WO2004066209A1

WO2004066209A1 - Method for displaying and measuring objects in actual size

Info

Publication number: WO2004066209A1
Application number: PCT/US2003/001325
Authority: WO
Inventors: Shuosen Robert Liu
Original assignee: Shuosen Robert Liu
Priority date: 2003-01-14
Filing date: 2003-01-14
Publication date: 2004-08-05
Also published as: AU2003209262A1

Abstract

A 'universal' method for displaying and measuring objects in actual size on different display apparatus (10), such as computer video output device; and alternatively displaying objects in relative size to other objects. The steps in the method comprises of calibrating a display (10) by placing a standard-sized object(20) against the display (10), prompt user to indicate a size of the standard-sized object (20) relative to a location on said display (20), save calibration data, perform calculations based on the size of the standard-sized object (20) and number of display units required to display an object image (30) in actual size on said display (10), and display object image (30) in actual size (31); and alternatively using actual sized images (31) for measuring additional objects.

Description

METHOD FOR DISPLAYING AND MEASURING OBJECTS IN ACTUAL

SIZE

by

SHUOSEN ROBERT LIU

BACKGROUND

This invention relates to images generated by computer displays. More particularly the invention relates to a method for displaying objects in actual size on a computer video output device.

Benefits of displaying actual size images on computer displays are many. With this capability, online shoppers no longer have to guess from the specifications of a product to know if the size of a product fits his needs or his liking. When used in document processing and publishing, a publisher can ensure the size of the document viewers see is consistent with what the publisher intended. Doctors can acquire much better knowledge of a patient's x-ray image looking at the actual size of a tumor. Another benefit of this invention is using the resulting actual sized image to measure other objects in actual size. This invention can be used to facilitate the use of computing displays as universal measuring devices. One such measurement can be a user's hand, enabling computing displays be used to capture biometric information and verify a user's identification without additional hardware.

Computers on the Internet or World Wide Web allow users to view images of objects by transmitting images through the network. However, computers on the Internet comprise of different video displays varying in size and resolution. An image of a circle 2 centimeter in radius on one machine with high resolution display may appear double that size on another machine with a low resolution display mechanism. The technology used to "browse" the web is machine independent in that they do not have any information concerning the resolution or the size of the display used at any instant.

As the result of this inconsistency in display size and resolution, there is no standard way to display an object in actual size on a computer screen if that image is displayed by different machines. Moreover, we cannot "draw" an object on the screen in actual size without knowing the display's physical and hardware properties as well as the size of the display.

Non-uniformity of display technologies, software applications (such as different brands of browsers), operating system (such as UNIX vs. PC), hardware and display apparatus contribute to the difficulty of displaying objects based on actual sizes. Images sizes created by projector based displays vary depend on distances from the projector to screen. Currently there's no method available in calibrating such displays for displaying images in actual size.

The most-widely seen applications of displaying objects in "Actual Size" are in printed mediums. For example, a cellular phone can be shown in actual size in newspapers and magazines. However, this application does not apply to electronic based displays such as monitors, televisions and projectors. Electronic based displays have a wide range of parameters such as resolution capabilities, size of display and software support.

The best solution for showing sizes on the Internet (in a browser) currently is nothing more than indicating the size in text in a standard measurement (for example, showing 1 1 "x2''xl 1 " in text for describing the size of a square book) and allows users to imagine the actual size of the object. This is ineffective for the end user experience.

Proprietary operating systems such as Microsoft Windows® can sometimes allow displays to be set to conform to standards of measurement. A Windows program can be written to "simulate" actual measurements if the display is standard. However, this has many drawbacks:

1. As previously mentioned, this is dependent on the operating system and hardware being compliant and standard. This method is not guaranteed because all information may not be accurate or available.

2. This method lacks cross-platform support. It cannot be used on different operating systems.

3. This method lacks wide software support. For example, only Microsoft's Internet Explorer contains this functionality, other browsers such as Netscape do not.

4. This method is only applicable to programs running on local machines and cannot scale to the Internet environment.

5. This method does not cover different displays such as the projector.

Another method that is possible is asking the user for all of the parameters necessary to determine the resolution settings, pixel size, operating system, display size and numerous other variables that can affect the size of a displayed object. However, this is tedious for the user and still the result may not be accurate if user input differs from the actual display. Another method used currently attempts to display the "relative" real size of an object by placing the displayed object next to a common object such as a standard sized coin. This method has the drawback of relying on the end user's imagination to determine the object in actual size.

