WO2001033491A1 - Data-reading computer tracking device, system and method utilizing same - Google Patents

Data-reading computer tracking device, system and method utilizing same Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2001033491A1
WO2001033491A1 PCT/IL2000/000696 IL0000696W WO0133491A1 WO 2001033491 A1 WO2001033491 A1 WO 2001033491A1 IL 0000696 W IL0000696 W IL 0000696W WO 0133491 A1 WO0133491 A1 WO 0133491A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
web page
address
data
computer
reader
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IL2000/000696
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Hagai Ramati
Original Assignee
Hagai Ramati
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Hagai Ramati filed Critical Hagai Ramati
Priority to AU11719/01A priority Critical patent/AU1171901A/en
Publication of WO2001033491A1 publication Critical patent/WO2001033491A1/en

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/03—Arrangements for converting the position or the displacement of a member into a coded form
    • G06F3/033—Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user, e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor
    • G06F3/0354—Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user, e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor with detection of 2D relative movements between the device, or an operating part thereof, and a plane or surface, e.g. 2D mice, trackballs, pens or pucks
    • G06F3/03543—Mice or pucks
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/002—Specific input/output arrangements not covered by G06F3/01 - G06F3/16
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/03—Arrangements for converting the position or the displacement of a member into a coded form
    • G06F3/033—Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user, e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/03—Arrangements for converting the position or the displacement of a member into a coded form
    • G06F3/033—Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user, e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor
    • G06F3/0338—Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user, e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor with detection of limited linear or angular displacement of an operating part of the device from a neutral position, e.g. isotonic or isometric joysticks
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/03—Arrangements for converting the position or the displacement of a member into a coded form
    • G06F3/033—Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user, e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor
    • G06F3/0354—Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user, e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor with detection of 2D relative movements between the device, or an operating part thereof, and a plane or surface, e.g. 2D mice, trackballs, pens or pucks
    • G06F3/03545—Pens or stylus
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/03—Arrangements for converting the position or the displacement of a member into a coded form
    • G06F3/033—Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user, e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor
    • G06F3/0354—Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user, e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor with detection of 2D relative movements between the device, or an operating part thereof, and a plane or surface, e.g. 2D mice, trackballs, pens or pucks
    • G06F3/03547—Touch pads, in which fingers can move on a surface
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/03—Arrangements for converting the position or the displacement of a member into a coded form
    • G06F3/033—Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user, e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor
    • G06F3/0354—Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user, e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor with detection of 2D relative movements between the device, or an operating part thereof, and a plane or surface, e.g. 2D mice, trackballs, pens or pucks
    • G06F3/03549—Trackballs
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/03—Arrangements for converting the position or the displacement of a member into a coded form
    • G06F3/033—Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user, e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor
    • G06F3/039—Accessories therefor, e.g. mouse pads
    • G06F3/0395—Mouse pads

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a data-reading computer tracking device, and to a system and method utilizing same or a computer integrated, add-on or connectable data-reader. More particularly, the present invention related to a code-reading computer tracking device, such as a mouse or a pointer, or to a computer integrated, add-on or connectable data-reader and the use thereof for automatically entering an electronic address, such as a web page address or an electronic mail address into a user client and optionally and preferably automatically accessing a web page.
  • a code-reading computer tracking device such as a mouse or a pointer
  • an electronic address such as a web page address or an electronic mail address into a user client and optionally and preferably automatically accessing a web page.
  • a barcode is a code which is presently used for providing efficient identification of products and/or additional information pertaining to the product.
  • a barcode typically includes a plurality of bars, or concentric circles, the thickness thereof and the spaces therebetween are used to code information pertaining to the product.
  • Two dimensional barcodes which are used to encode a larger amount of information are also known.
  • Magnetic barcodes are also known.
  • a barcode is identified and interpreted by a barcode reader. Such a reader typically includes an optical system capable of differentiating between different barcodes on the basis of the thickness of, and/or the spaces between, the bars thereof. Magnetic barcode readers are also known.
  • a computer tracking device is an accessory which is used to operate a computer.
  • Several such devices are known, including, but not limited to a mouse, a pointer, a track ball, a track stick, a track pad, Internet-TV remote control, etc.
  • the tracking device assists a user of pointing to a desired location of the computer's screen and to thereby either automatically or by further manual operation to activate a function of the computer or of a software operated thereby.
  • the internet serves a plurality of functions, amongst which is the quick access to information, including, but not limited to, promotional and advertising information.
  • information including, but not limited to, promotional and advertising information.
  • a user is required to enter an alphanumeric address of a certain web page on the net or an alphanumeric electronic mail address. To do so, the user typically uses a computer's keyboard which is both cumbersome and inherently calls for mistakes in entering the correct address.
  • an electronic address such as a web page address or an electronic mail address
  • a data-reading computer tracking device comprising a computer tracking device and a data-reader being integrated therein, the data-reader being for reading a printed form of an electronic address.
  • a system for automatically entering an electronic address comprising (a) a user-client; and (b) a data-reading computer tracking device including a computer tracking device and a data-reader being integrated therein, the data-reading computer tracking device effectively communicating with the user-client for entering the electronic address thereto by reading and interpreting a printed form of the electronic address.
  • a method of automatically entering an electronic address into a user-client comprising the step of using a data-reading computer tracking device including a computer tracking device and a data- reader being integrated therein for reading and interpreting a printed form of the electronic address and for automatically entering the electronic address into a user-client with which the data-reading computer tracking device communicates.
  • a system for automatically entering an electronic address comprising (a) a user-client; and (b) a data-reader effectively communicating with the user-client for entering the electronic address thereto by reading and interpreting a printed form of the electronic address.
  • a method of automatically entering an electronic address into a user-client comprising the step of using a data-reader for reading and interpreting a printed form of the electronic address and for automatically entering the electronic address into a user-client with which the data-reading computer tracking device communicates.
  • the electronic address is selected from the group consisting of an electronic mail address and a web page address.
  • the printed form of the electronic address is selected from the group consisting of a print of the electronic address and a print of a code of the electronic address.
  • the user client stores and operates a software designed to automatically communicate the electronic address to a second software selected from the group consisting of an electronic mail software or to a web page browser software, stored and operated by the user client.
