Stylus Note Extraction for Readable Touchscreen Annotations

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing note-taking methods using touchscreens become unfocused when dealing with extensive original text or context, making it difficult for users to read key notes effectively.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that allows a stylus to select and store key content on a touchscreen, with the option to store and output this content as separate notes using either the stylus or the electronic device, facilitating better organization and readability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a user writes notes on a touchscreen alongside original text content, then the user can take notes in the reading page, but the notes become unfocused and difficult to read when there is much original text content

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenote-taking convenienceVSAvoidnote focus and readability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments notes into two distinct types: inline notes (written directly on the reading page) and separate notes (stored independently). This segmentation allows users to keep original text and notes separate, maintaining the focus and readability of key notes while preserving the convenience of taking notes alongside original content.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts key notes from the mixed content of original text and inline notes by providing a selection mechanism. Users can select specific content to be stored as separate notes, removing them from the cluttered reading page view. This extraction process ensures that important notes are isolated and easily readable without the distraction of extensive original text.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a user selects content to store as notes on a touchscreen, then the content can be stored in the electronic device or stylus, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage flexibilityVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal storage system where notes can be stored in multiple locations (electronic device or stylus) using the same selection and storage mechanism. The stylus is given multi-functionality by enabling it to both write notes and store selected content, eliminating the need for separate systems for different storage locations and reducing overall system complexity.

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

Data Source

PatentEP4089518B1Note generation method and system
Publication Date: 2025.03.05 HONOR DEVICE CO LTD
  • EP4089518B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4089518B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP4089518B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

Embodiments of this application provide a method and a system for generating a note. The method includes: detecting, by an electronic device, to-be-stored content selected by a stylus on a touchscreen of the electronic device; controlling, by the electronic device, a target device to store the to-be-stored content, where the target device is the electronic device and/or the stylus; and outputting, by the target device, the to-be-stored content. In the embodiments of this application, a storage function of the electronic device and/or the stylus is used to output the to-be-stored content required by a user as a separate note, which facilitates convenience for the user to read key notes and improves user experience.