Patent Publication Number: US-2012028227-A1

Title: myWriteRightpen

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application is related to and claims priority from prior provisional application Ser. No. 61/367,922, filed Jul. 27, 2010 which application is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     COPYRIGHT NOTICE 
     A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 37 CFR 1.71(d). 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to the field of pens and more specifically relates to a digital electronic pen device that aids a user in spelling words and locating synonyms/antonyms for words as they write. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Pens are a common writing instrument for placing text on surfaces such as paper. Other versions of pens are also available. Digital pens are an input device which captures the handwriting or brush strokes of a user, and digitizes them so that they may be downloaded to a computer and displayed on its monitor. The data can then be interpreted by handwriting software (OCR) and used in different applications or just as graphics. A digital pen is generally larger and has more features than a stylus. Digital pens typically contain internal electronics, and have features such as touch sensitivity, input buttons, memory, Bluetooth transmission capabilities, and electronic erasers. These pens must be used in combination with another computing device such as a computer. 
     Individuals commonly find themselves in a situation where they are writing a note or filling out a form and don&#39;t know how to spell a word. Sometimes it is a matter of simply forgetting how to spell the word. Most individuals do not have constant access to a dictionary and/or thesaurus. They may have to ask those around them how to spell the word, or they may have to guess. Many people are embarrassed when they misspell or misuse a word. 
     When computing, a spell checker (or spell check) may be used as an application program that flags words in a document that may not be spelled correctly. Spell checkers may be stand-alone capable of operating on a block of text, or as part of a larger application, such as a word processor, email client, electronic dictionary, or search engine. Simple spell checkers operate on individual words by comparing each of them against the contents of a dictionary. If the word is not found it is considered to be an error, and an attempt may be made to suggest a word that was likely to have been intended. One such suggestion algorithm is to list those words in the dictionary having a small Levenshtein distance from the original word. When a word which is not within the dictionary is encountered most spell checkers provide an option to add that word to a list of known exceptions that should not be flagged. This too may culminate in errors for the user in his/her documents. A spell check is typically found on computer writing programs such as Microsoft Word®. Unfortunately, a user is not always in the vicinity of a computer with a writing program readily available when requiring the assistance of a spell check. Therefore, a need exists for a more convenient and portable method of spell checking when a user writes on a surface such as paper. 
     Various attempts have been made to solve the above-mentioned problems such as those found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2005/0125228, D500,518, 2007/0016420, 7,404,143, 2005/0125217, and 7,012,595. This prior art is representative of electronic devices with spell check capabilities. None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the invention as claimed. 
     Ideally, a digital pen with spell check device should be convenient and user-friendly and yet, would operate reliably and be manufactured at a modest expense. Thus, a need exists for a reliable myWriteRightpen to aid a user with spelling a designated word and to avoid the above-mentioned problems. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known digital electronic pen device art, the present invention provides a novel myWriteRightpen. The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to assist users in spelling words and locating synonyms/antonyms for words when needed, especially in remote locations. The product comprises an electronic pen that has spell check capabilities, as well as an integrated thesaurus. The pen includes a microphone that allows the user to request the spelling of a specific word. The tool may then audibly and digitally recite the spelling of the word as the user writes with the pen as per normal. 
     The present digital electronic pen disclosed herein preferably comprises the following components: a cap, a removable pen tip, a replaceable ink supply holder, an ink transfer mechanism that may or may not be comprised of a retractable ink dispensing tip, a digital display screen comprising an illuminator and a battery indicator level, a microphone, at least one speaker, a switch, a charging/uploading port, an integrated circuit having a chip, a memory storage device comprising of a dictionary/thesaurus, a charging/uploading power cord and a sleeve. The replaceable ink supply holder contains writing fluid that is transferable to a surface using the ink transfer mechanism thereby allowing a user to write on the preferred surface. The ink transfer mechanism may or may not comprise a retractable ink dispensing tip. 