Another method currently to display actual size images on display, U.S. patent 6,262,763 to Totsuka et al. (1999), involves use of special hardware comprising of video camera and video recording devices to capture image size information and display such images on specific displays. This method's drawbacks include the expansive hardware requirement and the complex setup. Such system cannot be universally adopted by average users.

Thus, there is a need for a universal display system such that a true actual size of any object is displayed on all output medium regardless of its size, resolution, and on all computer operating systems or platforms.

SUMMARY

The present invention satisfies these needs. This invention is a method for displaying an object on a display in actual size. In one embodiment, a user's display is calibrated placing a standard-sized object on the display, the user will then be prompted to indicate a size of the standard-sized object relative to a location on said display. The computer then performs calculation based on the size of the standard-sized object and a resolution of the display such that the object is being shown on the display in real life size.

In one preferred embodiment, the display is a video output device. In another embodiment the standardized sized object has a substantially flat surface, with a substantially rectangular dimension measuring approximately 8.5cm x 5.4cm centimeters.

In yet another embodiment, the standardized sized object has a round shape with a diameter of approximately 12 centimeters. In another preferred embodiment, a size is determined by a user using an input pointing device.

In another preferred embodiment, a location on the display is a point originating from one predetermined fixed location on the display, such that a user selects a point matching an outer edge of the display to indicate the size of the standard-sized object. In yet another preferred embodiment, a user input is entered on a location of the display where a program can determine the coordinate in pixels where the user selected.

In yet another embodiment, the calculation comprises of measuring a number of pixels on the display to represent the standard sized object; dividing said number of pixels by a physical measurement of the standard sized object to obtain a ratio, such that a ratio is a number of pixels it takes on the display to represent a physical measurement unit; and then multiplying the ratio by a physical measurement of the object to display the object in actual size.

In a further embodiment, the step of calculation further comprises the steps of measuring a horizontal number of pixels on the display representing the standard sized object horizontally; measuring a vertical number of pixels on the display representing the standard sized object vertically; dividing the horizontal number of pixels by a horizontal physical measurement of a standard sized object to obtain a horizontal ratio; dividing the vertical number of pixels by a vertical physical measurement of a standard sized object to obtain a vertical ratio; multiplying the horizontal ratio with a horizontal physical measurement of the object, and multiplying the vertical ratio with a vertical physical measurement of said object.

In another embodiment, the object being shown on the display is a standard sized ruler such that a user can use the object to measure a length of a second object.

In another embodiment, the object being shown on the display is used to measure one or more parts of the user's body whereby the identity of the user can be substantially verified.

In yet another embodiment, the invention displays an object in a client- server environment comprising the steps of calibrating a standard size object on a client system to obtain a calibration information; transmitting the calibration information from the client system to a server; performing calculations to display the object; such that the object is shown on a client display in actual size.

In another embodiment, the calibrating step of the invention further comprises the step of measuring the standard size object on the client display by having a user select one of a plurality of outlines of the standard size object; saving a coordinate of the selected outline and a display resolution on the client system or alternatively, on the server.

In another preferred embodiment the calculations involved in the invention further comprises of measuring an outline of the standard size object; dividing a measurement of the outline in pixels by a physical measurement of the standard size object, such that a result is a number of pixels it takes to represent a physical measurement unit on the client display.

In yet another preferred embodiment the invention displays an image of the object based on a physical measurements of the object multiplied by a number of pixels it takes to represent a physical measurement unit on the client display.

In another embodiment, the invention displays a large object that is greater than a display by calibrating a standard size object; transmitting a calibration information to a server and performing calculations to determine a pixel to physical measurement unit ratio; displaying the large object in relative size to a miniaturized version of the display; such that the object is shown on the display in a size relative to an image of the display.

In yet another embodiment, the step of calibrating a standard size object of the invention comprises of measuring the standard size object on the display by having a user select one of a plurality of outlines of the standard size object; and saving a coordinate of the selected outlines and a display resolution on the server. In yet another preferred embodiment, the step of transmitting a calibration information comprises the step of sending a coordinate of a user selection and the display resolution to the server.

