JP2004526249A - Infrastructure for information management and communication - Google Patents

Abstract

The information management system includes a plurality of products P having a position code (PC), a plurality of digital pens (DP) capable of reading the position code, and the digital pen (DP) on at least one communication network. Server means for communicating with the server. The server means includes a location database (GSDB) that associates the location coded with the location code (PC) with rules for information management. The digital pen (DP) is configured to communicate information registered on the product (P) to the server means in the form of at least one position coded by a position code on the first communication path. . The server means further includes an interface unit (IF) by which actors in the system can input / retrieve data from / to one or more databases of the system over a second communication path. It is possible to do. Such actors include pen manufacturers, paper / product manufacturers, pattern managers, service handlers, network operators, pen owners, and the like. The host unit, which becomes a site on the public network and is configured to be connected to the interface unit (IF), also provides a way to coordinate actors, along with service license handling and digital pen production, registration and management. Disclose.

Description

【Technical field】
[0001]
The present invention relates generally to the field of digital communications, and more particularly to an infrastructure for managing and communicating information registered with a digital pen.
[Background Art]
[0002]
Traditionally, information has been written and distributed by pen and paper. However, it is difficult to efficiently manage and communicate such paper-based information.
[0003]
Computers are increasingly being used for information management and communication. Information is typically entered with a keyboard and stored on computer memory, for example, a hard disk. However, the process of entering information with a keyboard is slow and there is a significant risk of errors occurring in such processes. Graphic information, such as drawings and images, is typically provided to a computer via a separate device, such as a scanner or the like. This process of providing such information to a computer is time consuming, lengthy, and often produces unsatisfactory results. Only when this information is stored in the computer can it be communicated to others via, for example, an Internet connection as e-mail or SMS or via a fax modem as a fax.
[0004]
Applicant hereby incorporates by reference, in which, the applicant considers the use of a product having a writing surface with a position code, in the international application WO 01/16691. Suggests remedies for this problem. The position code codes a plurality of positions on the surface, but allows the information written on the writing surface to be recorded electronically by a digital pen that detects the position code. The product also has one or more activation icons, and upon detecting these icons, the digital pen initiates a respective predetermined operation that utilizes the information recorded by the digital pen.
[0005]
More specifically, position-coded products have built-in functionality, with different locations on the product, such as the location in the launch icon and the location in the writing surface, dedicated to different functions. ing. Further, the position code can code the coordinates of a position that is far greater than the number of required positions on the product. Thus, the position code can be viewed as forming a virtual space defined by all positions at which the position code can be coded, where different positions in the virtual space can have different functions and / or actors. Is dedicated to
[0006]
The above concept can be used for many different purposes. The combination of pens and position-coded products can be used as input devices to computers, PDAs, cell phones, and the like. For example, text and sketches written on a position coded notepad can be transferred to a computer via a pen. In addition, this combination of pen and position coded product allows global communication directly from the product to the pen via the pen by means of a position code on the product that is dedicated to such communication. For example, information registered by a pen can be converted to a fax message, e-mail, or SMS, and then sent from the pen to a recipient. In addition, this combination of pen and position coded products can be used for e-commerce. For example, the digital pen can be used to order items from a position-coded advertisement in a magazine by a position code in the advertisement that is dedicated to such services.
[0007]
The above concept is further disclosed in Applicants' International Patent Applications PCT / SE00 / 02640, PCT / SE00 / 02641 and PCT / SE00 / 02659, which are incorporated herein by reference. Implemented in the structure. The system of FIG. 1 includes a plurality of digital pens DP, a plurality of products P with a position code PC, a lookup unit ALS, and a plurality of service handler units SH. The lookup unit ALS comprises one or more computer servers in communication with the virtual space and a database containing information about the virtual space. For example, the database may associate one or more locations in the virtual space with a network address to a particular service handler unit SH. The service handler unit SH is a server unit that performs services for storing and relaying digital information or initiating transmission of information and items to recipients.
[0008]
By manipulating the digital pen DP to mark the start-up icon AI on the position-coded product P, the pen DP can transmit, for example, a short-range wireless transmission to a mobile phone MP, which functions as a modem for connection to a look-up unit ALS. Starts the operation of sending a message to the lookup unit (step 1). The message includes a unique pen identifier and at least one location derived from digital information that is electronically recorded on the writing surface of the product P. Based on the location content of this message, the lookup unit ALS instructs the digital pen DP to contact a specific service handler unit SH at the above network address (step 2). Next, the pen DP sends the message to the service handler unit SH (step 3), which then sends the pen DP what data to send, how to format this data, and how to tag it. It is instructed whether to attach (step 4). Upon receiving the requested data from pen DP (step 5), service handler unit SH returns a confirmation to pen DP (step 6).
