Selective input system based on tracking of motion parameters of an input device

US 7,750,891 B2
Filed: 06/28/2004
Issued: 07/06/2010
Est. Priority Date: 04/09/2003
Status: Active Grant

- Alert
- Pin

Associated Cases

Associated Defendants

First Claim

Patent Images

1. A process for selectable input based on motion of a pointing device in relation to a region, the process comprising the steps of:

tracking the motion of the pointing device in relation to the region;

determining a device path of the pointing device, comprising a plurality of positions and corresponding times, based upon the tracked motion;

for subsequent positions and corresponding times, comparing to path data;

detecting positions that meet at least one threshold of a selected position along the determined device path, wherein the determined device path comprises at least two selected positions,wherein the threshold of a selected position within the region comprises any of starting the device path, looping the device path, changing direction of the device path, changing velocity of the device path, pausing motion in the device path, and ending the device path,wherein the threshold of changing direction comprises any of a curve having an estimated radius that is less than a threshold geometry, a comparison of the device oath direction before and after a curve, a sharp cusp edge in the device path, and a comparison of oath direction before and after a cusp;

determining which of the detected selected positions along the determined device path correspond to a selectable character; and

entering each of the detected selected positions that correspond to a selectable character.

View all claims

11 Assignments

Timeline View

Assignment View

Litigations

0 Petitions

Accused Products

Abstract

A selective input system and associated method is provided which tracks the motion of a pointing device over a region or area. The pointing device can be a touchpad, a mouse, a pen, or any device capable of providing two or three-dimensional location. The region or area is preferably augmented with a printed or actual keyboard/pad. Alternatively, a representation of the location of the pointing device over a virtual keyboard/pad can be dynamically shown on an associated display. The system identifies selections of items or characters by detecting parameters of motion of the pointing device, such as length of motion, a change in direction, a change in velocity, and or a lack of motion at locations that correspond to features on the keyboard/pad. The input system is preferably coupled to a text disambiguation system such as a T9® or Sloppytype™ system, to improve the accuracy and usability of the input system.

308 Citations

143 Claims

1. A process for selectable input based on motion of a pointing device in relation to a region, the process comprising the steps of:
- tracking the motion of the pointing device in relation to the region;
  
  determining a device path of the pointing device, comprising a plurality of positions and corresponding times, based upon the tracked motion;
  
  for subsequent positions and corresponding times, comparing to path data;
  
  detecting positions that meet at least one threshold of a selected position along the determined device path, wherein the determined device path comprises at least two selected positions,wherein the threshold of a selected position within the region comprises any of starting the device path, looping the device path, changing direction of the device path, changing velocity of the device path, pausing motion in the device path, and ending the device path,wherein the threshold of changing direction comprises any of a curve having an estimated radius that is less than a threshold geometry, a comparison of the device oath direction before and after a curve, a sharp cusp edge in the device path, and a comparison of oath direction before and after a cusp;
  
  determining which of the detected selected positions along the determined device path correspond to a selectable character; and
  
  entering each of the detected selected positions that correspond to a selectable character.
- View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29)
- - 2. The process of claim 1, wherein the pointing device comprises any of a stylus, a finger, a hand, a glove, a pen, a mouse, a touchpad, a trackball, a laser pointer, and a light pen.
  - 3. The process of claim 1, wherein the region comprises any of a keypad, a touchscreen, and a touchpad.
  - 4. The process of claim 1, wherein the region comprises a two-dimensional area.
  - 5. The process of claim 4, wherein the region further comprises a secondary input value.
  - 6. The process of claim 5, wherein the secondary input value comprises a stylus pressure value.
  - 7. The process of claim 1, wherein the region comprises a three-dimensional volume.
  - 8. The process of claim 1, wherein the tracked motion is limited to motion of the pointing device on a planar surface of the region.
  - 9. The process of claim 1, wherein the tracked motion of the pointing device comprises any of planar motion and non-planar motion of the pointing device in relation to a surface of the region.
  - 10. The process of claim 1, wherein the region comprises an input region in any of a portable digital assistant, a portable telephone, a mobile telephone, a portable computer, and a portable game device.
  - 11. The process of claim 1, further comprising the step of:
    - disambiguating at least one determined position which corresponds to an alternate selection.
  - 12. The process of claim 11, wherein the step of disambiguation comprises the steps of:
    - displaying the alternate selection; and
      
