Abstract: The invention concerns a system and method for enabling graphic design by means of a computer system. Employing the invention involves the use of one or more forms capable of interacting with a computer system or network, each form comprising sheet material such as paper which has coded data printed on it and which allows it to interact with the computer system by use of a sensing device operated by a user.

Abstract: A method and system for electronically recording and authorizing a transaction utilizes an electronic reading device for generating an electronic reproduction of written information by detecting positions of the electronic reading device relative to a particular address pattern in a data entry field of a formatted surface. The electronic reproduction of the written information is sent to a server that stores or processes the electronic reproduction. For example, the server can determine whether the electronic reading device is authorized to use the particular address pattern or whether the electronic reproduction correlates with stored data. In addition, to enable the electronic reading device, detection of a correct user personal identification number (PIN) or user fingerprint may be required.

Abstract: A handwritten character recognition apparatus has a character string input area of a size that allows a user to hand write a plurality of characters thereon using a stylus. A coordinate detection unit extracts a coordinate string for each stroke that forms the handwritten character string. An input completion judgement unit judges an immediately preceding handwritten character string to be complete if a time difference between a last coordinate of an immediately preceding stroke and a first coordinate of a stroke being input is at least a predetermined time, when the first coordinate of the stroke is detected in a first area of the character string input area. A character segmentation unit segments a stroke string for each character from all the strokes of the previously input hand written character string from which a character recognition unit recognizes each character and outputs a character string which is the recognition result.

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

Abstract: In a document in which a plurality of data items of different kinds are mixed, when one data item is edited, the relative positional relation to other data items is prevented from being destroyed, whereby information is prevented from becoming meaningless or from being changed. For example, when an edit is carried out on one data item, a deviation amount of that data item is derived and a shift process by the same amount is effected on the other data items, whereby the relative positional relation can be maintained among the data items.

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

Abstract: A payment product has a writing area (6c) which is intended for a user's signature. In the writing area there is a first position-coding pattern (5) which makes possible digital recording of the signature. The first position-coding pattern is a subset of a larger second position-coding pattern. The payment product is used in a payment system which is based on electronic payment information, which has been recorded by means of the position-coding pattern, being sent to a server unit, which utilizes the position-coding pattern to check that the payment information is valid.

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 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: 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 method for recognizing handwritten Chinese characters based on stroke recognition comprises steps of: recognizing handwritten strokes, updating stroke code sequences; retrieving in dictionaries/lexicons at least one corresponding character/phrase entry so as to obtain at least one candidate Chinese character/phrase; dynamically displaying the at least one candidate Chinese character/phrase; jumping to the step of recognizing strokes if it is judged that a next stroke is being written; inputting a displayed Chinese character/phrase into computers as the result of recognition if this character/phase is selected by the user.

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: An image identification apparatus for identifying an image from a hand drawn representation of at least part of the image, the image identification apparatus comprising an image processor arranged in operation to generate a reference identification in response to spatial samples produced from at least part of the hand drawn representation, the reference identification being indicative of a first estimate of which of a plurality of pre-stored images corresponds to the hand drawn representation. and a controller which is arranged in operation to cause the image processor to produce a refined reference identification from the spatial samples and further spatial samples produced from a further part of the hand drawn representation, the refined reference identification being indicative of a refined estimate of which of the plurality of the prestored images corresponds to the hand drawn representation.

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: Methods for communicating between an application and an ink divider object (which stores ink strokes to be divided into groups) may include: (a) issuing a divide request to the ink divider object, optionally by the application; (b) in response to the divide request, calling a divide method, which groups the stored ink strokes into one or more groupings of strokes having a first predetermined granularity (e.g., words, lines, paragraphs, sentences, drawings, etc.); and (c) making information regarding the one or more groupings of strokes available to the application. This “information” made available to the application may include, for example, the actual groupings of the strokes, the number of stroke groupings having the first predetermined granularity, machine generated text corresponding to the stroke groupings, or the like. The results of the divide method may be stored in an ink division result object.

Abstract: An image identification apparatus for identifying an image from a sequence of spatial samples generated in response to a hand drawn representation of the image, the image identification apparatus comprising a segment processor arranged in operation to determine from the spatial samples stroke data representative of strokes performed in drawing the hand drawn representation of the image, a stroke pre-processor which is arranged in operation to generate parameter data from the sequence of spatial samples and the determined stroke data of the hand drawn representation, and an image identifier coupled to the stroke pre-processor which is arranged in operation to identity the image from the parameter data. The image identification apparatus finds application in many fields, including identifying hand drawn images for generating a story board from pre-generated images.

