U.S. patent application number 11/491397 was filed with the patent office on 2006-11-16 for character and text unit input correction system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Microsoft Corporation. Invention is credited to Yuan Kong.
Application Number | 20060256088 11/491397 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32990441 |
Filed Date | 2006-11-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060256088 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kong; Yuan |
November 16, 2006 |
Character and text unit input correction system
Abstract
An input device is disclosed that includes a sensor for editing
characters and text units. The sensor has an elongate configuration
and is laterally-oriented with respect to sides of the input
device. The input device also includes a plurality of keys for
entering individual characters or multiple characters that form the
text units. By contacting the sensor, an incorrectly-entered text
unit may be selected and replaced with an intended text unit. In
order to select the incorrectly-entered text unit, the sensor may
be contacted in a position that corresponds with a position of the
text unit with respect to a display screen.
Inventors: |
Kong; Yuan; (Kirkland,
WA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BANNER & WITCOFF LTD.,;ATTORNEYS FOR CLIENT NOS. 003797 & 013797
1001 G STREET , N.W.
SUITE 1100
WASHINGTON
DC
20001-4597
US
|
Assignee: |
Microsoft Corporation
Redmond
WA
|
Family ID: |
32990441 |
Appl. No.: |
11/491397 |
Filed: |
July 20, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10427430 |
Apr 30, 2003 |
|
|
|
11491397 |
Jul 20, 2006 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
345/168 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 40/232 20200101;
G06F 3/0237 20130101; G06F 3/021 20130101; G06F 3/0213
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
345/168 |
International
Class: |
G09G 5/00 20060101
G09G005/00 |
Claims
1. An input device comprising: a housing having a front edge, a
back edge, and a pair of side edges extending between the front
edge and the back edge, the front edge being positioned proximal a
user during use, and the back edge being positioned distal the user
during use; an alphanumeric region having a plurality of keys for
entering characters, the alphanumeric region being positioned
between the front edge and the back edge; and an elongated,
laterally-oriented, text unit editing sensor positioned between the
alphanumeric region and the back edge, the sensor having a
configuration of a touch-sensitive strip with a length that is at
least four times a width.
2. The input device recited in claim 1, wherein the text unit
editing sensor is positioned adjacent the alphanumeric region.
3. The input device recited in claim 1, further comprising at least
one text unit sensor supporting input element to assist in editing
the characters.
4. The input device recited in claim 3, wherein the at least one
text unit sensor supporting input element to assist in editing the
characters includes three discrete keys.
5. The input device recited in claim 3, wherein the at least one
text unit sensor supporting input element to assist in editing the
characters includes a toggle key.
6. The input device recited in claim 5, wherein the toggle key is a
three-way toggle key.
7. The input device recited in claim 1, wherein the text unit
editing sensor is positioned directly behind the alphanumeric
region.
8. The input device recited in claim 1, wherein the input device is
a keyboard.
9. An input device comprising: an alphanumeric region having a
plurality of keys for entering characters; and a touch-sensitive
sensor positioned adjacent the alphanumeric region and behind the
alphanumeric region, the sensor being oriented laterally with
respect to the input device, and the sensor having an elongate
configuration with a length that is at least four times a
width.
10. The input device recited in claim 9, wherein the sensor is
positioned directly behind the alphanumeric region.
11. The input device recited in claim 9, wherein the input device
is a keyboard.
12. The input device recited in claim 9, further comprising at
least one supporting input element to assist in editing the
characters.
13. The input device recited in claim 12, wherein the input element
includes three discrete keys.
14. The input device recited in claim 12, wherein the input element
includes a toggle key.
15. The input device recited in claim 14, wherein the toggle key is
a three-way toggle key.
16. An input device comprising: an alphanumeric region having a
plurality of keys for entering characters; and an editing sensor
positioned adjacent the alphanumeric region, the editing sensor
being a substantially two-dimensional touch-sensitive strip with a
curved configuration.
17. The input device recited in claim 16, wherein the editing
sensor has a pair of end portions and a central portion extending
between the end portions, the central portion having an at least
semi-circular shape.
18. The input device recited in claim 17, wherein the end portions
are positioned adjacent each other.
19. The input device recited in claim 16, wherein the touch sensor
forms an at least partially circular shape.
20. The input device recited in claim 16, wherein the input device
is a keyboard.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE To RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This U.S. patent application is a continuation application
of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No.
10/427,430, which was filed in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
on Apr. 30, 2003 and entitled Character And Text Input Correction
System, such prior U.S. patent application being entirely
incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] As the field of computer science has evolved, a variety of
data entry techniques have been developed to enhance the
individual's experience and to make computers more versatile. For
example, a typical computer system, especially a computer system
using graphical user interfaces for user interaction may be
optimized for accepting input from one or more discrete input
devices. Thus, an individual may enter text with a keyboard, and
control the position of a pointer image on a display screen with a
pointing device, such as a mouse, having one or more buttons for
activating selections associated with the location of the pointer.
Some computing systems even have included a pen-like stylus that
can be used as a multipurpose data input device.
[0003] A variety of software applications have been developed that
permit an individual to form data files by entering characters with
a keyboard or other input device. As utilized herein, the term
character is intended to encompass a symbol or other figure that
may be entered by the individual. Examples of characters include
alphabetic characters, whether from the Roman, Cyrillic, Arabic,
Hebrew, or Greek alphabets, for example. Furthermore, a character
may be a numeral, a punctuation mark, or one of the various symbols
that are commonly utilized in written text, such as $, #, %, &,
or @, for example. In addition, a character may be one of the
various symbols utilized in Asian languages, such as the Chinese,
Japanese, and Korean languages. Groups of various characters that
form words or word-type units is hereby defined as a text unit.
[0004] Although conventional character entry with a keyboard is
generally considered to be a convenient and expedient process, an
average individual frequently enters incorrect characters and is
required to modify the incorrect characters with the intended or
correct characters. A common method of modifying the incorrect
characters involves the use of a pointing device, for example a
mouse or trackball. In order to modify the incorrect characters,
the individual will cease entering characters and move one hand to
the pointing device, and attempt to manipulate the pointing device
to position the cursor to the incorrect character within the entire
viewable X-Y field. The individual will then delete the incorrect
character, replace the incorrect character with the intended or
correct character, and manipulate the pointing device to move the
cursor to another location which is typically the prior location of
the cursor immediately before the edit. Alternately, various
spell-checking programs may be utilized, for example, and some
individuals may employ variations or combinations of these methods
for modifying the incorrect characters. Such is normally done at
the completion of the document in view of the potential disruption
to the data entering process. In either event, however, the
individual generally redirects attention from the keyboard to the
pointing device when modifying the incorrect characters, which may
decrease the efficiency of the individual, particularly when
repetitively performed. Similar considerations apply to the
correction of text units.