      providing a choice by the user between the determined position and the alternate selection.
  - 13. The process of claim 1, further comprising the step of:
    - disambiguating at least one subsequent position based upon a contextual comparison between the subsequent position and stored information.
  - 14. The process of claim 13, wherein the stored information comprises any of language, characters, and words.
  - 15. The process of claim 13, wherein the step of disambiguation comprises the steps of:
    - providing a spell check function for one or more selected positions; and
      
      providing a choice by the user of results of the spell check function.
  - 16. The process of claim 1, further comprising the step of:
    - disambiguating at least one subsequent position that does not clearly indicate a selectable character within the region.
  - 17. The process of claim 1, further comprising the step of:
    - providing feedback to a user.
  - 18. The process of claim 17, wherein the feedback comprises any of visual feedback and audio feedback.
  - 19. The process of claim 18, wherein the visual feedback comprises any of an ink trail corresponding to the determined device path, a font change, a color change, a reverse video color, an alternate background color, an underline, bold face text, italic text, and a text outline.
  - 20. The process of claim 18, wherein the audio feedback comprises any of a tone indicating system confidence in any of tracking and selection, a sound indicating any of a selection and an entry, and an acoustic message.
  - 21. The process of claim 1, further comprising the steps of:
    - determining a distance between a current location of the pointing device and selectable characters within the region;
      
      determining a selectable character which is closest to the current location of the pointing device; and
      
      highlighting the determined closest selectable character.
  - 22. The process of claim 21, wherein the highlighting comprises any of a display and a magnification of the determined closest selectable character.
  - 23. The process of claim 1, wherein the selected positions correspond to any of characters, menu selections, and functions.
  - 24. The process of claim 1, further comprising the steps of:
    - providing a plurality of interfaces comprising a plurality of selected positions within the region; and
      
      switching between the interfaces.
  - 25. The process of claim 24, wherein the step of switching between the interfaces comprises a selection by the pointing device.
  - 26. The process of claim 24, wherein the step of switching between the interfaces comprises a selection by a supplementary control.
  - 27. The process of claim 1, further comprising the steps of:
    - predicting a default selection; and
      
      providing means for accepting the predicted default selection.
  - 28. The process of claim 27, wherein the predicted default selection comprises a word.
  - 29. The process of claim 27, wherein the accepting means comprises any of a directional input, a button selection, a menu selection, a list selection, and a functional input.

30. A process for selectable input based on motion of a pointing device in relation to a region having a plurality of selectable characters, the process comprising the steps of:
- tracking the motion of the pointing device in relation to the region, wherein the tracked motion defines a device path comprising at least two selected positions;
  
  determining which of the selected positions along the device path correspond to at least one of the selectable characters; and
  
