U.S. patent application number 10/053426 was filed with the patent office on 2002-05-30 for kit for recording or transmitting information of a note in freehand.
Invention is credited to Breiner, Sheldon.
Application Number | 20020063699 10/053426 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23250719 |
Filed Date | 2002-05-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020063699 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Breiner, Sheldon |
May 30, 2002 |
Kit for recording or transmitting information of a note in
freehand
Abstract
The invention provides a kit for recording a note in free-hand.
The kit includes a plurality of notesheets and a unit for relaying
information of a note in free-hand created in one of the
notesheets. The unit includes a pad having a surface on which a
notesheet of the plurality of notesheets can be positioned. The pad
includes a housing, and secured to the housing, a positioned
sensor, a signal converter, and a transmitter. The positioned
sensor takes the position of a writing instrument when the
notesheet is located on the surface and the writing instrument is
used to create a note in freehand on the notesheet, and provides
information of the note in freehand. The signal converter receives
the information of the note in freehand from the position sensor
and converts the information to a signal of information of the note
in freehand. The transmitter receives the signal from the signal
converter and transmits the signal to a remote location.
Inventors: |
Breiner, Sheldon; (Portola
Valley, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Stephen M. De Klerk
BLAKELY, SOKOLOFF, TAYLOR & ZAFMAN LLP
Seventh Floor
12400 Wilshire Boulevard
Los Angeles
CA
90025-1026
US
|
Family ID: |
23250719 |
Appl. No.: |
10/053426 |
Filed: |
November 2, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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10053426 |
Nov 2, 2001 |
|
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|
09321466 |
May 27, 1999 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
345/173 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 3/04883 20130101;
G06F 15/0225 20130101; G06F 3/0483 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
345/173 |
International
Class: |
G09G 005/00 |
Claims
What is claimed:
1. A kit for recording a note in freehand, comprising: a plurality
of notesheets; and a unit for relaying information of a note in
freehand created on one of the notesheets, including: a pad having
a surface on which a notesheet of the plurality can be positioned,
the pad including: a housing; and, secured to the housing, a
position sensor detecting the position of a writing tip of a
writing instrument when the notesheet is located on the surface and
the writing instrument is used to create a note in freehand on the
notesheet, and providing information of the note in freehand; a
signal converter which receives the information of the note in
freehand from the position sensor and converts the information to a
signal of information of the note in freehand; and a transmitter
which receives the signal from the signal converter and transmits
the signal wirelessly to a remote location.
2. A kit according to claim 1 wherein at least some of the
notesheets each include a writing sheet and ink printed on the
writing sheet, the ink being laid out so that a plurality of
command areas are defined thereby.
3. A kit according to claim 2 wherein the ink is laid out to define
a command function at each command area, each command function
indicating a different function to be performed by a computer at
the remote location.
4. A kit according to claim 3 wherein at least one command function
indicates that the commuter should perform the function selected
from the group consisting of: (i) storing an electronic
representation of the note in freehand in an electronic address
book; (ii) storing an electronic representation of the note in
freehand in an electronic calendar; (iii) storing an electronic
representation of the note in freehand in an electronic "To-Do"
database; and (iv) sending an electronic representation of the note
in freehand via a network to another computer.
5. A kit according to claim 1 wherein the pad defines a selected
area where the notesheet should be located and each sheet has
dimensions substantially corresponding to dimensions of the
selected area.
6. A kit according to claim 1 wherein the housing defines a
receptacle having internal dimensions which allow for holding a
stack of the notesheets, the housing defining an opening through
which notesheets can be removed from the stack.
7. A kit according to claim 6 wherein each notesheet includes: a
writing sheet; and a sticky material on the writing sheet, the
notesheet being attached to a following notesheet by the sticky
material, the notesheet being removable from the following
notesheet, whereafter the sticky material is still located on the
writing sheet thereof and can be used for attaching the notesheet
to the surface.
8. A kit according to claim 1 wherein the position sensor is a
graphics tablet, an upper surface of the graphics tablet defining
at least part of the surface of the pad.
9. A kit according to claim 1 wherein the signal is transmitted
while the note in freehand is being created.
10. A kit according to claim 1 wherein the information includes
information selected from the group consisting of: (i) coordinates
of each of a plurality of points of the note in freehand; (ii) an
amount of pressure applied at each point of the note in freehand;
and (iii) time of creation of each point of the note in
freehand.
11. A kit according to claim 1 further comprising a computer
readable medium having a program stored thereon, which, when
installed on a computer, includes logic which: (i) communicates
with a receiver which receives the transmitted signal so as to
receive the information in the computer; and (ii) provides an
output of the information.
12. A kit according to claim 11 wherein the information includes
coordinates of the note in freehand, the logic creates a note on a
display of the computer utilizing the coordinates to create and
display a curve on the note, which substantially corresponds to at
least one element of the note in freehand.
13. A kit according to claim 11 wherein a user can customize a form
which is used for creating the note.
14. A kit according to claim 13 wherein the form serves as a basis
for mapping command areas recognized by the computers.
15. A kit according to claim 11 wherein the logic allows for
manipulating the computer by creating an element on the note on the
display.
16. A kit according to claim 12 wherein the output of the
information includes a plurality of notes on a display that are
arranged chronologically.
