JP2003518696A - Information handling system with personal authentication - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] The product for payment has a writing area (6c) prepared for the user's signature. This writing area has a first position-coding pattern that allows digital recording of the signature. This first position-coding pattern is a subset of the huge second position-coding pattern. The product for payment is used in a payment system based on electronic payment information, which is recorded using the position-coding pattern and transmitted to a server unit, where the position-coding is performed. The pattern is used to check that the payment information is valid.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a product for payment comprising at least one writing area, which writing area is adapted to receive handwritten information from a user and enable digital recording of this handwritten information. The first position-coding pattern is The invention also relates to a server unit, an information handling system, the use of absolute position coding patterns, and a handheld electronic user unit.

[0002]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The safety of check payments is problematic. An unauthorized person obtains another person's check, falsifies this person's signature, and obtains money belonging to the owner of this check, and also purchases goods that are charged to the owner of this check. There is always the risk of doing. Numerous proposals have been made to make it more difficult for an unauthorized person to forge a signature and use someone else's check.

EP 0 276 109 shows a check with a shade in the writing area for the user to write a signature, the density of which changes from the upper side to the lower side. When a user signs a check with a pen equipped with a sensor, the sensor records its density at the nib. This causes the pen to produce an output signal with a density that varies in time with the position of the pen on the writing area.

As another example, the writing area may comprise a number of squares, all of which have different densities of shading. Also in this example, the pen produces an output signal with a density that varies in time with the position of the pen on the writing area. The output signal from the pen can be used to compare the user's signature with a pre-stored user's signature to verify that the person signing the check in question is really an authorized user. it can.

EP 0 132 241 discloses a similar method for authenticating a signature, in which the user whose signature is to be authenticated has dark parallel lines separated by thin lines or areas. This is because the signature is written on the barcode consisting of a reading pen using a reading pen. When the user signs, the reading pen emits light and records the reflected light, which produces a train of pulses. This pulse train is compared in a computer with one or more pulse trains previously generated by the person and recorded in the computer, which authenticates the person who claims to be the principal. To improve safety, barcodes are
Information identifying the person, eg, birthday, may be encoded and provided in the barcode.

Problems also occur with other payments, such as credit card payments. An unauthorized person who finds someone else's credit card can forge the cardholder's signature on the voucher and charge the cardholder to buy the goods.

[0007] Security issues are exacerbated when credit card payments are made remotely over a computer network, as payments are typically withdrawn from a credit card account based solely on the credit card number. . No signature from the person ordered to pay is required.

Payment by remote check via a computer network does not cause any problems. However, there remains a general problem of remotely authenticating the identity of a person who has sent information to a computer network using a computer.

[0009]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The general object of the present invention is therefore to provide a solution to the problems mentioned above. This particular purpose is also to present a solution that can improve security in connection with payment instructions that require the payer's signature on the product for payment.

These purposes are the product for payment of claim 1, claim 12
Server unit, the information handling system of claim 19 and the user unit of claim 32.

More particularly, in a first aspect, the present invention relates to a product comprising at least one writing area, which writing area is adapted to receive handwritten information from a user. It has a first position-coding pattern that enables digital recording. This product is a subset of a second position-coding pattern, wherein the first position-coding pattern is an absolute position-coding pattern obtained by coding the coordinates of a plurality of points on a virtual surface. The position-coding pattern is characterized by being for both digital recording of said handwritten information and personal identification.

The advantage of using a position-coding pattern that is a subset of a huge absolute position-coding pattern is that a test based on the knowledge that a particular product has a particular subset of a huge position-coding pattern. By using, it is possible to improve safety.

The first position-coding pattern on the product has two functions. Enables digital recording of the local position of the writing area on the product,
This allows the recording of handwritten information and also enables the determination of a position in the vastness within the second giant position-coding pattern, which position can be used for identity verification. .

The personal identification does not need to be executed when handwritten information is written, but by using either the collation with a physical original or the collation with digitally stored information, It must be pointed out that it can be done later.

The second position-coding pattern need not be stored in its entirety somewhere. The encoding is such that a further unique first position-coding pattern can be generated, and wherever in the system the product is used, the first position-coding in the second position-coding pattern The availability of the fact that the position of the pattern can be determined implies the fact that the first position-coding pattern is a subset of the second position-coding pattern.

The second position-coding pattern is an absolute position-coding pattern obtained by coding the coordinates of a plurality of positions on the virtual surface, as described above. The advantage of this type of coding is that the second position-coding pattern does not have to be stored anywhere and can be described by coordinates. Moreover, determining the position of the first position-coding pattern within the second position-coding pattern is simple and fast. To determine the position of the first position-coding pattern in the second position-coding pattern if an image that is all unique in that part is used instead of this second position-coding pattern First, it becomes necessary to match the first position-coding pattern with different parts of the second position-coding pattern. On the other hand, the encoded coordinates provide the direct position.

In addition, the absolute position coding pattern makes it possible to determine the exact position on the product where the handwritten information is written. This is useful if you want to collate the actual digital version of a particular physical product at a later date.

The resolution of the first position-coding pattern is preferably such that the handwritten information can be digitally reproduced. In this way, an image of how the handwritten information is represented on the physical product can be shown digitally. Further, knowing the physical appearance of the physical product can produce an accurate digital copy of the physical product with handwritten information.

There are known absolute position coding patterns, for example as seen in US Pat. No. 5,852,434, where each position is coded with a unique symbol. This includes, if at least a large number of positions are encoded:
The drawback is that each symbol is complicated, they are difficult to read, and the likelihood of error is increased. Furthermore, the device for reading the position-coding pattern must read the area corresponding to four symbols at each position to ensure the recording of a complete symbol.

According to the present invention, the first position-coding pattern is composed of a plurality of symbols, the coordinates of each point are coded using a plurality of symbols, and each symbol is a code of two or more positions. Contribute to In this way, high resolution is obtained. An example of this type of location code is the international patent application WO 00/7 by the applicant.
See 8983 and PCT / SE00 / 01895. These applications are incorporated herein by reference.

In the preferred embodiment, the first position-coding pattern is unique to authorized users of the product. Each user is assigned a "own" subset of a huge position-coding pattern. This subset can be located, for example, on a check or other product that belongs to the user and is used to perform its identity verification, where the user can, for example, be on a subset of his personal position-coding pattern. It is assumed to be the person who claims to be the person who wrote the handwritten information.

As a second example, a user may provide a personal credit card receipt with a subset of a personal position-coding pattern. This user may use their credit card receipts when attempting to make payments through a computer or at a store with a credit card, and also to enable digital verification of the user's identifier. You can

As yet another example, the first position-coding pattern can be located on an ID card where the user can, for example, sign with a digital pen if he / she desires digital authentication. write. The digital pen transfers the signature to the server unit, where it verifies the authenticity of the signature by comparing it with a pre-stored signature and checking that this position-coding pattern is correct. To be done. The server unit may then send the user's authenticity confirmation to the recipient. Alternatively, the authenticity check can be done in the pen.

Since the first position-coding pattern is uniquely associated with the user, the user should digitally record what he / she wrote using the coordinates that coded the first position-coding pattern. By this, personal identification can be performed digitally.

Furthermore, the first position-coding pattern can be unique to each item of the product. This means that it is possible to determine exactly which individual product has handwritten information, which means, for example, whether the product is a check, a one-time use product or the security of identity verification. It is extremely beneficial when it is something of other value that needs to be raised.

Alternatively, the first position-coding pattern can be unique to the type of product, which distinguishes it, for example, from a particular type of product, such as postal transfer paper. It can be determined that the handwritten information was written on the check.

In the preferred embodiment, the handwritten information includes the user's signature. Many products, especially products for payment, require a signature from the user to confirm the transaction defined by the product. In such cases, the signature is digitally recorded, inspected, and stored using the first position-coding pattern.
Thus, transactions that previously could only be done with paper will now be digital. For example, checks can be digitally processed for payment remotely via a computer network. Currently, users are compelled to hand over signed paper checks when attempting to pay by check. However, by using the product according to the present invention, the product can be identified by reading the unique position-coding pattern where the book title is written, thus enabling electronic transactions. In addition, this has the advantage of leaving a paper copy of the payment made by the user himself.

It is not sufficient for a signature on a check to be just like a previously stored signature in order for it to be accepted; it is also written in a subset of the "correct" position-coding pattern. Must be

In one embodiment, the product may include a plurality of other writing areas for storing other handwriting information about the product, the writing areas being capable of digitally recording the handwriting information. It has a position-coding pattern that allows it.