[0009]
The information management system of FIG. 1 involves a number of interdependent actors, including: a digital pen manufacturing company ("pen manufacturer"), a position coded product. A company that manufactures (“paper maker”), a company that provides various services by a service handler unit (“service handler”), and a company that manages position codes based on a virtual space database (“pattern management” There are many users of digital pens ("pen owners"), operators providing communication links between digital pens and various units ("network operators").
[0010]
One major unsolved problem is how to easily and efficiently coordinate the various actors in the system.
[Patent Document 1]
PCT / SE00 / 02640
[Patent Document 2]
PCT / SE00 / 02641
[Patent Document 3]
PCT / SE00 / 02659
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
[0011]
It is an object of the present invention to provide a solution to the above problem, or at least to mitigate the problem.
[Means for Solving the Problems]
[0012]
This object is achieved according to the invention by an information management system according to claim 1, a host unit according to claim 17, and a method according to claims 21, 37, 40, 42, 44 and 46. Preferred embodiments are defined by the dependent claims.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0013]
In the following, a system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the embodiments shown in FIGS. After an overview of the structure of the system and the flow of data within it, the structure of the interface to the database of the system will be described in further detail with reference to FIGS. Next, examples of how various actors can access the system are illustrated with reference to FIGS.
[0014]
The system of FIG. 2 comprises a number of digital pens DP and position-coded products P (only one of which is shown in FIG. 2), a lookup unit ALS, and a plurality of service handler units SH (only one of which is shown in FIG. 2). Shown). The configuration and interrelationships of the various parts of the system and the communication of information between these parts have already been described and will not be repeated here.
[0015]
However, note that the information can be transmitted from the digital pen DP to the look-up unit ALS and the service handler unit SH in any suitable way. In one embodiment, the information is wirelessly transmitted from the digital pen DP to the network connection unit, which then transmits the information to the lookup unit ALS and the service handler unit SH, respectively. This network connection unit may be the mobile phone MP shown in FIG. 1, or a PDA, a computer, or some other suitable unit having an interface to a computer network such as the Internet or a LAN. In the alternative, the network connection unit may be the body of the digital pen DP.
[0016]
The lookup unit ALS is connected to a virtual space database GSDB, which contains data on the actors associated with each position coded directly or indirectly by the position code PC. Direct coding means that the actual position coded with the position code PC is communicated to units in the system. Indirect coding means that the actual position coded with the position code PC is converted before being communicated from the digital pen DP to the units of the system. For example, only a subset of the data representing each actual location may be communicated. In one such embodiment, the actual locations are grouped in the database GSDB into regions of standard size, such that each actual location is identified by an area identifier identifying the relevant area and an area identifier within this area. Can be converted to the local position. The region may be a digital page corresponding to the position-coded product P. This reduces the amount of data transmitted from the digital pen DP, since the region identifier only needs to be transmitted occasionally, generally when the actual position changes from region to region. This is because the local position can be represented in a more compact form than the actual position. A more detailed example can be found in PCT / SE00 / 02640, supra.
[0017]
The virtual space database GSDB also stores data on the functionality of the location coded by the location code PC, but such data may instead or in addition to its respective service handler It may be stored in the unit SH.
[0018]
The look-up unit ALS is also connected to a pen database PDB, which contains data relating to all digital pens in the system, such as a unique pen identifier for each pen and any settings or settings associated with each pen. Including characteristics. The pen database PDB also contains data about the manufacturer of each pen. In addition, the look-up unit ALS is connected to an event database GEDB, which contains data on transactions occurring in the look-up unit ALS, i.e. address requests and pen requests made by pens in the system. And any errors that occur during this process in addition to the address response returned to
[0019]
As an alternative to the individual databases shown in FIG. 2, instead of connecting the look-up unit ALS as described above, one could connect one comprehensive database, or connect each individual database to two or more databases. It can be distributed over physical units.
[0020]
The system also includes one or more networks on which network operators handle communication between the digital pen DP and the lookup unit ALS and between the digital pen DP and the service handler unit SH. For this purpose, the pen owner has subscribed at one of these network operators. The network operator may also act as a service handler in the present system, wherein the pen owner determines based on the information written with the digital pen DP on the position coded products P. , Using a server unit OP which provides a communication service which allows to send electronic messages, for example e-mail, SMS or fax. This network operator's server unit OP can also store over the network information generated in the system, for example, an entry to a position-coded calendar or notebook. When acting as a service handler, the network operator maintains an application database ASDB, which contains data on user-specific settings for various applications, such as signatures to be attached to emails or electronic business cards, This includes where and how to store the sent message.