In yet another embodiment, the calculations involves measuring a horizontal number of pixels on the display representing the standard sized object horizontally; measuring a vertical number of pixels on the display representing the standard sized object vertically; dividing the horizontal number of pixels by a horizontal physical measurement of a standard sized object to obtain a horizontal ratio; dividing the vertical number of pixels by, a vertical physical measurement of a standard sized object to obtain a vertical ratio; multiplying the horizontal ratio with a horizontal physical measurement of the object, and multiplying the vertical ratio with a vertical physical measurement of said object.

In yet another embodiment, the displaying of the object involves displaying simultaneously a miniaturized image of a user's display and the object in its entirety in relative size to an image of the user's display, such that the display and the object are shown in a same scale of measure.

Therefore the present invention satisfies the long felt need of a method to show the actual true size of any object on a display.

DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will be better understood from the following drawings, description and appended claims, where: Figure 1 shows a flow chart of a typical user experience.

Figure 2 illustrates the calibration method in additional detail.

Figure 3 shows one preferred implementation of the calibration method: ask the user to place the CD on a designated location on the display and drag the outline to match the size of the CD. Figure 4 shows the same method used in Figure 3 when using credit card sized objects to calibrate the display.

Figure 5 shows another possible implementation of the calibration method: allow a user to adjust the size of a standard sized object image by comparing the object image with the standard sized object in close proximity to the display.

Figure 6 shows another possible implementation of the calibration method, displaying various sized images of a CD sized object and allow the user to place a CD against the display and clicking on the CD image with the

- closest matching size.

Figure 7 and 8 show methods to display oversized objects in a monitor in relation to the size of the monitor or of another standard sized object. Figure 9 and 10 show an example method for a user to input a reference set of biometric data. Figure 1 1 shows a flow chart describing the process of a credit card transaction using the invention to substantially verify the identify of a user. Figure 12 show another concept page where the invention is used to measure the length of various points on a user's hand facing up against the display.

DRAWINGS - Reference Numerals

10 display area 1 1 browser area

12 calibration outline 13 center of calibration outline

14 calibration crosshair 15 relative display 20 standard object against display 30 object image

31 actual sized image 40 palm down representation

41 palm up representation 50 finger tip

51 finger joint 52 base of finger

53 base of hand 54 palm print DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following discussion describes in detail one embodiment of the invention and several variations of that embodiment. This discussion should not be construed, however, as limiting the invention to those particular embodiments. Practitioners skilled in the art will recognize numerous other embodiments as well. For a definition of the complete scope of the invention, the reader is directed to the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION - PREFERRED METHOD - FIG 1 , 2, 3, 4

The invention pertains to the method of obtaining the size and resolution information about the display by requiring the user to perform one simple task: ask the user to indicate how big an object of standard dimensions, specifically common standard sized objects such as a credit card or a compact disc (CD) appears relative to the display by placing the object against the display. Based on this user input, the image source (web server for example) obtains the ratio of number of display unit measurements (pixel, a pixel is defined as the smallest representation of a point on a display) to a standard of measurement (example: centimeters, inches) and can then display an object in actual size on the client (user's) screen. See Figure 1 for details.

Because all credit cards or CDs are of standard size, light in weight, easy to handle, ubiquitous in the presence of computers, they are the ideal choice of a virtual standard of measurement. In all these calibration methods, the data gathered from the user is the same: the number of pixels in the current display resolution it takes to represent the size of the standard object. Once this data is acquired, one can know how many pixels must be drawn to display an object in standard measurement. Once the user chooses the size of the credit card or CD appearing on the user's display, a program can be used to calculate the resolution of the display transparent to the user. The resolution of the display can then be used to show a actual sized image of an object on the display. For example, if the resolution of the display is determined to be 800x600 and a CD is placed against the display and user selects that the CD measures 400 horizontal pixels (display unit of measurement) and 300 vertical pixels on the display, we know 300 horizontal pixels is equal to 12 centimeters and 300 vertical pixels is equal to 12 centimeters. Based on this information, we can display any object because we know how many pixels it takes to represent a physical unit of measurement based on centimeters or inches.

