US20030195820A1 — Methods and systems for object identification and…

Claim 1

Independent Claim 170 words

1 . A method of facilitating an interaction between a user and a product item, the product item having an identity and the method including the steps of: providing the user with an interface surface associated with the product item and containing information relating to the product item, the interface surface having disposed thereon coded data indicative of the identity of the product item and of a plurality of reference points of the interface surface; receiving, in a computer system, indicating data from a sensing device regarding the identity of the product item and a position of the sensing device relative to the interface surface, the sensing device, when placed in an operative position relative to the interface surface, sensing at least some of the coded data in the vicinity of the sensing device and generating the indicating data using at least some of the sensed coded data; and facilitating, in the computer system and with reference to the indicating data, the interaction between the user and the product item.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 170 words

1 . A method of facilitating an interaction between a user and a product item, the product item having an identity and the method including the steps of: providing the user with an interface surface associated with the product item and containing information relating to the product item, the interface surface having disposed thereon coded data indicative of the identity of the product item and of a plurality of reference points of the interface surface; receiving, in a computer system, indicating data from a sensing device regarding the identity of the product item and a position of the sensing device relative to the interface surface, the sensing device, when placed in an operative position relative to the interface surface, sensing at least some of the coded data in the vicinity of the sensing device and generating the indicating data using at least some of the sensed coded data; and facilitating, in the computer system and with reference to the indicating data, the interaction between the user and the product item.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 47 words

2 . The method of claim 1 in which the interaction is associated with at least one zone of the interface surface and in which the method includes identifying, in the computer system and from the zone relative to which the sensing device is located, the interaction.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 67 words

3 . The method of claim 2 which includes: receiving, in the computer system, data regarding movement of the sensing device relative to the interface surface, the sensing device sensing its movement relative to the interface surface using at least some of the coded data; and identifying, in the computer system and from the movement being at least partially within the at least one zone, the interaction.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 165 words

4 . A method of facilitating an interaction between a user and a product item, the product item having an identity and the method including the steps of: providing the user with an interface surface associated with the product item, the interface surface containing information relating to the product item and having disposed thereon coded data indicative of the identity of the product item and a parameter of the interaction; receiving, in a computer system and from a sensing device, indicating data regarding the identity of both the product item and the parameter of the interaction, and movement data regarding movement of the sensing device relative to the interface surface, the sensing device, when moved relative to the interface surface, sensing at least some of the coded data and generating the indicating data and the movement data using at least some of the sensed coded data; and interpreting, in the computer system, the indicating data and the movement data as it relates to the interaction.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 165 words

4 . A method of facilitating an interaction between a user and a product item, the product item having an identity and the method including the steps of: providing the user with an interface surface associated with the product item, the interface surface containing information relating to the product item and having disposed thereon coded data indicative of the identity of the product item and a parameter of the interaction; receiving, in a computer system and from a sensing device, indicating data regarding the identity of both the product item and the parameter of the interaction, and movement data regarding movement of the sensing device relative to the interface surface, the sensing device, when moved relative to the interface surface, sensing at least some of the coded data and generating the indicating data and the movement data using at least some of the sensed coded data; and interpreting, in the computer system, the indicating data and the movement data as it relates to the interaction.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 165 words

5 . A method of facilitating an interaction between a user and a product item, the product item having an identity and the method including the steps of: providing the user with an interface surface associated with the product item, the interface surface containing information relating to the product item and having disposed thereon coded data indicative of the identity of the product item; receiving, in a computer system, user data from a sensing device regarding an identity of the user and indicating data regarding the identity of the product item, the sensing device containing the user data and, when placed in an operative position relative to the interface surface, sensing at least some of the coded data in the vicinity of the sensing device and generating the indicating data using at least some of the sensed coded data; and facilitating, in the computer system and with reference to the user data and the indicating data, the interaction between the user and the product item.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 165 words

