Signature capture via interface surface using processing sensor

• US 7,010,147 B2
• Filed: 11/12/2002
• Issued: 03/07/2006
• 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): Wu, Jingge
• Assistant Examiner(s): UPRETI, ASHUTOSH
• Application Number:
  US10/291,824
• Publication Number:
  US 20030103657A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,211 Days
• Field of Search: 382/100, 382/119, 382/120, 382/121, 382/122, 382/123, 382/186, 382/187, 382/188, 382/313, 382/314, 283/45, 283/72, 283/74, 283/75, 283/85, 283/93, 283/113, 178/18.01, 178/18.09, 178/19.01, 178/19.05, 235/454, 235/470, 235/472.01, 235/472.02, 235/472.03, 235/494, 345/156, 345/157, 345/158, 345/173, 345/175, 345/179, 345/180, 345/700, 745/505, 745/507, 713/182, 713/186, 713/185, 710/73, 358/1.18, 358/473, 358/478, 341/1, 341/5, 341/13
• US Class Current: 382/119
• 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 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 21/608 Secure printing
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2203/0384 Wireless input, i.e. hardware and software details of wireless interface arrangements for pointing devices
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2221/2153 Using hardware token as a secondary aspect
• 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 3/03546 : using a rotatable ball at the tip as position detecting member
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/038 : Control and interface arrangements therefor, e.g. drivers or device-embedded control circuitry
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0386 : for light pen
• 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: G06V 30/10 : Character recognition
• 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: G06V 30/1444 : Selective acquisition, locating or processing of specific regions, e.g. highlighted text, fiducial marks or predetermined fields
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 2209/56 : Financial cryptography, e.g. electronic payment or e-cash
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 2209/603 : Digital right managament [DRM]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 2209/805 : Lightweight hardware, e.g. radio-frequency identification [RFID] or sensor
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 9/3247 : involving digital signatures
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 9/3263 : involving certificates, e.g. public key certificate [PKC] or attribute certificate [AC]; Public key infrastructure [PKI] arrangements network architectures or network communication protocols for supporting authentication of entities using certificates in a packet data network H04L63/0823
• 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
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 707/99942 : Manipulating data structure, e.g. compression, compaction, compilation

Abstract

A method of enabling user interaction with computer software running in a computer system via an interface surface and a sensing device. The interface surface contains information relating to the computer software and coded data indicative of a signature field relating to the computer software. When the sensing device is placed in an operative position relative to the interface surface, it senses indicating data indicative of the signature field. The sensing device also generates movement data indicative of the sensing device'"'"'s movement. The indicating data and the movement data are received from the sensing device, and the signature field is identified. Once the signature has been identified, the computer software is operated in reliance on the movement data, and in accordance with instructions associated with the signature field.

Claims

1. A method of enabling a user to interact with computer software running in a computer system via:

an interface surface having disposed therein or therein visible information relating to the computer software and a visible signature zone associated with a signature field and having disposed therein or thereon coded data indicative of an identity of a region of the interface surface containing the signature field and of a plurality of locations within the region; and

a sensing device comprising;

(a) an image sensor adapted to capture images of at least some of the coded data when the sensing device is placed or moved operatively relative to the signature field by the user during the provision of a hand-written signature; and

(b) a processor adapted to;

(i) identify at least some of the coded data from one or more of the captured images;

(ii) determine an orientation, within the captured images, of at least some of the coded data;

(iii) decode at least some of the coded data; and

(iv) generate, using at least some of the decoded coded data;

(A) indicating data indicative of the identity of the region; and

(B) movement data being indicative of the sensing device'"'"'s movement relative to the region;

the method including the steps of, in the computer system;

(a) receiving the indicating data from the sensing device;

(b) receiving the movement data from the sensing device;

(c) identifying the signature field on the basis of the indicating data and the movement data; and

(d) operating the computer software at least partly in reliance on the hand-written signature represented by the movement data, and in accordance with instructions associated with the signature field.

2. The method according to claim 1, including the step of verifying that at least one of the movement data and the position data represents a handwritten signature of the user.