[0021]
The actors in the system disclosed in FIG. 2 include pen owners, pen manufacturers, papermakers, service handlers, network operators and pattern managers.
[0022]
In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the system includes two Internet portals P1 and P2, which are hosted by one or more Web servers that interface to the system's database. One portal P1 is a so-called partner portal, which allows pen manufacturers, paper makers, pattern managers, service handlers and network operators to access selected parts of the system database. Portal. The other portal P2 is a so-called pen owner portal, ie a portal that allows the pen owner to access selected parts of the database in the system. In an alternative embodiment, the functionality of these two portals is merged into one general portal.
[0023]
2 and 3 show how the interface unit IF connects the portals P1 and P2 to the database of the lookup unit ALS. This interface unit IF, described in more detail below, handles low-level access to the databases GSDB, GEDB and PDB in the system. The portal P2 is connected to an external database such as an application database ASDB of a network operator by an external interface unit XIF having a similar design.
[0024]
The Internet portals P1 and P2 described above are implemented on one or more Internet-connected servers that serve as graphic user interfaces (GUIs) for actors over the Internet. However, while the Internet represents a preferred use of the invention, it should not be considered restrictive, as the invention may be applied to other networks or combinations of networks. Please pay attention to
[0025]
As shown in FIG. 2, the actors in the system can access the portals P1 and P2 by a web browser on any suitable client station CS such as a personal computer, a PDA, or a mobile phone.
[0026]
As is evident from FIG. 3, which illustrates the actor's interaction with the system, the Internet portals P1 and P2, when using the interface unit IF, operate as hubs in the system according to the invention. Therefore, in addition to the communication path set up between each digital pen and the lookup unit and its database GSDB, PDB, and GEDB, the interface unit IF also includes the database GSDB, PDB, GEDB, and GEDB of the present system. , ASDB.
[0027]
Using the interface unit IF, via the portal P1, the pen manufacturer can search the list of unique pen identifiers to be entered in the digital pen hardware or software as these pens are manufactured. It becomes possible. As already mentioned, such pen identifiers are stored in the pen database PDB. As a further advantage, the interface unit IF allows the use of public key encryption in the present system, allowing the pen manufacturer to easily transfer the public encryption key for each digital pen DP to the pen database PDB, It is possible to retrieve the public encryption key for the up-unit ALS and store it in the digital pen. Additional security data, such as a pen-specific pin code, can be transferred to the pen database PDB along with the public encryption key.
[0028]
In addition, paper and product manufacturers can search for portions of the virtual space that will be placed on the product. For example, a notebook manufacturer may license a section of virtual space, search for the corresponding location code and the algorithm that calculates this location code, and divide the licensed section into a desired number of page size location code areas. , It is possible to print this location code area on a physical page of the notebook. In addition, the paper and product manufacturer may specify properties in the virtual space database GSDB, such as the network address of the service handler unit SH to which the lookup unit ALS should output the pen, the expiration date of this address, encryption settings, etc. Can be entered or changed. In the alternative, the pattern manager can access the virtual space database on behalf of paper and product manufacturers.
[0029]
As with paper and product manufacturers, service handlers, such as companies that promote and / or sell services and items through position-coded products, are used in advertisements, order forms, and the like. For the purpose, it is possible to retrieve the position code through an Internet portal. The service handler can also enter and change settings in the virtual space database GSDB.
[0030]
Through the interface unit IF, via the portal P1, the network operator can, for example, register a new subscription in the pen database PDB or lock a particular digital pen in the pen database PDB and put that pen in the system. From the lookup unit ALS. The network operator can also search the event database GEDB for troubleshooting purposes.
[0031]
The interface unit IF allows the pen owner, via the portal P2, to view, change and / or add settings relating to his digital pen. These settings are stored in the pen database PDB and / or the application database ASDB. Settings in the pen database PDB include name, postal address, delivery address, email address, home phone number, mobile phone number, home fax number, business fax number, business phone number, credit card number, etc. May contain personal data. Settings in the pen database PDB may also relate to feedback, such as, for example, to what extent the pen user should be prompted to confirm before something is sent from the pen. It is also conceivable to have the pen owner set up filters that specify personal data that can be requested by the various service handler units SH. In addition, user-controllable settings in the pen database PDB include information on the operation of the pen, such as the degree of data compression in the pen, the maximum dwell time of registered information in the pen, any pen-specific PINs used to authenticate the pen May be related to code, etc. The data in the application database ASDB may include, for example, a personal signature or electronic business card to be attached to the e-mail message, a customized layout of the fax message, a store location and means for the sent message, a default for the e-mail message. It may be related to a cc address or the like. If the pen owner has more than one pen, the owner can use the import / export function to copy his own settings between the various entries made by the pen to the pen database. is there.