The first position-coding pattern can be repeated in other writing areas. The first position-coding pattern can also be composed of a vast part of the second huge position-coding pattern, so that the first position-coding pattern can cover all the writing areas. Also, it is possible to distinguish the positions in different writing areas. Furthermore, as another example, this other writing area may comprise a second subset of the huge second position-coding pattern, which subset is contiguous with the first position-coding pattern. Does not correspond.

This additional information may be like information typically written on a check or form. The position-coding pattern makes it possible to identify exactly where on the product the pieces of information were written, and to distinguish pieces of information from each other without having to write them to any special specifications. .

This product is any product that requires some form of identity verification, eg, a contract to be signed, with a first position encoding within the writing area where the parties to the contract sign. It may be provided with a pattern.

Another type of product to which personal authentication is associated is a product for various types of payments, as described above, in which the user manually retrieves information when a payment transaction is made. Write with signature only. Products for this payment are, for example, credit card receipts, bank or postal transfer forms, checks, or gift certificates.

If the product for payment that needs to be signed has a user-specific position-coding pattern, the security is that the scammer will be able to sign and coordinate the points within a particular coordinate area. This is a significant improvement because both the specific position coding pattern that encodes the and must be forged. The product of the invention thus enables electronic payments in secure situations.

According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a server unit for handling information arranged to receive information from a plurality of user units, which server unit respectively Is accessible to a memory in which information about a plurality of regions representing coordinate areas on at least one virtual surface is stored, the server unit providing the information to at least two for at least one point on the virtual surface. Configured to receive in the form of one coordinate, the server unit is responsive to receipt of information from one of the user units to determine a region to which the coordinate belongs and, based on the region attribute, It is characterized in that it is configured to perform personal authentication for the received information.

According to the invention, at least one virtual surface is used, which is divided into different areas (coordinate areas) in order to enable identity verification. The handwritten information is passed through the server unit, where the area to which the coordinates belong is identified. Different areas may be, for example, different products, different companies, and / or
Or associated with users of different products. In this way, one or more security levels can be built in the information handling system.

The system provides many benefits to various users. Individuals using the system can securely identify themselves without the use of passwords, personal identification numbers, smart cards or other security systems. Since information is recorded electronically, users can digitally record physical products and
It can be left as a reminder and / or evidence of the information sent to the unit.

Businesses using the system may lease the area, or otherwise access the area. The company then checks that the handwritten information received in digital form is represented by the coordinates from the correct area,
Alternatively, the server unit can be inspected.

The coordinates recorded by the user unit can be sent to the server unit in any form required by the process to determine its area attributes. These can also be sent in an explicit format.

In a preferred embodiment, at least one authorized user is associated with at least some of said realms and said realm attributes are assigned when said server unit performs said personal authentication. Is configured to be used to check the authority of the user.

Companies can therefore mark their products with coordinates that belong to a particular area. Users must be registered with this company before they are authorized to use this product. The user can then use the product and the company can check the security by checking if the user is actually registered as an authorized user for this area.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the system providing a high degree of security, there is only one authorized user in one area.

In one embodiment, there is at least one unique user identifier associated with at least some areas, which user identifier is an authorized user unit that records the coordinates of a point within that area. Identifying, said information comprises this unique user identifier, and further, the server unit is configured to use this unique user identifier to verify the user's authorization when a user authentication is performed. ing.

Then, in this example, the safety is improved. In order for the handwritten information received by the server unit in digital form to be recognized as correct, it must be written on a subset of the correct position-coding pattern and with the correct user unit. I have to. In order for a fraudster to successfully misrepresent a particular person, he must write that information on the correct position-coding pattern and then obtain that person's user unit.

The user identifier may be the serial number of the user unit, in particular some form of code stored in the user unit for this purpose.

In a preferred embodiment, the signature of a user who is authoritative for a realm is associated with at least some realms, said information comprising a digital representation of the user's signature, said server unit It is configured to compare the signature in the received information with the signature associated with the region of interest when performing the personal authentication.

This signature is represented in the form of coordinates received from the user unit. The coordinate has two functions of representing the signature and the area attribute thereof. This makes it possible to determine which coordinate represents the signature in the received information, which is, in the server unit, which coordinate area is the writing area of the signed product. This is possible because information is stored about whether it corresponds to the above position-coding pattern.

An extremely high level of testing is provided by a combination of the checks that the coordinates belong to the correct area, the checks that the information is written using the correct user unit, and the checks that the signature is correct. Safety can be achieved.

It should also be pointed out that the verification of the signature, on the one hand, may be carried out by the signature verification software in the user unit. Only if the user unit authenticates this signature, the remaining handwriting information is transferred to the server unit, where further authentication is based on the area to which the received coordinates belong and the user unit's unique user. It is executed based on the identifier.

The server unit may be the unit that ultimately processes the received information. However, the server unit is preferably just an intermediate unit that performs some processing of the information received from the user unit,
In this case it forwards this information to the recipient.

The recipient can be defined in the received information, but in the preferred embodiment the recipient is determined by the area attribute. The payee may be a party who is entitled to lease or otherwise use the area, such as a business or other payee with an address associated with the area.

Further, the payee may be the ultimate payee or an intermediary payee who subsequently transfers the payment information to the ultimate payee. The recipient may also be one of said user units, for example a user unit sending information to a server unit.

The server unit may be configured to include information regarding the area attributes in the information sent to the recipient. The recipient can have rights to a large area, or a large number of small areas, for example. Recipients can themselves provide users with products with unique position-coding patterns corresponding to some or all of such areas. Therefore, the recipient must know the area or part to which the information belongs.

The server unit can also be configured to include information about the result of personal authentication in the information sent to the recipient.

According to a third aspect of the invention, the invention comprises an information unit comprising a server unit and a plurality of user units each configured to record and transmit information to said server unit. Regarding the system for handling
The system stores information about a plurality of regions, each representing a coordinate area on at least one virtual surface, in the server unit, and each of the user units stores the information in the virtual surface. Configured to record in the form of at least two coordinates for at least one point above, the server unit determining, in response to receiving the information from one of the user units, an area to which the coordinates belong. However, it is characterized in that it is configured to perform personal authentication for the received information based on the area attribute.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the present invention relates to the use of an absolute position coding pattern on a product to enable it to check the authority of the user who uses the product, Thus, the absolute position coding pattern is unique to the authorized user.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the present invention relates to a handheld electronic user unit, which is intended for use in the aforementioned system.

In the preferred embodiment, within the user unit, the account number of its owner is stored, which allows it to be automatically stored without the user having to record every digit of that number each time. To the server unit.

The handheld electronic user unit with at least one stored account number may be used in systems other than those mentioned above. The advantages of the system and method of use are apparent from the above description. The above-mentioned features of this product and this server unit are
It will be appreciated that it is also applicable to this usage and this user unit. The invention will be described in more detail below with reference to examples and the accompanying drawings.

[0060]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 shows an example of how the system of the present invention for handling information may be configured. In this example, the invention has been described using payment information. The system is, in principle, a product for multiple payments, multiple user units, multiple network connection units and server
It is configured with a unit. However, for the sake of clarity, only one payment product 1, one user unit 2, one network connection unit and one server unit 4 are shown in FIG.

Product for Payment Product 1 for payment can be any product for payment that can be provided with user unit readable coordinates. Coordinates can be given in explicit or coded form.

The product 1 for payment comprises, in this example, a check with a position-coding pattern 5 over its surface. This pattern is shown very simple and magnified as a large number of dots on the check. For clarity purposes, only some of the patterns on the check are shown. Position coding pattern 5 on checks
Consists of a huge subset of position-coding patterns.

The check has three writing areas 6a, 6b, 6c prepared for handwriting. The first writing area is prepared for writing the amount of money, the second writing area is for payment, and the third writing area is for writing the user's signature. Of course there may be other writing areas for other information needed in connection with the digital processing of the check. As an example, there is a writing area for the user to specify the bank account for payment.

[Position Coding Pattern] The position coding pattern 5 can be constructed in various ways, but if any part of the pattern of a particular minimum size is recorded, this position in the position coding pattern,
Therefore, it has the general feature that the location on the product for this payment can be unambiguously determined.

This position-coding pattern 5 is the same as the above-mentioned US Pat. No. 5,852,852.
434, where each position is encoded with a particular symbol.

