Dynamic Keyboard Mapping for Convertible Tablets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Convertible computing devices face inefficiencies in data entry when transitioning to tablet mode, as the physical keyboard is often disabled, leading to awkward user interactions and inefficient typing due to the need for a virtual keyboard.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of dynamic keyboard mappings that re-map subsets of keys on the embedded keyboard to different functions based on the device's mode, application, and user interaction, allowing continued use of the physical keyboard in tablet mode with optimized key functions for various applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the physical keyboard is disabled in tablet mode to prevent inadvertent key presses, then the device structure is simplified and mode switching is clear, but data entry efficiency deteriorates and user interaction becomes awkward
Solution Approach 1:
The keyboard is segmented into different functional zones: a first set of keys retained for traditional functions and a second set of keys re-mapped for tablet mode functions. This segmentation allows the system to maintain reliability by keeping the physical keyboard partially disabled while improving productivity by enabling efficient data entry through re-mapped keys in tablet mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The keyboard mapping is made dynamic by automatically re-mapping the second set of keys based on the detected device mode. When tablet mode is detected, the system dynamically changes the function of the second set of keys to optimize for tablet interactions, thereby resolving the contradiction between preventing inadvertent presses and maintaining data entry efficiency.
2Device complexity
If a virtual keyboard is used in tablet mode, then the physical keyboard structure is simplified, but user interaction becomes awkward and data entry efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The physical keyboard is given multi-functionality by enabling it to serve both traditional computing functions and tablet mode functions. The first set of keys handles traditional functions while the second set of keys is re-mapped for tablet operations, allowing the single physical keyboard structure to support multiple usage scenarios without requiring separate virtual or physical keyboards for each mode.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the keyboard are assigned different qualities or functions. The first set of keys maintains traditional functionality while the second set of keys is specifically optimized for tablet mode interactions. This local differentiation allows the physical keyboard to provide comfortable tactile feedback for tablet use without requiring a complete structural redesign.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the physical keyboard is completely disabled in tablet mode, then mode-specific functionality is clear and unambiguous, but adaptability to different usage scenarios deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The keyboard system becomes dynamic by automatically detecting the device mode and re-mapping the second set of keys accordingly. In tablet mode, the second set of keys is re-mapped for tablet functions, while in other modes it retains traditional functions. This dynamic adaptation maintains clear mode-specific functionality while significantly improving versatility across different usage scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The functional parameters of the second set of keys are changed based on the detected mode. Rather than completely disabling these keys or maintaining fixed functionality, the system changes their mapping parameters to optimize for the current usage scenario, thereby maintaining functional clarity while enhancing adaptability.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods may provide for detecting an event on a computing device having an embedded keyboard with a default mapping of keys to functions and disabling a first subset of keys on the embedded keyboard in response to the event. Additionally, a second subset of keys on the embedded keyboard may be re-mapped to one or more different functions if an application running on the computing device supports keyboard re-mapping. In one example, re-mapping the second subset of keys includes grouping two or more keys in the second subset into a common function.