17. A kit according to claim 12 wherein the logic measures the time
taken from creation of one element to a next element of the note in
freehand and, if the time is less than a predetermined value,
includes the elements in a single note.
18. A kit according to claim 12 wherein the logic determines a
characteristic of an element of the note in freehand and, depending
on the characteristic, controls the computer by performing at least
one function selected from the group consisting of: (i) storing an
electronic representation of the note in freehand in an electronic
address book; (ii) storing an electronic representation of the note
in freehand in an electronic calendar; (iii) storing an electronics
representation of the note in freehand in an electronic "To-Do"
database; and (iv) sending an electronic representation of the note
in freehand via a network to another computer.
19. A kit according to claim 11 wherein the logic sends a packet
over a network, the recipient of the packet depending on what the
element looks like, and the packet including at least some of the
information of the note in freehand.
20. A kit according to claim 19 wherein the packet includes code
that creates a note on the computer of the recipient, the note on
the computer of the recipient including a graphic which looks
substantially the same as at least one element of the note in
freehand.
21. A kit according to claim 20 wherein the note is enhanced with
sound or visually.
22. A kit according to claim 19 wherein the packet includes
information selected from the group consisting of: (i) what the
note in freehand looks like; (ii) a time varying position of the
writing instrument; (iii) a time varying amount of speed of
creation of the note in freehand; and (iv) a time varying amount of
pressure when creating the note in freehand.
23. A unit for relaying information of what a note in freehand
created on a notesheet looks like, comprising: a pad having a
surface on which a notesheet can be located, the pad including: a
housing; and, secured to the housing, a position sensor detecting
the position a writing tip of a writing instrument when the
notesheet is located on the selected area and the writing
instrument is used to create a note in freehand on the notesheet,
and providing information of the note in freehand; a signal
converter which receives the information of the note in freehand
from the position sensor and converts the information to a signal
of information of what the note in freehand looks like; and a
transmitter which receives the signal of what the note in freehand
looks like from the signal converter and transmits the signal
wirelessly to a remote location.
24. A unit for relaying information of what a note in freehand
created on a notesheet looks like, comprising: a pad having a
surface on which a notesheet can be located, the pad including: a
housing; and, secured to the housing, a position sensor detecting
the position a writing tip of a pencil when the notesheet is
located on the selected area and the pencil is used to create a
note in freehand on the notesheet, and providing information of the
note in freehand; a signal converter which receives the information
of the note in freehand from the position sensor and converts the
information to a signal of information of what the note in freehand
looks like; and a transmitter which receives the signal of what the
note in freehand looks like from the signal converter and transmits
the signal to a remote location.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1). Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates to a kit for recording or
transmitting information of a note in freehand.
[0003] 2). Discussion of Related Art
[0004] Entering data in personal computers is accomplished in many
ways including a keyboard, downloading from a network, insertion of
a floppy disk or CD-ROM or a pointing device, or mouse.
[0005] Another way of entering data, usually by artists, is a
graphics tablet, a flat board with a working surface on which a
user draws with a special purpose pen-like stylus to create special
effects on the computer screen.
[0006] When a keyboard is used to enter data into a computer, a
program or application software must be present and active to
receive the data, act on the data or merely accept the data. If one
wants to enter simple data of the kind one normally writes on a
desk pad, keyboard entry is not practical. Moreover, most persons
prefer to write short notes rather than entering them into a
computer via a keyboard or a special purpose stylus on the plastic
surface of a graphics tablet. That is why one finds a pen and paper
on practically every desk.
[0007] A popular means of writing notes is the use of a pen and
sticky notes, called Post-it.TM. notes, which can be found on most
desks at home and the office. Information on these notes is of
interest to the user for a variety of home and office purposes such
a telephone numbers, appointments or specific instructions to
others or to oneself to take some sort of action. Most persons feel
very comfortable writing something down on a piece of paper,
particularly when recording a quick thought, while speaking on the
telephone or to another person nearby or recording small bits of
information.
[0008] In today's computer-dependent society, however, that same
person will very probably wish to enter the information into
his/her computer for a variety of critical purposes. Among these is
to save the information for later recall; sending the information
to another person in the office or in another city; verifying, or
attaching, a signature; or sending a sketch or doodle.
[0009] Combining the ubiquitous sticky notes with modem electronics
and the Internet would be a very useful way of solving the problems
of saving and sending information, in a very friendly, practical
and inexpensive manner.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The invention provides a kit for recording a note in
freehand. The kit includes a plurality of notesheets and a unit for
relaying information of a note in freehand created in one of the
notesheets. The unit indudes a pad having a surface on which a
notesheet of the plurality of notesheets can be positioned. The pad
includes a housing, and secured to the housing, a positioned
sensor, a signal converter, and a transmitter. The position sensor
detects the position of a writing tip of a writing instrument when
the notesheet is located on the surface and the writing instrument
is used to create a note in freehand on the notesheet, and provides
information of the note in freehand. The signal converter receives
the information of the note in freehand from the position sensor
and converts the information to a signal of information of the note
in freehand. The transmitter receives the signal from the signal
converter and transmits the signal wirelessly to a remote
location.
[0011] At least some of the notesheets may each include a writing
sheet and ink printed on the writing sheet. The ink may be laid out
so that a plurality of command areas are defined thereby.
