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: An interactive print media apparatus is disclosed. It includes a platform including a surface and an electronic position location system, and a print medium including a prescribed location. A user can write in the prescribed location. During writing, the writing instrument and the electronic position location system are operationally decoupled.

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.

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: Methods and devices for storing, retrieving and using information are described. A pattern of markings on a surface is decoded to recover information encoded by the pattern. A software application associated with the information is identified. The information can then be used with the software application.

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: Computer implemented methods of and systems for inputting data are described. A method for inputting data includes receiving information representing user-written data, the user-written data made with a writing instrument upon a surface. The method further includes defining an active region on the surface surrounding the user written data and recognizing a user performing a prescribed action with the writing instrument indicating completion of the user-written data. In response to recognizing, the method includes terminating the receiving and in response to terminating, the method further includes processing the information to automatically recognize the user-written data.

Abstract: A method and system for implementing a user interface for a pen device through recognized text and bounded areas. The method includes recognizing a text string and accessing a function or application related to the text string upon the recognition. An output is provided in accordance with the function and the function is associated with the text string. Alternatively, selection of the text string automatically applies the recognized result of the text string to a currently active application. The method includes recognizing an actuation within a bounded area and automatically accessing a function related to the bounded area upon the actuation. A text string recognized within a bounded area produces an output in accordance with the text string and the bounded area.

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: An interactive device that allows a user to create and interact with selectable items written on a surface. The present invention provides a user with an interface that replaces an electronic display with any surface, such as a piece of paper. The user may create user-written selectable items on the surface that execute associated functions. The user-written selectable items are persistent on the surface, allowing a user to execute functions associated with different selectable items throughout operation of the interactive device. By allowing a user to interact directly with a piece of paper, the present invention provides a unique user interface with an interactive device that provides the user with increased flexibility with regard to creation of user-written selectable items and execution of functions associated with these items.

Abstract: An interactive apparatus is disclosed. The interactive apparatus includes a stylus housing, a processor coupled to the stylus housing, and a memory unit comprising (i) computer code for recognizing a plurality of graphic elements created using a stylus, (ii) computer code for recognizing the selection of at least two of the graphic elements in a user defined sequence using the stylus, and (iii) computer code for playing at least one audio output that relates to the formed graphic elements, and an audio output device.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are provided which enhance the learning process by means of interactive exercises and games which involve drawing input from a user. In particular, the present invention provides an interactive print media apparatus which includes a specialized writing instrument and at least one sheet on which the user is to write with the writing instrument. The user receives visual or auditory messages and prompts from the apparatus which instructs the user to perform tasks on the sheet using the writing instrument. In some embodiments, the user is instructed to draw one or more stroke marks within prescribed locations on the sheet and the apparatus provides feedback in relation to such markings. In other embodiments, the user is instructed to draw one or more stroke marks within prescribed locations on the sheet and the apparatus correlates the markings to known characters, such as letters, numbers or symbols.

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.