Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02535505 2006-02-23
INTERACTIVE DEVICE AND METHOD
GROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
- This Application is a Continuation-in-Part of the co-pending, commonly-
owned U.S. Patent Application, Attorney Docket No. 020824-004610US,
~~Application No, 10/803;806, filed March 17, 2404, by James Marggraff et
at..,
entitled "SCANNING.APPARATUS," and hereby incorporated by reference '
herein in its entirety.
1' 0
This Application is a Continuation-in-Part of the co-pending, commonly-
ovrmed U.S. Patent Application, Attorney Docket No. 020824-009500US,
Application No. 101861,243, filed June 3, 2004, by James Marggraff et al.,
entitled "USER CREATED INTERACTIVE INTERFACE," and hereby
incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
This application is a Continuation-in-Part of the co-pending, commonly-
owned U.S. Patent Application, Attorney Docket No. LEAP-P0313, Application
- No. 11/034,491 filed January 12, 2005, by James Marggraff et al., entitled
"A
METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IMPLEMENTING~A USER INTERFACE FOR A
DEVICE EMPLOYING WRITTEN GRAPHICAL ELEMENTS," and hereby
incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
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CA 02535505 2006-02-23
' ~ ' ~ ~ This application is related.to co-pending, commonly-owned U.S.
Patent
Application, Attorney Docket No. LEAP~P0316, Application No. 11!035,155 filed
January 12, 2005, by James Marggraff et al., entitled "A METHOD AND SYSTEM
FOR iMPLEMENT1NG A USER INTERFACE FOR A DEVICE THROUGH
RECOGNIZED TfXT AND BOUNDED AREAS," and hereby incorporated by .
reference herein in its entirety.
This application is related to eo-pending, commonly-owned U.S. Patent
Applicatioh, Attorney Docket No..LEAP-P0320, Application No. 111035,003 filed
January 12, 2005, by James Marggraff et al,, entitled "TERMINATION EVENTS,"
and hereby incorporated herein in its entirety.
FIiELD
Embodiments of the present writing relate to the fieldof interactive
devices. More specifically, embodiments ofthe present writing relate to a pen-
based interactive device. In greater detail, this writing describes methods
and
devices for audibly instructing a user to interact with a function.
BACKGROUND
Devices such as optics! readers or optical pens conventionally emit light
that reflects off a surtace to a detector or imager. As the device fs moved
relative to the surface (or vice versaj, successive images are rapidly
captured. ~ .
By analyzing the images, movement of the optical device relative to the
surtace
can be tracked.
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r ' ,
One type of optical pen is used with a sheet of paper on which very small
dots are printed. The dots are printed on the page in a pattern with a nominal
spacing of about 0.3 millimeters (0.01 inches): The pattern of dots within any
region on the page is unique to that region. The optical pen essentially takes
a
snapshot of the surface, perhaps 100 times a second or more. By interpreting
the dot positions captured in each snapshot, the optical pen can precisely
determine its position relative to the page.
Applications that utilize information about the position of an optical pen
relative to a surface have been or are being devised. An optical pen with
Bluetooth or other wireless capability can be linked to other devices and used
for
sending electronic mail (e-mail) or faxes.
The increasing power of embedded computer systems and the cornpfexity
of the functions they are able to implement. have created a need for a more
intuitive and user friendly manner.of accessing such power. A typical prior
art
optical pen will implement its intended functionality by the user operating
one or
more buttonslswitches or controls of the optical pen to activate one or more
software programs, routines, embedded devices, or the like. The pan rnay
contain or be in communication with a computer system. Upon actuation of such
controls, the pen device performs its intended function. Accessing the
capabilities of increasingly powerful optical pens through the limited number
and
configuration of switches, buttons, etc. provided on the pen itself, or any
remotely
coupled computer system device, is not a satisfactory arrangement.
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r ' ,
One prior art solution uses the optical pen to recognize a user-defined
command, and uses that command to invoke some function of the pen (e.g.,PCT
publication WO/01148590 A1). For example, a user's writing can be recognized
(e.g., in real-time) and interpreted as a command for the optical pen. The
drawback with this solution involves the fact that interaction and control of
the
functions of the pen requires real-time recognition of the user's handwriting
(e.g.,
as the user writes the command down on a sheet of paper). This solution is not
satisfactory due to the fact that interaction with more complex functionality
of an
optical pen requires the user to repeatedly write-down one or more commands to
access different choices, options, or functions provided by the pen. While the
solution might be satisfactory fQr exceedingly simple, single step type
applications (e.g., "turn off", "store", etc.), the solution is overly
cumbersome and
limiting in those cases where more complex,, satisfying, rich functionality is
desired.
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. r .
SUMMARY
Accordingly, a need exists for an interactive device that provides an
efficient user interface for interacting.with functions associated with user
written
selectable items. A need also exists for an interactive device that satisfies
the
above need and provides audible instruction to a user that assists in enabling
interaction with the function. A need also exists for an interactive device
that
satisfies the first need and provides automatic execution of particular
functions
without first requiring additional user interaction.
Various embodiments of the present invention, a method for audibly
instructing a user to interact with a function, are described herein. A
function is
associated with a user-written selectable item. The user-written selectable
item
is recognized on a surface. In one embodiment.the recognizing the user-written
selectable item is performed in response to detecting a termination event
indicating that the user written selectable item is complete. In one
embodiment,
recognizing the user-written selectable item includes optically recording
positions
of the tip of a pen computer and performing image recognition of the positions
to
recognize the user-written selectable item.
In response to the recognizing the user-written selectable item, a first
instructional message related to the operation of the function is audibly
rendered
without requiring further interaction from the user. In one embodiment, the
first
instructional message directs the user to draw at least one user interface
element that enables the user to interface with the function. In one
embodiment,
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> >.
the fiunction is executed prior to audibly rendering the first instructional
message.
In one embodiment, audibly rendering the first instructional message is
performed by an audio output device of a pen computer.
In one embodiment, it is determined whether a writing has been drawn on
the surface within a predetermined time period since the first instructional
message was audibly rendered. Provided no writing has been drawn on the
surface within the predetermined time period, the first instructional message
is
repeated.
In one ernbadiment, it is determined whether the user interface element
has been properly drawn on the surface. Provided the user interface element
has not been properly drawn on the surface; a second instructional message
comprising a hint about a manner in which the user should properly draw the
user interface element is audibly rendered. In one embodiment, provided the
user interface .element has been properly drawn, a third instructional message
is
audibly rendered. In another embodiment, provided the user interface element
has been properly drawn, the function is executed. In one embodiment, in
response to a user interaction with the user-written selectable item, the
first
instructional message is repeated.
In another embodiment, the present invention provides an interactive
device including a bus, a processor, a memory unit, an audio output device, a
writing element, and an optical detector. that is operable to implement the
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described method for audibly instructing a user to interact with a function.
In
another embodiment, the present invention provides a computer-usable medium
having computer-readable program code embodied therein for causing a
computer system to perform the described method for audibly instructing a user
to interact with a function.
In other various embodiments described herein, the present invention
provides a method for automatically executing a function. A function is
associated with a user-written selectable item. The user-written selectable
item
is recognized on a surface. In one embodiment the recognizing the user written
selectable item is performed in response to detecting a termination event
indicating that the user-written selectable item is complete.
