Computer system control via interface surface

• US 6,957,768 B1
• Filed: 05/23/2000
• Issued: 10/25/2005
• 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): Lee, Diane I.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Lee, Seung H
• Application Number:
  US09/575,189
• Time in Patent Office: 1,981 Days
• Field of Search: 235/375, 235/435, 235/439, 235/487
• US Class Current: 235/375
• 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 2/17546 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 specialized liquids, e.g. transparent or 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 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 3/04817 using icons graphical or visual programming using iconic symbols G06F8/34
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0483 Interaction with page-structured environments, e.g. book metaphor
• 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: 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: G06K 19/06037 : multi-dimensional coding
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/10722 : Photodetector array or CCD scanning
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/02 : Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
• 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 1/32101 : 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 1/32771 : 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 2201/3205 : 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

Abstract

A method of enabling a user to instruct a computer system to perform an operation via an interface surface and a sensing device. The interface surface includes an interface, the interface including visible graphical information and substantially invisible coded data. When the sensing device is placed by the user into an operative position relative to the interface surface to designate at least some of the graphical information, it senses indicating data indicative of the operation using at least some of the coded data. The graphical information designated is at least partially indicative, to the user, of the operation. The operation indicated by the indicating data is then performed in the computer system.

Claims

1. A method of enabling a user to instruct a computer system to perform an operation via:

an interface surface including an interface, the interface including visible graphical information and substantially invisible coded data, the coded data being indicative of the operation and an identity of the interface, the graphical information being indicative, to the user, of the operation; and

a sensing device which, when placed by the user into an operative position relative to the interface surface to designate at least some of the graphical information, senses indicating data indicative of the operation using at least some of the coded data;

a printer adapted to print the interface onto the interface surface; and

a computer system adapted to communicate with the sensing device and the printer, the method including the steps of, in the computer system;

receiving, from the user, a request to print the interface;

instructing the printer to print the interface on the interface surface;

receiving the indicating data from the sensing device; and

performing the operation indicated by the indicating data.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the graphical information designated by the user is adjacent, or substantially coincident with, coded data upon which the indicating data is based.

3. A method according to claim 2, wherein the graphical information takes the form of any combination of:

text;

graphics;

images;

buttons;

icons; and

hypertext links.

4. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the coded data takes the form of one or more control tags.

5. A method according to claim 4, wherein each of the control tags defines a discrete bundle of the coded data.

6. A method according to claim 4, wherein each of the control tags has a predetermined spatial extent on the surface.

7. A method according to claim 4, wherein the tags take the form of bar codes.

8. A method according to claim 7, wherein the bar codes are two-dimensional bar codes.

9. A method according to claim 4, wherein each control tag defines coded data that is unique compared to the coded data defined by other control tags on the same surface.

10. A method according to claim 9, wherein the unique coded data associated with each control tag identifies a position of that control tag within a region of the surface.

11. A method according to claim 10, wherein the position is identified relative to the region.

12. A method according to claim 10, wherein the position is identified relative to other control tags on the same surface.

13. A method according to claim 4, wherein each of the control tags includes a common feature in addition to the coded data.

14. A method according to claim 13, wherein the common feature is configured to assist finding and/or recognition of the control tags by the sensing device.

15. A method according to claim 13, wherein the common features are represented in a format incorporating redundancy of information.

16. A method according to claim 4, wherein each of the control tags includes one or more orientation features for enabling a rotational orientation of the control tag being read to be ascertained.

17. A method according to claim 16, wherein the orientation features are represented in a format incorporating redundancy of information.

18. A method according to claim 4, wherein each control tag is defined by a plurality of control tag elements, the coded data being encoded in and defined by the control tag elements.

19. A method according to claim 18, wherein each element takes the form of a dot having a plurality of possible values.

20. A method according to claim 19, wherein the number of possible values is two.

21. A method according to claim 18, wherein when representing one of the possible values, the control tag elements absorb, reflect or fluoresce electromagnetic radiation of a predetermined wavelength or range of wavelengths to a predetermined greater or lesser extent than the interface surface.

22. A method according to claim 21, wherein the possible values of the control tag elements are defined by different relative absorption, reflection or fluorescence of electromagnetic radiation of a predetermined wavelength or range of wavelengths.

23. A method according to claim 10, wherein the coded data identifies remotely stored information defining the relative position.

24. A method according to claim 10, wherein the coded data includes region identification information that identifies the region within which the respective coded data is disposed.

25. A method according to claim 24, wherein the region encompasses substantially the entire surface.

26. A method according to claim 10, wherein the coded data includes data identification information that identifies data associated with the region within which the respective coded data is disposed.

27. A method according to claim 4, wherein the coded data includes region identification information that identifies the region within which the respective coded data is disposed, and at least a predetermined proportion of the control tags includes the region identification information.

28. A method according to claim 4, wherein the coded data includes data identification information that identifies data associated with the region within which the respective coded data is disposed, and at least a predetermined proportion of the control tags includes the data identification information.

29. A method according to claim 1, wherein the surface is defined by a page.

30. A method according to claim 29, wherein the page is paper or any other planar or laminar substrate.

31. A method according to claim 30, including the initial step of printing the coded data onto the surface by means of a printer.

32. A method according to claim 31, wherein the printer is an ink printer.

33. A method according to claim 32, wherein the coded data is printed using ink that is absorptive or reflective in the ultraviolet spectrum or the infrared spectrum.

