by means of a coiled cable. The wand may consist of a sensor such as a light-sensitive detector, and the control electronics provide amplification and processing of the received light signal. The interface cable connecting the wand to the receiver chassis consists of a coiled cable which is stored inside the wand itself. This method provides maximum protection, efficient utilization of space, and avoids the problems associated with exposed interface cables and moving parts.

Abstract: A remote pointing apparatus including a remote control that generates an optical signal that is periodically expanded and/or reduced around the origin and an optical sensor that detects whether the optical signal is received, and a remote pointing method therefor. The remote pointing method includes projecting an optical signal that is periodically expanded and/or reduced around an origin; detecting whether the optical signal is received using a plurality of optical sensors that are two-dimensionally disposed; and detecting the position of the origin, which exists within a position recognition range including at least a polygon having the optical sensors as vertexes, based on the results of detection of the optical sensors. Since the remote pointing apparatus and method do not need a light receiving panel that is installed to fully cover a display screen or installed in vertical and horizontal directions of the display panel in order to receive a laser beam, a manufacturing cost thereof can be reduced.