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: A system and process for determining the location of a captured image from a larger image is described. Using a list of determined locations, the system is able to determine the best or most likely path of a pen tip.

Abstract: A digital pen system comprising a pen 8 adapted to mark a medium 2 and a sensor 12 arranged to determine the position on the medium 2 of a mark made by the pen 8, the system being arranged to identify a plurality of different areas 500 on the medium 2 and being further arranged to authenticate a user in dependence upon authentication data input by the user, the authentication data having a value dependent upon the order in which a group of the plurality of different areas 500 of the medium 2 are marked by the pen 8.

Abstract: A method for recognizing shapes is disclosed. A computer, such as a handheld computer with pen input, is used to receive a drawing from a user. The user's drawing is then analyzed to identify the location of potential vertices of angles or knots of splines using a technique of hypothesizing lines between known important points and calculating the distance between other points and that Postulated line. This process is repeated until all important points are located. Also disclosed is a method for determining whether a set of points is straight or curved.

Abstract: Device for processing of information, which device comprises a processor and, connected to the processor, a reading unit for electronic reading of information on a surface, which is provided with a position code which codes a plurality of positions on the surface. The device reads the position code, associates a position code for coded positions within a value area defined on the surface with values in a set of values which includes a plurality of values, and initiates the generation of a control signal whose level is related to a value associated with a read-off position code. Method for processing of position data obtained from said surface. According to the method, the position code is read for a coded position which lies within the value area; the value in the set of values which is associated with the read-off coded position is determined; and the generation of a control signal is initiated, the level of which control signal is related to the determined value.

Abstract: A method for composition and transmission of an electronic mail message via an interactive document is provided.

Abstract: An improved system and method for personalizing recognition of an input method is provided. A trainable handwriting recognizer may be personalized by using ink written by the user and text authored by the user. The system includes a personalization service engine and a framework with interfaces for collecting, storing, and accessing user ink and authored information for training recognizers. The trainers of the system may include a text trainer for augmenting a recognizer's dictionary using text content and a shape trainer for tuning generic recognizer components using ink data supplied by a user. The trainers may load multiple trainer clients, each capable of training one or more specific recognizers. Furthermore, a framework is provided for supporting pluggable trainers. Any trainable recognizer may be dynamically personalized using the harvested information authored by the user and ink written by the user.

Abstract: An image generation apparatus includes an acquisition unit and a generation unit. The acquisition unit acquires information to be embedded in each of a plurality of partitions on a recording medium. The generation unit generates an image in which first pattern images representing the information and a second pattern image controlling acquisition of the information from the first pattern images are placed in each of the plurality of partitions. The first and second pattern images are ones of mCn pattern images which are obtained by placing a unit image in n points selected from among m points where m and n are natural numbers, m?4, and 2?n<m.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus of the present invention comprises a function selection/designation section that obtains the designation of selection of a signed-document creation mode for creating at least signed authentic documents and/or copies thereof, a signature position designation section that obtains the designation of a signature position on printing sheets, a signature input section that obtains signature information input by handwriting, a signature temporary storage section that temporarily stores the signature information from the signature input section, an image obtaining section that obtains image data of an original to be provided with the signature, a signature/image synthesizing section that synthesizes the signature information in the signature temporary storage section and the image data in the image obtaining section so that the signature is provided at the designated signature position on the printing sheet, and a printout section that prints out signed documents based on the data synthesiz

Abstract: Described is electronic ink maintained as a software object, thereby associating ink functionality with electronic ink data. The ink may be separated into words or characters, with one object per word or character. By the associated functionality, applications that deal with embedded objects in general can automatically benefit from electronic ink, including having the object's functionality render the ink data as part the application's document. Further, because the ink data is maintained as an object, the data is automatically persisted in association with the document into which it is embedded. Ink-aware applications may call on methods of the electronic ink object to adjust formatting, search recognized ink along with text, and perform other functions. Via the electronic ink object, electronic ink substantially approaches much of the behavior normally available with text data, without requiring applications to interpret the ink data.

Abstract: A system and method capturing, in a computer system, data relating to a note-taking session, the session consisting of handwritten annotations made by a user by way of a writing implement on a plurality of pages. The method includes the steps of receiving, in the computer system and via the writing implement, an indication of the start of the note-taking session, data indicative of the handwritten annotations made by said user on the plurality of pages, an indication of the end of the note-taking session, and retaining a retrievable record of the received data for the note-taking session. Starting, ending and printing a note-taking session takes place by way of printed command buttons for designation by the writing implement, which buttons may be printed on each page, or on a part of a backing sheet of a notepad of pages extending beyond the periphery of the pages themselves.