However, this position-coding pattern is preferably used for recording information with high resolution and, in addition, for systems which allow different processing of this information. Therefore, the position-coding pattern has a high resolution,
It should be designed in such a way that a very large number of positions (given in absolute coordinates) can be encoded. Furthermore, the position-coding pattern should be graphically coded in such a way that it does not significantly affect or hinder the visual impression of the surface of the product. It must also be able to reliably detect the position-coding pattern.

Therefore, the position-coding pattern is preferably 2000.
International Patent Publication WO 00/73983 filed on March 26, or 2000 October
It is of the type shown in international patent application PCT / SE00 / 01895, filed March 2, both of which are assigned to the applicant. In these patterns, each position is coded with multiple marks or symbols, and each symbol serves to code several positions. The position coding pattern is composed of a small number of symbol types.

An example in which the larger dot represents "1" and the smaller dot represents "0" is shown in WO00 / 73983.

The currently most preferred pattern is PCT / SE00 / 018.
Shown at 95, where four different shifts of dots or marks with respect to raster points encode four different values. This pattern is approximately 0.
It consists of very small dots with a nominal spacing of 3 mm. Of this pattern, any portion containing such 6 × 6 dots defines a pair of absolute coordinates. Therefore, each pair of absolute coordinates has a position coding pattern of 1.8 mm × 1.
It is defined by a subset of 8 mm. Due to the 6 × 6 dot positioning at the sensor in the user unit used to read this pattern, the absolute position on the virtual surface can be calculated by interpolation with a resolution of 0.03 mm. PCT / S
A more complete description of the position-coding pattern according to E00 / 01895 is given in the appendix below.

This position-coding pattern can code a large number of absolute positions.
Since each position is encoded with 6x6 dots (each of these dots can have one of four values), 4 ³⁶ positions can be encoded, these positions are between the dots. At the nominal spacing mentioned above, this corresponds to a surface area of 4.6 million km ² .

This position-coding pattern can be printed on any base capable of a resolution of about 600 dpi. The base can be of any size or shape depending on its planned use. This pattern can be printed by standard offset printing techniques. Conventional black carbon-based printing inks that absorb infrared light, or some other printing ink, are preferably used. This means that if other inks are used, including black ink that is not carbon based and does not absorb infrared light, it will not interfere with the reading of the position-coding pattern,
This means that other printing can be overlaid on this position-coding pattern.

A surface provided with the above-mentioned pattern printed using a carbon-based black printing ink has, for the eye, a light gray tint () of the surface.
(1-3% concentration) only, which is user friendly and aesthetically pleasing.

Of course, fewer or more symbols than those described above can be used to define the position, and longer or shorter intervals between symbols can be used in this pattern. These examples are only given to show the presently preferred implementation of the pattern.

[User Unit] FIG. 2 shows an example of the user unit 2, which is a digital pen in this example. The user unit 2 comprises a casing 11 which is approximately the same shape as a pen. On the short side of this casing there is an opening 12. This short side is either kept in contact with the base with the position-coding pattern, or it is kept at a small distance from it.

This case basically includes an optical element part, an electronic circuit part, and a power supply. The optics portion comprises at least one infrared light emitting diode 13 forming a digital camera and illuminating the surface to be imaged, and a light sensitive area sensor 14 (eg CCD or CMOS sensor) for recording a two-dimensional image. The user unit may include a lens system. Infrared light is absorbed by the symbols in the position-coding pattern and, in this way, makes these symbols visible to the sensor 14. This sensor preferably records at least 100 images per second.

The power supply for the pen is obtained from a battery 15 mounted in another compartment in the casing. Alternatively, however, the pen can be connected to an external power source.

The electronic circuit portion determines the position based on the image recorded by the sensor 14, the signal processing device 16, more specifically, records the image from the sensor 14 and identifies the symbol in the image, It further comprises a processor unit having a microprocessor programmed to determine in real time the absolute coordinates for the position on the virtual surface based on the mirrored subset of the position-coding pattern. In an alternative embodiment, the signal processor 16 is implemented as an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit) or FPGA (field programmable gate array).

Thus, the position determination is carried out by the signal processor 16, so that the signal processor 16 is able to locate and decode these symbols in the image and is thus obtained. You must have software that allows you to determine the location from the code. A person skilled in the art should be able to design the above software from the description of the above patent application PCT / SE00 / 01895.

The signal processing unit 16 also analyzes the stored coordinate pairs, which are connected to the polygons which form a diagram in which the user unit 2 is moved across the surface with the position-coding pattern. Is programmed to convert to. Furthermore, the signal processor 16 generates a message containing this polygonal connection and the unique user identifier stored in the user unit, automatically or by command, and sends this information to the server unit 4. Programmed to send.
The signal processor 16 does not have to transfer all the information to the server unit 4. The signal processor 16 can be programmed to analyze the recorded coordinates and transfer only the information represented by the coordinates within a particular coordinate area. The signal processing device 16 is
It may also comprise software for decrypting the information sent to the server unit 4.

This digital pen 2 is provided with a pen tip 17 in this embodiment,
The nib 17 allows the user to perform normal pigment-based writing on the surface with the position-coding pattern. The pen tip 17 is removable so that the user can control it regardless of whether the pen tip 17 is used. In the same way as for a normal ballpoint pen, the button to move the pen tip 17 in and out (not shown in the figure) is an on / off button for the pen, so that the pen is activated when the pen tip is ejected. Can also function as The pen also includes a button 18, which allows the pen to be activated or controlled.

The pen 2 is arranged to transmit the payment information generated by the user to the server unit 4. In the example of FIG. 1, the information is transmitted wirelessly to the network connection unit 3, where the information is further transmitted to the server unit 4.

In this embodiment, the network connection unit is the mobile phone 3. It may also be a computer or other suitable unit having an interface to a network (eg the Internet, a corporate network, a telephone network). The network connection unit 3 may also be configured as a component built into the pen 2.

All the recorded data can be stored in the buffer memory 20 in preparation for transfer to the server unit 4. As a result, the digital pen 2 can function in the stand-alone mode, thereby retrieving the recorded information from the buffer memory 20 at a timing such as when it can connect to the pen 2 in the network connection unit 3, It can be said to send.

Communication between the pen 2 and the network connection unit 3 (usually in close proximity to each other) transfers infrared radiation or radio waves, such as BlueTooth (R) technology, or information over short distances. Can be implemented using other techniques for For this purpose, the pen 2 comprises a transceiver 19, preferably a Bluetooth® transceiver, for wireless communication with an external unit.

Alternatively, this transmission may take place over a cable. For example, the user unit 2 can be connected to the network connection unit 3 via a cable. Alternatively, the network connection unit 3 can be designed as a docking unit (not shown) which can be connected via a cable to a communication network such as a telephone network or a computer network. Such a docking unit can preferably be designed as a pen stand. Placing the user unit 2 in the docking unit causes the user unit 2 to interact with the server unit 4 either automatically or in response to a command. The docking unit is the battery 15 in the user unit 2.
It can also be designed to charge (Fig. 2). According to another alternative embodiment, the docking unit is designed to establish a wireless connection with the outside world.

The above example is only given to show the presently preferred implementation of the user unit. In an alternative embodiment, the user unit acts only as an image generator, i.e. the image recorded by the sensor 14 is sent to a computer (not shown), the external unit of which is described above. Image to determine coordinates and then communicate with the server unit 4 via a suitable organized network connection.

In the above embodiment, this pattern is optically readable and thus the sensor 14 is optical. However, this pattern may be based on parameters other than optical parameters. In such cases, the sensor must, of course, be of a type that can read the relevant parameters. Examples of such parameters are chemical, acoustic or electromagnetic marks. Capacitive or inductive marks can also be used. However, it is preferred that this pattern is optically readable. That is, in this case, it is relatively easy to apply the pattern on different products, particularly on paper.

[Server Unit] In FIG. 1, the server unit 4 is a computer on a computer network. The server unit 4 can be configured as a conventional server unit having one or more processors, various types of memory, peripherals, and connections to other computers on the network, as described herein. It has new software to perform the functions described. The server unit 4 also has information in its memory 4'to enable it to handle these functions. Alternatively, the server unit 4 may be of another type, such as a network-attached computer or a local computer with which the user unit 2 communicates wirelessly or by cable.

As indicated above, some user units 2 can be configured to be able to send information to the server unit 4, the central component within the system. However, several such systems can be combined to form a larger system.

The server unit 4 does not necessarily have to be incorporated in the global computer network, but may be incorporated in the local network and can be used, for example, to handle information in the company.

