| Patent application number | Description | Published |
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| 20080240816 | Pre-Scanning Printer with Paper Fingerprinting - Techniques for scanning and generating fingerprints for articles prior to the use of the articles. The fingerprinting of the articles is performed such that it is decoupled from the process of using the articles. As a result, the fingerprinting process does not act as a bottleneck to the use of the articles. In one embodiment, a printer is provided that is configured to generate fingerprints for paper sheets loaded into the printer prior to the paper sheets being available for printing. The pre-fingerprinted sheets are then made available for printing. In this manner, the process of fingerprinting of the paper sheets is decoupled from the printing operations performed by the printer. As a result, the fingerprinting process does not act as a bottleneck to the printing process. | 10-02-2008 |
| 20080243702 | Tokens Usable in Value-Based Transactions - Techniques for generating a token that can be used to transfer value. The token may be used to transfer value in a value-based transaction with a vendor in a way that is secure and safe and maintains anonymity of the source of the value and preserves secrecy of information that should preferably not be disclosed to an untrusted third party such as a vendor. The token comprises sufficient information that enables value to be transferred from an account associated with the token to a vendor during a value-based transaction. Such a token may be presented by a user to a vendor in a value-based transaction with the purpose of transferring value involved in the transaction to the vendor in order to complete the transaction. | 10-02-2008 |
| 20080244721 | Techniques for Sharing Data - Techniques for sharing data between users in a manner that maintains anonymity of the users. Tokens are generated and provided to users for sharing data. A token comprises information encoding an identifier and an encryption key. A user may use a token to upload data that is to be shared. The data to be shared is encrypted using the encryption key associated with the token and the encrypted data is stored such that it can be accessed using the identifier associated with the token. A user may then use a token to access the shared data. The identifier associated with the token being used to access the shared data is used to access the data and the encryption key associated with the token is used to decrypt the data. Data is shared anonymously without revealing the identity of the users using the tokens. | 10-02-2008 |
| 20080244752 | Detection of Physical Movement For Document Sharing - A system for using accelerometer-based detection of physical movement for document sharing provides easy and intuitive ways to securely share documents, even without passwords, between computing devices. The system of the present invention includes: at least two computing devices that each have a motion detection device capable of detecting sudden movements and generating a unique signature. The unique signature can then be used to generate signatures or shared secrets for controlling the transfer of data between devices. The motion detection device is capable of detecting sudden movement such as the tapping of the two computing devices together, tapping a stack of computing devices, tossing a computing device in the air. The system may optionally include an intermediary device such as a server for transferring the documents or files between computing devices such that only a small decryption key and file pointer is needed to share records between computing devices. The present invention also includes a novel method for accelerometer-based detection of movement for transferring data between computing devices. | 10-02-2008 |
| 20080278437 | COPYING DOCUMENTS FROM ELECTRONIC DISPLAYS - A system including a Multi Function Printer/Product/Peripheral (MFP) and a portable computing device adapted to allow automatic copying of documents by the MFP from the portable computing device. The portable computing device includes a display, a plurality of sensors for detecting light, a light detection module and a page changing module. The sensors are positioned to detect light from the MFP and trigger a page change automatically. The MFP in accordance with the present invention includes a scanner with a platen, a page change detection module, an image processing module, a device identification module, and a document matching & retrieval module. The page change detection module is adapted to receive the images presented by the portable computing device on the platen of the scanner for copying. The page change detection module detects changes and causes the MFP to scan and output a copy. The MFP may also use image processing techniques to locate an original version of the document on a server and print that higher quality document, instead of the scan from the portable computing device. | 11-13-2008 |
| 20080309636 | Pen Tracking and Low Latency Display Updates on Electronic Paper Displays - A system and a method are disclosed for fast pen tracking a low latency display updates on an electronic paper display. Pen input information is received on an electronic paper display that updates at a predetermined display update rate. A line drawing module of the electronic paper display driver determines at least one pixel to activate based on the received pen input information. The at least one pixel is updated independent of the display update rate of the electronic paper display. Active pixel state information is maintained separately for each pixel in real time until the pixel update is complete and the pixel is deactivated. In some embodiments, a future pixel to activate is determined based on the received pen input information. The future pixel is deactivated if pen input information is not received on the activated pixel for a predetermined amount of time. | 12-18-2008 |
| 20080309648 | Video Playback on Electronic Paper Displays - A system for displaying video on electronic paper displays to reduce video playback artifacts comprises an electronic paper display, a video transcoder, a display controller and a waveforms module. The video transcoder receives a video stream on for presentation on the electronic paper display. The video transcoder processes the video stream and generates pixel data that is provided to the display controller. The video transcoder adapts and re-encodes the video stream for better display on the electronic paper display. In one embodiment, the video transcoder includes one or more of the following processes: encoding the video using the control signals instead of the desired image, encoding the video using simulation data, scaling and translating the video for contrast enhancement and reducing errors by using simulation feedback, past pixels and future pixels. The present invention also includes a method for displaying video on an electronic paper display. | 12-18-2008 |