5 . A method of facilitating an interaction between a user and a product item, the product item having an identity and the method including the steps of: providing the user with an interface surface associated with the product item, the interface surface containing information relating to the product item and having disposed thereon coded data indicative of the identity of the product item; receiving, in a computer system, user data from a sensing device regarding an identity of the user and indicating data regarding the identity of the product item, the sensing device containing the user data and, when placed in an operative position relative to the interface surface, sensing at least some of the coded data in the vicinity of the sensing device and generating the indicating data using at least some of the sensed coded data; and facilitating, in the computer system and with reference to the user data and the indicating data, the interaction between the user and the product item.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 58 words

6 . The method of claim 5 in which the coded data is also indicative of a parameter of the interaction, and the method includes receiving, in the computer system, indicating data from the sensing device regarding the parameter of the interaction, the sensing device generating the indicating data using at least some of the sensed coded data.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 44 words

7 . The method of claim 6 which includes receiving, in the computer system, data from the sensing device regarding movement of the sensing device relative to the interface surface, the sensing device generating data regarding its own movement relative to the interface surface.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 101 words

8 . The method of any one of claims 1 , 4 or 5 in which the interaction is selected from the group comprising: (a) providing product information about the product item to the user; (b) recording a purchase transaction relating to the product item; (c) recording a potential purchase transaction relating to the product item; (d) providing comparison information to the user, the comparison information comparing the product information about the product item with product information about another product item; (e) playing a game associated with the product item; and (f) conducting a competition in relation to the product item.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 51 words

9 . A method according to claim 8 wherein the product information comprises information relating to any one of the product item's: (a) cost; (b) contents; (c) weight; (d) place of origin; (e) manufacturer; (f) date of manufacture; (g) date of packaging; (h) use-by date; (i) current owner; and (j) dimensions.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 40 words

10 . A method according to any one of claims 1 , 4 or 5 wherein the interface surface is selected from the group comprising: (a) a label; (b) a package; and (c) a surface of the product item itself.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 27 words

11 . A method according to any one of claims 1 , 4 or 5 wherein the coded data is substantially invisible to the average unaided human.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 29 words

12 . A method according to any one of claims 1 , 4 or 5 wherein the coded data is disposed over a substantial portion of the interface surface.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 22 words

13 . A method according to claim 12 wherein the coded data is disposed over more than 20% of the interface surface.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 22 words

14 . A method according to claim 12 wherein the coded data is disposed over more than 90% of the interface surface.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 52 words

15 . The method of any one of claims 1 , 4 or 5 wherein the method further comprises identifying, in the computer system, that the user has entered handwritten text data by means of the sensing device and effecting, in the computer system, an operation associated with the handwritten text data.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 21 words

16 . The method of claim 15 which includes converting, in the computer system, the handwritten text data to computer text.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 51 words

17 . The method of any one of claims 1 , 4 or 5 wherein the method further comprises identifying, in the computer system, that the user has entered a handwritten signature by means of the sensing device and effecting, in the computer system, an operation associated with the handwritten signature.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 22 words

18 . The method of claim 17 which includes verifying, in the computer system, that the signature is that of the user.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 21 words

19 . The method of claim 17 in which the operation associated with the handwritten signature is associated with payment authorization.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 51 words

20 . The method of any one of claims 1 , 4 or 5 wherein the method further comprises identifying, in the computer system, that the user has entered a hand-drawn picture by means of the sensing device and effecting, in the computer system, an operation associated with the hand-drawn picture.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 42 words

21 . The method of any one of claims 1 , 4 or 5 in which: a portion of the coded data is superimposed with a visual graphic, the visual graphic being at least partially indicative, to the user, of the interaction.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 48 words

22 . The method of claim 1 or claim 4 in which the sensing device contains an identifier which imparts a unique identity to the sensing device and identifies it as belonging to the user and in which the method includes monitoring, in the computer system, the identifier.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 37 words

23 . The method of any one of claims 1 , 4 or 5 which includes providing all required information relating to the interaction in the interface surface to eliminate the need for a separate display device.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 155 words

