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

Abstract: Systems and methods for use in handwriting recognition in computer algebra are provided. One disclosed method includes receiving handwriting input from a user via a handwriting input device, the handwriting input representing a mathematical expression. The method further includes, at a recognizer, processing the handwriting input to recognize a plurality of candidates and ranking the plurality of candidates to form initial candidate data. The method may further include, at an application program, scanning the plurality of candidates for segments that match application-level criteria, and adjusting a rank of one or more of the plurality of candidates based on the matching, to form a processed candidate list. The method may further include displaying the processed candidate list via a graphical user interface.

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

Abstract: An interactive system including a printed substrate having coded data disposed thereon an an electronic pen for interacting with the substrate. The pen includes an infrared light source; an image sensor; a cartridge having a nib for contacting said substrate; a retraction mechanism for slidably moving the cartridge between a retracted position and an extended position; a force sensor cooperating with the retraction mechanism; and a processor configured to generate indicating data indicative of the interaction with the substrate. The image sensor is configured to sense said coded data only when said force sensor detects that said nib is in contact with said substrate.

Abstract: A method of delivering a facsimile is provided. The method starts by printing, by a printer, a document on a substrate. The document has printed thereon visible user information and invisible coded tags. Each tag encodes an identity of the document and a location of the tag on the substrate. A sensing device senses the printed coded tags when the sensing device is moved relative to the document by a user so as to compose a message. The message is electronically captured by the sensing device using the identity of the document and a sequence of the respective locations of tags sensed by the sensing device. The message is then transmitted to a recipient address for facsimile delivery.

Abstract: A medical device system and method for monitoring a patient include a monitoring device for storing data relating to the patient and a digital pen for digitizing and storing data handwritten by the patient. A control module is configured to aggregate data stored by the monitoring device and handwritten data stored by the digital pen.

Abstract: The invention deals with an aid device for reading a printed text, comprising a data acquisition peripheral with a camera and a communication interface, said peripheral being movable by a user on a printed text to frame a portion of text, a processing unit, communication means between the peripheral and the processing unit, and a vocal reproduction device. The processing unit is programmed to acquire a sequence of images framed by the camera, to detect when the user has stopped on the text, to recognise at least one word which the user intends reading, and to reproduce the sound of said at least one word by means of vocal synthesis by means of the vocal reproduction device.

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 printer module having an elongate cylindrical body is disclosed. The printer module includes modular connectors arranged on longitudinal ends of the body to permit at least an image processing module to be attached to the body. A communications bus associated with the modular connectors interconnects the printing module and other modules, including the image processing module to facilitate communication between the printing mechanism and the image processing module for receiving print data. A pagewidth printing mechanism positioned in the body and adjacent a media feed path prints the print data onto print media in the media feed path.

Abstract: A method of interpreting handwritten data inputted on a printed form using an optically sensing pen. The form has a plurality of different form fields for the handwritten data input. The form also includes a plurality of printed tags and the method includes the steps of: (a) receiving, from the pen, digital ink representing handwritten data input of the pen relative to the form; (b) identifying the form field in which handwritten data has been inputted; (c) identifying a set of predetermined text values associated with the identified form field; and (d) interpreting the handwritten data by decoding the digital ink and converting the decoded digital ink into computer text. The computer text is selected only from the set of predetermined text values.

Abstract: An electronic pen is configured for transmitting coordinate data to an external terminal. The pen includes an image component (200) configured to generate a digital image of a region on a writing surface. Further, the pen includes a communication component (202) comprising an image analysis module (202b) configured to receive image data representative of said digital image and to transform the image data into coordinate data, and a transmitter module (202c) configured to transmit the coordinate data to the external terminal. The communication component (202) may be a standard communication circuit with spare processing capacity, in which the image analysis module (202b) is implemented by image analysis software loaded into a working memory and executed by a processor of the communication component (202).

Abstract: A system including a sensing device and a printer is disclosed. The sensing device and the printer are in communication with each other. The sensing device is for sensing first coded data included in a first interface disposed on a first surface. The printer is configured to receive, from the sensing device, data representative of the sensed first coded data, to send data based on the received data to a computer system, to receive response data from the computer system, the response data being derived by the computer system from the data sent to the computer system and identifying a unique identity of a second interface, to generate the second interface based at least partially on the response data, the second interface comprising second coded data encoding the unique identity of the second interface, and to print the second interface onto a second surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and an apparatus, as well as a computer recording medium for handwriting input. The invention is implemented by capturing images including raw strokes with a digital camera and receiving writing sounds with a microphone, when a user writes on a writing surface with a stylus having a special mark (such as special color point or light point), said images and sounds are time-stamped; extracting images of raw stroke by comparing the captured images with the special mark on the stylus; and retrieving “effective strokes” from the raw strokes by utilizing the received writing sounds. Moreover, the invention discloses a low cost, wireless method and apparatus for handwriting input which enables an user to write on a paper without a touch sensor provided for a computer system (such as Notebook and PDA etc.) equipped with an embedded digital camera.

