WO2007147854A2

WO2007147854A2 - Method and apparatus for the electronic processing of electronic documents or files

Info

Publication number: WO2007147854A2
Application number: PCT/EP2007/056154
Authority: WO
Inventors: Matteo Macoratti; Pier Giuseppe Rossi; Ugo Padulosi
Original assignee: Sinapsi Srl
Priority date: 2006-06-22
Filing date: 2007-06-20
Publication date: 2007-12-27
Also published as: ITUD20060161A1; WO2007147854A3

Abstract

Method and apparatus (10) for the electronic processing of a plurality of electronic documents or files, for didactic, medical, research, study purposes or suchlike. The method comprises at least a first step in which a determinate electronic document selected from among the electronic documents is opened, and a second step in which, on the selected electronic document, at least a textual, graphical, alphanumerical, multimedia or similar element is defined. The method also comprises at least a third step in which the element is extrapolated from the selected electronic document in order to generate a new electronic document autonomous with respect to the selected electronic document.

Description

"METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR THE ELECTRONIC PROCESSING OF

ELECTRONIC DOCUMENTS OR FILES"

* * * * *

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention concerns a method and an apparatus for the electronic processing of electronic documents or files for didactic, medical, research, study purposes or suchlike. The processing method comprises, as essential steps, at least a first step in which a determinate electronic document selected from among a plurality of electronic documents is opened, and a second step in which at least a textual, graphical, alphanumerical, multimedia or similar element is defined, such as for example a note, a highlight, a memo, a drawing or other. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the field of schools, universities, medicine, or research, it is known to use portable electronic apparatuses, for example palmtops or lap tops.

Users, for example students, use these known apparatuses for reading books or notes in electronic format, for writing texts, assignments, exercises, notes, memos, or to make drawings, graphical elements or similar activities.

Known electronic apparatuses, which are designed for generic uses, are not immediately usable, especially in the school and with very young users, and therefore do not allow an easy, targeted and effective execution of the above activities.

Moreover, a typical disadvantage is that the known apparatuses and relative known methods allow to take notes by writing, for example directly on a text file, but they do not allow to electronically process the notes later in a rapid way, except by means of long and complex "copy and paste" operations.

Purpose of the present invention is to achieve an apparatus and to perfect a method that allow the electronic processing of electronic documents or files, in an immediate, simple and targeted manner for didactic, medical, research, study or similar purposes.

The Applicant has devised, tested and embodied the present invention to overcome the shortcomings of the state of the art and to obtain these and other purposes and advantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is set forth and characterized in the independent claims, while the dependent claims describe other characteristics of the invention or variants to the main inventive idea.

In accordance with the above purpose, a method according to the present invention is used for the electronic processing of electronic documents or files for didactic, medical, research, study or other purposes.

The method according to the present invention comprises at least a first step in which a determinate electronic document selected from among said electronic documents is opened, and a second step in which on said selected electronic document at least a textual, graphical, alphanumerical, multimedia or similar element is defined, such as for example a note, a highlight, a memo, a drawing or other.

The opening of the selected electronic document comprises both the generation of a new electronic document and also the downloading of a pre- existing electronic document.

According to a characteristic of the present invention, the method also comprises at least a third step in which said element is extrapolated from said selected electronic document, in order to generate a new electronic document autonomous with respect to said selected electronic document. The invention therefore allows to manage electronic files, for example text files, drawings or other, and to create said textual, graphical, multimedia or alphanumerical elements, rendering them autonomous from the selected document, advantageously able to be processed later as a new electronic document autonomously with respect to the selected electronic document. Advantageously, the invention also comprises at least another step in which at least one of said electronic documents is associated with said new electronic document, so as to allow to insert, for example, quickly and precisely, a text file or a part of it, into another text file or in a graphical file.

With each of the electronic documents at least a specific model is associated, which defines at least the type of processing that can be performed on the respective electronic document, indicating at least the totality of applications, the identification data for the specific model, the form of numerical data, understood as the numerical form of the data memorizable by an electronic calculator, corresponding to each of the electronic documents, and the memorization mode of the numerical data.

To give an example, the selection of an area of text on a first file generates a new file, the numerical data of which are an actual and independent copy of the selected part of the first file, in this case allowing a continuous processing of the same objects or elements, and thus creating one type of information, kaleidoscopic or recursive.