The memory 4 of the server unit 4 comprises a database with information about the entire surface of the positions where the position-coding pattern can be coded. All surfaces form a virtual surface that can be called a surface in a coordinate system, and this surface is
It contains a number of positions that are two-dimensionally aligned with very fine resolution. This can also be said that the entire surface consists of all the points or positions that the position-coding pattern can code. Each position can be defined by two associated coordinates that form a coordinate pair. If there are two or more virtual surfaces, three or more coordinates are needed to define the position.

The virtual surface is divided into a number of areas called areas. This region may be of different size and different shape. The entire surface need not be occupied by the area. Within the memory of the server unit is the stored information about the location and extent of these different areas. For example, a rectangular area can be described using a coordinate pair that represents the corner points of the range. The minimal area consists of a single location on the virtual surface. The region may also have any shape. The regions need not be separated from each other but may overlap each other and may be defined by a mathematical association or relationship.

[Rule] In the computer structure, in the memory of the server unit, information and rules define, for each area, a method of processing information that can be related to the area.

FIG. 3 shows an example of such a data structure, in which case the data structure is a table. In the first column 30 in this table, the area on the virtual surface is the coordinate (x) for the corner of this area (here a rectangle).
1, y1; x2, y2; x3, y3; x4, y4). In the second column 31, the owner of this area is defined, here it is bank A. In the third column 32, it is determined to be associated with this area,
Recipients of information from the server unit are defined. In this example, this bank is the payee and its email address is written in the third column.
In the fourth column 33, the user who has the authority for this area is defined. In this example, Anders Anderson, he has a check with the position-coding pattern from the area specified in the first column. In the fifth column 34, a representation of this authorized user's signature is stored, which allows the server unit to compare the received signature with this pre-stored signature. In the sixth column 35, the user identifier is stored in the form of the serial number of the user unit of this authorized user.

Of course, this is a very simple structure used only to explain its principle. More complex structures and rules can of course be used for safety verification.

[Functions of this system] The functions of this system in this embodiment are as follows. The user uses the pen tip 17 of the user unit 2 to write the amount, payee and signature on the check 1. This payment information is provided by the user unit 2 during the writing of the area
By continuously recording the portion of the position-coding pattern that is within the field of view of the sensor 14, it is electronically recorded at the same time as it was written. The signal processing device 16 converts this position-coding pattern into absolute coordinates. The signal processing device 16 means that the user unit 2 crosses the check during this writing.
Generate a sequence of coordinate pairs that describe how to move. Signal processing device 16
Compresses this payment information by converting it into a polygonal connection. The signal processor 16 then produces a message containing this polygonal connection and the user identifier stored in the user unit. This message is transmitted to the network connection unit 3, which further transmits this message to the server unit 4.

When the server unit 4 receives this message, it determines the area to which the one or more coordinate pairs in the polygon chain belong. Then, the information associated with this area is used to perform personal authentication.

To increase the capacity of the system for handling information, it is possible to provide a plurality of server units 4, each containing information about at least a part of the virtual surface. In this case, however, each user unit 2 must know or be able to obtain information about the server unit to which it should send the stored information. For this purpose, the memory of the user unit 2 may contain an account of the relationship between the server unit and the area on the virtual surface. The user unit 2, i.e., after recording the information, determines a region attribute relating to at least one position of the recorded information (which is defined by a coordinate pair), and based on this region attribute the information is stored. It is configured to send to a given server unit. The memory of the user unit 2 is preferably, for example, that a particular position or coordinate area on the virtual surface represents a particular action or command to be activated and / or executed with respect to the information to be recorded or recorded, Contains information that allows the user unit to understand. Suitable commands that can be understood within the user unit 2 are "send", "address" and other similar basic commands.

Application Example 1 Assume that the product for payment is the check of FIG. The user wants to pay 1000 SEK to the company α by check. The user enters the amount of 1000 kroner in the writing area 6a and the company α in the writing area 6b.
Write the name of. And by writing his signature in the writing area 6c,
Sign the check.

To write and sign a check, the user uses his personal user unit 2, which records this payment information, together with the unique identifier of this user unit, When included in the message, it is sent to the server unit 4. The server unit determines the area to which the coordinates in this payment information belong. As described above in connection with FIG. 3, the name of the authorized user, the unique user identifier to this authorized user's User Unit, the pre-recorded signature of this authorized user, and the payment information. The name of the recipient sent in the processed format is associated with this area.

The server unit uses the signature in this payment information in column 3
Start by comparing these with the signatures stored beforehand in 4 and checking that they are the same. The server unit then assigns the user identifier in the payment information to
Compare with the user identifier in column 35 associated with the region and check that they are also the same. In addition, the server unit interprets other payment information in the message and translates it into a character coded form. The textually encoded payment information, the user's name and the result of the comparison are sent to the payee, the bank that issued the check. If this user is an authorized user, the bank will make this payment.

Alternatively, the server unit may be the bank's own server unit that performs identity verification on its own.

In the above example, the position-coding pattern on the check is user-specific. It can also be unique to an individual check, so that the check number can be determined from the position-coding pattern. The server unit can then verify that the check has already been used and that it has a number following the last used check. To further increase security, the position-coding pattern for consecutive checks can be randomly distributed within the region and can belong to non-contiguous regions.

Application 2 The user is assigned a personal area from a credit card company with a bundle of credit card receipts with position-coding patterns from this area. This position-coding pattern may be the same for all receipts, or may be different for different receipts if a high level of safety is required.

Suppose now that the user has found the product he wishes to purchase on the Internet. In this case, the user can pay using one of his credit card receipts and his own user unit. Write down the amount to be paid, the payee, the referrer and any other information needed to make this payment identifiable on your credit card receipt and finally sign.

The user unit includes the electronically recorded payment information in a message to the server unit and further supplements this information with the user's credit card number stored in the user unit.

This information is sent to the server unit, where a check of suitability is performed for this check and a message is sent to the credit card company with this payment information and the result of personal identification, or Directly sent to the credit card company's own server unit. As an additional example, the first server unit to which the payment information is sent interprets the information, converts it into a character-encoded form, and sends this information to the recipient of the information for the area of interest. Can be sent to the credit card company designated as.

On the other hand, if the user wishes to pay the credit card at the store, he / she can use his / her own credit card receipt in the same manner as described above. With the user unit of
Make a note on the receipt and add the credit card number to the payment information on the receipt. The server unit, in this case, this signature is the same as the pre-stored signature for the user's personal area, the credit card number is the same as the pre-stored credit card number for this area, Detecting that the unique user identifier of the user unit is not the same as that specified in the user's personal area. The server unit then checks the user identifier in a special table and then finds that this user identifier is a corporate user that needs to send back authorization information. The store therefore immediately receives the information that the payment is successful and the server unit transfers the payment information in the same way as described above.

[Application Example 3] It is assumed that the contract is signed in digital form. Process the signature,
A unit, which may be the server unit 4 of FIG. 1, sends the contract in digital form in a file to the computer belonging to the person who signs the contract. The file with the contract contains this contract and the position-coding pattern specifically assigned to the person signing this contract. When this person receives this contract file, he prints it and uses his or her own user unit to sign the designated location on the position-coding pattern. The User Unit may send this signature to the Server Unit and determine that this is the signature written on the contract sent to the other party of the contract using the coordinates represented by the signature. it can. If required, the signature's authenticity can also be verified in a database that stores the unique user identifier and its corresponding signature. Alternatively, the User Unit itself authenticates the signature and forwards it only if it is valid. In the above description, it was assumed that the product for payment was originally equipped with a position-coding pattern. However, payment products that do not already have position-coding patterns can be provided with such patterns at a later time using a printer, copier, or the like. Thus, the product for payment is placed in the paper feed tray of the printer. The printer is programmed to print the first position-coding pattern reserved for a particular individual upon entry of the personal identification code. A personal authentication code means that the printer can print the correct pattern assigned to the individual authorized to use the product. In the case of a copier example, the product would be placed in the input tray and the original with the user's personal pattern would be placed as the document to be copied. It also makes it possible to put a personal pattern on the plastic paper, which is placed on the payment document and the information is written on the plastic paper. This plastic paper is then saved to form a copy of the required payment. If the product for payment is in the form of a postal transfer or bank transfer, the plastic film can be permanently attached to this document, for example by gluing.

The correct way to fill in this type of document (product for payment) is to first fill in all the required information or make sure all the pre-printed information is correct. That is. Once the document has been signed, it cannot be changed.

