Command Buffering for Accidental Keystroke Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users often accidentally activate input devices when transitioning to a locked mode, leading to unintended actions such as phone calls, email sending, or unexpected option windows, causing user confusion and doubts about the device's functionality.

Innovation Solution

A method that detects input signals during the actuation of an input device, buffers the command for a predefined period, and discards or defers its execution if the device enters a locked mode, ensuring that accidental commands are not executed until the device is fully locked.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the device enters locked mode quickly upon being placed in the holster, then power consumption is reduced and display lifetime is extended, but accidental keystrokes may occur before the device fully enters locked mode

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidaccidental keystroke prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of input signals during the transition to locked mode, buffers detected commands for a predefined period, and only executes them if the device remains in active mode. This preliminary action prevents accidental keystrokes from being executed while still allowing quick transition to locked mode for power savings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

A command buffer acts as an intermediary between input device actuation and command execution. The buffer temporarily holds detected commands during the transition period, allowing the system to distinguish between intentional and accidental input without delaying the locked mode transition or requiring additional hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the device enters locked mode slowly to prevent accidental keystrokes, then reliability is improved, but power consumption increases and display lifetime decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccidental keystroke preventionVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection and buffering of commands during the transition period, then quickly enters locked mode. This approach maintains reliability by filtering accidental inputs while minimizing the time the device spends in a non-locked state, thus reducing power consumption and extending display lifetime.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts command execution based on the device state during transition. Commands detected during the transition period are buffered and conditionally executed only if the device remains in active mode, allowing the system to maintain reliability while quickly transitioning to power-saving locked mode.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If commands are executed immediately upon input device actuation, then productivity is improved, but accidental actions occur during mode transition

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommand execution speedVSAvoidaccidental action prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection and buffering of commands without delaying execution. Commands are prepared in advance and executed immediately after the transition period expires or is aborted, maintaining high productivity while preventing accidental actions through the buffering mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The command buffer serves as an intermediary that enables rapid command execution while filtering out accidental inputs. The buffer holds commands temporarily during the transition period, then releases them for immediate execution if valid, thus maintaining productivity without sacrificing reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If the device buffers commands for a long predefined period to ensure accuracy, then reliability is improved, but loss of time occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommand execution accuracyVSAvoidcommand buffering time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses a short, fixed predefined buffering period that is optimized to distinguish between accidental and intentional inputs. This parameter is set to the minimum time necessary to filter accidental keystrokes during mode transition, thus maintaining reliability while minimizing time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies partial buffering only to commands detected during the specific transition period, rather than buffering all commands indefinitely. This selective approach ensures accuracy for critical transition period inputs while avoiding unnecessary time loss for normal operation commands.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP1959649B1Method and apparatus for preventing action responsive to accidental keystrokes
Publication Date: 2010.08.25 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP1959649B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1959649B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1959649B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electronic device such as a mobile communication device (1) capable of entering a locked mode of operation, comprising at least one input device (34) for generating an input signal upon actuation thereof, at least one storage element for storing an application for executing a command in response to such actuation (40), and a processor (78) connected to the storage element and input device for detecting the input signal and in response initiating execution of the command, buffering the command for a period of time (420), and detecting an action within the period of time, for causing the electronic device to enter a locked operating mode, and in response reverting the command (440).