The present invention also concerns an apparatus comprising at least a remote electronic device, provided with electronic calculating and processing means, audio and/or video reproduction means, data input means and electronic memorization means.

These means are able to cooperate with each other to allow the selective opening, that is, in a specific moment and based on a corresponding specific command, of a determinate electronic document selected from among said electronic documents and its reproduction by means of said reproduction means, and to define at least a textual, graphical, multimedia, alphanumerical or similar element on said selected electronic document.

According to a characteristic of the present invention, the means are able to cooperate with each other to extrapolate the element from said selected electronic document so as to generate a new electronic document autonomous with respect to said selected electronic document.

According to an advantageous solution, said means are contained in an integrated and compact structure of said remote electronic device, advantageously sealed or protected with a degree of protection of at least IP65. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other characteristics of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferential form of embodiment, given as a non-restrictive example with reference to the attached drawings wherein: - fig. 1 shows schematically an apparatus according to the present invention for the electronic processing of electronic documents or files;

-fig. 2 shows schematically a connection mode between a central electronic device and a remote electronic device of the apparatus in fig. 1; -fig. 3 shows a flow chart with some steps of a method according to the present invention for the electronic processing of electronic documents or files. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERENTIAL FORM OF

EMBODIMENT

With reference to fig. 1, an apparatus 10 according to the present invention comprises one or more remote electronic devices 14, which can possibly be connected with a central electronic device 12.

This connection can be achieved, for example, through a network of calculators, by cable, or wireless type, or other.

Each remote electronic device 14 comprises, disposed in a single integrated and compact structure, and not shown in the drawings:

- an electronic calculation unit, provided with a CPU and basic electronic components, such as auxiliary processors, matrix cards, bus-systems, etc., advantageously of the type with reduced electric consumption, for example of the type known by the commercial names ARM9, ColdFire, or suchlike; - a display, advantageously of the touch-screen type, for example of the resistive type, with sizes indicative Iy equal to about 16 cm by about 21 cm and provided with a protective film at least against sharp objects or scratches;

- a plurality of selection keys;

- a volatile electronic memory, or RAM; - an electronic mass memory, for example of the type based on memory card or static RAM;

- communication portals, for example Ethernet standard, USB or Wi-Fi; and

- elements for the electric feed, for example an external feeder, batteries, etc. , of the remote electronic device 14. The central electronic device 12 is, for example, an electronic calculator, such as a personal computer, which communicates with each remote electronic device 14, according to the diagram in fig. 2.

According to the invention, each remote electronic device 14 is associated with at least a user, who can operate on electronic documents or files, memorized on his/her own remote electronic device 14, or deriving from the central electronic device 12.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the files comprise didactically structured elements, or DSE, that is, elements with a didactic character.

According to the invention, UDSE are also defined (Union-DSE, that is, a union of sets of DSE), which are sets containing, at a certain instant, one or more DSE, in which two different UDSE can have one or more DSE in common. A set of information, comprising a title, a description of the content, a context etc., is associated with each UDSE.

Each DSE is related to its own UDSE and is associated with information, such as for example:

- a context of the DSE; - a description of the DSE, for example title, delivery date, date of creation or other, which allows to interpret the purposes and/or operative modes of the relative DSE;

- the state of the DSE, that is, new, concluded, suspended, etc.; and

- a category of actions, which can be performed by means of the DSE, which identify the modes of use by a user and are defined by corresponding models, which hereafter will be indicated in general with the letter m.

A model m is defined by 4 elements, that is, m = (W, I, D, A), where:

- W represents the set of applications for that specific model, that is, the set of the software and hardware technologies and operating systems, which allow to perform the actions, such as for example writing on a sheet of virtual large- square paper;

- I represents the identification data for a specific model, for example dates, names, descriptions, numbers, indexes, etc., which allow to identify the model;

- D represents the form of the numerical data, that is, what and how the model keeps in its memory on the level of specific production, for example, the page or pages of the sheet of large-square paper;

- A represents a reference system of areas consisting in turn of 4 elements, that is, A = (P, V, K, M), where P represents the spatial-temporal coordinates defining the reference area; V represents the specific applicative elements; M represents a particular model; and K represents the type of dependence, that is, mono- directional or bi-directional.

In particular, for each model m, P comprises a set of values defining the coordinates of the area, which can be ordered for example with respect to the space of the display and the time of creation, and which allow to define the validity with respect to an area, of another model, for example n, which is related to m.

