Limited return messaging

• US 20040184111A1
• Filed: 04/02/2004
• Published: 09/23/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 05/25/1999
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Limited
• Original Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Limited
• Inventors: Silverbrook, Kia, Lapstun, Paul, Lapstun, Jacqueline Anne, Scott, Paul Quentin
• Granted Patent: US 7,251,050 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 358/402
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 13/103 for the sheet feeding section
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 13/106 for the sheet output section
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/17503 Ink cartridges
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/17513 Inner structure
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/17523 Ink connection
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/17526 Electrical contacts to the cartridge
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/17546 electronically
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/17553 Outer structure
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/17556 Means for regulating the pressure in the cartridge
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/17563 Ink filters
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/2114 Ejecting transparent or white coloured liquids, e.g. processing liquids B41J2/211 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 29/02 Framework
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 29/13 Cases or covers
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 3/60 for printing on both faces of the printing material
• CPC Class Codes: B42C 19/02 starting with single sheets
• CPC Class Codes: B42C 9/0006 by applying adhesive to a stack of sheets
• CPC Class Codes: B42C 9/0081 applying adhesive to individual sheets for binding them together by fusing, welding B42C9/0093
• CPC Class Codes: B42P 2261/04 Producing books by printing sheets in following order, e.g. for ordering via the Internet
• CPC Class Codes: B43K 23/008 Holders comprising finger grips B43K23/004, B43K23/012 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B43K 24/06 operated by turning means
• CPC Class Codes: B43K 25/02 : Clips
• CPC Class Codes: B43K 29/00 : Combinations of writing implements with other articles
• CPC Class Codes: B43K 29/003 : with optical equipment, e.g. magnifier, viewer
• CPC Class Codes: B43K 29/004 : with more than one object
• CPC Class Codes: B43K 29/08 : with measuring, computing or indicating devices
• CPC Class Codes: B43K 29/093 : with calculators
• CPC Class Codes: B43K 29/10 : with illuminating devices
• CPC Class Codes: B43K 7/005 : Pen barrels
• CPC Class Codes: B43K 7/02 : Ink reservoirs; Ink cartridges B43K7/01 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B65H 29/34 : from supports slid from under the articles
• CPC Class Codes: B65H 37/04 : for securing together articles or webs, e.g. by adhesive, stitching or stapling adhering replacement to expiring web during change of web roll B65H19/18
• CPC Class Codes: C09D 11/50 : Sympathetic, colour changing or similar inks
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/4393 : Multimedia presentations, e.g. slide shows, multimedia albums
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/93 : Document management systems
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/955 : using information identifiers, e.g. uniform resource locators [URL]
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2203/0337 : Status LEDs integrated in the mouse to provide visual feedback to the user about the status of the input device, the PC, or the user
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0321 : by optically sensing the absolute position with respect to a regularly patterned surface forming a passive digitiser, e.g. pen optically detecting position indicative tags printed on a paper sheet constructional details of pen-shaped pointing devices G06F3/03545, G06F3/03542, G06F3/037
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/03545 : Pens or stylus
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/04883 : for inputting data by handwriting, e.g. gesture or text
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/1204 : resulting in reduced user or operator actions, e.g. presetting, automatic actions, using hardware token storing data
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/1265 : Printing by reference, e.g. retrieving document/image data for a job from a source mentioned in the job
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/1285 : Remote printer device, e.g. being remote from client or server
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 40/174 : Form filling; Merging
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 17/00 : Methods or arrangements for effecting co-operative working between equipments covered by two or more of main groups G06K1/00 - G06K15/00, e.g. automatic card files incorporating conveying and reading operations
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/3821 : Electronic credentials
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/3829 : involving key management
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/02 : Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0207 : Discounts or incentives, e.g. coupons or rebates
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0241 : Advertisements
• CPC Class Codes: G06V 10/19 : by sensing codes defining pattern positions
• CPC Class Codes: G06V 30/1423 : the instrument generating sequences of position coordinates corresponding to handwriting preprocessing or recognising digital ink G06V30/32
• CPC Class Codes: G07D 7/005 : Testing security markings invisible to the naked eye, e.g. verifying thickened lines or unobtrusive markings or alterations
• CPC Class Codes: G07D 7/128 : Viewing devices
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00127 : Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00204 : with a digital computer or a digital computer system, e.g. an internet server programmed control between transmitter and receiver or between image input and image output device H04N1/32561
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00206 : Transmitting or receiving computer data via an image communication device, e.g. a facsimile transceiver H04N1/00236 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00244 : with a server, e.g. an internet server fax-servers or the like for store and forward H04N1/324
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00278 : with a printing apparatus, e.g. a laser beam printer
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00326 : with a data reading, recognizing or recording apparatus, e.g. with a bar-code apparatus arrangements for the associated working of recording or reproducing apparatus with related apparatus G11B31/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00355 : Mark-sheet input sensing record carriers G06K7/00; character recognition G06V30/10; document-oriented image-based pattern recognition G06V30/40
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00358 : Type of the scanned marks
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00376 : Means for identifying a mark sheet or area
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00567 : Handling of original or reproduction media, e.g. cutting, separating, stacking
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00968 : by scanning marks on a sheet mark-sheet input means H04N1/00355; sensing record carriers G06K7/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/107 : with manual scanning
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/32101 : Display, printing, storage or transmission of additional information, e.g. ID code, date and time or title
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/32122 : in a separate device, e.g. in a memory or on a display separate from image data
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/32128 : attached to the image data, e.g. file header, transmitted message header, information on the same page or in the same computer file as the image for information embedded in the image H04N1/32144
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/32133 : on the same paper sheet, e.g. a facsimile page header
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/32771 : in response to a request, e.g. for a particular document
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/32776 : using an interactive, user-operated device, e.g. a computer terminal, mobile telephone H04N1/32782, H04N1/32784 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/32778 : using a mark-sheet or machine-readable code request
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/001 : Sharing resources, e.g. processing power or memory, with a connected apparatus or enhancing the capability of the still picture apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0055 : By radio
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0082 : Image hardcopy reproducer H04N2201/0091 - H04N2201/0094 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/3205 : of identification information, e.g. name or ID code H04N2201/3209 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/3226 : of identification information or the like, e.g. ID code, index, title, part of an image, reduced-size image
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/3243 : of type information, e.g. handwritten or text document
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/3247 : Data linking a set of images to one another, e.g. sequence, burst or continuous capture mode
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/3249 : data relating to a linked page or object, e.g. hyperlink
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/3264 : of sound signals
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/3266 : of text or character information, e.g. text accompanying an image H04N2201/3226 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/3267 : of motion picture signals, e.g. video clip
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/3269 : of machine readable codes or marks, e.g. bar codes or glyphs
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/327 : which are undetectable to the naked eye, e.g. embedded codes
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/3278 : Transmission
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/18 : Information format or content conversion, e.g. adaptation by the network of the transmitted or received information for the purpose of wireless delivery to users or terminals
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/04 : adapted for relaying to or from another terminal or user
• CPC Class Codes: Y02D 10/00 : Energy efficient computing, e.g. low power processors, power management or thermal management
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 707/99942 : Manipulating data structure, e.g. compression, compaction, compilation
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 156/1798 : with liquid adhesive or adhesive activator applying means