[0005] The error rate for an average individual utilizing a QWERTY
keyboard for phonics-based Asian language input is approximately
20%. The error rate for an average individual utilizing a QWERTY
keyboard to enter characters in the English language, for example,
is generally significantly less. Accordingly, phonics-based Asian
language input has a greater error rate, which further decreases
the efficiency of the individual. The increased error rate for
phonics-based Asian language input is directly related to the
characteristics of the Asian languages. With regard to the Chinese
language, for example, there are tens of thousands of characters,
but only approximately 400 corresponding pronunciations, and adding
four tones to the pronunciations expands the total number of
pronunciations to approximately 1600. Given the relatively large
number of characters utilized in the Chinese language, many
different characters have similar pronunciations and are,
therefore, phonetically-similar. Coupled with the expanding Chinese
vocabulary, the number of similar pronunciations introduces an
intrinsically-high error rate in phonics-based Chinese language
input. Similar considerations apply to the Japanese and Korean
languages.
[0006] Concepts related to phonics-based Asian language input and a
conventional method of correcting characters in phonics-based Asian
language input will now be discussed. For purposes of illustration,
a Chinese language version of phonics-based Asian language input,
which is generally referred to as Pinyin, will be utilized herein.
One skilled in the relevant art will appreciate, however, that
similar concepts may be applied to other Asian languages. In
general, a QWERTY keyboard is utilized for Pinyin input to enter
Roman characters and combinations of Roman characters that
phonetically represent the intended Chinese character. A software
application then processes the Roman characters and converts the
Roman characters to a corresponding Chinese character that is
similar-similar. As discussed above, many different characters have
similar pronunciations and are similar-similar. Accordingly, the
software application may convert the Roman characters to an
incorrect or unintended Chinese character that is similar-similar
to the intended Chinese character.
[0007] When an incorrect Chinese character is identified by the
individual, in an existing system, the pointing device may be moved
to place the cursor before and immediately adjacent to the
incorrect Chinese character. A list of potential replacement
Chinese characters is then displayed adjacent to the incorrect
Chinese character. The individual manipulates the pointing device
to select the correct Chinese character from the list. In many
instances, the list may display only a portion of the total number
of potential replacement Chinese characters, which may correspond
with the Chinese characters that are most likely to be used on a
statistical basis. Accordingly, the individual may be required to
scroll through numerous lists before finding the correct Chinese
character. Once the correct Chinese character is located and
selected, the software application replaces the incorrect Chinese
character with the correct Chinese character and the individual may
continue entering characters until another incorrect Chinese
character is identified. The cursor remains at the location of the
corrected Chinese character and the individual will typically move
the pointing device to the end of the line or document to continue
entering data into the document.
[0008] Due to the relatively high error rate for phonics-based
Asian language input, individuals are required to frequently
identify incorrect characters and then identify the correct
characters from lists of possible replacement characters, as
discussed above. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize
that this process may be time-consuming and inefficient given the
approximate error rate of 20% for an average individual utilizing a
QWERTY keyboard for phonics-based Asian language input.
SUMMARY
[0009] One aspect of the present invention is an input device
having an alphanumeric region and an editing region. The
alphanumeric region has a plurality of keys for entering
characters. The editing region is positioned adjacent the
alphanumeric region, and the editing region has a sensor for
selecting text units, such as characters or words. The sensor has
an elongate configuration, and the sensor has a lateral orientation
with respect to sides of the input device.
[0010] In another aspect of the invention, the input device is a
keyboard having a plurality of keys and a sensor. The keys are each
associated with at least one character. The sensor has a
configuration of a one-dimensional linear touch position sensor,
such as a capacitive position sensing touchpad, and the sensor is
positioned adjacent the plurality of keys and forward of the
plurality of keys. Furthermore, the sensor has a ratio of length to
width that is at least 3:1, and the sensor is laterally-oriented to
extend between a left side and a right side of the keyboard.
[0011] Another aspect of the invention involves a method of input
correction. The method includes entering a first text unit, such as
character or word, with an input device to display the first text
unit on a display screen. A relative position of the first text
unit with respect to the display screen is then determined. The
method then involves contacting a sensor on the input device in a
position that corresponds with the relative position of the first
text unit with respect to the display screen, and replacing the
first text unit with a second text unit.
[0012] Yet another aspect of the invention involves a method of
input correction. The method includes entering a first text unit,
such as character or word, with an input device, and then employing
a sensor on the input device to select the first text unit, the
sensor having an elongate configuration and a lateral orientation.
A second character is then selected from a list of potential text
unit candidates, and the first text unit is replaced with the
second text unit.
[0013] The advantages and features of novelty characterizing the
present invention are pointed out with particularity in the
appended claims. To gain an improved understanding of the
advantages and features of novelty, however, reference may be made
to the following descriptive matter and accompanying drawings that
describe and illustrate various embodiments and concepts related to
the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The foregoing Summary of the Invention, as well as the
following Detailed Description of the Invention, will be better
understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings.
[0015] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an operating environment.
[0016] FIG. 2 is an exemplary perspective view of the operating
environment, that depicts a host computer, an output device, and an
input device.
[0017] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the input device.
[0018] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the input device.
[0019] FIG. 5 is a top plan view of a portion of the input
device.
[0020] FIG. 6 is a first configuration of a first graphical user
interface that may be displayed on the output device.
[0021] FIG. 7 is a second configuration of the first graphical user
interface.
[0022] FIG. 8 is a third configuration of the first graphical user
interface.
[0023] FIG. 9 is a fourth configuration of the first graphical user
interface.
[0024] FIG. 10 is a top plan view of another input device.
[0025] FIG. 11 is a top plan view of a portion of yet another input
device.
[0026] FIG. 12 is a top plan view of a portion of a further input
device.
[0027] FIG. 13 is a first configuration of a second graphical user
interface that may be displayed on the output device.
[0028] FIG. 14 is a second configuration of the second graphical
user interface.
[0029] FIG. 15 is a third configuration of the second graphical
user interface.
[0030] FIG. 16 is a fourth configuration of the second graphical
user interface.
[0031] FIG. 17 is a fifth configuration of the second graphical
user interface.
[0032] FIG. 18 is a sixth configuration of the second graphical
user interface.
[0033] FIG. 19 is a flow diagram illustrating one process of text
unit replacement.
[0034] FIG. 20 is a top plan view of a sensor.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0035] The following discussion and accompanying figures disclose
an input device in accordance with the present invention. The input
device is utilized for entering characters. If an incorrect text
unit, such as a character or a word, is inadvertently entered or is
otherwise present, the input device can be utilized to modify the
incorrect text unit with the intended or correct text unit. More
specifically, a sensor coupled to the input device may be utilized
by an individual to select the incorrect text unit and then replace
the incorrect text unit with the correct text unit. The input
device is disclosed in the following material as a keyboard. One
skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that a
plurality of other input devices having a sensor for replacing an
incorrect text unit will also fall within the scope of the present
invention.
