Abstract: One aspect of the invention involves a writing tablet comprising a housing having a writing surface and internal logic placed within the housing and situated below the writing surface. The internal logic includes imaging sensor, a light source and a controller. The imaging sensor is adapted to capture a location and orientation of each line segment forming a graphic image. The light source is adapted to produce a light beam adjusted for display on the writing surface. The controller is adapted to control performance of an event upon the light beam crossing a line segment of the graphic image.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for avoiding pressing inaccuracies on a touch panel. The touch panel includes a panel, a control module having an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and a delay buffer, and a processor, the delay buffer able to buffer a trigger signal for interrupting the processor. The method includes sequentially receiving a plurality of analog signals generated by the panel when the panel is touched with the control module, transforming the plurality of analog signals into a plurality of corresponding digital signals and transmitting the plurality of digital signals to the processor with the analog-to-digital converter, neglecting a first m digital signals of the plurality of digital signals, and neglecting a last n digital signals of the plurality of digital signals, where m and n are integers with values equal to or larger than 1.

Abstract: System and method for forming an operator controlled image on a video display screen with a light sensing pen. The pen is moved relative to the screen to provide a signal corresponding to the position of the pen during each successive frame of the display. A memory having a plurality of data storage locations corresponding to different points on the screen is scanned in synchronization with the position of the beam, and data is written into the memory in response to the signal from the light pen at locations corresponding to the points at which the light pen senses the bean during successive frames. This data is read out of the memory as it is scanned and is utilized to produce an image corresponding to the position of the light pen in successive frame.

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 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 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 digital ink environment is provided for non-native ink application programs to create independent ink services for sharing between different application programs and transmission. The digital ink environment is provided for interacting with embedded or linked ink words or other ink data in a compound ink document. The user is provided with the freedom to input digital ink so they can write anywhere in the ink environment, in any orientation, and using any desired stroke size provided by the ink environment. The ink environment is provided in an activated state for in-situ user interaction and manipulation in a computing environment, for example a pen-based environment.

Abstract: A system and method for determining pointer contacts on a touch surface includes a touch surface to be contacted by a pointer. At least one imaging device having a field of view looks generally along the touch surface. At least one processor communicates with the at least one imaging device and analyzes images acquired by the at least one imaging device to detect the relative positions of a pointer and a reflection of the pointer therein and thereby determine if a pointer contact with the touch surface has been made.

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: Graphics are drawn with an input pen, which is provided with an optical sensor at its tip, on a display surface of an EL display. At this time, the EL display is caused to emit light in dot sequence, and the position of the input pen is detected as coordiante information on the basis of timing of light emission of the EL display and timing of light emission detection of the input pen.

Abstract: An input unit has a mouse function and at least one inputting function. The input unit comprises image-recording means (8) which record images. These images are used for providing both the mouse function and the inputting function. The images are processed in the input unit or in some other unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for identifying a position of an object in free space using a video image wherein the object is comprised of at least three equidistantly spaced, co-linear beads. The video image is captured on a view plane of a video camera system and represented on a frame memory thereof. Relative positions of the beads on the frame memory are determined and corresponding coordinate positions of the beads in the free space are calculated based upon the determined relative spacings and known camera system geometries. The object may also include an alignment indicator so that the pointing direction of the object can be determined.

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 digital ink environment is provided for non-native ink application programs to create independent ink services for sharing between different application programs and transmission. The digital ink environment is provided for interacting with embedded or linked ink words or other ink data in a compound ink document. The user is provided with the freedom to input digital ink so they can write anywhere in the ink environment, in any orientation, and using any desired stroke size provided by the ink environment. The ink environment is provided in an activated state for in-situ user interaction and manipulation in a computing environment, for example a pen-based environment.

