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

Abstract: A force sensor particularly suited for use in an electronic stylus that senses the contact force on its nib for recording pen strokes and handwriting recognition. The sensor has a load bearing member movably mounted for receiving an input force to be sensed, the load bearing member being biased against the direction of the input force. The sensor also has a light source, a photo-detector for sensing levels of illumination from the light source and circuitry for converting a range of illumination levels sensed by the photo-detector into a range of output signals. During use, the illumination level sensed by the photo-detector varies with movement of the load bearing member such that the output signal from the circuitry is indicative of the input force. Using an optical sensor avoids the need to use a delicate piezo-resistive sensor that requires careful tolerancing during production.

Abstract: An information system for capturing, processing, and transmitting recorded information via writing devices is described. The system comprises computing devices, an application stored on a stand-alone computer or on an application server, and client devices, which execute the application as well as collect and store data. The computing device for capturing the data is preferably a digital pen. A data collector includes specifically designed forms or a graphic user interface (GUI) that enables the collection of vital information. A data storage module stores vital information processed by the application. The computing device and the client device are usable online or offline a network. The client device is selected from the group consisting of a computer, printer, scanner, or other digital devices and is usable online or offline a network.

Abstract: A hand-held optical scanner is described. The hand-held optical scanner has an image sensor, as well as a scan window through which image light is directed toward the image sensor.

Abstract: A pen-shaped sensing device is provided for sensing coded data disposed which is substantially invisible to the average unaided human eye on a surface. The device has a region identity sensor configured to sense, when the sensing device is positioned or moved relative to a region of the surface, and using at least some of the coded data, region identity data indicative of an identity of the region, and a transmitter configured to transmit the sensed region identity data to the computer system to a computer system.

Abstract: A manually operated document scanner and methods of operation and use are disclosed. The document scanner includes a document bed having a document positioning surface. The document scanner also includes a scanner module slidably attached to the document bed. The scanner module has a magnetic character reader, a first magnet placed along a leading edge of the magnetic character reader in a first direction of travel of the scanner module, and a second magnet placed along a leading edge of the magnetic character reader in a second direction of travel of the scanner module opposite to the first direction of travel.

Abstract: A device is disclosed having an elongate housing. A pair of orthogonal accelerometers and an infrared sensor arrangement are mounted in the elongate housing. The infrared sensor arrangement is configured to sense information printed on a surface in infrared ink. The pair of orthogonal accelerometers is configured to sense relative positions of the elongate housing. A transceiver is also includes in the housing for communicating the information and relative positions to a remote computer system.

Abstract: A system for generating an interface surface is provided having a code generator for generating machine-readable coded data and a printer for printing the generated coded data onto a surface to generate an interface surface. The coded data is generated to be arranged in accordance with a layout having n-fold rotational symmetry about a center of rotation, where n is at least two, the layout including n identical sub-layouts rotated 1/n revolutions apart about the center of rotation. Each sub-layout defines the position of data elements and includes rotation-indicating data that distinguishes that sub-layout from at least one other sub-layout.

Abstract: A method and a system for interpreting information in a document are provided, with the system receiving an image of a document from a remote source and converting it into multiple sets of blocks of characters. Tags indicating likely meaning of blocks are assigned to them. At least some of the blocks have an associated score representing the probability that the characters in the block correctly represent the characters in the original image. The system selects one set from multiple sets based on the scores associated to certain blocks determined by accessing remote information over the Internet.

Abstract: A method of sensing coded data on a surface is disclosed. Images of the coded data on the surface are captured using a sensor of a sensing device. The coded data is formed from tags, with each tag encoding a unique identity of a region of the surface and the position of the tag within the region. A perspective distortion of the coded data is estimated and compensated for when detecting data elements in the tags. The unique identity of the region from the images is determined, and the position of the sensing device within the region from the position of at least one tag in at least one image captured by the sensor is determined.

Abstract: A sensing device for sensing a region provided on or in a surface having at least one region. The at least one region having printed therein or thereon coded data indicative of an identity of the at least one region, and visible information at least some of the information being at least partially related to the at least one region. The sensing device includes a sensor for sensing at least some of the coded data when the sensing device is placed in an operative position relative to the at least one region and generating indicating data. The indicating data is at least partially indicative of the identity of the at least one region and at least one of movement and a position of the sensing device relative to the at least one region. The sensing device includes a communicator configured to communicate the indicating data to a computer system.