  detecting a characteristic motion of the pointing device, the characteristic motion corresponding to at least one of the selected positions along the device path that correspond to at least one of the selectable characters.
- View Dependent Claims (31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60)
- - 31. The process of claim 30, wherein the pointing device comprises any of a stylus, a finger, a hand, a glove, a pen, a mouse, a touchpad, a trackball, a laser pointer, and a light pen.
  - 32. The process of claim 30, wherein the region comprises any of a keypad, a touchpad, and an entry screen.
  - 33. The process of claim 30, wherein the characteristic motion comprises any of starting the device path, looping the device path, changing direction of the device path, changing velocity of the device path, pausing motion in the device path, and ending the device path.
  - 34. The process of claim 33, wherein the characteristic motion of changing direction comprises any of a curve having an estimated radius that is less than a threshold geometry, a comparison of the device path direction before and after a curve, a sharp cusp edge in the device path, and a comparison of path direction before and after a cusp.
  - 35. The process of claim 30, wherein the region comprises a two-dimensional area.
  - 36. The process of claim 35, wherein the region further comprises a secondary input value.
  - 37. The process of claim 36, wherein the secondary input value comprises a stylus pressure value.
  - 38. The process of claim 30, wherein the region comprises a three-dimensional volume.
  - 39. The process of claim 30, wherein the tracked motion is limited to motion of the pointing device on a planar surface of the region.
  - 40. The process of claim 30, wherein the tracked motion of the pointing device comprises any of planar motion and non-planar motion of the pointing device in relation to a surface of the region.
  - 41. The process of claim 30, wherein the region comprises an input area in any of a portable digital assistant, a portable telephone, a mobile telephone, a portable computer, and a portable game device.
  - 42. The process of claim 30, further comprising the step of:
    - disambiguating at least one determined position which corresponds to an alternate selection.
  - 43. The process of claim 42, wherein the step of disambiguation comprises the steps of:
    - displaying the alternate selection; and
      
      providing a choice by the user between the determined position and the alternate selection.
  - 44. The process of claim 30, further comprising the step of:
    - providing feedback to user.
  - 45. The process of claim 44, wherein the feedback comprises any of visual feedback and audio feedback.
  - 46. The process of claim 45, wherein the visual feedback comprises any of an ink trail corresponding to the determined device path, a font change, a color change, a reverse video color, an alternate background color, an underline, bold face text, italic text, and a text outline.
  - 47. The process of claim 45, wherein the audio feedback comprises any of a tone indicating system confidence in any of tracking and selection, a sound indicating any of a selection and an entry, and an acoustic message.
  - 48. The process of claim 30, further comprising the steps of:
    - determining a distance between a current location of the pointing device and selectable characters within the region;
      
      determining a selectable character which is closest to the current location of the pointing device; and
      
      highlighting the determined closest selectable character.
  - 49. The process of claim 48, wherein the highlighting comprises any of a display and a magnification of the determined closest selectable character.
  - 50. The process of claim 30, further comprising the step of:
    - disambiguating at least one subsequent position based upon a contextual comparison between the subsequent position and stored information.
  - 51. The process of claim 50, wherein the stored information comprises any of language, characters, and words.
  - 52. The process of claim 50, wherein the step of disambiguation comprises the steps of:
    - providing a spell check function for one or more selected positions; and
      
      providing a choice by the user of results of the spell check function.
  - 53. The process of claim 30, further comprising the step of:
    - disambiguating at least one subsequent position that does not clearly indicate a selectable character within the region.
  - 54. The process of claim 30, wherein the selected positions correspond to any of characters, menu selections, and functions.
  - 55. The process of claim 30, further comprising the steps of:
    - providing a plurality of interfaces comprising a plurality of selected positions within the region; and
      
      switching between the interfaces.
  - 56. The process of claim 55, wherein the step of switching between the interfaces comprises a selection by the input device.
  - 57. The process of claim 55, wherein the step of switching between the interfaces comprises a selection by a supplementary control.
  - 58. The process of claim 30, further comprising the steps of:
    - predicting a default selection; and
      
      providing means for accepting the predicted default selection.
  - 59. The process of claim 58, wherein the predicted default selection comprises a word.
  - 60. The process of claim 58, wherein the accepting means comprises any of a directional input, a button selection, a menu selection, a list selection, and a functional input.

61. A system for selectable input based on motion of a pointing device in relation to an region, comprising:
- means for tracking the motion of the pointing device in relation to the region;
  
  a determined device path, comprising a plurality of positions and corresponding times, based upon the tracked motion;
  
  a comparison of subsequent positions and corresponding times to path data;
  
  means for detecting subsequent positions that meet at least one threshold of a selected position along the determined device path, wherein the determined device path comprises at least two selected positions,wherein the threshold of a selected position within the region comprises any of starting the device path, looping the device path, changing direction of the device path, changing velocity of the device path, pausing motion in the device path, and ending the device path, andwherein the threshold of changing direction comprises any of a curve having an estimated radius that is less than a threshold geometry, a comparison of the device oath direction before and after a curve, a sharp cusp edge in the device path, and a comparison of oath direction before and after a cusp;
  
