Dynamic Graphical Keyboard Layout Adaptation for One-Handed Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in text entry on handheld devices due to the conventional graphical keyboard layout, which can lead to errors and physical discomfort when held in one hand, as it restricts the range of movement and accuracy of key presses.
Innovation Solution
A computing device determines the usage mode and location based on touch inputs from multiple sensors, adjusting the graphical keyboard display to a unitary or split layout, depending on whether the device is held one-handedly or two-handedly, and its orientation, to improve accessibility and accuracy of input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional graphical keyboard layout is used on a handheld device, then the keyboard can be displayed on the screen, but the user experiences restricted range of movement and reduced accuracy when holding the device in one hand
Solution Approach 1:
The keyboard layout dynamically adjusts its configuration based on the detected usage mode. The system monitors touch inputs from multiple sensors to determine whether the device is being held in one-handed or two-handed mode, then automatically reconfigures the keyboard layout accordingly. This dynamic adaptation allows the keyboard to optimize for accuracy in two-handed mode and for accessibility in one-handed mode, resolving the contradiction between precision and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the spatial parameters of the keyboard layout (key positions, distribution, and arrangement) based on the usage mode detection. In one-handed mode, keys are repositioned to be more accessible within a smaller range of movement. In two-handed mode, the layout returns to a more conventional configuration optimized for typing accuracy. This parameter adjustment directly addresses the contradiction by adapting the keyboard geometry to the user's physical constraints.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the graphical keyboard is displayed in a fixed layout, then the design is simple, but it cannot adapt to different usage modes causing user discomfort and errors
Solution Approach 1:
The keyboard system serves multiple functions: it detects usage mode through touch sensors, determines the appropriate configuration based on detection results, and displays the corresponding layout. This multi-functional approach allows a single keyboard system to adapt to both one-handed and two-handed usage modes, providing versatility without requiring separate keyboard implementations for each mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback loop where touch inputs from multiple sensors are continuously monitored to detect usage mode changes. Based on this feedback, the keyboard layout automatically reconfigures itself. This feedback mechanism enables the keyboard to adapt to different usage modes in real-time, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and system complexity by using a relatively simple sensor-based detection and response system.
3Area of stationary object
If the keyboard keys are closely spaced for compact display, then the keyboard fits on smaller screens, but the accuracy of key presses decreases especially in one-handed mode
Solution Approach 1:
The keyboard layout is segmented and reconfigured based on usage mode. In one-handed mode, the keyboard is divided into a compact arrangement with larger effective key targets that are more accessible within a limited range of movement. In two-handed mode, the keyboard returns to a more traditional layout with finer key spacing optimized for typing accuracy. This segmentation and conditional reconfiguration allows the system to maintain key press accuracy while adapting to different display and usage constraints.
Data Source
AI summary
In general, this disclosure describes techniques for providing a mechanism for facilitating text entry by a user interacting with a graphical keyboard displayed at a presence-sensitive screen of a computing device. For example, a computing device having a presence-sensitive screen and a housing, the housing further having a plurality of touch sensors, receives touch input at the touch sensors. The computing device determines a usage mode, based on the touch input. The computing device also displays, based on the usage mode, a graphical keyboard at the presence-sensitive screen. If the usage mode is a one-handed usage mode, a unitary graphical keyboard is displayed. If the usage mode is a two-handed usage mode, a split graphical keyboard is displayed.