[0032]
By means of the interface unit IF, via the portal P2, the pen owner can also lock his digital pen in the pen database PDB, for example if it is lost or stolen, and put the pen in the system. From the look-up unit ALS.
[0033]
Through the interface unit IF, via the portal P2, the pen owner can also view events stored in the event database GEDB.
[0034]
In addition, via the portal P2, the pen owner accesses another database (not shown) of the network operator OP through the external interface unit XIF to view the billing data and view the sent message. It is possible to access personal electronic calendars and notebooks.
[0035]
The portals P1 and P2 can be hosted by any party, provided that any authorized server hosting a site on a public network, such as the Internet, has access to the interface unit IF Note that remote connections are allowed. One such stakeholder is a pattern manager who crucially controls the lookup unit ALS and the databases GSDB, GEDB, and PDB, and can provide an interface unit IF. Another such party can be one or more network operators, which can host portals for users to access the system database in addition to the operator database.
[0036]
Also, portals P1 and P2, though using a customized GUI, should be recognized by those skilled in the art as being able to design based on common knowledge. These portals may also include a membership database in addition to a database for web content management. The latter may also include the user's account information and store attributes for accessing the interface unit in addition to the attributes for personalizing the website.
[0037]
One advantageous aspect of the system shown in FIGS. 2-3 is that the pen owner can store, add and change personal data to the system. For example, pen owners can write their own pen and position codes, such as writing personal data in a dedicated OCR field on the product, or providing personal data in interaction with a network connection unit (MP in FIG. 1). The personal data can be provided to the service handler unit SH in the system automatically or on demand without having to enter personal data every time a combination of used products is used. This allows the digital pen to be used intuitively and rationally, allowing the digital pen to be used like a regular pen, and the functionality of a position coded product Embedded in the surface. Further, the risk of type / recognition errors is minimized by using certain settings in the system.
[0038]
In one embodiment, at least some of the settings in the pen database PDB are also stored in the digital pen's internal memory M (FIG. 2). One advantage of this scheme is that these settings are, for example, in the process of requesting confirmation, typically by interacting with the pen owner via a display on a network connection unit (MP in FIG. 1). The point is that it can be used directly. Such interaction can be virtually instantaneous because the pen does not need to retrieve settings from a remote pen database PDB. In addition, storing the pen settings in the pen itself reduces both the load on the look-up unit ALS and the amount of data transferred over the network of the system, since these settings are necessary This is because, at any time, the direct transfer from the pen DP to the service handler unit SH is possible.
[0039]
By providing the interface unit IF, the pen owner can access the pen database PDB via a public Web site such as the Internet portal described above. For example, by incorporating a browser (WAP, i-mode, etc.) into the cell phone, PDA or personal computer that connects the pen to the network, pen owners can change their pen settings at any time. .
[0040]
The system perceives any changes in the pen database PDB and sends any updated or new settings to the pen so that it will send the next time it connects to the lookup unit ALS. Preferably, it is configured. Since the pen settings are updated via the interface unit IF, synchronization conflicts are avoided.
[0041]
Next, an overview of the portal platform will be presented with reference to FIG. 4, and the elements included therein will be briefly described. The structure and function of these included elements will now be described in some more detail with reference to FIGS.
[0042]
FIG. 4 is the logical composition of a portal platform, whose elements are arranged in three main layers.
[0043]
The outermost layer is the portal layer, which is the GUI and contains the elements that interact with actors in the system. This layer includes the pen owner portal and the partner portal. The partner portal is used by both the person who manages internal functions, such as the management of system databases, and the partner who manages functions related to their business, where various aspects of authentication (described below) are used. The role determines which functions are available. The pen owner portal is used by pen owners who manage their pen settings.
[0044]
The middle layer is the interface layer, which forms the interface unit and interfaces to the internal system databases GSDB, PDB and GEDB. These interfaces are under access control, so that only the required interfaces are available to the calling application. The interface layer has two components, a pen service component and a pattern service component.
[0045]
The inner layer is the database layer, which contains the data sources of the lookup unit ALS, which in this case include the virtual space database GSDB, the pen database PDB, the event database GEDB and the user database UDB. This user database UDB contains data on accounts (login / password) as well as connected roles and privileges. The user database UDB is accessed for authentication and handling access rights to data structures in the database.