Abstract: A system and method capturing, in a computer system, data relating to a note-taking session, the session consisting of handwritten annotations made by a user by way of a writing implement on a plurality of pages. The method includes the steps of receiving, in the computer system and via the writing implement, an indication of the start of the note-taking session, data indicative of the handwritten annotations made by said user on the plurality of pages, an indication of the end of the note-taking session, and retaining a retrievable record of the received data for the note-taking session. Starting, ending and printing a note-taking session takes place by way of printed command buttons for designation by the writing implement, which buttons may be printed on each page, or on a part of a backing sheet of a notepad of pages extending beyond the periphery of the pages themselves.

Abstract: A system and method capturing, in a computer system, data relating to a note-taking session, the session consisting of handwritten annotations made by a user by way of a writing implement on a plurality of pages. The method includes the steps of receiving, in the computer system and via the writing implement, an indication of the start of the note-taking session, data indicative of the handwritten annotations made by said user on the plurality of pages, an indication of the end of the note-taking session, and retaining a retrievable record of the received data for the note-taking session. Starting, ending and printing a note-taking session takes place by way of printed command buttons for designation by the writing implement, which buttons may be printed on each page, or on a part of a backing sheet of a notepad of pages extending beyond the periphery of the pages themselves.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a device for detecting and representing movements. The device includes a position sensor for detecting the current position of a reference point of the device, a data processor for processing the position data detected by the position sensor and a projector for projecting on a surface an image projection of the detected and processed position data. The data processor takes into account a modification in the current position of the reference point such that the projection image on the surface remains substantially stable concerning location and position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system, method and medium for receiving and acting upon user input. In one embodiment, the user may only have access to a limited input device, like a stylus. Using the present invention, a user is provided with intuitive responses from the system based on inputs from the limited input device.

Abstract: An external device of a mobile phone for inputting and permuting original script comprises a handwriting sensing device for sensing handwriting script and generating script coordinates or displacement data; a transmission interface for transmitting the script coordinates or displacement data to a mobile phone; a means for compressing or expansion the scripts from the mobile phone into figure lattices of the same height; and permuting the figure lattices on a display screen of the mobile phone in order so as to form a drawing showing original scripts. Furthermore, a method is included, which comprises the steps of sensing handwriting script and generating script coordinates or displacement data; transferring the script coordinates or displacement data to a mobile phone; compressing or expansion the scripts from the mobile phone into figure lattices of the same height; and permuting the figure lattices on a display screen of the mobile phone.

Abstract: Systems and methods that determine a path of a pen tip as the pen tip is moved across a document are described. The document is watermarked with a maze pattern from which encoded position information is determined. A sequence of images is captured by a camera that is located in a pen. The path of the pen tip is determined by decoding the associated maze pattern and by matching the captured images with document images. If the position coordinates of any frame that is associated with a stroke cannot be determined from m-array decoding, the frames are transformed and then matched with an area of a document image. Once the position coordinates of at least one frame is determined, the position coordinates of other frames are determined by matching the frames in a neighboring area.

Abstract: A product comprising at least one authentication writing area is provided. The product is adapted to receive handwritten authentication information from a user and is provided with a position-coding pattern. The pattern codes coordinates for a plurality of points on an imaginary surface. The pattern allows digital recording and reproduction of the handwritten authentication information as well as authenticity checking.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system for erasing and editing an electronic document. A goal for computing devices that support the use of a stylus that can record handwriting strokes and present them in an electronic document is to present electronic ink that behaves similar to real ink from a pen. The nature of the electronic document and the electronic ink makes it difficult to edit the ink as one would with traditional pen and paper. However, an editing module accompanying the computing device can provide a user with functionality that facilitates the editing of electronic ink. Specifically, the editing module cna provide a feedback mechanisms, such as highlighting or shading, that indicates to the user which portions of handwriting strokes are selected for editing. Additionally, the editing module can recognize certain gestures and determine which handwriting strokes to apply the editing gesture to.

Abstract: A method and system for recognizing time. An embodiment of a method for recognizing a time includes receiving a set of coordinates from a capture device, the set of coordinates indicating where a set of marks was made on a paper form without the use of a graphical user interface, and mapping the set of coordinates to a time. The method enables a processor to accurately and quickly determine time information entered on a piece of paper attached to the capture device, independent of the user who enters the time information. Exemplary applications include a field survey and inventory.