  • a system for automatically accessing a web page comprising (a) a user-client; and (b) a data-reading computer tracking device including a computer tracking device and a data-reader being integrated therein, the data-reading computer tracking device effectively communicating with the user-client for entering a web page address thereto by reading and interpreting a printed form of the web page address or a printed code thereof and further for actuating access to the web page.
  • a method of automatically accessing a web page comprising the step of using a data-reading computer tracking device including a computer tracking device and a data-reader being integrated therein for reading and interpreting a printed form of the web page address and for automatically entering the web page address into a user-client with which the data-reading computer tracking device communicates and further for actuating access to the web page.
  • a data-reading computer tracking device including a computer tracking device and a data-reader being integrated therein for reading and interpreting a printed form of the web page address and for automatically entering the web page address into a user-client with which the data-reading computer tracking device communicates and further for actuating access to the web page.
  • a system for automatically accessing a web page comprising (a) a user-client; and (b) a data-reader effectively communicating with the user-client for entering a web page address thereto by reading and interpreting a printed form of the web page address or a printed code thereof and further for actuating access to the web page.
  • a method of automatically accessing a web page comprising the step of using a data-reader for reading and interpreting a printed form of the web page address and for automatically entering the web page address into a user-client with which the data-reader communicates and further for actuating access to the web page.
  • the computer tracking device is selected from the group consisting of a mouse, a pointer, a track ball, a track stick and a track pad.
  • the data-reader includes a barcode reader.
  • the data-reader includes an optical scanner.
  • the printed form of the web page address is selected from the group consisting of a print of the web page address and a print of a code of the web page address.
  • the code is a barcode.
  • the user client stores and operates a software designed to automatically communicate the web page address to a web page browser software, stored and operated by the user client.
  • the user client stores and operates a software designed to automatically render operative, and communicate the web page address to, a web page browser software, stored and operated by the user client.
  • the user client is selected from the group consisting of a desk top computer, a laptop computer, a palmtop computer, an integrated cellular phone-computer, a personal assist device and an Internet- TV.
  • a mouse pad comprising a pad being adapter for dragging a computer mouse thereon having at least one barcode encoding an electronic address being printed thereon.
  • the present invention successfully addresses the shortcomings of the presently known configurations by providing a data-reading computer tracking device or a user client integrated, add-on or connectable data- reader, a system including same and a method using same for automatically entering an electronic address, such as a web page address or an electronic mail address into a user client and optionally and preferably automatically accessing a web page.
  • Implementation of the device, system and method of the present invention involves performing or completing selected tasks or steps manually, automatically, or a combination thereof.
  • several selected steps could be implemented by hardware or by software on any operating system of any firmware or a combination thereof.
  • selected steps of the invention could be implemented as a chip or a circuit.
  • selected steps of the invention could be implemented as a plurality of software instructions being executed by a computer using any suitable operating system.
  • selected steps of the method and system of the invention could be described as being performed by a data processor, such as a computing platform for executing a plurality of instructions.
  • FIGs. la-b are perspective top and bottom views of a mouse including a data-reader according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a pointer for use with touch screen, e.g., in personal assist devices such as palmtop computers and computers installed in cellular telephones, including a data-reader according to the present invention
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view of track-ball including a data-reader according to the present invention
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a track-stick including a data-reader according to the present invention
  • FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a track-pad including a data-reader according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 6 is a top view of an Internet- TV remote control including a data-reader according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 7 is a schematic depiction of a system according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a mouse pad according to the present invention.
  • the present invention is of a data-reading computer tracking device or computer integrated, add-on or connectable data-reader and a system and method utilizing same which can be used for automatically entering an electronic address, such as a web page address or an electronic mail address into an desired software stored in, and executed by, a user client.
  • an electronic address such as a web page address or an electronic mail address
  • the present invention can be used to enable automatic access to a web page.
  • Figure 7 illustrates a system according to the present invention which is designed for automatically entering an electronic address in a computer readable form into a computer device, which is referred to hereinbelow as system 10.
  • System 10 according to the present invention includes a user-client 12.
  • user client includes, but is not limited to, personal computers (PC) having an operating system such as DOS, WindowsTM, OS/2TM or Linux; MacintoshTM computers; computers having JAVATM-OS as the operating system; and graphical workstations such as the computers of Sun MicrosystemsTM and Silicon GraphicsTM, and other computers having some version of the UNIX operating system such as AIXTM or SOLARISTM of Sun MicrosystemsTM; a PalmPilotTM, a PilotPCTM, Nokia CommunicatorTM or any other handheld device; or any other known and available operating system.
  • PC personal computers
  • an operating system such as DOS, WindowsTM, OS/2TM or Linux
  • MacintoshTM computers computers having JAVATM-OS as the operating system
  • graphical workstations such as the computers of Sun MicrosystemsTM and Silicon GraphicsTM, and other computers having some version of the UNIX operating system such as AIXTM or SOLARISTM of Sun MicrosystemsTM; a PalmPilotTM, a PilotPCTM, Nokia CommunicatorTM
  • the term further includes mobile cellular telephone devices and mobile cellular communicator devices having, in addition to telephone properties, capabilities similar to those of a personal computer (PC) or a personal digital assistant (PDA).
  • the term also includes television devices, such as Internet- TV devices, having, in addition to broadcasting reception properties, capabilities similar to those of a personal computer (PC) or a personal digital assistant (PDA).
  • PC personal computer
  • PDA personal digital assistant
  • Such capabilities enable connecting to the Internet and/or mailing/receiving electronic mail messages and/or attachments.
  • WindowsTM includes but is not limited to Windows95TM, Windows 3.xTM in which "x” is an integer such as " 1 ", Windows NTTM, Windows98TM, Windows CETM and any upgraded versions of these operating systems by Microsoft Inc. (Seattle, Washington, USA).
  • system 10 according to the present invention further includes a data-reading computer tracking device 14.
  • device 14 includes a computer tracking device 16 and a data-reader 18 which is integrated therein.
  • data-reading computer tracking device 14 effectively communicates with user-client 12 for entering the electronic address thereto in a computer readable form by reading and interpreting a printed form, either coded or non-coded, of the electronic address.
  • Such an electronic address can be of, for example, a web page, such as, but not limited to, fttp or ftp web page address, or of an electronic mail address.
  • device 14 can, for example, be realized as a computer mouse 15.
