SE521368C2 - Information transfer infrastructure, including digital pens, position code, server, database, communication network and website - Google Patents

Abstract

An information management system comprises a plurality of products (P) provided with a position code (PC), a plurality of digital pens (DP) capable of reading the position code, and a server means communicating with the digital pens (DP) in at least one communication network. The server means includes a position database (GSDB) which associates positions coded by the position code (PC) with rules for information managment. The digital pens (DP) are arranged to communicate to the server means, on a first communicaiton path, information registered on the products (P) in the form of at least one position which is coded by said position code. The server means further includes an interface unit (IF) by means of which actors in the system, on a second communiciaotn path, are allowed to enteer dat into and retrieve data from one or more databases of the system. Such actors include pen manufacturers, paper/product manufacturers, pattern administrators, service handlers, network operators, and pen owners. A host unit, which provides a site on a public network and is arranged for connection to the interface unit (IF), is also disclosed, as well as methods of coordinating actors, handling service licenses, and producing, registering and administering digital pens-

Description

The position code, which encodes a plurality of positions on the surface, enables electronic registration of information written on the writing surface by means of a digital pen which senses the position code. The product also has one or more activation icons which, when read by the digital pen, cause the pen to initiate a respective predetermined operation using the information registered by the pen.

More specifically, the position-coded product has a built-in functionality which means that different positions on the product, such as positions within the activation icon and positions within the writing surface are dedicated to different functions. Furthermore, the position code enables coding of coordinates for a large number of positions, many more than the number of necessary positions on the product. Thus, it can be seen that the position code forms a virtual space which is defined by all positions that the position code can encode, whereby different positions in the virtual space are dedicated to different functions and / or actors.

The above concept can be used for a number of different purposes. The combination of pen and position coded product can be used as an input device for a computer, a PDA, a mobile phone or the like. For example, text and sketches produced on a position-coded notepad can be transferred via the pen to a computer. In addition, the combination of pen and position-coded product enables global communication, directly from the product via the pen by means of the product's position code dedicated to such communication. For example, information registered by the pen can be converted into a fax message, an e-mail message or an SMS and then sent from the pen to a recipient. Furthermore, the combination of pen and position-coded product can be used in e-commerce. For example, the digital pen can be used to order an article from a position-coded advertisement in a newspaper by having the advertisement's position code dedicated to such a service. The above concept has been implemented in a system or infrastructure, shown in Fig. 1 and further described in the applicant's international patent applications PCT / SEO0 / O2640, PCT / SEOO / 02641 and PCT / SEOO / 02659 which is incorporated herein by reference. The system of Fig. 1 comprises a plurality of digital pens DP; a number of products P with a position code PC, a look-up unit ALS and a plurality of service manager units SH. The storage unit ALS comprises one or more servers that communicate with a database that contains the virtual space and information associated with it, ie. the functionality of each position in the virtual space and the actor associated with each such position. The service manager unit SH is a server unit that performs a service, such as storage or transmission of digital information, or initiation of transmission of information or articles to a recipient.

When the digital pen DP is used to mark an activation icon AI on the position-coded product P, the pen DP initiates an operation to forward a message to the look-up unit (step 1), for example via short-range radio transmission to a mobile telephone MP which acts as a modem for connection to the ALS lookup unit. The message includes a unique pen identifier and at least one position from the digital information that has been electronically recorded on the product's P writing surface. Based on the position content of the message, the ALS lookup unit instructs the digital pen DP to contact a specific service manager unit SH (step 2). The pen DP then sends the message to the service manager unit SH (step 3), which instructs the pen DP on what data to send and how to format and label the data (step 4). After receiving the requested data from the pen DP (step 5), the service manager unit SH returns a confirmation thereof to the pen DP (step 6).

The information management system of Fig. 1 includes many interdependent actors: companies manufacturing 521 568 V; -m 4 the digital pens ("pen manufacturers"), companies producing the position-coded products ("paper manufacturers"), companies providing various services through the service manager units ("service managers"), a company administering the position code based on the the virtual space database ('pattern administrator'), operators providing the communication link between the digital pens and the various devices ('network operators') and a number of digital pen users ('pen owners').

