WO2005116916A1 - Information encoding - Google Patents

Abstract

A method of encoding data within a visual representation of information, using a processing system. The method includes determining a representation type, an encoding algorithm, the information and the data. The processing system then generates a visual representation of the information using the determined representation type and encodes the data within the representation using the encoding algorithm.

Description

INFORMATION ENCODING

Background of the Invention

The present invention relates to apparatus and a method for encoding data within a visual representation of information, and subsequently decoding the data. In particular, the method relates to encoding meta-data as visual features within fonts, images, or the like.

Description ofthe Prior Art

The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

The concept and practice of hyperlinking involves providing an area of text or an image displayed on a computer which is identifiable to a user as being a potential point of interactivity. For instance hyperlinks within a block of text are commonly presented on a web browser by being underlined and displayed in blue. Also, many graphical user interfaces such as browsers also display a different mouse icon when passing over a hyperlink (e.g. an arrow may change to a hand).

By performing a pre-determined "action" over the hyperlink (such as clicking a mouse button or pressing an "OK" key on a mobile phone), the user can be presented with some other material, or an action can be performed, according to the arrangement of linkages by the original programmer. The most common result of clicking a hyperlink in a web browser, is to be presented with a different web- page, a related area within the same web page, or to open an e-mail or other application.

Hyperlinking is typically achieved by associating an indication of a URL (universal resource locator) with the electronic description ofthe text, with this being represented by the underlining and coloured font as outlined above. However, existing hyperlinks suffer from a number of drawbacks. For instance, the use of coloured and underlined text is unappealing for many situations. Secondly, the encoded information is restricted in content and function. For example, as the URL is encoded within the electronic document, this cannot be determined from printed documents.

Another technique for encoding information is achieved using barcodes, which are assigned to products and then linked to associated data in a database.

For example, through the use of personal laser and digital scanners that can be attached to personal computing devices, and even to mobile telephones and PDA's, there has been a move to use barcodes as a means of linking to the Internet. However, this requires a mapping to be used to ensure the barcode is correctly identified as corresponding to a respective Internet site. This requires a "linking company", to maintain a large proprietary database of barcodes and their corresponding linkages, as well as in some cases assigning new barcodes to customers. In this case, when a customer or end-user scans a barcode, software provided by the linking company enables them to access their databases, and returns information or links them to the information on the barcode-owner's system.

At present this technique has limited uptake, and is used primarily for accessing stored "business card" information, or comparison-shopping. This is primarily due to the fact that the current barcode system has none of the flexibility of a true hyperlink, and a number of significant drawbacks.

In particular, the barcodes need to be unique, and therefore have to be obtained from approved suppliers, greatly restricting flexibility for businesses or individuals who may desire to use them. Also, to allow customers or end-users to access content from a barcode, a database of barcodes and their matching link address must be available to users of the Internet. This requires the original business to register the specific link with a (perhaps different) barcode database registry. Again, flexibility is reduced, as the business cannot update its own content and links without also updating the information on the registry database.

The business is also dependent on the reliability ofthe linking company, and these linking companies often charge considerable fees for their services, including a substantial linking fee for each customer so directed. The consequent need to establish business accounts with the linking company further reduces the utility ofthe current system for small businesses or individuals. Furthermore, any valuable data about user demographics, geographical information etc remains in the possession of the linking company, who may withhold, or charge an additional fee to release to the registered business. Marketing and consumer information may also be on-sold to competitors or other parties.

For the end-user of such a system, unlike hyperlinks on a traditional web page, which are interpreted by software in the user's own browser and provide direct linkages or trigger events directly as specified in the target hyperlink, they must first access the linking company. Users may furthermore be unable to access immediately relevant information, due for instance to the time lag between the target business notifying of a change, and the linking company updating its database registry.

An example of this type of problem occurs when items are offered on "sale". In this case, if the database of barcodes is not suitably updated, the price displayed when the product barcode is scanned at the checkout is not the same as the "Sale" price indicated on the shelf. This sort of problem can not only result in lost opportunities for the business at that moment, but may generate ill-will and loss of reputation.

Barcodes are also unattractive, expensive to implement, and difficult for users to distinguish or to interpret, all of which limits their extensive use for providing hyperlinking in print media.

Summary of the Present Invention

In a first broad form the present invention provides a method of encoding data within a visual representation of information, the method including, in a processing system: (a) determining a representation type; (b) determining an encoding algorithm; (c) determining the information and the data; and, (d) generating the visual representation ofthe information using the determined representation type; and, (e) encoding the data within the representation using the encoding algorithm.

The processing system typically includes a store, an input and a processor, and wherein the method includes causing the processor to: (a) receive via the input at least one ofthe data and the information; (b) select a representation type from a list of predetermined representation types stored in the store; (c) select an encoding algorithm from a list of encoding algorithms stored in the store using at least one of: (i) the selected representation type; (ii) the data; and, (iii) the information; (d) generate the visual representation; and, (e) encode the data as visual features in the representation using the selected encoding algorithm.

The method typically includes displaying the visual representation using at least one of: (a) a display device; (b) a computer system; and, (c) a printer.

The method typically includes, in the processing system: (a) selecting one or more representation properties; (b) determining an encoding score using at least one of: (i) the selected encoding algorithm; (ii) the data; (iii) the information; and, (iv) the representation properties; (c) comparing the encoding score to a predetermined threshold; and, (d) at least one of: (i) generating the representation in response to a successful comparison; and, (ii) modifying at least one ofthe representation properties and the representation type in response to an unsuccessful comparison.