[0012] The ink may be laid out to define a command function at each
command area. Each command function may indicate a different
function to be performed by a computer at a remote location.
[0013] At least one of the command functions may indicate that the
computer should perform one function which may be storing an
electronic representation of the note in freehand in an electronic
address book, storing an electronic representation of the note in
freehand in an electronic calendar, storing an electronic
representation of the note in freehand in an electronic "To-Do"
database, or sending an electronic representation of the note in
freehand via a network to another computer.
[0014] The pad may define a selected area where the notesheet
should be located and each sheet may be dimensioned substantially
corresponding to dimensions of the selected area.
[0015] The housing may define a receptacle having internal
dimensions which allow for holding a stack of the notesheets. The
housing may define an opening through which notesheets can be
removed from the stack.
[0016] Each notesheet may include a writing sheet and a sticky
material on the writing sheet, the notesheet being attached to a
following notesheet by the sticky material, the notesheet may be
removable from the following notesheet, whereafter the sticky
material is still located on the writing sheet thereof and can be
used for attaching the notesheet to the surface.
[0017] The position sensor may be a graphics tablet with an upper
surface of the graphics tablet defining at least part of the
surface of the pad.
[0018] The signal is preferably transmitted while the note in
freehand is being created.
[0019] The information may include coordinates of each of a
plurality of points of the note in freehand. The information may
include an amount of pressure applied at each point. The
information may include the time of creation of each point.
[0020] The kit may further comprise a computer readable medium
having a program stored thereon which, when installed on a
computer, includes logic which communicates with a receiver which
receives the transmitted signal so as to receive the information in
the computer, and provides an output of the information.
[0021] The information may include coordinates of the note in
freehand, the logic utilizing the coordinates to create and display
a curve which substantially corresponds to at least one element of
the note in freehand.
[0022] The output of the information may include a plurality of
notes that are arranged chronologically.
[0023] The logic preferably detects when a line is drawn on the
notesheet and creates a new note in response thereto.
[0024] The logic may measure the time taken from creation of one
element to a next element of the note in freehand and, if the time
is less than a predetermined value, may include the elements in a
single note.
[0025] The logic may determine the position or suite of an element
of the note in freehand and, depending on the position or suite,
control the computer by performing a function such as storing an
electronic representation of the note in freehand in an electronic
address book, storing an electronic representation of the note in
freehand in an electronic calendar, storing an electronic
representation of the note in freehand in an electronic "To-Do"
database, or sending an electronic representation of the note in
freehand via a network to another computer.
[0026] The logic may send a packet over a network, the recipient of
the packet depending on what the element looks like, and the packet
including at least some of the information of the note in
freehand.
[0027] The packet may include code which creates a note on the
computer of the recipient, the note including a graphic that looks
substantially the same as at least one element of the note in
freehand.
[0028] The packet may include information such as what the note in
freehand looks like, a time varying position of the writing
instrument, a time varying amount of speed of creation of the note
in freehand, or a time varying amount of pressure when creating the
note in freehand. The note may also be enhanced with sound or other
visual effects which may be preselected by a user creating the note
in freehand.
[0029] The invention also provides a unit for relaying information
of what a note in freehand created on a notesheet looks like. The
unit includes a pad having a surface on which a notesheet can be
located. The pad includes a housing, and, secured to the housing, a
position sensor, a signal converter, and a transmitter. The
position sensor detects the position of a writing tip of a writing
instrument when the notesheet is located on the selected area and
the writing instrument is used to create a note in freehand on the
notesheet, and provides information of the note in freehand. The
signal converter receives the information of the note in freehand
from the position sensor and converts the information to a signal
of information of what the note in freehand looks like. The
transmitter receives the signal of what the note in freehand looks
like from the signal converter and transmits the signal wirelessly
to a remote location.
[0030] The invention also provides a unit for relaying information
of what a note in freehand created on a notesheet looks like. The
unit includes a pad having a surface on which a notesheet can be
located. The pad includes a housing, and, secured to the housing, a
position sensor, a signal converter, and a transmitter. Position
sensor is capable of detecting the position of a writing tip of a
pencil when the notesheet is located on the selected area and the
pencil is used to create a note in freehand on the notesheet, and
provides information of the note in freehand. The signal converter
receives the information of the note in freehand from the position
sensor and converts the information to a signal of information of
what the note in freehand looks like. The transmitter receives the
signal of what the note in freehand looks like from the signal
converter and transmits the signal to a remote location.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0031] The invention is further described by way of example with
reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:
[0032] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a kit, for recording a note in
freehand, according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0033] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a notesheet forming part of the
kit;
[0034] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the notesheet;
[0035] FIG. 4 is a side view of a stack of the notesheets of FIG. 2
and FIG. 3;
[0036] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a desk unit forming part of
the kit;
[0037] FIG. 6 is a sectioned side view of the desk unit;
[0038] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of components forming part of the
desk unit;
[0039] FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a receiver/connector assembly
for receiving information from the desk unit, and a computer to
which the receiver/connector assembly is connected;
[0040] FIG. 9 is a visual representation of a program which is
stored on a CD-ROM or other computer readable medium forming part
of the kit;
[0041] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of the computer of FIG. 8;
[0042] FIG. 11 is a flow chart illustrating the respective steps
which a user goes through while creating a note in freehand on one
of the notesheets;
[0043] FIG. 12a is a plan view of one of the notesheets when a tip
of a writing instrument is just used to contact the notesheet;
[0044] FIG. 12b is a plan view of a graphics tablet of the desk
unit on which the notesheet is located, illustrating where the
graphics tablet detects the location and pressure of the writing
tip of the writing instrument;
[0045] FIG. 12c is a table illustrating information received by the
computer when the writing tip is as shown in FIG. 12a;
[0046] FIG. 12d illustrates a graphic display on a video display of
the computer when the writing tip of the writing instrument is
positioned as in FIG. 12a;
[0047] FIG. 13a is a plan view of the notesheet after the user has
just started a note in freehand;
[0048] FIG. 13b is a plan view of the graphics tablet, illustrating
how the graphics tablet sequentially detects distinct locations of
the writing tip of the writing instrument;
[0049] FIG. 13c is a table like the table in FIG. 12c which is
updated with information when the writing tip is as shown in FIG.