In response to the recognizing the user-written selectable item, the
function is immediately executed without first requiring further interaction
between a user and the surface. In one embodiment, the function is immediately
executed without first requiring auxiliary writing by the user on the surface.
In one embodiment, an instructional message related to the operation of
the function is audibly rendered without first requiring further interaction
between
the user and the surface. In one embodiment, the instructional message is
audibly rendered in response to the lapsing of a predetermined time period
without user interaction with the surface. In one embodiment, in response to a
user interaction with the user-written selectable item, the function is re-
executed.
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. . .. . , . .
In another embodiment, the present invention provides an interactive
device including a bus, a processor, a memory unit, an audio output device, a
writing element, and an optical detector that is operable to implement the
described method for automatically executing a function. In another
embodiment, the present invention provides a computer-usable medium having
computer-readable program code embodied therein for causing a computer
system to perform the described method for automatically executing a function.
In the various embodiments, the user-written selectable item includes one
of: a symbol representation of an application program executable by the
processor, a menu item of an~application program executable by the processor,
a navigation item, a data, an application option selector, or another
selectable
item.
.
This writing describes without limitation a method for audibly instructing a
user to interact with a function. A function is associated with a user-written
selectable item. The user written selectable item is recognized on a surface.
In
response to recognizing the user-written selectable item, a first
instructional
message related to the operation of the function is audibly rendered without
requiring further interaction from the user.
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. . :v
, BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of
this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with
the
description, serve to explain the principles of the invention:
Figure 1 illustrates an interactive device in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention.
Figures 2A through 2D illustrate exemplary user-written selectable items
on a sheet of paper, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
Figure 3 shows an exemplary sheet of paper provided with a pattern of
marks according to one embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 shows an enlargement of a pattern of marks on an exemplary
sheet of paper according to one embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 shows a flowchart of the steps of a process for facilitating
interaction with user-written selectable items on a surface in accordance with
one embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 is a block diagram of another device upon which embodiments of
the present invention can be implemented.
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Figure 7 is a black diagram of another device upon which embodiments of
the present invention can be implemented.
Figures 8A and 8B show a flowchart of a process for audibly instructing a
user to interact with a function in accordance with one embodiment of the
present invention.
Figure 9 shows a flowchart of a process for automatically executing a
function in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments of the
invention, an interactive device that allows a user to create and interact
with
selectable items written on a surface, examples of which are illustrated in
the
accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in conjunction
with these embodiments, it is understood that they are not intended to limit
the
invention to these embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended to
cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which may be included
within
the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
Furthermore, in the following detailed description of the invention, numerous
specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of
the
invention. However, it will be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art
that
the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other
instances,
well known methods, procedures, components, and circuits have not been
described in detail as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the invention.
Some portions of the detailed descriptions, which follow, are presented in
terms of procedures, steps, logic blocks, processing, and other symbolic
representations of operations on data bits that can be pertormed on computer
memory. These descriptions and representations are the means used by those
skilled in the data processing arts to most effectively convey the substance
of
their work to others skilled in the art. A procedure, computer executed step,
logic
block, process, etc., is here, and generally, conceived to be a self
consistent
sequence of steps or instructions leading to a desired result. The steps are
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those requiring physical manipulations of physical quantities. Usually, though
not
necessarily, these quantities take the form of electrical or magnetic signals
capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared, and otherwise
manipulated in a computer system. It has proven convenient at times,
principally
for reasons of common usage, to refer to these signals as bits, values,
elements,
symbols, characters, terms, numbers, or the like.
It should be borne in mind, however, that all of these and similar terms are
to be associated with the appropriate physical quantities and are merely
convenient labels applied to these quantities. Unless specifically stated .
othenNise as apparent from the following discussions, it is appreciated that
throughout the present invention, discussions utilizing terms such as
"associating" or "recognizing" or "rendering" or "requiring" or "determining"
or
"repeating" or "executing" or "detecting" or "directing" or the like, refer to
the
action and processes of an electronic system (e.g., interactive.device 100 of
Figure 1 ), or similar electronic computing deuce, that manipulates and
transforms data represented as physical (electronic) quantities within the
electronic device's registers~and memories into other data similarly
represented
as physical quantities within the electronic device memories or registers or
other
such information storage, transmission or display devices.
EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
Various embodiments of the present invention, a method and device for
audibly instructing a user to interact with a function, are described herein.
In one
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embodiment, the described embodiments are implemented within an interactive
device that allows a user to create and interact with selectable items written
on a
surtace. The present invention provides a user with an interface that replaces
an
electronic display with any writable surface, such as a piece of paper. The
user
may create user-written selectable items on the surface that execute
associated
functions.and/or represent user-written data, e.g., words, characters,
numbers,
symbols, etc. The user-written selectable items are persistent on the surface,
allowing a user to execute functions associated with different selectable
items
throughout operation of the interactive device. In one embodiment, in response
to recognizing a particular uses written selectable item as being associated
with a
particular function, the interactive device audibly renders an instructional
message related to the operation of the function.' In another embodiment, in
another embodiment, in response to recognizing a particular user-written
selectable item as being associated with a particular function, the
interactive
device immediately executes~the function.
Figure 1 illustrates an interactive device 100 in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention. Interactive device 100 includes processor
112, memory unit 114, audio output device 116, writing element 118 and optical
detector 120 within housing 130. In one embodiment, processor 112, memory
unit 114, audio output device 116 and optical detector 120 are communicatively
coupled over bus 122. .
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In ore embodiment, housing 130 is shaped in the form of a stylus or a
writing instrument (e.g., pen-like). A user may hold interactive device 100 in
a
similar manner as a stylus is held. Writing element 118 is located at one end
of
housing 130 such that a user can place writing element 118 in contact with a
writable surface (not shown). Writing element 118 may include a pen, a pencil,
a
marker, a crayon, or any other marking material. It should be appreciated that
writing element 118 may also include a non-marking tip. During use, a user can
hold interactive device 100 and use it in a similar manner as a writing
instrument
to write on a surface, such as paper.
Writing element 118 may be used to create user written selectable items
on the surface. A "user=written selectable item" may include any marking
created by the user. If a marking is made on a surface (e.g., a sheet of
paper),
the user-written selectable item may be a print element. User-written
selectable
item include, but are not limited to symbols, indicla such as letters and/or
numbers, characters, words, shapes, lines, .etc. They can be regular or
irregular
in shape, and they are typically created.using the.stylus.
Interactive device 100 allows users to create user-written selectable items
that represent different functions provided by interactive device 100. In one
~mbodiment, the user-written selectable item includes a. symbol representation
of an application program executable by processor 112 (e.g., a calculator
application or a dictionary application). In another embodiment, the user-
Written
selectable item may include a navigation item (e.g., a~menu), a menu item of
an
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application~program executable by said processor, an application option
selector,
or an instance of data (e.g., a word).
In some embodiments, the user-written selectable item can include a
letter or number with a line circumscribing the letter or number. The line
circumscribing the letter or number may be a circle, oval, square, polygon,
etc.
Such user written selectable items appear to be like "buttons" that can be
selected by the user, instead of ordinary letters and numbers. By creating a
user-written selectable item of this kind, the user can visually distinguish
user-
written selectable items such as functional icons from ordinary letters and
numbers. Also, by creating user written selectable items of this kind,
interactive
device 100 may also be able to better distinguish functional or menu item type
user-written selectable items from non-functional or non-menu item type user
written items. For instance, a user may create a user-written selectable item
that
is the letter "M" which has a circle around if to create an interactive "menu"
icon.