     The digital electronic pen has the capabilities of interfacing with software (i.e. may include several versions of updates in the future) in which new data may be uploaded, a different language can be selected from the software version, set pen&#39;s volume, allow troubleshooting or the pen&#39;s battery may be charged via a USB port. The USB port may also interface with an adapter that allows the pen to be charged via an AC wall electrical outlet. 
     Additionally a cap may be used to protect the ink dispensing tip during non-use periods. A switch permits the user to control power to the digital electronic pen so as to conserve the power supply during non-use periods. A pen sleeve stores the digital electronic pen during non-use periods. A charging/uploading data port permits the digital electronic pen to be charged for in-use periods or uploads the latest version of dictionary/thesaurus software and allows troubleshooting to occur as needed. A digital display screen is also found on the present invention comprising an illuminator and a battery indicator level. 
     Further, a microphone is included to act as a transducer to convert an input audible signal comprising at least one spoken word into a first electrical signal. The integrated circuit preferably receives the first electrical signal, deciphers the first electronic signal from the incorporated memory storage device and relays at least one responsive second electrical signal to the speaker. The responsive second electrical signal comprises at least one audibly spelled word, outputted letter by letter for at least one audible output to aid the user in correctly spelling the desired word(s). The responsive second electrical signal may also be text-displayed on the digital display screen simultaneously. 
     A kit is embodied herein for the myWriteRightpen comprising: a digital electronic pen; at least one integrated circuit having a chip; at least one pen sleeve; at least one replaceable ink supply holder; a cap; a power cord to charge or upload data to the pen with AC adapter power source; and a set of user instructions. 
     In accordance with the embodiments of the present invention a preferred method of use is disclosed herein comprising: at least one user verbally audiblizing an inquiry word into a microphone of a digital electronic pen; next the user confirms or denies if the response to the inquiry word is correct, thereby allowing user-input, and finally the digital electronic pen audibly and visibly relays a response to the inquiry word by spelling out the inquiry word letter by letter both audibly and visually. 
     The present invention, myWriteRightpen, holds significant improvements and serves as a spell check pen available in many languages to accommodate any global language demands. For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and method(s) of use for the present invention, myWriteRightpen device constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention. 
         FIG. 1  shows myWriteRightpen in an ‘in-use’ condition according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2   a  shows a front perspective view illustrating a speaker, a microphone and the illuminated digital display with the battery indicator on the myWriteRightpen according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2   b  shows a back perspective view illustrating a charging/uploading port and a switch having three positions [Dictionary (D)-Off (O)-Thesaurus (T)]. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view illustrating a dictionary mode with spell check capabilities of the myWriteRightpen according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view illustrating a thesaurus mode of myWriteRightpen according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5 . is a flowchart illustrating a method of use according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1-4 . 
     
    
    
     The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     As discussed above, embodiments of the present invention relate to a pen and more specifically relates to a digital electronic pen device that aids a user in spelling words and locating synonyms/antonyms for words as they write. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1  showing a perspective view of myWriteRightpen  100  in ‘in-use’ condition  110  according to an embodiment of the present invention. MyWriteRightpen  100  comprises digital electronic pen  102 . Digital electronic pen  102  is preferably designed to assist user  160  in spelling words and conveniently locating synonyms/antonyms for words when needed. Digital electronic pen  102  preferably has spell check capabilities as well as an integrated thesaurus. Digital electronic pen  102  comprises an integrated circuit for the electronic storage/accessing of both the dictionary and the thesaurus which will be described further in  FIGS. 2-4 . 
     Digital electronic pen  102  comprises (removable) ink supply holder  120  and ink transfer mechanism  130 . Ink supply holder  120  contains writing fluid. Writing fluid comprises ink which is transferable to surface  124  using ink transfer mechanism  130  (roller ball or other). Surface  124  may include but is not limited to paper or other suitable surface. Ink transfer mechanism  130  permits user  160  to transfer ink to write on surface  124 . Ink supply holder  120  is preferably replaceable. Therefore, when the writing fluid such as ink is running low or completely runs out, ink supply holder  120  may be replaced. In this way the present invention is cost-effective in use over an extended duration. To replace ink supply holder  120 , removable pen tip  106  of digital electronic pen  102  may be unscrewed to allow user  160  to insert a new ink supply holder  120 . It should be appreciated that other replacement may be employed and still be considered within the scope of the present invention. 
