INTERACTION METHOD AND INTERACTION DEVICE

Abstract

INTERACTION METHOD AND INTERACTION DEVICE An interaction method comprises a computer (1) and a memory (3) storing software programs. A Human-Machine Interface (4) receives initial instructions from the computer (1) and sends subsequent instructions to the computer (1). The Human-Machine Interface (4) includes a reading module (8) and a plurality of objects (9) differentiated from one another by at least one characteristic. The characteristic of a first object (9) selected from among the plurality of objects (9) is read by means of the reading circuit (8). The characteristic is transmitted to the computer (1), which identifies a first software program from among said software programs and starts the first software program. The user provides additional information to the computer (1) from the Human-Machine Interface (4).

Description

Title of the invention: INTERACTION METHOD AND INTERACTION DEVICE Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a method of interaction between a user and a computer and to an interaction device capable of implementing such a method. Prior art

[0002] It has become common to interact with a computer, smartphone or tablet in order to surf the internet, write letters or read audio or video files. Acceptance of the computer tool appears all the easier and more intuitive as individuals are familiar from a young age with the interfaces of the different operating systems and the software that runs on them.

[0003] In order to keep up with new uses and in view of the penetration rate of this equipment within homes, the methods of communication with institutions as well as the methods of communication between individuals have evolved and they have largely become dematerialized.

[0004] However, for a segment of the population, mastery of the computer tool is not acquired and these people have difficulty using the software necessary for communication with others or with an administration or for carrying out research. Among the difficulties that we regularly encounter, it is possible to cite differences in presentations and / or behaviors between the equipment depending on whether we interact with a computer, a smartphone or a tablet, or whether we interact from one operating system or another or even depending on whether we use different updates of the same software or the same operating system. This adds to a plethora of software and their update levels.

[0005] Faced with this observation, some people are unable to use the computer tools that may be made available to them on their own and, for fear of damaging the equipment, they choose not to use them. This is particularly the case for certain elderly people or people with disabilities.

[0006] A similar problem may exist for a much younger audience for whom we seek to enable them to use the computer tool with a certain degree of autonomy while allowing the material present to be usable by children of different ages. Subject of the invention

[0007] An object of the invention is to provide an interaction method which makes interaction between a user and a computer easier for some software programs.

[0008] We tend to solve this problem by means of an interaction device comprising: - providing a computer equipped with a processor and at least one memory storing a set of software programs and a Man-Machine interface; wherein the Human-Machine Interface is operatively connected to the computer so as to receive first instructions from the computer and transmit second instructions to the computer, the Human-Machine Interface having a first main interface and a second main interface intended to receive at least one user instruction and transmit this at least one user instruction to the computer, and a secondary interface delivering content to the user from the computer.

[0009] The method is remarkable in that the first main interface comprises a reading module and a plurality of objects, the objects being differentiated from each other by at least one characteristic, the reading module being able to read at least said characteristic so as to differentiate the objects and provide information representative of the measured object to the calculator; in which the method comprises the following successive steps: - reading the characteristic of a first object selected from the plurality of objects by means of the reading circuit; -transmit the characteristic or information representative of the characteristic to the calculator, said characteristic identifying a first software program of said software programs; - start, by the calculator, the first identified software program and transmit corresponding content on the secondary interface; - provide additional information to the calculator from the second main interface.

[0010] Advantageously, the at least one memory stores a correspondence table between several software programs of said software programs and a plurality of identifiers and the computer uses the correspondence table to identify the software program to be started from the characteristic or the information representative of the characteristic.

[0011] In a particular configuration, the characteristics of two objects of the plurality of objects identify two software programs chosen from: a word processor, an internet browser, a spreadsheet, a document reader in “Portable Document Format” format, an audio file player, a video file player, a television channel distribution service, a cinematographic works distribution service and video telephony software.

[0012] Preferably, the method comprises, after having started the first software program identified by the characteristic of the first object, reading the characteristic of a second object selected from among the plurality of objects by means of the reading circuit so as to start a second software program or to parameterize the first software program.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the secondary interface comprises at least one of a screen and a speaker.

[0014] The invention also relates to an interaction device which facilitates communications between a user and a computer for a few simple and predefined operations.

[0015] This result is tended to be achieved by means of an interaction device comprising: - a computer equipped with at least one processor and at least one memory storing a set of software programs; - a Human-Machine interface functionally connected to the computer so as to receive first instructions from the computer and issue second instructions to the computer; wherein the Human-Machine interface has a first main interface and a second main interface intended to receive at least one user instruction and transmit this at least one user instruction to the computer, and a secondary interface delivering content to the user from the computer; in which the first main interface comprises a reading module and a plurality of objects, the objects being differentiated from each other by at least one characteristic, the reading module being capable of reading at least said characteristic so as to differentiate the objects and provide information representative of the measured object to the calculator; wherein the information representative of the read object is an instruction ordering the computer to start a software program among the plurality of software programs.