24 . A system for facilitating an interaction between a user and a product item, the product item having an identity and the system including: a interface surface associated with the product item and containing information relating to the product item, the interface surface having disposed thereon coded data indicative of the identity of the product item and of a plurality of reference points of the interface surface; and a computer system adapted to facilite the interaction in response to receiving indicating data from a sensing device, the indicating data being indicative of the identity of the product item and of a position of the sensing device relative to the interface surface, the sensing device, when placed in an operative position relative to the interface surface, sensing at least some of the coded data in the vicinity of the sensing device and generating the indicating data using at least some of the sensed coded data.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 155 words

24 . A system for facilitating an interaction between a user and a product item, the product item having an identity and the system including: a interface surface associated with the product item and containing information relating to the product item, the interface surface having disposed thereon coded data indicative of the identity of the product item and of a plurality of reference points of the interface surface; and a computer system adapted to facilite the interaction in response to receiving indicating data from a sensing device, the indicating data being indicative of the identity of the product item and of a position of the sensing device relative to the interface surface, the sensing device, when placed in an operative position relative to the interface surface, sensing at least some of the coded data in the vicinity of the sensing device and generating the indicating data using at least some of the sensed coded data.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 22 words

25 . The system of claim 24 in which the interaction is associated with at least one zone of the interface surface.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 31 words

26 . The system of claim 24 which includes the sensing device, the sensing device sensing its movement relative to the interface surface using at least some of the coded data.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 155 words

27 . A system for facilitating an interaction between a user and a product item, the product item having an identity and the system including an interface surface associated with the product item, the interface surface containing information relating to the product item and having disposed thereon coded data indicative of the identity of the product item and of a parameter of the interaction; and a computer system for receiving, from a sensing device, indicating data regarding the identity of both the product item and the parameter of the interaction, and movement data regarding movement of the sensing device relative to the interface surface, and for interpreting the movement of the sensing device as it relates to the interaction, the sensing device, when moved relative to the interface surface, sensing at least some of the coded data and generating the indicating data and the movement data using at least some of the sensed coded data.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 155 words

27 . A system for facilitating an interaction between a user and a product item, the product item having an identity and the system including an interface surface associated with the product item, the interface surface containing information relating to the product item and having disposed thereon coded data indicative of the identity of the product item and of a parameter of the interaction; and a computer system for receiving, from a sensing device, indicating data regarding the identity of both the product item and the parameter of the interaction, and movement data regarding movement of the sensing device relative to the interface surface, and for interpreting the movement of the sensing device as it relates to the interaction, the sensing device, when moved relative to the interface surface, sensing at least some of the coded data and generating the indicating data and the movement data using at least some of the sensed coded data.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 156 words

28 . A system for facilitating an interaction between a user and a product item, the product item having an identity and the system including: a interface surface associated with the product item, the interface surface containing information relating to the product item and having disposed thereon coded data indicative of the identity of the product item; and a computer system adapted to receive from a sensing device user data regarding an identity of the user and indicating data regarding the identity of the product item, and for facilitating, with reference to the user data and the indicating data, the interaction between the user and the product item, the sensing device containing the user data and, when placed in an operative position relative to the interface surface, sensing at least some of the coded data in the vicinity of the sensing device and generating the indicating data using at least some of the sensed coded data.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 156 words

28 . A system for facilitating an interaction between a user and a product item, the product item having an identity and the system including: a interface surface associated with the product item, the interface surface containing information relating to the product item and having disposed thereon coded data indicative of the identity of the product item; and a computer system adapted to receive from a sensing device user data regarding an identity of the user and indicating data regarding the identity of the product item, and for facilitating, with reference to the user data and the indicating data, the interaction between the user and the product item, the sensing device containing the user data and, when placed in an operative position relative to the interface surface, sensing at least some of the coded data in the vicinity of the sensing device and generating the indicating data using at least some of the sensed coded data.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 53 words