     Ink transfer mechanism further comprises ink dispensing tip  134 . Ink dispensing tip  134  may or may not be retractable by rotating bottom portion of pen. Ink dispensing tip  134  comprises the portion of digital electronic pen  102  that comes in contact with surface  124  when user  160  presses downwardly to initiate writing a letter to form text writing. Removable pen tip  106  of digital electronic pen  102  may or may not be rotated to retract the ink supply holder  120  into the ink dispensing tip  134  in  FIG. 4 . 
     In the present embodiment, cap  140  may be used in conjunction with digital electronic pen  102  to protect ink dispensing tip  134  and ink transfer mechanism  130  during non-use periods as shown in  FIG. 3 . Non-use periods within this disclosure include times when user  160  is not using pressing downwardly on ink dispensing tip  134  or ink transfer mechanism  130  onto surface  124 . In this way, cap  140  acts as a protective cover for ink dispensing tip  134  and ink transfer mechanism  130 . Cap  140  is removable and allows user  160  to use pen that comes in contact with surface  124 . A pen sleeve may be used to store digital electronic pen  102  when not in use. The pen sleeve acts as a second barrier for preventing unwanted scratches or damage to myWriteRightpen  100 . Further, the pen sleeve protects the integrity of the present invention and helps display it in a desirable fashion. 
     Digital electronic pen  102  may be manufactured with plastic, metal, or other suitable material(s). Further, digital electronic pen  102  may be available in a variety of colors and designs to accommodate user-chosen preferences. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 2-4 , showing perspective views illustrating digital electronic pen  102  according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     Front view of the digital electronic pen  102  preferably further comprises speaker  200  located on the top portion of the pen, a microphone  210  directly centered beneath the speaker, a battery indicator level  220 , a digital display screen  230  as sown in  FIG. 2   a . Back view of the digital electronic pen  102  preferably further comprises speaker  200  located on the top portion of the pen, a charging/uploading port  240 , and a dictionary/off/thesaurus (D-O-T) switch  250  as shown in  FIG. 2   b . Speaker  200  is preferably located on the top portion of digital electronic pen  102  as shown best in  FIGS. 2   a  and  2   b . Microphone  210  may be located directly centered beneath the speaker  200  in the form of a small screened concave or convex aperture. Speaker  200  is located on upper portion (proximate user&#39;s face/mouth) of digital electronic pen  102  also shown best in  FIGS. 2   a  and  2   b.    
     Microphone  210  comprises an acoustic-to-electric transducer or sensor that converts sound into an electrical signal. A transducer as described herein comprises a device that converts one type of energy to another. The conversion can be to/from electrical (as  1  alluded to in the present embodiments), however electro-mechanical, electromagnetic, photonic, photovoltaic, or any other form of energy may also be considered potential equivalents. 
     Microphone  210  on digital pen  102  preferably acts as a transducer to convert an input audible signal into a first electrical signal. The input audible signal comprises at least one spoken word. An integrated circuit preferably receives the first electrical signal. The integrated circuit may comprise or be in combination with at least one chip. The integrated circuit receives the first electrical signal, deciphers the first electronic signal from a memory storage device and relays at least one responsive second electrical signal to speaker  200 . Speaker  200  comprises at least one audibly spelled word, outputted letter by letter for at least one audible output. The responsive second electrical signal may also be text-displayed on digital display screen  230  simultaneously. In this way the present invention provides a visual and audible means for service. The memory storage device may comprise a dictionary as shown in  FIG. 3 . Further, memory storage device may comprise a thesaurus as shown in  FIG. 4 . 