The method typically includes, in the processing system, selecting the predetermined threshold from threshold data stored in the store using at least one of: (a) the selected encoding algorithm; and, (b) the representation properties;

The representation properties usually include at least one of: (a) a representation size; (b) an amount of information to be associated with the encoded data; (c) a font properties; and, (d) image properties.

The method typically includes, in the processing system: (a) causing the encoding algorithm to generate code marks representing the data; and, (b) providing the code marks in one or more code spaces within the representation.

The code spaces are typically blank or "white" spaces within the representation, but can include any space or coloured region of regular uniformity.

The method typically includes, in the processing system generating the code marks such that the code marks encode at least one of: (a) a start field indicating the start ofthe encoded data; (b) an end field indicating the end ofthe encoded data; (c) an encoding algorithm field indicating the encoding algorithm used; and, (d) error correction information.

The method typically includes, in the processing system: (a) selecting an error tolerance; and, (b) generating the code marks in accordance with the selected error tolerance. The method typically includes, in the processing system: (a) displaying a list of at least one of: (i) representation types; (ii) representation properties; and, (iii) encoding algorithms; and, (b) selecting, from the list and using input commands from a user at least one of: (i) representation types; (ii) representation properties; and, (iii) encoding algorithms.

The data may be at least one of: (a) a URL; (b) a link to other information; (c) a web-site address; (d) marketing information; and, (e) other information.

The representation type may include at least one of: (a) a font; (b) a font type; (c) an image; and, (d) a symbol.

In a second broad form the present invention provides Apparatus for encoding data within a visual representation of information, the apparatus including a processing system for: (a) determining a representation type; (b) determining an encoding algorithm; (c) determining the information and the data; and, (d) generating the visual representation ofthe information using the determined representation type; and, (e) encoding the data within the representation using the encoding algorithm.

The apparatus is typically adapted to perform the method ofthe first broad form ofthe invention.

In a third broad form the present invention provides a method of decoding data encoded within a visual representation of information, the method including, in a processing system: (a) determining the visual representation; (b) determining a decoding algorithm; (c) determining the encoded data within the representation; and, (d) decoding the encoded data using the decoding algorithm.

The processing system typically includes a store, an input and a processor, and wherein the method includes causing the processor to: (a) receive the visual representation via the input; (b) select an decoding algorithm from a list of decoding algorithms stored in the store using at least one of: (i) a representation type; (ii) the data; and, (iii) the information; and, (c) decode the data using the selected decoding algorithm.

The method typically includes, in the processing system: (a) receiving a printed visual representation; (b) scanning the printed visual representation to generate a digital visual representation; and, (c) decoding the data from the digital visual representation.

The encoded data is typically in the form of code marks provided within one or more code spaces within the representation, and wherein the method includes: (a) detecting the code marks within the visual representation; and, (b) determining the encoded data using the code marks.

The code spaces are typically blank spaces within the representation, but can include any space or coloured region of regular uniformity.

The method typically includes, in the processing system, detecting from the code marks at least one of: (a) a start field indicating the start ofthe encoded data; (b) an end field indicating the end ofthe encoded data; (c) an decoding algorithm field indicating the decoding algorithm used; and, (d) error correction information.

The method typically includes, in the processing system: (a) displaying a list of at least one of: (i) representation types; (ii) representation properties; and, (iii) decoding algorithms; and, (b) selecting, from the list and using input commands from a user at least one of: (i) representation types; (ii) representation properties; and, (iii) decoding algorithms.

The data is typically at least one of: (a) a URL; (b) a link to other information; (c) a web-site address; (d) marketing information; and, (e) other information.

The representation type can include at least one of: (a) a font; (b) a font type; (c) an image; and, (d) a symbol.

Typically the decoding algorithm is the encoding algorithm ofthe first broad form ofthe invention.

In a fourth broad form the present invention provides apparatus for decoding data within a visual representation of information, the apparatus including a processing system for: (a) determining a representation type; (b) determining a decoding algorithm; (c) determining the information and the data; and, (d) generating the visual representation ofthe information using the determined representation type; and, (e) encoding the data within the representation using the decoding algorithm.

The apparatus is typically adapted to perform the method ofthe third broad form ofthe invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

An example of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: - Figure 1 is a flow chart of a first example of a method of encoding and decoding data within visual representations; Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an example of a processing system for generating encoded representations;

Figures 3A and 3B are flow charts of a second example of a method of encoding and decoding data within visual representations; Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of an example ofthe appearance of a representation;

Figures 5 A to 5H are examples ofthe appearance of text characters encoded with meta-data; Figure 6A is an example ofthe appearance of a symbol adapted to be incorporated in an image; Figures 6B to 6C are examples of format markers used in the symbol of Figure 6A; Figure 7 is a flow chart of an example of further details ofthe evaluation process; and, Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a system for transferring documents encoding meta-data.

Detailed Description ofthe Preferred Embodiments

An example of the techniques of encoding data within presented information will now be described with reference to Figure 1, which outlines the basic steps involved.

In particular, at step 100, meta-data to be encoded, such as a hyperlink, a link to product information, advertising, text information, a URL, or the like, is determined. At step 110, information to be presented is also determined before a representation for the encoding is selected at 120.

It will be appreciated that in this regard the order defined by the steps in the flow chart is notional, and for the purposes of illustration only. In fact, typically the information to be printed may be determined prior to the meta-data, since the metadata may be established later, for example if it depends on the content itself. For example, a publisher wanting to update a version of a book might scan through the text and select sections at which to insert metadata. Thus, in this case, the meta-data may be established after the content.

In order to allow the representations to be provided as either electronic output, or in hard copy form, for example as printed media, the encoded meta-data is presented in the form of visual encoding within the representation. Accordingly, the nature of the representation depends on the nature of the information.