[0016] In a particular embodiment, each object comprises a memory intended to store an identifier or an instruction.

[0017] Preferably, the object comprises at least one of a USB port and an RFID tag.

[0018] In an advantageous embodiment, each of the objects has a shape and / or a color different from the other objects. Summary description of the drawings

[0019] Other advantages and characteristics will emerge more clearly from the following description of particular embodiments and implementations of the invention given as non-limiting examples and represented in the appended drawings, in which:

[0020] [Fig-1]: [Fig.l] schematically illustrates a synopsis of the steps of a process of interaction;

[0021] [Fig.2]: [Fig.2] schematically illustrates a view of an interaction device. Description of the embodiments

[0022] [Fig.l] illustrates a method of interaction between a user and a computer 1 in order to carry out one or more actions. The computer 1 is preferably chosen from a computer, a tablet or a smartphone also known as a “smartphone”.

[0023] The computer 1 has a calculation circuit 2, for example a microprocessor, and at least one memory 3. The at least one memory 3 may comprise a read-only memory and a read-only memory. The memory 3 comprises a set of programming instructions which is capable of being read by the calculation circuit 2 so as to operate several distinct programs. The set of programming instructions defines an operating system which allows the proper operation of the computer 1. In addition to the operating system, there are software programs which are intended to carry out tasks intended for the user.

[0024] The software programs preferably include one or more of the following programs: a word processor, a spreadsheet, an internet browser, an e-mail client, an audio file player, a video file player, a document reader in “Portable Document Format” format, a television channel distribution service, a cinematographic works distribution service and videophone software.

[0025] Each of these software programs is preferably present on the computer 1. To call one of these software programs, several operations must be carried out, i.e. several consecutive interactions with the computer 1 so as to result in the identification of the file intended to start the desired program.

[0026] A simple way to have access to your favorite software programs is to put them in a specific location on the "desktop" of the computer 1. However, when the computer 1 is shared, it is difficult to find a position that everyone agrees on and a bad manipulation can make one of the shortcuts on the "desktop" disappear, which panics users to follow.

[0027] In order to ensure the interactions between the computer and the user, the launch of the correct software program, a Human-Machine Interface 4 is used which is connected functionally to the computer 1 in order to provide it with information and also to receive information.

[0028] The Human-Machine interface 4 is functionally connected to the computer 1 so as to receive first instructions from the computer 1 and transmit second instructions to the computer 1. The Human-Machine interface 4 has a first main interface 5 and a second main interface 6 intended to receive at least one user instruction and transmit this at least one user instruction to the computer 1. The Human-Machine interface 4 also comprises a secondary interface 7 delivering content to the user from the computer 1, for example in visual or audio form.

[0029] The secondary interface 7 may comprise at least one screen which allows images to be displayed and / or at least one loudspeaker in order to be able to deliver sound. The secondary interface 7 may also have a printer in order to be able to print the currently active document of the computer 1.

[0030] The second main interface 6 preferably has at least one of a keyboard and a mouse. Depending on the technology of the computer 1, the screen may or may not be touch-sensitive. If the screen is touch-sensitive, the screen may also be used to form a keyboard and / or a mouse and more generally as an interface for acquiring instructions from the user.

[0031] The first main interface 5 has a reading module 8 and a plurality of objects 9. The objects 9 are differentiated from each other by at least one characteristic, for example their size, their color, their weight or data stored in memory. The reading module 8 is capable of reading at least said characteristic so as to differentiate the objects 9 and provide information representative of the object to the computer 1.

[0032] Preferably, the objects 9 have a memory that stores an identifier. The identifier is read by the reading module 8. For example, the object has an NFC tag and the reading module 8 is an NFC tag reading module. Alternatively or in addition, the object 9 has a USB port connected to a memory and the reading module 8 has a USB port. Communication by Bluetooth or any other electromagnetic communication protocol is possible as long as the object is capable of communicating the information stored in its memory.

[0033] As soon as an object 9 is placed on the reading module 8 or near the reading module 8, the reading module 8 reads the characteristic of the object 9. The characteristic read from the object 9 or information representative of the latter is sent directly to the computer 1. It is possible for the information to be processed by the reading module 8 into an instruction usable by the computer 1.

[0034] For example, if the reading module 8 detects a first color, for example red, the reading module 8 can interpret this information as a first binary code. This first binary code can be interpreted as an instruction to launch an internet browser. On the contrary, if the reading module 8 detects a second color, for example blue, the reading module 8 can interpret this information as a second binary code which will itself be interpreted by the computer 8 as an instruction to launch videophone software.

