Method and system for printing a document

• US 6,728,000 B1
• Filed: 05/23/2000
• Issued: 04/27/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 05/25/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Limited
• Original Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Limited
• Inventors: Silverbrook, Kia, Lapstun, Paul
• Primary Examiner(s): Coles, Edward
• Assistant Examiner(s): RAHIMI, IRAJ A
• Application Number:
  US09/575,191
• Time in Patent Office: 1,435 Days
• Field of Search: 235/487, 345/179, 715/511, 358/1.15, 399/82
• US Class Current: 358/1.15
• 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 2/16511 Constructions for cap positioning B41J2/16547 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/16585 for paper-width or non-reciprocating print heads
• 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 2/17546 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: 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: 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: 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 3/1284 : Local printer device
• 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 10/10 : Office automation; Time management
• 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: 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 1/00244 : with a server, e.g. an internet server fax-servers or the like for store and forward H04N1/324
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00326 : 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 1/00358 : 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 1/23 : Reproducing arrangements
• 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 1/32144 : embedded in the image data, i.e. enclosed or integrated in the image, e.g. watermark, super-imposed logo or stamp
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/32771 : in response to a request, e.g. for a particular document
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/32778 : using a mark-sheet or machine-readable code request
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0082 : Image hardcopy reproducer H04N2201/0091 - H04N2201/0094 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/3201 : Display, printing, storage or transmission of additional information, e.g. ID code, date and time or title
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/3205 : of identification information, e.g. name or ID code H04N2201/3209 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/3207 : of an address
• 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 2201/3242 : of processing required or performed, e.g. for reproduction or before recording H04N2201/3256 and subgroups take precedence
• 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 2201/3269 : 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 2201/3271 : Printing or stamping
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/3278 : Transmission
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 156/1746 : Plural lines and/or separate means assembling separate sandwiches
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 156/1761 : Stacked serially

Abstract

A method for printing a document from a computer including transmitting instructions for printing the document from the computer to a printer, printing the document on the printer in accordance with the instructions received from the computer, and also printing on the document coded data indicative of an identity of the document and a plurality of reference points on the document, wherein the coded data is printed on the document in a form which can be read by an optical sensing device to identify a location of the sensing device relative to the document thereby to invoke a function in relation to the document.

Claims

1. A method of printing a document from a computer including the following steps:

(a) transmitting instructions for printing the document from the computer to a printer;

(b) printing the document on the printer in accordance with the instructions received from the computer; and

(c) printing on the document coded data indicative of an identity of the document and a plurality of reference points on the document;

wherein the coded data is printed on the document in a form which can be read by an optical sensing device to identify a location of the optical sensing device relative to the document and wherein a copy of the document may be requested by directing the optical sensing device towards a zone on the document, which causes the optical sensing device to sense coded data on the document and transmit a message to the printer, or to a computer system operatively connected to the printer, which in turn causes the printer to print a copy of the document.

2. A method according to claim 1 wherein the identity of the document is determined by an identification code issued by a server which issues document identification codes.

3. A method according to claim 1 wherein, as part of the printing process, a digital copy of the document is archived.

4. A method according to claim 3 wherein the digital copy is archived on a server remote from the computer and the printer.

5. A method according to claim 1 wherein changes may be requested to the document by means of an optical sensing device being moved relative to the document, the motions of the optical sensing device being detected by means of coded data printed on the document being detected by the optical sensing device and/or by means of accelerometers associated with the optical sensing device and/or by other movement detecting means, data indicative of the movements of the optical sensing device being transmitted to the printer before a copy of the document is printed incorporating the requested changes.

8. A method according to claim 1 wherein the document has printed on it one or more options which a user may select, each associated with a designated zone on the document, and the user selects an option by moving an optical sensing device on the surface of the document within the associated zone, the optical sensing device transmitting the user'"'"'s selection to the printer.

9. A method according to claim 5 wherein a user draws on the document by drawing on the surface of the document with an optical sensing device, the movements of the optical sensing device being transmitted to the printer and stored with an archived copy of the document.

10. A method according to claim 9 wherein the archived copy of the document can be reproduced both with and without the addition of the lines which the user has drawn on the document.

11. A method according to claim 9 wherein the optical sensing device has a marking nib which leaves markings on the document when the user draws on the document.

12. A method according to claim 9 wherein the optical sensing device is a hand-held device.

13. A method according to claim 1 wherein the coded data is substantially invisible to the human eye.

14. A method according to claim 1 wherein the document is a multi page document and the printer automatically binds the pages together.

