Tablet Computer Digital Document Annotation System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for annotating digital files, especially in commercial fields like real estate, often require physical signatures and handwritten information, which can be cumbersome and lack convenient digital storage solutions, and existing digitizing tablets are expensive and not widely adopted.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method using a tablet computer connected to a host computer to receive image data of a selected document portion, display it on a stroke-sensitive display, and store user input as handwritten strokes, allowing for easy annotation and signature application, with the ability to synchronize data between devices even when disconnected.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If digitizing tablets with pressure sensing circuits are used, then annotation capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveannotation capabilityVSAvoidpressure sensing circuits

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a standard touchscreen display to replicate the annotation interface, copying the functionality of expensive digitizing tablets using widely available technology. The touchscreen serves as a substitute for complex pressure sensing circuits, achieving similar annotation capabilities through a simpler, more cost-effective implementation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The invention employs inexpensive standard touchscreen components rather than expensive specialized digitizing tablets. By using readily available touchscreen technology, the system reduces hardware costs and complexity while maintaining the essential annotation function, making the solution more accessible for general use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Ease of operation

If integrated pen sensor displays are used, then ease of annotation is improved, but portability and cost-effectiveness worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of annotationVSAvoidportability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent separates the annotation function from the display hardware by using a standard touchscreen interface that can be integrated into various display devices. This segmentation allows the annotation capability to be added to existing portable devices without requiring specialized heavy integrated pen sensor displays, thereby maintaining portability while achieving ease of annotation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Weight of moving object

If tablet computers are used for annotation, then mobility is improved, but adoption popularity worsens due to price and functionality

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovemobilityVSAvoidadoption popularity

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the annotation function universal by utilizing standard touchscreen technology that exists in many common devices. Rather than requiring specialized tablet computers, the system can be implemented on any device with a touchscreen, significantly broadening adoption potential while maintaining mobility. The annotation capability becomes a universal feature rather than a specialized function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If physical signatures are required, then legal validity is improved, but digital storage and convenience worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelegal validityVSAvoiddigital storage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical physical signature system with an electronic touchscreen interface. Users can provide signatures and annotations directly on a digital display using a stylus or finger, and these electronic signatures are stored as digital data. This substitution maintains the legal validity of signatures while enabling convenient digital storage and transmission, eliminating the need for physical document handling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS9134947B2Annotating digital files of a host computer using a peripheral device

Publication Date: 2015.09.15 RICOH CO LTD

AI summary

In an embodiment, a computer-implemented method comprises receiving, at a tablet computer that is coupled to a host computer, image data representing a selected portion of an electronic document; the tablet computer displaying the same image data on a stroke-sensitive display of the tablet computer; the tablet computer receiving user input from the stroke-sensitive display and representing handwritten strokes; the tablet computer storing, in a memory of the tablet computer, a data file based at least upon the user input and the image data; transmitting the stroke data from the tablet display unit to the coupled host computer where the stroke data appears on the original image data.