Abstract: A method and system for providing owners, potential buyers and other users of autographed items such as sports and other entertainment memorabilia visual evidence for verifying the authenticity of the autograph are described. A method of the present invention involves capturing an image of the signature as it is being placed on the item. The image so captured is then stored on a computer readable medium. In addition to the item itself, the owner of the item may be provided with a computer readable medium containing computer readable instructions for accessing the image and other information about the item, the signing process, the autographer, etc. The image may be captured by a camera mounted on a pen or other writing instrument.

Abstract: A method and system for enabling user interaction with computer software running in a computer system via an interface surface and a sensing device. The interface surface contains information relating to the computer software and coded data indicative of a drawing field. When placed in an operative position relative to the interface surface, the sensing device senses indicating data indicative of the drawing field and generates movement data indicative of the sensing device's movement relative to the interface surface. The indicating and movement data are received in the computer system from the sensing device. The drawing field is identified and then the computer software is operated at least partly in reliance on the movement data, and in accordance with instructions associated with the drawing field.

Abstract: Systems and methodologies that facilitate data capture and/or display of data to users are provided. In one aspect, a mobile scanning terminal device provides inverting and/or rotating the display based at least upon; a user's perspective, image capture and bar code scanning requirements. Suitable orientation for the display can be determined via employing various sensors and artificial intelligence techniques to infer a user's optical viewing position. Such inference can be according to criteria such as; a user-state, context, and prior use of the terminal device. Accordingly, a display can be automatically configured to optimize its orientation for viewing by the user. The system can additionally provide for a holder that enables a user to employ the terminal device hands free for capture of data.

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 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: An apparatus and a concomitant method for portably detecting and recognizing text information in a captured imagery. The present invention is a portable device that is capable of capturing imagery and is also capable of detecting and extracting text information from the captured imagery. The portable device contains an image capturing sensor, a text detection module, an OCR module, a storage device and means for presenting the output to the user or other devices.

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: An apparatus for controlling the position of a screen pointer for an electronic device having a display screen includes a light source for illuminating an imaging surface, thereby generating reflected images. The apparatus includes a motion transducer. A lens receives the reflected images and directs the reflected images onto the motion transducer. The motion transducer includes an electronic shutter for controlling the amount of time that light is collected for image frames. The motion transducer is configured to generate digital representations of the reflected images. The motion transducer is configured to generate movement data based on the digital representations of the reflected images. The movement data is indicative of relative motion between the imaging surface and the motion transducer. A controller coupled to the light source turns the light source on only during the time that light is being collected for an image frame.

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

Abstract: A 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: A portable image analysis system including a hand held head assembly with an imaging window in the bottom of a housing, at least one light source in the housing directed at the imaging window, and an imaging device in the housing optically coupled to the imaging window. A computer, coupled to the hand held head assembly includes an imaging quality analysis program and a monitor for displaying images in the imaging window of the housing captured by the imaging device of the hand held head assembly for performing in situ image quality measurements.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus comprises: a light source for irradiating light to a photographic photosensitive material; an image forming optical system for forming reflected or transmitted light emitted from a photosensitive film into an image; a film carrier having a shape correspomding to various types of photographic films to be loaded from the outside and supporting the photosensitive film; and an optical waveguide being replaceably attached to a predetermined reference attachment position and having a shape corresponding to the type of photographic film. Furthermore, there are provided a withdrawing mechanism for moving the optical waveguide from the reference attachment position in the case of an incorrect combination of the shape of the film carrier and the shape of the optical waveguide, and a detecting mechanism therefor.

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: The invention is an image analysis system and method for grading of meat, predicting quality of meat and/or predicting meat yield of an animal. One embodiment of the invention is particularly designed to capture an image of the 12th rib cross section of the ribeye and perform an image analysis of the ribeye for grading purposes. The image capturing camera portion of the system has a wedged shaped camera housing for ease of insertion into the ribbed incision. The image capturing portion of the system further comprises a camera with a flash for consistent lighting. The camera is positioned such that it views the ribeye cross section at an angle to accommodate the wedge shape of the camera housing for ease of insertion in the incision. The camera housing also has various alignment means to facilitate the user's ability to capture images in a consistent manner.

