KR20030005259A - Method and device for processing of information - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a form generation method, a form data recording method that occurs when the associated form is completed, an information entry and an associated form. The form has a form layout with at least one entry field printed on the base in the form of a sheet. The base is provided with a position-coding pattern, and the entry field is intended to be completed using the position-coding pattern for the recording of information entered in the entry field, using a user unit arranged to optically detect the position on the sheet. : Marking the identification pattern using the user unit by means of the identification pattern on the sheet is a position set for identifying the form layout, which is intended to be detected by the user unit using the position-coding pattern.

Description

Information processing method and apparatus {METHOD AND DEVICE FOR PROCESSING OF INFORMATION}

Forms and the like are used in so many fields today. This form allows the user to enter the correct information and to ensure that it is performed in a structured manner. Thus, a form typically consists of a sheet of paper having a printed form layout, with instructions relating to what information will be written and on which sheet it will be performed.

Due to modern computer technology, it is possible to automatically record the information to be entered on the form. The simplest way to do this is to use a flatbed scanner connected to a computer system. In a simple embodiment, the information file is generated in graphical format (tiff format). This simple record makes it possible to create a copy of the form in the next step. The copy can then be printed and interpreted manually.

It is also possible to process files generated by OCR technology that can recognize text in the layout of the form and the fields filled in by the user. However, creating the corresponding database form from the scanned form image requires comprehensive and complex image analysis software. The identity and direction of the form will be detected and entries on the form will be identified and distinguished from the layout of the form. Moreover, there are many potential factors in which errors will occur in this process, which means that they must be carefully monitored.

Further, for example, individual entry of a market research form cannot be presumed to be accessed by an improved flatbed scanner with complicated and expensive software necessary for the next image analysis of the scanned image, while being entered in various forms. Automatic recording of information requires a complete form to be sent to a place where it can be recorded by the scanner.

The use of flatbed scanners is also very difficult to record forms while traveling outdoors, for example in connection with market research.

The present invention relates to a method for generating a form in a system having a digital storage medium having at least one printer, an associated device, and an associated computer program. The invention also relates to a method of a computer digital storage medium having a computer system, an associated device, and an associated computer program for recording form data for information entry. The invention also relates to a form.

1 shows a computer system in which the method according to the invention can be carried out, a base in the form of a sheet and a user unit in the preferred form.

2 shows a seat and a user unit according to the invention.

3 illustrates an embodiment of an identification pattern.

4 illustrates the application of multiple rules to position information as input data.

5 is a flow chart illustrating a method for generating a form in accordance with the present invention.

6 is a flowchart for explaining a method for recording form data for information entry.

The object of the present invention is to completely or partially solve the above mentioned problems.

This object comprises a method for generating a form according to claim 1, a device of claim 8, and a method of digital storage having a computer program according to claim 9; Method of a digital storage medium having a computer system for recording form data for information entry according to claim 10, an apparatus according to claim 15, and a computer program according to claim 16; Solved by a form according to claim 17 and a method according to claim 21.

According to a first aspect of the invention, a method is provided for creating a form in a system having at least one computer and at least one printer. The method comprises the steps of: printing, using the printer, a form layout comprising at least one entry field on a base in the form of a sheet provided with a position-coding pattern, the entry field being the entry field. Intended for completion using a user unit, arranged for optically detecting a position on the base using the position-coding pattern, for digital recording of information to be entered into; And using the printer, printing an identification pattern on the base, wherein marking the identification pattern using the user unit uses the position-coding pattern as a set of positions identifying the form layout. To include in any order the steps intended to be detected by the user unit.

Such position-coding patterns can be designed in the manner disclosed in Applicant's patent applications WO 00/73983 and PCT / SE / 01667, incorporated herein by reference. In addition, reference is made to WO 01/16691, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Thus, the printed form according to the above-mentioned method is intended to be completed using a user unit which simultaneously records the input information. When the form is completed (or before completion), an identification pattern is marked or a line is drawn through the identification pattern using the user unit. This operation may link the information entered in the form to a particular database form in the computer system. At the same time this means that the information entered in a particular entry field can be linked to a particular information entry in the database form. That is, the position information in the frame region on the sheet is linked to a specific entry on the form. Therefore, the structure of the completed information is automatically performed.

