U.S. patent application number 13/234814 was filed with the patent office on 2012-01-05 for interactive apparatus with recording and playback capability usable with encoded writing medium.
This patent application is currently assigned to LEAPFROG ENTERPRISES, INC.. Invention is credited to Alexander Chisholm, James Marggraff.
Application Number | 20120004750 13/234814 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36678062 |
Filed Date | 2012-01-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120004750 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Marggraff; James ; et
al. |
January 5, 2012 |
INTERACTIVE APPARATUS WITH RECORDING AND PLAYBACK CAPABILITY USABLE
WITH ENCODED WRITING MEDIUM
Abstract
An interactive apparatus is disclosed. The interactive apparatus
has an audio recording mode and an audio playback mode. Further,
the interactive apparatus includes a writing tool for manually
writing on an encoded writing medium, an audio input device for
recording audio, an audio output device for playing the recorded
audio. Moreover, the interactive apparatus has an optical unit for
determining position on the encoded writing medium of the writing
tool and for recognizing information on the encoded writing medium,
wherein recognition of a recording-enabling graphical element on
the encoded writing medium activates the audio recording mode and
enables time-synchronization of creation of writing on the encoded
writing medium with the writing tool and recording of the audio,
and further wherein recognition of a playback-enabling graphical
element on the encoded writing medium activates the audio playback
mode and enables multiple techniques to control playback of the
recorded audio.
Inventors: |
Marggraff; James;
(Lafayette, CA) ; Chisholm; Alexander; (San
Francisco, CA) |
Assignee: |
LEAPFROG ENTERPRISES, INC.
Emeryville
CA
|
Family ID: |
36678062 |
Appl. No.: |
13/234814 |
Filed: |
September 16, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12264828 |
Nov 4, 2008 |
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13234814 |
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11034495 |
Jan 12, 2005 |
7453447 |
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12264828 |
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10803806 |
Mar 17, 2004 |
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11034495 |
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10861243 |
Jun 3, 2004 |
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10803806 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
700/94 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G11B 27/034 20130101;
G06F 3/0481 20130101; G06F 3/0321 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
700/94 |
International
Class: |
G06F 17/00 20060101
G06F017/00 |
Claims
1. An interactive apparatus comprising: a writing tool; a position
determination unit configured to determine position of said writing
tool on a writing medium; and an audio input device configured to
record audio data in synchronization with position determination of
said writing tool.
2. The interactive apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a
memory unit operable to store audio data and position data.
3. The interactive apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a
communication device for transmitting recorded audio data and
position data to a remote storage location.
4. The interactive apparatus of claim 3, wherein said communication
device comprises a wireless communication device.
5. The interactive apparatus of claim 1, wherein said writing
medium comprises paper encoded with a grid of dots.
6. The interactive apparatus of claim 1, wherein said writing tool
is one of a pen and a pencil.
7. The interactive apparatus of claim 1, wherein said audio output
device is further configured to play said audio data in
synchronization with position determination of said writing
tool.
8. The interactive apparatus of claim 7, wherein said writing
medium includes a non-electronic recording-enabling graphical
element and a non-electronic playback-enabling graphical
element.
9. The interactive apparatus of claim 1, wherein said position
determination unit comprises a processor, an optical emitter, and
an optical detector.
10. The interactive apparatus of claim 9, wherein said position
determination unit is further configured to capture and store
optical images of writing on a surface of said writing medium.
11. An interactive apparatus comprising: a writing tool; a position
determination unit configured to determine position of said writing
tool on a writing medium; and an audio output device configured to
play audio data in synchronization with position determination of
said writing tool.
12. The interactive apparatus of claim 11, further comprising a
memory unit operable to store audio data and position data.
13. The interactive apparatus of claim 11, wherein said writing
medium comprises paper encoded with a grid of dots.
14. The interactive apparatus of claim 11, wherein said writing
tool is one of a pen and a pencil.
15. The interactive apparatus of claim 11, wherein said writing
medium includes a non-electronic recording-enabling graphical
element and a non-electronic playback-enabling graphical
element.
