Abstract: A user input panel dynamically expands to accommodate user input, such as handwritten or keyboard input. Expansion may occur in one or two out of four possible directions, depending upon the language to be written or typed. For example, when writing English words, the input panel may expand to the right as the user writes and then downward when the input panel has fully expanded rightward.

Abstract: A system and method for training a user to perform a flick gesture is described. A flick gesture is a simple gesture that may be easily detected and is characterized by minimal interference with other applications or gestures.

Abstract: Described is a system and method in which pen gestures cause a mode to be entered in which a computing device acts as if a modifier key (e.g., Control, Alt, or Shift) was being pressed. This is accomplished by a pen driver sending a modifier key down to the keyboard and mouse input subsystem. Modifier key behavior is thus provided, including at times when a keyboard is not readily available. While in the modifier key mode, additional gestures can be input, including a gesture that results in the computing device acting as if multiple modifier keys are pressed. Also, while in the mode, visual feedback may be provided to indicate the mode is active. The mode may be exited by sending a corresponding modifier key up, and the exit may be triggered in various ways, including by other gestures, mouse or pen events, and certain keyboard input.

Abstract: Described is a computer-implemented system and method that detects and differentiates scratch-out gestures from other electronic ink, e.g., entered via a pen. The system and method compare boundary-based criteria to differentiate, which eliminates the need to have a specially-shaped scratch-out pattern, instead allowing a wide variety of scratch-out styles to be detected. Criteria includes boundary-based evaluations such as whether the potential scratch-out gesture intersects previously recognized words or characters, whether the scratch-out gesture has a width that is at least a threshold percentage of the width of a word or character bounding box, whether the electronic ink extends beyond the midpoint of the bounding box, and whether at least some portion of the scratch-out gesture is above a baseline of the word or character. Scratch-out gestures entered in freeform input writing areas and boxed input writing areas are supported.

Abstract: A user input panel dynamically expands to accommodate user input, such as handwritten or keyboard input. Expansion may occur in one or two out of four possible directions, depending upon the language to be written or typed. For example, when writing English words, the input panel may expand to the right as the user writes and then downward when the input panel has fully expanded rightward.