Abstract: A handheld dictionary and/or translation device includes an optical scanning element activated by one of an optical switch activated by proximity to text to be scanned, a one-way mechanical switch within the scanning element activated by contact with a printed page, and a mechanical switch separate from the optical element. When activated, the device may be used to scan one or more printed word(s) by wanding the optical element over the word(s). In one aspect, the device includes a display that is activated simultaneously with the optical element. Once the unknown word is scanned, optical character recognition software converts the word to an electronic format, and a controller retrieves the word's definition (or translation) from a corpus within the device for output to the display and/or an audio speaker. The device may be incorporated within a cellular telephone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a pager, or a handheld computer.

Abstract: Currency is validated by comparing identifying information extracted from the currency, such as a serial number associated with the currency, to identifying information in a list corresponding to invalid currency, such as counterfeit currency. If the extracted identifying information matches identifying information on the list, the currency is deemed invalid. A photograph or thumbprint image can be obtained by a person using the invalid currency to help in later identification of that individual. Optical character recognition techniques can be used to extract the identifying information.

Abstract: An image processing system and method is disclosed. The image processing system can be configured for use with a mouse scanner system operable to scan a document. The mouse scanner system includes a scanner built into a computer mouse and the image processing system includes a scanner software application operating on a computer. The scanner includes a positioning system operable to output position indicating data and an imaging system operable to output captured image data. The data is sent to the scanner software application where a feedback image is constructed and displayed on a display in real, or near real, time to allow the user to view what areas have been scanned. The scanner software application also constructs an output image that can be printed, saved or communicated.

Abstract: Because the back-and-forth movement by hand is slower and more strenuous than the leftward-and-rightward swinging, a handheld image-tracking device, which can be applied to an optical mouse or a handheld scanner, uses a rectangle-shaped sensing array to save area of the sensing array and lower down the production cost for the device by reasonably reducing the back-and-forth sensing area for the sensing array; and, so, an amount and time spent for a data comparison in the device is lessened.

Abstract: A method of generating an interface surface is provided in which machine-readable 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 defining the position of data elements, and including rotation-indicating data that distinguishes that sub-layout from at least one other sub-layout, and the coded data is printed onto a surface to generate an interface surface.

Abstract: Techniques for processing handwriting input based upon a user's writing style. Some techniques employ the style in which the user writes a single character, while other techniques alternately or additionally employ a group of allographs that form a handwriting style. Some implementations of these techniques, such as those implemented in writing style analysis tool, analyze one or more characters written by a user to identify a community, such as a geographic region or cultural group, to which the user's handwriting style belongs. Other implementations analyze one or more characters of a user's handwriting in order to alternately or additionally categorize the user's handwriting into a particular handwriting style. The writing style analysis tool may then provide the user with a handwriting recognition application specifically configured for that user's personal handwriting style.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention may include a scanning device to scan three dimensional objects. The scanning device may generate a three dimensional model. The scanning device may also generate a texture map for the three dimensional model. Techniques utilized to generate the model or texture map may include tracking scanner position, generating depth maps of the object and generation composite image of the surface of the object.

Abstract: Systems and methods for quickly and easily getting information about, or included in, a paper document into a public or private digital page. One embodiment of an example system includes a scanner that generates scan information from at least a portion of a paper document and a processing system that receives the generated scan information from the scanner, accesses a database of digital documents, searches the database based on the received scan information, locates a digital document corresponding to the paper document, and sends either the digital content or a hyperlink to the digital content to a predetermined web page.

Abstract: A scanner for scanning items marked with near-infrared tags includes a laser configured to produce a narrowband near-infrared beam matched to a peak wavelength of near-infrared ink used to print the tags. A mirror assembly re-directs the beam. A deflecting arrangement receives the re-directed beam. A steering mirror steers the deflected beam. A scanning mirror directs the beam onto the tag to be scanned and a light collection system collects light reflected by the tags.

Abstract: In a portable terminal, a character string clipping section clips an image of a character string from image data photographed by a screen image pickup device. A character recognition section recognizes the clipped image of the character string and acquires a character code string corresponding to the clipped character string. A character string tracking section sets the acquired character code string as a tracking object character string when the tracking object character string extends beyond the photographable area as well as tracking the tracking object character string or a marker character string ultimately used as an input character string while repeatedly updating the marker character string. A display section highlights the tracking object character string when the tracking object character string extends beyond the photographable area of the image pickup device and displays an arrow showing the relative direction.