Fig 1 shows the flowchart of one implementation of the method. When a user clicks the URL link requesting an image in actual size in step 1, a web page is loaded containing script programs in step 2 to check the cookie saved on the user's machine. This page contains no visible elements and is invisible to the user. If the cookie is missing (as in the case of the user's first visit), the user is redirected to a page in step 5 to calibrate their display information, then save calibration data in step 8 on the client computer. If the cookie is present (as in the case of the user's subsequent visits) on the user's machine, the display resolution and the size measurement information (pixel to physical measurement ratio, for example, 100 pixels per centimeter) is read from the cookie and that information is used to render the image of the object to the object's actual size in step 3. An additional check can be made in step 4 to verify with the user if the image appears correct. If not, the user is again shown the calibration page in step 5 to recalibrate display and save the calibration data 8 again in the cookie and on the server.

If the cookie is present but the display resolution saved in the cookie is different than the display resolution detected by the browser, then we know the user has changed the resolution. This detection is made in step 2. In this case, the user is redirected to the page shown in step 5 to recalibrate the display measurements.

Fig 2 and 3 show a calibration method in more detail. A user is asked to place a standard sized object 20 against the browser window 11 in the display 10 in step 6. Then in step 7, the user matches the calibration outline 12 with the size of the standard object 20 relative to the display 10 using the mouse cursor 14.

Fig 4 shows the same method described in Fig 2 and 3 using a different standard sized object 20, in this case a credit card. Instead of describing a cellular phone of having a dimension of "5 centimeter x 2 centimeter x 3 centimeter", a real size box of that dimension can be displayed on the user's display.

The following describes a possible user scenario:

1. A user visits a merchant web site on the Internet. 2. The user chooses an item to view in actual size.

3. If the user has been to the web site before, his display parameters has already been saved either locally (via methods such as using cookies) or in the server database, in which case, the parameters of the display would be detected (via techniques such as javascript) the object image shows up immediately on his screen.

4. If the user has not been to the site, or if the display parameters saved previously is different than the current parameters, he will be asked to hold a credit card or CD to his/her screen and approximate the size of the credit card or CD on the screen. After this task is completed, the parameters of the user's screen is known and saved and the object image can now show up on the user's screen in actual size.

"Cookies" are small files saved by a website via the user's browser on the client's machine. Cookies can be used to save user specific information on the client's machine so the information can be automatically accessed by the website when the user returns to the web site. The method of saving user's configuration information is by using "cookies" on the user's browser. However, there are cases when this is not possible. A solution in this case is simply asking the user to choose a "login" (a text string uniquely identifying the user and is easy to memorize) when calibration is done. The calibration information is then saved on the server. From then on, the user has to enter the login information to logon to the server when he/she wishes to display objects in actual size.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION - USER EXPERIENCE

The actual image can be a picture of the likeness of the actual object or an abstract dimension of the object such as a rectangle to show the size of a book, a circle to show the size of an apple, or an image of a box to show the width, height, and length of a cellular phone. The usefulness of this invention can be seen in the following example: a user can see a display of the actual size of an object whose size may affect the purchasing decision of the buyer. An example of such an object is a cellular phone. By displaying the size of their products on screen, a manufacturer specializing in miniature cellular phones can make its products stand out from the rest.

Projectors using this invention can be used to display large objects such as cars, furniture, or even entire rooms in actual size.

Printing companies using this invention can display business cards, brochures or any document with exact size requirements on their customers' displays.

Doctors and hospitals can use the invention to view patient's history of physical illness such as the actual size of an x-rayed image of a tumor.

Mechanical parts manufacturers can utilize the invention to display parts in actual size to customers. An auction site can allow an individual user to use the invention by allowing individual users to enter dimensions of the object they are selling.

This invention can be used to display measuring devices such as a ruler on the display to allow users to measure and input the size of the objects they want to display.

A customized digitizer can be used to speed the input of physical dimensions of objects into a database to be included in the hypertext link passed from a customer web site to a site implementing the invention.

Retail/auction companies can use the invention to offer comparison- shopping experience to their customers.

This invention can be provided to many retail web sites through the following procedure:

1. Retail web site includes the physical dimensions of an object in the hypertext link image to a web site implementing the invention. 2. A user wishing to view the object in actual size clicks on the link.

