Abstract: An in-place data input panel provides a user with access to a list of alternate characters to which displayed characters may be converted. The data input panel provides an indicator, such as an indicator bar, corresponding to segmentation of the characters. A user can change the segmentation of the characters by expanding or contracting the segmentation bar. Also, the user can access a drop-down menu listing alternate character choices corresponding to the characters in the segment indicated by the segmentation bar.

Abstract: A recognition tool according to various examples of the invention intelligently recognizes natural input before it is passed to a destination or target application. More particularly, the recognition tool according to various examples of the invention provides better formatting for text recognized from natural input, based upon the context in which the text is being inserted into a target application. The recognition tool also provides various tools for correcting inaccurately recognized text. The recognition tool may allow a user to select only a part of an inaccurate text, and then identify alternate text candidates based upon the selected portion of the inaccurate text. Further, when the user selects text containing multiple words for correction, the recognition tool provides cross combinations of alternate text candidates for the user's selection.

Abstract: A correction tool that displays a correction widget when a user acts to correct text is provided. More particularly, if the user places an insertion point in or to the immediate left of the text, or selects the text, the tool displays the correction widget immediately to the left of the selected text. The user can then quickly access a correction interface for correcting the text simply by moving the pointer the short distance from the insertion point to the correction widget. When the user activates the correction widget, the tool displays the correction interface immediately proximal to the correction widget. Thus, the user need only move the pointer a small distance further to then correct the text using the correction interface.

Abstract: A correction tool that displays a correction widget when a user acts to correct text is provided. More particularly, if the user places an insertion point in or to the immediate left of the text, or selects the text, the tool displays the correction widget immediately to the left of the selected text. The user can then quickly access a correction interface for correcting the text simply by moving the pointer the short distance from the insertion point to the correction widget. When the user activates the correction widget, the tool displays the correction interface immediately proximal to the correction widget. Thus, the user need only move the pointer a small distance further to then correct the text using the correction interface.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for controlling the behavior of a data entry user interface, such as a data input panel, based upon the status of an insertion location. For example, both the position and content of a data input panel are provided based upon the detected characteristics of the insertion location. Further, a technique for invoking or dismissing a data entry user interface may be provided based upon the status of an insertion location.

Abstract: An object is associated with one or more controls in a software application. An object associated with a control determincs the operation of the data entry user interface when the data entry user interface is being employed to enter data into that control. More particularly, the object may communicate interface characteristics to a component that is responsible for providing the user interface to the user. Such a component may be, for example, a shared software module that renders the user interface on a display, receives input data from the user through the user interface, and routes the entered data to a designated destination.

Abstract: A user interface that accepts input data through both speech and the use of a pen or stylus. With the interface, a user can employ voice recognition to enter a large volume of data, and subsequently employ a stylus input to modify the input data. A user can also employ stylus input, such as data from a handwriting or character recognition operation, to control how subsequently spoken words are recognized by a voice recognition operation. Further, a user may input data using a stylus, and then modify the input data using a voice recognition operation. A user may also employ a voice recognition operation to control how handwriting or character data input through a stylus is recognized by a handwriting recognition operation or a character recognition operation. In addition to a user interface, a technique is disclosed for inputting data into a computer where information is shared between a speech input operation and a handwriting input operation.

Abstract: A recognition tool according to the invention intelligently recognizes natural input before it is passed to a destination or target application. More particularly, the recognition tool according to the invention provides better formatting for text recognized from natural input, based upon the context in which the text is being inserted into a target application. The recognition tool also provides various tools for correcting inaccurately recognized text. For example, the recognition tool allows a user to select only a part of an inaccurate text, and then identifies alternate text candidates based upon the selected portion of the inaccurate text. Further, when the user selects text containing multiple words for correction, the recognition tool provides cross combinations of alternate text candidates for the user's selection.

Abstract: A correction tool that displays a correction widget when a user acts to correct text. More particularly, if the user places an insertion point in or to the immediate left of the text, or selects the text, the tool displays the correction widget immediately to the left of the selected text. The user can then quickly access a correction interface for correcting the text simply by moving the pointer the short distance from the insertion point to the correction widget. When the user activates the correction widget, the tool displays the correction interface immediately proximal to the correction widget. Thus, the user need only move the pointer a small distance further to then correct the text using the correction interface.