Character Input Program Using Pointer Position for Key Determination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing character input methods using pointing devices are slow and prone to errors due to the need to move between consonant keys and preliminary determination keys, especially when inputting characters assigned to the same key, which increases finger movement and visual distraction.
Innovation Solution
A character input program and device that displays undetermined characters near the pointed position on the screen, allowing users to easily turn them into determined characters by moving the pointing device out of the character input key image, reducing the need for finger movement and visual distraction, and incorporating sound or animation notifications for intuitive input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a preliminary determination key is used to turn undetermined characters into determined characters, then character input accuracy is improved, but character input speed deteriorates due to increased finger movement between consonant keys and determination keys
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the consonant key and determination key functions into a single key image on the screen. When the user points at a key image, the system cycles through undetermined characters, and moving the pointer away automatically determines the character, eliminating the need to press a separate determination key.
Solution Approach 2:
The pointer position acts as an intermediary between the user's intent and the character determination. By detecting pointer movement within the key image area, the system mediates the character selection process without requiring additional key presses, thus improving input speed while maintaining accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If the distance between consonant key and preliminary determination key is increased, then key differentiation is improved, but character input speed deteriorates and erroneous inputs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional keyboard layout to a two-dimensional screen interface where key images are displayed with sufficient visual spacing. This allows keys to be clearly differentiated on screen while the pointer can quickly move between them without the physical constraints of a traditional keyboard layout.
3Device complexity
If multiple characters are assigned to one key, then the total number of keys is reduced, but the complexity of character selection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic action by cycling through undetermined characters assigned to a key each time the pointer is detected within the key image area. This automatic cycling provides a simple, rhythmic interaction pattern that reduces selection complexity compared to requiring multiple presses or memorization of key positions.
Data Source
AI summary
A plurality of character input key images are displayed on the screen. One character is displayed on the screen as an undetermined character in a cyclic order from among a group of characters associated with one of the character input key images each time a button provided on the pointing device is operated while the character input key image is being pointed at by a pointing device. When the position pointed at by the pointing device moves out of the character input key image associated with the undetermined character being displayed on the screen, the undetermined character is displayed as a determined character on the screen. Thus, it is possible to suppress the lowering of the character input speed and the possibility of erroneous inputs while reducing the total number of keys required for inputting characters.