| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|
| 20080197187 | METHOD FOR DELIVERING A GREETING CARD TO A USER - A method for delivering a greeting card using a form, the form including information relating to at least one interactive element associated with the delivery of a greeting card and coded data relating to the at least one interactive element. The coded data is coincident with the information so that when a sensing device is placed in an operative position relative to the interactive element, the sensing device senses at least some of the coded data and generates indicating data using the sensed coded data. The indicating data is received by a computer system which identifies, using the indicating data, the at least one interactive element and deliveres, using the at least one interactive element, a greeting card to a recipient address. | 08-21-2008 |
| 20080198417 | PRINT MEDIUM HAVING LINEAR AND TWO-DIMENSIONAL CODED DATA - A print medium is provided which has a surface provided with first coded data in a linear pattern encoding first information and second coded data in a two-dimensional coordinate grid encoding second information. The first and second information are indicative of a print media identifier linked to a product. The print media identifier is able to be determined using a sensor module of a mobile telecommunications device. The product is retrievable from a database using the print media identifier. | 08-21-2008 |
| 20080199237 | SYSTEM FOR ENABLING USER INTERACTION WITH COMPUTER SOFTWARE - A system for enabling user interaction with computer software is provided which has a printer. The printer receives print data, prints a form using the print data, receives indicating data from a sensing device and transfers the indicating data to a computer system. The form is printed by printing information related to at least one interactive element associated with the delivery of a greeting card and coded data indicative of the interactive element. At least some of the coded data is printed to be coincident with the information. The sensing device senses at least some of the coded data and generates the indicating data using the sensed coded data. The indicating data generated is at least partially indicative of the interactive element. The computer system interprets the transferred indicating data. | 08-21-2008 |
| 20080204429 | Controller Arrangement For An Optical Sensing Pen - Provided is a controller arrangement for an optical sensing pen having a nib. The controller arrangement is configured to operatively sense location data by sensing location tags on a page of printed media, and to calculate an orientation of the pen and a nib-to-tag distance. The controller arrangement includes an infrared (IR) illumination LED and image sensor assembly configured to transmit IR light onto, and receive IR light reflected from, respectively, the page of printed media. The controller arrangement also includes a force sensing infrared LED and photodiode assembly configured to detect when the nib contacts the page so that the sensor assembly is only activated when the nib is in contact with said page, and an accelerometer configured to allow the controller to sense motion without reference to the location tags. The controller arrangement further includes a transceiver and antenna assembly, and a processor arranged in signal communication with, and configured to control, the sensor assembly, the photodiode assembly, the accelerometer and antenna assembly to operatively calculate the orientation of the pen and the nib-to-tag distance, and to transmit the location data to a computing system. | 08-28-2008 |
| 20080204562 | CAMERA SYSTEM HAVING SERIALLY CONNECTED CAMERA DEVICES TO FACILITATE A CASCADE OF IMAGING EFFECTS - This invention provides for a camera system having a plurality of hand held camera devices connected together in series. Each camera device includes an image input configured to receive image data from a camera device preceding in the series of devices, and an instruction reader configured to read instructions from a card inserted into the camera device, said card having encoded thereon various instructions for the manipulation of the image data. Each camera device also includes a processor unit arranged in communication with the input and the instruction reader, the processor unit configured to perform image manipulation on the image data according to the instructions read from the card. Also included is an image output configured to transmit manipulated image data from the processor to a camera device following in the series of devices, the camera system operatively facilitating a cascade of imaging effects. | 08-28-2008 |
| 20080205762 | Optical Imaging Pen Having An Orthogonal Accelerometer - The invention provides for an optical imaging pen configured to capture and decode infrared (IR) position tags from a page. The pen includes a force sensor photodiode configured to sense when a nib of the pen is in contact with the page, and an LED configured to project IR radiation onto a portion of the page when the nib is in contact therewith. The pen also includes an image sensor configured to image the portion of the page when the nib is in contact therewith by receiving reflected IR radiation, and at least one orthogonal accelerometer configured to sense motion of the pen by sensing acceleration in x and y directions and integrating with respect to time to produce an instantaneous velocity. The pen further includes a controller arranged in signal communication with the accelerometer, 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, and to include the instantaneous velocity of the pen into the digital ink data. | 08-28-2008 |
| 20080209511 | AUTHENTICATION METHOD FOR PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS HAVING CODED PACKAGING - A method for authenticating a pharmaceutical product, the pharmaceutical product being associated with packaging having disposed thereon or therein coded data including a number of coded data portions, each coded data portion being indicative of an identity of the pharmaceutical product and at least part of a digital signature of at least part of the identity. The method includes, using a sensing device to sense at least one coded data portion. A processor then determines the identity at least one determined signature part, and uses these to authenticate the pharmaceutical product. The coded data is arranged in accordance with at least one layout having n-fold rotational symmetry, where n is at least two. The layout includes n identical sub-layouts rotated 1/n revolutions apart about a centre of rotation. At least one sub-layout includes rotation-indicating data that distinguishes that sub-layout from each other sub-layout | 08-28-2008 |
| 20080209512 | AUTHENTICATION METHOD FOR PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS HAVING SYMMETRICALLY CODED PACKAGING - A method for authenticating a pharmaceutical product, the pharmaceutical product being associated with packaging having disposed thereon or therein coded data including a number of coded data portions, each coded data portion being indicative of an identity of the pharmaceutical product and at least part of a digital signature of at least part of the identity. The method includes, using a sensing device to sense at least one coded data portion. A processor then determines the identity at least one determined signature part, and uses these to authenticate the pharmaceutical product. The coded data is arranged in accordance with a n-fold rotationally symmetric layout. The layout encodes data comprising a sequence of an integer multiple m of n-symbols. Each encoded symbol is distributed at n-locations about a centre of rotational symmetry such that decoding the symbols produces n-representations of the data each comprising a different cyclic shift of the data. | 08-28-2008 |
| 20080210476 | CONTROLLER ARRANGEMENT FOR AN OPTICAL SENSING PEN WITH AN INFRARED DATA ASSOCIATION (IRDA) INTERFACE - A controller arrangement for an optical sensing pen having a nib, the controller arrangement configured to operatively sense location data by sensing location tags on a page of printed media, and to calculate a nib-to-tag distance indicative of the location data. The controller arrangement includes an infrared (IR) illumination LED and image sensor assembly configured to transmit IR light onto, and receive IR light reflected from, respectively, the page of printed media. The arrangement also includes a force sensing infrared LED and photodiode assembly configured to detect when the nib contacts the page so that the sensor assembly is only activated when the nib is in contact with said page. The arrangement further has an infrared data association (IrDA) interface for short-range communication with a computing system, and a processor arranged in signal communication with, and configured to control, the sensor assembly, the photodiode assembly, and IrDA interface to operatively calculate the nib-to-tag distance and to transmit related location data to the computing system. | 09-04-2008 |
| 20080211767 | SYSTEM FOR PRINTING CODED DATA PROVIDING INTERACTION WITH COMPUTER SOFTWARE - A system for enabling user interaction with computer software. The system includes a printer for receiving print data, printing a form, using the print data, with information related to an interactive element coincident with coded data indicative of the interactive element, receiving indicating data from a sensing device which is generated by the sensing device sensing the coincident coded data so as to be indicative of the interactive element, and transfer the indicating data to a computer system to allow the interaction to be interpreted. The coded data is indicative of an identity. The computer system determines, using the indicating data, the identity, determines, using the identity, a page description, and identifies, using the page description, the interactive element. | 09-04-2008 |
| 20080212133 | FACSIMILE DELIVERY SYSTEM USING ASSOCIATED IDENTIFIERS - 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. | 09-04-2008 |
| 20080212139 | METHOD OF ENABLING INTERACTION WITH COMPUTER SOFTWARE - A method for enabling user interaction with computer software including, in a computer system generating print data, transferring the print data to a printer which prints a form in response to the print data with information related to an interactive element coincident with coded data indicative of the interactive element, receiving indicating data from a sensing device which senses the coincident coded data to generate the indicating data to be indicative of the interactive element, identifying, using the indicating data, the interactive element, and performing an action associated with the interactive element. The coded data is indicative of an identity, and the computer system determines the identity using the indicating data and a page description using the identity, and identifies the interactive element using the page description. | 09-04-2008 |
| 20080212140 | METHOD OF ENABLING PRINTED INTERACTION WITH COMPUTER SOFTWARE - A method for enabling user interaction with computer software including, in a computer system determining information related to an interactive element, determining an identity indicative of the interactive element, determining a layout defining an arrangement for the information and coded data indicative of the identity, generating print data indicative of the identity, layout and information, transferring the print data to a printer responsive to the print data to print a form by printing the information coincident with the coded data, receiving indicating data from a sensing device generated by the sensing device sensing the coincident coded data so as to be indicative of the interactive element, identifying, using the indicating data, the interactive element, and performing an action associated with the interactive element. | 09-04-2008 |
| 20080213014 | METHOD OF PRINTING WITH A DUPLEXED PRINTHEAD PRINT ASSEMBLY - A method of printing with a duplexed printhead print assembly having first and second print engines arranged in an opposing in-line sequential configuration along a paper path. The method includes the steps of pushing a top sheet of paper from a paper tray of the print assembly past a paper sensor of the first print engine of the printhead, drawing said sheet into the first print engine, and sensing a position and size of the sheet using the paper sensor. The method also includes the steps of printing image data onto the sheet via the first and second print engines, and binding the printed sheet into a document using a binding assembly of the print assembly. | 09-04-2008 |
| 20080213021 | Print Engine Controller For A Pagewidth Printer With A Four-Stage Print Pipeline - Provided is a print engine controller for a printer having a pagewidth printhead. The controller includes a serial interface, a JPEG decoder, a fax decoder, a halftoner/compositor unit, a tag encoder, a line loader/formatter unit, and an interface to the pagewidth printhead. These components together define a print control pipeline. | 09-04-2008 |
| 20080213030 | Ink Cartridge For A Pen-Shaped Printer - An ink cartridge for a pen-shaped printer is provided. The ink cartridge includes a hollow tube with internal ribs defining elongate ink chambers within the tube for operatively storing ink, and a first end cap for sealing one end of the tube. The first end cap is configured to receive a battery for supplying the printer with electrical energy. The cartridge also includes a second end cap for sealing the other end of the tube, the second end cap being configured to position a printhead of the printer. Also included is a stylus nib and nib cap defining an aperture through which the nib protrudes and through which the printhead operatively prints ink onto a substrate. | 09-04-2008 |
| 20080219500 | SHREDDING DEVICE WITH A DECODER AND TRANSMITTER - A shredding device which includes a feed mechanism configured to feed a substrate having identity data encoded thereon, said identity data identifying information printed on said substrate. Also included are sensors arranged adjacent said feed mechanism and configured to sense the identity data, as well as a decoder and transmitter arranged in communication with the sensors and configured to respectively decode and transmit the identity data to a network system. The shredding device also includes a shredding mechanism configured to shred the substrate received from the feed mechanism on receipt of instructions from the network system. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080234000 | Method For Playing A Request On A Player Device - The present invention relates to a method for playing a request on a player device. The method includes the step of transmitting a pen stroke corresponding to a first one of a number of possible applications to a server. A form is then submitted to the first application. The method further includes the step of sending, from the server and to the player device, a play request corresponding to play information borne by the submitted form so that the player device plays a request corresponding to said play request. | 09-25-2008 |
| 20080236903 | Method Of Determining Coordinate Values Of A Position On A Printed Document With Respect To A Plurality Of Patterns Printed On The Document - A method of determining a first coordinate value of a position on a printed document with respect to a plurality of first patterns printed on the document. Each first pattern respectively represents a first sequence with each of the first sequences having a repeating first codeword of a first cyclic position code. The cycle position code has length n | 10-02-2008 |
| 20080237348 | Viewing Device For Use With Coded Data On A Surface - A viewing device is used with coded data on a surface. The device includes a sensor arrangement for sensing the coded data when the device is placed on the surface, and a processor in signal communication with the sensor arrangement. The processor is configured to decode the coded data. Also included is a transceiver for transmitting the decoded data to a computer system, and to subsequently receive a file pre-associated with the decoded data from the computer system. The device also includes a display configured to display the received file to a user. | 10-02-2008 |
| 20080237359 | METHOD OF AUTHENTICATING SECURITY DOCUMENTS - A method for authenticating a security document having coded data thereon. The method includes, using a sensing device to sense at least one coded data portion, which is then used to generate indicating data. The indicating data is transferred to a computer system, which is responsive to determine, a received identity and a received signature part, from the indicating data. These are then used to authenticate the security document. | 10-02-2008 |
| 20080239390 | SYSTEM HAVING SENSING DEVICE FOR INTERACTION WITH COMPUTER SOFTWARE - A system for enabling user interaction with computer software. The system includes a sensing device and a computer system. The computer system generates print data and transfers it to a printer. The printer prints a form by printing information related to an interactive element and coded data indicative of the interactive element in response to the print data. The sensing device has an image sensor for capturing images of the coded data, which is coincident with the information, and a processor for identifying the coded data from the captured images, determine an orientation and position of the coded data, decode the coded data, and generate indicating data using the determined information. The indicating data, which is indicative of the interactive element is used by the computer system to identify the interactive element and perform a corresponding action. | 10-02-2008 |
| 20080239391 | SYSTEM HAVING PRINTER AND SENSING DEVICE FOR INTERACTION WITH COMPUTER SOFTWARE - A system for enabling user interaction with computer software including a printer and sensing device. The printer receives print data, and prints a form, using the print data, with information related to an interactive element coincident with coded data indicative of the interactive element. The sensing device has an image sensor for capturing images of the coded data and a processor for identifying the coded data from the captured images, determine an orientation and position of the coded data, decode the coded data, generate indicating data using the determined information, and transfers the indicating data to the printer. The printer is responsive to the indicating data to relay the indicating data to a computer system for interpretation. | 10-02-2008 |
| 20080245481 | Wall-Mountable Pagewidth Printer With Integral Page Binding And Glue Wheel Assemblies - Provided is wall-mountable pagewidth printer assembly. The printer assembly includes a support structure defining a media path, a media transport assembly configured to transport individual sheets of media along said media path, and print engines arranged on the support structure to print on the sheets in the media path. The printer assembly also includes an integral page binding arrangement for binding printed sheets together. The binding arrangement includes a document support platen for supporting bound sheets of paper, and a binding platen configured to press each sheet transported onto the document support platen to preceding sheets supported on said support platen to bind said sheets together. | 10-09-2008 |
| 20080245583 | CONTROLLER ARRANGEMENT FOR AN OPTICAL SENSING PEN - Provided is a controller arrangement for an optical sensing pen having a nib. The controller arrangement is configured to operatively sense location data by sensing location tags on a page of printed media, and to calculate a nib-to-tag distance indicative of the location data. The controller arrangement includes n infrared (IR) illumination LED and image sensor assembly configured to transmit IR light onto, and receive IR light reflected from, respectively, the page of printed media. The arrangement also includes a force sensing infrared LED and photodiode assembly configured to detect when the nib contacts the page so that the sensor assembly is only activated when the nib is in contact with said page. Also included are an infrared data association (IrDA) interface for short-range communication with a computing system and a processor arranged in signal communication with, and configured to control, the sensor assembly, the photodiode assembly, and IrDA interface to operatively calculate the nib-to-tag distance and to transmit related location data to the computing system. The arrangement also includes power management and orientation circuitry configured to deactivate the processor when the pen is sensed in a particular orientation for a predetermined period of time. | 10-09-2008 |
| 20080246797 | Mobile Phone With An Internal Printer Having A Print Cartridge With A Media Drive Shaft - Provided is mobile phone having an internal printer. The phone includes a print cartridge having a housing with ink bearing structures and a printhead integrated circuit, and a capper fast with the housing to operatively cap the printhead integrated circuit. The cartridge also includes a lid and cover assembly for sealing engagement with the housing to protect the housing and capper, as well as a media drive shaft rotatably mounted to the housing for driving print media past the printhead. | 10-09-2008 |
| 20080246846 | IMAGE MANIPULATION CAMERA - A handheld camera comprising a sensor adapted to sense an image, a camera manager for controlling the sensing of the image, an image processing manager for manipulating the image, a print manager for controlling printing of the manipulated image, and a guillotine adapted to cut a print media on which the manipulated image is printed from a print roll. The print manager is operable to activate the guillotine upon receipt of a signal indicative of a manual attempt to pull the print media from the camera. | 10-09-2008 |
| 20080246983 | PRINTED PHOTOGRAPH WITH HIGH CAPACITY ENCODED AUDIO - A data structure is printed on a photograph using infra-red ink. The data structure includes a two dimensional array of data blocks. Each adjacent pair of data blocks is separated by a gap and each of the data blocks has a data region holding encoded data. Each data region is confined by clock-marks and borders to facilitate location of the data region and recovery of data from within the data region. | 10-09-2008 |
| 20080251585 | OBJECT SCANNING SYSTEM WITH A SENSING DEVICE FOR GENERATING INDICATING DATA - Provided is an object scanning system with a sensing device for generating indicating data indicative of at least one object identity and at least a position and orientation of the data and a position and orientation of the sensing device relative to the object. The sensing device includes a housing, and an optical assembly arranged within the housing and configured to scan the object. The sensing device also includes a controller arrangement inside the housing and arranged in signal communication with the optical assembly. The controller arrangement is configured to control operation of the optical assembly and to generate the indicating data for transmission to the scanning system. | 10-16-2008 |
| 20080252732 | IMAGE MANIPULATION METHOD FOR CAMERA - A handheld camera comprises a sensor adapted to sense an image, a camera manager for controlling the sensing of the image, an image processing manager for manipulating the image, a print manager for controlling printing of the manipulated image, and a guillotine adapted to cut a print media on which the manipulated image is printed from a print roll. The print manager is operable to activate the guillotine upon receipt of a signal indicative of an attempt to dispense the print media at a rate greater than that of a print roll drive system for dispensing the print media. | 10-16-2008 |
| 20080252733 | CAMERA PRINTER OPERATION METHOD WITH MEDIA PULL SENSING - A method of operating a handheld camera comprises sensing an image via an image sensor, controlling the sensing of the image via a camera manager, manipulating the image via an image processing manager, and controlling printing of the manipulated image via a print manager. The step of controlling printing of the manipulated image includes causing the print manager to activate a guillotine, which guillotine is adapted to cut a print media, upon receipt of a signal indicative of an attempt to pull the print media from the camera. | 10-16-2008 |
| 20080252734 | CARD BASED IMAGE MANIPULATION METHOD FOR CAMERA - A method of operating a handheld camera comprises causing a sensor to sense an image, supplying predetermined data to an input of the camera via a card on which the predetermined data is disposed, and causing a processing system to obtain the image from the sensor, determine a card image in accordance with signals received from the input, rotate the card image in accordance with a skew of the card with respect to the input, and manipulate the image in accordance with the predetermined data to thereby generate a manipulated image. | 10-16-2008 |
| 20080252735 | CAMERA HAVING PRINTER FOR PRINTING INTERACTIVE INTERFACES - A camera is provided having a camera module, a network interface module and printing module. The camera module receives user input and captures the image with an image sensor in response to the user input. The interface module transfers the captured image to a computer system. The printing module prints an interface onto a surface including the image and coded data at least partially indicative of an identity of the image. This allows the identity of the image to be obtained from the interface. The coded data is also at least partially indicative of at least one of a plurality of locations of the interface and a region of the interface. A sensing device generates indicating data at least partially indicative of at least one of a location of the sensing device relative to the interface and an identity of the region. | 10-16-2008 |
| 20080252754 | CARD BASED IMAGE MANIPULATION METHOD WITH CARD SKEW CORRECTION - A method of operating a handheld camera comprises sensing an image via an image sensor, controlling the sensing of the image via a camera manager, receiving predetermined data in the form of a card image, the card image read from a card by a card reader, rotating the card image in accordance with a skew of the card with respect to the card reader, manipulating the image via an image processing manager, and controlling printing of the manipulated image via a print manager. | 10-16-2008 |
| 20080254830 | PRINT MEDIUM HAVING WEBPAGE LINKED LINEAR AND TWO-DIMENSIONAL CODED DATA - A print medium is provided which has a surface provided with first coded data in a linear pattern encoding first information and second coded data in a two-dimensional coordinate grid encoding second information. The first and second information are indicative of a print media identifier linked to a web page. The print media identifier is able to be determined using a sensor module of a mobile telecommunications device. The web page is retrievable from a database using the print media identifier. | 10-16-2008 |
| 20080254832 | METHOD FOR PLAYING A ROUTED REQUEST ON A PLAYER DEVICE - A method is provided for playing a routed request on a player device. The method includes the step of transmitting a pen stroke corresponding to a first one of a number of possible applications to a server. A form is submitted to the first application. The method involves sending, from the server and via at least one router, a play request corresponding to play information borne by the submitted form. The play request is routed to the player device, via said router, so that the player device plays a request corresponding to said play request. | 10-16-2008 |
| 20080259103 | PRINTER CONTROLLER FOR MONITORING AN INK DROP COUNT - Provided is a printer controller for a pagewidth printer having a printhead configured to print according to print quality information. The printer has a paper transport mechanism for transporting a sheet of paper along a media path through the printer. The controller includes a processor having an address, data and control bus, an expander unit and a decoder unit each coupled to the bus and configured to decompress a bi-level black layer and a continuous tone (contone) layer of a page to be printed. The controller also includes a replaceable ink cartridge arranged in the media path and having a first integrated circuit (IC) interfaced with the processor, the first IC containing the print quality information. Also included is a second IC interfaced to the processor. The processor is configured to count a number of drops of ink printed by the printhead, to update a remaining drop count of the ink cartridge using the counted drops printed and to write an updated remaining drop count to the second IC each time a page has been printed. The processor is also configured to control the paper transport mechanism during printing. | 10-23-2008 |
| 20080259165 | CAMERA HAVING PRINTER FOR PRINTING INTERACTIVE INTERFACES - A camera is provided having a camera module, a network interface module and printing module. The camera module receives user input and captures the image with an image sensor in response to the user input. The interface module transfers the captured image to a computer system. The printing module prints an interface onto a surface including the image and coded data at least partially indicative of an identity of the image. This allows the identity of the image to be obtained from the interface. The interface module receives response data generated by the computer system in response to performing an action, and the printing module receives the response data from the interface module, generates a second interface based at least partially on the response data, and print the second interface on the second surface. | 10-23-2008 |
| 20080259166 | CAMERA HAVING NETWORKED INTERACTIVE PRINTER - A camera is provided having a camera module, a network interface module and printing module. The camera module receives user input and captures the image with an image sensor in response to the user input. The interface module transfers the captured image to a computer system. The printing module prints an interface onto a surface including the image and coded data at least partially indicative of an identity of the image. This allows the identity of the image to be obtained from the interface. The interface module receives the image from the computer system and the printing module receives the image from the network interface module and print the image on a second surface. | 10-23-2008 |
| 20080265026 | METHOD OF MAINTAINING PRODUCT ITEM STATUS USING COMPUTER SYSTEM - A method of maintaining a status of a product item is provided. The product item includes an associated interface surface which has coded data including a plurality of coded data portions indicative of the product item's identity. The method includes, in a sensing device, sensing at least one coded data portion, generating indicating data indicative of the product item identity therefrom, and transferring the indicating data to a computer system. The computer system is responsive to the indicating data to update product status information stored in a data store. The method further includes, in the computer system, receiving the indicating data, determining the product item identity, determining a current product item status from the product status information stored in the data store, and updating the product status information in accordance with the indicating data. | 10-30-2008 |
| 20080265027 | METHOD OF MAINTAINING PRODUCT STATUS - A method of maintaining a status of a product item is provided. The product item includes an associated interface surface which has coded data including a plurality of coded data portions indicative of the product item's identity. The method includes, in a sensing device, sensing at least one coded data portion, generating indicating data indicative of the product item identity therefrom, and transferring the indicating data to a computer system. The computer system is responsive to the indicating data to update product status information stored in a data store. The interface surface includes at least one region having visible markings representing a respective product item status. The method including, in the sensing device, sensing coded data in the region and generating therefrom indicating data indicative of the respective product item status. The computer system is responsive to the indicating data to update the status information using the product item status. | 10-30-2008 |
| 20080265028 | METHOD OF MAINTAINING PRODUCT STATUS WITH INVISIBLY CODED INTERFACE - A method of maintaining a status of a product item is provided. The product item includes an associated interface surface which has coded data including a plurality of coded data portions indicative of the product item's identity. The method includes, in a sensing device, sensing at least one coded data portion, generating indicating data indicative of the product item identity therefrom, and transferring the indicating data to a computer system. The computer system is responsive to the indicating data to update product status information stored in a data store. The coded data is substantially invisible to the unaided eye. | 10-30-2008 |
| 20080265163 | OPTICAL IMAGING PEN HAVING A FORCE SENSOR - Provided is an optical imaging pen configured to detect information encoded with infrared ink on a page. The pen includes a housing with an ink pen cartridge and a stylus. The ink cartridge and stylus are configured to be individually brought forward through an open end of the housing by rotation of a pen top rotatably mounted on an end of the housing. The pen also includes an infrared LED inside the housing for providing infrared radiation for projection onto the page, and an image sensor for receiving reflected radiation from the surface. Also included is a radio frequency circuit having a radio frequency (RF) transmitter and receiver, and a controller for controlling operation of the LED, sensor and radio frequency circuits. The controller includes a force sensor configured to detect displacement of the stylus or cartridge to enable a determination of a force being applied to a nib of either the cartridge or stylus. | 10-30-2008 |
| 20080267645 | DOCUMENT COPIER WITH A CONTROLLER FOR DECODING OPTICAL PATTERNS ON SHEETS OF MEDIA - Provided is a document copier having an input transport mechanism and an output transport mechanism linked via a media path, the mechanisms configured to feed sheets of media through the media path. Also included is a print engine located in the media path for printing on media fed through the media path, and a code sensor arranged before the print engine in the media path, said sensor configured to capture images of a sheet surface. The copier also includes a controller for controlling the transport mechanisms, the print engine and code sensor. The controller decodes optical patterns found in the captured images to obtain one or more codes able to identify an electronic source where an electronic copy of the sheet is stored, and to print the electronic copy on a blank sheet of media with the print engine. | 10-30-2008 |
| 20080270259 | METHOD OF MAINTAINING PRODUCT STATUS USING REGIONALLY CODED INTERFACE - A method of maintaining a status of a product item is provided. The product item includes an associated interface surface which has coded data including a plurality of coded data portions indicative of the product item's identity. The method includes, in a sensing device, sensing at least one coded data portion, generating indicating data indicative of the product item identity therefrom, and transferring the indicating data to a computer system. The computer system is responsive to the indicating data to update product status information stored in a data store. The interface surface includes at least one region, including coded data indicative of an identity of the at least one region. The method further includes, in the sensing device, sensing the coded data disposed within the at least one region, and generating, using the sensed coded data, indicating data indicative of the region identity. | 10-30-2008 |
| 20080272186 | Security Document Database - A security document database, the database storing security document data including identity data at least partially indicative of an identity of the security document and attribute data at least partially indicative of one or more attributes of the security document. The security document database allows a computer system to use received indicating data to perform an action associated with the security document. | 11-06-2008 |
| 20080272193 | METHOD OF MAINTAINING PRODUCT ITEM STATUS USING CODED INTERFACE - A method of maintaining a status of a product item is provided. The product item includes an associated interface surface which has coded data including a plurality of coded data portions indicative of the product item's identity. The method includes, in a sensing device, sensing at least one coded data portion, generating indicating data indicative of the product item identity therefrom, and transferring the indicating data to a computer system. The computer system is responsive to the indicating data to update product status information stored in a data store. Each coded data portion is indicative of the respective position. The method further includes, generating in the sensing device and using the sensed coded data portion, indicating data indicative of at least one of a position of the sensed coded data portion on the interface surface and a position of the sensing device relative to the interface surface. | 11-06-2008 |
| 20080273010 | System for controlling movement of a cursor on a display device - A system for controlling movement of a cursor on a display device, the system comprising: a substrate having a position-coding pattern disposed on or in a surface thereof; a sensing device comprising: an image sensor for optically imaging the position-coding pattern; and a processor configured for: generating absolute motion data by determining a plurality of absolute positions of the sensing device relative to the surface using the imaged position-coding pattern; generating orientation data indicative of an orientation of the sensing device relative to the substrate; and using the orientation data to translate the absolute motion data into relative motion data, said relative motion data being indicative of relative motion of the sensing device from the perspective of a user; and communication means for communicating the relative motion data to a computer system; and the computer system configured for: receiving said relative motion data from the sensing device; interpreting said relative motion data as cursor movement; and generating cursor control commands for said display device. | 11-06-2008 |
| 20080273057 | LAMINATED PRINTHEAD ARRANGEMENT FOR A PEN NIB PRINTER - Provided is a laminated printhead arrangement for a pen nib printer. The printhead includes ink distribution layers, a layer of semiconductor ejection devices operatively supplied with ink via the ink distribution layers, and a guard layer positioned on top of the ejection device layer to protect the ejection devices. The guard layer defines printing passages via which the ejection devices eject ink. Also included is a rotary capper rotatably fixed to the guard layer about a central axis of the printhead, so that rotation of the capper covers or exposes the printing passages. | 11-06-2008 |
| 20080273217 | PRINT ENGINE CONTROLLER FOR A PRINTHEAD ASSEMBLY - Provided is print engine controller of a printhead assembly having a plurality of printhead modules. The controller includes a memory buffer to receive rasterized page data from a computer system, a page image expander for expanding the page data to retrieve page images, and dithering means for dithering a continuous tone (“contone”) layer over the page data. The controller also includes a compositor for compositing a black bi-level layer of the contone layer, rendering means for rendering infra-red tags over the contone layer, and an output driving the printhead modules to print the composited page data. | 11-06-2008 |
| 20080275581 | MP3 Player Having Coded Tag Sensor - An MP3 player is provided which has a sensor for sensing coded data on or in a substrate and for generating first data, a transmitter for transmitting, to a computer system, the first data or second data based on the first data, a receiver for receiving, from the computer system, MP3 data associated with an identity derived from the first data, and an audio output device for outputting an audio signal based on the MP3 data. The coded data comprises of a plurality of coded data tags, each coded data tag including data regarding an identity of the substrate and a position of the respective coded data tag on the substrate. The sensor is configured to sense at least one of the coded data tags and to generate the first or second data representing the substrate's identity and a position of the sensed coded data tag on the substrate. | 11-06-2008 |
| 20080278767 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PRINTING USING A POSITION-CODING PATTERN - An apparatus for printing graphical information on a surface. The apparatus comprises: a printhead for printing the graphical information; an image sensor for recording an image of the surface, wherein the recorded image contains a position-coding pattern that identifies an absolute position on the surface; and a processor for converting the recorded image into a recorded absolute position. The printhead prints the graphical information onto the surface based on a comparison of the recorded absolute position and the graphical information to be printed. | 11-13-2008 |
| 20080278772 | MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS DEVICE - Provided is a mobile telecommunications device having a printer and image capture means for printing and interacting with printed media. The device includes a mobile phone module for operatively executing a phone operating system, and a sensor module in signal communication with the phone module. The sensor module is configured for sensing tags encoded on the printed media. The device also includes a print engine controller in signal communication with the phone module, the print engine controller being configured for controlling the printer. | 11-13-2008 |
| 20080280643 | MODULAR MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS DEVICE HAVING A PRINTER - A modular mobile telecommunications device has a printer and image capture means for printing and interacting with printed media. The device includes a mobile phone module for operatively executing a phone operating system, and a sensor module in signal communication with the phone module, the sensor module configured for sensing tags encoded on the printed media. The device also includes a print engine controller module in signal communication with the phone module, the print engine controller module configured for controlling the printer. Also included is a media transport to transport the print media through the printer. | 11-13-2008 |
| 20080283610 | SYSTEM SURFACE FOR DECODING CODED DATA - A system for decoding coded data provided on or in a surface is provided. The coded data includes at least one data portion arranged on or in the surface and alignment data at least partially indicative of at least one clock indicator. The system includes a sensor which senses data provided in a sensing region and a decoder. The sensor senses at least part of the alignment data and at least part of the at least one data portion. The decoder determines, using the sensed alignment data part, the clock indicator, updates, using the clock indicator, a PLL, determines, using the PLL, a relative position between the sensing region and the at least one sensed data portion part, and at least partially decodes, using the relative position, the at least one data portion part. | 11-20-2008 |
| 20080285062 | Method Of Printing A Compressed Image Having A Bi-Level Black Layer And A Contone Layer - Provided is a method of printing a compressed image. The method includes the steps of receiving, with a printer controller, the image, having a bi-level black data layer compressed in an Edge Delta and Runlength (EDRL) compression format and a continuous tone (contone) CMYK data layer, from a computer. The method includes the steps of expanding the image by simultaneously decompressing the two data layers in parallel, and halftoning the contone CMYK data layer into bi-level CMYK data layer. Also included are the steps of compositing the bi-level black data layer over the bi-level CMYK data layer to form a composited bi-level CMYK image, transmitting the composited bi-level CMYK image to a memory buffer of pagewidth printer for printing. | 11-20-2008 |
| 20080285811 | SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING INFORMATION TO A USER VIA AN INTERACTIVE MEDIUM - Provided is a system for providing information to a user via an interactive medium. The system includes a server with a memory, a printer and a wireless interface. The printer is configured to supply the interactive medium in the form of a printed page with visible and invisible data thereon, said invisible data indicative of page descriptors stored in the memory. The system also includes a monitoring device configured to sense user interaction with the medium and to sense and transmit the invisible data to the server via the wireless interface. The server is configured to interpret the user interaction in relation to the sensed page descriptors. | 11-20-2008 |
| 20080296363 | METHOD FOR MANAGING COMPETITION ENTRY WITH PRINTED LABELS - Provided is a method for managing competition entry by means of products having printed labels, the labels having human-readable information relating to a competition and machine-readable coded information relating to an identity of the label and being uniquely indicative of the product item. The label includes regions selected from the group consisting of information fields, buttons, and entry fields. The method includes the steps of receiving from a sensing device the machine-readable coded data, generating interaction data based on the received coded data, correlating the interaction data with a competition, and recording an entry in the competition based on the correlated interaction data. The method also includes the step of transmitting information relating to the competition entry for display on a display device. | 12-04-2008 |
| 20080296389 | OPTICAL IMAGING PEN WITH A RADIO ANTENNA AND ORTHOGONAL ACCELEROMETERS - An optical imaging pen configured to detect information encoded on a page with ink which is substantially invisible to the human eye. The pen includes a housing, an electronics chassis mounted inside the housing, and an infrared LED supported by the chassis for providing infrared radiation for projection onto the page. The pen also includes an image sensor for receiving reflected radiation from the surface, a radio frequency circuit having a radio frequency (RF) transmitter and receiver, and a radio antenna mounted within the housing, said antenna in signal communication with the radio frequency transmitter and receiver. Further included are a controller circuit for controlling operation of the LED, sensor and radio frequency circuit, as well as a pair of orthogonal accelerometers mounted in a normal plane of the pen axis, said accelerometers allowing the pen to sense motion without reference to a surface location. | 12-04-2008 |
| 20080297606 | DIGITAL CAMERA - Provided is a hand-held modular camera assembly with a camera module, a printer module, and a dispenser module. The assembly has a central processor which includes a RISC processor core, and a memory operatively storing operating instructions for the processor core and image data for manipulation by said core. The central processor also includes a serial bus interface for communicating with the camera module, the printer module and the dispenser module. | 12-04-2008 |
| 20080297619 | MODULAR DIGITAL CAMERA - Provided is a pen-shaped modular camera assembly having a plurality of modules each with at least one connector to link the modules together. The assembly includes a camera module having an image sensor for capturing an image in an RGB (red, green, blue) color space. Also included is a central processing module arranged in communication with the camera module, the central processing module having a central processing unit with program memory for storing program steps for execution by the central processing unit to operate the camera module, along with image storage memory for storing the captured image. The assembly also includes an image processing module arranged in communication with the image storage memory, the image processing module configured to dynamically convert the stored image from a L*a*b* color space to a CMY (cyan, magenta, yellow) color space. Also included is a battery module configured so that electrical energy is supplied to the respective modules via the at least one connector. | 12-04-2008 |
| 20080297850 | PRINTER CONTROLLER FOR A PAGEWIDTH PRINTHEAD HAVING HALFTONER AND COMPOSITOR UNIT - Provided is a printer controller for controlling a pagewidth printhead. The controller includes an interface for receiving an image having a bi-level black data layer compressed in an Edge Delta and Runlength (EDRL) compression format and a continuous tone (contone) CMYK data layer. Also included is an EDRL expander and a Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) decoder unit for expanding the image by simultaneously decompressing the two data layers in parallel, as well as a halftoner and compositor unit for halftoning the contone CMYK data layer into bi-level CMYK data layer and compositing the bi-level black data layer over the bi-level CMYK data layer to form a composited bi-level CMYK image. The controller further includes a processor and memory arrangement configured to control the interface, the expander and decoder unit, and the halftoner and compositor unit, and further configured to transmit the composited bi-level CMYK image to a memory buffer of the pagewidth printer via a printhead interface. | 12-04-2008 |
| 20080297855 | MOBILE PHONE HANDSET - Provided is a mobile phone handset which includes a front cover moulding with user interface buttons and a display. A chassis moulding houses telecommunication components in connection with the buttons and display. The chassis moulding has a cradle and a drive mechanism, as well as a print cartridge operatively received in the cradle. The cartridge has a printhead and an ink storage and distribution assembly. The handset also includes a rear cover molding defining an inlet and an outlet slot. The drive mechanism is configured to feed print media from the inlet slot to the outlet slot past the print cartridge for printing on the media. | 12-04-2008 |
| 20080304748 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR LINE EXTRACTION IN DIGITAL INK - A method and system of line extraction in a digital ink sequence of handwritten text data points is provided in which a stroke sequence comprised of a sequence of strokes is obtained, the strokes are segmented into a sequence of substrokes by applying a stroke segmentation algorithm, angular differences between neighbouring groups of substrokes, in the sequence of substrokes, are calculated, and the positions of the extrema of the angular differences are determined, thereby identifying the substrokes at line breaks and enabling line extraction. | 12-11-2008 |
| 20080304888 | WALL-MOUNTABLE PRINTER HAVING A WIRELESS NETWORK INTERFACE - Provided is a wall-mountable printer having a wireless network interface for receiving image data, and a printhead assembly having ink reservoirs and a pagewidth printhead for printing the image data on a sheet of paper. The printer also includes a glue wheel assembly configured to apply glue along an edge of the sheet of paper after printing, and a page binding arrangement configured to bind successive sheets of paper together. | 12-11-2008 |
| 20080308622 | METHOD OF REGISTERING SENSING DEVICE WITH RELAY DEVICE - A method of registering a sensing device with a relay device is provided. The relay device allowing the sensing device to communicate with a computer system of the system. The method performs registration using a registration form having information relating to an interactive element coincident with tags mapped over the form. Each tag has coded data indicative of the interactive element and an identity associated with the form. In the method, indicating data indicative of the identity and the interactive element is received at the computer system from a sensing device via the relay device which is generated by the sensing device sensing the coded data, the interactive element from the indicating data is determined by the computer system which then causes registration of the sensing device with the relay device using the interactive element. | 12-18-2008 |
| 20080313467 | Authentication Processor Using a Signature Encoded in a Number of Data Portions - A method of authenticating an object using a processor, the object being associated with a surface having disposed thereon or therein coded data having a number of coded data portions, each coded data portion encoding: an identity of the object; and, a fragment of a signature, the signature being a digital signature of at least part of the identity. The method including, in the processor: receiving from a sensing device, indicating data, the indicating data being generated in response to sensing of a plurality of coded data portions, the indicating data being indicative of: the identity of the object; and, a plurality of signature fragments; determining, from the indicating data, a received identity and a plurality of received signature fragments; determining, using the plurality of signature fragments and a secret key, a determined identity; comparing the determined identity to the received identity; and, authenticating the object using the results of the comparison. | 12-18-2008 |
| 20080313706 | Method of Verifying an Object - A method of verifying an object using a computer system which receives a verification request indicative of an identity of the object and at least one signature fragment, the signature being a digital signature of at least part of the identity. The method includes determining the identity, and using this to determine at least one criterion relating to the verification from a database. The verification request is compared to the at least one criterion allowing the object to be verified if the criterion is satisfied. | 12-18-2008 |
| 20080314653 | PRODUCT HAVING ENCODED AUTHENTICATION WRITING AREAS - A product is provided which has a plurality of coded tags and at least one authentication writing area defined by at least some of the coded tags for receiving handwritten authentication information from a sensing device operated by a user. Each coded tag encodes coordinates for a point on a tag map and an orientation feature. The orientation features enable the sensing device to determine a planar orientation of each tag relative to a yaw of the sensing device. | 12-25-2008 |
