Abstract:
Dynamic pagination for electronic documents, such as electronic books, is disclosed. In one embodiment, a computer-implemented method first processes a document made up of at least text, as a number of segments. Second, the method determines a number of page breaks within a predetermined segment. This segment, for example, may be entered into the memory of a viewing device, such as an electronic book device. Third, the method renders a predetermined page within the predetermined segment, and finally displays the predetermined page. For example, the page can be displayed on a display device such as a flat-panel display of an electronic book device.
Abstract:
A pen-based computing system supports organizing, editing, and rendering handwritten digital ink. A given page of text may include several word flows, but the flows may be prevented from overlapping one another, and each word and stroke may be assigned to only one flow on the page. Various functions are available to open up additional space in a flow, to reflow the words in a flow, and to normalize the spacing between words in a flow.
Abstract:
An electromagnetic digitizer arrangement that may include a comb-like pattern of sensing traces that form various sensing loops depending upon the configurations of various switches is described. The comb arrangement of traces may be fabricated using only a single layer per sensing axis. Thus, the digitizer may be fabricated in a technology, such as indium tin oxide on glass, that cannot provide plated-through holes.
Abstract:
A user interface allows a user to input handwritten, key-press, and spoken text in a seamless, synchronized manner. A text input panel accepts soft keyboard presses and handwritten words, characters, and gestures. A text recognizer/synchronizer integrates textual input from various sources while recognizing and preserving the order in which a user entered text via the soft keyboard, via handwriting, and/or by speaking. Synchronized text may be displayed in a stage area of the text input panel before being passed to an operating system message router and/or an application program. While in handwriting recognition mode, various permutations and combinations of a word recognition area, a character recognition area, and a keybar/keypad may optionally be displayed.
Abstract:
A subscription-based computing device has hardware and a subscription enforcer implemented in the hardware. The enforcer has an accumulator that accumulates a usage value as the computing device is being used and an expiration value register that stores an expiration value. The enforcer allows the computing device to operate in a subscription mode without hindrance and with full use when the usage value is less than the stored expiration value, and allows the computing device to operate in an expiration mode with hindrance and without full use when the usage value reaches the stored expiration value to signal that the subscription for the computing device has expired.
Abstract:
Flash memory is managed utilizing memory management data structures residing in volatile memory of a flash memory device. The memory management data structures are created and updated each time power is supplied to the memory device. During write operations to the flash memory, specific locations in the flash memory are updated to reflect the current status of the flash memory. When power is interrupted, the memory management data structures are recreated upon reapplication of power. The flash memory is scanned and the information obtained from the specific locations in the flash memory is utilized to construct the memory management data structures. No bad block tables are required. Flash memory is managed to provide relatively good random write performance and to accommodate power interruptions. Applications include the use of flash memory for general purpose computing and devices in which power can fail at any time (due to being unplugged for example).
Abstract:
A pen-based computing system supports organizing, editing, and rendering handwritten digital ink. A given page of text may include several word flows, but the flows may be prevented from overlapping one another, and each word and stroke may be assigned to only one flow on the page. Various functions are available to open up additional space in a flow, to reflow the words in a flow, and to normalize the spacing between words in a flow.