The present invention provides a method of enabling a first user to record in a computer system, using a business card of a second user, an electronic mail address of the second user, the business card including coded data indicative of the identity of the business card and of at least one reference point of the business card, the method including the steps of: receiving, in the computer system, indicating data from a sensing device regarding the identity of the business card and a position of the sensing device relative to the business card, the sensing device, when placed in an operative position relative to the business card, sensing the indicating data using at least some of the coded data; identifying, in the computer system and from the indicating data a request to record the electronic mail address of the second user; and recording, in the computer system at a location accessible to the first user, the electronic mail address of the second user.
A business card and a pen, which is adapted to detect a position-coding pattern on the business card and calculate a coordinate by means of the pattern. When activating a send box by means of the pen, a computer sends a .vcf file containing the card holder's particulars to a card recipient belonging to the pen holder. When using an optional pen, the .vcf file is sent to a recipient indicated on the keypad of a mobile phone or written on the business card in associated fields or marked in other manners. The pen communicates with a computer wirelessly, for instance via Bluetooth, mobile phone and the Internet. Additional information can be drawn on the back of the business card and be attached to the transmission, such as date and time for the next meeting, a small drawing or sketch etc.
A method and system for enabling user interaction with computer software running in a computer system. The user is provided with an interface surface containing information relating to the computer software and including coded data indicative of at least one interactive element relating to the computer software. A sensing device in the form of an optically sensing stylus contains identifying data indicative of an identity of the user. When the user writes with the stylus, or uses it as a pointer, an operative end of the stylus is brought into contact with the interface surface. The sensing device senses indicating data indicative of the at least one interactive element using at least some of the coded data. The computer system receives the identifying data and the indicating data from the sensing device. The interactive element is identified in the computer system using the indicating data, and user data is identified using the identifying data. The computer software is operated at least partly in reliance on the user data, and in accordance with instructions associated with the at least one interactive element.
A system for enabling user interaction with computer software including a printer and sensing device. The printer receives print data, and prints a form, using the print data, with information related to an interactive element coincident with coded data indicative of the interactive element. The sensing device has an image sensor for capturing images of the coded data and a processor for identifying the coded data from the captured images, determine an orientation and position of the coded data, decode the coded data, generate indicating data using the determined information, and transfers the indicating data to the printer. The printer is responsive to the indicating data to relay the indicating data to a computer system for interpretation.
A method and system for processing postage payments is described. In one configuration a digital pen is utilized to provide a mail piece identifier. The data provided is utilized to account for postage and verify payment of postage.
A system for enabling user interaction with computer software. The system includes a computer system for generating print data and transferring the print data to a printer. The printer is responsive to the print data to print a form by printing information related to at least one interactive element and coded data at least partially indicative of at least one interactive element. The coded data is provided coincident with the information so that when a sensing device is placed in an operative position relative to the information, the sensing device senses the coincident coded data and generates indicating data using the sensed coded data. The indicating data, which is indicative of the at least one interactive element is used by the computer system to identify the at least one interactive element and perform a corresponding action.