  • Such a mouse includes a minimally protruding track ball 20 capable of freely rolling in a socket 22.
  • Mouse 15 further includes operation buttons 24 for actuating software functions.
  • data-reader 18 Integrated in computer mouse 15 is data-reader 18, which is described in more detail hereinunder. To operate, such a mouse requires communication with user client 12 and a dedicated software installed on user client 12 and operated thereby. The actuation of such mouse software is preferably entered into the initiation protocol of user client 12, such that it is rendered operative upon starting user client 12.
  • device 14 can, for example, be realized as a pointer 26 for use with touch screen, e.g., in personal assist devices such as palmtop computers and computers installed in cellular telephones.
  • a pointer includes a pointed tip designed for permitting the required pointing resolution.
  • data-reader 18 Integrated in pointer 26 is data-reader 18, which is described in more detail hereinunder.
  • Pointer 15 preferably further includes operation buttons 24 for actuating software functions. To operate, such a pointer requires communication with user client 12 and a dedicated software installed on user client 12 and operated thereby. The actuation of such software is preferably entered into the initiation protocol of user client 12, such that it is rendered operative upon starting user client 12.
  • device 14 can, for example, be realized as a track ball device 30.
  • a track ball device includes a substantially protruding track ball 32 capable of freely rolling in a socket 34. Such rolling occurs, for example, when the ball is rolled by the hand of a user.
  • Internal detectors are used to monitor the movement of the ball and to accordingly move a courser, such as an arrow, a bar or sand-watch, on the computer screen.
  • Device 30 further includes operation buttons 24 for actuating software functions.
  • data-reader 18 Integrated in device 30 is data-reader 18, which is described in more detail hereinunder. To operate, such a track ball device requires communication with user client 12 and a dedicated software installed on user client 12 and operated thereby.
  • device 14 can, for example, be realized as a track stick device 40.
  • a track stick device includes a track stick 42 capable of freely rotating in a socket 44. Such rotation occurs, for example, when the stick is rotated by the hand of a user.
  • Internal detectors are used to monitor the movement of the stick and to accordingly move a courser, such as an arrow, a bar or sand-watch, on the computer screen.
  • Device 40 further includes operation buttons 24 for actuating software functions.
  • data-reader 18 is described in more detail hereinunder.
  • such a track stick device requires communication with user client 12 and a dedicated software installed on user client 12 and operated thereby.
  • the actuation of such a software is preferably entered into the initiation protocol of user client 12, such that it is rendered operative upon starting user client 12.
  • device 14 can, for example, be realized as a track pad device 50.
  • a track pad device includes a track pad 52 which includes sensors for sensing an object, such as a finger dragged thereon and accordingly move a courser, such as an arrow, a bar or sand-watch, on the computer screen.
  • Device 50 further includes operation buttons 24 for actuating software functions.
  • Integrated in device 40 is data-reader 18, which is described in more detail hereinunder.
  • To operate, such a track pad device requires communication with user client 12 and a dedicated software installed on user client 12 and operated thereby. The actuation of such a software is preferably entered into the initiation protocol of user client 12, such that it is rendered operative upon starting user client 12.
  • device 14 can, for example, be realized as an
  • Such a remote control includes a tracking mechanism, which can be realized as any of the above mechanisms, or as, say, four finger operated direction indicators 62 used to move a courser, such as an arrow, a bar or sand-watch, on the TV screen.
  • Control 60 further includes operation buttons 24 for actuating software functions.
  • data-reader 18 Integrated in device 40 is data-reader 18, which is described in more detail hereinunder. To operate, such a remote control requires communication with user client 12 and a dedicated software installed on user client 12 and operated thereby. The actuation of such a software is preferably entered into the initiation protocol of user client 12, such that it is rendered operative upon starting user client 12.
  • a device 14 includes a data- reader 18.
  • data- reader 18 is an optical scanner.
  • the optical scanner can be selected from any class of optical scanners, such as, but not limited to, laser optical scanners, LED optical scanners and CCD optical scanners. Further details relating to types of optical scanners are found in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,640,002, which is incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.
  • An optical scanner is used to scan a print of an electronic address, such as a web page address (or its domain name server (DNS)), an electronic mail address or a code thereof.
  • OCR optical character recognition
  • Miniaturized optical scanners and OCR software are well known in the art.
  • an optical scanner, OCR software and a dictionary software were successfully integrated in a pen-like device, for assisting a reader in understanding foreign language text while reading.
  • data- reader 18 is a barcode reader, such as an optical barcode reader or a magnetic barcode reader, whereas the electronic address is encoded by a printed, optionally magnetic, barcode.
  • the barcode can be, for example, a linear barcode, a circular barcode, or a two dimensional barcode, as for example described in the home page of Intelligent Barcode Systems, Inc./Sunmax Corp. (see, http//www. barcodesystems.com).
  • Miniaturized barcode readers and software for their operation are well known in the art. Such a miniaturized barcode reader can be readily integrated into any conventional computer tracking device to form device 14 in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. Technically, such an integration can be readily achieved by one of ordinary skills in the art.
  • an electronic address or a code thereof can be printed on, adhered to, and/or detachable from, a product and/or its container.
  • Such an address can alternatively or additionally be printed on, adhered to, and/or detachable from a printed advertisement of the product.
  • the product can also be a service. Further detail relating to a miniaturized scanners and barcode readers is available at www.sumbol.com.
  • a device 14 requires communication with user client 12.
  • Such communication can be realized by, for example, cord communication, as indicated in Figures la-5 and 7 at 70, or by cordless communication.
  • Cordless communication can be effected by any remote communication mode, such as, but not limited to, electromagnetic communication, e.g., radio communication, infrared communication or microwave communication, and non-electromagnetic communication, e.g., sound communication and ultrasound communication.
  • device 14 includes a transmitter 72 and preferably also a receiver or transceiver, whereas user client 12 includes a compatible receiver and optionally a transmitter or transceiver, for allowing mono or preferably bi-directional communication between device 14 and user client 12.
  • Remote communication is well known in the art and therefore requires no further description herein.
  • a device 14 requires a dedicated software installed on user client 12 and operated thereby.
  • a software has known software functions of a computer tracking device on one hand, and of a data-reader on the other hand.
  • Such a software can be readily written by one of ordinary skills in the art.