This method can also be used in the present situation. Initially, everything the pen wrote is stored in memory and time stamped, and the document is signed. The pen then waits for some time, for example 2-3 seconds, to make sure no writing is done. Following this, the recorded pen movements are organized into a locked file and cannot be changed later. Finally, the file is sent to the bank, for example by connection to a network such as the Internet. This transfer can be started if no further writing is done in the writing area prepared for signature.

Another way to indicate that a transfer is to take place when the user's pen is used is as follows. When writing in the writing area prepared for signature is not executed for a few seconds, the software in the pen is activated, which works for the signature in this signature area, which is the signature of the pen owner. Indicate if they are the same. In this case, the documents are organized, locked, and sent to, for example, a bank.

Locking means that the digital signature process is performed in an environment in which the document is encrypted using the prior art user encryption key. The pen's private key (which is activated by the locking process by writing the correct title) is used to agree on the message. The physical signature can be included in digital form in the document sent to the bank. The bank gives this signature
If possible, use something more sophisticated than the software used on the pen to double-check and improve safety. Other combinations of means can be used, for example the signature to initiate a lock on the file, in which case the transfer can be done in another way, for example by activating a switch on the pen or marking another "send" box. It is started by doing.

Transfer to the bank can be combined with transfer to an individual's personal computer to create a log of the indicated payments. In addition, the bank can check the receipt of the payment instruction and verify that the payment instruction can be interpreted and implemented. Such confirmation may be sent to the mobile phone used by the user and / or to the user's personal site either directly on the user or on a server on the Internet.

In another scenario, the pen owner may receive confirmation of the recipient to whom the document will be transferred, for example by an indicator to the cell phone. The user is given the opportunity to perform a transfer to the recipient using, for example, a telephone key. In this way, the recipient can become authorized.

[Appendix] In the following, suitable position-coding patterns according to international patent application PCT / SE00 / 01895 are re-listed. FIG. 4 shows a part of a product in the form of a sheet of paper A1, on at least part of the surface A2 of which an optically readable position-coding pattern A3 is provided which enables position determination. Has been.

The position-coding pattern comprises a mark A4, which is
It is arranged in order on the surface A2 so as to have an appearance as a "pattern". The sheet of paper has an X coordinate axis and a Y coordinate axis. Position determination can be performed across the surface of the product. In another example, the position-enabling surface may form part of the product.

The pattern can be used, for example, to provide an electronic symbol of the information written or drawn on this surface. An electronic symbol can be provided while writing on the surface with the pen, which is possible by continuously determining the position of the pen on the sheet of paper by reading the position-coding pattern. Becomes

The position-coding pattern comprises a virtual raster and a plurality of marks A4, which are invisible to the eye and cannot be detected directly by the device for determining the position on the surface. Also, each of the plurality of marks represents one of four values 1 to 4 described below, depending on the arrangement thereof. It has to be pointed out here that, for the sake of clarity, the position-coding pattern of FIG. 4 is shown enlarged. Furthermore, FIG. 4 shows only part of a sheet of paper.

The position-coding pattern is arranged such that the position of a partial surface on the entire writing surface is uniquely determined by the mark on this partial surface for any partial surface of a given size. First and second partial surfaces A5a, A5b
Are shown in broken lines in FIG. The second partial surface partially overlaps the first partial surface. The portion of the position-coding pattern found here on the first partial surface A5a (here a 4 × 4 mark) encodes the first position and the position-coding pattern found on the second partial surface 5b. Part of encodes the second position. The position-coding pattern is thus partly the same for adjacent first and second positions. Such a position-coding pattern is referred to herein as "floating". Each partial surface encodes a particular location.

5A to 5D show a mark designing method and an arranging method for the reference position A6. The reference position A6 (which can also be called a raster point) is represented by the intersection of the raster line A8. The mark A7 is in the shape of a circular dot. The mark A7 and the raster point A6 together form a symbol. In one embodiment, the distance between the raster lines is 300 μm and the angle between the raster lines is 90 degrees. As the spacing between other raster lines, for example,
254 μm is possible to match printers and scanners with multiple resolutions of 100 dpi, which is 25.4 mm / 100 (ie 25
4 μm) corresponding to the distance between the points.

The value of the mark thus depends on where the mark is located relative to the reference position. In the example of FIG. 11, four positions are possible and they are on each raster line extending from the reference position. The deviation from the reference position is
It is the same size for all values.

Each mark A7 is shifted with respect to the reference position A6, and there is no mark on the reference position. Furthermore, there is only one mark for each reference position, which mark is offset with respect to that reference position. This is applied to the marks that make up the pattern. There may be other marks on the surface that are not part of the pattern and therefore do not contribute to the coding. Such marks may be, for example, small dust, unintended points or marks from pictures or figures on the surface, or intended marks. The position of the patterned marks on the surface is well defined so that the pattern is immune to such interference.

In one embodiment, the mark is offset from the reference position A6 by 50 μm along the raster line A8. This offset is preferably 1/6 of the raster spacing, which makes it relatively easy to determine the reference position to which a particular mark belongs. This offset should be at least approximately one-eighth of the raster spacing, otherwise the offset is difficult to determine and the resolution requirements are high. On the other hand, this deviation should be about 1/4 or less of the raster interval so that the reference position to which the mark belongs can be determined.

The misalignment does not have to be along the raster line, but the marks can be placed in the divided quadrants. However, if the marks are arranged along the raster lines, there is an advantage that the distance between the marks is minimized and can be used to reproduce the raster lines, as will be explained in detail below. .

Each mark is made up of roughly circular dots having a radius that is approximately the same as or slightly smaller than the amount of deviation. The radius is 25% to 120% of the deviation
Can be If this radius is larger than the shift amount, it becomes difficult to determine the raster line. If this radius is very small, higher resolution is required to record the marks.

The mark does not have to be a circle or a round one, and any suitable shape, that is, a square or a triangle can be used.

Normally, each mark covers a few pixels of the sensor chip, but the centroids of these pixels are recorded or calculated and used in subsequent processing. Therefore, the exact shape of the mark is not important. Therefore, a relatively simple printing process can be used, which guarantees that the center of gravity of the mark is provided with the required shift amount.

In the following, the mark in FIG. 5a represents the value 1, the mark in FIG. 5b the value 2, the mark in FIG. 5c the value 3, and the mark in FIG. 5d the value 4.

Each mark therefore represents one of four values 1 to 4. This means that the position coding pattern can be divided into a first position code for the X coordinate and a second position code for the Y coordinate. This division is as follows.

[0131]

[Table 1]

Thus, each symbol value is converted into a first value (in this case bits) for the X code and a second value (in this case bits) for the Y code.
In this way, two completely independent bit patterns are obtained with the pattern. Conversely, two or more bit patterns can be integrated into the overall pattern which is graphically encoded by the marks according to FIG.

Each position is encoded by a plurality of marks. In this example, a 4 × 4 mark is used to encode the two-dimensional, ie X and Y coordinate position.

The position code is composed of a number string of 1s and 0s, and the bit string has a characteristic that the same 4-bit sequence appears only once in the number string. The bit string is cyclic, and the same characteristic applies when the end of the number string is joined to the beginning of the number string. Therefore, the 4-bit array always has a uniquely determined position in the bit string. If the bit string has the characteristics described above for a 4 bit sequence, the bit string can be up to 16 bits long.
However, in this example, a 7-bit long bit string is used as follows. "0001010"

This bit string encodes the position number in the string by the following 7
Contains one unique 4-bit sequence.

[0136]

[Table 2]

In X-coordinate encoding, the bit string is written sequentially in columns across the surface to be encoded, and the left column K ₀ corresponds to the X coordinate zero (0).
In one column, the bit string is thus repeated several times in succession.

The encoding is the difference between adjacent bit strings in adjacent columns,
That is, it is based on the displacement of the position. The magnitude of the difference is determined by the position number (that is, the bit sequence) in the bit string of the adjacent vertical columns that start.

Specifically, a position number which is encoded by a 4-bit array in the first column K _n and therefore can have values (positions) 0 to 6 corresponds to the adjacent column K _{n + 1} . when taking the difference delta _n to 7 modulo between the position codes coded by a sequence of 4 bits adjacent in the "height", the result is the position, i.e., two tandem the difference is obtained It will be the same regardless of the "height" along. Therefore, the difference between the position numbers for the two bit sequences in the two columns can be used to encode an X coordinate that is constant for all Y coordinates.

In this example, since each position on the surface is coded by a partial surface containing a 4x4 mark, there are 4 vertical bit sequences, so each has a value 0 to 6. The three differences can be used to encode the X coordinate.