[0036] As used herein, the phrase "text unit" is defined as
characters and groups of characters that form words or word-type
units. For example, in the English language, the term text unit
refers to characters and words. Accordingly, a character-based
editing system can be used to replace bits of texts on a
character-by-character basis, and a word-based editing system can
be used to replace text on a word-by-word basis. A text unit-based
editing system would be a generic term encompassing both
character-based and word-based editing systems.
[0037] As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the
art, the input device may be utilized in connection with a computer
operating environment. That is, the signals transmitted by the
input device may be governed by computer-executable instructions,
such as program modules, executed by one or more computing devices.
It may be helpful, therefore, to briefly discuss the components and
operation of a typical operating environment on which various
embodiments of the invention may be employed. FIGS. 1 and 2
illustrate examples of an operating environment 10, in which
various embodiments of the invention may be implemented. The
operating environment 10 is only one example of a suitable
operating environment, however, and is not intended to suggest any
limitation as to the scope of use or functionality of the
invention. Other well known operating environments or
configurations that may be suitable for use with the invention
include, but are not limited to server computers, hand-held or
laptop devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based
systems, programmable consumer electronics, network PCs,
minicomputers, mainframe computers, distributed computing
environments that include any of the above systems or devices, and
the like.
[0038] The operating environment 10 includes a host computer 20
that is operatively connected to an output device 30, such as a
computer monitor, and an input device 40, which may be a keyboard,
for example. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that
one or more data files may be processed by the host computer 20 and
a signal may be transmitted to the output device 30, thereby
directing the output device 30 to render an image 32 on a display
screen 31. The input device 40 is utilized in connection with the
host computer 20 to enter data, which may take the form of a
plurality of characters, as described in greater detail below.
[0039] The host computer 20 typically includes at least some form
of computer readable media. By way of example, and not limitation,
computer readable media may comprise computer storage media and
communication media. Computer storage media includes volatile and
nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any
method or technology for storage of information such as computer
readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other
data. Computer storage media includes, but is not limited to, RAM,
ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM,
digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic
cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic
storage devices, punched media, holographic storage, or any other
medium which can be used to store the desired information.
[0040] In its most basic configuration, the host computer 20
typically includes a processing unit and system memory. Depending
on the exact configuration and type of the host computer 20, the
system memory may include volatile memory (such as RAM),
nonvolatile memory (such as ROM, flash memory, etc.), or some
combination of the two memory types. Additionally, the host
computer 20 may also have mass storage devices, such as a removable
storage device, a non-removable storage device, or some combination
of two storage device types. The mass storage devices can be any
device that can retrieve stored information, such as magnetic or
optical disks or tape, punched media, or holographic storage. As
will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, the
system memory and mass storage devices are examples of computer
storage media.
[0041] The operating environment 10 may also have one or more
additional input devices that are operatively connected to the host
computer 20, such as a pointing device, microphone, or scanner, for
receiving input from an individual. Furthermore the operating
environment 10 may have one or more additional output devices
operatively connected to the host computer 20, such as a speaker,
printer, or a tactile feedback device, for outputting data to an
individual. Other components of the operating environment 10 may
include communication connections to other devices, computers,
networks, servers, etc. using either wired or wireless media. All
of these devices and connections are well know in the art and thus
will not be discussed at length here.
[0042] The output device 30 is depicted as a computer monitor that
is operatively connected to host computer 20. The image 32 may
represent a data file, such as a text document, digital photograph,
spreadsheet, or Web page, for example. The input device 40 is
depicted individually in FIGS. 3 and 4 as a keyboard. As is
well-known in the art, one purpose of the input device 40 is to
selectively enter data, which generally takes the form of a
plurality of characters and text units that may be displayed as a
portion of the image 32 on the display screen 31. As described in
the Background of the Invention section above, the term character
is intended to encompass a symbol or other figure that may be
entered by the individual. Examples of characters include
alphabetic characters, whether from the Roman, Cyrillic, Arabic,
Hebrew, or Greek alphabets, for example. Furthermore, a character
may be a numeral, a punctuation mark, or one of the various symbols
that are commonly utilized in written text, such as $, #, %, &,
or @, for example. In addition, a character may be one of the
various symbols utilized in Asian languages, such as the Chinese,
Japanese, and Korean languages. Groups of various characters that
are intended to form words or word-type units are included within
the definition of a text unit.
[0043] A housing 41 forms an exterior of the input device 40, and a
cord 42 extends from the housing 41 in order to transmit signals
from the input device 40 to the host computer 20. Alternately, a
conventional wireless connection between the input device 40 and
the host computer 20 may also be utilized, as is well-known in the
art. The signals that are transmitted by the cord 42 are typically
generated in response to manipulation of one of a plurality of keys
43, buttons 44, or other input elements. Furthermore, the signals
may be generated by a sensor 50 that has an elongate configuration
and is laterally-oriented with respect to the input device 40.
[0044] The keys 43 of the input device 40 are generally arranged in
a conventional manner and are positioned within an alphanumeric
region 45, an arrow region 46, and a numberpad region 47, for
example. The alphanumeric region 45 has the configuration of a
conventional QWERTY keyboard, but may alternatively have the
configuration of a AZERTY keyboard, or any other desirable keyboard
configuration within the scope of the present invention.
Accordingly, the alphanumeric region 45 includes a plurality of
keys 43 that are associated with individual alphabetic characters,
which may be alphabetic characters of the Roman alphabet, for
example. A first row of the alphanumeric region 45 may also include
various keys 43 that are associated with numbers as the primary
characters. The keys of first row may also provide various symbols,
such as !, @, #, $ and %, that are accessed in an alternative mode
by depressing one a shift key simultaneously with such keys 43. In
addition, the alphanumeric region 45 may include an enter key, a
control key, and a space bar, for example, as is commonly known.
Within the scope of the present invention, however, alphanumeric
region 45 may have a plurality of configurations and may contain
keys 43 with a variety of functions or purposes.
[0045] Arrow region 46 includes four keys 43u, 43r, 43d, and 43l
that are respectively associated with an up arrow, a right arrow, a
down arrow, and a left arrow and are commonly utilized to move the
cursor 33 relative to display screen 31. Numberpad region 47 also
includes a plurality of keys 43 with various numbers as the primary
characters. In operation, the individual may utilize numberpad
region 47 to quickly enter numeric characters due to the
arrangement of the keys 43 in the numberpad region 47. The
numberpad region 47 may also include a second enter key.
Additionally, the buttons 44 are positioned laterally across a top
portion of input device 40. Suitable uses for the buttons 44
include launching pre-designated software applications; adjusting
the volume or intensity of an output device, such as a speaker;
modifying power levels of host computer 20; or providing basic
controls for a media player, for example. Additionally, an input
region 48 may be provided and laterally-spaced from the
alphanumeric region 43 to provide enhanced input capabilities and
may include a scroll wheel, an application switching device,
editing keys (such as cut, copy, and paste), and Internet browser
control keys (such as forward and back). Details of aspects of the
keyboard are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Number
20020159809, published Oct. 31, 2002, which is hereby incorporated
by reference for its entirety. Based upon the above discussion
regarding the layout and positioning of the keys 43 and the regions
45-48, one skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the
input device 40 has a generally conventional configuration, with
the exception of the presence of the sensor 50 and related
supporting keys as utilized in certain illustrative embodiments of
the invention. Within the scope of the present invention, however,
the various components of the input device 40 may have a plurality
of alternate arrangements.
