Transparent Pen-Enabled Window for Non-Pen Applications
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional user interfaces, such as keyboards and mouse-based systems, are inefficient for pen-based computing and often do not allow direct annotation on applications like web browsers, especially in collaborative settings where users need to interact with shared displays.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that enable pen-based annotations on non-pen-enabled windows by superimposing a transparent pen-enabled window over a non-pen-enabled window, allowing user input to be forwarded to the appropriate application based on message type, enabling efficient annotation and interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a non-pen-enabled window is used, then the application can run with standard keyboard and mouse input, but pen-based annotation capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The window is divided into two separate windows: a non-pen-enabled window for displaying application content and a transparent pen-enabled window for receiving pen input. This segmentation allows each window to be optimized for its specific function while working together through association.
Solution Approach 2:
A transparent pen-enabled window is introduced as an intermediary layer between the user's pen input and the non-pen-enabled application window. This intermediary window captures pen messages and forwards them to the underlying application, enabling pen annotation capability without modifying the original application.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a transparent pen-enabled window is superimposed on a non-pen-enabled window, then pen annotation capability is added, but window management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functionality of multiple windows into a unified system by associating the transparent pen-enabled window with the non-pen-enabled window. The associated window receives position and size indicia from the non-pen-enabled window, causing the transparent window to automatically follow its movements and resize operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent pen-enabled window serves multiple functions: it captures pen input, displays annotations, forwards messages to the underlying application, and dynamically tracks the position and size of the associated non-pen-enabled window. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components.
3Measurement precision
If pen input is forwarded to the transparent window, then annotation accuracy is improved, but message routing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The message routing system distinguishes between different types of messages based on their content. Pen messages (containing pen indicia) are forwarded to the transparent window for annotation processing, while non-pen messages are forwarded to the underlying application. This local differentiation ensures accurate message delivery without requiring complex routing logic.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for optimizing pen-based annotations on a non-pen enabled window. The method includes starting a visible non-pen-enabled window further including position indicia and size indicia; starting a transparent pen-enabled window; and associating the visible non-pen-enabled window with the transparent pen-enabled window based on the position indicia and size indicia. The method further includes aligning the transparent pen-enabled window with the visible non-pen-enabled window, and accepting user input comprising a message. If the message further includes pen indicia, the method also includes forwarding the message to the transparent pen-enabled window. Else, the method includes forwarding the message to the first application.