Thus, the recording of forms created according to the above-mentioned methods does not require a flatbed scanner with improved software for image analysis. Completion of the form and recording of the entered information is carried out in one step. Thus, the form does not need to be transmitted, and can remain, for example, as a copy of the information entered in the form. Movement recording can be performed outdoors. The computer system can process the entered information in a simple and structured manner and the risk of errors during recording is reduced.

In general, according to the present invention, the positional relationship between the form layout and the position-coding pattern is set such that they can be harmonized with each other.

A dotted box or a set of parallel parallel lines can preferably be part of the identification pattern. They also appear in other relationships and the user intuitively understands how they are marked.

The position identifying the form layout may also constitute a description of the magnification in which the layout is printed in relation to the position-coding pattern. This allows the recording system to compensate for printing at a magnification too small, for example. Optionally, the printer may be provided with a position-coding pattern reading device for facilitating printing of a form layout adapted to the position-coding pattern.

According to a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the method further comprises the steps of: creating a database form in a computer system having an information entry corresponding to an entry field of a printed form, the information entered in the entry field The information corresponding to the digital record of is intended to be stored in the information entry. This allows the same system that prints the form or the system in communication with it to record the entered information in the database form. The next printed form is suitably provided with an identification pattern that not only identifies the template layout but also identifies the individually printed form, thus providing a unique identification pattern.

The information stored in the information entry may then preferably comprise the output data when the computer system applies the rule to input data corresponding to the digital record of the information entered in the entry field. The output data of the rule is the processing result of the input data. It also makes it possible to interpret the information entered in the information field. This feature of the invention also includes a digital storage medium having a corresponding device for generating a form and a computer program for generating the form. These have the advantages corresponding to the advantages of the method and can also be changed in a similar manner.

According to a second aspect of the invention, a method of a computer system for inputting form data into an information entry is provided. The form data occurs when an entry field in a form containing a form layout printed on a sheet-shaped base is completed using the user unit. The method comprises the following steps: an entry field is completed using the user unit by a base provided with a position-coding pattern and a user unit arranged to optically detect a position on the base using the position-coding pattern. Recording a first set of positional information corresponding to form data occurring when; And recording, in any order, a second set of position information that occurs in the same way when the identification pattern printed on the sheet is marked using the user unit, and which identifies the form layout.

This feature of the invention is made with the first feature of the invention like a lock and key and has a corresponding advantage.

The information entry may preferably be incorporated into a database form. This allows a complete corresponding virtual form to be created in the computer system.

The rule is applied to the first set of position information such that output data from the rule obtained by processing the first set of position information constitutes input data for the information entry. This also enables field-specific interpretation of the information entered in the information field.

The output data format of the rule preferably consists of: Boolean variables, integers, real numbers, text strings or groups of graphic formats. This format may be processed in a number of general ways by the computer system involved or by another computer system to which this information is to be transferred.

The computer system may preferably be included in a user unit. This makes it possible to interpret both the movement record and the information entered on the form. The processed data can then be transferred to another system.

In this aspect of the invention there is also a digital storage medium having an associated device for entry of form data and a computer program for entering form data. These have the advantages corresponding to those of the method and can also be changed in a corresponding manner.

According to a third aspect of the invention, a form is provided comprising a form layout having at least one entry field printed on a sheet form base. The form is provided with a position-coding pattern at the base, and the entry field uses a position-coding pattern for the digital recording of the information entered in the entry field, the user unit being arranged to optically detect the position on the sheet. Intended to be completed using; And by the identification pattern 208 on the sheet, the identification pattern 208 is a set of positions for identifying the form layout 203 using the user unit, using the position-coding pattern, for the user. Have the features intended to be detected by the unit.

The form has the advantage corresponding to the method according to the first aspect of the invention. The base in sheet form preferably consists of a paper sheet.

1 shows a computer system 100 in which the method according to the invention can be carried out, a base 101 in the form of a sheet and a user unit 102 in a preferred form. Preferably the user unit has an optical sensor.

The computer unit 100 has a personal computer 103 connected to a display 10 and a keyboard 105. However, the method according to the invention may use a larger or smaller computer system. There is also a printer 106 in the computer system 100. This can be a laser printer or inkjet printer. Other types of printers are also possible.

As described above, FIG. 1 also shows a base 101 in the form of a sheet that is intended to be used in connection with the present invention. The base 101 may consist of a sheet of paper, but other materials may also be used, such as plastic or a thin sheet of various materials.

