U.S. patent application number 12/966937 was filed with the patent office on 2011-12-22 for method and device for audibly instructing a user to interact with a function.
This patent application is currently assigned to LEAPFROG ENTERPRISES, INC.. Invention is credited to James Marggraff.
Application Number | 20110313771 12/966937 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36840284 |
Filed Date | 2011-12-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110313771 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Marggraff; James |
December 22, 2011 |
METHOD AND DEVICE FOR AUDIBLY INSTRUCTING A USER TO INTERACT WITH A
FUNCTION
Abstract
A method for audibly instructing a user to interact with a
function. A function is associated with a user-written selectable
item. The user-written selectable item is recognized on a surface.
In response to recognizing the user-written selectable item, a
first instructional message related to the operation of the
function is audibly rendered without requiring further interaction
from the user.
Inventors: |
Marggraff; James;
(Lafayette, CA) |
Assignee: |
LEAPFROG ENTERPRISES, INC.
Emeryville
CA
|
Family ID: |
36840284 |
Appl. No.: |
12/966937 |
Filed: |
December 13, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11264955 |
Nov 1, 2005 |
7853193 |
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12966937 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
704/258 ;
704/E13.002 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 3/0321 20130101;
G06F 3/0481 20130101; G06K 9/00422 20130101; G06F 3/03545 20130101;
G06F 3/04817 20130101; G06K 2009/226 20130101; G06K 9/222
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
704/258 ;
704/E13.002 |
International
Class: |
G10L 13/00 20060101
G10L013/00 |
Claims
1. A method for audibly instructing a user to interact with a
function, said method comprising: associating a function with a
user-written selectable item; recognizing said user-written
selectable item on a surface; and in response to said recognizing
said user-written selectable item, audibly rendering a first
instructional message related to the operation of said function
without requiring further interaction from said user.
2. The method as recited in claim 1 wherein said first
instructional message directs said user to draw at least one user
interface element that enables said user to interface with said
function.
3. The method as recited in claim 2 further comprising: determining
whether a writing has been drawn on said surface within a
predetermined time period since said audibly rendering said first
instructional message; and provided no writing has been drawn on
said surface within said predetermined time period, repeating said
first instructional message.
4. The method as recited in claim 2 further comprising: determining
whether said user interface element has been properly drawn on said
surface; and provided said user interface element has not been
properly drawn on said surface, audibly rendering a second
instructional message comprising a hint about a manner in which
said user should properly draw said user interface element.
5. The method as recited in claim 4 further comprising, provided
said user interface element has been properly drawn, audibly
rendering a third instructional message.
6. The method as recited in claim 4 further comprising, provided
said user interface element has been properly drawn, executing said
function.
7. The method as recited in claim 1 further comprising, in response
to a user interaction with said user-written selectable item,
repeating said first instructional message.
8. The method as recited in claim 1 further comprising executing
said function prior to audibly rendering said first instructional
message.
9. The method as recited in claim 1 wherein said recognizing said
user-written selectable item is performed in response to detecting
a termination event indicating that said user-written selectable
item is complete.
10. The method as recited in claim 1 wherein said recognizing said
user-written selectable item comprises: optically recording
positions of the tip of a pen computer; and performing image
recognition of said positions to recognize said user-written
selectable item.
11. The method as recited in claim 1 wherein said audibly rendering
said first instructional message is performed by an audio output
device of a pen computer.
12. A method for automatically executing a function, said method
comprising: associating a function with a user-written selectable
item; recognizing said user-written selectable item on a surface;
and in response to said recognizing said user-written selectable
item, immediately executing said function without first requiring
further interaction between a user and said surface.
13. The method as recited in claim 12 further comprising audibly
rendering an instructional message related to the operation of said
function without first requiring further interaction between said
user and said surface.
14. The method as recited in claim 13 wherein said audibly
rendering said instructional message is performed in response to
the lapsing of a predetermined time period without user interaction
with said surface.
15. The method as recited in claim 12 further comprising, in
response to a user interaction with said user-written selectable
item, re-executing said function.
16. The method as recited in claim 12 wherein said recognizing said
user-written selectable item is performed in response to detecting
a termination event indicating that said user-written selectable
item is complete.
17. The method as recited in claim 12 wherein said immediately
executing said function without first requiring further interaction
between a user and said surface comprises immediately executing
said function without first requiring auxiliary writing by said
user on said surface.
18. A computer-usable medium having computer-readable program code
embodied therein for causing a computer system to perform a method
for audibly instructing a user to interact with a function, said
method comprising: associating a function with a user-written
selectable item; recognizing said user-written selectable item on a
surface; and in response to said recognizing said user-written
selectable item, audibly rendering a first instructional message
related to the operation of said function without requiring further
interaction from said user.
19. The computer-usable medium as recited in claim 18 wherein said
first instructional message directs said user to draw at least one
user interface element that enables said user to interface with
said function.
20. The computer-usable medium as recited in claim 19, wherein said
method further comprises: determining whether a writing has been
drawn on said surface within a predetermined time period since said
audibly rendering said first instructional message; and provided no
writing has been drawn on said surface within said predetermined
time period, repeating said first instructional message.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This Application is a Continuation Application of
co-pending, commonly-owned U.S. patent application Ser. No.
11/264,955, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,853,192, filed Nov. 1, 2005, to
James Marggraff, entitled "A METHOD AND DEVICE FOR AUDIBLY
INSTRUCTING A USER TO INTERACT WITH A FUNCTION," which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
[0002] In turn, U.S. Pat. No. 7,853,192 was a Continuation-in-Part
of the co-pending, commonly-owned U.S. Patent Application, Attorney
Docket No. 020824-004610US, application Ser. No. 10/803,806, filed
Mar. 17, 2004, by James Marggraff et al., entitled "SCANNING
APPARATUS," and hereby incorporated by reference herein in its
entirety.
[0003] In turn, U.S. Pat. No. 7,853,192 was a Continuation-in-Part
of the co-pending, commonly-owned U.S. Patent Application, Attorney
Docket No. 020824-009500US, application Ser. No. 10/861,243, filed
Jun. 3, 2004, by James Marggraff et al., entitled "USER CREATED
INTERACTIVE INTERFACE," and hereby incorporated by reference herein
in its entirety.
[0004] In turn, U.S. Pat. No. 7,853,192 was a Continuation-in-Part
of the co-pending, commonly-owned U.S. Patent Application, Attorney
Docket No. LEAP-P0313, application Ser. No. 11/034,491 filed Jan.
12, 2005, by James Marggraff. et al., entitled "A METHOD AND SYSTEM
FOR IMPLEMENTING A USER INTERFACE FOR A DEVICE EMPLOYING WRITTEN
GRAPHICAL ELEMENTS," and hereby incorporated by reference herein in
its entirety.
[0005] This application is related to co-pending, commonly-owned
U.S. Patent Application, Attorney Docket No. LEAP-P0316,
application Ser. No. 11/035,155 filed Jan. 12, 2005, by James
Marggraff et al., entitled "A METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IMPLEMENTING A
USER INTERFACE FOR A DEVICE THROUGH RECOGNIZED TEXT AND BOUNDED
AREAS," and hereby incorporated by reference herein in its
entirety.
[0006] This application is related to co-pending, commonly-owned
U.S. Patent Application, Attorney Docket No. LEAP-P0320,
application Ser. No. 11/035,003 filed Jan. 12, 2005, by James
Marggraff et al., entitled "TERMINATION EVENTS," and hereby
incorporated herein in its entirety.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0007] Embodiments of the present invention relate to the field of
interactive devices. More specifically, embodiments of the present
invention relate to a pen-based interactive device.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0008] Devices such as optical readers or optical pens
conventionally emit light that reflects off a surface to a detector
or imager. As the device is moved relative to the surface (or vice
versa), successive images are rapidly captured. By analyzing the
images, movement of the optical device relative to the surface can
be tracked.