  • Such a software is preferably also designed to automatically communicate the electronic address to a second software, such as an electronic mail software or to a web page browser software, stored and operated by user client 12, so as to enable, for example, an automatic creation of an addressed electronic mail file or an automatic access to a web page.
  • a small display 90 can be used to display the electronic address red or interpreted.
  • a method of automatically entering an electronic address into a user-client is effected by using a data-reading computer tracking device including a computer tracking device and a data-reader integrated therein for reading and interpreting a printed form of the electronic address and for automatically entering the electronic address into a user-client with which the data-reading computer tracking device communicates.
  • a computer integrated, add-on or connectable data-reader is employed to effect automatic entering of an electronic address to user client 12.
  • an add-on data reader 80 is shown in Figure 7.
  • the data-reader functions in a manner similar to that described for the tracking device integrated data-reader to permit automatic entering of an electronic address, such as a web page address or an electronic mail address into a user client 12 and optionally and preferably automatically accessing a web page.
  • an electronic address such as a web page address or an electronic mail address
  • the present invention enables a user to automatically access a web page or automatically create an addressed electronic mail file, by collecting and interpreting coded or un-coded printed data pertaining to an electronic address such as a web page address or an electronic mail address with a data-reader which is integrated, added or connected to a computer or integrated in a computer tracking device.
  • a mouse pad 90 which includes a pad 92 which is adapter for dragging a computer mouse thereon.
  • Pad 90 has at least one barcode 94 encoding an electronic address printed thereon.

Abstract

A system for automatically entering an electronic address. The system includes a user-client (12) and a data-reading computer tracking device (14) including a computer tracking device (15) and a data-reader (18) being integrated therein, the data-reading computer tracking device (14) effectively communicating with the user-client (12) for entering the electronic address thereto by reading and interpreting a printed form of the electronic address.

Description

DATA-READING COMPUTER TRACKING DEVICE, SYSTEM AND
METHOD UTILIZING SAME
FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a data-reading computer tracking device, and to a system and method utilizing same or a computer integrated, add-on or connectable data-reader. More particularly, the present invention related to a code-reading computer tracking device, such as a mouse or a pointer, or to a computer integrated, add-on or connectable data-reader and the use thereof for automatically entering an electronic address, such as a web page address or an electronic mail address into a user client and optionally and preferably automatically accessing a web page.
A barcode is a code which is presently used for providing efficient identification of products and/or additional information pertaining to the product. A barcode typically includes a plurality of bars, or concentric circles, the thickness thereof and the spaces therebetween are used to code information pertaining to the product. Two dimensional barcodes which are used to encode a larger amount of information are also known. Magnetic barcodes are also known. A barcode is identified and interpreted by a barcode reader. Such a reader typically includes an optical system capable of differentiating between different barcodes on the basis of the thickness of, and/or the spaces between, the bars thereof. Magnetic barcode readers are also known.
A computer tracking device is an accessory which is used to operate a computer. Several such devices are known, including, but not limited to a mouse, a pointer, a track ball, a track stick, a track pad, Internet-TV remote control, etc. In all cases, however, the tracking device assists a user of pointing to a desired location of the computer's screen and to thereby either automatically or by further manual operation to activate a function of the computer or of a software operated thereby.
The use of the Internet in increasing daily. Nowadays the internet serves a plurality of functions, amongst which is the quick access to information, including, but not limited to, promotional and advertising information. In order to access such information, pertaining, for example, to a specific product or service, a user is required to enter an alphanumeric address of a certain web page on the net or an alphanumeric electronic mail address. To do so, the user typically uses a computer's keyboard which is both cumbersome and inherently calls for mistakes in entering the correct address.
There is thus a widely recognized need for, and it would be highly advantageous to have, a data-reading computer tracking device or a computer integrated, add-on or connectable data-reader and a system and method utilizing same for automatically entering an electronic address, such as a web page address or an electronic mail address, to a user client and optionally and preferably automatically accessing a web page.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a data-reading computer tracking device comprising a computer tracking device and a data-reader being integrated therein, the data-reader being for reading a printed form of an electronic address. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a system for automatically entering an electronic address, the system comprising (a) a user-client; and (b) a data-reading computer tracking device including a computer tracking device and a data-reader being integrated therein, the data-reading computer tracking device effectively communicating with the user-client for entering the electronic address thereto by reading and interpreting a printed form of the electronic address.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of automatically entering an electronic address into a user-client, the method comprising the step of using a data-reading computer tracking device including a computer tracking device and a data- reader being integrated therein for reading and interpreting a printed form of the electronic address and for automatically entering the electronic address into a user-client with which the data-reading computer tracking device communicates.
According to still another aspect of the present invention there is provided a system for automatically entering an electronic address, the system comprising (a) a user-client; and (b) a data-reader effectively communicating with the user-client for entering the electronic address thereto by reading and interpreting a printed form of the electronic address. According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of automatically entering an electronic address into a user-client, the method comprising the step of using a data-reader for reading and interpreting a printed form of the electronic address and for automatically entering the electronic address into a user-client with which the data-reading computer tracking device communicates.
According to further features in preferred embodiments of the invention described below, the electronic address is selected from the group consisting of an electronic mail address and a web page address.
According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the printed form of the electronic address is selected from the group consisting of a print of the electronic address and a print of a code of the electronic address.
According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the user client stores and operates a software designed to automatically communicate the electronic address to a second software selected from the group consisting of an electronic mail software or to a web page browser software, stored and operated by the user client.
According to still a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a system for automatically accessing a web page, the system comprising (a) a user-client; and (b) a data-reading computer tracking device including a computer tracking device and a data-reader being integrated therein, the data-reading computer tracking device effectively communicating with the user-client for entering a web page address thereto by reading and interpreting a printed form of the web page address or a printed code thereof and further for actuating access to the web page.
According to an additional aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of automatically accessing a web page, the method comprising the step of using a data-reading computer tracking device including a computer tracking device and a data-reader being integrated therein for reading and interpreting a printed form of the web page address and for automatically entering the web page address into a user-client with which the data-reading computer tracking device communicates and further for actuating access to the web page.