Abstract: An image transmitting ball-point pen mainly consists of a battery compartment, a lower body, an extension tube and a tapered cap located at the terminal end of the extension tube which serves to fix a turning sleeve and an outer tube onto the extension tube. The turning sleeve has two slide grooves and a plurality of slots which are employed to contain the protrusions on the interior of the outer tube. The upper end of the transmitting plate is placed between two locating strips and the lower end of the transmitting plate extends downward to the locating grooves and the turning sleeve where it is locked by a lock pin passing through the slide channel and the locating grooves. When the outer tube is being turned, the turning action makes the transmitting plate a right or left movement as well as an up or down movement, so it further makes the ink cartridge which works as an antenna extending or retracting along the tapered cap.

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: Navigating on a display includes tracking coordinate information of an input tool on a display and moving a visible portion of a page of information on the display a distance equal to a change in the coordinate information of the input tool multiplied by a multiplier.

Abstract: The present invention is a system that provides a layer editor representing layers using box like controls. The layer controls are arranged in vertical stack representing the ordering of the layers in the paint application and provided with a highlight frame that indicates an active layer. The name or graphic of each layer depicted in the corresponding box for that layer can be created using drawing strokes of a stylus or pen of a pen-based computer. The pen is also used to select the controls, pop-up menus and perform selections or operations with underlying menus and/or functions. Making a mark with the pen can be used to select layer editing functions. A drawing dialog is used to write or draw the names applied to the layers.

Abstract: A method and system for interacting with computers by means of printed matter and sensing devices. The method includes providing a document with printed information relating to an Internet resource, such as a Web page, and at least one user interactive element representing an associated object for user response in relation to the resource; and effecting said response upon receipt of response data received from a sensing device with which a user interacts with the element, the sensing device being adapted to transmit the response data to a computer system linked to the Internet, in order to effect said response.

Abstract: The present invention provides method of enabling a user to plan a route using a computer system, the method including the steps of: printing a map of a geographic area, the map including coded data indicative of an identity of the map and of a plurality of reference points of the map; receiving, in the computer system, indicating data from a sensing device operated by the user, the indicating data regarding the identity of the map and a position of the sensing device relative to the map, the sensing device, when placed in an operative position relative to the map, sensing the indicating data using at least some of the coded data; identifying, in the computer system and from the indicating data, at least one geographic location; and planning the route, in the computer system, using the at least one geographic location as at least one of: the route starting point, a route way-point, and the route destination.

Abstract: A passive touch system includes a passive touch surface and at least two cameras associated with the touch surface. The at least two cameras acquire images of the touch surface from different locations and have overlapping fields of view. A processor receives and processes images acquired by the at least two cameras to detect the existence of a pointer therein and to determine the location of the pointer relative to the touch surface. Actual pointer contact with the touch surface and pointer hover above the touch surface can be determined.

Abstract: A wireless mouse unit has a wireless mouse generating signals for moving a cursor across a display screen, a rechargeable secondary battery cell built into the wireless mouse, and a receiver for receiving the signals transmitted from the wireless mouse, the receiver electrically connected to and powered by a computer via a cable. The receiver includes a charging terminal for recharging the rechargeable battery when the wireless mouse is placed in the receiver, eliminating the need for a special charger to recharge the rechargeable secondary battery cell built into the wireless mouse.

Abstract: In a network connected to an interactive device and a registration server, a protocol for registering the interactive device with the registration server, including the steps of: installing a secret key and a public unique identifier in non-volatile memory in the interactive device and in a database of the registration server, before the interactive device is connected to the network; then, when the interactive device is connected to the network, authenticating the interactive device at the server by verifying the interactive device's encryption, using the secret key, of a challenge message; and finally, if the authentication succeeds, registering the interactive device in the database of the registration server.

Abstract: A method and system for position-aware freeform printing in which a source image space in a source medium and a target image space in a target medium are specified. A selected image in the source image space is copied and/or optionally processed and transferred to the target image space. A controller captures the selected source image and stores the image in a memory. The image is optionally processed and the processed and optionally formatted image is output. The controller may format the processed image to fit into the target image space by controlling the rendering of the processed image onto the target medium as the printing device is moved over the target image space in a freeform direction. The controller predicts the freeform direction that the print head will travel by detecting the motion previously traveled and adjusting the image to compensate for the predicted freeform direction.