[0046] For reference purposes, the input device 40 has a back edge
11 distal from the individual during normal use, and a front edge
12 adjacent the individual during normal use. Accordingly, an
object is said herein to be "behind" another object when it is
between that object and the back edge 11. An object is said herein
to be "directly behind" another object when it is between that
object and the back edge 11 and at least partially located within
the lateral bounds of that object extending in the front-to-back
direction. An object is said herein to be "entirely directly
behind" another object when it is between that object and the back
edge 11 and entirely located within the lateral bounds of that
object extending in the front-to-back direction. An object is said
herein to be "in front of" another object when it is between that
object and the front edge 12. Further, the keyboard 40 also has
right and left edges 13 and 14, respectively. The direction
"lateral" defines the general directions from the left edge 14 to
the right edge 13 and from the right edge 13 to the left edge
14.
[0047] In addition to the features of existing keyboards, the input
device 40 also includes the sensor 50, which, in the depicted
embodiment, is positioned behind and/or adjacent to, and more
specifically, directly behind and entirely directly behind, the
alphanumeric region 45. As depicted in FIGS. 3 and 4, the sensor 50
is adjacent to the rear portion of the alphanumeric region 45 and
extends along and adjacent to the first row of the keys 43, which
are generally associated with numeric characters. Within the scope
of the present invention, the sensor 50 may be positioned in other
portions of the input device 40. An advantage of placing the sensor
50 adjacent to the alphanumeric region 45 relates to accessibility.
The alphanumeric region 45 is a frequently utilized portion of the
input device 40. Accordingly, the hands of the individual are often
positioned over the alphanumeric region 45 when utilizing the input
device 40. By placing the sensor 50 adjacent to the alphanumeric
region 45, the sensor 50 is highly accessible to the individual and
can be manipulated by an individual with finger movements during
alphanumeric entry with little or no displacement of the wrist and
arms.
[0048] The sensor 50 has an elongate configuration and is
laterally-oriented with respect to the input device 40. In other
words, the length of the sensor 50 is greater than the width of the
sensor 50, and the sensor 50 extends generally from a right side of
the input device 40 to a left side of the input device 40. A ratio
of the length to the width of the sensor 50 may be at least 3:1,
but may also be 4:1 or 10:1 or greater, for example. In general,
therefore, the ratio of the length to the width of the sensor 50 is
in a range of 3:1 to 10:1, but may be more depending upon the
specific application. Accordingly, the length of the sensor 50 may
be significantly greater than the width of the sensor 50.
[0049] Many conventional keyboards include a plurality of function
keys that are designated by F1, F2, F3, etc. The sensor 50 may be
located in the position that is conventionally reserved for the
function keys, and actions associated with the function keys may be
assigned to other ones of the keys 43, if desired. In applications
where the function keys are to be preserved the sensor 50 may be
positioned between the alphanumeric region 45 and the row of
function keys such as shown in FIG. 10.
[0050] The sensor 50 may be a one-dimensional linear touch position
sensor, such as a capacitive position sensing touchpad or other
touch sensitive strip. Touch-sensitive strips, pads and, other such
devices are well-known, such as the touch pad for cursor control
commonly found on many laptop computers. The present sensor 50 may
take advantage of such known technology and/or be physically
configured in any way to create a touch-sensitive device. The
sensor 50 may be sensitive to human touch and/or to non-human touch
such as from a pen or stylus-type pointer. The sensor 50 also may
be utilized without actually touching the surface of the sensor 50
with the pointer. For instance, the sensor 50 may be configured to
detect the pointer position as it hovers just over the surface of
the sensor 50, as is known in the art.
[0051] The sensor 50 is coupled to the input device 40, and one or
more interfaces and/or driving circuitry/software may be utilized
to provide communication between the sensor 50 and the host
computer 20. Some or all of the interfaces and drivers, if any, may
be located wherever is convenient, such as all within the input
device 40 all within the host computer 20, or distributed between
the two.
[0052] The sensor 50 may detect the position of a pointer along the
sensor 50 in any of a variety of ways. For example, the sensor 50
may be a well-known capacitance-type sensor that senses changes in
capacitance between two or more conductive nodes within the sensor
50. The conductive nodes do not electrically touch but generate a
capacitance in the dielectric junction between the nodes. When a
pointer, such as a human finger or stylus, approaches the junction,
the capacitance may be altered due to the change in dielectric
constant imposed by the pointer. Such a touch sensor 50 has the
advantages of being able to sense not only touch but also proximity
and pressure. The conductive nodes may be of any shape and size,
such as wires and/or plates. Depending upon the specific
embodiment, such a capacitive touch strip may detect pointer
location with an accuracy of up to 0.001 inch or more. However,
touch sensors with less precision can be effectively used.
[0053] The sensor 50 may alternatively be a resistance-type touch
strip that detects variations in resistance based on the position
of the pointer along the touch strip. Or, the sensor 50 may be an
inductance-type touch strip that detects variations in inductance
based on the position of the pointer along the touch strip. The
sensor 50 may further incorporate infrared-sensing, laser, and/or
ultrasonic technology that senses the position of the pointer.
[0054] Based upon the above discussion, the input device 40 may
have the general configuration of a conventional keyboard. In
contrast with a conventional keyboard, however, the input device 40
includes the sensor 50, which is positioned adjacent to the
alphanumeric region 45. Within the scope of the present invention,
the input device 40 may take the form of a plurality of other types
of input devices, in addition to a keyboard. For example, the
keypads of a conventional wireless telephone are often utilized to
input characters and form text units, and a sensor having the form
of the sensor 50 may be utilized in conjunction with the keypad.
Furthermore, an input device having the configuration of a pointing
device, such as a mouse or trackball, may also be utilized in some
situations to input characters, and a sensor having the form of the
sensor 50 may be utilized in conjunction with the pointing device.
Accordingly, the input device 40 may have the general configuration
of a variety of input devices. For purposes of the following
discussion, however, the input device 40 will be discussed with
regard to a keyboard, as depicted in FIGS. 3-4.
[0055] The text unit system of the present invention includes the
text unit editing sensor 50 and supporting input elements that
assist in the selection of a text unit to be replaced, the
confirmation of a text unit to be replaced, the presentation of
alternative choices of replacement text unit candidates for
selection, the selection and/or confirmation of a replacement text
unit, and the exiting of the text unit replacement mode. These
supporting input elements can take various types of input elements
and may include keys presently used on the keyboard of other uses,
such as the arrow keys 43u, 43d, 43r, and/or 43l, and/or may
include new or specifically dedicated input elements such as keys
51, 52, and 53 as shown in FIGS. 3-5, key 51 and toggle 55 as shown
in FIG. 11, or toggle 56 as shown in FIG. 12, as is hereinafter
described.