Abstract: A character-recognition system provided in a digital mobile communication terminal, comprises a display, a touch panel for generating pressure signals in response to the pressures applied by the characters written on its surface a touch panel drive for generating coordinate data and touch panel state data from the pressure signals, a character data base for storing character data consisting of shapes and stroke data of the characters, a character-recognition for generating the addresses of the precise character data retrieved from the character data base by recognizing the data of the written characters, a character code storage for storing the character codes corresponding to the character data stored in the character data base, and a controller for delivering the stroke data of the written characters calculated from the coordinate data and touch panel state data to the character-recognition means, wherein the controller retrieves the character codes from the character code storage corresponding to the addre

Abstract: A method and system utilizing both (x, y) coordinate (“spatial”) stroke data and associated pressure information for improved handwriting recognition. The method and system can also be applied to all types of handwriting-based data entry applications and also to user authentication. The digitizer pad used in the computer system gives both spatial information and associated pressure data when a stroke is being drawn thereon, e.g., by a stylus. Pressure information can be used to differentiate between different character sets, e.g., upper case and lower case characters for certain alphabetic characters. The spatial stroke data then identifies the particular character. The pressure information can also be used to adjust any display attribute, such as character font size, font selection, color, italic, bold, underline, shadow, language, etc. The associated pressure information can also be used for recognizing a signature. In this case, a user is allowed to sign a name on the digitizer pad.

Abstract: A handheld device scans a line of information in the form of Internet URL's, Internet protocol addresses, Internet e-mail addresses, FTP sites, USENET news group addresses, DNS addresses and bar codes as they occur in print advertising and printed media. The scanned information is decoded and displayed for user verification. The device utilizes onboard information retrieval software that establishes a connection to the Internet to retrieve HTML, XML, WML, and VRML documents, e-mail messages, USENET news, Java applets, ActiveX documents, Active Server Pages, or file transfers from the Internet locations interpreted by the handheld scanner.

Abstract: It is disclosed that a mobile scanner includes only the minimum components to operate as a scanner. The disclosed scanner does not have a separate power supply to energize the components to work. Further, unlike many scanners in the market, there is not a single microcontroller in the disclosed mobile scanner while the performance thereof could outperform those scanners commanded traditionally by a microcontroller in the scanners. The disclosed scanner is coupled by an interface engine to a computing device that provides system control signals and power supply. The interface engine comprises a control circuit providing logic control signals to the scanner to operate in response to the system control signals. As such, the scanner is of high performance and low cost and so lightweight that it can be used in any conditions.

Abstract: A scanning system includes a scanner accessory which is operationally supported by a wider-purpose wireless handheld communications device. The communications device may be a personal digital assistant (PDA), a cellular phone, a combined PDA/cellular phone, or a similar device that enables wireless communications. The scanner accessory is adapted for freehand scanning and includes an image sensor, at least one navigator, and data transfer circuitry that is compatible with exchanging information with the communications device, including outgoing captured image information and incoming scan control information for controlling scanning operations by the scan accessory. Simultaneous with capturing image information by the image sensor, the navigator tracks the position of the image sensor relative to a document being scanned, so that the image information can be “position-tagged” to form an electronic image for display at the communications device.

Abstract: A handy scanner equipped with rollers in a lower surface of a bottom plate thereof includes a bank portion protruding downward from the lower surface of the bottom plate and provided to surround a periphery of an FAP protruding downward from the same lower surface such that the FAP does not contact with a surface of an original. Downward protruding distances of the bank portion and rollers are determined such that at least a portion of the bank portion and the rollers can contact with a surface of an original simultaneously and, preferably, a difference in vertical level between lower ends of the bank portion and the FAP is set such that CTF of the handy scanner becomes 30% or more.

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: When a detachable image reader can scan both color and monochrome images, the read images are transferred and printed in the scanning order. A printing output is undesirably limited depending on the type of printing agent cartridge of a main body printer. An object of this invention is to solve this problem. When a hand scanner unit scans and stores color and monochrome images, and mounted on a main body reader, a printing agent cartridge in the printer is identified. If the cartridge is a color one, color images in the hand scanner unit are preferentially transferred and printed out by the printer. Then, a change to a monochrome cartridge is displayed on a display. After the cartridge is changed, monochrome images in the hand scanner unit are transferred and printed out by the printer.