Abstract: An opening method for a double-sided scanner is provided. A light source of one particular color inside a first group of light sources and a light source of a different color (or the same color) inside a second group of light source are lit to scan the front and back surface of a scan document. Optical signals from the front and back surface of the scan document are received and converted into analogue electrical signals. Thereafter, the analogue electrical signals are converted into digital electrical signal. Finally, the digital electrical signals are output to a host computer. This invention utilizes two groups of light sources (for example, light-emitting diodes) to serve as light sources for the double-sided scanner. Because light-emitting diodes require no warm-up period and is quick to switch, double-sided scanning is simplified.

Abstract: A device that enlarges text and images to enable a low vision person to see the text and images includes a hollow structure including a top housing and a bottom housing that are connected to one another. A camera aperture is formed in the bottom housing and a transparent light guide lens is disposed in closing relation to the camera aperture so that all light entering the camera aperture must first pass through the light guide lens. A cavity formed in the light guide lens is bounded by walls that are positioned at a critical angle. Light-emitting diodes are positioned at critical locations about the periphery of the light guide lens to illuminate the object being viewed.

Abstract: Provided is a pen-shaped scanning device for scanning a surface having coded data disposed thereon which is substantially invisible to the average unaided human eye. The device is configured to determine at least two dimensions of a rotational orientation of the sensing device relative to the surface, the coded data being indicative of at least two dimensions of the rotational orientation of the sensing device. The device includes an orientation sensor configured to generate, when positioned or moved relative to the surface, using at least some of the coded data, orientation data indicative of the at least two dimensions of the orientation of the sensing device relative to the surface.

Abstract: A method of controlling a communications device is disclosed. A printer prints on a surface visual information relating to at least one operation of the communications device and coded data portions. Each coded data portion encodes a region identifier which uniquely identifies a region on the surface, and a portion identifier which uniquely identifies the coded data portion. A sensing device placed in an operative position relative to the coded data portions, generate indicating data regarding the region identifier and the portion identifier. A computer system receives the indicating data and determines an operation associated with the region identifier and the portion identifier. Finally, the computer system sends one or more commands to the communications device, thereby effecting the at least one operation.

Abstract: There is described an image reading terminal having an image sensor array including a plurality of pixels, a first optical assembly for focusing imaging light rays onto a first set of pixels of an image sensor array and a second optical assembly for focusing imaging light rays onto a second set of pixels of the image sensor array. The first set of pixels and the second set of pixels of the image sensor array can have different exposure settings in a single exposure period for the image sensor array. In one embodiment, the indicia reading terminal can be adapted to process image data corresponding to pixels of the image sensor array for attempting to decode a decodable indicia.

Abstract: Embodiments include a method, a manual device, a handheld manual device, a handheld writing device, a system, and an apparatus. An embodiment provides a device. The device includes an imaging circuit operable to acquire digital information encoded in a hand-formed analog expression marked on a surface by a handheld writing device. The device also includes a translator circuit operable to decode the digital information. The device further includes a correlation circuit operable to generate a signal indicative of the decoded digital information.

Abstract: A manual tracking apparatus including a manually moveable wand for reading and writing media is provided comprising a wand body partially enclosing at least one wheel, an axle, and a printing member. The printing member is supported by the wand body for printing on a media surface, the printing member having a maximum print area for a predetermined position of the wand body relative to a target object substantially less than the entire area of an image to be printed. A reference ruler is provided for aligning and indexing the position of the wand body relative to the target object. A wand tracking system can be provided including the at least one wheel rigidly coupled to the axle for guiding the wand in a straight line direction.

Abstract: The invention describes a method for control of a device (1a, 1b, 1c). The method comprises visually presenting a number of user options for the device to be controlled (1a, 1b, 1c), aiming a pointing device (2) comprising a camera (3) at the visual presentation (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e) of the user options to choose a desired option, generating an image (5) of a target area (6) aimed at by the pointing device (2) and comparing the target area image (5) with a pre-defined template of the visual presentation (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e) to determine the chosen option.

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

Abstract: A pen system for recording a track of handwritten information. The system includes a handheld pen device having an image sensor, a processor and a first memory unit. The pen device generates digital ink by interacting with a coded surface and transmits the digital ink to a second memory unit located in an external data storage device. The pen device and the second memory unit are connected in such a way that transmission of the digital ink is caused to occur automatically from the pen device to the second memory unit. Receipt of the digital ink by the second memory unit causes the second memory unit to associate the track of handwritten information with a stored description of the surface. The stored description corresponds to the surface identity.

