Methods and systems for providing human/computer interfaces
First Claim
1. A method for interfacing a user and a computer system using an encoded physical medium, the encoded physical medium suitable for having at least one region wherein information has been encoded, the method comprising the steps of:
- a) measuring information present in a first region of the encoded physical medium; and
b) determining whether the measured information present in the first region includes a marker indicating that certain information has been encoded in the first region.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention teaches a variety of methods and systems for providing computer/human interfaces. According to one method, the user interfaces with an electronic device such as a computer system by engaging a sensor with desired regions of an encoded physical medium. The encoded physical medium is preferably chosen to provide intuitive meaning to the user, and is thus an improved metaphor for interfacing with the computer system. Suitable examples of the encoded physical medium include a data-linked book, magazine, globe, or article of clothing. Some or all of the selected regions have had certain information encoded therein, information suitable for interfacing and controlling the computer system. When the user engages the sensor with a region having certain encoded information, the certain encoded information is interpreted and an appropriate action taken. For example, the sensor or the computer system may provide suitable feedback to the user. The encoded physical medium may have text and/or graphic illustrations that draw the user in or provide meaningful clues or instructions perhaps related to the encoded information. The sensor may have at least one identification number (ID) providing information such as user identity, sensor type, access type, or language type. The sensor can transmit the certain decoded information together with the at least one ID to the computer system.
1982 Citations
16 Claims
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1. A method for interfacing a user and a computer system using an encoded physical medium, the encoded physical medium suitable for having at least one region wherein information has been encoded, the method comprising the steps of:
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a) measuring information present in a first region of the encoded physical medium; and b) determining whether the measured information present in the first region includes a marker indicating that certain information has been encoded in the first region.
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- 2. A computer interface for interfacing a user and a computer system using an encoded physical medium, the encoded physical medium suitable for having at least one region wherein certain information has been encoded, the computer interface comprising a sensor operable for measuring information present on the encoded physical medium, the sensor storing at least one identification number (ID), the sensor operable to transmit the certain decoded information and the at least one ID to the computer system.
Specification