A major problem that remains to be solved is how the various actors in the system are to be coordinated in a simple and efficient way.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a solution to, or at least alleviate, the above-mentioned problem.

This object is achieved according to the invention with an information management system according to claim 1, a host unit according to claim 15 and a method according to claim 19. Preferred embodiments are defined by the independent claims.

Brief Description of the Drawings Preferred embodiments of the invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1 shows a previously known system for handling and transmitting information.

Fig. 2 shows an embodiment of a system for handling and transmitting information comprising an interface unit according to the present invention.

Fig. 3 illustrates how the present invention allows different actors to input data to and retrieve data from the system of Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 shows an overview of the portal platform in the system of Fig. 2.

Figs. 5 and 6 show the structure of the interface unit in more detail. Fig. 7 shows two examples of communication links between the portal and the interface unit.

Figs. 8 and 9 illustrate the data flows within the system for different user scenarios.

Description of Preferred Embodiments In the following, the system according to the invention will be described with reference to the embodiment shown in Figs. 2-3. Following this general presentation of the system structure and the data flow therein, the structure of the interface to the system databases is further described with reference to Figs. 4-7. Then, examples of how different actors can access the system are illustrated with reference to Figs. 8-9.

The system in Fig. 2 comprises a plurality of digital pens DP and position-coded products P (only one of each is shown in Fig. 2), a look-up unit ALS and a plurality of service manager units SH (only one is shown in Fig. 2).

The configuration and the interrelationship between the different parts of the system as well as the transfer of information between these parts have already been described above and will therefore not be repeated here.

However, it should be noted that information can be sent in any suitable way from the digital pen DP to the look-up unit ALS and the service manager unit SH, respectively. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, wireless transmission of information is effected from the digital pen DP to a network connection unit, which in turn transmits the information to the look-up unit ALS and the service manager units SH, respectively. The network connection device may be the mobile telephone MP shown in Fig. 1 or a PDA, a computer or any other suitable device having an interface with a computer network such as the Internet or a LAN. Alternatively, the network connection device may be an integral part of the digital pen DP.

The look-up unit ALS is connected to a virtual space database GSDB which includes data on the functionality 10 l 15 20 25 30 35 521 Ma m1 '6 of each position encoded by the position code PC and the actor associated with each such position. The ALS lookup unit is also connected to a pen database PDB that includes data on all digital pens in the system, such as the unique pen identifier of each pen and all the settings or properties associated with each pen. The pen database PDB also includes data on the manufacturer of each pen. In addition, the ALS lookup unit is connected to an event database GEDB which includes data about the transactions that take place in the ALS lookup unit, ie. address requests made by the pens in the system and the address replies sent back to the pens and any errors that occur during the procedure. As an alternative to individual databases shown in Fig. 2, the ALS lookup unit can instead be connected to an all-inclusive database.

The system also includes one or more networks in which network operators handle the transfer between the digital pens DP and the look-up unit ALS, and between the digital pens DP and the service manager units SH.

For this purpose, the owner of a pen has signed a subscription with one of the network operators. This network operator can also act as a service manager in the system, for example through a server unit OP that provides communication services that enable the pen owner to send electronic messages, for example e-mail, SMS or fax, based on information written on the position-coded products P by means of the digital pen DP. The server unit OP at the network operator could also provide network storage of information generated in the system, such as entries in a position-coded calendar or notepad. When the network operator acts as a service manager, it maintains an application database ASDB which includes data on user-specific settings for various applications, for example a signature or an electronic business card which is intended to be attached e-10 15 20 25 30 35 m f ... mail messages, how and where sent messages are to be stored, etc.

The actors in the system shown in Fig. 2 include pen owners, pen manufacturers, paper manufacturers, service managers, network operators and a pattern administrator.

In the embodiment in Fig. 2, the system comprises two Internet portals P1, P2 which are administered by one or more web servers which have an interface with the system's databases. A portal Pl is a so-called partner portal, ie. a portal that allows pen manufacturers, paper manufacturers, pattern administrators, service managers and network operators to access selected parts of the system's databases. The second portal P2 is a so-called pen owner portal, ie. a portal that allows pen owners to access selected parts of the system's databases. In an alternative embodiment, the functionality of the two portals is combined into a general portal.