13a;
[0050] FIG. 13d is a view similar to FIG. 13c when the user starts
creating a note in freehand like the note in freehand created on
the notesheet as shown in FIG. 13a;
[0051] FIG. 14a is a plan view of the notesheet after the user has
created one element of the note in freehand thereon;
[0052] FIG. 14b is a plan view of the graphics tablet illustrating
how the graphics tablet has sequentially detected respective
positions of the writing tip of the writing instrument;
[0053] FIG. 14c is a table like the table of FIG. 13c which is
updated with information of a freehand element created as shown in
FIG. 14a;
[0054] FIG. 14d illustrates how the note in freehand is represented
on the new note on the video display unit;
[0055] FIG. 15a is a plan view of the notesheet after the user has
added another element of the note in freehand and a command element
within a printed command area;
[0056] FIG. 15b is a plan view of the graphics tablet illustrating
respective areas of the graphics tablet, each located directly
below each one of a number of command areas of the notesheet;
[0057] FIG. 15c illustrates the display on the video display unit
when the note in freehand is finally created as shown in FIG.
15a;
[0058] FIG. 16 illustrates an address book database which is
updated so as to include an additional entry which is a copy of the
new note created as shown in FIG. 15c after the user has created a
command element within one of the command areas on the notesheet as
illustrated in FIG. 15a;
[0059] FIG. 17 illustrates a command element address book located
in the computer;
[0060] FIG. 18 illustrates the computer which is connected to a
number of recipient computers over a network;
[0061] FIG. 19 illustrates a packet of code and information which
is sent over the network to one of the recipient computers, the
recipient computer depending on the network address in the command
element address book of FIG. 17, and on the command element entered
by the user in a selected one of the command areas 50 of the
notesheet; and
[0062] FIG. 20 illustrates a graphic display created by code of the
packet and an engine on a recipient computer, the graphic display
having elements which look like the elements of the note in
freehand created on the notesheet.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0063] FIG. 1 of the accompanying drawings illustrates a kit 20 for
recording a note in freehand. The kit 20 includes a container 22
and a desk unit 24, stacks of notesheets 26, a computer readable
medium in the form of a CD-ROM 28, a receiver/connector assembly
30, and a writing instrument 31 such as a pen or a pencil located
within the container 22.
[0064] FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 illustrate one notesheet 32 of one of the
stacks 26. The notesheet 32 includes a paper writing sheet 34, ink
36 printed on a front of the writing sheet 36, and a sticky
material 38 on a back of a writing sheet 34. The writing sheet has
a width W and a length L. The ink 36 is located on an edge of the
writing sheet 34, thus leaving enough open space 40 for creating a
note in freehand of the writing sheet 34.
[0065] The ink 36 is laid out in the form of a first, second, third
and fourth block 42, 44,46 and 48 respectively. A respective
command area 50 is thus defined within each block 42, 44, 46, and
48. The word "Address" is printed next to the first block 42, the
word "Calendar" is printed next to the second block 44, the words
"To-Do" are printed next to the third block 46, and the word
"Internet" is printed next to the fourth block 48. The words
printed next to the blocks 42 to 48 are command functions, each
indicating a different function to be performed by a user's
computer at a remote location as will be described in more detail
hereinbelow.
[0066] The sticky material 38 is located in a strip on an edge on
one side only of the back of the writing sheet 34. As shown in FIG.
4 the writing sheet 34 can be attached to a following writing sheet
34A by the sticky material 38. The writing sheet 34A has sticky
material 38A only on a side thereof opposing a side to which the
writing sheet 34 is attached thereto. The sticky material 38A is
used to attach the writing sheet 34A to a next writing sheet 34B
which is similar to writing sheet 34. By attaching the writing
sheets 34, 34A, 34B etc. in such a manner the stack 26 is thus in
the form of a fan or a concertina.
[0067] FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 illustrate the desk unit 24 in more
detail. The desk unit 24 is in the form of a desk pad 70 having a
lower surface 72 which can be positioned on a desk 74. The desk pad
70 includes a housing 76 and a graphics tablet 78.
[0068] The housing 76 includes a front portion 80 and a rear
portion 82.
