User interface for stylus-based user input

• US 7,577,924 B2
• Filed: 12/29/2004
• Issued: 08/18/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 11/30/2001
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing LLC (Microsoft Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
• Inventors: Nguyen, Vu
• Primary Examiner(s): HAILU, TADESSE
• Application Number:
  US11/025,259
• Publication Number:
  US 20050120312A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,693 Days
• Field of Search: 715/863, 715/864, 715/810, 715/802, 715/708, 715/808, 345/173, 345/179
• US Class Current: 715/863
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/1075 using a touch screen
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2203/04807 Pen manipulated menu
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/04883 for inputting data by handwriting, e.g. gesture or text

Abstract

Systems and methods for a user interface for stylus-based user input is described. In one aspect, a user interface is provided that includes an action area. The action area includes at least one helper icon that is selectable to allow a user to specify one or more subsequent stylus-based user inputs are to me interpreted as mouse-right-button input, hover cursor input, keyboard-like input, or handwriting input. The action area is for display responsive to receiving a stylus-based user input.

Claims

1. A computer-implemented method comprising:

providing a user interface for use with a stylus in a computing device having a display;

receiving a first stylus-based user input at a location on the display, the location corresponding to a previously displayed user interface object with a corresponding context of operation;

responsive to receiving the first stylus-based user input, presenting a menu on the display, the menu being independent of the corresponding context of operation and comprising selectable items comprising at least hover cursor input and handwriting input;

receiving a second stylus-based user input that indicates user selection of an item of the selectable items; and

responsive to receiving the second stylus-based user input, directing the computing device to interpret one or more subsequent stylus-based user inputs as hover cursor input or handwriting input.

2. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein if the item of the selectable items has not been selected for a predetermined amount of time since presenting the menu, the method further comprises dismissing the menu.

3. A method as recited in claim 1, further comprising:

identifying stylus input outside of the action area; and

responsive to identifying stylus input outside of the action area, dismissing the menu.

4. A method as recited in claim 1, further comprising:

presenting the menu on the display responsive to receiving a third stylus based user input;

receiving a fourth stylus-based user input that indicates user selection of an additional item of the selectable items; and

responsive to receiving the fourth user input,

(a) hiding the menu; and

(b) performing a task corresponding to the item.

5. A method as recited in claim 1, further comprising:

presenting the menu on the display responsive to receiving a third stylus based user input;

receiving a fourth stylus-based user input that indicates user selection of an additional item of the selectable items; and

responsive to receiving the fourth user input,

(a) hiding the menu; and

(b) performing a task corresponding to the additional item, the task having a result; and

(c) communicating the result as input to a program.

6. A method as recited in claim 5, wherein the task comprises:

(a) generating right-mouse-button data;

(b) moving a cursor over the display;

(c) generating keyboard data;

or (d) generating handwriting data.

7. A computing device having a display, the computing device for providing a user interface for use with a stylus, the computing device comprising:

a processor; and

a memory coupled to the processor, the memory comprising computer-program instructions executable by the processor for;

receiving a continuous touch stylus-based user input at a location on the display, the location corresponding to a previously displayed user interface object with a corresponding context of operation; and

responsive to receiving the continuous touch stylus-based user input, presenting a menu on the display, the menu being independent of the corresponding context of operation and comprising selectable items comprising at least hover cursor input and handwriting input;

receiving a second stylus-based user input that indicates user selection of an item of the selectable items; and

responsive to receiving the second stylus-based user input, directing the computing device to interpret one or more subsequent stylus-based user inputs as hover cursor input or handwriting input.

8. A computing device as recited in claim 7, further comprising instructions for:

responsive to determining that the item has not been selected within a predetermined amount of time since presenting the menu, dismissing the menu; and

responsive to identifying stylus input outside of the action area, dismissing the menu.

9. A computer-readable storage medium comprising computer-program instructions executable by a processor for:

providing a user interface comprising an action area, the action area including at least one helper icon, the at least one helper icon being selectable to allow a user to specify that a computer system is to interpret one or more subsequent stylus-based user inputs as a particular type of input of multiple possible types of input, the multiple types of input comprising at least;

mouse-right-button input, hover cursor input, keyboard input, and handwriting input;

wherein the action area is for display responsive to receiving a continuous touch stylus-based user input; and

wherein handwriting input selection allows the user to provide handwriting input without being confined to a window of the underlying program.