The interactive device 100 may be programmed to recognize an overlapping
circle or square with the letter "M" in it as a~functional user-written
selectable
item as distinguished from the letter "M" in a word. Computer code for
recognizing such functional user-written selectable items and distinguishing
them
from other non-functional user-written items can reside in memory unit 114 in
interactive device 100.
In another embodiment, the described. user-written selectable items may
include multiple characters, such as the letters "FT" which have a circle
around it
CA 02535505 2006-02-23
. to create a~1 interactive musical keyboard icon. In other embodiments, the
described user-written selectable items may include multiple functions. For
example, the letter "T" within a circle that represents a time function and
the
letter "D" within a circle that represents a date function may both be within
a
larger circle. This larger circle represents a user-written selectable item
whereby
a user interacting with the larger circle initiates execution of both the time
function and the date function.
Figures 2A through 2D illustrate exemplary user-written selectable items
on a sheet of paper, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
With reference to Figure 2A, user-written selectable element 206. is the
letter "M"
202 with the circle 204 around the letter "M" 202. User-written selectable
item
206 is drawn on sheet 200 with a writing element of an interactive device
(e.g.,
writing element 118 of Figure 1 ).
In one embodiment, user written seiectable item 206 represents a menu
function of the interactive device. To indicate a selection of a particular
menu
item, directory, or subdirectory, a user may create another user-written
selectable item or make a gesture with the interactive device 100. For
example,
if the user wants to proceed down a.subdirec~ory of the menu, the user may
then
draw a checkmark 210 on sheet 200 to indicate that a selection has been made.
After drawing the checkmark, the menu items associated with user-written
selectable item 206 may be audibly rendered by audio output device 116, after
each subsequent selection or "down-touch" of the interactive device 100 onto
the
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sheet 200 dear user-written selectable item 206. Interaction with the
checkmark
210 then selects the last option that was audibly rendered. For example, a
"calculator" function could then be selected after the user hears the word
"calculator" recited to change the mode of operation of the interactive device
100
to the calculator function
Figure 2f3 shows how a user can create a paper calculator on a blank
portion of sheet 200. In this example, after the user has selected the
"calculator"
function as described above, interactive device 100 audibly prompts the user
to
write down the numbers 0-9 and the operators +, -, x, /, and =. For example, a
user may be prompted to create the user-written selectable items 220 including
numbers and mathematical operators for operations such as addition,
subtraction, multiplication, division, and equals. These are hard drawn on the
surface. Interactive device 100 recognizes the positions of the created
graphic
elements and recognizes the actual user-v~iritten selectable items created. A
user can then select at least two user-written selectable items to receive an
audio output related to the selection. of those.at least two graphic elements.
For
example, the user may select sequence of graphic elements "4" "+" "7" "_" to
hear the interactive apparatus 100 recite the result "eleven."
The menu represented by user-written selectable item 206 and the paper
calculator represented by user-written selectable item 220 can be re-used at a
later time, since interactive device 100 has stored the locations of the user-
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. written selectable items in memory unit 114. Also, an interaction of the pen
with
user-written selectable item 220 will automatically invoke the calculator
function.
Figure 2B also includes data 230. In the example shown in Figure 2B,
data 230 is the word "CAT". It should be appreciated that data 230 can be any
information (e.g., alphanumeric symbol, image, drawing, marking, etc.) that
may
be used by an application operating on interactive device 100. When written,
the
text string, CAT, is automatically recognized as the word cat. Its location on
the
surface is also recorded. Interaction of interactive device 100 with this text
string
automatically recalls the identified word CAT.
With reference to Figure.2C, user-written selectable element 242 is the
letter'T" with a circle drawn around the letter "T". User-written selectable
item
242 is drawn on sheet 200 with a writing element of an interactive device
(e.g.,,
writing element 118 of Figure 1). In one embodiment, user-written selectable
item 242 represents a time function of the interactive device. Executing the
time
function causes the interactive device to audibly render the current time. In
one
embodiment, the interactive device may also audibly render the cun-ent date.
In one embodiment, once user written selectable element 242 has been - ~~
drawn, the associated time function is immediately executed without requiring
further interaction between the user and sheet 200. For example, the time
function may be immediately executed without requiring a user to draw any
auxiliary writing (e.g., a checkmark) on sheet 200 once user-written
selectable
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elerrient 242 has been recognized. It should be appreciated that in some
embodiments, an auxiliary writing may be provided by a user to provide the
functionality described above in accordance with the description of checkmark
210, but that it is not necessary. For instance, it may be desirable to
immediately
execute a function without requiring additional user interaction to optimize
the
user experience.
Still with reference to Figure 2C, user-written selectable element 244 Is
the letter "C" with a circle drawn around the letter °C". Uses written
selectable
item 244 is drawn on sheet 200 with a writing element of an interactive device
(e.g., writing element 118 of Figure 1 ). In one embodiment, user-written
selectable item 244 represents the calculator function of the interactive
device as
described in accordance with Figure 2B (e.g., user-written selectable items
220).
In one embodiment,-once user-written selectable element 244 has been
drawn, an instructional message related to the operation of the calculator
function is audibly rendered without requiring further interaction between the
user
and sheet 200. For example, once user-written selectable element 244 has
been recognized, an instructional message directing a user to draw a
calculator,
or a portion thereof, is audibly rendered without requiring a user to draw any
auxiliary writing (e.g., a checkmark) on sheet 200. As described above, it
should
be appreciated that in some embodiments, an auxiliary writing may be provided
by a user to provide the functionality described above in accordance with the
description of checkmark 210, but it is not necessary. For instance, it may be
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i
desiPable to provide instruction to a user as to the use of a function without
requiring additional user interaction to optimize the user experience.
With reference to Figure 2D, user-written selectable element 254 is the
letters-"FT" with a circle drawn around the letters "FT°: User-written
selectable
item 254 is drawn on sheet 200 with a writing element of an interactive device
(e.g., writing element 118 of Figure 1). In one embodiment, user-written
selectable item 254 represents a musical keyboard function of the interactive
device.
In one embodiment, once user-written selectable element 254 has been
drawn, an instructional message related to the operation of the musical
keyboard
function is audibly rendered without requiring further interaction between the
user
and sheet 200. For example, once user-written selectable element 254 has
been recognized, an instructional message directing a user to draw a keyboard
256, or a portion thereof, is audibly rendered without requiring a user to
draw any
auxiliary writing (e.g., a checkmark) on sheet 200.
Optical detector 120 is at one end of the stylus-shaped interactive device
100. Optical detector 120 is operable to, detect information on the surface.
For
example, optical detector 120 may comprise a charge coupled device. In one
embodiment, interactive device also comprises an optical emitter for
illuminating
a portion of the surface that is detected by optical detector 120. The
information
detected by optical detector 120 is transmitted.to processor 112.
CA 02535505 2006-02-23
Processor 112 may include any suitable electronics to implement the
functions of the interactive device 100. Processor 112 can recognize the user-
written selectable Items and can identify the locations of those user-written
selectable items so that interactive device 100 can perform various
operations.