Base 101 is provided with a position-coding pattern 107 (shown enlarged). This can be arranged by printing. However, it is also possible to print the position-coding pattern 107 using the computer system printer 106. The position-coding pattern 107 is arranged such that the portion of the pattern position can be clearly detected in the pattern and on the base if a portion of the predetermined minimum magnification pattern is optically recorded. The position-coding pattern is preferably in the form shown in Applicants' previous applications WO 00/73983 and PCT / SE00 / 01667, where each position is coded by a number of symbols and one symbol is used to code multiple positions. It can be configured as. The illustrated position-coding pattern 107 is constructed as shown in WO 00/73983, in which a large dot represents "1" and a small dot represents "0". However, it is also possible to design a position-coding pattern such as that disclosed in PCT / SE00 / 01667 where different arrangements of dots in relation to raster code different symbol values.

1 also shows a user unit 102 designed as a pen. The user unit 102 has a pen point 108 that can be used to record text and numbers or pictures on the base. The user unit 102 also includes an optical portion capable of detecting a position on the base using the position-coding pattern 107 on the base 101. When the picture 109 is drawn on the base 101, a position sequence on the base 101 corresponding to the movement of the user unit 102 over the base 101 is detected. The sequence of these positions forms the digital record of the figure 109 shown on the base 101. In the same way, numbers and letters written by hand can also be recorded digitally.

The information recorded by the user unit 102 can be sent for further processing, storage or transmission to another unit, such as a personal computer or a mobile phone. This can be done using a cable, preferably using an infrared link, or preferably over a short range wireless link according to the BLUETOOTH® standard. The information to be transmitted may be a direct sequence of positions in the form of a set of coordinate pairs or a polygon representing such a set. The information may also be partly stored in the user unit and then transmitted when a connection is made.

2 shows a form 200 according to the invention. The form 200 consists of a base (or other surface) 201 of the type described above, provided with a position-coding pattern, as described in connection with FIG. 1. The form layout 203 is printed on the base 201. Form layout 203 has a number of entry fields 204-207.

Form 200 is used to collect information. Information occurs when the user writes text or numbers, for example, in any of the entry fields 204-207. This can be text such as a name or address. This can be an integer, such as the human age of the whole year, or a mistake, such as a patient body temperature in degrees Celsius with two decimal places. This can also be an answer to multiple choice questions. It may also be another form of write information to be described below. The user can preferably download the form layout from an internet server. The layout can also be stored in another computer system, such as a user unit of the type mentioned above. The user unit can then be communicated directly with the printer. The pictured surface includes a single, separate surface, such as a sheet of paper, but the term surface as used herein may be called a multi-page or multi-page in a multi-page format.

When entry fields 204-207 are completed by the user using a user unit of the type described in connection with FIG. 1, the user unit records a sequence of positions corresponding to the digital record of the written information. The user completes all the necessary entry fields in the form. The recorded information can then be partially processed or stored in the user unit. Optionally, it can be transferred to another computer system for processing or storage. The entire recording computer system can be integrated into the user unit. The form 200 may also include an identification pattern or identification pattern, which is marked when the entry fields 204-207 of the form layout 203 are completed. For example, the marking consists of parts of the identification pattern marked with a cross, and the line is drawn through the marking or by marking in a circle. Optionally, the user may enter a missing feature of the picture.

It is also possible for the larger magnification position-coding pattern printed by the printer on top of the original position-coding pattern to constitute the identification pattern. Next, the user unit should be able to detect two types of position-coding patterns.

The identification pattern shown in the embodiment consists of four boxes 209-212 to be marked with crosses. When they are marked with crosses using a user unit, a set of positions identifying the completed form layout 203 is recorded. At the same time the recording computer system informs about the coordinates at which the position-coding pattern is coded. If the pattern is continuous on the form, the computer also informs about the coordinates of the completed form.

The sequence of completing entry fields 204-207 and identification pattern 208 may be reversed. In this manner, information is generated that indicates how the digital record information generated when the entry fields 204-207 are completed. The entry fields 204-207 and the four boxes can be completed in any order and the information is still available.