The pattern has the property of being divided into code windows F, each code window consisting of 4 × 4 marks. Therefore, four horizontal bit sequences and four vertical bit sequences are available, three differences can be generated in the X direction, and four position numbers can be obtained in the Y direction. These three differences and four position numbers code the position of the partial surface in the X and Y directions. The windows adjacent in the X direction have a common column, as shown in FIG. Thus, the first code window F _0,0 has a sequence of bits from columns K ₀ , K ₁ , K ₂ , K ₃ and a sequence of bits from rows R ₀ , R ₁ , R ₂ , R _3. Is included. Since the difference is used in the X direction, the diagonally adjacent windows in the X and Y directions, namely the windows F _1,1 are from columns K ₃ , K ₄ , K ₅ , K ₆ and rows R ₄ , R. _It contains a sequence of bits from ₅ , R ₆ , R ₇ . When considering only encoding in the X direction, the code window can be considered as extending indefinitely in the Y direction. Similarly, Y
When considering only encoding in the direction, the code window can be thought of as extending indefinitely in the X direction. The first and second code windows extending indefinitely in the X and Y directions cooperate with each other to form a code window of the type shown in FIG. 4, for example, F _0,0 .

Each window has window coordinates F _x that give the position of the window in the X direction and window coordinates F _y that give the position of the window in the Y direction. Therefore, the correspondence between windows and columns is as follows. K _i = 3 F _x R _j = 4 F _y

The encoding is carried out in the following manner, that is, one difference Δ ₀ is always the value 1 or 2, which is the least significant digit S _{0 of the} number representing the position of the code window in the X direction. And the other two differences Δ ₁ and Δ ₂ have values in the range of 3 to 6,
These are done by pointing to the _{two most} significant digits S ₁ , S ₂ for the coordinates of the code window. Therefore, if the difference is 0 in the X code, the code pattern becomes symmetric and is not allowed. In other words, the columns are encoded such that the differences are: (3-6); (3-6); (1-2); (3-6); (3-6); (1-2); (3-6); (3-6); (1 ~ 2);
…

Therefore, each X coordinate is encoded by two differences Δ ₁ , Δ ₂ between 3 and 6, followed by one difference Δ _{0 of} 1 or 2. Subtracting 1 from the smallest difference Δ ₀ and subtracting 3 from the other differences yields the three numbers S ₂ , S ₁ and S ₀ , which are the positions of the code window in the X direction in the mixed radix. The number is given directly, from which the X coordinate can be determined directly, as in the example given below. The position number of the code window is as follows. S ₂ × (4 × 2) + S ₁ × 2 + S ₀ × 1

Using the principles described above, code windows 0, 1, 2. ．
． 31 can be encoded with the position number of the code window consisting of three numbers represented by three differences. These differences are encoded using a bit pattern based on the above digit sequence. The bit pattern is finally encoded graphically using the marks of FIG.

In many cases, when reading a partial surface consisting of 4 × 4 marks, in most cases the partial surface does not match one code window, so the complete position number encoding the X coordinate is It cannot be obtained, but it covers two adjacent code windows in the X direction, so that two position number parts can be obtained. And, since the least significant digit S ₀ of these numbers is always 1 or 2, it is possible to know which digit is the least significant digit and to easily reconstruct the complete position number.

The Y coordinate is encoded according to much the same principle as used for the X coordinate with the code window. A circular sequence of digits (the same sequence of digits used for X-encoding) is written repeatedly in horizontal rows across the surface that encodes the position. Just as for the X coordinate, this row starts at a different position within the digit sequence, ie, using a different bit sequence. However, it does not use the difference for the Y coordinate, but rather encodes the coordinate using a value based on the starting position of that digit string in each row. Once the X coordinate of the 4x4 mark has been determined, the starting position within the number sequence of the row contained within the Y code in the 4x4 mark can actually be determined.

In the Y code, the most significant digit S ₀ is determined by making it the only number with a value within the specified range. In this example, one of the four lines starts at position 0-1 in the digit sequence to indicate that line is associated with the least significant digit S ₀ in the code window, The other three lines are code
Start at any of positions 2-6 in the digit string to indicate the other digits S ₁ , S ₂ , S ₃ in the window. Therefore, the following sequence of values exists in the Y direction. (2-6); (2-6); (2-6); (0-1); (2-6); (2-6); (2-6); (0-1); (2 ~ 6);
…

Therefore, each code window is coded using three values between 2 and 6, followed by a value between 0 and 1.

By subtracting 0 from the small value and subtracting 2 from the other values, the positions S ₃ , S ₂ , S ₁ , S ₀ in the Y direction in the mixed radix are obtained in a manner corresponding to the X direction. The position number of the code window can be determined directly from the position. _{That, S 3 × (5 × 5} × 2) + S 2 × (5 × 2) + S 1 × 2 + S 0 × 1

The above method can be used to encode 4 × 4 × 2 = 32 position numbers in the X direction for the code window. Each code window comprises a bit sequence from three columns, which is 3 × 32 = 96 columns, or X.
Give the coordinates. Furthermore, regarding the code window, 5 × 5 × 5 × 2 = 2 in the Y direction
Fifty position numbers can be encoded. Each such position number comprises a horizontal bit sequence from four rows, which gives 4 × 250 = 1000 rows, or Y coordinates. In this way, a total of 96000 coordinate positions can be encoded.

However, since the encoding of X is based on the difference, the first code
You can select the position in the window where the first string of numbers begins. Considering that this first sequence of digits can start at 7 different positions, 7 × 96000 =
672000 positions can be encoded. Once the X and Y coordinates have been determined, the starting position of the first number sequence in the first column K ₀ can be calculated. The seven different starting positions of the first sequence of digits make it possible to code different pages or writing surfaces on the product.

In theory, a partial surface with 4 × 4 marks (each with 4 values) can encode 4 ^{4 * 4} positions, which is 4,294,967,2.
Corresponds to position 96. There is more than 6000 (4294967296/672000) redundancy to allow a floating decision on the position of the partial surface.

Redundancy is partially included in the constraint on the magnitude of the difference, and partially included in only 7 bits out of 16 used for the position code. However, this latter one can be used to determine the rotational position of the partial surface. If the next bit in the bit string is added to the 4 bit sequence, a 5 bit sequence is obtained. The fifth bit is obtained by reading the adjacent bit just outside the used partial surface. Such additional bits are usually readily available.

The partial surface read by the sensor can be rotated in four different rotational positions: 0, 90, 180 or 270 degrees with respect to the code window. In these cases where the partial surface is rotating, the reading of the code, however, is such that the read code is either in the X-direction or the Y-direction compared to when it was read at a rotation angle of 0 degrees. Alternatively, it is reversed and reversed. It is assumed here that a slightly different decoding of the values of the marks according to the table below is used.

[0156]

[Table 3]

The above-mentioned array of 5 bits has the property of appearing in the 7-bit string only in the correct direction and in the form that is neither reversed nor inverted. This is clear from the fact that the bit string (0001010) contains only two "1" s. Therefore, all 5-bit sequences must contain at least three zeros, which when inverted (and even inverted) result in three ones that cannot occur. Thus, when a 5-bit sequence is found that does not have a position number in the bit string, it can be concluded that this partial surface is probably rotated and the new position is checked.

In order to further explain the invention according to this embodiment, a specific example based on the position code in the above embodiment will be shown below.

FIG. 6 shows an example of an image containing 4 × 4 marks read by a position determining device. These 4x4 marks have the following values. 4 4 4 2 3 2 3 4 4 4 4 2 4 1 3 2 4

These values represent the following binary X code and Y code.       X code: Y code:      0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1      1 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 0      0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0      1 1 0 0 1 1 0 1 0

The vertical arrangement of bits in the X code is the position 2 in the bit string.
0 4 6 is encoded. The difference between the columns is -42, and the remainder modulo 7 is 542. This is a mixed radix, (5-3) × 8 + (4-3)
Encode the position number of the code window of x2 + (2-1) = 16 + 2 + 1 = 19. The first code window to be encoded is at position 0. Therefore, 1-
This difference, which is in the range of 2 and seen in the 4 × 4 mark on the partial surface, is the 20th difference. Furthermore, since there are a total of three columns for each such difference and there is one starting column, the rightmost vertical sequence of 4x4 X codes is the 61st ( The column 60) belongs to the column (3 × 20 + 1 = 61), and the leftmost column in the vertical direction belongs to the 58th column (column 57).