Abstract: Method and system for selecting and accessing multimedia information/services located on a user workstation or on a server by touching finger items that are electronically illuminated over the surface of a hard-copy document or any other physical surface. The system includes: an opto-touch foil, placed over (or under) a portion of the document, used to highlight hyperlinked items over the surface of the physical document and to read coordinates of these hyperlinked items; and a user workstation for accessing the information/service associated with the hyperlinked items. Hyperlinked items are illuminated by the luminous signal for identifying and selecting hyperlinked items. When a user selects an item, the workstation receives a signal indicating the position of this selected item. The user workstation identifies, locates and accesses the information/service associated with the position of the selected item.

Abstract: The present invention provides a technique that detects a pointing position, which is pointed with a pointing device having a light emitter, in a display image with a higher accuracy. A pointing position detection apparatus includes: a photographic image capture section that captures a photographic image by shooting the display image including a pointing image generated by light emitted from the light emitter of the pointing device; and a detection processing section that detects the pointing position in the display image according to a luminance property of the captured photographic image. The detection processing section first determines a threshold value, which is used to binarize the photographic image, according to the luminance property of the photographic image. The detection processing section then binarizes the photographic image using the determined threshold value, so as to generate a binary image.

Abstract: A touch screen having a high or fine resolution at relatively low cost is provided. In one embodiment, electrodes are placed directly on the surface of a CRT screen without the need for an electrode positioned on the rear surface. The touch screen may include a conductive coating and a protective coating which are preferably provided in a single vacuum chamber step. A high gain system including a high-frequency sampling bandpass filter provide discrimination of the desired signal over noise. A screen calibration technique is used to achieve linearization in order to convert the electric signals obtained from the screen into data indicative of the position of a touch on the screen.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a hot spot is normally centered in an area of contact between a user's finger and a touch screen to position the hot spot on an icon or other feature thereby selecting a program or function corresponding to the icon or feature. When the contact area is near an edge, the hot spot is offset toward the edge so that it coincides more closely to the center of the users finger, thus allowing an icon or other feature adjacent the edge of the screen to be more easily selected. In another embodiment, a cursor is displayed on a touch screen at a location that is offset from the contact area between a finger and the screen. The cursor, which is used as the hot spot of the computer, is normally offset above the contact area except when the contact area is close to the bottom of the screen.

Abstract: A first cylindrical lens and a first linear sensor are constructed on the X axis, a second cylindrical lens and a second linear sensor are constructed on the Y axis, the X and Y axes are orthogonal, and the image width of a beam spot formed by each of the first and second cylindrical lenses is larger than each pixel of the corresponding first and second linear sensors.

Abstract: A digital pen that has an ink writing tip includes a laser on a pen body that directs light toward paper across which the writing tip is stroked. A CMOS camera or CCD is also mounted on the pen body for detecting reflections of the laser light, referred to as “speckles”. A processor in the pen body determines relative pen motion based on the speckles. A contact sensor such as an FSR on the pen body senses when the tip is pressed against the paper, with positions being recorded on a flash memory in the pen body when the contact sensor indicates that the pen is against the paper. The memory can be later engaged with a handwriting recognition device to correlate the positions to alpha-numeric characters. Ordinary paper can be used, but, if desired, special bar-coded paper can also be used, so that the recorded positions can be tagged with a page number, form field, and absolute position on the page.

Abstract: A touch panel coordinate rotation device is provided in a touch panel device that includes a touch panel provided on the image plane of a display device and a coordinate detecting device for detecting the touched position on the touch panel and outputting the coordinates of the touched position. The touch panel coordinate rotation device can rotate the coordinates of a touch panel at a desired angle. The touch panel coordination rotation device includes a memory device for storing a rotation angle of an image on the display device based on the standard angle, and a coordinate calculating device for calculating the new coordinates by rotating the coordinate output from the coordinate detecting device at the rotation angle stored in the memory device, when the rotation angle stored in the memory device is not 0.