The identification pattern 208 can also be used to record the magnification in which the form layout is printed in relation to the position-coding pattern. Boxes 209-212 may be placed near other corners of the sheet to make this available and provide higher resolution. The information can then also be used to standardize the position information that occurs so that the correct position information can correspond to the correct information entry. Depending on the choice of the standardization method, the printer may be provided with a position-coding pattern reading device for the printer to adapt the form layout to the position-coding pattern. In such a printer, another solution is to print the form in the usual way, during the print process the position coordinates are detected and provided back to the computer system. The position coordinates correspond to the reference position of the form layout and some magnification information.

This approach then comprises: printing a form layout having at least one entry field on a sheet-shaped base, using a printer; Detecting a position of a position-coding pattern provided in a base in relation to said printing; And transmitting information relating to the positional relationship between the form layout and the position-coding pattern to the computer system.

The identification pattern is preferably described above. That is, the marked identification pattern gets more position information than is needed to clearly identify the form layout. This allows the recording of the above mentioned magnification or other information.

A user who wishes to create multiple forms already obtains a sheet pack provided with the desired position-coding pattern and outputs these multiple sheets to his printer. All sheets of such a pack can be the same, but it is also possible for each sheet of the pack to be unique and to code individual coordinate areas. The user can also in principle print a position-coding pattern using a printer having a sufficiently high print resolution. The position-coding patterns disclosed in Applicant's previous applications WO 00/73983 and PCT / SE / 01667 can define a very large overall area (e.g. considered as multiple A4 pages) with good resolution. The area used for the pack of sheets obtainable by the user is known to the computer system for recording the form information. It may be desirable to preserve any portion of the entire area mentioned above for formatting applications. When all sheets in the pack are the same, the system tells where the position of the position-coding pattern is located on the sheet. If the pack contains a unique sheet (at least pack-unique), the system also tells the sheet where the position of the position-coding pattern is located. This makes it possible to record multiple forms in parallel. Parallel recording can also be achieved by recording the identity of the user unit so that the system can link information from different user units with different database formats when all sheets are identical. This can also be done without needing to know user unit identity if all users mark their (unique) identification pattern after each form field entry.

Such database forms can be stored in an Internet server.

If the printer prints the form layout and identification pattern correctly, the absolute position of the position-coding pattern recorded when the box is marked with a cross can be used to identify the document. If the accuracy is not sufficient, the relative position of another item in a position-coding pattern such as a box can be used instead.

As indicated above, the identification pattern 208 may be boxes 209-212 marked with crosses. However, it may also consist of, for example, circular dots. The advantage of the cross mark marking boxes 209-212 is that the width and contrast of the four lines that make up the box can be configured so that the position recording temporarily stops when the cross marks marked on the box cross the line of the box. . This means that the system can more precisely determine where the box is located within the position-coding pattern.

This principle is also used in the embodiment of the identification pattern 300 shown in FIG. Here, pattern 300 consists of a set of parallel lines (301, 302, etc.) having different widths arranged next to each other as bar-codes. If they are printed on the position-coding pattern and marked by lines drawn through them at right angles to lines (301, 302, etc.) using the user units of the type described above, the recording can be started and finished many times. The position to be recorded can be used to identify the form layout.

The method described above for generating forms can be used in connection with a number of other activities such as market research, experimentation, income tax filing, etc.

4 illustrates the application of a number of rules or functions with position information as input data. On the left side of the figure, a number of entry fields 401-404 completed by the user are shown. The right side of the figure shows information 405-408 that is inserted into the corresponding information entry in the database form when various kinds of field-feature rules are applied to the item of position information generated upon completion of the form. Output data from this rule is generally obtained by processing the input data of the rule.

The user enters the full name 413 into the first entry field 401. On the position information generated at this time, a rule 409 corresponding to text OCR recognition on a paper sheet is applied. Thus from this rule the output data 405 is a text string that can be stored or processed within a computer system. It is also possible to store position information in the unprocessed state, for example if the signature can be reproduced.

The form layout in the second entry field 402 consists of a scale 414 of 1 to 10 where, for example, the user will be described how he or she is satisfied with a particular product. Here the user draws a line 415 slightly to the right of the center. When the rule 411 is applied to the position information that occurred when the user marked the line 415, the output data 406 is a real number 6.5 that can be stored in an information entry in the database form.

Within the third entry field 403 the user answers yes or no to the question. Form layout 416 consists of the words "yes" or "no" with the corresponding boxes to be marked with crosses. The user has drawn a cross in the box indicating no. When the rule is applied to the generated position information, the output data 407 is logical or Boolean zero.

