US Patent 7389236 Navigation and data entry for open interaction elements

Techniques for using open interaction elements (OIEs) in voice-enabled systems are described. OIEs include multi-select and dictation fields of a user interface, into which a user may enter multiple selections or free-form information. To allow the user to exit from such OIEs, that is, to change from a data entry mode to a navigation mode, multiple exit strategies may be simultaneously enabled for use by the user. For example, an explicit exit command may be available to the user, in addition to an implicit exit command or time-out exit strategy. In this way, users may individually select a preferred or practical way of exiting an OIE.