[0056] With reference to FIG. 5, a portion of the input device 40
that includes the sensor 50 is depicted. A key 51 is positioned to
the left of the sensor 50 and immediately adjacent to the sensor
50. Similarly, a key 52 is positioned to the right of the sensor 50
and immediately adjacent to the sensor 50, and a key 53 is
positioned to the right of the key 52. For the embodiment of FIGS.
3-5, keys 51, 52, and 53 and the arrow keys 43l, 43r, 43u, and 43d
are supporting input elements that assist in the selection of a
text unit to be replaced, the confirmation of a text unit to be
replaced, the presentation of alternative choices of replacement
text unit candidates for selection, the selection and/or
confirmation of a replacement text unit, and the exiting of the
text unit replacement mode.
[0057] In the configuration of FIG. 10, wherein the sensor 50 is
positioned between the alphanumeric region 45 and the function
keys, the arrow keys 431, 43r, 43u, and 43d are supporting input
elements that assist in the selection of a text unit to be
replaced, the confirmation of a text unit to be replaced, the
presentation of alternative choices of replacement text unit
candidates for selection, the selection and/or confirmation of a
replacement text unit, and the exiting of the text unit replacement
mode.
[0058] A third configuration is depicted in FIG. 11 and includes
the sensor 50, the key 51, and a toggle key 55. The toggle key 55
is associated with two switches. When a right portion 55r of the
toggle key 55 is depressed, a first of the switches is closed.
Similarly, when a left portion 551 of the toggle key 55 is
depressed, a second of the switches is closed. Accordingly, the
individual may depress either the right or left side of the toggle
key 55 to effect an action. In this configuration, the sensor 50
may be utilized as discussed above. In this arrangement, the toggle
key 55 and key 51 are supporting input elements that assist in the
selection of a text unit to be replaced, the confirmation of a text
unit to be replaced, the presentation of alternative choices of
replacement text unit candidates for selection, the selection
and/or confirmation of a replacement text unit, and the exiting of
the text unit replacement mode.
[0059] A fourth configuration of the editing region of the input
device 40 is depicted in FIG. 12 and includes the sensor 50 and a
three-way toggle key 56. The toggle key 56 includes three regions
57a, 57b, and 57c, and the individual may depress one of the
regions 57a-57c at a single time. The sensor 50 may be utilized in
conjunction with a plurality of supporting input elements, such as
keys 51-53, toggle key 55, or toggle key 56. Thus, the regions 57a,
57b, and 57c of toggle key 56 are supporting input elements that
assist in the selection of a text unit to be replaced, the
confirmation of a text unit to be replaced, the presentation of
alternative choices of replacement text unit candidates for
selection, the selection and/or confirmation of a replacement text
unit, and the exiting of the text unit replacement mode.
[0060] The manner in which the input device 40 is utilized to
modify characters will now be discussed. With reference to FIGS.
6-9, an example of a graphical user interface that may be displayed
on the display screen 31 as at least a portion of the image 32 is
depicted. For purposes of example, the graphical user interface is
depicted as a word processing software application that is
displayed within a window 33 having a border 34a, a taskbar 34b, a
toolbar 34c, and a character processing area 34d. Such is
conventional during the use of word processing programs such as
Microsoft WORD. The border 34a defines the boundaries of the window
33 and may be adjustable in size to suit the preferences of the
individual. The taskbar 34b is horizontally-oriented and positioned
adjacent to an upper portion of the border 34a to provide a
plurality of menus that permit the individual to perform various
tasks related to the specific data file represented within the
window 33. Furthermore, the toolbar 34c is positioned directly
below the taskbar 33b and provides a series of buttons that also
permit the individual to perform various tasks related to the
specific data file represented within the window 33.
[0061] The character processing area 34d provides a space for the
individual to enter various characters. More particularly, the
character processing area 34d is a defined area where input from
input device 40 is visually rendered. When the window 33 is
initially rendered on display screen 31, the character processing
area 34d may be substantially blank, with the exception of a cursor
61, as depicted in FIG. 6, which shows the individual the position
where characters and text units will appear when the characters are
input with the input device 40. The width of the character
processing area 34d is herein defied as the distance on the display
covering the typeable area, e.g., from left margin to right margin.
Assume for purposes of example that the individual wishes to input
the following series of text units: The quick fox jumps over the
lazy brown dog. In order to accomplish this task, the individual
merely depresses a series of the letter keys 43 that correspond
with the characters in the sentence, as is well-known in the art.
On occasion however, the individual may inadvertently enter
incorrect characters. Accordingly, the individual may inadvertently
type the following series of characters: The quixk fox jumps over
the lazy brown dog, as depicted in FIG. 7, wherein "quick" is
inadvertently entered as "quixk".
[0062] The sensor 50 may be utilized by the individual to correct
the inadvertently-entered text unit. More specifically, the
individual may utilize the sensor 50 to modify a text unit 62
within the character processing area 34d. When entering the series
of characters, the individual intended to enter characters that
form the word "quick", but inadvertently-entered the text unit 62,
which includes an "x" instead of a "c".
[0063] Conventional word processing software applications, such as
Microsoft WORD, provide a plurality of methods by which the
individual may modify the text unit 62 to the intended text unit.
As is known in the art, the user may utilize a pointing device to
move the cursor 61 adjacent to the text unit 62, highlight a
portion of the text unit 62 with the pointing device, and then
depress the key 43 that corresponds with the intended character.
Alternately, an arrow key may be utilized to move the cursor 61 to
the text unit 62, and then a portion of the text unit 62 may be
deleted and replaced with the intended character. Furthermore, a
spell checking program may be utilized to modify the text unit 62.
One limitation upon the spell checking program, however, is that
inadvertently-entered characters that form a recognized text unit
may not generally be recognized and modified with a spell checking
program.
[0064] As an alternative to the conventional methods by which the
individual may replace the text unit 62 by using the text unit
replacement system of the present invention. The text unit system
of the present invention includes the text unit editing sensor 50
and supporting input elements that assist in the selection of a
text unit to be replaced, the confirmation of a text unit to be
replaced, the presentation of alternative choices of replacement
text unit candidates for selection, the selection and/or
confirmation of a replacement text unit, and the exiting of the
text unit replacement mode. These supporting input elements can
take various types of input elements and may include keys presently
used on the keyboard of other uses, such as arrow keys 43u, 43d,
43r, and/or 43l, and/or may include new or specifically dedicated
input elements such as keys 51, 52, and 53 as shown in FIGS. 3-5,
key 51 and toggle 55 as shown in FIG. 11, or toggle 56 as shown in
FIG. 12.
[0065] Specifically, to utilize the text unit replacement system, a
text unit, e.g., a word or character, to be replaced is selected.
This is performed by making contact with the sensor 50. By
contacting the sensor 50, the normal data entry and editing routine
within the word processing program is interrupted, and the text
unit replacement mode is entered.