The horizontal bit sequence of the Y code is 0 4 in the number string.
Encode 1 3. These horizontal bit sequences start at the 58th column, so the starting position of the row is the remainder of these numbers minus 57 modulo 7 with a starting position of 6 3 0 2. Become. Converted to a mixed radix number, this would be 6-2, 3-2, 0-0, 2-2 = 4 1 0 0. Here, the third digit is the lowest digit in the number of interest. Then, the fourth digit is the most significant digit in the next digit. In this case it must be the same as in the number of interest (an exception is raised if the number of interest consists of the largest possible number of positions). In that case, it can be seen that the start of the next number is one greater than the start of the number of interest).

Next, the position of the four-digit number is the mixed radix, 0 × 50 + 4 × 10.
+ 1 × 2 + 0 × 1 = 42. Therefore, the third horizontal bit sequence of the Y code belongs to the 43rd code window, which has a starting position of 0 or 1, and there are a total of 4 lines for each such code window. So the third row is 43 × 4 = 172
It's my turn.

Therefore, in this example, the position of the upper left corner of the partial surface having the 4 × 4 mark is (58,170). Since the sequence of vertical bits in the X code in the 4 × 4 group starts on row 170, the X column of the entire pattern starts at position ((2 0 4 6) -169) mod 7 = 1 6 3 5 Begins. Between the last start position (5) and the first start position, the numbers 0 to 19 are coded in mixed radix and by summing up the representation of the numbers 0 to 19 in mixed radix, between these columns. Get the total difference. A simple algorithm to do this would generate these 20 numbers and sum those numbers directly. The sum of the results is called s. Therefore, the paper or writing surface is obtained by (5-s) mod 7.

Another method of determining which bit is the least significant at the sub-surface in order to be able to identify the code window is described below. The least significant bit (LSB) is defined as the minimum number or minimum position number in the partial surface difference. In this way, the reduction of the maximum usable number of coordinates (redundancy) is relatively small. For example, the first code in the X direction of the above example
The windows can all have LSB = 1 and other numbers between 2 and 6,
This results in 25 code windows, the next code window is the LSB
= 2, and can have other numbers between 3 and 6, which results in 16 code windows, the next code window is LSB = 3, and other numbers between 4 and 6. , Which results in 9 code windows, the next code window can have LSB = 4, and other numbers between 5 and 6, which is 4
Number of code windows, and the next code window can have other numbers with LSB = 5, and 6, which results in one code window, for a total of 32 in the example above. In contrast, it has 55 code windows.

The above example describes one embodiment, in which each position is 4 ×.
It was coded using a mark of 4 and a 7-bit digit sequence was used. of course,
This is just one example. The position can be encoded using a greater or lesser number of marks. It does not have to be the same number in both directions. The digit strings may have different lengths other than binary numbers, or may be based on another radix, such as a hexadecimal code. Different digit sequences can be used for X-direction encoding and Y-direction encoding. The marks can represent numbers with different values. The encoding in the Y direction can also be performed by difference.

In a practical example, a partial surface consisting of 6 × 6 marks is used, in which case the bit string can be up to 2 ⁶ bits, ie 64 bits. However, in order to have the ability to determine the rotational position of the partial surface, a 51-bit bit string, i.e. 51 positions, is used. An example of such a bit string is as follows. 000001100011111010101101100110100010
100111011110010

A partial surface composed of such 6 × 6 marks can encode 4 ^{6 * 6} positions, and becomes a huge surface with the raster size of 0.3 mm.

In a manner similar to that described above using a 7-bit string, according to the invention, said characteristic is such that the partial surface is expanded at least in its center to include one bit on either side of the partial surface. , 3rd and 4th in the partial surface of a 6 × 6 symbol
In the second row, eight marks (one on each side of the partial surface) can be read, which can be used in the same way in the Y direction. In the bit string including the above-mentioned 51 bits, the 6-bit bit sequence appears only once, and the 8-bit sequence including the 6-bit above-mentioned bit sequence appears only once. It has the property of not appearing when inverted and inverted. In this way, the rotational position of the partial surface can be determined by reading the 8 bits in row 3, row 4, column 3 and / or column 4. Knowing the rotational position, the partial surface can be rotated to the correct position before continuing the process.

It is desirable to obtain a pattern that is as random as possible so that excessively symmetrical regions do not appear. Partial surface with 6x6 mark
It is desirable to obtain a pattern that includes marks with all of the different positions according to Figures 5a-5d. To further increase the variability and avoid repetitive properties, a method called "shuffle" can be used. Each bit sequence in the code window starts at a predetermined starting position. However, if you know the amount of deviation,
The starting position in the horizontal direction can be shifted for each row. This places each least significant bit (LSB) in an adjacent misalignment with respect to adjacent rows. This shift direction amount defines the amount by which each row is displaced in the horizontal direction. The Y-axis in FIG. 4 looks like a "spike trail".

In the above example using a 4 × 4 code window, this shift direction amount can be 1, 2, 4, 0 for LSB = 0, and LSB =
For 1, it can be 2, 2, 3, 0. This means that after subtracting the numbers 2 and 0, respectively, the above-mentioned shift amount is subtracted from the position number of the bit arrangement (with a modulo 5 remainder) before continuing the operation. In the example above,
For the Y coordinate, the mixed radix number 4 1 0 0 (S ₂ , S ₁ , S ₀ , S ₄ ) is obtained,
Here, the second number from the right is the least significant digit (LSB). Shift direction amount 1, 2,
Since 4,0 is used for numbers 4 and 1 (LSB = 0), 2 is subtracted from 4 and S ₂
= 2 and 4 is subtracted from 1 (with a modulo 5 remainder), S ₁ = 2. The number S ₀ = 0 remains unchanged (the value of the shift direction amount for the least significant digit is always 0). Finally, the number S ₄ belongs to the next code window, which has LSB = 1 and the second shift direction quantity is used. Therefore, 2 is subtracted from 0 (modulo 5 modulo) and S ₄ = 3.

A similar method can be used to change the code for the Y coordinate. However, the difference 0 is not used in the above example and the code is already relatively randomly distributed, so the need to change the X coordinate is small.

In the above example, the mark is a dot, but of course, it may have another shape. For example, a mark can consist of a line or an ellipse that starts at a virtual raster point and extends from that point into place. It can be other symbols than dots, for example squares, rectangles, triangles, circles, ellipses, filled or not.

In the example above, the mark is used for position coding within a square-shaped partial surface. The partial surfaces can also have another shape, for example a hexagon. The marks need not be located along raster lines in orthogonal rasters, but may have other arrangements, such as along raster lines in rasters at other angles, such as 60 degrees. A polar coordinate system may be used.

Rasters in the shape of triangles or hexagons can also be used. For example, in a triangular raster, each mark can be offset in six different directions, providing a much larger volume corresponding to 6 ^{6 * 6} partial surface positions. In a hexagonal raster, honeycomb pattern, each mark can be offset in three different directions along the raster line.

As mentioned above, the marks do not necessarily have to be offset along the raster line, but can be offset in other directions, eg each placed within a quadrant of the square raster pattern. In a hexagonal raster pattern, the marks can be offset in four or more different directions, for example in six directions, one along the raster line and one along the line at an angle of 60 degrees to the raster line. .

To detect the position code, a virtual raster must be determined. This is done by examining the distance between the different marks in a square raster pattern. The shortest distance between two marks must be derived from two adjacent marks having the values 1 and 3 in the horizontal direction or the values 2 and 4 in the vertical direction. This allows these marks to be located between the two raster points.
Placed on one raster line. When such a set of marks is detected,
The associated raster points (reference positions) can be determined using knowledge of the distance between the raster points and the amount of mark deviation from the raster points. Once the positions of the two raster points have been determined, the measured distances to other marks can be used to determine the next raster point from knowledge of the distance between the raster points.

If the marks are offset by 50 μm along the raster line and are each 300 μm apart, the minimum distance between the two marks, eg the distance for marks having the values 1 and 3, is 200 μm. The next smaller distance is, for example, the values 1 and 2
It is between the marks having a height of 255 μm. Therefore, there is a relatively distinguishable difference between the smallest distance and the next smaller distance. The difference in diagonal is also large. However, when the deviation amount is larger than 50 μm, for example,
If it is 75 μm (1/4) or more, a diagonal one may cause a problem and it may be difficult to determine a reference position to which the mark belongs. When the displacement amount is 50 μm or less, for example, approximately 35 μm (1/8) or less, the minimum distance is 230 μm and 267 μm.
There is no big difference with the next distance. In this case, the demand for optical reading increases.