| 20080316260 | PAGEWIDTH PRINTER HAVING AN ELONGATE BI-LITHIC PRINTHEAD UNIT - Provided is a pagewidth printer having an elongate bi-lithic printhead unit. The unit includes two integrated circuits laid end-to-end, each having a multitude of micro-electromechanical nozzles for operatively ejecting printing fluid, and an ink distribution plate for feeding printing fluid into apertures defined in the integrated circuits. The unit also includes an ink distribution molding defining a plurality of elongate conduits for distributing printing fluid to the plate along a length of the printhead, and an end plug configured for fitment onto an end of the distribution molding to arrange said conduits in fluid communication with ink reservoirs. The unit further includes a printed circuit board (PCB) configured to relay data signals from a printer controller to respective ends of the integrated circuits. | 12-25-2008 |
| 20080316508 | ONLINE ASSOCIATION OF A DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPH WITH AN INDICATOR - The present invention relates to an online method for associating an image with an indicator. The method includes the step of storing a captured image in the clipboard of a server. A selection tool selects an association operator from a number of possible operators of a printed toolbar. The method further includes the step of selecting, with the selection tool, the indicator on a printed page to associate the captured image in the clipboard with the selected indicator. | 12-25-2008 |
| 20080317190 | SYSTEM FOR DECODING BIT STREAM PRINTED ON SURFACE - A system for decoding coded data printed in ink on a surface. The coded data includes an encoded bit stream and associated redundancy data, and a registration structure of clock tracks indicative of a position of the coded data in the direction perpendicular to an alignment direction and two alignment lines for each clock track. The system has a store for storing the coded data and a decoder for determining a codeword format for the coded data, reading the coded data from the store using the determined format, correcting errors in the encoded bit stream, and writing the corrected data to the store. The coded data is read so as to de-interleave the encoded bit stream and redundancy data into codewords. The decoder uses an alignment PLL to determine a position of the alignment lines so as to determine the position of each respective track and update the alignment PLL. | 12-25-2008 |
| 20080317280 | METHOD OF AUTHENTICATING SECURITY DOCUMENTS - Provided is an interactive system for use with coded data printed on an item with infrared ink to define a hyperlabel. The interacting system includes at least one hyperlabel reading device configured to scan said hyperlabel from the item and to transmit information about such hyperlabel, as well as a receiver configured to receive the transmitted information and to relay the information. The system also includes an application server configured to receive the relayed information and to generate a logical link between the hyperlabel and a specific data element. | 12-25-2008 |
| 20080317384 | PROCESS FOR TAG IMAGING AND DECODING OF MACHINE READABLE CODED DATA - Provided is a process for tag imaging and decoding of machine readable coded data which comprises a plurality of layouts. Each layout has at least order n rotational symmetry, where n is at least two. The layout encodes a first codeword comprising a sequence of at least n first symbols, the first symbols being distributed at n locations about a center of rotational symmetry of the layout such that decoding the first symbols at each of the n orientations of the layout produces n representations of the first codeword. Each representation includes a different cyclic shift of the first codeword and being indicative of the degree of rotation of the layout. Each representation also includes a second codeword comprising a number of second symbols, the second codeword being indicative of information regarding the respective layout. The process includes the steps of acquiring an image which includes said coded data, enhancing said image to obtain improved image contrast and uniform pixel intensities, and identifying at least one layout. The process also includes decoding the layout to determine at least a representation of the first codeword, and determining a degree of rotation of the layout from the decoded representation. | 12-25-2008 |
| 20080320309 | METHOD OF AUTHENTICATING PRINT MEDIUM USING PRINTING MOBILE DEVICE - A method of using a mobile device to authenticate a print medium offline before completing printing onto the print medium, the mobile device including processing means, a printhead and a sensor, the print medium comprising a laminar substrate, the method comprising the steps of: using the sensor to sense coded data provided on a surface of the substrate; using the processing means: determining, from the sensed coded data: an identity of the print medium; and at least part of a signature, the signature being a digital signature of at least part of the identity; determining, using the at least part of the signature, a determined signature; generating, using the determined signature and a public key stored in the mobile device, a generated identity; comparing the identity to the generated identity; and authenticating the print medium using the results of the comparison; and in the event the authentication step is successful, using the printhead to print onto the print medium. | 12-25-2008 |
| 20090001156 | Position-coding pattern - A product is on a surface provided with a first position code which codes locations of a plurality of first points. In at least one zone on the surface, the product is further provided with a second position code which codes locations of a plurality of second points. The zone further comprises a field which is associated with a predetermined function to be performed in consequence of a sensing device being placed in the field. Methods and devices for coding and for recording of information from a surface are also described. | 01-01-2009 |
| 20090002727 | Printer Controller For A Printer Printing According To Print Quality Information Supplied By A Print Cartridge - The invention provides for a printer controller for a pagewidth printer having a printhead configured to print ink supplied from an ink cartridge with print quality information. The controller includes a processor having an address, data and control bus, an expander unit and a decoder unit each coupled to the bus and configured to respectively decompress a bi-level black layer and a continuous tone (contone) layer of a page to be printed. The controller also includes a replaceable ink cartridge comprising a first integrated circuit (IC) containing the print quality information and which is configured to be interfaced to the processor. The controller further includes a second IC interfaced to the processor which is configured to count a number of drops of ink printed by the printhead, to update a remaining drop count of the ink cartridge using the counted drops printed and then write an updated remaining drop count to the second IC each time a page has been printed. | 01-01-2009 |
| 20090002739 | METHOD OF PRINTING WITH A PERSONAL COMPUTER AND CONNECTED PRINTER - A method of printing includes the steps of rendering continuous tone (“contone”) data to a pixel level and subsequently compressing the contone data in a personal computer. The bi-level data is rendered to a dot level and subsequently compressed in said personal computer. The method also includes the steps of transmitting the contone and bi-level data and decompressing the contone data and foreground bi-level data in parallel in a printer controller. The contone data is halftoned to bi-level color data. The foreground bi-level data is composited over the bi-level color data to create composited bi-level color image data. The steps of halftoning and compositing are performed in parallel. The method further includes the step of printing the composited bi-level color image data. | 01-01-2009 |
| 20090009786 | PRINTER CONTROLLER FOR A PAGEWIDTH PRINTER CONFIGURED TO PERFORM INK COUNTS - Provided is a printer controller for a pagewidth printer having a printhead configured to print ink supplied from an ink cartridge with print quality information. The controller includes a processor having an address, data and control bus, an expander unit and a decoder unit each coupled to the bus and configured to receive a page having a bi-level black layer and a continuous tone (“contone”) layer, to decompress the respective layers in parallel, to halftone the contone layer data to bi-level data, and to composite the bi-level black layer over the bi-level data to form an image. The controller also includes a replaceable ink cartridge comprising a first integrated circuit (IC) containing the print quality information and which is configured to be interfaced with the processor. Also included is a second IC interfaced to the processor which is configured to count a number of drops of ink printed by the printhead, to update a remaining drop count of the ink cartridge using the counted drops printed and then write an updated remaining drop count to the second IC each time a page has been printed. | 01-08-2009 |
| 20090010542 | SYSTEM FOR INTERACTIVE NOTE-TAKING - A system for interactive note-taking is provided having a receiver for receiving interaction data from a note-taking device used to interact with a note-taking form having note-taking information and a plurality of coded tags printed thereon, and a processor for recording or retrieving the note-taking by identifying, from the received interaction data, at least one parameter relating to the note-taking. Each tag encodes data on an identity of the form and a location of that tag on the form. The note-taking device senses the tags and generates the interaction data with data on the sensed form identity and a position of the note-taking device relative to the sensed tags. | 01-08-2009 |
| 20090014513 | METHOD OF RECORDING TRANSACTION RELATING TO PACKAGED PRODUCT - A method of recording a transaction relating to an item, said item comprising a product contained in a package, said package having an interface surface containing information relating to the item, the interface surface having disposed thereon coded data indicative of an identity of the item and of coordinates of a plurality of locations of the interface surface, the method including the steps of: marking the interface surface using an optically imaging pen having a marking nib; sensing at least some of the coded data in the vicinity of the pen; generating indicating data using at least some of the sensed coded data, said indicating data comprising data regarding the identity of the item and positions of the pen relative to the interface surface; and transmitting the indicating data to a computer system. | 01-15-2009 |
| 20090014515 | METHOD OF FACILITATING INTERACTION BETWEEN USER AND PACKAGED PRODUCT - A method of facilitating an interaction between a user and an item, said item comprising a product contained in a package, said package having an interface surface containing information relating to the item, the interface surface having disposed thereon coded data indicative of an identity of the item and of coordinates of a plurality of locations of the interface surface, the method including the steps of: receiving, in a computer system, indicating data from a sensing device regarding the identity of the item and at least one position of the sensing device relative to the interface surface, the sensing device, when placed in an operative position relative to the interface surface, sensing at least some of the coded data in the vicinity of the sensing device and generating the indicating data using at least some of the sensed coded data; and facilitating, in the computer system and with reference to the indicating data, the interaction between the user and the item. | 01-15-2009 |
| 20090014524 | WIRELESS TRANSMITTER PEN - The present invention relates to a pen for sensing coded data on a page. The coded data is printed on the page as a collection of tags using invisible ink. The pen includes an elongate housing defining an internal space. An ink marking implement is movably mounted within the space and includes an ink marking nib to mark the page with ink. A sensor is mounted within the space and is configured to sense the coded data. A transmitter is mounted within the space and is configured wirelessly to communicate data sensed by the sensor to a printer. | 01-15-2009 |
| 20090014526 | SCANNING DEVICE FOR SCANNING INTERFACE SURFACE OF PRODUCT ITEM - A scanning device is provided which has a beam emitter for emitting a beam, a deflector for deflecting the beam to generate a raster scan pattern over a scanning patch on a product item, a sensor for receiving a reflected beam from the scanning patch and sensing from the reflected beam data encoded by coded tags printed on an interface surface of the product item, and a processor for determining a description of the interface surface and at least one region of interface surface. The data encoded by each tag includes an identity of the product item, an identity of the interface surface and the position of the respective tag on the interface surface. The processor determines the description from the sensed interface surface identity and determined the region from the determined description and at least one of the position of the sensed tag and a position of the scanning patch relative to the interface surface. | 01-15-2009 |
| 20090016803 | PEN-LIKE DEVICE HAVING INKJET PRINTER - A pen-like device is provided which has an inkjet printer contained in a tubular body. The inkjet printer has a nib configured to retract into the tubular body when pressed upon print media, an ink supply having a tube defining a plurality of internal chambers containing respective ink, and a printhead in fluid communication with the ink supply. The printhead has ink ejection nozzles configured to print ink upon the print media responsive to the retraction of the nib. | 01-15-2009 |
| 20090020345 | METHOD OF PRINTED BILL PAYMENT USING OPTICALLY IMAGING PEN - A method of enabling payment of bills using an optically imaging pen is provided in which a coded tag printed on a bill is optically imaged with an image sensor of the pen, the position of the pen nib relative to the bill during the imaging is computed in the pen, and indicating data is generating in the pen and transmitted thereby to a computer system to enable bill payment. The bill has information on a requested payment and the coded tags. Each tag encodes the bill's identity and it's printed location. The nib position is computed from the tag location identified in the imaged tag, an observed perspective distortion on the imaged tag, and a known spatial relationship between the pen's physical axis containing the nib and the pen's optical axis containing the image sensor. The indicating data is indicative of the bill's identity and the computed nib position. | 01-22-2009 |
| 20090021477 | METHOD FOR MANAGING INFORMATION - The invention relates to a method of transferring data from a drawing device, which while utilizing a position-coding pattern, printed on a physical page, digitally records handwritten information, to an application in a computer system. The drawing device transfers recorded data to a memory in the computer system. A registering unit in the system determines from a page from which the recorded data originates and activates, on the basis thereof, one or more applications which are registered as “subscribers” to data from this page. When an application is activated and thus informed of the existence of new data relevant to the application, the application fetches this data. The fetching of data can be made on the basis of the contents of a page description which defines the layout of the physical page. | 01-22-2009 |
| 20090024935 | ONLINE GRAPHICAL MESSAGE SERVICE - A system and method for achieving an electronic information service (also called an online graphical message service) hosted by a computer system (e.g., a server) connected to a network. Remote users can write information into and read information from the information service over the network. In response to a request from a first user, the service may create a first information object that comprises a virtual whiteboard. The virtual whiteboard may include information written by the remote users. Then, the service may transmit the first information object via the network to the first user. Later, the service may receive a second information object from the first user corresponding to part of the virtual whiteboard. The second information object may include modifications the first user made to the virtual whiteboard. The service may then update the virtual whiteboard utilizing the received second information object. | 01-22-2009 |
| 20090030539 | INTERACTIVE SYSTEM - An interactive system for playing audio. The system comprises an article having a position-coding pattern and a plurality of different print elements printed thereon; an optical sensor for reading a portion of the position-coding pattern; a processor coupled to the optical sensor for determining a position using the read portion of the position-coding pattern; a computer system configured for identifying an audio data file using the position determined by the processor; and an audio output device for playing an audio output corresponding to the identified audio data file. | 01-29-2009 |
| 20090030540 | AUDIO SYSTEM FOR INTERACTING WITH ARTICLE - A system for interacting with an article having a position-coding pattern and a plurality of different print elements printed thereon. Each print element corresponds to a different audio output. The system comprises: an optical sensor for reading a portion of the position-coding pattern; a processor coupled to the optical sensor for determining a position using the read portion of the position-coding pattern; a computer system configured for identifying an audio data file using the position determined by the processor; and an audio output device for playing an audio output corresponding to the identified audio data file. | 01-29-2009 |
| 20090030541 | HANDHELD AUDIO PLAYBACK DEVICE WITH MEMORY AND MEANS FOR DOWNLOADING AUDIO DATA FILES TO MEMORY - A handheld audio playback device for interacting with an article having a position-coding pattern and a plurality of different print elements printed thereon. Each print element corresponds to a different audio output. The device comprises: a nib for indicating a selected print element; an optical sensor for reading a portion of the position-coding pattern when the nib is used to indicate the selected print element; a processor coupled to the optical sensor for determining a position using the read portion of the position-coding pattern; a memory storing audio data files for the different audio outputs; means for retrieving an audio data file from the memory for playback; means for downloading audio data files to the memory from a personal computer; and an audio output device for playing the audio output corresponding to the audio data file. | 01-29-2009 |
| 20090032313 | OPTICAL IMAGING PEN WITH DISPLACEMENT DETECTION CIRCUITRY - Provided is optical imaging pen configured to detect information encoded with infrared ink on a page. The pen includes a housing. An ink pen cartridge and a stylus are mounted side by side in the housing. The ink cartridge and the stylus are configured to be individually brought forward through an open end of the housing by rotation of a pen top rotatably mounted on an end of the housing. The pen also includes an infrared LED inside the housing for providing infrared radiation for projection onto the page, and an image sensor for receiving reflected radiation from the surface. The pen further includes a controller for controlling operation of the LED and sensor, the controller having a force sensor photodiode configured to detect displacement of the stylus to enable a determination of a force being applied to a nib of either the cartridge or stylus. The controller also has analog-to-digital converter circuitry for converting analog signals from the force sensor diode into digital signals capable of encoded transmission. | 02-05-2009 |
| 20090032583 | SYSTEM FOR AUTHENTICATING ENCODED OBJECT - A system for authenticating an object is provided having means for sensing coded tags printed on the object which each encode an identity of the object, a signature fragment and a signature fragment identifier associated with the signature fragment, means for identifying a determined signature from the identity, signature fragment and signature fragment identifier encoded by at least one sensed coded tag, means for generating, using the determined signature and a key, a generated identity, means for comparing the identity encoded by the sensed coded tag with the generated identity, and means for authenticating the object using the results of the comparison. | 02-05-2009 |
| 20090032599 | SCANNER FOR SCANNING ITEMS MARKED WITH NEAR-INFRARED TAGS - 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. | 02-05-2009 |
| 20090032600 | HANDHELD SCANNER FOR CODED SURFACES - A swipe scanner for scanning a graphic image printed on a surface. The surface has a position-coding pattern imposed with the graphic image. The swipe scanner comprises: (a) a first image sensor positioned for imaging portions of the surface during a swipe of the surface, each imaged portion containing part of the position-coding pattern; (b) a second image sensor for capturing, during the swipe, portions of the graphic image; and (c) a processor. The processor is configured for: determining absolute positions of the swipe scanner using the parts of the position-coding pattern; and (d) using the absolute positions to assemble the captured portions of the graphic image into a scanned graphic image. | 02-05-2009 |
| 20090032687 | TWO DIMENSIONAL CONTACT IMAGE SENSOR WITH FRONTLIGHTING - A two-dimensional image sensor is disclosed. The image sensor includes an array of photodetectors directed towards a first side. Emitters directed towards the first side are also provided, with the emitters emitting infrared light when illuminated by ultraviolet light. An ultraviolet light source is provided for illuminating the emitters, and a filter prevents ultraviolet light from illuminating the photodetectors. | 02-05-2009 |
| 20090032688 | TWO DIMENSIONAL CONTACT IMAGE SENSOR WITH BACKLIGHTING - A two-dimensional image sensor is disclosed. The image sensor includes an array of photodetectors formed within a silicon substrate. The array of photodetectors is arranged to detect reflections of light from a surface. Channels are etched through the silicon substrate, allowing light to pass from a light source through the substrate to the surface. | 02-05-2009 |
| 20090033705 | Interactive Printer/Scanner - A printer comprises: a feed mechanism and a printhead assembly. The printhead assembly comprises: a printhead for printing a position-coding pattern onto a surface and a scanhead for scanning a pre-printed graphic image. The printer further comprises an ink supply and a processor configured for generating association data. The association data indicates an association between a scanned graphic image, an impression identity and a plurality of positions. | 02-05-2009 |
| 20090033953 | Interactive Flatbed Scanner - A flatbed scanner comprises: a platen for supporting a substrate and a carriage for traversing across a surface. The carriage comprises a pagewidth scanhead for scanning a pre-printed graphic image and a pagewidth printhead for printing a position-coding pattern onto the surface. The flatbed scanner further comprises an ink supply and a processor configured for generating association data. The association data indicates an association between a scanned graphic image, an impression identity and a plurality of positions. | 02-05-2009 |
| 20090033968 | PRINTER WITH FOLDABLE PROTECTIVE COVER AND PRINT MEDIA FEED MECHANISM - A printer includes a hollow body. The body houses an ink ejection printhead coupled to circuitry. In addition, the body bears a user interface. A foldable cover is pivotally mounted to the body to protectively cover the user interface. A print media feed mechanism includes a single motor driving rollers. The feed mechanism is configured to both grip an endmost sheet of print media from a print media stack and feed print media past the ink ejection printhead during printing. The operation of the feed mechanism is conditional upon the driven direction of the motor. | 02-05-2009 |
| 20090033987 | Method of Conferring Interactivity on a Pre-printed graphic Image - A method of conferring interactivity on a pre-printed graphic image. The method comprises the steps of: (i) providing a surface bearing the pre-printed graphic image and an imposed position-coding pattern; (ii) scanning the surface with a scanhead; (iii) imaging a position-coding pattern using an optical sensor; (iv) determining an absolute position from the imaged pattern; (v) determining an impression identity from the pattern; (vi) assembling a scanned graphic image; (vii) generating association data indicating an association between the scanned graphic image, the impression identity and a plurality of absolute positions; and (viii) communicating the association data to a computer system. The computer is can confer interactivity on the graphic image using the association data. | 02-05-2009 |
| 20090033988 | System for Conferring Interactivity on Previously Printed Graphic Images Containing URI Text - A system for conferring interactivity on a pre-printed image containing a URI text string, the image having been scanned and had a position-coding pattern printed thereon, the position-coding pattern identifying a plurality of absolute positions and an impression identity for the image, the system comprises a computer system configured for: (i) receiving association data indicating an association between the impression identity, the plurality of absolute positions and a scanned image; (ii) performing Optical Character Recognition (OCR) on the scanned image to convert text images into computer text; (iii) identifying a URI text string in the computer text; (iv) generating an input description for the scanned image, the input description describing a URI corresponding to the URI text string and a zone of the URI text string in the scanned image; and (v) storing a page description comprising the input description and the scanned image, the page description being indexed with the impression identity, wherein the page description is retrievable so as to confer interactivity on the image. | 02-05-2009 |
| 20090034000 | HANDHELD PRINTER - A swipe printer comprising: (a) a printhead for printing a graphic image and a position-coding pattern onto a surface; (b) an ink supply containing a first ink for printing the graphic image and a second ink for printing the position-coding pattern; (c) an image sensor positioned for imaging portions of the surface on which the printhead has printed during a swipe of the surface, each imaged portion containing part of the position-coding pattern printed by the printhead during the swipe; and (d) a processor for determining absolute positions of the swipe printer using the parts of the position-coding pattern. The processor is configured to use the absolute positions for controlling an output of the printhead during the swipe. | 02-05-2009 |
| 20090034010 | METHOD OF SCANNING REGIONS LARGER THAN THE SCAN SWATH USING A HANDHELD SCANNER - A method of swipe-scanning a graphic image pre-printed on a surface. The method comprises the steps of: (i) operatively positioning a swipe scanner relative to the surface and swiping the scanner across the surface; (ii) capturing, during the swipe, successive images of portions of the graphic image; (iii) printing, during the swipe, successive parts of a position-coding pattern onto the surface, the position-coding pattern being superimposed with the graphic image; (iv) imaging, during the swipe, portions of the surface on which the printhead has printed the parts of the position-coding pattern; (v) determining absolute positions of the scanner using the imaged parts of the position-coding pattern; and (vi) using the absolute positions to assemble the captured portions of the graphic image into a scanned graphic image. | 02-05-2009 |
| 20090034013 | INTERACTIVE HANDHELD SCANNER - A swipe scanner for scanning a graphic image pre-printed on a surface. The swipe scanner comprises: (a) a printhead for printing a position-coding pattern onto the graphic image, the position-coding pattern identifying a plurality of absolute positions and an impression identity for the graphic image; (b) an ink supply containing an ink for printing the position-coding pattern; (c) a first sensor for sensing positions of the scanner during a swipe of the surface; (d) a second image sensor for capturing, during the swipe, portions of the graphic image; and (e) a processor. The processor is configured for: using the sensed positions to control an output of the printhead during the swipe; using the sensed positions to assemble the captured portions of the graphic image into a scanned graphic image; and generating association data indicating an association between the impression identity, the plurality of absolute positions and the scanned graphic image. | 02-05-2009 |
| 20090034014 | METHOD OF PRINTING REGIONS LARGER THAN THE PRINT SWATH USING A HANDHELD PRINTER - A method of printing comprising the steps of: (i) operatively positioning a swipe printer relative to a surface and swiping the printer across the surface; (ii) printing, during the swipe, successive parts of a position-coding pattern onto the surface; (iii) printing, during the swipe, successive parts of a graphic image onto the surface, the position-coding pattern and the graphic image being superimposed; (iv) imaging, during the swipe, portions of the surface on which the printhead has printed the parts of the position-coding pattern; (v) determining, during the swipe, absolute positions of the printhead using imaged parts of the position-coding pattern; and (vi) using the absolute positions to control, during the swipe, printing of the position-coding pattern and the graphic image. | 02-05-2009 |
| 20090034016 | Method of Conferring Interactivity on Previously Printed Graphic Images - A method of conferring interactivity on a pre-printed image containing a URI text string. The method comprises the steps of: (i) receiving association data indicating an association between an impression identity, absolute positions and a scanned image; (ii) performing Optical Character Recognition on the scanned image to convert text images into computer text; (iii) identifying a URI text string in the computer text; (iv) generating an input description for the scanned image, and (v) storing a page description comprising the input description and the scanned image. The page description is indexed with the impression identity and, further, is retrievable so as to confer interactivity on the image. | 02-05-2009 |
| 20090034017 | HANDHELD SCANNER - A swipe scanner comprising: (a) a printhead for printing a position-coding pattern onto a surface; (b) an ink supply containing an ink for printing the position-coding pattern; (c) a first image sensor positioned for imaging portions of the surface on which the printhead has printed during a swipe of the surface, each imaged portion containing part of the position-coding pattern printed by the printhead during the swipe; (c) a second image sensor for capturing, during the swipe, portions of a graphic image pre-printed on the surface; and (d) a processor. The processor is configured for: determining absolute positions of the swipe scanner using the parts of the position-coding pattern; using the absolute positions to control an output of the printhead during the swipe; and using the absolute positions to assemble the captured portions of the graphic image into a scanned graphic image. | 02-05-2009 |
| 20090034018 | METHOD OF SCANNING IMAGES LARGER THAN THE SCAN SWATH USING CODED SURFACES - A method of swipe-scanning a graphic image printed on a surface. The surface has a position-coding pattern superimposed with the graphic image. The method comprises the steps of: (i) operatively positioning a swipe scanner relative to the surface; (ii) swiping the scanner across the surface; (iii) capturing, during said swipe, successive images of portions of the graphic image; (iv) imaging, during the swipe, successive parts of the position-coding pattern; (v) determining absolute positions of the scanner using the imaged parts of the position-coding pattern; and (vi) using the absolute positions to assemble the captured portions of the graphic image into a scanned graphic image. | 02-05-2009 |
| 20090034879 | METHOD OF ENABLING INTERACTIVITY TO BE CONFERRED ON A PRE-PRINTED GRAPHIC IMAGE - A method of swipe-scanning a graphic image pre-printed on a surface. The method comprises the steps of: (i) operatively positioning a swipe-scanner relative to the surface and swiping the scanner across the surface; (ii) capturing, during the swipe, successive images of portions of the graphic image; (iii) printing, during the swipe, successive parts of a position-coding pattern onto the graphic image, the position-coding pattern identifying a plurality of absolute positions and an impression identity for the graphic image; (iv) sensing, during the swipe, positions of the scanner; (v) using the sensed positions to control, during the swipe, printing of the position-coding pattern; (vi) using the sensed positions to assemble the captured portions of the graphic image into a scanned graphic image; and (vii) generating association data indicating an association between the impression identity, the plurality of absolute positions and the scanned graphic image. | 02-05-2009 |
| 20090034880 | Method of Conferring Interactivity on Previously Printed Graphic Containing Text - A method of conferring interactivity on a pre-printed image containing text. The method comprises the steps of: (i) receiving association data indicating an association between an impression identity, absolute positions and a scanned image; (ii) performing Optical Character Recognition on the scanned image to convert text images into computer text; (iii) generating an input description for the scanned image; and (iv) storing a page description comprising the input description and the scanned image. The page description is indexed with the impression identity and, further, the page description is retrievable so as to confer interactivity on the image. | 02-05-2009 |
| 20090034881 | System for Conferring Interactivity on Previously Printed Text - A system for conferring interactivity on a pre-printed image containing text, the image having been scanned and had a position-coding pattern printed thereon, the position-coding pattern identifying a plurality of absolute positions and an impression identity for the image, the system comprising a computer system configured for: (i) receiving association data indicating an association between the impression identity, the plurality of absolute positions and a scanned image; (ii) performing Optical Character Recognition (OCR) on the scanned image to convert text images into computer text; (iii) generating an input description for the scanned image, the input description describing words of computer text and zones of corresponding text images in the scanned image; and (iv) storing a page description comprising the input description and the scanned image, the page description being indexed with the impression identity, wherein the page description is retrievable so as to confer interactivity on the image. | 02-05-2009 |
| 20090037739 | METHOD FOR IDENTIFYING A COUNTERFEIT SECURITY DOCUMENT - A method of determining a counterfeit security document which includes a number of coded data portions indicative of an identity of the security document; and at least part of a digital signature of at least part of the identity. The method includes using a sensing device to sense at least one coded data portion and generate indicating data. The indicating data is used by a processor to obtain a determined identity and at least one determined signature part, which are then used to determine if the security document is a counterfeit document. | 02-05-2009 |
| 20090039148 | SECURED ACCESS USING A POSITION-CODED SYSTEM - A system and method are disclosed for controlling access to goods or services. A location may be read from a base, such as a card, using a digital pen. The system may then check if the location is within a region belonging to an authorized user. If so, access may be granted to the authorized user to the good or services. | 02-12-2009 |
| 20090045250 | METHOD OF RECORDING MAIL TRANSACTIONS - A method of recording an interaction with a mail item. The mail item comprises a product contained in a mailing package. The mailing package comprises an interface surface containing mailing information. The interface surface has coded data indicative of a mail item identity and of coordinates of a plurality of locations of the interface surface. The method includes the steps of: receiving, in a computer system, indicating data from a sensing device regarding the mail item identity and positions of the sensing device relative to the interface surface; and identifying and recording, with reference to the indicating data, the interaction with the mail item. | 02-19-2009 |
| 20090046309 | Inkjet Printer With Dual Page Memory And Page Expander - An inkjet printer including a body housing a print engine configured to transport and print upon print media. The print engine includes a memory buffer of sufficient size to enable printing of one compressed page whilst receiving another compressed page. Each compressed page includes compressed contone data and compressed bi-level data. The print engine is configured to expand each compressed page during printing. A retractable cover is pivotally mounted relative to the body and is able to be pivoted to form a guide which can guide print media to the print engine for printing. | 02-19-2009 |
| 20090046321 | Print Medium having Coded Surface for Audio data Retrieval - A print medium is provided which has a surface provided with coded data. The coded data is indicative of a print media identifier linked to audio data which is able to be determined using a sensor module of a mobile telecommunications device. The audio data is retrievable from a database using the print media identifier. The coded data includes first coded data in a first format and second coded data in a second format. The first coded data encodes first information and the second coded data encodes second information. At least some of the first information is indicative of the print media identifier and the first format is a linear pattern. At least some of the second information is indicative of the print media identifier and of a two-dimensional coordinate grid, and the second format is a two-dimensional pattern. | 02-19-2009 |
| 20090047997 | TELECOMMUNICATIONS DEVICE CONFIGURED TO PRINT AND SENSE CODED DATA TAGS - A telecommunications device includes a printer configured to print visible information and invisible coded data tags on print media. An image sensor is configured to sense the printed data tags. A contact sensor includes a switch that is configured to close through contact so that the image sensor can sense at least one data tag. A controller decodes information relating to the sensed data tag. In one embodiment, the printer includes a replaceable printhead cartridge defining ink supply reservoirs, and a quality assurance integrated circuit is configured to authenticate the integrated circuit. | 02-19-2009 |
| 20090051943 | DUAL PRINTHEAD CONTROLLER ARCHITECTURE FOR INK QUALITY ASSURANCE CIRCUITRY - Dual printhead controller architecture includes a master central processor capable of being interfaced with a first printhead. A slave central processor is capable of being interfaced with a second printhead. Data transfer means is operatively connected between the master central processor and the slave central processor to permit communication between the master and slave central processors. A host link is operatively connected to the master central processor to permit the master central processor to receive page data from a host processor. Ink cartridge quality assurance integrated circuitry is connected to the master central processor. | 02-26-2009 |
| 20090054664 | INKJET INK COMPRISING METAL-CYANINE DYE WITH IMPROVED WATER-SOLUBILITY - An inkjet ink comprising an IR-absorbing dye. The dye is a metal-cyanine complex of formula (I): | 02-26-2009 |
| 20090057392 | METHOD OF ENABLING ONLINE PURCHASING USING ENCODED FORM - A method of enabling online purchasing via a printed form is provided in which the printed form is provided containing information relating to a purchasing transaction and a plurality of coded tags, where each tag encodes data on an identity of the form and the position of the tag on the form, and indicating data is received at a computer system which is generated by a pen sensing the data encoded by a tag on the form, where the indicating data is indicative of the identity of the form and a position of the pen relative to the form. This enables the computer system to identify at least one parameter relating to the purchasing transaction using the indicating data, and initiate the online purchasing using the at least one parameter identified. | 03-05-2009 |
| 20090057400 | SYSTEM FOR IDENTIFYING COUNTERFEIT SECURITY DOCUMENT - A system is provided having a sensing device and a processor for determining a counterfeit security document. The security document has disposed thereon or therein coded data including a number of coded data portions. Each coded data portion is indicative of an identity of the security document and a part of a digital signature of at least a part of the identity which has a plurality of signature parts. The sensing device is configured to sense one of the coded data portions and generate, using the sensed coded data portion, indicating data indicative of the identity, the part of the signature and a signature part identifier. The processor is configured to determine a determined signature using the identity, a determined signature part using the determined signature and the signature part identifier, and whether the security document is counterfeit by comparing the determined signature part and the part of the signature. | 03-05-2009 |
| 20090059032 | IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD IN A CAMERA MODULE FOR CONVERTING NON-LINEAR RGB IMAGE DATA TO L*A*B* IMAGE DATA - A method of image processing an image in a camera module, said method comprising the steps of capturing an image as a Color Filter Array image having non-linear RGB pixel data from an image sensor of said camera module; linearizing said image from said image sensor to generate a linearized image by using at least three lookup tables, one lookup table for each of three RGB colors, said linearizing step performed by using an address for current RGB pixel data being read to index the at least three lookup tables and incrementing the addresses for the RGB pixel data; generating at least three histograms of said linearized image data, one histogram for each of at least three RGB image color planes, and storing at least a high and a low threshold for each histogram; planarizing said linearized image by using at least the high and the low threshold to generate a planarized linear RGB image; and transforming said image from planarized linear RGB form to L*a*b* form. The step of transforming said image from planarized linear RGB form to L*a*b* form includes a step of referring to each of the histograms and applying a thresholding algorithm thereto. | 03-05-2009 |
| 20090059294 | METHOD OF DELIVERING FACSIMILE - A method of communicating through facsimiles is disclosed. The method starts by receiving a message and a destination facsimile number from a first user. A unique reply number is allocated and recorded in a pending reply list. The message and the reply number is then transmitted to the destination facsimile number. Upon receipt of a received facsimile and a received reply number addressed to the first user, it is determining whether the received reply number matches an entry in the pending reply list. The received facsimile is delivered only if a match is found. The reply number is also removed from the pending reply list. | 03-05-2009 |
| 20090059301 | SYSTEM FOR INTERACTION WITH COMPUTER SYSTEM - A system for enabling user interaction with a computer system is provided having a printer for printing, upon receiving print data generated by the computer system, a form printed with information related to at least one interactive element and coded data that is at least partially indicative of the at least one interactive element, and a sensing device operable, when placed in an operative position relative to the printed interactive element, to sense the coded data and generate indicating data using the sensed coded data. The indicating data is at least partially indicative of the interactive element to enable the computer system to identify the at least one interactive element and perform an action associated with the at least one interactive element. | 03-05-2009 |
| 20090059318 | PEN-SHAPED SCANNING DEVICE HAVING A REGION IDENTITY SENSOR - Provided is a pen-shaped scanning device for scanning a surface having coded data disposed thereon which is substantially invisible to the average unaided human eye. The device is configured to determine at least two dimensions of a rotational orientation of the sensing device relative to the surface, the coded data being indicative of at least two dimensions of the rotational orientation of the sensing device. The device includes an orientation sensor configured to generate, when positioned or moved relative to the surface, using at least some of the coded data, orientation data indicative of the at least two dimensions of the orientation of the sensing device relative to the surface. The device also includes a transmitter for transmitting the orientation data to a computer system, as well as a region identity sensor configured to sense, when the sensing device is positioned or moved relative to a region of the surface, and using at least some of the coded data, region identity data indicative of an identity of the region, the transmitter being configured to transmit the region identity data to the computer system. | 03-05-2009 |
| 20090061094 | METHOD OF PRINTING AN IR-ABSORBING DYE ONTO A SUBSTRATE - A method of printing an IR-absorbing dye onto a substrate whilst minimizing visible coloration of the substrate. The method comprises: (i) preselecting the dye from a metal-cyanine of formula (I): | 03-05-2009 |
| 20090065266 | METHOD OF INSTRUCTING A COMPUTER TO EXECUTE A COMMAND - A method of instructing a computer is disclosed. The method starts by providing a user with an interface surface. The first interface surface includes coded data indicative of positions on the interactive surface, one or more command areas each designating a command to be applied to an object, and one or more objects. The method continues by receiving indicating data from a sensing device. The indicating data is formed by the sensing device in response sensing at least some of the coded data when the sensing device is moved relative to the first interface surface. The indicating data is indicative of a sequence of positions of the sensing device relative to the first interface surface, thereby defining a stroke. Next, using the indicating data, the method determines one of the commands and at least one object designated by the stroke. Finally, the command designated by the stroke is applied to the at least one object designated by the stroke. | 03-12-2009 |
| 20090066733 | Method Of Printing An Interface Onto A Surface - A method of printing an interface onto a surface is disclosed. The method starts by providing a printer comprising a data input module for receiving document data from a computer system, a coded data generator for generating coded data using at least some of the document data, the coded data being indicative of an identity of a region of a surface to be printed on and of a plurality of locations on the surface to be printed on, a printhead for printing the interface onto the surface, and an ink supply for supplying ink to the printhead, the ink supply comprising an ink set including at least one visible text/graphics ink and a coded data ink, the coded data ink being absorptive of wavelengths in the near-infrared range. Visible text/graphics and the coded data is then printed onto the surface using the printer. | 03-12-2009 |
| 20090066740 | PRINTER CONTROLLER FOR CONTROLLING AN INK DOT SIZE - Provided is a printer controller for an inkjet printer having a printhead with a plurality of nozzle arrangements, a paper transport mechanism, and an authentication chip. The controller has a data bus and purpose-specific functional units connected to the data bus. The controller is configured to execute software to control a dot size of ink discharged by the respective nozzles by heating the ink in a nozzle by applying at least one firing pulse of a duration less than a duration required to discharge an ink dot, sensing the temperature of the heated ink in the nozzle, and loading and updating a table having sensed values of temperature of ink in the nozzle, resistivity of an actuator heater of the nozzle and width of at least part of the actuator heater. The controller then changes the duration of a firing pulse used to discharge an ink dot in response to the updated table of sensed temperature, resistivity and width values so as to produce a uniform ink dot size. | 03-12-2009 |
| 20090066972 | Printer having dedicated coded data channel - A printer for printing an interface of visible data and machine-readable coded data onto a surface is provided. The printer has a processor for receiving document data which includes identity data indicative of at least one identity associated with the interface and generating visible and coded data using the document data, and a printhead having a visible ink channel dedicated for printing the visible data and an infrared ink channel exclusively dedicated for printing the coded data. | 03-12-2009 |
| 20090066974 | SYSTEM FOR PERFORMING COMPUTER-BASED OPERATIONS - A system for performing computer-based operations is disclosed. The system includes a printer for printing visible information and coded data tags on a surface substantially simultaneously. Each coded data tag encodes a region identifier for uniquely identifying a description of a region on the surface, and a position in the region. The description associates at least one instruction with one or more positions in the region. The system further includes a sensor for sensing at least one coded data tag and for generating a signal indicative of the sensed coded data tag. A computer system receives the signal, determines the region identifier and the position, relates the position to the at least one instruction using the description, and executes the at least one instruction. | 03-12-2009 |
| 20090066975 | System For Printing A Coded Interface - 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. | 03-12-2009 |
| 20090067002 | METHOD OF AUTHENTICATING PRINT MEDIA USING A MOBILE TELEPHONE - A method of using a mobile telephone to authenticate a print medium, the mobile telephone being configured for printing on print media predetermined as authentic. The print media has coded data in the form of a plurality of coded data portions, each coded data portion encoding a signature fragment. The mobile telephone has a printhead, a processing means, a print path extending past the printhead and a sensor adjacent the print path. The method comprising steps of using the sensor to sense the coded data provided on a surface of the substrate whilst the print medium is moving along the print path, using the processing means to interpret the plurality of coded data portions and determine the signature fragments from each of the coded data portions, determining a signature from the signature fragments, using the signature to assess the print medium authenticity, and using the printhead to print onto the print medium in the event that it is authentic. | 03-12-2009 |
| 20090077385 | Authenticating An Object - A method of authenticating an object is disclosed. The method starts by receiving indicating data. The indicating data was generated in response to sensing of a coded data portion provided on or in a surface associated with the object. The indicating data is indicative of an identity, a position of the coded data portion, and a fragment of a signature. The signature is a digital signature of at least the identity, and comprises a plurality of signature fragments. The method then proceeds by determining from the indicating data, a received identity, a received signature fragment and the position of the coded data portion. Using the position, a received signature fragment identifier is then determined. Next, using the received identity, a determined signature is determined. A determined signature fragment is also determined using the determined signature and the received signature fragment identifier. Finally, the determined signature fragment is compared to the received signature fragment, and the object is authenticated using the result of the comparison. | 03-19-2009 |
| 20090077461 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR RETRIEVING DOCUMENTS - A document retrieval device for retrieving a second document in response to first indicating data received from a sensing device. The first interactive document has a corresponding page description stored in one of a plurality of servers. The device is configured to receive the first indicating data; determine a network address of a server handling the page description corresponding to the first interactive document; send second indicating data to the network address identified using the page identity; receive response data corresponding to the second document; and provide the second document to a user. | 03-19-2009 |
| 20090078767 | METHOD OF IMAGING A CODING PATTERN WITH DATA ELEMENTS ENCODING BY MULTI-PULSE POSITION MODULATION - A method of imaging a coding pattern disposed on a surface of a substrate. The method comprises the steps of: (a) capturing an image of a portion of the coding pattern; and (b) low-pass filtering said captured image so as to obscure data elements and preserve target elements. The coding pattern comprises and target elements and data elements, which encode data values by multi-pulse position modulation. | 03-26-2009 |
| 20090078768 | METHOD OF IMAGING A CODING PATTERN HAVING AN ORIENTATION IDENTIFIED VIA A PLURALITY OF DIRECTION COMPONENTS - A method of imaging a coding pattern disposed on a surface of a substrate. The method comprises the steps of: (a) capturing an image of a portion of the coding pattern; (b) sampling and decoding a plurality of registration symbols contained in the imaged portion; (c) determining an orientation from the decoded registration symbols; and (d) using the determined orientation to sample and decode tag data. | 03-26-2009 |
| 20090078769 | METHOD OF IMAGING A CODING PATTERN HAVING REGISTRATION SYMBOLS - A method of imaging a coding pattern disposed on a surface of a substrate. The method comprises the steps of: (a) capturing an image of a portion of the coding pattern; (b) sampling and decoding a plurality of registration symbols contained in said imaged portion; (c) determining an orientation and a translation from the decoded registration symbols; and (d) using the orientation and the translation to sample and decode tag data. | 03-26-2009 |
| 20090078770 | METHOD OF IMAGING CODING PATTERN AND IDENTIFYING CELL TRANSLATIONS FROM DIFFERENT ORIENTATIONS - A method of imaging a coding pattern disposed on a surface of a substrate. The method comprises the steps of: (a) capturing an image of a portion of the coding pattern; (b) sampling a registration symbol contained in the imaged portion; (c) mapping a set of data elements to a first translation code symbol value when read in a first orientation or a second translation symbol code value when read in a second orientation; (d) determining a translation from the mapped set of data elements; and (e) using the translation to sample and decode tag data. | 03-26-2009 |
