Audio book for pen-based computer

Abstract

A system for producing audio output from interaction with printed material and a pen based computer system. The system includes a printed page including a substantially invisible position code and a human viewable image. The system further includes a pen-based computer system for determining a position of the human viewable image in response to interactions there between, e.g., based upon the pen tip's proximity to the image. The pen-based computer is operable to produce a human-audible output corresponding to the human viewable image contemporaneously with the interaction. The human viewable image may be produced independent of the pen based computer and may include a textual word and / or an image. A plurality of pages may be provided in book form allowing a plurality of audio recordings to be rendered in connection with a plurality of images, thusly providing an interactive audio book experience for the user.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This Application is a Continuation of U.S. Pat. No. 8,477,095, filed May 15, 2008, entitled “Audio Book for Pen-Based Computer” to Hendrickson and Sinclair, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, which in turn claims benefit to U.S. Provisional Application 60 / 997,972, attorney docket LEAP-P0383.PRO, filed Oct. 5, 2007, entitled “Audio Book for Pen-Based Computer” to Hendrickson and Sinclair, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF INVENTION[0002]Embodiments of the present invention relate to the field of interactive devices and pen based computing. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to systems and methods for rendering audio associated with printed media in combination with a pen based computers.BACKGROUND[0003]In the last twenty years, the use of personal computing devices, such as desktop computer systems, laptop computer systems, handheld computers systems, and tablet...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a system and method for creating audio from interactions with printed material and a pen-based computer system. The system includes a printed page with a hidden code and a user-visible image, and the computer system uses the pen tip to determine the position of the image and produce audio to match the image. Multiple pages can be used to create an interactive audio book for the user. The method allows for easy playback of audio from printed material without needing to connect the computer system to the material.

Problems solved by technology

While a variety of computer-based devices have attempted to help teach people to read in a myriad of ways, typical on-screen graphical user interfaces have difficulty mimicking the “look and feel,” portability durability and ease of use of conventional printed matter.

Use of this apparatus may limit the portability, usability and desirability of such systems, and detract from the overall user experience.

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