3. The link takes the user to the site implementing the invention and displays the original image in actual size.

In this business model, the site implementing the invention would be acting as an ASP (Application Service Provider) for the retail web site by providing the service of rendering the object image provided by the retail web site to the object's actual size on the consumer's display. The retail web site would pay a subscription or license fee to the ASP site to use the actual size image rendering service.

A web page with the invention implemented where the URL link is added for users who want to see the object (cell phone) in actual size. One embodiment of the implementation of the URL Link is specified as the following:

<a href="http://truesize.com?url=http://images.nokia.com/images/01. gif &width=4.5cm&height=15cmx/a> An example syntax of which is shown below: http://truesize.com?url=URL[&width=TRUESIZE[UNIT] [&height=TRUESIZE[UNITj] • where those in cap & bold & italicized face are values to be supplied by Affiliates (i.e. retail web sites, hardware manufacture web sites, etc. )

• those in [ ] are optional parameters,

• URL is any valid Uniformed Resource Locator [according to the appropriate RFC] which points to an image of the object. In the example above, the URL: http://images.nokia.com/images/01.gif points to the image of the cell phone.

• TRUESIZE is any valid float to the hundredth place (2 decimal points) Minimum value = 0.01 , Maximum = 9999.99,

• UNIT is a unit of measurements, for example: cm for centimeter and in for inches.

Margins in the images described in the examples are assumed to be negligible and not mentioned. However, if margins exist, they can be easily factored into the calculations via the same methods as the invention. For example, users can be asked to click on the edges of the object in the image to obtain the length of the margins. Alternatively, images with margins can be cropped via one of the many existing image processing methods. In addition. Fig 5 shows an alternative embodiment of the invention where users can use to "eye-ball" an image if object images are of irregular orientation or otherwise difficult to enter its size parameters. While this invention highlights the value of displaying objects in actual size, the effect of the method described can also be used simply to ensure sizing consistency among displays. With the invention, an object image appears on all displays as same size as the publisher of the image intends. DETAILED DESCRIPTION - FIG 5, 6 - OTHER METHODS

Additional embodiments of display calibration are shown in Figs 5 and 6. Method shown in Fig 5 allows a user to "drag" calibration outline 12 using the mouse cursor 1 in browser windows 11 within display 10 to modify the object image 30. Said user can compare a standard sized object 20 against the display with the image 30 and modify the size of the object image 30 until object image 30 appears to be the same size as the standard sized object 20. Yet another embodiment of display calibration is shown in Fig 6. Method shown in Fig 6 allows a user to center a standard sized object 20 on a center marker 13 within a browser 11 which is in turn on a computer display 10. The user then selects using cursor 14 the closest matching outline of the standard sized object 12. Once the selection is made by cursor 14, simple geometry calculations can result in the distance between the center marker 13 and the edge of the standard sized object 20.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION - FIG 9, 10 - RELATIVE SIZES

Because we know the size of the display area and the physical dimensions of that display in relation to a actual object, we can detect conditions which an image of a actual object does not fit entirely on the display. In this case, we can optionally show a relative size comparison of an image of the display to an image of the actual object. For example, if a user is using a 15 inch screen to try to display a lamp which is 17 inches tall, the invention can display the size of the monitor relative to the size of the lamp. Fig 7 illustrates this: The image of a lamp 30 in actual size would not fit on the display 10. Instead of showing actual size, a virtual image of the display 15 is shown along with the relative sized image 30 in the browser 11.

Fig 8 shows an alternative for displaying an actual sized object image 31 which is too big to fit the size of the browser 11 in display 10 is to show a part of the actual size image 31 on the display 10 and allow users to "scroll" the browser display area 11 to view the actual sized image 31 of the object in its entirety.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION - FIG 9, 10, 1 1 , 12 - MEASUREMENT

Credit card companies or online commerce companies can use the invention to allow credit card holders to measure hand dimensions and use the measurements as biometric verification systems to prevent credit card fraud.

Below text and drawings 9, 10 and 11 describes two processes to implement such as solution. These two processes serve as a simple embodiment of the methods available and should not be taken as the only methods possible. First, allow users to input a reference set of biometric data as related to a credit card. Second, when said credit card is used, request biometric data from the user, compare the reference data with input data to substantially verify the transaction.