Abstract: A device is provided for capturing complete analog motion, rather than digital events. A beam of columnated light, generated from a laser emitting diode, it directed at a clear, rotatable ball bearing having a series of reflecting indicia within the surface of the ball bearing. The reflection of columnated light off of these indicia makes the analog motion of the ball bearing a capturable, optical event. A sensor reads through the clear ball bearing and converts this motion into memory. The raw data then goes into the temporary RAM, which holds all excess data as other date is streamed into the microprocessors. Those processors change the raw data into digital code, which can then be understood and translated by most modern personal computers. The digital code can then be stored in the unit's non-volatile RAM, where it remains until it is uploaded into a PC resident software program.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a hot spot is normally centered in an area of contact between a user's finger and a touch screen to position the hot spot on an icon or other feature thereby selecting a program or function corresponding to the icon or feature. When the contact area is near an edge, the hot spot is offset toward the edge so that it coincides more closely to the center of the users finger, thus allowing an icon or other feature adjacent the edge of the screen to be more easily selected. In another embodiment, a cursor is displayed on a touch screen at a location that is offset from the contact area between a finger and the screen. The cursor, which is used as the hot spot of the computer, is normally offset above the contact area except when the contact area is close to the bottom of the screen.

Abstract: A frequency detector is configured to provide reliable acquisition by a clock recovery and data regeneration circuit. A preferred frequency detector utilizes the output characteristics of a phase detector to determine a frequency difference between the recovered clock signal and the incoming data signal. The frequency detector then outputs a signal representing the frequency difference to a control device, preferably to a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO). Upon receiving the frequency difference signal, the control device, preferably operating within a controlled-feedback loop, will begin to adjust the underlying clock frequency to approximate the incoming data frequency.

Abstract: An electronic seal stamp and an electronic sheet are used. The electronic seal stamp has a stamp surface, and has a storing function and output function for electronic information. The electronic sheet is of a sheet shape, has a surface capable of being impressed, and has a storing function and input function for electronic information. When the electronic seal stamp is impressed on the electronic sheet, a seal image on the stamp surface of the electronic seal stamp is transferred to the surface of the electronic sheet. At the same time, the electronic information stored in the storing function of the electronic seal stamp is transferred to the storing function of the electronic sheet, through the output function of the electronic seal stamp and the input function of the electronic sheet. Thus, an electronic seal stamp system, in which both impression of the stamp surface and electronic sealing are possible, is realized.

Abstract: A wireless input device having an outward appearance resembling a standard ballpoint pen operates as both a standard ballpoint pen or similar writing instrument as well as an input device. The pen includes directional sensors for determining the direction and length of each pen stroke. A transmitter is provided in the pen barrel for transmitting the stroke signals directly to a computer for input and processing each stroke to provide an accurate representation of the pen stroke as it is being made. The transmitter may be a wireless device for transmitting a low frequency radio signal to a receiver associated with the computer. This permits the pen to be utilized anywhere within the transmitting range of the device, and in any orientation, with the computer picking up, processing and storing the signal representing the pen strokes.

Abstract: The position of a target lying on a plane is indicated by inputting a pointing direction which is computationally projected onto a plane. If the target is known to lie on a contour, the position is specified unambiguously. Alternatively, the position of a target can be specified by inputting its axial coordinates in successive steps. In another alternative approach, the image containing the target is translated and/or rotated and the target indicated again. The two direction projections are then used to determine the position of the target in 2-space. The direction indications may be input by a camera or other method, such as one or more radio transmitters.

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 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 hand-writing input and recording device is housed in a case and may be hand-held by a user when in use. The device includes a contact element, an amplifying element, a sense element, an X-Y axes matrix element, a recording and storing element, a transmitting element and a receiving element. When the contact element generates a displacement variation in the X-Y axes, the X-Y axes displacement variation value will be emitted from the transmitting element to the receiving element and input into a computer for display on a computer screen to show the characters or patterns generated from the X-Y axes displacement variation value.