[0066] The location contacted on the sensor 50 relative to the
side-to-side length of the sensor 50 will correspond to the
location of the text unit that is intended to be replaced. More
specifically, the user will attempt to contact sensor 50 at a
position corresponding to the location of the text unit to be
corrected relative to the width of the line of text. For example,
the text unit "quixk" in FIG. 7 is approximately one-quarter of the
distance from a left side of the character processing area 34d to a
right side of the character processing area 34d. Accordingly, to
select the word "quixk" to be replaced, the user may contact an
area on the sensor 50 that is approximately one-quarter of the
distance from the left side of the sensor 50 to the right side of
the sensor 50, which corresponds with a zone 54 that is depicted in
FIG. 5. Alternatively, the sensor 50 is mapped to correspond to the
location of the text unit to be corrected relative to the width of
the specific line of text, i.e., from the beginning of the line to
the end of the line.
[0067] Upon contacting the sensor 50, the initially selected text
unit may be graphically accentuated by highlighting or otherwise
graphically differentiating the selected text unit from the other
text units on the line. The action of making contact with the zone
54 will highlight one or more text units that are approximately
one-quarter of the distance from a left side of the character
processing area 34d to a right side of the character processing
area 34d, as depicted in FIG. 8.
[0068] If the initially selected text unit to be replaced is not
the desired text unit to be replaced, the user can modify the
selection. In an exemplary embodiment, such is performed by the
user moving the pointer, e.g., the user's finger, to the left or
the right on the sensor, and alternative text unit can be
designated to be replaced corresponding to the final contact
location on sensor 50. The line containing the text unit to be
selected for replacement is designated for default to be the line
where the cursor 61 is located. If desired, keys, not shown, may be
provided for input to move the line of text to be replaced up or
down.
[0069] Accordingly, a proportional system is utilized to determine
the specific text unit that is selected. As discussed above, the
text unit 62 was approximately one-quarter of the distance from a
left side of the character processing area 34d to a right side of
the character processing area 34d, and the individual contacted an
area on the sensor 50 that is approximately one-quarter of the
distance from a left side of the sensor 50 to a right side of the
sensor 50, which corresponds with a zone 54. Accordingly, the
specific text unit that is selected through contact with the sensor
50 may be selected based upon a proportionality between the
position of the text unit and the position of contact with the
sensor 50. The software application that controls the use of the
sensor 50 may also be configured to only select a single text unit,
i.e., either a single character or a single word. Accordingly,
making contact with the sensor 50 may be utilized to select a
single character located on the line of the cursor 61.
[0070] Confirmation of the text unit to be replaced is then
performed. In a first embodiment, such confirmation is performed by
the actuation of an input element separate from sensor 50. For
example, such confirmation can be performed by pressing up arrow or
down arrow 43u or 43l (FIG. 4 and/or 10), or by pressing key 51
(FIG. 5 and/or 10), or by pressing the upper directional portion
57c of toggle 56 (FIG. 12). In alternative embodiments,
confirmation may be performed by actuation of the sensor 50 in a
predetermined manner such as maintaining contact on the desired
location of the sensor 50 for a predetermined period of time or by
a subsequent "tap" of the sensor 50 at the same location.
Algorithms for controlling the interface regarding sensor 50 to
determine when a touch is proper or inadvertent, when a
predetermined contact has been met, or when a subsequent tap or
double tap has occurred are known in the art and any suitable
algorithm may be used.
[0071] Upon confirmation of a text unit to be replaced, alternative
choices of replacement text unit candidates for selection are
graphically presented. Preferably, and as shown in FIG. 8, the
potential text unit candidates for selection are presented in a
horizontally orientation facilitating the use of the sensor 50 for
selection of a replacement text unit. For example, as shown in FIG.
8, a list 63 that includes potential replacement text units, such
as "quick", "quirk", "quark", and "quack" is presented in a
horizontal orientation immediately below the line of text
containing the text unit to be replaced. The replacement candidates
can be provided based on a spelling mode wherein alternative word
options can be presented based on words having a similar spelling
to the word to be replaced, and any desired spelling replacement
technique can be used. Alternatively and/or in addition, the
replacement candidates can be provided based on a thesaurus mode
wherein alternative word options can be presented based on words
having a similar meaning to the word to be replaced, and any
desired thesaurus replacement technique can be used.
[0072] In the event that the user is not satisfied with the
replacement candidates offered in the current horizontally oriented
graphical display region, he or she may modify the list of
candidate replacement text units with the input of additional keys.
By pressing a predetermined input element, such as arrow keys 43l
and 43r (FIG. 4), keys 52 and 53 (FIGS. 3-5), left and right
regions 55l and 55r of toggle 55 (FIG. 11), or left and right
regions 57l and 57r of toggle 57 (FIG. 12) and new set of
replacement candidate text units is presented. Contacting the left
and right keys/regions of these elements will toggle multiple sets
of replacement candidate text units until the user locates a
desired text unit replacement candidate.
[0073] To select the desired text unit for replacement, the user
identifies the desired text unit for replacement (i.e., "quick")
from the list 63 of potential replacement text units (i.e.,
"quick", "quirk", "quark", and "quack"). The location contacted on
the sensor 50 relative to the side-to-side length of the sensor 50
will correspond to the location of the replacement text unit
candidate that is intended to be used to replace the previously
selected text unit. More specifically, the user will attempt to
contact sensor 50 at a position corresponding to the location of
the text unit to be corrected relative to the width of the
graphical display of potential text unit replacement candidates.
For example, the candidate text unit "quick" in FIG. 8 covers
approximately the first quarter of the distance from a left side of
the candidate text unit replacement graphic to the right side of
the candidate text unit replacement graphic. Accordingly, to select
the word "quick" to replace "quixk", the user may contact an area
on the sensor 50 that is within the zone spanning approximately 0%
to 25% of the distance from the left side of the sensor 50 to the
right side of the sensor 50. Upon contacting the sensor 50 in this
region, the initially selected replacement text unit candidate may
be graphically accentuated by highlighting or otherwise graphically
differentiating the selected text unit candidate from the other
displayed text unit candidates within the set.
[0074] If the initially selected text unit candidate to be replaced
is not the desired replacement text unit candidate, the user can
modify the selection. In an exemplary embodiment, such is performed
by the user moving the pointer, e.g., the user's finger, to the
left or the right on the sensor, and an alternative replacement
text unit candidate (e.g., "quirk") can be designated corresponding
to the final contact location on sensor 50.
