Abstract: A method, a user interface, and an educational content server for assisting a user in learning using interactive learning appliances are disclosed. The performance information of the user, which may be in the form of a user log file in an interactive learning appliance, may be received at a server computer from a site where the user is present. The performance information and profile information can then be presented in the user interface and used to generate an electronic content package. The electronic content package can then be received and loaded into the interactive learning appliance.

Abstract: Paper-based playback of media can be performed by electronically recording handwritten notes including pen strokes using a digital pen on a position-coded paper. A plurality of bounding areas is identified, e.g. by generating bounding areas around the pen strokes as they are developed. Each bounding box is provided with a time stamp which indexes a media file, which was recorded simultaneously with the handwritten notes. By placing the digital pen close to a handwritten note on the paper, the part of the media that was recorded when the specific note was written can be recalled. More specifically, the bounding box corresponding to the position of the digital pen is identified and the associated time stamp is used to find the media to recall. This paper-based playback of media can be performed in e.g. a stand-alone device or by a combination of a digital pen and a mobile phone.

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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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 listing of options associated with the graphical element icon is audibly rendered. In response to a selection of one of the options, the selected option is invoked.

Abstract: 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 related to the interacted region. A different function may be invoked by each region. The computer system dynamically positions and may dynamically size the interface regions based on the position (and size) of the marking. Multiple markings yield multiple regions, with different regions associated with respective markings. In one embodiment, the regions are established in front of and/or after a written word. Regions may also be established on top of and/or below the written word, for example.

Abstract: A method, a user interface, and an educational content server for assisting a user in learning using interactive learning appliances are disclosed. The performance information of the user, which may be in the form of a user log file in an interactive learning appliance, may be received at a server computer from a site where the user is present. The performance information and profile information can then be presented in the user interface and used to generate an electronic content package. The electronic content package can then be received and loaded into the interactive learning appliance.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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 listing of options associated with the graphical element icon is audibly rendered. In response to a selection of one of the options, the selected option is invoked.

Abstract: Paper-based playback of media can be performed by electronically recording handwritten notes including pen strokes using a digital pen on a position-coded paper. A plurality of bounding areas is identified, e.g. by generating bounding areas around the pen strokes as they are developed. Each bounding box is provided with a time stamp which indexes a media file, which was recorded simultaneously with the handwritten notes. By placing the digital pen close to a handwritten note on the paper, the part of the media that was recorded when the specific note was written can be recalled. More specifically, the bounding box corresponding to the position of the digital pen is identified and the associated time stamp is used to find the media to recall. This paper-based playback of media can be performed in e.g. a stand-alone device or by a combination of a digital pen and a mobile phone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel interactive information system which can be used to make a traditional print medium such as a magazine, “interactive”. When the traditional print medium is placed on a print media receiving unit in a predetermined position, a user can interact with the traditional print medium. Printed matter elements on the printed medium can be made “selectable” by the user.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel interactive information system which can be used to make a traditional print medium such as a magazine, “interactive”. When the traditional print medium is placed on a print media receiving unit in a predetermined position, a user can interact with the traditional print medium. Printed matter elements on the printed medium can be made “selectable” by the user.

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.

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.

Abstract: A method for recording and playback of voice messages associated with a surface. The method includes recognizing an actuation of a pen device on a detachable surface. The detachable surface is configured for removable attachment to a plurality of different surfaces, and comprises encoded information readable by the pen device. Upon actuation, an interactive audio function of the pen device is accessed. The interactive audio function provides functionality related to the encoded information of the detachable surface, and provides an audio output in accordance with the function.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel interactive information system which can be used to make a traditional print medium such as a magazine, “interactive”. When the traditional print medium is placed on a print media receiving unit in a predetermined position, a user can interact with the traditional print medium. Printed matter elements on the printed medium can be made “selectable” by the user.

Abstract: 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 related to the interacted region. A different function may be invoked by each region. The computer system dynamically positions and may dynamically size the interface regions based on the position (and size) of the marking. Multiple markings yield multiple regions, with different regions associated with respective markings. In one embodiment, the regions are established in front of and/or after a written word. Regions may also be established on top of and/or below the written word, for example.

Abstract: A system including a scanning apparatus is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system has (a) an article having (i) a surface having a plurality of positions and a plurality of print elements respectively at the plurality of positions, and (ii) a plurality of codes respectively at the plurality of positions and relating to absolute or relative locations of the positions. The system also has (b) a scanning apparatus comprising (i) a stylus having an optical detector and an optical emitter, (ii) a processor coupled to the optical detector and the optical emitter, (iii) a memory unit comprising code for audio corresponding to the print elements, the memory unit coupled to the processor, and (iv) an audio output device coupled to the processor.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention recite a method and system for conducting a transaction using recognized text. In one embodiment, an electronic interactive pen device recognizes a text string written on a writable surface. A function of the electronic interactive pen device is then automatically accessed. In response to accessing the function, a transaction process is initiated.

Abstract: A method and device for associating a user writing with a user-writable element. The method includes audibly prompting a user to draw a user-writable element on a surface. A user writing is detected on the surface. A position on the surface of the user writing is recorded. The position is associated with the user-writable element.