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 touch screen having a high or fine resolution at relatively low cost is provided. In one embodiment, electrodes are placed directly on the surface of a CRT screen without the need for an electrode positioned on the rear surface. The touch screen may include a conductive coating and a protective coating which are preferably provided in a single vacuum chamber step. A high gain system including a high-frequency sampling bandpass filter provide discrimination of the desired signal over noise. A screen calibration technique is used to achieve linearization in order to convert the electric signals obtained from the screen into data indicative of the position of a touch on the screen.

Abstract: A system and process for combining a prerecorded digital image with hand written graphic elements. The system comprises at least one computer for managing the links between the various parts of the system; at least one mechanism for supplying a prerecorded digital image to the system; and a peripheral (P). The peripheral includes, a mechanism for, on the one hand, displaying the prerecorded image and, on the other hand, digitally recording data corresponding to the hand written graphic elements; and a processor for managing the functions of the mechanism for displaying the prerecorded image and for communicating with the computer.

Abstract: A signal waveform detection circuit detects the three-dimensional coordinate value of an indicating tool which is defined in the first, second, and third dimensions. An arithmetic control circuit compares the coordinate value in the first dimension of the three-dimensional coordinate value with a predetermined value, and controls outputting of the coordinate values in the second and third dimensions on the basis of the comparison result.

Abstract: A set-top box runs web browser software and displays on a television set a web page comprising hypertext links. A spotlight is used as a focus to navigate the page.

Abstract: An electronic whiteboard capable of being drawn by using marker pens of several colors and one penholder, and a penholder for use in such an electronic whiteboard are disclosed. In a penholder for mounting marker pens, an infrared light emitting unit emits infrared light containing color information of the marker pen, an ultrasonic wave emitting unit emits a the ultrasonic wave, and color information changeover means changes over color information depending on the color of marker pen. The electronic whiteboard main body receives the infrared light and ultrasonic wave emitted from the penholder, and issues information about a position of the penholder depending on the reception timing of the infrared light and ultrasonic wave.

Abstract: An unconstrained pointing interface for natural human interaction with a display-based computer system includes a hand-manipulated pointer configured to permit it to be (1) aimed by line of sight to point at any arbitrary position within the user's field of view, including positions beyond the user's natural reach, and (2) swept along any arbitrary path and at any arbitrary speed within the user's natural capability. A detector detects emanations from at least some positions at which the pointer may be aimed; and circuitry identifies the locations of positions at which the user is aiming the pointer. The interface enables the user to point to a position within his field of view and beyond his reach, move his hand along any arbitrary path and at any arbitrary speed within the user's natural capability to point to another position, and so on, and to have the circuitry automatically identify the locations of the series of positions to which he has pointed.

Abstract: A device for use with a raster display having associated therewith electromagnetic noise which includes signals related to at least one raster synchronization signal. The device includes: an electromagnetic radiation pick up device operative to receive the electromagnetic noise in a wireless manner, a filter receiving an output from the electromagnetic radiation pick up device for producing a reconstructed raster synchronization signal from the electromagnetic noise; and a correlator correlating an information signal with the reconstructed raster synchronization signal. The device may be a light pen, and one version detects scan lines within a cone extending from the tip thereof. The number of scan lines detected within the cone can be used to estimate the distance of the light pen from a computer screen. A light pen method is also provided.

Abstract: An electronic light pen used in conjunction with a video display permits the position of the light pen to be determined with respect to the video display by the particular color or grey scale value of light emitted by the video display and received by the electronic light pen. The light from the video display is separated into three primary colors for a color display, namely red, blue, and green, and separated into grey scale shades for a monochrome display. Positional information of the light pen is calculated based on the relation of the color measured to the color previously programmed and presently displayed on that area of the screen, at any instant in time. The light pen has a focusing system that focuses light from the display to its optical detectors. The optical detectors have red, green, and blue filters to determine the brightness of each color. A grey scale value may be determined if the display is monochrome.