[0075] Confirmation of the replacement text unit candidate to be
used is then performed. In a first embodiment, such confirmation is
performed by the actuation of an input element separate from sensor
50. For example, such confirmation can be performed by pressing up
arrow or down arrow 43u or 43l (FIG. 4 and/or 10), or by pressing
key 51 (FIG. 5 and/or 10), or by pressing the upper directional
portion 57c of toggle 56 (FIG. 12). In alternative embodiments,
confirmation may be performed by actuation of the sensor 50 in a
predetermined manner such as maintaining contact on the desired
location of the sensor 50 for a predetermined period of time or by
a subsequent "tap" of the sensor 50 at the same location. Upon
confirmation of the desired replacement text unit to be used, the
selected text unit to be replaced (e.g., "quixk") is replaced with
the selected replacement text unit candidate (e.g., "quick") both
at the data level and graphically, and the result of such is shown
in FIG. 9. Upon such confirmation, the text unit replacement mode
is exited and the user is then returned to the typical data entry
and editing mode as is normally used in the word processing
program. Upon this return, the cursor 61 is located at its previous
location (e.g., at the end of the string of characters). In this
location, the individual may merely continue entering characters
when the editing process is complete. An advantage of this feature
is that the editing process requires a relatively small degree of
distraction when compared with conventional editing processes.
[0076] Additionally, one of the supporting keys or an alternative
key such as an escape (ESC) key may be used to exit the text unit
replacement mode and return to the typical data entry and editing
mode prior to the replacement of the text unit if desired.
[0077] Based upon the above discussion, the sensor 50 may be
utilized to conveniently modify incorrectly-entered characters or
text units. The alphanumeric region 45 is generally the most
frequently utilized portion of the input device 40, and the hands
of the individual are often positioned over the alphanumeric region
45 when utilizing the input device 40. By placing the sensor 50
adjacent to the alphanumeric region 45, the sensor 50 is highly
accessible to the individual. Accordingly, the individual may
utilize the sensor 50 without having to significantly adjust hand
position with respect to the input device 40. For example, at least
one hand is generally moved away from the input device 40 to
utilize a pointing device to select and modify the text unit 62.
Moving a hand away from the input device 40 generally requires that
the concentration of the individual change from the input device 40
to the pointing device, thereby interrupting thought processes that
are centered around the input device 40. The sensor 50, however, is
incorporated into the input device 40 and the use of sensor 50 may
be accomplished with less disruption. Furthermore, the use of
sensor 50 may be a more expedient manner of modifying the text unit
62 than methods involving the pointing device.
[0078] Input device 40 and the sensor 50 may also have application
in the context of phonics-based Asian language input. Additionally,
the text unit editing system may be used to replace characters as
an alternative to replacing words. Referring to FIGS. 13-18, an
example of another graphical user interface that may be displayed
on the display screen 31 as at least a portion of the image 32 is
depicted. For purposes of example, the graphical user interface is
depicted as a software application for phonics-based Asian language
input. More particularly, the graphical user interface is depicted
as a software application for phonics-based Chinese language input
that is displayed within a window 33' having a border 34a', a
taskbar 34b', a toolbar 34c', and a character processing area 34d'.
The border 34a' defines the boundaries of the window 33' and may be
adjustable in size to suit the preferences of the individual. The
taskbar 34b' is horizontally-oriented and positioned adjacent to an
upper portion of the border 34a' to provide a plurality of menus
that permit the individual to perform various tasks related to the
specific data file represented within the window 33'. Furthermore,
the toolbar 34c' is positioned directly below the taskbar 34b' and
provides a series of buttons that also permit the individual to
perform various tasks related to the specific data file represented
within the window 34'.
[0079] The character processing area 34d' provides a space for the
individual to enter various characters. More particularly, the
character processing area 34d' is a defined area where input from
input device 40 is visually rendered. When the window 33' is
initially rendered on display screen 31, the character processing
area 34d' may be substantially blank, with the exception of the
cursor 61, as depicted in FIG. 13, which shows the individual the
position where characters will appear when the characters are input
with the input device 40.
[0080] In order to enter Chinese characters with phonics-based
Asian language input, the individual enters Roman characters and
combinations of Roman characters that phonetically represent the
intended Chinese character. Accordingly, Roman characters and
combinations of Roman characters are entered and are converted to
form Chinese characters. More specifically, the software
application then processes the Roman characters and converts the
Roman characters to a corresponding Chinese character that is
phonetically-similar. Accordingly, the individual may enter various
Roman characters to display Chinese characters 64, as depicted in
FIG. 14. In order to display additional Chinese characters, the
individual enters phonetically-similar Roman characters 65, as
depicted in FIG. 15. As Roman characters 65 are entered, the
software application provides a list 66a having a plurality of
potential Chinese characters 66b that may be selected to replace
the Roman characters 65. If the individual does not affirmatively
select one of potential Chinese characters 66b, the most probable
candidate is automatically selected by the software application, as
depicted in FIG. 16. Accordingly, the software application displays
additional Chinese characters 64 following entry of the Roman
characters 65.
[0081] Upon inspection of the Chinese characters 64, the individual
may determine that an incorrect or undesired Chinese character 67,
as depicted in FIG. 16, was utilized. The user may then contact the
sensor 50 to enter the text unit replacement mode as described
above. As the contacted location of the sensor 50 corresponds to
the location of the intended character to be replaced on its line
of text, the user will attempt to contact the sensor 50
appropriately. For example, if the character to be replaced is half
way form the beginning of the line to the end of the line of text,
the user will want to contact the sensor in the center (i.e.,
midway from the left of the sensor 50 to the right of the sensor).
The position on the sensor 50 will designate the character that the
user will want to replace and such will be graphically accentuated.
If the character initially selected for replacement is not the
intended character to be replaced, the user can modify his or her
selection as described above, e.g., by moving the pointer along the
sensor 50 to the proper location. Once the desired character to be
selected has been made, the user can confirm the selection as
described above, i.e., by using specific keys 43l, 51, or 57c, or
by contacting the sensor again in the same location.
[0082] Once the character to be replaced has been confirmed, a list
68a of potential replacement Chinese characters 64 is graphically
provided horizontally and below the line of the selected character
67 to be replaced. The list 68a includes a set of candidate Chinese
characters 68b for replacement. The depicted list 68a includes nine
alternate Chinese characters 68b. In many circumstances, the total
number of alternate Chinese characters 68b may significantly exceed
nine. In order to display the additional alternate Chinese
characters 68b, the user may toggle through additional sets of
candidates as described above, e.g., by actuating arrow keys 43l
and 43r (FIG. 4), keys 52 and 53 (FIGS. 3-5), left and right
regions 55l and 55r of toggle 55 (FIG. 11), or left and right
regions 57l and 57r of toggle 57 (FIG. 12)
[0083] To select one of the alternate Chinese characters 68b, the
user contacts an area of the sensor 50 that correspond to a mapped
region of the set of displayed candidates. If the initially
selected character candidate to be replaced is not the desired
replacement character candidate, the user can modify the selection.
Such may be performed by the user moving the pointer, e.g., the
user's finger, to the left or the right on the sensor. Confirmation
of the replacement text unit candidate to be used is then
performed. Such confirmation may be performed as described above,
e.g., by actuating up arrow or down arrow 43u or 43l (FIG. 4 and/or
10), or key 51 (FIG. 5 and/or 10), or the upper directional portion
57c of toggle 56 (FIG. 12). Alternatively, confirmation may be
performed by actuation of the sensor 50 in a predetermined manner
such as maintaining contact on the desired location of the sensor
50 for a predetermined period of time or by a subsequent "tap" of
the sensor 50 at the same location.
