Dynamic Force Sensitive Keypad for Predictive Text Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current text input methods on mobile devices are cumbersome, particularly for elderly and visually handicapped users, as they often require careful finger positioning and result in mistyping due to small key sizes and the need for significant force to press keys, with existing predictive text methods only correcting errors after they occur.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic keyboard system that adjusts the force required to press keys based on statistical probabilities of the next key entry, using electronically variable levers or mechanical elements to make less likely keys harder to press and likely keys easier, thereby preventing mistyping before it occurs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical keys require a certain amount of force to depress for contact registration, then key press detection is reliable, but it becomes difficult for users with limited dexterity to press keys accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the key press force variable rather than fixed. The force required to press a key dynamically changes based on predictive text algorithms - keys that are less likely to be pressed require more force, while predicted keys require less force. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining reliable detection through force requirements while adapting to user needs in real-time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of key press force based on predictive probability. By adjusting the force threshold dynamically according to which keys are statistically more likely to be pressed next, the system maintains reliable detection for intentional presses while reducing the barrier for users with limited dexterity to press predicted keys accurately.
2Area of stationary object
If keys are made smaller to fit more on the device, then device compactness is improved, but mistyping increases due to careful positioning requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using predictive text algorithms to anticipate which keys the user intends to press before the actual press occurs. The system pre-calculates which keys are statistically most likely to be pressed based on context, and adjusts key press requirements accordingly. This prevents mistyping before it happens, resolving the reliability issue while maintaining compact keyboard design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors typing context and provides feedback by adjusting key press forces in real-time. Based on the sequence of previously pressed keys and predictive language models, the system feedback-adjusts the force required for each key, making it easier to press predicted keys and harder to press unlikely keys, thereby improving typing accuracy on compact keyboards.
3Reliability
If predictive text is applied to prevent mistyping before it occurs, then typing accuracy is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical keyboard designs with electronically controlled force adjustment. Instead of using different mechanical structures for different keys, the system uses electronic control to dynamically adjust the force required to press any key, simplifying the physical keyboard structure while achieving the desired typing accuracy through software-based predictive control.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach significantly reduces mistyping errors by making intended keys easier to press while making unlikely keys more difficult, enhancing the typing experience for all users, especially those with limited dexterity or vision, and integrating seamlessly with existing predictive text models.
Implementation Method 1
The force required can be generated by mechanical elements such as a spring or damper system
Implementation Method 2
The force required can be generated by mechanical elements such as a spring or damper system
Implementation Method 3
The force required can be generated by mechanical elements such as a spring or damper system, or by electro-magnetic elements such as a magnet and electric coil
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and methods are described for improving the efficiency of text input by requiring more pressure to select keys on a dynamic keyboard that are improbable key presses. Examples include a text-entry device which has logic for resisting error while the user enters text on a keyboard of the text-entry device. Each key has a lever mechanism which varies the force required to press the key. Keyboard logic on the text-entry device is programmed to change the force required to enter each key within the dynamic keyboard based on the prior entry. The keyboard logic assigns a prediction value to each key based on a statistical probability that the key will be entered next.