Abstract: A pen tablet capable of detecting a position of a stylus and supplying positional coordinates to an external computer is provided. The pen tablet includes a detector that generates hover coordinates as the positional coordinates in a hover state and generates contact coordinates as the positional coordinates in a contact state. The pen table includes a communicator that performs communication with a device driver and a given application executed by the external computer, a storage device, and a controller. The controller determines whether the communication with the device driver is requested of the communicator, operates in a tablet mode, for supplying the hover coordinates and the contact coordinates to the device driver, when the communication is requested, and operates in a paper mode, for discarding at least part of the hover coordinates and recording stroke data generated based on the contact coordinates in the storage device, when the communication is not requested.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus capable of communicating with an electronic pen at least includes a communication section for obtaining, from the electronic pen, electronic pen data including multiple pieces of position information obtained by detecting a position detection mark printed on a hand-writing sheet by the use of the electronic pen; a language analysis section for analyzing the electronic pen data, identifies one or more hand-written images defined by the multiple pieces of position information, and creates intermediate data that defines the arrangement of objects including respective hand-written images; an image processing section for rasterizing the intermediate data to create bitmap data; and a printing section for conducting printing based on the bitmap data.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus includes a light source that generates light used for reading an image and a light guide body which extends in a predetermined direction and onto which the light from the light source is incident. The light guide body includes a pair of first faces that reflect the light so as to cause the light to direct to an image reading region from directions different from one another, a second face which emits the light directing from the first faces toward the image reading region and onto which the light reflected from the image reading region is incident, and a third face which emits the light that is incident from the second face and passes between the pair of first faces.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes: an image processing unit which processes and displays an image; a recognizing unit which recognizes a pointing operation input from a pointing device; and a control unit which executes during an execution a predetermined function when a first pointing operation which selects the predetermined function and a second pointing operation which confirms whether to execute the selected predetermined function are input from the pointing device, and controls the image processing unit to process the image in response to the execution of the predetermined function. With this configuration, it is possible to more precisely detect a pointing operation input from a pointing device according to user's intention and allow a user to serve the user's intention using the pointing device.

Abstract: A computer peripheral that may operate as a scanner. The scanner captures image frames as it is moved across an object. The image frames are formed into a composite image based on computations in two processes. In a first process, fast track processing determines a coarse position of each of the image frames based on a relative position between each successive image frame and a respective preceding image determine by matching overlapping portions of the image frames. In a second process, fine position adjustments are computed to reduce inconsistencies from determining positions of image frames based on relative positions to multiple prior image frames. Processing of the image frames may allow a scan of an object to be suspended and resumed automatically when a user lifts the scanner, by deleting out of focus image frames and matching subsequent image frames to previously stored image frames.

Abstract: A computer peripheral that may operate as a scanner. The scanner captures image frames as it is moved across an object. The image frames are formed into a composite image based on computations in two processes. In a first process, fast track processing determines a coarse position of each of the image frames based on a relative position between each successive image frame and a respective preceding image determine by matching overlapping portions of the image frames. In a second process, fine position adjustments are computed to reduce inconsistencies from determining positions of image frames based on relative positions to multiple prior image frames. When the determined position of multiple image frames overlap, pixels in the composite image may be formed by combing values of pixels in the image frames, which improves image quality of the composite image.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting roller eccentricity in a CIS scanner is disclosed. An image of a target is captured using the CIS scanner. The image of the target is analyzed for periodic horizontal banding. The period of the periodic horizontal banding is compared with the circumference of a pressure roller in the CIS scanner. When the period matches with the circumference of the pressure roller, an error is set.

Abstract: Embodiments include an apparatus, device, method, and computer program product. In an embodiment, a device includes a handheld writing device that includes a writing element, and a writing detector module operable to generate information indicative of a handwriting movement of the writing element. The device also includes a context detector module operable to generate information indicative of a content portion of a document proximate to the handwriting movement of the writing element.