[0069] The front portion 80 has a recess 84 having a periphery 86.
The graphics tablet 78 is mounted within the recess 84 so that the
periphery 86 forms an aperture through which the graphics tablet 78
is visible from above. Lines are printed or otherwise defined on
the graphics table to indicate a selected area that has a width W1
and a length L1.
[0070] The rear portion 82 includes a partial enclosure 90 and a
lid 92 which is pivotally secured to the partial enclosure 90 by a
hinge 94. An opening 98 is formed through the lid 92.
[0071] In use, the lid 92 is opened so that one of the stacks 26
can be inserted into the partial enclosure 90. An upper one of the
notesheets 32 is then partially inserted through the opening 98.
The lid 92 is then closed so that the partial enclosure 90 and the
lid 92 jointly define a receptacle 100 for the stack 26. The
receptacle 100 has internal dimensions which are slightly larger
than the stack 26 to allow for housing of the stack 26. The opening
98 is relatively narrow in one dimension when compared to the
length one of the notesheets 32, and is at least as wide as one of
the notesheets 32 in a cross dimension.
[0072] The notesheet 32 may be pulled out of the receptacle 100.
The following notesheet 32A then follows the notesheet 32 out of
the receptacle 100. The notesheet 32 is then detached from the
notesheet 32A which, in turn, has a portion located externally of
the receptacle 100. A weight (not shown) may be attached to the
receptacle to prevent lifting of the housing 76 when the notesheets
32 and 32A are pulled out. The sticky material of the notesheet 32
remains thereon and can be used again for attaching the notesheet
32 to another surface.
[0073] The graphics tablet 78 has an upper surface 110 on which the
notesheet 32 can be positioned and attached thereto. The width W1
of the selected area defined by the lines is only slightly wider
than the width W of the notesheet 32, and the length L1 of the
selected area is only slightly longer than the length L of the
notesheet 32. The selected area also defines an orientation of how
the notesheet 32 is to be located, i.e. within relatively tight
tolerances. Provided that the command areas 50 are always printed
at substantially the same locations on the writing sheet 34 of the
notesheet 32, 32A etc. and because the notesheet 32 is located
within relatively tight tolerances on the graphics tablet 78, the
command areas 50 are always located over the same areas of the
graphics tablet 78.
[0074] The graphics tablet 78 has an array or a matrix which senses
where and when pressure is applied thereto. The graphics tablet 78
also detects how much pressure is applied thereto. When a writing
instrument is thus used to create a note in freehand on the
notesheet 32, pressure is applied to an area of the graphics tablet
78 directly below a writing tip of the writing instrument. Graphics
tablets are known in the art. The graphics tablet may, for example,
be a thread of overlying wires. When pressure is applied to the
wires, the capacitancies of the wires will change. An output can be
provided by the graphics tablet which, at each moment in time,
provides information of where, and the magnitude of pressure which
is applied thereto. Alternatively, the graphics tablet 78 may be a
stack of resistive sheets separated by a perforated insulator such
that, when the stack is compressed by the writing instrument, the
sheets act as an orthogonal resistor bridge. Other graphics tablets
may also be used.
[0075] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the desk unit 24 including the
graphics tablet 78. In addition to the graphics tablet 78, a signal
converter 112 and a transmitter 114 are also mounted to the housing
76. The graphics tablet 78 provides an analog output 116 of where
pressure and how much is applied thereto at each moment in time.
The signal converter 112 receives the analog output 116 (and
therefore also information of the note in freehand) from the
graphics tablet 78. The signal converter converts the analog signal
116 to a digital signal 118. The digital signal 118 includes
information of where pressure is applied to the graphics tablet 78
at that moment, and, over time, therefore also what the note in
freehand created on the notesheet 32 looks like as well as the
pressure applied at each point of the note in freehand.
[0076] A transmitter 114 receives the digital signal 118 from the
signal converter 112 and transmits a wireless signal 120 to a
remote location. The transmitter 114 is typically an infrared or
radio frequency transmitter and the wireless signal 120 is
typically an infrared or radio frequency signal. An advantage of a
radio frequency signal is that no line of sight is required between
the transmitter 114 and a receiver. Infrared transmitters are
however less expensive than radio frequency transmitters and
usually allow for more bandwidth. The wireless signal 120 includes
information of where pressure is applied to the graphics tablet 78
at that moment and, over time, information of what the note in
freehand created on the notesheet 32 looks like, and how much
pressure and the moment in time of each point of the note in
freehand.
[0077] FIG. 8 illustrates the receiver/connector assembly 30 which
is used in combination with a computer 150. The receiver/connector
assembly 30 includes a receiver 152, an extension 154, and a
connector 156. One end of the extension 154 is connected to the
receiver, and an opposing end of the extension 154 is connected to
the connector 156. The connector 156 may be a serial port
connector, a parallel port connector, a universal serial bus (USB)
connector, a firewire or any other connector which can be used for
interfacing with the computer 150. A receiver may, alternatively,
be built into a computer. The receiver 152 is typically an infrared
receiver which can receive the infrared signal 120 transmitted by
the transmitter 114. The receiver 152 then provides the signal to
the computer 150 via the extension 154 and to a connector 156. The
computer 150 thus receives information of where and how much
pressure is applied to the graphics tablet 78 at that moment, and,
over time, information of what the note in freehand created on the
notesheet 32 looks like and how it is created in terms of time and
pressure applied.