In these embodiments, memory unit 114 may comprise computer code for
correlating any user-written selectable items produced by the user with their
locations on the surface.
Memory unit 114 comprises computer code for performing any of the
functions of the interactive device 100. In one embodiment, wherein computer
code stored .in memory unit 114 and Implemented on processor 112 is
responsive to a user selection of a user-written selectable item and operable
to
execute a function associated with the user-v~ritten selectable item in
response
to the selection. In another embodiment, computer code stored in memory unit
114 and implemented on processor 112 is operable to direct audio output device
116 to audibly render a listing of potentialvser-written selectable items,
wherein
processor 112 is operable to detect that a user has written a plurality of
user
written selectable items, and wherein processor 112 responsive to a user
selection of one or more user-written selectable items of the plurality of
user-
written selectable items is operable to execute a different function
associated
with each of the selected user-written selectable items.
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' In one embodiment, processor 112 is operable to automatically identify a
user-written selectable item in response to a selection using symbol
recognition
or character recognition. In another embodiment, processor 112 is operable to
automatically record a surface location of a user-written selectable item on
the
surface when it is written. Processor 112 is operable to automatically
identify the
user-written selectable item in response to a user selection based on a
detected
surtace location of the user-written selectable item.
In one embodiment, the present invention provides an operating system of
interactive device 100. The operating system is operable to detect a user-
written
selectable item on a surface, associate the user: written selectable item with
a
function, and, responsive to a user interaction with the user-written
selectable
item, .executing the associated function.
In other-embodiments, memory unit 114 may comprise computer code for
recognizing printed characters, computer code for recognizing a user's
handwriting and interpreting the user's handwriting (e.g., handwriting
character
recognition software), computer code for correlating positions on an article
with
respective print elements, code for converting text to~speech (e.g., a text to
speech engine), computer code for reciting menu items, computer code for
performing translations of language (English-to-foreign Language
dictionaries),
etc. Software for converting text to speech is commercially available from a
number of different vendors.
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. ' Memory unit 114 may also comprise code for audio and visual outputs.
For~example, code for sound effects, code for saying words, code for lesson
plans and instruction, code for questions, etc. may all be stored in memory
unit
114. Code for audio outputs such as these may be stored in a non-volatile
memory (in a permanent or semi-permanent manner so that the data is retained
even if the interactive apparatus is turned off), rather than on the article
itself.
Computer code for these and other functions described in the application can
be
induded in memory unit 114, and can be created using any suitable
programming language including C, C++, etc.
Memory unit 114 may be a removable memory unit such as a ROM or
flash memory cartridge. In other embodiments, memory unit 114 may comprise
one or more memory units (e.~., RAM, ROM, EEPROM, etc..). Memory unit 114
may comprise any suitable magnetic, electronic; electromagnetic; optical or
electro-optical data storage device. For example, one or more semiconductor-
based devices can be in memory unit 114.
Audio output device 116 may include a speaker or an audio jack (e.g., and
earpiece orheadphone jack) for coupling to an earpiece or a headset. In one
embodiment, audio output device 116 is operable to audibly render a list of
potential user written selectable items. Audio output device 116 may also be
operable to audibly render information in.responseto a user selection of a
user-
written selectable item.
23
CA 02535505 2006-02-23
1
, ' It should be appreciated that interactive device 100 is also operable to
recognize. and execute functions associated with pre-printed selectable items
on
the surface. In one embodiment, responsive to a user selection of a pre-
printed
selectable item on the surface, processor 112 is operable to execute a
function
associated with a pre-printed selectable item in response to a user selecting
the
pre-printed selectable item. In one embodiment, processor 112 is operable to
automatically identify a pre-printed selectable using symbol recognition. In
another embodiment, processor 112 is operable to automatically identify the
pre-
printed selectable item based on a detected surface location of the pre-
printed
selectable item. Moreover, in another embodiment, processor 112 is operable
identify an application program based on a particular bounded region of the
surface, such that different bounded regions are associated with different
application programs.
In some embodiments, the surface can be a sheet of paper with or without
. pre-printed selectable items. Figure 3 shows a sheet of paper 15 provided
with a
pattern of marks according to one embodiment of the present invention. In the
embodiment of Figure 3, sheet of paper 1~5 is provided with a coding pattern
in
the form of optically readable position code.17 that consists of a pattern of
marks
18. The marks 18 in Figure 3 are greatay enlarged for the sake of clarity. In
actuality, the marks 18 may not be easily discernible by the human visual
system, and may appear as grayscale on~sheet of paper 15. In one
embodiment, the marks 18 are embodied as dots; however, the present
invention is not so limited.
24
CA 02535505 2006-02-23
Figure 4 shows an enlarged portion 19 of the position code 17 of Figure 3.
An interactive device such as interactive device 100 (Figure 1 ) is positioned
to
record an image of a region of the position code 17. In one embodiment, the
optical device fits the marks 18 to a reference system in the form of a raster
with
raster lines 21 that intersect at raster points 22. Each-of the marks 18 is
associated with a raster point 22. For example, mark 23 is associated with
raster
point 24. For the marks in an image/raster, the displacement of a mark from
the
raster point associated with the mark is determined. Using these
displacements,
the pattern in the imagelraster is compared to patterns in the reference
system.
Each pattern in the reference system is associated with a particular location
on
the surface 70. Thus, by matching the pattern in the imagelraster with a
pattern
in the reference system, the position of the pattern on the surface 70, and
hence
the position of the optical device relative to the-surface 70, can be
determined.
In one embodiment, the pattern of maCks on sheet 15 are substantially
invisible codes. The codes are "substantially invisible" to the eye of the
user and
may correspond to the absolute or relative locations of the selectable items
on
the page. "Substantially invisible" also includes codes that are completely or
slightly invisible to the user's eye. For example, if dot codes that are
slightly
invisible to the eye of a user are printed all over a sheet of paper, the
sheet may
appear to have a light gray shade when viewed at a normal viewing distance. In
some cases, after the user scans the codes with interactive device 100, audio
output device 116 in interactive device 100 produces unique audio outputs (as
CA 02535505 2006-02-23
. opposed to indiscriminate audio outputs like beeping sounds) corresponding
to
user-written selectable items that are associated with the codes.
In one embodiment, the substantially invisible codes are embodied by dot
patterns. Technologies that read visible or "subliminally" printed dot
patterns
exist and are commercially available. These printed dot patterns are
substantially invisible to the eye of the user so that the codes that are
present in
the dot patterns are undetectable by the user's ayes in normal use (unlike
normal
bar codes). The dot patterns can be embodied by, for example, specific
combinations of small and large dots that can represent ones and zeros as in a
binary coding. The dot patterns can be.printed with ink that is different than
the
ink that is used to print the print elements, so that interactive device 100
can
specifically read the dot patterns.
Anoto, a Swedish company, employs a technology that uses an algorithm
to generate a pattern the enables a very large unique data space for non-
contlicting use across a large set of documents: Their pattern, if fully
printed,
would cover 70 trillion 8.5" x 11" pages with unique recognition of any 2 cm
square on any page. Paper containing the specific dot patterns is commercially
available from Anoto. The following patents and~patent applications are
assigned to Anoto and describe this basic technology and are all herein
incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes: U.S. Patent No.