According to still an additional aspect of the present invention there is provided a system for automatically accessing a web page, the system comprising (a) a user-client; and (b) a data-reader effectively communicating with the user-client for entering a web page address thereto by reading and interpreting a printed form of the web page address or a printed code thereof and further for actuating access to the web page. According to yet an additional aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of automatically accessing a web page, the method comprising the step of using a data-reader for reading and interpreting a printed form of the web page address and for automatically entering the web page address into a user-client with which the data-reader communicates and further for actuating access to the web page.
According to further features in preferred embodiments of the invention described below, the computer tracking device is selected from the group consisting of a mouse, a pointer, a track ball, a track stick and a track pad.
According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the data-reader includes a barcode reader.
According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the data-reader includes an optical scanner. According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the printed form of the web page address is selected from the group consisting of a print of the web page address and a print of a code of the web page address.
According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the code is a barcode.
According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the user client stores and operates a software designed to automatically communicate the web page address to a web page browser software, stored and operated by the user client. According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the user client stores and operates a software designed to automatically render operative, and communicate the web page address to, a web page browser software, stored and operated by the user client.
According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the user client is selected from the group consisting of a desk top computer, a laptop computer, a palmtop computer, an integrated cellular phone-computer, a personal assist device and an Internet- TV.
According to yet an additional aspect of the present invention there is provided a mouse pad comprising a pad being adapter for dragging a computer mouse thereon having at least one barcode encoding an electronic address being printed thereon.
The present invention successfully addresses the shortcomings of the presently known configurations by providing a data-reading computer tracking device or a user client integrated, add-on or connectable data- reader, a system including same and a method using same for automatically entering an electronic address, such as a web page address or an electronic mail address into a user client and optionally and preferably automatically accessing a web page.
Implementation of the device, system and method of the present invention involves performing or completing selected tasks or steps manually, automatically, or a combination thereof. Moreover, according to actual instrumentation and equipment of preferred embodiments of the method and system of the present invention, several selected steps could be implemented by hardware or by software on any operating system of any firmware or a combination thereof. For example, as hardware, selected steps of the invention could be implemented as a chip or a circuit. As software, selected steps of the invention could be implemented as a plurality of software instructions being executed by a computer using any suitable operating system. In any case, selected steps of the method and system of the invention could be described as being performed by a data processor, such as a computing platform for executing a plurality of instructions.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention is herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments of the present invention only, and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice.
In the drawings:
FIGs. la-b are perspective top and bottom views of a mouse including a data-reader according to the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a pointer for use with touch screen, e.g., in personal assist devices such as palmtop computers and computers installed in cellular telephones, including a data-reader according to the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of track-ball including a data-reader according to the present invention; FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a track-stick including a data-reader according to the present invention;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a track-pad including a data-reader according to the present invention;
FIG. 6 is a top view of an Internet- TV remote control including a data-reader according to the present invention;
FIG. 7 is a schematic depiction of a system according to the present invention; and
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a mouse pad according to the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The present invention is of a data-reading computer tracking device or computer integrated, add-on or connectable data-reader and a system and method utilizing same which can be used for automatically entering an electronic address, such as a web page address or an electronic mail address into an desired software stored in, and executed by, a user client. Specifically, the present invention can be used to enable automatic access to a web page.
The principles and operation of the present invention may be better understood with reference to the drawings and accompanying descriptions.
Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
Referring now to the drawings, Figure 7 illustrates a system according to the present invention which is designed for automatically entering an electronic address in a computer readable form into a computer device, which is referred to hereinbelow as system 10. System 10 according to the present invention includes a user-client 12.
As used herein in the specification and in the claims section that follows the phrase "user client" includes, but is not limited to, personal computers (PC) having an operating system such as DOS, Windows™, OS/2™ or Linux; Macintosh™ computers; computers having JAVA™-OS as the operating system; and graphical workstations such as the computers of Sun Microsystems™ and Silicon Graphics™, and other computers having some version of the UNIX operating system such as AIX™ or SOLARIS™ of Sun Microsystems™; a PalmPilot™, a PilotPC™, Nokia Communicator™ or any other handheld device; or any other known and available operating system. The term further includes mobile cellular telephone devices and mobile cellular communicator devices having, in addition to telephone properties, capabilities similar to those of a personal computer (PC) or a personal digital assistant (PDA). In addition the term also includes television devices, such as Internet- TV devices, having, in addition to broadcasting reception properties, capabilities similar to those of a personal computer (PC) or a personal digital assistant (PDA). In particular, and in a minimal configuration such capabilities enable connecting to the Internet and/or mailing/receiving electronic mail messages and/or attachments.
Hereinafter, the term "Windows™" includes but is not limited to Windows95™, Windows 3.x™ in which "x" is an integer such as " 1 ", Windows NT™, Windows98™, Windows CE™ and any upgraded versions of these operating systems by Microsoft Inc. (Seattle, Washington, USA). According to one embodiment of the present invention system 10 according to the present invention further includes a data-reading computer tracking device 14.
Several configurations for data-reading computer tracking devices according to the present invention as shown in Figures la-6, each of which is described in greater detail hereinbelow.
In all cases, however, device 14 includes a computer tracking device 16 and a data-reader 18 which is integrated therein. According to the gist of the present invention data-reading computer tracking device 14 effectively communicates with user-client 12 for entering the electronic address thereto in a computer readable form by reading and interpreting a printed form, either coded or non-coded, of the electronic address. Such an electronic address can be of, for example, a web page, such as, but not limited to, fttp or ftp web page address, or of an electronic mail address. Thus, as shown in Figures la-b, device 14 can, for example, be realized as a computer mouse 15. Such a mouse includes a minimally protruding track ball 20 capable of freely rolling in a socket 22. Such rolling occurs, for example, when the mouse is moved or dragged over a surface of sufficient friction. Internal detectors are used to monitor the movement of the ball and to accordingly move a courser, such as an arrow, a bar or sand-watch, on the computer screen. Mouse 15 further includes operation buttons 24 for actuating software functions. Integrated in computer mouse 15 is data-reader 18, which is described in more detail hereinunder. To operate, such a mouse requires communication with user client 12 and a dedicated software installed on user client 12 and operated thereby. The actuation of such mouse software is preferably entered into the initiation protocol of user client 12, such that it is rendered operative upon starting user client 12. As shown in Figure 2, device 14 can, for example, be realized as a pointer 26 for use with touch screen, e.g., in personal assist devices such as palmtop computers and computers installed in cellular telephones. Such a pointer includes a pointed tip designed for permitting the required pointing resolution. Integrated in pointer 26 is data-reader 18, which is described in more detail hereinunder. Pointer 15 preferably further includes operation buttons 24 for actuating software functions. To operate, such a pointer requires communication with user client 12 and a dedicated software installed on user client 12 and operated thereby. The actuation of such software is preferably entered into the initiation protocol of user client 12, such that it is rendered operative upon starting user client 12.