Abstract: A method and system for recognizing date. An embodiment of a method for recognizing a date includes receiving a set of coordinates from a capture device, the set of coordinates indicating where on a paper form a set of marks was made without the use of a graphical user interface, and mapping the set of coordinates to a date. The method enables a processor to accurately and quickly determine date information entered on a piece of paper attached to the capture device, independent of the user who enters the date information. Exemplary applications include a field survey and inventory.

Abstract: A multi-touch gesture dictionary is disclosed herein. The gesture dictionary can include a plurality of entries, each corresponding to a particular chord. The dictionary entries can include a variety of motions associated with the chord and the meanings of gestures formed from the chord and the motions. The gesture dictionary may take the form of a dedicated computer application that may be used to look up the meaning of gestures. The gesture dictionary may also take the form of a computer application that may be easily accessed from other applications. The gesture dictionary may also be used to assign user-selected meanings to gestures. Also disclosed herein are computer systems incorporating multi-touch gesture dictionaries. The computer systems can include, desktop computers, tablet computers, notebook computers, handheld computers, personal digital assistants, media players, mobile telephones, and the like.

Abstract: A multi-touch gesture dictionary is disclosed herein. The gesture dictionary can include a plurality of entries, each corresponding to a particular chord. The dictionary entries can include a variety of motions associated with the chord and the meanings of gestures formed from the chord and the motions. The gesture dictionary may take the form of a dedicated computer application that may be used to look up the meaning of gestures. The gesture dictionary may also take the form of a computer application that may be easily accessed from other applications. The gesture dictionary may also be used to assign user-selected meanings to gestures. Also disclosed herein are computer systems incorporating multi-touch gesture dictionaries. The computer systems can include, desktop computers, tablet computers, notebook computers, handheld computers, personal digital assistants, media players, mobile telephones, and the like.

Abstract: A digital pen-based application form filling system with a modification prevention function, which eliminates a possibility that digital information initially written in digital paper using a digital pen may be modified deliberately or accidentally. The system prints a new fine pattern over areas in already written digital paper whose contents one wishes to protect against being modified. This printing adds a fine pattern to an original dot pattern already present on the digital paper to make it theoretically impossible to enter information into these areas using the digital pen.

Abstract: A system and method capturing, in a computer system, data relating to a note-taking session, the session consisting of handwritten annotations made by a user by way of a writing implement on a plurality of pages. The method includes the steps of receiving, in the computer system and via the writing implement, an indication of the start of the note-taking session, data indicative of said handwritten annotations made by said user on said plurality of pages, and an indication of the end of the note-taking session, maintaining a retrievable record of the received data for the note-taking session, and printing a note-taking session end page indicates a start time and an end time of the note-taking session in response to receive the indication of the end of the note-taking session.

Abstract: A digital ink annotation process and system for processing digital documents and digital ink annotations therein. The process and system maintain an annotation's position within a document such that the original intent and meaning of the annotation is preserved. This is true even if the document is edited, resized, displayed on a different device or otherwise modified. The digital ink annotation process includes automatic and manual grouping of digital ink strokes within a document to define digital ink annotations, classifying the annotations according to annotation type, and anchoring the annotations to appropriate regions or positions in a document. The process further includes reflowing the annotations in a new document layout such that the annotations conform and adapt to the new layout while preserving the original intents and meanings of the annotations.

Abstract: A handwriting information processing apparatus is provided, having: a coordinate input part that detects a handwriting input made by a user and outputs a coordinate value; a processing part that performs predetermined processes based on the above coordinate value output from the coordinate input part; and a display part that displays an output of the processing part. The processing part further includes a coordinate value storing part that stores all of the coordinate values output by the coordinate input part along with stroke information and line information of the handwriting input; and a handwritten character recognition part that recognizes handwritten characters in a batch based on the coordinate values, the stroke information, and the line information stored in the coordinate value storing part.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling a unit provided with a processor. The method includes receiving at least one graphical notation in the form of positions representing a sensor device's movement across a base that is provided with a position-coding pattern, while the graphical notation was made, identifying, based on the at least one graphical notation, at least one command for the unit provided with a processor, receiving an address to the unit provided with a processor, and controlling the unit provided with a processor by sending the at least one command to the address. A computer program product contained within a medium and a device for implementing the method is also provided. The method for controlling a unit provided with a processor uses a sensor device and a product kit for controlling a unit provided with a processor.