Abstract: The combination of an electronic fingerprint reader and a second electronic transmission device includes a first portion with a top surface and an electronic transmission device disposed therein and a second portion having a top surface with a width between about 2 inches and about 12 inches and a depth between about 1 inch and about 12 inches. A fingerprint reader is disposed in the top surface of the second portion. The top surface of the second portion is disposed at an angle of between about 0° and about 30° with respect to the horizontal such that the top surface of the second portion slants forwardly from the trailing edge of the second portion towards the leading edge of the second portion. The leading edge of the second portion is disposed at an elevation between about 0 inches and about 4 inches above the trailing edge of the first portion.

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: A networked computer system includes a printer configured to print media bearing visible graphic data and invisible coded data tags and receive transmitted sensed data associated with the data tags. A pen-type device includes an image sensor configured to sense the data tags and wirelessly transmit associated sensed data to the printer. One or more servers are interfaced to the printer, via a network, and are configured to receive the sensed data from the printer and process the sensed data.

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: A pen system for recording a track of handwritten information created by a handheld electronic pen. The pen system includes the handheld electronic pen and a second memory unit located in an external data storage device. The electronic pen has an image sensor for optically imaging a position-coding pattern printed on a surface, a processor for recording the handwritten information as digital ink and a first memory unit for storing the digital ink. The first and second memory units are connected in such a way that a transmission of digital ink is caused to occur automatically from the first memory unit 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.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting that a signature capture device is not performing optimally by analyzing captured signatures for either aesthetic quality or expected form, wherein the signature capture device performs the aesthetic quality or expected form analysis and wherein the analysis is performed by software external to the signature capture device.

Abstract: The invention provides a method, system, and program product for encrypting information. In one embodiment, the invention includes prompting a user for a password associated with a digital signature certificate stored in a digital pen, capturing a handwritten password made using the digital pen, displaying to the user the captured password, and encrypting information entered using the digital pen using the captured password. In some embodiments, the password may be captured from a predefined field on a digital page.

Abstract: A computer system is provided for delivery of a facsimile using an interactive document printed on a substrate provided for entry of a message using a sensing device. The document includes user information and coded data on a document identity and locations on the document. The sensing device reads the coded data when placed in an operative position relative to the document. The method and computer system allocating and recording an identifier for the document, associating the document with the identifier, causing the document to be printed on the substrate by a networked printer, receiving interaction data representing interaction of the sensing device with the coded data, electronically capturing the message using the interaction data and the recorded identifier and transmitting the message to a designated recipient address for facsimile delivery.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for increasing the rate of recognition of spatial writing, the apparatus including an inertia sensor module, a storage module, an operation module, and a recognition module. The inertia sensor module measures acceleration of a spatial writing device. The storage module stores predetermined operation information and parameters for tracing the motion trajectory of spatial writing, and pattern information about the motion trajectory. The operation module calculates a velocity of the spatial writing from the acceleration measured using the operation information and parameters, corrects the calculated motion velocity by limiting positional relationships between predetermined points which correspond to the motion trajectory of the spatial writing, and traces the motion trajectory using the corrected motion velocity.

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 image reading apparatus includes an pointing part that points a position on a medium that has an image to be read formed thereon, an irradiating unit that irradiates light onto the medium on which the position was pointed by the pointing part, an imaging unit that forms an image of light reflected from the medium irradiated with light by the irradiating unit, a generating unit that generates a signal representing the image to be read that depends on the reflected light whose image is formed by the imaging unit, and a changing unit that varies an direction of the imaging unit, and changes the position on the image that is imaged by the generating unit, within an irradiation range irradiated with light by the irradiating unit.

Abstract: An electronic pen for interacting with a substrate having coded data disposed thereon. The pen comprises: an image sensor for sensing the coded data when the pen is used to interact with the surface; a slidably retractable nib for contacting the surface; and a processor configured to generate indicating data indicative of the interaction with the substrate. The image sensor is configured to sense the coded data only when the nib is configured in the extended position.

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: The present invention relates to interfacing with electronic ink. Ink is stored in a data structure that permits later retrieval by applications. The ink includes stroke information and may include property information. Through various programming interfaces, one may interact with the ink through methods and setting or retrieving properties. Other objects and collections may be used as well in conjunction with the ink objects.

Abstract: Provided is an image processing module for a pen-shaped page-width printer which prints business card-sized media. The module has at least one connector, having a four wire serial bus to connect the module to additional modules of the pen-shaped printer; and an image processor. The processor is configured to dynamically convert an image from an L*a*b* color space to a CMY color space whilst printing said media.

Abstract: A counterfeit currency detector including a tubular body having a forward end and a rearward end, a contact assembly mounted at the forward end of the tubular body, and a counterfeit solution applicator mounted at the rearward end of the tubular body. The contact assembly includes an ultraviolet light source.