Figs. 2-3 show that an interface unit IF connects the portals P1, P2 to the ALS databases of the look-up unit.

The interface unit IF, which is described in more detail below, handles the low-level accesses to the databases GSDB, GEDB, PDB in the system. The P2 portal could be connected to external databases such as the network operator's application database ASDB by means of an external interface unit with a similar design.

The above-mentioned Internet portals P1, P2 are implemented on one or more Internet-connected servers that provide a GUI to the actors via the Internet. It should be noted, however, that the Internet is representative of a preferred use of the present invention, but should not be construed as a limitation, as the invention may be applied to other networks and combinations of networks.

From Fig. 3 which illustrates the interaction between the actors in the system, it appears that the Internet portals 10, P2, P2 via the interface unit IF act as a hub in the system according to the invention.

The system operators can access the portals P1, P2 by means of a web browser on any suitable device, such as a personal computer, a PDA, a mobile phone, etc.

By means of the interface unit IF, via the portal P1, pen manufacturers can retrieve lists of unique pen identifiers that are to be fed into the hardware or software of the digital pens when they are manufactured. 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 system, so that pen manufacturers can easily transfer a public encryption key for each digital pen DP to the pen database PDB and retrieve a public encryption key for the ALS lookup unit for teams. - ring in the digital pens. Additional security data, such as a pen-specific PIN code, can be transferred to the pen database PDB together with the public encryption key.

Furthermore, paper and product manufacturers can download parts of the virtual space for placement on the product.

For example, a notebook manufacturer may license a portion of the virtual space, retrieve the corresponding position code, or an algorithm to calculate it, divide the licensed region into the desired number of page size position coding areas, and print the position coding areas on the physical pages of a notebook. Furthermore, paper and product manufacturers can enter or change properties in the virtual all-space database GSDB, the scanner unit SH to which the lookup unit ALS is to control such as the address of the service handler pen, an expiration date for this address, encryption settings, etc. Alternatively, the pattern administrator can call the virtual space database on behalf of the paper and product manufacturers. 10 15 20 25 30 35 C fi RD _; LN Ü \ CC 9 Like paper and product manufacturers, service providers, such as companies that advertise or sell a service or article through a location-coded product, can download a location code snippet through the Internet portal for use in an advertisement or similar. It is obvious that even service managers can enter and change settings also in the virtual-space database_ By means of the interface unit IF, via the portal P1, network operators can, for example, register a new subscription in the pen database PDB and lock a specific digi - talk pen in the pen database PDB to block the pen from the ALS lookup unit in the system. The network operators can also be allowed to search the GEDB event database for debugging purposes.

By means of the interface unit IF, via the portal P2, pen owners can view, change and / or add settings relating to their digital pen. These settings are stored in the pen database PDB and / or in the application database ASDB. The settings in the PDB pen database can include personal data such as name, postal address, delivery address, e-mail address, home phone number, mobile phone number, home fax number, company fax number, company phone number, credit card number, etc. The settings in the PDB pen database can also relate to feedback , for example, the extent to which the pen owner should be asked to provide a confirmation before anything is sent from the pen. It is also conceivable to have the pen owner set up a filter that specifies the personal data that can be requested by various service manager units SH. Furthermore, the user-controllable settings in the pen database PDB can relate to the function of the pen, for example the degree of data compression in the pen, the maximum storage time in the pen for registered information, any pen-specific PIN code used in authenticating the pen etc. Data in the application database ASDB may, for example, relate to a personal signature or to an electronic business card which is intended to be attached to e-10 15 20 25 30 35 f: HI. 10 mail messages, a specially designed layout for fax messages, where and how sent messages are to be stored, a default address for e-mail copy copies, etc. In the case where a pen owner has more than one pen, he can use an import / export function to copy settings between their different pen entries in the pen database.

By means of the interface unit IF, via the portal P2, pen owners can also lock their digital pens in the pen database PDB to block the pen from the system's storage unit ALS, for example when the digital pen is lost or stolen.

By means of the interface unit IF, via the portal P2, pen owners are also allowed to view events that have been stored in the event database GEDB.

Furthermore, pen owners, by means of the external interface unit XIF, via the portal P2 can call other databases (not shown) at the network operator OP to see billing information, to see sent messages, to access a personal electronic calendar or notepad etc.

