Compaq Computer Corporation, Inc.

John L Friend

Daniel Bricklin

Winslow B Kelley

William T Lynch

Eric E Johnson

Peter H Levin

Roger S Collins

Dan Bricklin

Mike Freedman

The present invention provides a method and apparatus for storing and rapidly yet recognizably displaying graphic data. Digital ink is sampled at a predetermined sampling frequency to derive a set of points representing the graphic data. This set of points is reduced in number in order to define an approximate yet recognizable form of the graphic data. The rapid rendering of the graphic data in its approximate form allows the user to glance through several or more fields of graphic data similar to the way in which one would flip through pages in a paper notebook. Reduction in the number of points also facilitates efficient storage of the graphic data.

Method and apparatus for storing and rapidly displaying graphic data

A method and apparatus for selecting and indexing stored information for subsequent retrieval. The indexing system of the present invention indexes pages by storing a reference to a graphic segment of the displayed original page (instead of a copy of the graphic segment) as an index entry. Retrieval of the original page or image is accomplished by choosing from a listing of several categories of indexes, and then selecting an index entry displayed in the index gallery. The present invention provides a selection method using a lasso-tap gesture that allows the user to select a portion of the text for indexing (or other operations) without disrupting the natural handwriting action. Selection is accomplished using a closed (or nearly closed) curve followed by a recognized gesture within the closed curve. A local minimum established by the end points of the closed curve must fall within a specified range to identify the closed curve as a selection lasso. In one embodiment, recognized gestures for selection, enlargement, deletion and indexing are supported. Different segments from the same page or image may be compiled in the same index, or in different indexes. Indexing segments may be selected from any displayed page in the file, including spreadsheet pages or word processor pages, in addition to calendar pages and blank notebook pages.

Graphic indexing system

A method for entering and manipulating spreadsheet cell data is described. The present invention provides a method for determining the target cell for written information and for scaling the information to fit within the boundaries of the target cell. A multi-tiered character recognition scheme is used to improve the accuracy and speed of character recognition and translation of handwritten data. The original handwritten data is preserved so that either the translated data or original data may be displayed. The present invention also provides for improved editing of cell entries by allowing a plurality of editing tools to be selected. Manipulation of blocks of data can be accomplished with simple gestures. Arithmetic, statistical and logical functions can be invoked with a single command.

Method and apparatus for entering and manipulating spreadsheet cell data

The present invention provides an improved method for targeting in a computer system. A block of data is identified by analyzing strokes of writing to determine if a current stroke is to be associated with an existing block of data or with a new block of data. Displacement in the X direction and Y direction between a prior stroke and a current stroke is generated and analyzed to determine if a new block of data has been created. After a block of data has been identified, the bounds of the smallest rectangle that contains all of the strokes in the block are determined. The area overlap between the bounded rectangle and every object or field touched by the rectangle is calculated. If a preselected threshold percentage of the bounded rectangle overlaps a single field or object, that field or object is identified as the target. If no one field or object is overlapped by at least the preselected percentage area of the bounded rectangle, bounding rectangles are defined for each character or stroke in the block of data. The amount of overlap of the bounded characters is determined, and the field having the greatest area of overlap is identified as the target field.

Input device with data targeting to determine an entry field for a block

Improved data entry for handwriting entry computer systems, including 'delayed translation' of written strokes, is provided. After a user has entered data into a handwriting entry computer system, the writing is associated with a target field or object. In one embodiment of the invention, a translation of the entered data is performed, and the untranslated 'ink' is displayed. At a later time, if desired, the user can elect to display the translated text. If there are errors or mistranslations, the user can make corrections or revert back to the ink. In another embodiment, a user enters data into the computer system. A translation of the data is performed by a background process. If any of the characters cannot be translated, the original ink is displayed. If all of the characters are translated, the resultant word is compared to a dictionary of words, numbers and symbols. If the resultant translated word does not match a dictionary entry, the original ink is displayed. If there is a match, the translated text is displayed. In another embodiment, the user can selectably choose between translated text and the original ink on a field by field basis.

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Pleasanton, CA, United States of America

John L Friend