| 20090078778 | CODING PATTERN WITH DATA ELEMENTS ENCODING BY MULTI-PULSE POSITION MODULATION - A substrate having a coding pattern disposed on a surface thereof. The coding pattern comprises a plurality of data elements, which encode data values by multi-pulse position modulation. | 03-26-2009 |
| 20090078779 | CODING PATTERN COMPRISING DIRECTION CODES - A substrate having a coding pattern disposed on a surface thereof. The coding pattern comprises a plurality of target elements defining a target grid. The target grid comprises a plurality of cells, wherein neighboring cells share target elements. A plurality of data elements are contained in each cell. Tags are defined by a plurality of contiguous cells and each tag comprises respective local tag data encoded by a respective set of the data elements. Each cell comprises one or more translation symbols encoded by a respective set of the data elements. The translation symbols identify a translation of the cell relative to a tag containing the cell. | 03-26-2009 |
| 20090078780 | CODING PATTERN COMPRISING REGISTRATION SYMBOLS - A substrate having a coding pattern disposed on a surface thereof. The coding pattern comprises a plurality of target elements defining a target grid. The target grid comprises a plurality of cells, wherein neighboring cells share target elements. A plurality of data elements are contained in each cell. Tags are defined by a plurality of contiguous cells and each tag comprises respective local tag data encoded by a respective set of the data elements. Each cell comprises one or more translation symbols encoded by a respective set of the data elements. The translation symbols identify a translation of the cell relative to a tag containing the cell. | 03-26-2009 |
| 20090079692 | INTERACTIVE DIGITAL CLIPPINGS - A method of generating a self-contained interactive clipping from a printed substrate. The substrate has a graphic image and a position-coding pattern disposed thereon. The position-coding pattern identifies an identity and a plurality of locations. The method comprises the steps of: (i) receiving, in a computer system, interaction data indicative of the identity and a position of a sensing device relative to the substrate, the sensing device generating the interaction data, when operatively positioned or moved relative to the substrate, by reading the position-coding pattern; (ii) identifying and retrieving a page description corresponding to the printed substrate using the identity, the page description including a visual description describing the graphic image and an input description describing interactive elements; (iii) determining, using the page description and the position of the sensing device, a clipping zone of the substrate indicated by the sensing device, the clipping zone containing a part of the graphic image; (iv) generating the clipping using the page description and the clipping zone, the clipping comprising a clipping visual description describing the part of the graphic image contained in the clipping zone and a clipping input description describing an interactive element contained in the clipping zone; and (v) copying the clipping to a clipboard. | 03-26-2009 |
| 20090079710 | SCANNING DEVICE FOR SCANNING A SURFACE HAVING CODED DATA DISPOSED THEREON - Provided is a scanning device for scanning a surface having coded data disposed thereon which is substantially invisible to the average unaided human eye. The device is configured to determine at least two dimensions of a rotational orientation of the sensing device relative to the surface, the coded data being indicative of at least two dimensions of the rotational orientation of the sensing device. The device includes an orientation sensor configured to generate, when positioned or moved relative to the surface, using at least some of the coded data, orientation data indicative of the at least two dimensions of the orientation of the sensing device relative to the surface, a transmitter for transmitting the orientation data to a computer system, and a pressure sensor to facilitate activation of the orientation sensor when a nib of the pen-shaped device is pressed against said surface. | 03-26-2009 |
| 20090080015 | PRINTER DRIVER FOR INTERACTIVE PRINTER - A printer driver for printing a document at a printer. The printer driver is configured to: (i) receive a visual description for the document from a first memory, the visual description describing a graphic impression for printing; (ii) send print data corresponding to the graphic impression to the printer; and (iii) archive the visual description for a page of the document in a second memory. | 03-26-2009 |
| 20090080016 | COMPUTER SYSTEM FOR PRINTING A PAGE AND GENERATING INTERACTIVE ELEMENTS - A computer system for printing a page at a printer. The computer system is configured to: (i) receive a visual description for the page, the visual description describing a graphic impression for printing; (ii) identify a URI text string in the visual description; (iii) generate a corresponding input description for the visual description, the input description describing a URI corresponding to the URI text string and a spatial extent of the URI text string on the page; and (iv) archive the visual description and the corresponding input description. | 03-26-2009 |
| 20090080017 | PRINTER DRIVER CONFIGURED FOR RECEIVING PRINT IMPRESSION IDENTITY FROM A PRINTER - A printer driver for printing a page at a printer. The printer driver is configured to: (i) receive a visual description for the page, the visual description describing a graphic impression for printing; (ii) send print data corresponding to the graphic impression to the printer; and (iii) receive a physical impression identity from the printer. The physical impression identity is encoded in a tag pattern disposed on the page printed by the printer. | 03-26-2009 |
| 20090080690 | METHOD OF IMAGING A CODING PATTERN COMPRISING REED-SOLOMON CODEWORDS ENCODED BY MIXED MULTI-PULSE POSITION MODULATION - A method of imaging a coding pattern disposed on a surface of a substrate. The method comprises the steps of: (a) operatively positioning an optical reader relative to the surface and capturing an image of a portion of the coding pattern; (b) sampling and decoding a Reed-Solomon codeword contained in the imaged portion; and (c) determining, using the decoded codeword, a position of said reader, an identity of the substrate digital signature, and/or a fragment of an embedded data object. The coding pattern encodes Reed-Solomon symbols using mixed multi-pulse position modulation, with a higher number of Reed-Solomon symbol values available for redundancy symbols than data symbols. | 03-26-2009 |
| 20090080691 | METHOD OF GENERATING A CLIPPING FROM A PRINTED SUBSTRATE - A method of generating a clipping from a printed substrate. The substrate has a graphic image and a position-coding pattern disposed thereon and the position-coding pattern identifies an identity and a plurality of locations. The method comprises the steps of: (i) receiving, in a computer system, interaction data indicative of the identity and a position of a sensing device relative to the substrate, the sensing device generating the interaction data, when operatively positioned or moved relative to the substrate, by reading the position-coding pattern; (ii) identifying and retrieving a page description corresponding to the printed substrate using the identity, the page description including a visual description describing the graphic image and an input description describing interactive elements; (iii) determining, using the page description and the position of the sensing device, a clipping zone of the substrate indicated by the sensing device, the clipping zone containing a part of the graphic image; (iv) generating the clipping, the clipping comprising a clipping identity identifying the page description and the clipping zone; and (v) copying the clipping to a clipboard. | 03-26-2009 |
| 20090082972 | CODING PATTERN HAVING CELL TRANSLATIONS IDENTIFIABLE IN DIFFERENT ORIENTATIONS - A substrate having a coding pattern disposed on a surface thereof. The coding pattern comprises: a plurality of target elements defining a target grid; a plurality of data elements contained in each cell of the grid; and a plurality of tags. Each tag is defined by a plurality of contiguous cells and comprises respective tag data encoded by data elements. Each cell comprises a pair of registration symbols, each encoded by a respective set of the data elements. The set of data elements identifies a translation of the cell relative to a tag containing the cell. Further, each set of data elements maps to a first translation code symbol value when read in a first orientation, and maps to a second translation code symbol value when read in a second orientation. Thus, the translation of the cell relative to the tag is identifiable in either of the first or second orientations. | 03-26-2009 |
| 20090083607 | CODING PATTERN COMPRISING REED-SOLOMON CODEWORDS ENCODED BY MIXED MULTI-PULSE POSITION MODULATION - A substrate having a coding pattern disposed on a surface thereof. The coding pattern comprises a plurality of macrodots encoding Reed-Solomon codewords. Each codeword is comprised of Reed-Solomon data symbols and Reed-Solomon redundancy symbols. The coding pattern encodes the symbols using mixed multi-pulse position modulation, with a higher number of symbol values available for redundancy symbols than data symbols. | 03-26-2009 |
| 20090084610 | SYSTEM FOR ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION OF HANDWRITTEN INFORMATION - A system for electronic transmission of handwritten information. The system includes a printed product page having a writing area for entering handwritten information and an address area indicating an address to which the handwritten information is to be sent. The system further includes an electronic pen for initiating transmission of handwritten information written in the writing area to an address indicated in the address area via interaction with the writing and address areas on the product page. | 04-02-2009 |
| 20090084850 | SENSING DEVICE - A sensing device is disclosed. The sensing device includes a coded data sensor for sensing coded data portions disposed on a plurality of respective positions on a surface of a product item, each code data portion being indicative of an identity of the product item and the position of the respective code data portion, a barcode sensor for sensing a barcode on the surface of the product item, a processor for generating indicating data indicative of the position of each sensed coded data portion and the identity of the product item, and communication means for transferring the indicating data to a computer system. | 04-02-2009 |
| 20090084857 | PORTABLE SCANNING DEVICE FOR SCANNING PRODUCT ITEM - A portable scanning device for scanning a product item is provided, The product item has visible information relating thereto and a plurality of tags disposed thereon. Each tag encodes data on an identity of the product item and the location of that tag on the product item. The scanning device has a sensor for sensing the data encoded by at least one tag, and a processor for determining, from the sensed data, product identity data indicative of the identity of the product item and location data indicative of a location of said at least one tag on the product item. | 04-02-2009 |
| 20090084859 | Region Delimited Coded Data Having Unique Length Digital Signature - Coded data for disposal on or in a surface is delimited into a number of regions. The coded data encodes an identity of the region in which the coded data is disposed, and a signature formed from at least part of the identity of the region and a substantially random number. The coded data is arranged in accordance with a layout having n-fold rotational symmetry, where n is at least two. The layout including n sub-layouts rotated 1/n revolutions apart about a centre of rotation, at least one sub-layout including rotation-indicating data that distinguishes that sub-layout from other sub-layouts. The random number serves as a padding to pad out the identity to a length unique to the identity. | 04-02-2009 |
| 20090084860 | Data Tag With A Position Detection Pattern - A two-dimensional printed data tag for detection by an optical tag reader has a position detection pattern configured so that an optical tag reader can locate the tag. Data areas are located within the confines of the position detection pattern, the data areas containing encoded data. | 04-02-2009 |
| 20090086222 | Printer Incorporating A Binding Assembly - A printer is disclosed. The printer includes a print media supply station for storing print media. The printer further includes a print engine station arranged to receive print media from the print media supply and to print on the print media. A binding assembly station is also included which is configured to apply adhesive along an edge of each sheet of print media after printed upon, and to compile the print media into a bound stack. A receptacle station receives the bound stack. The print media supply station, the print engine station, the binding assembly station and the receptacle station are arranged vertically. | 04-02-2009 |
| 20090086250 | MODULAR PEN-LIKE DEVICE HAVING CAMERA, EFFECTS AND PRINTER MODULES - A modular pen-like device is provided having a camera module for capturing images, an effects module for applying visual effects to the captured images, and a printer module for printing the captured and visually effected images. The modules have respective, generally cylindrical bodies configured to be assembled together so that the assembled body of the modular pen-like device is generally cylindrical. | 04-02-2009 |
| 20090088206 | MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS DEVICE WITH PRINTING AND SENSING MODULES - A mobile telecommunications includes a mobile phone module. A printer module is operatively connected to the mobile phone module and includes a print engine controller. A tag sensor module is operatively connected to the mobile phone module and includes an image sensor and processor. | 04-02-2009 |
| 20090088209 | MOBILE PHONE CRADLE ASSEMBLY - A cradle assembly is provided for a mobile phone. The cradle assembly includes an elongate cradle defining an end opening and one or more rails. An elongate print cartridge is configured to be axially inserted into the cradle through the end opening and along the rails. The print cartridge includes an ink ejection printhead, in turn, including a plurality of ink ejection integrated circuits. Each integrated circuit includes an array of nozzles configured to eject ink upon print media and control circuitry to actuate the nozzles. | 04-02-2009 |
| 20090088251 | System for Performing Games - A system for performing games based on a game participant's positioning of an optically imaging pen on a writing surface. The system comprises a pre-printed gaming form with game-related graphics and a position-coding pattern printed thereon. The position-coding pattern codes coordinate information and is spatially interrelated with the game-related graphics. An optically imaging pen detects its position on a surface of the pre-printed gaming form by optically imaging the position-coding pattern on the writing surface as the game participant positions the pen on the surface. | 04-02-2009 |
| 20090089061 | Audio Reader Device - An audio reader device for reading printed infrared media includes a linear sensor device sensitive to infra-red. A processor is operatively connected to the sensor device and is configured to read and decode infra-red audio data on the media. A memory is operatively connected to the processor for storing the audio data. A sound processing integrated circuit and speaker arrangement is operatively connected to the memory for playback of the audio data. A roller arrangement feeds the media past the linear sensor device. | 04-02-2009 |
| 20090089374 | METHOD OF ENABLING CONFERENCING USING PRINTED FORMS - A method of enabling conferencing using printed forms includes, in a computer system, receiving indicating data generated by a sensing device through interaction with conference information and coded tags printed on a first form, determining a parameter relating to the conference information and outputting a second form with coded tags and information on the parameter and a form version hierarchial tree. Each tag encodes an identity of, and the location of that tag on, the respective form. The indicating data includes the first form's identity and a sensing device position relative to the tags sensed on the first form. The computer system has a form description associated with the first form's identity and produces the hierarchical tree by associating the second form's identity with the form description by determining whether any other form is associated therewith. The parameter is determined from the indicating data and digital description. | 04-02-2009 |
| 20090090768 | METHOD FOR INITIATING PAYMENT OF BILL - A method for initiating payment of a bill via a printed billing form. The form contains information relating to a payment and coded data printed as a collection of tags. Each tag identifies a bill identity and a location of the tag on the bill. The method comprises the steps of: (i) interacting with the printed billing form by operatively positioning an optically imaging pen relative to the form; (ii) imaging a tag on the form; (iii) generating indicating data regarding the identity of the form and a position of the pen relative to the form; and (iv) transmitting the indicating data to a computer system. Payment of the bill is initiated in the computer system using a payment parameter identified from the indicating data. | 04-09-2009 |
| 20090091627 | Camera System With Real-Time Dithering And Printing Capabilities - A camera system includes an image sensor configured to capture an image. A memory is coupled to the image sensor and is configured to store the captured image. A printhead interface is coupled to the memory, and is configured to take a planarized linear image obtained from the stored image and produce a dithered image in real-time. A printhead is coupled to, and controlled by, the printhead interface to print the dithered image. An ink supply is provided in fluid communication with the printhead and supplies a plurality of coloured inks to the printhead for printing. | 04-09-2009 |
| 20090091639 | PEN-SHAPED MODULAR CAMERA ASSEMBLY HAVING AN EFFECTS MODULE - Provided is a pen-shaped modular camera assembly. The assembly includes a camera module having an image sensor for capturing an image in an RGB (red, green, blue) color space. The assembly also includes a central processing module arranged in communication with the camera module. The central processing module includes a central processor that includes a RISC processor core and a memory for storing operating instructions to operate the camera module and image data for manipulation by the processor core. The assembly also includes an effects module having a choose actuator which enables a user to choose between a number of different types of effects to be applied to a stored image; a select actuator which enables the user to select one of the effects, and an apply actuator which enables the user to apply the effect to the stored image. | 04-09-2009 |
| 20090091790 | COMPUTER SYSTEM WITH WIRELESS PEN AND RELAY PAIRING - 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. | 04-09-2009 |
| 20090091792 | Method for Delivering Greeting Cards - A method for delivering a greeting card using a form in which information relating to at least one interactive element associated with the delivery of a greeting card, and an identity indicative of the at least one interactive element are determined, print data indicative of the information and the identity is generated, and then transferred to a printer. The printer is responsive to the print data to print the form including the information and coded data relating to the at least one interactive element, the coded data being coincident with the information. This allows a sensing device placed in an operative position relative to the information to sense at least some of the coded data and generate indicating data using the sensed coded data. | 04-09-2009 |
| 20090091793 | PRINTER FOR PRODUCE COOLING AND STORAGE APPARATUS - A printer for use in an apparatus for storing and cooling produce is provided. The printer has a printer module, collector and page binder. The printer module is provided in a compartment door of the apparatus and has a media store storing pages of media in a vertically disposed manner and a pagewidth printhead arranged vertically beneath the media store for printing on the vertically disposed pages of media as they pass the printhead from the media store. The collector is provided in another compartment door of the apparatus at an interface of the compartment doors to receive the vertically disposed printed pages and hold the printed pages in the vertically disposed manner. The page binder is positioned between the printer module and collector for binding multiple printed pages by applying adhesive to each printed page as it passes from the printhead without interrupting their movement past the printhead. | 04-09-2009 |
| 20090093897 | METHOD OF RETRIEVING AUDIO DATA VIA CODED MEDIUM - A method of retrieving audio data using a coded medium is provided in which first and second coded data printed on the coded medium is sensed using an image sensor, the first coded data being printed in a linear pattern and encoding a medium identifier linked to the audio data and the second coded data being printed in a two-dimensional pattern and encoding the medium identifier and data on a two-dimensional coordinate grid, the medium identifier is determined from the sensed first and second coded data using a processor in communication with the image sensor, and the audio data is retrieved using the determined medium identifier and the processor. | 04-09-2009 |
| 20090093898 | AUDIO PLAYER FOR DOWNLOAD AND PLAYBACK OF AUDIO FILES - Provided is an audio player for download and playback of audio files. The audio player includes at least one sensor device capable of sensing an image, a decoder for extracting data from the sensed image data, and a transceiver for transmitting the decoded data to a computer system and for receiving one or more audio files associated with the decoded data from the computer system. The device also includes at least one audio output device for outputting an audio signal corresponding to the audio file, and a controller configured to control operation of the sensor device, the decoder, the transceiver and the output device. | 04-09-2009 |
| 20090094457 | SYSTEM FOR REGISTRATION OF SENSING DEVICE WITH PRINTER - A system is provided having a sensing device for sensing coded data printed on a print media surface which is installed with a secret key and a first identifier which uniquely identifies the sensing device, a printer installed with a second identifier which uniquely identifies the printer, and a server installed with the first and second identifiers. The printer obtains the first identifier from the sensing device and communicates the first and second identifiers to the server. The server determines from the received first and second identifiers whether the sensing device should be registered with the printer and if so, authenticates the sensing device by verifying an encryption from the sensing device, using the secret key, of a challenge message. Upon successful authentication, the sensing device is registered in the server so as to be associated with the printer. | 04-09-2009 |
| 20090095543 | ELECTRONIC PEN WITH RETRACTION MECHANISM AND FORCE SENSOR - 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 cartridge having a nib for contacting the surface; a retraction mechanism for slidably moving the cartridge between a retracted position and an extended position; a force sensor cooperating with the retraction mechanism; a processor configured to generate indicating data indicative of the interaction with the substrate; and communication means for communicating the indicating data to a computer system. The image sensor is configured to sense the coded data only when the force sensor detects that the nib is in contact with the substrate. | 04-16-2009 |
| 20090097905 | DEVICES METHOD AND COMPUTER PROGRAM FOR POSITION DETERMINATION - A device for position determination. The device comprises a processing means for determining a position on a surface on the basis of an image of a position-coding pattern printed on the surface. The processing means is arranged to decode the position-coding pattern in the image, and to cause a writing means to write on the surface only in the event of the position-coding pattern being successfully decoded. | 04-16-2009 |
| 20090098908 | Mobile Telephone Handset Having A Cartridge And Pen Arrangement - Provided is a mobile telephone handset having a cartridge with a universal pen arrangement, said cartridge for supplying ink to a printhead mounted on a nib of the pen arrangement. The universal pen arrangement includes a holder fast with the cartridge, and a retractable stylus slidably mounted in the holder, so that the stylus is slidable between a retracted position, in which the stylus is stored inside the holder, and an extended position, in which the printhead protrudes from the holder for printing on a substrate. The pen arrangement also includes a flexible data, power and ink conduit linking the cartridge to the stylus, as well as a stylus retaining mechanism to retain the stylus in either the retracted or extended position. | 04-16-2009 |
| 20090098909 | Printing Educational Material Using A Mobile Device - A system for printing educational information on a print medium, the system comprising: a mobile phone telecommunications device which comprises: a printer module to print the educational material on the print medium, wherein the print medium is provided with first coded data in a first format on a first side of the print medium and second coded data in a second format on an opposing side of the print medium, the first and second coded data encoding first and second information respectively, the first and second information being indicative of a print media identifier of the print medium; and a sensor module to sense the print media identifier of the print medium. | 04-16-2009 |
| 20090102794 | ELECTRONIC PEN WITH RETRACTABLE NIB - 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; a processor configured to generate indicating data indicative of the interaction with the substrate; and communication means for communicating the indicating data to a computer system. The image sensor is configured to sense the coded data only when the nib is configured in the extended position. | 04-23-2009 |
| 20090102811 | METHOD OF DISPLAYING HYPERLINKED INFORMATION USING MOBILE PHONE - A method of displaying hyperlinked information using a mobile telephone device. The method includes the steps of: (i) positioning the device over a substrate; (ii) reading coded data from the substrate; (iii) generating interaction data using the read coded data; (iv) retrieving display data corresponding to a part of the substrate overlain by the device; (v) displaying display information on a touch-sensitive display screen; (vi) interacting with a displayed hyperlink via the touch-sensitive display screen; (vii) retrieving and displaying hyperlinked information. | 04-23-2009 |
| 20090104936 | MOBILE PHONE FOR DISPLAYING HYPERLINKED INFORMATION - A mobile phone device configured for overlaying part of a substrate. The substrate contains a printed hyperlink and coded data identifying a plurality of positions on the substrate. The device includes: a mobile telephone transceiver; an optical sensor for reading the coded data; a processor for generating interaction data using the read coded data; a wireless transceiver or memory for retrieval of display data corresponding to the part of the substrate overlain by the device; and a touch-sensitive display screen for displaying information based on the display data. The displayed information includes a displayed hyperlink corresponding to the printed hyperlink. User interaction with the displayed hyperlink via the touch-sensitive display screen causes display of hyperlinked information on the screen. | 04-23-2009 |
| 20090104937 | METHOD OF ASSOCIATING MULTIMEDIA OBJECT WITH SUBSTRATE - A method of associating a multimedia object with a substrate using a handheld viewer device. The substrate contains printed information and coded data identifying a region identity and a plurality of positions on the substrate. The substrate has a corresponding page description retrievable via the region identity. The method comprises the steps of: (a) displaying display information corresponding to part of the substrate; (b) identifying a multimedia object for association with a zone of the substrate; and (c) interacting with the display information to indicate association of the multimedia object with the zone. Subsequent interactions with the zone of the substrate using the device causes retrieval of the multimedia object from the updated page description. | 04-23-2009 |
| 20090109467 | SYSTEM FOR GENERATING PRINT DATA PROVIDING INTERACTION WITH COMPUTER SOFTWARE - A system for enabling user interaction with computer software. The includes a computer system for determining information related to an interactive element, determining an identity indicative of the interactive element, determining a layout defining an arrangement for at least one of coded data indicative of the identity and the information, generating print data indicative of the identity, layout and information, transferring the print data to a printer which prints a form in response thereto by printing the information coincident with the coded data, receiving indicating data indicative of the interactive element from a sensing device which senses the coincident coded data to generate the indicating data, identifying, using the indicating data, the interactive element, and performing an action associated with the interactive element. | 04-30-2009 |
| 20090121031 | METHOD OF MINIMIZING VISIBLE COLORATION OF SUBSTRATE - A method of minimizing visible coloration of a substrate having an IR-absorbing dye disposed thereon. The method includes preselecting the dye such that it includes a moiety for reducing intermolecular interactions between adjacent dye molecules. | 05-14-2009 |
| 20090122114 | PRINTHEAD ARRANGEMENT HAVING OVERLAPPING PRINT REGIONS - Provided is a printhead arrangement having a number of printhead segments arranged to have overlapping print regions, and a printer controller. The controller includes a sensor for sensing a temperature of the respective segments, said temperature indicative of an extent of the overlapping print regions. The controller is configured to supply the segments with half tone patterns for the regions by means of a dither matrix with an interpolation function, such that V | 05-14-2009 |
| 20090122352 | COMPUTER SYSTEM INCORPORATING A TARGET AND SYMBOL DATA SENSING ARRANGEMENT - A computer system includes a printer configured to print invisible coded data tags on print media. Each data tag includes a target and a dot arrangement representing a value. A pen-type device includes an image sensor configured to sense the targets and wirelessly transmit sensed data associated with the dot arrangements. 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 processed data. | 05-14-2009 |
| 20090125339 | Insurance Policy Management System With Wireless Pen - The present invention relates to a computer system for managing an insurance policy. The system includes a printer configured to print visible policy information and invisible coded data tags on print media. The printer is further configured to 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 the sensed data to the printer. One or more servers are interfaced to the printer via a network. The servers are configured to receive the sensed data from the printer and to perform a task related to the insurance policy based upon the sensed data. | 05-14-2009 |
| 20090125723 | AUTHENTICATION OF AN OBJECT - A method of authenticating an object is disclosed. Coded data portions are provided on a surface of the object. Each coded data portion encodes a position of coded data portion on the surface, an identity associated with the object and a signature fragment. The signature fragment is a fragment of a digital signature of at least part of the identity associated with the object. Next, indicating data is received from a sensing device in response to the sensing device sensing coded data portions. The indicating data is representative of the data encoded in the coded data portions sensed by the sensing device. From the indicating data the identity associate with the object, a plurality of signature fragments encoded in respective coded data portions, and the position of respective coded data portions are determined. A signature fragment identifier for respective signature fragments is determined from the respective positions. Also, a determined signature is determined by arranging the signature fragments according to their respective signature fragment identifiers. The determined signature is decrypted to obtain a determined identity. The object is authenticated by comparing the identity to the determined identity. | 05-14-2009 |
| 20090125724 | OBJECT AUTHENTICATION - An apparatus for authenticating an object is disclosed. The apparatus receives from a sensing device indicating data. The indicating data is formed by the sensing device in response to sensing a plurality of coded data portions on a surface of the object. Each coded data portion encodes a position of coded data portion on the surface, an identity associated with the object and a signature fragment, the signature fragment being a fragment of a digital signature of at least part of the identity associated with the object. A processor then determines from the indicating data the identity associated with the object, a plurality of signature fragments encoded in respective coded data portions, and the position of respective coded data portions, determines a signature fragment identifier for respective signature fragments from the respective positions, determines a determined signature by arranging the plurality of signature fragments according to their respective signature fragment identifiers, decrypts the determined signature to obtain a determined identity, compares the identity to the determined identity, and then authenticates the object using the result of the comparison. | 05-14-2009 |
| 20090132420 | COMPUTER PROGRAM FOR A CURRENCY TRACKING SYSTEM - A set of instructions for causing a computer system to monitor transactions involving security documents. Each security document has disposed thereon or therein coded data including a number of coded data portions, each coded data portion being indicative of at least an identity of the security document. The set of instructions causes the computer system to receive indicating data from a sensing device, the sensing device being responsive to sensing of coded data to generate indicating data at least partially indicative of the identity of the security document and the transaction. The computer system updates, transaction data stored in a data store, using the identity, the transaction data being indicative of the identity of the security document and the transaction. | 05-21-2009 |
| 20090135163 | System For Digitizing Freehand Graphics On A Printed Surface - A system for digitizing a freehand graphic. The system comprises: a base including a surface; a position-coding pattern printed on the surface and detectable by an optical sensor; a first area of the surface; and a second area of the surface. The system further comprises a drawing device including an optical sensor for detecting a position in the position-coding pattern; and a transmitter for transmitting interaction data to a processor. The interaction data identifies the detected position. The processor is adapted to determine if the detected position is in the first area or the second area. If the detected position is in the first area of the surface, then the processor interprets the position as a point in the freehand graphic. If the detected position is in the second area of the surface, then the processor interprets the position as a selection of a property for the freehand graphic. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090141054 | PRINT ENGINE CONTROLLER FOR AN INKJET PRINTHEAD - A print engine controller for an inkjet printhead includes a data bus. A memory interface is connected to the data bus to provide read and write access to a memory. An external client interface is connected to the data bus to allow external clients to write to a memory via the memory interface. A page expansion unit is connected to the data bus to read compressed page data and to write uncompressed page data to the memory. A line loader and formatter unit is connected to the data bus to read expanded page image data from the memory and to format the expanded page image data for a micro-electromechanical printhead. A printhead interface is connected to the line loader and formatter unit for sending dot data to the printhead. | 06-04-2009 |
| 20090145966 | SHOPPING RECEPTACLE FOR RECEIVING INTERACTIVE PRODUCT ITEMS - A shopping receptacle for receiving a product item. The product item comprises an interface surface a position-coding pattern containing coded data is printed on the interface surface. The coded data identifies a plurality of position coordinates on the interface surface and an identity of the product item. The receptacle comprises: a receptacle body and an opening through which the product item is placed within the receptacle body. A sensing device is positioned for scanning product items as they are placed through the opening. The sensing device emits a scanning beam across the opening of the receptacle body and generates, using sensed coded data, indicating data indicative of a position coordinate on the interface surface and the identity of the product item. | 06-11-2009 |
| 20090152342 | Method Of Performing An Action In Relation To A Software Object - A method of performing an action is disclosed. The method starts by receiving, from a sensor, indicating data. The indicating data is indicative of a position of the sensor relative to a surface, and an identity of the surface. The indicating data is generated from sensing coded data on the surface. The coded data is indicative of a plurality of locations on the surface and the identity of the surface. Next the method identifies, using the indicating data, the identity of the surface and the position of the sensor relative to a surface. A request to perform the action is then determined. The request is associated with the identity and position. Next, using the request, action data indicative of the action is identified and, using the action data, the action is performed. | 06-18-2009 |
| 20090160986 | PIXEL SENSOR - A photodetecting circuit is disclosed. The photodetecting circuit includes a photodetector for generating a signal in response to incident light, a storage node having first and second node terminals, a transfer transistor, disposed intermediate the first node terminal of the storage node and the photodetector, for electrically connecting the first node terminal and the photodetector upon receiving a transfer signal to a gate of the transfer transistor, allowing charge stored in the storage node to change based on the signal of the photodetector, a reset transistor, disposed intermediate a reset voltage node and the first node terminal of the storage node, for electrically connecting the first node terminal to the reset voltage node upon receiving a reset signal to a gate of the reset transistor, and an output circuit for generating an output signal during a read period of the photodetecting circuit, the output signal being at least partially based on a voltage at the first terminal. The photodetecting circuit is configured to receive the reset signal, receive the transfer signal, and receive a compensation signal at the second terminal of the storage node at least during the read period, the compensation signal increasing the voltage at the first terminal whilst the output circuit generates the output signal, the compensation signal being a logically negated version of the transfer signal. | 06-25-2009 |
| 20090189856 | System For Interaction With Computer System Using Printed Surface - A system for enabling interaction with a computer system is provided which is configured to receive, at the computer system, identity and movement data from a sensing device used to interact with a text field on a surface, determine information stored by the computer system which is associated with the identified text field, cause the computer system to perform an action associated with the determined information based on the received movement data, determine, at the computer system, a layout defining an arrangement of coded data indicative of the identity and information, and generate, at the computer system, print data indicative of the identity, layout and information. The sensing device senses coded data which encodes an identity of the text field and generates the identity data with the sensed identity and the movement data with movement of the sensing device by determining an orientation and position of the sensed coded data. | 07-30-2009 |
| 20090190175 | System For Sending E-Mail Message Via Printed Form - A system for sending an e-mail message. The system comprises comprising a printed form having a plurality of location-indicating tags printed thereon. Each tag contains coded data identifying a location of the tag on the form and an identity of the form. The system further comprises an optically imaging pen for writing a message on the form. The pen comprises a marking nib for writing a handwritten message on the form, an image sensor for imaging the tags when writing the message on the form, and a processor for computing positions of the nib using the coded data contained in the imaged tags, an inferred multiple degree-of-freedom perspective transform of the imaged tags and a known geometry of pen optics. A computer system receives indicating data generated by the processor and initiates sending of the e-mail message to a designated recipient address. | 07-30-2009 |
| 20090194600 | Surface Having Coded Data Layers - A surface is provided having disposed therein or thereon a plurality of coded data layers. The coded data layers include a raw data layer having at least one raw data portion, a fault-tolerant data layer having at least one fault-tolerant data portion, and an alignment data layer having alignment data indicative of at least two registration positions. The registration positions are indicative of a relative position of the raw and fault-tolerant data portions with respect to the surface. | 08-06-2009 |
| 20090195586 | Method Of Printing With Overlapped Segements Of Printhead - A method of printing with overlapped segments of a segmented printhead is provided in which at least one temperature sensor on the printhead measures temperatures of adjacent segments to determine an overlapped region of the adjacent segments, an overlap signal indicative of the determined overlapped region is output from the temperature sensor to a half toning circuit, and the half toning circuit adjusts, using the received overlap signal, a half toning firing pattern of a continuous tone image for coextensive nozzles of the adjacent segments within the determined overlapped region such that V | 08-06-2009 |
| 20090195587 | Method Of Generating Halftone Print Data For Overlapping Consecutive Printhead Segments - A method of generating halftone print data for overlapping end portions of a pair of consecutive printhead segments in an array of two or more printhead segments. Generally an end portion of a first printhead segment overlaps an end portion of a second printhead segment, in which each printhead segment includes a plurality of ink ejection nozzles. The method includes generating a dither value from a dither matrix, and then combining the dither value with an overlap signal, which represents an extent of overlap of the end portions, to produce an output value. A mathematical operation is then performed on continuous tone print data using a comparator, based on the output value, to produce the half tone data. | 08-06-2009 |
| 20090195661 | INTERCONNECTED CAMERA MODULE AND PRINTER MODULE - A camera module for a compact printer system. The camera module includes a CMOS image sensor that captures an RGB image when a take button is actuated. The RGB image is transformed to a suitable format, such as L*a*b*, for transfer directly to a printer module. The camera module incorporates a camera portion pivotally connected to a base portion, where by the camera portion is pivotal between a first position where it is aligned with on a common axis on the base portion and a second position where there is no alignment. The base portion has a connector that connects directly to a corresponding connector on the printer module, providing both a physical connection and a logical connection. The logical connection is a serial bus that communicates power and data. | 08-06-2009 |
| 20090195805 | Digital Photograph Duplication Apparatus - An apparatus for reproducing a visible image depicted in a photograph carrying digitally encoded data printed in invisible ink. The digitally encoded data having pixel values for all pixels in the visible image. The apparatus comprises an illuminating means for illuminating the photograph with invisible radiation; a sensing means for receiving the invisible radiation illuminated on and reflected from the photograph by the illuminating means, the sensing means adapted to detect an interaction of the invisible radiation with the digitally encoded data carried on the photograph; a top substrate in which the illuminating means and the sensing means are encased, the top substrate being transparent to the invisible radiation and having a semi circular cross section in the vicinity of the illuminating means, the top substrate further having a elongated recess for receiving therein the sensing means; means for processing the invisible radiation received by the sensing means, the means for processing operable to decode the digitally encoded data; and an inkjet printer for receiving data from the means for processing data to print a copy of the visible image depicted in the photograph, the data used to print the visible image being generated from the digitally encoded data. The top substrate, in the vicinity of the sensing means, is shaped to define an array of microlenses for focusing the invisible radiation reflected from the photograph onto the sensing means. | 08-06-2009 |
| 20090195833 | Printer For Duplex Printing With Transfer Rollers - A printer is provided having a print media feed mechanism for feeding print media along a feed path, opposed transfer rollers for simultaneously contacting both sides of the print media as the print media is fed along the feed path, and printheads for printing on the transfer rollers so that material printed on the transfer rollers is simultaneously transferred to both sides of the print media by the transfer rollers. | 08-06-2009 |
| 20090196530 | SYSTEM FOR INITIATING ACTION IN PROCESSING SYSTEM - 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. | 08-06-2009 |
| 20090198360 | Method Of Associating Recorded Audio With Position - A method of enabling recorded audio to be associated with a position on a surface. The surface has coded data printed thereon. The coded data is indicative of a plurality of locations on the surface. The method comprises the steps of: (i) interacting with the surface using a handheld audio player incorporating an optical image sensor for reading the coded data and a microphone for recording audio; (ii) reading the coded data; (iii) initiating recording of audio using the handheld audio player; (iv) determining a position of the handheld audio player using the read coded data; and (v) associating audio data with said position. | 08-06-2009 |
| 20090200387 | Printed Interface with graphical information and coded data - A printed interface for user interaction with a computer system via a sensing device is provided. The interface comprises visible graphical information and coded data readable by the sensing device. The coded data comprises a plurality of substantially undifferentiated marks positioned relative to a predetermined pattern, with an orientation target structure for allowing relative rotation of the predetermined pattern to be determined. The visible graphical information indicates an operation that the user can select and transmit to the computer system by reading the coded data with the sensing device. | 08-13-2009 |
| 20090201524 | Printer Printing Composited Print Image Planes - A printer is provided having a receiver for receiving compressed print data, a first decoder for decoding continuous tone image planes in the received compressed print data to produce first decoded data, a second decoder for decoding bi-level image planes in the received compressed print data to produce second decoded data, a ditherer for dithering separate image color planes of the first decoded data to produce dithered data, a compositor for compositing the second decoded data with the dithered data to produce composited data, and a printhead for printing the composited data. | 08-13-2009 |
| 20090204816 | Method Of Authorizing Network Publishing - A method of authorizing printing of a publication at a printer by a publisher in a network is provided, in which an alias identity of a user is created from both a sensing device identity and an application identity when the user interacts with a printed application tag associated with the publication using the sensing device, the publication is addressed to the user by the alias identity, the publication is signed using a private key of the publisher, the signed publication is sent to the printer, and it is confirmed that the signed publication may be printed at the printer by verifying the private key signature. | 08-13-2009 |
| 20090206166 | CODING PATTERN COMPRISING REED-SOLOMON CODEWORDS ENCODED BY MIXED MULTI-PULSE POSITION MODULATION - A substrate having a coding pattern disposed on a surface thereof. The coding pattern comprises a plurality of macrodots encoding Reed-Solomon codewords. Each codeword is comprised of Reed-Solomon data symbols and Reed-Solomon redundancy symbols. The coding pattern encodes the symbols using mixed multi-pulse position modulation, with a higher number of symbol values available for redundancy symbols than data symbols. | 08-20-2009 |
| 20090207452 | PRINTER HAVING A CONTROLLER METHOD OF PRINTING WITH LOW AND HIGH SPEED NOZZLE FIRING MODES - A method of page expansion and printing of image data received by a printer from a computer includes the steps of receiving the image data from the computer, the data having a bi-level black layer compressed in an EDRL (Edge Delta and Runlength) format and a continuous tone (“contone”) layer, and decompressing the respective layers in parallel. The method also includes the steps of halftoning contone layer data to a bi-level data and compositing the bi-level black layer over the bi-level data to form an image, and transmitting the image to the printhead having staggered nozzles designed to match a flow of paper through the printer. The method further includes the step of operating the printhead according to one of a low-speed nozzle firing mode and a high-speed firing mode to print the image on the paper, the low-speed firing mode having a firing rate half that of the high-speed firing mode. | 08-20-2009 |
| 20090207457 | SYSTEM HAVING PRINTED INTERACTIVE FORM AND SENSING DEVICE - A system for computer software interaction is provided which has a printed form and sensing device. The form has information related to an interactive element coincidentally printed with coded tags. Each tag encodes data on the interactive element and an orientation and position of that tag on the form. The sensing device has an image sensor for capturing images of the tags when the sensing device is used to interact with the interactive element, and a processor. The processor determines the orientations and positions of the tags within the captured images which corresponds to the printed orientations and positions, decodes the data encoded by the captured tags at the determined orientations and positions, and sends indicating data indicative of the decoded data and the determined orientations and positions to a computer system for interpretation of the interaction. | 08-20-2009 |
| 20090212118 | Method Of Generating Interface Surface Having Rotationally Symmetric Coded Data - 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. | 08-27-2009 |
| 20090213432 | PRINTER CONTROLLER HAVING JPEG AND EDRL CIRCUITRY - A printer controller is provided having page data input circuitry for receiving compressed and encoded page data for expansion processing, JPEG decoding circuitry for decompressing contone data in the received page data, EDRL expansion circuitry for decompressing EDRL-compressed bi-level image data in the received page data, halftoning and compositing circuitry for halftoning and compositing the decompressed contone and bi-level data, and a printhead interface for receiving the compositing data and for writing corresponding print data to a printhead of the printer | 08-27-2009 |
| 20090216355 | AUDIO RECORDING AND PLAYBACK SYSTEM - A handheld electronic pen having an audio recording mode and an audio playback mode. In the audio recording mode, the pen is configured to activate a microphone for recording audio, determine a position on an encoded substrate during interaction with the substrate associate said the position with the recorded audio. In the audio playback mode, the pen is configured to: determine a position on the encoded substrate, retrieve recorded audio associated with the position, and playback the recorded audio via an audio output device. | 08-27-2009 |
| 20090222120 | HANDHELD ELECTRONIC PEN WITH RECORDING AND PLAYBACK MODES - A handheld electronic pen having an audio recording mode and an audio playback mode. In the audio recording mode, the pen is configured to activate a microphone for recording audio, determine a position on an encoded substrate during interaction with the substrate associate said the position with the recorded audio. In the audio playback mode, the pen is configured to: determine a position on the encoded substrate, retrieve recorded audio associated with the position, and playback the recorded audio via an audio output device. | 09-03-2009 |
| 20090222285 | Authentication Of Pharmaceutical Products - A method for authenticating a pharmaceutical product, the pharmaceutical product being associated with packaging having disposed thereon or therein coded data including a number of coded data portions, each coded data portion being indicative of an identity of the pharmaceutical product and at least part of a digital signature of at least part of the identity. The method includes having a computer system receive indicating data from a sensing device, the sensing device being responsive to sensing of the coded data to generate indicating data at least partially indicative of the identity of the pharmaceutical product and the signature part. The computer system determines the identity at least one determined signature part and uses these to authenticate the pharmaceutical product. | 09-03-2009 |