[0035] The same can be true when the object has a memory. The information stored in the memory is read and the information is compared to a table in order to determine the action to be performed. For example, a code 01 is associated with an instruction to launch an internet browser and a code 02 is associated with an instruction to launch videophone software. Alternatively, the information stored in the memory of the object can be directly used by the computer to start a program and / or to apply parameters. More generally, each code can be associated with a particular instruction, for example the launch of a program with possibly particular configurations.

[0036] The use of an object 9 provided with a memory is particularly advantageous because it allows the memory to be used to store particular information, for example an identifier and a password. The (identifier / password) pair stored in a first object can be used for example for a session of the computer 1 while the identifier / password pair of a second object can be used for a session of the internet browser in order to retrieve its bookmarks.

[0037] The object 9 preferably has a substantial size in order to be easily grasped and handled by people whose dexterity is declining or developing. The use of an object 9 of substantial size facilitates its customization, for example with an image which allows the user to identify the object 9 with a “specific use” without having to remember the name of the program or the shape of the associated icon. This makes it possible to carry out an update of the operating system, an update of the software program, or even a change of the software program or a change of the operating system without this modifying the operation of the computer with respect to the end user. If necessary, it is sufficient to redo the links between the characteristics associated with the objects and the software programs stored in memory.

[0038] The memory of the object 9 does not contain the instructions linked to the program to be operated, but only an identification code which makes it possible to identify the action to be carried out, for example starting a particular program or modifying a setting.

[0039] The interaction process can be summarized by means of the following steps:

[0040] In a first step SI, a computer 1 is provided with a processor 2 and at least one memory 3 storing a set of software programs and a Human-Machine interface 4. The Human-Machine interface 4 is functionally connected to the computer 1 so as to receive first instructions from the computer 1 and transmit second instructions to the computer 1. The Human-Machine Interface 4 has a first main interface 5 and a second main interface 6 intended to receive at least one user instruction and transmit this at least one user instruction to the computer 1, and a secondary interface 7 delivering content to the user from the computer 1.

[0041] As indicated above, it is preferable for the first main interface 5 to comprise a reading module 8 and a plurality of objects 9, the objects 9 being differentiated from each other by at least one characteristic. The reading module 8 is capable of reading at least said characteristic so as to differentiate the objects 9 and provide information representative of the measured object 9 to the computer 1.

[0042] The method further comprises the following successive steps. In a second step S2, the characteristic of a first object 9 selected from among the plurality of objects 9 is read by means of the reading circuit 8. In a third step S3, the characteristic or information representative of the characteristic is transmitted to the computer 1, said characteristic identifying a first software program of said software programs. In a fourth step S4, the computer 1 starts the first identified software program and transmits a corresponding content on the secondary interface. In a fifth step S5, additional information is delivered to the computer 1 from the second main interface.

[0043] Such a method can also be used in a school environment to allow a student to work on a well-defined software program while the teacher is working with other students. The provision of the object 9 to the student for reading by the reading module 8 requires the launch of a specific software program, or even a specific activity in a specific software program. The computer 1 can have several software programs in distinct levels and / or subjects. By means of the object 9, the teacher is assured that the right program will be started and possibly in the right subject and / or in the right level, that is to say with the right parameters. The teacher no longer needs to accompany the student to start the computer 1 and / or the program. The teacher can remain fully available for the other students. The object 9 can be used to identify the student.It is advantageous for the software program to record the student's progress during previous connections, which allows them to be presented again with an exercise they had difficulty with and / or the exercise to follow in their progression plan.

[0044] Depending on the configurations, the Human-Machine Interface 4 may require that, by default, the computer's home screen be devoid of any icon. It is then mandatory to use an object 9 to start a program.

[0045] In a particular configuration, the reading of a first program is initiated after the reading of the characteristic of a first object by the reading module 8 and its transmission to the computer 1. In one case, the operation of the first program is only possible as long as the reading module reads the characteristic of the first object. In an alternative, once the first program has started, the removal of the first object from its reading position by the reading module does not modify the operation of the first program. The user is still able to interact with the first program. For example, the release of the reading module makes it possible to read an object associated with an action of printing the current page or an object associated with an action of opening a data directory, for example a set of identifiers and passwords.

[0046] Preferably, the program(s) of the computer 1 can be started without having to install an object 9, in particular outside of a possible limitation imposed by the Human-Machine Interface 4. In other words, the object 9 is not intended to prevent the operation of one or more software programs.

[0047] The object is not used to install a software program. The program has been previously installed and the object is only used to start the software and / or to apply particular settings, for example session identifications.

[0048] When the reading module 8 has a USB port reader, and if the USB port is not reversible, it is advantageous to provide that the shape of the object 9 and the shape of the reading module 8 form a keying device which imposes a single direction of insertion and which limits the forces applied to the USB port and the risks of damage.