[0009] One type of optical pen is used with a sheet of paper on
which very small dots are printed. The dots are printed on the page
in a pattern with a nominal spacing of about 0.3 millimeters (0.01
inches). The pattern of dots within any region on the page is
unique to that region. The optical pen essentially takes a snapshot
of the surface, perhaps 100 times a second or more. By interpreting
the dot positions captured in each snapshot, the optical pen can
precisely determine its position relative to the page.
[0010] Applications that utilize information about the position of
an optical pen relative to a surface have been or are being
devised. An optical pen with Bluetooth or other wireless capability
can be linked to other devices and used for sending electronic mail
(e-mail) or faxes.
[0011] The increasing power of embedded computer systems and the
complexity of the functions they are able to implement have created
a need for a more intuitive and user-friendly manner of accessing
such power. A typical prior art optical pen will implement its
intended functionality by the user operating one or more
buttons/switches or controls of the optical pen to activate one or
more software programs, routines, embedded devices, or the like.
The pen may contain or be in communication with a computer system.
Upon actuation of such controls, the pen device performs its
intended function. Accessing the capabilities of increasingly
powerful optical pens through the limited number and configuration
of switches, buttons, etc. provided on the pen itself, or any
remotely coupled computer system device, is not a satisfactory
arrangement.
[0012] One prior art solution uses the optical pen to recognize a
user-defined command, and uses that command to invoke some function
of the pen (e.g., PCT publication WO/01/48590 A1). For example, a
user's writing can be recognized (e.g., in real-time) and
interpreted as a command for the optical pen. The drawback with
this solution involves the fact that interaction and control of the
functions of the pen requires real-time recognition of the user's
handwriting (e.g., as the user writes the command down on a sheet
of paper). This solution is not satisfactory due to the fact that
interaction with more complex functionality of an optical pen
requires the user to repeatedly write-down one or more commands to
access different choices, options, or functions provided by the
pen. While the solution might be satisfactory for exceedingly
simple, single step type applications (e.g., "turn off", "store",
etc.), the solution is overly cumbersome and limiting in those
cases where more complex, satisfying, rich functionality is
desired.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] Accordingly, a need exists for an interactive device that
provides an efficient user interface for interacting with functions
associated with user-written selectable items. A need also exists
for an interactive device that satisfies the above need and
provides audible instruction to a user that assists in enabling
interaction with the function. A need also exists for an
interactive device that satisfies the first need and provides
automatic execution of particular functions without first requiring
additional user interaction.
[0014] Various embodiments of the present invention, a method for
audibly instructing a user to interact with a function, are
described herein. A function is associated with a user-written
selectable item. The user-written selectable item is recognized on
a surface. In one embodiment the recognizing the user-written
selectable item is performed in response to detecting a termination
event indicating that the user-written selectable item is complete.
In one embodiment, recognizing the user-written selectable item
includes optically recording positions of the tip of a pen computer
and performing image recognition of the positions to recognize the
user-written selectable item.
[0015] In response to the recognizing the user-written selectable
item, a first instructional message related to the operation of the
function is audibly rendered without requiring further interaction
from the user. In one embodiment, the first instructional message
directs the user to draw at least one user interface element that
enables the user to interface with the function. In one embodiment,
the function is executed prior to audibly rendering the first
instructional message. In one embodiment, audibly rendering the
first instructional message is performed by an audio output device
of a pen computer.
[0016] In one embodiment, it is determined whether a writing has
been drawn on the surface within a predetermined time period since
the first instructional message was audibly rendered. Provided no
writing has been drawn on the surface within the predetermined time
period, the first instructional message is repeated.
[0017] In one embodiment, it is determined whether the user
interface element has been properly drawn on the surface. Provided
the user interface element has not been properly drawn on the
surface, a second instructional message comprising a hint about a
manner in which the user should properly draw the user interface
element is audibly rendered. In one embodiment, provided the user
interface element has been properly drawn, a third instructional
message is audibly rendered. In another embodiment, provided the
user interface element has been properly drawn, the function is
executed. In one embodiment, in response to a user interaction with
the user-written selectable item, the first instructional message
is repeated.
[0018] In another embodiment, the present invention provides an
interactive device including a bus, a processor, a memory unit, an
audio output device, a writing element, and an optical detector
that is operable to implement the described method for audibly
instructing a user to interact with a function. In another
embodiment, the present invention provides a computer-usable medium
having computer-readable program code embodied therein for causing
a computer system to perform the described method for audibly
instructing a user to interact with a function.
[0019] In other various embodiments described herein, the present
invention provides a method for automatically executing a function.
A function is associated with a user-written selectable item. The
user-written selectable item is recognized on a surface. In one
embodiment the recognizing the user-written selectable item is
performed in response to detecting a termination event indicating
that the user-written selectable item is complete.
[0020] In response to the recognizing the user-written selectable
item, the function is immediately executed without first requiring
further interaction between a user and the surface. In one
embodiment, the function is immediately executed without first
requiring auxiliary writing by the user on the surface.
[0021] In one embodiment, an instructional message related to the
operation of the function is audibly rendered without first
requiring further interaction between the user and the surface. In
one embodiment, the instructional message is audibly rendered in
response to the lapsing of a predetermined time period without user
interaction with the surface. In one embodiment, in response to a
user interaction with the user-written selectable item, the
function is re-executed.
[0022] In another embodiment, the present invention provides an
interactive device including a bus, a processor, a memory unit, an
audio output device, a writing element, and an optical detector
that is operable to implement the described method for
automatically executing a function. In another embodiment, the
present invention provides a computer-usable medium having
computer-readable program code embodied therein for causing a
computer system to perform the described method for automatically
executing a function.
[0023] In the various embodiments, the user-written selectable item
includes one of: a symbol representation of an application program
executable by the processor, a menu item of an application program
executable by the processor, a navigation item, a data, an
application option selector, or another selectable item.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the
invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the
principles of the invention:
[0025] FIG. 1 illustrates an interactive device in accordance with
an embodiment of the present invention.
[0026] FIGS. 2A through 2D illustrate exemplary user-written
selectable items on a sheet of paper, in accordance with
embodiments of the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 3 shows an exemplary sheet of paper provided with a
pattern of marks according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0028] FIG. 4 shows an enlargement of a pattern of marks on an
exemplary sheet of paper according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0029] FIG. 5 shows a flowchart of the steps of a process for
facilitating interaction with user-written selectable items on a
surface in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0030] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of another device upon which
embodiments of the present invention can be implemented.
[0031] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of another device upon which
embodiments of the present invention can be implemented.
[0032] FIGS. 8A and 8B show a flowchart of a process for audibly
instructing a user to interact with a function in accordance with
one embodiment of the present invention.
[0033] FIG. 9 shows a flowchart of a process for automatically
executing a function in accordance with one embodiment of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0034] Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments
of the invention, an interactive device that allows a user to
create and interact with selectable items written on a surface,
examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
While the invention will be described in conjunction with these
embodiments, it is understood that they are not intended to limit
the invention to these embodiments. On the contrary, the invention
is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents,
which may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention
as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, in the following
detailed description of the invention, numerous specific details
are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the
invention. However, it will be recognized by one of ordinary skill
in the art that the invention may be practiced without these
specific details. In other instances, well known methods,
procedures, components, and circuits have not been described in
detail as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the
invention.
[0035] Some portions of the detailed descriptions, which follow,
are presented in terms of procedures, steps, logic blocks,
processing, and other symbolic representations of operations on
data bits that can be performed on computer memory. These
descriptions and representations are the means used by those
skilled in the data processing arts to most effectively convey the
substance of their work to others skilled in the art. A procedure,
computer executed step, logic block, process, etc., is here, and
generally, conceived to be a self-consistent sequence of steps or
instructions leading to a desired result. The steps are those
requiring physical manipulations of physical quantities. Usually,
though not necessarily, these quantities take the form of
electrical or magnetic signals capable of being stored,
transferred, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated in a
computer system. It has proven convenient at times, principally for
reasons of common usage, to refer to these signals as bits, values,
elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, or the like.