| 20090231443 | CAMERA HAVING NETWORKED PRINTER - A camera for capturing and printing images is provided having an image sensor for capturing images, a network interface for transferring the captured images to a computer system and for receiving identities uniquely assigned to each transferred image by the computer system, and a printing mechanism for printing the images and coded data at least partially indicative of the assigned identities onto print media. | 09-17-2009 |
| 20090236154 | METHOD OF GENERATING INTERACTIVE SUBSTRATE FROM INTERACTION WITH ANOTHER INTERACTIVE SUBSTRATE. - A method of generating a second interactive substrate in response to a first interactive substrate. The method comprises the steps of: (i) interacting with the first interface surface using an optically imaging pen having a nib; (ii) imaging and decoding a coded data tag; (iii) generating indicating data regarding the identity of the first interactive substrate and a position of the nib relative to the first printed surface; and (iv) sending the indicating data to a computer system, thereby causing a printer to print a second interactive substrate in response to the computer system receiving the indicating data. | 09-24-2009 |
| 20090236423 | METHOD OF SENSING SYMMETRIC CODED TAGS - A method of using a sensing device to read coded data is provided. The coded data is arranged in accordance with a layout having mirror and n-fold rotational symmetry about a center of rotation, where n is at least two. The layout includes n identical first sub-layouts rotated 1/n revolutions apart about the center of rotation, and n identical second sub-layouts rotated 1/n revolutions apart about the center of rotation. Each second sub-layout is a reflection of a corresponding one of the first sub-layouts. At least one sub-layout includes rotation-indicating data that distinguishes that sub-layout from at least one other sub-layout and reflection-indicating data that distinguishes the reflections of reflected sub-layouts. The method includes sensing a layout using the sensing device, decoding the coded data of the sensed sub-layouts, thereby determining the rotation-indicating data of that sub-layout, and using the rotation-indicating data to interpret the meaning of the coded data. | 09-24-2009 |
| 20090236427 | CODED DATA PATTERN HAVING REDUNDANTLY-ENCODED ORIENTATION - A substrate having a coded data pattern disposed on a surface thereof. The coded data pattern comprises a plurality of target features defining a grid. The grid comprises a plurality of tags with neighboring tags sharing target features. Each tag comprises respective tag data encoded by a plurality of macrodot data elements contained in each tag. The macrodot data elements encode: a plurality of Reed-Solomon symbols, wherein a set of the symbols define a Reed-Solomon codeword; and an orientation of a layout of the tag data. The orientation is encoded a plurality of times in each tag. | 09-24-2009 |
| 20090237514 | Method Of Printing From Digital Camera System - A method of printing from a digital camera system. The method includes the steps of: retrieving a planarized linear image from a memory of the camera system; producing a dithered image in real-time from the retrieved planarized linear image; and printing the dithered image using a printhead supplied with colored inks. | 09-24-2009 |
| 20090237703 | SYSTEM FOR COPYING INTERACTIVE DOCUMENTS - A system is provided for copying interactive documents which has a copier for scanning a surface of a document, a computer system networked with the copier and a printer networked with the computer system. The document is printed with document content and a plurality of coded tags. Each tag encodes an identity of the document and the position of that tag on the document. The copier incorporates a sensor for sensing the coded tags. The computer system identifies a digital version of the document from the document identity of a sensed tag and determines user input, requesting copy content and/or coded data from the computer system, on the scanned document using the tag position of the sensed tag. The printer prints a copy of the scanned document to incorporate the scanned document content and coded tags and the requested copy content and/or coded data. | 09-24-2009 |
| 20090237733 | System For Delivering Greeting Using Interactive Form - A system is provided for delivering a greeting using an interactive form. The system has means for generating print data to include an interactive element associated with the delivery of the greeting card and an identity indicative of the interactive element, and means for transferring the generated print data to a printer. The printer is responsive to the received print data to print the form with the interactive element and coded data encoding the identity coincident with the interactive element such the interaction with the printed interactive element using a sensing device enales sensing of the coded data. | 09-24-2009 |
| 20090238461 | System For Line Extraction In Digital Ink - A system is provided having a database storing annotation digital ink representing handwritten annotations on a printed document and a processor configured to segment the annotation digital ink into lines by obtaining a stroke sequence comprised of a sequence of strokes, removing small strokes less than a threshold length, segmenting the strokes into a sequence of substrokes by computing a relative angle for each line segment connecting successive stroke data points and segmenting the stroke into substrokes if the difference between successive relative angles is greater than a preset threshold, and identifying the substrokes at line breaks, thereby facilitating line extraction, by computing N-neighbourhood centroids, computing angular differences between N-neighbouring substrokes, or groups of substrokes and computing local maxima of the angular differences in the sequence of substrokes. | 09-24-2009 |
| 20090240050 | Method Of Preparing Macrocylic Metal Cyanine Compound - A method of preparing a macrocyclic metal cyanine. The method comprises the step of providing a corresponding macrocyclic metal-free cyanine compound dissolved in a solvent and adding a metal reagent thereto. The metal reagent is highly soluble in the solvent and typically comprises one or more organic ligands. | 09-24-2009 |
| 20090240615 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR BANKING USING CODED FORMS - Methods and systems are disclosed which relate to online banking via interface surfaces printed with information and coded data. The coded data, encoded visibly or invisibly, may be queried by an appropriate sensing device. The sensing device communicates with a computer system. Together, the interface surfaces, sensing device and computer system are capable of effecting banking transactions over a network. | 09-24-2009 |
| 20090242638 | DEVICE THAT READS DATA ENCODED AS DOTS - A system is disclosed for reading data encoded as a series of invisible dots carried on a substrate. The system has a detector that detects the dots on the substrate and outputs a first signal; a decoder interconnected to the detector that decodes the first signal to produce an output signal; and an output device interconnected to the processor that receives the output signal and creates a corresponding human readable output. The dots may be infrared absorbing and the encoding can include Reed-Solomon encoding of the prerecorded audio. The system can include a wand-like arm having a slot through which the photograph is inserted. | 10-01-2009 |
| 20090243183 | Document Copier Printing A Copy Of An Input Sheet By Retrieving An Electronic Document Associated With The Input Sheet - Provided is a document copier having an input transport mechanism and an output transport mechanism linked via a media path, the mechanisms configured to feed sheets of media through the media path. Also included is a print engine located in the media path for printing on media fed through the media path, and a code sensor arranged before the print engine in the media path, said sensor configured to capture images of a sheet surface. The copier also includes a controller for controlling the transport mechanisms, the print engine and code sensor. The controller decodes optical patterns found in the captured images to obtain one or more codes able to identify an electronic source where an electronic copy of the sheet is stored, and to print the electronic copy on a blank sheet of media with the print engine. | 10-01-2009 |
| 20090244215 | PRINT HEAD UNIT WITH PRINTHEAD AND TRANSPORT ROLLERS - A print head unit has an elongate print head integrated circuit. An ink supply unit defines an elongate print head slot in which the print head integrated circuit is received. Ink supply vias supply ink to the print head slot. Longitudinally extending channels are in fluid communication with the print head integrated circuit through the vias and longitudinally extending aperture slots provide for the snap-in insertion of rollers for the transport of print media operatively with respect to the print head integrated circuit during printing. | 10-01-2009 |
| 20090244292 | DIGITAL CAMERA - A portable camera with an inbuilt printer device is disclosed. The camera includes a digital image capture device, an inbuilt programming language interpreter internally connected to the digital image capture device for the manipulation of the digital image captured by the capture device and a script input means for inputting a self documenting program script for the manipulation and filtering of the captured digital image to produce visual alterations of the image. A card reader optically reads the script printed as an array of dots on one surface of a portable card, which has a visual example of the likely effect of the script on a second surface of the card. The script is interpreted and executed by the interpreter to modify the captured digital image in accordance with the script to produce a modified digital image. The modification is visually exemplified on the second surface of the card. The modified digital image is then printed out on the inbuilt printer device. | 10-01-2009 |
| 20090247221 | Sending A Message To A Number Via A Coded Surface - A method of sensing a message to a number using a print medium is disclosed. The method starts by sensing coded data on a surface of the print medium using a sensor module of a mobile telecommunications device. From the coded information a print media identifier and a position of the sensor module relative to the print medium are determined. Next, using the print media identifier and the position, the number is obtained from a database. Finally, a message editor is opened in the mobile telecommunications device, with a current message being addressed to the number. | 10-01-2009 |
| 20090247226 | Printing Content using a Mobile Device - A mobile telecommunications device for printing bill data on a print medium is disclosed. The mobile telecommunications device includes a sensor module for sensing data encoded on a surface of the print medium. A print media identifier is determined from the sensed data and bill data associated with the print media identifier is retrieved from a storage medium. A printer module is also provided for printing the bill data on the print medium. | 10-01-2009 |
| 20090247227 | Retrieving Contact Details Using A Printed Medium - A method is disclosed of retrieving contact details using a print medium. The method determines a print media identifier from the print medium using a sensor module of a mobile telecommunications device. The print media identifier is linked to the contact details. The mobile telecommunications device is then used to retrieve the contact details. | 10-01-2009 |
| 20090251711 | PRINTHEAD DRIVEN BY MULTIPLE PRINT ENGINE CONTROLLERS - A print engine controller configured to be coupled with others to drive an ink drop printhead comprising: an interface at which to receive compressed page data; image decoders to decode compressed image planes in the received compressed page data; a half-toner/compositer to composite respective strips of the decoded image planes; and a printhead interface to output the composite strip to a printhead, the printhead interface including: a multi-segment printhead interface outputting printhead formatted data; and a synchronization signal generator outputting a synchronization signal to couple print engine controllers to synchronize their respective strips at the printhead. | 10-08-2009 |
| 20090254755 | Object Authentication From A Signature Part - A method of authenticating an object in which a computer system receives indicating data from a sensing device. The indicating data is generated in response to sensing of coded data provided on or in a surface associated with the object and is indicative of an identity of the object and at least part of a signature. The signature is in turn a digital signature of at least part of the identity. The computer system uses the indicating to determine a received identity and a received signature part, before using the using the received identity to determine at least a determined signature part. The determined signature part is then compared to the received signature part to authenticate the object. | 10-08-2009 |
| 20090256869 | Mobile Device With Printer - A mobile device having printhead for printing onto a media substrate, a media feed path along which the media substrate is fed past the printhead, and a capper assembly. The capper assembly is movable between a capped position covering the array of nozzles and an uncapped position spaced from the array of nozzles. The capper assembly is held in the uncapped position by the media substrate such that the capper assembly moves to the capped position upon disengagement with the media substrate. | 10-15-2009 |
| 20090256889 | Pagewidth Printhead Unit - The invention provides for a pagewidth printhead unit for a printer. The unit includes two integrated circuits laid end-to-end, each having micro-electromechanical nozzles for ejecting printing fluid. The unit also includes an ink distribution plate for feeding printing fluid into apertures defined in the integrated circuits, and an ink distribution molding defining a plurality of elongate conduits for distributing printing fluid to the plate along a length of the printhead. The unit further includes a printed circuit board (PCB) configured to relay data signals from a printer controller to respective ends of the integrated circuits, as well as a support member for holding the integrated circuits, plate, molding and PCB in alignment. | 10-15-2009 |
| 20090257071 | Method Of Authenticating A Print Medium - A method of using a mobile device to authenticate a print medium online before completing printing onto the print medium, the mobile device including processing means, a printhead, a sensor, a transmitter and a receiver, the print medium comprising a laminar substrate, the method comprising the steps of: using the sensor to sense coded data provided on a surface of the substrate; using the processing means to determine, from the sensed coded data: an identity of the print medium; and at least part of a signature, the signature being a digital signature of at least part of the identity; using the transmitter to send first data to a remote computer system, the first data being indicative of the identity and the at least part of the signature; using the receiver to receive second data from the remote computer system in reply to the first data, the second data being indicative of whether the print medium is authentic based on the identity and the at least part of the signature; and in the event the print medium is authentic, using the printhead to print onto the print medium. | 10-15-2009 |
| 20090261171 | Finger Tip Data Reading Device - A reading device for reading an interface surface provided on a product item, the interface surface having disposed thereon coded data. The reading device includes: a harness which is configured to tight fittingly receive at least a portion of a user's hand; a housing coupled to the harness, the housing including a void configured to tight fittingly receive therewithin a finger tip portion of a finger of the user's hand received within the harness, the housing including an aperture in a wall of the housing which is located, in use, adjacent the underside of the finger tip portion of the finger; a sensor provided in the housing for sensing at least some of the coded data through the aperture; and a processor for decoding at least some of the sensed coded data. | 10-22-2009 |
| 20090266627 | System Enabling Initiation Of Requested Action Via Printed Substrate - A system enabling a user to initiate a requested action via a printed substrate. The system comprises: a printed substrate comprising user information and a position-coding pattern; an optically imaging pen comprising a nib, an image sensor and a processor; and a computer system for identifying and initiating the requested action. The processor is configured for decoding the imaged position-coding pattern, determining a first position using the decoded position-coding pattern, and determining a second position using the first position. The second position is different than the first position, and is used by the computer system to identify the requested action. | 10-29-2009 |
| 20090267915 | INPUT ARRANGEMENT FOR CONTROLLING ELECTRONIC DEVICE - An input arrangement for controlling an electronic device. The arrangement comprises a substrate have a position-coding pattern printed thereon. The position-coding pattern codes first and second sets of absolute positions on spatially separate areas of the substrate. The first and second sets of absolute positions are mutually exclusive and coded by first and second subsets of the position-coding pattern. A handheld image-recording device comprises an image sensor for recording images of the position-coding pattern a processor is configured for deriving an absolute position from the position-coding pattern in the recorded image and providing an instruction to the electronic device to perform a first function when the absolute position belongs to the first set and a second function when the absolute position belongs to the second set. | 10-29-2009 |
| 20090267983 | Print Engine Controller For Image Processing Page Data - A print engine controller is provided for an inkjet printhead. The print engine controller receives page data representing a page to be printed, the page data having a bi-level black layer in a compressed format and a contone layer in a compressed format. The processor is configured to decompress the bi-level black layer and the contone layer of the page data, halftone the decompressed contone layer to form a bi-level cyan, yellow, magenta, and black (CYMK) layer, composite the decompressed bi-level black layer over the bi-level CYMK layer to form a bi-level CYMK image of the page to be printed and carry out processing operations for printing the CMYK image. | 10-29-2009 |
| 20090268003 | Mobile Device With Multiple Optical Sensing Pathways - A mobile device that has a media path for receiving a sheet of print medium and a media drive mechanism for directing the print medium along the media path. An optical sensor in the device is positioned to receive first optical image information via a first optical pathway, and second optical image information via a second optical pathway. The first optical information being from an area of the media path and the second optical information being from an area external to the mobile device. | 10-29-2009 |
| 20090268257 | PRINTER FOR PRINTING POSITION-CODING PATTERN ONTO A SURFACE - A printer for printing an interface of human-readable visible information and a machine-readable position-coding pattern onto a surface. The printer comprises: an input for receiving document data; a memory buffer storing dot data for the visible information and dot data for the position-coding pattern; a printhead for printing the interface; visible ink channels dedicated for printing the visible information; and an infrared ink channel exclusively dedicated for printing the position-coding pattern. The printhead is configured to print the interface onto the surface by printing the visible information and the position-coding pattern simultaneously. | 10-29-2009 |
| 20090273628 | Clock Signal Extracting During Printing - A mobile device for printing onto a print medium, the print medium including a linear-encoded data track extending in an intended direction of printing, the mobile device including: a sensor configured to sense the data track during printing; a printhead for printing onto the print medium in response to a fire control signal; and fire control means connected to generate the fire control signal based on the sensed data track. | 11-05-2009 |
| 20090273807 | Method of Obtaining a Copy of a Previously Printed Document - A method of enabling a user to obtain a printed copy of a document previously printed by the user is provided. A history list of documents previously printed by the user is maintained. A list document is printed at a printer. The list document includes history items from the history list and a user interface element associated with each history item. The user interface element allow is the user to indicate a request for a copy of a previously printed document associated with the history item by sensing the interface element in the printed list document using a sensing device. When request data is received from the sensing device, the copy is retrieved and printed. | 11-05-2009 |
| 20090276633 | Retrieving Content Via A Coded Surface - A method of retrieving a content using a print medium is disclosed. The method starts by determining a print media identifier from the print medium using a sensor module of a mobile telecommunications device. The print media identifier is linked to the content. The method then retrieves, using the mobile telecommunications device, the content. | 11-05-2009 |
| 20090277698 | PEN SYSTEM FOR RECORDING HANDWRITTEN INFORMATION - 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. | 11-12-2009 |
| 20090277956 | Archiving Printed Content - A system for printing a greeting card on a print medium, the system comprising: a mobile telecommunications device which comprises: a printer module to print the greeting card on the print medium; and, a sensor module to sense a print media identifier of the print medium. | 11-12-2009 |
| 20090278944 | Camera Module - An image processor for a camera module having an image sensor that captures an image for transfer to a printer module of a compact printer system including a capture unit that captures the image from the image sensor and transforms it to planarized linear RGB form. The image processor also includes one or more interface units communicating with components of said camera module under control of the central processing unit and image processing units, being an application specific integrated circuits, in communication with said image storage memory to transform said image for transmission. A Serial Bus interface communicates with the Serial Bus of a compact printer system to transfer data and power between modules. In one application, the camera module captures an image, which is transferred to the image storage memory of a printer module for printing by a printhead. | 11-12-2009 |
| 20090279140 | RELAY DEVICE FOR RELAYING DATA FROM A SENSING DEVICE TO A COMPUTER SYSTEM - A relay device is provided which is configured to relay data processed by a sensing device to a computer system and which has a memory storing an ID of the relay device, a first interface for receiving, from the sensing device, region data of an interactive surface and a sensing device ID, the region data being extracted by the sensing device through sensing coded data on the interactive surface, and a second interface for transmitting the received sensing device ID and the relay device ID to the computer system, receiving, from the computer system, permission to communicate the received region data based on a registration of the sensing device with the relay device recorded in the computer system, and transmitting the received region data to the computer system when said permission is received. | 11-12-2009 |
| 20090279148 | Method Of Determining Rotational Orientation Of Coded Data On Print Medium - A method of determining a first relative rotation of coded data on a print medium to be printed on by a mobile device that has a printer, a first sensor and processing means. The print medium has a substrate defining first and second opposite faces, the first face bearing coded data. The method involves capturing a first image of the coded data when the print medium is at a first position using the first sensor, determining a first relative rotation of the coded data with respect to the print medium from a known physical orientation of the print medium and the first image, using the processing means, capturing a second image of the coded data when the print medium is at a second position using the first sensor, determining a second relative rotation of the coded data with respect to the print medium from a known physical orientation of the print medium and the second image, using the processing means and calculating a third rotation from the first and second rotations using the processing means. The third rotation is a more precise measure of the first relative rotation than the first relative rotation or the second relative rotation. | 11-12-2009 |
| 20090280793 | Method Of Controlling A Communications Device - 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. | 11-12-2009 |
| 20090280864 | CONTROL OF A DEVICE - A method is provided of enabling a function(s) of a telephone to be controlled. The telephone is operative to perform the function(s) in response to command(s) from a printer. The method includes providing a control interface which contains information relating to the function(s) and has coded data on an identity and a reference point(s) of the control interface, receiving, in the printer, indicating data from a sensing device regarding the control interface identity and a position and/or movement of the sensing device relative thereto, and effecting, in the printer and from the indicating data, an operation(s) relating to the command(s). The coded data incorporates substantially undifferentiated marks positioned relative to a set of predetermined nominal mark positions. The sensing device, when placed in an operative position relative to the control interface, generates the indicating data using at least some of the coded data. | 11-12-2009 |
| 20090281646 | Imaging Encoded Medium And Recording Audio For Playback - A method of integrating audio and an encoded medium using a handheld interactive apparatus. The method comprises activating an audio recording mode of the interactive apparatus, the handheld interactive apparatus having a housing containing an optical image sensor, an audio input device, and an audio output device; and imaging the encoded medium with the optical sensor to create a playback-enabling audio annotation corresponding to the recorded audio. The encoded medium comprises a printed coded data pattern enabling identification of the encoded medium and of a location on the encoded medium during the imaging. | 11-12-2009 |
| 20090281647 | Electronic Pen Configured For Audio Playback - An interactive apparatus is disclosed. The interactive apparatus has an audio recording mode and an audio playback mode. Further, the interactive apparatus includes a writing tool for manually writing on an encoded writing medium, an audio input device for recording audio, an audio output device for playing the recorded audio. Moreover, the interactive apparatus has an optical unit for reading coded data on the encoded writing medium and for determining a position on the encoded writing medium of the writing tool. Activation of the audio recording mode enables synchronous creation of writing on said encoded writing medium and recording of audio, and recognition of a playback-enabling graphical element on the encoded writing medium activates the audio playback mode and enables playback of the recorded audio. | 11-12-2009 |
| 20090282317 | METHOD OF DATA STORAGE BY ENCODING BIT STREAM ON SURFACE - A method is provided of data storage by encoding a bit stream on a surface. The method involves printing coded data on the surface which encodes the bit stream, and printing alignment data on the surface which is indicative of a position of the coded data on the surface. The alignment data has a first registration structure indicative of a plurality of reference points indicative of a position of the coded data in an alignment direction, and a second registration structure indicative of a plurality of reference points indicative of a position of the coded data in a direction perpendicular to the alignment direction. | 11-12-2009 |
| 20090294544 | Surface Having Optically Readable Printed Tags - A surface having an optically readable pattern of dots printed thereon. The pattern comprises an arbitrarily shaped constant background pattern of dots and/or blanks. The constant background pattern defines discrete areas of coded data represented by a plurality of dots positioned according to an encoding scheme. Each discrete area contains orientation information for enabling an optical reader to determine an orientation relative to the pattern of dots. | 12-03-2009 |
| 20090299507 | Audio Playback Selection Using Printed Coded Data - An interactive apparatus is disclosed. The interactive apparatus has an audio recording mode and an audio playback mode. Further, the interactive apparatus includes a writing tool for manually writing on an encoded writing medium, an audio input device for recording audio, an audio output device for playing the recorded audio. Moreover, the interactive apparatus has an optical unit for reading coded data on the encoded writing medium and for determining a position on the encoded writing medium of the writing tool. Activation of the audio recording mode enables synchronous creation of writing on said encoded writing medium and recording of audio, and recognition of a playback-enabling graphical element on the encoded writing medium activates the audio playback mode and enables playback of the recorded audio. | 12-03-2009 |
| 20090302107 | Method For Online Purchasing Using Printed Form - A method of effecting a purchasing transaction includes providing a printed form having printed thereon coded data distributed over an area; capturing an image of the form using a sensing device, the captured image showing a portion of the coded data; decoding at least some of the coded data within the captured image; determining from the coded data an identity of the form, a position of the coded data on the form, and a parameter of the purchasing transaction; determining a position of the sensing device relative to the form from a distortion of the captured image and the determined position of the coded data; compiling the identify of the form, the position of the sensing device, and the parameter of the purchasing transaction as indicating data; receiving in a computer system the indicating data; and identifying, in the computer system and from the indicating data, at least one parameter relating to a purchasing transaction. | 12-10-2009 |
| 20090303500 | Printer For Printing Form For Interaction With Sensing Device - A printer is provided having an interface for receiving print data, a printhead for printing a form, using the print data, by printing information related to at least one text field and coded data at least partially indicative of the text field, the coded data being coincident with the information, a transceiver for receiving indicating data from a sensing device, the sensing device, when moved in an operative position relative to the text field, sensing the coded data and generating the indicating data by determining an orientation and position of the sensed coded data within the text field relative to the sensing device, the indicating data being indicative of movement of the sensing device relative to the text field determined using the orientation and position of the sensed coded data, and a processor for transferring the indicating data to a computer system to allow the interaction to be interpreted. | 12-10-2009 |
| 20090303541 | SYSTEM FOR PRINTING AND INTERACTING WITH A DOCUMENT - A system for printing and interacting with a document. The system comprises a computer system, a printer connected to the computer system and an optically imaging pen. When the computer receives a request for printing the document, it allocates a document identity and determines coded data for the document. The printer prints the document including visible information and the coded data. The printed document is interactive with respect to the optically imaging pen, which reads the coded data and sends corresponding data to the computer system for interpretation. The sent data may be used to generate an e-mail. | 12-10-2009 |
| 20090303542 | PRINTER FOR PRINTING INTERACTIVE FORMS - A printer is provided having an interface for receiving print data, a printhead for printing a form, using the received print data, by printing information related to at least one interactive element associated with the delivery of a greeting card, and coded data at least partially indicative of the at least one interactive element, at least some of the coded data being coincident with the information, a transceiver for receiving indicating data from a sensing device, the sensing device when placed in an operative position relative to the information, sensing at least some of the coded data and generating indicating data using the sensed coded data, the indicating data being at least partially indicative of the at least one interactive element, and a processor for transferring the indicating data to a computer system to allow the indicating data to be interpreted. | 12-10-2009 |
| 20090303546 | System For Printing An Interactive Document On Demand - A system for printing an interactive document on demand. The system comprises a computer system and a printer. The computer system is configured for: identifying a document for printing; allocating a document identity to the document; recording an association between the document identity and the document; and sending print data to a printer associated with said computer system. The print data instructs the printer to print a document image for the document superimposed with a coded data pattern. The coded data pattern identifies the document identity and a plurality of locations on the printed document. The printer associated the said computer system is configured for: receiving the print data from the computer system; and printing a document image simultaneously with the superimposed coded data pattern, thereby providing the interactive printed document. | 12-10-2009 |
| 20090304287 | Sensing Device For Sensing A Position Within A Region - 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. | 12-10-2009 |
| 20090308917 | SECURED ACCESS USING A POSITION-CODED SYSTEM - A system and method are disclosed for controlling access to an access-protected unit. A location may be read from a base, such as form, using a digital pen. The system may then check if location is within a region belonging to an authorized user. If so, access may be granted to the authorized user to the access-protected unit or to specific programs or functions of the access-protected unit. | 12-17-2009 |
| 20090314552 | Retractable electronic pen comprising actuator button decoupled from force sensor - An electronic pen comprises a retractable cartridge having a nib, a force-actuable device that is actuated by a nib force transmitted axially through the cartridge from the nib, a retraction for retracting the cartridge, a button for actuating the retraction mechanism, and a decoupling mechanism for biasing the button away from coupled engagement with the retraction mechanism and thereby the force-actuable device. | 12-24-2009 |
| 20090314553 | Retractable electronic pen with sensing arrangement - An electronic pen comprises a retractable cartridge, a retraction mechanism for extending and retracting the cartridge, a button for actuating the retraction mechanism, a sensing arrangement for sensing a configuration of the pen, and a processor cooperating with the sensing arrangement. The processor is adapted to configure a state of the pen in response to input signals from the sensing arrangement. The sensing arrangement comprises a button sensor coupled to the button, which senses actuation of the button and a cartridge sensor for sensing whether the cartridge is extended or retracted. | 12-24-2009 |
| 20090314834 | SHOPPING SYSTEM COMPRISING PRODUCT ITEM AND READING DEVICE - A shopping system comprises a product item having an interface surface and a reading device for reading coded data disposed on the interface surface. The reading device includes: (a) a radiation source for emitting radiation which exposes a coded data portion on the interface surface; (b) an image sensor for sensing the exposed coded data portion; (c) a force sensor coupled to a nib of the reading device; and (d) a processor for determining product identity data and/or position data. The reading device is adapted to sense the coded data in response to contact between the nib and the interface surface. | 12-24-2009 |
| 20090315734 | Electronic pen with automatically retractable nib - An electronic pen for interacting with a surface. The pen comprises a retractable cartridge having a nib, an automatic retraction mechanism for automatically retracting the cartridge, and a processor for controlling the automatic retraction mechanism. The processor is configured to automatically retract the cartridge in response to predetermined pen conditions. | 12-24-2009 |
| 20090315862 | ELECTRONIC PEN WITH RETRACTABLE NIB AND FORCE SENSOR - An electronic pen having a retractable nib for interacting with a surface. The pen comprises a slidably movable cartridge having a nib for contacting the surface, a retraction mechanism for retracting the cartridge, an actuator coupled to the retraction mechanism, a force sensor providing a reaction to an axial force transmitted from the cartridge, and a processor configured for generating force data indicative of a force detected by the force sensor. The retraction mechanism comprises a barrel for receiving the cartridge, which is adapted for seating the cartridge in either an extended position or a retracted position, whereby the axial force from the cartridge is transmitted to the barrel in the extended position. A biasing mechanism biases the cartridge towards the extended or retracted positions. | 12-24-2009 |
| 20090315863 | ELECTRONIC PEN HAVING FAST RESPONSE TIME - An electronic pen for interacting with a surface. The pen comprises a cartridge having a nib for contacting the surface, a capacitive force sensor cooperating with said cartridge for sensing a nib force transmitted axially through the cartridge, and a processor configured to generate force data indicative of a force detected by the force sensor. The capacitive force sensor comprises: a spring having an integral conductive moving plate resiliently biased towards a reference position, a conductive fixed plate and a dielectric separating said plates. | 12-24-2009 |
| 20090315864 | Electronic pen with retractable and replaceable cartridge - An electronic pen comprises a user-replaceable cartridge having a nib, a force sensor for sensing a nib force transmitted axially through the cartridge from the nib and a retraction mechanism for retracting the cartridge. The retraction mechanism comprises a barrel adapted for seating the cartridge in either an extended position or a retracted position, and a first biasing mechanism for biasing the cartridge towards the extended or retracted positions. A second biasing mechanism biases the barrel towards engagement with the force sensor. | 12-24-2009 |
| 20090323119 | METHOD OF DELIVERING GREETING CARD USING FORM AND COMPUTER SYSTEM - A method is provided of delivering a greeting card using a form and computer system. The form includes an interactive element associated with delivery of the greeting card and tags encoding data relating to the interactive element. The method is carried out in the computer system and includes receiving indicating data generated by a sensing device through interaction with the interactive element, identifying, using the received indicating data, the interactive element, and delivering, using the identified interactive element, a greeting card. The sensing device senses the tags through the interaction, decodes the data encoded by the sensed tags and generates the indicating data to include the decoded data. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20100001069 | METHOD OF PRINTING SECURITY DOCUMENTS - A method of providing a security document having a security feature includes creating the security document and determining an identity associated with the security document. The identity is then used to generate a digital signature of at least part of the identity. Coded data is generated including a number of coded data portions, each of which is indicative of the identity of the security document and, at least part of the signature. The coded data is then printed on the security document. | 01-07-2010 |
| 20100001074 | Decoding System For Coded Data - A decoding system is provided having decoder configured to determine a clock indicator from alignment data sensed by a sensor used to interact with coded data in a sensing region, update, from the determined clock indicator, a phase-locked loop (PLL), determine, from the updated PLL, a relative position between the sensing region and a data portion of the coded data sensed by the sensor, and decode, from the determined relative position, the sensed data portion. | 01-07-2010 |
| 20100001083 | POSITION-CODING PATTERN COMPRISED OF TAGS CONTAINING CONTIGUOUS CELLS - A substrate having a position-coding pattern disposed on its surface thereof. The position-coding pattern comprises a plurality of target elements defining a target grid. The target grid comprises a plurality of cells and each cell has a target element positioned at its corners so that neighboring cells share target elements. A plurality of tags are contained with the position-coding pattern, each tag being defined by a plurality of contiguous cells. Each tag comprises respective location data encoded by a respective set of data elements. | 01-07-2010 |
| 20100001884 | METHOD OF RECORDING INFORMATION USING FIRST AND SECOND POSITION CODES - A method for recording information from a surface of a substrate. The substrate is provided with a first position code and a second position code. The method comprises: (i) obtaining an image of the surface of the substrate using an optically imaging pen; (ii) determining whether the first position code or the second position code is present in the image; and (iii) determining the location of the pen. If the first position code is detected in the image, then the location is interpreted as handwritten input on the surface. Alternatively, if the second position code is detected in the image, then the location is used to determine if the pen is in a particular zone of the surface and a predetermined function associated with the zone is performed. | 01-07-2010 |
| 20100002034 | METHOD OF CONTROLLING PRINTHEAD - A method is provided of controlling a printhead having nozzles which discharge ink by application of a firing pulse to respective actuators. The actuators are connected in groups to a power source which applies the firing pulses. In the method firing pulses are applied to each group of the actuators in turn to discharge ink from the nozzles in each group. The firing pulses are applied to the subsequent groups so that the fired nozzles are physically separated in the printhead as far as possible from the nozzles fired in the immediately prior group and the immediately subsequent group. | 01-07-2010 |
| 20100002111 | Photodetecting Circuit - A photodetecting circuit is disclosed which includes a photodetector for generating a signal in response to incident light, astorage node, transfer and reset transistors and an output circuit. The storage node has first and second node terminals. The second node terminal is connected to a compensation signal during a read period of the photodetection circuit. The transfer transistor is disposed intermediate the first node terminal of the storage node and the photodetector and is for electrically connecting the first node terminal and the photodetector during an integration period upon receiving a transfer signal to a gate of the transfer transistor, allowing charge stored in the storage node to change based on the signal of the photodetector. The reset transistor has a control node for receiving a reset signal, a first terminal for receiving a reset voltage, and a second terminal electrically connected to the first node terminal, such that the reset voltage is supplied to the first node terminal when the reset signal is asserted at a gate of the reset transistor. The output circuit generates an output signal during the read period of the photodetecting circuit. The output signal is at least partially based on a voltage at the first terminal. The compensation signal is a logically negated version of the transfer signal. | 01-07-2010 |
| 20100002937 | SENSING DEVICE FOR SENSING CODED TAGS - A sensing device is provided having an image sensor for sensing and capturing images of tags on a surface, a processor and a transmitter. Each tag encodes data on an identity associated with the surface and a location and orientation of that tag on the surface. The processor identifies the tags from the captured images, determines an orientation, within the captured images, of the identified coded tags, decodes the data encoded by the tags at the determined orientation, and generates indicating data from the decoded data to include the identity and data regarding a position and/or movement of the sensing device relative to the surface. The transmitter transmits the indicating data to a computer system. | 01-07-2010 |
| 20100012716 | Audio-Playing System - An audio-playing system includes a surface having a printed position-coding pattern. The position-coding pattern identifies a surface identity and positions on the surface, the surface identity distinguishing the surface from other surfaces of the same type. A handheld sensing device having a housing is configured for reading the position-coding pattern and audio playback. The housing contains: (i) an optical sensor for reading codes from the position-coding pattern; (ii) a processor coupled to the optical sensor for determining the surface identity and a position of the sensing device using the read code; (iii) a memory unit comprising data for different audio outputs corresponding to different positions on the surface, and (iv) an audio output device coupled to the processor. The sensing device provides different audio outputs to a user in response to optically sensing different positions of the position-coding pattern. | 01-21-2010 |
| 20100013153 | Game System With Robotic Game Pieces - A game system comprises a game board having a playing area and game pieces for playing a game on the game board. Each game piece comprises a mobile robot for sensing and decoding a position-coding pattern printed on the game board. Each game piece is in communication with a computer system. The computer system is configured to send instructions for moving each game piece relative to the playing area in response to position information corresponding to the game pieces. | 01-21-2010 |
| 20100013892 | PRINTER MODULE LOGICALLY AND PHYSICALLY CONNECTABLE TO FURTHER MODULES - 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. | 01-21-2010 |
| 20100014119 | MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATION DEVICE FOR PRINTING AN INTERFACE SURFACE IN RESPONSE TO RECEIVED DATA - A mobile telecommunications device is disclosed. The mobile telecommunications device includes an image sensor for sensing coded data from a printed interface whilst the mobile telecommunications device is used to physically interact with the printed interface. The mobile telecommunications device also includes a processor configured to decode the sensed coded data. The data generated by the processor is then transmitted to a computer system via a mobile telecommunications network and using a transmitter of the mobile telecommunications device. A receiver of the mobile telecommunications device receives response data via the mobile telecommunications network in response to the data being transmitted. An integral printer mechanism of the mobile telecommunications device is configured to print another interface onto print media. The other interface also includes coded data, but is at least partially based on the response data. | 01-21-2010 |
| 20100014784 | Sensing Device For Subsampling Imaged Coded Data - 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. | 01-21-2010 |
| 20100020359 | Method For Playing Audio Signals Provided On A Photograph - A method of decoding coded data provided on a photograph using a reader. The coded data is at least partially indicative of an audio signal and is provided on a photograph substrate in the same area as an image. The method includes steps of scanning the image using a scanner; locating within the image a first target boundary that is spatially displaced from the coded data; locating within the image a second target boundary that is spatially displaced from the coded data and downstream of the first target boundary in a direction in which the image is fed past the scanner; reading the coded data located between the first and second target boundaries; decoding the coded data read by the scanner to obtain an audio signal; and, playing the audio signal through an output. | 01-28-2010 |
| 20100021087 | Device For Reading Encoded Data Interspersed In A Printed Image - An apparatus for reading data encoded as an array of dots printed on a substrate together with an image. The dots of the array are substantially invisible to an average unaided human eye. The apparatus includes a light source for illuminating the substrate; a detector for receiving the illumination from the light source reflected off the substrate, the detector outputting a first signal representative of the array of dots, the detector extending a distance that is less than a width of the substrate; a decoder interconnected to said detector for receiving and decoding said first signal to obtain the data encoded by the array of dots; and a top substrate covering the detector and the light source. The top substrate has an emission portion and a reception portion. The emission portion is shaped with a semicircular cross section adapted to focus illumination from the light source onto the substrate. The reception portion is shaped to define a series of microlenses adapted to focus illumination reflected off the substrate into the detector. | 01-28-2010 |
| 20100025461 | DOUBLE CONVERSION CHEQUE-CLEARING PROCESS AND SYSTEM - A cheque clearing process includes the steps of: receiving, in a computer system, first payment information based on digital ink generated by an optically imaging pen, the digital ink identifying a unique cheque identity and representing handwritten information entered on the cheque by the pen; receiving, in the computer system, second payment information based on independently reading visible information on the cheque; and comparing the first payment information with the second payment information. | 02-04-2010 |
| 20100025478 | Printing Currency Documents - A method of printing a security document having a security feature, the method including, receiving the security document, and encrypted identity data at least partially indicative of an identity of the security document. The identity is decrypting using a secret key associated with the public key, allowing a signature to be generated using the determined identity. The signature is a digital signature of at least part of the identity. The signature is used in generating coded data at least partially indicative of the identity of the security document and at least part of the signature. The coded data is then printed on the security document. | 02-04-2010 |
| 20100038153 | SYSTEM FOR RECORDING INFORMATION - A system for recording information from a surface. The system includes a base having a surface provided with a first position code coding locations of a plurality of first points and. In a zone of the surface, a second position code codes locations of a plurality of second points. The system also includes a sensing device having an image sensor for obtaining an image of the surface. A processor is configured for determining whether or not the second position code is present in the image of the surface, determining a location by means of the second position code and determining whether the sensing device is placed in a field on the surface of the base, wherein the field is associated with a function to be performed by the sensing device. | 02-18-2010 |
| 20100039471 | Inkjet Printhead with Overlapping Segments - An inkjet printhead has a pair of adjacent printhead segments having overlapping ink ejection nozzles. A degree of overlap of the printhead segments is determined, and a half toning of a continuous tone image is provided. The half toning is provided by a dither matrix outputting a dither value to an adder, the adder having an overlap input signal which varies depending on the degree of overlap between the adjacent printhead segments. The half toning is adjusted in a region of overlap between the adjacent printhead segments to reduce artifacts between the adjacent printhead segments. | 02-18-2010 |
| 20100039667 | RESTRICTING REPLIES TO COMMUNICATIONS - A method of communication is disclosed. The method starts by receiving a document and a destination communication address from a first user device. A unique number associated the first user device is allocated and recorded in a pending reply list. The document and the unique number are then communicated to the destination communication address. Upon receipt of a received document and a received reply number, the method performs the additional steps of: determining whether the received reply number matches an entry in the pending reply list, and delivering the received document to the user device associated with the unique number matching the received reply number. | 02-18-2010 |
| 20100045803 | Camera Module Outputting Images In Device Independent Color Space - A camera module is disclosed including an image capture portion, a base portion, and a pivot assembly. The image capture portion has a lens system, an imaging sensor and an image processor. The image sensor captures an image in a first color space. The image processor receives the image in the first color space and converts the image to a second color space which is a device independent color space. The base portion has electrical contacts for connecting to a peripheral device in order to transfer the image in the second color space to the peripheral device. The pivot assembly connects the image capture portion to the base portion and allows the image capture portion to be movable about the pivot assembly. | 02-25-2010 |
| 20100046030 | Method of Performing an Action Using a Printed Medium - A method of performing an action is disclosed. The method starts by sensing a print medium to obtain data encoded on a surface of the print medium. The data encodes at least a print media identifier. The print media identifier is determined from the data and a digital copy of a document is retrieved, the digital copy being associated with the print media identifier and including one or more hyperlinks. The digital copy of the document is displayed and a selection of one of the hyperlinks is received from a user. A predefined action designated by the selected hyperlink is then performed. | 02-25-2010 |