3. The method according to claim 2, including the step of identifying the user.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the step of identifying the user includes using at least one of the movement data and the position data.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the processor is housed within the sensing device.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the processor is adapted to operate at processing speeds ranging from 1 instruction per second to 1×

10¹² instructions per second.

7. The method of claim 6 wherein the processor is adapted to operate at processing speeds ranging from 10 instructions per second to 1×

10⁶ instructions per second.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the image sensor is housed within the sensing device.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the image sensor is adapted to capture images at rates ranging from 1 image per second to 1,000 images per second.

10. The method of claim 9 wherein the image sensor is adapted to capture images at rates ranging from 10 images per second to 200 images per second.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the coded data comprises non-barcode coded data.

12. The method according to claim 1, including the step of generating, in the computer system and using a signature key of the user, a digital signature of digital content related to the computer software.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the digital content is provided by the user.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the digital content is based on data input by the user via the sensing device and interface surface.

15. The method according to claim 12, further including the step of associating, in the computer system, the digital signature with the signature field.

16. The method according to claim 1, including the step of sending, in the computer system, data to the computer software indicative of at least the signature field.

17. The method according to claim 1, wherein position elements are disposed on the interface surface, the sensing device being configured to periodically sense position elements as it is used to draw onto the surface, the method including the step of generating at least one of the movement data and the position data by ascertaining relative displacement of the sensing means over time with respect to at least one of the position elements.

41. The method of claim 1, the sensing device generating at least one of the movement data and position data in accordance with movement of the sensing device with respect to ther coded data.

42. The method of claim 1, the method including printing the interface surface with a printer, to print the information and coded data substantially simultaneously.

43. The method of claim 1, the indicating data representing at least an identity of the interface surface, the method including identifying the signature field in the computer system by:

determining the identity of the interface surface;

using the identity to determine a description of the interface surface; and

,

identifying the signature field from the description and at least one of the movement and the position data.

47. A method according to claim 1, wherein the coded data includes a plurality of tags disposed throughout the region, each tag being indicative of a respective location within the region and the identity of the region.

18. A system for enabling a user to interact with computer software running in a computer system, the system including:

an interface surface having disposed thereon or therein visible information relating to the computer software and a visible signature zone associated with a signature field and having disposed therein or thereon coded data indicative of an identity of a region of the interface surface containing the signature field and of a plurality of locations within the region; and

a sensing device comprising;

(a) an image sensor adapted to capture images of at least some of the coded data when the sensing device is placed or moved operatively relative to the signature field by the user during the provision of a hand-written signature; and

(b) a processor adapted to;

(i) identify at least some of the coded data from one or more of the captured images;

(ii) determine an orientation, within the captured images, of at least some of the coded data;

(iii) decode at least some of the coded data; and

(iv) generate, using at least some of the decoded coded data;

(A) indicating data indicative of the identity of the region; and

(B) movement data indicative of the sensing device'"'"'s movement relative to the region;

the system being configured to, in the computer system;

(a) receive the indicating data from the sensing device;

(b) receive the movement data from the sensing device;

(c) identify the signature field on the basis of the indicating data and the movement data; and

(d) operate the computer software at least partly in reliance on the hand-written signature represented by the movement data, and in accordance with instructions associated with the signature field.

19. The system according to claim 18, wherein the computer system is configured to verify that at least one of the movement data and the position data represents a handwritten signature of the user.

20. The system according to claim 19, wherein the computer system is configured to identify the user.

21. The system according to claim 20, wherein the computer system is configured to identify the user by using at least one of the movement data and the position data.

22. The system according to claim 18, wherein the computer system is configured to use a signature key of the user to generate a digital signature of digital content related to the computer software.

23. The system according to claim 22, wherein the digital content is provided by the user.

24. The system according to claim 23, wherein the digital content is based on data input by the user via the sensing device and interface surface.

25. The system according to claim 23, wherein the computer system is configured to associate the digital signature with the signature field.