[0036] It should be borne in mind, however, that all of these and
similar terms are to be associated with the appropriate physical
quantities and are merely convenient labels applied to these
quantities. Unless specifically stated otherwise as apparent from
the following discussions, it is appreciated that throughout the
present invention, discussions utilizing terms such as
"associating" or "recognizing" or "rendering" or "requiring" or
"determining" or "repeating" or "executing" or "detecting" or
"directing" or the like, refer to the action and processes of an
electronic system (e.g., interactive device 100 of FIG. 1), or
similar electronic computing device, that manipulates and
transforms data represented as physical (electronic) quantities
within the electronic device's registers and memories into other
data similarly represented as physical quantities within the
electronic device memories or registers or other such information
storage, transmission or display devices.
Embodiments of the Invention
[0037] Various embodiments of the present invention, a method and
device for audibly instructing a user to interact with a function,
are described herein. In one embodiment, the described embodiments
are implemented within an interactive device that allows a user to
create and interact with selectable items written on a surface. The
present invention provides a user with an interface that replaces
an electronic display with any writable surface, such as a piece of
paper. The user may create user-written selectable items on the
surface that execute associated functions and/or represent
user-written data, e.g., words, characters, numbers, symbols, etc.
The user-written selectable items are persistent on the surface,
allowing a user to execute functions associated with different
selectable items throughout operation of the interactive device. In
one embodiment, in response to recognizing a particular
user-written selectable item as being associated with a particular
function, the interactive device audibly renders an instructional
message related to the operation of the function. In another
embodiment, in another embodiment, in response to recognizing a
particular user-written selectable item as being associated with a
particular function, the interactive device immediately executes
the function.
[0038] FIG. 1 illustrates an interactive device 100 in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention. Interactive device 100
includes processor 112, memory unit 114, audio output device 116,
writing element 118 and optical detector 120 within housing 130. In
one embodiment, processor 112, memory unit 114, audio output device
116 and optical detector 120 are communicatively coupled over bus
122.
[0039] In one embodiment, housing 130 is shaped in the form of a
stylus or a writing instrument (e.g., pen-like). A user may hold
interactive device 100 in a similar manner as a stylus is held.
Writing element 118 is located at one end of housing 130 such that
a user can place writing element 118 in contact with a writable
surface (not shown). Writing element 118 may include a pen, a
pencil, a marker, a crayon, or any other marking material. It
should be appreciated that writing element 118 may also include a
non-marking tip. During use, a user can hold interactive device 100
and use it in a similar manner as a writing instrument to write on
a surface, such as paper.
[0040] Writing element 118 may be used to create user-written
selectable items on the surface. A "user-written selectable item"
may include any marking created by the user. If a marking is made
on a surface (e.g., a sheet of paper), the user-written selectable
item may be a print element. User-written selectable item include,
but are not limited to symbols, indicia such as letters and/or
numbers, characters, words, shapes, lines, etc. They can be regular
or irregular in shape, and they are typically created using the
stylus.
[0041] Interactive device 100 allows users to create user-written
selectable items that represent different functions provided by
interactive device 100. In one embodiment, the user-written
selectable item includes a symbol representation of an application
program executable by processor 112 (e.g., a calculator application
or a dictionary application). In another embodiment, the
user-written selectable item may include a navigation item (e.g., a
menu), a menu item of an application program executable by said
processor, an application option selector, or an instance of data
(e.g., a word).
[0042] In some embodiments, the user-written selectable item can
include a letter or number with a line circumscribing the letter or
number. The line circumscribing the letter or number may be a
circle, oval, square, polygon, etc. Such user-written selectable
items appear to be like "buttons" that can be selected by the user,
instead of ordinary letters and numbers. By creating a user-written
selectable item of this kind, the user can visually distinguish
user-written selectable items such as functional icons from
ordinary letters and numbers. Also, by creating user-written
selectable items of this kind, interactive device 100 may also be
able to better distinguish functional or menu item type
user-written selectable items from non-functional or non-menu item
type user-written items. For instance, a user may create a
user-written selectable item that is the letter "M" which has a
circle around it to create an interactive "menu" icon. The
interactive device 100 may be programmed to recognize an
overlapping circle or square with the letter "M" in it as a
functional user-written selectable item as distinguished from the
letter "M" in a word. Computer code for recognizing such functional
user-written selectable items and distinguishing them from other
non-functional user-written items can reside in memory unit 114 in
interactive device 100.
[0043] In another embodiment, the described user-written selectable
items may include multiple characters, such as the letters "FT"
which have a circle around it to create an interactive musical
keyboard icon. In other embodiments, the described user-written
selectable items may include multiple functions. For example, the
letter "T" within a circle that represents a time function and the
letter "D" within a circle that represents a date function may both
be within a larger circle. This larger circle represents a
user-written selectable item whereby a user interacting with the
larger circle initiates execution of both the time function and the
date function.
[0044] FIGS. 2A through 2D illustrate exemplary user-written
selectable items on a sheet of paper, in accordance with
embodiments of the present invention. With reference to FIG. 2A,
user-written selectable element 206 is the letter "M" 202 with the
circle 204 around the letter "M" 202. User-written selectable item
206 is drawn on sheet 200 with a writing element of an interactive
device (e.g., writing element 118 of FIG. 1).
[0045] In one embodiment, user-written selectable item 206
represents a menu function of the interactive device. To indicate a
selection of a particular menu item, directory, or subdirectory, a
user may create another user-written selectable item or make a
gesture with the interactive device 100. For example, if the user
wants to proceed down a subdirectory of the menu, the user may then
draw a checkmark 210 on sheet 200 to indicate that a selection has
been made. After drawing the checkmark, the menu items associated
with user-written selectable item 206 may be audibly rendered by
audio output device 116, after each subsequent selection or
"down-touch" of the interactive device 100 onto the sheet 200 near
user-written selectable item 206. Interaction with the checkmark
210 then selects the last option that was audibly rendered. For
example, a "calculator" function could then be selected after the
user hears the word "calculator" recited to change the mode of
operation of the interactive device 100 to the calculator
function
[0046] FIG. 2B shows how a user can create a paper calculator on a
blank portion of sheet 200. In this example, after the user has
selected the "calculator" function as described above, interactive
device 100 audibly prompts the user to write down the numbers 0-9
and the operators +, -, .times., /, and =. For example, a user may
be prompted to create the user-written selectable items 220
including numbers and mathematical operators for operations such as
addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and equals. These
are hard drawn on the surface. Interactive device 100 recognizes
the positions of the created graphic elements and recognizes the
actual user-written selectable items created. A user can then
select at least two user-written selectable items to receive an
audio output related to the selection of those at least two graphic
elements. For example, the user may select sequence of graphic
elements "4" "+" "7" "=" to hear the interactive apparatus 100
recite the result "eleven."
[0047] The menu represented by user-written selectable item 206 and
the paper calculator represented by user-written selectable item
220 can be re-used at a later time, since interactive device 100
has stored the locations of the user-written selectable items in
memory unit 114. Also, an interaction of the pen with user-written
selectable item 220 will automatically invoke the calculator
function.
[0048] FIG. 2B also includes data 230. In the example shown in FIG.
2B, data 230 is the word "CAT". It should be appreciated that data
230 can be any information (e.g., alphanumeric symbol, image,
drawing, marking, etc.) that may be used by an application
operating on interactive device 100. When written, the text string,
CAT, is automatically recognized as the word cat. Its location on
the surface is also recorded. Interaction of interactive device 100
with this text string automatically recalls the identified word
CAT.