Abstract: A portable terminal and a user interface control method thereof are provided. In the terminal and method, patterns of a subject image captured by a camera are recognized and analyzed. First and second images changed according to motion (movement, holding away from or drawing close to a user) of the portable terminal are captured by the camera module. Patterns of the first and second images are recognized. The motion of the portable terminal is analyzed based on the recognized patterns. Control commands corresponding to the analyzed motion are selected. A function corresponding to the selected control command is performed. The portable terminal can be intuitively and simply used as its motion is directly applied to user interface control. User interface can be controlled without an additional part, using a camera installed to the portable terminal. Also, the present invention can resolve the problems caused when the conventional navigation key is operated.

Abstract: A portable reading machine that operates in several modes and performs image preprocessing to prior to optical character recognition. The portable reading machine receives a low resolution image and a high resolution image of a scene and processing the low resolution image to recognize a user-initiated gesture using a gesturing item that indicates a command from the user to the reading machine and the high resolution image to recognize text in the image of the scene, according to the command from the user to the machine.

Abstract: An optical system comprises an imaging arrangement (1?, 1?) that transmits an image to an image plane; a sensor; and one or more locator elements that locate the imaging arrangement (1?, 1?) to provide the image on the sensor. Tolerances of the locator element(s) allow a lateral translation and a rotation of the imaging arrangement (1?; 1?) around a nominal rotation point. A parameter of the optical system is selected such that a movement, resulting from either the lateral translation or the rotation, of an optical axis (OA) on the sensor is at least partly counteracted by a movement, resulting from either the lateral translation or the rotation, of the image on the sensor with respect to the optical axis (OA). Thereby, the optical system is wholly or partly self-compensating with respect to tolerances affecting the angular position or the lateral position of the imaging arrangement.

Abstract: An imaging device comprising a plurality of linear imaging arrays and image formation optics that provide field of views corresponding to the plurality of linear image arrays. At least one illumination module produces planar light illumination that substantially overlaps the field of views corresponding to the plurality of linear imaging arrays. Image processing circuitry performs image-based velocity estimation operations, which analyzes pixel data values of a plurality of composite 2-D images each derived from sequential image capture operations of a corresponding one linear imaging array to derive velocity data that represents an estimated velocity of the imaging device with respect to at least one target object disposed in the fields of view.

Abstract: A sensing device for sensing coded data on a surface, generating indicating data, and transmitting the indicating data to a computer system is provided. The coded data is indicative of at least a region identity of the surface, whilst the indicating data comprises data regarding a region identity of the surface and data regarding movement of the sensing device relative to the surface. The sensing device comprises: (a) an image sensor configured for sensing and capturing images of at least some of the coded data when the sensing device is placed in an operative position relative to the surface; (b) a processor for generating the region identity component of the indicating data using the captured images; (c) a movement sensor for generating the movement component of the indicating data; and (d) a transmittor for transmitting the indicating data, comprising the region identity data and the movement data, to the computer system.

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 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 housing for a load bearing member for receiving an input force to be sensed and associated circuitry for converting the input force into an output signal indicative of the input force. The bearing member is movably mounted within the elongate body (up to 100 microns). The input force acting on the load bearing member is caused by contact on the nib. The load bearing member is biased against the direction of the input force. The force sensor also has a light source and photo-detector for sensing levels of illumination from the light source.

Abstract: A sensing device is provided with an image sensor for capturing images of coded data disposed on a surface, a framestore for storing frames of the captured image as image data, subsampling means for subsampling the stored image date to generate subsampled image data, and an image processor for processing the subsampled image data to generate interaction data based on the sensed coded data and indicative of interaction of the sensing device with the surface. The image processor is integrated on a monolithic integrated circuit, the monolithic integrated circuit including a first subsampled framestore for storing the subsampled image data based on image data from the framestore.

