Alpha Character Translation in Smartphone Dialer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile devices with QWERTY keyboards struggle to efficiently dial vanity numbers and respond to prompts that require letter-to-number translations, as the standard alpha character mappings are not displayed on the numeric keys, leading to user confusion and reduced effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that enables alpha and alpha-numeric input conversion on mobile devices with QWERTY keyboards, mapping these inputs to traditional 12-key telephone keypad digits, allowing users to easily dial vanity numbers and respond to automated prompts by converting alpha characters to their corresponding numerical values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If QWERTY keyboard is used on mobile devices, then typing capability is improved, but ability to dial vanity numbers and respond to automated prompts deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a translation component as an intermediary that converts QWERTY keyboard inputs to traditional telephone keypad mappings. This mediator layer allows the QWERTY keyboard to function for both typing and dialing operations by translating the input sequence into the appropriate numeric format for vanity numbers and automated prompt responses.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the mapping parameters of the keyboard based on the input mode. When dialing operations are detected, the QWERTY keyboard's character-to-digit mapping is transformed to match traditional telephone keypad assignments, allowing the same physical keys to serve dual purposes for typing and dialing.
2Device complexity
If standard QWERTY keyboard layout is used, then device complexity is reduced, but user confusion regarding letter-to-number translation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms that provide visual or contextual cues to users about the current mapping mode. The system indicates whether the keyboard is in standard QWERTY mode or translation mode, and may display the corresponding numeric mappings to reduce user confusion about how their inputs will be interpreted for dialing operations.
3Area of stationary object
If alpha character mappings are not displayed on numeric keys, then keyboard area is increased, but translation effectiveness for vanity numbers decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary translation of alpha characters to numeric values before the user needs to dial. The translation component pre-processes the input sequence, converting QWERTY keyboard alpha inputs into the corresponding traditional telephone keypad numeric sequences, so the user does not need to manually know or look up the mappings.
Data Source
AI summary
The innovation supports the ability to map alpha characters entered directly into the dialer application of a smartphone. These alpha characters can be entered via a smartphone keyboard (e.g., QWERTY keyboard) and converted to the appropriate digits as mapped to a conventional telephone keypad. The resultant numerical digits can be used to prompt a network call. Additionally, the innovation can be used during an active call to respond to prompts that traditionally require 12-key mappings. This innovation allows a user to both dial a number directly via a smartphone keyboard, and filter contacts by name, in a non-modal manner.