[0049] With reference to FIG. 2C, user-written selectable element
242 is the letter "T" with a circle drawn around the letter "T".
User-written selectable item 242 is drawn on sheet 200 with a
writing element of an interactive device (e.g., writing element 118
of FIG. 1). In one embodiment, user-written selectable item 242
represents a time function of the interactive device. Executing the
time function causes the interactive device to audibly render the
current time. In one embodiment, the interactive device may also
audibly render the current date.
[0050] In one embodiment, once user-written selectable element 242
has been drawn, the associated time function is immediately
executed without requiring further interaction between the user and
sheet 200. For example, the time function may be immediately
executed without requiring a user to draw any auxiliary writing
(e.g., a checkmark) on sheet 200 once user-written selectable
element 242 has been recognized. It should be appreciated that in
some embodiments, an auxiliary writing may be provided by a user to
provide the functionality described above in accordance with the
description of checkmark 210, but that it is not necessary. For
instance, it may be desirable to immediately execute a function
without requiring additional user interaction to optimize the user
experience.
[0051] Still with reference to FIG. 2C, user-written selectable
element 244 is the letter "C" with a circle drawn around the letter
"C". User-written selectable item 244 is drawn on sheet 200 with a
writing element of an interactive device (e.g., writing element 118
of FIG. 1). In one embodiment, user-written selectable item 244
represents the calculator function of the interactive device as
described in accordance with FIG. 2B (e.g., user-written selectable
items 220).
[0052] In one embodiment, once user-written selectable element 244
has been drawn, an instructional message related to the operation
of the calculator function is audibly rendered without requiring
further interaction between the user and sheet 200. For example,
once user-written selectable element 244 has been recognized, an
instructional message directing a user to draw a calculator, or a
portion thereof, is audibly rendered without requiring a user to
draw any auxiliary writing (e.g., a checkmark) on sheet 200. As
described above, it should be appreciated that in some embodiments,
an auxiliary writing may be provided by a user to provide the
functionality described above in accordance with the description of
checkmark 210, but it is not necessary. For instance, it may be
desirable to provide instruction to a user as to the use of a
function without requiring additional user interaction to optimize
the user experience.
[0053] With reference to FIG. 2D, user-written selectable element
254 is the letters "FT" with a circle drawn around the letters
"FT". User-written selectable item 254 is drawn on sheet 200 with a
writing element of an interactive device (e.g., writing element 118
of FIG. 1). In one embodiment, user-written selectable item 254
represents a musical keyboard function of the interactive
device.
[0054] In one embodiment, once user-written selectable element 254
has been drawn, an instructional message related to the operation
of the musical keyboard function is audibly rendered without
requiring further interaction between the user and sheet 200. For
example, once user-written selectable element 254 has been
recognized, an instructional message directing a user to draw a
keyboard 256, or a portion thereof, is audibly rendered without
requiring a user to draw any auxiliary writing (e.g., a checkmark)
on sheet 200.
[0055] Optical detector 120 is at one end of the stylus-shaped
interactive device 100. Optical detector 120 is operable to detect
information on the surface. For example, optical detector 120 may
comprise a charge coupled device. In one embodiment, interactive
device also comprises an optical emitter for illuminating a portion
of the surface that is detected by optical detector 120. The
information detected by optical detector 120 is transmitted to
processor 112.
[0056] Processor 112 may include any suitable electronics to
implement the functions of the interactive device 100. Processor
112 can recognize the user-written selectable items and can
identify the locations of those user-written selectable items so
that interactive device 100 can perform various operations. In
these embodiments, memory unit 114 may comprise computer code for
correlating any user-written selectable items produced by the user
with their locations on the surface.
[0057] Memory unit 114 comprises computer code for performing any
of the functions of the interactive device 100. In one embodiment,
wherein computer code stored in memory unit 114 and implemented on
processor 112 is responsive to a user selection of a user-written
selectable item and operable to execute a function associated with
the user-written selectable item in response to the selection. In
another embodiment, computer code stored in memory unit 114 and
implemented on processor 112 is operable to direct audio output
device 116 to audibly render a listing of potential user-written
selectable items, wherein processor 112 is operable to detect that
a user has written a plurality of user-written selectable items,
and wherein processor 112 responsive to a user selection of one or
more user-written selectable items of the plurality of user-written
selectable items is operable to execute a different function
associated with each of the selected user-written selectable
items.
[0058] In one embodiment, processor 112 is operable to
automatically identify a user-written selectable item in response
to a selection using symbol recognition or character recognition.
In another embodiment, processor 112 is operable to automatically
record a surface location of a user-written selectable item on the
surface when it is written. Processor 112 is operable to
automatically identify the user-written selectable item in response
to a user selection based on a detected surface location of the
user-written selectable item.
[0059] In one embodiment, the present invention provides an
operating system of interactive device 100. The operating system is
operable to detect a user-written selectable item on a surface,
associate the user-written selectable item with a function, and,
responsive to a user interaction with the user-written selectable
item, executing the associated function.
[0060] In other embodiments, memory unit 114 may comprise computer
code for recognizing printed characters, computer code for
recognizing a user's handwriting and interpreting the user's
handwriting (e.g., handwriting character recognition software),
computer code for correlating positions on an article with
respective print elements, code for converting text to speech
(e.g., a text to speech engine), computer code for reciting menu
items, computer code for performing translations of language
(English-to-foreign language dictionaries), etc. Software for
converting text to speech is commercially available from a number
of different vendors.
[0061] Memory unit 114 may also comprise code for audio and visual
outputs. For example, code for sound effects, code for saying
words, code for lesson plans and instruction, code for questions,
etc. may all be stored in memory unit 114. Code for audio outputs
such as these may be stored in a non-volatile memory (in a
permanent or semi-permanent manner so that the data is retained
even if the interactive apparatus is turned off), rather than on
the article itself. Computer code for these and other functions
described in the application can be included in memory unit 114,
and can be created using any suitable programming language
including C, C++, etc.
[0062] Memory unit 114 may be a removable memory unit such as a ROM
or flash memory cartridge. In other embodiments, memory unit 114
may comprise one or more memory units (e.g., RAM, ROM, EEPROM,
etc.). Memory unit 114 may comprise any suitable magnetic,
electronic, electromagnetic, optical or electro-optical data
storage device. For example, one or more semiconductor-based
devices can be in memory unit 114.
[0063] Audio output device 116 may include a speaker or an audio
jack (e.g., and earpiece or headphone jack) for coupling to an
earpiece or a headset. In one embodiment, audio output device 116
is operable to audibly render a list of potential user-written
selectable items. Audio output device 116 may also be operable to
audibly render information in response to a user selection of a
user-written selectable item.
[0064] It should be appreciated that interactive device 100 is also
operable to recognize and execute functions associated with
pre-printed selectable items on the surface. In one embodiment,
responsive to a user selection of a pre-printed selectable item on
the surface, processor 112 is operable to execute a function
associated with a pre-printed selectable item in response to a user
selecting the pre-printed selectable item. In one embodiment,
processor 112 is operable to automatically identify a pre-printed
selectable using symbol recognition. In another embodiment,
processor 112 is operable to automatically identify the pre-printed
selectable item based on a detected surface location of the
pre-printed selectable item. Moreover, in another embodiment,
processor 112 is operable identify an application program based on
a particular bounded region of the surface, such that different
bounded regions are associated with different application
programs.
[0065] In some embodiments, the surface can be a sheet of paper
with or without pre-printed selectable items. FIG. 3 shows a sheet
of paper 15 provided with a pattern of marks according to one
embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment of FIG. 3,
sheet of paper 15 is provided with a coding pattern in the form of
optically readable position code 17 that consists of a pattern of
marks 18. The marks 18 in FIG. 3 are greatly enlarged for the sake
of clarity. In actuality, the marks 18 may not be easily
discernible by the human visual system, and may appear as grayscale
on sheet of paper 15. In one embodiment, the marks 18 are embodied
as dots; however, the present invention is not so limited.