It should be noted that any party can host the portals P1, P2, since any permitted server hosting a site in a public network, such as the Internet, is allowed to remotely connect to the interface unit IF. One such party is the design administrator, who has the ultimate control over the ALS lookup unit and the GSDB, GEDB, PDB databases and who provides the IF interface unit. Another such party may be one or more network operators that may host a portal that provides users with access to both operator and system databases.

It should also be understood that the portals P1, P2 can be designed based on knowledge of prior art, let alone with a tailored graphical user interface. The portals could also include a database for managing web content, as well as a member database. The latter may include user account information and store attributes 10 15 20 25 30 35 521 368> ~ | > u ll to personalize the site and data to access the interface unit.

An advantageous aspect of the system shown in Figs. 2-3 is that the pen owner can store, add and change personal data in the system. Instead of requiring the pen user to enter personal data each time he uses the combination of pen and a position-coded product, for example to write personal data in dedicated OCR fields on the product or to provide personal data in conjunction with network connection unit (MP in Fig. 1), personal data can be provided within the system to the service manager unit SH either automatically or on request. This allows an intuitive and streamlined use of the digital pen in that the digital pen can be used as a regular pen, with the functionality embedded in the position-coded product surface. Furthermore, the risk of typing / recognition errors during use is minimized through predetermined settings in the system.

In a preferred embodiment, at least some of the settings in the pen database PDB are also stored in a memory of the digital pen. An advantage of this approach is that these settings can be used directly when interacting with the pen user, for example when requesting confirmation, normally via a display on (MP in Fig. 1). tion can be essentially immediate, since the pen does not need the network connection unit Such an interaction needs to retrieve the settings from the remote pen database PDB. Storing pen settings in the pen itself will further reduce both the load on the ALS storage unit and the amount of data transmitted in the system network, as the settings can be transferred directly from the pen DP to a service manager unit SH whenever necessary.

The provision of an interface unit IF allows a pen owner to access the pen database PDB via a public site such as the Internet portal discussed above. lO l5 20 25 30 35 ~ - - - »- .521 368 H w., l2 By, for example, integrating a web browser (WAP, i-mode, etc.) into the mobile phone or PDA that connects the pen to the network, the pen owner is given the opportunity to change your pen settings at any time.

Preferably, the system is arranged to detect any changes in the pen database PDB and send any updated or new settings to the pen the next time it connects to the look-up unit ALS. Since the pen settings are updated through the IF interface unit, synchronization conflicts are avoided.

In the following, an overview of the portal platform is presented with reference to Fig. 4 with a brief description of the constituent elements. Then, the structure and function of the constituent elements are described in more detail with reference to Figs. 5-6.

Fig. 4 illustrates the logical structure of the gantry platform, the elements of which are arranged in three main layers.

The outermost layer is a portal layer that provides a graphical user interface and includes elements that interact with the system's actors. This layer includes the pen owner portal and the partner portal.

The partner portal is used both by people who administer internal functions such as managing the system databases and partners who administer functions related to their business operations, whereby the different roles in the authentication (as described below) determine which functions are available . The pen owner portal is used by pen owners to manage their pen settings.

The intermediate layer is an interface layer that forms the interface unit and provides interfaces to the internal system databases GSDB, PDB, GEDB.

The interfaces are exposed during access control so that only the required interfaces are available for a calling application. There are two elements in the boundary layer, namely a pen service element and a pattern service element.

The inner layer is a database layer that encloses the ALS data sources of the lookup unit, which in this case includes the virtual space database GSDB, the pen database PDB, the event database GEDB and a user database UDB.

The UDB user database includes data on accounts (username / password) and associated roles and rights.

The UDB user database is accessed when managing authentication and access rights to the data structures in the databases.

Outside of these layers, the platform further includes a package (DevCore) that includes common functions used by all interface layer elements and another package (PatternCore) that includes logic for generating and managing position coding.

The pen service element is designed to allow the handling of user settings for a pen, the management of system settings for a pen and the registration of pens. The pattern service element is designed to allow registration of paper application services and to handle paper application service properties such as where data is to be sent, expiration date, encryption, etc.