6,502,756, U.S. Application No. 101179,966, filed on June 26, 2002, WO
26
CA 02535505 2006-02-23
i
0119'5559, W O 01 /71473, W 0 01 /75723, W 0 01 /26032, W O 01 /75780, W O
01/01670, WO 01175773, WO 01/71475, WO 00!73983, and WO 01116691.
In some embodiments, the dot patterns may be free of other types of data
such as data representing markers for data blocks, audio data, and/or error
detection data. As noted above, processor 112 in interactive device 100 can
determine the location of the stylus using a lookup table, and audio can be
retrieved and played based on the location information. This has advantages.
For example, compared to paper that has data for markers, audio, and error
detection printed on it, embodiments of the invention need fewer dots, since
data
for markers, audio, and error detection need not be printed on the paper. By
omitting, for example, audio data from a piece of paper, more space on the
paper can be rendered interactive, since actual audio data need not occupy
space on the paper. In addition, since computer code for audio is stored in
interactive device 100 in embodiments of the invention, it is less likely that
the
audio that is produced will be corrupted or altered by, for example, a crinkle
or
tear in the sheet of paper.
It should be appreciated that although dot patterned codes are specifically
described herein, other types of substantially invisible codes may be used in
other embodiments of the invention. For example, infrared bar codes could be
used if the bar codes are disposed in an array on an article. Illustratively,
a
sheet of paper may include a 100 x 100 array of substantially invisible bar
codes,
each code associated with a different x-y position on the sheet of paper. The
27
CA 02535505 2006-02-23
relative or absolute locations of the bar codes in the array may be stored in
memory unit 114 in interactive device 100. .
As noted, in some embodiments, the substantially invisible codes may
directly or indirectly relate to the locations of the plurality of positions
and/or any
selectable items on the sheet. In some embodiments, the substantially
invisible
codes can directly relate to the locations of the plurality of positions on a
sheet
(or other surface). In these embodiments, the locations of the different
positions
on the sheet may be provided by the codes themselves. For example, a first
code at a first position may include code for the spatial coordinates (e.g., a
particular x-y position) forthe first position on the sheet, while a second
code at
a second position may code for the spatial coordinates of the second position
on
the sheet.
Different user-written selectable items can be at the different positions on
the sheet. These user-written selectable items may be formed over the codes.
For example, a first user-written selectable item.can be formed at the first
position overlapping the first code. A second user-written selectable item can
be
formed at the second position overlapping the second code. When a user forms
the first user=written selectable .item, the scanning apparatus recognizes the
formed first print element and substantially simultaneously scans the first
code
that is associated with the formed first user-written selectable item.
Processor
112 in interactive device 100 can determine the particular spatial coordinates
of
28
CA 02535505 2006-02-23
,.
. .
the first position and can correlate the first user-written selectable item
with the
spatial coordinates.
Vllhen the user forms the second user-written selectable item, the
scanning apparatus recognizes the formed second user-written selectable item
and substantially simultaneously scans the second code. Processor 112 can
then determine the spatial coordinates of the second position and can
correlate
the second uses written selectable item with the spatial coordinates. A user
can
then subsequently select the first and second user-written selectable items
using
interactive device 100, and interactive device 100 can perform additional
operations. For example, using this methodology, a user can create a user
defined interface or a functional device on a blank sheet of paper.
Interactive device 100 may also include a mechanism that maps or
correlates relative or absolute locations with the formed user written
selectable
items in memory unit 114. The mechanism can be a lookup table that correlates
data related to specific user-written selectable items on the article to
particular
locations on an article. This lookup table can be stored in memory unit 114.
Processor 112 can use the lookup table to identify user-written selectable
items
at specific locations so that processor 112 can perform subsequent operations.
The surface with the substantially invisible codes can be in any suitable
form. For example, the surface may be a single sheet of paper, a note pad,
filler
paper, a poster, a placard, a menu, a sticker, a tab, product packaging, a
box, a
29
CA 02535505 2006-02-23
trading card, a magnet (e.g., refrigerator magnets), a white board, a table
top,
etc. Moreover, the surface may be comprised of any material, including but not
limited to paper, wood, metal, plastic, etc. Any of these or other types of
surfaces can be used with or without pre-printed selectable items. If the
surface
is a sheet, the sheet can be of any suitable size and can be made of any
suitable
material. For example, the sheet may be paper based, or may be a plastic film.
In some embodiments, the surface may be a three-dimensional article with a
three-dimensional surface. The three-dimensional surface may include a
molded figure of a human body, animals (e.g., dinosaurs), vehicles,
characters,
or other figures.
In some embodiments, the surface is a sheet and the sheet rnay be free
of pre-printed selectable elements such as printed letters or numbers (e.g.,
markings made before the user creates user written selectable items on the
sheet). In other embodiments, pre-printed selectable items can be on the sheet
(e.g., before the user creates user-written selectable items on the sheet).
Pre-
printed print elements can include numbers, icons, letters, circles, words,
symbols, fines, etc. For example, embodiments of the invention can utilize pre-
printed forms such as pre-printed order forms or voting ballots.
interactive device 100 can be in any suitable form, in one embodiment,
interactive device 100 is a scanning apparatus that is shaped as a stylus. In
one
embodiment, interactive device 100 is pocket-sized. The stylus includes a
stylus
CA 02535505 2006-02-23
Y 1
. housing that can be made from plastic or metal. A gripping region may be
present on the stylus housing:
Figure 5 shows a flowchart of the steps of a process 500 for facilitating
interaction with user-written selectable items on a surface in accordance with
one embodiment of the present invention. Process 500 depicts the basic
operating steps of a user interface process as implemented by an interactive
device (e.g., interactive device 100) in accordance with one embodiment of the
present invention as it interprets user input in the form of user written
selectable
items, graphic elements, writing, marks, etc. and provides the requested
functionality to the user.
At step~510, where the computer implemented functionality of the device
100 detects a user-written selectable item on.a writable surface. At step 512,
the
user-written selectable item is recognized along with the function of the user
written selectable item. This function can be, for example, a menu function
that
can enunciate a predetermined list of functions (e.g., menu choices) for
subsequent activation by the user. At step 514, interaction with the user-
written
selectable item is detected. The interaction may include writing the user-
written
selectable item, interacting with the user-written selectable .Item with the
interactive device (e.g., tapping the user-written selectable item), or
interacting
with a related user-written selectable item (e.g., checkmark 210 of Figure
2B).
The function is persistently associated with the user-written selectable item,
enabling a subsequent access of the function (e.g., at some later time) by a
31
CA 02535505 2006-02-23
subsequent interaction (e.g., tapping) of the graphical element icon. For
example, in the case of a menu function, the listed menu choices can be
subsequently accessed by the user at some later time by simply actuating the
menu graphic element icon (e.g., tapping it).
In this manner, embodiments of the present invention implement a user
interface means for navigating the functionality of an interactive device
(e.g.,
interactive device 100 of Figure 1 ) using a pen and paper type interface. The
user interface as implemented by the user-written selectable items provides
the
method of interacting with a number of software applications that execute
within
interactive device 100. As described above, the input to interactive device
100
includes user actions, such as a user creating a user-written selectable item
or a
user interacting with a user-written or pre-printed selectable item. The
output
from the pen is audio output, and thus, the user interface means enables the
user to carry on a "dialog" with the applications and functionality of the
pen. In
other words, the user interface enables the user to create mutually recognized
items such as user-written selectable items on a surface that allow the user
and
the pen to interact with one another. As described above, the mutually
recognized items are typically symbols or marks or icons that the user draws
on
a surface, such as a sheet of paper.