16. The interactive apparatus of claim 11, wherein said position
determination unit comprises a processor, an optical emitter, and
an optical detector.
17. A method comprising: determining position of a writing tool on
a writing medium; and recording audio data in synchronization with
said determining position of said writing tool.
18. The method of claim 17, further comprising playing said audio
data in synchronization with said determining position of said
writing tool.
19. The method of claim 17, wherein said writing medium comprises
paper encoded with a grid of dots.
20. The method of claim 17, wherein said writing tool is one of a
pen and a pencil.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a Continuation of and claims priority to
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/264,828, filed on Nov. 4, 2008,
which is a Continuation of and claims priority to U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/034,495, filed on Jan. 12, 2005 and now
issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,453,447, which are incorporated herein by
reference in their entirety. U.S. patent application Ser. No.
11/034,495 is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 10/803,806, filed on Mar. 17, 2004, which is incorporated
herein by reference in its entirety. U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 11/034,495 is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 10/861,243, filed on Jun. 3, 2004, which is incorporated
herein by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention generally relates to writing mediums
and devices that interact with writing mediums. More particularly,
the present invention relates to interactive apparatus with
recording and playback capability usable with encoded writing
medium.
[0004] 2. Related Art
[0005] When the computer was introduced, there was initial thought
that the computer would lead to a paperless world. However, the
computer has created new uses for paper. Moreover, the paper
environment continues to integrate with the electronic
environment.
[0006] Typically, technologies that merge the paper environment and
the electronic environment are costly compared to a conventional
sheet of paper. Further, these technologies simply duplicate the
fundamental function of paper: storing a persistent image. None of
these technologies bring interactive functionality to the paper
environment.
[0007] Further, when an audio recording device and a writing medium
are utilized together, there is no link between the writing on the
writing medium and the recorded audio. That is, the audio recording
device and the writing medium operate independently of each other.
It is inconvenient and difficult to efficiently utilize both the
audio recording device and the writing medium at the same time.
Moreover, the recorded audio and the writing medium may be
separated from each other and lost.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] An interactive apparatus is disclosed. The interactive
apparatus has an audio recording mode and an audio playback mode.
Further, the interactive apparatus includes a writing tool for
manually writing on an encoded writing medium, an audio input
device for recording audio, an audio output device for playing the
recorded audio. Moreover, the interactive apparatus has an optical
unit for determining position on the encoded writing medium of the
writing tool and for recognizing information on the encoded writing
medium, wherein recognition of a recording-enabling graphical
element on the encoded writing medium activates the audio recording
mode and enables time-synchronization of creation of writing on the
encoded writing medium with the writing tool and recording of the
audio, and further wherein recognition of a playback-enabling
graphical element on the encoded writing medium activates the audio
playback mode and enables multiple techniques to control playback
of the recorded audio.
[0009] In an embodiment, the interactive apparatus further
comprises a memory unit for storing recorded audio and information
associated with said writing. Also, the interactive apparatus
includes a communication device for transmitting the position of
the graphical element and the associated recorded audio to a remote
storage location. The communication device may be a wireless
communication device. The encoded writing medium may be paper
encoded with a grid of dots. The writing tool is may be one of a
pen and a pencil.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] 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 present invention.
[0011] FIG. 1A illustrates an encoded writing medium in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 1B illustrates a section of the encoded writing medium
of FIG. 1A in greater detail in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 2 illustrates an interactive apparatus in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 3A illustrates a block diagram of the interactive
apparatus of FIG. 2 in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0015] FIG. 3B illustrates a block diagram of the interactive
apparatus of FIG. 2 in accordance with another embodiment of the
present invention.