  means for determining which of the detected selected positions along the determined device path correspond to a selectable character; and
  
  means for sequential entry of each of the detected selected positions that correspond to a selectable character.
- View Dependent Claims (62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89)
- - 62. The system of claim 61, wherein the pointing device comprises any of a stylus, a finger, a hand, a glove, a pen, a mouse, a touchpad, a trackball, a laser pointer, and a light pen.
  - 63. The system of claim 61, wherein the region comprises any of a keypad, a touchpad, and an entry screen.
  - 64. The system of claim 61, wherein the region comprises a two-dimensional area.
  - 65. The system of claim 64, wherein the region further comprises a secondary input value.
  - 66. The system of claim 65, wherein the secondary input value comprises a stylus pressure value.
  - 67. The system of claim 61, wherein the region comprises a three-dimensional volume.
  - 68. The system of claim 61, wherein the tracked motion is limited to motion of the pointing device on a planar surface of the region.
  - 69. The system of claim 61, wherein the tracked motion of the pointing device comprises any of planar motion and non-planar motion of the device in relation to a surface of the region.
  - 70. The system of claim 61, wherein the region comprises an input area in any of a portable digital assistant, a portable telephone, a mobile telephone, a portable computer, and a portable game device.
  - 71. The system of claim 61, further comprising:
    - means for disambiguating at least one determined position which corresponds to an alternate selection.
  - 72. The system of claim 71, wherein the disambiguation means comprises:
    - a display of the alternate selection; and
      
      a selectable choice by the user between the determined position and the alternate selection.
  - 73. The system of claim 61, further comprising:
    - means for providing feedback to a user.
  - 74. The system of claim 73, wherein the feedback comprises any of visual feedback and audio feedback.
  - 75. The system of claim 74, wherein the visual feedback comprises any of an ink trail corresponding to the determined device path, a font change, a color change, a reverse video color, an alternate background color, an underline, bold face text, italic text, and a text outline.
  - 76. The system of claim 74, wherein the audio feedback comprises any of a tone indicating system confidence in any of tracking and selection, a sound indicating any of a selection and an entry, and an acoustic message.
  - 77. The system of claim 61, further comprising:
    - logic for determining a distance between a current location of the pointing device and selectable characters within the region;
      
      logic for determining a selectable character which is closest to the current location of the pointing device; and
      
      a highlight corresponding to the determined closest selectable character.
  - 78. The system of claim 77, wherein the highlight comprises any of a display and a magnification of the determined closest selectable character.
  - 79. The system of claim 61, further comprising:
    - means for disambiguating at least one subsequent position based upon a contextual comparison between the subsequent position and stored information.
  - 80. The system of claim 79, wherein the stored information comprises any of language, characters, and words.
  - 81. The system of claim 79, wherein the disambiguation means comprises:
    - a spell check function for one or more selected positions; and
      
      a choice for the user of results of the spell check function.
  - 82. The system of claim 61, further comprising:
    - a disambiguation of at least one subsequent position that does not clearly indicate a selectable character within the region.
  - 83. The system of claim 61, wherein the selected positions correspond to any of characters, menu selections, and functions.
  - 84. The system of claim 61, further comprising:
    - a plurality of interfaces comprising a plurality of selected positions within the region; and
      
      means for switching between the interfaces.
  - 85. The system of claim 84, wherein the means for switching between the interfaces comprises a pointing device selection.
  - 86. The system of claim 84, wherein the means for switching between the interfaces comprises a supplementary control.
  - 87. The system of claim 61, further comprising:
    - logic for predicting a default selection; and
      
      means for accepting the predicted default selection.
  - 88. The system of claim 87, wherein the predicted default selection comprises a word.
  - 89. The system of claim 87, wherein the accepting means comprises any of a directional input, a button selection, a menu selection, a list selection, and a functional input.