As shown in Figure 3, device 14 can, for example, be realized as a track ball device 30. Such a track ball device includes a substantially protruding track ball 32 capable of freely rolling in a socket 34. Such rolling occurs, for example, when the ball is rolled by the hand of a user. Internal detectors are used to monitor the movement of the ball and to accordingly move a courser, such as an arrow, a bar or sand-watch, on the computer screen. Device 30 further includes operation buttons 24 for actuating software functions. Integrated in device 30 is data-reader 18, which is described in more detail hereinunder. To operate, such a track ball device requires communication with user client 12 and a dedicated software installed on user client 12 and operated thereby. The actuation of such a software is preferably entered into the initiation protocol of user client 12, such that it is rendered operative upon starting user client 12. As shown in Figure 4, device 14 can, for example, be realized as a track stick device 40. Such a track stick device includes a track stick 42 capable of freely rotating in a socket 44. Such rotation occurs, for example, when the stick is rotated by the hand of a user. Internal detectors are used to monitor the movement of the stick and to accordingly move a courser, such as an arrow, a bar or sand-watch, on the computer screen. Device 40 further includes operation buttons 24 for actuating software functions. Integrated in device 40 is data-reader 18, which is described in more detail hereinunder. To operate, such a track stick device requires communication with user client 12 and a dedicated software installed on user client 12 and operated thereby. The actuation of such a software is preferably entered into the initiation protocol of user client 12, such that it is rendered operative upon starting user client 12.
As shown in Figure 5, device 14 can, for example, be realized as a track pad device 50. Such a track pad device includes a track pad 52 which includes sensors for sensing an object, such as a finger dragged thereon and accordingly move a courser, such as an arrow, a bar or sand-watch, on the computer screen. Device 50 further includes operation buttons 24 for actuating software functions. Integrated in device 40 is data-reader 18, which is described in more detail hereinunder. To operate, such a track pad device requires communication with user client 12 and a dedicated software installed on user client 12 and operated thereby. The actuation of such a software is preferably entered into the initiation protocol of user client 12, such that it is rendered operative upon starting user client 12. As shown in Figure 6, device 14 can, for example, be realized as an
Internet- TV remote control 60. Such a remote control includes a tracking mechanism, which can be realized as any of the above mechanisms, or as, say, four finger operated direction indicators 62 used to move a courser, such as an arrow, a bar or sand-watch, on the TV screen. Control 60 further includes operation buttons 24 for actuating software functions. Integrated in device 40 is data-reader 18, which is described in more detail hereinunder. To operate, such a remote control requires communication with user client 12 and a dedicated software installed on user client 12 and operated thereby. The actuation of such a software is preferably entered into the initiation protocol of user client 12, such that it is rendered operative upon starting user client 12.
As stated hereinabove, a device 14 according to any of its presently preferred embodiments includes a data- reader 18. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention data- reader 18 is an optical scanner. The optical scanner can be selected from any class of optical scanners, such as, but not limited to, laser optical scanners, LED optical scanners and CCD optical scanners. Further details relating to types of optical scanners are found in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,640,002, which is incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein. An optical scanner is used to scan a print of an electronic address, such as a web page address (or its domain name server (DNS)), an electronic mail address or a code thereof. In any case, optical character recognition (OCR) software can be used to translate the printed address or the code into a computer readable form.
Miniaturized optical scanners and OCR software are well known in the art. For example, an optical scanner, OCR software and a dictionary software were successfully integrated in a pen-like device, for assisting a reader in understanding foreign language text while reading.
Such a miniaturized optical scanner can be readily integrated into any conventional computer tracking device to form device 14 in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. Technically, such an integration can be readily achieved by one of ordinary skills in the art. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention data- reader 18 is a barcode reader, such as an optical barcode reader or a magnetic barcode reader, whereas the electronic address is encoded by a printed, optionally magnetic, barcode. The barcode can be, for example, a linear barcode, a circular barcode, or a two dimensional barcode, as for example described in the home page of Intelligent Barcode Systems, Inc./Sunmax Corp. (see, http//www. barcodesystems.com).
Miniaturized barcode readers and software for their operation are well known in the art. Such a miniaturized barcode reader can be readily integrated into any conventional computer tracking device to form device 14 in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. Technically, such an integration can be readily achieved by one of ordinary skills in the art.
Thus, according to the present invention, an electronic address or a code thereof can be printed on, adhered to, and/or detachable from, a product and/or its container. Such an address can alternatively or additionally be printed on, adhered to, and/or detachable from a printed advertisement of the product. In the latter case, the product can also be a service. Further detail relating to a miniaturized scanners and barcode readers is available at www.sumbol.com.
As stated hereinabove, a device 14 according to any of its presently preferred embodiments requires communication with user client 12. Such communication can be realized by, for example, cord communication, as indicated in Figures la-5 and 7 at 70, or by cordless communication. Cordless communication can be effected by any remote communication mode, such as, but not limited to, electromagnetic communication, e.g., radio communication, infrared communication or microwave communication, and non-electromagnetic communication, e.g., sound communication and ultrasound communication. In this case, as shown, for example, in Figure 6, device 14 includes a transmitter 72 and preferably also a receiver or transceiver, whereas user client 12 includes a compatible receiver and optionally a transmitter or transceiver, for allowing mono or preferably bi-directional communication between device 14 and user client 12. Remote communication is well known in the art and therefore requires no further description herein.