For example, if the information to be presented is text, then the meta-data is encoded as redundant visual features within a particular style of font. Alternatively, if information is an image, the metadata may be encoded within the image, for example using a coded watermark, or the like.

At step 130 the meta-data is encoded within the representation utilising a predetermined algorithm, which is dependent on the selected representation. For example, if text is encoded within a font, this utilises the provision of redundant visual features within or around the font characters, as will be described in more detail below.

The representation is transferred to a third party at step 140, allowing the user to determine the nature of the representation, and hence the encoding algorithm at step 150. This can then be used to decode the meta-data at step 160, allowing appropriate action to be taken.

It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that this form of system is usually implemented utilising processing systems. An example of a suitable processing system is set out in Figure 2.

In particular, the processing system 10 generally includes at least a processor 20, a memory 21, and an input/output device 22, such as a keyboard, display, printer, or the like, and an external interface 23, coupled together via a bus 24 as shown. The external interface 23 is generally optional, and may be used for example to allow the processing system 10 to be coupled to a database 11, a communications network, or the like, as will be explained in more detail below.

The processor 20 is adapted to receive the meta-data, and associated information, to be encoded, and then perform the encoding in accordance with predetermined representations and associated encoding algorithms. Similarly, the processing system 10 is generally capable of interpreting meta-data encoded within the received representations.

Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the processing system 10 may be any form of suitably programmed computing device, PDA, mobile phone, custom produced hardware, or the like.

Furthermore, as the encoded meta-data is presented in the form of visual encoding, the processing system 10 may include an optical input device, such as a scanner, to allow the representation to be captured. Alternatively, the processing system may be adapted to receive documents in electronic forms.

In any event, an example ofthe manner in which this is achieved will now be described in more detail with reference to Figure 3.

In particular, at step 200 the user provides an indication of the meta-data to the processing system 10. The exact nature of the meta-data is not important for the purpose of this example, and will in any event be described in more detail below. The meta-data may be provided via the input 22, or imported from an external source, such as via a network coupled to the external interface 23.

At step 210 the user also provides the information to be presented to the processing system 10. Again, this may be provided in any manner, and will generally include one or more of text, images, or the like. Furthermore, the information may have only a portion which is to be associated with the meta-data in which case, this is also identified.

Again, as previously described, the order of steps 200 and 210 is notional and is for illustrative purposes only. Typically these processes may be performed in either order or simultaneously.

An example the encoding of information in text is shown in Figure 4. In this example, the information may be in the form of a product description, which includes the text "For more information select here", hi this case, the word "here" could include the encoded meta-data in the form of a hyperlink to a website containing additional product details, or the like. Accordingly, the word "here" is produced using a font which is visually distinct from surrounding fonts, thereby allowing the region in which the meta-data is encoded to be identified by a visual inspection of the text. Accordingly, in this example, which is focussing on the use of text information, at step 220 the user selects a font from a predetermined list of fonts which is typically stored in the database 11, or the memory 21. This may be achieved for example by having appropriate fonts selectable in word processing applications or the like, which allow text formatting in the normal way.

At step 230, an encoding algorithm is determined. The algorithm may be associated with the selected font such that each font has a respective algorithm. Alternatively, a number of different algorithms may be associated with each font, so that a respective algorithm associated with the font is selected. Alternatively, the algorithms may be independent of the font, such that the algorithms can be used to encode meta-data within a number of different fonts. The processing system 10 can then use the algorithm to encode the meta-data as redundant visual features within or around the font representation at step 240.

Optionally, at step 250, an evaluation can be performed to determine if the generated encoded representations are acceptable. This is performed to ensure that the algorithm has not added too many visual features to the font that would obscure the visual recognition of the font and character information when it is viewed.

Thus, it will be appreciated that the amount of information that can be encoded depends on factors such as the selected font type and size. Accordingly, it is typical to perform an evaluation process to determine for a selected font, character(s) and font size, the amount of meta-data that can be encoded, and if this amount is exceeded. If the result is deemed not acceptable at step 260, the processing system 10 allows the user to adjust the encoding at step 270. This may be achieved for example by selecting an alternative font, selecting alternative or additional characters, or font size, to allow additional meta-data to be encoded. Alternatively the amount of meta-data to be encoded can be reduced.

Once the encoding is deemed acceptable, the processing system 10 provides an output ofthe encoded representations, typically as a document, at step 280. This may then be used in a number of ways. For example, the document may be forwarded electronically to another processing system 10 via e- mail or the like. Alternatively, the document may be printed and distributed as a printed hardcopy document.

In any event, as the meta-data is visually encoded within the representations, then the general process for interpreting the encoded representation is the same regardless ofthe nature ofthe distribution.

Thus, as shown for example, at step 300 a third party receives the document containing the encoded font and provides this to a processing system 10. If this is via an electronic document, this can be received via e-mail or the like. However, in this example, the document is a printed document, in which case this is achieved by scanning the document.

In particular, as described above, typically only a portion of the document includes encoded meta- data, so that the user may only need to scan the relevant portion of the document such as the word "here" described above.

In this example, at step 310 the processing system 10 generates a digital representation, such as a bitmap image, ofthe scanned portion of the document, and uses this to determine the type of font in which meta-data is encoded at step 320. The processing system 10 can then access an LUT (look-up table) stored in the database 11, or the memory 21, and use this to determine the encoding algorithm at step 330.

Following this the processing system 10 decodes the meta-data by applying the algorithm to the digital representation of the respective representation at step 340. At step 340 the processing system 10 determines any instructions or actions defined by the meta-data and responds to the decoded instructions or actions accordingly.