| 20100046031 | Printer With Vertical Media Flow Path - A printer is disclosed. The printer includes a print media supply station for storing print media. The printer further includes a print engine station arranged to receive print media from the print media supply and to print on the print media. A binding assembly station is also included which is configured to apply adhesive along an edge of each sheet of print media after printed upon, and to compile the print media into a bound stack. A receptacle station receives the bound stack. The print media supply station, the print engine station, the binding assembly station and the receptacle station are arranged vertically. | 02-25-2010 |
| 20100046040 | Scanning Device For Scanning Interface Surface - A scanning device for scanning an interface surface is disclosed. The scanning device includes a beam generator for emitting a beam, a deflector for deflecting the beam to generate a raster scan pattern over a scanning patch, and a sensor for receiving a reflected beam from the scanning patch and sensing from the reflected beam data encoded by coded tags printed on an interface surface. The data encoded by each tag includes an identity of the interface surface and the position of the respective tag on the interface surface. The scanning device further includes a processor for determining a description of the interface surface from the sensed interface surface identity and at least one region of the interface surface from the determined description and the position of the sensed tag on the interface surface. | 02-25-2010 |
| 20100060744 | Camera For Capturing And Printing Images - A camera for capturing and printing an images is provided. The camer has an image sensor for capturing an image, and a printer for printing onto a page of media an interface comprising the captured image and coded data. Each page has an associated identity. The coded data is printed on the page to be indicative of the identity of that page and an identity of the image printed on that page. | 03-11-2010 |
| 20100063980 | SEARCHING AN ELECTRONIC FILING SYSTEM USING A HANDWRITTEN SEARCH QUERY AND A TEXT SEARCH QUERY - A method of providing an electronic filing system which is searchable using a handwritten search query, the method including the steps of: obtaining the handwritten search query using an input device; performing a search of at least one database based on a comparison between the handwritten search query and handwritten annotations made on interactive pages stored in the at least one database; and, providing the results of the search to a user and facilitating access to at least one interactive page identified in the results of the search. An apparatus is also disclosed. Preferably, the interactive page is provided to the user in the form of printed paper, and the handwritten annotations are user handwriting, symbols, drawings, indicia or the like. | 03-11-2010 |
| 20100067796 | SYSTEM FOR ESTIMATING DIGITAL INK ORIENTATION - A system for estimating the orientation of digital ink is provided which has an optically imaging pen and a processor. The processor measures the azimuth of the pen at a sampling rate during writing by the pen on a surface printed with tags and estimates the orientation of the digital ink using the measured azimuth of the pen at the sampled points. Each tag encodes data on an identity of the surface associated with a digital description of the surface and on the respective location of that tag on the surface. The digital ink is generated by associating the digital description with the data encoded by the tags optically imaged by the pen during the writing. | 03-18-2010 |
| 20100067797 | METHOD OF ESTIMATING DIGITAL INK ORIENTATION - A method of estimating the orientation of digital ink is provided. The includes measuring, at a sampling rate during writing by an optically imaging pen on a surface printed with tags, the azimuth of the pen, and estimating, at the computer system, the orientation of the segment of digital ink using the measured azimuth of the pen at the sampled points. Each tag encodes data on an identity of the surface associated with a digital description of the surface and on the respective location of that tag on the surface. The digital description is stored by a computer system networked with the pen and the digital ink is generated by associating the digital description with the data encoded by the tags optically imaged by the pen during the writing. | 03-18-2010 |
| 20100069116 | PRINTING SYSTEM USING A CELLULAR TELEPHONE - A printing system is provided having a cellular telephone which has an input at which a print medium is loaded into the telephone, a printer, and a sensor for sensing an identifier of the loaded print medium. The cellular telephone uses the sensed identifier to determine whether or not the loaded print medium is a valid print medium on which printing can be performed by the printer. If the loaded print medium is determined to be valid, the cellular telephone controls the printer to print on the loaded print medium. If the loaded print medium is determined to not be valid, the cellular telephone ejects the loaded print medium at the input. | 03-18-2010 |
| 20100072274 | Method And System For Associating A Sticker And An Object In A Computer System - A method is provided for associating a sticker and an object in a computer system. The object is stored in an object repository in the computer system and the object is of a type selected from a range of object types. The sticker has coded data indicative of a sticker identity and the object type. The method provides a sensing device for sensing the coded data when placed in an operative position relative to the sticker and generating indicating data that is indicative of the identity of the sticker and the object type. The indicating data is received in the computer system from the sensing device. The sticker, the object type and the object are identified so that an association between the sticker identity and the object is generated. When the object repository is empty, the computer system indicates that the association cannot be generated. The computer system is configured to initiate an action regarding the object in response to the sensing device being placed in an operative position relative to the sticker. | 03-25-2010 |
| 20100072275 | PRODUCT ITEM REGISTRATION - A method of registering a product item is disclosed. The product item has disposed thereon coded data portions at respective positions on a surface of the product item. Each coded data portion encodes a product item identity and the respective position of the coded data portion. The method starts by a sensing device sensing at least one coded data portion, generating indicating data indicative of the product item identity and the position of the sensed coded data portion, and transferring the indicating data to a computer system. The computer system receives the indicating data, identifies that the position relates to a registration request, obtain owner data associated with the sensing device, determines an entity associated with the product item identity, and register the owner data with the entity. | 03-25-2010 |
| 20100073696 | Page Expansion And Printing Method - A page expansion and printing method includes the steps of receiving a first page description into a first memory buffer, the first page description having a bio-level black layer and a contone CMYK layer; decompressing the bi-level black layer and the contone CMYK layer in parallel; half-toning the contone CMYK layer to bi-level CMYK; compositing the bi-level black layer over the bi-level CMYK layer to form a printable image; and transmitting the printable image to a second memory buffer for printing by the pagewidth printer. The step of transmitting the printable image to a second memory buffer is performed simultaneously with receiving a subsequent page description in the first memory buffer. | 03-25-2010 |
| 20100079602 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ALIGNMENT OF AN OPTICAL ASSEMBLY WITH AN IMAGE SENSOR - A method is described for positioning an image sensor at a point of best focus for a lens. The lens has an optical axis and the image sensor is moved to a plurality of positions along the optical axis. The image sensor captures an image of a target image at each of the plurality of positions through the lens. A measure of blur in the image captured is derived at each of the plurality of positions from pixel data output from the image sensor. A relationship is derived between blur and position of the image sensor along the optical axis. The image sensor is then moved to a position on the optical axis that the relationship indicates as the point of best focus where the image sensor is fixedly secured relative to the lens. | 04-01-2010 |
| 20100081472 | Performing an Action in a Mobile Telecommunication Device - A method of performing an action in mobile telecommunications device is disclosed. A sensor module of the mobile telecommunications device senses coded data on a document. The document has disposed thereon an image and the coded data. The coded data encodes at least an identifier. The identifier is then extracted from the coded data, and an electronic copy of the image is retrieved from a storage device, the electronic copy of the image being associated with the identifier. The electronic copy of the image is displayed on a display device of the mobile telecommunications device, together with a plurality of hyperlinks. A selection of one of the hyperlinks is received from a user, and an action associated with the selected hyperlink is performed. | 04-01-2010 |
| 20100084468 | METHOD OF IMAGING CODING PATTERN COMPRISING COLUMNS AND ROWS OF COORDINATE DATA - A method of imaging a coding pattern disposed on a surface of a substrate. The method comprises the steps of: (a) operatively positioning an optical reader relative to the surface and capturing an image of a portion of the coding pattern, said coding pattern comprising: (b) sampling and decoding x-coordinate data and y-coordinate data within the imaged portion; and (c) determining a position of the reader. All the x-coordinate data is represented in a column of an imaged tag and all the y-coordinate data is represented in a row of the imaged tag. The column and the row each have a width v. The imaged portion has a diameter of at least (l+v)√2 and less than (2l)√2. | 04-08-2010 |
| 20100084472 | METHOD OF DISTINGUISHING FIRST CODING PATTERN FROM SECOND CODING PATTERN - A method of imaging either a first coding pattern or a second coding pattern disposed on a surface. The method comprises the steps of: (a) operatively positioning an optical reader relative to the surface; (b) capturing an image of a portion of the first or second coding pattern; (c) sampling and decoding a registration symbol contained in the imaged portion; (d) determining an identifier of the first or second coding pattern, the identifier indicating a number of cells contained in a tag; (e) determining whether the optical reader is positioned relative to the first coding pattern or the second coding pattern; (f) using the indicated number of cells to sample and decode tag data. | 04-08-2010 |
| 20100084477 | CODING PATTERN COMPRISING REGISTRATION SYMBOLS FOR IDENTIFYING THE CODING PATTERN - A substrate having a first coding pattern disposed on a surface thereof. The first coding pattern comprises: a plurality of target elements defining a target grid, the target grid comprising a plurality of cells, wherein neighboring cells share target elements; a plurality of data elements contained in each cell; and a plurality of tags. Each tag is defined by a first set of contiguous cells. Each tag comprises respective tag data encoded by a respective set of the data elements. Each cell comprises one or more registration symbols encoded by a respective set of said data elements. Each of the registration symbols identifies the cell as being contained in the first set, and thereby contained in the first coding pattern. | 04-08-2010 |
| 20100084478 | CODING PATTERN COMPRISING COLUMNS AND ROWS OF COORDINATE DATA - A substrate having a coding pattern disposed on a surface thereof. The coding pattern comprises a plurality of contiguous square tags of length l, each tag comprising x-coordinate data and y-coordinate data. A plurality of data elements are contained in each tag. The x-coordinate data is represented by a respective set of data elements and the y-coordinate data is represented by a respective set of data elements. All the x-coordinate data is represented in a column of the tag parallel with a y-axis, and all the y-coordinate data is represented in a row of the tag parallel with an x-axis. The column and the row each have a width v, such that any square portion of the coding pattern having a length (l+v) is guaranteed to contain the x-coordinate data and the y-coordinate data for a tag irrespective of whether a whole tag is contained in that portion. | 04-08-2010 |
| 20100084479 | POSITION-CODING PATTERN HAVING TAG COORDINATES ENCODED BY BIT-SHIFTED SUBSEQUENCES OF CYCLIC POSITION CODE - A substrate having a position-coding pattern disposed on a surface thereof. The position-coding pattern comprises a plurality of tags. Each tag encodes a w-bit subsequence of a cyclic code sequence. The w-bit subsequence maps to a corresponding coordinate codeword for the tag. Adjacent tags contain a w-bit subsequence shifted by one bit relative to each other in the cyclic code sequence. | 04-08-2010 |
| 20100084480 | POSITION-CODING PATTERN HAVING TAG COORDINATES ENCODED BY SUCCESSIVE SUBSEQUENCES OF CYCLIC POSITION CODE - A substrate having a position-coding pattern disposed on a surface thereof. The position-coding pattern comprises a plurality of tags, each tag encoding a w-bit subsequence of a cyclic code sequence having a length n and a dimension k. The w-bit subsequence maps to a corresponding coordinate codeword for the tag. Adjacent tags contain successive w-bit subsequences in the cyclic code sequence and n>w>k. | 04-08-2010 |
| 20100084481 | CODING PATTERN HAVING MERGED DATA SYMBOLS - A substrate having a coding pattern disposed on a surface thereof. The coding pattern comprises a plurality of merged data symbols, each merged data symbol being represented by a plurality of data elements disposed on the surface. Each merged data symbol encodes a first individual data symbol and a second individual data symbol. | 04-08-2010 |
| 20100085607 | METHOD OF ENCODING CODING PATTERN - A method of encoding a coding pattern for disposition on a surface of a substrate. The method comprises the step of: co-encoding, in a merged data symbol, a first individual data symbol from a first codeword with at least a second individual data symbol from a second codeword. The merged data symbol is represented on the surface by a plurality of data elements disposed thereon. | 04-08-2010 |
| 20100086171 | METHOD OF IMAGING CODING PATTERN HAVING MERGED DATA SYMBOLS - A method of decoding a coding pattern disposed on a surface of a substrate. The method comprises the steps of: (a) operatively positioning an optical reader relative to the surface and capturing an image of a portion of the coding pattern, the coding pattern comprising: a plurality of merged data symbols, each merged data symbol being represented by a plurality of data elements disposed on the surface, wherein each merged data symbol encodes a first individual data symbol from a first codeword and a second individual data symbol from a second codeword; (b) sampling a set of the merged data symbols contained in the imaged portion; and (c) decoding the sampled set of merged data symbols to obtain the first codeword encoded by a corresponding set of first individual data symbols. | 04-08-2010 |
| 20100086209 | METHOD OF IMAGING POSITION-CODING PATTERN HAVING TAG COORDINATES ENCODED BY BIT-SHIFTED SUBSEQUENCES OF CYCLIC POSITION CODE - A method of decoding a position-coding pattern disposed on a surface of a substrate. The method comprises the steps of: (a) operatively positioning an optical reader relative to the surface and capturing an image of a portion of the coding pattern; (b) sampling a windowed subsequence of a cyclic code sequence; (c) identifying a coordinate codeword using the windowed subsequence; and (d) determining a position of the optical reader from the coordinate codeword. The imaged portion has a diameter of more than one tag diameter and less than two tag diameters. | 04-08-2010 |
| 20100086236 | METHOD OF IMAGING POSITION-CODING PATTERN HAVING TAG COORDINATES ENCODED BY SUCCESSIVE SUBSEQUENCES OF CYCLIC POSITION CODE - A method of decoding a position-coding pattern disposed on a surface of a substrate. The method comprises the steps of: (a) operatively positioning an optical reader relative to said surface and capturing an image of a portion of the coding pattern, the coding pattern comprising: a plurality of tags, each tag encoding a w-bit subsequence of a cyclic code sequence having a length n and a dimension k, the w-bit subsequence mapping to a corresponding coordinate codeword for the tag; (b) sampling a windowed subsequence contained in the imaged portion; (c) identifying a coordinate codeword corresponding to the windowed subsequence; and (d) determining a position of the optical reader from the coordinate codeword. The imaged portion has a diameter of more than one tag diameter and less than two tag diameters, and n>w>k. | 04-08-2010 |
| 20100090005 | Product Packaging Authentication - A method of authenticating product packaging is disclosed. The packaging has disposed thereon coded data including a number of coded data portions. Each coded data portion is indicative of an identity of the packaging and a part of a signature. The signature is a digital signature of at least a part of the identity of the packaging and comprises a plurality of signature parts. The method starts by receiving indicating data from a sensing device. The sensing device is responsive to sensing one of the coded data portions to generate the indicating data which is indicative of the identity of the packaging, the part of the signature, and a signature part identifier. A determined signature is then determined using the identity of the packaging. Next, a determined signature part is determined using the determined signature and the signature part identifier. Finally the packaging is authenticated by comparing the determined signature part and the part of the signature. | 04-15-2010 |
| 20100091116 | Utilisation of Image Illumination Effects in Photographs - A camera for the output of an image sensed by the camera. The camera includes a sensor for sensing an image and a synthetic light generator for adding lighting to the sensed image to produce an illuminated image which simulates the effect of light sources projected at the sensed image. The camera also includes a printer device for printing the illuminated image. | 04-15-2010 |
| 20100091117 | Camera With Printhead For Printing Images With Encoded Audio Data - A handheld camera comprises a housing containing an image sensor for generating image data; an audio sensor for generating audio data; a processor for generating coded data using the audio data and a pagewidth inkjet printhead. The printhead is configured for printing the image onto a face of a substrate using the image data and at the same time printing the coded data onto the same face of the substrate in the same area as the image. | 04-15-2010 |
| 20100092224 | Simultaneous Duplex Digital Printer - A duplex printer includes a pair of print engines, each print engine comprising at least one printhead and one transfer roller for receiving ink ejected from the at least one printhead; a pair of print media trays provided upstream and downstream of the pair of print engines, each print media tray comprising a movable platen for supporting a stack of print media and a motorized mechanism for moving the platen; and a print media feed arrangement for feeding print media from one of the pair of print media trays to the other of the pair of print media trays along a print media feed path. The transfer rollers of the pair of print engines are provided opposite each other with respect to the print media feed path. | 04-15-2010 |
| 20100092225 | Duplex Printer With Internal Hard Drive - A duplex color printer includes a body defining a plurality of docking bays for receiving color ink cartridges; a pair of print engines mounted within the body in an opposed manner to define a print media feed path therebetween, each print engine comprising at least one printhead coupled in fluid communication with the color ink cartridges; a pair of print media trays mounted on either side of the body for respectively containing print media; a print media feed arrangement configured to feed print media from one of the trays, along the print media path during a printing operation carried out by the print engines and into the other one of the trays; and an internal hard drive for storing page description language (PDL) files and rasterized page images. | 04-15-2010 |
| 20100096450 | Shopping Cart With Multifunctional Data Tag Reader - A shopping cart includes a receptacle for holding shopping items, a memory storing a shopping cart identity and an optical reading device mounted to the shopping receptacle. The optical reading device is configured for reading coded data tags on a user identity card and on shopping items placed in the receptacle. The shopping cart also includes a computer system configured for associating a user identity with the shopping cart identity and updating a shopping list using the determined identities of the shopping items. The coded data tags on each shopping item and the coded data tags on the user identity card are of the same type so as to both be readable by the optical reading device. | 04-22-2010 |
| 20100097480 | Camera System For With Velocity Sensor And De-Blurring Processor - A camera system for outputting deblurred still images includes a portable handheld camera device comprising an image sensor adapted to capture a still, image comprising at least one blurred pixel; a velocity detector adapted to determine the angular velocity of the camera system relative to an external environment and to produce an angular velocity output indicative thereof; a linear image sensor for sensing data provided on at least one encoded card inserted into the camera system, the at least one encoded card containing instructions for the manipulation of the blurred images; and a processor adapted to receive said image from said image sensor and said angular velocity output from said angular velocity detector and to process said blurred image under programme control determined from data sensed by the linear image sensor from the at least one encoded card, the programme control utilising the velocity output to deblur said at least one blurred pixel of said blurred image and to output said deblurred still image. | 04-22-2010 |
| 20100097652 | Method Of Printing A Compressed Image Having Bi-Level Black Contone Data Layers - A method of printing a compressed image includes the steps of receiving the image, having a bi-level black data layer and a continuous tone (contone) CMYK data layer, from an image host; expanding the image by decompressing the two data layers in parallel; halftoning the contone CMYK data layer into bi-level CMYK data layer; compositing the bi-level black data layer over the bi-level CMYK data layer to form a composited bi-level CMYK image; separating the color planes of the composited bi-level CMYK image, and separating each color plane into even and odd pixels; storing the odd and even pixels of each color plane in respective odd and even FIFOs for each color; and printing the composited bi-level CMYK image with a pagewidth printhead onto a print medium. | 04-22-2010 |
| 20100099459 | Mobile Telephone For Printing A Business Card - A mobile telephone is provided for printing a business card on a print medium. The print medium has coded data indicative of a print medium identifier and the mobile telephone has an inbuilt printer module to print the business card on the print medium such that the print medium shows at least one contact detail relevant to a business. The mobile telephone also has an interface for connection to a remote server, a sensor module to sense a print media identifier of the print medium and, a processor to generate an association between the print medium identifier and the at least one contact detail. Sensing the coded data with the sensor module to derive the print medium identifier, allows the processor to perform an action in relation to the contact detail. | 04-22-2010 |
| 20100101873 | METHOD OF ESTIMATING NIB POSITION USING IMAGES CAPTURED AT DIFFERENT PEN ROTATIONS - A method of estimating a position of nib of a pen relative to an optical sensor mounted on the pen. The method comprises the steps of: (a) placing the nib in contact with a coded surface; (b) capturing, using the sensor, at least two images of the coded surface at different rotations of the pen relative to the surface; (c) determining, from a perspective distortion of the coded surface in each image, an estimated rotation and viewing distance for each image; and (d) estimating, from the estimated rotations and viewing distances, the position of the nib relative to the optical sensor. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20100106273 | Audio Data Associated With A Surface And A Position On The Surface - A method of playing audio data by a portable device is disclosed. The method starts with an optical sensor of the portable device sensing a tag on a surface. The tag encodes an identity of the surface and a location of the tag on the surface. Audio data is recorded by an audio system of the portable device. A processor of the portable device determines the identity of the surface and the location of the tag sensed by the optical sensing device on the surface. The portable device communicates the audio data, the identity of the surface and the location of the tag to a computer system where the audio data is associated with the identity of the surface and the location of the tag. Upon subsequent sensing of the tag by the optical sensor, the portable device communicates the identity of the surface and the location of the tag to the computer system, where the audio data associated with the identity of the surface and the location of the tag is retrieved and communicated to the portable device. The audio data retrieved by the portable device is then played back by the portable device. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20100116564 | Optoelectronic Force Sensor - A force sensor particularly suited for use in an electronic stylus that senses the contact force on its nib for recording pen strokes and handwriting recognition. The sensor has a load bearing member movably mounted for receiving an input force to be sensed, the load bearing member being biased against the direction of the input force. The sensor also has a light source, a photo-detector for sensing levels of illumination from the light source and circuitry for converting a range of illumination levels sensed by the photo-detector into a range of output signals. During use, the illumination level sensed by the photo-detector varies with movement of the load bearing member such that the output signal from the circuitry is indicative of the input force. Using an optical sensor avoids the need to use a delicate piezo-resistive sensor that requires careful tolerancing during production. | 05-13-2010 |
| 20100116892 | REUSABLE STICKER - An encoded, reusable sticker is provided for temporary adhesion to a support surface. The sticker has coded data that is indicative of a sticker identity that is recorded in a computer system. The coded data is a two dimensional pattern and has an interactive element and a generation element. The interactive element is an area of the two dimensional pattern in which the coded data is also indicative of an action to be performed by the computer system. The generation interactive element is an area of the two dimensional pattern that is also indicative of an instruction for the computer system to generate an association between the sticker identity and an object stored in an object repository in the computer system. The sticker also has a visual representation of the action to be performed by the computer system and a visual representation of the generation of an association between the sticker identity and an object. The sticker allows the use of a sensing device for sensing the coded data and transmitting to the computer system to initiate the association between the sticker identity and the object by holding the sensing device in an operative position relative to the interactive element, and initiate the action performed by the computer system by holding the sensing device in an operative position relative to the interactive element. | 05-13-2010 |
| 20100118346 | DOCUMENT RETRIEVAL USING A PRINTED FORM - A method of retrieving a document from a database of hierarchical electronic document versions is disclosed. Each document version is associated with a unique document instance. In the method a search form is printed. The search form includes a search instruction input field relating to at least one parameter of a search to be carried out within the database and a plurality of coded data tags. Each coded data tag encodes a location of that coded data tag on the search form. The coded data tags are sensed by a sensing device as the sensing device is used to handwrite at least one search term on the search form. Data representing the parameter and the at least one search term is generated, with the data representing the at least one search term being generated from the locations of the coded data tags. Next, a search is carried out within the database based on the at least one search term and parameter in order to identify document versions. A results form is printed, with the results form containing data representing the document versions identified in the search and coded data tags. By sensing one or more coded data tags on the results form, the document version associated with the coded data tag sensed on the results form is retrieved and printed. | 05-13-2010 |
| 20100118354 | Sensing Device - A sensing device is disclosed. The sensing device interacts with a surface having coded data thereon. The coded data is made up from tags. Each tag encodes a unique identity of the surface, and the location of that tag on the surface. The sensing device has an optical sensor for capturing images of the coded data on the surface when the sensing device is placed in an operative position relative to the surface. The sensing device also has a processor for processing the captured images to determine the unique identity of the surface and the operative position of the sensing device on the surface. A movement sensor for generating movement data is also included in the sensing device. A transmitter of the sensing device transmits indicating data to a computer system. The indicating data includes data regarding the identity of the surface, data regarding the operative position of the sensing device and said movement data. | 05-13-2010 |
| 20100119159 | METHOD OF SENSING CODED DATA ON A SURFACE - A method of sensing coded data on a surface is disclosed. Images of the coded data on the surface are captured using a sensor of a sensing device. The coded data is formed from tags, with each tag encoding a unique identity of a region of the surface and the position of the tag within the region. A perspective distortion of the coded data is estimated and compensated for when detecting data elements in the tags. The unique identity of the region from the images is determined, and the position of the sensing device within the region from the position of at least one tag in at least one image captured by the sensor is determined. | 05-13-2010 |
| 20100125451 | Natural Language Recognition Using Context Information - A method of recognising digital ink input by a user into a computer-based digital ink recognition system is disclosed. The user interacts with a paper-based document. The paper-based document has disposed thereon coded data indicative of a particular field of the paper-based document and of at least one reference point of the paper-based document. An image sensor in a sensing device captures images of at least some of the coded data when the sensing device is placed in an operative position relative to the paper-based document. The sensing device then decodes at least some of the coded data to form indicating data indicative of the identity of the field of the paper-based document containing the coded data and at least one of a position and a movement of the sensing device relative to the paper-based document. A server receives the indicating data from the sensing device, and processes the indicating data using a recognizer residing on the server to produce intermediate format data. The intermediate format data is then transmitted to an application which decodes the intermediate format data into computer-readable format data using context information associated with the paper-based document. | 05-20-2010 |
| 20100129006 | ELECTRONIC PEN WITH RETRACTABLE NIB - 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. | 05-27-2010 |
| 20100134449 | Image-Sensing Pen With Retractable Cartridge And Force Sensor - 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 cartridge having a nib for contacting the surface; 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 the coded data only when the force sensor detects that the nib is in contact with the substrate. | 06-03-2010 |
| 20100134815 | Printing a List on a Print Medium - A system for printing a list on a print medium is disclosed. The system has a device which has a sensor module for sensing a print media identifier coded on a surface of the print medium, and a printer module for printing the list on the print medium. The system further has a means for storing the list in association with the print medium identifier in a database. The list is retrievable from the database using the print media identifier. | 06-03-2010 |
| 20100134843 | Printing Content on a Print Medium - A method of printing content on a print medium is disclosed. The method starts by receiving the print medium in a media feed path. The media feed path includes a sensor module and a printer module. A print media identifier is read from a surface of the print medium using the sensor module. The print medium identifier uniquely identifies the print medium. The content is then on the print medium using the printer module and the content is stored in association with the print medium identifier in a database. The content is retrievable from the database using the print media identifier. | 06-03-2010 |
| 20100135485 | SYSTEM FOR AUTHENTICATING OBJECTS - A system for authenticating an object is disclosed. The system has a sensing device for sensing coded tags printed on the object. Each coded tags encodes an identity of the object and a signature fragment. An entire signature is encoded in multiple coded tags. The system further has a processor for determining a signature fragment identifier associated with respective signature fragments. The processor also generates the entire signature from the signature fragments and associated signature fragment identifiers. The entire signature is then decrypted to obtain a generated identity. By comparing the identity encoded by the coded tags with the generated identity, the object is authenticated. | 06-03-2010 |
| 20100135679 | CARTRIDGE FOR USE IN PRINTER FOR PRINTING CODED DATA - A cartridge including identifier data that is indicative of a plurality of globally unique identifiers. The cartridge is configured for use in a printer capable of printing machine-readable coded data onto a surface. The printer has an interface for receiving the cartridge, a reader for reading the identifier data, a coded data generator and a printhead. The coded data generator is configured for allocating a globally unique identifier from the identifier data and generating coded data on the basis of the allocated identifier. The coded data includes a machine-readable pattern of coded data identifying a unique region identity for association with a substrate to be printed. | 06-03-2010 |
| 20100138663 | Method Of Providing Security Document - A method of providing a security document is provided in which a computer system generates a digital signature of at least part of an identity associated with the security document, generates a plurality of coded data tags to each encode data on the identity and a respective part of the digital signature, and prints, with a printer networked therewith, the security document with the tags tiled thereacross. The tags are generated and printed so that interaction with only one of the tags to detect the identity and respective signature part encoded thereby allows authentication of the entire digital signature. | 06-03-2010 |
| 20100140352 | Method Of Updating Product Status - A method of maintaining a status of a product is provided in which indicating data is generated at a sensing device from data encoded by a tag of a plurality of tags tiled across the product through interaction of the sensing device with the tag at any orientation of the product, and the indicating data is transferred to a computer system to cause updating of a status of the product stored by the computer system. The encoded data of each tag used to generate the indicating data includes an identity of the product and an identity of a region of the product on which that tag is tiled. The status of the product is updated in accordance with the product and region identities of the indicating data. | 06-10-2010 |
| 20100144396 | MOBILE PHONE FOR INTERACTING WITH UNDERLYING SUBSTRATE - A mobile phone device configured for overlaying part of a substrate. The substrate contains a printed hyperlink and coded data identifying a plurality of positions on the substrate. The device includes: a mobile telephone transceiver; an optical sensor for reading the coded data; a processor for generating interaction data using the read coded data; and a touch-sensitive display screen for displaying information based on the interaction data. The displayed information includes a displayed hyperlink corresponding to the printed hyperlink. User interaction with the displayed hyperlink via the touch-sensitive display screen causes display of hyperlinked information on the screen. | 06-10-2010 |
| 20100147940 | System For Decoding Coded Data With PLL - A system for decoding coded data printed in ink on a surface is provided. The coded data has a registration structure which has at least two clock tracks indicative of a position of the coded data in the direction perpendicular to an alignment direction and two alignment lines for each clock track. The two alignment lines are indicative of the position of the respective clock track. The system has a decoder for determining, using an alignment phase-locked loop (PLL), a position of the alignment lines for a respective clock track, determining, using the position of the alignment lines, the position of each respective track, and updating the alignment PLL. | 06-17-2010 |
| 20100147941 | METHOD OF DISPENSING A PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCT - A method of dispensing a pharmaceutical product is disclosed. The pharmaceutical product has associated packaging. The packaging has disposed thereon coded data. The coded data is indicative of an identity of the pharmaceutical product. The coded data is sensed by a sensing device and indicating data indicative of the identity of the pharmaceutical product is generated based on the sensed coded data. The coded data is arranged in accordance with a layout having n-fold rotational symmetry. The layout including n sub-layouts rotated 1/n revolutions apart about a center of rotation. A processor receives the indicating data from the sensing device and determines at least one criterion for dispensing the pharmaceutical product. The processor causes the pharmaceutical product to be dispensed when the at least one criterion is satisfied. | 06-17-2010 |
| 20100147942 | METHOD OF COUNTING AND VALIDATING CURRENCY DOCUMENTS - A method of counting and validating the value of a currency document includes the steps of sensing at least one coded tag printed on the currency document; determining a scanning time at which the sensing device sensed the coded tag; determining from the sensed coded tag and determined scanning time a unique identity of the currency document; comparing the unique identity of the currency document with a list of suspect identities to determine a validity of the currency document; and determining a value for the currency document from the unique identity. | 06-17-2010 |
| 20100148930 | PRODUCT ITEM HAVING LOCATION-INDICATING CODED DATA AND RFID TAG - An object comprising first coded data disposed on or in a surface thereof and an RFID tag is provided. The first coded data identifies a plurality of locations on the surface and the RFID tag identifies a unique identity of the object. | 06-17-2010 |
| 20100149582 | Printing on Pre-Tagged Media - A method performed in a telecommunication device is disclosed. Document information is printed onto a plurality of print areas with a printer of the telecommunication device. Each of the print areas is encoded with identity data which differentiates the print areas from each other. The identity data is sensed with a sensor incorporated in a media feed path of the printer. The identity data and the document information are then transmitted to a computer system with a transmitter of the telecommunication device where the document information printed on respective print areas is associated with the identity data of the respective print areas. | 06-17-2010 |
| 20100155467 | SECURITY DOCUMENT SCANNER - A sensing device for use with a security document is disclosed. The security document has disposed thereon or therein coded data including a plurality of coded data portions. Each coded data portion is indicative of an identity of the security document and a signature part. The signature part is a part of a digital signature of at least the identity. The sensing device has a sensor for sensing coded data portions and a processor. The processor determines, using sensed coded data portions, a sensed identity, a plurality of signature parts, and an identifier for each signature part, generates a sensed signature from the plurality of signature parts by arranging signature parts according to respective identifiers, determines a generated identity from the sensed signature, and authenticates the security document by comparing the sensed identity and the generated identity. | 06-24-2010 |
| 20100155488 | PROCESS FOR TAG IMAGING AND DECODING OF MACHINE READABLE CODED DATA - Provided is a process for tag imaging and decoding of machine readable coded data which comprises a plurality of layouts. Each layout has at least order n rotational symmetry, where n is at least two. The layout encodes a first codeword comprising a sequence of at least n first symbols, the first symbols being distributed at n locations about a center of rotational symmetry of the layout such that decoding the first symbols at each of the n orientations of the layout produces n representations of the first codeword. Each representation includes a different cyclic shift of the first codeword and being indicative of the degree of rotation of the layout. Each representation also includes a second codeword comprising a number of second symbols, the second codeword being indicative of information regarding the respective layout. The process includes the steps of acquiring an image which includes said coded data, and identifying at least one layout. The process also includes decoding the layout to determine at least a representation of the first codeword, and determining a degree of rotation of the layout from the decoded representation. | 06-24-2010 |
| 20100165141 | IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD FOR CONVERTING NON-LINEAR RGB IMAGE DATA TO L*A*B* IMAGE DATA - An image processing method includes the steps of linearizing a Color Filter Array image having non-linear RGB pixel data to generate a linearized image, the step of linearizing using at least one lookup table for each of the three RGB colors, the step of linearizing further performed using an address for current RGB pixel data being read to index the lookup tables and incrementing the addresses for the RGB pixel data; generating a histogram for each of three RGB image color planes of the linearized image data, and storing at least a high and a low threshold for each histogram; planarizing the linearized image using the high and the low thresholds to generate a planarized linear RGB image; and transforming the planarized linear RGB image from planarized linear RGB form to L*a*b* form. The step of transforming the planarized linear RGB image from planarized linear RGB form to L*a*b* form performs additional steps of white balancing, range expansion, resampling, color conversion, and sharpening. The additional steps read and write to a plurality of buffers such that the additional steps are performed in parallel. | 07-01-2010 |
| 20100165400 | PRINTER HAVING CODED TAG GENERATOR - A printer is provided having a tag generator configured to generate tags each encoding first data on an identity of an interface onto which the tags are to be printed and a position of that tag on the interface and second data on a perspective of that tag relative to the interface, and a printhead configured to print the interface with the tags and graphic information. | 07-01-2010 |
| 20100165401 | MOBILE DEVICE FOR PRINTING A SECURITY IDENTIFICATION - A mobile telecommunications device is disclosed. The mobile telecommunications device has a media feed path, a sensor module in the media feed path for sensing data encoded on a surface of a print medium, the data encoding at least a print media identifier, a print medium identifier identifying the print medium, processor for determining the print media identifier from the data, communication means for communicating a request to a remote server, the request including the print media identifier, and for receiving a security identification associated with the print media identifier from the remote server, and a printer module in the media feed path for printing the security identification on the print medium. | 07-01-2010 |
| 20100165415 | SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING INFORMATION THROUGH INTERACTION WITH A PRINTED PAGE - A system for providing information is disclosed. The system has a server which stores page descriptors. A printer is also includes which prints a printed page with visible and invisible data. The invisible data is indicative of one or more of the page descriptors. A sensing device senses the invisible data when placed in an operative position relative to the printed page, and transmits information extracted from sensed invisible data to the server. The server is configured to interpret the positioning of the sensing device based upon the page descriptors indicated by sensed invisible data and to provide information associated with the page descriptors. | 07-01-2010 |
| 20100170951 | Image transformation device - This patent describes an alternative form of user interface for operating a device such as a camera comprising a card which is inserted in a machine. On the face of the card is contained a visual representation of the effect the card will have on the output of the machine. Preferably the camera device is capable of transforming a sensed image substantially in accordance with the transformation of a standard image comprising the visual representation and the transformation of the sensed image is printed out on the printer. Alternatively the machine comprises a book reader and the card includes a book's content for display by the book reader as indicated by the visual representation on the front of the card. On one surface of the card, the visual representation of the effect is displayed, and on a second surface, an optically encoded representation of the effect able to be read by a sensing device of the machine and decoded so as to produce the effect. | 07-08-2010 |
| 20100171967 | PERFORMING A SEARCH THROUGH SENSING A SEARCH FORM WITH A SENSING DEVICE - A method of performing a search is disclosed. A search request form including information relating to a search request and coded data portions is printed. Each coded data portion is indicative of an identity of the search request form and of a position of that coded data portion on the search request form. Indicating data is received from a sensing device which is responsive to movement of the sensing device relative to the search request form to sense at least some of the coded data portions and generate the indicating data. The indicating data is indicative of the identity of the search request form, and movement of the sensing device. Using the indicating data, movement of the sensing device is determined and using the determined movement, a search request is determined. A search is then performed using the determined search request and results of the search are printed. | 07-08-2010 |
| 20100181375 | Sticker including a first and second region - A method of associating an electronic object with a sticker placed on a surface is disclosed. The sticker has first and second regions. The first region has disposed thereon coded data encoding an identity of the sticker. The second region exposes a position on the surface. The position on the surface has disposed thereon coded data which encodes an identity of the surface and data identifying the position on the surface. A sensing device senses the coded data on the first region and, through the second region, the coded data on the surface, and then generates indicating data from the sensed coded data. The indicating data is indicative of the identity of the sticker, the identity of the surface and the position on the surface exposed by the second region. The method receives the indicating data from the sensing device, and identifies, using the indicating data, the identity of the sticker, the identity of the surface and the position on the surface exposed by the second region. The electronic object is also identified. Finally, the electronic object is associated with the identity of the sticker, the identity of the surface, and the position on the surface exposed by the second region. | 07-22-2010 |
| 20100182268 | HANDHELD DISPLAY DEVICE FOR INTERACTING WITH PRINTED SUBSTRATE - A handheld display device for displaying and interacting with information corresponding to a printed substrate. The device comprises: a transceiver for sending and receiving digital information; an optical sensor for imaging an area of the printed substrate and for generating image data; a processor for determining interaction data using the image data, the interaction data identifying a substrate identity; and a touch-sensitive screen for displaying display information based on retrieved display data. The touch-sensitive screen enables user interaction with the display information. | 07-22-2010 |
| 20100182269 | METHOD OF PLAYING VIDEO USING HANDHELD DISPLAY DEVICE - A method of playing video using a handheld display device having a touch-sensitive screen and a transceiver for sending and receiving digital information. The method comprises the steps of: imaging an area of a printed substrate and generating image data using an optical sensor, the printed substrate containing printed content associated with a video; determining interaction data using the image data, the interaction data identifying a substrate identity; retrieving video data associated with the printed content; and playing, on the touch-sensitive screen, the video based on the retrieved video data. | 07-22-2010 |
| 20100182411 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR RETRIEVING DISPLAY DATA - A method of retrieving display data for a handheld display device. The method comprises the steps, in a server, of: receiving interaction data from the handheld display device, the interaction data being generated by the device using image data acquired by imaging an area of a printed substrate containing printed content; identifying a page description corresponding to the interaction data; retrieving display data using the identified page description, the display data corresponding to at least some of the printed content imaged by the device; and sending the display data to the handheld display device. | 07-22-2010 |
| 20100182646 | INTERACTIVE DOCUMENT RETRIEVAL DEVICE - An interactive document retrieval device that has a processor for receiving first indicating data identifying a page identity and one or more locations on a first interactive document having a corresponding page description stored in one of a plurality of servers and, a print engine having a printhead. The processor is configured to use the page identity contained in the first indicating data to determine a network address of a server handling the page description corresponding to the first interactive document, send second indicating data to said network address identified using the page identity, said second indicating data being based on the first indicating data, receipt of said second indicating data by said server initiating a request for a second interactive document such that the processor receives response data corresponding to the second interactive document, and instruct the print engine to provide the second interactive document via the printhead. | 07-22-2010 |
| 20100182647 | HANDHELD DISPLAY DEVICE FOR MAGNIFYING PRINTED INFORMATION - A method of magnifying printed content using a handheld display device having a touch-sensitive screen and a transceiver for sending and receiving digital information. The method comprises the steps of: imaging an area of the substrate containing printed content and generating image data using an optical sensor; determining interaction data using the image data, the interaction data identifying a substrate identity; retrieving, using the interaction data and the page description, display data corresponding to the printed content; displaying, on the touch-sensitive screen, display information based on the display data, the display information including displayed content corresponding to the printed content; and interacting with the displayed content via the touch-sensitive screen. Interacting with the displayed content via the touch-sensitive screen magnifies the displayed content on the screen. | 07-22-2010 |
| 20100182648 | DETERMINE MOVEMENT OF A PRINT MEDIUM RELATIVE TO A MOBILE DEVICE - A method of using a mobile device to determine movement, relative to the mobile device, of a print medium being printed on by the mobile device is disclosed. The mobile device includes a printer. The mobile device further includes a sensor in a media feed path of the printer and a processing means. A surface of the print medium bears coded data indicative of a plurality of locations on the surface. The method uses the sensor to sense the coded data at a plurality of locations on the surface. The sensed coded data is decoded in order to determine the locations, and the movement of the print medium relative to sensor is determined from the locations. | 07-22-2010 |