[0066] FIG. 4 shows an enlarged portion 19 of the position code 17
of FIG. 3. An interactive device such as interactive device 100
(FIG. 1) is positioned to record an image of a region of the
position code 17. In one embodiment, the optical device fits the
marks 18 to a reference system in the form of a raster with raster
lines 21 that intersect at raster points 22. Each of the marks 18
is associated with a raster point 22. For example, mark 23 is
associated with raster point 24. For the marks in an image/raster,
the displacement of a mark from the raster point associated with
the mark is determined. Using these displacements, the pattern in
the image/raster is compared to patterns in the reference system.
Each pattern in the reference system is associated with a
particular location on the surface 70. Thus, by matching the
pattern in the image/raster with a pattern in the reference system,
the position of the pattern on the surface 70, and hence the
position of the optical device relative to the surface 70, can be
determined.
[0067] In one embodiment, the pattern of marks on sheet 15 are
substantially invisible codes. The codes are "substantially
invisible" to the eye of the user and may correspond to the
absolute or relative locations of the selectable items on the page.
"Substantially invisible" also includes codes that are completely
or slightly invisible to the user's eye. For example, if dot codes
that are slightly invisible to the eye of a user are printed all
over a sheet of paper, the sheet may appear to have a light gray
shade when viewed at a normal viewing distance. In some cases,
after the user scans the codes with interactive device 100, audio
output device 116 in interactive device 100 produces unique audio
outputs (as opposed to indiscriminate audio outputs like beeping
sounds) corresponding to user-written selectable items that are
associated with the codes.
[0068] In one embodiment, the substantially invisible codes are
embodied by dot patterns. Technologies that read visible or
"subliminally" printed dot patterns exist and are commercially
available. These printed dot patterns are substantially invisible
to the eye of the user so that the codes that are present in the
dot patterns are undetectable by the user's eyes in normal use
(unlike normal bar codes). The dot patterns can be embodied by, for
example, specific combinations of small and large dots that can
represent ones and zeros as in a binary coding. The dot patterns
can be printed with ink that is different than the ink that is used
to print the print elements, so that interactive device 100 can
specifically read the dot patterns.
[0069] Anoto, a Swedish company, employs a technology that uses an
algorithm to generate a pattern the enables a very large unique
data space for non-conflicting use across a large set of documents.
Their pattern, if fully printed, would cover 70 trillion
8.5''.times.11'' pages with unique recognition of any 2 cm square
on any page. Paper containing the specific dot patterns is
commercially available from Anoto. The following patents and patent
applications are assigned to Anoto and describe this basic
technology and are all herein incorporated by reference in their
entirety for all purposes: U.S. Pat. No. 6,502,756, U.S.
application Ser. No. 10/179,966, filed on Jun. 26, 2002, WO
01/95559, WO 01/71473, WO 01/75723, WO 01/26032, WO 01/75780, WO
01/01670, WO 01/75773, WO 01/71475, WO 00/73983, and WO
01/16691.
[0070] In some embodiments, the dot patterns may be free of other
types of data such as data representing markers for data blocks,
audio data, and/or error detection data. As noted above, processor
112 in interactive device 100 can determine the location of the
stylus using a lookup table, and audio can be retrieved and played
based on the location information. This has advantages. For
example, compared to paper that has data for markers, audio, and
error detection printed on it, embodiments of the invention need
fewer dots, since data for markers, audio, and error detection need
not be printed on the paper. By omitting, for example, audio data
from a piece of paper, more space on the paper can be rendered
interactive, since actual audio data need not occupy space on the
paper. In addition, since computer code for audio is stored in
interactive device 100 in embodiments of the invention, it is less
likely that the audio that is produced will be corrupted or altered
by, for example, a crinkle or tear in the sheet of paper.
[0071] It should be appreciated that although dot patterned codes
are specifically described herein, other types of substantially
invisible codes may be used in other embodiments of the invention.
For example, infrared bar codes could be used if the bar codes are
disposed in an array on an article. Illustratively, a sheet of
paper may include a 100.times.100 array of substantially invisible
bar codes, each code associated with a different x-y position on
the sheet of paper. The relative or absolute locations of the bar
codes in the array may be stored in memory unit 114 in interactive
device 100.
[0072] As noted, in some embodiments, the substantially invisible
codes may directly or indirectly relate to the locations of the
plurality of positions and/or any selectable items on the sheet. In
some embodiments, the substantially invisible codes can directly
relate to the locations of the plurality of positions on a sheet
(or other surface). In these embodiments, the locations of the
different positions on the sheet may be provided by the codes
themselves. For example, a first code at a first position may
include code for the spatial coordinates (e.g., a particular x-y
position) for the first position on the sheet, while a second code
at a second position may code for the spatial coordinates of the
second position on the sheet.
[0073] Different user-written selectable items can be at the
different positions on the sheet. These user-written selectable
items may be formed over the codes. For example, a first
user-written selectable item can be formed at the first position
overlapping the first code. A second user-written selectable item
can be formed at the second position overlapping the second code.
When a user forms the first user-written selectable item, the
scanning apparatus recognizes the formed first print element and
substantially simultaneously scans the first code that is
associated with the formed first user-written selectable item.
Processor 112 in interactive device 100 can determine the
particular spatial coordinates of the first position and can
correlate the first user-written selectable item with the spatial
coordinates.
[0074] When the user forms the second user-written selectable item,
the scanning apparatus recognizes the formed second user-written
selectable item and substantially simultaneously scans the second
code. Processor 112 can then determine the spatial coordinates of
the second position and can correlate the second user-written
selectable item with the spatial coordinates. A user can then
subsequently select the first and second user-written selectable
items using interactive device 100, and interactive device 100 can
perform additional operations. For example, using this methodology,
a user can create a user-defined interface or a functional device
on a blank sheet of paper.
[0075] Interactive device 100 may also include a mechanism that
maps or correlates relative or absolute locations with the formed
user-written selectable items in memory unit 114. The mechanism can
be a lookup table that correlates data related to specific
user-written selectable items on the article to particular
locations on an article. This lookup table can be stored in memory
unit 114. Processor 112 can use the lookup table to identify
user-written selectable items at specific locations so that
processor 112 can perform subsequent operations.
[0076] The surface with the substantially invisible codes can be in
any suitable form. For example, the surface may be a single sheet
of paper, a note pad, filler paper, a poster, a placard, a menu, a
sticker, a tab, product packaging, a box, a trading card, a magnet
(e.g., refrigerator magnets), a white board, a table top, etc.
Moreover, the surface may be comprised of any material, including
but not limited to paper, wood, metal, plastic, etc. Any of these
or other types of surfaces can be used with or without pre-printed
selectable items. If the surface is a sheet, the sheet can be of
any suitable size and can be made of any suitable material. For
example, the sheet may be paper based, or may be a plastic film. In
some embodiments, the surface may be a three-dimensional article
with a three-dimensional surface. The three-dimensional surface may
include a molded figure of a human body, animals (e.g., dinosaurs),
vehicles, characters, or other figures.
[0077] In some embodiments, the surface is a sheet and the sheet
may be free of pre-printed selectable elements such as printed
letters or numbers (e.g., markings made before the user creates
user-written selectable items on the sheet). In other embodiments,
pre-printed selectable items can be on the sheet (e.g., before the
user creates user-written selectable items on the sheet).
Pre-printed print elements can include numbers, icons, letters,
circles, words, symbols, lines, etc. For example, embodiments of
the invention can utilize pre-printed forms such as pre-printed
order forms or voting ballots.