[0078] FIG. 9 illustrates a program 170 which is stored on the
CD-ROM 28. The program 170 includes display logic 172,
communication logic 174, new note activation logic 176, smoothing
logic 178, command function logic 180, and timing logic 182. The
program 170 is loaded into the computer 150.
[0079] FIG. 10 illustrates the computer 150 in more detail. The
computer 150 includes a processor 202, a main memory 204 and a
static memory 205 which communicate with each other by a bus 206.
The computer 150 is further shown to include a video display unit
208 e.g. a liquid crystal display (LCD). The computer 150 also
includes an alpha-numeric input device 210 (e.g. a keyboard), a
cursor control device 212 (e.g. a mouse), a disk drive unit 214, a
signal generation device 216 (e.g. a speaker), and a network
interface device 218. The CD-ROM 28 including the program 170 is
inserted into the disk drive unit 214 and installed on a hard drive
of the computer 150. Some instructions of the program are loaded
into the computer. Once the program 170 is loaded into the
computer, software 220 resides, completely or at least partially,
within the main memory and/or within the processor 202. Some of the
software also remains on the hard drive.
[0080] The desk unit 24 is usually located on a desk of a user. The
computer 150 may be located in the general vincinity, but remotely
from the desk unit. The desk unit is then used for relaying
information of what a note in freehand created on one of the
notesheets 32 looks like. The computer 150 receives the
information, provides a display of the information, and also stores
the information at different locations.
[0081] FIG. 11 illustrates how a user records a note in freehand
utilizing the kit 20 hereinbefore described. In step 250 the user
contacts the notesheet located on the graphics tablet with a
writing tip of a writing instrument such as a pen or a pencil. In
step 252 the user starts writing on the notesheet. In step 254 the
user completes one element of a note in freehand on the notesheet.
In step 256 the user optionally writes another element on the
notesheet. In step 258 the user optionally writes a command element
on one of the command areas of the notesheet. Steps 250 to 258 are
now illustrated with reference to FIG. 12, FIG. 13, FIG. 14, and
FIG. 15.
[0082] FIG. 12a illustrates the notesheet 32 which is located on
the graphics tablet 78. A user contacts the notesheet 32 with a
writing tip 302 of a writing instrument 304 such as a pen or a
pencil. (Step 250). The writing instrument 304 may be the writing
instrument 31 included in the kit 20, or may be any other writing
instrument that is readily available. FIG. 12b illustrates that the
graphics tablet 78 has a location 306 directly below the writing
tip 302 where the graphics tablet 78 senses that pressure is
applied thereto at the location 306. The graphics tablet 78 sends a
signal to the computer 150 of coordinates of the location 306 and
how much pressure is applied thereto at the location 306. FIG. 12c
illustrates information received by the computer 156 due to the
writing tip contacting the notesheet 32 as shown in FIG. 12a. The
computer 150 receives the information of the location 306 at a
moment in time (t1) which is when the writing tip 302 contacts the
notesheet 32. The information received by the computer of the
location 306 includes the coordinates (x1; y1) of the location and
the amount of pressure (p1) applied at the location 306. FIG. 12d
illustrates a visual display on the video display 208. The display
logic 172 displays a number of notes 312 in a stack 314. The notes
312 are located visually behind one another and are organized
chronologically by time of creation. Month and year separators 316
are located between the notes 312. Each month separator 316 has a
respective tab 318 which indicates the month of the notes that
follow. Utilizing the cursor control device 212, a user may click
on one of the tabs 318 to access the notes 316 of that month, and
then click through the notes to find the note that the user is
looking for. Alternatively, a user may also use other means, such
as categories, to organize the notes. The category of each note may
be entered utilizing block letters written on the notesheet, a
keyboard or other device. The user may access a required note by
searching utilizing time, block letters, or keystrokes.
[0083] The computer receives the information about the coordinates
of the location 306, and adds an additional note 326 to the last
note 312 of the stack 314 by first drawing a rectangular boarder
327 and then filling the border 327 with color such as yellow. A
dot is added to the note 326 at the coordinates corresponding to
the location 306. The computer 150 may provide an audible
notification via the signal generation device 216, such as "beep"
sound, when receiving the information relating to the location
306.
[0084] FIG. 13a illustrates the user starting to create a note in
freehand on the notesheet 32. (Step 252). The writing tip 302 moves
over the notesheet 32 to create a line 320. FIG. 13b illustrates
the graphics tablet 78 again being depressed at a location 322
which is displaced from the location 306. For purposes of
illustration only the locations 322 and 306 are shown, but it
should be understood that the graphics tablet 78 may have detected
locations between the locations 306 and 322 while the user created
the line 320. Coordinates of the location 322 are again provided to
the computer 150. FIG. 13c illustrates that the computer 150 now
receives information of the location 322. The information of the
location 322 include the moment in time (t2) when the writing tip
302 moves over the location, the coordinates (x2, y2) of the
location 322, and the pressure (p2) applied at the location 322. A
line 328 is also added to the note 326 from the coordinates of the
location 306 to the coordinates of the location 322, as shown in
FIG. 13d.