Abstract: A cellular phone is provided with a media scanning capability. Scanner optics, an optional light source and related scanning circuitry is integrated within a cellular phone to enable image or text scanning, facsimile, text-to-speech conversion, and language translation. Position sensors provide position data as the scanner is manually moved, in one or more passes across the scanned media, to enable a bit-mapped image of the strip to be created in a data buffer. Image data from the strips is processed to remove redundant overlap data and skew position errors, to give a bit-mapped final image of the entire scanned item. Image compression is provided to compress the image into standard JPEG format for storage or transmission, or into facsimile format for transmission of the document to any fax machine. Optical character recognition (OCR) is provided to convert image data to text which may be sent as email, locally displayed, stored for later use, or further processed.

Abstract: There is described in one embodiment an indicia reading terminal having an image sensor pixel array incorporated therein, wherein the terminal is operative for decoding of decodable indicia and for providing color frames of image data for storage or transmission. An imaging terminal in one embodiment can include an image sensor having a hybrid monochrome and color image sensor pixel array including a first subset of monochrome pixels and a second subset of color pixels. Embodiments of data compression circuits and/or methods for processing image data from the hybrid image sensor pixel array are provided.

Abstract: A symbol scanning and decoding device that is configured for capturing a series of images of a symbol over time and configured for providing a first (image processing) procedure that processes one or more of the series of images within a first period of time, and a second (image processing) procedure that processes one or more of the series of images within a second period of time, and where the first period of time is constrained to be less than or equal to, and the second period of time is not constrained to be less than or equal to, a period of time between a capture of an integral number of consecutive images of the series of images.

Abstract: A group of components in a container that forms a kit that is compact for fitting in a pocket and has means for rapidly collecting and recording identification information of personnel in the field and processing collected information at a computer processing station. The kit provides a means for linking collected and recorded biometric data of individuals through the use of a photographic image and a unique identifier. Complete biometric data, photographic data, and biographical information are processed into internationally accepted and law enforcement standards for later use. A method that allows personnel to rapidly collect, record, and link types of identification information and later process collected in a secure location.

Abstract: Embodiments include a method, a manual device, a handheld manual device, a handheld writing device, a system, and an apparatus. An embodiment provides an apparatus. The apparatus includes a writing element having a first portion operable to discharge a first marking substance on a surface in response to a movement of the writing element over the surface and a second portion operable to discharge a second marking substance on the surface in response to a controller. The apparatus also includes the controller operable to encode information corresponding to a context of the apparatus by regulating the discharge of the second marking substance.

Abstract: A camera system for imaging a document, the camera system including at least 2 adjacently disposed image sensors with coupling optics. The adjacently disposed image sensors are configured to acquire respective image frames of at least a portion of the document, thereby obtaining a set of corresponding two-dimensional image frames. The system further includes a processor for processing the corresponding two-dimensional image frames. The processor is facilitated to combine the corresponding two-dimensional image frames into a single image frame.

Abstract: There is described an imaging apparatus having an image sensor, and a plurality of operating states. Operation of the imaging apparatus can be differentiated between the operating states. In one operating state, the imaging apparatus can capture a frame of image data having image data corresponding to a predetermined number of pixels of the image sensor. The operating states of the imaging apparatus can be user selectable.

Abstract: At least one image captured from a printed document and at least one image captured from a display surface other than a printed document are processed. A surface-type-identification module accepts as input both types of images and identifies, for a particular image, the type of surface from which the image was captured. A display-surface-preprocessing module preprocesses the at least one embedded-interaction-code image captured from a display surface other than a printed document. A printed-document-preprocessing module preprocesses the at least one embedded-interaction-code images captured from a printed document. An embedded-interaction-code-processing module outputs location information for at least one of the at least one image captured from a printed document and the at least one image captured from a display surface other than a printed document.

Abstract: It is shown how to select and insert a non-textual, e.g. a smiley, into an application such as a chat application in a communication terminal. A smiley insertion area in the form of a hand writing input area is displayed under the control of a user interface application. After recording that a stylus, or similar device, has been used in drawing on the touch sensitive display, the drawing is matched in an interpretation process against a pattern library consisting of smileys and other non-textual symbols. After a successful match, the smiley symbol is appended to the text that is being input.

