Dynamic Touchscreen Key Layout Switching for Finger Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional terminal apparatuses with touch panels require users to operate numeric or arrow keys with a stylus for functions like sending voice calls or writing emails, as the default key layout is not finger-friendly, making it difficult to operate immediately without a stylus.
Innovation Solution
An input terminal apparatus that displays a first input key group upon activation, which includes shortcut keys for frequently used functions, and after a predetermined time, transitions to a second input key group, allowing users to easily operate with their fingers without needing a stylus, with an option to revert to the first key group upon touch panel input during the transition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the default key layout displays numeric keys and arrow keys for standby state, then the device provides comprehensive input functionality, but the keys become small and difficult to operate with fingers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic key layout switching based on operational context. The display control unit automatically transitions between a first key layout (with larger, finger-friendly keys for quick operations) and a second key layout (with comprehensive numeric and arrow keys) based on detected touch operations. This resolves the contradiction by making the interface adaptive rather than static, providing finger-friendly keys when needed while maintaining comprehensive functionality when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of key size and layout configuration based on operational state. When a touch operation is detected on the display panel, the system switches from displaying smaller keys in standby mode to displaying larger, more accessible keys during active operation. This parameter change enables finger-friendly operation without permanently increasing device complexity, as the system adapts its interface parameters dynamically.
2Productivity
If the display shows comprehensive numeric keys and arrow keys in standby state, then all input functions are available, but users cannot operate quickly with fingers without taking out the stylus
Solution Approach 1:
The patent prepares the interface for quick finger operations by detecting touch operations in advance and proactively switching to a finger-friendly key layout. When the display control unit detects a touch operation, it immediately transitions from the standby key layout to an operational key layout with larger, more accessible keys. This preliminary action of switching layouts in response to touch detection enables users to operate quickly with fingers from the moment they hold the device, without needing to take out the stylus.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the key layout changes after a predetermined period from activation, then the system transitions to default display, but users may experience unintended key selections during transition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms to prevent unintended key selections during layout transitions. The display control unit continuously monitors touch operations and provides feedback by maintaining the current key layout as long as touch operations are detected. Only when no touch operations occur for a predetermined period does the system transition to the default key layout. This feedback-based approach ensures that users maintain control over the interface and prevents accidental inputs during transitions, thereby preserving input accuracy while maintaining layout adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A layout function unit 4 controls a display unit 2 to display a shortcut key layout at activation of the display unit 2 and, after a predetermined period of time from the activation of the display unit 2, to change a display to a normal key layout. In addition, the layout function unit 4 inserts a blank template as a changeover screen when changing the display from the shortcut key layout to the normal key layout and, when detecting input to a touch panel 1 during a display of the changeover screen, cancels the changeover of the display to the normal key layout and displays the shortcut key layout.