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: Embodiments include an article of manufacture, apparatus, device, system, computer-program product, and method. In an embodiment, an article of manufacture includes a display surface that includes a machine-distinguishable form identifier keyed to an electronic version of the form and at least two fields. Each field of the at least two fields respectively includes a unique machine-distinguishable field identifier keyed to a field of the electronic version of a form, a content area that accepts a hand-formed entry, and a unique user-understandable field identifier.

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: A modular printer system includes a number of modules that are capable of being logically and physically connected together. The modules include a printer module having a body that defines a print media feed path extending from an input end to an output end and a pagewidth printing mechanism positioned adjacent the media feed path between the input end and the output end for printing onto print media in the media feed path. At least one modular connector is arranged on the body to permit at least an image processing module to be connected to the body. A bus interconnects the printing mechanism and the image processing module to facilitate communication between the printing mechanism and the image processing module.

Abstract: An identity authentication device is stylus-shaped. A processor is disposed within the device. The stylus-shaped device includes a scanner-type device component for capturing within the processor memory a written signature generated by the stylus while the stylus is writing upon a surface. A fingerprint sensor is disposed within the grip of the stylus. The fingerprint sensor enables the capture of a digital signature of the writer at the same time that the written signature of the writer is captured. Once the identity of the writer has been authenticated by comparison against a reference print, the signature of the writer irrefutable. The device serves the same general purpose and can be used in lieu of a signature pad. The device is either attached to a surface or is portable and wireless.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses that synchronize a paper document to an associated digital document by establishing a mapping. An embedded interactive code (EIC) Document is created as a digital file that serves as an intermediate tier between the paper document and the digital document. Both the paper document and the EIC document are generated while printing the paper document. The EIC document records the corresponding EIC array allocations and a unique document identification number. An image capturing pen may generate a stroke on any page of paper document. With the EIC document, the methods and apparatuses inform an application the page and location on the page of the stroke.

Abstract: Transmitting data between different computers includes selecting data stores in a first computer with a stylus, generating a transmission identification code corresponding to the data selected, transmitting the transmission identification code generated from the first computer to the stylus, transmitting the transmission identification code from the stylus to a second computer, and transmitting the data selected with the stylus from the first computer to the second computer in accordance with the transmission identification code.

Abstract: The invention relates to on-line handwriting recognition. At least one auxiliary line is displayed on a touch sensitive panel. Each of the auxiliary lines constitutes a portion of more than one character of a character set. A character of the character set is drawn on the touch sensitive panel by completing one of the at least one auxiliary line into the character. The drawn character is recognized on the basis of said completion. The invention allows handwriting recognition that is significantly more reliable and easier to use than prior art techniques.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for capturing information encoded within a surface, such as location information or document metadata, and associating the information with a document is described. The captured information may be obtained by a camera associated with a pointing or writing device having a camera, such as an image-capturing pen.

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 and system for decoding data on a medium that is captured by an input device is described. The method decodes a symbol design, such as an embedded interaction code (EIC), on a display screen, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD). An image that is captured by an input device, such as a universal pen-type input device with a camera, is received. The captured image is processed to output an extracted bit stream. Position data and/or metadata information is decoded from the extracted bit stream and a position of the captured image with respect to a screen of the LCD is determined based upon the decoded position data. The EIC pattern may be recognized from LCD pixel grids and a bit stream of EIC bits may be extracted based upon the recognized EIC pattern.

Abstract: A computer system includes a printer configured to print visible information and invisible coded data tags on print media. A pen-type device includes an image sensor configured to sense the data tags and wirelessly transmit associated sensed data. A relay is configured to receive the transmitted data. One or more servers are interfaced to the relay, and are configured to process the received data from the relay and to perform an action based upon the received data.

Abstract: A printer for printing a second interface onto a second surface, in response to sensed coded data received from a sensing device in the form of a stylus. The indicating data is sensed by the stylus from first coded data included in a first interface disposed on a first surface. The printer includes an input module and a printing module. The input module is configured to receive the sensed data from the stylus. The input module generates indicating data based on the sensed data. The indicating data is sent to a computer system. The printing module includes a printing mechanism configured to receive the response data derived from the sensed coded data from the computer system. The second interface is based at least partially on the response data. The printing module then prints the second interface onto the second surface using the printing mechanism.

Abstract: A digital image capture and processing system having a housing with a light transmission window, and an illumination subsystem including an illumination board disposed adjacent the light transmission window, configured substantially within a plane, and having a central aperture mounted adjacent the imaging window. The illumination board supports an array of illumination sources mounted around at least portion of the central aperture, for producing and a field of illumination within the FOV of its image formation and detection subsystem during object illumination and imaging operations. A FOV folding mirror is mounted within the housing and beneath the illumination board, and folds the path of the FOV beneath the light transmission aperture and directs and projects the FOV out through the central aperture. Also, an automatic illumination control subsystem is provided for controlling the array of illumination sources during object illumination and imaging operations.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a display section for displaying image information by being subjected to a voltage and/or an electric field, a writing section for writing the image information into the display section, and a reading section for optically reading the image information displayed on the display section. As the display section, a flexible display section such as an electronic sheet is adopted in the image reading apparatus.