Within the fourth entry field 404, the user answers, for example, how many items of a particular product he or she wants to order. The form layout 417 consists of a number of circles for the user to mark crosshairs. The user marked the crosshairs on three circles. When the rule is applied to the generated position information, the output data 408 is an integer three.

5 is a flow chart illustrating a method 500 for generating a form in accordance with the present invention. The invention also relates to the device and the software. In a simple embodiment this includes three steps that can be performed in any order. In the first step 501 a necessary form layout is printed. Of course, the actual formatting layout may consist of graphics and text, which need not be strictly related to the formatting function. In a second step 502, an identification pattern corresponding to the template layout is printed. In a third possible step 503 a database form is created in the associated computer system. The database form contains a virtual copy of the actual form created. Of course, layout printing and printing of the identification pattern can be performed at the same time. In fact, the position-coding pattern may be printed at the same time. In principle the layout may also be printed before the position-coding pattern is printed.

If the printer prints the form layout and the position-coding pattern at once, the identification pattern is not necessary because the computer program already knows the relationship between the form layout and the position-coding pattern. However, if the position-coding pattern is printed first and then the form layout is printed, some scale measurement is required.

The printer may be a conventional laser printer or inkjet printer having a preferred resolution for printing a template layout, such as 300 dpi.

The position-coding pattern is preferably printed with a color material which absorbs infrared rays and the form layout can be printed with a color that does not absorb infrared rays. If the sensor is placed to detect the pattern only by infrared, layout printing does not interfere with the reading of the position-coding pattern.

The position-coding pattern is preferably arranged in advance on the paper by an offset printer having the requisite resolution, for example 1000 dpi or more, and the paper inserted into the printer to print the formatting layout on top of the pattern. However, the reverse order is also possible. For example, the position-coding pattern may be provided to the paper by an individual printer after printing the form layout, or by executing the same printer twice. It is also possible to use a copier to provide a form layout and / or a position-coding pattern on paper.

6 is a flowchart illustrating a method 600 for recording form data for information entry. The invention also relates to the device and the software in question. The method includes at least two steps that may be performed in any order. In a first step 601 a first set of position information is recorded, which is information that occurs when the entry field is completed using the user unit. In a second step 602 a second set of position information that occurs when an identification pattern is marked using a user unit is recorded.

The scope of the present invention to be protected is not limited to the above embodiment. The invention may also be varied within the scope of the claims.

Claims (26)