Abstract

A method of limiting communication between an application and a user, via a sensing device interacting with machine-readable coded data printed on a surface, the method comprising the steps, performed in a computer system, of: receiving interaction data representing the interaction of the sensing device with the coded data, the interaction data enabling identification of the application; transmitting information based on at least some of the interaction data to the application; and enabling transmission of up to a predetermined number of electronic messages from the application to the user.

Claims

1. A method of limiting communication between an application and a user, via a sensing device interacting with machine-readable coded data printed on a surface, the method comprising the steps, performed in a computer system, of:

(a) receiving interaction data representing the interaction of the sensing device with the coded data, the interaction data enabling identification of the application;

(b) transmitting information based on at least some of the interaction data to the application; and

(c) enabling transmission of up to a predetermined number of electronic messages from the application to the user.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein step (c) includes the steps of:

incrementing a contact count for each electronic message sent from the application to the user; and

preventing transmission of further electronic messages once the contact count reaches a predetermined maximum value

3. The method of claim 2, wherein maximum value is one.

4. The method of claim 2, wherein the maximum value is zero.

5. The method of claim 2, wherein the maximum value is set by the user.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the maximum value is set by the user through interaction of the sensing device with the printed competition entry form, the method including the steps of receiving, in the computer system, data indicative of the maximum value from the sensing device.