Thus for example if the encoded meta-data represents a hyperlink, upon selection of the respective encoded text by the user, the processing system 10 can decode the hyperlink from the text, utilising this technique, and operate to open the web browser allowing access to the respective web page. First Specific Example In this example, the information to be encoded is text, with the meta-data being encoded as visual features within specific fonts. The encoded fonts will hereinafter be referred to as digefonts™.

In this example, the system includes four main parts: • A repository of available fonts and associated encoding algorithms; • Software for generating a typefont and encoding meta-data prior to printing or display used by print "publisher" (e.g. printing houses, businesses or individuals printing text for publication or display); • The generated document including meta-data encoded in digefonts; and • A means of allowing users to decode the digefonts and performing actions in response to metadata content.

Each digefont™ font set comprises glyphs that have a recognisable character form and a certain amount of redundant "white" space within and around the characters, which allows the encoding algorithm employed by the processing system 10 to generate text (such as those commonly used in the printing industry for word processing or desktop publishing), including coding marks or other features, within the white space. Thus, the marks can be provided either within or around, or above or below individual letters, words or sequences ofthe same.

The white space is generally referred to as a "codespace" and this is blank by default but filled by the "coding marks" according to the encoding algorithm and the selected meta-data. The codespace of an entire piece of text is therefore the sum ofthe codespace ofthe individual characters.

In use, each codespace has a certain weighting associated therewith and the system can employ algorithms that use this weighting to calculate a "data weighting score". This can also be influenced by other factors such as the text size, format, code type etc, and is used in evaluating the success of the encoding as described in more detail below with respect to Figure 7. Examples ofthe encoding are shown in Figures 5 A to 5H, which in each case shows an example of an existing font, together with the font modified to incorporate the meta-data. The font and encoding used are as set out in Table 1 below.

Table 1

It will be appreciated that these examples are for illustrative purposes only, and that practically a vast range of different encoding schemes may be used, together with a range of different existing or custom fonts.

The algorithm and associated typeface can be designed so that the codes are scarcely discernible to the naked human eye, but can contain considerable amounts of meta-data or commands.

In one preferred example, a user is able to access this meta-data content or connect to an encoded hyperlink using a portable device with an appropriate reading or scanning functionality, and deciphering software.

For instance a mobile phone with an in-built digital camera would be able to identify the markings, and utilising the deciphering software display to the user from within the device's browser any metadata available, or offer the user the option to press a key and so link to a hyperlmked resource.

This software can be incorporated into the browser of such Internet-ready devices, or pre-installed with the micro-browser in new devices, so relieving the user of the need even of downloading software. The software for producing an encoded representation can be installed in the publisher's processing system, such as the processing system 10 described above, and may typically be installed as a plug-in within existing word-processing or desktop publishing applications.

Thus, the publisher can type text for printing in the usual way, including arranging text in various positions with headings etc for printing. The publisher can then highlight a segment of text, which is to be turned into a digefont™ link. From a toolbar or drop down menu or right click menu, the publisher can select one of any available "Digefont™" options as the font to be used for the selected text. They can also be able to select size and other style features for the text. The publisher is then presented with a typical windows-style dialogue box offering further options to complete the link process. This may include "meta-data" such as information about the chosen link, product, or author ofthe link. An Internet URL may also be entered.

Further, the publisher may be presented with options for selecting the coding format to be employed (e.g. 4-State, Code 128, Datamatrix)

Upon completion of these steps, the processing system 10 determines the encoding algorithm and can compare the amount of space available within the selected text at the selected size, with the amount needed to encode the meta-data.

If this exceeds a predetermined value, the publisher can be presented with a preview pane window containing a preview of the text with coding included, allowing the publisher to determine whether the level of embedded coding obscures the linking text, or detracts from the surrounding text to an unacceptable degree. The publisher can then be presented with options to improve the appearance, such as decreasing the amount of material to be embedded, increasing the amount of text for encoding, increasing the size ofthe encoded font, or selecting an alternate coding method.

Once the publisher has completed any or all of these steps to their satisfaction, the program algorithms generate a pattern corresponding to the selected font and meta-data or URL inserted within the text. These may be incorporated within letters, or around letters or words. An approximation of the final appearance may be demonstrated on the computer screen. The publisher may then print the text with the encoding on any suitable media, including not only professional printers, but also using any commonly used desktop quality printers (such as ink-jet, bubble-jet, laser printers, and in some cases dot-matrix printers).

This makes the invention suitable for use in publishing and for use in magazines, catalogues, brochures, pamphlets, newspapers, newsletters, books, and fliers among others. It may be utilised for instance for printing on glass windows, signs, and labels including CD's, foodstuffs, and all manner of packaging, as well as fabrics (by direct printing, transfer techniques or even woven patterns). It may be printed at increased sizes, and be employed on billboards, notices, signs etc. It may also be displayed on television screens, computer screens, PDA screens, mobile phone displays, or indeed any media where a visual image can be displayed.

In short, anywhere that can be seen by a customer or end-user, it may potentially be accessed by a viewer with an appropriate scanning device. Second Specific Example

In this example, the information is an image, with the meta-data being encoded as one or more visual features within the image. The encoded pictures will hereinafter be referred to as digepics™.

In such cases, the system provides a means to encode the meta-data, such as the URL of the web- resource, as a recognisable yet unobtrusive symbol, which users can scan using a digital camera connected to a web-enabled device running Digepic™ deciphering software. (For instance a web- enabled mobile phone with built-in camera).

The Digepic™ system comprises:

• A repository of available symbols and encoding algorithms; • Software for generating a symbol and encoding meta-data prior to printing or display used by print "publisher" (e.g. printing houses, businesses or individuals printing text for publication or display);

• The generated symbol; and

• A means of decoding the symbol and performing actions in response to the meta-data content.