Abstract: A display method and display apparatus. Shooting a physical medium generates a captured image from the physical medium. An image pattern on the physical medium, which includes an identification code and binary indicators, is scanned. The identification code identifies a location on a storage medium of at least one image object. Each binary indicator is associated with a corresponding status parameter and has a positive value or a null value. At least one status parameter value is acquired and has a status parameter value for each status parameter whose binary indicator has the positive value. A display object is generated in dependence on the location appearing in the identification code and the acquired at least one status parameter value. The display object and the captured image are displayed, on a display unit of the display apparatus, in an overlapping relationship in which the display object overlaps the captured image.

Abstract: A computer-based system is disclosed for the gathering and analysis of data and planning associated with that data captured during or related to events. The system is based on existing core technology that allows for the use of a digital pen land marked with respect to some spatial location on the surface of a computer screen that allows storage of ink data and allows for interpretation of handwritten characters. A mouse can be used in place of the digital pen, however, it is advantageous to use the digital pen on the surface of a computer screen. Part of the invention is able to capture real-time data in dynamic environments where the user must maintain active contact with the scene, allowing only minimal viewing of the computer screen. This minimal viewing component can be applied to, but not limited to, polling, traffic analysis, and sporting events. For the application to team sporting events, the minimal viewing component provides an efficient means for personnel to enter game statistics in real-time.

Abstract: A data capturing module combined with a portable data terminal of the hand-held type to record handwritten data. Using a digitized pad, the module can provide for direct input of handwritten data into the system, or a peripheral digital scanner can be employed to provide for data entry. Depending upon the particular application, the module therefore provides for data entry of handwritten text or graphics using the data terminal and other components of a portable data system to enter, display, print or otherwise communicate the handwritten data.

Abstract: The hand-held inspection tool enhances the ability of an on-site inspector to detect and communicate the presence of contamination on an object or in an area. An on-site inspector directs an excitation light in the sensing head of the tool into an area of interest. If the targeted contamination is present, the excitation light causes the contamination to emit fluorescence. The emitted fluorescent light passes through a narrow spectral band-pass video camera filter and is detected by a video camera mounted in the tool sensing head. The video camera transmits the image to a display visible to the on-site inspector. The invention also includes a means of recording, documenting, and wirelessly communicating the inspection process so that remotely located personnel can view the inspection, and respond to the inspection findings in real time.

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: 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 embedded interaction code-enabled display includes: an outer transparency layer, an optional inner transparency layer, an optional infrared-reflection layer between the outer transparency layer and the inner transparency layer, an EIC dot pattern between the outer transparency layer and the infrared-reflection layer, and, optionally, transparency glue between the outer transparency layer and the infrared-reflection layer or the inner transparency layer. The outer transparency layer 1308 and the inner transparency layer may be glass, plastic, or a film. The EIC dot pattern may be printed on, or pressed onto, the inner side of the outer transparency layer. The EIC dot pattern may include an encoded surface identifier that identifies the embedded interaction code-enabled display. The encoded surface identifier may uniquely identify the embedded interaction code-enabled display.

Abstract: An information processing unit, such as a mobile phone, equipped with a fingerprint sensor and reconciles size reduction with operability at a high level. Adjacent to an operation panel is a V-shaped groove which contains a first slope stretching away from the operation panel and slanting downward and a second slope stretching further away from the operation panel and slanting upward, where the V-shaped groove contains a fingerprint sweep sensor which detects a fingerprint on a finger moved along the first slope and the second slope.

Abstract: A three-dimensional optical mouse device with a Micromirror Array Lens (MMAL) is provided. To have the three-dimensional optical mouse system, a three-dimensional imaging device is used for detecting the motion of optical pointer or fingers of the user and gives a location of the pointer to computer working as a pointing device in three-dimension. This three-dimensional pointing system uses three-dimensional imaging device using MMAL with variable focal length.

Abstract: A digital camera system in which capture, processing and storage functions are partitioned differently than in existing systems. A hand-held digital camera is used with a workstation that may exist in a commercial image processing service center. A minimal amount of image data processing is performed in the digital camera, thereby allowing significant digital camera cost reductions due to lower memory requirements, lower processing requirements, and lower power requirements. Real-time single pass image compression techniques are employed within this digital camera to permit rapid gathering and storage of raw or minimally processed image data. The workstation to which the image data are transferred performs the image processing normally done within existing cameras. This processing takes advantage of the increased computational power that is possible to have in such a workstation, compared to that of a small camera, and the increased time over which such processing may be performed.