34. A method according to claim 31, wherein the printer also prints the graphical information onto the interface surface.

35. A method according to claim 34, wherein the graphical information is printed onto the interface surface using colored or monochrome inks.

36. A method according to claim 35, wherein the graphical information is printed onto the interface surface using one of the following combinations of colored inks:

CMY;

CMYK;

CMYRGB; and

spot color.

37. A method according to claim 1, wherein the coded data is disposed on the surface in a magnetically or electrically readable form.

38. An interface system for enabling a user to instruct a computer system to perform an operation via:

an interface surface including an interface, the interface including visible graphical information and substantially invisible coded data, the coded data being indicative of the operation and an identity of the interface, the graphical information being indicative, to the user, of the operation;

a sensing device which, when placed by the user into an operative position relative to the interface surface to designate at least some of the graphical information, senses indicating data indicative of the operation using at least some of the coded data;

a printer adapted to print the interface onto the interface surface; and

a computer system adapted to communicate with the sensing device and the printer, the computer system being configured to;

receive, from the user, a request to print the interface;

instruct the printer to print the interface on the interface surface;

receive the indicating data from the sensing device; and

perform the operation indicated by the indicating data.

39. An interface system according to claim 38, wherein the graphical information designated by the user is adjacent, or substantially coincident with, coded data upon which the indicating data is based.

40. An interface system according to claim 39, wherein the graphical information takes the form of any combination of:

text;

graphics;

images;

buttons;

icons; and

hypertext links.

41. An interface system according to claim 38, wherein the coded data takes the form of one or more control tags.

42. An interface system according to claim 41, wherein each of the control tags defines a discrete bundle of the coded data.

43. An interface system according to claim 41, wherein each of the control tags has a predetermined spatial extent on the surface.

44. An interface system according claim 41, wherein the tags take the form of bar codes.

45. An interface system according to claim 44, wherein the bar codes are two-dimensional bar codes.

46. An interface system according to claim 41, wherein each control tag defines coded data that is unique compared to the coded data defined by other control tags on the same surface.

47. An interface system according to claim 46, wherein the unique coded data associated with each control tag identifies a position of that control tag within a region of the surface.

48. An interface system according to claim 47, wherein the position is identified relative to the region itself.

49. An interface system according to claim 47, wherein the position is identified relative to other control tags on the same surface.

50. An interface system according to claim 41, wherein each of the control tags includes a common feature in addition to the coded data.

51. An interface system according to claim 50, wherein the common feature is configured to assist finding and/or recognition of the control tags by associated control tag reading apparatus.

52. An interface system according to claim 50, wherein the common features are represented in a format incorporating redundancy of information.

53. An interface system according to claim 41, wherein each of the control tags includes one or more orientation features for enabling a rotational orientation of the control tag being read to be ascertained.

54. An interface system according to claim 53, wherein the orientation features are represented in a format incorporating redundancy of information.

55. An interface system according claim 41, wherein each control tag is defined by a plurality of control tag elements, the coded data being encoded in and defined by the control tag elements.

56. An interface system according to claim 55, wherein each element takes the form of a dot having a plurality of possible values.

57. An interface system according to claim 56, wherein the number of possible values is two.

58. An interface system according to claim 56, wherein when representing one of the possible values, the control tag elements absorb, reflect or fluoresce electromagnetic radiation of a predetermined wavelength or range of wavelengths to a predetermined greater or lesser extent than the interface surface.

59. An interface system according to claim 56, wherein the possible values of the control tag elements are defined by different relative absorption, reflection or fluorescence of electromagnetic radiation of a predetermined wavelength or range of wavelengths.

60. An interface system according to claim 47, wherein the coded data identifies remotely stored information defining the relative position.

61. An interface system according to claim 38, wherein the coded data includes region identification information that identifies the region within which the respective coded data is disposed.

62. An interface system according to claim 61, wherein the region encompasses substantially the entire surface.

63. An interface system according to claim 38, wherein the coded data includes data identification information that identifies data associated with the region within which the respective coded data is disposed.

64. An interface system according to claim 41, wherein the coded data includes region identification information that identifies the region within which the respective coded data is disposed, and at least a predetermined proportion of the control tags includes the region identification information.

65. An interface system according to claim 41, wherein the coded data includes data identification information that identifies data associated with the region within which the respective coded data is disposed, and at least a predetermined proportion of the control tags includes the data identification information.

66. An interface system according to claim 38, wherein the surface is defined by a page.

67. An interface system according to claim 66, wherein the page is paper or any other planar or laminar substrate.

68. An interface system according to claim 38, wherein the coded data is printed onto the interface surface by means of a printer.

69. An interface system according to claim 67, wherein the printer is an ink printer.

70. An interface system according to claim 68, wherein the control tags are printed using ink that is absorptive or reflective in the ultraviolet spectrum or the infrared spectrum.

71. An interface system according to claim 68, wherein the printer also prints the graphical information onto the interface surface.

72. An interface system according to claim 71, wherein the graphical information is printed onto the interface surface using colored or monochrome inks.

73. An interface system according to claim 72, wherein the graphical information is printed onto the interface surface using one of the following combinations of colored inks:

CMY;

CMYK;

CMYRGB; and

spot color.

74. An interface system according to claim 38, wherein the coded data is disposed on the surface in a magnetically or electrically readable form.