Abstract: A facility for initiating a purchase is described. The facility receives a text sequence captured by a user from a rendered document using a handheld text capture device. The facility identifies in the received text sequence a reference to a distinguished product. In response to identifying the reference, the facility presents to the user an opportunity to place an order for the established product. If the user accepts the presented opportunity to order the distinct product, the facility orders the distinct product on behalf of the user.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a method, and a device A device includes a writing element operable to form a mark on a surface corresponding to a movement of the writing element over the surface. The device also includes a controller operable to digitally encode information in the mark.

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

Abstract: Embodiments include a method, a manual device, a handheld manual device, a handheld writing device, a system, and an apparatus. An embodiment provides a manual device operable in a context. The manual device includes a writing element operable to form a mark on a surface in response to a movement of the writing element with respect to the surface. The manual device also includes a controller operable to encode information corresponding to the context of the manual device by regulating the formation of the mark.

Abstract: Techniques for generating fingerprints for articles and using the fingerprints for various applications. Scan-related parameter values, including the area of an article scanned, may be specified and varied from one scan to another for collecting data points used for generating fingerprints for articles. A paper shredder is provided that is configured to, prior to shredding a paper sheet, scan the paper sheet and generate a fingerprint for the paper sheet. Fingerprints may also be generated for media keys that are used to access media data. The fingerprint generated for a media key may be used to authenticate the media key. Access to media data corresponding to the media key may be made contingent on successful authentication of the media key.

Abstract: A device for converting digital images taken along a predefined movement pattern into a control signal. The device comprises an image input device having a connection to a image sensor. The image input device is adapted to receive the digital images captured during the displacement of the image sensor and determine whether motion measured therein corresponds to any prestored movement pattern, that is to say to a predefined gesture. The device further comprises a movement pattern converter to convert the recognized pattern into the control signal.

Abstract: A method of controlling an imager in a portable data collection device. A plurality of data structures are created with each containing a set of values for controlling an exposure process of an imager in a portable data collection device. One of the plurality of data structures is selected and the values therein are applied to the imager. Thereafter, a frame is captured by the imager and outputted.

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: A scanner capable of being folded and unfolded, the scanner including a first unit having a first scanning unit which scans a document; a second unit which is rotatably disposed to the first unit, and having a second scanning unit which moves between a folded position in which the second scanning unit faces the first scanning unit, and an unfolded position in which the second scanning unit is unfolded from the folded position; and a moving unit which moves at least one of the first scanning unit and the second scanning unit in at least one of a focus adjusting direction and a transverse direction according to a transport direction of the document.

Abstract: A method of enabling at least one function of a telephone to be controlled is provided. The telephone is operative to perform the function in response to a command from a computer system. The method includes the steps of: (a) providing a control interface containing information relating to the function, the control interface including coded data indicative of at least one operation relating to the command; (b) receiving, in the computer system and from the sensing device, indicating data regarding the operation and movement data regarding movement of the sensing device relative to the control interface, the sensing device, when moved relative to the control interface, generating the indicating data using at least some of the coded data and generating the movement data; and (c) effecting, in the computer system and from the indicating data and the movement data, the at least one operation.

Abstract: A method of providing information to a user via a printed substrate. The substrate comprises user information and coded data. The coded data is indicative of a region identity associated with the substrate and of a plurality of locations on the substrate. The method comprises the steps of: receiving interaction data indicative of the region identity and a position of a sensing device; identifying and retrieving a page description corresponding to the printed substrate using the region identity; determining whether the sensing device is positioned within a zone of a hyperlink on the substrate; and (i) if the sensing device is positioned within the zone of the hyperlink: sending a hyperlink URI or a hyperlinked resource corresponding to the hyperlink to the user; or (ii) if the sensing device is positioned outside the zone of the hyperlink: generating a query expression, forming a request and sending search results to the user.

Abstract: When it is determined whether the color of each cell of an image is black or white from the gradation value of each cell, the determination is made by comparison of the gradation level of the cell with a threshold if the gradation level is sufficiently close to that of black or white. In contrast, if the gradation value of the cell is within a gray zone, the color of the cell is determined from the colors of the cells adjacent to the cell of interest. That is, if the gradation value of the cell is gray and the colors of the adjacent cells are all black, the color of the cell is determined to be white; and conversely if the colors of all the adjacent cells are white, the color of the cell is determined to be black.