Abstract: The invention is an electronic recording and computing device that resides within or on a pen shaped object for the purpose of recording and processing handwritten text or graphics. The device includes a marking implement that may be a pencil, ink pen, non-marking tip, chalk, crayon, marker, paint, laser marking tool, or any other instrument used for writing or marking. The device records motion and marking with one or more of each of the following components: image sensor (1), light source (5), light detector, force sensor (3), contactor, microprocessor, volatile and non-volatile memory, analog to digital converter. Movement of the apparatus is sensed and recorded by means of the image sensor (1) and optical navigation software which tracks microscopic and/or macroscopic features of the writing surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a jotting implement that infers hand-jotted information from a jotting surface. The hand-jotted information is any information marked on the jotting surface as a result of writing, jotting, drawing, sketching or in any other manner of marking or depositing marks on the jotting surface. Hand-jotted information is also information traced on the jotting surface without leaving any markings thereon or otherwise produced by the motions executed by the jotting implement with respect to the jotting surface while in contact with the jotting surface. The jotting implement has a nib for jotting and an arrangement for determining when the nib is jotting on the jotting surface. Further, the implement has an optical unit for viewing the jotting surface.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes a command region determination part determining a command region based on a stroke formed by an array of points indicated by coordinates input to a predetermined plane and a data transmission part transmitting, to the outside, data determined based on the input timing and the arrays of coordinates in the command region.

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: The present invention is directed to an improved system and method in which a pen-sized and shaped device detects, recognizes and stores handwriting as it is written by the device. The invention employs both an active feedback network and a character recognition methodology of partitioning detected input into character components. The active feedback network continually monitors device output to determine the sufficiency of the data input. If the data input is insufficient, the device modifies its detection methodology to obtain data the device readily recognizes. Data recognition is performed in multiple asynchronous processes. Elements of individual characters are sampled by the detector. Character elements are processed and recognized on this elemental level. Recognized character elements are stored for subsequent assembly and recognition on a character level. Thus, preferably two recognition sub-processes take place, one on a character element level and another on a character level.

Abstract: A system and process for quickly rendering ink is described. Rendered ink information is placed into a transparency map of an image. The image is combined with foreground and background information to produce a final image. Using this process, the painting of ink using transparency map information may be performed quickly and with less processor work than a slow rendering process.

Abstract: A method of 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 signature field relating to the computer software. When the sensing device is placed in an operative position relative to the interface surface, it senses indicating data indicative of the signature field. The sensing device also generates movement data indicative of the sensing device's movement. The indicating data and the movement data are received from the sensing device, and the signature field is identified. Once the signature has been identified, the computer software is operated in reliance on the movement data, and in accordance with instructions associated with the signature field.

Abstract: A method of 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 signature field relating to the computer software. When the sensing device is placed in an operative position relative to the interface surface, it senses indicating data indicative of the signature field. The sensing device also generates movement data indicative of the sensing device's movement. The indicating data and the movement data are received from the sensing device, and the signature field is identified. Once the signature has been identified, the computer software is operated in reliance on the movement data, and in accordance with instructions associated with the signature field.

Abstract: A method includes obtaining a scanned command mark written with a conventional writing implement onto a conventional medium, and recognizing the scanned command mark as a command that may be executed by a processor. The method may further include recognizing a command mark that comprises a notational, transformational and operational mark.

Abstract: A transparent graphical user interface that overlays the user interfaces of other applications. The transparent user interface receives handwriting input and displays handwriting objects represented by handwriting input received in the area of the transparent handwriting interface. The transparent user interface of the invention can be expanded to include most of the display area of a computer, thereby allowing the user to write anywhere within the display area. This also allows the user to write multiple lines of text. Additionally, because the user interface is transparent, it allows the user to see the underlying graphical user interfaces for other applications, including applications that receive text recognized from the handwriting input written into the transparent handwriting interface. Further the transparent interface allows the user to interact with underlying graphical user interfaces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system, method and medium for receiving and acting upon user input. In one embodiment, the user may only have access to a limited input device, like a stylus. Using the present invention, a user is provided with intuitive responses from the system based on inputs from the limited input device.

Abstract: A contact sensing device is provided. The sensing device comprises a housing having a nib and a position sensor mounted in the housing. The position sensor generates position data when the nib is positioned in contact with a surface having coded data disposed thereon, the coded data being indicative of a plurality of locations within the region and the position data being indicative of the position of the nib relative to the region. The position sensor comprises imaging optics, an image sensor, and a processor.