90. A system for selectable input based upon motion of a pointing device in relation to a region having a plurality of selectable characters, comprising:
- means for tracking the motion of the pointing device in relation to the region, wherein the tracked motion defines a device path comprising at least two selected positions;
  
  means for determining which of the selected positions along the device path correspond to at least one of the selectable characters; and
  
  logic for determining a characteristic motion of the pointing device that corresponds to at least one of the selected positions along the device path corresponding to at least one of the selectable characters.
- View Dependent Claims (91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121)
- - 91. The system of claim 90, wherein the pointing device comprises any of a stylus, a finger, a hand, a glove, a pen, a mouse, a touchpad, a trackball, a laser pointer, and a light pen.
  - 92. The system of claim 90, wherein the region comprises any of a keypad, a touchpad, and an entry screen.
  - 93. The system of claim 90, wherein the characteristic motion comprises any of starting the device path, looping the device path, changing direction of the device path, changing velocity of the device path, pausing motion in the device path, and ending the device path.
  - 94. The system of claim 93, wherein the characteristic motion of changing direction comprises any of a curve having an estimated radius that is less than a threshold geometry, a comparison of the device path direction before and after a curve, a sharp cusp edge in the device path, and a comparison of path direction before and after a cusp.
  - 95. The system of claim 90, wherein the region comprises a two-dimensional area.
  - 96. The system of claim 95, wherein the region further comprises a secondary input value.
  - 97. The system of claim 96, wherein the secondary input value comprises a stylus pressure value.
  - 98. The system of claim 90, wherein the region comprises a three-dimensional volume.
  - 99. The system of claim 90, wherein the tracked motion is limited to motion of the pointing device on a planar surface of the region.
  - 100. The system of claim 90, wherein the tracked motion of the pointing device comprises any of planar motion and non-planar motion of the device in relation to a surface of the region.
  - 101. The system of claim 90, wherein the region comprises an input area in any of a portable digital assistant, a portable telephone, a mobile telephone, a portable computer, and a portable game device.
  - 102. The system of claim 90, further comprising:
    - means for disambiguating at least one determined position which corresponds to an alternate selection.
  - 103. The system of claim 102, wherein the disambiguation means comprises:
    - a display of the alternate selection; and
      
      a selectable choice by the user between the determined position and the alternate selection.
  - 104. The system of claim 90, further comprising:
    - means for providing feedback to a user.
  - 105. The system of claim 104, wherein the feedback comprises any of visual feedback and audio feedback.
  - 106. The system of claim 105, wherein the visual feedback comprises any of an ink trail corresponding to the tracked motion, a font change, a color change, a reverse video color, an alternate background color, an underline, bold face text, italic text, and a text outline.
  - 107. The system of claim 105, wherein the audio feedback comprises any of a tone indicating system confidence in any of tracking and selection, a sound indicating any of a selection and an entry, and an acoustic message.
  - 108. The system of claim 90, further comprising:
    - logic for determining a distance between a current location of the pointing device and selectable characters within the region;
      
      logic for determining a selectable character which is closest to the current location of the pointing device; and
      
      a highlight corresponding to the determined closest selectable character.
  - 109. The system of claim 108, wherein the highlight comprises any of a display and a magnification of the determined closest selectable character.
  - 110. The system of claim 90, further comprising:
    - means for disambiguating at least one subsequent position based upon a contextual comparison between the subsequent position and stored information.
  - 111. The system of claim 110, wherein the stored information comprises any of languages, characters, and words.
  - 112. The system of claim 110, wherein the disambiguation means comprises:
    - a spell check function for one or more selected positions; and
      
      a choice for the user of results of the spell check function.
  - 113. The system of claim 90, further comprising:
    - a disambiguation of at least one subsequent position that does not clearly indicate a selectable character within the region.
  - 114. The system of claim 113, wherein the disambiguating comprises:
    - a display of at least one selectable character that may correspond to the subsequent position that does not clearly indicate a selectable character within the region; and
      