Abstract: Embodiments include an apparatus, device, method, and computer program product. In an embodiment, a device includes a handheld writing device that includes a writing element, and a writing detector module operable to generate information indicative of a handwriting movement of the writing element. The device also includes a context detector module operable to generate information indicative of a content portion of a document proximate to the handwriting movement of the writing element.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus, an energy converting unit receives light from an optical source and converts the light into electric power, and an electrical storage unit stores therein the electric power. The energy converting unit is arranged in such a manner that a relative position of the energy converting unit to the optical source is always constant when a reading unit is reading an image.

Abstract: The presently described embodiments solve the problem of getting electronic calendar entries back onto the paper calendar. To do so, in one form, according to the presently described embodiments, an inkjet label printer is mounted next to the paper calendar. Each time a daily entry gets updated online, the label printer prints out a new sticky label whose size and markings correspond to the revised paper calendar entry for that day. It is then a simple process for the user to peel off the label and affix it to the correct location on the paper calendar.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of transferring data from a drawing device, which while utilizing a position-coding pattern, printed on a physical page, digitally records handwritten information, to an application in a computer system. The drawing device transfers recorded data to a memory in the computer system. A registering unit in the system determines from a page from which the recorded data originates and activates, on the basis thereof, one or more applications which are registered as “subscribers” to data from this page. When an application is activated and thus informed of the existence of new data relevant to the application, the application fetches this data. The fetching of data can be made on the basis of the contents of a page description which defines the layout of the physical page.

Abstract: A printer module having an elongate cylindrical body is disclosed. The printer module includes modular connectors arranged on longitudinal ends of the body to permit at least an image processing module to be attached to the body. A communications bus associated with the modular connectors interconnects the printing module and other modules, including the image processing module to facilitate communication between the printing mechanism and the image processing module for receiving print data. A pagewidth printing mechanism positioned in the body and adjacent a media feed path prints the print data onto print media in the media feed path.

Abstract: A system for electronic transmission of handwritten information. The system includes a printed product page having a writing area for entering handwritten information and an address area indicating an address to which the handwritten information is to be sent. The system further includes an electronic pen for initiating transmission of handwritten information written in the writing area to an address indicated in the address area via interaction with the writing and address areas on the product page.

Abstract: A multimedia pen having a plurality of modular components with male and/or female connectors linkable via a four wire serial bus. The pen includes a camera module having an image sensor for capturing an image in an RGB (red, green, blue) color space, along with a central processing module arranged in communication with the camera module, the central processing module having a central processing unit with program memory for storing program steps for execution by the central processing unit to operate the camera module, along with image storage memory for storing the captured image. The pen also includes an image processing module arranged in communication with the image storage memory, the image processing module configured to dynamically convert the stored image from a L*a*b* color space to a CMY color space. Finally, the pen has a printer module having a drop-on-demand inkjet printhead operatively producing bi-level dots for printing the CMY image on business card-sized media fed through the printer module.

Abstract: Provided is an image processing module for a pen-shaped page-width printer which prints business card-sized media. The module has at least one connector, having a four wire serial bus to connect the module to additional modules of the pen-shaped printer; and an image processor. The processor is configured to dynamically convert an image from an L*a*b* color space to a CMY color space whilst printing said media.

Abstract: A modular printer system includes a number of modules that are capable of being logically and physically connected together. The modules include a printer module having a body that defines a print media feed path extending from an input end to an output end and a pagewidth printing mechanism positioned adjacent the media feed path between the input end and the output end for printing onto print media in the media feed path. At least one modular connector is arranged on the body to permit at least an image processing module to be connected to the body. A bus interconnects the printing mechanism and the image processing module to facilitate communication between the printing mechanism and the image processing module.

Abstract: A targeting device suitable for mounting an optical scanner includes a frame, a linkage slidably mounted on the frame, an actuator arm secured to the linkage, which actuator arm has an outer surface configured to slidingly engage the surface of the object to be scanned and a holder mounted on such that the actuator arm moves in tandem with the linkage along the frame when the object to be scanned is inserted between the actuator arm and a support surface below the actuator arm so that an optical scanner in the holder is held at a predetermined scanning distance from the object to be scanned.