29 . The system of claim 28 in which the coded data is also indicative of a parameter of the interaction, the computer system receiving indicating data from the sensing device regarding the parameter of the interaction, and the sensing device generating the indicating data using at least some of the coded data.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 23 words

30 . The system of claim 28 which includes the sensing device, the sensing device sensing its movement relative to the interface surface.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 101 words

31 . The system of any one of claims 24 , 27 or 28 in which the interaction is selected from the group comprising: (a) providing product information about the product item to the user; (b) recording a purchase transaction relating to the product item; (c) recording a potential purchase transaction relating to the product item; (d) providing comparison information to the user, the comparison information comparing the product information about the product item with product information about another product item; (e) playing a game associated with the product item; and (f) conducting a competition in relation to the product item.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 50 words

32 . The system of claim 31 wherein the product information comprises information relating to any one of the product item's: (a) cost; (b) contents; (c) weight; (d) place of origin; (e) manufacturer; (f) date of manufacture; (g) date of packaging; (h) use-by date; (i) current owner; and (j) dimensions.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 39 words

33 . The system of any one of claims 24 , 27 or 28 wherein the interface surface is selected from the group comprising: (a) a label; (b) a package; and (c) a surface of the product item itself.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 26 words

34 . The system of any one of claims 24 , 27 or 28 wherein the coded data is substantially invisible to the average unaided human.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 28 words

35 . The system of any one of claims 24 , 27 or 28 wherein the coded data is disposed over a substantial portion of the interface surface.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 21 words

36 . The system of claim 35 wherein the coded data is disposed over more than 20% of the interface surface.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 21 words

37 . The system of claim 35 wherein the coded data is disposed over more than 90% of the interface surface.

Claim 44

Dependent Claim 23 words

38 . The system of any one of claims 24 , 27 and 28 in which the sensing device includes a marking nib.

Claim 45

Dependent Claim 39 words

39 . The system of any one of claims 24 , 27 and 28 in which the sensing device contains an identifier which imparts a unique identity to the sensing device and identifies it as belonging to the user.

Claim 46

Dependent Claim 135 words

40 . The method of any one of claims 1 , 4 or 5 wherein the coded data is disposed on the interface surface in accordance with a layout, the layout having at least order n rotational symmetry, where n is at least two, the layout encoding an orientation codeword comprising a sequence of an integer multiple m of n symbols, where m is one or more, each encoded symbol being distributed at n locations about a center of rotational symmetry of the layout such that decoding the symbols at each of the n orientations of the layout produces n representations of the orientation codeword, each representation comprising a different cyclic shift of the orientation codeword and being indicative of the degree of rotation of the layout, and wherein the orientation codeword is fault tolerant.

Claim 47

Dependent Claim 94 words

41 . The method of any one of claims 1 , 4 or 5 wherein the coded data is disposed on the interface surface in accordance with a layout, the layout having at least order n rotational symmetry, where n is at least two, the layout including n identical sub-layouts rotated 1/n revolutions apart about a center of rotational symmetry of the layout, the coded data disposed in accordance with each sub-layout including rotation-indicating data that distinguishes the rotation of that sub-layout from the rotation of at least one other sub-layout within the layout.

Claim 48

Dependent Claim 93 words

42 . The method of any one of claims 1 , 4 or 5 wherein the coded data is disposed on the interface surface in accordance with a layout having n-fold rotational symmetry, where n is at least two, the layout including n identical first sub-layouts rotated 1/n revolutions apart about a center of rotational symmetry of the layout, the coded data disposed in accordance with each first sub-layout including rotation-indicating data that distinguishes the rotation of that first sub-layout from the rotation of at least one other first sub-layout within the layout.

Claim 49

Dependent Claim 135 words

43 . The system of any one of claims 24 , 27 or 28 wherein the coded data is disposed on the interface surface in accordance with a layout, the layout having at least order n rotational symmetry, where n is at least two, the layout encoding an orientation codeword comprising a sequence of an integer multiple m of n symbols, where m is one or more, each encoded symbol being distributed at n locations about a center of rotational symmetry of the layout such that decoding the symbols at each of the n orientations of the layout produces n representations of the orientation codeword, each representation comprising a different cyclic shift of the orientation codeword and being indicative of the degree of rotation of the layout, and wherein the orientation codeword is fault tolerant.