      a selectable choice for the user of the at least one selectable character.
  - 115. The system of claim 90, wherein the selected positions correspond to any of characters, menu selections, and functions.
  - 116. The system of claim 90, further comprising:
    - a plurality of interfaces comprising a plurality of selected positions within the region; and
      
      means for switching between the interfaces.
  - 117. The system of claim 90, wherein the means for switching between the interfaces comprises a pointing device selection.
  - 118. The system of claim 90, wherein the means for switching between the interfaces comprises a supplementary control.
  - 119. The system of claim 90, further comprising:
    - logic for predicting a default selection; and
      
      means for accepting the predicted default selection.
  - 120. The system of claim 119, wherein the predicted default selection comprises a word.
  - 121. The system of claim 119, wherein the accepting means comprises any of a directional input, a button selection, a menu selection, a list selection, and a functional input.

122. A process for selectable input based on motion of a pointing device in relation to a region, the process comprising the steps of:
- tracking the motion of the pointing device in relation to the region;
  
  determining a device path of the pointing device, comprising a plurality of positions and corresponding times, based upon the tracked motion;
  
  for subsequent positions and corresponding times, comparing to path data;
  
  detecting subsequent positions which meet at least one threshold of a selected position within the region, wherein the threshold of a selected position within the region comprises any of starting the device path, changing direction of the device path, changing velocity of the device path, pausing motion in the device path, and ending the device path; and
  
  entering each of the selected positions which correspond to a selection;
  
  wherein the threshold of changing direction comprises any of a curve having an estimated radius that is less than a threshold geometry, a comparison of the device path direction before and after a curve, a sharp cusp edge in the device path, and a comparison of path direction before and after a cusp.

123. A process for selectable input based on motion of a pointing device in relation to a region, the process comprising the steps of:
- tracking the motion of the pointing device in relation to the region;
  
  determining a device path of the pointing device, comprising a plurality of positions and corresponding times, based upon the tracked motion;
  
  for subsequent positions and corresponding times, comparing to path data;
  
  detecting subsequent positions which meet at least one threshold of a selected position within the region;
  
  entering each of the selected positions which correspond to a selection; and
  
  disambiguating at least one subsequent position which does not clearly indicate a selected position within the region.
- View Dependent Claims (124)
- - 124. The process of claim 123, wherein the step of disambiguating comprises the steps of:
    - displaying at least one selectable position which may correspond to the subsequent position that does not clearly indicate a selected position within the region; and
      
      providing a choice by the user of the at least one selectable position.

125. A process for selectable input based on motion of a pointing device in relation to a region, the process comprising the steps of:
- tracking the motion of the pointing device in relation to the region;
  
  determining a device path of the pointing device, comprising a plurality of positions and corresponding times, based upon the tracked motion;
  
  for subsequent positions and corresponding times, comparing to path data;
  
  detecting subsequent positions which meet at least one threshold of a selected position within the region;
  
  entering each of the selected positions which correspond to a selection;
  
  determining a distance between a current location of the pointing device and selectable positions within the region;
  
  determining a selectable position which is closest to the current location of the pointing device; and
  
  highlighting the determined closest selectable position.
- View Dependent Claims (126)
- - 126. The process of claim 125, wherein the highlighting comprises any of a display and a magnification of the determined closest selectable position.

127. A process for selectable input based on motion of a pointing device in relation to a region, the process comprising the steps of:
- tracking the motion of the pointing device in relation to the region; and
  
  detecting a characteristic motion of the pointing device, the characteristic motion corresponding to at least one selectable input, wherein the characteristic motion comprises any of starting the device path, changing direction of the device path, changing velocity of the device path, pausing motion in the device path, and ending the device path;
  
  wherein the characteristic motion of changing direction comprises any of a curve having an estimated radius that is less than a threshold geometry, a comparison of the device path direction before and after a curve, a sharp cusp edge in the device path, and a comparison of path direction before and after a cusp.