[0085] FIG. 14a illustrates the user completing one freehand
element 330 of a note in freehand on the notesheet 32. (Step 254).
As shown in FIG. 14b, the graphics tablet 78 detects the position
of the writing tip 302 sequentially at a number of additional
locations 334. The coordinates of each location 334 are also
forwarded to the computer 150 when detected. FIG. 14c illustrates
the information received by the computer. For each one of the
locations 334 the computer receives information regarding the
moment in time (t3 . . . tn) when pressure is applied to the
respective location 334, the coordinates (x3; y3 . . . xn; yn) of
the respective location 334, and the pressure (p3 . . . pn) applied
at the respective location 334. The smoothing logic 178 fits a
smoothing curve 336 through the coordinates of the locations 334 as
shown in FIG. 14d. Smoothing curves are known in the art. The
smoothing curve 336 looks the same or at least substantially the
same as the element 330 on the notesheet 32. It can thus be seen
that electronic versions of notes can be created with an ordinary
pen or pencil.
[0086] A person may then create another freehand element 340 on the
notesheet 32 as illustrated in FIG. 15a. (Step 256). The user may
then utilize a user predesignated penstroke, recognized by the
computer, which indicates that the note 326 is complete. A new note
will then be created when the user again depresses on the graphics
tablet 78. Alternatively, the timing logic 182 determines the
amount of time from when the element 330 is finally completed until
when the creation of the element 340 is started. Depending on the
amount of time between the elements 330 and 340, the timing logic
determines whether a new note should be created or not. If the
amount of time is less than, for example, five minutes the timing
logic determines that element 340 is part of the same note as the
element 330 and adds a curve 342 on the note 326. A new note will
only be created if the amount of time is more than five minutes.
Alternatively a user may create a penstroke to indicate that a new
note should be created. The note 326 may then have a curved border,
blink, or otherwise indicate that some action should be taken such
as saving the note 326 in another database or viewing the note 326
for correctness. The user may then access the note 326, change it,
or save it in any desired location. It may also be possible for the
user to carry out any operations on the note 326 as on the
notesheet 32, which correspondingly similar reaction by the
computer.
[0087] As also illustrated in FIG. 15a, the user may, additionally,
write a command element 400 in one of the command areas 50. (Step
258). Because the notesheet 32 is accurately located in a selected
area over the graphics tablet 78, the command element 400 will
always be detected in one of four areas 402 of the graphics tablet
78. A ridge (not shown) may be located on the graphics tablet 78 to
prevent or hinder a user from writing on the command areas while
creating the element 340 or 330. The graphics tablet 78 provides
information of the coordinates of the command element 400 to the
computer 150. The computer 150 may display the command element as a
element 404 on the notesheet 326. In addition, the note 326 may
include fields which correspond in appearance to the areas 50 and
other ink printed on the notesheet 32. More importantly is that the
command function logic 180 recognizes that the command element 400
is detected within one of the areas 402, which area 402 detects the
command element 400, and sometimes also what the command element
400 looks like. The use of a command element such as the command
element 400 is now described in more detail. It should be noted,
that, although the command elements are created on the notesheet as
hereinafter described, the logic in the computer may also allow for
manipulating of the computer by creating command elements on the
note itself with reaction of the computer in an identical manner as
hereinafter described.
[0088] FIG. 16 of the accompanying drawings illustrates an address
book database 500 within the computer 150. The address book
database 500 includes a number of address book entries 510. Address
book databases are known in the art and can be created and accessed
with known computer applications.
[0089] As shown in FIG. 15a, the user creates the command element
400 in the command area 50 with "Address" next to it. The graphics
tablet 78 detects where the command element 400 is created, namely
directly above one of the areas 402, and transmits the coordinates
of the command element 400 to the computer 150. The command
function 180 determines that the coordinates of the command element
400 respond to the command area 50 with "Address" next to it. Then,
upon determination of the coordinates of the command element 400,
the command function logic 180 creates a copy of the newly created
note 326 and stores the copy as a new address book entry 512 in the
address book database 500. The computer 150 may automatically
convert the entry 512 to text, or a user may subsequently manually
convert the entry 512 to text utilizing the alpha-numeric input
device 210. It can thus be seen that entry of records into a
database such as the address book database 500 can be done without
the complications of calling special commands on a computer or
following complex protocol or wait for an application to be
activated. An electronic version of a hard copy is thus be created
and stored and can be easily and automatically processed. The entry
512 may be stored in a buffer database for later access.
Alternatively a user may type on the note 326 to designate a filing
location, or separately type block letters to designate a filing
location.
[0090] The address book database 500 may be viewed, utilizing a
suitable application, on the video display unit 208 of the computer
150. A user will then see that there is a new address book entry
512. The user may then access the new address book entry 512 in the
address book database 500. When the new address book entry 512 is
opened, a note appears which is the same as the note 326 in FIG.
15c.
[0091] Similarly, a calendar database and a "To-Do" database may
also be located in the computer 150. When a user creates an element
on one of the areas 50 with "Calendar" or "To-Do" next to it, a
copy of the note 326 will be stored in either the calendar database
or the "To-Do" database. Other databases may also be
designated.
[0092] The use of the command area 50 with "Internet" next to it is
now described in more detail.