6. A method of printing a document from a computer including the following steps:

(a) transmitting instructions for printing the document from the computer to a printer;

(b) obtaining a document identification code which is generated by an identification server;

(c) forwarding a copy of the document to a page server for archiving by reference to the document identification code;

(d) printing the document on the printer in accordance with the instructions received from the computer; and

(e) also printing on the document coded data indicative of the document identification code and at least one reference point on the document, wherein the coded data is printed on the document in a form which can be read by an optical sensing device;

wherein an instruction for performing an action is forwarded from the optical sensing device to the printer, or to a computer system operatively connected to the printer, when the optical sensing device is used to designate a particular zone of the document, and wherein the action is one of the following;

(i) printing a copy of the document or part of the document, (ii) printing a clean copy of the document or part of the document, or (iii) printing status information about the document.

7. A method according to claim 6 wherein the printer also returns the document identification code to the computer for future reference.

15. A method of printing a document from a computer including the following steps:

(a) transmitting instructions for printing the document from the computer to a printer;

(b) printing the document on the printer in accordance with the instructions received from the computer; and

(c) also printing on the document coded data indicative of at least one function associated with the document;

wherein the coded data is printed on the document in a form which can be read by an optical sensing device;

wherein a copy of the document may be requested by directing the optical sensing device towards a zone on the document, which causes the optical sensing device to sense coded data on the document and transmit a message to the printer, or to a computer system operatively connected to the printer, which in turn causes the printer to print a copy of the document.

16. A method according to claim 15 wherein, as part of the printing process, a digital copy of the document is archived.

17. A method according to claim 16 wherein the digital copy is archived on a server remote from the computer and the printer.

18. A method according to claim 15 wherein changes may be requested to the document by means of an optical sensing device being moved relative to the document, the motions of the optical sensing device being detected by means of accelerometers associated with the optical sensing device and/or by other movement detecting means, data indicative of the movements of the optical sensing device being transmitted to the printer before a copy of the document is printed incorporating the requested changes.

19. A method according to claim 15 wherein an instruction for performing an action is forwarded from an optical sensing device to the printer when the optical sensing device is used to designate a particular zone of the document.

20. A method according to claim 19 wherein the action is one of the following:

(a) printing a copy of the document or part of the document;

(b) printing a clean copy of the document or part of the document;

(c) printing status information about the document.

21. A method according to claim 15 wherein the document has printed on it one or more options which a user may select, each associated with a designated zone on the document, and the user selects an option by moving an optical sensing device on the surface of the document within the associated zone, the optical sensing device transmitting the user'"'"'s selection to the printer.

22. A method according to claim 18 wherein a user draws on the document by drawing on the surface of the document with an optical sensing device, the movements of the optical sensing device being transmitted to the printer and stored with an archived copy of the document.

23. A method according to claim 22 wherein the archived copy of the document can be reproduced both with and without the addition of the lines which the user has drawn on the document.

24. A method according to claim 22 wherein the optical sensing device has a marking nib which leaves markings on the document when the user draws on the document.

25. A method according to claim 22 wherein the optical sensing device is a hand-held device.

26. A method according to claim 15 wherein the coded data is substantially;

invisible to the human eye.

27. A system for printing a document from a computer including the following components:

(a) a computer;

(b) a printer;

(c) means for transmitting instructions for printing the document from the computer to a printer;

(d) the printer including means for printing on the document coded data indicative of an identity of the document and a plurality of reference points on the document; and

(e) an optical sensing device for reading the coded data, wherein a copy of the document may be requested by directing the optical sensing device towards a zone on the document, which causes the optical sensing device to sense coded data on the document and transmit a message to the printer or to a computer system operatively connected to the printer, which in turn causes the printer to print a copy of the document.

28. A system according to claim 27 further including an identification server which issues document identification codes.

29. A system according to claim 27 wherein the optical sensing device includes means for transmitting one or more of the following to a receiver associated with the printer:

(a) data sensed by the optical sensing device;

(b) data indicative of the location and/or orientation of the optical sensing device;

(c) data indicative of the movement of the optical sensing device.

30. A system according to claim 27 further including a page server for archiving a digital copy of the document.

31. A system according to claim 28 wherein the computer transmits the document to the printer, a document identification code is requested and received from the identification server, the coded data printed by the printer includes the document identification code, and the document identification code is returned to the computer for future reference.

32. A system according to claim 29 wherein the optical sensing device transmitting means is a wireless transmitter.

33. A system according to claim 27 wherein the optical sensing device has a marking nib which leaves markings on the document when the user moves the optical sensing device on the document.

34. A system according to claim 33 wherein the optical sensing device is a hand-held device.

35. A system according to claim 27 further including means for converting data indicative of movements of the optical sensing device into computer text.

36. A system according to claim 27 further including means for comparing data received from the optical sensing device indicative of a signature with a known signature of the user.

37. A system according to claim 27 further including means for interpreting, storing and retrieving data indicative of movements of the optical sensing device representing lines drawn by the user on the photograph.

38. A system according to claim 27 wherein the coded data is substantially invisible to the human eye.

39. A system according to claim 38 wherein the coded data is printed using an infrared ink and/or an infrared-absorptive ink.

40. A system according to claim 27 further including a document binder which automatically binds pages together for multi-page documents.