Dynamic Text Input Activation Target for Pen Computing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional pen-based computing systems face challenges in providing convenient and intuitive methods for activating and using text input systems, especially when users need to input data into applications not designed for electronic ink or pen input, due to fixed and hard-to-find icon locations, and disruptive resizing of the input panel.

Innovation Solution

A user interface and method that allows a text input system activation target to be displayed at a changeable location and size, with customizable appearance, enabling users to easily activate and position the text input system using hover and tap interactions, and allowing it to be freely positioned along the screen edges for convenient use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the text input system activation icon is fixed at a specific location (e.g., lower left side of the display screen), then the system structure is simple and stable, but the ease of operation deteriorates because the fixed location is inconvenient for users

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The activation target is made dynamically positionable on the display screen rather than being fixed at a specific location. Users can freely move the activation target to convenient positions, transforming the static icon into a dynamic element that adapts to user needs and improves operational ease.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the display screen are utilized to place the activation target at locations optimized for specific user interactions. The system allows the activation target to be positioned at different locations based on user preferences and task requirements, making the interface more adaptable to local user needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If the text input system activation icon is made smaller or less visible to reduce screen clutter, then the device complexity is reduced, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedifficulty of detecting and measuringVSAvoidarea of stationary object

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The activation target periodically changes its appearance or size in response to user interactions. When the user hovers over or approaches the target area, the system detects this action and transforms the activation target into a more visible or larger state, making it easier to detect and interact with.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The activation target changes its visual appearance or color characteristics based on user proximity or interaction state. This transformation makes the target more detectable when needed while maintaining a less intrusive appearance during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

3Productivity

If the text input panel is displayed in a docked manner taking up significant screen space, then the ease of operation is improved for data entry, but the productivity deteriorates due to disruption of the display layout

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveproductivityVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The text input panel is displayed in a floating manner that overlays other display areas rather than docking at fixed screen edges. This dimensional change allows the input panel to coexist with other content on the screen without significantly disrupting the overall layout, maintaining productivity while enabling ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The text input panel is integrated as a floating element within the overall display composition, nested among other display areas rather than occupying fixed peripheral space. This nesting approach allows multiple display elements to coexist harmoniously, preserving screen real estate for productivity while providing accessible input capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS8253708B2Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for invoking an electronic ink or handwriting interface

Publication Date: 2012.08.28 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

User interfaces, methods, systems, and computer-readable media for activating and/or displaying text input systems on display devices may include: (a) displaying a text input system activation target at a user changeable location on a display device; (b) receiving user input directed to the activation target; and (c) activating a text input system in response to the user input. Such user interfaces, methods, and systems further may include (d) displaying a pre-interaction condition of the activation target; (e) receiving user input directed to the activation target in this pre-interaction condition; and (f) changing an appearance of the activation target from the pre-interaction condition to a larger size and/or a different visual appearance in response to this user input. Additional aspects of this invention relate to computer-readable media for providing user interfaces, systems, and methods as described above.