The present invention relates generally to recognition of user inputs to a computer system such as a pen-based computer system and, more particularly, to methods for analyzing the user inputs and providing interpretations of those user inputs.
A pen-based computer system is a small, often hand-held, computer system where the primary method for inputting data includes a "pen" or stylus. A typical pen-based computer system is housed in a small, rectangular enclosure, and has a dual-function display assembly having a viewing screen exposed along one of the planar sides of the enclosure. The dual-function display serves as both an input device and an output device. When operating as an input device, the display assembly senses the position of the tip of the stylus on the viewing screen and provides this information to the computer's central processing unit (CPU). Some display assemblies can also sense the pressure of the stylus on the screen to provide further information to the CPU. When operating as an output device, the screen displays computer-generated images developed by the CPU.
The dual-function display assemblies of pen-based computer systems permit users to operate the computer as a computerized notepad. For example, graphical images can be input into the pen-based computer by merely moving the stylus over the surface of the screen. As the CPU senses the position and movement of the stylus, it generates a corresponding image on the screen to create the illusion that the stylus is drawing the image directly upon the screen. With suitable recognition software, text and numeric information can also be entered into the pen-based computer system in a similar fashion.
What is needed is a system for recognition of user inputs to a computer system such as a pen-based system and for analysing the user inputs to determine possible meanings.