[0016] FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C illustrate an audio recoding mode of
the interactive apparatus of FIG. 2 in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C illustrate an audio playback mode of
the interactive apparatus of FIG. 2 in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 6A illustrates a flow chart showing the audio recoding
mode of the interactive apparatus of FIG. 2 in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 6B illustrates a flow chart showing the audio playback
mode of the interactive apparatus of FIG. 2 in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0020] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the
present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the
accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in
conjunction with these embodiments, it will be 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
present invention, numerous specific details are set forth in order
to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 1A illustrates an encoded writing medium 100 in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In one
embodiment, the encoded writing medium 100 is paper encoded with a
grid of dots compatible with technology described in detail in the
following U.S. Pat. Nos. assigned to Anoto, a Swedish company, and
are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety: 6,502,756;
6,548,768; 6,570,104; 6,586,688; 6,663,008; 6,666,376; 6,667,695;
6,674,427; 6,689,966; 6,698,660; 6,722,574; 6,732,927; and
6,836,555. By reading a pattern of dots on the paper, a position
(e.g., X and Y coordinates) on a predefined map can be determined.
It should be understood that other types of encoded writing mediums
may be utilized.
[0022] Continuing, FIG. 1B illustrates a section 10 of the encoded
writing medium 100 of FIG. 1A in greater detail in accordance with
an embodiment of the present invention. As depicted in FIG. 1B,
each dot is slightly displaced from the X-axis and from the
Y-axis.
[0023] FIG. 2 illustrates an interactive apparatus 200 in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in
FIG. 2, the interactive apparatus 200 includes a writing/position
detection end 205 and an expansion end 210 for coupling a removable
functionality expansion unit 220. The writing/position detection
end 205 includes a writing tool 230 and optics that uses light 240
to detect the dot pattern for determining position on the encoded
writing medium 100. The interactive apparatus 200 may be utilized
by a user. In an embodiment, the interactive apparatus 200 is
shaped for use as a writing instrument by the user.
[0024] A block diagram of the interactive apparatus 200 of FIG. 2
in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is
illustrated in FIG. 3A. As shown in FIG. 3A, the interactive
apparatus 200 includes a processor 250, an optical detector 258, an
optical emitter 260, a memory unit 254, an audio input device for
recording audio, an audio output device for playing audio, a
communication device 256, and a writing tool 262. The writing tool
is used for manually writing on the encoded writing medium 100.
Examples of writing tools include a pen and a pencil. The processor
250, the optical detector 258, and the optical emitter 260 form an
optical unit, which determines position on the encoded writing
medium 100 of the interactive apparatus 200 and recognizes
information on the encoded writing medium 100. In particular, the
position of the writing tool 262 on the encoded writing medium 100
is determined. In an embodiment, the optical emitter 260 is a
light-emitting diode while the optical detector 258 is a
light-sensitive sensor for recording a two-dimensional image, which
is processed to determine position on the encoded writing medium
100. Examples of light-sensitive sensors include a CCD sensor and a
CMOS sensor.
[0025] The interactive apparatus 200 has an audio recording mode
for recording audio via the audio input device 264 and an audio
playback mode for playing the recorded audio via the audio output
device 252. In an embodiment, the recorded audio is stored in a
digital format by the audio recoding component/device of the
interactive apparatus 200. As will be described below, recognition
of a recording-enabling graphical element on the encoded writing
medium activates the audio recording mode and enables
time-synchronization of creation of writing on the encoded writing
medium with the writing tool and recording of the audio. Further,
recognition of a playback-enabling graphical element on the encoded
writing medium activates the audio playback mode and enables
multiple techniques to control playback of the recorded audio. The
memory unit 254 may store recorded audio 278 and information 276
associated with the created writing on the encoded writing medium
100. Information 276 may include position data, character
recognition information, etc. Additionally, the memory unit 254 may
store code/instructions for providing the functionality of the
interactive apparatus 200. The optical unit enables the interactive
apparatus 200 to recognize graphical elements on the encoded
writing medium 100 that activate/deactivate corresponding
functionality of the interactive apparatus 200. Also, optical unit
may capture and store optical images of writing on surface of the
encoded writing medium 100 during recording of the audio in the
audio recording mode.
[0026] In an embodiment, multiple techniques for controlling
playback of the recorded audio may include using control-enabling
graphical elements to control playback of the recorded audio and
using the created writing and the time-synchronization to indicate
where to start playback of the recorded audio based on location of
the writing tool 262 on the created writing on the encoded writing
medium 100. This facilitates dynamically creating visual cues for
the audio on the encoded writing medium 100 with the writing tool
262 of the interactive apparatus 200.
