Extension Key Input System for Minimizing Finger Movement Distance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Minimized digital devices, such as mobile phones, face challenges in efficiently inputting information due to limited space, requiring a method to reduce the number of key presses and finger movement distance for character input.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing an extension key with multiple division areas, where characters are allocated to these areas, and predicted words are generated and input by combining characters, with the extension key enabling vowel input and reducing the number of independent keys needed for the Korean alphabet, applicable to Hangul, Hindi, and Chinese languages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a minimized digital device uses a small number of keys for character input, then the device maintains portability and compactness, but the input speed and efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The input key is divided into multiple division areas, each capable of representing different characters or character combinations. This segmentation allows a single physical key to function as multiple virtual keys, increasing the effective number of input options without adding physical keys to the device.
Solution Approach 2:
Each division area within a key is designed to be multi-functional, representing different characters, character combinations, or input modes. The extension key mechanism allows division areas to dynamically change their assigned characters, enabling one key to serve multiple purposes across different contexts and languages.
2Measurement precision
If traditional QWERTY keyboard layout is used in minimized digital devices, then input accuracy can be maintained, but the number of keys and finger movement distance increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple division areas that would traditionally require separate keys are merged into a single physical key structure. The extension key mechanism allows these merged division areas to be selectively activated, combining the functionality of multiple keys into one while maintaining the ability to distinguish and input different characters accurately.
Solution Approach 2:
The input system transitions from a two-dimensional keyboard layout to a three-dimensional interaction model by adding the extension key dimension. This allows division areas to be organized in layers or groups, with the extension key providing access to additional character sets or combinations, effectively adding a temporal or sequential dimension to key selection.
3Device complexity
If multiple characters are allocated to each division area, then the number of keys can be reduced, but the complexity of character selection and input process increases
Solution Approach 1:
Character combinations and predicted words are pre-configured and stored in the system memory, associated with specific division areas and extension key sequences. This preliminary preparation allows the system to quickly retrieve and present relevant character options without requiring complex real-time processing during input, simplifying the user's selection process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides visual feedback by displaying the current character or character combination assigned to each division area, and shows predicted words based on the input sequence. This feedback mechanism guides users through the selection process, making the multi-character system more intuitive and easier to operate by clearly indicating available options and expected outcomes.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for inputting information by utilizing an extension key. The system includes: an input unit having multiple division areas and detecting a division area selected by a user from among the multiple division areas; and an input analysis unit for allocating corresponding information to the multiple division areas and analyzing that if the input unit detects any of the multiple division areas being selected, information allocated to the selected division area is input, wherein multiple characters are allocated to each of the multiple division areas, when one or more of the division areas are selected, predicted words that are generated by combining characters allocated to the selected division area or areas according to an sequential order of the selected division area or areas are extracted and allocated to each of the division areas, and when a division area to which the predicted word is applied is selected by a predetermined method, the input analysis unit analyzes that the predicted word allocated to the division area which has been selected by the predetermined method is input.