[0078] Interactive device 100 can be in any suitable form, in one
embodiment, interactive device 100 is a scanning apparatus that is
shaped as a stylus. In one embodiment, interactive device 100 is
pocket-sized. The stylus includes a stylus housing that can be made
from plastic or metal. A gripping region may be present on the
stylus housing.
[0079] FIG. 5 shows a flowchart of the steps of a process 500 for
facilitating interaction with user-written selectable items on a
surface in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
Process 500 depicts the basic operating steps of a user interface
process as implemented by an interactive device (e.g., interactive
device 100) in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention as it interprets user input in the form of user-written
selectable items, graphic elements, writing, marks, etc. and
provides the requested functionality to the user.
[0080] At step 510, where the computer implemented functionality of
the device 100 detects a user-written selectable item on a writable
surface. At step 512, the user-written selectable item is
recognized along with the function of the user-written selectable
item. This function can be, for example, a menu function that can
enunciate a predetermined list of functions (e.g., menu choices)
for subsequent activation by the user. At step 514, interaction
with the user-written selectable item is detected. The interaction
may include writing the user-written selectable item, interacting
with the user-written selectable item with the interactive device
(e.g., tapping the user-written selectable item), or interacting
with a related user-written selectable item (e.g., checkmark 210 of
FIG. 2B). The function is persistently associated with the
user-written selectable item, enabling a subsequent access of the
function (e.g., at some later time) by a subsequent interaction
(e.g., tapping) of the graphical element icon. For example, in the
case of a menu function, the listed menu choices can be
subsequently accessed by the user at some later time by simply
actuating the menu graphic element icon (e.g., tapping it).
[0081] In this manner, embodiments of the present invention
implement a user interface means for navigating the functionality
of an interactive device (e.g., interactive device 100 of FIG. 1)
using a pen and paper type interface. The user interface as
implemented by the user-written selectable items provides the
method of interacting with a number of software applications that
execute within interactive device 100. As described above, the
input to interactive device 100 includes user actions, such as a
user creating a user-written selectable item or a user interacting
with a user-written or pre-printed selectable item. The output from
the pen is audio output, and thus, the user interface means enables
the user to carry on a "dialog" with the applications and
functionality of the pen. In other words, the user interface
enables the user to create mutually recognized items such as
user-written selectable items on a surface that allow the user and
the pen to interact with one another. As described above, the
mutually recognized items are typically symbols or marks or icons
that the user draws on a surface, such as a sheet of paper.
[0082] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a pen device 150 upon which
other embodiments of the present invention can be implemented. In
general, pen device 150 may be referred to as an optical device,
more specifically as an optical reader, optical pen or digital pen.
The device may contain a computer system and an operating system
resident thereon. Application programs may also reside thereon.
[0083] In the embodiment of FIG. 6, pen device 150 includes a
processor 32 inside a housing 62. In one embodiment, housing 62 has
the form of a pen or other writing or marking utensil or
instrument. Processor 32 is operable for processing information and
instructions used to implement the functions of pen device 150,
which are described below.
[0084] In the present embodiment, the pen device 150 may include an
audio output device 36 and a display device 40 coupled to the
processor 32. In other embodiments, the audio output device and/or
the display device are physically separated from pen device 150,
but in communication with pen device 150 through either a wired or
wireless connection. For wireless communication, pen device 150 can
include a transceiver or transmitter (not shown in FIG. 6). The
audio output device 36 may include a speaker or an audio jack
(e.g., for an earphone or headphone). The display device 40 may be
a liquid crystal display (LCD) or some other suitable type of
display.
[0085] In the embodiment of FIG. 6, pen device 150 may include
input buttons 38 coupled to the processor 32 for activating and
controlling the pen device 150. For example, the input buttons 38
allow a user to input information and commands to pen device 150 or
to turn pen device 150 on or off. Pen device 150 also includes a
power source 34 such as a battery.
[0086] Pen device 150 also includes a light source or optical
emitter 44 and a light sensor or optical detector 42 coupled to the
processor 32. The optical emitter 44 may be a light emitting diode
(LED), for example, and the optical detector 42 may be a charge
coupled device (CCD) or complementary metal-oxide semiconductor
(CMOS) imager array, for example. The optical emitter 44
illuminates surface 70 or a portion thereof. Light reflected from
the surface 70 is received at and recorded by optical detector
42.
[0087] The surface 70 may be a sheet a paper, although the present
invention is not so limited. For example, the surface 70 may be an
LCD (liquid crystal display, CRT (cathode ray tube), touch screen,
or other similar type of active electronic surface (e.g., the
display of a laptop or tablet PC). Similarly, the surface 70 can be
a surface comprising electronic ink, or a surface comprising
reconfigurable paper.
[0088] In one embodiment, a pattern of markings is printed on
surface 70. The end of pen device 150 that holds optical emitter 44
and optical detector 42 is placed against or near surface 70. As
pen device 150 is moved relative to the surface 70, the pattern of
markings are read and recorded by optical emitter 44 and optical
detector 42. As discussed in more detail above, in one embodiment,
the markings on surface 70 are used to determine the position of
pen device 150 relative to surface (see FIGS. 3 and 4). In another
embodiment, the markings on surface 70 are used to encode
information (see FIGS. 8 and 9). The captured images of surface 70
can be analyzed (processed) by pen device 150 to decode the
markings and recover the encoded information.
[0089] Additional descriptions regarding surface markings for
encoding information and the reading/recording of such markings by
electronic devices can be found in the following patents and patent
applications that are assigned to Anoto and that are all herein
incorporated by reference in their entirety: U.S. Pat. No.
6,502,756, U.S. application Ser. No. 101179,966, filed on Jun. 26,
2002, WO 01/95559, WO 01/71473, WO 01/75723, WO 01/26032, WO
01/75780, WO 01/01670, WO 01/75773, WO 01/71475, WO 10 00/73983,
and WO 01116691.
[0090] Pen device 150 of FIG. 6 also includes a memory unit 48
coupled to the processor 32. In one embodiment, memory unit 48 is a
removable memory unit embodied as a memory cartridge or a memory
card. In another embodiment, memory unit 48 includes random access
(volatile) memory (RAM) and read-only (non-volatile) memory (ROM)
for storing information and instructions for processor 32.
[0091] In the embodiment of FIG. 6, pen device 150 includes a
writing element 52 situated at the same end of pen device 150 as
the optical detector 42 and the optical emitter 44. Writing element
52 can be, for example, a pen, pencil, marker or the like, and may
or may not be retractable. In certain applications, writing element
52 is not needed. In other applications, a user can use writing
element 52 to make marks (e.g., graphical elements or user-written
selectable items) on surface 70, including characters such as
letters, words, numbers, mathematical symbols and the like. These
marks can be scanned (imaged) and interpreted by pen device 150
according to their position on the surface 70. The position of the
user-produced marks can be determined using a pattern of marks that
are printed on surface 70; refer to the discussion of FIGS. 3 and
4, above. In one embodiment, the user-produced markings can be
interpreted by pen device 150 using optical character recognition
(OCR) techniques that recognize handwritten characters.
[0092] As mentioned above, surface 70 may be any surface suitable
on which to write, such as, for example, a sheet of paper, although
surfaces consisting of materials other than paper may be used.
Also, surface 70 may or may not be flat. For example, surface 70
may be embodied as the surface of a globe. Furthermore, surface 70
may be smaller or larger than a conventional (e.g., 8.5.times.11
inch) page of paper.
[0093] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of another device 250 upon which
embodiments of the present invention can be implemented. Device 250
includes processor 32, power source 34, audio output device 36,
input buttons 38, memory unit 48, optical detector 42, optical
emitter 44 and writing element 52, previously described herein.
However, in the embodiment of FIG. 7, optical detector 42, optical
emitter 44 and writing element 52 are embodied as optical device
251 in housing 62, and processor 32, power source 34, audio output
device 36, input buttons 38 and memory unit 48 are embodied as
platform 202 in housing 74. In the present embodiment, optical
device 251 is coupled to platform 252 by a cable 102; however, a
wireless connection can be used instead. The elements illustrated
by FIG. 7 can be distributed between optical device 251 and
platform 252 in combinations other than those described above.