As further stated hereinabove, a device 14 according to any of its presently preferred embodiments requires a dedicated software installed on user client 12 and operated thereby. Such a software has known software functions of a computer tracking device on one hand, and of a data-reader on the other hand. Such a software can be readily written by one of ordinary skills in the art. Such a software is preferably also designed to automatically communicate the electronic address to a second software, such as an electronic mail software or to a web page browser software, stored and operated by user client 12, so as to enable, for example, an automatic creation of an addressed electronic mail file or an automatic access to a web page. A small display 90 can be used to display the electronic address red or interpreted. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of automatically entering an electronic address into a user-client. The method according to this aspect of the present invention is effected by using a data-reading computer tracking device including a computer tracking device and a data-reader integrated therein for reading and interpreting a printed form of the electronic address and for automatically entering the electronic address into a user-client with which the data-reading computer tracking device communicates. According to another embodiment of the present invention a computer integrated, add-on or connectable data-reader is employed to effect automatic entering of an electronic address to user client 12. As an example, an add-on data reader 80, is shown in Figure 7. In its stand-alone configuration the data-reader according to this embodiment of the present invention functions in a manner similar to that described for the tracking device integrated data-reader to permit automatic entering of an electronic address, such as a web page address or an electronic mail address into a user client 12 and optionally and preferably automatically accessing a web page. Thus, the present invention enables a user to automatically access a web page or automatically create an addressed electronic mail file, by collecting and interpreting coded or un-coded printed data pertaining to an electronic address such as a web page address or an electronic mail address with a data-reader which is integrated, added or connected to a computer or integrated in a computer tracking device.
It is expected that during the life of this patent many relevant user clients, computer tracking devices and data-readers will be developed and the scope of these terms is intended to include all such new technologies a priori. Many commercial organizations advertise themselves by freely distributing computer mouse pads having their affiliation and electronic address(es) printed thereon. As is detailed hereinabove, the present invention provides for automatic entering of an electronic address into a user client and/or access to a specific web page. Therefore, as shown in Figure 8, according to yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided a mouse pad 90 which includes a pad 92 which is adapter for dragging a computer mouse thereon. Pad 90 has at least one barcode 94 encoding an electronic address printed thereon. By reading barcode 94 using a data-reader as herein described, the electronic address is automatically converted into a computer readable form, and is used according to any of the embodiments described hereinabove.
It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination. Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims. All publications, patents and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated in their entirety by reference into the specification, to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. In addition, citation or identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the present invention.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:
1. A data-reading computer tracking device comprising a computer tracking device and a data-reader being integrated therein, said data-reader being for reading a printed form of an electronic address.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein said computer tracking device is selected from the group consisting of a mouse, a pointer, a track ball, a track stick, a track pad and a remote control.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein data-reader includes a barcode reader.
4. The device of claim 1, wherein said data-reader includes an optical scanner.
5. The device of claim 1, wherein said electronic address is selected from the group consisting of an electronic mail address and a web page address.
6. The device of claim 1, wherein said printed form of said electronic address is selected from the group consisting of a print of said electronic address and a print of a code of said electronic address.
7. The device of claim 1, wherein said code is a barcode.
8. A system for automatically entering an electronic address, the system comprising:
(a) a user-client; and
(b) a data-reading computer tracking device including a computer tracking device and a data-reader being integrated therein, said data-reading computer tracking device effectively communicating with said user-client for entering the electronic address thereto by reading and interpreting a printed form of said electronic address.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein said computer tracking device is selected from the group consisting of a mouse, a pointer, a track ball, a track stick, a track pad and a remote control.
10. The system of claim 8, wherein data-reader includes a barcode reader.
1 1. The system of claim 8, wherein said data-reader includes an optical scanner.
12. The system of claim 8, wherein said electronic address is selected from the group consisting of an electronic mail address and a web page address.
13. The system of claim 8, wherein said printed form of said electronic address is selected from the group consisting of a print of said electronic address and a print of a code of said electronic address.
14. The system of claim 8, wherein said code is a barcode.
15. The system of claim 8, wherein said user client stores and operates a software designed to automatically communicate the electronic address to a second software selected from the group consisting of an electronic mail software or to a web page browser software, stored and operated by said user client.
16. The system of claim 8, wherein said user client is selected from the group consisting of a desk top computer, a laptop computer, a palmtop computer, an integrated cellular phone-computer, a personal assist device and an Internet- TV.
17. A method of automatically entering an electronic address into a user-client, the method comprising the step of using a data-reading computer tracking device including a computer tracking device and a data- reader being integrated therein for reading and interpreting a printed form of said electronic address and for automatically entering said electronic address into a user-client with which said data-reading computer tracking device communicates.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein said computer tracking device is selected from the group consisting of a mouse, a pointer, a track ball, a track stick, a track pad and a remote control.
19. The method of claim 17, wherein data-reader includes a barcode reader.
20. The method of claim 17, wherein said data-reader includes an optical scanner.
21. The method of claim 17, wherein said electronic address is selected from the group consisting of an electronic mail address and a web page address.
22. The method of claim 17, wherein said printed form of said electronic address is selected from the group consisting of a print of said electronic address and a print of a code of said electronic address.
23. The method of claim 17, wherein said code is a barcode.
24. The method of claim 17, wherein said user client stores and operates a software designed to automatically communicate the electronic address to a second software selected from the group consisting of an electronic mail software or to a web page browser software, stored and operated by said user client.
25. The method of claim 17, wherein said user client is selected from the group consisting of a desk top computer, a laptop computer, a palmtop computer, an integrated cellular phone-computer, a personal assist device and an Internet- TV.
26. A system for automatically accessing a web page, the system comprising:
(a) a user-client; and
(b) a data-reading computer tracking device including a computer tracking device and a data-reader being integrated therein, said data-reading computer tracking device effectively communicating with said user-client for entering a web page address thereto by reading and interpreting a printed form of said web page address or a printed code thereof and further for actuating access to the web page.
27. The system of claim 26, wherein said computer tracking device is selected from the group consisting of a mouse, a pointer, a track ball, a track stick, a track pad and a remote control.
28. The system of claim 26, wherein data-reader includes a barcode reader.
29. The system of claim 26, wherein said data-reader includes an optical scanner.
30. The system of claim 26, wherein said printed form of said web page address is selected from the group consisting of a print of said web page address and a print of a code of said web page address.
31. The system of claim 26, wherein said code is a barcode.
32. The system of claim 26, wherein said user client stores and operates a software designed to automatically communicate the web page address to a web page browser software, stored and operated by said user client.
33. The system of claim 26, wherein said user client stores and operates a software designed to automatically render operative, and communicate the web page address to, a web page browser software, stored and operated by said user client.