ADDITIONAL EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
Figure 6 is a block diagram of a pen device 150 upon which other
embodiments of the present invention can be implemented. In general, pen
32
CA 02535505 2006-02-23
device 150 may be referred to as an optical device, more specifically as an
optical reader, optical pen or digital pen. The device may contain a computer
system and an operating system resident thereon. Application programs may
also reside thereon.
In the embodiment of Figure 6, pen device 150 includes a processor 32
inside a housing 62. In one embodiment, housing 62 has the form of a pen or
other writing or marking utensil or instrument. Processor 32 is operable for
processing information and instructions used to implement the functions of pen
device 150, which are described below.
In the present embodiment, the pen device 150 may include an audio
output device 36 and a display device 40 coupled to the processor 32. In other
embodiments, the audio output device and/or the display device are physically
separated from pen device 150, but in communication with pen device 150
through either a wired or wireless connection. For wireless communication, pen
device 150 can include a transceiver or transmitter (not shown in Figure 6).
The
audio output device 36 may include a speaker or an audio jack (e.g., for an
earphone or headphone). The display device 40 may be a liquid crystal display
(LCD) or some other suitable type of display.
In the embodiment of Figure 6, pen device 150 may include input buttons
38 coupled to the processor 32 for activating and controlling the pen device
150.
For example, the input buttons 38- allow a user to input information and
33
CA 02535505 2006-02-23
r. ,
commands to pen device 150 or to turn pen device 150 on or off. Pen device
150 also includes a power source 34 such as a battery.
Pen device 150 also includes a light.source or optical emitter 44 and a
light sensor or optical detector 42 coupled to the processor 32. The optical
emitter 44 may be a light emitting diode (LED), for example, and the optical
detector 42 may be a charge coupled device (CCD) or complementary metal-
oxide semiconductor (CMOS) imager array, for example. The optical emitter 44
illuminates surface 70 or a portion thereof. Light reflected from the surtace
70 is
.10 received at and recorded by optical detector 42.
The surface 70 may be a sheet a paper, although the present invention is
not so limited. For example, the surface 70 may be an LCD (liquid crystal
display, CRT (cathode ray tube), touchscreen, or other similar type of active
electronic surface (e.g., the display of a laptop or tablet PC). Similarly,
the
surface 70 can be a surface comprising electronic ink, or a surface comprising
reconfigurable paper. .
In one embodiment, a pattern of markings is printed on surface 70. The
end of pen device 150 that holds optical emitter 44 and optical detector 42 is
placed against or near surface 70. As pen device 150 is moved relative to the
surface 70, the pattern of markings are read and recorded by optical emitter
44
and optical detector 42. As discussed in more detail above, in one embodiment,
the markings on surtace 70 are used to determine the position of pen device
150
34
CA 02535505 2006-02-23
relative to surface (sea Figures 3 and 4). In another embodiment, the markings
on surtace 70 are used to encode information (see Figures 8 and 9). The
captured images of surface 70 can be analyzed (processed) by pen device 150
to decode the markings and recover the encoded information.
Additional descriptions regarding surface markings for encoding
information and the reading/recording of such markings by electronic devices
can be found in the following patents and patent applications that are
assigned
to Anoto and that are all herein incorporated by reference in their entirety:
U.S.
Patent No. 6,502,756, U.S. Application No. 101179,966, filed on June 26, 2002,
WO 01/95559, WO 01171473, WO 01/75723, WO 01/26032, WO 01/75780, WO
01/01670, WO 01/75773, WO 01/71475, WO 10 00173983, and WO 01116691.
Pen device 150 of Figure 6 also includes a memory unit 48 coupled to the
processor 32. In one embodiment, memory unit 48 is a removable memory unit
embodied as a memory cartridge or a memory card. In another embodiment,
memory unit 48 includes random access (volatile) memory (RAM) and read-only
(non-volatile) memory (ROM) for storing information and instructions for
processor32.
In the embodiment of Figure 6, pen device 150 includes a writing element
52 situated at the same end of pen device.150 as the optical detector 42 and
the
optical emitter 44. Writing element 52 can be, for example, a pen, pencil,
marker
or the like, and may or may not be retractable. In certain applications,
writing
CA 02535505 2006-02-23
,. ,
elerrient 52'1s not needed: In other applications, a user can use writing
element
52 to make marks (e.g., graphical elements or user-written selectable items)
on
surface 70, including characters such as letters, words, numbers, mathematical
symbols and the like. These marks can be scanned (imaged) and interpreted by
pen device 150 according to their position on the surface 70. The position of
the
user-produced marks can be determined using a pattern of marks that are
printed on surface 70; refer to the discussion of f=figures 3 and 4, above. In
one
embodiment, the user-produced markings can be interpreted by pen device 150
using optical character recognition (OCR) techniques that recognize
handwritten
characters.
As mentioned above, surface 70 may be any surface suitable on which to
write, such as, .for example, a sheet of paper, although surfaces consisting
of
materials other than paper may be used. Also, surface 70 may or may not be
flat. For example, surface 70 may be embodied as the surface of a globe.
Furthermore, surface 70 may be smaller or larger than a conventional (e.g.,
8.5x11 inch) page of paper.
Figure 7 is a block diagram of another device 250 upon which
embodiments of the present invention can be implemented. Device 250 includes
processor 32, power source 34, audio output device 36, input buttons 38,
memory unit 48, optical detector 42, optical emitter 44 and writing element
52,
previously described herein. However, in;the embodiment of Figure 7, optical
detector 42, optical emitter 44 and writing element 52.are embodied as optical
36
CA 02535505 2006-02-23
'.
device 251' in housing 62, and processor 32, power source 34, audio output
device 36, input buttons 38 and memory unit 48 are embodied as platform 202 in
housing 74. In the present embodiment, optical device 251 is coupled to
platform 252 by a cable 102; however, a wireless connection can be used
instead. The elements illustrated by Figure 7 can be distributed between
optical
device 251 and platform 252 in combinations other than those described above.
With reference back to Figure 6, four positions or regions on surface 70
are indicated by the letters A, B, C and D (these characters are not printed
on
surface 70, but are used herein to indicate positions on surface 70). There
may
. be many such regions on the surface 70. Associated with each region on
surface 70 is a unique pattern of marks. The regions on surface 70 may overlap
because even ff some marks are shared between overlapping regions, the
pattern of marks in a region is still. unique to that region.
.
In the example of Figure 6, using pen device 150 (specifically, using
writing element 52), a user may create a character consisting, for example, of
a
circled letter "M" at position A on surface 70 (generally, the user may create
the
character at any position on surface.70). The user may create such a character
in response to a prompt (e.g., an audible prompt) from pen device 150. When
the user creates the character, pen device 1.50 records the pattern of
markings
that are uniquely present at the position where the character is created. The
pen
device 150 associates that pattern of markings with the character just
created.
When pen device 150 is subsequently positioned over the cirGed "M," pen device
37
CA 02535505 2006-02-23
150'recogriizes the pattern of marks associated therewith and recognizes the
position as being associated with a circled "M." In effect, pen device 150
recognizes the character using the pattern of markings at the position where
the
character is located, rather than by recognizing the character itself.