[0027] The communication device 256 is configured to communicate
with network 268 and computer system 272 via communication link
266. The network 268 has a data storage unit 270 while the computer
system 272 has a hard drive 274. In an embodiment, the
communication device 256 is a wireless communication device while
the communication link 266 is a wireless communication link. The
communication device 256 may transmit at least a portion of the
information 276 associated with the created writing on the encoded
writing medium 100 and at least a portion of the recorded audio 278
to a remote storage location such as the data storage unit 270 and
the hard drive 274 to manage memory capacity or for long term
storage.
[0028] FIG. 3B illustrates a block diagram of the interactive
apparatus 200 of FIG. 2 in accordance with another embodiment of
the present invention. The discussion of FIG. 3A applies to FIG. 3B
except as noted below. In FIG. 3B, a removable functionality
expansion unit 220 is coupled to the interactive apparatus 200. The
removable functionality expansion unit 220 includes an audio input
device 264, an audio processing unit 284, and memory unit 284. The
memory unit 284 may store recorded audio 278 and information 276
associated with the created writing on the encoded writing medium
100.
[0029] FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C illustrate an audio recoding mode of
the interactive apparatus 200 of FIG. 2 in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 4A, the
encoded writing medium 100A initially may have no writing (printed
writing or manual writing). Alternatively, the encoded writing
medium 100B initially may have printed writing and/or manual
writing. The interactive apparatus 200 may be utilized to draw the
recording-enabling graphical element 410 on the encoded writing
medium 100A. Alternatively, the recording-enabling graphical
element 410 may be preprinted on the encoded writing medium 100A.
The interactive apparatus 200 is configured to recognize the
recording-enabling graphical element 410 and then to activate the
audio recording mode of the interactive apparatus 200. The
recording-enabling graphical element 410 shown in FIG. 4A is
exemplary. The design of the recording-enabling graphical element
410 may be different than that shown. In response to recognizing
the recording-enabling graphical element 410, the audio recoding
mode of the interactive apparatus 200 is selected. The recognition
may involve tapping on the recording-enabling graphical element 410
and following audio prompts given by the interactive apparatus 200.
This enables dynamic tagging of audio to the encoded writing medium
100A and 100B via the recording-enabling graphical element 410.
That is, audio and the encoded writing medium are visually
integrated.
[0030] Continuing with FIG. 4B, once the interactive apparatus 200
is in the audio recoding mode, the interactive apparatus 200
records audio. While recording the audio, the interactive apparatus
200 may be utilized to manually write on the encoded writing medium
100A, 100B, and 100C. Moreover, the interactive apparatus 200
time-synchronizes the creation of writing 490 on the encoded
writing medium 100 with the writing tool 262 and recording of the
audio. The audio may be recorded digitally into the memory unit 254
and 284 and/or stored remotely from the interactive apparatus 200.
Also, the interactive apparatus 200 obtains information associated
with the created writing 490 on the encoded writing medium 100. The
information may include position data, character recognition
information, etc. The encoded writing medium 100A provides an
example of writing notes and recording the class lecture.
[0031] Continuing, the encoded writing medium 100B provides an
example of reviewing and editing printed writing and/or manual
writing and recording audio comments in addition to or instead of
written comments. Lastly, the encoded writing medium 100C provides
an example of writing notes while recording a conversation. The
interactive apparatus 200 may capture and store optical images of
the writing (printed writing or manual writing) on the surface of
the encoded writing medium 100A, 100B, and 100C during recording of
the audio in the audio recording mode. This enables the generation
and printing of another encoded writing medium having the same
writing (printed writing or manual writing) on the surface of the
encoded writing medium for use by another user having an
interactive apparatus. As described above, the recorded audio,
information associated with the created writing 490 on the encoded
writing medium, and optical images of the writing (manually created
and preprinted) may be stored locally and/or in a remote storage
location such as the data storage unit 270 and the hard drive
274.
