Dynamic Software Keyboard Rear Touch Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional software keyboards on small touch screens, like smartphones, face operational restrictions due to limited display area, leading to cumbersome key selection processes and increased chances of erroneous inputs, especially during one-handed use.

Innovation Solution

A touch-sensitive display system that dynamically changes the displayed keys in a keyboard window based on user input, allowing for one-handed operation by using a rear touch panel to select keys, reducing the need for fine adjustments and minimizing overlap with application screens.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If many keys are displayed concurrently on the touch screen, then the keyboard can provide comprehensive input options, but the application screen area is hidden and restricted in operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of keys displayedVSAvoidapplication screen display area

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The keyboard is segmented into multiple pages, with each page displaying a limited number of keys (e.g., 3x3 grid). Users can navigate between pages to access different sets of keys, allowing comprehensive input options while maintaining a clean, non-obtrusive keyboard interface that doesn't hide the application screen.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a temporal dimension to key access by implementing page-based navigation. Instead of displaying all keys simultaneously in space, keys are organized across multiple pages that users can cycle through, effectively adding a time-based navigation layer to access the full keyboard functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Area of stationary object

If the size of each key is reduced to enlarge the application screen, then more screen area is available, but the user may select an adjacent key by mistake, wasting time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication screen display areaVSAvoidkey selection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The keyboard keys are segmented into a compact 3x3 grid layout on each page, providing sufficient spacing between keys. This segmentation ensures that even though keys are small, they maintain adequate separation to prevent accidental selection of adjacent keys, while still fitting within a small footprint that preserves application screen visibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides visual feedback by highlighting or indicating the currently active key before selection is finalized. This feedback mechanism allows users to confirm their intended key selection, reducing the likelihood of accidental selections and providing a chance to correct mistakes before they are committed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If the device is held with one hand, then portability and convenience are improved, but unintended touch operations on the application screen occur due to unstable holding

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveone-handed operation convenienceVSAvoidinput operation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional interaction model by allowing users to select keys by tapping the area around or between keys rather than directly on the keys themselves. This inversion makes it easier to accurately select keys with one hand, as the target area is larger and more forgiving of unstable holding, while still preventing unintended application screen interactions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary selection mechanism where users first indicate their intended key selection through a broader interaction zone, and then the system confirms the selection. This intermediary step acts as a buffer that prevents direct, potentially erroneous touches on the application screen while still enabling accurate key selection during one-handed operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of operation

If a flick operation is used to reduce the number of keys displayed, then each key can be larger, but multiple operations are required to confirm the target key

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvekey size and visibilityVSAvoidtime to confirm target key

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-organizing keys into logical groups across multiple pages and providing intuitive navigation controls. Users can quickly navigate to the desired key page using predictable patterns, reducing the time needed to locate and confirm the target key while maintaining large, visible key sizes for easy selection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10387033B2Size reduction and utilization of software keyboards

Publication Date: 2019.08.20 LENOVO SWITZERLAND INTERNATIONAL GMBH

AI summary

An embodiment provides a method, including: displaying, on a touch sensitive display, a data structure composed of a plurality of keys in a keyboard window; determining, using a processor, at least one key to display in the keyboard window; receiving, at an input device, user input; changing, based on user input, the keys to be displayed in the keyboard window; and selecting a key based on user input, using the touch sensitive display screen, from the keys displayed in the keyboard window. Other embodiments are described and claimed.