26. The system according to claim 18, wherein the computer system is configured to send data to the computer software indicative of at least the signature field.

27. The system according to claim 18, wherein position elements are disposed on the interface surface, the sensing device being configured to periodically sense position elements as it is used to sign the signature onto the surface, at least one of the movement data and the position data being generated by ascertaining relative displacement of the sensing means over time with respect to at least one of the position elements.

31. The system of claim 18 or claim 28, wherein the processor is housed within the sensing device.

32. The system of claim 18 or claim 28, wherein the processor is adapted to operate at processing speeds ranging from 1 instruction per second to 1×

10¹² instructions per second.

33. The system of claim 32 wherein the processor is adapted to operate at processing speeds ranging from 10 instructions per second to 1×

10⁶ instructions per second.

34. The system of claim 18 or claim 28, wherein the image sensor is housed within the sensing device.

35. The system of claim 18 or claim 28, wherein the image sensor is adapted to capture images at rates ranging from 1 image per second to 1,000 images per second.

36. The system of claim 35 wherein the image sensor is adapted to capture images at rates ranging from 10 images per second to 200 images per second.

37. The system of claim 18 or claim 28, wherein the coded data comprises non-barcode coded data.

44. The system of claim 18 or claim 28, the sensing device generating at least one of the movement data and position data in accordance with movement of the sensing device with respect to the coded data.

45. The system of claim 18 or claim 28, the system including a printer for printing the interface surface, to print the information and coded data substantially simultaneously.

46. The system of claim 18 or claim 28, the indicating data representing at least an identity of the interface surface, the system identifying the signature field in the computer system by:

determining the identity of the interface surface;

using the identity to determine a description of the interface surface; and

,

identifying the signature field from the description and at least one of the movement data and the position data.

48. A system according to claim 18, wherein the coded data includes a plurality of tags disposed throughout the region, each tag being indicative of a respective location within the region and the identity of the region.

28. A system for enabling a user to interact with computer software running in a computer system, the system including:

an interface surface having disposed therein or thereon visible information relating to the computer software and a visible signature zone associated with a signature field and having disposed therein or thereon coded data indicative of an identify of a region of the interface surface containing the signature field and of a plurality of locations within the region;

the system being configured to, in the computer system;

(a) receive indicating data from a sensing device, the indicating data being indicative of the signature field, the sensing device comprising;

(a) an image sensor adapted to capture images of at least some of the coded data when the sensing device is placed or moved operatively relative to the signature field by the user during the provision of a hand-written signature; and

(b) a processor adapted to;

(i) identify at least some of the coded data from one or more of the captured images;

(ii) determine an orientation, within the captured images, of at least some of the coded data;

(iii) decode at least some of the coded data; and

(iv) generate, using at least some of the decoded coded data;

(A) indicating data indicative of the identity of the region; and

(B) movement data indicative of the sensing device'"'"'s movement relative to the region;

(b) receive the movement data from the sensing device;

(c) identify the signature field on the basis of the indicating data and the movement data; and

(d) operate the computer software at least partly in reliance on the hand-written signature represented by the movement data, and in accordance with instructions associated with the signature field.

29. The system according to claim 28, wherein the computer system is configured to verify that at least one of the movement data and the position data represents a handwritten signature of the user.

30. The system according to claim 29, wherein the computer system is configured to identify the user by using at least one of the movement data and the position data.

38. The system according to claim 28, wherein the computer system is configured to use a signature key of the user to generate a digital signature of digital content related to the computer software.

39. The system according to claim 38, wherein the signature field is associated with a visible signature zone defined on the interface surface.

40. The system according to claim 38, wherein position elements are disposed on the interface surface, the sensing device being configured to periodically sense position elements as it is used to sign the signature onto the surface, at least one of the movement data and the position data being generated in the form of a locus of the sensing means in relation to the surface by ascertaining relative displacement of the sensing means with respect to at least one of the position elements.

49. A system according to claim 28, wherein the coded data includes a plurality of tags disposed throughout the region, each tag being indicative of a respective location within the region and the identity of the region.