| 20080309657 | Independent Pixel Waveforms for Updating electronic Paper Displays - A system and a method are disclosed for updating an image on a bi-stable display includes a module for determining a final optical state, estimating a current optical state and determining a sequence of control signals to produce a visual transition effect while driving the display from the current optical state toward a final optical state. The system also includes a control module for generating a control signal for driving the bi-stable display from the current optical state to the final optical state. | 12-18-2008 |
| 20080309674 | Full Framebuffer for Electronic Paper Displays - A system and a method are disclosed for updating a bi-stable display includes a framebuffer for storing waveforms for each pixel individually. The system includes determining a current state of a pixel of the bi-stable display; determining a desired state of the pixel of the bi-stable display; and updating the pixel by applying a determined control signal to the pixel to drive the pixel from the current state to the final state. Updating each pixel occurs independently of the other pixels of the bi-stable display. | 12-18-2008 |
| 20090085806 | APPLICATIONS FOR GEOGRAPHICALLY CODED ACCESS POINTS - Applications and uses for geographic coded of network access points includes a method for generating a geographic code and an associated graphical user-interface; a method for rejecting or filtering out geographic codes of inaccurately labeled access points; a method for using geographic codes as part of network service discovery; a method for using geographic codes as part of resource discovery and display; a method for using geographic codes for asset tracking; a method for using geographic codes for file transfer and an associated user interface; a method for using geographic codes for location tracking; a method for using geographic codes as part of a domain name registry; and a method for sending geographic codes automatically. | 04-02-2009 |
| 20090088182 | Geographic tagging of network access points - A system for geographic tagging of network access points comprises a plurality of access points that have been configured to provide location information as part of their beacon. Each access point provides a service set identifier (SSID) that includes an encoded value that represents the location of the access point. The use of an encoded location value in the SSID of the access point is particularly advantageous because it does not require any additional hardware be added to the access point or the portable computing device. Moreover, location can be determined by any portable device without establishing a connection to the access point. The portable computing devices are adapted to receive the beacon, extract the location information from the beacon and decode the beacon. The present invention also includes a variety of methods including: a method for geographic tagging of network access points, a method for encoding a location into a geographic code, a method for decoding a geographic code into a location, a method for encoding height into a geographic code, a method for decoding height from a geographic code and a method for determining the location using a plurality of geographic codes. | 04-02-2009 |
| 20090088183 | GEOGRAPHICALLY SELF-LABELING ACCESS POINTS - The present invention provides systems and methods for self-labeling access points with their geographic location from received beacon frames. In particular, the present invention transmits beacon frames including temporary location information from mobile devices. The beacon frames are received by an access point, filtered by the access point and then used to determine a location. Once the location has been determined, the access point uses the determined location to self-label itself by converting the location information to a geographic code and inserting it as part of the SSID of the access point's beacon signal. The present invention also includes a number of methods using geographic codes including a method for generating and transmitting geographic codes for mobile devices, a method for determining a location of an access point, a method for self-labeling an access point, and a method for filtering beacon frames. | 04-02-2009 |
| 20090219264 | VIDEO PLAYBACK ON ELECTRONIC PAPER DISPLAYS - A system for displaying video on electronic paper displays to reduce video playback artifacts comprises an electronic paper display, a video display driver, a video transcoder, a display controller, a memory buffer and a waveforms module. The video display driver receives a re-formatted video stream, which has been processed by the video transcoder, from the memory buffer. The video display driver directs the video transcoder to process the video stream and generate pixel data. The video display driver loads waveforms into the frame buffer and updates display commands repeatedly to activate the display controller until the end of the video playback. The video display driver directs copying video frames sequentially one by one from the memory buffer to the frame buffer in real time during the video playback. The video transcoder receives a video stream for presentation on the electronic paper display and processes the video stream generating pixel data that is provided to the display controller. The present invention also includes a method for displaying video on an electronic paper display. | 09-03-2009 |
| 20100245294 | Annotating Digital Files Of A Host Computer Using Networked Tablet Computers - A computer-implemented method comprising receiving, at a tablet display unit of a first tablet that is coupled to a host computer, image data representing a selected portion of a common display file that is stored on an administrator computer; displaying the image data on a stroke-sensitive display of the tablet display unit; receiving user input from the stroke-sensitive display of the tablet display unit and representing handwritten strokes; transmitting the user input to the administrator computer; receiving, from the administrator computer, second image data representing strokes that other users have applied to the same image data using other tablets that are coupled to the administrator computer over a network; displaying, on the stroke-sensitive display, the second image data; storing, in a memory of the tablet display unit, a data file based at least upon the user input and the image data. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100251106 | Annotating Digital Files Of A Host Computer Using A Peripheral Device - In an embodiment, a computer-implemented method comprises receiving, at a tablet computer that is coupled to a host computer, image data representing a selected portion of an electronic document; the tablet computer displaying the same image data on a stroke-sensitive display of the tablet computer; the tablet computer receiving user input from the stroke-sensitive display and representing handwritten strokes; the tablet computer storing, in a memory of the tablet computer, a data file based at least upon the user input and the image data; transmitting the stroke data from the tablet display unit to the coupled host computer where the stroke data appears on the original image data. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20110057884 | STROKE AND IMAGE AGGREGATION AND ANALYTICS - The present invention overcomes the deficiencies of the prior art with a system for stroke and image aggregation and analytics. The system is particularly advantageous because it provides a system for distributing page images such as worksheets, examinations or forms to multiple devices. The system allows independent paging and writing on the distributed materials; collection of the strokes added to the distributed pages images; and aggregating and displaying those strokes or summary information in a useful manner. For example, an instructor might receive the current work of the students for a particular examination question and view those strokes in a parallel manner or a combined manner. | 03-10-2011 |
| 20110060622 | MULTI-PROVIDER FORMS PROCESSING SYSTEM WITH RETRY UPON FAILURE - A multi-provider forms processing system with retry upon failure comprises: a plurality of portable computing devices, a plurality of service providers and a paper-like forms server coupled by a network. The paper-like forms server performs the scheduling, routing, logging, verification and billing for the paper-like processing of compound documents. The paper-like forms server comprises a central schedule, a retry module and a billing module. The multi-provider forms processing system is advantageous because it monitors for failure of transactions, automatically issues a retry or replacement transactions and adjusts the billing for the failed transaction. In particular, the central scheduler tracks and determines when transaction failures occur, and based on these failures revises the billing to users and credits to service providers. The central scheduler also monitors the logs for completion as well as restarts, attempts, failure, reworked and re-performed transaction steps and modifies the bills accordingly. | 03-10-2011 |
| 20110060627 | MULTI-PROVIDER FORMS PROCESSING SYSTEM WITH QUALITY OF SERVICE - A multi-provider forms processing system with a quality of service rating includes a plurality of portable computing devices, a plurality of service providers and a paper-like forms server coupled by a network. The paper-like forms server comprises a central scheduler and service provider manager and rater. The multi-provider forms processing system provides ratings for the service providers that are used in selection of services providers and processing of compound documents. In particular, the central scheduler tracks and determines where transaction failures occur, and based on these failures provides a quality of service rating for each service provider. The central scheduler also monitors the logs for completion as well as restarts, attempts, failure, reworked and re-performed transaction steps and provides ratings that can be reviewed by a user in selecting a service provider or automatically by a selection module. | 03-10-2011 |
| 20110060910 | DEVICE ENABLED VERIFIABLE STROKE AND IMAGE BASED WORKFLOWS - A system for device enabled verifiable stroke and image based workflows comprises a plurality of portable computing devices, coupled by a network to a stroke and image workflow server. The portable computing devices include a display, stroke capture capability and a wireless communication capability. The portable computing devices are adapted to receive images, add stroke annotations to the received images, and send the annotated received images. The stroke and image workflow server is coupled to the network for communication with the portable computing devices. The stroke and image workflow server sends and receives documents from the portable computing devices, maintains a log for verification, and implements a paper like workflow and processing the documents. Essentially, this stroke and image workflow server implements paper like workflow and handles the overhead of processing electronic documents so that it is invisible to the user. | 03-10-2011 |
| 20110060981 | PAPER-LIKE FORMS PROCESSING SYSTEM & METHOD - A system for paper-like forms processing includes a plurality of portable computing devices coupled by a network to a paper-like forms server. The portable computing devices are adapted to receive images (e.g., compound documents/forms), add stroke annotations to the received images, and send the annotated received images or the stoke annotations themselves to the paper-like forms server. The paper-like forms server comprises a central scheduler and a logging module. The paper-like forms server processes compound documents as paper like forms and sends input to and receives results from service providers to perform various types of paper like processing on the compound document. The paper-like forms server performs the scheduling, routing, logging, verification and billing for the paper-like processing of compound documents. The central scheduler also stores results from service providers for later retrieval. | 03-10-2011 |
| 20110061092 | METHOD FOR APPLYING A PHYSICAL SEAL AUTHORIZATION TO DOCUMENTS IN ELECTRONIC WORKFLOWS - A system and method for applying a pre-existing physical seal authorization to documents provides for authentication of electronic documents using physical seals and without interrupting the electronic workflow. The system of the present invention includes a seal capture device coupled to a computer, and the computer coupled by a network to a paper-like document server. The seal capture device detects depression of a seal thereon and outputs the image of the seal and other metadata to the computer. The computer stores the metadata in its local log using a logging module. The computer also adds the image of the seal and other metadata to the electronic document being displayed. Finally, the computer sends the metadata for storage in the global log of the paper-like document server, and the authorized document to the next step in the electronic workflow. The paper-like document server stores the metadata in other servers or entangles the global log with the logs of other servers for additional security. | 03-10-2011 |