[0049] After reading the object 9 and starting the software program associated with the object 9, the user is able to interact with the software being executed, for example by means of the keyboard and / or by means of the mouse and possibly by means of any other available interaction tool, for example a “joystick”.

[0050] In addition to reading a first object 9 to start a first software program while the computer 1 is waiting, reading an object 9 may start a second software program in addition to the first software program that is currently in use. For example, a first object is used to start word processing software, a spreadsheet, or drawing software. Reading a second object allows printing of the currently active page to be controlled.

[0051] It is also possible to provide that reading the first object causes a software program to start, for example an internet browser, and that the Reading a second object causes the currently open software to be configured with the parameters previously saved for the user.

[0052] The first object may be common to several users while the second object is personal to the user.

[0053] The Human-Machine Interface may comprise a plate which has the reading module 8 which makes it possible to place the reading module 8 in a location more easily accessible for users. The plate may be equipped with an additional computer which reads the objects 9 and which is configured to block any information which does not comply with a predefined format. This makes it possible to prevent the reading of a third-party USB key.

Claims

Claims

1. A method of interaction between a computer (1) and a user comprising: - providing (SI) a computer (1) provided with a processor (2) and at least one memory (3) storing a set of software programs and a Human-Machine interface (4); wherein the Human-Machine interface (4) is operatively connected to the computer (1) so as to receive first instructions from the computer (1) and transmit second instructions to the computer (1), the Human-Machine Interface (4) having a first main interface (5) and a second main interface (6) intended to receive at least one user instruction and transmit this at least one user instruction to the computer (1), and a secondary interface (7) delivering content to the user from the computer (1);characterized in that the first main interface (5) comprises a reading module (8) and a plurality of objects (9), the objects (9) being differentiated from each other by at least one characteristic, the reading module (8) being capable of reading at least said characteristic so as to differentiate the objects (9) and provide information representative of the measured object (9) to the computer (1); in which the method comprises the following successive steps: - reading (S2) the characteristic of a first object (9) selected from among the plurality of objects (9) by means of the reading module (8); - transmitting (S3) the characteristic or information representative of the characteristic to the computer (1), said characteristic identifying a first software program of said software programs; - starting (S4), by the computer (1), the first identified software program and transmitting corresponding content on the secondary interface (7);- deliver (S5) additional information to the computer (1) from the second main interface (6).;

2. An interaction method according to claim 1 wherein the at least one memory (3) stores a correspondence table between several software programs of said software programs and a plurality of identifiers and the calculator (1) uses the table of correspondence to identify the software program to be started from the characteristic or information representative of the characteristic.

3. Interaction method according to one of claims 1 and 2 in which the characteristics of two objects (9) of the plurality of objects (9) identify two software programs chosen from: a word processor, an internet browser, a spreadsheet, a document reader in “Portable Document Format” format, an audio file reader, a video file reader, a television channel distribution service, a cinematographic works distribution service and video telephony software.

4. An interaction method according to any one of claims 1 to 3 comprising, after starting the first software program identified by the characteristic of the first object (9), reading the characteristic of a second object (9) selected from among the plurality of objects (9) by means of the reading module (8) so as to start a second software program.

5. Interaction method according to any one of claims 1 and 2 comprising, after having started the first software program identified by the characteristic of the first object (9), reading the characteristic of a second object (9) selected from among the plurality of objects (9) by means of the reading module (8) so as to parameterize the first software program.

6. An interaction method according to any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the secondary interface (7) comprises at least one of a screen and a speaker.

7. Communication device between a computer and a user comprising: - a computer (1) provided with at least one processor (2) and at least one memory (3) storing a set of software programs; - a Human-Machine interface (4) functionally connected to the computer (1) so as to receive first instructions from the computer (1) and transmit second instructions to the computer (1); in which the Human-Machine interface (4) has a first main interface (5) and a second main interface (6) intended to receive at least one user instruction and transmit this at least one user instruction to the computer (1), and a secondary interface (7) delivering content to the user from the calculator (1); wherein the first main interface (5) comprises a reading module (8) and a plurality of objects (9), the objects (9) being differentiated from each other by at least one characteristic, the reading module (8) being capable of reading at least said characteristic so as to differentiate the objects (9) and provide information representative of the measured object (9) to the calculator (1); wherein the information representative of the read object (9) is an instruction ordering the calculator (1) to start a software program from among the plurality of software programs.

8. Communication device according to claim 7 in which each object comprises a memory intended to store an identifier or an instruction.

9. A communication device according to claim 8 wherein the object comprises at least one of a USB port and an RFID tag.

10. Communication device according to one of claims 7 to 8 in which each of the objects (9) has a shape and / or a color different from the other objects (9).

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