Method and system for implementing a user interface for a device employing written graphical elements

Abstract

A method and system for implementing a user interface for a device through user created graphical elements. The method includes recognizing a graphical element icon created by a user. Once recognized, a function related to the graphical element icon is accessed and an output in accordance with the function is provided. The function is persistently associated with the graphical element icon. Menu selection and navigation is implemented through interaction with the graphic element icon. A listing of options associated with the graphical element icon is audibly rendered. In response to a selection of one of the options, the selected option is invoked.

1 . A method for interpreting user commands, comprising:
 recognizing a created graphical element icon on a surface;   accessing a function related to the graphical element icon;   providing an output in accordance with the function; and   associating the function with the graphical element icon.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the output comprises an audio output related to the function. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 enabling a subsequent access of the function in response to a subsequent selection of the graphical element icon by storing the association of the function with the graphical element icon.   
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the storing of the association of the function with the graphical element icon implements a persistent availability of the function, for a predetermined amount of time, via interaction with the graphical element icon. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the graphical element icon is created by a pen device on the surface. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the surface comprises a sheet of paper. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 accessing one of a plurality of functions related to the graphical element icon by interpreting at least one actuation of the graphical element icon, wherein the at least one actuation selects the one of the plurality of functions.   
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the at least one actuation comprises recognizing at least one tap of the graphical element icon. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 7 , further comprising:
 providing one of a plurality of audio outputs when the one of the plurality of functions is selected.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the plurality of functions comprises a predetermined menu of options. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the plurality of functions comprises a plurality of configuration options of an application related to the graphical element icon. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein at least one of the plurality of configuration options comprises a default configuration of the application. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 implementing a hierarchy of functions; and   providing access to the hierarchy of functions via a corresponding hierarchy of graphical element icons.   
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising:
 recognizing at least one actuation of the graphical element icon to select a first hierarchical level function;   prompting the creation of a second graphical element icon;   recognizing at least one actuation of the second graphical element icon to select a second hierarchical level function;   providing an audio output related to the second hierarchical level function; and   associating the second hierarchical level function with the second graphical element icon.   
     
     
         15 . A method for interpreting user commands, comprising:
 recognizing a created graphical element icon on a surface;   accessing a function related to the graphical element icon;   providing an audio output in accordance with the function; and   enabling a subsequent access of the function by storing an association of the function with the graphical element icon, wherein the storing of the association implements a persistent availability of the function for a predetermined amount of time, via interaction with the graphical element icon.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the graphical element icon is created by a pen device on the surface. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the surface comprises a sheet of paper. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising:
 accessing one of a plurality of functions related to the graphical element icon by interpreting at least one actuation of the graphical element icon, wherein the at least one actuation selects the one of the plurality of functions.   
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the at least one actuation comprises recognizing at least one tap of the graphical element icon. 
     
     
         20 . A method of interacting with a pen based computer system, said method comprising:
 recognizing selection of a first graphical icon on a writable surface, said selection performed using a writing instrument of said pen based computer system;   in response to said selection, audibly rendering a listing of first options associated with said first graphical icon wherein said first options are operable to be invoked by said pen based computer system; and   in response to a selection of one of said first options, invoking said one of said first options.