Abstract: Cross correlation between a reference image frame and a comparison image frame determine the direction of motion relative to x and y orthogonal axes for a pointing device that uses optical imaging to monitor movement relative to a surface. Pixel data for a portion of the surface are loaded into a buffer memory that shifts the data between successive positions in the buffer memory as each pixel of a comparison frame is processed to compute cross correlation. Auto correlation is determined for positions in the reference frame and used with the cross correlation results to determine a sub-pixel interpolation for the movement of the pointing device. A new reference frame is loaded using data for the comparison frame currently being processed if the pointing device is moved sufficiently so that the next comparison frame will not overlap the existing reference frame.

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: 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.

Abstract: A wireless input device having an outward appearance resembling a standard ballpoint pen operates as both a standard ballpoint pen or similar writing instrument as well as an input device. The pen includes directional sensors for determining the direction and length of each pen stroke. A transmitter is provided in the pen barrel for transmitting the stroke signals directly to a computer for input and processing each stroke to provide an accurate representation of the pen stroke as it is being made. The transmitter may be a wireless device for transmitting a low frequency radio signal to a receiver associated with the computer. This permits the pen to be utilized anywhere within the transmitting range of the device, and in any orientation, with the computer picking up, processing and storing the signal representing the pen strokes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a color image reader installed on an image reader such as a hand scanner whose reading speed may change during reading. A hand scanner has an encoder sensor which outputs movement amount data to a relative speed monitoring unit.

Abstract: A handwritten data capture apparatus is disclosed. The handwritten data capture apparatus can include a user-supported portable data capture unit and a handgrip region. The apparatus includes a handwritten data capture component having a receiving surface. A method for using a data collector to receive, compare and evaluate inputted signatures is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of capturing data having the steps of writing on a form with a pen to leave an image on the form, scanning the written image as the written image is being written, and storing the scanned written image in a specific data field. A method of capturing an input, including written information, sounds and images includes the steps of specifying a data field by touching a pen tip to a data-field-specific area on a form; supplying the input; electronically capturing the input and associating the input with the specified data field. An information capturing system, includes a pen, the pen including a writing tip and a position transducer to determine the position of the writing tip relative to a form.

Abstract: A system and method for using specially printed paper and a handheld device to supplement, or replace, large displays and user interfaces commonly required for efficient use of computing devices. The paper is encoded with location information and a message. The message is distributed redundantly across the page, may be arbitrarily large, and may contain security information. In one embodiment, the device uses a single sensor to read the encoded message and location information, and to measure the relative motion of the device. After scanning the specially printed paper, a user may then raise the device, place it on any convenient flat surface, and continue to slide, exploring areas outside of the printed copy.

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 system for automatically routing data captured by multifunctioning devices, such as scanners through speech and voice recognition. After capturing an image or document with the device, speech disposition commands are made by a user speaking into a voice pickup component in the device to control the disposition of the captured image or document. The user uses the commands to program various tasks and operations and build more powerful commands. The system executes and learns commands with multitasking. As one of the tasks, the system has a training function which can be used to prompt for additional information for incomplete commands. The system keeps previously performed commands and can use these commands for parameters to complete an incomplete command.

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 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 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 hand-writing input and recording device is housed in a case and may be hand-held by a user when in use. The device includes a contact element, an amplifying element, a sense element, an X-Y axes matrix element, a recording and storing element, a transmitting element and a receiving element. When the contact element generates a displacement variation in the X-Y axes, the X-Y axes displacement variation value will be emitted from the transmitting element to the receiving element and input into a computer for display on a computer screen to show the characters or patterns generated from the X-Y axes displacement variation value.

Abstract: A stylus includes a wireless transceiver, a processor controlling the transceiver, and a data storage device. Data can be selected on a first computer such as a first personal digital assistant (PDA) and then transmitted via wireless link to the stylus, when the user manipulates a button on the stylus to signal to the operating system of the first PDA that it is ready to receive data. The data is transmitted to the stylus and stored therein. Then, the stylus is aimed at a second PDA and the button is manipulated to cause the stylus to transmit the data to the second PDA via wireless link. With this invention, users of the PDAs can, e.g., quickly and efficiently exchange business cards electronically, without excessive manual data entry and without resorting to connecting their PDAs to a network.

