Pen-based computer interface system

• US 20050088418A1
• Filed: 10/28/2003
• Published: 04/28/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 10/28/2003
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Mitchell Van Nguyen
• Original Assignee: Mitchell Van Nguyen
• Inventors: Nguyen, Mitchell Van
• Application Number:
  US10/696,610
• Publication Number:
  US 20050088418A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 345/173
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/03545 Pens or stylus
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/04845 for image manipulation, e.g. dragging, rotation, expansion or change of colour
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0485 Scrolling or panning

Abstract

A pen-based computer is operative to produce a drawn image upon a touch-sensitive display screen. A stylus or pen is utilized in combination with the pen-based computer or touch input to the display screen. An interface system implemented using software additions to the operating system of the computer processor provides a designated button or dedicated button input to the system which facilitates mode selection by simple actuation or non-actuation. In this manner, the stylus or pen need not be lifted from the display screen to access panning or scroll sub routines during writing, drawing, editing or the like.

Claims

1. An interface system for use in a pen-based computer having a touch-sensitive display screen, at least one input button, a stylus pen and a memory based processor having a stored operating system therein, said interface system comprising:

means for causing said processor to operate in a first mode;

means for causing said processor to operate in a second mode;

means for operating said processor in either said first or second modes; and

a button for controlling said means for operating to allow a user to select said first mode or said second mode.

2. The interface system set forth in claim 1 wherein said first mode is a write mode and said second mode is a pan mode.

3. The interface system set forth in claim 2 wherein said button is a normally open momentary contact switch.

4. The interface system set forth in claim 3 wherein said write mode is selected when said button is open and said pan mode is selected when said button is pressed and closed.

6. The interface system set forth in claim 3 wherein said pan mode is selected when said button is open and said write mode is selected when said button is pressed and closed.

7. The interface system set forth in claim 2 wherein said button is a normally closed momentary contact switch.

9. The interface system set forth in claim 7 wherein said write mode is selected when said button is open and said pan mode is selected when said button is pressed and opened.

10. The interface system set forth in claim 7 wherein said pan mode is selected when said button is open and said write mode is selected when said button is pressed and opened.

5. An interface system for use in a pen-based computer having a touch-sensitive display screen and stylus pen together with a processor for writing upon said display screen as said pen is moved upon said display screen and for panning a screen image in response to pen movement of said pen upon said display screen, said interface system comprising:

a button for user selection between operations of writing or panning;

means for causing said processor to implement writing in response to said button being non activated; and

means for causing said processor to implement panning in response to said button being activated.

8. An interface system for use in a pen-based computer having a touch-sensitive display screen and stylus pen together with a processor for writing upon said display screen as said pen is moved upon said display screen and for panning a screen image in response to pen movement of said pen upon said display screen, said interface system comprising:

a button for user selection between operations of writing or panning;

means for causing said processor to implement writing in response to said button being activated; and

means for causing said processor to implement panning in response to said button being non activated.