Abstract: A product for electronic transmission of handwritten information is provided. The product comprises at least one writing area for the handwritten information, wherein the writing area comprises a position-coding pattern comprising a plurality of first coded tags and wherein an arbitrary position area of the position-coding pattern unambiguously defines a position on the product. The product further comprises an address area indicating an address to which the handwritten information is to be sent, wherein the address area comprises an address-coding pattern comprising a plurality of second coded tags and wherein an arbitrary address portion of the address-coding pattern is unambiguously indicative of the address.

Abstract: A method and a corresponding device for generating true random numbers for use in encryption of a message for secure transmission of said message from a sending device to a receiver, or for authentication of a sent message. An optical image represented by optical data is obtained by an optical sensor and processed in order to improve the stochasticity of the optical data. The thus processed data is then used for generating random numbers which can be used as an encryption key, or for generating an encryption key, for subsequent use in an encryption algorithm for encrypting the message. The method is implemented in a digital pen (DP) to be used in an information management system.

Abstract: The present application describes systems and methods for composing and sending facsimile messages using a digital pointing instrument. In further configurations, a user utilizes a pen to indicate a reference to a document that is appended to the outgoing facsimile. In another further configuration, the user utilizes a form having pre-defined regions that are used to correlate a pen stroke with a desired action.

Abstract: A fax is sent. A user selects a phone number for a fax destination from a database residing on a handheld device. The phone number is sent from the handheld device to a fax machine via wireless communication. A fax transmission is sent by the fax machine to the fax destination.

Abstract: There are provided new and improved methods and systems for producing machine-generated handwriting having realistic human appearance. In various embodiments, the handwriting may include characteristics of particular classes and/or characteristics of particular individuals. The handwriting includes an appropriate degree of randomness so as to be realistic in appearance. In a particular embodiment of the invention, at least one sample of a particular individual's handwriting is scanned and analyzed to determine the characteristics thereof. The handwriting characteristics include a degree of randomness representative of the scanned handwriting sample(s). The handwriting may be printed on a conventional printer, for example to generate a communication for a recipient.

Abstract: There have thus been provided new and improved methods and systems for producing machine-generated handwriting having realistic human appearance. In various embodiments, the handwriting may include characteristics of particular classes and/or characteristics of particular individuals. The handwriting includes an appropriate degree of randomness so as to be realistic in appearance. The handwriting may be printed on a conventional printer, for example to generate a communication for a recipient.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a plurality of sensor IC chips aligned in a row. Each of the sensor IC chips incorporates a plurality of light receiving elements. The plurality of light receiving elements successively output image signals as serial analog signals corresponding to received amount of light upon receiving light from an object to be read. The number of the sensor IC chips is an integer multiple of three. The sensor IC chips are divided into blocks. The number of the blocks is an integer multiple of three. The image signals are outputted on a block-by-block basis.

Abstract: A printer module includes a body that defines a print media feed path and a feed opening to permit print media to be positioned in the print media feed path. A pagewidth printing mechanism is positioned in the body to carry out a printing operation on the print media. At least one modular connector is arranged on the body to permit at least an image processing module to be connected to the body. A bus interconnects the printing mechanism and the image processing module to facilitate communication between the printing mechanism and the image processing module.

Abstract: A hand-held image scanner includes an elongate body, a line sensor extending in the body longitudinally thereof for reading an original document as the body moves along the document, a roller shaft rotatably supported in the body to extend longitudinally of the body, at least one roller supported on the roller shaft for rotating therewith while rolling on the document. The scanner also includes a rotary encoder for detecting the rotation of said at least one roller for determining a scanning distance of the body, and a drive transmission for connecting the roller to the rotary encoder. The rotary encoder includes a rotary disk supported on a disc shaft. The disc shaft extends perpendicularly to the roller shaft.