| 20100184461 | HANDHELD DISPLAY DEVICE FOR INTERACTING WITH PRINTED HYPERLINKS - A handheld display device for imaging and displaying a printed substrate containing a printed hyperlink. The device comprises: an optical sensor for imaging an area of the printed substrate and generating image data; a processor for determining interaction data using the image data, the interaction data identifying a substrate identity; a transceiver for retrieving display data corresponding to the printed substrate using the substrate identity; and a touch-sensitive display screen for displaying display information based on the display data. The display information comprises a displayed hyperlink corresponding to the printed hyperlink on the substrate. The device is configured such that user interaction with the displayed hyperlink via the touch-sensitive display screen causes retrieval and display of hyperlinked information on the screen. | 07-22-2010 |
| 20100184462 | METHOD OF DISPLAYING HYPERLINKED INFORMATION USING HANDHELD DISPLAY DEVICE - A method of displaying hyperlinked information using a handheld display device having a touch-sensitive screen and a transceiver for sending and receiving digital information. The method comprises the steps of: imaging an area of a printed substrate and generating image data using an optical sensor, the printed substrate containing a printed hyperlink; determining interaction data using the image data, the interaction data identifying a substrate identity; retrieving display data corresponding to the substrate; displaying display information based on said display data; interacting with the displayed hyperlink via the touch-sensitive display screen; retrieving hyperlinked information corresponding to the hyperlink; and displaying the hyperlinked information on the screen. | 07-22-2010 |
| 20100184463 | HANDHELD DISPLAY DEVICE FOR ASSOCIATING MULTIMEDIA OBJECTS WITH PRINTED SUBSTRATES - A handheld display device for associating a multimedia object with a zone of a printed substrate. The device comprises: a memory storing multimedia objects; an optical sensor for imaging an area of the printed substrate and for generating image data; a processor for for determining interaction data using the image data, the interaction data identifying a substrate identity; a transceiver for retrieval of display data corresponding to the printed substrate; and a touch-sensitive screen for displaying display information based on the display data. The device is configured such that a predetermined user interaction with the display information indicates an association of one of the multimedia objects with the zone of the printed substrate. Subsequent interaction with the zone of the printed causes retrieval of the multimedia object. | 07-22-2010 |
| 20100184464 | METHOD OF ASSOCIATING MULTIMEDIA OBJECT WITH PRINTED SUBSTRATE - A method of associating a multimedia object with a printed substrate using a handheld display device having a touch-sensitive screen and a transceiver for sending and receiving digital information. The printed substrate has a corresponding page description retrievable via a substrate identity. The method comprises the steps of: displaying, on the touch-sensitive screen, display information corresponding to the printed substrate; identifying a multimedia object for association with a zone of the printed substrate; and interacting with the display information to indicate association of the multimedia object with the zone, thereby causing the page description to be updated in accordance with the indicated association. Subsequent interaction with the zone of the printed substrate using the device causes retrieval of the multimedia object from the updated page description. | 07-22-2010 |
| 20100184465 | METHOD OF MAGNIFYING PRINTED INFORMATION USING HANDHELD DISPLAY DEVICE - A method of magnifying printed content using a handheld display device having a touch-sensitive screen and a transceiver for sending and receiving digital information, The method comprises the steps of: imaging an area of the substrate containing printed content and generating image data using an optical sensor; determining interaction data using the image data, the interaction data identifying a substrate identity; retrieving, using the interaction data and the page description, display data corresponding to the printed content; displaying, on the touch-sensitive screen, display information based on the display data, the display information including displayed content corresponding to the printed content; and interacting with the displayed content via the touch-sensitive screen. Interacting with the displayed content via the touch-sensitive screen magnifies the displayed content on the screen. | 07-22-2010 |
| 20100184466 | HANDHELD DISPLAY DEVICE FOR TRANSLATING PRINTED TEXT ON A SUBSTRATE - A handheld display device for imaging a printed substrate and translating printed text. The device comprises: an optical sensor for imaging an area of the printed substrate and for generating image data; a processor for determining interaction data using the image data, the interaction data identifying a substrate identity; a transceiver for retrieval of display data, the display data identifying the printed text translated into a second language; and a touch-sensitive display screen for displaying display information based on the display data. The display information comprises displayed text corresponding to the printed text translated into the second language. | 07-22-2010 |
| 20100184467 | METHOD OF REVEALING HIDDEN CONTENT ON A PRINTED SUBSTRATE USING HANDHELD DISPLAY DEVICE - A method of revealing hidden content associated with a printed substrate using a handheld display device having touch-sensitive screen and a transceiver for sending and receiving digital information. The method comprises the steps of: imaging an area of the substrate containing printed content and generating image data using an optical sensor; determining interaction data using the image data, the interaction data identifying a substrate identity; retrieving display data comprising first data corresponding to the printed content and second data corresponding to the hidden content; and displaying, on the touch-sensitive screen, display information based on the display data. The display information includes first content corresponding to the printed content and second content corresponding to the hidden content, thereby revealing the hidden content on the screen. | 07-22-2010 |
| 20100184468 | HANDHELD DISPLAY DEVICE FOR REVEALING HIDDEN CONTENT ON A PRINTED SUBSTRATE - A handheld display device for imaging a printed substrate and revealing hidden content associated with the printed substrate. The device comprises: an optical sensor for imaging an area of the printed substrate and for generating image data; a processor for determining interaction data using the image data, the interaction data identifying a substrate identity; a transceiver for retrieval of display data corresponding to the printed substrate, the display data comprising first data corresponding to the printed content and second data corresponding to the hidden content; and a touch-sensitive display screen for displaying display information based on the display data. The display information includes first content corresponding to the printed content and second content corresponding to the hidden content, thereby revealing the hidden content on the screen. | 07-22-2010 |
| 20100184469 | HANDHELD DISPLAY DEVICE FOR PLAYING VIDEO ASSOCIATED WITH PRINTED SUBSTRATE - A handheld display device for imaging a printed substrate and playing video associated with the printed substrate. The device comprises: an optical sensor for imaging an area of the printed substrate and for generating image data; a processor for determining interaction data using the image data, the interaction data identifying a substrate identity; a transceiver for retrieval of video data corresponding to the printed substrate; and a touch-sensitive display screen for playing the video based on the video data. | 07-22-2010 |
| 20100184470 | METHOD OF PLAYING AND CONTROLLING VIDEO USING HANDHELD DISPLAY DEVICE - A method of controlling video playback using a handheld display device having a touch-sensitive screen and a transceiver for sending and receiving digital information. The method comprises the steps of: imaging an area of a printed substrate and generating image data using an optical sensor, the printed substrate containing printed content associated with a video; determining interaction data using the image data, the interaction data identifying a substrate identity; retrieving video data associated with the printed content; displaying, on the touch-sensitive screen, the video or display information identifying the video together with a static element for controlling video playback; and controlling video playback by interacting with the static element via the touch-sensitive screen. | 07-22-2010 |
| 20100184471 | HANDHELD DISPLAY DEVICE FOR PLAYING AND CONTROLLING VIDEO ASSOCIATED WITH PRINTED SUBSTRATE - A handheld display device for imaging a printed substrate and controlling playback of video associated with the printed substrate. The device comprises: an optical sensor for imaging an area of the printed substrate and for generating image data; a processor for determining interaction data using the image data, the interaction data identifying a substrate identity; a transceiver for retrieval of video data corresponding to part of the printed substrate; and a touch-sensitive display screen for displaying the video, or display information identifying the video, together with a static element for controlling video playback. Interaction with the static element via the touch-sensitive screen controls video playback. | 07-22-2010 |
| 20100184472 | METHOD OF PLAYING AND CONTROLLING AUDIO USING HANDHELD DISPLAY DEVICE - A method of controlling audio playback using a handheld display device having a touch-sensitive screen and a transceiver for sending and receiving digital information. The method comprises the steps of: imaging an area of a printed substrate and generating image data using an optical sensor, the printed substrate containing printed content associated with audio; determining interaction data using the image data, the interaction data identifying a substrate identity; retrieving audio data associated with said printed content; displaying, on the touch-sensitive screen, display information identifying the audio together with a static element for controlling audio playback; and controlling audio playback by interacting with the static element via the touch-sensitive screen. | 07-22-2010 |
| 20100184473 | HANDHELD DISPLAY DEVICE FOR PLAYING AND CONTROLLING AUDIO ASSOCIATED WITH PRINTED SUBSTRATE - A handheld display device for imaging a printed substrate and controlling playback of audio associated with the printed substrate. The device comprises: an optical sensor for imaging an area of the printed substrate and for generating image data; a processor for determining interaction data using the image data, the interaction data identifying a substrate identity; a transceiver for retrieval of audio data corresponding to part of the printed substrate; a touch-sensitive display screen for displaying display information identifying the audio together with at least one static element for controlling audio playback; and an audio output means for outputting the audio based on said retrieved audio data. Interaction with the static element via the touch-sensitive screen controls audio playback. | 07-22-2010 |
| 20100184474 | METHOD OF FILLING IN FORM USING HANDHELD DISPLAY DEVICE - A method of filling in a form using a handheld display device having a touch-sensitive screen and a transceiver for sending and receiving digital information. The method comprises the steps of: imaging an area of a printed substrate and generating image data using an optical sensor, the printed substrate containing a printed form; determining interaction data using the image data, the interaction data identifying a substrate identity; retrieving display data corresponding to the form; displaying, on the touch-sensitive screen, display information based on the display data, the display information including a displayed form field of the form; and interacting with the displayed form field via the touch-sensitive screen so as to enter form data into the device and cause the page description to be updated with the form data. | 07-22-2010 |
| 20100184475 | HANDHELD DISPLAY DEVICE FOR FILLING IN FORMS - A handheld display device for imaging a printed substrate containing a printed form and for filling in the form. The device comprises: an optical sensor for imaging an area of the printed substrate and for generating image data; a processor for determining interaction data using the image data, the interaction data identifying a substrate identity; a transceiver for retrieval of display data corresponding to the form; and a touch-sensitive display screen for displaying display information based on the display data, the display information including a displayed form field of the form. The device is configured such that user interaction with the displayed form field via the touch-sensitive display screen enters form data into the device and causes a page description to be updated with the form data. | 07-22-2010 |
| 20100184476 | INTERACTIVE APPLICATION FOR RETRIEVING CONTENT VIA IMAGING OF PRINTED SUBSTRATE - An interactive application for execution on a handheld display device having an image sensor, a transceiver and a touch-sensitive screen. The interactive application is configured to operatively control the device so as to perform the steps of: determining interaction data using image data captured by the image sensor, the image data being captured by imaging a printed substrate containing printed content; sending the interaction data to a computer system, thereby causing the computer system to retrieve display data corresponding to the printed content; receiving the display data from the computer system; and displaying content based on the received display data. The touch-sensitive screen enables interaction with the displayed content. | 07-22-2010 |
| 20100184477 | SYSTEM FOR RETRIEVING DISPLAY DATA FOR HANDHELD DISPLAY DEVICE - A system for retrieving display data has a handheld device and a server. The handheld device includes an optical sensor for imaging an area of a printed substrate containing printed content; a processor for determining interaction data; a transceiver; and a touch-sensitive screen. The server is configured for: receiving the interaction data from the handheld display device; identifying a page description corresponding to the interaction data; retrieving display data using the identified page description; and sending the display data to the handheld display device. The display data corresponds to the printed content imaged by the device. | 07-22-2010 |
| 20100185433 | METHOD OF TRANSLATING PRINTED TEXT USING HANDHELD DISPLAY DEVICE - A method of translating printed text using a handheld display device having a touch-sensitive screen and a transceiver for sending and receiving digital information. The method comprises the steps of: imaging an area of the substrate containing printed text in a first language and generating image data using an optical sensor; determining interaction data using the image data, the interaction data identifying a substrate identity, the substrate identity being indexed with a page description corresponding to the printed substrate; retrieving display data using the interaction data and the page description, the display data identifying the printed text translated into a second language; and displaying, on the touch-sensitive screen, display information based on the display data. The display information comprises displayed text corresponding to the printed text translated into the second language. | 07-22-2010 |
| 20100188703 | Associating an Electronic Document with a Print Medium - A method of printing an electronic document using a mobile telecommunications device is disclosed. The electronic document is first identified using the mobile telecommunications device. The electronic document is then printed on a print medium in a media feed path of a printer module of the mobile telecommunications device. Coded data encoded on the print medium is also sensed using a sensor module in the media feed path of the printer module. A print media identifier which identifies the print medium is identified from the coded data, and an association between the print media identifier and the electronic document is formed. The electronic document is retrievable using the print media identifier. | 07-29-2010 |
| 20100190525 | PRINT ONTO A PRINT MEDIUM TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE ORIENTATION OF PREVIOUSLY PRINTED CONTENT - A method is describe in which an orientation indicator on a print medium inserted into a printer is sensed, the orientation indicator identifying the orientation of content previously printed on the print medium, the orientation of the content previously printed on the print medium is determined, and print data is rotated prior to printing the print data onto the print medium by the printer to take into account the orientation of the content previously printed on the print medium. | 07-29-2010 |
| 20100194797 | METHOD OF INTERACTING WITH SUBSTRATE COMPRISING IR-ABSORBING CODING PATTERN - A method of interacting with a printed substrate comprising a coding pattern printed with an IR-absorbing ink. The method comprises the steps of: operatively positioning an optically-imaging sensing device relative to the substrate and sensing part of the coding pattern; and generating interaction data using the sensed coding pattern. The IR-absorbing ink comprises a dye of formula (I): | 08-05-2010 |
| 20100194844 | SYSTEM FOR PRINTING UNIQUE INTERACTIVE DOCUMENT IN RESPONSE TO PRINT REQUEST - A system for printing and interacting with documents comprising: (a) a computer system configured for: receiving a print request; allocating a unique document identifier to the document in response to receiving the print request; and associating the document identifier with a description of the document; (b) a printer for printing the document containing human-readable content together with a coding pattern on a surface; and (c) an optically imaging pen for sensing a portion of the coding pattern during handwritten input on the document and for generating a signal indicative of the unique document identifier and a position of the pen relative to the document. The computer system is further configured for: receiving the signal from the pen; determining the document identifier and the position of the pen; retrieving the description associated with the document identifier; interpreting the positions as a path of handwritten input; and updating the description with information corresponding to the handwritten input. | 08-05-2010 |
| 20100202021 | METHOD OF CREATING PRINTED INTERACTIVE DOCUMENT - A method of creating a printed interactive document using a printer connected to a computer. The method includes the steps of: (a) receiving a print request for the interactive document at the computer; (b) sending a request for a unique document identity to a server in response to the print request; (c) receiving the unique document identity from the server; (d) indexing the document with the unique document identity and archiving the indexed document in a database; (e) sending the unique document identity and the document to the printer; and (f) printing the graphic content of the document 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. | 08-12-2010 |
| 20100202704 | SYSTEM FOR ANONYMOUS COMMUNICATION VIA INTERACTIVE SURFACE - A system for anonymous communication between a user and a software application is provided, via interaction of an optical imaging device with an interactive surface to generate interaction data. The device has a unique identity which is associated with the user's identity. The interaction data includes data on the application and device identities. The system has a computer system which receives the interaction data generated by the optical imaging device, identifies the application and the device from the identity data included in the received interaction data, translates the identified application and device identities into an alias identity, sends the alias identity and interaction data to the identified application, receives information from the identified application addressed to the alias identity, and forwards the information from the application to the user via the alias identity. | 08-12-2010 |
| 20100206950 | Link Software Object to Sticker - A system for generating an association between a software object and a sticker on a surface, and then retrieving the software object, is disclosed. The sticker has disposed thereon coded data indicative of a sticker identity. A sensing device is provided for sensing the coded data in order to determine the sticker identity, and to generate indicating data at least partially indicative of the sticker identity. A computer system receives the indicating data from the sensing device, stores object data indicative of each of a plurality of software objects in an object repository, orders the object data stored in the object repository according to when the software object data was stored in the object repository, determines, using the order of the object data in the object repository, the software object which has been most recently stored in the object repository, generates the association based at least partially on the most recently stored software object and the sticker identity, receives further indicating data from the sensing device, the indicating data being at least partially indicative of the sticker identity, and retrieves the software object associated with the sticker identity. | 08-19-2010 |
| 20100213252 | SYSTEM FOR ALLOWING HANDWRITTEN INTERACTION WITH A COMPUTER - A system for enabling user interaction is disclosed. The system includes a printer for printing print data on a form. The print data is indicative of a plurality of marks. Each mark has a predetermined pattern common to all marks and coded data. The predetermined pattern includes a rotationally invariant pattern. A sensing device is also included for sensing the marks when moved relative to the form, for using the rotationally invariant pattern to correct for perspective distortion of the marks, for decoding the coded data of the marks, and for generating indicating data indicative of movement of the sensing device relative to the form. | 08-26-2010 |
| 20100214358 | Inkjet Printer Incorporating Capping Mechanism Actuated By Flexible Arm - An inkjet printer includes a printhead assembly for ejecting ink upon print media; a capping molding for engaging a face of the printhead assembly; and an actuator for actuating the capping molding against and away from the printhead assembly. The actuator includes a flexible arm attached at one end to the capping molding and at the other end to slip and drive wheels. The slip and drive wheels facilitating actuation of the capping molding via the flexible arm. The flexible arm facilitates conformation of the capping molding against the printhead assembly. | 08-26-2010 |
| 20100214621 | SYSTEM FOR GENERATING INTERFACE SURFACE - A system for generating an interface surface is provided having a code generator for generating machine-readable coded data and a printer for printing the generated coded data onto a surface to generate an interface surface. The coded data is generated to be arranged in accordance with a layout having n-fold rotational symmetry about a center of rotation, where n is at least two, the layout including n identical sub-layouts rotated 1/n revolutions apart about the center of rotation. Each sub-layout defines the position of data elements and includes rotation-indicating data that distinguishes that sub-layout from at least one other sub-layout. | 08-26-2010 |
| 20100219239 | METHOD OF INTERACTING WITH PRINTED SUBSTRATE - A method of interacting with a printed substrate. The comprises the steps of: interacting with the substrate using an optically imaging pen having a nib; optically imaging target elements and coded data; calculating a position of the nib; and generating digital ink in the pen, the digital ink being indicative of the identity of the substrate and the position of the nib relative to the substrate; and sending the digital ink to a computer system such that the computer system can identify the interaction with the substrate. The position of the nib is calculated using the coded data, a perspective transform and a known spatial relationship between an optical axis of the pen and the nib. The perspective transform is determined using the imaged target elements which are perspective-distorted due to a tilt of the pen. | 09-02-2010 |
| 20100219244 | METHOD OF MAINTAINING PRODUCT STATUS USING CODED TAGS - A method of maintaining a status of a product item is provided. The product item includes an associated interface surface which has coded data including a plurality of coded data portions indicative of the product item's identity. The method includes, in a sensing device, sensing at least one coded data portion, generating indicating data indicative of the product item identity therefrom, and transferring the indicating data to a computer system. The computer system is responsive to the indicating data to update product status information stored in a data store. Each coded data portion is indicative of the respective position. The method further includes, generating in the sensing device and using the sensed coded data portion, indicating data indicative of at least one of a position of the sensed coded data portion on the interface surface and a position of the sensing device relative to the interface surface. | 09-02-2010 |
| 20100222103 | Printing Content on a Print Medium based upon the Authenticity of the Print Medium - A mobile telecommunications device having a printer module and sensor module in a media feed path is disclosed. A drive means transports a print medium through the media feed path. The sensor module senses data encoded on a surface of the print medium in the media feed path. The data encodes a print media identifier which uniquely identifies the print medium and at least part of the digital signature of the print media identifier. The print media identifier and at least part of the digital signature are determined from the data, and it is determined whether the digital signature is authentic. The printer module prints content on the print medium in the media feed path if the digital signature is authentic. | 09-02-2010 |
| 20100223393 | Method of downloading a Software Object - A method of downloading a software object using a printable surface having disposed therein or thereon coded data is disclosed. Data indicative of the software object is downloaded from a server. Next, a print medium is received in a media feed path of a printer. The print medium includes coded data indicative of an identity of the print medium. A sensor module in the media feed path is used to sense at least some of the coded data, and the identity of the print medium is identified using the sensed coded data. A representation of the software object is next printed on the print medium. Association data associating the software object and the identity of the print medium is generated and transferred to the server. | 09-02-2010 |
| 20100224679 | System for User Interaction with a Computer System - Provided is a system for user interaction with a computer system. The system includes a printed surface having visible graphical information indicating a user selectable operation, and coded data. The coded data has a plurality of marks positioned relative to a predetermined pattern, the predetermined pattern having a rotationally invariant structure and an orientation target structure. The system further includes an optical sensing device for capturing images of the coded data, and a processor for determining relative rotation of the coded data from the images. | 09-09-2010 |
| 20100225684 | DRIVE MECHANISM OF A PRINTER INTERNAL TO A MOBILE PHONE - Provided is a mobile phone having a chassis with a drive mechanism incorporated therein. A replaceable print cartridge received by the chassis is also provided. The replaceable print cartridge has a housing with ink-bearing structures and a printhead, as well as a media drive shaft rotatably mounted to the housing for driving print media past the printhead. The media drive shaft has a drive wheel driven by the drive mechanism. The drive mechanism has a piezo-electric element supported by an arm extending from the chassis. Actuation of the piezo-electric element causes an oscillating movement of the arm to contact the drive wheel upon each oscillation to thereby cause rotational movement of the drive wheel and the media drive shaft. | 09-09-2010 |
| 20100225949 | RETRIEVE INFORMATION BY SENSING DATA ENCODED ON A CARD - A method of retrieving information using a device is disclosed. Data encoded on a surface of the print medium is read using a sensor module of the device. The data encodes a print media identifier which uniquely identifies the print medium and position data with respect to the surface of the print medium. The print media identifier and the position of the sensor module relative to the surface of the print medium are determined from the data encoded on the surface. Finally, information is retrieved from a database. The information is indexed by the print media identifier, a region with respect to the surface of the print medium, and an identity of the device, the position of the sensor module being within the region. | 09-09-2010 |
| 20100225975 | PRINTER FOR GENERATING AND PRINTING CODED TAGS - A printer for printing an interface is provided. The printer has a coded tag generator configured to generate coded tags based on identity data indicative of an identity associated with the interface and position data defining a relative position of each tag on the interface, and a printhead for printing the interface with the coded tags at the positions defined by the position data and having the identity data. | 09-09-2010 |
| 20100231633 | MOBILE PRINTING SYSTEM - A mobile printing system includes a print medium having coded tags printed in IR-absorbing ink over a first face, each coded tag encoding data indicative of a location of that coded tag on the first face, an identifier of the print medium and a unique digital signature associated with the identifier. A mobile device for printing on the print medium includes a sensor for capturing an image of the coded tags when the print medium is positioned in a media feed path; a processor for decoding the sensed coded tag; verifying the digital signature; authorizing use of the print medium if the digital signature is verified; and determining the position of the print medium in the media feed path using the determined location of the sensed coded tag. The mobile device has a printer for printing information in registration with the sensed coded tag. | 09-16-2010 |
| 20100231678 | PRINT MEDIUM HAVING CODED DATA AND AN ORIENTATION INDICATOR - Provided is a print medium for use in a printer. The print medium has a laminar substrate defining first and second opposite faces. The print medium further has coded data distributed as a two dimensional pattern across a print area of the print medium. The two dimensional pattern comprises pattern elements, each pattern element encoding the two dimensional position of that pattern element in the print area. The print medium further has an orientation indicator indicative of an orientation of the two dimensional pattern. | 09-16-2010 |
| 20100231971 | RETRIEVING CONTACT DETAILS USING A PRINTED MEDIUM - A method of retrieving contact details using a print medium is disclosed. Data encoded on a surface of the print medium is sensed using a sensor module. The sensed data encodes a print media identifier which uniquely identifies the print medium, and a two-dimensional position with respect to the surface of the print medium. The print media identifier and the position of the sensor module relative to the surface of the print medium are determined from the sensed data. Contact details referenced by the print media identifier and the position of the sensor module are then retrieved from a database. | 09-16-2010 |
| 20100231981 | RETRIEVING LOCATION DATA BY SENSING CODED DATA ON A SURFACE - Provided is a method of retrieving location data using a print medium. A coded data portion encoded on a surface of the print medium is sensed using a sensor module when the sensor module is positioned on the surface. The surface has a plurality of coded data portions encoded thereon. Each coded data portion encodes at least a print media identifier which identifies the print medium and a two-dimensional coordinate grid position of the coded data portion on the surface of the print medium. The print media identifier and the two-dimensional coordinate grid position of the coded data portion sensed by the sensor module are determined from the coded data. Location data referenced by the print media identifier and a region on the surface of the print medium is retrieving from a database when the two-dimensional coordinate grid position of the coded data portion sensed by the sensor module is within the region. | 09-16-2010 |
| 20100232699 | System For Line Extraction In Digital Ink - A system for line extraction in digital ink. The digital ink represents handwritten input and is comprised of a stroke sequence. The system comprises a processor configured for: receiving the digital ink from a pen device; segmenting the strokes into a sequence of substrokes; grouping substrokes about a selected substroke into a temporally preceding group of substrokes and a temporally subsequent group of substrokes; calculating a centroid for each substroke or group of substrokes; calculating angular differences between the selected substroke and its temporally neighbouring groups of substrokes; and determining positions of extrema of the angular differences. The extrema correspond to substrokes at line breaks, thereby enabling line extraction in the stroke sequence. | 09-16-2010 |
| 20100232730 | PEN SYSTEM FOR RECORDING HANDWRITTEN INFORMATION - 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. | 09-16-2010 |
| 20100233499 | SUBSTRATE HAVING IR-ABSORBING DYE WITH BRANCHED AXIAL LIGANDS - A substrate having an IR-absorbing dye disposed thereon. The IR-absorbing dye is a metal phthalocyanine dye having branched axial ligands. The branched axial ligands minimize interaction between π systems of adjacent dye molecules, and assist in reducing absorption of visible wavelengths. | 09-16-2010 |
| 20100234052 | MESSAGING USING A CODED SURFACE - A method of sending a message using a print medium is disclosed. A tag on a surface of the print medium is sensed using a sensor module. The surface includes a plurality of tags with each tag encoding an identifier which uniquely identifies the surface and a position with respect to the surface. From the tag sensed by the sensor module the identifier and the position with respect to the surface of the tag sensed by the sensor module are determined. A communications address is obtained, using the identifier and the position, from a database where the communications address is indexed by the identifier and the position. A message editor in a communications device is then opened, with a current message being addressed to the communications address. | 09-16-2010 |
| 20100234069 | METHOD OF LINKING OBJECT TO STICKER PRINT MEDIUM - A method of linking an object to a sticker print medium is provided which includes submitting a request to associate the object with a print media identifier of the sticker print medium, submission of the request facilitating identification of the object and the print media identifier, recording the requested association of the object and the print media identifier in a database, the object being retrievable from the database using the print media identifier, once the requested association is recorded attaching the sticker print medium to a physical representation of the object, receiving the sticker print medium in a media feed path of the mobile telecommunications device, and reading the print media identifier from the sticker print medium using the sensor module of the mobile telecommunications device. | 09-16-2010 |
| 20100235643 | AUTHENTICATION OF AN OBJECT - A system for authenticating an object is disclosed. The system includes an optical sensing device and a processor. The optical sensing device senses coded data provided on a surface associated with the object. The coded data is indicative of a position on the surface, an identity associated with the object, and a part of a signature. The signature is a digital signature of the identity. The processor determines, using the sensed coded data, a sensed identity and a sensed signature part, determines, using the position, a sensed signature part identity, determines, using the sensed identity, at least a determined signature, determines, using the determined signature and the sensed signature part identity, a determined signature part, compares the determined signature part to the sensed signature part, and authenticates the object using the result of the comparison. | 09-16-2010 |
| 20100237145 | TRANSACTION RECORDAL SYSTEM - A system for recording a transaction relating to a security document, the security document having disposed thereon or therein coded data including a number of coded data portions. Each coded data portion is indicative of at least an identity of the security document. The system includes a computer system that receives indicating data from a sensing device, in response to sensing of the coded data. The computer system determines the identity of the security document and the transaction and uses this to update transaction data indicative of the identity of the security document and the transaction. | 09-23-2010 |
| 20100238521 | SCANNER FOR SCANNING ITEMS MARKED WITH TAGS - A scanner for scanning items marked with tags is disclosed. The scanner has a laser for producing a beam, a mirror assembly to re-direct the beam, a deflecting arrangement to receive the re-directed beam, the deflecting arrangement including a horizontal deflector, a vertical deflector and a pair of synchronised drivers to drive the deflectors, a steering mirror to steer the deflected beam, a scanning mirror to direct the beam onto the tag to be scanned, and a light collection system to collect light reflected by the tags. | 09-23-2010 |
| 20100243727 | METHOD OF RECORDING RECEIPT OF SHIPPED ITEM - A method of recording receipt of an item, the item comprising a product contained in a package, the package comprising an interface surface having disposed thereon coded data indicative of an identity of the item and of coordinates of a plurality of locations of the interface surface. The method includes the steps of: marking the interface surface using an optically imaging pen having a marking nib; sensing the coded data in the vicinity of the pen; generating indicating data using the sensed coded data, the indicating data including data regarding the identity of the item and positions of the pen relative to the interface surface; and transmitting the indicating data to a computer system. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100245505 | INK USAGE TRACKING IN A PRINT CARTRIDGE - A print cartridge is disclosed. The print cartridge has at least one ink reservoir, a storage means configured to store information indicative of an amount of printing achievable by the cartridge based on the amount of ink in the at least one ink reservoir, the information being stored in the form of a plurality of bits, the storage means including a plurality of first fusible links, each of the first fusible links storing one of the bits, an information changing mechanism for changing a value of the information by selectively blow one or more of the first fusible links each time a predetermined amount of ink is consumed, and a printhead having a second fusible link which destructs the printhead in response to the value of the information reaching a predetermined threshold. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100248686 | METHOD OF PRINTING AND RETRIEVING INFORMATION USING A MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS DEVICE - A method of printing first information using a mobile telecommunications device and retrieving further information. The method comprises the steps of: providing a print medium having a linear data track and a two-dimensional coding pattern; printing the first information; automatically reading and decoding the data track during printing to determine a print media identifier; communicating the print media identifier to a computer system; interacting with the print medium and sensing the coding pattern; decoding the sensed coding pattern to determine the print media identifier and a two-dimensional coordinate position; and retrieving further information. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100253719 | PRINTER CONTROLLER FOR MONITORING AN INK DROP COUNT - Provided is a printer controller for a pagewidth printer having a printhead configured to print according to print quality information. The printer has a paper transport mechanism for transporting a sheet of paper along a media path through the printer. The controller includes a processor having an address, data and control bus, an expander unit and a decoder unit each coupled to the bus and configured to decompress a bi-level black layer and a continuous tone (contone) layer of a page to be printed. The controller also includes a replaceable ink cartridge arranged in the media path and having a first integrated circuit (IC) interfaced with the processor, the first IC containing the print quality information. Also included is a second IC interfaced to the processor. The processor is configured to count a number of drops of ink printed by the printhead, to update a remaining drop count of the ink cartridge using the counted drops printed and to write an updated remaining drop count to the second IC each time a page has been printed. The processor is also configured to control the paper transport mechanism during printing. | 10-07-2010 |
| 20100253730 | GENERATING HALFTONE PRINT DATA FOR OVERLAPPING CONSECUTIVE PRINTHEAD SEGMENTS - A method of generating halftone print data for overlapping end portions of a pair of consecutive printhead segments in an array of two or more printhead segments is disclosed. Generally an end portion of a first printhead segment overlaps an end portion of a second printhead segment, in which each printhead segment includes a plurality of ink ejection nozzles. The method includes generating a dither value from a dither matrix, and then combining the dither value with an overlap signal, which represents an extent of overlap of the end portions, to produce an output value. A mathematical operation is then performed on continuous tone print data using a comparator, based on the output value, to produce the half tone data. | 10-07-2010 |
| 20100253741 | PRINTER WITH PRINT HEAD AND INK TRANSFER ROLLER - A printer that has a chassis, a retractable print media tray assembly mounted on the chassis, an ink ejecting printhead assembly configured to eject ink onto an associated ink transfer roller, and at least one cleaning station for removing residual ink from the ink transfer rollers after transfer of ink from the transfer roller onto the print media. | 10-07-2010 |
| 20100253966 | PRINTING SYSTEM FOR VALIDATING PRINTING CONSUMABLE - A printer system includes a printer and a printing consumable detachably mounted on the printer. The printer has a first integrated circuit which generates a random number, reference information using the random number and a secret key. The printing consumable has a second integrated circuit which generates validation information using the random number and the secret key received from the first integrated circuit. The printer also has processing circuitry configured for receiving the reference information from the first integrated circuit; receiving the validation information from the second integrated circuit; and comparing the reference information and validation information so as to validate the printing consumable device for use with the printer. | 10-07-2010 |
| 20100253978 | FACSIMILE DELIVERY THROUGH INTERACTION WITH PRINTED DOCUMENT - 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. | 10-07-2010 |
| 20100262539 | METHOD OF INTERACTING WITH PRINTED FORM - A method of interacting with a printed form. The method includes the steps of: maintaining a page description corresponding to a printed form; receiving, indicating data from an optically imaging pen operated by the user, the indicating data being indicative of the identity of the form and of a position of a nib of the pen relative to the form; retrieving the page description using the identity of the form; and identifying an interaction with the form using the position of the nib and the retrieved page description. The position of the nib is determined by inferring a perspective transform from perspective-distorted corners of a tag of known size when sensing the coded data and using the perspective transform together with a known geometry of pen optics to compute the position of the nib. | 10-14-2010 |
| 20100263571 | IR-ABSORBING GALLIUM NAPHTHALOCYANINE DYE - An IR-absorbing naphthalocyanine dye of formula (I): | 10-21-2010 |
| 20100265550 | SYSTEM FOR PRINTING INTERACTIVE DOCUMENTS - A system for printing a second document by interacting with a first document. The system includes: a first document having visible textual information and first coded data; a handheld optically imaging sensor which generates indicating data indicative of the position of the sensor relative to the first document using sensed coded data; and a printer for printing the second document in response to interpretation of the indicating data by a computer system. The second printed document includes visible textual information and second coded data in the form of a plurality of tags, each tag defining unique coded data identifying the second document and a position of that tag on the second document. | 10-21-2010 |
| 20100273525 | LINK OBJECT TO POSITION ON SURFACE - A method of generating an association between a software object and a position on a surface is disclosed. The method starts by sensing, by a sensing device placed on the position on the surface coded data at the position on the surface. The coded data at the position on the surface encodes an identity of the surface and the position of the coded data relative to the surface. The sensing device then generates indicating data using the sensed coded data. The indicating data is indicative of the identity of the surface and the position of the sensed coded data relative to the surface. Upon receiving the indicating data from the sensing device by a computer system, the computer system identifies, using the indicating data, the identity of the surface and the position of the sensed coded data relative to the surface. The computer system also identifies the software object, and then generates an association between the identity of the surface, the position of the sensed coded data relative to the surface, and the software object. | 10-28-2010 |
| 20100273527 | MOBILE PHONE SYSTEM FOR PRINTING WEBPAGE AND RETRIEVING CONTENT - A system for printing a webpage and retrieving content via the printed webpage. The system includes a print medium provided with first and second coded data encoding a print media identifier in different formats, and a mobile telecommunications device. The mobile telecommunications device includes: a media feed path; a printer positioned in the media feed path for printing the webpage onto the print medium; an optical encoder for reading the first coded data; a transceiver; and a sensor module for sensing at the second coded data. The processor determines a print media identifier from the first coded data, initiates linking of the webpage to the print media identifier, determines the print media identifier and a coordinate location from the second coded data, and initiates retrieval of the content using the print media identifier and the coordinate location. | 10-28-2010 |
| 20100276481 | SYSTEM FOR RECORDING RECORDATION OF PACKAGED ITEM - A system for recording a transaction of a packaged item. The system includes the item having a product contained in a package and an optically imaging pen. The package has a printed interface surface containing information relating to the item and coded data indicative of an identity of the item and of coordinates of a plurality of locations on the interface surface. The pen has a marking nib for marking the interface surface; an image sensor for optically imaging the coded data when said marking nib is used to mark the interface surface; a processor for generating indicating data indicative of the identity of the item and of a position of the sensing device relative to the interface surface; and a transceiver for communicating the indicating data to a computer system so as to initiate recordation of the transaction. | 11-04-2010 |
| 20100277768 | SYSTEM FOR ELECTRONICALLY CAPTURING INFORMATION - A system for electronically capturing information is disclosed. The system includes a user input device movable by a user relative to a first interface surface provided on a first document. The first interface surface has visual information and coded data disposed thereon. The coded data encodes an identity of the first document and coordinates of a plurality of locations of the first interface surface. The user input device includes an image sensor for sensing at least some of the coded data and for generating movement data from the coordinates encoded in sensed coded data. The system further includes a computer system arranged to receive the movement data from the user input device and for generating print data in response to the movement data. The system also includes a printer for receiving the print data from the computer system and for printing a second document using the print data. The second document is printed with a second interface surface thereon. The second interface surface has visual information and coded data disposed thereon. The coded data again encodes an identity of the second document and coordinates of a plurality of locations of the second interface surface. | 11-04-2010 |
| 20100277771 | METHOD OF PROVIDING PRINTED INTERACTIVE DOCUMENT WITH ADVERTISING MATERIAL - A method of providing a printed interactive document with printed user information and printed advertising material. The method includes the steps of: receiving a print request from a user, formatting the user information in the electronic document so as to include a first user interactive element; determining the advertising material for printing with the user information; formatting the advertising material so as to include a second user interactive element; and causing the formatted user informationa and the formatted advertising material to be printed together with coincident coded data on a substrate. The coded data is readable by a sensing device and is indicative of a document identity and the first and second interactive elements. | 11-04-2010 |
| 20100279735 | PRINTING CONTENT ON A MOBILE DEVICE - A method of printing content is disclosed. The method starts by a server receiving a request for content. The server renders the content into a pre-rendered format before transferring the content in the pre-rendered format to a mobile telecommunications device. The content is then printed on a print medium in a media feed path of a printer module of the mobile telecommunications device. During the printing step, coded data disposed on the print medium is sensed using a sensor module in the media feed path of the printer module. The coded data encodes a print medium identifier which uniquely identifies the print medium. Finally, the content is associated with the print medium identifier for later retrieval using the print medium identifier. | 11-04-2010 |
| 20100281115 | METHOD OF ENABLING CONFERENCING USING ENCODED FORMS - A method of enabling conferencing using encoded forms is provided in which a computer system receives indicating data from a sensing device used to interact with a first form, determines conference information, and outputs a second form. The first form has first tags and an identity associated with a form description in the computer system. Each first tag encodes data on the identity and the location of that tag on the first form, which is included in the indicating data. The computer system determines the conference information from the indicating data and form description. The second form is output with second tags, the conference information and a hierarchical tree of form versions. The computer system produces the hierarchical tree by associating the second form identity with the form description. Each second tag encodes data on the second form identity and the location of that tag on the second form. | 11-04-2010 |
| 20100281266 | SYSTEM FOR SECURE INTERACTION WITH SECURE DOCUMENT - A system for secure interaction with a secure document is provided. The secure document has coded tags which each encode data associated with the document identity and a location of that tag on the document. The system has memory for recording a correspondence between the document identity and information relating to the document, a receiver for receiving data from a sensing device used to interact with the document, and a processor for verifying the interaction with the document using the received data and the recorded correspondence. The received data is generated by the sensing device through sensing of the data encoded by the coded tags to identify the document identity and a position of the sensing device relative to the document. | 11-04-2010 |
| 20100294833 | METHOD OF GAINING ACCESS TO GOODS OR SERVICES - A method of gaining access to goods or services includes the steps of: writing a signature within a verification zone of an encoded base using an optically imaging pen having a marking nib; optically reading a sequence of absolute locations corresponding to the signature from the encoded base; and checking if the locations are within a region registered as belonging to an authorized user. Access to the goods or services is granted if the location is within the region belonging to the authorized user and the sequence of locations corresponds to a previously registered signature of the authorized user, otherwise access is denied. | 11-25-2010 |
| 20100295894 | INKJET PRINTER HAVING ROTATABLE SERVICING MEMBER - An inkjet printer includes an inkjet printhead and a servicing assembly. The servicing assembly includes a rotatable elongate servicing member arranged to rotate about an axis parallel to a longitudinal axis of the printhead. The rotatable elongate servicing member integrally comprises a plurality of radially disposed elongate working surfaces which rotate with the servicing member to service the printhead. One of the working surfaces comprises a blotting material. | 11-25-2010 |
| 20100295951 | MODULAR CAMERA AND PRINTER - A modular camera and printer is disclosed. A camera module is provided having an image sensor for capturing an image in a RGB format. The camera module also has a central processing unit with program memory for storing program steps for execution by the central processing unit to operate the camera module, and an image storage memory for storing the captured image in the RGB format. An image processing unit of the camera module is in communication with the image storage memory and transforms image data in the image storage memory into a L*a*b* format. The camera module also has a serial bus for outputting transformed image data in the L*a*b* format. A printer module is provided also having a serial bus in communication with the serial bus of the camera module. The printer module receives the image data from the camera module in the L*a*b* format, converts the image data to a color space of the printer module, and then prints the image data on a printhead. | 11-25-2010 |