[0084] Upon confirmation of the desired replacement character 68b
to be used, the selected character 67 to be replaced is replaced
with the selected replacement character candidate 68b both at the
data level and graphically, and the result of such is shown in FIG.
18. Upon such confirmation, the text unit replacement mode is
exited and the user is then returned to the typical data entry and
editing mode as is normally used in the word processing program.
Upon this return, the cursor 61 is located at its previous location
(e.g., at the end of the string of characters). In this location,
the individual may merely continue entering characters when the
editing process is complete. An advantage of this feature is that
the editing process requires a relatively small degree of
distraction when compared with conventional editing processes.
[0085] Alternatively, in either the word-based or the
character-based text unit replacement system, the cursor 61 may be
moved to (or immediately adjacent to) the text unit to aid in
graphically providing visual feedback of the text unit currently
selected to be replaced. However, upon confirmation of the text
unit candidate for replacement, or upon a premature exiting from
the text unit replacement mode, the cursor 61 is returned back to
its prior position immediately before entering the text unit
replacement mode which is normally at end of the characters to
prepare for the entry of additional Roman characters, as depicted
in FIG. 18.
[0086] As discussed in the Background of the Invention section, the
error rate for an average individual utilizing a QWERTY keyboard
for phonics-based Asian language input is approximately 20%.
Accordingly, the individual may be required to edit one in five of
the Chinese characters that are displayed. The sensor 50 provides a
convenient and readily-accessible device for efficiently selecting
an incorrect Chinese character and modifying the incorrect Chinese
character to the intended character.
[0087] The above discussions regarding the editing of characters
and text units provided situations where the incorrectly-entered
text unit is on the same line as the cursor 61. When the individual
contacts the sensor 50, text units located on the same line are
selected. Utilizing the sensor 50 to edit text units within a
single line is one possible use for the sensor 50. In further
embodiments of the invention, the sensor 50 may be utilized to
select text units that are within a single sentence, even if the
sentence is displayed on multiple lines. The sensor 50 may also be
utilized to select text units within a single paragraph or within a
single document for example. Accordingly, the sensor 50 may be
utilized to edit characters and text units regardless of location
on the display screen 31.
[0088] When the individual makes contact with the sensor 50, the
relative position of the contact with respect to the length of the
sensor 50 determines the character or text unit that is selected
for editing. To assist the individual with determining the relative
position of the finger on the sensor 50, various queues may be
added to the input device 40. For example, the housing 41 may have
markings corresponding with the various zones printed thereon. In
addition, tactile queues, such as shallow protrusions, may be
embossed or otherwise placed upon the surface of the sensor 50. As
the finger contacts the tactile queues, the individual will gain
feedback concerning the position of the finger with respect to the
sensor 50.
[0089] Referring to FIG. 19, a flow diagram illustrating the basic
process for editing text units is disclosed. Initially, the
operating environment 10 is utilized in a normal mode to enter
various characters and form text units as is typically done in a
word processing software application (step 80). Accordingly, the
individual may depress combinations of the keys 43 to display text
units on the display screen 31, for example. While operating in the
normal mode, the sensor 50 repeatedly detects whether a pointer
such as a finger of the user makes contact with the sensor 50 (step
81). If the individual does not make contact with the sensor 50,
then the individual continues to operate in the normal mode. If,
however, the individual does make contact with the sensor 50, then
the operating environment 10 enters the text unit replacement mode
(step 82). In the text unit replacement mode, a text unit is
selected and accentuated based upon the position of contact with
the sensor 50 (step 83). If the position of sensor contact is
modified (e.g., if the individual slides the finger relative to the
sensor 50), then a different text unit is accentuated based upon
the new position of contact with the sensor 50 (step 84). If,
however, the position of sensor contact is not modified, as is
determined by a confirmation of the selected text unit to be
replaced, then various candidates for replacing the accentuated
text unit are listed and displayed (step 85). The various listed
candidates for replacing the accentuated text unit may reflect the
most common replacement candidates. If the desired text unit does
not appear within the candidate list, then the candidate list may
be revised to list additional candidates (step 86). If, however,
the candidate list need not be revised, the individual may select a
candidate based upon a position at which contact is made with the
sensor 50 (step 87). If the position of sensor contact is modified
(e.g., if the individual slides the finger relative to the sensor
50), then a different candidate is selected based upon the new
position of contact with the sensor 50 (step 88). If, however, the
position of sensor contact is not modified, as is determined by a
confirmation of the selected text unit to be replaced, then the
text unit is then replaced with the selected text unit candidate
(step 89). The application software is then returned to the normal
mode (step 90).
[0090] The text-based editing system discussed above permits the
individual to edit text while drafting a document or otherwise
entering text. Accordingly, the individual may proofread the
document while drafting, and make corrections before proceeding to
create other portions of the document. The text-based editing
system may also be utilized for a plurality of other applications.
For example, documents that are scanned with a scanning device are
often converted into text documents. Although scan conversion
programs are relatively accurate, the conversions may introduce
unintended or incorrect text units that must be edited. The
text-based editing system discussed above may be utilized,
therefore, to edit scanned documents. Furthermore, the text-based
editing system may be utilized to edit documents created with
voice-recognition software or documents that are translated. With
regard to translation, the translation software may select a text
unit that is a synonym of the intended text unit, but not the most
proper text unit for the context. Accordingly, the text-based
editing system may be utilized to replace text units with
synonyms.
[0091] In the above material, the sensor 50 is described as having
an elongate configuration and being laterally-oriented with respect
to the input device 40. In one aspect of the invention, the sensor
50 may have a linear configuration. In a further aspect of the
invention, however, the sensor 50 may be curved or may otherwise
have a non-linear configuration, yet remain elongate and
laterally-oriented. Referring to FIG. 20 a sensor 50' is depicted.
The sensor 50' has a generally curved configuration with a first
end 51' and a second end 52'. By making contact with the sensor 50'
adjacent to the first end 51', text units generally positioned on
the left side of the display screen 31 may be selected. Similarly,
by making contact with the sensor 50' adjacent to the second end
52', text units generally positioned on the right side of the
display screen 31 may be selected. Furthermore, by making contact
with the sensor 50' in a central area 53', text units generally
positioned in a central area of the display screen 31 may be
selected. Accordingly, the various sensor configurations within the
scope of the present invention may exhibit a non-linear
configuration.
[0092] The present invention is disclosed above and in the
accompanying drawings with reference to a variety of embodiments.
The purpose served by the disclosure, however, is to provide an
example of the various features and concepts related to the
invention, not to limit the scope of the invention. One skilled in
the relevant art will recognize that numerous variations and
modifications may be made to the embodiments described above
without departing from the scope of the present invention, as
defined by the appended claims.
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