Abstract: A camera-based document scanning system produces electronic versions of documents, based on a plurality of images of discrete portions of the documents. The system compares each pair of consecutive images and derives motion parameters that indicate the relative motion between each pair of consecutive images. The system utilizes the derived motion parameters to align and merge each image with respect to the previous images, thereby building a single, mosaic image of the document. In the illustrative embodiment, the motion parameters are derived by minimizing a sum of squared differences equation on a pixel-by-pixel basis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for enabling instruction of a computer to perform tasks, the method including the steps of: providing a user with at least one form printable on a surface to provide one or more first viewable information zones relating to one or more available commands and one or more second viewable information zones relating to one or more objects; receiving, in a computer system, indicating data from a sensing device operated by the user regarding movement of the sensing device relative to the surface, said movement including a stroke of part of the sensing device on or relative to said surface; determining, in the computer system and from the indicating data, if the stroke substantially links one or more of said first viewable information zones with one or more of said second viewable information zones, and thereby interpreting the stroke as designating (i) a respective one or more of said available commands and (ii) a respective one or more of said objects; and applying in the com

Abstract: A method for composition and transmission of an electronic mail message including: printing a document to facilitate composition and transmission of the electronic mail message; composing the electronic mail message on the document utilizing a sensing device adapted to read coded data in the document; transmitting interaction data from the sensing device to a computer system, the interaction data representing interaction of the sensing device with the coded data to allow the message to be electronically captured in the computer system; and transmitting the message to at least one recipient address.

Abstract: A method for composition and transmission of an electronic mail message including: printing a document to facilitate composition and transmission of the electronic mail message; composing the electronic mail message on the document utilizing a sensing device adapted to read coded data in the document; transmitting interaction data from the sensing device to a computer system, the interaction data representing interaction of the sensing device with the coded data to allow the message to be electronically captured in the computer system; and transmitting the message to at least one recipient address.

Abstract: In a cooling device and method for cooling an engraving system of an engraving device given engraving devices for engraving printing form surfaces, the cooling device comprises a plurality of cooling units wherein each cooling unit is allocated to respectively cool one engraving head.

Abstract: A capturing and viewing appliance and method are used for capturing and communicating images. The capturing and viewing appliance is an instrument used to capture and communicate images to other devices with communication capabilities. The capturing and viewing appliance includes a processor for manipulating and viewing the images on a built-in display. Program code stored in internal memory includes a menu/image navigation application program which allows the user to use navigation buttons to view multiple images as well as navigate menus. According to another aspect of the invention, the menu/image navigation interface provides a user-friendly interface for effective communication of functionality of an appliance or other device to the user through use of animated transitions.

Abstract: A personal computer scanner for scanning the three-dimensional (3D) objects has a frame with an axis, and a front plate. The front plate has a large array of axial pinholes that each contain a slidably movable pin to form a bed of pins. A detection device is slidably mounted near the rear of the frame. A stepper motor is used to move the detection device relative to frame. The detection device has a sensor plate on its front surface with an array of sensors that correspond one-to-one with the pins. The user selects an object to be scanned and inserts it into the bed of pins to form an impression. The pins readily move and comply to the contours of the object. After the impression is made, the detection device is slowly incremented by the stepper motor toward the pins. The individual sensors are monitored by a host computer until they have been contacted by their respective pins. When a sensor has been touched by its pin, the sensor is scanned by the computer to record the displacement of the pin.

Abstract: A system is described for generating a digital image. A hand-held airbrush controller generates three-dimensional signal information and user trigger information. A plurality of receivers receives the three-dimensional signal information. A computer has a digital display and couples with the receivers to define a three-dimensional position of the controller. The computer is responsive to the user trigger information to generate the digital image on the display as a function of the user trigger information and the three-dimensional position. The airbrush controller includes a wireless transmitter that generates the three-dimensional signal information as signal burst information; the receivers include at least three wireless receivers for detecting the wireless signal burst information. The computer generates synchronization signals to initiate the signal burst information.

Abstract: A method of electronic processing of a latent image from a photographic element, the method employing pulsed radiation and radio frequency photoconductivity apparatus having a sample capacitor with a gap, including the steps of: placing the element in an electromagnetic field adjacent the sample capacitor; providing an advance mechanism for advancing the photographic element past the capacitor; scanning the element through the gap in the sample capacitor with a pulsed, focused beam of radiation; directly measuring the photoelectron response of the element and recording the resulting signals from the radio frequency photoconductivity apparatus; and advancing the element and repeating the exposing and measuring steps to provide a two dimensional readout of the latent image on the photographic element at ambient temperature or below.