In one embodiment, the characters described above comprise "graphic
elements" that are associated with one or more commands of the pen device
150. It should be noted that such graphic elements that are associated with,
and
are used to access the pen device 150 implemented functions comprising
commands, are referred to as "graphic element icons" hereafter in order to
distinguish from other written characters, marks, etc. that are not associated
with
accessing functions or applications of the pen device 150. In the example just
described, a user can create (write) a graphic element icon that identifies a
particular command, and can. invoke that. command repeatedly by simply
positioning pen device 150 over the graphic element icon (e.g., the written
character). In one embodiment, the writing instrument is positioned over the
graphical character. In other words, the user does not have to write the
character
for a command each time the. command is to be, invoked by the pen device 150;
instead, the user can write the graphic element icon for a command one time
and
invoke the command repeatedly using the same written graphic element icon.
This attribute is referred to as "persistence" and is described in greater
detail
below. This is also true regarding graphical element icons that are not user
written but pre-printed on the surface and are nevertheless selectable by the
pen
device 150.
38
CA 02535505 2006-02-23
In one embodiment, the graphic element 'icons can include a letter or
number with a line arcumscribing the letter or number. The fine circumscribing
the letter or number may be a circle, oval, square; polygon, ete. Such graphic
elements appear to be like "buttons" that can be selected by the user, instead
of
ordinary letters and numbers. By creating a graphic element icon of this kind,
the
user can visually distinguish graphic element icons such as functional icons
from
ordinary letters and numbers, which may be treated as data by the pen device
150. Also, by creating graphic element icons of this kind, the pen device may
also be able to better distinguish functional or menu item type graphic
elements
from non-functional or non-menu item type graphic elements. For instance, a
user may create a graphic element icon that Is the letter "M" which is
enclosed by
a cirde to create an interactive "menu" graphic element icon.
The pen device 150 may be programmed to recognize an overlapping
circle or square with the letter "M" in it as a functional graphic element as
distinguished from the letter "M" in a word. The graphic element icon may also
include a small "check mark" symbol adjacent thereto, within a certain
distance
(e.g., 1 inch, 1.5 inches, etc.). The checkmark will be associated with the
graphic
element icon. .Computer code for recognizing such functional graphic elemEnts
and distinguishing them from other nornfunctional graphic elements can reside
in
the memory unit in the pen device. The processor can recognize the graphic
element icons and can identify the locations of those graphic element icons so
that the pen device 150 can perform various functions, operations' and the
like
39
..
CA 02535505 2006-02-23
I . ,
associated~therewith. In these embodiments, the memory unit may comprise
computer code for correlating any graphic elements produced by the user with
their locations on the surtace. The pen device 150 recognizes a "down-touch"
or
"down-stroke" or being placed down upon the surface (e.g., when the user
begins
writing) and recognizes an "up-stroke" or being picked up from the surface
(e.g.,
when the user finishes writing). Such down-strokes and up-strokes can be
interpreted by the pen device 150 as, for example, indicators as to when
certain
functionality is invoked and what particular function/application is invoked
(e.g.,
triggering OCR processing). Particularly, a down-stroke quickly followed by an
up-stroke (e.g., a tap ofthe pen device on the surface) can be associated with
a
special action depending upon the application (e.g., selecting a graphic
element
icon, text string, etc.).
It should be noted that the generic term "graphic element" may include any
suitable marking created by the user (e.g., a user-w~tten selectable item),
and is
distinguishable from a graphic element icon which refers to a functional
graphic
element that is used to access one or more functions of the device.
As mentioned above, it should be noted that graphic element icons can be
created by the pen device 150 (e.g., drawn by the user) or can be pre-existing
(e.g" a printed element on a sheet of paper)'. Example graphic elements
include,
but are not limited to symbols, indicia such as letters and/or numbers,
characters,
words, shapes, lines, etc. They can be regular or irregular in shape. User
written/created graphic elements. are typically created using the pen device
150.
CA 02535505 2006-02-23
... , l
Additionally, graphic element icons usually, but not always, incorporate a
circumscribing line (e.g., circle) around a character (e.g.. the letter "M")
to give
them an added degree of distinctiveness to both the user and the pen device
150. For example, in one embodiment, an up-stroke after finishing a circle
around the character can specifically indicate to the pen device 150 that the
user
has just created a graphic element icon.
Figures 8A and 8B show a flowchart of the steps of a computer-
implemented process 800 in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention. Process 800 depicts the basic operating steps of a process for
audibly
instructing a user to interact with a function as implemented by a device
(e.g.,
interactive device 100 of Figure 1 ) in accordance with one embodiment of the
present invention as it interprets user input in the form of graphic elements,
writing, marks, etc. and provides audible instruction regarding the requested
functionality to the user.
Process 800 begins in step 805 of Figure 8A, where the computer-
implemented functionality of the interactive device 100 associates a function
with
a user-written selectable item. in one embodiment, interactive device 100 has
stored therein a number of functions, such a$ executable application programs,
menu item, an application option selector, or an instance of data, which are
associated with .respective user written selectable items. For example, the
letter
C with a circle around it (e.g., user-written selectable item 244 of Figure
2C) may
be associated with a calculator function:
41
CA 02535505 2006-02-23
At step 810, the interactive device recognizes the user-written selectable
item written on a surface. A user creates the user-written selectable item. In
one
embodiment, the user-written selectable item is recognized by optically
recording
positions of writing element 118 using optical detector 120. Pen device 100
performs image recognition of the positions to recognize the user-written
selectable item. In one embodiment, the recognition of the user-written
selectable item is performed in response to detecting a termination event
indicating that the user-written selectable item is complete. When the user
is.
done writing the user-written selectable item, the interactive device 100
recognizes the fact that the user is finished by, for example, recognizing the
inactivity (e.g., the user is no longer writing) as a data entry termination
event. In
this manner, a "timeout" mechanism can be used to recognize the end of data
entry. Another termination event could be a user completing the circle around
the letter or letters. Additional examples of termination events are described
in
the commonly assigned U.S. Patent Application, Attorney Docket No. LEAP-
P0320, Application No. 111035,003 filed January 12, 2005, by James Marggraff
et al., entitled "TERMINATION EVENTS,'. which is incorporated herein in its
entirety.
In one embodiment, as shown at step 815; the function is executed
without requiring a user to draw any auxiliary writing (e.g., a checkmark) on
the
surface. For example, where the~function. is a time.function, once the user-
written selectable item associated with the time function is recognized, the
time
42
CA 02535505 2006-02-23
s
. ,
' function is immediately executed. In the case of a time function, the
current time
may be audibly rendered. It should be appreciated that step 815 is optional,
and
that the function need not be executed at this point in process 800.
At step 820, in response to recognizing the user-written selectable item, a
first instructional message related to the operation of the associated
function is
audibly rendered without requiring further interaction from the user (e.g.,
without
requiring a user to draw any auxiliary writing such as a checkmark) on the
surface. In one embodiment, the first instructional message directs the user
to
draw at least one user interface element that enables the user to interact
with the
function. For example, with reference to Figure 2C, in response to recognizing
user written selectable item 244, an instructional message directing a user to
draw a box within which to draw a calculator is audibly rendered. In another
example, with reference to Figure 2D, in response to recognizing user-written
selectable item 254, an instructional message directing a user to draw two
horizontal lines is audibly rendered.