The interface layer elements are accessed using a standard http (s) protocol and each request to the interface elements returns an http (s) response including an XML document.

Each interface storage device is responsible for validating a received request (type, scope), determining access rights for the requesting user / system, finding a suitable database, retrieving data from it, converting the retrieved data into a XML document defined by an interface specification of the interface layer element and to return the XML document to the requesting user / system. The databases are accessed from the interface warehouse through the use of IIOP and Corba. 10 15 20 25 30 35 - f: ~ v. 521 368 14 Fig. 5 illustrates the architecture of the interface layer elements. The architecture defines a number of packages: RequestControllers (Servlets) that handle incoming http requests and validate interface access rights; ResponseControllers (JSP) that produce the response content; AccessControllers that enclose in- (Java-class) tern software logic and flow, map database resources and apply access rights; UtilityServices (Java classes) responsible for helper utility classes, object abstractions of data variables, parsers; Persistence services that encapsulate Corba inputs and locate database instances and AuthenticationServices that administer finite access rights to the resources. PatternCore and Corba Helper classes are examples of the aforementioned Utility Services.

The AuthenticationServices package includes the authentication required by the interface storage elements_ The package's responsibility is to represent all access rights (roles and privileges) that have been assigned to an authenticated user or system. All information needed for access restrictions is provided from this package.

The other packets may use this information to filter out the correct data before forwarding it.

The PersistenceServices package includes the actual Java Corba mapping for remote access to the databases' Corba interface, the interfaces being written in IDL.

The server side parts of PersistenceServices are located in Oracle8 databases and implemented in java code that uses JDBC to access the tables.

All elements within the interface layer follow a common design pattern, as shown in Fig. 6. A control servlet listens for incoming http requests. Current Servlet instantiates a java class, which acts as a facade controller for the application logic. The facade object uses several internal java objects to create the business rules for retrieving and storing data from the Persistence Services packages. Eventually, the controlling Servlet from the facade controller determines the type of result to be returned to the caller and forwards the http request to the JSP view page. This JSP page uses information sent to this Servlet from the facade manager and produces an XML document which is returned to the caller.

This design pattern has the advantages that presentation and application logic are separated and that the logic is enclosed in the java components.

Fig. 7 illustrates security aspects when connecting the portal to the network unit IF. Two ways of connecting the portal to the IF interface unit are currently being considered. Either a VPN (Virtual, Private Network) is set up (shown on the right side of Fig. 7) or the portal is connected over the Internet using SSL (shown on the left side of Fig. 7). In both embodiments, an encrypted communication link is provided between the portal and the interface unit IF. Since encryption is very processor power intensive, hardware devices will terminate the SSL or VPN link instead of the Web servers. If the portal is connected to an interface device via VPN, VPN hardware must be used at both ends. If SSL is used, no additional hardware is needed, but recommended on the portal side. The web servers will always receive normal http requests from the portals.

Each request that a portal sends to the interface unit is accompanied by a portal ID and a password. These are received by the servlets who will consult UDB to authenticate the portal. If the portal is authenticated, the appropriate roles and rights for the interface storage elements are determined. As an option, all portals may be required to issue a client certificate along with a request to the web server to authenticate the portal.

The function of the portal is now described with reference to exemplary user scenarios. 10 15 25 25 30 35 521 568 16 In a first scenario illustrated in Fig. 8, a pen owner uses a pen owner portal to see the current pen settings. Here it is assumed that the pen owner portal has been implemented in a web server with the server / JSP functionality. The pen owner logs in to the pen owner portal by entering their user identity and password on the login website. The username and password are encrypted with SSL. The pen owner portal validates the pen owner with a membership package. If the user is authenticated, the pen owner portal starts a web session with the pen owner using a servlet session. The pen owner portals show a welcome page with a list of available functions. The pen owner is now logged in to the portal. Then the pen owner selects the function "See pen settings". The pen owner portal retrieves the codes (pen identifier and PIN code), which are associated with the user, from the membership package. The pen owner portal then makes an http request to the PenServices element of the interface unit, whereby the pen identifier and PIN code are handed over.

