Apple Researching Pen-Based Input Recognition for Tablet Devices?

[MacRumors]

Illustrative Diagram of "Tablet" Allowing Pen-Based Input and Output
Unwired View reports on a newly-published patent application from Apple disclosing software methods for processing pen-based computer input. While the patent application, which was filed on July 19th, 2009, is broadly written to apply to computers in general with pen-based input-only "tablets", the inventors also make reference to tablets with integrated display screens for both input and output, such as the company's much-rumored tablet device.

In particular, the described invention relates most specifically to handwriting recognition and the use of an "ink manager" to determine phrase being entered by the user before sending the phrases on to a handwriting recognition engine for deciphering.

To tell the truth, the patent app has little to do with a tablet computer per se. It’s mostly concerned how to make digital ink recognition/interpretation process better, especially when filling out various forms. And it achieves that by trying to recognize full ink phrases, instead of a separate ink strokes: The ink manager collects separate ink strokes, determines when a whole phrase have been entered and passes that phrase to handwriting recognition engine.

Apple has placed a great deal of emphasis on its multi-touch technology used in the iPhone and iPod touch as a differentiator from what it has perceived as inferior stylus-based input methods. But the patent application published today indicates that the company has not completely abandoned such technologies and is in fact seeking to continue improving their functionality.

The patent application's lead inventor is Larry Yaeger, a former Apple researcher who was instrumental in designing the handwriting recognition software used in both the Apple Newton and the Inkwell feature of Mac OS X. He is currently a professor at Indiana University.

Article Link: Apple Researching Pen-Based Input Recognition for Tablet Devices?

[guzhogi]

Really hope this come to fruition. It would really help when you have to make a quick note. Add in handwriting recognition so it turns into nice, pretty text, & you'll be set. I've seen pens/styluses that work with touch-based screens so shouldn't be too much of an issue.

[CQd44]

This is neat. It isn't the same thing as handwriting recognition on the windows side of things.

[jav6454]

Pen based? I thought Apple was all in for finger based only.

[CQd44]

Originally Posted by jav6454

Pen based? I thought Apple was all in for finger based only.

Pens will already be more accurate :]

[eawmp1]

Replacing pen and paper IS going to require stylus input with handwriting recognition. This is exciting!

[abrooks]

This patent wasn't filed in 2009, it was issued in 2009. The patent in question is a continuation patent, the original being filed in 2000.

Take a look - http://www.google.com/patents/about?...BAJ&dq=7564995

[cgray24]

[wishful thinking]

Please have wacom tech :-)
[/wishful thinking]

[uaecasher]

What ever it is I will get it

[powers74]

It just keeps getting better. I can't wait for this thing. And it will certainly have touch, it will just have stylus input native as well. AAAGH I can't wait!

[DavidLeblond]

They should look into Swype (http://www.swypeinc.com/) for an alternate keyboard text entry as well. Might be nice!

[nagromme]

If a device is going to be bigger than pocket-size anyway, I’d love a stylus for certain tasks (sketching mainly). I’m sure Apple won’t make the mistake of past systems, where the UI works best with a stylus… finger touch is the way to go for most things.

[AgingGeek]

Handwriting is no longer desirable.

After 25+ years of typing at a computer terminal, my writing skills have deteriorated into chicken scratching that only I can decipher.

You can have my keyboard when you pry it from my cold, arthritic hands.

[powers74]

Originally Posted by cgray24

[wishful thinking]

Please have wacom tech :-)
[/wishful thinking]

Or pressure sensitivity of some kind. Apple's likely develop it themselves tho, but I'm with you 100% on this one.

[brad.c]

Not another losable stylus, please !

[Chobit]

Originally Posted by AgingGeek

Handwriting is no longer desirable.

After 25+ years of typing at a computer terminal, my writing skills have deteriorated into chicken scratching that only I can decipher.

You can have my keyboard when you pry it from my cold, arthritic hands.

I disagree, after having used my newton 2100 having used my Newton MP 2100 for several months, I've found pen input to be spectacular for taking notes in an office situation. I can type on my iPhone at about the same speed as handwriting, but it requires less concentration to just jot notes down, isn't nearly so distracting to others as using a keyboard, and for editing text the pen input on the newton is vastly superior. I don't want to write a book this way, but it's perfect for notes.

Addendum: This drawing really looks very Newtonesque in interface, and has me more excited than anything else I've seen on the tablet.

[wackymacky]

Well it makes sense having a pen based as well as touch based system for input for a fully functional tablet. (If you're holding uit in one hand you're not going to be able to type at full speed on a touch key board with the other)

[howzitjoe]

Originally Posted by AgingGeek

Handwriting is no longer desirable.

After 25+ years of typing at a computer terminal, my writing skills have deteriorated into chicken scratching that only I can decipher.

You can have my keyboard when you pry it from my cold, arthritic hands.

Totally agree. I've had tablets before and the stylus thing makes the experience much less natural. I feel sorry for those friends of mine who don't have iPhones and pick away on their phones with a stylus. I wouldn't be opposed to a physical keyboard integrated into a tablet if it was done with elegance.

cheers,

Joe

[nwcs]

Looks like this device has strong similarities to Wacom's Cintiq.

[NT1440]

Originally Posted by jav6454

Pen based? I thought Apple was all in for finger based only.

I don't get this mentality. Engadget is basically slamming apple for this, when really its just going to add to functionality.

Just because the iphone is finger only (which makes sense given the on screen keyboard) why does everyone claim that apple is somehow anti stylus? On a larger screen, theres no way to hold it and type at the same time, hence a stylus being a good idea.

I personally think we are going to see a very elegant mashup of the two.

[charlituna]

Originally Posted by jav6454

Pen based? I thought Apple was all in for finger based only.

this would put them potentially in league with things like the Cintiq.

if I could get a tablet that could also double as a Cintiq style drawing pad, I would be in heaven

[MacFly123]

The tablet better not be some vertical e-book reader like in this patent pic!

I want a beautiful 16:9 color display with multi-touch for media!

[NT1440]

Originally Posted by MacFly123

The tablet better not be some vertical e-book reader like in this patent pic!

I want a beautiful 16:9 color display with multi-touch for media!

.....

.....

Turn it sideways.

[bigjohn]

• a stylus?
• looks like a nook
• will be overpriced, anything over $99 is ridiculous
• who needs another reader?
• apple should be spending it's time elsewhere

[NT1440]

Originally Posted by bigjohn

• a stylus?
• looks like a nook
• will be overpriced, anything over $99 is ridiculous
• who needs another reader?
• apple should be spending it's time elsewhere

This isn't an apple product.

Anything over 99 is ridiculous? You dont even know what the hell it is!

do you bash everything before even seeing it?