Dynamic User Keypad Configuration for Mobile Terminals

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing touch-based keypads on mobile terminals are inconvenient due to the increasing size of display units, requiring users to input characters with one hand while holding the device or using both hands, or placing it on a surface, which affects usability and convenience.

Innovation Solution

A method and mobile terminal that allow users to set a user-defined keypad by displaying guide information, determining a designation range, computing a key arrangement, and configuring the keypad according to user interaction, enabling adjustable and customizable keypads that optimize input environments based on display size and user hand size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the display unit size is increased, then the terminal functionality and multimedia capabilities are improved, but the user input convenience deteriorates due to the larger distance between keys and increased hand fatigue

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay unit sizeVSAvoiduser input convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic keypad configuration system that automatically adjusts keypad parameters (size, position, density) based on real-time detection of terminal orientation, application type, and usage context. This allows the keypad to adapt its layout dynamically rather than using a fixed design, resolving the contradiction by making the input interface flexible enough to accommodate larger display sizes while maintaining ergonomic comfort

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes multiple parameters of the keypad including key size, inter-key spacing, positional coordinates, and density distribution based on detected conditions. By varying these parameters according to terminal state and application requirements, the system maintains optimal input convenience regardless of display unit size, directly addressing the technical contradiction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If a standard fixed keypad is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different user preferences and usage scenarios deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvekeypad configuration simplicityVSAvoidkeypad adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs self-service mechanisms where the keypad automatically configures itself based on pre-defined rules and detected contextual information. The controller autonomously adjusts keypad parameters without requiring manual user intervention, achieving high adaptability while keeping the user interface simple. This resolves the contradiction by automating the complexity behind the scenes while presenting a clean user experience

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal keypad configuration system that serves multiple functions: automatic adaptation to different terminal orientations, application-specific optimization, user preference learning, and contextual awareness. This multi-functional approach allows a single keypad system to handle diverse scenarios, achieving high adaptability without proportionally increasing perceived device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Area of stationary object

If the keypad keys are made smaller to fit larger displays, then the display area utilization is improved, but the input precision and user comfort deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay area utilizationVSAvoidinput precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating non-uniform key density distribution across the display area. Instead of uniformly small keys, the system creates regions with different key sizes and spacing based on usage frequency, application type, and ergonomic considerations. Frequently used keys are made larger or more accessible, while less critical areas maintain compact layouts, thus preserving input precision in critical zones while maximizing overall display utilization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system resolves the contradiction by transitioning from a two-dimensional uniform grid to a multi-dimensional configuration space that includes key size, position, spacing, and density as independent variables. This allows the keypad to optimize for both display utilization and input precision simultaneously by adjusting multiple parameters rather than being constrained to uniform key reduction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS11256358B2Method and apparatus for providing user keypad in a portable terminal

Publication Date: 2022.02.22 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A method of providing a user defined user keypad and a mobile terminal supporting the same are provided. The method includes displaying guide information when entering a user keypad setting mode, determining a designation range for the user keypad according to a user interaction inputted based on the guide information, computing a key arrangement of the user keypad in response to the determined range, and configuring the user keypad according to the computed key arrangement.