[0032] In an embodiment, multiple techniques for controlling
playback of the recorded audio may include using control-enabling
graphical elements 450 (See FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C) to control
playback of the recorded audio and using the created writing 490
and the time-synchronization to indicate where to start playback of
the recorded audio based on location of the writing tool 262 on the
created writing 490 on the encoded writing medium. This facilitates
dynamically creating visual cues for the audio on the encoded
writing medium with the writing tool 262 of the interactive
apparatus 200.
[0033] At FIG. 4C, the audio recoding mode of the interactive
apparatus 200 may be deactivated in response to recognition of at
least one of the plurality of control-enabling graphical elements
450 on the encoded writing medium 100C. The recognition may involve
tapping on the control-enabling graphical element 450 and following
audio prompts given by the interactive apparatus 200. The
interactive apparatus 200 may be utilized to draw the
control-enabling graphical element 450 on the encoded writing
medium 100C. Alternatively, the control-enabling graphical element
450 may be preprinted on the encoded writing medium 100C. The
control-enabling graphical element 450 shown in FIG. 4C is
exemplary. The design of the control-enabling graphical element 450
may be different than that shown.
[0034] FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C illustrate an audio playback mode of
the interactive apparatus of FIG. 2 in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 5A, the
interactive apparatus 200 is configured to recognize the
playback-enabling graphical element 420 and then to activate the
audio playback mode of the interactive apparatus 200. The
playback-enabling graphical element 420 shown in FIG. 5A is
exemplary. The design of the playback-enabling graphical element
420 may be different than that shown. In response to recognizing
the playback-enabling graphical element 420, the audio playback
mode of the interactive apparatus 200 is selected. The recognition
may involve tapping on the playback-enabling graphical element 420
and following audio prompts given by the interactive apparatus 200.
The interactive apparatus 200 may be utilized to draw the
playback-enabling graphical element 420 and the control-enabling
graphical elements 450 on the encoded writing medium 100C, wherein
the control-enabling graphical elements 450 control playback of the
recorded audio in the audio playback mode. Alternatively, the
playback-enabling graphical element 420 and the control-enabling
graphical elements 450 may be preprinted on the encoded writing
medium 100C. The control-enabling graphical elements 450 shown in
FIG. 5A are exemplary. The design of the control-enabling graphical
elements 450 may be different than that shown. The interactive
apparatus 200 is configured to recognize the control-enabling
graphical elements 450 and then to enable controlling playback of
the recorded audio in the audio playback mode of the interactive
apparatus 200.
[0035] Continuing with FIG. 5B, once the interactive apparatus 200
is in the audio playback mode, the recorded audio 278 associated
with the writing 490 on the encoded writing medium 100C is
retrieved. The recorded audio 278 is played using the interactive
apparatus 200. The recorded audio may be retrieve from local
storage such as memory units 254 and 284.
[0036] Also, the recorded audio may be retrieve from remote storage
such as the data storage unit 270 and the hard drive 274 via the
communication link 266. Moreover, information associated with the
created writing 490 on the encoded writing medium 100C may be
retrieved from local storage (e.g., memory units 254 and 284)
and/or remote storage (e.g., the data storage unit 270 and the hard
drive 274) via the communication link 266. While in the audio
playback mode, the interactive apparatus 200 may be utilized to
recognize the control-enabling graphical elements 450. The
recognition may involve tapping on the control-enabling graphical
elements 450 and following audio prompts given by the interactive
apparatus 200. Controls such delay, pause, play, rewind, forward,
fast forward, fast rewind, speed, and stop are provided by the
control-enabling graphical elements 450.
[0037] As described above, multiple techniques for controlling
playback of the recorded audio may include using control-enabling
graphical elements 450 to control playback of the recorded audio
and using the created writing 490 and the time-synchronization to
indicate where to start playback of the recorded audio based on
location of the writing tool 262 on the created writing 490 on the
encoded writing medium 100C.