[0046]
Outside of these layers, the platform also provides one package (DevCore) that contains the common functionality used by all interface layer elements, and another package (Logic) that contains the logic for generating and managing location codes. (PatternCore).
[0047]
The pen service element is designed to allow management of user settings for the pen, management of system settings for the pen, and registration of the pen. The pattern service element is designed to enable registration of paper application services and management of paper application service properties such as data routing destinations, expiration dates, and encryption.
[0048]
The interface layer elements are accessed using the standard http (s) protocol, and each request for an interface element returns an http (s) response containing an XML document.
[0049]
The role of each interface layer element is to verify the request (type, scope) received, determine the access rights of the requesting user / system, locate the appropriate database, retrieve data therefrom, and perform this search. Is to convert the converted data into an XML document as defined by the interface specification of the interface layer element, and return the XML document to the requesting user / system. The above database is communicated from the interface layer using IIOP and Corba.
[0050]
FIG. 5 illustrates the architecture of the interface layer element. This architecture defines a number of packages: a request controller (Servlet) that handles incoming http requests and verifies interface access rights; a reaction controller (JSP) that generates responsive content; and internal program logic. And an access controller (Java class) that encompasses database resources, maps database resources, and applies access rights; helper utility classes, object abstractions for data entities, and utility services that are responsible for parsers ( Java (registered trademark) class); a persistence service that wraps Corba access to locate a database instance; and manages fine-grained access rights to resources. Authentication service. Examples of the above utility services are a pattern core class and a Corba helper class.
[0051]
The authentication service package contains the authentication required by the interface layer element. The role of this package is to represent all access rights (roles and privileges) granted to the authenticated user or system. All information needed for access restrictions is supplied from this package. Other packages can use this information to remove the correct data before passing through it.
[0052]
The persistence service package contains the actual Java-Corba mappings for remote access to the database's Corba interfaces, but these interfaces are written in IDL. The server-side portion of the persistence service is located in an Oracle8 database and implemented as Java code using JDBC to access the tables.
[0053]
All elements inside the interface layer follow a common design pattern as shown in FIG. The controller Servlet listens for incoming http requests. Servlet instantiates a Java class and acts as a facade controller for application logic. The facade object uses some internal Java objects to enforce business rules for retrieving and storing data from persistence service packages. Eventually, the controller Servlet will determine from the facade controller what kind of result to return to the caller and send an http request to the appropriate viewing JSP page. The JSP page uses the information sent from the facade controller to the Servlet to generate an XML document, which is returned to the caller.
[0054]
This design pattern has the advantage of separating presentation and application logic, and of including the logic inside Java components.
[0055]
FIG. 7 illustrates a security problem of connecting the portal to the interface unit IF. At present, two methods of connecting the portal to the interface unit IF are considered. Either a VPN (virtual private network) is set up (shown on the right side of FIG. 7), or the portal is connected via the Internet (shown on the left side of FIG. 7) using SSL. In both embodiments, an encrypted communication link is established between the portal and the interface unit IF. Because encryption is very CPU intensive, hardware devices may terminate SSL or VPN links on behalf of Web servers. If the portal is connected to the interface via VPN, VPN hardware is available at both ends. When using SSL, no extra hardware is required, but it is recommended to use it on the portal side. The Web server always receives a normal http request from the portal.
[0056]
Everything that the portal sends to the interface unit is accompanied by a portal ID and password with the request. These are received by the servlet, which communicates with the UDB to authenticate this portal. Once the portal has been authenticated, the appropriate roles and privileges for the interface layer elements are determined. There is an option that all portals are required to submit the client's certificate for the request to the web server and authenticate the portal.
[0057]
The operation of the portal will be described below with reference to an example of a user scenario.