Abstract: There is provided herein a new method of identifying when a particular hand-drawn selection has been made on, for example, a standardized test form. This method does not require the use of any particular form nor does it use registration marks. It is robust enough to be used when the form is somewhat misaligned on the scanning device. This method utilizes a scanned “blank” form which is then compared with a form containing user markings thereon. As a first step, the user's form is mathematically iteratively aligned with the scanned blank form. As a next step, a fine-scale refinement is applied to each individual “bubble” (i.e., response field) of the user's form to bring that feature into near exact alignment with the same bubble on the blank form. Finally, a quantitative measure of the similarity between the blank and user forms is used to determine whether or not the user has made a mark on the form within that response region.

Abstract: A method and system for enabling handwritten note taking and retrieval, whereby a user is able to electronically capture, manage and search notes handwritten on paper by the user using one or more forms printed on paper and using a sensing device which senses coded data included in the printed forms.

Abstract: A method and system for enabling handwritten note taking and retrieval, whereby a user is able to electronically capture, manage and search notes handwritten on paper by the user using one or more forms printed on paper and using a sensing device which senses coded data included in the printed forms.

Abstract: A product has a surface having with a position-coding pattern that codes a plurality of positions on the surface. The position-coding pattern includes a plurality of symbols each having at least two different values. Each position on the surface being coded with a plurality of symbols. Each symbol including a raster point in a raster extending over the surface, and at least one marking, the location of which in relation to the raster point specifies the value of the symbol. The markings can include information representing more than one spatial resolution level and varying between different markings. The position-coding pattern can be used in different contexts for position determination such as digitizing handwriting.

Abstract: A device and method is disclosed for the contemporaneous creation of a digital copy of a written document using a self-contained, hand-held communications device. The self-contained device functions as a writing device and as a digital documenter. It allows for maintenance of position sense within a document thus enabling the user to write cursive, print, draw, write mathematical formulas, draw symbols, punctuate, edit and the like. The invention discloses a self-contained apparatus and method for determining position sense without reliance on special paper, pads, or attachments to the document. The system provides position sense during writing by quantitative comparative analysis of serial images of the surface imperfections of the document. Character generation is discriminated from noncharacter-generating positional changes such as spacing between words. Encryption of data output from the device provides privacy.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus and method capable of making a desired document using a simple operation based on highly object oriented features. In an embodiment, all writings in a source document are entered by an image scanner and decomposed into individual characters (character strings), symbols and/or graphicals. From them a recognize characters and graphicals block makes document element records which are stored into a document element file storage. A create descriptor elements block makes descriptor element records of document-carried written signs for descriptors for specifying requirements of a desired document from the document element records while referencing descriptor group attributes and descriptor element specifiers. A create descriptors block makes descriptor records from the descriptor element records in a first storage and the document element records in a second storage while looking up the descriptor element specifiers.

Abstract: A touchpad pointing device utilized as a pattern input device for a pattern recognition system. The input pattern received from the touchpad pointing device is translated into a start application command. The recognition system forms part of a computer having an operating system and includes a touchpad pointing device, a recognition module and a signal capturer. In addition, a unit for launching an application to run on a computer having an operating system and a pointing device which produces an input pattern in response to movement upon it, is described. The unit includes a recognition module and a launcher. The recognition module attempts to recognize the input pattern as a previously trained launching pattern. The launcher launches the application by providing a launching command which is associated with the launching pattern to the operating device. A security application enables access to the computer upon receipt of an input signature from a user with access privileges.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system are provided for selecting a symbol using a user interface having at least one selectable button adjacent a surface actuated when contacted by a pointing device. Initially, the method and system receives stroke information based on a stroke on the surface adjacent at least one selectable button on the user interface, identifies a symbol based on the stroke information, provides the symbol for further processing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for inputting a hand-generated character into a computer. A user draws a character using a drawing apparatus. As the user draws, movement of the apparatus and characteristics of such movement are detected. The apparatus generates a code for the character being drawn as a time dependent sequence of signals by comparing the characteristics of the movement as the character is drawn with a predetermined set of characteristics, with each signal corresponding to the predetermined characteristic closest to the actual characteristic detected at each successive step of movement. The apparatus provides visual feedback to the user by displaying in sequence each component of a character that is being drawn positionally independently of the movement of the drawing apparatus.

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 device including a housing, a writing tip connected to the housing, a writing surface position indicator, a processor in the housing, a memory device in the housing connected to the processor, and a sensor in the housing and cooperative with the writing surface position indicator. The device may be used to record writings and drawings applied to a surface by a user, to transmit that data to a remote device, to download data from remote devices, and to otherwise communicate with remote devices.