Abstract: A handwriting recognition apparatus is disclosed. In one embodiment the apparatus comprises an input device having a handwriting input area and configured to input a plurality of strokes constructing a plurality of characters written successively on the handwriting input area, and a recognition device configured to recognize the characters based on the strokes input by the input device, shapes of the strokes constructing two characters which are written successively and positional relations between or among the strokes constructing the two characters, whenever one stroke is input by the input device.

Abstract: A method of 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 signature field relating to the computer software. When the sensing device is placed in an operative position relative to the interface surface, it senses indicating data indicative of the signature field. The sensing device also generates movement data indicative of the sensing device's movement. The indicating data and the movement data are received from the sensing device, and the signature field is identified. Once the signature has been identified, the computer software is operated in reliance on the movement data, and in accordance with instructions associated with the signature field.

Abstract: A method, a system and a product for managing information uses of an absolute position-coding pattern formed of marks positioned on one or more products. The coordinates of the marks define an imaginary surface, which includes all marks which the absolute position-coding pattern has the capacity to code. The imaginary surface is divided into at least two regions, the coordinates of which can be separated from each other. The information is generated by passing a sensor device over the marks on the product and reading the absolute coordinates of the position of the sensor device. Reading of coordinates from the first region results in a information management function of the sensor device, such as a send function, and reading of coordinates from the second region forms message information.

Abstract: A stroke data editing device, for editing stroke data, indicating at least one stroke of a coordinate input device, comprising, a stroke data storage unit that stores stroke data, each piece of the stroke data corresponding to one stroke of a coordinate input device, a stroke data retrieving unit that retrieves, according to a predetermined condition, at least one piece of the stroke data from the stroke data storage unit so that the retrieved stroke data corresponds to at least one stroke included in a predetermined area, and a stroke data editing unit that edits at least one piece of the stroke data retrieved by the stroke retrieving unit on a stroke basis.

Abstract: A sensing device for sensing region identity data and generating movement data when the sensing device is moved relative to a region of a surface, the region identity data being indicative of an identity of the region, the movement data being indicative of the movement of the sensing device relative to the region, the surface having disposed upon it coded data indicative of at least one region associated with the surface, the sensing device including: region identity sensing means configured to sense the region identity data using at least some of the coded data; motion sensing means configured to generate the movement data; and communications means configured to communicate the region identity data and the movement data to a computer system.

Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a menu display having a plurality of menu items, and a menu item pointer movable by a user to highlight particular menu items. The portable electronic device includes a motion sensor for sensing relative movement between the portable electronic device and an imaging surface. The motion sensor is configured to generate a first set of movement data indicating a first relative movement between the portable electronic device and the imaging surface. The motion sensor is configured to generate a second set of movement data indicating a second relative movement between the portable electronic device and the imaging surface. A controller is configured to move the menu item pointer based on the first set of movement data to highlight a first menu item. The controller is configured to select the first menu item based on the second set of movement data.

Abstract: An Internet co-location facility security system integrates all the major components of the system and makes tracking information from these components available to co-located members on a database accessible from the web. A web-based interface allows co-located members to assign visitor access to the Internet co-location facility through the Internet from remote computer terminals. A visitor access and enrollment system allows a visitor to enroll only once in the system to be granted access to one or more other Internet co-location facility security systems around the globe.

Abstract: It is controlled by a non-transformation coefficient calculated by a non-transformation calculation section, whether feedback is performed or not. When the feedback is ended, a collation value calculation section calculates a collation value (coincidence coefficient×non-transformation coefficient). A display process section compares the collation value with a predetermined threshold value. When the collation value is a threshold value or more, a signature is decided as a true signature, and the transformation-corrected image and the reference image are displayed such that these images overlap.

Abstract: An Internet co-location facility security system and method integrates all the major components of the system and makes tracking information from these components available to co-located members on a database accessible from the web. A web-based interface allows co-located members to assign visitor access to the Internet co-location facility through the Internet from remote computer terminals. A visitor access and enrollment system allows a visitor to enroll only once in the system to be granted access to one or more other Internet co-location facility security systems around the globe.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved system and method in which a pen-sized and shaped device detects, recognizes and stores handwriting as it is written by the device. The invention employs both an active feedback network and a character recognition methodology of partitioning detected input into character components. The active feedback network continually monitors device output to determine the sufficiency of the data input. If the data input is insufficient, the device modifies its detection methodology to obtain data the device readily recognizes. Data recognition is performed in multiple asynchronous processes. Elements of individual characters are sampled by the detector. Character elements are processed and recognized on this elemental level. Recognized character elements are stored for subsequent assembly and recognition on a character level. Thus, preferably two recognition sub-processes take place, one on a character element level and another on a character level.