The mark should not cover its own raster point, so
It should not have a diameter greater than twice the amount of displacement (200%). However, this is not exact and a certain overlap (eg 240%) is acceptable. First, the resolution of the sensor and the requirements of the printing process used to generate the pattern determine this minimum size. However, in order to avoid problems caused by dust and noise from the sensor, the mark should be approximately 5
It should not have a diameter below 0%.

In the above embodiments, the raster was an orthogonal grid.
It may also have other shapes, such as a rhombic grid with a 60 degree angle, a triangular or hexagonal grid, etc.

The displacement can be in the four directions, for example, the displacement in three directions along the hexagonal virtual raster can be used. In orthogonal rasters, only two offsets need to be used to facilitate the reproduction of the raster. However, deviations in 4 directions are preferred and 6 or 8 directions are possible.

In the above embodiment, the longest available cyclic digit sequence is not used. Therefore, in various ways, redundancy is guaranteed, eg for error correction, replacement of erased or hidden marks.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is an internal schematic diagram of a user unit.

FIG. 3 is a chart showing a storage structure of region-based rules for information processing.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a product with a position-coding pattern according to a preferred embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing how marks can be designed and positioned in a preferred embodiment of a position-coding pattern.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of 4 × 4 symbols used to encode a position.

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI theme code (reference) G06T 7/00 300 G06T 7/00 300F (81) Designated country EP (AT, BE, CH, CY, DE, DK, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, IE, IT, LU, MC, NL, PT, SE, TR), OA (BF, BJ, CF, CG, CI, CM, GA, GN, GW, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG), AP (GH, GM, KE, LS, MW, MZ, SD, SL, SZ, TZ, UG, ZW), EA (AM, AZ, BY, KG) , KZ, MD, RU, TJ, TM), AE, AG, AL, AM, AT, AU, AZ, BA, BB, BG, BR, BY, BZ, CA, CH, CN, CR, CU, CZ, DE, DK, DM, DZ, EE, ES, FI, GB, GD, GE, GH, GM, HR, HU, ID, IL, IN, IS, JP, KE, KG , KP, KR, KZ, LC, LK, LR, LS, LT, LU, LV, MA, MD, MG, MK, MN, MW, MX, MZ, NO, NZ, PL, PT, RO, RU, SD, SE, SG, SI, SK, SL, TJ, TM, TR, TT, TZ, UA, UG, US, UZ, VN, YU, ZA, ZW (72) Inventor Christopher Skanze Sweden S-222 29 Lund Jutahas Gartan 6F Term (Reference) 5B068 BB18 BD17 CC19 5B085 AA08 AE03 AE15 AE23 BC01 BE01 BG01 BG02 BG07 5L096 EA27 GA47 HA07 JA11

Claims (35)

[Claims] 1. At least one writing area (6c) adapted to receive handwritten information from a user and comprising a first position-coding pattern (5) enabling digital recording of said handwritten information. The first position-coding pattern is a specific subset of the second position-coding pattern that is an absolute position-coding pattern that codes the coordinates of a plurality of points on the virtual surface, The product, wherein the first position-coding pattern is for both digital recording of the handwritten information and personal authentication. 2. The product according to claim 1, wherein the resolution of the first position-coding pattern is such that the handwritten information can be digitally reproduced. 3. The first position-coding pattern is a plurality of symbols (5a).
The product according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the coordinates of each point are encoded by a plurality of symbols, and each symbol contributes to the encoding of two or more points. 4. A product as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first position-coding pattern is specific to an authorized user. 5. The product of claim 4, wherein the first position-coding pattern is unique to each item of the product. 6. A product as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first position-coding pattern is unique to one type of product. 7. A product as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the handwritten information includes the user's signature. 8. A writing area for recording other handwritten information associated with the product, the writing area further comprising a position-coding pattern that enables digital recording of the other handwritten information. The product according to claim 7. 9. Product according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the product is a product for payment. 10. Product according to claim 9, wherein the product is a check (1). 11. A server unit (4) for handling information adapted to receive information from a plurality of user units (2), each server unit (4) comprising: A memory in which information about a plurality of regions representing coordinate areas on at least one virtual surface is stored, the server unit storing the information in at least two points for at least one point on the virtual surface; Configured to receive in the form of coordinates, the server unit, in response to receiving information from one of the user units, determines an area to which the coordinates belong and, based on the area attribute, the reception A server unit that is configured to perform authentication of the identified information. 12. At least one authorized user is associated with at least some of said realms, said server unit (4) using said realm attributes when performing said identity verification. The server unit according to claim 11, wherein the server unit is configured to check the authority of the user. 13. At least one unique user identifier identifying a user unit authorized to record the coordinates of a point within the area is associated with at least some of the areas, and the information is 13. A server according to claim 11 or 12, including a unique user identifier, wherein the server unit is configured to check the authority of the user with the unique user identifier when performing the authentication of the user. Server unit. 14. A signature of a user authorized to said area is associated with at least some of said areas, said information comprising a digital representation of the user's signature, said server unit (4) , 12 or 13, wherein the signature in the received information is configured to be compared with the signature associated with the region of interest when performing the personal authentication. The listed server unit. 15. A server unit according to any one of claims 11-14, wherein the server unit is configured to transfer information to a recipient. 16. The server unit according to claim 15, wherein the recipient is determined by the area attribute. 17. The server unit (4) is configured to include information regarding the area attribute in the information to be sent to the recipient.
The server unit according to 5 or 16. 18. The server unit according to claim 11, wherein the server unit is incorporated in a system for electronic payment and the information is payment information. 19. For handling information comprising a server unit (4) and a plurality of user units (2) each configured to record and send information to the server unit (4). Of information about a plurality of regions, each of which represents a coordinate area on at least one virtual surface, in the server unit (4), wherein each of the user units includes the information. Is recorded in the form of at least two coordinates with respect to at least one point on the virtual surface, the server unit being responsive to receipt of the information from one of the user units, Is configured to determine the area to which the user belongs and to perform personal authentication on the received information based on the area attribute. System to butterflies. 20. At least one authorized user is associated with at least some of said realms, said server unit (4) using said realm attributes when performing said personal authentication. 20. The system of claim 19, wherein the system is configured to check the authority of the user. 21. The user unit is configured to include a unique user identifier stored in the user unit within the information to the server unit, the server unit comprising: 21. The system according to claim 19 or 20, which is configured to use the unique user identifier to check the authorization of the user when performing identity verification. 22. A signature of a user authorized to said area is associated with at least some of said areas, said information comprising a digital representation of the user's signature, said server unit (4) 22. The method of claim 19, 20 or 21 configured to compare the signature in the received information with the signature associated with the area of interest when performing the personal authentication. The system described. 23. The system of claim 1, wherein the server unit is configured to transfer information to a recipient. 24. The system of claim 23, wherein the recipient is determined by the area attribute. 25. The system according to claim 23 or 24, wherein the server unit is configured to include information regarding the area attribute in the information to be sent to the recipient. 26. At least one authorized user is associated with each realm and the server unit (4) is arranged to use its realm attributes to check the privilege of the user. 25. The system of claim 23 or 24, wherein the server unit is configured to include information regarding a user's signature in the information to send to the recipient. 27. The plurality of user units are configured to electronically record a signature for a user, the recording being performed in the form of coordinates read from a product, the product comprising: 27. The system according to any one of claims 19 to 26, wherein the user has written his signature and the information to be transmitted to the server unit including at least some coordinates. 28. The server unit (4) compares the signature received from the user unit with a pre-stored signature of the authorized user,
28. The system of claim 27, configured to include information about the authenticity of the signature in the information sent to the recipient. 29. The system of claim 19 wherein the system is for electronic payment and the information received from the user unit is payment information.
8. The system according to any one of 8. 30. The server unit (4) confirms the payment information by examining the user identifier belonging to the authorized user of the product, and information on this is included in the payment information. 30. The system of claim 29, configured to include. 31. Use of an absolute position coding pattern on a product to enable checking of a user's authority to use the product, said absolute position coding pattern being its authorized. Usage that is user-specific. 32. The use according to claim 31, wherein the absolute position coding pattern is used for electronically recording the user's signature. 33. The product according to claim 31, wherein the product is a product for payment.
The usage according to 2. 34. A handheld electronic user unit intended for use in a system according to any of claims 19-30. 35. The user unit according to claim 34, wherein an account number is stored.