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

Abstract: Provided is a transparency scanner having a light source which is synchronously moved with the image sensor of the scanner by using magnetic force to establish a solid connection between the transparency scanning light source and the image sensor while scanning a transparency. A motor is used to synchronously move the transparency scanning light source and the image sensor to avoid the errors produced by driving devices such as different motors or gears, etc. Therefore, synchronous movement of the transparency scanning light source and the image sensor can be ensured, and the deterioration of the scanning quality due to various distributions of the intensity of the light source can also be avoided.

Abstract: Time elapsed from the time when the sensor cover is opened and power supply to the fingerprint sensor is turned from off to on is counted and when there is no fingerprint image read-in command within a specified period of time power supply to the fingerprint sensor is turned off. Even if power supply to the fingerprint sensor is turned off, when a fingerprint image read-in command executes power supply to the fingerprint sensor is turned on and read-in of a fingerprint image commences. If a fingerprint image read-in command executes when the sensor cover is closed, that command is invalidated. In such a configuration, the opening and closing of a sensor cover works in synchronicity with on/off control of power supply for a fingerprint sensor and even when the sensor cover is open, wasteful electricity consumption through power supply continuing if the fingerprint sensor is not used within a specified period of time is prevented.

Abstract: In a method for recording a selected sequence of characters with the aid of a pen, the latter is passed over the sequence of characters and a plurality of images, whose contents partially overlap, are recorded simultaneously with the aid of a light-sensitive sensor (8) with a two-dimensional sensor surface. The recorded images are put together, horizontally as well as vertically, into an image. Subsequently, the characters in the composite image are identified and stored in the pen with the aid of a predetermined character code formal. The putting-together, the character identification, and the storing are carried out with the aid of a signal processing unit (20-24). By the method and the pen compensation is obtained for different speeds of movement and different angles of rotation of the pen.

Abstract: In the optical system of a code reader, its MTF best position on the subject side at a spatial frequency corresponding to a code pattern is set to be present at a given distance from the end surface of the code reader. The light receiving surface of a photosensor is set larger than the image of one block of the code pattern which is formed through the optical system.

Abstract: A reading pen for reading text has an elongate casing with a reading opening (3) formed in one end thereof, a printed circuit board (5) which is arranged inside the casing, light-emitting diodes (7a, 7b)) arranged inside the reading opening and adapted to illuminate the text that is to be read, and a light-sensitive sensor (9) arranged inside the reading opening and adapted to read the illuminated text. The printed circuit board (5) has an end portion at said one end of the casing. The end portion essentially corresponds to the form of the casing. The light-emitting diodes (7a, 7b) and the light-sensitive sensor (9) are arranged on said end portion.

Abstract: A portable imaging device includes a user operable pointing device that operates together with interactive segmentation functions and an OCR application for capturing and converting digitally recorded images to text. The user operable pointing device permits a user of the portable imaging device to identify a region in an image with textual content. The portable imaging device evaluates whether textual and formatting content in the segmented region can be properly analyzed by the OCR application. In addition, the portable imaging device provides a mode for translating text identified in recorded images.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus including an image reading section, an amount-of-movement detecting thinning out the transfer data other than particular transfer data, each of successive transfer data pieces at a time, adding the amount of movement, which is contained in the thinned-out transfer data, to the amount of movement, which is contained in the particular transfer data, and generating compressed data composed of the image data in the particular transfer data and the added amount of movement, and a data transferring section for transferring one of the transfer data and the compressed data to a destination.

Abstract: The invention provides an image processing apparatus which can correct distortion of read image data using only the image data without using a two-dimensional sensor. The image processing apparatus includes an estimation section for estimating a displacement amount between part data which form image data based on a cross-correlation between the part data, and a correction section for correcting the image data so as to cancel a displacement in the image data based on the displacement amount estimated by the estimation section. The image processing apparatus is used to correct distortion of an image, particularly a document image, inputted from an image inputting apparatus such as, for example, a handheld image scanner.

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.