Claim 50

Dependent Claim 94 words

44 . The system of any one of claims 24 , 27 or 28 wherein the coded data is disposed on the interface surface in accordance with a layout, the layout having at least order n rotational symmetry, where n is at least two, the layout including n identical sub-layouts rotated 1/n revolutions apart about a center of rotational symmetry of the layout, the coded data disposed in accordance with each sub-layout including rotation-indicating data that distinguishes the rotation of that sub-layout from the rotation of at least one other sub-layout within the layout.

Claim 51

Dependent Claim 93 words

45 . The system of any one of claims 24 , 27 or 28 wherein the coded data is disposed on the interface surface in accordance with a layout having n-fold rotational symmetry, where n is at least two, the layout including n identical first sub-layouts rotated 1/n revolutions apart about a center of rotational symmetry of the layout, the coded data disposed in accordance with each first sub-layout including rotation-indicating data that distinguishes the rotation of that first sub-layout from the rotation of at least one other first sub-layout within the layout.

Claim 52

Dependent Claim 57 words

46 . An interactive product item adapted for interaction with a user via a sensing device and a computer system, and comprising: a product item having an identity; an interface surface associated with the product item and having disposed thereon information relating to the product item and coded data indicative of the identity of the product item.

Claim 53

Dependent Claim 57 words

46 . An interactive product item adapted for interaction with a user via a sensing device and a computer system, and comprising: a product item having an identity; an interface surface associated with the product item and having disposed thereon information relating to the product item and coded data indicative of the identity of the product item.

Claim 54

Dependent Claim 26 words

47 . The interactive product item of claim 46 wherein the coded data is further indicative of a plurality of reference points of the interface surface.

Claim 55

Dependent Claim 25 words

48 . The interactive product item of claim 46 or claim 47 wherein the coded data is further indicative of a parameter of an interaction.

Claim 56

Dependent Claim 34 words

49 . The interactive product item of claim 46 wherein the interface surface is selected from the group comprising: (a) a label; (b) a package; and (c) a surface of the product item itself.

Claim 57

Dependent Claim 130 words

50 . The interactive product item of claim 49 wherein the coded data is disposed on the interface surface in accordance with a layout, the layout having at least order n rotational symmetry, where n is at least two, the layout encoding an orientation codeword comprising a sequence of an integer multiple m of n symbols, where m is one or more, each encoded symbol being distributed at n locations about a center of rotational symmetry of the layout such that decoding the symbols at each of the n orientations of the layout produces n representations of the orientation codeword, each representation comprising a different cyclic shift of the orientation codeword and being indicative of the degree of rotation of the layout, and wherein the orientation codeword is fault tolerant.

Claim 58

Dependent Claim 89 words

51 . The interactive product item of claim 49 wherein the coded data is disposed on the interface surface in accordance with a layout, the layout having at least order n rotational symmetry, where n is at least two, the layout including n identical sub-layouts rotated 1/n revolutions apart about a center of rotational symmetry of the layout, the coded data disposed in accordance with each sub-layout including rotation-indicating data that distinguishes the rotation of that sub-layout from the rotation of at least one other sub-layout within the layout.

Claim 59

Dependent Claim 88 words

52 . The interactive product item of claim 49 wherein the coded data is disposed on the interface surface in accordance with a layout having n-fold rotational symmetry, where n is at least two, the layout including n identical first sub-layouts rotated 1/n revolutions apart about a center of rotational symmetry of the layout, the coded data disposed in accordance with each first sub-layout including rotation-indicating data that distinguishes the rotation of that first sub-layout from the rotation of at least one other first sub-layout within the layout.

Methods and systems for object identification and interaction

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