Adaptive Virtual Keyboard for Mobile Device Access Software
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing user interfaces for device access software on mobile devices are not optimized for convenient input, leading to increased error probability due to the display of unnecessary input keys on small screens.
Innovation Solution
A method that utilizes a proprietary keyboard application within the Field Device Tool framework to receive regular expressions from drivers, adapting the virtual keyboard to only display required input keys based on the expected input type, format, and range, thereby reducing the complexity and error likelihood of user input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a complete virtual keyboard is displayed on mobile devices, then all possible input keys are available, but the display space is wasted and the interface becomes cluttered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and displays only the specific input keys required for the current input field based on regular expression analysis, removing unnecessary keys from the virtual keyboard display. This reduces clutter and optimizes display space while maintaining input versatility for the specific context.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual keyboard is customized to have different key sets for different input fields based on their specific requirements. Each input field receives a locally optimized keyboard layout that matches its expected input type, rather than using a universal keyboard for all fields.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a complete virtual keyboard is displayed, then all input possibilities are available, but the user interface complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and displays only the relevant keys needed for the current input context, reducing the number of visible elements and simplifying the interface. This maintains input flexibility for the specific field while reducing overall interface complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual keyboard dynamically adapts its layout and key set based on the specific input field requirements. The keyboard transitions between different configurations depending on which input field is active, providing context-appropriate input options without permanently increasing interface complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If a standard virtual keyboard is used, then implementation is simple, but input errors increase due to unnecessary keys being available
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary analysis of the expected input format using regular expressions before displaying the keyboard. This preliminary action identifies which keys are relevant and configures the keyboard accordingly, preventing users from accessing keys that would lead to invalid inputs and thereby reducing input errors.
Solution Approach 2:
Regular expressions serve as an intermediary between the input field requirements and the keyboard display configuration. The regex pattern mediates the translation of input requirements into appropriate keyboard key sets, ensuring that only valid input keys are presented to the user.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for detecting an input into a user interface of a driver, wherein the driver is incorporated in device access software by means of which components of a fieldbus system can be accessed. The device access software comprises a keyboard application for displaying a virtual keyboard. When the user selects an input area of the user interface of the driver, the method comprises receiving information provided by the driver relating to the type of input needed by the input area, by means of the keyboard application. Furthermore, the method comprises adapting the virtual keyboard displayed by the keyboard application in accordance with the information obtained from the driver relating to the type of input needed, and detecting the user input.