Dynamic On-Screen Keyboard Resizing for Display Space Savings

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing input techniques for electronic devices are cumbersome, inefficient, and consume significant display space, leading to reduced content display and increased battery consumption.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a touch-sensitive interface that allows for dynamic resizing of on-screen keyboards based on user gestures and lift-off criteria, and conditional display of transcription affordances based on user input, to enhance efficiency and reduce display space usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a full-size on-screen keyboard is displayed, then users can access all keyboard functions, but display space is consumed and battery power is depleted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvekeyboard functionalityVSAvoiddisplay space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The keyboard is implemented as a dynamic, resizable interface element that can change its displayed size based on user interaction. The keyboard transitions between different size states (full-size, reduced-size, compact) allowing users to access all keyboard functions when needed while conserving display space during normal operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The keyboard's display parameters (size, position) are changed dynamically in response to gesture magnitude. The system monitors gesture characteristics and adjusts the keyboard size parameter accordingly, enabling the keyboard to adapt its resource consumption based on actual user needs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If complex user interface techniques are used to manage input, then various input options are available, but user time and cognitive burden increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinput optionsVSAvoiduser time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects and responds to user gestures without requiring explicit menu navigation or configuration. The keyboard resizing and transcription mode activation occur automatically based on gesture recognition, eliminating the need for users to navigate complex settings or perform multiple keystrokes to change input modes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If the keyboard is displayed at full size, then all keys are easily accessible, but battery power is consumed faster

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvekey accessibilityVSAvoidbattery power

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The keyboard transitions between different display states (full-size, reduced-size, compact) based on periodic user interaction patterns. The system activates full-size keyboard only when needed for extended input sessions, while using compact representations during normal operation, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining accessibility when required

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS12535941B2User interface for managing input techniques

Publication Date: 2026.01.27 APPLE INC

AI summary

The present disclosure generally relates to managing input devices. In some embodiments, keyboards are resized. In some embodiments, visual feedback of an audio input is provided.