The Pen Owner Portal also submits its own login information (systemName and systemPassword) for authentication of the PenServices element. The PenServices element is implemented as an http servlet in a web server with servlet / JSP functionality. First, the PenServices element queries the Authentication package to authenticate the calling system and determine what role it will play. This is done with the classes User and UDB. In this case, the role of the pen owner portal gives access rights to the pen setting interface and rights to perform the “retrieve all settings” operation. The PenServices element retrieves the pen information from the PDB pen database. It compares the downloaded PIN code with the one provided in the request from the portal. In the event that the two do not match, no pen settings will be returned to the portal. Next, the PenServices element filters out properties and returns only those settings to which the system has access rights (in accordance with what is determined by the object User). The PenServices element returns the list of settings to the servlet. The servlet constructs an XML document from these settings, and this document is sent in response to the pen owner portal. The pen owner portal converts the XML document into an HTML page that is suitable for viewing by a user. The HTML page is returned to the pen owners' browsers.

In a second scenario illustrated in Fig. 9, a pattern administrator creates a new position code license via the partner portal. The pattern administrator starts with a standard login procedure. The servlet uses the Authentication package to determine that users have the rights to create service licenses. The license is created, whereby an area of the position code is allocated and stored in the virtual space database GSDB. This servlet sends the license file to the licensee. In an analogous procedure, a paper or product manufacturer or a service manager can create a service license by calling the interface unit by logging in to the partner portal. It is also conceivable that the interface unit IF is accessed directly with an application design program running on a network computer at the paper / product manufacturer or at the service manager. The application design program allows the paper / product manufacturer or service manager to design a position-coded product that has a desired layout and built-in functionality. Such an application design program is described in more detail in the applicant's Swedish patent application no. SE 0100724-4, which by this reference is to be regarded as forming part of the present application.

In a third scenario, which is not shown in the drawings, the pen manufacturer logs in to the partner portal and requests a series of pen identifiers for pens to be manufactured. The interface unit IF allocates a series of pen identifiers to the pen manufacturer in the pen database PDB and returns this series together with the unit's ALS public encryption key to the partner portal. When making pens, the pen manufacturer stores, in each pen, a unique pen identifier taken from the pen identifier series and the reference unit's ALS public encryption key. Furthermore, a public encryption key and a PIN code are generated for each pen, and a private encryption key is stored in each pen. When all pens have been manufactured, the pen manufacturers register all qualified pens by logging in to the partner portal and by sending the pens' Pen Identifiers, public encryption keys and PIN codes to the IF interface unit for storage in the pen database PDB.

The above description of an implementation of the invention has been presented for illustrative and descriptive purposes. It is not exhaustive and does not limit the invention to the exact embodiment described. Changes and variations are possible in light of the above teachings and may be acquired from the practice of the invention.

Claims (30)

