Dynamic Font Size Adjustment for Portable Device Readability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable electronic devices face challenges in rendering characters on their displays, particularly for users with reduced vision, due to limited space and the need for improved readability and error identification, while also requiring efficient use of screen real estate and battery life.
Innovation Solution
A method where characters are rendered at an enlarged font size until a threshold time or until a new string is entered, with the option to revert to normal font size when a space is input, allowing for increased readability and error detection, and optimizing screen space and power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If characters are displayed in enlarged font size to improve readability for users with reduced vision, then readability is improved, but screen space is consumed and battery life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the font size changeable rather than fixed. The display dynamically adjusts font size based on user interaction state: enlarged when a character is selected or being entered, and normal when no character is selected. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize between readability and screen space utilization at different moments in the user interaction cycle.
2Ease of operation
If characters are displayed in enlarged font size to improve readability for users with reduced vision, then readability is improved, but battery consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by alternating between two font size states based on user interaction. The system periodically switches from normal font size to enlarged font size when a character is selected, and back to normal font size when selection is cleared. This periodic switching ensures that the energy-intensive enlarged display mode is activated only when necessary for readability, rather than continuously, thus reducing overall battery consumption.
3Ease of operation
If the last input key number is displayed in enlarged form to help users with poor vision, then visual feedback is improved, but screen space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing enhanced visual feedback (enlarged font) specifically at the location where user input is occurring, rather than enlarging the entire display. The enlarged font size is applied locally to the currently selected character or input field, while the rest of the display maintains normal font size. This localized enhancement provides improved visual feedback for users with poor vision while minimizing the impact on overall screen space utilization.
4Area of stationary object
If characters are re-rendered at normal font size after a threshold time or new string entry, then screen space efficiency is improved, but readability may decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by automatically switching the display back to normal font size after a threshold time has elapsed or when a new string is entered. This feedback mechanism ensures that the system responds to user actions and contextual changes by adjusting the display format appropriately. The automatic switching provides a balance between maintaining readability when needed and optimizing screen space efficiency when the enlarged format is no longer required, creating a responsive adaptive display system.
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
A method of controlling a portable electronic device includes receiving a selection of a character of a string at the portable electronic device, rendering the character at a first font size on a display of the portable electronic device, and re-rendering the character at a second font size when a subsequent selection of a subsequent character of a new string is received.