[0038] At FIG. 5C, the audio playback mode of the interactive
apparatus 200 may be deactivated in response to recognition of at
least one of the plurality of control-enabling graphical elements
450 on the encoded writing medium 100C. The recognition may involve
tapping on the control-enabling graphical element 450 and following
audio prompts given by the interactive apparatus 200.
[0039] FIG. 6A illustrates a flow chart 600 showing the audio
recoding mode of the interactive apparatus of FIG. 2 in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention. Reference is made to
FIGS. 1A-5C.
[0040] At Block 610, the interactive apparatus 200 activates an
audio recording mode in response to recognition of a
recording-enabling graphical element 410 on the encoded writing
medium 100. The recording-enabling graphical element 410 may be
drawn with the writing tool 262 or may be preprinted on the encoded
writing medium 100. The recognition may involve tapping on the
recording-enabling graphical element 410 and following audio
prompts given by the interactive apparatus 200.
[0041] Further, at Block 620, while recording audio using the
interactive apparatus 200, creation of writing on the encoded
writing medium 100 with the writing tool 262 and recording of the
audio is time-synchronized using the interactive apparatus 200.
[0042] Furthermore, at Block 630, the audio recording mode of the
interactive apparatus 200 is deactivated in response to recognition
of at least one of a plurality of control-enabling graphical
elements 450 on the encoded writing medium 100. The recorded audio
278 and information 276 associated with the created writing on the
encoded writing medium 100 may be stored locally (e.g., memory
units 254 and 284) and/or in a remote storage location such as the
data storage unit 270 and the hard drive 274. Also, the recorded
audio 278 and information 276 associated with the created writing
on the encoded writing medium 100 may be maintained in local memory
(e.g., memory units 254 and 284) and/or in remote storage location
(e.g., the data storage unit 270 and the hard drive 274) and may be
retrieved later during the audio playback mode in response to
recognition of other graphical elements or location of the writing
tool 262 on created writing on the encoded writing medium 100.
[0043] FIG. 6B illustrates a flow chart 700 showing the audio
playback mode of the interactive apparatus of FIG. 2 in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention. Reference is made to
FIGS. 1A-5C.
[0044] At Block 710, the interactive apparatus 200 activates an
audio playback mode in response to recognition of a
playback-enabling graphical element 420 on the encoded writing
medium 100. The playback-enabling graphical element 420 may be
drawn with the writing tool 262 or may be preprinted on the encoded
writing medium 100. The recognition may involve tapping on the
playback-enabling graphical element 420 and following audio prompts
given by the interactive apparatus 200.
[0045] Further, at Block 720, in the audio playback mode, the
recorded audio 278 associated with the writing on the encoded
writing medium 100 is retrieved. The recorded audio 278 is played
using the interactive apparatus 200. The recorded audio may be
retrieved from local memory (e.g., memory units 254 and 284) and/or
from a remote storage location (e.g., data storage unit 270 and the
hard drive 274) via a wireless link. Control-enabling graphical
elements 450 on the encoded writing medium 100 may be used. Also,
information 276 associated with the created writing on the encoded
writing medium 100 may be retrieved from local memory (e.g., memory
units 254 and 284) and/or from a remote storage location (e.g.,
data storage unit 270 and the hard drive 274) via a wireless
link.
[0046] Furthermore, at Block 730, the audio playback mode of the
interactive apparatus 200 is deactivated in response to recognition
of at least one of the plurality of control-enabling graphical
elements 450 on the encoded writing medium 100. Also, the recorded
audio 278 and information 276 associated with the created writing
on the encoded writing medium 100 may be maintained in local memory
(e.g., memory units 254 and 284) and/or in remote storage location
(e.g., the data storage unit 270 and the hard drive 274) and may be
retrieved later during the audio playback mode in response to
recognition of other graphical elements or location of the writing
tool 262 on created writing on the encoded writing medium 100.
[0047] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the
present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration
and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit
the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and many
modifications and variations are possible in light of the above
teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to
best explain the principles of the invention and its practical
application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best
utilize the invention and various embodiments with various
modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It
is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the
Claims appended hereto and their equivalents.
* * * * *