Abstract: An image sensing apparatus includes an image capture unit, a communication unit and a switch. The image capture unit captures a digital image using an image sensing device. The communication unit transmits a resume signal to an external computer, the resume signal being used by the external computer to release a suspended state. The switch enables the image sensing apparatus to capture a digital image using the image capture unit and enables the image sensing apparatus to transmit the resume signal to the external computer using the communication unit. Before the resume signal is transmitted to the external computer, the image sensing apparatus determines whether the external computer is in the suspended state. If it is determined that the external computer is in the suspended state, the image sensing apparatus enables the communication unit to transmit the resume signal to the external computer so as to release the suspended state.

Abstract: A schema and style sheets for DIBR data are provided. The schema includes: a BitWrapper node schema used for graphics data compression; and a DepthImage node schema, which is used for depthimage-based model rendering, includes camera information and texture information having a depth information, defines diTexture as an element including SFDepthtextureNode as a model group, wherein the BitWrapper node schema includes: a node element, which contains graphics data including data to be compressed and refers to SFWorldNode as a subelement; a BitWrapperEncodingParameter element; and three attributes having the names type, url, and buffer and the types SFInt32, MFUrI, and SFString, respectively. The schema and style sheets allow an author to easily control the representation and compression of DIBR when authoring 3D contents and to easily generate an input file for an MPEG-4 encoder.

Abstract: A system for processing a text capture operation is described. The system receives text captured from a rendered document in the text capture operation. The system also receives supplemental information distinct from the captured text. The system determines an action to perform in response to the text capture operation based upon both the captured text and the supplemental information.

Abstract: A sensing device for sensing coded data on a surface, generating indicating data using the coded data, and transmitting the indicating data to a computer system is provided. The coded data is indicative of an identity of a region of the surface and of a plurality of locations of the region, whilst the indicating data comprises data regarding a region identity of the surface and data regarding a position and/or movement of the sensing device relative to the surface. The sensing device comprises: (a) an image sensor configured for sensing and capturing images of at least some of the coded data when the sensing device is placed in an operative position relative to the surface; (b) a processor for generating the indicating data using the captured images; and (b) a transmitter for transmitting the indicating data to the computer system.

Abstract: A portable device having scanning, imaging or other data-capture capability is described. In some cases, the portable device can indicate to the user when enough information has been captured to uniquely identify a source document. In some cases, the portable device calculates timestamps and location-stamps indicating when and where a data capture occurred. In some cases, the portable device is controlled by gestures. In some cases, the portable scanning device has associated billing and content/service subscription information.

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: The present invention relates generally to obtaining metadata associated with images, audio and video. Once claim recites a method including: obtaining data corresponding to media content from a handheld device, the data representing picture elements of an image or video or representing audible portions of an audio signal; computing attributes of the data using a processor, said act of computing utilizes the processor to operate on the data; using computed attributes of the data to identify the media content or to identify metadata associated with the media content; obtaining metadata associated with the media content; and providing the metadata to the handheld device from a network resource. Other combinations and claims are provided as well.

Abstract: Preferred embodiment of electronic financial assistant systems includes a device adapted to capture information from a financial record and a computing device that is operatively coupled to the device. The computing device is adapted to compare financial transactions incurred by a user with the information captured from the financial record. Other systems and methods are also provided.

Abstract: A method for creating an image that depicts the motion of a moving object. The method comprises: a) identifying a motion of a moving object in a plurality of initial images depicting a scene, b) capturing a plurality of reference images of the moving object, c) cropping at least one sub-image of the moving object from at least one of the plurality of reference images, and d) combining the at least one sub-image and at least one of the plurality of reference images to produce a final representation depicting the motion. The resolution of the plurality of initial images is lower than the resolution of the plurality of reference images.

Abstract: An apparatus for acquiring an image and a method therefor. The apparatus is electrically connected to an image sensor for acquiring an acquired image and outputting an original image signal. The apparatus includes an image processor, a data reduction unit and a buffer. The image processor generates a first image signal according to the original image signal. The data reduction unit reduces a data amount of the first image signal to generate a second image signal. The buffer stores the second image signal.