[0058]
In a first scenario, shown in FIG. 8, the pen owner uses the pen owner portal to view the current pen settings. Here, it is assumed that the pen owner portal is implemented on a servlet / JSP enabled web server. The pen owner logs in to the pen owner portal by submitting his username and password from the login web page. This user name and password are encrypted by SSL. The pen owner portal confirms the pen owner in the member package. If the user is authenticated, the pen owner portal initiates a web session with the pen owner by using a servlet session. The pen owner portal displays a welcome page with a list of available features. The pen owner is now logged into the portal. Next, the pen owner selects the View Pen Settings feature. The pen owner portal retrieves a code (pen identifier and PIN code) associated with the user from the member package. Next, the pen owner portal issues an HTTP request to the Pen Services element of the Internet unit, submitting the pen identifier and PIN code. The pen owner portal also submits its login information (systemName and system-Password) to the Pen Services element for authentication. The Pen Services element is implemented as an HttpServlet on a servlet / JSP enabled web server. First, the Pen Services element communicates with the authentication package to authenticate the calling system and determine the roles it will have. This operation is performed using the User class and the UDB class. In this case, this role grants pen owner portal access to the pen settings interface and also has the privilege to perform the "get all settings" operation. The Pen Services element retrieves pen information from the pen database PDB. This element compares the retrieved PIN code with the code submitted in the request by the portal. If they do not match, no pen settings are returned to the portal. If they match, the Pen Services element removes the property and returns only the settings for which the system has access (as determined by the User object). The Pen Services element returns a list of settings to servlet. servlet builds an XML document based on these settings, which is sent as a response to the pen owner portal. The pen owner portal converts this XML document into an HTML page suitable for the user to view. This HTML page is returned to the pen owner's Web browser.
[0059]
In the second scenario shown in FIG. 9, the pattern manager creates a new location code license via the partner portal. The pattern administrator starts with a standard login procedure. The servlet determines that the user has the privilege to create a service license using the authentication package. A user submits a request for a section of the virtual space, for example, by specifying a desired section size. Based on this request, the license is created by allocating the section of the corresponding position by servlet in the virtual space database GSDB. Before or after this assignment, the servlet may subscribe to the user to indicate the assigned section. Upon receipt of the acceptance for the application, servlet sends the license file to the licensee. The license file contains, inter alia, the position code corresponding to the assigned section and the algorithm for calculating the position code. In a similar procedure, a paper or product manufacturer or service handler can create a service license by logging into the partner portal and accessing the interface unit.
[0060]
Although not shown in FIG. 9, the second scenario also allows the system to register a network address. Here, the network address is submitted to the servlet, and the servlet stores the network address in the virtual space database GSDB in association with the assigned section. This network address identifies the service handler unit SH to which the requesting digital pen is output by the server means ALS upon receiving a position in the allocated section.
[0061]
It is also conceivable that the interface unit IF is directly accessed by an application design program running on the network computer at the paper / product manufacturer or at the service handler. This application design program allows a paper / product manufacturer or service handler to design a position coded product with the desired layout and embedded functionality. Such an application design program is further disclosed in applicant's International Patent Application No. PCT / SE01 / 01842, which is incorporated herein by reference.
[0062]
In the third scenario, shown schematically in FIGS. 10 and 11, for the manufacturer (client) side, respectively, and for the actions taken in the interface unit, the pen manufacturer logs in to the partner portal, Request a series of pen identifiers (pen IDs) for the pens to be manufactured. The interface unit IF assigns a set of pen identifiers to the pen manufacturer in the pen database PDB and returns this set of pen identifiers together with the public encryption key of the lookup unit ALS to the partner portal. In producing pens, the pen manufacturer stores in the internal memory M of each pen a unique pen identifier taken from a series of pen identifiers and the public encryption key of the lookup unit ALS. Further, a public encryption key such as a PIN code or a password and an authentication code are generated for each pen, and a secret encryption key is generated and stored together with the authentication code in the internal memory M of each pen. Once the pens have been produced, the pen manufacturer logs in to the partner portal for all passed pens, submits their pen identifiers, public encryption keys, and authentication codes to the interface unit IF and creates a pen database. Register by storing in PDB. Next, a confirmation message is submitted to the pen manufacturer via the partner portal.
[0063]
It should be noted that the third scenario is generally applicable to any type of handheld electronic unit that will be registered for use in an information management system. It should also be noted that one or more of the above operations may be modified or omitted, or these operations may be performed in another order.
[0064]
Instead of submitting feedback data to the user via the partner portal, such as a license file, the set of pen identifiers, confirmation message, etc., such feedback data is transmitted by other electronic means such as e-mail. Alternatively, the program may be downloaded electronically, stored in a computer-readable medium, and transmitted by ordinary mail.
[0065]
The foregoing description of the implementation of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not exhaustive and does not limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be obtained by practicing the invention.
[Brief description of the drawings]
[0066]
Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the following accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 shows a prior art system for information management and communication.
FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a system for management and communication of information including an interface unit according to the present invention.
3 illustrates how the present invention enables various actors to input data into and retrieve data from the system of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an overview of a platform of a portal in the system of FIG. 2;
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the structure of the interface unit in more detail.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the structure of the interface unit in more detail.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating two examples of communication links between a portal and an interface unit.
FIG. 8 illustrates the flow of data within the system for various user scenarios.
