System and method of pen-based data input into a computing device

Abstract

An improved system and method for pen-based handwritten and keystroke data input into a computer system is disclosed. The system and method receives pen-based data entry from multiple related input boxes within a handwriting area on a digitizer pad. Thread-based processing allows each input box or group of input boxes to be separately evaluated, providing for continuous character recognition. Character strokes entered into each input box or group of input boxes are saved and interpreted together to allow more complete recognition of naturally written characters. Improvements on keyboard layouts are also disclosed.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM [0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 160,434 filed May 31, 2002, which claims priority from earlier filed U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 295,067 filed May 31, 2001 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 305,385 filed Jul. 13, 2001, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] This invention relates generally to data input into a computer system and, more specifically, to a system and method for pen-based handwritten and keystroke data input into a personal digital assistant. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Given the increasing demand for mobile computing, the last decade has seen a surge in the number and types of portable or handheld computer devices. Frequently referred to as Personal Digital Assistants or PDAs, these computer devices are largely designed to function as electronic notepads, address books, daily planners and the like. As computer har...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008] An improved system and method for pen-based handwritten and keystroke data input into a computer system is disclosed. The system and method receives pen-based data entry from multiple related input boxes within a handwriting area on a digitizer pad. Character strokes are received into each input box or group of input boxes and are preferably saved and interpreted together to allow more complete recognition of naturally written characters. Thread-based processing is used to allow separate and concurrent evaluation of character strokes, providing for continuous character recognition.

Problems solved by technology

One tradeoff to the reduced size of PDAs is their inability to accommodate traditional keyboard-based, touch-typing data entry.

Given the nature of the typically hand-held PDA, together with the physical constraints of a small viewing and data input area, keyboards are generally unacceptable as a means of data entry.

While both keystroke and handwritten character entry have become increasingly embraced as workable options for PDAs, there remain disadvantages with both types of PDA data entry.

But in light of the inability to use two hands to type on PDAs, there is little advantage to preserving this format over superior keyboard layouts.

In addition, the traditional QWERTY keyboard layout does not efficiently provide for the inclusion of frequently used complementary characters such as numbers and certain symbols.

Finally, PDAs using keyboard-based data entry fail to provide convenient and efficient movement between various keyboard options.

There are likewise disadvantages with existing PDA handwriting systems.

Historically it has been very difficult to teach a computer system all of the nuances associated with interpreting a user's handwritten words.

Lacking the technological resources to provide full context referencing, PDA handwriting recognition systems have relied instead almost solely on the writer's input strokes to evaluate each character separately.

Natural human handwriting, however, is inherently complex, and typically involves multiple strokes to complete each character.

Due to database and processor limitations, traditional PDA handwriting systems have great difficultly evaluating characters consisting of multiple strokes.

While this approach has improved the overall accuracy of PDA handwriting systems, it has come as the expense of the user, who is now forced to learn a new language to effectively use the PDAs.

In addition, PDAs historically suffer from processor delays or lag associated with handwritten data input.

PDA handwriting systems are largely unable to keep pace with handwriting input.

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