Context Menu Key Combination Shortcuts for Mobile Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of mobile devices and non-Latin-based virtual keyboards face inconvenience when inputting key combinations in remote sessions due to limited screen space and the need to switch between input methods, making it cumbersome to enter key combinations like 'Ctrl+Alt+Del' or 'Ctrl+A' without awareness of scrollable function key toolbars.
Innovation Solution
A method that presents a context menu with key combination shortcuts when a function key is long-pressed, allowing users to input key combinations by tapping on the shortcuts, eliminating the need to scroll through toolbars or switch input methods, with customizable shortcuts based on usage patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users use virtual keyboards on mobile devices for remote sessions, then they can access remote applications, but inputting key combinations becomes cumbersome due to limited screen space and the need to switch input methods
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual keyboard is segmented into a function keys toolbar area and a character keys area. The function keys toolbar can be independently scrolled and contains commonly used function keys (Ctrl, Alt, Shift, etc.) that are essential for key combinations. This segmentation allows users to access function keys without needing to see or switch to the entire keyboard layout, solving the screen space limitation while maintaining ease of operation for key combination input.
2Productivity
If users need to input key combinations like 'Ctrl+Alt+Del' or 'Ctrl+A' on mobile devices, then they can execute remote commands, but the process becomes complex requiring awareness of scrollable toolbars and switching input methods
Solution Approach 1:
The function keys toolbar is pre-configured with all necessary function keys for common key combinations. When a user needs to input a key combination, the required function keys are already visible and accessible in the toolbar without requiring the user to search through or switch between different input methods. This preliminary preparation of the interface reduces both the time and complexity of entering key combinations.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques permitting users to input keyboard key combinations via context menu shortcuts are provided. A context menu may be invoked by long-pressing a function key such as “Ctrl.” The context menu includes key combination shortcuts associated with the pressed function key. For example, key combination shortcuts presented in the context menu for “Ctrl” may include “Ctrl+A,”“Ctrl+C,”“Ctrl+X,”“Ctrl+V,” and “Ctrl+Alt+Del.” The user can input a desired key combination by tapping on an appropriate shortcut. The context menu may include default and/or user-specified key combinations. Default key combinations may be application or operating system specific. In addition, users may configure desired key combinations to be displayed in the context menu for a given function key.