The software for generating the symbol can be provided in commercial word-processing, photo/image-processing, or desktop publishing software, either as embedded software or a plug-in. When manipulating a digital image intended for printing, the publisher can highlight the image and select from a drop-down menu, toolbar, or mouse-click, the option of inserting a Digepic™ symbol. They can be presented with a standard window-like user interface to generate the symbol. This can include textbox for entering desired meta-data that will be encoded in the final Digepic™ symbol.

This can also include a preview pane, and have options for altering the size, colour etc of the symbol. The symbol can also be dragged to different parts of the page, or aligned according to precise numbers of pixels or linear dimensions. When the publisher is satisfied with their choice, the software can produce the encoded Digepic™ symbol according to the specific algorithm, and insert it appropriately into the digital document. A representation of that symbol can be visible to the user on their computer screen. When the digital document is printed, the symbol will be reproduced according to the algorithm.

In one example, the symbol is an 8-pointed star or the like, as shown for example in Figure 6A. Some of the features of the symbol can include a central orientation pattern, and radiating "arms" or limbs which contain the encoded data in a sequence of dots or dashes or other manner. Also part of the system is the inclusion of certain conventions and coding shortcuts, such as algorithm markers, and format markers. Thus, for example, the format markers can be as shown in Figures 6B, 6C, 6D, which in this example respectively represent a hyperlink, a copyright format or a title/meta-data format.

The decoding component of the system can be in the form of software installed in an appropriate device for recognising the Digepic™ symbols on a printed medium, deciphering the encoded meta- data, and directing the device to perform actions based on the content of that meta-data. For example, this could be achieved using an internet-enabled mobile phone with built-in digital camera, and mobile internet-browser.

When the user identifies a Digepic™ symbol attached to some printed material that interests them, they can use their device to scan the symbol. The installed deciphering software can decode the meta- data, and present for the user on their device screen, or audibly via digital voice protocols, information concerning the hyperlink or meta-data encoded, and possibly a number of options relating to interacting further with that embedded link. The user manipulates their device in response to this information and if desired can be directed across a mobile Internet protocol to a web or other resource.

In this example, the symbol may be encoded as a watermark within the image, with a characteristic edge pattern. In this example, by having the detecting processing system perform edge recognition for the pattern, this allows the exact location ofthe symbol to be determined automatically, and hence allows automatic decoding of the meta-data within the image. This is particularly useful in situations where aesthetic among other reasons might lead a publisher to not wish to have a web address displayed over the top of a photograph or other print image. For instance in glossy magazine advertisements, art-work edition catalogues, as well as the pictures within books, the www.etc format may detract from the image and any associated copy.

However it may still be desired by the publisher to provide a physical hyperlink from that image to an associated web-resource. For instance a museum or art gallery may have small reproductions of an art-work in the near vicinity of the actual display, and may wish to provide a link to an audible-on- demand file describing the work, and which is not stored or accessed from a public web-address, but an internal intranet, with a long, complicated, awkward and "ugly-looking" URL.

There are numerous advantages of the proposed system over rival existing symbologies. One is the ability of the publisher to encode immediately any desired meta-data or hyperlink into a symbol that remains recognisable as a Digepic™ link, and which can be immediately deciphered by any user with an appropriately enabled scanner and web-device. Additional Features

A number of additional or optional features for both systems will now be described.

Evaluation

An example of the evaluation process for assessing the success with encoded procedure will now be described with reference to Figure 7.

In particular, at step 400 the processing system 10 provides an indication of available encoding algorithms to the user. This is used to allow the user to select a respective encoding algorithm at step 410, which therefore corresponds to step 230 in Figure 3A.

At step 420 the user selects an error tolerance. This may be selected from a drop-down list presented by the processing system 10, or the like, as will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art. Generally, the error tolerance reflects the accuracy with which the meta-data must be decoded. Thus, for example, in certain circumstances the accuracy of decoding the meta-data may be more important than in others. This may occur for example depending on the manner of transportation of the presented information.Jn this case, it will be appreciated that if the information is to be transported electronically, a lower error tolerance would be required. In any event, at step 430 the processing system determines a score for the encoding of the respective meta-data within the selected text. The score is typically determined utilising an inherent font score, an inherent algorithm score and the tolerance score.

Thus, the font score represents a weighting which is indicative ofthe amount of coded space available within respective characters in the font. The algorithm score reflects the size of the coding marks which are inserting into the white space to represent a predetermined amount of data, whilst the tolerance score is indicative ofthe error tolerance required.

Accordingly, combining the font score, algorithm score and tolerance score allows a weighting score to be determined for the combination of the respective font, the algorithm and the specified error tolerance.

Having determined this weighting factor, this is combined with the amount of meta-data which is to be encoded, together with an indication of the number of characters into which the meta-data is to be included.

The resulting score is reviewed at step 440 and used to evaluate the success of the encoding. This may be achieved using a number of different techniques. Thus, the score can be compared to a threshold and if the score falls below the threshold, this indicates that the encoding may not be suitable for use, because it results either in insufficiently clear encoding ofthe meta-data, or in a lack of clarity ofthe font, and the presented information.

Typically, if the score falls below a first threshold the processing system generates an image of the information and the encoded meta-data allowing this to be reviewed by a user, as shown at step 450. In this case, this allows the user to determine if the encoding is acceptable.

Alternatively, or additionally, if the threshold falls below a second threshold, this may indicate that the encoding is not suitable regardless of the appearance, thereby allowing the evaluation to be performed solely by the processing system 10.