Using a printer, printing a form layout on a sheet-shaped base provided with a position-coding pattern; And By using the printer, printing, in any order, an identification pattern on the base, A method of a system having at least one printer for generating a form. The method of claim 1, The entry field is intended to be completed using a user unit, arranged for optically detecting a position on the base using the position-coding pattern, for digital recording of information to be entered in the entry field, and the user Marking the identification pattern using a unit is intended to be detected by the user unit using the position-coding pattern as a set of positions identifying the form layout. The method according to claim 1 or 2, And wherein said identification pattern comprises a box to be marked with crosses using said user unit. The method according to claim 1 or 2, The identification pattern comprises a set of parallel lines disposed adjacent to each other, and is intended to be marked by drawing a line passing perpendicularly to the line using the user unit. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The set of positions identifying the form layout is intended to constitute a description of the magnification in which the form layout is printed in relation to the position-coding pattern. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The method is: Creating a database form in the computer system having an information entry corresponding to the entry field of the printed form (503), wherein information corresponding to the digital record of information entered in the entry field is the information entry; And intended to be stored within. The method of claim 6, When the computer system applies a rule to the input data including the digital record of information entered in the entry field, the information stored in the information entry consists of output data, the output data of the rule being the input Obtained by processing data. A printer prints a form layout having at least one entry field on a sheet-shaped base provided with a position-coding pattern, the entry field for generating a digital recording of information to be entered in the entry field. Means intended to be completed using a user unit, arranged to optically detect a position on the base using the same, and The printer prints an identification pattern on the base, and marking the identification pattern using the user unit is detected by the user unit using the position-coding pattern as a set of positions identifying the form layout. Using the intended means, A system device comprising at least one computer and at least one printer for generating a form. A digital storage medium readable by a computer system and having a computer program for creating a form in a system having at least one computer and at least one printer, The computer program is: Printing, using the printer, a form layout comprising at least one entry field, on a base in the form of a sheet provided with a position-coding pattern, the entry field of which information is to be entered in the entry field. Intended for digital recording, using a user unit, arranged to optically detect a position on the base using the position-coding pattern; And Using the printer, printing an identification pattern on the base, wherein marking the identification pattern using the user unit comprises using the position-coding pattern as a set of positions identifying the layout. And instructions corresponding to the steps intended to be detected by the user unit in any order. Form data generated when an entry field is completed using the user unit, by a base provided with a position-coding pattern and a user unit arranged to optically detect a position on the base using the position-coding pattern. Recording (601) a first set of position information corresponding to; And Recording a second set of position information that occurs when an identification pattern printed on the sheet in the same manner is marked using the user unit, and in any order including step 602 intended to identify a form layout By step, A method for recording form data in an information entry that occurs when an entry field in the form is completed using the user unit comprising a form layout printed on a sheet form base in a computer system. The method of claim 10, Wherein said information entry is incorporated in a database form. The method of claim 11, A rule is applied to the first set of position information, wherein output data obtained by processing the first set of position information from the rule constitutes input data for the information entry. The method of claim 12, The output data format of the rule is: A method comprising a group of Boolean variables, integers, real numbers, text strings, or graphic formats. 14. A method according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein said computer system is integrated within said user unit. Form data generated when the entry field is completed using the user unit, by a base provided with a position-coding pattern and a user unit arranged to optically detect a position on the base using the position-coding pattern. Means for recording a first set of position information corresponding to; And By means intended to identify a form layout, recording a second set of position information that occurs when an identification pattern printed on a sheet is marked using the user unit in the same manner, A computer system apparatus for recording form data for information entry that occurs when an entry field in the form including the form layout printed on a sheet form base is completed using the user unit. A digital program having a computer program for recording form data for information entry which is read by a computer system and which occurs when an entry field in a form including a form layout printed on a sheet-shaped base is completed using a user unit. As a storage medium, The computer program is: Occurs when the entry field is completed using the user unit, by the base provided with the position-coding pattern and the user unit arranged to optically detect a position on the base using the position-coding pattern. Recording a first set of position information corresponding to the form data; And Generating, in any order, a second set of position information intended for identifying the form layout, which occurs when an identification pattern printed on a sheet is marked using the user unit in the same manner; A digital storage medium having instructions corresponding to the steps. A form comprising a form layout 203 having at least one entry field 204-207 printed on a sheet form base 201, The base 201 is provided with a position-coding pattern, and the entry fields 204-207 use the position-coding pattern for digital recording of information entered in the entry fields 204-207, Intended to be completed using a user unit arranged to optically detect a position on the base; And By means of the identification pattern 208 on the base, the identification pattern 208 is a set of positions for identifying the form layout 203 using the user unit, using the position-coding pattern for the user unit. Format intended to be detected by. The method of claim 17, And said base in the form of a sheet consists of a sheet of paper. The method according to any one of claims 17 or 18, The identification pattern comprises a box (209-212) to be marked with the crosshair, intended to be marked with a crosshair using the user unit. The method according to any one of claims 17 or 18, And said identification pattern comprises a set of parallel lines disposed adjacent to each other and marked by drawing a line passing perpendicularly to said line using said user unit. Printing, using a printer, a form layout, comprising at least one entry field, on a sheet form base; In connection with the printing step, using a reading device in the printer, detecting a position in a position-coding pattern provided on the base; And Transmitting information relating to a positional relationship between the form layout and the position-coding pattern to a computer system, A method for creating a form in a system having at least one printer. As a method of collecting information electronically from a form: Providing the user with the form having a printed marking on the front surface to help the user associate the printed information with the printed marking and further comprising coded information preprinted on the back surface; Allowing the user to fill out a portion of the form using a tool capable of marking the form, the tool passing through the tool to detect preprinted coded information and generate a signal in response thereto. Can be made; And Receiving the signal electronically and transmitting the signal reflecting the intention of the user. The method of claim 22, The method further comprises storing the information reflecting the intention of the user in a database. The method of claim 22, And said form is printed on a material selected from the group consisting of paper stock, plastic and thin plates. The method of claim 22, The recording information is recorded by hand. The method of claim 22, The tool in the form of a pen with an optical code reader.