[0094] With reference back to FIG. 6, four positions or regions on
surface 70 are indicated by the letters A, B, C and D (these
characters are not printed on surface 70, but are used herein to
indicate positions on surface 70). There may be many such regions
on the surface 70. Associated with each region on surface 70 is a
unique pattern of marks. The regions on surface 70 may overlap
because even if some marks are shared between overlapping regions,
the pattern of marks in a region is still unique to that
region.
[0095] In the example of FIG. 6, using pen device 150
(specifically, using writing element 52), a user may create a
character consisting, for example, of a circled letter "M" at
position A on surface 70 (generally, the user may create the
character at any position on surface 70). The user may create such
a character in response to a prompt (e.g., an audible prompt) from
pen device 150. When the user creates the character, pen device 150
records the pattern of markings that are uniquely present at the
position where the character is created. The pen device 150
associates that pattern of markings with the character just
created. When pen device 150 is subsequently positioned over the
circled "M," pen device 150 recognizes the pattern of marks
associated therewith and recognizes the position as being
associated with a circled "M." In effect, pen device 150 recognizes
the character using the pattern of markings at the position where
the character is located, rather than by recognizing the character
itself.
[0096] In one embodiment, the characters described above comprise
"graphic elements" that are associated with one or more commands of
the pen device 150. It should be noted that such graphic elements
that are associated with, and are used to access the pen device 150
implemented functions comprising commands, are referred to as
"graphic element icons" hereafter in order to distinguish from
other written characters, marks, etc. that are not associated with
accessing functions or applications of the pen device 150. In the
example just described, a user can create (write) a graphic element
icon that identifies a particular command, and can invoke that
command repeatedly by simply positioning pen device 150 over the
graphic element icon (e.g., the written character). In one
embodiment, the writing instrument is positioned over the graphical
character. In other words, the user does not have to write the
character for a command each time the command is to be invoked by
the pen device 150; instead, the user can write the graphic element
icon for a command one time and invoke the command repeatedly using
the same written graphic element icon. This attribute is referred
to as "persistence" and is described in greater detail below. This
is also true regarding graphical element icons that are not user
written but pre-printed on the surface and are nevertheless
selectable by the pen device 150.
[0097] In one embodiment, the graphic element icons can include a
letter or number with a line circumscribing the letter or number.
The line circumscribing the letter or number may be a circle, oval,
square, polygon, etc. Such graphic elements appear to be like
"buttons" that can be selected by the user, instead of ordinary
letters and numbers. By creating a graphic element icon of this
kind, the user can visually distinguish graphic element icons such
as functional icons from ordinary letters and numbers, which may be
treated as data by the pen device 150. Also, by creating graphic
element icons of this kind, the pen device may also be able to
better distinguish functional or menu item type graphic elements
from non-functional or non-menu item type graphic elements. For
instance, a user may create a graphic element icon that is the
letter "M" which is enclosed by a circle to create an interactive
"menu" graphic element icon.
[0098] The pen device 150 may be programmed to recognize an
overlapping circle or square with the letter "M" in it as a
functional graphic element as distinguished from the letter "M" in
a word. The graphic element icon may also include a small "check
mark" symbol adjacent thereto, within a certain distance (e.g., 1
inch, 1.5 inches, etc.). The checkmark will be associated with the
graphic element icon. Computer code for recognizing such functional
graphic elements and distinguishing them from other non-functional
graphic elements can reside in the memory unit in the pen
device.
[0099] The processor can recognize the graphic element icons and
can identify the locations of those graphic element icons so that
the pen device 150 can perform various functions, operations, and
the like associated therewith. In these embodiments, the memory
unit may comprise computer code for correlating any graphic
elements produced by the user with their locations on the surface.
The pen device 150 recognizes a "down-touch" or "down-stroke" or
being placed down upon the surface (e.g., when the user begins
writing) and recognizes an "up-stroke" or being picked up from the
surface (e.g., when the user finishes writing). Such down-strokes
and up-strokes can be interpreted by the pen device 150 as, for
example, indicators as to when certain functionality is invoked and
what particular function/application is invoked (e.g., triggering
OCR processing). Particularly, a down-stroke quickly followed by an
up-stroke (e.g., a tap of the pen device on the surface) can be
associated with a special action depending upon the application
(e.g., selecting a graphic element icon, text string, etc.).
[0100] It should be noted that the generic term "graphic element"
may include any suitable marking created by the user (e.g., a
user-written selectable item), and is distinguishable from a
graphic element icon which refers to a functional graphic element
that is used to access one or more functions of the device.
[0101] As mentioned above, it should be noted that graphic element
icons can be created by the pen device 150 (e.g., drawn by the
user) or can be pre-existing (e.g., a printed element on a sheet of
paper). Example graphic elements include, but are not limited to
symbols, indicia such as letters and/or numbers, characters, words,
shapes, lines, etc. They can be regular or irregular in shape. User
written/created graphic elements are typically created using the
pen device 150. Additionally, graphic element icons usually, but
not always, incorporate a circumscribing line (e.g., circle) around
a character (e.g., the letter "M") to give them an added degree of
distinctiveness to both the user and the pen device 150. For
example, in one embodiment, an up-stroke after finishing a circle
around the character can specifically indicate to the pen device
150 that the user has just created a graphic element icon.
[0102] FIGS. 8A and 8B show a flowchart of the steps of a
computer-implemented process 800 in accordance with one embodiment
of the present invention. Process 800 depicts the basic operating
steps of a process for audibly instructing a user to interact with
a function as implemented by a device (e.g., interactive device 100
of FIG. 1) in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention as it interprets user input in the form of graphic
elements, writing, marks, etc. and provides audible instruction
regarding the requested functionality to the user.
[0103] Process 800 begins in step 805 of FIG. 8A, where the
computer-implemented functionality of the interactive device 100
associates a function with a user-written selectable item. In one
embodiment, interactive device 100 has stored therein a number of
functions, such as executable application programs, menu item, an
application option selector, or an instance of data, which are
associated with respective user-written selectable items. For
example, the letter C with a circle around it (e.g., user-written
selectable item 244 of FIG. 2C) may be associated with a calculator
function.
[0104] At step 810, the interactive device recognizes the
user-written selectable item written on a surface. A user creates
the user-written selectable item. In one embodiment, the
user-written selectable item is recognized by optically recording
positions of writing element 118 using optical detector 120. Pen
device 100 performs image recognition of the positions to recognize
the user-written selectable item. In one embodiment, the
recognition of the user-written selectable item is performed in
response to detecting a termination event indicating that the
user-written selectable item is complete. When the user is done
writing the user-written selectable item, the interactive device
100 recognizes the fact that the user is finished by, for example,
recognizing the inactivity (e.g., the user is no longer writing) as
a data entry termination event. In this manner, a "timeout"
mechanism can be used to recognize the end of data entry. Another
termination event could be a user completing the circle around the
letter or letters. Additional examples of termination events are
described in the commonly assigned U.S. Patent Application,
Attorney Docket No. LEAP-P0320, application Ser. No. 11/035,003
filed Jan. 12, 2005, by James Marggraff et al., entitled
"TERMINATION EVENTS," which is incorporated herein in its
entirety.
[0105] In one embodiment, as shown at step 815, the function is
executed without requiring a user to draw any auxiliary writing
(e.g., a checkmark) on the surface. For example, where the function
is a time function, once the user-written selectable item
associated with the time function is recognized, the time function
is immediately executed. In the case of a time function, the
current time may be audibly rendered. It should be appreciated that
step 815 is optional, and that the function need not be executed at
this point in process 800.