Abstract: A method of providing information to a user via a printed substrate, said substrate comprising user information and coded data indicative of a region identity associated with the substrate and of a plurality of locations on the substrate, said method comprising the steps of: receiving, in a computer system, interaction data indicative of the region identity and at least one position of a sensing device relative to the substrate, the sensing device generating the interaction data, when operatively positioned or moved relative to the substrate, by reading at least some of the coded data; identifying and retrieving at least part of a page description corresponding to the printed substrate using the region identity; generating a query expression comprising one or more search terms, at least one of said search terms being identified using the page description and the at least one position of the sensing device; forming a request using the query expression; and sending the request, or a results resource including s

Abstract: A digital pen and paper system comprising a digital pen adapted to acquire disposition data representing a position and orientation of the pen relative to a portion of a carrier using a position-determining pattern on the carrier, the pen comprising a display operable to present to a user of the system display data representing at least one character for transcription by the user, the or each character transformed to appear to the user as if it is printed on the carrier, and a method for effecting transcription of information using such a system.

Abstract: A method for providing an intensity or brightness measurement using a digital image-capturing device comprising: selecting a target area within a field of view of the image-capturing device, the target area containing pixels; determining the brightness of pixels in the target area; accumulating the brightness values of the pixels in the target area; and determining a pixel value representative of the pixels in the target area. A device for making color measurements comprising an image-capture device, a processor or logic device, and a memory location for accumulating color data, and the processor or logic device is programmed to perform color measurements by accumulating the data for pixels located in the target area in memory, and determining a representative color value.

Abstract: The system contains a scanner, an apparatus for scanning receipts into a computer and a unique software program which automatically processes, organizes and saves expense information that can be viewed in various formats, namely, tabular statements, pie-charts, etc. The scanner, which accommodates paper of differing sizes, is used to input bills, receipts, bank statements, etc. The scanner is usually connected to a computer through a Universal Serial Bus or a parallel port for easy installation. The software program creates a text file of the scanned data by inclusion of sorting, categories, etc., and automatically saves the information in Quicken Interchange Format, allowing it to be imported into any financial management software for further processing. Each receipt is treated as an individual transaction. Multiple items in the receipt are used to create a “split” transaction with proper customizable categories added. Further, the software also allows for record keeping, budgeting and budget balancing.

Abstract: A document scanning device reads an image on a document while scanning the image, and generates image data based on the image. The document scanning device selects and sets a scanning speed in accordance with a transfer mode used when the document scanning device transfers the image data to another apparatus. The document scanning device controls the amount of generated image data by using the set scanning speed to successively read the image, whereby optimal transfer processing in accordance with the transfer mode can be performed. By switching a transfer path in accordance with the type of the read data, i.e., binary data per pixel or multilevel data per pixel, efficient data transfer can be performed.

Abstract: An action plan data structure for one or more selected rendered documents is described. The data structure contains information specifying an action to perform automatically in response to a text capture from any of the selected rendered documents.

Abstract: A pen system for recording a track of handwritten information created by the pen device is provided. The pen system comprises: a handheld pen device for recording the information in a digital format; and a memory for storing the recorded information. The memory includes: a first memory unit located in the hand-held pen device; and a second memory unit located in an external data storage device. The memory units are connected in such a way that transmission of the recorded information is caused to occur automatically from the first memory unit to the second memory unit, and through transmission of the recorded information from the first memory unit to the second memory unit. The recorded information can exceed the storage capacity of the first memory unit and thereby, from the point of view of the user the first memory unit and second memory unit form a coherent memory unit.

Abstract: A scanning apparatus with the appearance of a pen for scanning a small-sized document has the casing, the cap, the input slot and the output slot for inputting and outputting the small-sized document on the casing, respectively, the transmission apparatus for driving the small-sized document, the light source for emitting the light, the photoelectric sensing device for receiving a light signal reflected by the small-sized document and then outputting a digital data of captured image to the control processing unit. The scanning apparatus also has 1394 interface connector or USB (Universal Serial Bus) connector to transmit the digital data stored in the control processing unit to the terminal operating system such as the computer, the Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), or the cellular phone for editing or printing. The scanning apparatus of the invention is easy to carry and can be operated anywhere and anytime.