In any event, at step 460, it is determined if the encoding is acceptable and if not the process is repeated, for example by selecting an alternative encoding algorithm as shown. Alternatively, the user can select a different font, font size, different meta-data, or increase the amount of information, such as the amount of text, used to encode the meta-data.

in any event, it will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that this is performed to maintain a desired ratio of coding marks to overall coding space such that the coding space does not become cluttered with coding marks, thereby obscuring the presented information.

Meta-Data Encoding

The system described above therefore enables meta-data of interest to be encoded and embedded within a segment of modified, but still recognisable and readable text, which is achieved using some form of encoding algorithm to convert the meta-data into visual code.

Generally meta-data content will be itself text, comprising characters, numerals and/or punctuation marks, which when decoded will be meaningful to an end-user, either directly (as information) or as an intermediate character string that may be used by some other user-controlled device (e.g. the web- browser on an internet-enabled mobile phone) to access some other user-desired functionality or information (e.g. a website URL).

Consequently for English-language based meta-data, the coding method should enable conversion of at least 52 letters (upper and lowercase alphabet), 10 digits, and a number of punctuation marks (e.g. ?!.,"(), etc) and other common abbreviations or symbols (e.g. +,=,@,$,&,Λ,o, etc) such as those comprising the ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange) set. It will therefore be appreciated that a number of existing coding methodologies are available which can encode such ASCII characters visually. For instance various barcode methodologies are available such as Code 128 and 4state barcodes, which directly code ASCII letters and characters compactly as a series of alternating light and dark bars in certain relations to each another. Thus, the above system could utilise such or similar bar-coding methodologies, adapting them for inserting in codespace.

Another coding approach that might be employed by the system, and which would avoid limiting the meta-data to English characters, would be to make use of a universal standard such as Unicode.

In this case, the system might first convert the meta-data of the end-user language (e.g. Japanese, Arabic, Thai) to Unicode, with the resulting sequence of numbers being used as meta-data in the above described system.

Such a system would require the end-user device have software able to decode the meta-data (Unicode codes), and then convert the Unicode codes into an appropriate visual or other format for the end-user.

The systems may also assign different "fields" to the encoded meta-data, for example to identify the beginning or end of the encoding, the nature of the font and the encoding algorithm, or the like. This can be used by an interpreting device to identify and interpret the meta-data correctly from within the encoded symbols in the codespace.

Thus, "start" and "stop" signals or codes, and "error detection" signals or codes can be incorporated automatically as part of each coding algorithm, enabling an end-user with appropriate scanning device and software to identify the beginning and end of an encoded region, and to ensure the integrity ofthe meta-data received. Failure to identify these signals can be overcome by having the end-user re-scan the document, or be alerted to the need to re-scan the encoded text.

The "start signal" may include a component that indicates the expected frequency of a "repeater" marker, which would be dependent on the publisher-selected error tolerance. This repeater-marker may be inserted a certain number of times across the entire codespace of the encoded text, and the end-user scanner software must find it that number of times before decoding the meta-data.

The start-signal may also contain a "code type" identifier, so end-user scanner software can use appropriate decoding algorithm to interpret the meta-data. This may include recognizing abbreviated codes. For example, "4W" might be interpreted to mean a 4state coding system, with a webset abbreviation system in which binary combinations could be employed to reduce amount of space required to code common web-style character sequences such as http:, www., .com, .org etc In some implementations of the system, the start signal may also include a "font identifier". The purpose of this would be to allow the end-user scanner software to predict where to "look" for codespace, by comparing the glyph scanned with a database of fonts, identify the codespace region, then decode the recognized codespace content according to the code type algorithm as previously described.

In any event, it will be appreciated that the exact nature of the encoding algorithm is not essential to the implementation, as long as it is capable of encoding data as redundant visual features within the representations.

Error Correction It is well recognised that scanning and interpreting visual images, using laser scanners, digital scanners or the like, involves a risk of "reading" errors. These may be due to faulty or inadequate technique, poor quality printing of the code, partial obstruction ofthe code, marks on the image being scanned, scanning artefacts, or the like.

In order to overcome this, it is typical that the encoding algorithm includes some form of error correction mechanism, such as Reed-Solomon error correction, which operates by adding extra "redundant" bits to the meta-data prior to encoding, as will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art.

Additionally, error correction can be achieved by encoding the meta-data at a number of locations within the document. Depending on the implementation, it may be possible to encode a significant amount of information in each character, depending on factors such as the size of the characters used, etc.

Thus, for example, if the meta-data is only of low volume such as a hyperlink, that meta-data could be encoded in a single text character within the document. In this case, the meta-data may be encoded in each character within a word. When the processing system 10 performs the decoding, it can decode each character separately and compare the results, using this to correct for any errors in the scanning process.

Architecture

It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that this form of system may typically be provided in a network environment such as that shown in Figure 8. In particular, as shown in Figure 8 architecture includes a base station 1 having the processing system 10 coupled to a database 11. The base station 1 is coupled to a number of end stations 3 via the communications networks 2, 4.

In one example, the communications networks 2 represent internal networks within an organisation, such as a LAN (Local Area Network), with the communications network 4 being an external network such as the Internet. The communications networks 2, 4 may be any form of a network depending on the implementation and may be therefore be wired or wireless networks such as the GSM mobile phone network.

In this example, the end stations may be any form of a processing system as appropriate to the specific architecture, and may therefore be similar in form and function to the processing system 10.

It will therefore be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the end stations 3, or the base station 1, communicate with each other and thereby provide the functionality described above. This allows documents to be generated using any one of the any one of the end stations 3 and the base station 1, either separately, or acting in conjunction.