[0106] At step 820, in response to recognizing the user-written
selectable item, a first instructional message related to the
operation of the associated function is audibly rendered without
requiring further interaction from the user (e.g., without
requiring a user to draw any auxiliary writing such as a checkmark)
on the surface. In one embodiment, the first instructional message
directs the user to draw at least one user interface element that
enables the user to interact with the function. For example, with
reference to FIG. 2C, in response to recognizing user-written
selectable item 244, an instructional message directing a user to
draw a box within which to draw a calculator is audibly rendered.
In another example, with reference to FIG. 2D, in response to
recognizing user-written selectable item 254, an instructional
message directing a user to draw two horizontal lines is audibly
rendered
[0107] At step 825, it is determined whether a writing (e.g., a
user interface element) has been drawn on the surface within a
predetermined time (e.g., three seconds or five seconds) since
audibly rendering the first instructional message. If no writing
has been drawn within the predetermined time period, as shown at
step 830, the first instructional message is repeated.
Alternatively, if a writing has been drawn on the surface, process
800 proceeds to step 835 of FIG. 8B.
[0108] With reference now to FIG. 8B, at step 835 it is determined
whether the user interface element has been properly drawn on the
surface, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
For example, consider the calculator function described above. The
user is initially directed to draw a box. Once a writing is
detected on the surface, interactive device 100 will determine
whether it is properly drawn. In the case of the calculator
function, interactive device 100 will determine whether the user
drew a box and whether that box is of the appropriate dimensions
within which to draw additional user interface elements (e.g.,
numbers and operands).
[0109] If the user has not properly drawn the user interface
element, as shown at step 840, a second instructional message
including a hint about a manner in which the user should properly
draw the user interface element is audibly rendered. For example,
if it is determined that the user has drawn a box in which a
calculator is to be drawn, but that the box is too small to fit all
necessary information, the second instructional message may direct
the user to draw a bigger box. In another example, consider a user
that is using the musical keyboard function and is initially
directed to draw two horizontal lines. If it is determined that the
lines drawn by the user are not horizontal, (e.g. vertical or
diagonal), the second instructional message may inform the user
that horizontal lines are side-to-side.
[0110] Once it is determined that the user interface element is
properly drawn, process 800 proceeds to step 845 and/or step 850.
It should be appreciated that steps 845 and 850 are optional, and
that one or both of these steps can be implemented.
[0111] At step 845, a third instructional message is rendered. For
example, the user may be directed to write the numbers zero through
nine in the calculator box. It should be appreciated that process
800 may then perform steps similar to those described in steps 825
through 840 to determine whether a writing has been written and
whether that writing is proper. It should also be appreciated that
any number of instructional messages may be audibly rendered to
direct a user to draw user interface elements. Depending on the
complexity of the user interface elements, a number of
instructional messages may be necessary to accurately describe to a
user how to draw a particular user interface element. For example,
a musical keyboard with sharps and flats keys, as well as a volume
control and a tempo control, may require more instructional
messages than a musical keyboard that does not include sharps and
flats keys, a volume control or a tempo control.
[0112] At step 850, the function is executed. For example, once the
calculator is drawn, the user may then interact with the calculator
to perform mathematical calculations. In one embodiment, a message
is audibly rendered informing the user that the calculator is ready
for use.
[0113] In this manner, embodiments of the present invention provide
a user with instructional messages regarding the use of a selected
function. In particular, the instructional messages are audibly
rendered prior to executing the function and without requiring
additional user interaction with the surface. For example, in order
for a user to utilize a calculator, the calculator must first be
drawn. The user is directed to draw the necessary user interface
elements prior to executing the calculator function.
[0114] FIG. 9 shows a flowchart of the steps of a
computer-implemented process 900 in accordance with one embodiment
of the present invention. Process 900 depicts the basic operating
steps of a process for automatically executing a function as
implemented by a device (e.g., interactive device 100 of FIG. 1) in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention as it
interprets user input in the form of graphic elements, writing,
marks, etc. and provides audible instruction regarding the
requested functionality to the user.
[0115] Process 900 begins in step 905, where the
computer-implemented functionality of the interactive device 100
associates a function with a user-written selectable item. In one
embodiment, interactive device 100 has stored therein a number of
functions, such as executable application programs, menu item, an
application option selector, or an instance of data, which are
associated with respective user-written selectable items. For
example, the letter T with a circle around it (e.g., user-written
selectable item 242 of FIG. 2C) may be associated with a time
function.
[0116] At step 910, the interactive device recognizes the
user-written selectable item written on a surface. A user creates
the user-written selectable item. In one embodiment, the
user-written selectable item is recognized by optically recording
positions of writing element 118 using optical detector 120. Pen
device 100 performs image recognition of the positions to recognize
the user-written selectable item. In one embodiment, the
recognition of the user-written selectable item is performed in
response to detecting a termination event indicating that the
user-written selectable item is complete. When the user is done
writing the user-written selectable item, the interactive device
100 recognizes the fact that the user is finished by, for example,
recognizing the inactivity (e.g., the user is no longer writing) as
a data entry termination event. In this manner, a "timeout"
mechanism can be used to recognize the end of data entry. Another
termination event could be a user completing the circle around the
letter or letters. Additional examples of termination events are
described in the commonly assigned U.S. Patent Application,
Attorney Docket No. LEAP-P0320, application Ser. No. 11/035,003
filed Jan. 12, 2005, by James Marggraff et al., entitled
"TERMINATION EVENTS," which is incorporated herein in its
entirety.
[0117] At step 915, the function is immediately executed without
requiring further interaction between the user and the surface
(e.g., without requiring a user to draw any auxiliary writing such
as a checkmark). For example, where the function is a time
function, once the user-written selectable item associated with the
time function is recognized, the time function is immediately
executed. In the case of a time function, the current time may also
be audibly rendered.
[0118] At step 920, it is determined whether there is user
interaction with the user-written selectable item within a
predetermined time (e.g., three seconds or five seconds) since the
function has been executed. If there is no user interaction within
the predetermined time period, as shown at step 925, a first
instructional message related to the operation of the associated
function is audibly rendered without requiring further interaction
from the user. For example, where the function is a time function,
an instructional message informing a user that interacting with the
associated user-written selectable item would case the time to be
repeated may be audibly rendered.
[0119] Alternatively, if it is determined that there is user
interaction with the user-written selectable item within a
predetermined time, as shown at step 930, the function is
re-executed. For example, with reference to FIG. 2C, if a user
interacts (e.g., taps) user-written selectable item 242, the
current time is audibly rendered. In one embodiment, the time
function toggles between the current time and the current date for
each interaction with user-written selectable item 242. In this
manner, embodiments of the present invention provide a user with
immediate execution of a selected function. In particular, the
function is executed without requiring additional user interaction
with the surface. Accordingly, the user is provided with an
efficient user interface by which functions that provide certain
types of information may be immediately executed.
[0120] Although embodiments of the present invention have been
described in the context of using surfaces encoded with markings in
order to determine location of the pen device, it should be noted
that embodiments of the present invention are suitable for use with
pen devices that determine location using other means that do not
require encoded surfaces. For example, in one embodiment, a pen
device can incorporate one or more position location mechanisms
such as, for example, motion sensors, gyroscopes, etc., and can be
configured to accurately store a precise location of a given
surface (e.g., a sheet of paper). The precise location of the
surface can be stored by, for example, sequentially touching
opposite corners of the surface (e.g., a rectangular sheet of
paper). The pen device would then recognize the location of graphic
elements written by the user on the surface by comparing the stored
precise location of the surface with the results of its location
determination means.
[0121] Various embodiments of the invention, a method for audibly
instructing a user to interact with a function, are thus described.
While the present invention has been described in particular
embodiments, it should be appreciated that the invention should not
be construed as limited by such embodiments, but rather construed
according to the below claims.
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