Abstract: An electronic device used to identify loci containing more than one stroke. This electronic device utilizes a ball rotation sensor to detect the position and movement while it is in contact with a surface and an acceleration sensor when the device is not in contact with the surface. Further, this device is able to correct for inaccuracies in the acceleration sensor utilizing data received from the ball rotation sensor. This correction is based on a calculated detection error determined while the ball rotation sensor is active. The correction occurs when the device is again no longer in contact with the surface and again utilizing the acceleration sensor to determine position.

Abstract: A reading apparatus (10) comprising means for detecting pen point coordinate changes over time, for handwriting made by pen on writing media, and means for generating handwriting data indicating those coordinate changes for each writing medium, a character recognition apparatus (2) for performing character recognition on handwriting data, and a business processing apparatus (4) for executing business processing in response to recognized character strings are provided. Handwritten particulars entered on vouchers are immediately subjected to character recognition, and used in business management, and handwritten vouchers can also be preserved. Accordingly, the redundant work involved in entering handwritten particulars again to a computer can be reduced, input errors can be prevented, and processing can be done speedily.

Abstract: This invention discloses a handwriting information processing system, comprising handwriting information input means and handwriting information recognition means, said handwriting information input means and said handwriting information recognition means co-operate for accepting and recognizing a user's handwriting input, said handwriting information processing system is characterized by further comprising a character segmentation user interface for accepting the definitions of text/picture areas, handwriting lines and character boundaries from a user.

Abstract: A system for spacing, storing and recognizing electronic representations of handwriting and printing comprises a central processing unit that couples with a display device, an input device, and a memory. The memory includes means for spacing ink stroke representations, means for recognizing outline elements, means for performing deferred recognition, means for highlighting drawing areas and means for storing and displaying ink stroke representations. These means operate together to provide a pen-based or graphics oriented computer system with improved performance and added functionality for manipulating the space between ink stroke representations.

Abstract: A product has a surface provided with a first coding pattern and a second coding pattern. The coding patterns may include symbols each of which represents at least two different values. Each symbol in the first coding pattern may be defined by one raster point and at least one marking, the raster point being included in a first raster, which extends over the surface. Each symbol in the second coding pattern may also be defined by one raster point and at least one marking, the raster point being included in a second raster. This second raster may be displaced in relation to the first raster and may have a different spatial scale than the first raster. Each symbol in the first and the second pattern may have a value which, for example, can be indicated by the location of the marking belonging to the symbol in relation to a raster point in the first and second raster, respectively.

Abstract: A hand held device that functions as a writing instrument and a generator of digital copies of the written product. The device is configured like a writing instrument, having an elongated tubular body and a writing point. The device also has an internal position sensing devices, a written image detector, a microprocessor that converts movement of the instrument and the detected image into data and a transmitter to transmit the data to a digital device such as a computer.

Abstract: To efficiently recognize characters from several character sets, a palmtop computer system is disclosed wherein more that one character input area is displayed. Each character input area is designed to recognize strokes that represent characters from a different character set. In one embodiment, the palmtop computer system has an alphabetic input area and a numeral input area. In such an embodiment, strokes entered in the alphabetic input area are interpreted as alphabetic characters and strokes entered in the numeral input area are interpreted as numerals.

Abstract: A handwritten data input device comprises a coordinate detection tablet for detecting handwritten data input by handwriting with an input pen, and a program recording medium therefore, and is characterized in that, merely as a particular symbol such as a check mark is input by handwriting to an input region of the tablet, the handwritten data can be converted into a category code corresponding to the particular symbol, for each and every input region on the tablet. The category codes which indicates the meanings of the respective marks are stored in the RAM while the particular marks are associated with the respective handwriting marking boxes on a marking sheet. When a mark is handwritten in a marking sheet on the tablet, the CPU searches the contents of the RAM on the basis of the written mark, and converts it into a corresponding category code.

Abstract: The note capture device enables a user of any type of image capture device to enjoy the advantages of handwritten notes while having access to the power and flexibility offered by standalone as well as networked computing devices for information storage, retrieval, modification, and communication. The major elements of the note capture device are a housing which contains preferably an electromagnetic digitizer tablet, a small notepad such as a Post-it® Notes product or a small paper pad overlying the region of the housing that contains the digitizer tablet, a pen that works in conjunction with the electromagnetic digitizer tablet in the housing, and a wireless or wired connection to a host computer. The notepad has a removable paper writing surface and the pen includes an inked tip of any desired type so that the user experiences a comfortable and familiar feel of pen/pencil on paper as he or she writes on the notepad.

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 method for electronic analysis of handwriting samples. A digital bit-map of handwriting samples created, using a digital camera or electronic scanner. The bit-map is then marked at selected points using a cursor to obtain measurements, such as the slant angles of strokes and height measurements of major areas in the writing. The measurements are tabulated and may be used to authenticate the handwriting sample. Also, the tabulated results may be compared with predetermined standard profiles for determining certain characteristics relating to the person who produced the handwriting sample. The invention also provides a method for determining the pressure and angle of the writing instrument, by creating a three-dimensional representation of portions of the writing sample for measurement and analysis.