128. A process for selectable input based on motion of a pointing device in relation to a region, the process comprising the steps of:
- tracking the motion of the pointing device in relation to the region;
  
  detecting a characteristic motion of the pointing device, the characteristic motion corresponding to at least one selectable input;
  
  determining a distance between a current location of the pointing device and selectable positions within the region;
  
  determining a selectable position which is closest to the current location of the pointing device; and
  
  highlighting the determined closest selectable position.
- View Dependent Claims (129)
- - 129. The process of claim 128, wherein the highlighting comprises any of a display and a magnification of the determined closest selectable position.

130. A system for selectable input based on motion of a pointing device in relation to an region, comprising:
- means for tracking the motion of the pointing device in relation to the region;
  
  a determined device path, comprising a plurality of positions and corresponding times, based upon the tracked motion;
  
  a comparison of subsequent positions and corresponding times to path data;
  
  means for detecting subsequent positions which meet at least one threshold of a selected position within the region, wherein the at least one threshold of a selected position within the region comprises any of starting the device path, changing direction of the device path, changing velocity of the device path, pausing motion in the device path, and ending the device path; and
  
  means for sequential entry of each of the selected positions which correspond to a selection;
  
  wherein the threshold of changing direction comprises any of a curve having an estimated radius that is less than a threshold geometry, a comparison of the device path direction before and after a curve, a sharp cusp edge in the device path, and a comparison of path direction before and after a cusp.

131. A system for selectable input based on motion of a pointing device in relation to an region, comprising:
- means for tracking the motion of the pointing device in relation to the region;
  
  a determined device path, comprising a plurality of positions and corresponding times, based upon the tracked motion;
  
  a comparison of subsequent positions and corresponding times to path data;
  
  means for detecting subsequent positions which meet at least one threshold of a selected position within the region;
  
  means for sequential entry of each of the selected positions which correspond to a selection; and
  
  a disambiguation of at least one subsequent position which does not clearly indicate a selected position within the region.
- View Dependent Claims (132)
- - 132. The system of claim 131, wherein the disambiguation comprises:
    - a display of at least one selectable position which may correspond to the subsequent position that does not clearly indicate a selected position within the region; and
      
      a selectable choice for the user of the at least one selectable position.

133. A system for selectable input based on motion of a pointing device in relation to an region, comprising:
- means for tracking the motion of the pointing device in relation to the region;
  
  a determined device path, comprising a plurality of positions and corresponding times, based upon the tracked motion;
  
  a comparison of subsequent positions and corresponding times to path data;
  
  means for detecting subsequent positions which meet at least one threshold of a selected position within the region;
  
  means for sequential entry of each of the selected positions which correspond to a selection;
  
  logic for determining a distance between a current location of the pointing device and selectable positions within the region;
  
  logic for determining a selectable position which is closest to the current location of the pointing device; and
  
  a highlight corresponding to the determined closest selectable position.
- View Dependent Claims (134)
- - 134. The system of claim 133, wherein the highlight comprises any of a display and a magnification of the determined closest selectable position.

135. A system for selectable input based upon motion of a pointing device in relation to an region, comprising:
- means for tracking the motion of the pointing device in relation to the region; and
  
  logic for determining a characteristic motion of the pointing device which corresponds to at least one selectable input, wherein the characteristic motion comprises any of starting the device path, changing direction of the device path, changing velocity of the device path, pausing motion in the device path, and ending the device path;
  
  wherein the characteristic motion of changing direction comprises any of a curve having an estimated radius that is less than a threshold geometry, a comparison of the device path direction before and after a curve, a sharp cusp edge in the device path, and a comparison of path direction before and after a cusp.

136. A system for selectable input based upon motion of a pointing device in relation to an region, comprising:
- means for tracking the motion of the pointing device in relation to the region;
  
  logic for determining a characteristic motion of the pointing device which corresponds to at least one selectable input;
  
  logic for determining a distance between a current location of the pointing device and selectable positions within the region;
  
  logic for determining a selectable position which is closest to the current location of the pointing device; and
  
  a highlight corresponding to the determined closest selectable position.
- View Dependent Claims (137)
- - 137. The system of claim 136, wherein the highlight comprises any of a display and a magnification of the determined closest selectable position.