FIG. 9 illustrates the flow of data within the system for various user scenarios.
FIG. 10 illustrates the flow of data within the system for various user scenarios.
FIG. 11 illustrates the flow of data within the system for various user scenarios.

Claims (49)

A plurality of products (P) with a position code (PC);
A plurality of digital pens (DP) capable of reading the position code (PC);
Server means for communicating with said digital pen (DP) over at least one communication network, said server means comprising a location database (GSDB) associating locations coded with said location code (PC) with rules for information management. The server means comprising:
With
The digital pen (DP) communicates information registered on the product (P) to the server means in a form of at least one position coded by the position code on a first communication path. Is composed;
The server means includes an interface unit (IF) by which an actor in the system inputs / retrieves data to / from one or more databases of the system over a second communication path. Characterized in that it is possible to
Information management system. The system of claim 1, wherein the interface unit (IF) is configured to be connected to a host unit that provides a graphical user interface. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the interface unit (IF) is configured to be connected to a host unit providing a site on a public network. The system according to claim 2, wherein the host unit is a Web server. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the interface unit (IF) is connected to the location database (GSDB). An actor that provides the location code (PC) on the product (P) stores one or more locations in the location database (GSDB) for specific information management by the interface unit (IF). The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the system is assignable. The actor includes a service handler, and for the service handler, the server unit outputs information registered using the digital pen (DP) based on the rule for information management. The system according to claim 6. The system according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the actor includes a manufacturer of the product (P). The system of any of claims 6 to 8, wherein the interface unit (IF) allows the actor to associate the one or more locations with a network address. The server means includes an event database (GEDB), the event database stores transaction data relating to communication between the digital pen (DP) and the server means, and the interface unit (IF) stores the event data. The system according to any of the preceding claims, connected to a database (GEDB). The system of claim 10, wherein the interface unit (IF) allows an owner of the digital pen (DP) to access at least a portion of the transaction data in the event database (GEDB). The server means includes a pen database (PDB), which stores a unique pen identifier (PID) for each of the digital pens, and wherein the interface unit (IF) stores the pen database (PDB). The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the system is connected to: The interface unit (IF) allows a manufacturer of the digital pen (DP) to register the pen identifier of the digital pen (DP) in the pen database (PDB). System. 14. The system according to claim 12, wherein the pen database (PDB) includes settings for each of the digital pens (DP). 15. The interface unit (IF) according to claim 14, wherein the digital pen (DP) owner can store and / or change individual pen settings in the pen database (PDB). system. The pen database (PDB) associates a public encryption key with each of the digital pens (DP), and the interface unit (IF) allows the manufacturer of the digital pen (DP) to The system according to any of claims 12 to 15, wherein the public encryption key can be stored therein. 17. A host unit configured to communicate with the interface unit (IF) of the system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the host unit provides a site of a public network. 18. The host unit of claim 17, further configured to communicate with at least one operator database (ASDB) of the at least one operator of the at least one communication network. The host unit allows an owner of the digital pen (DP) to access transaction data from the at least one operator database (ASDB), wherein the transaction data is stored in the digital pen (DP) in the system. 19. The host unit of claim 18, wherein the host unit is associated with communicating with a (DP). 20. The host unit according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the host unit allows the owner of the digital pen (DP) to store and / or modify individual application settings in the at least one operator database (ASDB). The described host unit. A plurality of products (P) having a position code (PC), a plurality of digital pens (DP) capable of reading the position code (PC), and the digital pen (DP) on at least one communication network A location database (GSDB) for associating locations coded with the location code (PC) with rules for information management, comprising: the server means; The pen (DP) communicates information registered on the product (P) in the form of at least one position coded by the position code (PC) to the server means on a first communication path. A method for coordinating actors in an information management system configured as described above, wherein an interface is provided in said server means. Providing a face unit (IF) and inputting / retrieving data to / from one or more databases of the system by the interface unit (IF) over a second communication path. A method characterized by what the actor can do. 22. The method of claim 21, comprising connecting to the interface unit (IF) a host unit that provides a graphical user interface. 23. The method according to claim 21 or 22, comprising connecting to the interface unit (IF) a host unit providing a site on a public network. 24. The method according to claim 22, wherein the host unit is a Web server. The method according to any of claims 22 to 24, comprising connecting the interface unit (IF) to the location database (GSDB). The actor providing the location code (PC) on the product (P) is capable of assigning one or more locations for specific information management in the location database (GSDB). The method according to any one of 22 to 25. The actor includes a service handler, and the server means outputs information registered by the digital pen (DP) to the service handler based on the rule for information management. 