[0093] FIG. 17 illustrates a command element address book 520 which
is stored on the computer 150. The command element address book 520
includes a number of different network command elements 522 and a
number of different network addresses 524. Each network address 524
corresponds to a respective one of the network command elements
522. The network command elements 522 are freehand elements which
may be preinstalled on the computer 150 or may be entered by a user
when installing the program 170, perhaps by using the desk unit 24
or perhaps using block letters entered by the alpha-numeric input
device 210.
[0094] A user may create a command element within the command area
50 with "Internet" next to it. The graphics tablet 78 provides the
coordinates of the command element to the computer 150. In
addition, the graphics tablet 78 provides information to the
computer 150 of what the command element looks like. The command
function logic 180 then compares the information of what the
command element looks like with each one of the network command
elements 522. The network command element 522 which corresponds
most closely to the command element created within the area 50 with
"Internet" next to it is then used to access a corresponding
network address 524. For example, if a command element is created
which looks more or less like an encircled "X" the third network
address (Network address 3) is read from the command element
address book 520.
[0095] FIG. 18 illustrates a number of computers connected in a
network configuration over a network 532 such as the Internet. The
computers include the computer 150 of the user, and a number of
recipient computers 530. Each recipient computer 530 has a
different respective network address. The computer 150 of the user
sends a packet of code and information to one of the recipient
computers 530. The recipient computer 530 to which the packet sent
is the one with the network address which is read from the command
element address book 530. For example, should the third recipient
computer 530A (Recipient 3) have the third network address (Network
address 3), then the packet will be sent to the third recipient
computer 530A.
[0096] FIG. 19 illustrates a packet 600 which is sent to the
recipient computer 530. The packet 600 includes information 610 of
the note created on the notesheet. More specifically, the
information includes all the information of the element 330 as
represented by the table in FIG. 14c.
[0097] An engine 614 is located on the recipient computer 530. The
code 612, when received on the recipient computer 530A,
automatically interacts with the engine 614 to control the
recipient computer 530A. FIG. 20 illustrates a video display unit
620 of the recipient computer 530A. The code 612 and the engine 614
creates a note 622 displayed on the video display unit 620 by again
drawing borders and filling the borders with color. The information
610 is used to create a number of elements 624 in the note 622. The
elements look the same as the note in freehand created on the
notesheet 33. (See FIG. 15a).
[0098] In addition, software on the recipient computer 530A may
analyze the information, including the information in the table in
FIG. 14c. The note created in freehand on the notesheet 32 may, for
example, be a signature. The information may be used to
authenticate the signature against proof data on the recipient
computer 530A. The coordinates may, for example, be authenticated
against the data on the proof of the data. In addition, since each
point of the note corresponds with a certain moment in time, the
speed and acceleration of the writing tip 302 can be determined at
each moment in time and be compared with the proof data. An amount
of pressure applied at each point is also included in the
information and can be prepared with the proof data.
[0099] A button 626 is also created on the notesheet 622. When the
recipient dicks on the button 626, the recipient computer opens a
web browser. The web browser may then automatically open an
Internet website with information of a kit such as the kit 20
hereinbefore described, sales information thereof, and more code
that can be used to enhance the note 622. A sending user may also
select a "signature" while creating the note in free hand on the
notesheet 32. Such "signature" may determine other features of the
note 622, such as a border, color or inclusions such as sounds of
the note 622. The user may, for example, select such a "signature"
by creating a character in another command area such as one of the
command areas 50.
[0100] It can thus be seen that the hardware including the desk
unit 24 and the stack of notesheets 26 need not necessarily be
complicated or expensive. In particular, there may be no need for
providing a processor within the desk unit 24.
[0101] The use of the hardware is also relatively uncomplicated.
The only functions performed by a user is to locate one of the
notesheets 26 on the graphics tablet 78, creating a note in
freehand on the notesheet, and, maybe, creating a command element
within one of the command areas 50. Simple handwriting data can be
entered into a computer without a user having to look at a screen
while concentrating on another task such as speaking with someone,
or without having to wait for a specific computer program to be
activated.
[0102] Regardless thereof that the hardware and the use thereof are
relatively uncomplicated, relatively complex functions can be
performed by the software on the computer 150. These functions
include sending a note over the Internet and controlling a
recipient computer.
[0103] One use of a kit as herein before described is for
electronically recording handwritten notes. Such a kit may also
find application in other fields such as commerce. A kit may for
example include standard forms by bank tellers, receptionists,
medical doctors for prescriptions, or credit card verifiers. A desk
unit may be included with areas indicated for positioning of the
forms. The software may include a list of templates from which a
user may select a template corresponding to the forms used. The
template will then be used to display notes on a computer. The
template may also be modified or customized or the user may be able
to create templates which correspond to forms which are designed
and printed to requirement. A computer form can so be created which
can be printed to provide a plurality of notesheets and which can
form the basis of mapping command areas, recognized by the
computer, to an actual notesheet that is used.
[0104] While certain exemplary embodiments have been described and
shown in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that
such embodiments are merely illustrative and not restrictive of the
current invention, and that this invention is not restricted to the
specific constructions and arrangements shown and described, since
modifications may occur to those ordinarily skilled in the art.
* * * * *