Spatial-Semantic Ink Formatting with Machine-Learning Stroke Prediction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional inking applications on computing devices have limited functionality compared to text-editing applications, leading to inefficiencies and frustration, particularly in handling ink stroke data and spacing adjustments based on user-specific penmanship and writing styles.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing trained machine-learning models to generate predicted ink strokes and format ink based on ink-based and text-based semantics, incorporating user-specific writing styles and semantic context, enabling efficient spacing adjustments and reflowing of ink sentences.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional inking applications are used, then users can provide ink stroke information, but the functionality is limited and editing is frustrating

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidediting efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces machine learning models as intermediary components between ink stroke input and text output. The first ML model converts ink strokes to text, the second ML model predicts additional text based on semantic context, and the third ML model converts predicted text back to ink strokes. This intermediary processing layer enables advanced text-editing functionality while maintaining natural handwriting input, resolving the contradiction between limited inking functionality and frustrating editing operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical text-editing operations with machine learning-based semantic processing. Instead of requiring users to manually manipulate ink strokes for editing, the system uses ML models to understand semantic context, predict intended text, and automatically perform editing operations. This substitution transforms the mechanical interaction model into an intelligent, context-aware system that provides text-editing application functionality through natural handwriting input.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If machine learning models are used to predict ink strokes, then productivity is enhanced, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewriting efficiencyVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by using the first ML model to convert ink strokes to text and the second ML model to predict additional text based on semantic context before the user completes their input. This allows the system to proactively generate predicted ink strokes that anticipate the user's intent, reducing the need for manual writing and thereby enhancing productivity while managing processing time through efficient pre-computation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The machine learning models operate autonomously to predict and generate ink strokes without requiring explicit user commands. The system self-services by automatically processing ink stroke input, predicting semantic context, generating predicted text, and converting it back to predicted ink strokes. This self-service capability enhances productivity by eliminating manual editing operations while the models are optimized to minimize processing time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If ink stroke data is processed through multiple ML models, then prediction accuracy improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprediction accuracyVSAvoidsystem architecture
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the complex task of ink stroke prediction into three distinct machine learning model components: (1) first ML model for converting ink strokes to text, (2) second ML model for predicting additional text based on semantic context, and (3) third ML model for converting predicted text back to ink strokes. This segmentation allows each model to specialize in a specific function, improving overall prediction accuracy while making the system architecture more manageable and modular.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The machine learning models serve multiple functions within the system. The first model handles both ink-to-text conversion and provides context for predictions. The second model performs semantic analysis and text prediction. The third model converts text back to ink representations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, thereby improving prediction accuracy without proportionally increasing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12374142B2Advanced formatting of ink data using spatial information and semantic context
Publication Date: 2025.07.29 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC
  • US12374142B2 patent drawing
  • US12374142B2 patent drawing
  • US12374142B2 patent drawing

AI summary

In some examples, systems and methods for formatting ink are provided. Ink stroke data may be received, letters may be identified from the ink stroke data, and spacing may be identified between the letters. A user command and semantic context may be received. An action may be determined based on the user command, the semantic context, and the spacing between the letters. Further, the action may be performed.