| 20100296116 | Multi-Module Device including a Printer Module - A multi-module device having first and second modules is disclosed. The first and second modules communicate through a serial bus. The first module has a memory for storing image data in a RGB format and a processing unit for converting the image data from the RGB format to a L*a*b* format, before outputting image data in the L*a*b* format through the serial bus. The second module receives the image data in the L*a*b* format, converts the image data to a CMY format and prints the image data in the CMY format. | 11-25-2010 |
| 20100296125 | CONTROL OF A COMMUNICATIONS DEVICE - A method of controlling a communications device is disclosed. A printer prints on a surface visual information relating to at least one operation of the communications device and coded data portions. Each coded data portion encodes a region identifier which uniquely identifies a region on the surface, and a portion identifier which uniquely identifies the coded data portion. A sensing device placed in an operative position relative to the coded data portions, generate indicating data regarding the region identifier and the portion identifier. A computer system receives the indicating data and determines an operation associated with the region identifier and the portion identifier. Finally, the computer system sends one or more commands to the communications device, thereby effecting the at least one operation. | 11-25-2010 |
| 20100296132 | DOCUMENT COPIER PRINTING A COPY OF AN INPUT SHEET BY RETRIEVING AN ELECTRONIC DOCUMENT CONTAINING CONTENT OF THE INPUT SHEET - A document copier is disclosed. The document copier has a code sensor for sensing coded data on a surface of a source page. The source page contains the coded data and content. A sheet transport mechanism configured to feed sheets of media through a media path and a print engine located in the media path for printing on sheets of media fed through the media path are also provided. A controller of the document copier identifies from the coded data an electronic document containing the content. That electronic document is retrieved by the controller, and the content is printed on a blank sheet of media. | 11-25-2010 |
| 20100301112 | SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING INFORMATION TO USER WITH EVERY INTERACTION WITH PRINTED SUBSTRATE - A system for providing information to a user via a printed substrate. The substrate comprises user information and coded data. The coded data is indicative of a region identity associated with the substrate and of a plurality of locations on the substrate. The system includes an optically imaging sensing device for sensing the coded data and generating interaction data. Receipt of the interaction data by a computer system causes the computer system to identify and retrieve a page description corresponding to the printed substrate; determine whether the sensing device is positioned within a zone of a hyperlink on the substrate; and (i) if the sensing device is positioned within the zone of the hyperlink: send a hyperlink URI or a hyperlinked resource corresponding to the hyperlink to the user; or (ii) if the sensing device is positioned outside the zone of the hyperlink: generate a query expression, form a request and send search results to the user. | 12-02-2010 |
| 20100302426 | PIXEL SENSOR WITH VOLTAGE COMPENSATOR - A photodetecting circuit is disclosed. The photodetecting circuit includes a photodetector, a storage node with first and second node terminals, a transfer transistor disposed intermediate the first node terminal of the storage node and the photodetector for electrically connecting the first node terminal and the photodetector upon receiving a transfer signal to a gate of the transfer transistor, a reset transistor disposed intermediate a reset voltage node and the first node terminal of the storage node for electrically connecting the first node terminal to the reset voltage node upon receiving a reset signal to a gate of the reset transistor, and an output circuit for generating an output signal based on a voltage at the first terminal. First the reset signal is applied, followed by the transfer signal. Next, a compensation signal is applied at the second terminal of the storage node. The compensation signal increases the voltage at the first terminal whilst the output circuit generates the output signal. The compensation signal is a logically negated version of the transfer signal. | 12-02-2010 |
| 20100302591 | CONTROL OF A DEVICE - A method is disclosed of controlling a function of a device. The device is operative to perform the function in response to a command from a printer. The method starts by printing a control interface containing information relating to the function and coded data. The coded data is indicative of an identity of the control interface and of at least one reference point of the control interface. Next, indicating data is received by the printer from a sensing device. The indicating data contains the identity of the control interface and at least one position of the sensing device relative to the control interface. The sensing device forms the indicating data when placed in an operative position relative to the control interface using the coded data. Finally, the printer issues the command relating to the function to the device. | 12-02-2010 |
| 20100304728 | METHOD FOR ACCESSING HYPERLINKS AND HYPERLINKED CONTENT VIA MOBILE PHONE - A method for accessing content from a computer network, the method comprising the steps of: (a) capturing an image of a substrate with a mobile phone having an optical image sensor; (b) forming on the mobile phone, a request based on the captured image; (c) transmitting, from the mobile phone via an associated mobile phone network, the request to a server on the computer network, the computer network being interoperable with the mobile phone network; (d) identifying content associated with the first identifier; and (e) receiving the content in the mobile phone. | 12-02-2010 |
| 20100309250 | PRINTHEAD FOR PEN NIB PRINTER - A printhead for a pen nib printer is provided having ejection devices operatively supplied with ink for ejection, a guard for protecting the ejection devices and defining printing passages via which the ejection devices eject ink, and a rotary capper rotatably fixed to the guard about a central axis of the printhead, so that rotation of the capper covers or exposes the printing passages. | 12-09-2010 |
| 20100310299 | ELECTRONIC IMAGE-SENSING PEN WITH FORCE SENSOR AND REMOVEABLE INK CARTRIDGE - An electronic pen includes a pen body having a longitudinal axis; an image sensor; an ink cartridge replaceably received in the pen body, the ink cartridge having a nib at a first end and an opposite second end; and a force sensor assembly engaged with the second end of the ink cartridge. The force sensor assembly is configured for sensing a nib force transmitted longitudinally axially through the ink cartridge. The pen body includes a removable cover molding extending longitudinally along the pen body for insertion of the ink cartridge inside the pen body. | 12-09-2010 |
| 20100327239 | INKJET CONTAINING PHTHALOCYANINE DYE WITH NON-PLANAR GROUPS - An inkjet ink comprising an IR-absorbing dye of formula (A): | 12-30-2010 |
| 20100328701 | Performing an Action Using a Printed Medium - A method of performing an action is disclosed. The method starts by sensing a print medium to obtain data encoded on a surface of the print medium. The data encodes at least a print media identifier. The print medium has a representation of a document printed thereon. The print media identifier is determined from the data and a digital copy of the document corresponding to the representation is retrieved. The digital copy is associated with the print media identifier and includes one or more hyperlinks. The digital copy of the document is displayed and a selection of one of the hyperlinks is received from a user. A predefined action designated by the selected hyperlink is then performed. | 12-30-2010 |
| 20110018903 | AUGMENTED REALITY DEVICE FOR PRESENTING VIRTUAL IMAGERY REGISTERED TO A VIEWED SURFACE - An augmented reality device for inserting virtual imagery into a user's view of their physical environment. The device comprises: a see-through display device including a wavefront modulator; a camera for imaging a surface in the physical environment; and a controller. The controller is configured for capturing an image of the surface; determining the virtual imagery to be displayed at a predetermined position relative to the surface; determining a position of the surface relative to the augmented reality device; generating an image based on the virtual imagery and on the position of the surface relative to the augmented reality device; and displaying the generated image via the display device. Based on pixel depth information, the controller modulates the wavefront curvature of light emitted for each pixel so that the user sees the virtual imagery at the predetermined position relative to the surface regardless of changes in position of the user's eyes with respect to the display device. | 01-27-2011 |
| 20110024492 | DIGITIZING SYSTEM HAVING PRINTED BASE, IMAGING PEN AND RELAY DEVICE - A system for digitizing a freehand graphic. The system comprises: a base including a surface; a position-coding pattern printed on the surface with first and second areas. The system further comprises an optically imaging pen including for detecting a position in the position-coding pattern; and a transmitter for transmitting interaction data to a relay device. The relay device communicates the interaction to a processor, which is adapted to determine if the detected position is in the first area or the second area. If the detected position is in the first area of the surface, then the processor interprets the position as a point in the freehand graphic. If the detected position is in the second area of the surface, then the processor interprets the position as a selection of a property for the freehand graphic. | 02-03-2011 |
| 20110024493 | SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING ANONYMOUS COMPETITION ENTRY - A system for providing anonymous competition entry is provided. The system has a sensing device configured to sense coded data on a form and generate interaction data there from. The coded data has a plurality of tags each encoding data on an identity of the form and the location of that tag on the form. The interaction data represents the interaction of the sensing device with the tags. The system further has a computer system configured to identify a digital description associated with the form from the form identity represented by the interaction data, capture a competition entry by determining locations in the digital description associated with the locations of the interacted tags represented in the interaction data, and assign a competition alias identifier to the interaction data. | 02-03-2011 |
| 20110027550 | SUBSTRATE HAVING INKJET INK COMPRISING NAPHTHALOCYANINE DYE DISPOSED THEREON - A substrate having an inkjet ink disposed thereon. The ink comprises an IR-absorbing naphthalocyanine dye of formula (I): | 02-03-2011 |
| 20110058235 | OPTICAL SENSOR HAVING DUAL OPTICAL PATHWAYS FOR SENSING CODED DATA - A device having a printer and an image sensor is disclosed. The printer prints on print media in a media feed path defined through the device. The image sensor has a first optical pathway for sensing coded data on print media within the media feed path and a second optical pathway for sensing coded data on a surface external to the housing. | 03-10-2011 |
| 20110059770 | MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS DEVICE FOR PRINTING A COMPETITION FORM - A mobile telecommunications device is shown for printing a competition entry form on print media with coded data encoding a print media identifier. The mobile telecommunications device has an inbuilt printer module to print the competition entry form on the print medium such that the print medium displays at least one entry form detail, a media feed path along which the print media moves during printing by the inbuilt printer module, an interface to a remote server, and a sensor module adjacent the media feed path for reading the print media identifier on one of the print media whilst in the feed path and generating an association between the print media identifier and the at least one entry for detail. During use, the sensor module transmits the association and the user interaction to the remote server via the interface such that user interaction with the at least one entry form detail and subsequent submission of the interaction and the print media identifier to the remote server is a competition entry. | 03-10-2011 |
| 20110069351 | CREATING DATA ASSOCIATING A SURFACE WITH INFORMATION PRINTED ON THE SURFACE - A system is disclosed for creating association data associating document information with a surface of a print medium the document information is printed upon. The system has a printer for printing the document information onto the surface of the print medium. The print medium has tags on respective surfaces of the print medium. Each tag encodes an identity unique to the surface. The system further has at least one sensor for sensing the tags of the print medium in a media feed path of the printer, and a computer system for creating association data associating the document information printed onto the surface of the print medium with the identity of the surface. | 03-24-2011 |
| 20110069354 | PRINTING SYSTEM UTILIZING CARTRIDGE PRE-STORED WITH IDENTIFIERS WITH IDENTIFYING PRINTED PAGES - A printer system for printing pages belonging to an interactive page system includes a cartridge comprising a data storage area in which is pre-stored a range of identifiers, each identifier being unique throughout the interactive page system; and a printer comprising an interface for receiving the cartridge, a reader for reading an identifier from the range of pre-stored identifiers, a coded data generator for generating a page identifier from the identifier, and a printing mechanism for printing the page identifier onto a page. The reader reads a previously unread identifier from the range of identifiers each time the coded data generator is to generate a page identifier. | 03-24-2011 |
| 20110081092 | METHOD OF STORING DATA ON A PHOTOGRAPH - A method of storing data on a photograph containing an image includes the steps of: delimiting a plurality of data block regions on the photograph; compressing data representing the image contained in the photograph with a compression technique; redundantly encoding the compressed data using Reed-Solomon encoding techniques; shuffling the redundantly encoded compressed data in a deterministic manner to reduce potential effects of localized encoded data damage to the image of said photograph; and printing the shuffled data as dots within the data block regions on the photograph. The printing of the shuffled data is performed simultaneously with a printing out of the image of the photograph. | 04-07-2011 |
| 20110084130 | METHOD OF IDENTIFYING OBJECT USING PORTION OF RANDOM PATTERN IDENTIFIED VIA FIDUCIAL - A method of identifying an object having coded data identifying a plurality of fiducials on a surface of the object and a random pattern superimposed with the coded data. The random pattern defines a fingerprint for the object. The method includes the steps of: receiving, in a computer system, fingerprint data from a data reader interacting with the surface, the fingerprint data identifying some of the random pattern and a fiducial; using the fiducial to identify a portion of the random pattern; and identifying, using the identified portion of the random pattern, an object identity. | 04-14-2011 |
| 20110084141 | METHOD FOR READING BARCODES IN ABSENCE OF LOCATION-INDICATING TAGS - A method of recovering a waveform representing a linear bar code, the method including the steps of: moving a sensing device relative to the barcode, said sensing device having a two-dimensional image sensor; capturing, using the image sensor, a plurality of two-dimensional partial images of said bar code during said movement; determining, from at least one of the images, a direction substantially perpendicular to the bars of the bar code; determining, substantially along the direction, a waveform fragment corresponding to each captured image; determining an alignment between each pair of successive waveform fragments; and recovering, from the aligned waveform fragments, the waveform. The method is performed only in the absence of a location-indicating tag in a field of view of the image sensor. | 04-14-2011 |
| 20110092250 | MOBILE DEVICE WITH DUAL OPTICAL SENSING PATHWAYS - A mobile device mobile device having an internal printer is disclosed. A media path is provided for receiving a print medium and a media drive mechanism transport the print medium along the media path past a printhead of the printer. An optical sensor and two separate optical pathways are also provided. The first optical pathway allows the optical sensor to image a surface of the print medium in the media path. The second optical pathway allows the optical sensor to image an area external to the mobile device. | 04-21-2011 |
| 20110096041 | METHOD OF INTERACTING WITH PRINTED SUBSTRATE - A method of interacting with a printed substrate. The method includes the steps of: interacting with the printed substrate using an optically imaging pen having a nib; imaging a tag on the substrate to provide image data; identifying target elements in the image data and inferring a perspective transform using perspective distortion of the target elements due to a tilt of the pen; acquiring and decoding coded data contained in the imaged tag; calculating a nib position using a tag location, the perspective transform and a known geometry of pen optics; and communicating digital ink to a computer system. The digital ink identifies the nib position and the substrate identity such that the computer system can interpret the digital ink and perform an action in response to the interaction with the printed substrate. | 04-28-2011 |
| 20110097128 | BINDING PRINTER - A binding printer is provided which has a media transport assembly configured to transport individual sheets of media along a media path, a printhead assembly configured to print on the sheets transported along the media path, and a binding assembly configured to bind together the printed sheets transported along the media path. The binding assembly has a binding platen configured to press each printed sheet transported onto a support platen to preceding sheets supported on the support platen to bind the printed sheets together, and a chassis defining an inlet for receiving the transported printed sheets and an exit hatch from which the bound printed sheets are removable. | 04-28-2011 |
| 20110098084 | MOBILE PHONE WITH RETRACTABLE STYLUS - A mobile phone includes: a phone body having a stylus holder; a retractable stylus slidably mounted in the holder, the stylus being slidable between a retracted position and an extended writing position, the stylus having a nib including an inkjet printhead; an ink cartridge, housed in the phone body, for supplying ink to the inkjet printhead of the stylus; and a flexible conduit linking the cartridge to the stylus. The flexible conduit is configured for carrying data, power and ink. | 04-28-2011 |
| 20110098858 | SYSTEM FOR MOVING MOBILE ROBOTS IN ACCORDANCE WITH PREDETERMINED ALGORITHM - A system for moving robots in accordance with a predetermined algorithm. The system includes: a surface having a position-coding pattern which identifies the surface; mobile robots for moving across the surface, each robot being configured for sensing and decoding the position-coding pattern; and a computer system in communication with the mobile robots. The computer system is configured to send instructions for moving each mobile robot relative to the surface in response to position information corresponding to that mobile robot. Further, the computer system is configured to determine instructions for moving each mobile robot using a predetermined algorithm. The predetermined algorithm is selected on the basis of the identity of the surface. | 04-28-2011 |
| 20110102379 | ELECTRONIC STYLUS WITH FORCE SENSING ARRANGEMENT - An electronic stylus including: an elongate body; a nib extending from one end of the elongate body; a load bearing member mounted to the elongate body for receiving an input force caused by contact on the nib, the load bearing member having a first protrusion with a rounded end; a coupling for transmitting the input force to the load bearing member, the coupling having a second protrusion extending centrally from a flange such that the distal end of the second protrusion engages the rounded end; circuitry for converting the input force into an output signal indicative of the input force; and a housing defining a recess for the circuitry. The rounded end of the first protrusion from the load bearing member extends proud of the recess for engaging the coupling. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110102845 | METHOD OF PRINTING A COPY OF A PREVIOUSLY PRINTED DOCUMENT - A method is disclosed of printing copy of a document previously printed. The method starts by printing a list of documents previously printed by printing a list of history items and coded data associated with respective history items. Each history item corresponds to one of a plurality of documents previously printed. A sensing device then senses the coded data associated with one of the history items, and a computer system receives request data from the sensing device. The request data is dependent upon the coded data sensed by the sensing device. A copy of the document previously printed corresponding to the history item associated with the coded data sensed by the sensing device is retrieved and printed. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110103690 | SYSTEM FOR DETERMINING DIGITAL INK ORIENTATION - A system for determining the orientation of digital ink is provided having a sensing pen and a processor. The system measures the orientation of the pen during writing by the pen on a surface printed with tags. Each tag encodes data on an identity of the surface associated with a digital description of the surface and on the respective location of that tag on the surface. The digital ink is generated by associating the digital description with the data encoded by the tags sensed by the pen during said writing. The orientation of the digital ink is determined using the measured orientation of the pen. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110104455 | SUBSTRATE HAVING DYE WITH DENDRIMER AXIAL LIGANDS DISPOSED THEREON - A substrate having an IR-absorbing metal-cyanine dye disposed thereon. The dye is a metal-cyanine complex of formula (I): | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110109940 | CONTACT DETAILS RETRIEVAL USING A PRINTED MEDIUM - A system for retrieving contact details using a print medium is disclosed. A sensor module senses data encoded on a surface of the print medium is sensed using. The sensed data encodes a print media identifier which uniquely identifies the print medium, and a two-dimensional position with respect to the surface of the print medium. A processor determines from the sensed data the print media identifier and the position of the sensor module relative to the surface of the print medium. The processor then retrieves contact details referenced by the print media identifier and the position of the sensor module from a database. | 05-12-2011 |
| 20110110609 | DEVICE WITH MOTION SENSING ACCELEROMETERS - A device is disclosed having an elongate housing. A pair of orthogonal accelerometers and an infrared sensor arrangement are mounted in the elongate housing. The infrared sensor arrangement is configured to sense information printed on a surface in infrared ink. The pair of orthogonal accelerometers is configured to sense relative positions of the elongate housing. A transceiver is also includes in the housing for communicating the information and relative positions to a remote computer system. | 05-12-2011 |
| 20110116856 | PRINTING DEVICE HAVING RETRACTABLE NIB ACTUATED PRINTER - A printing device is provided having a nib configured to retract into the device when pressed upon a surface, an ink supply, and ink ejection nozzles in fluid communication with the ink supply and configured to print ink upon the surface responsive to the retraction of the nib. | 05-19-2011 |
| 20110122263 | CAMERA SYSTEM FOR WITH VELOCITY SENSOR AND DE-BLURRING PROCESSOR - A camera system for outputting deblurred still images includes a portable handheld camera device comprising an image sensor for recording an image; a two-dimensional accelerometer for detecting an angular velocity of the camera system relative to an external environment and to produce an angular velocity output indicative thereof; a linear image sensor for sensing data provided on an encoded card inserted into the camera system, the encoded card containing instructions for the manipulation of the image; and a processor for receiving the image from the image sensor, receiving the angular velocity output from the two-dimensional accelerometer, and processing the image in accordance with the instructions sensed from the encoded to deblur any blurred pixels present in the image in consideration of the angular velocity output. | 05-26-2011 |
| 20110122431 | CONTROL OF A COMMUNICATIONS DEVICE - A system for controlling a communications device is disclosed. A printer prints on a surface visual information relating to at least one operation of the communications device and coded data portions. Each coded data portion encodes a region identifier which uniquely identifies a region on the surface, and a portion identifier which uniquely identifies the coded data portion. A sensing device placed in an operative position relative to the coded data portions, generate indicating data regarding the region identifier and the portion identifier. A computer system receives the indicating data and determines an operation associated with the region identifier and the portion identifier. Finally, the computer system sends one or more commands to the communications device, thereby effecting the at least one operation. | 05-26-2011 |
| 20110127329 | PROCESS FOR DECODING MACHINE READABLE CODED DATA - A process for decoding machine readable coded data is provided. The coded data has a plurality of layouts which each have order n (at least two) rotational symmetry and encode a codeword of a sequence of n symbols distributed at n locations about a center of rotational symmetry of the respective layout such that decoding the symbols at each of the n orientations of the layout produces n representations of the codeword. Each representation is a different cyclic shift of the codeword and is indicative of the degree of rotation of the layout. The process includes acquiring an image which includes the coded data with an image sensor, transmitting the acquired image to a computer system, and at the computer system, identifying a layout from the acquired image, decoding the identified layout to determine a codeword representation, and determining a degree of rotation of the layout from the determined representation. | 06-02-2011 |
| 20110129168 | PEN-SHAPED SENSING DEVICE FOR SENSING SURFACE REGIONS - A pen-shaped sensing device is provided for sensing coded data disposed which is substantially invisible to the average unaided human eye on a surface. The device has a region identity sensor configured to sense, when the sensing device is positioned or moved relative to a region of the surface, and using at least some of the coded data, region identity data indicative of an identity of the region, and a transmitter configured to transmit the sensed region identity data to the computer system to a computer system. | 06-02-2011 |
| 20110142520 | COLLECTIVE DOCUMENT MARK-UP - Provided is a method of collaborative document mark-ups. A first document including first coded data tags is printed. Coded data tags are indicative of an identity unique to the document the tags are printed on and the position of the respective tags on that document. First indicating data is then received from a first sensing device used to mark-up the first document. The first indicating data includes the identity unique to the first document and positions of markings made on the first document using the first sensing device. A first document version including the markings made on the first document is recorded, and a second document including the markings made on the first document and second coded data tags is printed. The process is then repeated with the second document resulting in the recording of a second document version including the markings made on second document linked to the first document version. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110151905 | MESSAGING USING A CODED SURFACE - A method of sending a message using a print medium is disclosed. Coded data on a surface of the business card is sensed by a sensor module in a media feed path of a communications device. The coded data encodes an identifier which uniquely identifies the surface. The identifier is determined from sensed coded data, and a representation of the business card is retrieved using the identifier. The representation of the business card is displayed on display of the communications device, with the representation including fields, with one of the fields being a messaging field. Upon receiving a selection of the messaging field, a communications address is retrieved from a database where the communications address is indexed by the identifier. A message editor is opened in the communications device, with a current message being addressed to the communications address. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110153633 | SEARCHING FOR HANDWRITTEN ANNOTATIONS APPEARING A GIVEN DISTANCE FROM DOCUMENT CONTENT - A method of searching a database containing documents with handwritten annotations stored in association with document content is disclosed. The method receives as inputs a handwritten annotation as a handwritten search input and a content element as a content search input. A search is then performed of the database for handwritten annotations in a document matching the handwritten search input and less than a given physical distance from document content equal to the content search input in the document. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110164260 | DUPLEX PRINTER WITH INTERNAL HARD DRIVE - A duplex color printer includes a pair of print engines mounted within the body in an opposed manner to define a print media feed path therebetween; a pair of print media trays mounted on either side of the body for respectively containing print media; a print media feed arrangement for feeding print media from one of the trays along the print media path into the other one of the trays; an internal hard drive for locally storing pre-rasterized documents; and an interface for facilitating user selection of a locally stored pre-rasterized document for printing by the pair of print engines. | 07-07-2011 |
| 20110164264 | Linking an Object to a Position on a Surface - A method of generating an association between a software object and a position on a surface is disclosed. The method starts by sensing, by a sensing device placed on the position on the surface coded data at the position on the surface. The coded data at the position on the surface encodes an identity of the surface and the position of the coded data relative to the surface. The sensing device then generates indicating data using the sensed coded data. The indicating data is indicative of the identity of the surface and the position of the sensed coded data relative to the surface. Upon receiving the indicating data from the sensing device by a computer system, the computer system identifies, using the indicating data, the identity of the surface and the position of the sensed coded data relative to the surface. The computer system also identifies the software object, and then generates an association between the identity of the surface, the position of the sensed coded data relative to the surface, and the software object. | 07-07-2011 |
| 20110164286 | METHOD OF PRINTING DITHERED IMAGES - A method of printing a dithered image is provided which includes retrieving a planarized linear image from a memory, interpolating, with a processor, the resolution of said retrieved planarized linear image to an intermediate resolution in dependence of the color planes of said retrieved planarized linear image, interpolating, with the processor, the intermediate resolution to a print resolution, producing, with the processor, a dithered image in real-time from said interpolated image at the print resolution, and printing the dithered image using a printhead. | 07-07-2011 |
| 20110169785 | OPTICALLY IMAGING PEN FOR CAPTURING CONTINUOUS NIB FORCE DATA IN RESPONSE TO CONTROL DATA - An optically imaging pen for sensing a position relative to a surface. The pen includes a nib for interacting with a surface; a force sensor coupled to the nib, an image sensor and a processor. The pen is configured for imaging data portions on the surface; determining if the image data portion contains control data; generating digital ink indicative of a position of the nib relative to the surface; and generating force data as continuous nib force readings only if the imaged data portion contains the control data. | 07-14-2011 |
| 20110174882 | PROCESSING SYSTEM FOR DIGITIZING FREEHAND GRAPHICS - A processing system for digitizing a freehand graphic created by an optically imaging pen. The processing system is configured for: receiving digital ink representing interaction of the pen with a surface having a position-coding pattern printed thereon, the digital ink identifying one or more positions detected by the pen; determining if the detected position is in a first area or a second area of the surface; if the detected position is in the first area of the surface, then interpreting the position as a point in a freehand graphic; and if the detected position is in the second area of the surface, then interpreting the position as a selection of a property for the freehand graphic. | 07-21-2011 |
| 20110176178 | SYSTEM FOR GENERATING PRINTED INTERFACE SURFACE - A system for generating an interface surface is provided which has a code generator for generating coded data and a printer for printing the generated coded data onto a surface to generate an interface surface. The code generator generates the coded data to be arranged in accordance with a layout having order n rotational symmetry about a center of rotation, where n is at least two. The layout includes n sub-layouts rotated 1/n revolutions apart about the center of rotation. Each sub-layout includes rotation-indicating data. | 07-21-2011 |
| 20110180602 | METHOD OF IMAGING CODING PATTERN USING VARIANT REGISTRATION CODEWORDS - A method of decoding a coding pattern disposed on or in a substrate. The method comprises the steps of: (a) operatively positioning an optical reader relative to a surface of the substrate; (b) capturing an image of a portion of the coding pattern; (c) sampling and decoding registration symbols contained in the imaged portion; (d) constructing an imaged registration codeword of length r using the decoded registration symbols ordered in a defined sequence, the defined sequence being determined by positions of registration symbols relative to target elements in the imaged portion; (e) identifying one of v distinct registration codewords corresponding to the imaged registration codeword; (f) determining a registration corresponding to the identified registration codeword; and (g) using the identified registration to decode data symbols sampled from the imaged portion. | 07-28-2011 |
| 20110180611 | CODING PATTERN COMPRISING MULTI-PPM DATA SYMBOLS IN A FORMAT IDENTIFIED BY REGISTRATION SYMBOLS - A substrate having a coding pattern disposed thereon or therein. The coding pattern comprises a plurality of macrodots encoding data symbols and registration symbols. Each data symbol is represented by d macrodots, each of the d macrodots occupying a respective position from a plurality of predetermined possible positions p. The respective positions of the d macrodots represent one of a plurality of possible symbol values. Each registration symbol, or a set of the registration symbols, identifies an integer value of d, with the condition that p>d. | 07-28-2011 |
| 20110180612 | CODING PATTERN COMPRISING MULTI-PPM DATA SYMBOLS WITH MINIMAL CLUSTERING OF MACRODOTS - A substrate having a coding pattern disposed thereon or therein. The coding pattern comprises a plurality of macrodots encoding contiguous data symbols. Each data symbol is represented by d macrodots, each of the d macrodots occupying a respective position from a plurality of predetermined possible positions p. The respective positions of the d macrodots represent one of possible symbol values, and a predetermined number of unused symbol values are selected to minimize clustering of macrodots between adjacent data symbols. | 07-28-2011 |
| 20110180613 | CODING PATTERN COMPRISING REGISTRATION CODEWORD HAVING VARIANTS CORRESPONDING TO POSSIBLE REGISTRATIONS - A substrate having a coding pattern disposed thereon or therein. The coding pattern comprises a tiling of contiguous grid cells, each grid cell being demarcated by t target elements and having t-fold rotational symmetry, each grid cell containing nt registration symbols, each registration symbol being encoded by a set of macrodots; and a tiling of contiguous tags, each tag consisting of an array of c grid cells, each tag containing a plurality of data symbols. There are ct possible registrations between a physical layout of the coding pattern and a logical layout of the coding pattern and any contiguous tag-shaped array of c grid cells contains cnt registration symbols. The registration symbols, taken in a defined sequence relative to the physical layout of the tag-shaped array, form a registration codeword of length r. There are v distinct registration codewords, each corresponding to a distinct one of the ct possible registrations. | 07-28-2011 |
| 20110180614 | CODING PATTERN COMPRISING NON-REPLICATED COORDINATE DATA SYMBOLS - A substrate having a coding pattern disposed thereon or therein. The coding pattern comprises a plurality of square tags of length l identifying two-dimensional location coordinates. Each tag comprises: a plurality n | 07-28-2011 |
| 20110180615 | CODING PATTERN COMPRISING CONTROL SYMBOLS - A substrate having a coding pattern disposed therein or thereon. The coding pattern comprises: a tiling of contiguous grid cells, each grid cell being demarcated by t target elements and having t-fold rotational symmetry, each grid cell containing nt control symbols, each control symbol being encoded by a set of macrodots; and a tiling of contiguous tags, each tag consisting of an array of c grid cells, each tag containing a plurality of data symbols, each data symbol being encoded by a set of macrodots. Any contiguous tag-shaped array of c grid cells contains cnt control symbols, which encode r | 07-28-2011 |
| 20110181915 | COMPUTER SYSTEM FOR GENERATING PRINT DATA FOR PRINTING INTERACTIVE DOCUMENT - A computer system for generating print data for an interactive document. The computer being is configured for: receiving a print request from a user; formatting user information in an electronic document so as to include a first user interactive element; determining advertising material for printing with the user information; formatting the advertising material so as to include a second user interactive element; and generating print data for printing the formatted user information and the formatted advertising material together with coincident coded data on a substrate. The coded data is readable by a sensing device and is indicative of a document identity and the first and second interactive elements. | 07-28-2011 |
| 20110181916 | METHOD OF ENCODING CODING PATTERN TO MINIMIZE CLUSTERING OF MACRODOTS - A method of encoding a coding pattern for disposition on or in a substrate. The method comprises the step of encoding contiguous data symbols for the coding pattern. Each data symbol is represented by d macrodots on the surface, each of the d macrodots occupying a respective position from a plurality of predetermined possible positions p, the respective positions of the d macrodots representing one of i possible data values. The encoding step selects a predetermined number of unused symbol values in each data symbol in order to minimize clustering of macrodots between adjacent data symbols. | 07-28-2011 |
| 20110182464 | METHOD OF DECODING CODING PATTERN COMPRISING CONTROL SYMBOLS - A method of decoding a coding pattern disposed on or in a substrate. The method comprises the steps of: (a) operatively positioning an optical reader relative to a surface of the substrate; (b) capturing an image of a portion of the coding pattern; (c) sampling and decoding control symbols contained in the imaged portion to provide r | 07-28-2011 |
| 20110182514 | METHOD OF DECODING CODING PATTERN HAVING SELF-ENCODED FORMAT - A method of decoding a coding pattern disposed on or in a substrate. The method comprises the steps of: (a) operatively positioning an optical reader relative to a surface of the substrate; (b) capturing an image of a portion of the coding pattern; (c) sampling and decoding a registration symbol contained in the imaged portion; (d) determining, using the decoded registration symbol, an encoding format; and (e) using the determined encoding format to sample and decode data symbols in the imaged portion. The coding pattern comprises a plurality of macrodots encoding data symbols and registration symbols, wherein each data symbol is represented by d macrodots, each of the d macrodots occupying a respective position from a plurality of predetermined possible positions p, the respective positions of the d macrodots representing one of a plurality of possible data values. Each registration symbol, or a set of the registration symbols, identifies an integer value of d and thereby the encoding format. | 07-28-2011 |
| 20110182521 | METHOD OF DECODING CODING PATTERN WITH VARIABLE NUMBER OF MISSING DATA SYMBOLS POSITIONED OUTSIDE IMAGING FIELD-OF-VIEW - A method of decoding a coding pattern disposed on or in a substrate. The method comprises the steps of: (a) operatively positioning an optical reader relative to a surface of the substrate; (b) capturing an image of a portion of the coding pattern, the coding pattern comprising a plurality of tags, each tag comprising a plurality n | 07-28-2011 |
| 20110185252 | CODING PATTERN COMPRISING MULTI-PPM DATA SYMBOLS WITH DIFFERENT LAYOUTS - A substrate having a coding pattern disposed thereon or therein. The coding pattern comprises a plurality of macrodots encoding first and second Reed-Solomon data symbols. Each first Reed-Solomon data symbol is represented by d macrodots, each of the d macrodots occupying a respective position from a plurality of predetermined possible positions p within a first symbol layout, the respective positions of the d macrodots representing one of a plurality of possible data values. Each second Reed-Solomon data symbol is represented by d macrodots, each of the d macrodots occupying a respective position from a plurality of predetermined possible positions p within a second symbol layout which is different than the first symbol layout, the respective positions of the d macrodots representing one of a plurality of possible data values. | 07-28-2011 |
| 20110185266 | METHOD OF DECODING A PATTERN-ENCODED COORDINATE - A method of decoding a coding pattern disposed on or in a substrate. The method comprises the steps of: (a) operatively positioning an optical reader relative to a surface of the substrate; (b) capturing an image of a portion of the coding pattern, the coding pattern comprising a plurality of square tags of length/identifying two-dimensional location coordinates; and (c) sampling and decoding x-coordinate data symbols within the imaged portion and y-coordinate data symbols within the imaged portion. The imaged portion has a predetermined diameter and is guaranteed to contain sufficient data symbols from each of the Reed-Solomon codes so that symbol errors are correctable in each of the codes during the decoding. | 07-28-2011 |
| 20110215145 | METHOD OF DISPENSING A PRODUCT - A method of dispensing a product is disclosed. The product has associated packaging. The packaging has disposed thereon coded data. The coded data is indicative of an identity of the product. The coded data is sensed by a sensing device and indicating data indicative of the identity of the product is generated based on the sensed coded data. The coded data is arranged in accordance with a layout having n-fold rotational symmetry. The layout including n sub-layouts rotated 1/n revolutions apart about a center of rotation. A processor receives the indicating data from the sensing device and determines at least one criterion for dispensing the product. The processor causes the product to be dispensed when the at least one criterion is satisfied. | 09-08-2011 |
| 20110216369 | METHOD OF STORING DATA ON A PHOTOGRAPH - A method of storing data on a photograph includes delimiting a plurality of data block regions on the photograph, the plurality of data block regions superposing a region of the photograph delimited for the printing of a photographic image; compressing data representing the image contained in the photograph with a compression technique; redundantly encoding the compressed data using Reed-Solomon encoding techniques; shuffling the redundantly encoded compressed data in a deterministic manner to reduce potential effects of localized encoded data caused by damage to the photograph; and printing the shuffled data as dots within the data block regions on the photograph. The printing of the shuffled data is performed simultaneously with a printing of the image of the photograph. | 09-08-2011 |
| 20110226851 | METHOD OF INTERACTING WITH SUBSTRATE IN CURSOR AND HYPERLINKING MODES - A method of interacting with a substrate and communicating with a computer system using a sensing device operable in a plurality of modes including a cursor control mode and a hyperlinking mode. The method includes the steps of: actuating a nib switch of the sensing device when a nib force exceeds a predetermined threshold; optically imaging coded data printed on the substrate; generating cursor control data when the sensing device is in said cursor control mode; generating interaction data using the imaged coded data when the sensing device is in the hyperlinking mode; and communicating the cursor control data or the interaction data to a computer system. The cursor control data initiates a cursor control response in the computer system while the interaction data initiates a hyperlinking response in the computer system. | 09-22-2011 |
| 20110226862 | SURFACE BEARING CODED DATA - A surface bearing machine-readable coded data is provided. The coded data is arranged in accordance with a layout having n-fold rotational symmetry about a center of rotation, where n is at least two, and having mirror symmetry. The layout has n identical first sub-layouts rotated 1/n revolutions apart about the center of rotation, and n identical second sub-layouts rotated 1/n revolutions apart about the center of rotation. Each second sub-layout is a reflection of a corresponding first sub-layout. The sub-layout(s) has rotation-indicating data that distinguishes that sub-layout from another sub-layout(s), and reflection-indicating data that distinguishes the reflection of that sub-layout from the reflection of a corresponding reflected sub-layout. | 09-22-2011 |
| 20110227882 | SENSING DEVICE FOR SENSING CODED DATA ON SURFACE - A sensing device for sensing coded data on a surface is provided having marking and non-marking nibs for contact with the surface, a selection mechanism for moving the nibs relative to each other to select which nib contacts the surface, an image sensor for sensing the coded data, memory for storing respective identities of the nibs, and a processor for identifying the selected nib from the stored nib identities and processing the sensed coded data. The coded data is encoded in coded tags printed across the surface and indicates the position of that tag on the surface and an identity of the surface which is associated with a digital description of the surface maintained by a processing device. The processor determines an orientation and a position of the sensing device relative to the surface from the sensed coded data and the digital description. | 09-22-2011 |
| 20110227981 | PRINT CONTROL METHOD - A print control method performed by a print controller of an inkjet printer includes steps of heating the ink in a nozzle of the printer by applying a firing pulse of a duration less than a duration required to discharge an ink dot; sensing the temperature of the heated ink in the nozzle; sensing a voltage at an actuator heater of the nozzle; loading and updating a table listing (i) sensed values of ink temperature in the nozzle, (ii) resistivity of an actuator heater of the nozzle, and (iii) a width of the actuator heater; and changing the duration of a firing pulse used to discharge an ink dot in reference to the sensed voltage and the updated table of sensed temperature, resistivity and width values so as to produce a uniform ink dot size. | 09-22-2011 |
| 20110228288 | DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPH REPRODUCTION METHOD - A photo reproduction method includes scanning redundantly encoded data from a photograph, the redundantly encoded data being scanned from out of the photographic image; decoding the redundantly encoded data to obtain a digital representation of the photographic image from which the redundantly encoded data was scanned; and printing the digital representation of the photographic image to obtain a copy of the photographic image. | 09-22-2011 |
| 20110228334 | SYSTEM FOR GENERATING FORM FOR DELIVERY OF GREETING CARDS - A system is provided for generating a form for delivery of a printed communication. The system associates coordinate information of a form with an interactive element of the form, assigns an identity to the interactive element, associates delivery information on delivery of a printed communication with the interactive element, and generates print data to include the coordinate information and the identity as coded data and the interactive element and delivery information as visual data. A printer is responsive to the print data to print the form by printing the coded and visual data such that a sensing device senses the printed coded data through interaction with the printed interactive element to generate indicating data indicative of the delivery information. | 09-22-2011 |
| 20110228336 | DECOUPLED APPLICATIONS FOR PRINTED MATERIALS - A method for providing interactive digital content for printed content. The method includes the steps of: receiving an image of a coded data pattern of a writing surface; determining a plurality of available applications for a particular printed content associated with the received pattern; receiving a selection from a user of a particular available application from the plurality of available applications; and executing the particular available application, the executing comprising invoking a function related to the printed content. | 09-22-2011 |
| 20110228345 | PRINTER HAVING CODED TAG GENERATOR AND CONTROLLER FOR PRINTING CODED INTERFACE - A printer is provided having a coded tag generator configured to generate coded tags based on identity data indicative of an identity associated with an interface and position data defining a relative position of each tag on the interface, and a controller for controlling printing of the interface with the coded tags at the positions defined by the position data and having the identity data. | 09-22-2011 |
| 20110230233 | TELEPHONE FOR PRINTING ENCODED FORM - A telephone for printing an encoded form on print media is provided having a printer for printing the form encoded with region data on the print media, a transport path along which the print media is transported during printing, an interface to a remote server, and a sensor on the transport path for sensing identifiers encoded on the print media and generating an association between the sensed identifiers and the region data. The generated association is transmitted to the remote server via the interface such that user interaction with the regions of the identified printed form communicated to the remote server provide selection of the region data. | 09-22-2011 |
| 20110240733 | OPTICALLY IMAGING PEN CONFIGURED FOR CALCULATING ACCURATE NIB POSITIONS - An optically imaging pen for interacting with a printed substrate. The pen includes: a nib for interacting with the printed substrate; an image sensor for imaging an area of the printed substrate to provide image data; a processor configured for: (i) identifying target elements in the image data and inferring a perspective transform due to a tilt of the pen; (ii) acquiring and decoding coded data contained in the image data; (iii) calculating a nib position using a tag location, the perspective transform and a known geometry of pen optics; and (iv) generating digital ink based on the nib position. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110240743 | SYSTEM FOR IMAGING AND DECODING CODED DATA PATTERN USING REDUNDANTLY-ENCODED ORIENTATION - A system includes a substrate having a coded data pattern disposed on a surface thereof. The coded data pattern encodes a plurality of Reed-Solomon symbols defining tag data and an orientation of a layout of the tag data. An optically imaging sensing device configured for imaging part of the coded data pattern; determining the orientation of the layout of the tag data; and decoding the tag data contained in the imaged part of the coded data pattern. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110249287 | SYSTEM FOR COPYING INTERACTIVE DOCUMENTS - A system for copying interactive documents is provided having a scanner for scanning a surface of a document so as to copy document content on the document surface and sense coded tags on the document surface, where each tag encodes data an identity of the document and data on the position of that tag on the document, a computer system networked with the scanner for identifying a digital version of the document from the document identity of a sensed tag and determining user input requesting copy content and/or coded data from the computer system on the scanned document using the tag position of the sensed tag, and a printer networked with the computer system for printing a copy of the scanned document incorporating the scanned document content and coded tags and the requested copy content and/or coded data. | 10-13-2011 |