Thus, for example, the end stations 3 may be adapted to obtain the algorithms via the LANs 2 or the Internet 4 from the base station 1. Generation ofthe documents can occur locally at the end station 3, with the resulting document being transferred to other end stations 3, either via the network, or as a printed document.

Alternatively, for example, users could determine the meta-data and the information within which the meta-data is to be encoded, using one of the end stations 3, and transfer this to the base station 1. Following this, the base station 1 can generate the document, which is then transferred back to the respective end station 3.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art, that this service could be provided in the form of a web-site, with the user of the end station 3 being presented with a web-page which allows the metadata and information to be submitted to the base station 1, as well as to allow the nature of the representations and the encoding algorithms to be selected.

The examples outlined above therefore use a predetermined algorithm to allow meta-data to be encoded visually within predetermined representations. This allows the representations to be printed and then subsequently decoded using any suitable device that has the predetermined algorithm.

Standard algorithms may be used so there is no need to interact with a third party to provide a symbol with the desired meta-data encoding, so reducing wasted time and extra costs, and greatly increasing the flexibility for the publisher. There is also no need for users to be directed to the desired resource via a third-party website or database, and hence reduced risk of lost transmissions, "old" links etc. Furthermore it may be utilised on any common printing devices, including industrial black and white and colour printers, as well as home laser printers, bubble-jet printers, and even dot-matrix printers. The symbol and its encoded meta-data will even remain after photocopying.

This allows end-users equipped with a suitable scanning and processing device to access meta-data encoded in a segment of encoded text, or images.

Such devices may include mobile phones and PDA's equipped with a digital camera, and would become "Digefont™-enabled" by the installation of appropriate software.

By allowing "hidden" meta-data placement amidst ordinary readable text, the system offers a wide variety of novel and beneficial uses of printed text or logos.

In particular the flexibility ofthe above described system offers advancement over the state ofthe art in barcode use and processing across the internet - for instance in updating meta-data and printing it instantly, without need to access third-party barcode suppliers or databases.

This also allows new and useful consumer, commercial, and even artistic applications of text as the bearer of meta-data. And these are enhanced further by the almost infinite variety of media which can be encoded, and the limitless variety of places where such encoded meta-data is able to be immediately accessed by end-users equipped with an appropriate scanning device.

Some examples of use ofthe above described systems would be to encode: • Consumer information such as ingredients or instructions can be encoded on product packaging.

• Commercial information or manufacturing information such as date/time of manufacture, batch number, customer name etc on product packaging.

• Business information such as price, date of arrival, use-by date etc

• Shortcuts to multiple web addresses from pages of text (such as classified advertisements, multiple separate real estate listings etc)

• Footnotes, references or bibliographical information for text in books, magazines, journals, newspaper articles - either directly as text or as URL for subsequent linking of user to source material via internet protocols

• Marketing and competitions, for instance collecting "tokens" hidden in scanned encoded text, finding secret messages, reading "treasure hunt" instructions, instant win notifications. There is also envisaged new types of marketing competitions such as "quick draw" or "shoot-outs" where end-users equipped with suitable scanning devices compete by being first or quickest at finding and scanning "targets" of encoded text or images. • The system can offer enormous benefits to those involved in the advertising and marketing fields. Owing to the ability to modify meta-data specifically and immediately, and print single instances of encoded text, advertisers can have a dramatically enhanced ability to track customers and their response to advertisements (including TV advertisements). By assigning unique codes to advertisements deployed in specific locations (such as a particular billboard location) or in specific media (particular magazines, particular newspapers etc) advertisers can collect and categorise information about when, how frequently etc each type of advertisement is accessed. This information would not return to the publisher-user if the end-user only accessed the meta-data encoded by the advertising, but only if they subsequently initiated an internet-connection based on the URL enclosed in the meta-data e.g. to collect tokens, try for instant win or other such consumer-beneficial offer. • Furthermore, advertisers can offer immediate gratification for a response to their advertisements (in manner of tokens, instant prizes etc), so increasing the likelihood of advertising response, and hence increasing the value of their advertisements to customers. • Furthermore the value of drive-by and distant advertisements would be increased by the fact that an immediate response can be obtained, even while "on the move", rather than needing to remember the details ofthe advertisement and later access the product or offer. • Furthermore the system offers a means for end-users to receive instant purchase of certain products directly from the advertisement (e.g. download games, software or telephone ringtones directly from the URL encoded in the text of the advertisement, or play music clips directly from the URL encoded in the text ofthe advertisement. • Business Logos can contain within their very design, information regarding the business, such as web-addresses, rather than require customers to remember an unusual or complicated web address.

• Small and home-businesses could use the system to attract potential customers to their websites without the need for a memorable address (e.g. simply holding up an encoded sign at a well- attended or even televised event).

• Passing Messages inconspicuously by encoding within text or images. For instance pro- democracy advocates could indicate government abuses or pass warnings or messages on an "innocent" sign, "underground Christians" could advertise their meeting times in a marketplace without arousing suspicion. • Symbols described above may be used to encode meta-data within works of art, for example to identify the author, as well as to provide information regarding the work. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous variations and modifications will become apparent. All such variations and modifications which become apparent to persons skilled in the art, should be considered to fall within the spirit and scope that the invention broadly appearing before described.

Claims

THE CLAIMS:

1) A method of encoding data within a visual representation of information, the method including, in a processing system: (a) determining a representation type; (b) determining an encoding algorithm; (c) determining the information and the data; and, (d) generating the visual representation ofthe information using the determined representation type; and, (e) encoding the data within the representation using the encoding algorithm. 2) A method according to claim 1, wherein the processing system includes a store, an input and a processor, and wherein the method includes causing the processor to: (a) receive, via the input, at least one ofthe data and the information; (b) select a representation type from a list of predetermined representation types stored in the store; (c) select an encoding algorithm from a list of encoding algorithms stored in the store using at least one of: (i) the selected representation type; (ii) the data; and, (iii) the information; (d) generate the visual representation; and, (e) encode the data as visual features in the representation using the selected encoding algorithm.