Abstract: A digital messaging pen includes a writing nib that a user can use to write a message. The digital messaging pen captures the message. The user then selects a destination for the message, and the digital messaging pen transmits the message to the destination.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus implementing a technique for processing handwritten marks made on a machine-readable tablet. The technique includes providing multiple regions for input on the tablet; receiving from a user handwritten marks made in a current region of the plurality of regions; receiving from the user an indication that the current region is complete and thereupon selecting a different one of the plurality of regions as the current region in which to receive handwritten marks made by the user, whereby marks are received in a sequence of at least two regions; and representing the handwritten input as the aggregate of the marks written in the sequence of regions in a writing direction, the marks in different input regions having positions with respect to each other defined by a logical concatenation of the regions on the sequence of regions. The input can be arbitrarily-long markings of any kind.

Abstract: An on-line handwritten Chinese character recognition apparatus based on character shapes uses a reference file for look-up of compressed codes-sequence codes in a conventional input method founded on dismantling by character shapes as reference when comparing character to reduce the number of matching templates required in the on-line handwritten Chinese character recognition system and to lower the time for matching. Input handwritten Chinese characters are dismantled into constituting radicals. Thereafter, with reference to code retrieving rules of the input method, and based on the character composing method of handwritten characters, radicals for comparison are retrieved. Then, the compression formula of the input method is used to compress the codes of the base radicals, and the compressed codes are compared with contents of the input method reference file to obtain the sequence codes of candidate characters.

Abstract: A system and a corresponding method for determining a spatial relationship between a surface having a predetermined pattern and an apparatus are disclosed. A portion of the surface may be imaged and compared with the predetermined pattern. The comparison produces at least one reference measurement that may be used to determine a spatial relationship expressed in at least parameters that define an orientation of the surface. By using knowledge of the predetermined pattern together with an algebraic model of the image formation by the apparatus, a numerical adaptation can be performed. Parameters obtained from the adaptation can then be used to calculate the spatial relationship between the apparatus and the surface in terms of, for example, a distance between the apparatus and the surface or an angle between the surface and an axis extending through the apparatus.

Abstract: A writing device for storing handwriting is disclosed. The writing device comprises a pen and a cap that are equipped with RF or acoustic transmitters and a RF or acoustic receiver in order that triangulation may be used to track the positions of the pen as it is being implemented by the user. The pen is also equipped with a pressure sensor for detecting when the pen is in contact or non-contact with a writing medium. The pen also comprises a microprocessor for compiling the images of the handwritten characters, and an internal memory for sequentially storing the data.

Abstract: Keyword selection methods for use with handwriting recording devices such as a personal digital notepad (PDN) which provide robust keyword selection by making stroke membership and selection more flexible and, therefore, less prone user error/variability. In one aspect of the present invention, a method for selecting a keyword in a handwriting recording device comprises the steps of invoking a keyword selection mode writing bounding strokes around handwritten strokes selected by a user for designation as a keyword; defining a bounding region as the area contained within the bounding strokes; and determining keyword membership of a recorded stroke based on a relation between the recorded stroke and the defined bounding region. Keyword membership may be determined by including only those recorded strokes which fall entirely within the bounding region.

Abstract: A handwriting code processing device mounted on a handwriting input device and including a setting register for holding information about hardware characteristics of a display unit and a handwriting input unit, an input control unit for converting coordinate data into handwriting information independent of hardware according to characteristics information held by the setting register, a processing unit for executing data processing with respect to handwriting information to generate and output handwriting information for display to be displayed on the display unit according to processing results, and a display control unit for generating a display screen from handwriting information for display and causing the display unit to display the screen according to characteristics information held at the setting register.

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: This invention provides an input apparatus which can correctly recognize and accept hand-written characters as soon as they are input without using such an input device as an optical character reader or a keyboard. when characters, etc., are written using a writing instrument having a pen grip (22) fitted thereto, the pressure of fingers applied to the writing instrument is measured by strain gauges (28a, . . . , 28c). The strain gauges (28a, . . . , 28c) output the pressure change of the fingers as waveforms representing electrical changes to a CPU. The CPU (40) separates the waveform into unit waveforms each corresponding to one character, and analyzes wave characteristics for each unit waveform. The waveform characteristics of the written character are then compared and collated with the waveform characteristics of each character of a writer which are in advance learned and stored. Accordingly, the hand-written characters can be correctly recognized immediately after written. Since mercury switches (29a, .