| 20110276596 | SYSTEM FOR INTERPETING DIGITAL INK - A system for interpreting digital ink is provided having a pen for imaging tags printed on a page to produce one or more types digital ink, an input for input of the digital ink, memory storing a page description having an identifier, a database of digital ink types, and searching algorithms specialized for searching the database, and a processor for interpreting the input digital ink using the stored description and algorithms. Each tag encodes its location on the page and the page identifier. The digital ink includes data on the page identifier and the pen motion relative to the imaged tags. The processor determines the input digital ink types, selects the algorithms specialized to the determined types, processes the input digital ink with the selected algorithms, searches the database for matches to the processed digital ink using the selected algorithms, and interprets the matches relative to the stored description. | 11-10-2011 |
| 20110279869 | INTERACTIVE DOCUMENT RETRIEVAL METHOD - A method is disclosed which produces a second interactive document. The method starts by a processor receiving first indicating data identifying a page identity of a first interactive document and one or more locations on the first interactive document. The processor uses the page identity to identify a network address of a server storing a first page description. The first page description describes a relationship between visual elements and positions on the first interactive document. The processor then retrieves from the network address, using the locations on the first interactive document, a second page description. The second page description describes a relationship between visual elements and positions on the second interactive document. Finally a print engine is controlled to print visible elements and invisible coded data tags to provide the second interactive document. Each coded data tag encodes a page identity of the second interactive document and location of the coded data tag on the second interactive document. | 11-17-2011 |
| 20110284635 | OBJECT COMPRISING CODED DATA AND RANDOMLY DISPERSED INK TAGGANT - An object has first coded data and a random pattern disposed on a surface thereof. The first coded data identifies a plurality of fiducials on the surface and the random pattern defines a fingerprint for the object. The random pattern is defined by a taggant randomly dispersed in ink printed on the surface. A data reader for reading the first coded data and random pattern includes first and second optical sensors. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110284644 | SURFACE HAVING OPTICALLY READABLE PRINTED TAGS - A surface having an optically readable pattern of dots printed thereon. Each tag has a background pattern defining discrete areas. The background pattern is common to all tags. Each tag further has coded data positioned within the discrete areas. The coded data is represented by a plurality of optically readable marks positioned according to an encoding scheme. The background pattern is also distinguishable from the coded data. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110286024 | DOCUMENT COPIER - A document copier is disclosed. The document copier has a code sensor for sensing coded data on a surface of a source page. The source page contains the coded data and content. A controller is provided for identifying from the coded data an electronic document containing the content, and for retrieving the electronic document. A print engine then prints the content on a blank page. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110286025 | METHOD OF AUTHENTICATING A PRINT MEDIUM WITH PLURALITY OF CODED DATA PORTIONS - A method of using a mobile device to authenticate a print medium before completing printing onto the print medium, the mobile device including processing means, a printhead and a sensor, the print medium comprising a substrate, the method comprising the steps of: using the sensor to sense coded data provided on a surface of the substrate, the coded data having a plurality of coded data portions; using the processing means to interpret the plurality of coded data portions to authenticate the print medium; and in the event the authentication step is successful, using the printhead to print onto the print medium. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110287809 | MOBILE PHONE FOR PRINTING AND INTERACTING WITH WEBPAGES - A mobile telecommunications device for printing a webpage and retrieving content via a printed webpage. The device includes a media feed for receiving an encoded print medium; a printer positioned in the media feed path; an optical encoder for reading a linear pattern on the print medium during printing; a processor configured for determining a print media identifier by decoding the read linear pattern; a transceiver for communicating the print media identifier to a computer system; and a sensor module for sensing a two-dimensional pattern on the print medium. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110288949 | SYSTEM FOR ONLINE PURCHASING USING PRINTED CODED FORM - A system for enabling online purchasing includes a printed form having printed thereon coded data distributed over an area, the coded data indicative of an identity of the form; a sensing device for sensing the coded data from the printed form, the sensing device containing data representing an identity of a user of the sensing device; and a computer system for receiving from the sensing device data containing the identity of the user and the identity of the form, and for identifying from the received data a purchasing transaction. The sensing device further includes: (a) an image sensor adapted to capture images of the coded data; and (b) a processor adapted to identify coded data from the captured images, determine an orientation, within the captured images, of the coded data; decode the coded data; and generate the data regarding the identity of the form using the decoded coded data. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110292077 | METHOD OF DISPLAYING PROJECTED PAGE IMAGE OF PHYSICAL PAGE - A method of displaying an image of a physical page relative to which a handheld display device is positioned. The method includes the steps of: capturing an image of the physical page using an image sensor of the device; determining a page identity for the physical page; retrieving a page description corresponding to the page identity; rendering a page image based on the retrieved page description; estimating a first pose of the device relative to the physical page; estimating a second pose of the device relative to a user's viewpoint; determining a projected page image for display by the device; and displaying said projected page image on a display screen of said device. The display screen provides a virtual transparent viewport onto the physical page irrespective of a position and orientation of the device relative to the physical page. | 12-01-2011 |
| 20110292078 | HANDHELD DISPLAY DEVICE FOR DISPLAYING PROJECTED IMAGE OF PHYSICAL PAGE - A handheld display device for displaying an image of a physical page relative to which the device is positioned. The device includes: an image sensor for capturing an image of the physical page; a transceiver for receiving a page description corresponding to a page identity of the physical page; and a processor configured for: rendering a page image based on the received page description; estimating a first pose of the device relative to the physical page;
| 12-01-2011 |
| 20110292198 | MICROSCOPE ACCESSORY FOR ATTACHMENT TO MOBILE PHONE - A microscope accessory for attachment to a mobile phone having a display positioned in a first face and a camera positioned in an opposite second face. The microscope accessory includes: engagement features for releasably attaching the microscope accessory to the mobile phone; and an optical assembly having: a first mirror positioned to be offset from the camera; a second mirror positioned for alignment with the camera; and a microscope lens positioned in the optical path. The optical assembly is matched with the camera, such that a surface is in focus when the mobile phone lies flat against the surface. | 12-01-2011 |
| 20110292199 | HANDHELD DISPLAY DEVICE WITH MICROSCOPE OPTICS - A handheld display device having a substantially planar configuration. The device includes: a housing having first and second opposite faces; a display screen disposed in the first face; a camera having an image sensor positioned for receiving images from the second face; a window defined in the second face, the window being offset from the image sensor; and microscope optics defining an optical path between the window and the image sensor. The microscope optics are configured for magnifying a portion of a surface upon which the device is resting. A majority of the optical path is parallel with a plane of the device. | 12-01-2011 |
| 20110292463 | SYSTEM FOR IDENTIFYING PHYSICAL PAGE CONTAINING PRINTED TEXT - A system for identifying a physical page containing printed text from a plurality of page fragment images. The system includes: (A) a handheld electronic device having: a camera for capturing a plurality of page fragment images at a plurality of different capture points when the device is moved across the physical page; motion sensing circuitry for measuring a displacement or a direction of movement; and a transceiver; (B) a processing system configured for: performing OCR on each captured page fragment image to identify a plurality of glyphs in a two-dimensional array; and creating a glyph group key for each page fragment image; and (C) an inverted index of the glyph group keys. | 12-01-2011 |
| 20110293184 | METHOD OF IDENTIFYING PAGE FROM PLURALITY OF PAGE FRAGMENT IMAGES - A method of identifying a physical page containing printed text from a plurality of page fragment images captured by a camera. The method includes the steps of: placing a handheld electronic device in contact with a surface of the physical page; moving the device across the physical page and capturing the plurality of page fragment images at a plurality of different capture points; measuring a displacement or direction of movement; performing OCR on each captured page fragment image; creating a glyph group key for each page fragment image; looking up each created glyph group key in an inverted index of glyph group keys; comparing a displacement or direction between glyph group keys in the inverted index with a measured displacement or direction between the capture points for corresponding glyph group keys created using OCR; and identifying a page identity corresponding to the physical page using the comparison. | 12-01-2011 |
| 20110293185 | HYBRID SYSTEM FOR IDENTIFYING PRINTED PAGE - A hybrid system for identifying a printed page. The system includes: (i) the printed page having human-readable content and a coding pattern printed in every interstitial space between portions of human-readable content, the coding pattern being either absent from the human-readable content or unreadable when superimposed with the human-readable content; and (ii) a handheld device for overlaying and contacting the printed page. The handheld device includes: a camera for capturing page fragment images; and a processor configured for: decoding the coding pattern and determining the page identity in the event that the coding pattern is visible in and decodable from the captured page fragment image; and otherwise initiating OCR or SIFT techniques to identify the page. | 12-01-2011 |
| 20110293194 | SYSTEM FOR DECODING DATA ENCODED ON SURFACE - A system for decoding data encoded on a surface is provided. The coded data has at least two clock tracks indicative of a position of the coded data in the direction perpendicular to an alignment direction and two alignment lines for each clock track. The two alignment lines are indicative of the position of the respective clock track. The system has a decoder for determining, using an alignment phase-locked loop (PLL), a position of the alignment lines for a respective clock track, determining, using the position of the alignment lines, the position of each respective track, and updating the alignment PLL. | 12-01-2011 |
| 20110294543 | MOBILE PHONE ASSEMBLY WITH MICROSCOPE CAPABILITY - A mobile phone assembly for magnifying a portion of a surface. The assembly includes: a mobile phone having a display screen and a camera with an image sensor; and an optical assembly including: a first mirror offset from the image sensor for deflecting an optical path substantially parallel with the surface; a second mirror aligned with the camera for deflecting the optical path perpendicular to the surface and onto the image sensor; and a microscope lens positioned in the optical path. The optical assembly has a thickness of less than 8mm and is configured such that the surface is in focus when the mobile phone assembly lies flat against the surface. | 12-01-2011 |
| 20110302197 | SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING INFORMATION VIA CONTEXT SEARCHING OF PRINTED SUBSTRATE - A method of providing information to a user via a printed substrate, said substrate comprising user information and coded data indicative of a region identity associated with the substrate and of a plurality of locations on the substrate, said method comprising the steps of: receiving, in a computer system, interaction data indicative of the region identity and at least one position of a sensing device relative to the substrate, the sensing device generating the interaction data, when operatively positioned or moved relative to the substrate, by reading at least some of the coded data; identifying and retrieving at least part of a page description corresponding to the printed substrate using the region identity; generating a query expression comprising one or more search terms, at least one of said search terms being identified using the page description and the at least one position of the sensing device; forming a request using the query expression; and sending the request, or a results resource including search results obtained using the request, to the user. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110304889 | FACSIMILE DELIVERY THROUGH INTERACTION WITH PRINTED DOCUMENT - A method of delivering an electronically transmitted document 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. The user information includes information indicative of a send instruction. 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. Upon sensing coded tags coincident with the send instruction, the message is transmitted to a recipient address for electronically transmitted document delivery. | 12-15-2011 |
| 20110309139 | SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING INFORMATION VIA INTERACTIVE SURFACE - A system for providing information via an interactive surface is provided. The surface has information for searching and coded data. The coded data encodes coordinates on the surface and a region identity associated with the surface. A sensing device interacted with the surface senses the coded data and generates interaction data indicative of the region identity and a coordinate position of the sensing device relative to the surface. The system identifies and retrieves a page description corresponding to the surface using the region identity received from the sensing device, determines the information for searching corresponding to a zone of the page description containing the coordinate position of the sensing device, creates a query expression having a search term(s) based on the determined information for searching, form a request using the query expression, and sends the request, or a results resource including search results from the request, to a display device. | 12-22-2011 |
| 20110310720 | METHOD OF RECORDING AND PLAYING BACK AUDIO USING HANDHELD ELECTRONIC PEN - A method of recording and playing back audio using a handheld electronic pen. The method includes the steps of method comprising the steps of: recording audio via a microphone whilst interacting with an encoded substrate using the pen; and playing back the recorded audio by subsequently interacting with the encoded substrate and retrieving the recorded audio which is associated with the identity of the substrate and a position on the substrate. | 12-22-2011 |
| 20110312346 | Printing a List on a Print Medium - A system for printing a list on a print medium is disclosed. The system includes a mobile device able to determine a current geographical location of the mobile device. The mobile device determines a list of destination locations using the current geographical location of the mobile device, and then prints the list of destination locations on the print medium using a printer module of the mobile device. The print medium has coded data printed on a surface thereof, with the coded data encoding an identity of the print medium and positions on the surface. The mobile device also has a sensor module for sensing the coded data on the surface of the print medium. The system further includes a computer system for storing in a database each entry in the list of destination locations in association with the identity of the print medium and the position of the entry on the surface. The entry is retrievable from the database using the print media identifier and the position of the entry on the surface. | 12-22-2011 |
| 20110312377 | PRINT MEDIUM HAVING LINEAR DATA TRACK AND CONTIGUOUSLY TILED POSITION-CODING TAGS - A print medium configured to be printed on by a pagewidth printhead in a print direction. The print medium includes: a laminar substrate defining first and second opposite faces; a data track containing first information encoded in accordance with a linear encoding scheme, the data track extending in a linear read direction across a portion of the first face of the print medium, the read direction being oriented at between 45 and 135 degrees with respect to the print direction; and a plurality of contiguous tags tiled across the laminar substrate. Each of the tags identifies second information and a two-dimensional coordinate position on the laminar substrate. Each of the tags is encoded in accordance with a second encoding scheme distinct from the linear encoding scheme. The information is indicative of the second information. | 12-22-2011 |
| 20110312378 | TELEPHONE HAVING PRINTER AND SENSOR - A telephone is provided having an input at which a print medium is loaded, a sensor for sensing an identifier of the loaded print medium, and a printer for determining whether or not the loaded print medium is a valid print medium on which printing can be performed. If the loaded print medium is determined to be valid, the printer prints on the loaded print medium. If the loaded print medium is determined to not be valid, the loaded print medium is ejected at the input. | 12-22-2011 |
| 20110312381 | System For Product Retrieval Using Identifiable Print Medium - A system is provided of retrieving a product using a print medium having an identifier linked to the product. The system has a telecommunications device having a sensor for sensing the identifier from coded tags printed on the print medium. Each tag has a structure which includes a target and encoded data. The targets are sensed by the sensor to determine the presence of the tags and the encoded data encodes the identifier, such that the product is retrieved using the telecommunications device and the identifier. | 12-22-2011 |
| 20110315782 | PRINTED CHEQUE ENABLING DETECTION OF FRAUDULENT HANDLING - A cheque for enabling detection of fraudulent handling during a clearing process. The cheque is printed with an optically readable position-coding pattern and independently readable cheque information. The position-coding pattern encodes a plurality of locations on the cheque and identifies a unique cheque identity. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20110316806 | METHOD OF INTERACTING WITH PRINTED CONTENT VIA HANDHELD DISPLAY DEVICE - A method of interacting with printed content using a handheld display device. The method includes the steps of: imaging an area of a printed substrate and generating image data using an image sensor; determining interaction data using the image data, retrieving display data using an identified page description, the display data corresponding to the printed content; displaying, on an opaque touch-sensitive display screen of the handheld display device, display information based on the display data; and interacting with the display information via the opaque touch-sensitive display screen. The opaque touch-sensitive display screen has real-time virtual transparency through the screen to the printed content from a user's perspective to provide a virtual window to the printed content. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20110316874 | METHOD OF REVEALING HIDDEN CONTENT VIA HANDHELD DISPLAY DEVICE - A method of revealing hidden content associated with printed content using a handheld display device. The method includes the steps of: imaging an area of a printed substrate and generating image data using an image sensor; determining interaction data using the image data; retrieving display data using an identified page description, the display data including the hidden content associated with the printed content; displaying, on an opaque touch-sensitive display screen of the handheld display device, display information based on the display data and including the hidden content. The opaque display screen has real-time virtual transparency through the screen to the printed content from a user's perspective to provide a virtual window to the printed content. The opaque display screen additionally displays the hidden content in real-time as if it were printed on the printed substrate. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20110320917 | METHOD OF DETERMINING A COORDINATE VALUE WITH RESPECT TO PATTERNS PRINTED ON A DOCUMENT - A method is disclosed of determining a coordinate value with respect to patterns printed on a document. Each pattern represents a sequence, with each sequence consisting of a repeating codeword of a cyclic position code. The pattern is sensed, and from each sensed pattern a respective sub-sequence of symbols is obtained. Each of the sub-sequences is then mapped to a respective mapped codeword of the cyclic position code. An offset between each mapped codeword and the codeword is determined, and a difference is derived between pairs of offsets. The coordinate value is derived by interpreting one of the differences as a marker separating the coordinate value from an adjacent coordinate value, and the remaining differences as digits of the coordinate value. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20120004921 | METHOD FOR RETRIEVING AUDIO SIGNAL STORED ON PHOTOGRAPH - A method of decoding coded data provided on a photograph using a reader includes steps of irradiating an image-side of the photograph from a first end thereof to an opposing second end thereof with infra-red illumination; receiving infra-red illumination reflected from the image; processing the reflected infra-red illumination to locate within the photograph a first target boundary; processing the reflected infra-red illumination received after location of the first target boundary to obtain audio data; storing the audio data in a memory; processing the reflected infra-red illumination to locate within the image a second target boundary downstream of the first target boundary; ceasing the processing of the reflected infra-red illumination to obtain coded data upon location of the second target boundary; and decoding the audio data stored in the memory to obtain an audio signal. | 01-05-2012 |
| 20120006906 | CODING PATTERN WITH CELLS HAVING TRANSLATION DATA DEFINING A TRANSLATION OF THE CELL - A substrate having a coding pattern disposed on a surface thereof is disclosed. The coding pattern has target elements defining a target grid. The target grid has cells. A plurality of data elements are contained in each cell. Tags are defined by a plurality of contiguous cells and each tag has respective local tag data encoded by a respective set of the data elements. Each cell contains translation data encoded by a respective set of data elements. The translation data identifies a translation of the cell relative to the tag containing that cell. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120007838 | SENSING DEVICE FOR SENSING SURFACE REGIONS - A sensing device is provided for sensing data encoded on a surface. The device has a region identity sensor and a transmitter. The region identity sensor senses region identity data of the coded data when the sensing device is positioned or moved relative to a region of the surface. The region identity data is indicative of an identity of the region. The transmitter transmits the sensed region identity data to a computer system. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120009978 | METHOD OF DISPLAYING HYPERLINKED INFORMATION VIA HANDHELD DISPLAY DEVICE - A method of displaying hyperlinked information using a handheld display device. The method includes the steps of: imaging an area of a printed substrate and generating image data using an image sensor; determining interaction data using the image data; retrieving display data using an identified page description, the display data including a hyperlink associated with the printed content; displaying, on an opaque touch-sensitive display screen of the handheld display device, display information based on the display data and including the hyperlink; interacting with the displayed hyperlink; retrieving hyperlinked information; and displaying the hyperlinked information. The opaque touch-sensitive display screen has real-time virtual transparency through the screen to the printed content from a user's perspective to provide a virtual window to the printed content; | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120011214 | METHOD OF DELIVERING ELECTRONIC GREETING CARD - A method of delivering a greeting card to a recipient address. The method includes the steps of: writing a handwritten message on a substrate using a pen or stylus; generating digital ink representing the handwritten message; indexing, in a computer system, the digital ink with an identifier for an electronic greeting card; and delivering the electronic greeting card, including the handwritten message represented by the digital ink, to a recipient address. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120038730 | METHOD OF STORING DATA ON A PHOTOGRAPH - A method of storing data on a photograph includes delimiting a plurality of data block regions on the photograph, the plurality of data block regions superposing a region of the photograph delimited for the printing of a photographic image; compressing data representing the image contained in the photograph with a compression technique; redundantly encoding the compressed data using Reed-Solomon encoding techniques; shuffling the redundantly encoded compressed data in a deterministic manner to reduce potential effects of localized encoded data caused by damage to the photograph; and printing the shuffled data as dots within the data block regions on the photograph. Each of the plurality of data blocks is printed on a first side with a first column of orientation dots, and on a second side with a second column of orientation dots. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120044184 | HANDHELD DISPLAY DEVICE HAVING PROCESSOR FOR RENDERING DISPLAY OUTPUT TO PROVIDE REAL-TIME VIRTUAL TRANSPARENCY - A handheld display device for interacting with printed content. The device includes: an optical sensor for imaging an area of a printed substrate containing the printed content and generating image data; an opaque touch-sensitive display screen for displaying display output to a user; a processor configured for: monitoring the identity of the substrate and the position of the device relative to the substrate using the image data; retrieving display data; rendering the display output to the display screen; and interpreting user input captured via the display screen. The opaque touch-sensitive display screen has real-time virtual transparency through the screen to the printed content from a user's perspective to provide a virtual window to the printed content. | 02-23-2012 |
| 20120044185 | HANDHELD DISPLAY DEVICE HAVING PROCESSOR FOR RENDERING DISPLAY OUTPUT WITH REAL-TIME VIRTUAL TRANSPARENCY AND VIDEO PLAYBACK OPTION - A handheld display device for interacting with printed content and playing associated video. The device includes: an optical sensor for imaging an area of a printed substrate containing the printed content and generating image data; an opaque touch-sensitive display screen for displaying display output to a user; a processor configured for: monitoring the identity of the substrate and the position of the device relative to the substrate using the image data; retrieving display data; rendering the display output to the display screen; interpreting user interaction with a video playback icon via the touch-sensitive display screen; retrieving video data; and initiating video playback. The opaque touch-sensitive display screen has real-time virtual transparency through the screen to the printed content from a user's perspective to provide a virtual window to the printed content. | 02-23-2012 |
| 20120044186 | HANDHELD DISPLAY DEVICE HAVING PROCESSOR FOR RENDERING DISPLAY OUTPUT WITH REAL-TIME VIRTUAL TRANSPARENCY AND FORM-FILLING OPTION - A handheld display device for interacting with printed content and filling in a form. The device includes: an optical sensor for imaging an area of a printed substrate containing the printed content and generating image data; an opaque touch-sensitive display screen for displaying display output to a user; a processor configured for: monitoring the identity of the substrate and the position of the device relative to the substrate using the image data; retrieving display data; rendering the display output to the display screen; and interpreting user input to a displayed form via the touch-sensitive display screen. The opaque touch-sensitive display screen has real-time virtual transparency through the screen to the printed content from a user's perspective to provide a virtual window to the printed content. | 02-23-2012 |
| 20120056003 | SUBSTRATE HAVING CODING PATTERN ENCODING REED-SOLOMON SYMBOLS - A substrate having a coding pattern disposed on a surface thereof. The coding pattern encodes a plurality of Reed-Solomon symbols. Each Reed-Solomon symbol has a respective Reed-Solomon symbol value represented by a set of m macrodots. Each of the m macrodots occupies a respective position from a plurality p of predetermined possible positions. The positions of the m macrodots represents one of a plurality of different Reed-Solomon symbol values, wherein each of the different Reed-Solomon symbol values is represented by the same number of macrodots. | 03-08-2012 |
| 20120057919 | PEN-SHAPED PRINTING DEVICE - A pen-shaped printing device is provided having a pen-shaped body, a plurality of intersecting ribs longitudinally extending along the body to define internal chambers for printing fluid, and a printhead having ejection nozzles configured to eject the printing fluid from the chambers onto a surface. | 03-08-2012 |
| 20120061479 | CODING PATTERN COMPRISING ORIENTATION CODES - A substrate having a coding pattern disposed on a surface thereof. The coding pattern has target elements defining cells, and a set of data elements contained in each cell encoding tag data. The tag data of each cell encodes first and second orthogonal registration symbols. The first and second orthogonal registration symbols together identify an orientation of a layout of the tag data with respect to the target grid. The first registration symbol identifies a first direction component of the orientation, and the second registration symbol identifies a second direction component of the orientation. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120062953 | APPLICATION FOR GENERATING INTERACTIVE DOCUMENT CONTAINING ADVERTISING MATERIAL - An application for execution on a computer system which generates print data for an interactive document. The application is configured to operatively control the computer system so as to perform the steps of: receive a print request from a user; format user information in an electronic document so as to include a first user interactive element; determine advertising material for printing with the user information; format the advertising material so as to include a second user interactive element; and generate print data for printing the formatted user information and the formatted advertising material together with coincident coded data on a substrate. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120063701 | PORTABLE DEVICE HAVING MULTIPLE SENSORS FOR NETWORKED COMMUNICATION - A portable device is provided having image and motion sensors, a controller and network interface. The image sensor images encoded tags printed on a surface. The tags encode identity data indicative of an identity associated with the surface. The motion sensor senses motion of the device relative to the surface. The controller controls decoding of the data of the imaged tags in accordance with the sensed device motion. The network interface communicates the data with a network. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120069074 | GENERATING HALF TONE PRINT DATA FOR OVERLAPPING CONSECUTIVE PRINTHEAD SEGMENTS - A method of generating half tone print data is disclosed. The method starts by determining an extent of overlap caused by temperature variations of overlapping end portions of a pair of consecutive printhead segments. A dither value is also generated from a dither matrix, and the dither value is combined with the extent of overlap to produce an output value. A mathematical operation is performed on continuous tone print data based on the output value, to produce the half tone print data. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120081325 | METHOD OF ACCESSING DIGITAL CONTENT USING MOBILE PHONE WITH ORIENTATION DETERMINATION - A method for accessing digital content from a computer network. The method includes the steps of: (a) capturing an image of machine-readable coded data printed on a page using a mobile phone having an optical image sensor; (b) determining an orientation of the mobile phone relative to the page; (c) forming a request based on the captured image; (d) transmitting the request to a server on the computer network and retrieving digital content associated with the printed graphic content; (e) receiving the digital content in the mobile phone; and (f) displaying the received digital content on a display screen of the mobile phone. | 04-05-2012 |
| 20120083252 | MESSAGING VIA A CODED BUSINESS CARD AND MOBILE TELEPHONE - A method of sending a message using a business card with data encoded on a surface, and a mobile phone. The data includes an identifier which uniquely identifies the surface and the mobile telephone senses the coded data to determine the identifier. Using the identifier, the phone retrieves a representation of the business card, which has a plurality of fields, one of which being a messaging field. The business card is displayed on the phone such that the messaging field can be user selected, a message generated and transmitted to a communications address retrieved from a database. | 04-05-2012 |
| 20120093416 | SYSTEM FOR DETERMINING ORIENTATION OF DIGITAL INK - A system for determining the orientation of digital ink is provided having a sensing pen and a processor. The system measures the orientation of the pen during writing by the pen on a surface printed with tags. Each tag encodes data on an identity of the surface associated with a digital description of the surface. The digital ink is generated by associating the digital description with the data encoded by the tags sensed by the pen during said writing. The orientation of the digital ink is determined using the measured orientation of the pen. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120105383 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DIGITIZING FREEHAND GRAPHICS AND SELECTING PROPERTIES THEREFOR - A method of digitizing a freehand graphic created by an electronic pen having a marking nib. The method includes the steps of: interacting with a surface using the electronic pen; generating digital ink representing interaction of the pen with the surface, the digital ink identifying positions of the pen on the surface; determining if the position is in a first area or a second area of the surface; if the identified position is in the first area of the surface, then interpreting the position as a point in a freehand graphic; and if the identified position is in the second area of the surface, then interpreting the position as a selection of a property for the freehand graphic. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120111939 | TRANSACTION RECORDAL METHOD - A method of recording a transaction relating to a security document is disclosed. Coded data portions are provided on the security document, with each coded data portion encoding an identity of the security document and part of a signature. The signature is a digital signature of the identity. A sensing device senses at least one coded data portion. From the coded data portion sensed by the sensing device a determined identity and a determined signature part are determined. The security document is authenticated using the determined identity and the determined signature part. Transaction data associated with the security document, stored in a data store, is updated upon successful authentication. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120118965 | PROCESS FOR DECODING CODED DATA - A process for decoding coded data is provided. The coded data has a plurality of layouts which each have order n (at least two) rotational symmetry and encode a codeword of a sequence of n symbols distributed at n locations about a center of rotational symmetry of the respective layout such that decoding the symbols at each of the n orientations of the layout produces n representations of the codeword. Each representation is a different cyclic shift of the codeword and is indicative of the degree of rotation of the layout. The process involves, at the computer system, identifying a layout from an image including the coded data, decoding the identified layout to determine a codeword representation, and determining a degree of rotation of the layout from the determined representation. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120140280 | ELECTRONICALLY TRANSMITTED DOCUMENT DELIVERY THROUGH INTERACTION WITH PRINTED DOCUMENT - A system for delivering an electronic document is disclosed. The system has a printer for printing on a substrate user information indicative of a send instruction which is visible to a user and coded tags invisible to the user. A sensing device senses the coded tags when the sensing device is moved relative to the substrate by the user interacting with the user information. A computer system electronically captures a message composed with the sensing device via movement of the sensing device relative to a predetermined area on the substrate. The computer system determines the predetermined area on the substrate and electronically captures the message. When the sensing device senses coded tags coincident with the send instruction, the computer system transmits the message to a recipient address. | 06-07-2012 |
| 20120147433 | PROVIDING INFORMATION THROUGH INTERACTION WITH A PRINTED PAGE - A method for providing information is disclosed. Page descriptors are stored in a server. A printed page is printed by a printer with visible and invisible data. The invisible data is indicative of one or more of the page descriptors. A sensing device senses the invisible data when placed in an operative position relative to the printed page, and transmits information extracted from sensed invisible data to the server. The page descriptor of the printed page is identified by the server, and information associated with the page descriptor and positioning of the sensing device relative to the printed page is provided by the server. | 06-14-2012 |
| 20120202565 | MOBILE PHONE FOR RETRIEVING AND PLAYING VIDEO - A mobile phone includes: a body; an image sensor positioned in the body for imaging an area of a printed substrate and generating image data; a display screen for outputting video; a processor coupled to the sensor, the processor being configured for: retrieving video data based on an identity of the substrate and a position of the mobile phone relative to the substrate, and rendering video output to the display screen; and a memory coupled to the processor. | 08-09-2012 |
| 20120234920 | OPTICALLY IMAGING SENSING DEVICE FOR IMAGING SUBSTRATE HAVING REDUNDANTLY-ENCODED ORIENTATION DATA - An optically imaging sensing device for imaging a substrate having a coded data pattern disposed on a surface thereof. The sensing device includes: an image sensor for imaging part of the coded data pattern; and a processor configured for: determining the orientation of the layout of the coding pattern; and decoding the data contained in the imaged part of the coded data pattern. | 09-20-2012 |
| 20120237140 | OPTICALLY IMAGING STYLUS FOR INTERACTING WITH SUBSTRATE HAVING IMAGEABLE POSITION-CODING PATTERN - An optically imaging stylus for interacting with a substrate having an imageable position-coding pattern identifying a plurality of locations on the substrate. The stylus includes: a nib; an image sensor; and a processor configured for: (i) inferring a perspective transform using perspective-distorted features of the imaged position-coding pattern; (ii) determining a rotational orientation of the stylus relative to the position-coding pattern; (iii) acquiring and decoding coded data contained in the imaged position-coding pattern, the decoded coded data identifying an imaged location on the substrate; (iv) calculating a nib position using: the imaged location, the perspective transform and the determined rotational orientation, the nib position being different than the imaged location; and (v) generating digital ink identifying the nib position. | 09-20-2012 |
| 20120239397 | Digital Ink Database Searching Using Handwriting Feature Synthesis - A method of searching a digital ink database is disclosed. The digital ink database is associated with a specific author. The method starts by receiving a computer text query from an input device. The computer text query is then mapped to a set of feature vectors using a handwriting model of that specific author. As a result, the set of feature vectors approximates features that would have been extracted had that specific author written the computer query text by hand. Finally, the set of feature vectors is used to search the digital ink database. | 09-20-2012 |
| 20120267439 | POSITION-CODING PATTERN HAVING TAG COORDINATES ENCODED BY BIT-SHIFTED SUBSEQUENCES OF CYCLIC POSITION CODE - A substrate having a position-coding pattern disposed on a surface thereof. The position-coding pattern comprises a plurality of tags. Each tag encodes a w-bit subsequence of a cyclic code sequence. The w-bit subsequence maps to a corresponding coordinate codeword for the tag. Adjacent tags contain a w-bit subsequence shifted by one bit relative to each other in the cyclic code sequence. | 10-25-2012 |
| 20120273567 | MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS DEVICE FOR RETRIEVING AUDIO DATA VIA CODED MEDIUM - A mobile telecommunications device retrieves audio data using a coded medium with coded data. The coded data is encoded in a linear pattern and a two-dimensional pattern on the coded medium. The linear pattern and the two-dimensional pattern encode a medium identifier linked to the audio data, and the two-dimensional pattern also encodes a two-dimensional coordinate grid. The mobile telecommunications device has a first image sensor for sensing the coded data printed in the linear pattern on the coded medium, a second image sensor for sensing the coded data printed in the two-dimensional pattern and, a processor for determining the medium identifier from the coded data printed in a linear pattern and the coded data printed in a two dimensional pattern, and retrieving the audio data using the determined medium identifier. | 11-01-2012 |
| 20120274956 | DUPLEX PRINTER WITH INTERNAL HARD DRIVE - A duplex color printer includes a pair of print engines mounted in an opposed manner to define a print media feed path therebetween, each print engine including a printhead and a transfer roller for receiving ejected ink from the printhead; a pair of print media trays mounted on either side of the body for respectively containing print media; a print media feed arrangement for feeding print media from one of the trays along the print media path into the other one of the trays; an internal hard drive for locally storing pre-rasterized documents; an interface for facilitating user selection of a locally stored pre-rasterized document for printing by the pair of print engines; and a cleaning station provided in each print engine. Each cleaning station includes a resilient wiper and an absorbent sponge. The resilient wiper is provided downstream of the absorbent sponge with respect to the transfer roller. | 11-01-2012 |
| 20120274987 | ELECTRONICALLY MESSAGE CAPTURE THROUGH INTERACTION WITH PRINTED DOCUMENT - A system for capturing an electronic message is disclosed. The system includes a printer, a sensing device and a computer system. The printer prints on a substrate user information visible to a user and coded tags invisible to the user. Each coded tag encodes an identity unique to the substrate and a location of the coded tag on the substrate. The user information defines a message area on the substrate. The sensing device senses the coded tags on the substrate when the sensing device is moved relative to the substrate. The computer system electronically captures a message composed with the sensing device via movement of the sensing device relative to the message area, the computer system using the identity of the substrate and a sequence of respective locations of coded tags sensed by the sensing device for determining the movement relative to the message area and the message. | 11-01-2012 |
| 20120327471 | METHOD FOR PRINTING INTERACTIVE PAGES - A method for printing an interactive page for a collection of interactive pages includes steps of storing, in a cartridge holding a volume of printing fluid, a seed for generating a range of identifiers; generating, from the seed, an identifier that is unique within the collection of interactive pages; printing the unique identifier on a page together with human visible markings representing the information to be presented on the page; and storing the unique identifier in association with a page description describing a layout of the printed page. | 12-27-2012 |
| 20120327472 | Device for rendering display output associated with printed content overlayed by the device - A device for interacting with printed content is disclosed. The device has an optical sensor for imaging an area of a printed substrate containing the printed content when the device is placed over the printed content. A touch-sensitive display screen is also provided for displaying display content. The device further has a processor for determining an identity of the printed substrate from output of the optical sensor and then retrieves display data based on the identity of the printed substrate. The processor also determines the position and orientation of the device relative to the printed substrate. Display content is rendered to the touch-sensitive display screen, with the display content being based on the retrieved display data, the position and orientation of the device relative to the printed substrate. User input is received from the touch-sensitive display screen when the user interacts with the display data. | 12-27-2012 |
| 20120328216 | Interactivity for Printed Content - A method for providing interactivity for printed content is disclosed. An image of a writing surface containing the printed content is captured by an optical imaging pen device. The image includes a pattern printed on the writing surface. A plurality of available options associated with the printed content coincident with the pattern in the image is then determined and a selection from a user of one of the plurality of available options is received. An application is executed, with the execution using the selected option. | 12-27-2012 |
| 20130006772 | SYSTEM FOR PERSONAL EDITORIAL AND ADVERTISING CONTENT DELIVERY - A system is provided for enabling personal editorial and advertising content delivery. The system has a publication server which receives information regarding interests of a user and selects editorial content in accordance with the information. The publication server also receives information regarding a locality and demographic of the user and selects advertising content in accordance with the information and the published editorial content. Further, the publication server publishes a personalised publication with the selected editorial and advertising content. | 01-03-2013 |
| 20130010140 | PORTABLE HAND-HELD DEVICE FOR DEBLURRING SENSED IMAGES - A portable hand-held device is provided having an image sensor for sensing an image of a scene, a motion sensor for detecting motion of the device relative to the scene, and a processor for receiving image manipulation instructions via encoded media. The processor processes the sensed image to remove blur therein based on the detected relative device motion and the received image manipulation instructions. | 01-10-2013 |
| 20130010141 | HANDHELD DIGITAL CAMERA DEVICE WITH MOTION SENSING AND DECODING CAPABILITIES - A handheld digital camera device including: an image sensor for capturing images and generating image data; a two-dimensional motion sensor for generating motion data; and an integral processor configured for: controlling operation of the image sensor; estimating an angular velocity of the camera device relative to an external environment using the motion data; decoding an imaged coding pattern printed on a substrate; and performing an action in the handheld electronic device based on the decoded coding pattern. | 01-10-2013 |
| 20130015650 | Substrate having coding pattern encoding reed-solomon symbols - A substrate has a coding pattern printed on a surface thereof. The coding pattern encodes a plurality of Reed-Solomon symbols. Any one symbol has a value represented by m macrodots distributed amongst p possible positions within the symbol. The positions of the m macrodots amongst the p possible positions determines the value of the Reed-Solomon symbol. The macrodots of a first symbol that is adjacent to a second symbol are distributed such that the macrodots of the first symbol are not adjacent to the macrodots of the second symbol. | 01-17-2013 |
| 20130016241 | PORTABLE HAND-HELD DEVICE FOR MANIPULATING IMAGES - A portable hand-held apparatus is provided having a memory for storing images, a motion sensor for detecting motion of the device, and a processor for receiving image manipulation instructions via encoded media. The processor processes the stored images based on the detected device motion and the received image manipulation instructions to produce output images. | 01-17-2013 |
| 20130075482 | Coding pattern comprising tags with x and y coordinate data divided into respective halves of each tag - A substrate has disposed on a surface a coding pattern. The coding pattern includes a plurality of tags each comprising x-coordinate data and y-coordinate data. A y-axis is nominally defined as north-south and an x-axis is nominally defined as east-west. The coding pattern further includes a plurality of data elements contained in each tag. The x-coordinate data is represented by a first set of data elements and the y-coordinate data is represented by a second set of data elements. The first set of data elements includes two replications of the x-coordinate data, a first replication of the x-coordinate data positioned in a western half of said tag and a second replication of the x-coordinate data positioned in an eastern half of said tag. The first replication of the x-coordinate data is positioned within one tag distance of a second replication of x-coordinate data of an adjacent tag. | 03-28-2013 |
| 20130076702 | Estimating relative nib position from images captured at different orientations - A method of estimating a position of nib of a pen relative to an optical sensor removably mounted on the pen. The optical sensor captures at least two images of a coded surface when the nib contacts the coded surface. The images are captured with the nib at a same position on the coded surface and the pen at different orientations relative to the coded surface. From a perspective distortion of the coded surface in each image, an estimated rotation and viewing distance for each image are estimated, and from the estimated rotations and viewing distances, the position of the nib relative to the optical sensor is estimated. | 03-28-2013 |
| 20130100297 | Method of enabling association of object with surface - A method is provided of enabling association of an object with a surface. In the method a server receives an image of the surface captured with an image sensor of a mobile device networked with the server, receives a request to associate a selected object with the captured image, receives specification of a location on the surface with which the selected object is to be associated, and associates the selected object with the specified location of the captured image of the surface. | 04-25-2013 |
| 20130175349 | Coding pattern comprising registration symbols for identifying the coding pattern - A substrate having a coding pattern disposed on a surface thereof is disclosed. The coding pattern has target elements and data elements. The target elements define a target grid with cells. The data elements are contained in respective cells and include registration symbols identify the coding pattern as being one of a first or second coding pattern. | 07-11-2013 |
| 20130176221 | SENSING DEVICE HAVING CURSOR AND HYPERLINKING MODES - An optical sensing device for controlling a computer system is disclosed. The device has a nib for receiving a nib force upon the nib being pressed against a substrate and a nib switch coupled to the nib. An optical sensor images optically coded data printed on the substrate. A processor effects a mode change between a cursor control mode and a hyperlinking mode upon the nib force actuating the nib switch, generates cursor control data when the optical sensing device is in the cursor control mode, and generates interaction data when the optical sensing device is in the hyperlinking mode. The interaction data indicates a coordinate position of the optical sensing device relative to the substrate. The cursor control data or the interaction data is then communicated to the computer system, where the cursor control data initiates a cursor control response and the interaction data initiates a hyperlinking response. | 07-11-2013 |
| 20130176441 | User interface system employing printed substrate and substrate sensing device - A user interface system includes a substrate having printed thereon user information and coded data, the coded data identifying various spatial regions of the printed substrate, and identifying a position of each coded data on the printed substrate; an optically imaging device configured to interact with the coded data on the substrate, generate interaction data indicating the physical region in which the device is interacting with the substrate; and a first computer system for receiving the interaction data, the first computer system configured to retrieve a digital version of the substrate, identify a digital region in the digital version corresponding to the physical region indicated by the interaction data, generate a query expression comprising of a search term identified from the digital region, and form a request from the query expression. | 07-11-2013 |