In the set of values that can be taken on by the parameter P, there are some particular cases:

- the reference area is void, that is, without any graphical, textual, multimedia elements, etc.: in this case n is positioned in a point in the space of m without covering any element; and

- the reference area is not void: in this case it is necessary to identify an area that allows to extract that part of m covered by the area and to connect it in n.

To this end the definition of area creates a selection in m which allows to create new independent objects, as a function of the parameter K.

To give an example, the selection of an area of text on a DSE m can provide to construct a new DSE n, whose numerical data are an actual and independent copy of a part of m, in this case allowing a continuous processing of the same objects which create a type of kaleidoscopic information, or knowledge.

The parameter K simply describes the way in which n is connected to m, in particular: a) n is linked to m, in the sense that n describes part of m, increasing the information: in this case n has no meaning without m; b) n is independent of m, in the sense that when the area of reference, not void, is defined, n takes with it (irrespective of the values characterizing that area) the information contained, copying it into that part of m below the defined area; c) mixed: n is independent of m, but also remains located in m; compared with case a), where there is a link, the fundamental difference is that, by eliminating m, the existence of n is not compromised, in case a) this does not happen; compared with case b), case c) is an enrichment; in case b), in fact, the original link between m and n is lost, whereas in case) this link is maintained for as long as m, and obviously n, continue to exist. The parameter V identifies the set of applicative methods that allow to locate n with respect to m, defining P.

This location occurs "physically", that is, by means of specific functionalities, directly or indirectly usable by the user, for example by means of an audio and/or video reproduction.

The actions that can be carried out by means of the apparatus 10 are substantially as follows:

- to create, edit and use models and meta-models (models of models), which allow to define the various types of activity;

- to structure the work with respect to various UDSE;

- to operate on the same UDSE in groups/subgroups of users;

- to communicate and synchronize data: on the same DSE, a group of users, or a single user, can for example execute reading, writing, etc.; - to manage the account: allowing to identify each user, for example, by means of a system equivalent to a nickname or password system;

- to switch on and switch off each remote electronic device 14 quickly, for example by memorizing the state of the central memory, before the previous switching off, in order to then restore it when the remote electronic device 14 and/or central electronic device 12 is switched on again; to define the input, output or feedback for the user by means of a user interface;

- to create from a model, modify or process the DSE and create new DSE by joining together various DSE, or parts of DSE.

On every activity performed, during the processing thereof, it is possible to enrich, modify or reintegrate said activity by means of other DSE.

The type and number of the processing are not connected to the activity itself, that is, the processing action is transversal to every type of activity and always occurs with similar modes, in the sense that everywhere parts of DSE can be captured and re-used, and any form of processing, among those permitted, can be inserted.

It is not sufficient to install on any electronic calculator whatsoever the program on which the invention is based, since the transversality of the concept expressed would be lacking.

The invention, unlike an electronic calculator of a known type, proposes a set of models of activity inherent in the system that allow, through simple operations, to operate in a kaleidoscopic manner on the information produced.

In the field of application given as an example, the school, the invention allows to execute easily, through a specifically pre-arranged or pre-arrangeable structuring of the activities that can be executed, the typical actions and activities performed by students: writing, reading, drawings, calculations, etc., and, thanks to the model proposed and clearly expressed, it allows the continuous revisiting and processing thereof. The model presented covers all the requirements of the main field of application, that is, the school and the relative didactic models.

To give an example, the invention models the information necessary to define a highlighted part of an electronic book.

Other examples are: writing a comment, or the teacher's mark, or an assignment done based on a text given, for example a math problem.

Two other particularly significant examples are the possibility of modeling through a suitable DSE the insertion of a new electronic book and, above all, the possibility of copying part of a book, or from an assignment done by some one else, and of pasting it on one's own electronic document. The flow chart in fig. 3 describes some steps of a method according to the invention.

In a first step, a DSE is opened, that is, a new DSE is created or a DSE is downloaded from memory or from the central electronic device 12. On this DSE substantially three operations can be performed: to cancel (save, go back, switch off), to consult (use the information contained in the DSE) and to edit (process the DSE).

In a second step, if the choice is to edit the DSE, a new DSE is automatically created, which is called El.

El can in turn be processed, independently of the original DSE, and in this way a new DSE is created, which is called, for example, E2.