Abstract: A hand-held user unit, which can be part of a network-based information management system, allows for the writing down and recording of handwritten information. The user unit has a memory for storing the recorded information. The memory comprises a first memory part located in the user unit and a second memory part located in an external data storage device, which memory parts are connected in such a way that, from the point of view of a user, they form a coherent memory unit. Methods for memory management in such a user unit are also described.

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: An image acquisition device includes an image sensing unit for registering raw image data and a movement sensing unit for determining information indicative of the current position of the image sensing unit and of a deviation of the current position of the image sensing unit from a reference position. The image sensing unit also includes a processing unit for receiving the information indicative of the current position of the image sensing unit and of its deviation from a reference position from the movement sensing unit. The processing unit is adapted for moving image data received from the image sensing unit to the current position by the amount of deviation from its reference position determined by the movement sensing unit and for performing object recognition on the thus moved image data.

Abstract: A system for initiating an action in a processing system. The system comprises a printed page having an interactive element enabling user interaction with the page; an optically imaging sensing device for interacting with the interactive element and generating indicating data using sensed coded data; and a processing system configured for: receiving the indicating data, identifying a page description corresponding to the printed page; identifying the interactive element and initiating an action associated with the interactive element. The printed page comprises a plurality of coded data portion, each containing a code pattern encoding a unique location on the page and identifying a page identity.

Abstract: A method for operating a mobile communication terminal with an integrated photographic apparatus is provided. The method comprises producing a first image from a first object with the photographic apparatus; detecting a diagnostic element within the first image; deriving at least a first value from the diagnostic element; deriving at least a first comprehensive value from the first value; determining a first difference between the first comprehensive value and a corresponding comprehensive initialization value derived from at least one initialization value; and assigning a first operational function of the mobile communication terminal to the first difference.

Abstract: A system and method for facilitating the video information search and users' navigation through multiple video image or video stream files, as well as reducing the amount of data transferred between a video content management server and a video playback client, by employing metadata tags inserted into the video recordings automatically or by an operator of an encoded information reading terminal.

Abstract: A method for generating a combined image that comprises, during capturing a sequence comprising a plurality of initial images, detecting a subset of the plurality of images having no substantial motion thereamong, combining data from the subset to produce a combined image, and outputting the combined image.

Abstract: A method (400) for automatically performing a plurality of image processing functions on an electronic device (100) by providing a plurality of image processing option keys (405) including a first image processing option key and a second image processing option key. The first image processing option key is associated with a first image processing function and the second image processing option key is associated with a second image processing function that is different from the first image processing function. The method (400) performs capturing (410) a first image using a camera (119) in response to a user activation of the first image processing option key and then automatically performing (415) the first image processing function in response to capturing the first image.

Abstract: A system and method for performing optical navigation uses an imaging lens, which is positioned between a target surface and an image sensor array, that is orientated to be substantially horizontal with respect to the target surface such that the optical axis of the imaging lens is substantially perpendicular to the target surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for strobed image capture includes stroboscopic illumination synchronized with one or more cameras to improve a signal to noise ratio, reduce motion blur and avoid object damage in sensor systems used to analyze illumination sensitive objects.

Abstract: The invention relates to an active sensing device configured to capture and decode infrared (IR) position tags from a page. The sensing device includes a force sensor photodiode configured to sense when a portion of the device is in contact with the page, and an image sensor configured to image a part of the page proximate the portion when the portion is in contact therewith. Also included is a controller arranged in signal communication with the photodiode and image sensor, said controller configured to control the photodiode and image sensor to capture, decode and encrypt the tags into digital ink data. The device further includes a radio frequency (RF) integrated circuit and antenna configured to securely transmit the digital ink data to a computing system by utilizing a pre-registered session key.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for storing, organizing, and accessing image-based documents. The method includes receiving an image-based document, conducting an OCR conversion process to produce an equivalent document in text format, identifying keywords of the equivalent document in text format, linking the keywords with the image-based document and the corresponding equivalent document in text format, and storing the image-based document, the corresponding equivalent document in text format, and the keywords in a relational database.