At step 825, it is determined whether a writing (e.g., a user interface
element) has been drawn on the surface within a predetermined time (e.g.,
three
seconds or five seconds) since audibly rendering the first instructional
message.
If no writing has been drawn within the predetermined time period, as shown at
step 830, the first instructional message is repeated. Alternatively, if a
writing
has been drawn on the surface, process 800'proceeds to step 835 of Figure 8B.
43
CA 02535505 2006-02-23
With reference now to Figure 8B, at step 835 it is determined whether the
user interface element has been properly drawn on the surtace, in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention. For example, consider the
calculator function described above. The user is initially directed to draw a
box.
Once a writing is detected on the surface, interactive device 100 will
determine
whether it is properly drawn. In the case of the calculator function,
interactive
device 100 will determine whether the user drew a box and whether that box is
of
the appropriate dimensions within which to draw additional user Interface
elements (e.g., numbers and operands).
If the user has not properly drawn the user interface element, as shown at
step.840, a second instructional message including a hint about a manner in
which the user should properly draw the user interface elernerit is audibly
rendered. For example, if it is determined that the user has drawn a box in
which
a calculator is to be drawn, but that the box is too small to fit all
necessary
information, the second instructional message may direct the user to draw a
bigger box. In another example, consider a user that is using the musical
keyboard function and is ini5ally directed to draw two horizontal lines. If it
is
determined that the lines drawn by the user are not horizontal, (e.g. vertical
or
diagonal), the second instructional message may inform the user that
horizontal
lines are side-to-side. ~ .
Once it is determined that the user interface element is properly drawn,
process 800 proceeds to step 845 and/or step 850. It should be appreciated
that
44
CA 02535505 2006-02-23
S
steps 845 and 850 are optional, and that one or both of these steps can be
implemented.
At step 845, a third instructional message is rendered. For example, the
user may be directed to write the numbers zero through nine in the calculator
box. It should be appreciated that process 800 may then perform steps similar
to
those described in steps 825 through 840 to determine whether a writing has
been written and whether that writing is proper. It should also be appreciated
that any number of instructional messages may be audibly rendered to direct a
user to draw user interface elements. Depending on the.complexity of the user
interface elements, a number of instructional messages may be necessary to
accurately describe to a user how to draw a particular user interface element.
For example, a musical keyboard with sharps and flats keys, as well as a
volume
control and a tempo control, may require more instructional messages than a
musical keyboard that does not include sfi~arps and flats keys, a volume
control
or a tempo control.
At step 850, the function is executed. For example, once the calculator is
drawn, the user may then interact with the calculator to perform mathematical
calculations. In one embodiment, a message is audibly rendered~nforming the
user that the calculator is ready for use.
In this manner, embodiments of the present invention provide a user with
instructional messages regarding the use of a selected function. In
particular, the
CA 02535505 2006-02-23
instructional messages are audibly rendered prior to executing the function
and
without requiring additional user interaction with the surface. For example,
in
order for a user to utilize a calculator, the calculator must first be drawn.
The
user is directed to draw the necessary user interface elements prior to
executing
the calculator function.
Figure 9 shows a flowchart of the steps of a computer-implemented
process 900 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
Process 900 depicts the basic operating steps of a process for automatically
executing a function as implemented by a device (e.g., interactive device 100
of
Figure 1 ) in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention as it
interprets user input in the form of graphic elements, writing, marks, etc.
and
provides audible instruction regarding the requested functionality to the
user.
Process 900 begins in step 905, where the computer-implemented
functionality of the interactive device 100 associates a function with a user-
written selectable item. In one embodiment, interactive device 100 has stored
therein a number of functions, such as executable.application programs, menu
item, an application option selector, or an instance of data, which are
associated
with respective user-written selectable items. For example, the letter T with
a
circle around it (e.g., user-written selectable item 242 of Figure 2C) may be
associated with a time function.
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CA 02535505 2006-02-23
At step 910, the interactive device recognizes the user-written selectable
item written on a surface. A user creates the user-written selectable item. in
one
embodiment, the user-written selectable item is recognized by optically
recording
positions of writing element 118 using optical detector 120. Pen device 100
performs image recognition of the positions to recognize the user-written
selectable item. In one embodiment, the recognition of the user-written
selectable item is performed in response to detecting a termination event
indicating that the user-written selectable item is complete. When the user is
done writing the user written selectable item, the interactive device 100
recognizes the fact that the user is finished by, for example, recognizing the
inactivity (e.g., the user is no longer writing) as a data entry termination
event. In
this manner, a "timeout" mechanism can be used to recognize the end of data
entry. Another termination event could be a user completing the circle around
the letter or letters. Additional examples of termination events are described
in
the commonly assigned U.S. Patent Application, Attorney Docket No. LEAP-
P0320, Application No. 111035;003 filed January 12, 2005, by ,tames Marggraff
et al., entitled "TERMINATION EVENTS,": which is incorporated herein in. its
entirety.
, At step 915, the function is immediately executed without requiring further
interaction between the user and the surtace (e.g., without requiring a user
to
draw any auxiliary writing such as a checkmark). For example, where the
function is a time function, once the user-written selectable item associated
with
47
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the time function is recognized, the time function is immediately executed. In
the
case of a time function, the current time may also be audibly rendered.
At step 920, it is determined whether there is user interaction with the
user-written selectable item within a predetermined time (e.g., three seconds
or
five seconds) since the function has been executed. If there is no user
interaction within the predetermined time period, as shown at step 925, a
first
instructional message related to the operation of the associated function is
audibly rendered without requiring further interaction from the user. For
example,
where the function is a time function, an instructional message informing a
user
that interacting with the associated user-written selectable item would case
the
time to be repeated may be audibly~rendered.
Alternatively, if it is determined that there is user interaction with the
user-
written selectable item within a predetermined time, as shown at step 930; the
function is re-executed. For example, with reference to Figure 2C, if a user
interacts (e.g., taps) user written selectable item 242, the current time is
audibly
rendered. In one embodiment, the time function toggles between.the current
time and the current date for each interaction with user-written selectable
item
242. In this manner, embodiments of the present invention provide a user with
immediate execution of a selected function. In particular, the function is
executed without requiring additional user interaction with the surtace.
Accordingly, the user is provided with an efficient user interface by which
functions that provide certain types of information may be immediately
executed.
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Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in
the context of using surfaces encoded with markings in order to determine
location of the pen device, it should be noted that embodiments of the present
invention are suitable for use with pen devices that determine location using
other means that do not require encoded surfaces. For example, in one
embodiment, a pen device can incorporate one or more position location
mechanisms such as, for example, motion sensors, gyroscopes, etc., and-can be
configured to accurately store a precise location of a given surface (e.g., a
sheet
of paper). The precise location of the sun'ace can be stored by, for example,
sequentially touching opposite corners of the surface (e.g., a rectangular
sheet of
paper). The pen device would then recognize the location of graphic elements
written by the user on the surtace by comparing the stored 'precise location
of the
surface with the results of its location. determination means.
Various embodiments of the invention, a method for audibly instructing a
user to interact with a function; are thus described. While the present
invention
has been described In particular embodiments, it~should be appreciated that
the
invention should not be construed as limited by such embodiments, but rather
construed according to the below claims.
49