Fig 9 and 10 together shows a simple example of a process of allowing a user enter a reference set of biometric data. Step 91 verifies a user's identify via conventional methods such as using a login and passwords. This step is also used to relate a credit card to a user's data. Next the client computer is checked 2 by checking the cookie saved. If parameters indicates that the display 10 is properly calibrated, the server displays an actual sized image 31 (Fig 10) to act as a ruler and instructs the user to place his hand 40 down against the image 31 within the browser 11 based on one or more selected reference points such as finger tip 50, finger joint 51, finger base 52. User clicks on image 31 in step 92 as instructed. Data entered by the user is then saved 93 for later use. This input process may be repeated 94 until all requested reference points are entered, saved and verified. Fig 10 and 11 together describe an example flow chart of the verification process. When a user uses a credit card to make a purchase online and submits the card information in step 101, a check is made in step

102 to see if the user should be requested for his biometric verification. This could be a voluntary action or requested by a third party to ensure authenticity of the transaction. If no verification data is available or not required, transaction completes unverified via step 104. If verification is required, a verification method and criteria is looked up by the server in step

103 and if the display is determined to be calibrated correctly in step 2, displays the method and an actual sized image (such as a grid) 31 in step 3 along with one or more reference points such as finger tip 50, finger joint 51, and base of finger 52 on the display. The actual sized image 32 and reference points such as 50, 51, and 52 allow the user to submit measurement data of his hand 40 simply by placing a hand against the browser 11 in display 10 and click on one or more distinct placements on the actual sized image 31 relative to his hand 40 against the display 10 in step 105. If the user's display 10 is not calibrated correctly, the user repeats steps 2, 5, and 8 as outlined in Fig 1 to calibrate the display 10. Once measurement data is received and transmitted in step 106 to the server, they are compared in step 107 with verification data previously saved. If user input differs significantly from the reference user entered via the process described in Fig 9, transaction failure is handed in step 109. Otherwise, transaction is approved 108 via the method and recorded 110.

Fig 12 shows yet another example embodiment of the method to capture a user's biometric data. The difference between this method and method described in Fig 10 include the use of a user's palm 41 instead of the back of a user's hand 40. In addition to reference points already mentioned, reference points such as placement of a palm print 54 and base of a hand 53 can be used. Companies can use the invention to allow employees to enter their hand measurements and use them to grant or deny access to company assets.

Government agencies can use the invention to allow citizens and non- citizens alike to enter their hand measurements and use the biometric measurements for identification of individuals.

Web sites with registered users can use the invention to allow users to use their own biometric measurements to gain access to accounts and replace the use of passwords. Banks and financial companies can use the invention to verify transactions and prevent transaction fraud.

The invention can be used with pressure sensitive displays and capture biometric data automatically.

The invention can be used with image scanners to send actual images or image data to another computing device on a network. The actual images can be the user's hand and be used for biometric authentication across the network.

Software companies can use the invention as a method to "activate" a software product on a PC and allow users to transfer activation of the installed software using their biometric signature. This method would reduce significantly software piracy while allowing users to keep control of their software purchase on virtually any computer.

In general, individuals and corporations alike can use the invention to offer a higher degree of security on the web and avoid problems such as login/password sharing and lost password.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A method for displaying an object on a display comprising the steps of: a) placing a standard-sized object on the display; b) indicating a size of the standard-sized object relative to a location on said display; c) performing calculation based on the size of the standard-sized object and a resolution of the display; such that the object is being shown on the display in actual size.

2. The method of Claim 1 , wherein said display is a video output device.

3. The apparatus of Claim 1 , wherein said standardized sized object has a substantially flat surface having a substantially rectangular dimension measuring approximately 8.5cm x 5.4cm centimeters.

4. The apparatus of Claim 1 , wherein said standardized sized object has a round shape and a diameter of approximately 12 centimeters.

5. The apparatus of Claim 1 , wherein the indicating a size is made by an input pointing device. ό. The method of Claim 1 , wherein a location on the display is a point originating from one location on the display, such that a user selects a point matching an outer edge of the display to indicate the size of the standard-sized object.