34. The system of claim 26, wherein said user client is selected from the group consisting of a desk top computer, a laptop computer, a palmtop computer, an integrated cellular phone-computer, a personal assist device and an Internet-TV.
35. A method of automatically accessing a web page, the method comprising the step of using a data-reading computer tracking device including a computer tracking device and a data-reader being integrated therein for reading and interpreting a printed form of said web page address and for automatically entering said web page address into a user-client with which said data-reading computer tracking device communicates and further for actuating access to the web page.
36. The method of claim 35, wherein said computer tracking device is selected from the group consisting of a mouse, a pointer, a track ball, a track stick, a track pad and a remote control.
37. The method of claim 35, wherein data-reader includes a barcode reader.
38. The method of claim 35, wherein said data- reader includes an optical scanner.
39. The method of claim 35, wherein said printed form of said web page address is selected from the group consisting of a print of said web page address and a print of a code of said web page address.
40. The method of claim 35, wherein said code is a barcode.
41. The method of claim 35, wherein said user client stores and operates a software designed to automatically communicate the web page address to a web page browser software, stored and operated by said user client.
42. The method of claim 35, wherein said user client stores and operates a software designed to automatically render operative, and communicate the web page address to, a web page browser software, stored and operated by said user client.
43. The method of claim 35, wherein said user client is selected from the group consisting of a desk top computer, a laptop computer, a palmtop computer, an integrated cellular phone- computer, a personal assist device and an Internet-TV.
44. A system for automatically entering an electronic address, the system comprising: (a) a user-client; and
(b) a data-reader effectively communicating with said user-client for entering the electronic address thereto by reading and interpreting a printed form of said electronic address.
45. The system of claim 44, wherein data-reader includes a barcode reader.
46. The system of claim 44, wherein said data-reader includes an optical scanner.
47. The system of claim 44, wherein said electronic address is selected from the group consisting of an electronic mail address and a web page address.
48. The system of claim 44, wherein said printed form of said electronic address is selected from the group consisting of a print of said electronic address and a print of a code of said electronic address.
49. The system of claim 44, wherein said code is a barcode.
50. The system of claim 44, wherein said user client stores and operates a software designed to automatically communicate the electronic address to a second software selected from the group consisting of an electronic mail software or to a web page browser software, stored and operated by said user client.
51. The system of claim 44, wherein said user client is selected from the group consisting of a desk top computer, a laptop computer, a palmtop computer, an integrated cellular phone-computer, a personal assist device and an Internet-TV.
52. A method of automatically entering an electronic address into a user-client, the method comprising the step of using a data-reader for reading and interpreting a printed form of said electronic address and for automatically entering said electronic address into a user-client with which said data-reading computer tracking device communicates.
53. The method of claim 52, wherein said computer tracking device is selected from the group consisting of a mouse, a pointer, a track ball, a track stick, a track pad and a remote control.
54. The method of claim 52, wherein data-reader includes a barcode reader.
55. The method of claim 52, wherein said data-reader includes an optical scanner.
56. The method of claim 52, wherein said electronic address is selected from the group consisting of an electronic mail address and a web page address.
57. The method of claim 52, wherein said printed form of said electronic address is selected from the group consisting of a print of said electronic address and a print of a code of said electronic address.
58. The method of claim 52, wherein said code is a barcode.
59. The method of claim 52, wherein said user client stores and operates a software designed to automatically communicate the electronic address to a second software selected from the group consisting of an electronic mail software or to a web page browser software, stored and operated by said user client.
60. The method of claim 52, wherein said user client is selected from the group consisting of a desk top computer, a laptop computer, a palmtop computer, an integrated cellular phone-computer, a personal assist device and an Internet- TV.
61. A system for automatically accessing a web page, the system comprising:
(a) a user-client; and
(b) a data-reader effectively communicating with said user-client for entering a web page address thereto by reading and interpreting a printed form of said web page address or a printed code thereof and further for actuating access to the web page.
62. The system of claim 26, wherein data-reader includes a barcode reader.
63. The system of claim 61, wherein said data-reader includes an optical scanner.
64. The system of claim 61, wherein said printed form of said web page address is selected from the group consisting of a print of said web page address and a print of a code of said web page address.
65. The system of claim 61 , wherein said code is a barcode.
66. The system of claim 61, wherein said user client stores and operates a software designed to automatically communicate the web page address to a web page browser software, stored and operated by said user client.
67. The system of claim 61, wherein said user client stores and operates a software designed to automatically render operative, and communicate the web page address to, a web page browser software, stored and operated by said user client.
68. The system of claim 61, wherein said user client is selected from the group consisting of a desk top computer, a laptop computer, a palmtop computer, an integrated cellular phone-computer, a personal assist device and an Internet-TV.
69. A method of automatically accessing a web page, the method comprising the step of using a data-reader for reading and interpreting a printed form of said web page address and for automatically entering said web page address into a user-client with which said data-reader communicates and further for actuating access to the web page.
70. The method of claim 69, wherein data-reader includes a barcode reader.
71. The method of claim 69, wherein said data-reader includes an optical scanner.
72. The method of claim 69, wherein said printed form of said web page address is selected from the group consisting of a print of said web page address and a print of a code of said web page address.
73. The method of claim 69, wherein said code is a barcode.
74. The method of claim 69, wherein said user client stores and operates a software designed to automatically communicate the web page address to a web page browser software, stored and operated by said user client.
75. The method of claim 69, wherein said user client stores and operates a software designed to automatically render operative, and communicate the web page address to, a web page browser software, stored and operated by said user client.
76. The method of claim 69, wherein said user client is selected from the group consisting of a desk top computer, a laptop computer, a palmtop computer, an integrated cellular phone-computer, a personal assist device and an Internet-TV.
78. A mouse pad comprising a pad being adapter for dragging a computer mouse thereon having at least one barcode encoding an electronic address being printed thereon.
PCT/IL2000/000696 1999-11-04 2000-10-31 Data-reading computer tracking device, system and method utilizing same WO2001033491A1 (en)

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WO2003005310A2 (en) * 2001-07-02 2003-01-16 Durand Technology Limited Anti-counterfeiting measures
WO2003005310A3 (en) * 2001-07-02 2004-02-12 Durand Technology Ltd Anti-counterfeiting measures
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