The modification to El, which occurs after it has been saved in the memory, entails the creation of a new DSE, E2, which constitutes a new version of El . The new DSE, E2, is created, positioned in the reproduction area, with respect to E 1 , as previously described. In this way, the operation known as "copy and paste" is also executed by means of a positioning in the reproduction area.

At the end of the processing operations, the work is saved, and the numerical data characterizing the DSE thus obtained, for example a text, a drawing or other, are written in the memory.

It is clear that modifications and/or additions of parts and/or steps may be made to the apparatus 10 and method as described heretofore, without departing from the field and scope of the present invention. It is also clear that, although the present invention has been described with reference to some specific examples, a person of skill in the art shall certainly be able to achieve many other equivalent forms of methods and apparatuses for the electronic processing of electronic documents or files, having the characteristics as set forth in the claims and hence all coming within the field of protection defined thereby.

Claims

1. Method for the electronic processing of a plurality of electronic documents or files, for didactic, medical, research, study purposes or suchlike, comprising at least a first step in which a determinate electronic document selected from among said plurality of electronic documents is opened, and a second step in which, on said selected electronic document, at least a textual, graphical, alphanumerical, multimedia or similar element is defined, characterized in that it also comprises at least a third step in which said element is extrapolated from said selected electronic document in order to generate a new electronic document autonomous with respect to said selected electronic document.

2. Method as in claim I₅ characterized in that it also comprises at least a fourth step in which said new electronic document is processed autonomously with respect to said selected electronic document.

3. Method as in claim 2, characterized in that it also comprises at least a fifth step in which at least one document of said plurality of electronic documents is associated with said new electronic document.

4. Method as in claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that at least a specific model (m, n), which defines at least the type of processing able to be performed on the respective electronic document, is associated with each of said electronic documents.

5. Method as in claim 4, characterized in that each specific model is defined by at least a first element (W) which represents the totality of applications for that specific model.

6. Method as in claim 4 or 5, characterized in that each specific model is defined by at least a second element (I) which represents the identification data for said specific model.

7. Method as in claim 6, characterized in that said identification data comprise at least: dates, names, descriptions, numbers, indexes or other, which allow to identify said specific model.

8. Method as in claim 4, 5 or 6, characterized in that each specific model is defined by at least a third element (D) which represents the form of numerical data corresponding to each of said electronic documents, and the memorization mode of said numerical data.

9. Method as in claim 4, 5, 6 or 8, characterized in that each specific model is defined by at least a fourth element (A) which represents a reference system of determinate areas, of a multi-dimensional type.

10. Method as in claim 9, characterized in that said fourth element (A) is defined by at least one of the following components:

- a first component (P) containing the spatial-temporal coordinates defining one area of said determinate reference areas;

- a second component (V) containing specific applicative elements;

- a third component (M) containing a particular model of said models; and - a fourth component (K) containing the type of dependence between said electronic documents.

11. Method as in claim 10, characterized in that for each specific model (m, n) of said models, said first component (P) comprises at least area coordinates, which allow to define the validity, with respect to a reproduction area, of another model of said models (n, m) which is related to said specific model (n, m).

12. Method as in claim 11, characterized in that said fourth component (K) describes at least how two specific models (m, n) are connected with each other.

13. Apparatus for the electronic processing of a plurality of electronic documents or files, for didactic, medical, research, study purposes or suchlike, comprising at least a remote electronic device (14), provided with electronic calculation and processing means, audio and/or video reproduction means, data insertion means, and electronic memorization means, in which said electronic calculation and processing means, said audio and/or video reproduction means, said data insertion means and said electronic memorization means are able to cooperate with each other to allow the selective opening of a determinate electronic document selected from among said plurality of electronic documents and its reproduction by means of said reproduction means, and to define at least a textual, graphical, multimedia, alphanumerical or similar element, on said selected electronic document, characterized in that said electronic calculation and processing means, said audio and/or video reproduction means, said data insertion means and said electronic memorization means are able to cooperate with each other in order to extrapolate said element from said selected electronic document so as to generate a new electronic document autonomous with respect to said selected electronic document.

14. Apparatus as in claim 13, characterized in that said electronic calculation and processing means, said audio and/or video reproduction means, said data insertion means and said electronic memorization means are contained in an integrated and compact structure of said remote electronic device (14).

15. Apparatus as in claim 13 or 14, characterized in that said structure has a degree of protection of at least IP65.