7. The method of claim 5, wherein the data indicative of the maximum value is indicative of the sensing device having been used to interact with the printed competition entry form to check a box or indicate a selection of the maximum value.

8. The method of claim 5, wherein the data indicative of the maximum value is indicative of the sensing device having been used to interact with the printed competition entry form to write a number, the number being interpreted as the maximum value.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the message is sent by the application in response to an electronic status request sent to by the application by the user.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the electronic message is indicative of a status of the competition.

11. The method of claim 1, further including the steps, performed in the computer system, of:

assigning an alias ID to the user; and

transmitting the alias ID to the application with the information based on the interaction data, thereby maintaining anonymity of the user with respect to the application.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein the printed surface is a product label.

13. The method of claim 9, wherein the application is under the control of a manufacturer, producer or other commercial entity associated with the product label.

14. The method of claim 1, wherein the electronic message is indicative of any one or more of the following:

a confirmation of receipt of the interaction data; and

a response based on the interaction data received in the computer system;

15. The method of claim 1 wherein the surface is a product label including human-readable information.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein at least some of the coded data includes a label identifier.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the label identifier is a unique product item identifier.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the unique product item identifier is an electronic product code.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the machine-readable coded data is substantially invisible to a human.

39. A surface including coded data and human-readable information, configured for use in the method of claim 1 or the system of claim 20.

20. A system for:

enabling an user to enter a competition; and

limiting subsequent communication between a application and the user;

via a sensing device interacting with machine-readable coded data printed on a surface, the system comprising a computer system configured and programmed to;

(a) receive interaction data representing the interaction of the sensing device with the coded data;

(b) transmit information based on the interaction data to the application; and

(c) enable transmission of up to a predetermined number of electronic messages from the application to the user.

21. The system of claim 20, wherein the computer system is configured and programmed to enable the transmission of up to the predetermined number of electronic messages by:

incrementing a contact count for each electronic message sent from the application to the user; and

preventing transmission of further electronic messages once the contact count reaches a predetermined maximum value

22. The system of claim 21, wherein maximum value is one.

23. The system of claim 21, wherein the maximum value is zero.

24. The system of claim 21, wherein the maximum value is set by the user.

25. The system of claim 24, wherein the maximum value is set by the user through interaction of the sensing device with the printed competition entry form, the computer system being configured and programmed to receive data indicative of the maximum value from the sensing device.

26. The system of claim 25, wherein the data indicative of the maximum value is indicative of the sensing device having been used to interact with the surface to check a box or indicate a selection of the maximum value.

27. The system of claim 24, wherein the data indicative of the maximum value is indicative of the sensing device having been used to interact with the surface to write a number, the number being interpreted, the computer system, as the maximum value.

28. The system of claim 20, wherein the surface includes human-readable information, the interaction data representing interaction of the sensing device with the human-readable information such that at least some of the coded data coincident or adjacent the human-readable information is sensed during the interaction.

29. The system of claim 20, wherein the coded data relates to an identity of the surface, and the interaction data is indicative of the identity.

30. The system of claim 20, wherein the form includes one or more of:

information fields that show information about the surface;

button fields that generate one or more actions in the computer system when interacted with by the sensing device; and

entry fields for receiving user input through interaction of the sensing device with the entry fields;

the interaction data representing interaction of the sensing device with the one or more fields.

31. The system of claim 20, wherein the surface is a printed product label.

32. The method of claim 31, wherein at least some of the coded data includes a label identifier.

33. The method of claim 32, wherein the label identifier is a unique product item identifier.

34. The method of claim 20, wherein the unique product item identifier is an electronic product code.

35. The system of claim 34, wherein the application is under the control of a manufacturer, producer or other entity associated with the product bearing the product label.

36. The system of claim 33, wherein the computer system includes a page server configured and programmed to convert the interaction data to form data, and to transmit the form data to the application.

37. The system of claim 20, wherein the computer system includes a netpage registration server configured and programmed to identify the user and to allocate an alias ID to maintain anonymity of the user.

38. The system of claim 20, further comprising an internet-accessible location for posting the electronic messages, the electronic messages being accessible to the user via the location.