     Digital display screen  230  is preferably located underneath microphone  210 . Digital display screen  230  comprises an illuminator to light up designated text for ease of viewing during poor light conditions. Digital display screen  230  has large enough dimensions to display entire words such as dictionary or thesaurus for example. In certain embodiments the text may scroll for spelling of larger words. Further, digital display screen  230  includes battery indicator level  220 . When battery indicator level  220  becomes low, digital electronic pen  102  may be charged via a charging port located on a posterior region of digital electronic pen  102 . Digital electronic pen  102  preferably comprises a rechargeable battery located in the interior for the recharging of the device. Charging/uploading new versions of software to the digital electronic pen  102  via the charging/uploading port may be completed either by a USB cord or by connecting to an alternate AC power source. 
     To use digital electronic pen  102 , user  160  speaks the desired word into microphone  210 . The word will preferably then appear on digital display screen  230 . Digital electronic pen  102  will preferably ask user  160  to confirm or deny via an input means that the correct user-selected word is displayed. User  160  may then say “yes” or “no” into microphone  210 . If denied, digital electronic pen  102  preferably will display another user-specified word until the correct word is located. Once confirmed, digital electronic pen  102  will preferably audibly via speaker  200  and visibly via digital display screen  230  spell the word as user  160  writes. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4  showing a perspective view illustrating a thesaurus mode of myWriteRightpen  100  according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . Digital electronic pen  102  of myWriteRightpen  100  comprises switch  250 . Switch  250  is located on the posterior side of digital electronic pen  102 . Switch  250  permits user  160  to control power to digital electronic pen  102  by turning the device off from either dictionary mode or thesaurus mode. Further, switch  250  preferably permits user  160  to choose between three settings: dictionary (D), off (O), and thesaurus (T) modes. As shown in  FIG. 4 , digital electronic pen  102  is in thesaurus mode. The electronic thesaurus (stored in the memory of the device) outputs/lists words grouped together according to similarity of meaning (containing synonyms and sometimes antonyms). 
     When user  160  flips switch  250  to thesaurus mode, user  160  speaks the desired word into microphone  210 . Synonyms (and if desired antonyms) for the user-selected word will then appear on digital display screen  230 . Digital electronic pen  102  will preferably ask user  160  to confirm or deny that the correct synonym/anonym for the user-selected word is displayed. User  160  will then say “yes” or “no” into microphone  210 . If denied, digital electronic pen  102  preferably will display another synonym/antonym until the correct synonym/antonym for the user-selected word is located. Once confirmed, digital electronic pen  102  will preferably audibly via speaker  200  and visibly via digital display screen  230  spell the word as user  160  writes. 
     Back view of the digital electronic pen  102  preferably comprises of a battery/upload port  240  that allows user  160  to charge digital electronic pen  102  via USB cord which may include a charge/upload power cord  270  with AC adapter power source  550 . Furthermore, digital electronic pen  102  may have newer versions of software uploaded to the pen, may allow user  160  to select between global languages (such as Chinese, Spanish, French, German, Russian, etc. . . . ), may allow volume to be set or allow troubleshooting of the device. 
     MyWriteRightpen  100  according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1-4  may comprise kit  440 . Kit  440  may comprise the following parts: digital electronic pen  102 ; at least one integrated circuit having a chip; at least one pen sleeve; at least one replaceable ink supply holder  120 ; cap  140 ; a power cord  270  with AC adapter power source  550  to charge/upload data to the digital electronic pen  102 , and a set of user instructions. 
     Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other kit contents or arrangements such as, for example, including more or less components, customized parts, different color combinations, parts may be sold separately such as replaceable ink supply holders or pen sleeves, etc., may be sufficient. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 . showing a flowchart illustrating method of use  500  according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1-5 . A method of using digital electronic pen device  102  comprising the steps of: step one  501  at least one user  160  verbally audiblizing an inquiry word into microphone  210  of a digital electronic pen  102 ; step two  502  user  160  confirming or denying if the response to the inquiry word is correct, and step three  503  digital electronic pen  102  audibly and visibly relaying a response to the inquiry word by spelling out the inquiry word letter by letter. 
     It should be noted that the steps described in the method of use may or may not be carried out in many different orders according to user preference. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods of use arrangements such as, for example, different orders within above-mentioned list, elimination or addition of certain steps, including or excluding certain maintenance steps, etc., may be sufficient. 
     The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application.