Switch configuration for detecting writing pressure in a writing device
Granted: December 3, 2013
Patent Number:
8599143
An apparatus for detecting writing pressure is comprised of a carrier. A mode selection device coupled to the carrier is operable to select writing modes. A switch coupled to the carrier is operable to move between a first state and a second state in response to writing pressure coupled to the switch. An actuator coupled to the carrier is configured to actuate the switch in response to pressure applied to the actuator in response to writing.
Educational apparatus
Granted: September 24, 2013
Patent Number:
D690303
Audio book for pen-based computer
Granted: July 2, 2013
Patent Number:
8477095
A system for producing audio output from interaction with printed material and a pen based computer system. The system includes a printed page including a substantially invisible position code and a human viewable image. The system further includes a pen-based computer system for determining a position of the human viewable image in response to interactions there between, e.g., based upon the pen tip's proximity to the image. The pen-based computer is operable to produce a human-audible…
Tablet learning apparatus
Granted: January 15, 2013
Patent Number:
D674387
User interface device for controlling an audio visual system
Granted: December 25, 2012
Patent Number:
8339371
A user interface device for controlling an audio visual system. In one embodiment, a device for interfacing with an audio/visual system includes a sensor mat including a surface and operable to be disposed on a substantially flat floor. The sensor mat is further operable for generating electrical signals responsive to physical interactions of a user with the surface. The interface device also includes an electronic control unit including circuitry for coupling to the mat, the electronic…
Interactive device using capacitive sensor array for joint page identification and page location determination
Granted: September 18, 2012
Patent Number:
8267309
An interactive media device. The device has an area for receiving a document and a sensor network adjacent to the area. The sensor network has a first region adjacent to the document and responsive to user proximity to the first region. The sensor network has a second region that is responsive to markers disposed on or embedded in the document. The device has a processor coupled to the sensor network and able to receive signals from the sensor network indicating capacitance change in the…
Techniques for interactively coupling electronic content with printed media
Granted: September 11, 2012
Patent Number:
8261967
A technique for interactively coupling electronic content to printed or written content, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, includes use of a computing device and a pre-printed control panel. The control panel includes graphic representations overlaid on unique coded patterns. Each unique coded pattern is associated with a particular function or datum. The control panel is used to input an identifier of a written or printed content to the computing device. In…
Interactive learning pen
Granted: April 24, 2012
Patent Number:
D658183
Interactive pad
Granted: October 11, 2011
Patent Number:
D646726
Display apparatus for teaching writing
Granted: September 27, 2011
Patent Number:
8025504
Apparatuses and methods are provided directed at teaching writing, such as printing, cursive, and calligraphy, to users of all ages. Typically, the embodiments are directed toward teaching children the basic skills of writing. However, it may be appreciated that the embodiments may be utilized by users of all ages. In particular, embodiments of the invention can be used to teach the skill of writing and learning letters of the English alphabet to foreigners. Or, embodiments of the…
Interactive hand held apparatus with stylus
Granted: September 27, 2011
Patent Number:
8025505
An interactive, handheld apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a housing, a display screen on the housing, an electronic position location system, a stylus for selecting images on the display screen, a directional control pad on the housing and a memory device. The electronic position location system includes a processor that is capable of determining a location of a selected region of the display screen. The memory device includes computer code for an educational game and is…
Method and system for invoking computer functionality by interaction with dynamically generated interface regions of a writing surface
Granted: May 3, 2011
Patent Number:
7936339
A device user interface in which computer functionality is invoked by user interaction with dynamically generated interface regions of a writing surface. A computer system identifies a marking written on the writing surface or a user selection of an existing written marking. Adjacent to the marking, the computer system automatically generates one or more interface regions associated with the marking. User interaction with one of these regions automatically invokes computer functionality…
Interactive toy
Granted: April 19, 2011
Patent Number:
D636445
System and method for associating content with an image bearing surface
Granted: April 12, 2011
Patent Number:
7922099
Systems and methods for associating content with an image bearing surface. In accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, a method, operable at an electronic interactive device, comprises accessing a first image, e.g., identifying the content, on a surface, wherein the surface comprises an encoded pattern of location information on the surface for providing location information to the electronic interactive device. The method further comprises decoding the first image to…
Interactive apparatus using print media
Granted: March 29, 2011
Patent Number:
7916124
A method for producing an output in response to an interaction with a print element on a sheet is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes placing a sheet comprising a print element on a surface of a base unit. A user can then mark on the sheet in the vicinity of the print element with a marking instrument. An audio output that corresponds to the print element is generated.
Dot enabled template
Granted: February 15, 2011
Patent Number:
7889399
A dot template for enabling user interaction between a computing device and a printed material. The template comprises a plurality of dot patterns for position determination. The template further comprises a plurality of icons for accepting input/output (e.g., a handwriting recognition pad, a keyboard) and for controlling the operation of a computing device (e.g., volume control, controlling audio/video information). The transparent template is placed over a printed material. Information…
Method and device for audibly instructing a user to interact with a function
Granted: December 14, 2010
Patent Number:
7853193
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.
Peripheral interface device for color recognition
Granted: December 7, 2010
Patent Number:
7847942
A peripheral interface device for determining the color of a surface, where the surface color may then be used to determine device position and identify objects. Embodiments provide a device capable of directing different colors of light (e.g., red, green and blue) onto a surface and measuring relative intensities of the reflected colors to determine the color of the surface. The reflection and measurement of each color may be performed separately. Alternatively, composite-colored light…
Method and system for implementing a user interface for a device employing written graphical elements
Granted: November 9, 2010
Patent Number:
7831933
A method and system for implementing a user interface for a device through user created graphical elements. The method includes recognizing a graphical element icon created by a user. Once recognized, a function related to the graphical element icon is accessed and an output in accordance with the function is provided. The function is persistently associated with the graphical element icon. Menu selection and navigation is implemented through interaction with the graphic element icon. A…
Interactive communications appliance
Granted: October 19, 2010
Patent Number:
7818400
An interactive communications appliance for broadcasting personalized information is disclosed. The interactive communications appliance comprises a transceiver for receiving personalized information transmitted via a wireless link. A memory stores the personalized information and an audio device broadcasts the personalized information to a user.