3) A method according to claim 1, wherein the method includes displaying the visual representation using at least one of: (a) a display device; (b) a computer system; and, (c) a printer.

4) A method according to claim 1, wherein the method includes, in the processing system: (a) selecting one or more representation properties; (b) determining an encoding score using at least one of: (i) the selected encoding algorithm; (ii) the data; (iii) the information; and, (iv) the representation properties; (c) comparing the encoding score to a predetermined threshold; and, (d) at least one of: (i) generating the representation in response to a successful comparison; and, (ii) modifying at least one ofthe representation properties and the representation type in response to an unsuccessful comparison.

5) A method according to claim 4, wherein the method includes, in the processing system, selecting the predetermined threshold from threshold data stored in the store using at least one of: (a) the selected encoding algorithm; and, (b) the representation properties;

6) A method according to claim 4, wherein the representation properties include at least one of: (a) a representation size; (b) an amount of information to be associated with the encoded data; (c) a font properties; and, (d) image properties.

7) A method according to claim 1, wherein the method includes, in the processing system: (a) causing the encoding algorithm to generate code marks representing the data; and, (b) providing the code marks in one or more code spaces within the representation.

8) A method according to claim 7, wherein the code spaces are at least one of: (a) blank spaces within the representation; (b) "white" spaces within the representation; and, (c) a coloured region of regular uniformity. 9) A method according to claim 7, wherein the method includes, in the processing system generating the code marks such that the code marks encode at least one of: (a) a start field indicating the start ofthe encoded data; (b) an end field indicating the end ofthe encoded data; (c) an encoding algorithm field indicating the encoding algorithm used; and, (d) error correction information.

10) A method according to claim 9, wherein the method includes, in the processing system: (a) selecting an error tolerance; and, (b) generating the code marks in accordance with the selected error tolerance.

11) A method according to claim 1, wherein the method includes, in the processing system: (a) displaying a list of at least one of: (i) representation types; (ii) representation properties; and, (iii) encoding algorithms; and, (b) selecting, from the list and using input commands from a user at least one of: (i) representation types; (ii) representation properties; and, (iii) encoding algorithms.

12) A method according to claim 1, wherein the data is at least one of: (a) a URL; (b) a link to other information; (c) a web-site address; (d) marketing information; and, (e) other information.

13) A method according to claim 1, wherein the representation type includes at least one of: (a) a font; (b) a font type; (c) an image; and, (d) a symbol.

14) Apparatus for encoding data within a visual representation of information, the apparatus including a processing system for: (a) determining a representation type; (b) determining an encoding algorithm; (c) determining the information and the data; and, (d) generating the visual representation ofthe information using the determined representation type; and, (e) encoding the data within the representation using the encoding algorithm.

15) Apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the apparatus is adapted to perform the method of any one ofthe claims 1 to 13.

16) A method of decoding data encoded within a visual representation of information, the method including, in a processing system: (a) determining the visual representation; (b) determining a decoding algorithm; (c) determining the encoded data within the representation; and, (d) decoding the encoded data using the decoding algorithm. 17) A method according to claim 16, wherein the processing system includes a store, an input and a processor, and wherein the method includes causing the processor to: (a) receive the visual representation via the input; (b) select an decoding algorithm from a list of decoding algorithms stored in the store using at least one of: (i) a representation type; (ii) the data; and, (iii) the information; and, (c) decode the data using the selected decoding algorithm.

18) A method according to claim 16, wherein the method includes, in the processing system: (a) receiving a printed visual representation; (b) scanning the printed visual representation to generate a digital visual representation; and, (c) decoding the data from the digital visual representation.

19) A method according to claim 16, wherein the encoded data is in the form of code marks provided within one or more code spaces within the representation, and wherein the method includes: (a) detecting the code marks within the visual representation; and, (b) determining the encoded data using the code marks.

20) A method according to claim 19, wherein the code spaces are at least one of: (a) blank spaces within the representation; (b) "white" spaces within the representation; and, (c) a coloured region of regular uniformity.

21) A method according to claim 19, wherein the method includes, in the processing system, detecting from the code marks at least one of: (a) a start field indicating the start ofthe encoded data; (b) an end field indicating the end ofthe encoded data; (c) an decoding algorithm field indicating the decoding algorithm used; and, (d) error correction information.

22) A method according to claim 16, wherein the method includes, in the processing system: (a) displaying a list of at least one of: (i) representation types; (ii) representation properties; and, (iii) decoding algorithms; and, (b) selecting, from the list and using input commands from a user at least one of: (i) representation types; (ii) representation properties; and, (iii) decoding algorithms.

23) A method according to claim 16, wherein the data is at least one of: (a) a URL; (b) a link to other information; (c) a web-site address; (d) marketing information; and, (e) other information.

24) A method according to claim 16, wherein the representation type includes at least one of: (a) a font; (b) a font type; (c) an image; and, (d) a symbol.

25) Apparatus for decoding data within a visual representation of information, the apparatus including a processing system for: (a) determining a representation type; (b) determining a decoding algorithm; (c) determining the information and the data; and, (d) generating the visual representation ofthe information using the determined representation type; and, (e) encoding the data within the representation using the decoding algorithm. 26) Apparatus according to claim 25, wherein the apparatus is adapted to perform the method of any one ofthe claims 15 to 24.