A data management system comprising a plurality of products (P) (PC), provided with a position code (DP) for reading said position code and a server means (ALS) a plurality of digital pens. capable of communicating with said digital pens (DP) in at least one communication network, said server (ALS) (GSDB) bundling of positions encoded by said position code (PC) comprising a position database having rules for information management , said digital (DP) link to said server means being arranged to transmit information via at least one position encoded by said position means via a first communication (ALS) communication registered on said products (P). code, characterized in that said server means (ALS) (IF) actors in said system are allowed, via a second communication- comprises an interface unit by means of which link, enter data in and retrieve data from one or more several databases in said system, and that the interface unit (IF) is arranged for connection to a host unit which provides a site in a public network, in such a way that the actors can access the site by means of a browser on any device . The system of claim 2, wherein said host unit is a web server. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein said interface unit (IF) database (GSDB). is connected to said position A system according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein said interface unit (IF) allows actors providing said position code on said products (P) to allocate in said position database (GSDB) one or more positions for specific information management. The system of claim 4, wherein said actors comprise service handlers to which the server means (ALS), based on said rules for information management, controls information registered with said digital pens (DP). A system according to claim 4 or 5, wherein said operators comprise manufacturers of said products (P). A system according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein said (GEDB) stores transaction data regarding the transfer between (DP) (ALS), and wherein said interface unit is connected to (GEDB). server means (ALS) an event database comprises said digital pens and said server means (IF) said event database The system of claim 7, wherein said interface unit (IF) allows owners of said digital pens (DP) to access at least a portion of said transaction data in said event database (GEDB). A system according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein said (ALS) (PDB) storing a unique pen identifier (PID) for each of (DP), connected to said pen database server means comprises a pen database, said digital pens (IF) ) and wherein said interface unit (PDB). 10. lO. The system of claim 9, wherein said interface (IF) (DP) is to register said pen identifier for said (PDB). 11. ll. A system according to claim 9 or 10, wherein said (PDB) of said digital pens (DP). device allows manufacturers of said digital pens digital pens (DP) in said pen database pen database includes settings for each The system of claim 11, wherein said interface unit (IF) allows the owner of said digital pens (DP) to store and / or change individual pens (PDBs). A system according to any one of claims 9-12, wherein said positions in said pen database da pen database (PDB) associate a public encryption key with each of said digital pens (DP), and (IF) of said digital pens ( DP) to store said public, said interface unit allowing manufacturers encryption key in said pen database (PDB). 10 15 20 25 30 35 521 368. | . . ., 4, m, 21 A host unit arranged for communication with the system interface unit (IF) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein said host unit provides a site in a public network. The care unit of claim 14, further comprising for communication with at least one operator database (ASDB) of at least one operator in said at least one communication network. A host unit according to claim 15, by means of which the owner of said digital pens (DP) has the possibility to access transaction data from said at least one (ASDB), relates to communication to and from said (DP) A care unit according to claim 15 or 16, by means of a rest operator database wherein said transaction data digital pens in said system. The owner of the digital pen (DP) has the option of storing and / or changing individual application settings in the at least one operator database (ASDB). A method of coordinating actors in an information management system comprising a plurality of products (P) provided with a position code (PC), a plurality of digital pens (DP) capable of reading said position code and a server means ( ALS) communicating with said digital pens (DP) in at least one communication network, said server means (ALS) comprising a position database (GSDB) associating positions encoded by said position code (PC) with rules for information management, and wherein said digital pens (DP) are (ALS), the first communication link, transmitting information which is arranged to be transmitted to said server means via one on said products (P) in the form of at least one position coded by said position code, characterized of the steps of providing an interface unit (IF) in said server means (ALS) and connecting a host unit, which provides a site in a public network, to said interface unit (IF) , to thereby- -. . ». . 10 15 20 25 30 35 521 569 »22 nom allow actors in said system to access the site by means of a web browser on any device to, via a second communication link, by means of said interface unit (IF) enter data into and retrieve data from one or more databases in said system. The method of claim 18, wherein said host unit is a web server. A method according to any one of claims 18 or 19, comprising the step of connecting said interface unit (IF) (GSDB). A method according to any one of claims 18-20, to said position database comprising the step of allowing actors providing the position code of said products (P) to, in said position database (GSDB), allocate one or more positions for specific information management . The method of claim 21, wherein said actors comprise service handlers, to which the server means (ALS), based on said information handling rules, controls information registered with said digital (DP). A method according to claim 21 or 22, wherein said excipients comprise manufacturers of said products (P). A method according to any one of claims 18-23, comprising the step of connecting said interface unit (IF) to a (GEDB) end transmission between said digital pens (DP) and (ALS). The method of claim 24, the event database storing transaction data relating to said server means comprising the step of allowing owners of said digital pens (DP) to access at least a portion of said transaction data in said event database (GEDB). A method according to any of claims 18-25, comprising the step of connecting the interface unit (IF) to a pen database (PDB) which stores a unique pen identifier (PID) (DP). comprising the step of for each of said digital pens The method of claim 26, allowing manufacturers of said digital pens (DP) to m. N .. 10 15 ». ,, .. - - ». . . 23 registering said pen identifier for said digital (DP) A method according to any one of claims 26 or 27, wherein pens in said pen database (PDB). said pen database (PDB) includes settings for each of said digital pens (DP). The method of claim 28, comprising the step of (DP) storing and / or changing individual pen settings in the (PDB). The method of any of claims 26-29, wherein said pen database (PDB) allows users of said digital pens, the pen database associating a public encryption key with each said digital pen (DP), said method comprising the step of allowing manufacturers of said digital pens (DP) to store said public encryption key in said pen database (PDB). f »u ..