27. The method according to 26. 28. The method according to claim 26 or claim 27, wherein the actor includes a manufacturer of the product (P). 29. The system of any of claims 26 to 28, comprising associating the one or more locations with a network address for the actor. 30. The interface of any of claims 21 to 29, comprising connecting the interface unit (IF) to an event database (GEDB) that stores transaction data relating to communication between the digital pen (DP) and the server means. The described method. 31. The method of claim 30, comprising allowing an owner of the digital pen (DP) to access at least a portion of the transaction data in the event database (GEDB). 32. A method as claimed in any of claims 21 to 31 including connecting the interface unit (IF) to a pen database (PDB) that stores a unique pen identifier for each of the digital pens (DP). 33. The method of claim 32, comprising allowing a manufacturer of the digital pen (DP) to register the pen identifier of the digital pen (DP) in the pen database (PDB). . The method of claim 32 or 33, wherein the pen database (PDB) includes settings for each of the digital pens (DP). 35. The method according to claim 34, comprising the step of allowing the digital pen (DP) owner to store and / or change individual pen settings in the pen database (PDB). The pen database (PDB) associates a public encryption key with each of the digital pens (DP), and the method comprises providing the digital pen (DP) manufacturer with the public key in the pen database (PDB). The method according to any of claims 32-35, comprising the step of allowing the encryption key to be stored. A method for creating a service license in an information management system in which information recorded from one or more position-coded products (P) is managed based on the position content, wherein the service license is used for information management. Invoking one or more locations of the method comprises:
Sending a request for a service license from a client station (CS);
Receiving at the client station (CS) an offer to assign one or more locations for information management;
Sending an acceptance in response to the application;
Receiving an information object allowing creation of a position code (PC) corresponding to the one or more positions;
A method that includes 38. The method of claim 37, wherein the request defines a range covered by the one or more locations to be assigned. 39. The method according to claim 37 or 38, further comprising submitting from the client station (CS) a network address to be associated with the one or more locations. A method wherein the server means handles a service license in an information management system that manages information recorded from one or more position-coded products (P) based on the location content of the information, wherein the service license comprises: Invoking one or more locations for information management, the method comprising:
Receiving at the server means a request from a customer for a service license;
Allocating one or more locations for information management in the database (GSDB) of the server means;
Sending an offer to the customer to assign the one or more locations;
Sending an information object that, upon receiving acceptance of the application, allows creation of a location code (PC) corresponding to the one or more locations;
A method that includes Receiving at the server means a network address from the customer;
Storing the network address in the database (GSDB) in association with the one or more locations;
41. The method of claim 40, further comprising: In a method in the production of a digital unit (DP) for communication with a server means in an information management system, the method comprises:
Sending a request for a specified number of unique identification codes from the client station;
Receiving the identification code;
Storing one such unique identification code in the memory (M) of each digital unit (DP);
A method that includes Receiving a public encryption key associated with the server means;
Storing the public encryption key in a memory (M) of each digital unit (DP);
43. The method of claim 42, comprising: In a method for managing a digital unit (DP) in an information management system, the method comprises:
Receiving, from a digital unit manufacturer, a request for a specified number of unique identification codes at a server means arranged for communication with said digital unit (DP);
Assigning, at said server means, said designated number of unique identification codes in a database (PDB) of said server means;
Sending the specified number of unique identification codes to the digital unit manufacturer;
A method that includes Deriving a public encryption key associated with the server means at the server means;
Sending the public encryption key to the digital unit manufacturer;
45. The method of claim 44, comprising: In a method for registering one or more digital units (DP) for communication with a server means in an information management system, the method comprises:
Generating a unique public encryption key for each digital unit (DP);
Sending at the client station one or more pairs of a unique identification code for each digital unit (DP) and the public encryption key;
Receiving confirmation that the one or more pairs have been stored in the server means;
A method that includes Generating a unique authentication code for each digital unit (DP);
Sending, at the client station, one or more associated pairs of identification codes and authentication codes;
Receiving confirmation that the one or more pairs have been stored in the server means;
47. The method of claim 46, comprising: A method of registering one or more digital units (DPs) in a server means in an information management system, the method comprising:
Receiving at said server means one or more associated pairs of identification codes and public encryption keys for each digital unit (DP);
Storing said pairs in a database (PDB) of said server means;
Issuing a confirmation of the store;
49. The method of claim 48, comprising: Receiving at said server means one or more associated pairs of said identification code and authentication code for each digital unit (DP);
Storing the pair of the identification code and the authentication code in the database (PDB);
Issuing the stored confirmation;
A method that includes

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