138. A process for selectable input based on motion of a pointing device in relation to a region, the process comprising the steps of:
- tracking the motion of the pointing device in relation to the region;
  
  determining a device path of the pointing device, comprising a plurality of positions and corresponding times, based upon the tracked motion;
  
  for subsequent positions and corresponding times, comparing to path data;
  
  detecting positions that meet at least one threshold of a selected position along the determined device path corresponding to a selectable character within the region, wherein the determined device path comprises at least two selected positions;
  
  entering each of the detected selected positions that correspond to a selectable character; and
  
  disambiguating at least one subsequent position that does not clearly indicate a selectable character within the region.
- View Dependent Claims (139)
- - 139. The process of claim 138, wherein the step of disambiguating comprises the steps of:
    - displaying at least one selectable character that may correspond to the subsequent position that does not clearly indicate a selectable character within the region; and
      
      providing a choice by the user of the at least one selectable character.

140. A process for selectable input based on motion of a pointing device in relation to a region having a plurality of selectable characters, the process comprising the steps of:
- tracking the motion of the pointing device in relation to the region, wherein the tracked motion defines a device path comprising at least two selected positions;
  
  detecting a characteristic motion of the pointing device, the characteristic motion corresponding to at least one of the selected positions along the device path that correspond to at least one of the selectable characters; and
  
  disambiguating at least one subsequent position that does not clearly indicate a selectable character within the region.
- View Dependent Claims (141)
- - 141. The process of claim 140, wherein the disambiguating step comprises the steps of:
    - displaying at least one selectable character that may correspond to the subsequent position that does not clearly indicate a selectable character within the region; and
      
      providing a choice by the user of the at least one selectable character.

142. A system for selectable input based on motion of a pointing device in relation to an region, comprising:
- means for tracking the motion of the pointing device in relation to the region;
  
  a determined device path, comprising a plurality of positions and corresponding times, based upon the tracked motion;
  
  a comparison of subsequent positions and corresponding times to path data;
  
  means for detecting subsequent positions that meet at least one threshold of a selected position along the determined device path corresponding to a selectable character within the region, wherein the determined device path comprises at least two selected positions;
  
  means for sequential entry of each of the detected selected positions that correspond to a selectable character; and
  
  a disambiguation of at least one subsequent position that does not clearly indicate a selectable character within the region.
- View Dependent Claims (143)
- - 143. The system of claim 142, wherein the disambiguation comprises:
    - a display of at least one selectable character that may correspond to the subsequent position that does not clearly indicate a selectable character within the region; and
      
      a selectable choice for the user of the at least one selectable character.

Specification

Resources

Litigation Campaign Assessment

Litigation Data

Current Assignee
Cerence Operating Company (Cerence Inc.)
Original Assignee
Tegic Communications, Inc. (Microsoft Corporation)
Inventors
Stephanick, James, Longé, Michael R., James, Christina, Bradford, Ethan R.
Primary Examiner(s)
Kumar; Srilakshmi K

Application Number

US10/881,819
Publication Number

US 20050052406A1
Time in Patent Office

2,199 Days
Field of Search

345173-179, 178 1801- 2004, 341/5
US Class Current

345/173
CPC Class Codes

G06F 3/0236   using selection techniques ...

G06F 3/04883   for inputting data by handw...

G06F 3/04886   by partitioning the display...

Selective input system based on tracking of motion parameters of an input device

First Claim

11 Assignments

Litigations

0 Petitions

Accused Products

Abstract

308 Citations

143 Claims

Specification

Solutions

Use Cases

Quick Links

Selective input system based on tracking of motion parameters of an input device

First Claim

11 Assignments

Subscription Required

Subscription Required

Litigations

0 Petitions

Subscription Required

Accused Products

Subscription Required

Abstract

308 Citations

143 Claims

Specification

Subscription Required

Solutions

Use Cases

Quick Links