Abstract:
A system is provided for copying interactive documents which has a copier for scanning a surface of a document, a computer system networked with the copier and a printer networked with the computer system. The document is printed with document content and a plurality of coded tags. Each tag encodes an identity of the document and the position of that tag on the document. The copier incorporates a sensor for sensing the coded tags. The computer system identifies a digital version of the document from the document identity of a sensed tag and determines user input, requesting copy content and/or coded data from the computer system, on the scanned document using the tag position of the sensed tag. The printer prints a copy of the scanned document to incorporate the scanned document content and coded tags and the requested copy content and/or coded data.
Abstract:
A method of enabling user interaction with computer software including, in a computer system, transferring print data to a printer, printing a form responsive to the print data by printing information indicative of a text field coincident with coded data indicative of the text field, so that when a sensing device is moved relative to the text field the sensing device can sense the coded data and generate the indicating data indicative of its movement relative to the text field, using the indicating data to determine the movement and then perform an action associated with the text field based on the movement. The computer system determines a handwritten signature using the movement, determines a predetermined signature using a user identity, and verifies the user by comparing the signatures.
Abstract:
An apparatus for reproducing a visible image depicted in a photograph carrying digitally encoded data printed in invisible ink. The digitally encoded data having pixel values for all pixels in the visible image. The apparatus comprises an illuminating means for illuminating the photograph with invisible radiation; a sensing means for receiving the invisible radiation illuminated on and reflected from the photograph by the illuminating means, the sensing means adapted to detect an interaction of the invisible radiation with the digitally encoded data carried on the photograph; a top substrate in which the illuminating means and the sensing means are encased, the top substrate being transparent to the invisible radiation and having a semi circular cross section in the vicinity of the illuminating means, the top substrate further having a elongated recess for receiving therein the sensing means; means for processing the invisible radiation received by the sensing means, the means for processing operable to decode the digitally encoded data; and an inkjet printer for receiving data from the means for processing data to print a copy of the visible image depicted in the photograph, the data used to print the visible image being generated from the digitally encoded data. The top substrate, in the vicinity of the sensing means, is shaped to define an array of microlenses for focusing the invisible radiation reflected from the photograph onto the sensing means.
Abstract:
An image forming apparatus includes a communication interface unit to receive print data, a detection unit to detect a plurality of areas having a predetermined size from among print areas of the input print data, a controlling unit to generate a predetermined message as a plurality of image patterns, an embedding unit to embed the generated plurality of image patterns in the plurality of detected areas, and a printing unit to print the print data in which a plurality of image patterns are embedded.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to hiding codes in input data, e.g., such as still imagery and motion pictures. One claim recites: embedding an N-bit code with a source signal, N being at least one. The embedding proceeds, for each bit of the N-bit code, according to the following: mapping the bit to a portion of the source signal; changing values of at least two data values associated with the portion in accordance with the bit. The act of changing embeds the N-bit code in a manner that is generally imperceptible to a human observer of the source signal. A related claim recites that the portion includes a data value, and the above method further includes changing the value of the data value in accordance with said bit of the code, an amount of the changing being adjusted based on the value. Of course, other claims and combinations are provided as well.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus for steganographically embedding information in media signals (e.g., audio and video) are provided. One claim recites a method of enabling tracing of a media signal to a distribution point of the media signal, including: providing time and place information associated with the distribution point, the distribution point includes at least speakers to render the media signal to an assembled audience; utilizing a programmed electronic processor, embedding the time and place information in the media signal, such that the time and place information is imperceptibly distributed in the media signal, said embedding alters data representing audible portions of the media signal or alters data representing video picture elements of the media signal to convey the time and place information in the media signal; and at least the place information is recoverable from plural different portions of the media signal. Of course, other claims, combinations and features are also provided.
Abstract:
A method of downloading a software object using a printable surface having disposed therein or thereon coded data is disclosed. Data indicative of the software object is downloaded from a server. Next, a print medium is received in a media feed path of a printer. The print medium includes coded data indicative of an identity of the print medium. A sensor module in the media feed path is used to sense at least some of the coded data, and the identity of the print medium is identified using the sensed coded data. A representation of the software object is next printed on the print medium. Association data associating the software object and the identity of the print medium is generated and transferred to the server.
Abstract:
A system enabling a user to initiate a requested action via a printed substrate. The system comprises: a printed substrate comprising user information and a position-coding pattern; an optically imaging pen comprising a nib, an image sensor and a processor; and a computer system for identifying and initiating the requested action. The processor is configured for decoding the imaged position-coding pattern, determining a first position using the decoded position-coding pattern, and determining a second position using the first position. The second position is different than the first position, and is used by the computer system to identify the requested action.
Abstract:
A system for enabling user interaction with computer software which includes a computer system which transfers print data to a printer, the printer being responsive to the print data to print a form by printing information indicative of a text field coincident with coded data indicative of the text field, so that when a sensing device is moved in an operative position relative to the text field, the sensing device can sense the coincident coded data and generate the indicating data indicative of movement of the sensing device relative to the text field. The computer system uses the indicating data to determine movement of the sensing device relative to the text field and then perform an action associated with the text field based on the movement. The indicating data is indicative of a stroke which defines a sequence of sensing device positions determined from the sensed coded data.
Abstract:
A printed image can be redundantly encoded by printing a visible image using a colorant with a luminance that contrasts with that of the output sheet and printing a redundant image using a colorant with a luminance that varies only slightly from that of the output sheet. Accordingly, the visible image can be easily read by a user while the redundant image is substantially invisible to the human eye at normal reading distances, yet capable of being captured by a conventional digital scanner. In one aspect, redundantly encoded images may be printed on a white background, with visible images printed in black text and redundant images printed in blue in content regions of the visible image and in yellow in its background regions.