7. The method of Claim 1 , wherein a user input is entered on a location of the display where a program can determine the coordinate in pixels where the user selected.

8. The method of Claim 1 , where the calculation comprises of: a) measuring a number of pixels on the display to represent the standard sized object; b) dividing said number of pixels by a physical measurement of the standard sized object to obtain a ratio; such that a ratio is a number of pixels it takes on the display to represent a physical measurement unit; c) multiplying the ratio by a physical measurement of the object to display the object in actual size.

. The method of Claim 1 where the step of calculation further comprises the steps of: a) measuring a horizontal number of pixels on the display representing the standard sized object horizontally; b) measuring a vertical number of pixels on the display representing the standard sized object vertically; c) dividing the horizontal number of pixels by a horizontal physical measurement of a standard sized object to obtain a horizontal ratio; d) dividing the vertical number of pixels by a vertical physical measurement of a standard sized object to obtain a vertical ratio; e) multiplying the horizontal ratio with a horizontal physical measurement of the object, and f) multiplying the vertical ratio with a vertical physical measurement of said object.

10. The method of Claim 1 where the object being a standard sized ruler to measure a physical unit of length, such that a user can use the object to measure a length of a second object.

1 1. The method of Claim 1 where the object being a standard sized image to measure a physical unit of length, such that said object image is used to measure one or more parts of a user's body whereby the identity of said user can be substantially verified.

12. A method for displaying an object in a client-server environment comprising the steps of: a) calibrating a standard size object on a client system to obtain a calibration information; b) transmitting the calibration information from the client system to a server; c) performing calculations to display the object; such that the object is shown on a client display in actual size.

13. The method of Claim 1 1 , wherein the calibrating step further comprises the step of: a) measuring the standard size object on the client display by having a user select one of a plurality of outlines of the standard size object; b) saving a coordinate of the selected outline and a display resolution on the client system.

14. The method of Claim 1 1 , wherein the calibrating step further comprises the step of: a) measuring the standard size object on the client display by having the user select one of the outline of the standard size object; b) transmitting the coordinate of the selection and a display resolution the server; c) saving the coordinate of the selection on the server.

15. The method of Claim 1 1 , wherein the step of transmitting the calibration information further comprises the step of sending the calibration information of the user selection and the display resolution to the server.

16. The method of Claim 1 1 , where calculations further comprises of: a) measuring an outline of the standard size object; b) dividing a measurement of the outline in pixels by a physical measurement of the standard size object; such that a result is a number of pixels it takes to represent a physical measurement unit on the client display.

17. The method of Claim 11 , where displaying the object comprises the step of displaying an image of the object based on a physical measurements of the object multiplied by a number of pixels it takes to represent a physical measurement unit on the client display.

18. A method for displaying a large object that is larger than a display comprising the steps of: a) calibrating a standard size object; b) transmitting a calibration information to a server and performing calculations to determine a pixel to physical measurement unit ratio; c) displaying the large object in relative size to a miniaturized version of the display; such that the object is shown on the display in a size relative to an image of the display.

19. The method of Claim 17, wherein the step of calibrating a standard size object comprises the steps of: a) measuring the standard size object on the display by having a user select one of a plurality of outlines of the standard size object; b) saving a coordinate of the selected outlines and a display resolution on the server.

20. The method of Claim 17, where the step of transmitting a calibration information comprises the step of sending a coordinate of a user selection and the display resolution to the server.

21.The method of Claim 17, where calculations comprises the steps of: a) measuring a horizontal number of pixels on the display representing the standard sized object horizontally; b) measuring a vertical number of pixels on the display representing the standard sized object vertically; c) dividing the horizontal number of pixels by a horizontal physical measurement of a standard sized object to obtain a horizontal ratio; d) dividing the vertical number of pixels by a vertical physical measurement of a standard sized object to obtain a vertical ratio; e) multiplying the horizontal ratio with a horizontal physical measurement of the object, and f) multiplying the vertical ratio with a vertical physical measurement of said object.

22. The method of Claim 17, where displaying the object involves displaying simultaneously a miniaturized image of a user's display and the object in its entirety in relative size to an image of the user's display, such that the display and the object are shown in a same scale of measure.