Data form having a position-coding pattern detectable by an optical sensor
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A form, comprising:
- a surface;
a position-coding pattern located on the surface and detectable by an optical sensor;
a form layout on the surface indicating at least one entry field for receipt of information; and
an identity pattern on the surface indicating positions on the surface that may be marked to identify the form layout.
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0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Disclosed is a form having a form layout with at least one entry field. It may be printed on a base in the form of a sheet (or any other surface). The surface of the base may have a position-coding pattern. The entry field can be completed using a user unit that has an optical sensor to detect positions on the sheet utilizing the position-coding pattern. The optical sensor can thereby enable digital recording of the information entered in the entry field. The surface may also have an identity pattern that can identify the form layout after recordation by the sensor of the locations defined by the identity pattern.
90 Citations
27 Claims
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1. A form, comprising:
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a surface;
a position-coding pattern located on the surface and detectable by an optical sensor;
a form layout on the surface indicating at least one entry field for receipt of information; and
an identity pattern on the surface indicating positions on the surface that may be marked to identify the form layout. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A method for generating a form, comprising:
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printing on a surface a position-coding pattern detectable by an optical sensor;
printing on the surface a form layout indicating at least one entry field for receipt of information; and
printing on the surface an identity pattern indicating positions on the surface whose arrangement identifies the form layout. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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13. A method for generating a form, comprising:
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on a surface having a position-coding pattern detectable by an optical sensor, printing a form layout indicating at least one entry field for receipt of information; and
printing on the surface an identity pattern indicating positions on the surface whose arrangement identifies the form layout.
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16. A method for processing a form, comprising:
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receiving from an optical sensor position data corresponding to movement of a device containing the optical sensor over a surface having a position-coding pattern detectable by the optical sensor;
determining from the position data a form layout printed on the surface; and
determining from the position data an information entry in an entry field defined by the form layout.
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- 22. A computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions for performing the method of 16.
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23. A method for electronically collecting information from forms, the method comprising:
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providing a user with a form, the form containing printed indicia on a foreground thereof prompting the user to associate written information with the printed indicia, wherein the form further includes preprinted coded information in the background thereof;
encouraging the user to fill in portions of the form using an implement capable of marking the form, the implement being further capable of detecting the preprinted coded information over which the implement passes and generating a signal in response thereto; and
electronically receiving the signal and translating the signal into information reflecting an intention of the user.
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Specification