Abstract: A cordless facsimile system capable of realizing a telephone answering function, without a separate telephone answering device. The cordless facsimile system with a telephone answering function includes a stationary base unit connected to a public switched telephone network (PSTN) and a cordless, mobile facsimile unit in radio communication with the base unit.

Abstract: In a facsimile apparatus including numeric keys for entering dial numbers or abbreviated dial numbers, a transmission instruction key for instructing the processing for transmission, a storage unit for storing dial information and received information, a scanner which is removable from a main body of the apparatus having a reading and storing units, a scanner connecting unit for connecting said scanner to the main body of the apparatus and a printing unit for visually outputting an image data which is stored in said storing unit, the image data which is stored in the storing unit of the scanner is output only by mounting said scanner on a main body of the apparatus.

Abstract: An interactive document processing system includes a display screen that is coupled to a processing device. In addition, the document processing system includes an input device for viewing all or a portion of a hardcopy document on a work surface. The input device generates signals representing the appearance of the hardcopy document from representative electronic data stored in a print memory. In one embodiment, the processing device is connected to the input device to receive the signals, determine the position of a moving indicator relative to the document, and correlate the determined position with the electronic representation of the hardcopy document. The display screen provides information related to user commands that edit and/or select portions of the electronic representation of the hardcopy document.

Abstract: The system of the present invention includes a form design component, a form description repository, and a forms processing component Each form used with the system has a layout including a form identifier field with a common location space for each given form of the plurality of different types of forms.

Abstract: A scanning pen for use in an information management system having multiple modes adapted to scan and process different data types. The scanning pen has an optical scanning head, various user controls, and a wireless link to the information management system. The pen has several input modes of operation governing the interpretation of data received through the scanning head, and feedback on the current input mode is provided to the user through visual, audible, or tactile feedback.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electronic board apparatus. An electronic board apparatus of the present invention transmits data representing a handwritten image written on a predetermined board to an external computer. According to the present invention, it is determined whether or not the external computer can receive the data, and if it is determined that the external computer cannot receive the data, the data is stored in a memory provided in the electronic apparatus.

Abstract: A data inputting device for inputting data to a computer, word processor or data image processor is disclosed. The device has a single inputting unit capable of selectively inputting coordinates or an image. Further, the inputting unit is capable of inputting an image on the basis of absolute coordinates representative of positions on a document.

Abstract: A data input system is provided with an input pen. A sequence of characters are traced with the input pen, and image data on them are read from the image scanner incorporated in the input pen. Each character is recognized on the basis of the image data. If a recognition error occurs during the input processing, a correct character is written with the input pen. A locus of movement is traced on the basis of moving distance data, which is obtained by a moving distance sensor and includes a moving distance and a moving direction. A character represented by the traced locus is recognized.

Abstract: An integrated image capture device and a desk and floor lamp. The image capture device is adapted to plug or screw into the light bulb socket of the lamp so that the image capture device may obtain power from the light bulb socket of the lamp when the lamp is plugged into a wall socket. The image capture device may also have a ‘pass-through’ socket adapted to receive a standard light bulb so that the standard light bulb may provide additional light for the image capture device. The image capture device may also provide modulation to the light bulb in order to perform exposure control. The image capture device may also provide color compensation by measuring the intensity and color of the light from the light bulb. The image capture device may also perform data transmission through the power cord of the desk or floor lamp.

Abstract: A system and method of designating edit information for an original document. The system includes a mechanism for designating a location on the original document while the document is in a document feeder tray. The mechanism does not deface the original document.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus is provided with a main body; a cover member which is swingably connected to the main body between a closed position for closing the main body and an open position for opening the main body; and an image read unit and a platen member defining a feeding path of a sheet therebetween. A pressing/separating mechanism pressedly contacts the image read unit and platen member with respect to each other when the cover member is in the closed position and separates the image read unit and platen member from each other when the cover member is in the open position.